Monday Volume 517 1 November 2010 No. 62

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 1 November 2010

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Ed Balls (Morley and Outwood) (Lab/Co-op): We House of Commons will hear more from the Home Secretary later this afternoon about the security threat to our country, but I am sure the whole House will want to join me in Monday 1 November 2010 commending her on the very calm way in which she has handled events over the past few days. I also want to The House met at half-past Two o’clock thank her for welcoming me to my shadow role and offering me a detailed security briefing. On the spending review and its impact on police PRAYERS numbers in the west midlands, at the weekend the Home Secretary said that in the spending review it is important that the Home Office takes its share, and [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] policing is taking its share in that, but given that the NHS budget is rising by 0.4% in real terms over four years and the Defence and Education budgets are falling by 7.5% and 11%, does the Home Secretary really think Oral Answers to Questions a real-terms cut in the Home Office budget of 25% and a 20% real-terms cut in the central resource budget for policing constitutes a fair share?

HOME DEPARTMENT Mrs May: May I first welcome the right hon. Gentleman to his post as shadow Home Secretary? I was pleased to be able to welcome him to his new position with a The Secretary of State was asked— telephone call and, indeed, to be able to update him West Midlands Police over the weekend on the recent events that have taken place—they will be discussed in more detail later this afternoon, of course. 1. Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): If she will discuss with West Midlands police the likely I simply say to the right hon. Gentleman that, yes, it effects on police numbers in the west midlands of the is important for the Home Office to be willing to look at outcome of the comprehensive spending review. [20298] playing its part in dealing with the biggest deficit of any G20 nation, a deficit that was left as a legacy to this The Secretary of State for the Home Department country by his Labour Government. (Mrs Theresa May): The Government’s first duty is to protect the public. The events of the last few days have Ed Balls: Police leaders in the west midlands and been a stark reminder of the harm our enemies wish to across the country will have to decide for themselves inflict on us. I will make a statement later this afternoon whether that was an adequate answer. In the last week, the on the airline terror plot, following the Prime Minister’s accountancy firm KPMG has estimated that 18,000 police statement on the European Council. officers will lose their jobs, and the Police Federation says 20,000, which would mean that 1,200 officers would To respond to the right hon. Gentleman’s question, I be lost in the west midlands alone in the next four years. spoke to Chris Sims, the chief constable of West Midlands Given the impact these cuts will have in the west midlands police, just under a fortnight ago. He reassured me, as and across the country, does the Home Secretary agree he has also done publicly, that he remains absolutely with these estimates of deep cuts to front-line policing, confident that West Midlands police will continue to or does she think that KPMG and the Police Federation protect and serve people in the west midlands in the way have got their sums wrong? they expect. I will continue to hold discussions with police forces. Mrs May: I repeat to the right hon. Gentleman what Mr Ainsworth: Of course they will try, but West I said to the right hon. Member for Coventry North Midlands police is planning to shed 400 police officers East (Mr Ainsworth): the issue of policing and the and support staff, and that is just in year one. Why is effectiveness of policing is not just about numbers, low-crime Surrey getting a far lower rate of cuts than which is what he and his colleagues seem to think; it is the west midlands? I thought we were all in this together. about how we deploy police staff and the job they are doing out on the streets. I have more confidence in Mrs May: May I first thank the right hon. Gentleman the ability of our chief constables up and down the for advance notice of his question, which he tweeted country, chief constables like Jon Stoddart in Durham, about half an hour ago? who says that “our commitment to neighbourhood policing is undiminished” The effectiveness of a police force does not depend primarily on the numbers of staff. What matters is how and the deputy chief constable in Essex who said: effectively they are deployed, whether they are visible “We are…working on a…new Blueprint for policing…taking and available doing the job the public want them to do, the opportunity fundamentally to re-design all aspects of how we and whether they have been freed from unnecessary deliver our services.” paperwork and bureaucracy. We will be doing that, and We are clear that savings can be made without affecting the steps we are already taking to do away with the front-line policing. We are doing our bit as a Government stop-and-account form and to reduce the amount of in reducing the heavy load of bureaucracy introduced information recorded for stop and search will save by the right hon. Gentleman’s Government, which will 800,000 man hours a year. result in police being out on the streets. 593 Oral Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 594

Immigration System three months, and I am happy to assure him and the House that we will continue to crack down as hard as 2. Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con): What recent possible on those using the student route to promote progress she has made on reform of the immigration illegal immigration. system. [20299] Bob Blackman: My hon. Friend has referred to the 10. Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) previous Government’s policy of relying on a points-based (Con): What recent progress she has made on reform of system for controlling immigration. Can he elucidate on the immigration system. [20307] the figures he cited on the success of tier 1 migrants—by definition, the brightest and best—in obtaining highly 12. Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): What recent skilled jobs? progress she has made on reform of the immigration system. [20309] Damian Green: The detail of the tier 1 research is fascinating because, as I say, it showed that nearly a 17. Dr Phillip Lee (Bracknell) (Con): What recent third of the people who came in under that route were progress she has made on reform of the immigration doing essential but low-skilled jobs—they were shop system. [20315] assistants, they were working in fast food outlets, and so on. Those are all jobs that need to be done, but upwards The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): In just of 2 million people are unemployed in this country and six months, the coalition Government have made significant they will find it very strange that those jobs, in particular, progress in the reform of the immigration system. We are being done by people who have come to this country have introduced an interim limit on non-EU economic under a route that is supposed to be specifically designed migrants and consulted on proposals for the annual for the most highly skilled. That situation seems to be limit. We are also reviewing student and family routes. unfair to many of our British workers. We have made significant progress towards ending the detention of children and we have also begun exploring improvements to the asylum system. Dr Lee: What are the Government doing to tackle the problem of sham marriages in the immigration system? Mr Spencer: The Minister will be aware that companies such as Rolls-Royce, in my constituency, require highly Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): That was a skilled staff from outside the EU. What can be done to killer question. ensure that those companies have access to those highly skilled staff while also ensuring that the immigrants Damian Green: Some Labour Members seem not to coming in have the right skills? think this an important issue, but it is an extremely important issue. Part of our summer crackdown has Damian Green: My hon. Friend makes an extremely been precisely aimed at sham marriages, and that campaign good point, because this is what we are seeking to has produced more than 800 arrests. Perhaps most achieve under our annual limit: we want to ensure not vividly, and extremely regrettably, a Church of England only that the skills that may not be available at the vicar has been convicted of facilitating sham marriages. moment in this country are made available, but that We are working very hard with the Church authorities jobs are also available for British workers. I commend to make sure that nothing like this happens in future to him the research published by the Home Office last and that we help vicars, those in register offices and all week showing that 29% of those who came in under the such people to make sure that they are not accidentally tier 1 route—the route meant for the most highly skilled: involved in any more of this type of criminality. the people who are so highly skilled that they do not even need a job offer—were employed in low-skilled roles. That tells me that the points-based system has not Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): One area that might been working as well as it should have been. well need reform is the humane removal of failed asylum seekers, following the death only 20 days ago of Jimmy Mr Evennett: I welcome my hon. Friend’s actions to Mubenga. Will the Minister confirm newspaper reports date on this matter, but in order to bring net migration that the contract for escort services provided by G4S down to a sustainable level a robust limit on non-EU has now been terminated? What immediate steps, pending economic migration is vital. Will he update us on what the outcome of the police investigation and the other progress he has made on dealing with other routes into investigations, is he taking to ensure that that kind of the UK, for example, bogus colleges and illegal tragic event never happens again? transportation? Damian Green: The right hon. Gentleman will know, Damian Green: I agree with my hon. Friend that it is of course, that while a police investigation is going on it not just the economic routes we are looking at—as I would be completely improper of me to give any details have said, we are examining other routes. We are, of about that investigation. I can confirm that the contract course, committed to attracting the brightest and best for the removals has been given to Reliance, but I students to the UK, and we welcome legitimate students should say at this point—to clear up any possible coming here to study legitimate courses, but there has misunderstanding—that the tendering for the new contract been and still is significant abuse of the student route. took place under the previous Government, last September, Part of our summer crackdown on illegal immigration and the decision was taken in August. The change in the has been aimed at bogus colleges. We have suspended contract away from G4S has nothing to do with any the licences of another five bogus colleges in the past recent events. 595 Oral Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 596

Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): One of the changes is going on. I am surprised that the shadow Home that the hon. Gentleman has made to the immigration Secretary asked the hon. Lady to do that while a police service system is to bring forward pre-entry English investigation was going on. language testing for spouses overseas. What assessment has he made of the availability and quality of English National Crime Agency language teaching in places such as Pakistan and India, where many of these spouses come from? 3. Esther McVey (Wirral West) (Con): What assessment she has made of the likely effect on the administrative Damian Green: The hon. Lady mentions two particularly burden on police forces of the establishment of the entrepreneurial societies where, if there is a need for proposed national crime agency. [20300] businesses, businesses will spring up. I remind her that the desire to introduce English language tests in that 14. Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con): sphere was promoted by a Government of which she What assessment she has made of the likely effect on was a member. We have brought it forward to this the administrative burden on police forces of the November because, as I am sure she agrees, it is a establishment of the proposed national crime agency. significant way of ensuring that everybody who comes [20312] to this country can be fully integrated into the life of this country. That seems to me to be an extremely The Secretary of State for the Home Department important goal for the long-term health of our society. (Mrs Theresa May): We believe there is a real need to bring a greater focus to the issue of organised crime and Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): other national aspects of policing. The national crime Does the Minister appreciate and understand that the agency will strengthen the operational response to organised different nations of the UK have different immigration crime and better secure our borders. The NCA will requirements that require different solutions? Will he contribute to our aim of rationalising the national therefore start to explain how his immigration cap will policing landscape, thereby driving out waste and increasing help the nations of Scotland and Wales? productivity.

Damian Green: The immigration cap will help all Esther McVey: Will my right hon. Friend assure the parts of the United Kingdom by ensuring that we bring House that the new joined-up approach of the national in the skills of those we need while not having the scale crime agency, which will also incorporate functions of immigration that we have had over the past 10 years, from the National Policing Improvement Agency, will which has proved simply unsustainable. I am sure that not only provide efficiency savings but will give equal the hon. Gentleman would agree that we could not attention to the individual regions, mine being the north- carry on as we had done over the past decade. Over that west? decade, more than 2 million people net arrived in this country, putting pressure on public services. That is why Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I we need an immigration limit and it will be for the assure her that in setting up the national crime agency benefit of every one of the nations of the United we are considering efficiency, and efficiency savings. We Kingdom. will be changing the national policing landscape and it is important to put greater emphasis on serious organised crime. Organised crime is calculated to cost this country Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab): and society £20 billion to £40 billion a year and it is On the subject of reforms to the immigration system right that we should do something to enhance our fight and the particular point of deportation, the death of against it. Jimmy Mubenga a few weeks ago was the first time that an escorted individual has died during deportation. My Mr Ruffley: Police forces have to comply with right hon. Friend the Member for Morley and Outwood 162 separate protective services standards involving (Ed Balls) has twice requested a briefing from the Home answering 1,099 separate questions. The fact that there Secretary regarding the circumstances of that case, and is too much process and paperwork prevents the police both requests have been refused. Will the Minister now from catching criminals, so will my right hon. Friend make a statement to the House, updating Members on publish an annual statement to the House telling us the progress of any internal investigation into Mr Mubenga’s what she has cut and how much police time she has death and the use of restraint during enforced deportation saved? more generally? In particular, will he state whether the use of restraint on children during deportation is also Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that being reviewed? proposal. I suspect that is exactly the sort of thing that the Policing Minister will be happy to keep the House Mr Speaker: Order. In less than a minute, if the informed about. As I said earlier, a very good example Minister is going to do it now. of the impact of that bureaucracy is the fact that it is reckoned that what we are doing to stop the stop-and- Damian Green: I welcome the hon. Lady to the Front account records and to change the stop-and-search Bench and congratulate her on her very rapid promotion. records will save up to 800,000 man hours a year. May I repeat what I said to the right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz)? There is a police investigation Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): The Missing Persons going on at the moment. It would clearly be inappropriate Bureau is the only UK agency focused exclusively on for me or my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to missing people and is the UK’s national and international give any details about this case while the police investigation point of contact for all missing person and unidentified 597 Oral Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 598 body cases. What assurances can the Secretary of State impacting on the front line. The settlement that we have give me that the valuable work it does will be recognised announced will enable them to protect the visible and when the proposed national crime agency is set up? available policing that is so important to the public.

Mrs May: The hon. Lady asks a very important Chris Evans: Fears over the cut in the number of question: the work of the bureau is of considerable police mean that there are real concerns that small significance. Work relating to young people has already forces such as Gwent police could disappear in forced moved to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection mergers. Given the serious impact that that would have Centre and we are considering where it is most appropriate on the quality of front-line policing in Islwyn, can the that the bureau’s work relating to adults should sit in Minister give an assurance that it will not happen? the new policing landscape. Nick Herbert: I remind the hon. Gentleman that the Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): previous Government proposed compulsory forced mergers. Given the concerns that have been expressed by Sara We do not intend to go down that route. Where forces Payne and the National Society for the Prevention of wish to merge, if there is a sound business case and the Cruelty to Children as well as the evidence given by merger has the consent of local people, we will not Jim Gamble to the Select Committee on Home Affairs stand in the way. We believe that forces can make on 12 October, will the Secretary of State tell the House significant savings by sharing services and collaborating, what evidence base informed the decision to submerge without having to merge. the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre within the proposed national crime agency, especially Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): How given that previous independent reviews had supported can the cost of elected police commissioners be minimised CEOP remaining separate? so that it reduces the impact on police officer numbers?

Mrs May: I welcome the hon. Lady to her position Nick Herbert: We do not wish elected police on the Opposition Front Bench. We have considered commissioners to cost any more than police authorities closely the CEOP issue, but there seems to be a currently do. The exception is that there will be the cost misconception out there that it currently has independent of the elections, which will be once every four years. status. It does not: it is part of the Serious Organised That will be met by separate funding. It will not come Crime Agency. The proposals that we put in the White out of the police budget. Paper, which will be coming forward in the Bill with our final decisions, relate to its becoming part of the national Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Given that crime agency and being able to benefit from the synergies 10% of criminals cause 50% of the crime, does my right of being part of that agency. hon. Friend agree that one of the best ways to maximise the effective use of police time would be to ensure that Police Numbers our colleagues in the Ministry of Justice ensure that persistent and prolific offenders, when apprehended, serve their time in jail in full? 4. Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): What estimate she has made of the likely effect of the outcome of the Nick Herbert: I was talking about that this morning comprehensive spending review on the number of to senior police officers responsible for criminal justice police officers in England and Wales in the period to policy. Our concern is to ensure that rising rates of 2014. [20301] reoffending are reversed. That means ensuring that sentences are effective, and that we focus on the 9. Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op): How many rehabilitation that is necessary to ensure that prisons police officers she expects there to be at the end of the fulfil their purpose and criminals go straight. current spending review period. [20306] Vernon Coaker (Gedling) (Lab): It is interesting that The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick the Home Secretary chose not to answer the question Herbert): The number of police officers is not set by on the spending review and the impact on police numbers, central Government, but we believe that forces can but we have heard from both the Home Secretary and make savings to ensure that visible and available policing the Policing Minister that thousands of police jobs are is secured for the public. to be lost. The idea that that will not impact on front-line policing is one for the fairies. Can the Minister explain Mr Hanson: The Minister will be aware, because it why the 20% cut announced in direct Government has been mentioned already, that the poorest areas of funding for police forces is front-loaded? In other words, England and Wales will bear disproportionately the of that 20%, why are the deepest, most far-reaching cuts brunt of any reductions in central Government funding, in the first two years—next year 6%, in 2012-13 8%, then because the Home Office provides the bulk of resources 4% and 4%? Why is the deepest, most far-reaching cut, to those areas in particular. That will mean fewer officers 8%, in the year when the country is facing one of it on the street and inexorable rises in crime. Is that fair? greatest security challenges, the Olympics?

Nick Herbert: I do not accept any of what the right Nick Herbert: I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his hon. Gentleman has said. We believe that police forces position. can make significant savings in line with the report of Olympic security funding is being prioritised in Home Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary, which said Office budgets, and counter-terrorist policing was subject that they could save more than £1 billion a year without to a much lower cut than the 20% cut for policing. We 599 Oral Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 600 intend to ensure that priority continues to be given to of chief constables to protect PCSO numbers, in so far counter-terrorist policing. We believe that significant as is possible, as an important part of the delivery of savings can be made. Her Majesty’s inspectorate of neighbourhood policing. I share that view with the hon. constabulary found that only 11% of force strength, on Gentleman. average, was visible and available at any one time, because officers are spending too much time tied up in Mr Jones: On Friday last week, Durham MPs met the red tape that the hon. Gentleman created when he the deputy chief constable of Durham, who said that the was Minister. constabulary was just about to announce 190 compulsory redundancies. When asked whether that would include Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): What community support officers, he said it could not give a steps has my right hon. Friend taken to ensure that guarantee, because the decision was dependent on whether when the cuts come, they will impact the back office its central Government grant was going to be protected. rather than the front office? I have a particular concern Can the Minister guarantee Durham that its money in a rural constituency where front office is fairly thinly from central Government for PCSOs will be protected? spread. Nick Herbert: We will announce the specific allocations Nick Herbert: Chief constables agree with us that the for forces and the future of particular grants later on front line should be the last thing that is cut, and on the this year, but on 20 October the chief constable of spending settlement that we have announced, there is Durham said: no need for the front line to be cut. They can make “It will be business as usual as far as local communities—and savings through better collaboration and efficiencies. local criminals—are concerned… our commitment to neighbourhood That is what the inspectorate says. They can also make policing is undiminished.” savings in relation to procurement, amounting to hundreds of millions of pounds. As a consequence, we think that Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) (Con): the visible and available policing that the public value Does the Minister agree that good policing is about can be retained. tangible results, and not fixated on cuts?

Community Support Officers Nick Herbert: The previous Government would not give any guarantee on police officer numbers. Indeed, in 5. Sir Peter Soulsby (Leicester South) (Lab): What many forces police officer numbers were already falling estimate she has made of the likely effect on the number when this Government came to power. The test is about of police community support officers in post of what those police officers are doing, and whether they implementation of the outcomes of the comprehensive are visible and available to the public. We will accept no spending review; and if she will make a statement. lectures from the Opposition, who have put this country [20302] in the position of having to cut police officer funding. [Interruption.] 13. Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): What estimate she has made of the likely effect on the number Mr Speaker: Order. I am not quite sure what Members of police community support officers in post of had for either breakfast or lunch, but I think I had implementation of the outcomes of the comprehensive better steer clear of both. spending review; and if she will make a statement. [20310] Licensing Act 2003 The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick Herbert): PCSOs are an important part of the policing 6. Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): family, providing a visible, uniformed presence on our When she plans to publish her proposals to amend the streets. It is for police forces and authorities to determine Licensing Act 2003. [20303] how they deploy their personnel, but we are clear that forces should be focusing on finding efficiencies in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the back-office and support functions to protect front-line Home Department (James Brokenshire): The proposals policing. for amendments to the 2003 Act will be included in the police reform and social responsibility Bill, which will Sir Peter Soulsby: In recent years community support be introduced later in the year. officers have become a vital part of the policing team, particularly in the delivery of crime prevention and Mr Buckland: Local residents and businesses in my genuine community policing. There can be nothing constituency feel effectively gagged and excluded from more front-line than that. It is inconceivable that the the current licensing application process. What plans do Department has not made an estimate of the number the Government have to improve the fairness of the of these posts that will be lost. The House deserves system? to know what that number is, and the public deserve to know how this vital service will be cut. James Brokenshire: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for making that point, because the consultation Nick Herbert: We do not set the number of PCSOs; that the Government embarked on in relation to reforms that is a decision for chief constables. When I speak to to the Licensing Act was precisely on that issue—about chief constables throughout the country, I, like the hon. rebalancing the Act in favour of local communities. He Gentleman, find that they value police community support makes his point very well, and we will bring forward officers, and there is an overwhelming desire on the part proposals in due course. 601 Oral Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 602

Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): Those Nick Herbert: We believe that police community support of us who argued against the 2003 Act did so on the officers do an important job out in communities, and basis that 24-hour drinking would not introduce a café the fact that they do not have the power to arrest society to the UK where youngsters sipped wine into prevents them from being abstracted and builds confidence the early hours discussing Baudelaire, because the only in neighbourhoods. However, we are determined to thing that the Act has done is to move yobbishness, release police officers from the red tape that can keep drunkenness and violence from late nights to early them in police stations—for instance, by fully scrapping mornings. the stop form and reducing the burden of stop-and-search reporting, which will save 450,000 and 350,000 hours of James Brokenshire: The hon. Gentleman makes a police time respectively. very important point, and it will be interesting to hear whether the former licensing Minister, the hon. Member David Wright (Telford) (Lab): West Mercia police for Bradford South (Mr Sutcliffe), who is now on the authority tells me that it wants to protect record police shadow Front Bench, will be able to explain why that numbers in Telford, and that one of the ways of reducing café culture, which was supposed to be created as a the administrative burden is to scrap the crazy, politicised result of the previous Government’s reforms, has perhaps idea of having elected police commissioners. Will the not arisen. In reality, we have seen an increase of about Minister save the money that he is going to spend, even 65% in the number of hospital admissions linked to if the budget is ring-fenced, and reallocate it to police alcohol over the five years to 2008-09, and that is why forces for front-line policing? we think that reforms are required. Nick Herbert: May I remind the hon. Gentleman that Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): In the Minister’s the policy of increasing the direct accountability of work on the Licensing Act, will he ensure that he looks police authorities was proposed twice by the previous carefully at the licensing of one-off and annual events, Government, who backed down from that proposal in such as Strawberry Fair in my constituency, so that the face of opposition? We are determined to see it delays in determination, because of late interventions, through, because we want to exchange bureaucratic for example, do not mean that the events have to be accountability for democratic accountability and help cancelled regardless of what is decided? to get police officers where they are needed—on the streets. James Brokenshire: I am not familiar with the detail of the individual event to which the hon. Gentleman Immigration Rules (UK Science Base) refers, but we are looking at temporary event notices and how community events are licensed, and if issues 8. Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): What continue to prevail in relation to that situation no doubt representations she has received from scientific he will write to me. organisations on the likely effects on the UK’s science base of proposed changes to the immigration rules. Police Numbers [20305] The Secretary of State for the Home Department 7. Mr David Crausby (Bolton North East) (Lab): (Mrs Theresa May): Our recent consultation on the How many police officers there were in England and immigration system fully involved scientific organisations, Wales in March (a) 2010 and (b) 1997. [20304] which have underlined the importance of being able to recruit the best scientists from around the world. I am The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick aware of the case of the Beatson institute in my hon. Herbert): On 31 March 2010 there were 142,132 police Friend’s constituency, and I can assure her that the UK officers, compared with 125,825 on 31 March 1997. Border Agency is looking closely at this and related cases. Mr Crausby: I thank the Minister for that reply. Does he believe that the previous Labour Government spent Jo Swinson: I thank the Home Secretary for that too much on police officers and too little on the European reply. She refers to the Beatson institute, which is a Union budget? world-class cancer research facility that needs to attract the very best scientists in their field, regardless of their Nick Herbert: I will not be drawn on the European nationality. Previously it required about five tier 2 visas budget, but I can tell the hon. Gentleman what the every year; that has been cut to just one under the new previous Government spent too much on—red tape regime, so I welcome the fact that the issue will be that tied up police officers and wasted police time. looked at. Does she recognise the damage that could be When we had a position whereby police officers were caused to the Beatson, and to other scientific institutions, spending more time on paperwork than on patrol, we as a result of the unintended consequences of the knew that something had gone wrong: it was costly and immigration cap, and will she look again at whether an it reduced police availability. exemption could be made for science and research?

Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for recognising Can the Minister tell us how we got to the sorry state in that the UK Border Agency will look at the very real which warranted police officers are inside the building case that has been presented by the Beatson institute in doing the police work and non-warranted officers— relation to its particular requirements. We have a community support officers—are on the streets without commitment, as a coalition Government, to reduce net the power of arrest? migration into this country. I believe that it is important 603 Oral Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 604 that we do that, but do it a way that will ensure that we from illegal immigration and, given the events of the can truly attract the brightest and the best into this past few days, from potentially dangerous weapons and country to do the valuable work that they do in places other attacks? such as the Beatson institute. Damian Green: I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): I being appointed to my old job by the Leader of the presume that there must have been some joined-up Opposition. I did it for four and a half years and I can thinking in the Government on this matter. Will the say with complete sincerity that I hope he does it for Home Secretary therefore publish the cross-departmental even longer. analysis that brings together the impact on our science Yes is the answer to the very serious question that the base and competitiveness of Lord Browne’s report, the hon. Gentleman asks. He has been intimately involved comprehensive spending review, cuts in departmental in this subject for some years, so he will be pleased to science, and the immigration cap? know that the e-Borders system will continue, I hope in an improved way, under our new arrangements, and Mrs May: As the hon. Gentleman has an interest in that other areas of capital spending such as the integrated these matters, he will be aware that the Department for casework project will also continue so that we use Business, Innovation and Skills has made efforts to technology and the experience of our border officers to protect the spending in relation to research on science. keep our borders safe. In looking at how we introduce our immigration cap, we will be making efforts to ensure that institutes and Newport Passport Office universities that require access to truly the brightest and the best are able to have it. 15. Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): What consultation her Department has undertaken on the Immigration future of the Newport Passport Office. [20313]

The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): On 11. Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): How 19 October, the Identity and Passport Service began a many immigrants entered the UK in the most recent formal 90-day consultation period with the trade unions period for which figures are available. [20308] on the future of the passport application processing centre at Newport. In addition, as the hon. Lady knows, The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): A I have had meetings with her and the hon. Member for total of 528,000 long-term migrants entered the UK in Newport West (Paul Flynn), the leader of Newport city 2009, according to the most recent figures from the council and the Secretary of State for Wales. international passenger survey. Of these, 437,000 were non-UK nationals. IPS figures do not include asylum Jessica Morden: Will the Minister reassure me that seekers, those who have arrived from Northern Ireland, the consultation on the future of Newport passport and those who change their original intentions and office is truly a consultation, in that he is genuinely therefore alter their length of stay. Final detailed figures listening to the concerns of people in Wales, including for 2009 will be published on 25 November. the 17,000 who have now signed the South Wales Argus petition on the future of the office and its staff? Stephen Mosley: I understand that my hon. Friend has recently been to Heathrow to see our front-line Damian Green: I am happy to give the hon. Lady that border controls in action. Will he give the House his assurance. She has quite rightly made her position assessment of the quality of our current systems to perfectly clear in defending her constituents’ jobs, and I detect illegal entry into the UK at the first port of call? would expect no less of her. I hope that she can help me correct the misunderstanding that has been put about Damian Green: We do have a comprehensive border that Wales is losing its passport office. It simply is not. protection framework, provided not just by the UK The passport office delivering passports to people in Border Agency but by the police and other agencies. Wales will remain in Newport. The whole House will recognise that there will be an increase in passenger journeys and freight volume, and Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Was the Minister in the use of ever more sophisticated technologies by impressed yesterday when the Conservative Assembly those who have malicious intent of either illegal immigration Member Darren Millar said on television that the Welsh or, even worse, terrorism. That is one reason why we are Conservatives in the National Assembly were united in setting up a new border police command within the new their opposition to the closure of the Newport passport national crime agency, which will enhance our existing office and the Government’s proposal? Will he provide capacity to protect our borders. an assurance that he will re-examine the matter, to ensure that cuts are made evenly across the United Mr Phil Woolas (Oldham East and Saddleworth) Kingdom and not concentrated in Newport? (Lab): I thank the Minister for that straightforward answer. On 27 February, he told the House in relation Damian Green: As I just said to the hon. Member for to border control that we would become increasingly Newport East (Jessica Morden), anticipating the hon. dependent on technology. In table A.6 in the spending Gentleman’s question, the passport office in Newport is review document, we see that there is to be a 49% reduction not being closed. It is a simple untruth to say that it is. in capital investment in the Home Office’s budget. Is he The passport office will remain open. Some 47,000 people confident that he has the resources to provide the kit a year use it, and they are very important to the economy needed to protect our borders at airports and ports of Newport. I have been told that in no uncertain terms 605 Oral Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 606 by the Secretary of State for Wales. I am pleased that we why, along with proposing a limit on work routes, we are able to keep that passport office open, not just for are working hard to bring forward proposals on the those who will continue to work there but for the student route, precisely to stamp out the abuse that my economy of Newport city centre. hon. Friend is rightly worried about.

Deportation Services (Private Companies) Topical Questions

16. Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): What T1. [20372] Jane Ellison (Battersea) (Con): If she will recent representations she has received on the regulation make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. of private companies contracted to provide deportation services; and if she will make a statement. [20314] The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May): The Home Office continues to The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): All prioritise the counter-terrorism elements of policing. detention and escorting services provided by private The national security strategy and the strategic defence sector companies are subject to internal and external and security review published two weeks ago will deliver oversight. Contracted staff are vetted carefully by the a step change in Britain’s ability to protect its security Home Office as part of their accreditation to work as and advance its interests in the world. To meet the real detention custody officers or escorts, and services are and growing threat identified from cyber-attack, monitored by UK Border Agency officials and the £650 million of new funding has been allocated to a independent monitoring board and through announced cross-Government programme to enhance Britain’s and unannounced inspections by Her Majesty’s inspectorate cyber-security. While I speak about the Department’s of prisons. responsibilities, I should perhaps explain for the avoidance of doubt that the Under-Secretary of State for the Greg Mulholland: I thank my hon. Friend for that Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for answer. Of course, it is part of a functioning immigration Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone), who system sometimes to remove foreign nationals who no has responsibility for equalities and criminal information, longer have a right to stay. Nevertheless, that has to be has not been able to answer a question today because done in a regularised and humane way. What plans does she has lost her voice. my hon. Friend have to limit and regulate the use of force as part of the accountability that he rightly talks Jane Ellison: Another real and growing threat for about? many of us, especially those with urban constituencies, is the use and abuse of dogs as weapons. That is a real Damian Green: As I have explained in answer to problem, which is often associated with gang activity. It previous questions, there is already significant regulation. is clearly an animal welfare issue, and Battersea dogs Indeed, as I have just said, there is quite rightly a large and cats home in my constituency has long been a voice number of checks, and the people who escort those who on policy on the issue. However, it is also a crime and have no right to be in this country and who therefore policing challenge. Will my right hon. Friend update the have to be removed do need to be checked. Baroness House on how Home Office Ministers are working with O’Loan published a report into the issue in March 2010 colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and she found no evidence of systemic abuse by UK and Rural Affairs following that Department’s recent Border Agency escorts removing individuals from the UK. consultation on dangerous dogs? I am glad that that was true then and I am determined to make sure it continues to be true in the future. Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for raising an Immigration important issue. It is particularly important for her constituency, for obvious reasons, as she said. The 18. Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): How many Home Office is reviewing the issue of antisocial behaviour immigrants entered the UK in the most recent period and the tools and powers that need to be made available for which figures are available. [20316] to deal with it. It is also dealing with Departments across Whitehall, including DEFRA. DEFRA will respond The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): I refer to the previous Government’s consultation on dangerous my hon. Friend to the answer I gave some moments ago. dogs, looking at issues such as dog licensing and wider issues such as breed-specific bans, once the Home Office Bob Stewart: One of the main problems facing the has published our proposals on antisocial behaviour. immigration system has been the abuse of student visas. What plans have the Government to tackle that? Several hon. Members rose—

Damian Green: My hon. Friend points up one of the Mr Speaker: Order. I hope that the Under-Secretary many problems with the immigration system. I point recovers her voice before very long. We wish her better. him particularly to student visas issued at below-degree level. We often think of student visas as being about the T4. [20375] Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): Does the brightest and the best from around the world coming to Home Secretary agree with the views of the Secretary of our universities. Everyone in the House will welcome State for Energy and Climate Change on control orders? that, and they will want it to continue and our university Having now had five months in office, does she accept sector to flourish. The problems have often come at that those of us who exercised such powers on behalf of sub-degree level with bogus students who do not have the Home Office when we were in government did so the appropriate qualifications or with bogus colleges. because we tried to secure the safety of the British Both of those routes need to be stamped out, which is people, and we were, indeed, right to do so? 607 Oral Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 608

Mrs May: The prime responsibility of any Government Mrs May: The Government have a commitment to is to keep people safe, and we are very conscious of that. ensure that we bring the vetting and barring scheme The counter-terrorism legislation review is continuing. down to common-sense levels. Many people are concerned No final decisions have been taken on any aspects of that the scheme introduced by the previous Labour that review, but, of course, I have undertaken to inform Government actually reduced people’s willingness to the House when the review is complete and when the volunteer and to do good in their communities. We are answers to the questions that have been posed are currently reviewing vetting and barring. The impact on available. the ISA will come out of that review.

T2. [20373] Mr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): T6. [20377] Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): May I ask Following comments by my local police commander, about border security? Illegal entry at Dover has fallen my constituents in the Barnet neighbourhood watch, 18% in the last year. We will no doubt hear more about ably led by Maureen West, have expressed concerns to the excellent work of those who keep our country safe me about the ring-fencing rule for safer neighbourhood and secure in the statement on aviation security later, teams and the impact of possible further cuts as a but will the Minister congratulate those who keep our result of the Government tackling the economic deficit. country safe? What assurance can the Minister give me that the reduction in the police family will not lead to a The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): Iam reduction in the police presence on the streets of my happy to echo my hon. Friend’s congratulations to his constituency? constituents at Dover, and indeed to immigration officers at ports, airports and inland ports all around the country. They work tirelessly—day and night—to keep our borders The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick as safe as possible. Like him, I welcome the significant Herbert): I can assure my hon. Friend that there is no reduction in the amount of illegal immigration through need for a reduction in neighbourhood policing. Many Dover over the past few months. police forces up and down the country are making a commitment to maintain neighbourhood policing by Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): We all look finding savings in the back office and collaborating, and forward to the review on anti-terrorism legislation, but through better procurement and saving money. is it not important that murderous fanatics—another indication of what they are like was given last week—and T5. [20376] Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) the enemies of all humanity do not force us to give up (Lab): We all want to see our police officers out on the long-held, traditional liberties in this country? The sort beat more, but how will cutting police staff who often of changes that the Home Secretary mentioned earlier free-up police officers from administrative tasks help will hopefully come about despite the current terrorist with that? danger.

Mrs May: One of the crucial things that we are Mrs May: The coalition Government are very aware doing, as we indicated earlier, is cutting the administrative of the need to rebalance our national security requirements tasks that need to be done by cutting the extreme levels and our civil liberties. That is precisely why we have of bureaucracy that were introduced to policing by his undertaken the review of counter-terrorism legislation. Labour Government. As I indicated in a previous answer, the results of that review will be brought to the House when they are available, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we T3. [20374] Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): are aware that we need to ensure that we keep the Can my right hon. Friend reassure us that the new country safe so that people can exercise those ancient immigration cap will reflect the need for businesses to freedoms and civil liberties. recruit international, highly skilled migrants and to transfer international employees internally? Will she T7. [20378] Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): Will make that process as easy and unbureaucratic as the Home Secretary join me in welcoming the shadow possible? Home Secretary’s conversion to our policy of putting antisocial behaviour orders behind us? The shadow Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for raising the Home Secretary said: important issue of the impact of immigration on businesses. “I want to live in the kind of society that puts Asbos behind us.” As we consider how to introduce the immigration cap, we will take on board comments made by business and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the its requirements in relation to the operation of the Home Department (James Brokenshire): I hope that the system. However, one thing that we have found recently shadow Home Secretary will remember his original is that nearly one third of those who arrived via the tier comments, and will therefore accept that the current 1 route—the brightest and the best highly skilled tools and powers for dealing with antisocial behaviour migrants—did not take on highly skilled jobs. That is are overly bureaucratic and do not work effectively. something to which we should pay attention. That is why we are currently reviewing them to ensure that all local agencies have a toolkit that provides a T8. [20379] Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): The strong deterrent, and is quick, practical and easy to use. Independent Safeguarding Authority in my constituency employs about 250 people. Can the Home Secretary let Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): The me know what their future is? What is the future of the Home Secretary was reluctant yesterday to confirm the authority under this Government? consequences of Government cuts for the police service. 609 Oral Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 610

Will she give a straight answer to that question today, Alun Michael (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op): and confirm that 2,000 jobs will go in the west midlands Will the Minister accept that there is deep unease within police service, including those of 400 police officers in the IT industry about the possibility that the focus on Birmingham—40 for each of Birmingham’s10 constituencies numbers will reduce the flexibility of companies to —and does she share my constituents’ fears that, as bring people in and out of the country to meet the police numbers fall, crime will go up? needs of what is an extremely flexible and internationally important industry? Mrs May: The fight against crime is not simply a matter of the number of police officers, but about how Damian Green: I completely agree with the right hon. effectively they are deployed and what they are doing. Gentleman. It is an important international industry. I What the Government are doing by releasing police hope, however, that he will recognise two countervailing officers from the bureaucracy imposed by the last Labour pressures here. There is the pressure from international Government will make them freer and more available to business, which wants to move people around, but there be out there on the streets doing the job the public want is also a lot of perfectly reasonable pressure from trained them to do. British IT workers, who have done everything that society has asked of them—got the right sort of degree, T9. [20380] John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): In 2004, my gone into the right sort of business—but are finding it constituent Stephen Ings’s son and ex-wife were murdered increasingly difficult to find jobs. We should listen to by an illegal immigrant, Alex George. Will the Minister their voices as well. meet me and my constituent to explain the decision to offer a deferred conditional discharge to Mr George Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): Many of my constituents while his appeal against deportation is heard? are concerned that the inquiry desk at Rugby police station is being closed between the hours of 8 pm and Damian Green: I and my ministerial colleagues are midnight. Although I recognise the pressure on police aware of the correspondence between my hon. Friend budgets caused by Labour’s economic mismanagement, and the UK Border Agency about this case. I understand does the Minister agree that this decision should be perfectly—as the whole House will—how distressing reconsidered? and awful the case must be for his constituent, and of course I will happily meet him, and his constituent and Nick Herbert: What is important is how visible and his family to discuss the matter further. available the police are. There are innovative things that they can do instead of necessarily keeping police stations Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): Will the open at times when very few people visit them, such as Home Secretary join me in wishing Northumbria police setting up shop in shared premises in supermarkets. My warm congratulations on the opening of the new area hon. Friend should talk to his chief constable about command at the north Tyneside headquarters, especially such ideas. given that it was built with money from the Labour Government? Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): May I genuinely and un-begrudgingly thank the Policing Minister for Mrs May: I rather hope I might at some stage be recently visiting my constituency and seeing the award- given an invitation to visit the new area command. May winning group of police community support officers I say, however, given that Northumbria has been mentioned, and police officers at the Caerau station? Thank you that I was pleased to speak to Sue Sim recently, following very much indeed. However, will he pay a return visit if the difficult time that Northumbria police had earlier we find that that team, or any others in my constituency, this year in dealing with the case of Raoul Moat, to is broken up because of the police cuts coming down congratulate her on how she and her force dealt with the line? that case? Nick Herbert: I am happy to tell the hon. Gentleman Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): Many international that I will be returning to the force area this week, companies contemplating investment in the UK are although not to his constituency. I spoke to his chief being put off by the fact that inter-company transfers constable a few days ago, and he assured me that by are defined as coming under the immigration cap. Inter- making savings, there would be protection for the visible company transfers mean more jobs for British workers, and available policing in the streets that the hon. and they do not stay in the United Kingdom. Will Gentleman’s constituents want to see. Ministers look at the rules placing inter-company transfers under the immigration cap, otherwise we run the risk of Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): Is the Minister saying, “Yes, we are open for business, but you cannot aware that a pioneering partnership between North come in”? Yorkshire police and the local community in Sherburn in Elmet in my constituency has seen the public inquiry Damian Green: I am happy to assure my hon. Friend desk at the village police station reopen? The desk is and the companies in her constituency that, under the manned completely by volunteers. Does he agree that interim cap operating now, inter-company transfers are this is a great example of the big society in action? Will not covered—they are outside the cap—so there is no he join me in congratulating the local volunteers and reason for any business to be worried about that now. North Yorkshire police— Obviously, for the permanent cap that will come in from next April, we are considering the best way to enable Mr Speaker: Order. We are all very grateful to the businesses to operate successfully in the future. hon. Gentleman. 611 Oral Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 612

Nick Herbert: My hon. Friend might have noticed be very few visitors, but that visibility is important, and that he just got a nod of approval from the Prime there are many other ways in which the police can Minister. Helping to keep police stations and front maintain such a presence in their areas. desks open is a very good use of volunteers. There may 613 1 NOVEMBER 2010 European Council 614

European Council live on a repeat of last year’s budget settlement handed out in twelfths over the next 12 months, an outcome that we would be perfectly content with. Next, and more 3.32 pm importantly, Britain secured a significant breakthrough The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): With on a fundamental principle for the longer term. As well permission, Mr Speaker, I should like to make a statement. as the individual budget negotiations for 2011, 2012 and 2013, there is also a big negotiation about to Clearly the whole country has been focused this happen for the future funding of the EU over the period weekend on the terrorist threat, and the Home Secretary between 2014 and 2020. We clearly want to do all we will make a full statement after this. However, I want to can to make the negotiations go the right way, and what put on record my thanks, and the thanks of everyone in we agreed at the Council was, I think, a big step this House, to all those involved in the international forward. The European Commission was wholly opposed police and intelligence operation, whose efforts clearly to it, but the Council agreed that prevented the terrorists from killing and maiming many “at the same time as fiscal discipline is reinforced in the European innocent people, whether here or elsewhere in the world. Union, it is essential that the European Union budget and the The fact that the device was being carried from Yemen forthcoming multi-annual Financial Framework reflect the to the United Arab Emirates, Germany and Britain, en consolidation efforts being made by Member States to bring route to America, shows the interest of the whole world deficit and debt onto a more sustainable path.” in coming together to deal with this. While we are rightly So from now on, the EU budget must reflect what we engaged in Afghanistan to deny the terrorists there, the are doing in our own countries, and it is quite apparent threat from the Arabian peninsula, and from Yemen in that almost every country in Europe, like us, is seeing particular, has grown. So as well as the immediate steps, very tough spending settlements. which the Home Secretary will outline, it is clear that we This new principle applies to the 2012 and 2013 must take every possible step to work with our partners budgets, and to the crucial 2014 to 2020 EU spending in the Arab world to cut out the terrorist cancer that framework. Just as countries have had to change their lurks in the Arabian peninsula. financial plans because of the crisis, so the EU must Let me turn to last week’s European Council. The change its financial plans too. Mr Speaker, if you look Council’s main business was going to be economic at the published conclusions and language on the budget, governance in the light of the serious problems that the they formed a prominent part even though it was not eurozone has faced. However, I was clear that we could originally on the agenda. I think this is an important not talk about the need for fiscal rigour in the EU’s step forward. member states without also talking about the need for In my discussions with Chancellor Merkel at the fiscal rigour in the EU budget, both next year and for weekend, we agreed to take forward some joint work to the future, so we ensured that the EU budget was also bring some transparency to the EU budget––salaries, on the agenda. Let me go through both issues. First, on allowances, grants. This work has just not been done the budget for 2011, from the outset in May, we wanted properly in the past, and it is about time that citizens of a freeze. We pressed for a freeze, and in July we voted the EU knew what the EU spends its money on. That is for a freeze, seeking to block the 2.9% proposed by the the spotlight that needs to be shone, and that is what we presidency. Finland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, propose to do. the Czech Republic and Austria all voted with us. On economic governance, there are basically two Unfortunately, we were just short of the numbers needed issues. First, there is Herman Van Rompuy’s report for a blocking minority, so in August the Council agreed from the taskforce on economic governance. This was a 2.9% increase. set up after the sovereign debt crisis, and my right hon. Then in October, the matter went to the European Friend the Chancellor and the Treasury have been fully Parliament, which voted for around a 6% increase. That involved. Secondly, there is the additional proposal was the frankly outrageous proposal with which we made by the Germans, and in principle agreed by the were confronted at this European Council. Now, normally Council, for a limited treaty amendment focusing on what happens in these situations is that you take the putting the EU’s temporary bail-out mechanism on to position of the EU Council and that of the EU Parliament, a permanent basis. Let me take each in turn. In Van and there is a negotiation that ends up splitting the Rompuy’s report, there are some sensible proposals. difference. Indeed, that is precisely what happened last For example, the eurozone clearly needs reinforced fiscal year. So before the Council started, we began building discipline to ensure its stability, and the crisis has shown an alliance to take a different approach and to insist on that in a global economy early warning is clearly needed the 2.9%. I made phone calls to my counterparts in about imbalances between different countries. Sweden, France and Germany, among others, and then Let me be clear on one point about which there has continued to press the case during the Council. Twelve been some debate: the question of surveillance. All other Heads of State took that approach, and we issued member states, including the UK, have participated in a joint letter that makes it clear that a 6% increase is surveillance for more than a decade. This is not a new “especially unacceptable at a time when we are having to take framework. The report is clear, and the current framework difficult decisions at national level to control public expenditure”. remains broadly valid, but needs to be applied in a Furthermore, the joint letter goes on to say that better and more consistent way. The report proposes “we are clear that we cannot accept any more than” new sanctions, but we have ensured that no sanctions, the 2.9% increase being proposed by the Council. either existing or new, will apply to the UK. The report could not be clearer. It says that Let me explain what this means. Either the Council “strengthened enforcement measures need to be implemented for and the Parliament now have to agree to the 2.9%, or all EU Member States, except the UK as a consequence of there will be deadlock, in which case the EU will have to Protocol 15 of the Treaty”. 615 European Council1 NOVEMBER 2010 European Council 616

That is our opt-out. It kept us out of the single currency; Edward Miliband (Doncaster North) (Lab): May I it kept us out of sanctions under the Maastricht treaty; thank the Prime Minister for his statement? I also thank and we have ensured that it keeps us out of any sanctions him for the briefing statement that he gave me on in the future. Saturday on the developments following the discovery In addition to the issue of sanctions, a number of of explosive materials, including those at East Midlands other concerns have been raised. Let me try to address airport. I join him in thanking the security services, the each of them head on. First, will we have to present our police and others for the work that they do to protect budget to Europe before this House? No. Secondly, will innocent people here and abroad. I also want to assure we have to give Europe access to information for budgetary him that he has the full support of the Opposition in his surveillance that is not similarly shared with organisations efforts to tackle terrorism and keep the nation safe. such as the International Monetary Fund or is publicly On Europe, Labour Members think that it is in the available on the internet? Again, the answer is no. national interest for Britain to be strongly engaged in Thirdly, will powers over our budget be transferred Europe on issues from terrorism to climate change, and from Westminster to Brussels? Again, no. from the global economy to human trafficking. We all I turn to the proposal mentioned in the Council’s know that the Prime Minister is in a slightly tricky conclusions for limited treaty amendment. We have predicament on Europe. He has his old friends and his established that any possible future treaty change, should new friends on the Front Bench. I want to tell him very it occur, would not affect the UK, and I would not agree sincerely that we are here to help him. We know that he to it if it did. The proposal to put the temporary held some pretty strong views on Europe in the past, bail-out mechanism on a permanent footing is important but we are willing to ignore his previous convictions, for the eurozone, and eurozone stability is important for just as long as he is as well. the UK. Nearly half our trade is with the eurozone, and Let me start with the Council’s conclusions on economic London is Europe’s international financial centre. governance. We welcome any sensible proposals for Let me be clear. Throughout this process, I have been greater co-operation to ensure economic stability across focused on our national interest, and it is in our national Europe. In principle, we also welcome the idea of putting interest that the eurozone should sort itself out. It is in in place clear arrangements for providing help to eurozone our national interest that Europe should avoid being countries that get into trouble, rather than relying on an paralysed by another debt crisis, as it was with Greece ad hoc approach. The Prime Minister is also right to say in May, and it is absolutely in our national interest that that eurozone countries should take financial responsibility Britain should not be drawn into having to help with when those circumstances arise. He was right to say in any future bail-out. That is what we have secured. his statement that these new arrangements would not apply to Britain, but they might affect Britain. We have Let me turn briefly to the other business of the an interest in stability in the eurozone but also in Council. On the G20, the Council discussed its priorities supporting growth in what is our largest export market. for the upcoming summit in Seoul. Again, our interests Can he therefore assure the House that, as well as are clear. As an open trading nation, we want progress protecting Britain from those provisions, he will engage on Doha. This has been going for nearly a decade, and in discussions to ensure that the right balance is struck 2011 should be the year when we try to achieve a deal. between the need for stability and the need for growth We believe that the world has suffered from economic in the eurozone? imbalances, so we want countries with fiscal deficits to deal with them, and countries with trade surpluses to In the context of these reforms, I do not think the look at structural and currency reforms. We recognise Prime Minister made it clear in his statement whether, if the importance of strengthening global financial stability, proposals are made for treaty change as a result of the and that is why we support the recent Basel agreement amendments, he is prepared to accept the changes without on stronger banking regulations. We also want global a referendum. He used to imply that if treaty change institutions to be reformed to reflect the growth of were ever back on the table, he would have a referendum, emerging powers, so we will see through the work that but he seems to have abandoned that position. Will he my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has led on the confirm that that is the case? reform of IMF votes and board seats. Finally, on Cancun, The Prime Minister also used to imply that he would we are committed to making progress towards a legally use the opportunity of treaty change to bring back the binding United Nations agreement. British opt-out on employment and social legislation. I I believe that this Council demonstrates that it is think that is a pledge he made for this Parliament. perfectly possible to deliver for our national interest Labour Members do not believe that this is a necessary while protecting our national sovereignty. Tomorrow, or sensible course of action. He was silent on this issue the British and French Governments will sign new during his statement. Can we therefore assume that his defence and security co-operation treaties, which will be previous red lines on this issue were not raised by him at laid before Parliament in the usual way. This follows the any time in these negotiations, and can he confirm that same principle: partnership, yes; giving away sovereignty, he does not intend to raise these red lines—or what were no. At this Council, Britain helped Europe to take the his red lines—in the coming months in the context of first vital steps towards bringing its finances under any possible treaty changes that might take place? Again, control. We prevented a crazy 6% rise in the EU budget we will support him if he takes the right course. next year, we ensured that the budget would reflect Secondly, on the G20 summit in Seoul, which will domestic spending cuts in all future years, and we discuss the prospects for the world economy, the Prime protected the UK taxpayer from having to bail out Minister will know that an increase in trade accounts eurozone countries that get themselves into trouble. for almost half of the growth forecast that the Office for There is a long way to go, but we have made a strong Budget Responsibility predicts for the United Kingdom start. I commend this statement to the House. next year. Can I ask what discussions were had at the 617 European Council1 NOVEMBER 2010 European Council 618

[Edward Miliband] ludicrous grandstanding on Europe, which ends up proving futile and fooling no one. The Prime Minister European Council about the uncertainty in the world said that he would provide for a referendum on Lisbon economy and how Europe plans to do its bit to ensure if there was an opportunity; he has abandoned that that economic demand is sustained? position. He said that he would repatriate powers; he Thirdly, on the Cancun conference on climate change, has abandoned that position. He said that he would I have to say—I think the Prime Minister will agree—that obtain a freeze in the EU budget; he has abandoned the prospects do not look bright for completing the that position. unfinished work of Copenhagen. May I urge him on to The Prime Minister has obviously not learned the show greater leadership on this issue—[Interruption.] lesson, because he left the summit bragging again, saying Leadership, which is not just about some huskies, but is that he was a Euroscpetic. When will he recognise that real leadership on this issue. Can he say what he will be anti-European bluster and PR are no substitute for a doing personally to advance a deal on finance, which is decent, engaged European policy? He should be leading a crucial precondition of progress and a key objective of the way on climate change, signing the directive on the Cancun summit? human trafficking, and working with European Let me turn next to the EU budget. The Prime Governments to sustain demand in the global economy. Minister has offered what we might call an interesting The Prime Minister may have abandoned some of his version of events. He confirmed that, in August, the previous convictions, but his rehabilitation on Europe 2.9% increase was put forward by the Council of Ministers has a long way to go. and 20 countries voted for that—Britain was not one of them; it voted against that. The Prime Minister tells us The Prime Minister: If mine was chutzpah, that was in his statement today that “before the Council started, brass neck. we began building an alliance to take a different The right hon. Gentleman asked how I was getting approach”—different from the Parliament—“and insist on with my new friends and my old friends. Let me put on 2.9%”. The question I ask the right hon. Gentleman is it in a way that he may understand: we are just one big when he took that view. On 20 October, he told this House: happy family. It is brotherly love on this side of the “We have called for a cash freeze in the size of the EU budget House; it really is. The problem is that we are living with for 2011 and we are working hard to make this case across the decision of the right hon. Gentleman’s old friend, Europe.”—[Official Report, 20 October 2010; Vol. 516, c. 938.] Tony Blair, who gave away £8 billion of rebate and He was not saying that 2.9% had been agreed and that received nothing in return. he had lowered his sights; he was telling us that he was The right hon. Gentleman asked whether we would still working for a freeze. Three days later he repeated ensure stability in the eurozone. Of course we want to this to the Daily Mail—a reliable source: do that, as I said in my statement. He said that this did “We need to start working on trying to keep next year’s budget not affect Britain in terms of the treaty change, and he down. It should be a freeze or a cut.” was quite right about that. He asked whether this should That was his position at that time. So I have a simple lead to a referendum. The point is that we are not question: when did the Prime Minister change his position passing any powers from Britain to Brussels: this limited on this issue? He certainly did not tell the House; he treaty change does not affect the United Kingdom. certainly did not tell the Daily Mail—and one would However, I cannot take a lecture on referendums from have thought that he would have kept it informed. As someone who could have provided a referendum on the far as we can gather, it was sleeves rolled up, full steam Lisbon treaty, but failed to do so. ahead and when it came to 2.9%, it was “fight them on The right hon. Gentleman asked what we were getting the beaches”. Now the Prime Minister has said that he in return. We are getting progress on the budget, which changed his position. we never saw in a month of Sundays under a Labour Now, the Prime Minister has agreed to 2.9%. What Government. Let me say something about the issue of does he say about something he originally voted against? the budget, and the points that he made. Let us contrast One would have thought that he might be slightly sheepish the position now with what happened last year under about this—but not a bit of it! He actually says that he a Labour Government. Last year under a Labour has “succeeded quite spectacularly”. If that is his view Government—[Interruption.] It is very instructive to of spectacular success, I would hate to see what happens look at what happened last year and what happened when things go wrong in his negotiations in Brussels. this year. What about the letter that the Prime Minster brandished Last year the European Council voted for a 3.8% increase. as having been signed by 13 member states, supporting The Labour Government supported it. The European 2.9%. I do not think that is a spectacular success. Parliament proposed a 9.8% increase. The Council then Twenty countries were supporting 2.9% in August, so agreed a 6% increase, and the Labour Government this is seven fewer countries than were originally supporting supported it. That is the difference between last year that increase. The only big difference is that Britain, and this year. Last year we had a feeble Government which used to be against the 2.9% increase, is now for it. who would not stand up for Britain; this time we have a Let me say to the Prime Minister, in words that my Government who will. grandmother might have used, that I admire his chutzpah on this issue. Is not the truth about it that he wished he Several hon. Members rose— could come back and say “No, no, no”, but in his case, it is a bit more like “No, maybe, oh, go on then, have Mr Speaker: Order. A great many Members wish to your 2.9% after all.”? catch my eye, and there is another important statement What is the deeper truth about the Prime Minister’s to follow, followed by business that I suspect will be of position? I have to say that I am disappointed in him, considerable interest to the House. Brevity from Back because he has fallen back into his old ways. It is more Benchers and Front Benchers alike is essential. 619 European Council1 NOVEMBER 2010 European Council 620

Sir Peter Tapsell (Louth and Horncastle) (Con): As it Europe. What was encouraging about this European appears that the treaties of the European Union can be Council was what a strong alliance we could build with changed on the insistence of a German Chancellor, is it others at the same time as protecting ourselves by possible to give a British Prime Minister the same preventing any of this treaty change from having an opportunities, thus enabling him to give his country the effect on the UK. pledge of the referendum that was promised to them? Is that so, or not? Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): The Prime Minister says that from now on the EU budget must The Prime Minister: If there were any prospect of a reflect what we are doing in our own countries, so can passage of power from Britain to Brussels, we should he give us a cast-iron guarantee that in 2012, 2013 and have a referendum. That is not just my word: we are thereafter there will be cuts to the EU budget, or can he going to legislate to put it into place. But the question use more reassuring words? that we must answer here—this goes directly to what my right hon. Friend has said—is, “What is it in Britain’s The Prime Minister: What I can say to the right hon. national interest to try to insist on at this time?” In my Gentleman is that, for the first time, the European view it is the budget, and the amount of money that Council’s conclusions set out the new principle that goes from Britain to Brussels, into which we should be increases or changes to the EU budget should reflect putting our efforts. That is what I did, and that is what I what we are doing in our nation states. That has never am going to go on doing. been put in place before, which is why the Commission opposed it so much. The principle is that what is happening Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): May I welcome across Europe must be reflected in the EU budget; that the Prime Minister to the club of Euro-pragmatism? He is the key. I will be pressing for the best possible outcome has said nothing today with which I can greatly disagree. in 2012 and 2013, and as Britain is a net contributor the Will he answer two questions, however? First, will he best possible outcome for us is that we do not make confirm that if the final budget deal is above 2.9%, Britain these increases in our net contribution. will not seek to veto it? Secondly, will the proposed treaty change happen under the so-called passerelle Sir Malcolm Rifkind (Kensington) (Con): Does the clause of the Lisbon treaty? Prime Minister agree that the experience of the Labour Government in respect of the European budget was a The Prime Minister: I thank the right hon. Gentleman failure to reconcile net income with gross habits, and for his endorsement—wherever they come from, they will he also confirm that his success in putting together are always welcome. The point about the budget approach this blocking coalition will save the British taxpayer is that 13 countries have put their signature to a letter half a billion pounds? saying they will not accept anything over 2.9%. They will, I believe, all stick to their word, and we will insist The Prime Minister: My right hon. and learned Friend on this so that we either get 2.9%, agreed between is absolutely right. Every percentage increase we save is Parliament and the Council, or we get deadlock, in equivalent to well over £100 million. The failure there which case the budget is frozen at last year’s level. has been—for a long time, frankly—over this issue is The final decisions on the proposed treaty change twofold: a failure to take the budget issue seriously will be taken at the December summit. That is likely to enough and, secondly, a failure to have transparency be under the simplified revision procedure so there is and therefore to have the information about the EU not a parliamentary convention. The key point here is budget out there so that citizens in Europe can really to be absolutely clear that this is going to be a few lines complain about the inflated salaries and allowances. that are about putting in place what is a temporary Let me give just one example: civil servants who have bail-out mechanism and making it a permanent bail-out been in Brussels for 30 years are still paid generous mechanism. The key point for the House to hold on to expatriate allowances. That is the sort of excess that we is that this does not affect the UK, except inasmuch as have got to deal with. we want the eurozone to sort itself out. Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (LD): The Prime Minister seems to have great faith in protocol 15. Given today’s lunchtime praise of the Prime Minister I also noted that he did not really answer the question by Miles Templeman of the Institute of Directors, and asked by my right hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham in particular his observation that the Prime Minister’s (Mr MacShane), and I am beginning to wonder something: greater European sensitivity, which the IOD welcomed, has the Prime Minister ever actually read the Lisbon must be down to the presence of Liberal Democrats in treaty from page one to page—to the end. If so, when? his coalition Government, may I assure the Prime Minister, speaking as one long-standing pro-European now to The Prime Minister: One of the many contributions another, that as long as he maintains such constructive to public life that my right hon. and learned Friend the engagement he will deserve, and I am sure will receive, Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke) made after making solid support? that remark is that all future Front Benchers, probably on either side of the House, will carefully read every The Prime Minister: Said without a hint of mischief. I treaty and get to the end. believe the national interest right now is all about— [Interruption.] I heard that, I say to whoever said the Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): Given that response, G word. The national interest is about restricting our will the Prime Minister confirm that the presidency contributions to the EU. We are making difficult decisions conclusions, to which he has referred, do in fact endorse here, and that is what we should be pushing for in the EU taskforce report, which clearly states that there 621 European Council1 NOVEMBER 2010 European Council 622

[Mr William Cash] states’ budgets is an important principle. Of course, as we speak today, it is just words in a conclusions text, but will be “a new legal framework” for further surveillance many of the things that my hon. Friends and I have and powers for economic governance, which cover both worried about over the years have been words in a the eurozone and the EU, including us, and, moreover, conclusions text—a little opening that people who want that any EU treaty imposes legal rights and obligations more and more of the European Union push their force on all the member states? Why, therefore, did my right through. We have now got a wedge, if you like, that we hon. Friend reckon that, together, these do not affect can push on at all subsequent negotiations: that the the UK, that European Council has accepted that what is good for “it isn’t going to make any difference to us” nation states is good for the European Union’s budget. and that, on that basis, there would be, as he put it, no referendum? Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC): What discussions did the Prime Minister have with the Council on convergence The Prime Minister: This is a very serious point and funding and what are the implications of the budgetary we probably require a longer exchange than is possible settlement on that funding? from the Dispatch Box. I say to my hon. Friend, who follows this very closely, that we have to differentiate The Prime Minister: We did not have detailed two important things—the first is the Van Rompuy conversations about the elements of the budget. Clearly report and the second is the very limited treaty change those countries that are net recipients were opposed to that is being proposed by the Germans and now, in what I was proposing, and obviously the tighter the principle, endorsed by the Council—because the treaty budget, the less money there is for the things within that change is really focused simply on the issue of putting a budget, but within the budget we should always fight temporary bail-out mechanism on to a permanent basis. for a good deal and we should also make sure that depressed parts of the UK get access to that money. But On the Van Rompuy report, the paragraph to which when you look at what the European Parliament was my hon. Friend refers is paragraph 34, which talks putting forward for its 6%, you find that it included, for about “macro-economic surveillance”—something that instance, a massive amount more for dairy farming, so has happened for more than 10 years in the European it was not actually connected to getting the European Union. It is defined in paragraph 35 and paragraph 39 economy moving. is very clear that the sanctions it talks about refer only to euro area members. I would also draw his attention Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): What sort to paragraph 4, which states that all of this is looked at of world are MEPs living in? At a time when everybody “within the existing legal framework of the European Union.” else is tightening their belts, these people are awarding That is important. The other paragraph that I think is themselves ever more generous allowances and salaries, vitally important is paragraph 18, which says—I quoted despite the fact that most people do not even know who it earlier—that they are. Will my right hon. Friend suggest to his “strengthened enforcement measures need to be implemented for friends on the Council that we export IPSA to the all EU Member States, except the UK as a consequence of European Parliament? Protocol 15 of the Treaty”. That is what gives us the protection. We read these The Prime Minister: That is an idea of pure genius. I things very carefully. am not sure that even the brilliant simultaneous translation that is available would really enable me to explain IPSA Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): May I in all its complexities. There is a serious point, however, congratulate the Prime Minister on his consistency? In and this is where transparency matters. I remember, 2005, he won the leadership of his party by being the when the whole problem of allowances, pay, pensions most Eurosceptic candidate; in 2007, he made a very and everything broke in this place, looking again at the clear commitment to hold a referendum on the Lisbon European Parliament’s rules. They are not transparent treaty; and now he has capitulated on his previous enough and we need to sort that out. As I say, when it position of a freeze. Can I take it that public sector comes to the European budget, transparency, which is workers facing a freeze will now get a 2.9% increase? going to be a great weapon in local government and central Government, can be such a weapon in Europe, The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman, who is too. very experienced in this House, has clearly not met my right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary. I am sure that I Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): The Prime can arrange for them to spend some quality time together. Minister, of course, will not have been able to see the faces of his colleagues behind him when he made his Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): I congratulate statement. In terms of the big happy family that he the Prime Minister on playing a very difficult hand at commands, does he think that he still has the support of the summit. Does he agree that seeing off the European the majority of Conservative MPs? Parliament’s budget, securing our opt-out on economic governance and ensuring that future budgets will reflect Hon. Members: Hear, hear! a nation’s spending cuts all adds up to a good day’s work? The Prime Minister rose—

The Prime Minister: May I thank my hon. Friend? I Sir Alan Haselhurst (Saffron Walden) (Con): Instead do think this principle that what happens in terms of of the passing satisfaction that might be gained from a the EU budget should reflect what happens to member “toys out of pram” approach, is not my right hon. 623 European Council1 NOVEMBER 2010 European Council 624

Friend’s achievement the fact that we have a first pragmatic the European Commission, which always wants to see step towards getting a grip on the EU budget, and will greater competences and more powers, will fight for other steps follow? them. Those of us who are doing the paying will have to unite and fight very hard. The better we can do in 2012 The Prime Minister: It is important that we build and 2013, the lower the baseline we will work off for the alliances for what we are trying to achieve. I would say 2014-2020 perspective. That is where we will be pushing to all my right hon. and hon. Friends that there are extremely hard. many things that we do not like about the European Union’s development and many things that we would Conor Burns (Bournemouth West) (Con): It is some like to change. We must pick our battles and our fights. 16 years since the European Court of Auditors last The important battle to have is the one over the budget signed off the accounts. In welcoming our right hon. and it is important to try to build alliances for that. and noble Friend Baroness Thatcher’s return to home There is strong support from other countries from not and health this afternoon, may I invite the Prime Minister just the donor countries but those that are making to consult her regarding what instrument he could use difficult decisions at home and recognise that it is in place of the handbag to sort out this mess? simply insupportable to see one budget going up and up when they are having to cut things back in their domestic The Prime Minister: I am sure that the whole House economies. will welcome Baroness Thatcher’s better health and return from hospital. The deal she achieved at Fontainebleau Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): At all those years ago has saved this country £88 billion what we now know as the Prime Minister’s “delicious” and it will be extremely important to defend that abatement press conference, he questioned the number of BBC as we go into the 2014-2020 negotiation. I am sure that correspondents sent over to report on his triumph. Who she will be looking carefully to make sure that her did he want to send home the most—Nick Robinson or legacy is assured. Michael Crick? Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): After such a The Prime Minister: I probably should not have used miserable failure on the budget freeze, did the Prime the word “delicious”. I was just making the point, as we Minister console himself by thanking the Italians for were talking about cuts, that the BBC seemed to be extremely building British ships such as the Queen Elizabeth or by well represented. I do not think that Nick Robinson was congratulating the Germans on winning a contract to there, but it is always a joy to see Michael Crick. occupy the channel tunnel? How much time did he spend hawking around Royal Mail to his new European Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con): pals? On the defence relationship with France to which my right hon. Friend referred, is he aware that I have The Prime Minister: The answer is no, I did not do forgiven the French for taking off the head of my any of that. I am not quite sure what point the hon. great-great-great-great grandfather at Trafalgar? Does Gentleman is making. Trade between European countries he agree that the treaty that he will be signing tomorrow is extremely worth while: just as we sell important with President Sarkozy needs to contain real concrete goods and services to Germany and France, so they sell arrangements to improve defence co-operation between to us. I would have thought that even he and the our two countries? dinosaurs opposite would think that was a good thing.

The Prime Minister: I am extremely glad that my Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): I thank my right right hon. Friend has forgiven the French, as I think he hon. Friend for his statement. Given that the proposed is joining me for lunch with President Sarkozy tomorrow—it treaty change apparently will not affect the UK in any might have been a little bit frosty. This is important, way, should we not simply leave it to the countries in the because Britain and France share a real interest. We eurozone, which will be affected, to sign any new treaty? have similarly sized and structured armed forces, we Should we not keep out of it? both have a nuclear deterrent and we both want to enhance our sovereign capability while being more efficient The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes a fair at the same time. This treaty will set out that in many point, but I think the best option for the UK, because areas—such as the A400M, the future strategic tanker this is a very limited treaty change about making this aircraft, the issue of carriers and more besides—we can temporary mechanism permanent and because it is in work together and enhance our capabilities while saving Britain’s interests, as we do not want a eurozone that money at the same time. goes kaput and we do not want to have to join in bail-outs—that is what this is about—it is better that it Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): takes place through existing operations. Also, as I said Local democracy in this country is facing 28% cuts over in the statement, we have to bear in mind the role of the next four years. That would be a good starting London and Britain as a key financial centre. That will point, I think, as a target for the EU budget. What level be strengthened by what is being done rather than by does the Prime Minister think that the EU budget any alternative. should be set at, ideally? Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): The Prime Minister: Obviously, we had to do the best The Prime Minister’s visit to Brussels cost British taxpayers we could with the 2011 budget. We now have the issues £450 million or so. Where is that money coming from of 2012 and 2013 before we go into the 2014-2020 and would it not have been better spent on avoiding perspective. Many countries will be arguing for increases— some of the cuts in services for ordinary hard-working the recipient countries will fight very hard for them and families that his Government are putting through? 625 European Council1 NOVEMBER 2010 European Council 626

The Prime Minister: If we had taken the approach of give me good advice. I seriously believe that the link-up the previous Government, we would have just said, with the French over defence is in the long-term interests “Never mind the increase suggested by the Council or of both our countries. To those who worry that this the increase suggested by the Parliament, let’s just let might in some way lead to European armies, I say that is them come to some sort of deal and Britain will cough not the point. The point is to enhance sovereign capability up,” but we said, “No, let’s restrict this to the very by two like-minded countries being able to work together. minimum it could be.” That is not an approach that the previous Government took, but I am proud to say it is Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): Following on from the one that we took. Prime Minister’s answer to his hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Mr Cash) in which he explained very carefully Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): As one pro- why he fully understands and justifies the use of the European who has concerns about the European Union Lisbon treaty for modifications, can he explain to us to another, may I ask the Prime Minister whether the exactly what type of modifications or changes he would real problem with the budget is the £17.5 billion extra want to have a referendum on? Exactly what transfers that we are going to pay over the next four years of power would he want to put to the country in a because that lot opposite gave up Mrs Thatcher’s rebate? referendum? The Prime Minister: The hon. Lady asks a reasonable The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is absolutely question. The Bill that we will be looking at will say that right. In the negotiations in 2005, we were told repeatedly there should be a referendum on any transfer of power—a in the House by Tony Blair, standing here at the Dispatch proper transfer of competence. As a general principle, Box, that he would consider giving up the rebate only if the House should not give away powers it has without he got a proper deal on common agricultural policy asking the people who put us here first. That is the reform. Do hon. Members remember that? In the end, principle that we should adopt. I do not want us to give all we got was a review of the CAP. That teaches us the any further powers from Britain to Brussels, so I am not very important lesson that we have to halt it. proposing that we should. Further to answer the hon. Member for Vauxhall (Kate Hoey), I am not anticipating Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) (Lab): Did the Prime Minister us having a referendum because I do not want to see get a chance to discuss with any of the leaders privately that transfer of powers. What is being proposed by the or publicly the ludicrous European Union embassies Germans and will be finally agreed at the December being set up all over the world at huge expense? Does he Council, yes, is a transfer of powers for countries in the realise that the public do not want that, but want eurozone. It definitely means that as well as having the well-staffed British embassies? Can we do anything euro, they will have more co-ordination of their economic about it, and is there any chance of a referendum in the policy, and punishments if they do not do certain next five years on whether we stay in or go out? things. That, to me, is perfectly logical if they are in the euro. It was one of the reasons why I did not want to The Prime Minister: I do not believe in an in-out join the euro in the first place and why, as long as I am referendum for many reasons. I think we are better off Prime Minister, we will not do so. in the European Union—we have to fight our corner very hard—but I would grant a referendum if there Mr Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con): were any proposed transfer of powers from Westminster Does the Prime Minister accept that it is welcome, if to Brussels. On the European External Action Service, unusual, to see so many Heads of State supporting a the hon. Lady knows that we opposed the Lisbon British Prime Minister on an issue on which the European treaty, that we thought the creation of the EEAS was a Parliament takes a different view? Does he agree that mistake and that we have pushed as hard as we can perhaps there is a role for national Parliaments, which, within Europe to keep its costs under control. There is right across Europe, are facing difficult economic decisions, an argument that because of the combination of the to support these Heads of State, including, of course, previous High Representative and Foreign Minister roles, the Prime Minister, because it is right— the posts and the budget should cost less, and we push that case as hard as we can. Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): He is not a Head of State. Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): As Mr Heald: —the Head of Government, I said. It is another of the Prime Minister’s new friends, may I right that the EU’s budget should reflect the means of remind him that in 2010 family life takes many different the countries that are in the EU. forms in this country? May I also commend his pragmatism in relation to defence co-operation with the French, The Prime Minister: I hope the former Europe Minister, which he no doubt discussed with President Sarkozy the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant), will stay over the weekend? If it is successful in conventional calm. My hon. Friend the Member for North East co-operation, what are the prospects for similar co-operation Hertfordshire (Mr Heald) makes a good point. Part of in nuclear matters? the problem in the past has been that other member states have not been as focused on the budget and the The Prime Minister: I think there are prospects for impact on their own publics as they are now. They are our working together in this area, not least the French focused on it now because they all have to make difficult investment in civil nuclear power that is going to take decisions. When we sit round the European Council place in the UK. There are opportunities, which we will table, we are often discussing what we are having to do be talking about tomorrow. In terms of the broader with public sector pay, pensions or other difficult decisions, family, I do not quite know what my right hon. and so there is a common interest which the Parliaments of learned Friend would be—a wise uncle, I suppose, to Europe can help remind their Governments about. 627 European Council1 NOVEMBER 2010 European Council 628

Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): It is clear that a Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): Has the number of member states are unlikely to be able to Prime Minister had the chance to discuss security sustain their membership of the euro for the long term. co-operation with the German Chancellor in the light They are already suffering serious internal economic of the increased bomb threats? damage, some requiring external fiscal transfers, and other countries may be in the same position in the The Prime Minister: Yes. I did have that conversation, not-too-distant future. Was there any talk, privately or because the German Chancellor stayed at Chequers otherwise, of the possibility of member states leaving over the weekend, and we discussed a range of those the euro, so making it work better? issues. Obviously the aeroplane in question, having left The Prime Minister: I do not believe that will happen, Yemen, had landed in Germany and then in Britain but what was interesting about this European Council is before it was due to go on to the United States. That that there is quite an existential debate taking place reminds us of how interconnected we are, so the British within the eurozone about what it means to be a member and the Germans, quite close together, made the of the euro. There is a very strong push by the Germans, announcement about not receiving packages and parcels who obviously feel that they have had to bail out the from Yemen. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary Greeks, that they have to have tighter rules for members will be giving further details in a moment or two, when of the eurozone, and there are very great worries on the she makes her statement. part of some countries about the sanctions that could be applied to them. This is a debate that was inevitable Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Let me get this right. when there is one currency and many countries and The Prime Minister failed to put together a blocking they are having to give up some of their sovereignty to minority in July, and he did not even manage to get the make that single currency work. It is perfectly logical Polish on board, despite the fact that the Polish Foreign for eurozone members. It reinforces in my mind that they Secretary was in the Bullingdon club with him at Oxford. are right to do that, but we are right not to be part of it. He failed to put together a blocking minority, he let the matter go through in August, he tried again at the Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): May I say to beginning of last week, he failed—and then he proclaims the Prime Minister how refreshing it was, after 13 years himself the great saviour of this country. How can it of inactivity and disinterest in this area, to see a British possibly be a success until he comes back to this country Prime Minister fighting for a reduction in the size of the with a guarantee from the French that they intend to EU budget and for better value for money for British cut the common agricultural policy? taxpayers? Can he confirm that he now has two potential vetoes—first, on the limited treaty change on economic The Prime Minister: The difference between the hon. governance, and, secondly, on the EU budget for the Gentleman and me is that when we were both at Oxford next period, 2014 to 2020—and that they can be used he was a member of the Conservative association and independently of each other? I was not. The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is entirely right. Britain does have leverage, influence and an impact in Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): The Prime these negotiations. The question that we have to answer Minister quite rightly says that London is the financial is, what can we achieve that is most in the national heart of Europe. The chief executive of the London interest. I do not want to make promises that I cannot stock exchange, a Frenchman, has warned of the harm keep or to set goals that are impossible, but action on that European legislation can do to the vital alternative the budget and the future financing is where we should investment market. Can the Prime Minister reassure the exert our influence. House that that will not happen? When it comes to treaty change, there would be a stronger argument for pursuing treaty changes of our The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an extremely own if what was now being suggested were a wider good point, and it goes to the heart of the point that my treaty change. It is not; it is a relatively limited change hon. Friend the Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton- that makes the temporary mechanism permanent. We Harris) made. When the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will see the full details of it in December, and we will be the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, I and others able to be involved in its negotiation, as my hon. Friend negotiate in Europe, I am extremely conscious of the says. fact that some of the directives coming out of the European Commission on alternative investments, such Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): as the Larosière proposals on finance, have the potential Has the Prime Minister made any calculation of how to do great damage to the UK, and we do have to make many new teachers, nurses or police officers could have sure that we use our negotiating muscle on the things been employed with the 2.9% increase that he has that make the most difference to us. That is very important. conceded to the EU? Rather than focusing on things that might sound good The Prime Minister: I have to say to the hon. Lady from this Dispatch Box, let us focus on the things that that one constructive thing that she and other Opposition make a difference to the great businesses of our country. Members could do is to talk to their Members of the European Parliament. They had the chance to vote for Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): In a freeze in the budget, and they did not do that. So, it is the light of the estimated 20,000 job losses among all very well hon. Members standing up and saying how police officers in this country, how many officers does much more Britain is going to have to pay, but their the Prime Minister think could be employed by the MEPs are doing nothing to help in that argument. 2.9% increase that he has conceded? 629 European Council1 NOVEMBER 2010 European Council 630

The Prime Minister: I have a message for the Whips: that you have to watch the language that is being you need to hand out more than one question; it is proposed by others in the European Council and keep always better if there is a choice. But I think that I asking whether it is setting some future trap for the UK answered it earlier. Government. I have to say that I think the language in the Van Rompuy report about its not affecting Britain Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): I in terms of sanctions is extremely clear. congratulate the Prime Minister on once again showing There is one other point I would make, which is about real leadership in Europe. Drawing on the comments the opt-out that was negotiated from the Maastricht made by the Leader of the Opposition a moment ago, treaty. That opt-out has worked well. Yes, there is we all want to be fully involved at the heart of Europe surveillance in terms of economic policy—that has and in partnership with it, but that does not mean that happened for 10 years—but frankly, it has not forced us we have to roll over and have our bellies tickled every into doing anything we did not want to do. Just as that time a proposal comes forward. opt-out has held good, we have now renewed and refreshed it for this fresh group of challenges that have The Prime Minister: I am on only my third European come towards us. Council, and they are rather more frequent than they used to be, but I do not think it is impossible to combine Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): May I congratulate a strong defence of the national interest with building my right hon. old Friend on his excellent statement— alliances. Everyone round that European Council table [Interruption] Well, having some friends, that is—and recognises that we actually do all have interests that we ask him if he is aware of any member of the British have to try to protect on our own as well as making sure delegation to the European Parliament who voted for that we are making the right decisions for the 27. the higher budget increase, and if so, will he name and shame them? Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): Given that negotiations on the budget are continuing with the The Prime Minister: What I can say is that when there European Parliament, will the Prime Minister give us was a motion in the European Parliament to support a one of his famous cast-iron guarantees that his Government freeze, 12 out of 13—I think it was—Labour MEPs will not accept an increase above that of 2.9%? voted against that, so they had the opportunity to stand The Prime Minister: The point I can make is that up for what some of their colleagues have stood up for 13 Heads of Government or Heads of State signed a today, and they failed to do it. letter saying they would not accept more than 2.9%, so it is not just my word but the word of all those leaders Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): In the light of who have said that this should not be accepted. That is my right hon. Friend’s opening remarks and his comments the best thing that we could do, and it gives a real on his bilateral with the German Chancellor, does he chance of either achieving 2.9% or, possibly even better, agree that Britain is very well placed to lead the transition a deadlock which would mean a freeze for next year. in Europe towards the era of information-age terrorism, especially as we have GCHQ, and as his new National Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): Given Security Council has made such a strong commitment the extent of belt tightening in this country, does my to more spending against cyber warfare? right hon. Friend believe that now is the right time to get the EU’s accounts to be fully and independently The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes a very audited in order to reduce waste and fraud, and will he good point. Prime Ministers and Ministers often praise push for that? the security services, and it is good to put on the record the very hard work that people at GCHQ in Cheltenham The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes a good do; they are among the best in the world at what they point. The first thing we are going to do is the initiative do. That gives us an opportunity to combat this new on transparency and openness to try to draw greater threat of cyber terror and cyber attacks that do not just attention to what the European Union spends its money affect our defences but many, many businesses in our on. We will find that some of the spending—spending country. There is a chance to have some real leadership on science projects and the like—may be worth while, in this respect, and other countries, including France but I am convinced that there is a lot of waste that could and Germany, are coming to us wanting to work with be cut out if we had the transparency that we are us in combating cyber because of the investment we are applying to our own budget back here in the UK. managing to put in.

Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): May I Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): The cost of congratulate my right hon. Friend on clearly standing the new European diplomatic corps will eat up on its up for Britain’s interests? On the parts of the Van own the entire net contribution from this country, both Rompuy report that set in place new mechanisms that this year and going forward. What did my right hon. clearly concern the United Kingdom, even though it is a Friend say to Baroness Ashton about the ballooning non-eurozone member, will my right hon. Friend bear costs of that organisation, and what was her response? in mind the inevitable pattern of EU history whereby any grant of power is followed by demands for more The Prime Minister: I know that my right hon. Friend and more power, as surely as night follows day? the Foreign Secretary has had this conversation, and I have discussed the issue as well. While we opposed the The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an extremely European External Action Service—we did not want it good point. I can tell him that the Chancellor and I, in to be created in the first place—the Lisbon treaty sadly undertaking these negotiations, are acutely conscious is now a fact we have to live with. But because what 631 European Council 1 NOVEMBER 2010 632 were two roles are combined into the role that Baroness Aviation Security Incident Ashton fills, there should be opportunities for some cost savings. Actually, the European Parliament has 4.30 pm offices around the world, and we think there is a real The Secretary of State for the Home Department opportunity to rationalise that and ensure that it keeps (Mrs Theresa May): With permission, Mr Speaker, I its cost under control. would like to make a statement on the recent airline bomb plot. The House will know that in the early hours of Friday morning, following information from intelligence sources, the police identified a suspect package on board a UPS courier aircraft that had landed at East Midlands Airport en route from Cologne to Chicago. Later during the morning, police explosives experts identified that the device contained explosive material. A similar device was located and identified in Dubai. It was being transported by FedEx to Chicago. Since then, an intensive investigation has been taking place in this country and overseas. Cobra met on Friday to assess progress, I chaired a Cobra meeting on Saturday and the Prime Minister chaired a further Cobra meeting this morning. I am sure the House will appreciate that much of the investigation is sensitive, and the information I can give is necessarily limited. Disclosure of some details could prejudice the investigation, the prospects of bringing the perpetrators to justice, our national security and the security of our allies, but I want to give the House as full a picture as possible. We know that both explosive devices originated in Yemen. We believe that they were made and dispatched by the organisation known as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. This group, which is based in Yemen, was responsible for the attempted downing of an aircraft bound for Detroit on 25 December last year. The devices were probably intended to detonate mid-air and to destroy the cargo aircraft on which they were being transported. Our own analysis of the device here—analysis that has to proceed with great care to preserve the evidential value of the recovered material—established by Saturday morning that the device was viable. That means not only that it contained explosive material but that it could have detonated. Had the device detonated, we assess that it could have succeeded in bringing down the aircraft. Our forensic examination of the device continues. We are receiving valuable assistance from a wide range of partners, and the analysis has some way to go. At this stage we have no information to suggest that another attack of a similar nature by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is imminent, but the organisation is very active. During this year it has repeatedly attacked targets in Yemen. On 26 April and 6 October it attacked and attempted to kill British diplomats based in Sana’a. It continues to plan other attacks in the region, notably against Saudi Arabia. We therefore work on the assumption that the organisation will wish to continue to find ways of attacking targets further afield. We will continue to work with international partners to deal with this threat. We have for some years provided assistance to the Yemeni Government and will continue to do so. The Prime Minister has spoken to President Saleh to make clear our desire for a closer security relationship. Following the Detroit incident, Ministers in the last Government took the decision to stop all direct passenger and cargo aircraft flying from Yemen to and through the UK. Over the weekend, we took the further step of stopping all unaccompanied air freight to this country from Yemen. That will include air freight from Yemenboth carried on courier flights and hold-loaded 633 Aviation Security Incident1 NOVEMBER 2010 Aviation Security Incident 634

[Mrs Theresa May] hard-to-detect explosive devices on aircraft, one of which was at East Midlands airport, by the risk that further in passenger aircraft. The small number of items in transit devices may be at large and by the serious and challenging prior to that direction have been subject to rigorous threat that such terrorist activity constitutes to public investigation on arrival in the UK, and no further safety and our country’s security. suspicious items have been discovered. At Home Office questions earlier, I commended the We are now taking further steps to maintain our Home Secretary for the calm way in which she has led security. I can confirm to the House that we will review the response to these threats and chaired and reported all aspects of air freight security and work with international on Cobra meetings. I thank her for the Privy Council partners to make sure that our defences are as robust as briefings that she gave me on Friday night and again on possible. We will update the guidance given to airport Saturday afternoon. I join her in commending our security personnel based on what we have learned to police, intelligence and security services for the brave enable them to identify similar packages in future. and vital work they have done over the past few days in From midnight tonight, we will extend the suspension close co-operation with allies around the world to save of unaccompanied air freight to this country from not lives, as they do every other day of the year. just Yemen but Somalia. This decision has been made It is the job of Her Majesty’s Opposition to ask as a precautionary measure and it will be reviewed in questions, probe statements and hold the Government the coming weeks. It is based on possible contact between to account. That we will do, but we will be mindful at all al-Qaeda in Yemen and terrorist groups in Somalia, as times of our wider responsibility to support necessary well as on concern about airport security in Mogadishu. actions to keep our citizens safe and protect our vital From midnight tonight, we will suspend the carriage national interests. In that spirit, I have questions for the of toner cartridges larger than 500 grams in passengers’ Home Secretary on three issues: the detailed events of hand baggage on flights departing from UK airports. the last few days and the implications for airline security Also from midnight tonight, we will prohibit the carriage and wider national security. of these items by air cargo into, via or from the UK First, we all appreciate the way in which intelligence unless they originate from a known consignor—a regular and international co-operation are involved. Events shipper with security arrangements approved by the move fast, and things are always clearer with hindsight, Department for Transport. but at what precise point were the police, the Home We intend that these final two measures will be in Secretary and the Prime Minister first told about the place initially for one month. During that time, we will potential threat? Were there delays in getting precise work closely with the aviation industry, screening equipment information to our security and police officers on the manufacturers and others, to devise a sustainable, ground? Why was the device not discovered by police proportionate, long-term security regime to address the officers during the first search? Could earlier information threat. Department for Transport officials are already have made a material difference to the search? What in technical discussions with the industry, and my right operational lessons, if any, will be learned when dealing hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport will with such events in the future? chair a high-level industry meeting later this week to Secondly, the fact that the two live explosive devices discuss next steps. These initiatives are in addition to were intercepted by an intelligence tip-off only after those that we have set out in the strategic defence and they had been carried on at least five different planes, security review. three of which were passenger aircraft, raises serious We are already committed to widening checks on visa questions about the security of our airspace. Some applicants to this country. Following the Detroit incident, security experts have referred to cargo security as a we are also committed to making changes to pre-departure potential blind spot. I understand that Lord Carlile checks to identify better the people who pose a terrorist drew attention to the potential risks of cargo transit in threat and to prevent them from flying to the UK. his annual reports in 2007 and 2008, and that significant We are committed to enhancing our e-borders actions were taken to improve intelligence and international programme, which provides data on who is travelling to security co-operation at that time. I also understand this country and which is therefore an essential foundation that a tougher search method, called explosive trace for our counter-terrorist and wider security work. We detection, was introduced for passenger flights last year have an increasingly active and important border following the Detroit attempted attack. co-operation programme with counterparts in the USA. I appreciate that this is a complex problem to solve, The Detroit incident led to the introduction of further that a review has been set up and that the Home passenger scanning devices at key airports in the UK. Secretary has already acted to ban unaccompanied Cobra will continue to meet through this week. The cargo packages from Yemen and Somalia and put in National Security Council will also consider this issue. place temporary restrictions on carrying toner cartridges, We will continue to work closely with our partners but what conclusions does she draw about the reliability overseas. of current checks from the fact that the device was not Finally, the House will wish to join me in expressing spotted on the first check by police experts at East gratitude to the police and the security and intelligence Midlands airport? Will the review consider extending agencies in this country for the work they are doing to explosive trace detection from passenger to cargo flights, understand the threat we face and to deal with it so which I believe has happened in the United States? Will effectively. the scope of her review cover cargo carried in passenger as well as cargo aircraft? Should we take any other Ed Balls (Morley and Outwood) (Lab/Co-op): The action now to improve the security of cargo coming whole country has been shocked by the events of the into, going out of or transiting the UK while the review last four days—by the discovery of two concealed and is undertaken? 635 Aviation Security Incident1 NOVEMBER 2010 Aviation Security Incident 636

The events of the last few days also raise wider issues who are always looking for another innovative way to for national security and our counter-terrorism strategy. get around our defences. Our job, and the job of our It is clear that terrorists operating out of Yemen constitute security and intelligence agencies and the police, is to an increasing threat, as the Home Secretary said. Can ensure that we do all we can to ensure that there are no she assure the House that the Government are in urgent gaps in our defences. In that context, the work that the discussions with the Yemeni Government and our allies Government have already done in introducing the national around the world with a view to doing more to interrupt security strategy and, crucially, in bringing Departments terrorist activities at source? Given the wider evidence together in our work on security is an important part of of a mounting threat, the judgments that will underpin that task. the Government’s current review of counter-terrorism The right hon. Gentleman asked various questions powers are especially important. Although we will reserve about cargo. The review will cover a number of issues. judgment until we see the outcome of the review, I have Obviously, when such an incident takes place, it is right said that the Opposition will seek to support her where that we take stock and that we take action immediately—as we can and that consensus should be our shared goal. we have done—but that we do more work with the Finally, I must raise the issue of resources. Given that industry. As I indicated, my right hon. Friend the the explosive devices were intercepted through vital Secretary of State for Transport will be taking that intelligence work, is the Home Secretary confident that forward, and I can confirm that the review will consider a 6% real-terms cut in the single intelligence account the extension of explosive trace detection, although over the next four years can be managed without there are some significant technical issues there. Certainly, compromising such work? Given that the device was however, the review will look at that. discovered by specially trained police working closely The right hon. Gentleman referred to the counter- with our security and border services, is she confident terrorism review. As he will have heard me say at Home that a 10% real-terms cut in counter-terrorism policing Office questions earlier, final decisions have not been over the next four years and a 50% cut in capital taken on the review. I am absolutely apprised of the fact available to the UK Border Agency will not undermine that the Government, like every Government, need to operational capability? ensure that the safety and security of the public are a The Olympics are now just two years away and the prime concern. We need to rebalance our national security eyes of the world will be on our country. Given that the with our civil liberties, but I am well aware that it is our planned 20% real-terms cuts in police budgets is front-end national security that enables us to enjoy our civil loaded, and that there will be a 6% cut in the year before liberties. We remain conscious of that. the games and an 8% cut in the year of the Olympics The right hon. Gentleman then asked a number of itself, can the Home Secretary assure the House that the questions about cuts to budgets. He asked whether I extra strain that police resources will face will not pose was confident in the ability of the security and intelligence an unacceptable risk to fighting crime and our national agencies to maintain their level of work, and to do their security? Does she agree with me that in the light of the vital job in keeping us safe, and I can say that yes, I am events of the past few days, the issue of resources confident. On cuts in policing, as he knows, police should now be looked at again, alongside the counter- forces will be able to take money out of non-front-line terrorism review? policing. On border services, crucially, the coalition Government are committed to enhancing our ability to Mrs May: May I first thank the right hon. Gentleman keep our borders secure, through the introduction of for the way in which he has responded on this issue? He the border police command under the new national is absolutely right that this is a not a matter of party crime agency we will be setting up. political divide, but one of concern to all of us across the House. It is important that we get our response Finally, of course the Olympics budget is protected, right, and I am grateful to him for indicating that he will and a significant part of the Olympics security budget, support the Government in the measures that we take which is protected within the Home Office, relates to and the response that we give. He asked a number of Olympics policing. detailed questions, some of which were quite operational Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) in type. I will attempt to answer as many of his questions (LD): I thank the Home Secretary, her officials and as possible, but if I do not answer his operational ones the police, security and intelligence community for now, I will be happy to do so in writing afterwards. their excellent work in this case. In implementing the The right hon. Gentleman referred to the fact, which comprehensive set of measures that she has announced, I mentioned in my statement, that the initial indication will she take into account the fact that there have been of the device came from intelligence. We do not speak reports of variable levels of rigour deployed by different about intelligence sources or say how it came about, companies responsible for ensuring that the highest but, on timing, I can tell him that the police attended inspection standards are enforced throughout our airports? the airport and looked to see what they could find in Will she also undertake to ensure that any goods coming relation to the device. It took a while before the device directly or indirectly from any country about which we was identified as something that contained explosive have a particular concern have the same tracking method material. I and the Prime Minister were informed that and the same double security check, which will give the there was a device containing explosive material at additional assurance we need in regard to people acting about 2 o’clock on Friday. mainly from specific places around the world? The right hon. Gentleman referred to comments from security experts about this being the “soft underbelly”, Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for his comments. which is a term that some have used. In relation to cargo Obviously, the review has to consider a number of and other aspects, I would say that, as I am sure he is aspects of how we can defend ourselves against potential aware, we are in a constant battle with the terrorists, attacks of this sort. We can control what we do at our 637 Aviation Security Incident1 NOVEMBER 2010 Aviation Security Incident 638

[Mrs Theresa May] working there, for the way that they dealt with the incident? It is one thing to stand here in the House of own airports, but of course what is done at overseas Commons and talk about such an incident; it is quite airports is not directly under our control. That is why another to approach a device that one knows may be our international work is so important. Generally the explosive and to deal with it on behalf of others. I UK is looked to as a leader in airport security, and certainly thank them for their work, and I commend often other countries look to see what we are doing, and them for it. enhance their procedures in line with it. Obviously we On the second part of my hon. Friend’s question, I will be talking to other countries, as well as to airline would simply say that it is not in our gift to mandate the and airport operators, about the arrangements that response of others on such issues. However, the work they put in place. It is important that we are able to that we will be doing—and that we have been doing as conduct certain tracking operations. For example, I a country over the years—which involves talking to checked with UKBA just before I came here to make international partners, airlines and airport operators this statement, and I can say that it has been tracking about security levels and the measures that need to be and looking at the ban introduced on Saturday on put in place, is part of the process of trying to ensure unaccompanied freight cargo from Yemen, and has that, as far as possible, we see enhanced security in confirmed that the prohibition has been operating properly. other places. Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): May I add my Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and commendation to the right hon. Lady for the balanced Hillsborough) (Lab): May I reinforce the bipartisan and calm way in which she has dealt with this difficult approach that my right hon. Friends have already situation, something on which my right hon. Friend the mentioned? The Home Secretary will know that we Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough have a significant Yemeni community in Sheffield, the (Mr Blunkett) and I both have reason to reflect? Given members of which would want me to offer their support the critical role that intelligence played in the detection for the measures that she has announced this afternoon of this potential outrage, may I ask her whether she and for the way in which she is drawing down experience agrees with what Sir John Sawers said last week in and expertise. Will she engage the Yemeni community advance of this outrage, about the need for accountability in this country as part of the process of reinforcing the for the agencies, but also, above all, about the imperative Government’s approach to the Yemeni Government, of secrecy to enable them to do their job with security, who face the most enormous difficulties because of which is essential if we are to defeat the terrorist threat? historic, geographic and tribal splits, and the way in which al-Qaeda has moved from Saudi Arabia into Mrs May: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his Yemen, and in some cases is using the discontent of kind remarks, and I agree with him absolutely. By people living there as a way of propagating its terrorist definition, the very nature of the secret services is that activity across the world? part of what they do is secret. It is important that efforts are made where possible to explain to the public Mrs May: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his the sort of work being done and the sort of issues being suggestion, and of course that understanding and addressed. Indeed, there has been a series of speeches in knowledge of the Yemeni community here in the UK recent weeks—from the director general of MI5, the are important to us. The Government have been working head of GCHQ and, now, Sir John Sawers—explaining closely with the Yemeni Government to try to support the operation of each of those different agencies, but of them in doing what they want to do, which is to ensure course it is axiomatic that secret work has to be conducted that al-Qaeda is not in Yemen and is not able either to in secret. make attacks in Yemen or to use the country as a launch pad for attacks elsewhere. We will continue to work Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): I with the Yemeni Government to do all we can to would like to praise the security services and the staff of provide them with the support that they need to conduct East Midlands airport, which lies in my constituency. that task. By intercepting that package, they may well have saved lives. Everyone who contributed to that successful operation Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): The Home Secretary can be rightly proud. However, I would like to ask the will be aware that the borders of this country do not Home Secretary for an assurance that additional screening start and stop with the white cliffs of Dover. Will she will be introduced only if it is clearly shown to be necessary, outline what resources she intends to deploy directly in and that any such measures would be implemented on support of the Yemeni Government, and, if necessary, a Europe-wide or worldwide basis, and not just in the as the Department for Homeland Security has done, UK alone. consider work in that country?

Mrs May rose— Mrs May: I am happy to tell my hon. Friend that work is already under way with the YemeniGovernment. Andrew Bridgen: In other words, what we need to do Indeed, following the attempted Detroit bombing on is avoid UK-only measures. 25 December, measures were put in place under the previous Labour Government, and have been continued Mr Speaker: Order. I think that we have got the drift under this Government, to work with the Yemeni of the hon. Gentleman’s inquiry. Government and to provide them with various levels of support, particularly around airport security, which Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for his question. was crucial to the attempted bombing of that plane. May I join him in commending the work of all those at That work is being funded by the Foreign Office and East Midlands airport, including the police and others will be continued. More widely, the Foreign Office has 639 Aviation Security Incident1 NOVEMBER 2010 Aviation Security Incident 640 been part of the Friends of Yemen group, bringing in with the Yemeni Government? That means giving them others to ensure that we do all we can to provide the the equipment and the security capability that we promised sort of support that the Yemeni Government need in them at the London conference in January and their battle against al-Qaeda, and to help us to fight implementing the recommendations of the Home Affairs al-Qaeda, too. Committee. I implore her to work with the Foreign Secretary and the International Development Secretary Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): The devices to ensure that a stunningly beautiful but desperately were clearly designed to wreak havoc and cause a massive poor country does not fall into the hands of al-Qaeda? loss of life. I am sure that the country has breathed a sigh of relief that they were detected in this way. The Mrs May: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for those right hon. Lady recognised that intelligence and the points. I understand that the equipment that was promised sharing of intelligence were key to what has happened. earlier this year, following the Detroit incident, is to be Will she reassure us that our international relationships delivered to Yemen shortly. The Government have been are robust and strong enough to ensure the maximum working with the Yemeni Government, and we have sharing of that intelligence? Will she also, as my right common cause against al-Qaeda and will continue to hon. Friend the Member for Morley and Outwood do so for as long as it is in that country. Certainly, my (Ed Balls) has indicated, reflect on the fact that the right hon. Friends the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary comprehensive spending review says that there will be a of State for International Development are cognisant of real-term reduction in counter-terrorism funding for the role that their Departments can play in helping the the police? In the light of such circumstances, I ask her Yemen to fight back against the cancer of terrorism. to reflect on that position. Mr Ben Wallace (Wyre and Preston North) (Con): I Mrs May: I have already responded on counter-terrorism thank my right hon. Friend for her excellent bulletins policing. In answer to the first part of the right hon. and for her statement today informing us of the situation. Lady’s question about our relationships with international That has led to a lack of hysteria as the issue has been partners, let me say that on intelligence gathering and reported in the media. At times like these, it is easy to the sharing of intelligence, the working with international reach for the latest piece of technology as a solution, as partners is absolutely crucial. We have a particularly the previous Government did in the past. In countering close relationship with the United States. Since this terrorism, however, that often ignores the best solution, incident took place, I have spoken twice with my direct which is the profiling of people, air freight, destinations opposite number, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and embarkation points. Will the Home Secretary look Janet Napolitano. The Prime Minister has spoken to again at the use of profiling, both for passengers and President Obama, and other contacts are taking place for freight, to see whether there is not a better way of with the United States. We are also conscious of the fact solving the problem that we are facing from the likes that we need to enhance information sharing and working of Yemen? with other partners across the world. For example, last week I was in Pakistan, talking to the Pakistani Government Mrs May: My hon. Friend raises an issue that has about how can enhance our relationship in the battle been mentioned on a number of occasions. That approach that we all fight in dealing with terrorists and the has been adopted by others. We are looking at all the terrorist threat. techniques that we should be using to ensure that we provide the maximum protection for people in the UK. Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): My right In relation to passengers, we are enhancing our ability hon. Friend has already made reference to the processes at the borders to ensure that those who are a threat to involved in scanning cargoes. Will she explain to the the UK do not travel here. House whether the main issue is that existing scanners may not pick up a device of this sort, or is it that devices Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): I thank the of this sort have been placed on the aircraft in other Home Secretary for her statement and commend the countries and they would not routinely pass before our security and intelligence services for their great work. own scanners? Sadly, however, she will be aware that the bomb at East Midlands airport was not the only bomb to be planted Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for his detailed or found at a British airport this weekend. A bomb question. I am not in a position to give him an absolute planted by IRA dissidents was found and defused at answer, because forensic work is still ongoing in relation Belfast city airport. It would have caused casualties, to the device. Obviously, once that forensic work is injuries and even death, and I commend the security complete, we will know rather more about the device forces on locating and defusing it. This illustrates the and, therefore, about what the response should be in fact that British citizens are subject to attack from a relation to screening that sort of device. Until that range of sources. Will the Home Secretary give a guarantee forensic work is complete, it would not be appropriate to all our citizens, wherever they live, that resources and for me to hazard an answer to the point that he has efforts will be put into combating all kinds of terrorism? made. The focus is rightly on the incident in the east midlands at the moment, but the people of Northern Ireland are Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Mr Speaker, may I still facing the threat of dissident republican terrorism. declare my interest, commend those who work in East Midlands airport, and warmly welcome the phone Mrs May: The right hon. Gentleman is right to conversation between the Prime Minister and President remind us of the fact that terrorism comes from a Ali Abdullah Saleh? Does the Home Secretary not number of sources, and not just from al-Qaeda. I commend agree that the best way to protect our people is to work the security forces and the Police Service of Northern 641 Aviation Security Incident1 NOVEMBER 2010 Aviation Security Incident 642

[Mrs May] the Home Office is already looking at the processes of radicalisation and ways in which people turn to extremism. Ireland, not only this weekend but over recent months, We need to see what can be done to ensure that we stop for the increasing amount of work that they have done those routes and encourage people into a different way to prevent any incidents of terrorism in Northern Ireland of life such that they do not want to blow up and kill from taking place. Indeed, the right hon. Gentleman people. will have seen in the national security strategy that we published two weeks ago that we have clearly indentified Mr David Hamilton (Midlothian) (Lab): As someone the threat from dissident republicanism as one that we who stays 20 miles from Edinburgh airport, I can tell need to address. We are conscious of the fact that the the Home Secretary that the bomb incident in middle number of attempted attacks in Northern Ireland has England has alerted people to the fact that this is not been increasing in recent months. just a London issue. Has she been in contact with the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments to Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I commend the security give assurances—it is especially necessary in Scotland services for doing a remarkable job, but does not the where there are discussions about moving to just one incident involving the Detroit bomber show that other police force—that the highest levels of security will be parts of civil society, such as our universities, are failing maintained in all regional airports? to get a grip on Islamist extremists? Does the Home Secretary agree that, for our fight against terrorism to Mrs May: I inform the hon. Gentleman that my succeed, we need to deal effectively with the conveyor noble Friend the Minister for Security spoke to the belt to terrorism, just as we must deal with the terrorists devolved Administrations at the weekend. themselves? Joseph Johnson (Orpington) (Con): Does the Home Mrs May: My hon. Friend has raised an important Secretary agree that the best way of defending this point. I hope that I can reassure him that, alongside our country against the terrorist threat is to win the battle of work on the incident at the weekend and on reviewing hearts and minds, as has been said? I happened to spend our counter-terrorism legislation, we are also looking Saturday and Sunday in Gaza, talking to young Palestinian at the development of extremism and the process of people, and it was very clear to me that we are losing radicalisation. It is important that we ensure that people that battle at quite a rate—in large part because of the do not get drawn into a radicalised agenda that leads to continuation of the blockade of Gaza. I wonder whether extremism, violence and terror. That work is ongoing. my right hon. Friend feels that our efforts might best be spent not in reaching for the latest bit of technology—my Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): hon. Friend the Member for Wyre and Preston North May I also thank the Home Secretary for her work over (Mr Wallace) mentioned that—but in deploying ever-greater recent days, and for her statement this afternoon? In diplomatic efforts to resolving that particular long-standing devising more effective ways of screening freight, what conflict? role do she and the Secretary of State for Transport envisage for the national aviation security committee, Mrs May: There are many issues to be addressed in given the important role that the aviation industry plays the fight to prevent the cancer of terrorism. As I said, it in that committee’s work? is not simply about physical security; many aspects need to be dealt with. I assure my hon. Friend that the Mrs May: I can tell the right hon. Gentleman that the Government are well aware of the many issues that question of the most appropriate forum for the discussions need to be considered. and work that need to take place will be discussed with the industry later this week at a meeting chaired by my Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): Given right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. the particular nature of the threat, does the Home Secretary think it might be advisable to think again Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): In about cuts in capital for the equipment used in screening view of the fact that Yemeni unemployment is running and detection programmes at our sea ports and airports? at something like 40% and particularly that the intelligence intercept we received was from a former al-Qaeda operative, Mrs May: There are two aspects to the expenditure and echoing the sentiments expressed by my hon. Friend on equipment. Much of the equipment used for screening the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon), may I ask the at airports and some other aspects is paid for by the Home Secretary to be mindful of the fact that the battle industry rather than Government. The hon. Gentleman for young hearts and minds is as important for the long has reminded me that I failed to respond to one of the term as any short-term security measures we implement? questions put by the shadow Home Secretary—about capital expenditure at the UK Border Agency. I assure Mrs May: I agree with my hon. Friend that the battle the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. and hon. Friends for hearts and minds is important. The approach to that, within the capital programme for the UK Border keeping this country safe is multi-layered. We have Agency. key aspects of the work needed to enhance our spent some time talking about physical security measures, border security, such as e-borders, are protected. which are an important part of our work to keep the country safe—intelligence and police work are other Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): essential aspects of that work—but it is also important The Friends of Yemen task group reported back to the to ensure that we win the battle of hearts and minds, as United Nations in July on a strategy for Yemen. What my hon. Friend suggests. As I said in response to my steps have been taken to implement the findings, prior hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon), to the group’s meeting in Riyadh? 643 Aviation Security Incident1 NOVEMBER 2010 Aviation Security Incident 644

Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his Mrs May: As I have already said, my right hon. Friends question. The Foreign Office has been taking this matter the Secretary of State for International Development forward, and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and the Foreign Secretary are very conscious of the role has been very alive to the need for the Government to that they can play, and that aid can play, in supporting be working within that Friends of Yemen group to Yemen. We are working closely with the Yemeni ensure that steps are taken to support the Yemen Government to enable them to deal with the al-Qaeda Government. I would be happy to ensure that my hon. threat that is faced not only by us from Yemen, but by Friend receives a detailed reply on the particular steps them inside it. that have been taken. Mr Tom Harris (Glasgow South) (Lab): As a country Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): we are good at preventing the kind of attacks that we The events of the weekend underline the importance of have already seen, but arguably less good at anticipating global intelligence systems, but what new steps can be new forms of attack. Apart from the month-long ban taken to develop new technologies and techniques to on the carriage of printer cartridges, what bans are the deal with the information that comes from those systems? security services considering imposing on items in carry-on May we have an absolute assurance that we will take luggage? strong action against those who incite mass murder, and that we will not accept any political excuse from those Mrs May: It is important that the Government have who advocate the killing of human beings? acted now to deal with the threat that we have seen, including the specific issue of printer cartridges. We will Mrs May: I am happy to support what the hon. Lady do further scientific work. As I said earlier, it is not has said about the need to deal with those who purport always appropriate to give details, but I assure the hon. to encourage others to kill human beings and indulge in Gentleman that we are well aware of the need not just mass murder in the name of politics. As for her first to respond to what has happened, but to be constantly question, there are many different aspects to it, and many alert in the future. different approaches need to be taken in response to intelligence. Some of that response may involve police Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): This very disturbing work, while some may involve physical security work by incident coincided with press reports about a possible Governments or others. It is essential for us to think future fudge on the counter-terrorism review that the carefully about all the facts that we need to identify Home Secretary is undertaking, in order to meet the and deal with, and we are working on that with airline needs of some colleagues in the coalition. May I encourage operators and the aviation industry generally. the right hon. Lady to take the position attributed to her in the press and make sure that at all times she puts As I said in my statement, the screening equipment the protection of the British public ahead of any protection manufacturers have done helpful work with the Government of her coalition partners? since the incident involving the plane to Detroit. I look forward to establishing a relationship with those manufacturers, along with my right hon. Friend the Mrs May: I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Secretary of State for Transport, as we address yet coalition Government as a whole are governing in the another issue. national interest, and that we are very conscious that the first task of government is to keep the public safe. As I have said, and as I also said earlier this afternoon Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): In the light of in Home Office questions, no final decisions have been all that has happened recently, I thank the Home Secretary taken on the counter-terrorism legislation review, but at and the Government for making the difficult decision, such time as they are taken they will, of course, be in straitened times, to increase our overall spending on brought before the House. intelligence in order to combat terrorism. Will the Home Secretary join me in thanking my constituents who Mr Speaker: I have been saving up the hon. Gentleman: work down the road at GCHQ for the vital work that I call Mr Paul Flynn. they do to protect our nation, and will she join me in encouraging our schools to make full use of the language Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Does this event immersion centre in Gloucestershire, which will be built not undermine the British Government’s justification soon and which will develop the skills in difficult languages for continuing to demand that our brave British soldiers that are so vital to our intelligence work? continue to risk their lives in Afghanistan—that that keeps Afghanistan free of terrorist camps—and ignore Mrs May: My hon. Friend has raised an issue of which the fact that the terrorist threat are not the Taliban but he has particular knowledge, but there is probably not al-Qaeda, which is free to operate in Pakistan, Yemen much awareness generally of the need for people to be and Somalia? skilled in a large number of languages, including some that are not normally taught. I am happy to commend Mrs May: I simply say to the hon. Gentleman that the work to which my hon. Friend has referred. this is not a zero-sum game: it is simply not the case that if we are able to take action against a group of terrorists Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): I thank the Home in one place they just move somewhere else and we then Secretary for her statement. As one of two Members deal with them there. In recent months and years we who were born in Yemen, may I ask for an assurance have seen the sources of terrorist threats become more that she will ask the Secretary of State for International diverse. Our troops have been doing a remarkable job in Development to ensure that aid to that country continues Afghanistan with great courage—great bravery—in order at its current level? to ensure that al-Qaeda is unable to regain a foothold in 645 Aviation Security Incident 1 NOVEMBER 2010 646

[Mrs May] Point of Order Afghanistan. Al-Qaeda is, however, starting to operate 5.17 pm from other parts of the world; that is the diversity of the Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): threat, rather than simply an alternative one. I therefore On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Over the weekend say to the hon. Gentleman that it is right that we there have been reports in the press that children’s commend the important and vital work our troops have hospitals such as the Royal Victoria infirmary in Newcastle been doing in Afghanistan, but we must also be aware will face substantial cuts in funding. I have seen the of the al-Qaeda threat growing in other parts of the work that is done, and I know how much concern there world. will be among parents and children. Will you, Mr Speaker, explain for the benefit of those not familiar with the Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the Home Secretary and ways of the House that any such announcement should other colleagues for their co-operation. take place on the Floor of the House, and will you ask the Minister with responsibility to come here and confirm Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab) those reports, or reassure us on them? rose— Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her point of order, although I am not sure that I will be Mr Speaker: We were about to proceed to the main able to satisfy her with my response to it. The form of business, but not before we have had a point of order Government announcements is a matter for the from Chi Onwurah. Government—that is to say, whether there is an oral or a written statement is a matter for Ministers to decide, not the Chair. I suspect that the hon. Lady will remain eagerly alert for any developments on this matter. The second point I will make to the hon. Lady, which I hope she will forgive me for making, is that I have a sense that her attempted point of order will be communicated to either The Evening Chronicle or the Journal in Newcastle, or possibly both. 647 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 648 Constituencies Bill Parliamentary Voting System and allowing this amount of time today and tomorrow is Constituencies Bill (Programme) (No. 4) inappropriate; we believe that it is inappropriate not to allow any specific time for votes, because it is the right of this House not only to debate but to vote on such 5.19 pm matters; we believe that it is inappropriate in particular The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark to have so little time tomorrow, when we will be dealing Harper): I beg to move, with 28 pages of Government amendments, not a single That the following provisions shall apply to the Parliamentary one of which is the result of discussions in Committee; Voting System and Constituencies Bill, in place of paragraph 5 of and we think that it is inappropriate for no further time the Order of 6 September 2010: to be allowed today, particularly as we have had two, 1. Proceedings on consideration shall be taken in the order albeit important, statements. So we will be opposing the shown in the first column of the following Table. motion. 2. The proceedings shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the times specified in the second 5.21 pm column of the Table. Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) TABLE (PC): As a whole, the Bill is very significant for Wales— Time for conclusion of Proceedings proceedings holding the alternative vote referendum on the same day as the National Assembly elections next May and Amendments relating to Clause 11. 7.30 pm on the first day. introducing an equal electoral roll based on population Amendments relating to Clauses 12 The moment of quota for constituencies are both very damaging measures and 13; Amendments relating to interruption on the first for Wales and democracy in our country. It is an insult Clause 10; new Clauses and new day. that we were refused a Welsh Grand Committee debate Schedules relating to Part 2. on the Bill. Only one clause relates to Wales—it was Amendments relating to Clause 4; 8.00 pm on the second clause 11, but it is now clause 13—and it deserves Amendments relating to Schedules 5 day. proper time for discussion in this Chamber. Specific to 8; Amendments relating to Clause time should have been allotted for its discussion—and 8; remaining proceedings on consideration. not as an afterthought—because we probably will not reach it this evening. We should have had a proper I will be very brief. I am grateful to those hon. debate on the clause for Wales, so we will be voting Members who took part in our five days of lively and against the programme motion. rigorous debate on the Bill in Committee, and I look forward to continuing that debate throughout Report 5.22 pm and Third Reading. Some hon. Members have expressed Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): The time that concern that certain parts of the Bill were debated less has been given to debate the Bill overall is inadequate, than others in Committee. The Government still believe as is the time set out in today’s programme motion. The that five days was an appropriate length of time, and hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr (Jonathan how some hon. Members chose to use the time is, of Edwards) was absolutely right to point out the lack of course, a matter for them, not the Government. time that has been granted to discuss the Welsh aspects The Government are, however, keen to ensure that of this Bill and, in particular, the intransigent refusal to Members have further opportunity to debate all the grant any time to the Welsh Grand Committee process. Bill’s provisions on Report, so the programme motion That is leading to a “bring back John Redwood”campaign prioritises those provisions on which less time was spent in Wales, because nobody can remember the right hon. in Committee. The motion provides that today’s debate Member for Wokingham (Mr Redwood) ever refusing will be on clauses 11 to 13, which relate to the boundary any meeting with Welsh MPs or any meeting of the proposals, with a knife after clause 11 to ensure that we Welsh Grand Committee; I am sure that he would do get on to discussing local inquiries and the decoupling confirm as much himself. clause for the Welsh Assembly. Tomorrow’s debate will focus on the rules for combined polls and the issue of Finally, this might have been an appropriate allocation referendum thresholds. Third Reading will provide a of time for the Bill if it were not a Wallace and Gromit further opportunity for Members to scrutinise and express Bill, laying the track as we go along with hundreds and their views on the Bill, as amended. hundreds of Government amendments. Instead, the Bill should have been properly scrutinised in advance It was right that the Home Secretary came here today and should have been through a pre-legislative scrutiny to make her very important statement about threats to process. For that reason, the time allocated and the our national security. That, of course, has necessitated knives in the programme motion are wholly inadequate. the use of some valuable parliamentary time and I trust that all hon. and right hon. Members will agree that the Question put. time we have left is best used scrutinising the Bill and The House divided: Ayes 320, Noes 241. debating the issues of substance. I hope, therefore, that Division No. 103] [5.23 pm all hon. and right hon. Members will feel able to agree with the programme motion and that we shall move on AYES to debating the Bill. Adams, Nigel Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Afriyie, Adam Bagshawe, Ms Louise 5.20 pm Aldous, Peter Baker, Norman Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): No, we disagree with Alexander, rh Danny Baker, Steve the knives in this motion, and we made that absolutely Amess, Mr David Baldry, Tony clear when asked about it last week. We believe that Andrew, Stuart Baldwin, Harriett 649 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 650 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Barker, Gregory Evans, Graham Jones, Andrew Patel, Priti Barwell, Gavin Evans, Jonathan Jones, Mr David Pawsey, Mark Bebb, Guto Evennett, Mr David Jones, Mr Marcus Penning, Mike Beith, rh Sir Alan Fabricant, Michael Kawczynski, Daniel Penrose, John Bellingham, Mr Henry Fallon, Michael Kelly, Chris Percy, Andrew Benyon, Richard Farron, Tim Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Perry, Claire Beresford, Sir Paul Featherstone, Lynne Kirby, Simon Phillips, Stephen Berry, Jake Field, Mr Mark Kwarteng, Kwasi Pickles, rh Mr Eric Bingham, Andrew Foster, Mr Don Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pincher, Christopher Binley, Mr Brian Francois, rh Mr Mark Lamb, Norman Poulter, Dr Daniel Blackman, Bob Freeman, George Lancaster, Mark Prisk, Mr Mark Blackwood, Nicola Freer, Mike Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Pritchard, Mark Blunt, Mr Crispin Fullbrook, Lorraine Laws, rh Mr David Pugh, Dr John Boles, Nick Fuller, Richard Leadsom, Andrea Raab, Mr Dominic Bottomley, Peter Garnier, Mr Edward Lee, Jessica Randall, rh Mr John Bradley, Karen Garnier, Mark Lee, Dr Phillip Reckless, Mark Brady, Mr Graham Gauke, Mr David Leech, Mr John Redwood, rh Mr John Brake, Tom Gibb, Mr Nick Leslie, Charlotte Rees-Mogg, Jacob Bray, Angie Gilbert, Stephen Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Reevell, Simon Brazier, Mr Julian Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Lewis, Brandon Reid, Mr Alan Bridgen, Andrew Glen, John Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Brine, Mr Steve Goldsmith, Zac Lidington, Mr David Robathan, Mr Andrew Brokenshire, James Goodwill, Mr Robert Lilley, rh Mr Peter Robertson, Hugh Brooke, Annette Gove, rh Michael Lloyd, Stephen Robertson, Mr Laurence Browne, Mr Jeremy Graham, Richard Lord, Jonathan Rogerson, Dan Rosindell, Andrew Bruce, Fiona Grant, Mrs Helen Loughton, Tim Burley, Mr Aidan Gray, Mr James Rudd, Amber Luff, Peter Burns, Conor Grayling, rh Chris Ruffley, Mr David Lumley, Karen Burns, Mr Simon Green, Damian Russell, Bob Macleod, Mary Burrowes, Mr David Greening, Justine Rutley, David Main, Mrs Anne Burstow, Paul Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Sanders, Mr Adrian Burt, Alistair Griffiths, Andrew Maude, rh Mr Francis Sandys, Laura Burt, Lorely Gummer, Ben May, rh Mrs Theresa Scott, Mr Lee Byles, Dan Gyimah, Mr Sam Maynard, Paul Selous, Andrew Cable, rh Vince Hague, rh Mr William McCartney, Jason Shapps, rh Grant Cairns, Alun Halfon, Robert McCartney, Karl Sharma, Alok Cameron, rh Mr David Hames, Duncan McIntosh, Miss Anne Shelbrooke, Alec Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hammond, rh Mr Philip McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Simmonds, Mark Carmichael, Mr Alistair Hammond, Stephen McPartland, Stephen Simpson, Mr Keith Carmichael, Neil Hancock, Matthew McVey, Esther Skidmore, Chris Carswell, Mr Douglas Hancock, Mr Mike Menzies, Mark Smith, Miss Chloe Chishti, Rehman Hands, Greg Mercer, Patrick Smith, Henry Clappison, Mr James Harper, Mr Mark Metcalfe, Stephen Smith, Julian Clark, rh Greg Harrington, Richard Miller, Maria Smith, Sir Robert Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Harris, Rebecca Mills, Nigel Soames, Nicholas Harvey, Nick Soubry, Anna Clegg, rh Mr Nick Milton, Anne Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Spencer, Mr Mark Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Hayes, Mr John Stanley, rh Sir John Coffey, Dr Thérèse Moore, rh Michael Heald, Mr Oliver Stephenson, Andrew Collins, Damian Mordaunt, Penny Heath, Mr David Stevenson, John Morris, Anne Marie Colvile, Oliver Heaton-Harris, Chris Stewart, Bob Morris, David Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hemming, John Stewart, Iain Crabb, Stephen Henderson, Gordon Morris, James Stride, Mel Crockart, Mike Hendry, Charles Mosley, Stephen Stuart, Mr Graham Crouch, Tracey Herbert, rh Nick Mowat, David Stunell, Andrew Davey, Mr Edward Hinds, Damian Mulholland, Greg Sturdy, Julian Davies, David T. C. Hoban, Mr Mark Mundell, rh David Swales, Ian (Monmouth) Hollingbery, George Munt, Tessa Swayne, Mr Desmond Davies, Glyn Holloway, Mr Adam Murray, Sheryll Swinson, Jo de Bois, Nick Hopkins, Kris Murrison, Dr Andrew Syms, Mr Robert Dinenage, Caroline Horwood, Martin Neill, Robert Teather, Sarah Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Howarth, Mr Gerald Newmark, Mr Brooks Thurso, John Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Howell, John Newton, Sarah Timpson, Mr Edward Dorries, Nadine Hughes, Simon Nokes, Caroline Tomlinson, Justin Doyle-Price, Jackie Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Norman, Jesse Truss, Elizabeth Drax, Richard Huppert, Dr Julian Nuttall, Mr David Turner, Mr Andrew Duddridge, James Hurd, Mr Nick O’Brien, Mr Stephen Tyrie, Mr Andrew Duncan, rh Mr Alan Jackson, Mr Stewart Offord, Mr Matthew Uppal, Paul Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain James, Margot Ollerenshaw, Eric Vaizey, Mr Edward Ellis, Michael Javid, Sajid Opperman, Guy Vara, Mr Shailesh Ellison, Jane Johnson, Gareth Ottaway, Richard Vickers, Martin Eustice, George Johnson, Joseph Paice, Mr James Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa 651 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 652 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Walker, Mr Robin Williams, Stephen Hilling, Julie Osborne, Sandra Wallace, Mr Ben Williamson, Gavin Hodge, rh Margaret Owen, Albert Walter, Mr Robert Willott, Jenny Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Pearce, Teresa Ward, Mr David Wilson, Mr Rob Hoey, Kate Perkins, Toby Watkinson, Angela Wollaston, Dr Sarah Hollobone, Mr Philip Phillipson, Bridget Weatherley, Mike Wright, Jeremy Hopkins, Kelvin Pound, Stephen Webb, Steve Wright, Simon Hosie, Stewart Qureshi, Yasmin Wharton, James Yeo, Mr Tim Howarth, rh Mr George Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Hunt, Tristram Reed, Mr Jamie Wheeler, Heather Young, rh Sir George Whittaker, Craig Illsley, Mr Eric Reeves, Rachel Zahawi, Nadhim Whittingdale, Mr John Irranca-Davies, Huw Reynolds, Emma Wiggin, Bill Tellers for the Ayes: Jamieson, Cathy Reynolds, Jonathan Willetts, rh Mr David Mr Philip Dunne and Johnson, rh Alan Riordan, Mrs Linda Williams, Roger Mark Hunter Johnson, Diana Robertson, Angus Jones, Graham Robertson, John NOES Jones, Helen Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Jones, Mr Kevan Rotheram, Steve Abbott, Ms Diane Darling, rh Mr Alistair Jones, Susan Elan Roy, Mr Frank Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob David, Mr Wayne Jowell, rh Tessa Roy, Lindsay Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Davidson, Mr Ian Keeley, Barbara Ruane, Chris Alexander, Heidi Davies, Geraint Kendall, Liz Ruddock, rh Joan Ali, Rushanara De Piero, Gloria Khan, rh Sadiq Seabeck, Alison Anderson, Mr David Denham, rh Mr John Lammy, rh Mr David Sharma, Mr Virendra Bailey, Mr Adrian Dobbin, Jim Lavery, Ian Sheerman, Mr Barry Bain, Mr William Dobson, rh Frank Lazarowicz, Mark Shepherd, Mr Richard Balls, rh Ed Docherty, Thomas Leslie, Chris Shuker, Gavin Banks, Gordon Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Lewis, Mr Ivan Skinner, Mr Dennis Barron, rh Mr Kevin Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lloyd, Tony Slaughter, Mr Andy Beckett, rh Margaret Doran, Mr Frank Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Smith, rh Mr Andrew Begg, Miss Anne Doyle, Gemma Love, Mr Andrew Smith, Nick Benn, rh Hilary Dromey, Jack Lucas, Ian Smith, Owen Benton, Mr Joe Dugher, Michael MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Soulsby, Sir Peter Berger, Luciana Durkan, Mark MacShane, rh Mr Denis Spellar, rh Mr John Betts, Mr Clive Eagle, Ms Angela Mactaggart, Fiona Straw, rh Mr Jack Blackman-Woods, Roberta Eagle, Maria Mahmood, Shabana Stringer, Graham Blears, rh Hazel Edwards, Jonathan Mann, John Stuart, Ms Gisela Blenkinsop, Tom Efford, Clive Marsden, Mr Gordon Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Blomfield, Paul Elliott, Julie McCabe, Steve Tami, Mark Blunkett, rh Mr David Ellman, Mrs Louise McCann, Mr Michael Thomas, Mr Gareth Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Engel, Natascha McCarthy, Kerry Thornberry, Emily Brennan, Kevin Esterson, Bill McClymont, Gregg Timms, rh Stephen Brown, Lyn Evans, Chris McDonagh, Siobhain Trickett, Jon Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Farrelly, Paul McFadden, rh Mr Pat Turner, Karl Brown, Mr Russell Field, rh Mr Frank McGovern, Alison Twigg, Derek Bryant, Chris Fitzpatrick, Jim McGovern, Jim Twigg, Stephen Buck, Ms Karen Flello, Robert McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Umunna, Mr Chuka Burnham, rh Andy Flint, rh Caroline McKechin, Ann Vaz, rh Keith Byrne, rh Mr Liam Flynn, Paul McKinnell, Catherine Vaz, Valerie Cairns, David Fovargue, Yvonne Meacher, rh Mr Michael Walley, Joan Campbell, Mr Alan Francis, Dr Hywel Meale, Mr Alan Watson, Mr Tom Campbell, Mr Ronnie Gapes, Mike Mearns, Ian Watts, Mr Dave Caton, Martin Gilmore, Sheila Michael, rh Alun Weir, Mr Mike Clark, Katy Glass, Pat Miller, Andrew Whitehead, Dr Alan Clarke, rh Mr Tom Glindon, Mrs Mary Mitchell, Austin Wicks, rh Malcolm Clwyd, rh Ann Goggins, rh Paul Moon, Mrs Madeleine Williams, Hywel Coaker, Vernon Goodman, Helen Morden, Jessica Williamson, Chris Coffey, Ann Greatrex, Tom Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Wilson, Phil Connarty, Michael Green, Kate Morris, Grahame M. Winnick, Mr David Cooper, Rosie Greenwood, Lilian (Easington) Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Cooper, rh Yvette Griffith, Nia Mudie, Mr George Wishart, Pete Corbyn, Jeremy Gwynne, Andrew Munn, Meg Woodcock, John Crausby, Mr David Hain, rh Mr Peter Murphy, rh Mr Jim Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Murphy, rh Paul Creagh, Mary Hamilton, Mr Fabian Woolas, Mr Phil Murray, Ian Creasy, Stella Hanson, rh Mr David Wright, David Cruddas, Jon Harman, rh Ms Harriet Nandy, Lisa Cryer, John Harris, Mr Tom Nash, Pamela Tellers for the Noes: Cunningham, Alex Havard, Mr Dai O’Donnell, Fiona Mr David Hamilton and Cunningham, Mr Jim Healey, rh John Onwurah, Chi Angela Smith Cunningham, Tony Hendrick, Mark Curran, Margaret Hepburn, Mr Stephen Question accordingly agreed to. Dakin, Nic Heyes, David Danczuk, Simon Hillier, Meg 653 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 654 Constituencies Bill Parliamentary Voting System and by the electorate of the constituencies mentioned in rule 6, and C is the number of constituencies allocated to that part under Constituencies Bill rule 8.’. [Relevant documents: First Report from the Welsh Affairs Amendment 182, page 9, leave out lines 18 to 20 and Committee, The implications for Wales of the Government’s insert— proposals for constitutional reform, HC 495. U

Third Report from the Political and constitutional Reform (600-C) Committee, Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill, HC 437, and oral evidence taken before the Committee where U is the electorate of the United Kingdom minus the electorate of the Council areas mentioned in rule 6 and C is the on Thursday 15 July on the Coalition Government’s number of constituencies allocated to these Council areas.’. programme of political and constitutional reform, HC 358-i.] Amendment 184, page 9, line 20, at end insert ‘and accordingly the electorate of each part of the United Kingdom [1ST ALLOCATED DAY] shall be treated for the purposes of this rule as reduced by the Consideration of Bill, as amended in the Committee electorate of those constituencies.’. Amendment 10, page 9, leave out lines 27 to 34. Clause 11 Amendment 186, page 9, line 30, leave out from ‘if’ to end of line 34 and insert NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION OF SEATS ‘the Boundary Commission is concerned that unusual geographical 5.38 pm considerations, including in particular the size, shape and accessibility of a proposed constituency, would require an unreasonable amount Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): I beg to move amendment of time to travel round the various communities within it.’. No 9, in page 9, leave out lines 13 to 20 and insert— Amendment 188, page 10, line 2, leave out ‘ABoundary 1A (1) No constituency shall have an electorate more than Commission’ and insert 5 per cent. above or below the electoral quota for that part of the ‘The Boundary Commissions for England, Scotland and Wales.’. United Kingdom unless the Boundary Commission concerned Amendment 11, page 10, line 10, at end insert— believes there to be overriding reasons under the terms of these rules why it should. ‘(1A) A Boundary Commission shall ensure that— (2) No constituency shall have an electorate more than 10 per (a) in England, no district or borough ward shall be cent. above or below the electoral quota for that part of the included in more than one constituency; United Kingdom. (b) in Northern Ireland, no local authority ward shall be included in more than one constituency; (3) In this Schedule “the electoral quota for that part of the United Kingdom” means— (c) in Wales, no unitary authority ward shall be included in more than one constituency; U (d) in Scotland, regard shall be had to local authority Y ward boundaries. where U is the electorate of that part of the United Kingdom (1B) The Boundary Commission for England shall where minus the electorate of the areas mentioned in rule 5A and Y is practicable have regard to the boundaries of counties and London the number of constituencies in that part minus the number of boroughs; and in any case no constituency shall include the whole constituencies allocated within that part as a result of the operation or part of more than two counties or London boroughs. of rule 5A.’. (1C) The Boundary Commission for Wales shall where Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): With this it practicable have regard to the boundaries of unitary authorities; will be convenient to discuss the following: and in any case no constituency shall include the whole or part of more than two unitary authorities.’. Amendment 185, page 9, leave out lines 14 and 15 Amendment 193, page 10, line 10, at end insert— and insert— ‘(1A) The Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland may (a) no more than 5% above or below the United Kingdom take into account to such extent as they think fit— electoral quota unless the Boundary Commission concerned believes there to be exceptional geographic (a) special geographical considerations; circumstances, and (b) considerations arising from the co-terminosity of parliamentary constituencies and multi-member (b) no more than 15% above or below the United constituencies for the Northern Ireland Assembly Kingdom electoral quota.’. under the Northern Ireland Act 1998; Amendment 200, page 9, line 14, leave out ‘United (c) local government boundaries as they exist on the most Kingdom electoral quota’ and insert ‘electoral quota recent day of an election for any district council, for the part of the United Kingdom (England, Wales, other than an election to fill a vacancy; Scotland or Northern Ireland) in which the constituency (d) any local ties that would be broken by changes in is located’. constituencies; Amendment 2, page 9, line 16, after ‘6(2)’, insert ‘, (e) the inconveniences attendant upon such changes.’. 6A(2)’. Amendment 196, page 10, line 10, at end insert— Amendment 201, page 9, line 16, leave out ‘, 6(2) and ‘(1A) A Boundary Commission shall have power to specify, in 7’ and insert ‘and 6(2)’. certain specified circumstances set out in subsection (1C) below, Amendment 202, page 9, leave out lines 17 to 20 and that constituencies in areas determined by the Boundary insert— Commission shall be— ‘(3) In this rule “electoral quota” means— (a) wholly within a principal local authority or authorities; or U (b) wholly within well-established historic or geographical C boundaries. where U is the electorate of the part of the United Kingdom in (1B) The impact of any decision taken in respect of areas which the constituency is located, reduced in the case of Scotland defined under subsection (1A) must not create constituencies 655 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 656 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill within the remainder of the region or nation in which such areas Amendment 1, page 10, line 25, at end insert— fall which fail to meet the rules in this Schedule. ‘Isle of Wight (1C) The coterminosity of parliamentary constituencies with 6A (1) All parts of the Isle of Wight must be included in a boundaries as defined in subsection (1A) may be specified when constituency which is wholly in the Isle of Wight. the following support such a proposition— (2) Rule 2 does not apply to any such constituency.’. (a) the principal local authority or authorities within the Amendment 4, page 10, line 25, at end insert— area proposed; ‘Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (b) all sitting Members of Parliament representing constituencies wholly or partially within that area; 6A (1) All parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly must be and included in a constituency which is wholly in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. (c) at least two-thirds of all civil parish, community and town councils or parish meetings within that area (2) Rule 2 does not apply in relation to any such constituencies. who make a representation; (3) The electorate of any constituency in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly shall be: and where the Boundary Commission is satisfied, from its own soundings amongst the electorate and the business and voluntary (a) no less than 95 per cent. of the Cornwall and Scilly sectors, that such a proposal is widely supported.’. electoral quota; and Amendment 207, page 10, line 16, at end insert— (b) no more than 105 per cent. of that quota. (4) The “Cornwall and Scilly electoral quota” means C/E ‘(2A) The Boundary Commission for England shall take into where C is the electorate of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and account counties as listed in Schedule 1 to the 1997 Lieutenancies E is the number of parliamentary constituencies which the Act in so far as is possible in accordance with rule 2 above.’. Commission has determined should be allocated to Cornwall Amendment 12, page 10, line 17, leave out sub- and the Isles of Scilly. paragraph (3). (5) The number of Parliamentary seats allocated to Cornwall Amendment 13, page 10, leave out lines 18 to 24 and and the Isles of Scilly shall not result in the electoral quota of insert— any other constituency being compromised in respect of Rule 2.’. Amendment 189, page 10, line 26, leave out from ‘Specified areas beginning to end of line 7 on page 11. 5A (1) The following shall be allocated whole numbers of Amendment 192, page 10, line 27, leave out from constituencies by whichever Boundary Commission is responsible for them: ‘Ireland’ to end of line 7 on page 11 and insert— ‘ the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland shall establish a (a) Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands council areas; Northern Ireland electoral quota by dividing the electorate of (b) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar council area; Northern Ireland by the number of seats allocated to Northern Ireland as determined under rule 8. (c) The Isle of Anglesey county area; ‘(2) The electorate of any constituency in Northern Ireland (d) The Isle of Wight county area; shall be no less than 95% of the Northern Ireland electoral quota (e) The County of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly council and no more than 105% of the Northern Ireland electoral quota areas.’. except where sub-paragraph (3) applies. Amendment 183, page 10, leave out lines 18 to 25 and (3) Where the Boundary Commission consider that they can insert— best have regard to factors in rule 5(1A) and achieve an appropriate allocation of the seats assigned to Northern Ireland ‘Whole numbers of constituencies under rule 8 they may recommend that some Northern Ireland 6 (1) The following shall be allocated whole numbers of constituencies may be outside the limits in paragraph 2 above, constituencies by whichever Boundary Commission is provided that they are not less than 95% of the United Kingdom responsible for them— electoral quota and no more than 105% of that quota.’. (a) Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands council areas; Amendment 14, page 11, line 22, at end insert— ‘(5) The total number of seats to be allocated to any country (b) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar council area; shall not be more than 10 per cent. above or below the current (c) the Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn Isle of Anglesey county number of constituencies. If the number of seats allocated by the area; process described in paragraphs (3) and (4) exceeds or falls below (d) the Isle of Wight county area; that limit then additional or fewer seats shall be allocated as appropriate sufficient to bring the allocation within 10 per cent. (e) the County of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly council of the current number of seats in the country concerned. areas; (6) This adjusted number of seats shall be the allocation for (f) the Highland Council area; that country for the purposes of these rules.’. (g) the Argyll and Bute Council area. Government amendments 220 and 221. (2) The number of constituencies to be allocated to each area Amendment 204, page 12, line 10, leave out ‘The shall be determined by dividing the electorate of the area or areas United Kingdom’. concerned by the United Kingdom Electoral Average and Government amendment 21. rounding to the nearest whole number, unless this would mean that rule 4(1) could not be satisfied, in which case the area Chris Bryant: The Government’s rhetoric suggests concerned will be allocated the smallest number of constituencies that all parliamentary seats should be of exactly the required in order to satisfy that rule. Each area must be allocated same size of electorate, but that is not what the Bill says. at least one whole constituency. It allows for a variation of up to 5% either way from the (3) In this rule “United Kingdom Electoral Average” means national average and creates three special exemptions (where E is the electorate of the United Kingdom)— for Scottish seats, one of which is held by the Scottish National party and the other two of which are held by E the Liberals. We are not opposed to those exemptions, 600 .’. although they look dubious in the context of the Bill’s ? wider attempt to strive for mathematical purity. 657 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 658 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill [Chris Bryant] The six seats in Oxfordshire would, on average, have been 1,907 electors over the threshold, so approximately Our argument is that although the majority of seats 11,000 Oxfordshire electors would have needed to be should indeed be within 5% each way, there are more shed so that they were in a constituency that was shared instances than are allowed for in the Bill where the with a neighbouring county. Indeed, part of the Prime Boundary Commission should be allowed to exercise a Minister’s own constituency, including the Saxon village degree of discretion, because this country is made up of Burford, might have had to be shifted to Gloucestershire. not just of statistics on a map but of living communities Even Burford priory, the house of civil war Speaker with distinct historical, cultural and political identities Lenthall, would have had to be summarily moved from that need their discrete representation in the House. A Oxfordshire to Gloucestershire. system that delivers mathematical perfection may be In Hampshire, because the rules will not allow Isle of aseptically clean, and please the tidy utilitarian and the Wight to remain a single seat, the county would have centralist, but it will in countless cases leave voters on been required to provide 40,000 electors from one or the wrong side of a river, a mountain, a county or ward perhaps two of its existing seats. Most significantly, the boundary, or cultural divide and, thereby, fail the historic county of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly fundamental tests that we should be setting. would have had to find 13,138 electors, or an average of Will those boundaries be readily comprehensible to 2,190 per constituency, from Devon to make up the ordinary voters? Will they match the political and cultural number for six seats. I believe that to be wrong. King aspirations of the discrete communities of the UK? Athelstan determined as early as 936 that the east bank Will they render Members more or less accessible? of the River Tamar should be the border of Cornwall, Frankly, will they look like common-sense boundaries and, although it may be true in the words of the Prime or seem like crazed contortions devised by a centralised Minister that the Tamar is not the Amazon, it certainly desiccated calculating machine? The Government are is the Rubicon—a river not worth crossing. not just insisting on their mathematical equation, of The same is true of metropolitan areas. Warrington course; they are also subordinating any other considerations would have had 119 too many electors for two seats—an of whatever kind, such as local authority boundaries, to average of 59 per seat. The five seats in Birmingham, that calculation. Taken together, those measures will each comprising four wards and with electorates of lead to ludicrous anomalies. between 73,731 and 75,563, would have been slightly Let us consider how some instances would have applied too large and would have had to shed voters elsewhere. at the last election. Wyre Forest is, quite sensibly, In London, Wandsworth would have had 3,427 electors coterminous with its district council, but it would have too few for its three seats, Sutton would have had 1,119 had 2,131 too many electors for the 5% rule. Likewise, too few electors for its two seats, Barnet would have had Shrewsbury and Atcham is coterminous with the former 371 too many electors for its three seats, and Enfield district of that name and unchanged after a number of would have had 219 too few electors for its three seats. reviews, but it would have had 1,552 too many electors. Bath and North East Somerset council includes two 5.45 pm constituencies, Bath and North East Somerset, but it Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): My hon. Friend is would have had to find 1,886 electors from a neighbouring talking about the number of seats within a larger boundary authority. Even Forest of Dean, comprising the Forest area. I am based in Berkshire, and Slough is very of Dean district council and one ward from Tewkesbury different from the rest of the county. We are one of district council, a seat that was completely unchanged Berkshire’s unitary authorities. If the number were at the last review, would have been 383 voters short. calculated on the basis of the whole of Berkshire, there That is why we want to change the Bill. would be a serious risk that the community of Slough— In many cases, it would be impossible to respect which is nothing like the community of Windsor and county boundaries. At the last election, Cumbria would Maidenhead; that is felt by both communities—would have had to find 14,296 electors from neighbouring be muddled up. I am worried that in his very powerful counties in order to make up its six seats. Northumberland peroration he is not sufficiently focusing on the cultural would have had to find 22,529 electors for four seats. differences between different areas in the same county Warwickshire’s six seats, Kenilworth and Southam, North boundary. Warwickshire, Nuneaton, Rugby, Stratford on Avon, Chris Bryant: I have not got to my peroration yet—this Warwick and Leamington, would have needed to find is just the beginning—but I am grateful to my hon. 7,991 electors. Friend for her comments. She is absolutely right. My whole argument is that some of the historical boundaries Mr Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) also represent historical cultural identities. We cannot (Con): How many electors would Wales have had to just draw the lines on the map according to the numbers find to make up its full quota of 40 seats, which the hon. as if people were just statistics: we have to draw them in Gentleman would like to maintain? recognition of the communities and bonds that tie people together. Chris Bryant: A very large number, but I am not arguing against greater parity, as I hope I have made Mr Mark Field: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? clear on several occasions during the Bill’s proceedings. Chris Bryant: I will, but I do not want to take up too However, I am also not in favour of one area of the much time. country having its representation in this House cut by 25%—four times more than any other part of the Mr Field: Does the shadow Minister recognise that United Kingdom. That seems to be a swingeing cut, this is the self-same argument that was made, probably and it will do no good for representation in this House. in this House, some 170 years ago, in the run-up to the 659 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 660 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Great Reform Act of 1832, to justify the idea of the benefit, and because of the knock-on effects there will cultural importance of maintaining all the seats in have to be a radical redrawing of virtually every seat in Cornwall and Suffolk that had existed since time the land. immemorial? It is a nonsensical argument, and we now have to look towards equality. I disagree with him in Mr Mark Field: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? that I would like to see the three Scottish seats also taken out of this consideration to ensure that we have Chris Bryant: I will not give way to the hon. Gentleman the proper equalisation of all 650 seats that should exist a third time, if he does not mind. We have very little in the next Parliament. time for this debate. My final point is very important. The proposed reduction Chris Bryant: The hon. Gentleman should not try to in the number of Members of Parliament will have the misrepresent my argument. I am not arguing in the effect of increasing the electoral quota in all four countries, slightest for tiny seats. I am not even arguing that the even England, where it will go up from 71,537 to people of Rhondda alone have the right to elect in roughly 75,800. Just 204 current constituencies have perpetuity, even though they have only 50,000 voters. electorates within 5% of that number. The knock-on There should be much greater parity, but we need to be effects, however, mean that it is likely that barely a able to balance the needs of parity with the needs of handful of seats will remain untouched. That was confirmed local communities and constituencies of interest that by the heads of the boundary commissions, who told exist around the country. There was no constituency of the Select Committee on Political and Constitutional interest in Old Sarum in 1831 and 1832—the only Reform that the change would result in a complete interest was that of Tory Back Benchers who wanted to redrawing of constituency boundaries. ensure that they were still able to dole the seat out to one of their family members. So it is an argument not against Labour but against the Conservatives. Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): Is my hon. Friend aware that because of the totalising nature Sheffield will almost certainly be entitled to five of the reforms, Professor Johnston said in his evidence constituencies, but with 20 wards it would end up with to the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee three constituencies of six wards, which would be too that this was exactly the wrong point at which to abolish big, and two constituencies of five wards, which would public inquiries? be too small. We would therefore have to split wards in Sheffield or cross the boundaries with Barnsley and Rotherham, which would be tough, as wards in Rotherham Chris Bryant: My hon. Friend, who is on the Committee, are about the same size as those in Sheffield and there makes a very valuable point. It was made very clear to are a large number of hills in the way. In the words of the Committee, even in the short time that was allowed Professor Ron Johnston, it to produce its report, that it would be ludicrous to get rid of public inquiries at this time, when so many “They are going to have to split wards, I have no doubt about changes would be coming up. this.” The complete redrawing of virtually every seat in the Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): land will mean not just reselections but new selections Under these proposals, it is perfectly possible that one for candidates around the country. More than one of the wards in my constituency, East Ecclesfield, could Conservative MP has already told me that the Conservative end up being split into three parts, with one part going Whips have made it absolutely clear to them that if they into the seat of Wentworth and Dearne, one part into do not toe the line, the party leadership will make Brightside, and one part into my seat. it impossible for them to be selected under the new boundaries. What price accountability then? What price new politics, eh? Chris Bryant: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The wards in some metropolitan areas comprise 15,000 or That is why our amendment 9 would provide that the 20,000 voters. Consequently, if the Government push vast majority of constituencies would indeed fall within ahead with their proposed 5% leniency either way rather the 5% rule, but that the boundary commissions should than the 10% that we are advocating, they will have to be allowed a wider degree of latitude where they believe split wards. Contrary to what the Deputy Leader of the there to be an overriding concern, up to a fixed limit of House said last week, and what the Parliamentary 10%. That 10% is actually the difference between the Secretary, Cabinet Office, the hon. Member for Forest constituency of the Parliamentary Secretary and that of of Dean (Mr Harper) has said, there is not a single ward the Deputy Leader of the House. in England that is split between constituencies—not Our amendment 13 would make explicit provision for one. [Interruption.] The latter is chuntering very quietly, a whole number of seats for Cornwall and the Scilly but now he is looking at his phone, so I presume he has Isles, for Anglesey and for the Isle of Wight. Amendment 11 given up on that point. He can pipe down. would determine that wards could not be split between The end result is that it will become impossible for constituencies, and amendment 12 would mean that wards to be used as building blocks, as they currently factors such as local boundaries could be considered are without exception in England despite the fact that it without subordination to the 5% rule, but not going is not a requirement of the rules. Voters will have to further than the 10% rule. become psephological experts to know who represents This country is not a Rubik’s cube devised by a them at each level of government—their councillor, mathematician, it is a complex jumble of communities. their Member of Parliament and their representatives at Some live in inconvenient numbers in inconvenient places other tiers in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. that cannot be readily and symmetrically delineated in Historical communities and towns will be split for negligible equal numbers. I am not defending the right of the 661 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 662 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill [Chris Bryant] Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): The right hon. Gentleman referred to hearings that took place following the latest Rhondda or anywhere else to its own seat in perpetuity. boundary review. Does he agree that one of the most We need greater parity, and that will mean the pernicious aspects of the Bill is that those hearings will amalgamation of seats in many areas, but let us not create no longer exist? The very worthwhile, and I am sure so crude a system that 383 voters have to be found for powerful, representations that were made in his community the Forest of Dean or 59 expelled from Warrington. Let will be denied the rest of us. us not create such a centralised system that the idiosyncrasies of the towns, villages, islands and cities of this land Mr Kennedy: I absolutely agree and endorse entirely cannot find their voice in this House. the sentiment and substance of what the hon. Gentleman says. I think it represents a negation of democracy to go Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (LD): about something so fundamental in this way. I say in a genial way what a pleasure it is to follow the I will explain specifically what we propose in the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant)—it is a amendments. There are a range of options, as we all pleasure because, by definition, if I am following him, know, and nobody has the philosopher’s stone. However, he must have stopped speaking for once. He has been the Government are trying to introduce the artificial difficult to avoid over the past two or three weeks in construct of a capped number of constituencies for the debates on the Bill, and, it seems, everywhere else. I got whole UK. Leaving aside party politics, I think the home on Thursday and there he was in Glasgow on House would agree that there are distinct and unique “Question Time”. geographical considerations in places such as the Isle of Having said that, we have great sympathy with many Wight, in Cornwall, with its relationships between places of the principles that the hon. Gentleman enunciated. I on each side of the Tamar, and in the highlands and wish to confine my remarks to amendments 182 to 184, islands, a vast area that is bigger than Belgium. I think which go together. We will seek to press amendment 183 the House recognises that in such circumstances, a to a vote if the opportunity arises in due course. The degree of sensible flexibility is called for. This is not amendments are in my name and those of hon. Friends, gerrymandering; in fact the seats that tend to be involved all of whom are present. could not be gerrymandered in a political sense, because I wish to speak to the amendments to add to the they are not those kinds of community. Largely because comment that I made when the Deputy Prime Minister of their sheer disparity and diversity, the individual made the initial statement about this whole businesses. I who happens to be their Member will, irrespective of feel that it is incumbent upon me to say a word or two, their party affiliation, represent a significant link between as my constituency has been put up in lights as some those communities and officialdom at the regional, kind of benchmark, albeit that the lighting has been national and even European level. That is being dissipated somewhat distorted and much misunderstood. I wish to and completely overlooked in the crazy approach that is clarify the matter and refer to the implications that flow being applied, which simply is not suitable and does not from it. make sense given the communities involved. Over the past 27 years, my constituency has been geographically the largest in the United Kingdom. It 6pm was the largest when it was formed in 1983, and some Mr David Hamilton (Midlothian) (Lab): Given that 10 years later, at the time of the boundary changes for we are not going to be partisan, does the right hon. the 1992 election, it remained the largest and became Gentleman agree that the Scottish borders are unique? larger. At the last general election, it remained the It would be ridiculous to talk about Midlothian moving largest and became larger yet again. I have looked back down to take in Peebles and Galashiels or West Lothian at one representation made to the Boundary Commission moving down to take in the borders. Historically, our about that trend and about the sheer size of what areas have had nothing in common, and it would not became the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency, and make sense to make such changes now. indeed I made the same point myself at the hearings on the boundary change. Although I did not oppose the Mr Kennedy: Yes, I agree completely with the hon. proposals to increase the size of the constituency—one Gentleman. In a moment of political frustration when never wants to oppose the inclusion of communities he was Prime Minister of Canada, Mackenzie King where one might find oneself having to go to seek said that the problem with Canada was that it had too support—I felt that the increase was impractical and much geography and not enough history. If anything, would create unique challenges, as I diplomatically put we have more than our fair share of both in Scotland, it, for whoever represented the seat. and that certainly comes through in considerations of I shall be quite honest with the House: having represented the type that the Bill gives rise to. That is why the hon. three such vast constituencies over the course of nearly Gentleman’s point about his part of the country is very 30 years now, I can say that the current one is by far the valid. most impractical. It has to be said that the other two Time is tight, and I do not wish to detain the House were gigantic and posed particular problems, but there much longer. I want to stick to principles rather than comes a point at which geographical impracticality sets becoming formulaic. Indeed, I have far better versed in and nobody can do the job of local parliamentary colleagues on hand, who can provide chapter and verse representation effectively. I would say that point has and who would leave the rest of us goggle-eyed with now been reached. It is no exaggeration to say that I can their statistics and equations, all of which I endorse, I drive for five solid hours within the boundaries of the hasten to add. I am always at my best in politics in such constituency, simply between point A and point B, to situations. The less one understands the issue, the more carry out one engagement, and then have to drive five confident one can sound—witness the shadow Minister hours back. That is just insane. tonight. 663 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 664 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Looking at the proposals, it makes eminent sense that It is never too late for Governments to think again. the Western Isles are, and should be, a distinct, unique This Government should think again, and my colleagues constituency. I remember growing up when the Western and I will divide the House to encourage them to do Isles constituency was bisected and was answerable just that. partly to Dingwall and partly to Inverness. That was an absolutely atrocious affront to democracy for the Paul Murphy (Torfaen) (Lab): It is an enormous communities there. It is a good thing that we have a privilege to follow the right hon. Member for Ross, unique, distinct constituency now, and I am pleased Skye and Lochaber (Mr Kennedy). I have always had that it will stay that way. great admiration for him, as he knows, but the points that he has made about the Government’s intransigent Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) and hard-line views are extremely refreshing and, if I (SNP): May I remind the right hon. Gentleman that the might say so, devastating. He rightly goes to the heart of council in north Lewis was Ross and Cromarty, while our democracy. At the end of the day, it is the relationship from Harris southwards was involved with Invernessshire? between the Member of Parliament and his or her He is absolutely correct that it was a nightmare, and constituents that, in many ways, identifies British people still talk about it because there was a lack of parliamentary democracy.The drift towards an American- accountability—as he said, people on the mainland and style district, which is purely based on numbers and not officialdom could not be reached. on communities themselves, is an attack on the very basis of our democracy in the United Kingdom. Mr Kennedy: I very much agree. A similar argument The right hon. Gentleman rightly points, as we can in applies to the Northern Isles, and it is absolutely correct Wales, to the preposterous anomalies that will result that these respective entities have been recognised in the from the Government’s policy if it is allowed to continue. Bill. That is why what is proposed for the Isle of Wight There will be enormous constituencies in Wales, just as is such an affront. Although the numbers there are huge there will be in Scotland. One constituency might even compared with the island communities that some of us stretch from the south Wales valleys to Wrexham. It represent, the sense of a natural, distinct identity in the would perhaps not take five hours to drive from one end Isle of Wight should surely be reflected in the attitude to the other, but it would certainly take three hours—[HON. that officialdom takes. I do not claim to speak with MEMBERS: “Five.”] It depends how fast one drives, I insight for the people of the Isle of Wight, but if that is suppose. I take my hon. Friends’ point, and they make what people want—representing island communities it very properly—it is a long way from one part of such as Skye, I can well understand where they are Wales to the other. coming from—who are we to pass legislation that thwarts I have had the privilege of representing a south Wales them before they have even got off the starting block in valley for 23 and a half years in this place, and the making their argument? valleys of Wales are very distinct. Our communities run north and south, not east and west. Dismembering Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Do not the right those valleys or including them with others will make hon. Gentleman’s amendments, which specify particular complete nonsense of the community basis of our communities, whether Na h-Eileanan an Iar or Ynys constituencies, whether in Wales and Scotland, or, indeed, Môn in Scotland and Wales respectively, show that the in Cardiff, which the hon. Member for Cardiff North sensible, really flexible way forward would be to leave (Jonathan Evans) will undoubtedly now talk about. detailed considerations to the Boundary Commission and to give it the flexibility to act, rather include in the Jonathan Evans (Cardiff North) (Con): The right Bill specific communities that are to be protected? That hon. Gentleman talks about the history of the valley is the difference between the limited approach taken by communities, but he may recall that when Aneurin the Government and the extended approach taken by Bevan was elected to the House in 1929, he represented the right hon. Gentleman. three valley communities, not one or two. The right hon. Gentleman is over-stressing his point a little. Mr Kennedy: That is a very good suggestion, and I am pleased that Labour Front Benchers are nodding in Paul Murphy: I cannot actually remember when Aneurin agreement. That suggestion is contained in the group of Bevan was in the House of Commons, but he is still my amendments tabled by my hon. Friends and me, which great hero. However, the hon. Gentleman knows that I mentioned. the situation he describes was exceptional because of In the Isle of Wight, in particular, there has been the heads of the valleys situation and he knows my considerable uproar about these issues. The uproar is point is valid. Our local authorities in south Wales are yet to come on the mainland highlands of Scotland, but based on valleys, and our constituencies are based on when it does—I say this in all seriousness and I do make valleys. However, the point is that our constituencies are a party political point here— generation upon generation also based on communities. What Government in their of communities that have stuck with the flame of Liberal right mind could think that the Isle of Wight could be tradition and history in the United Kingdom through anything other than a constituency? The rigidity with thick and thin, when it has been all but extinguished in which the Government are dealing with these issues is many other parts, will absolutely fail to comprehend beyond belief. why Liberal Democrats in government have put their I want now to talk to amendment 14 and to raise the name to such a measure, which takes no account of the business of Wales in so far as it is represented in the very special peripheral circumstances of communities House of Commons. I had the great privilege of being that have helped to maintain the Liberal cause over Secretary of State for Wales on two occasions. The fact generations. that I held that office at all was a recognition by our 665 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 666 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill [Paul Murphy] The Government have been terrible on this matter. Wales has suffered in other respects, including from the constitution that there should be territorial Secretaries cuts, but it has suffered very badly because the Government of State—for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. have not understood the nature of the Union. They are There is machinery in the House of Commons for supposed to be the great Unionists, but they threaten dealing with Welsh and Scottish matters, although I the Union by taking a quarter of Wales MPs away. must tell the Wales Secretary, who is in the Chamber, that the refusal to hold a Welsh Grand Committee on Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): Does my right hon. this issue is a disgrace. When I was Wales Secretary, I Friend agree that it was not Members of Parliament held 22 Welsh Grand Committees—we debated anything who decided the minimum number of seats for Wales in that the people of Wales wanted their public representatives this place but the Speaker’s Conference? We have been to debate, whether they were Conservative, Liberal, denied a debate on the current reforms in the Welsh Plaid Cymru or Labour. Grand Committee, but is it not logical to debate changing the number of seats after a referendum on greater Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab): Why does my law-making powers for the National Assembly for Wales? right hon. Friend think the Wales Secretary has not held a Welsh Grand Committee? Paul Murphy: Of course. Another aspect of the Bill is the Government’s singular failure to consult the First Ministers for Wales, Northern Paul Murphy: I have not the slightest idea other than Ireland or Scotland. Had they held proper consultations that the Secretary of State wants to avoid a debate or on the Bill, it could have been different, but there has the difficult questions that might be raised. The been no pre-legislative scrutiny, and the Welsh and constitutional aspects of the Welsh Grand Committee Scottish Affairs Committees have condemned the will be debated elsewhere in the House this week. Wales Government for their lack of scrutiny. Members have taken the unusual step of calling a meeting of the Welsh parliamentary party, which was established in the later part of the 19th century—it Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon) (Lab): My right hon. represents all Wales MPs. It will meet under the Friend makes a strong point. Does he agree that the chairmanship of my right hon. Friend the Member for excellent report published last week by the Welsh Affairs Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) on Wednesday as an alternative Committee is an indication of the strength of feeling in to the Welsh Grand Committee, but we should never be Wales that he describes, because it was a unanimous in this position in the first place. I think the Secretary of report? State, for whom I have great regard, has caused more trouble by not allowing debate in the Grand Committee. Paul Murphy: Indeed—the Chair of the Committee is my neighbour, the hon. Member for Monmouth The House of Commons has special machinery for (David T. C. Davies). The Committee’s report condemns dealing with Wales business, but taking 25% of our the Government for how they have dealt with this Members of Parliament away goes completely against matter. the devolution settlement that was voted for by the people of Wales in 1997. That settlement is that we should have not only an Assembly, but proper representation 6.15 pm of Members of Parliament from Wales. We certainly Ms Louise Bagshawe (Corby) (Con): The right hon. should not have less representation than we had in Gentleman is making an astonishing argument. Does 1832, when it was established that there would be he not understand that the preservation of the Union 35 Members. will be best served by remedying the democratic deficit The Minister represents the Forest of Dean, which is and allaying the anger that voters in England feel because a distinct community—it has usually been represented they are under-represented compared with voters in by Labour Members, but not since the previous Parliament. Wales and Scotland? The miners there would have recognised, because they understood such issues, that there is a special case in Paul Murphy: Absolutely to the contrary. The Union Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland for smaller nations is protected because it recognises the different parts to be represented in the UK Parliament. Such representation within it—whether Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. guards the interests of the people of Wales, Scotland Devolution has strengthened the Union, but it will be and Northern Ireland. The Government, from the Wales weakened by these proposals, because the Bill fundamentally Secretary to the Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister goes against the concept of the representation of smaller and the rest of their colleagues have singularly failed to nations within a United Kingdom. understand that that representation, if nothing else, guarantees the Union, because Wales is properly represented Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): The right as a small nation. hon. Gentleman served with great distinction as Secretary I am not a Welsh speaker but I very much respect of State for Northern Ireland as well as Secretary of those who are. Some 21% of the people in Wales speak State for Wales. He makes a valid point. At the times of Welsh as their first language. The Welsh Affairs Committee the Belfast and St Andrews agreements, it was clear that heard that minorities in European countries are properly part of the settlement was that there should be no represented in their Parliaments. That should also apply question of any change in the representation of Northern to Welsh speakers, but under the proposals, fewer Welsh Ireland in the House. That was never raised as an issue, speakers will be represented in Welsh constituencies because everyone was agreed and settled on it. That was than now. the basis on which devolution took place. 667 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 668 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Paul Murphy: The Government have ripped up that within countries in a very special way? But I suppose settlement as they have ripped up the devolution settlements that some Members from England would not understand in Wales and Scotland. that.

Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): My right Chris Ruane: My hon. Friend gave some excellent hon. Friend makes a powerful case for Wales, but the international examples. Is there any danger that those proposals affect many communities in England. My countries will be copying this Tory model in revised small town of Rotherham, which has three MPs, would constitutions? rather affiliate or fuse with the Western Isles or Wales than have anything to do with Sheffield. There will be Paul Murphy: I very much doubt it. The whole point huge anger, concern and distress if we are reduced to is that the Government have handled the matter atrociously. American-style districts with boundaries rejigged to At the end of the day, this is not about better democracy; suit the Government. They talk of a democratic deficit, frankly, it is about the fortunes of the Conservative but they are destroying the traditions of this House of party. In taking that approach, the whole basis of our Commons for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern parliamentary democracy will be threatened. Ireland. Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): I Paul Murphy: I entirely agree with my right hon. wish to speak to my amendment 207, but first may I say Friend. I would not want to come between Sheffield how much I agreed with the hon. Member for Rhondda and Rotherham Members, but I understand his point. (Chris Bryant)—I am surprised to be saying it, but he The Bill is a two-pronged attack on our parliamentary will be even more surprised—who spoke a great deal of traditions. On the one hand, it reduces the link between sense about not making constituencies purely numerical a Member of Parliament and his or her constituency compartmentalisations? This country has such a rich and the community that that constituency represents; history of communities, and when it is a case of a few and on the other, the Government’s policies on Wales, hundred here or a few hundred there, we ought to be Scotland and Northern Ireland threaten the very integrity more generous than this very rigorous and rigid approach. of the Union. Many Government Members, as well as Opposition Members, feel that. Angela Smith: I should like to put on record the fact This matter ought to be looked at in a broader context that Sheffield would love to absorb Rotherham and have more cross-party support. The one area on constituencies. Sheffield’s much greater fear is that it which I disagree with Opposition Members is the advantage will end up sharing constituencies with Derbyshire or to the Conservative party, which I think will be remarkably West Yorkshire or, God forbid, even Leeds. small. Paul Murphy: Again, I would not want to interfere in Yorkshire traditions. Kevin Brennan: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving way, particularly so early in his remarks. I have read his interesting amendment. Does he hope that Mr MacNeil: Does the right hon. Gentleman agree the flexibility around historical county boundaries for that the 88-year-old state of the United Kingdom is a which he is looking might find more favour in another very unbalanced Union? Some 8% to 10% of Members place, if not with the Conservative Front-Bench team are from Scotland, and there is a percentage of MPs tonight? from Wales. However, if the UK were a proper union between nations, the percentage would be more equal between the constituent parts rather than grossly Jacob Rees-Mogg: It had occurred to me that I might imbalanced. For the record, I would prefer it if Scotland suggest to my noble kinsman that he might wish to needed to send no one down here, but this 88-year-old move a similar amendment. I look forward to doing state is unbalanced. that after this evening’s debate, if Her Majesty’s Government are not kind enough to accept my amendment. Paul Murphy: I am sure the hon. Gentleman will I hope I do not bore the House by going on about agree that whatever his ideal, he is against a reduction in history too much, but not far from here, outside the the number of Scotland and Wales MPs to represent House of Lords, is a statue of Richard the Lionheart— Scottish and Welsh interests in the House. Richard I—who was a great, noble king of England. It was in his reign that people first came from the shires to Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con): I have advise the king. His reign began in 1189—that is more listened carefully to the right hon. Gentleman. I totally than 800 years of counties being represented in Parliament. agree with him, and nobody is a fiercer Unionist than I I am sorry to say that those Members who represent am, but the way to preserve our United Kingdom is to boroughs are very much the Johnny-come-latelies—they show equal respect to all parts of it, meaning every little only got here in 1265. However, those of us representing corner of every country in the UK. How can he argue counties have been here since the reign of Richard I. that one Member of Parliament should come to the I tabled my amendment because it seems a great House with a greater weight of votes behind them than shame to get rid of a long-standing historic tradition by Members from other parts of the UK? That is not fair accident, by a rule of the pen, by just doing something and it is not equal. because it is there and it is tidy. I accept, as the hon. Member for Rhondda did, that we need to have a Paul Murphy: Is the hon. Lady not aware that many numerical approximation, but it does not need to be countries, including the United States and Spain, have utterly rigid, and it ought, as far as possible, to respect proper representation of minorities and countries our historical traditions. 669 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 670 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Tristram Hunt: Is the hon. Gentleman more and more developed over centuries, and those Americans realised surprised, when he reads into the Bill, that this proposal that we ought not to enter into such changes lightly. comes from the Conservative party? He understands How different from those on the Government Benches. the Conservative party and its traditions, customs and Once upon a time, in the “Encyclopaedia Britannica”, inheritance, yet this utilitarian Bill undermines all that. there were the words, “For Wales, see England”. That is what Government Members are saying today, because Jacob Rees-Mogg: I thank the hon. Gentleman for they do not understand—or perhaps they do, and this his comments. Reading his piece in the Financial Times, really is just gerrymandering, in which case I am being which made a similar point, I did not understand why kind to Her Majesty’s Government—that we cannot get he was not on the Conservative Benches. His views and rid of 25% of the representatives of a nation within the outlook seem similar to those of what I might call a nation of which it is part, and expect there to be no high Tory. I am delighted that there are others in the repercussions. Some Government Members will hop up House who might be so described. and down and say, “Isn’t this a bit unfair? Aren’t some I do not want to make a long speech. I just want to bits not truly equal?”, but that is not the point. This is make the simple point that we have these great historic about the devolution settlement, which was granted in a traditions, within which we can adopt what the Government referendum. My party was in favour of devolution, but are trying to do. My suggestion would not run a coach so-called Unionists on the Government Benches were and horses through the Bill; it would broadly accept against it—well, some sort of Unionism that shows most of it. itself to be this evening! This is a Government who have already decided that Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): Is it not a sign Chesham and Amersham is part of Wales, and who of how rushed this is that the Government will not decided in the past that Wokingham was too—and the listen to any of these arguments? They are intent on right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr Redwood) smashing this Bill through before the next election. could not even sing the national anthem. They decided that a representative for Worcester could stand up for Jacob Rees-Mogg: I was going to make the cheap the people of Wales. comment that the Deputy Prime Minister is, of course, a borough Member, so he probably has an objection to the counties, because the borough Members used to get Ian Lucas: Will my hon. Friend give way? only half the wages of the county Members. Perhaps there is a long-standing objection to the higher pay we Susan Elan Jones: I would be delighted to, and I will used to get. give way to any Government Members if they have any points to raise. Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): Does my hon. Friend agree that the historic boundary between Ian Lucas: I am grateful to my hon. Friend and neighbour Devon and Cornwall needs to be protected? Cornwall for giving way. Does she agree that the contempt in has a unique identity; it has its own language, and which the Conservative party holds Wales was evidenced should be treated as a special case, like the Shetland only last week, when a Secretary of State responded to Isles and the Western Isles, for geographical purposes. a parliamentary question by saying that the fact that Cornwall’s identity is special and deserves to be protected. Herefordshire had been given broadband services should be sufficient for Wales? What sort of Government treat Jacob Rees-Mogg: I have the greatest sympathy with an essential part of our nation in that way? my hon. Friend’s view, although, as I said in an earlier intervention, in 1362—I think—one Member represented seats from both Devon and Cornwall simultaneously, 6.30 pm so there is at least some historical precedent for Devon Susan Elan Jones: The answer is this ragbag Government, and Cornwall having an association. It is important, who will not stand up for the people of Wales. Indeed, it however, to respect communities as far as possible, so I is no surprise that all this is happening at about the call upon Her Majesty’s Government to be generous, to same time that they are showing exactly the same sort of be kind and to consider the great history of my own disrespect for the fourth Welsh television channel. county of Somerset—[Interruption.] I know that they are not listening, but they might listen eventually. I ask them to be kind and allow us to maintain our great Jonathan Evans: As the hon. Lady develops this historic traditions. It would not much change the Bill, it victimhood of Wales, perhaps she would like to reflect is not a very great amendment and I hope that the on the fact that there are 15,000 more electors in my Government might at least think on it. constituency in Cardiff than there are in her constituency. How on earth is that fair? What do I say to my neighbour, Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab): I am not just 50 miles away, who has 15,000 more electors? Surely calling merely for kindness from Her Majesty’s Government; the hon. Lady should recognise that fairness means that I am calling for decent, adequate representation for my each vote, in every part of the United Kingdom, should home nation of Wales within my other home nation of be of equal value. the United Kingdom, of which the nation of Wales is part. It is ironic that tomorrow, in the United States, Susan Elan Jones: I suggest that the hon. Gentleman millions upon millions of people across that large and go back to his constituents and say, “Yes, of course it’s expansive land will elect their senators, and regardless right that we are open to proper boundary commission of the size of the states from which they come, they will changes, but we shouldn’t undersell our nation of Wales each elect two senators. Theirs was a constitution that within the United Kingdom.” 671 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 672 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Owen Smith (Pontypridd) (Lab): Is not the point that Friends behind him had come armed with formula and my hon. Friend is making—and making very eloquently, fact, because I do not have those to hand. However, in I might add—that we should consider the aggregate supporting the amendment, I want briefly to address effect of the Bill on Wales to be just as legitimate a the principles behind it. question? We should not just compare one seat with What we have in this debate is a straightforward collision another, but compare England with Wales. of principle. The first principle that the Government have put forward in the Bill is that of equalisation. I Susan Elan Jones: I agree, and Government Members have absolutely no problem with that general principle, are showing that they have absolutely no understanding for many reasons. It will certainly help administratively, of the historic nature of Wales inside the Union. as well as with the burden of work. There are many reasons to support that argument, but there is one that Ms Bagshawe: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for I would not have particularly supported, which is the giving way, as I am happy to rise to her earlier challenge. idea it addresses a democratic deficit, because it most She says that fairness is not the point. Is not this Bill certainly does not. It might enshrine some of the inequalities precisely about fairness? Is it not true that we on the that first past the post delivers, but it will certainly not Government Benches are arguing for people and that make anything more democratic. As a broad principle, those on the Opposition Benches are arguing for geography? however, for equal work across the constituencies, the principle of equalisation is a very good one. Susan Elan Jones: I have always enjoyed reading the hon. Lady’s works in the past, but this is about fact: the At the same time, we have long accepted an equal fact of the nation of Wales inside the United Kingdom. principle in our constitution, which is that of community, which is often related to geography. In fact, the very first speech of any substance that I made in this Palace Albert Owen: In the 1980s, Margaret Thatcher said as was one that I made at the other end, of the building on Prime Minister that there was no such thing as society. exactly that subject, when I argued that we cannot have Are not this Tory coalition Government now suggesting a representative democracy without considering community that there is no such thing as community? and geography, in addition to the mathematical numbers of people involved. Susan Elan Jones: I agree with my hon. Friend. This Government are also saying that there is no such thing as Welsh society, and it is downright shameful to see Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): Does my Ministers from Wales on the Front Bench who are hon. Friend agree that by supporting the cross-party barely responding to the points being made. campaign to keep Cornwall whole, this Parliament will be demonstrating that it is listening to the people of Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): Does my hon. Cornwall? We have a golden opportunity in this Parliament Friend share my distaste, not to say disgust, at the fact to rebuild citizens’ confidence in our democracy and to that if the proposal is put through, it will be done ensure that MPs can earn their respect. In respecting against the wishes of both the Welsh Assembly Government the aspirations of the people of Cornwall, with our and the majority of parliamentarians from Wales in this distinct culture, history and language, we will be taking place, and without any consultation whatever with Welsh a step in the right direction and building confidence in society? This Union is a fragile beast. Devolution has this Parliament. evolved very carefully, bit by bit. Does she agree that if what is proposed were done, it would be the first time in John Thurso: My hon. Friend makes a very full point, the history of this place that such a proposal were although I would not wish to engage with her directly agreed against the wishes of the majority of our nation? because I want to be brief and allow other Members to Does she hope that the other place has more sense and take part. constitutionally challenges this proposal? Mr McCann: Some eminent historians have already Susan Elan Jones: I would indeed hope that that participated in this debate, so I will go for some other would be the case. quotations. Groucho Marx said, “Here are my principles, I do not wish to continue in the same vein, because but if you don’t like them, I have another set here.” In my point has been made. Indeed, it was made by the the light of the contribution made by my hon. Friend former Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the the Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant), may I ask the Member for Torfaen (Paul Murphy), and many others. hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter However, it is a sad reflection that the Government are Ross (John Thurso) how he can reconcile the exceptions choosing to wipe away so many centuries of history and for the Western Isles, Northern Isles and other areas to send the message to the people of Wales that they are when the Government are sticking rigidly to an arithmetical sending. I do not believe that democracy will be better formula in this legislation? for this proposal. I do not believe that this proposal will better enable the people of Wales to be represented in John Thurso: The hon. Gentleman begins to make this place, and I fear for the consequences of this the precise point that I wish to develop, which is that measure. this Bill already accepts the principle that there are geographical areas or communities that are either too John Thurso (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) disparate or too distinct simply to be left. There is (LD): I rise in support of amendment 183, which my nothing against that principle in the Bill. One could right hon. Friend the Member for Ross, Skye and have argued—historically, it would have been easy to do Lochaber (Mr Kennedy) spoke to so eloquently. I hope so—for the old Norse principality of Orkney, which he was not referring to me when he said that his hon. included Caithness. We could have gone back to Caithness, 673 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 674 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill [John Thurso] constituent parts of the United Kingdom. I have no issue with that, and I agree with it in principle, although Orkney and Shetland. The Government have recognised I am not here to legislate for other parts of the United that certain geographical difficulties make it important Kingdom. to have regard to them when building constituencies. I tabled amendment 192 because the Government seem to have set their face against separate electoral Chris Bryant: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? quotas for constituent parts. It calls for a distinct Northern Ireland quota. If the seat reduction goes through, we John Thurso: If the hon. Gentleman will let me first will end up with about 15 constituencies. Because the develop my argument, I will happily give way. boundaries will be changed every five years, according We have heard today from both sides of the House a to the UK quota arithmetic, it could be that under the variety of examples of why the two principles have Sainte-Laguë system for distributing seats to the four worked in tension against each other for the benefit of constituent boundary commissions the following boundary the country. My broad argument is about removing review might reduce the number of seats in Northern that, suggesting an arithmetical figure, and making two Ireland to 14, and the boundary review after that, exceptions. The exception of size is almost irrelevant, depending on what happens with registration, might because it would change the constituency of my right raise the number again. hon. Friend the Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber Chopping and changing the number of seats in Northern and mine, and Inverness would probably disappear. In Ireland every five years without any regard to either a the tension between those two principles, which have sense of equality or a quota that relates to Northern been dealt with by the boundary commission and through Ireland’s particular circumstances has difficulties. My inquiry, we have broadly arrived at a workable set of amendments, which are specifically about Northern solutions. Therefore, like the amendment, I urge that Ireland, could stand so I ask the Government to consider we take a similar approach while respecting all the them even if they combine to defeat the other amendments, Government’s principles. which sensibly and correctly call for discrete quotas. If separate boundary commissions are to be given particular Chris Bryant: The hon. Gentleman is making a splendid tasks for particular areas, they should at least be mandated case. Some of us believe that his constituency should be to produce a specific quota for those areas. called Thurso. He wants us to support his amendment, which we are happy to do, but I hope he recognises that 6.45 pm it might be better not to make allowances just for named constituencies, but to allow greater flexibility Mr MacNeil: The hon. Gentleman makes a good and throughout the country so that wards and communities interesting point in that it underlines the general population do not have to be split. He would then have to vote for instability in the UK. Recent scholars of the Union our amendment. have pointed out that the Scottish percentage of the UK population has decreased. In the years to come, John Thurso: I am receptive to the hon. Gentleman’s given the pattern of movement in the UK and the way argument. However, if he knew my constituency, he in which the economy is run from the south-east England, would know that saying it might like to be called we might see more MPs from England and fewer from Thurso is probably the worst insult that could be delivered Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The hon. Gentleman to the Royal Borough of Wick and to Wickans. May I thus makes a very sensible point. put it on record that I am entirely content with Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross—or however much of Ross Mark Durkan: The hon. Gentleman spells out exactly I may end up with? the vista that is ahead of us with this Bill. Not only are the different boundary commissions not allowed to take There is a clear need for the Bill to be amended and if, account of the totality of circumstances within the given the lack of time, we cannot achieve that, I sincerely territories for which they are responsible, but they are hope that the other place will take a long, strong and bound not just by the arithmetic of the UK quota but hard look at it. This is the sort of constitutional change by the fixed limit of 600 seats. Part of our problem with that simply must not be allowed to slip through on the all this is that we have a fixed limit of seats. There is not back of an electoral pact. one seat more and not one seat fewer; there is just an absolute given number. I can see in that some of the Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): I want to speak to several conundrums that will beset this House every single time amendments that I tabled in this group. Amendments 188, a boundary review is undertaken. 193, 189 and 192 all refer to issues that arise in the context of Northern Ireland. This group includes other Mr David Hamilton (Midlothian) (Lab): Does the amendments that address issues that arise in the context hon. Gentleman not accept that there is no recognition of Wales and the Scottish islands, and constituencies that in 2005, Scotland moved from 72 MPs down to that include such areas. There is also an amendment 58 MPs. If the proposal goes ahead, there will be a relating to the Isle of Wight. further reduction of eight in Scotland. That is an outrageous My amendments are not about “ferrymanders” for reduction in MPs and representation throughout Scotland. constituencies with many islands, nor are they about It is much more than the percentage that is being talked “valleymanders” because of the geography of Northern about over here. Ireland, but they address two points. One is the principle of having a distinct quota in Northern Ireland. Mark Durkan: The hon. Gentleman has spelled out Amendments 9, 200 and 202 would give the four boundary exactly what lies ahead with this Bill. There is uncertainty commissions four discrete electoral quotas for the over the changes that will come with the introduction of 675 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 676 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill this Bill but, in addition, in every single Parliament does he think that will do for the morale of those people, there will be an arithmetic play-off over who gets the when they come to cast their vote? Is it good for last bundle of seats out of the 600. Does a party qualify democracy if those people feel that they are not really under Sainte-Laguë for an extra seat, or does it end up part of anywhere at all? losing a seat in Scotland, Wales or in Northern Ireland? The boundary commission will then be asked to deal Mark Durkan: I do not believe that it is good for with the consequences again. democracy. Thankfully, Northern Ireland now has a more settled process, but we face continuous and unsettling Kevin Brennan: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that boundary reviews, some of which will come into play in the Government’s approach to this Bill, and the observations time for the next parliamentary election but not in time from some hon. Members opposite, profoundly for the next Assembly election. An Assembly election misunderstands the nature of the United Kingdom? could therefore take place within boundaries that are By equalising—except with some exceptions—the about to disappear, and the next parliamentary election parliamentary constituencies, it completely ignores the could be held within different ones. People will be fact that we are a united kingdom of nations of different completely confused. Equally, the number of our sizes. In the United States, where there are equal constituencies could go up and down, because the Sainte- congressional districts, the Senate balances the rights of Laguë method means that we are always in danger of the smaller states. There is no balancing within this Bill just losing or just gaining a seat at each review. for the small nations, which could never ever outvote the interests of the largest nation in this United Kingdom. Mark Tami: Can the hon. Gentleman foresee a situation in which a small town or village could move one way for Mark Durkan: I think I understand the point that the one election, and back again for the next? In the Northern hon. Gentleman is trying to make. Personally, I am no Ireland context, that could have considerable ramifications. fan of the United Kingdom. I am not a comfortable subject of it, and, as far as I am concerned, my small nation is not represented in the United Kingdom. My Mark Durkan: Yes, it could have serious ramifications. small nation is divided between the United Kingdom I do not need to spell out the names of particular and the Republic of Ireland. I have no doubt that that townlands and their hinterlands, but the consequences will be work for another Bill on another day. are obvious, especially for multi-seat constituencies. I want to make the point that the amendment in In the various amendments that I have tabled, I am respect of the distinct Northern Ireland quota has its not saying that we are seeking inequality for Northern own merits, even if the Government, wrongly, unwisely Ireland. The principle of equality of constituencies and unfairly combine to defeat the other sensible should exist, particularly in constituencies that have to amendments that would entrust boundary commissions elect six Members, supposedly on a PR basis. They with their own discrete quotas. should be broadly equal, but they should be equal in a Northern Ireland sense. The other key area in amendments 188 and 193, and particularly in amendment 193, is to do with ensuring that the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland Mr Dodds: On this issue, the hon. Gentleman and I will not just carefully have to respect things like local agree about the Bill’s impact on the Northern Ireland government wards, as the hon. Member for Rhondda Assembly. We might not agree on how we see our (Chris Bryant) has spelled out, which the Bill as it stood future, because my party obviously sees Northern Ireland was already providing for, but will have to have regard as part of the United Kingdom. He is absolutely right to the fact that constituencies in Northern Ireland are to mention the Assembly constituency boundaries, however. also, absolutely by statute, constituencies of the Northern Those boundaries will be about to change when the Ireland Assembly. election is held in 2019, so anyone standing in those elections will have been representing their constituency Under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and the Good for four years, but the boundaries will have been changed Friday agreement, it was decided that parliamentary for the past three years. That is a completely unacceptable constituency boundaries would be exactly coterminous situation. with the Assembly multi-seat boundaries, so changing the parliamentary boundaries means changing the Assembly boundaries. Under this Bill, they will be changed every Mark Durkan: The right hon. Gentleman is right to five years, according to arithmetic dictated by the UK backlight exactly the sort of anomalies that will be in general. We could end up with geo-sectarian issues as created by the Bill. We are meant to be legislating for a result, and with the unsettling effect of boundary the whole of the United Kingdom and its constituent reviews throughout the life of every Assembly and every parts, so let us not legislate to create anomalies. Parliament. Towns and villages will feel that, because of the boundary arithmetic, they are being pushed out of Paul Murphy: I say to my hon. Friend the Member their natural hinterland and perhaps split between two for Foyle (Mark Durkan) and my right hon. Friend the Assembly constituencies, and that their natural base for Member for Belfast North (Mr Dodds) that a great deal their Assembly seat could be lost. There could also be of negotiation and compromise led to the Good Friday implications for health care and other services. agreement, which created the situation in which the parliamentary constituencies equated with the Assembly Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): constituencies. Does my hon. Friend not agree that the My hon. Friend made a point about the people living actions of the Government are such that, if their proposals on the periphery of a constituency chopping and changing are accepted, all that work could be jeopardised at a between elected representatives at every election. What stroke? 677 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 678 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Mark Durkan: I totally agree with the right hon. were seeking to represent the area that he would be Gentleman, who served with great distinction in Northern representing in the next Parliament rather than his Ireland, not only as Secretary of State but as Minister present one. of State. He was also the person who chaired the Strand 1 negotiations. Everyone rightly praises George Mitchell Mark Durkan: I note the hon. Gentleman’s point. I for his role, but not enough praise is conferred on the am not sure that the public would object to lots of local right hon. Gentleman for his role, and for the patience representatives working hard for them and their interests, and perspicacity that he showed at that time. I must but I understand the complication that he alludes to. remind him, however, that in those negotiations, some There is a glaring absence of any reference to the of us were advocating that Northern Ireland should be Northern Ireland Assembly in the Bill. We have not granted the alternative vote system for Westminster even been consulted or communicated with about the elections as well. He and his right hon. Friend the then process. I have tabled amendments that deal with that. Prime Minister resisted that proposal, however. Whatever the Government’s attitude to all the other very worthy amendments, I ask them to bear in mind Mr MacNeil: The crux of my hon. Friend’s argument that they are in serious deficit in the attention that they is the instability that will be caused by the five-yearly are giving to Northern Ireland. boundary reviews. Does he feel that an opportunity was missed in Committee when the House rejected an Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): It is a pleasure to amendment tabled by the hon. Member for Leeds North follow the hon. Member for Foyle (Mark Durkan), who West (Greg Mulholland) that would have established makes a case for which I have a great deal of sympathy. reviews every 10 years? That would have brought greater I should like to express the great frustration of hon. stability for mainland Members who, rather than looking Members representing Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly over their shoulder every five years, would have had that we have not had an opportunity to advance the some breathing space and a continuous constituency voice of, and the case for, Cornwall in debates on a Bill for at least one Parliament. Does my hon. Friend agree that will have a significant impact on Cornwall and its that, unfortunately, the other place might have to ride to future. We should really have had such an opportunity the rescue of the Commons yet again? before but, because of the arcane way in which we still manage our business in the House, we are left with the clock ticking away, and with very little time to make our Mark Durkan: Again, my hon. and Celtic colleague case. As my hon. Friend the Member for Caithness, has spoken with great sense. Hon. Members will regret Sutherland and Easter Ross (John Thurso) said earlier, what they are doing with this Bill. They will find themselves this is a clash between two principles. The first is that of living with the consequences, and comparing the boundary equalisation, and no one could properly argue against process with the Independent Parliamentary Standards that. However, we must also consider the important Authority process. principle of respecting tradition, history and geography. I draw attention to my amendments 196 and 4. One Mr Dai Havard (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney) (Lab): deals with the principle of discretion for the Boundary The uncertainty to which the hon. Gentleman alludes Commission to apply not just to Cornwall, but to other has particular resonance in Northern Ireland, and places, too. Sometimes people are not aware of the extraneous matter can fill many vacuums, as we have potential consequences that flow from their own community, seen in the past. Does he not agree, however, that that their own identity and their own place. It is important uncertainty, coupled with a fixed-term Parliament, would to have an amendment that provides the Boundary not be good for democracy, because Members elected Commission with a great deal more discretion. The under such a system would be interested not in representing other amendment deals with the historic and essential the people but in the next stage in the development of boundary of Cornwall, the integrity of which must be their own electoral process? respected and protected.

Mark Durkan: I thank my hon. Friend for that point. Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) (LD): I congratulate Like so many other hon. Members, he reinforces exactly my hon. Friend on his contribution and on his amendments, the kind of malign scenario that will emerge as a result to which I have appended my name. On the principle of of the Bill. Boundary reviews will take place during the allowing areas to opt out of the system, it is important life of every Parliament, with an absence of local inquiries, to note the ability to opt to be under-represented. if the Government get their way. Also, as we know from Accusations have been made that the provisions are our discussions in Committee, the Secretaries of State about areas seeking to be over-represented in order to will be able to make modifications when laying reports. get away from the general principle of equalisation. In Boundary commissions will consult first on one report, fact, the Liberal Democrat amendment says precisely then on another. The third report will then be final, but the opposite—that the boundary may be so important the Secretary of State may lay it with modifications. in a particular area that the people in it can signal that they wish to be under-represented, as it were.

Kevin Brennan: Does my hon. Friend agree that an 7pm unforeseen consequence of this electoral hokey cokey, with villages and communities coming in and out of Andrew George: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I constituencies every five years, could be competition for am grateful to all five of my parliamentary colleagues in additional casework between Members of Parliament, Cornwall. With me, that makes six standing shoulder to as happens under the additional Member system? It shoulder together on this issue. We are not asking for a would be utterly unhealthy if a Member of Parliament favour, only for the distinctiveness of Cornwall to be 679 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 680 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill recognised. In a sense, we will be more unfavourably Andrew George: I am grateful for that intervention, as treated. As the statistics pan out for the electoral register I entirely support what the hon. Gentleman said. Indeed, for Cornwall as a whole, the best guesstimate is that, if I have appended my name to amendment 183, which we go for a rounding down of the constituencies, we will brings Cornwall and the Isle of Wight together. It end up with an electorate nearly 10% higher than the recognises that there are already parts of the country quota. whose geographic boundaries need to be respected. The primary principle underlying amendment 196, to which Mrs Laing: Surely the hon. Gentleman is not suggesting I think the hon. Gentleman alludes, is that of giving the that the proud duchy of Cornwall and its proud Boundary Commission some discretion. Although Cornishmen would feel any less Cornish or any less amendment 183 acknowledges that there are five other proud of their ancient historical traditions just because parts of the country whose boundaries should be respected, one of their constituencies happened to have in it a we do not really know how many such areas there are. small part of another country. Surely Cornwall is worth Other places elsewhere in the country might be relevant more than that. when the Boundary Commission is undertaking its work, and hon. Members, completely unaware of the situation, might find that a line has been drawn slap, Andrew George: It is very nice of the hon. Lady to bang through the middle of their constituency—and at take an interest in Cornwall and I appreciate that. If she that point, they will cry foul and ask how it happened. wants to identify the voices of Cornwall, however, she might do well to look at the three Conservative Members When people wake up to the full reality of the way who represent three Cornwall constituencies. They are the boundaries are to be divided, they will understand very clear on this issue, and they disagree with her on that it will result in the effective pasteurisation of that particular point. The fact is that it is the thin end of parliamentary constituencies. They will be homogenised the wedge and a slippery slope. We are moving in the and we will see the denigration of place, the denigration opposite direction from the one many want to see—giving of identity and the promotion of placelessness and Cornwall a stronger say and enabling it to build the bland uniformity. The Boundary Commission should identity of which it is enormously proud. be given the discretion to recognise identity, culture, tradition, history, geography and so forth, so that places with strong identities, historic communities, historic Several hon. Members rose— counties and, indeed, historic boroughs do not find themselves divided up for the satisfaction of the Andrew George: I shall give way in a moment, but let Government’s need for so-called statistical equalisation. me make a little more progress. It is vital for people to understand that we are talking Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The hon. Gentleman about a Cornwall that has a long tradition of culture has made a powerful case about Cornwall. I believe that and a separate language, as others have mentioned. No the amendment proposed by my hon. Friend the Member English counties have a language of their own in the for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) would achieve what the sense that Cornwall does—and it has been recognised hon. Gentleman is trying to achieve. We all accept by the European Commission and other authorities. the need for equalisation, but we also need to allow the The language is recognised and specified in the European Boundary Commission to do what it is paid to do—to charter. recognise that it is not all about numbers; it is also about communities. That is how democracy works: people vote for us; they understand the areas we represent, Angela Smith: I remind the House that Cornwall, and we understand them. along with South Yorkshire, enjoyed—if that is the right word—objective 1 status because of its need for economic growth and because of the poverty from Andrew George: I shall support every amendment which it has suffered. Does that not suggest that Cornwall that achieves the objects set out clearly in my two needs all the representation it can get at the moment amendments. to make sure that its economic voice can be heard in this House? Mr MacNeil: The hon. Gentleman has mentioned history and culture, and there is of course the Gaelic proverb: Andrew George: I agree. Of course we would like to have more than average representation, but we are not “S fhearr caraid sa chuirt na crun san sporran”— asking for special favours. I have said already that we it is better to have a friend in court—and, indeed, Parliament are not asking for favouritism, only for the distinctiveness —than money in the purse. With that in mind, I say to of Cornwall to be respected. my Celtic cousins from Cornwall that Karl Marx in one of his madder moments said that the fate of the Celtic Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): Would races was to be ruled by the Nordic races. Does the hon. the hon. Gentleman associate his remarks about Cornwall Gentleman agree that the treatment of Cornwall could with other areas in the south of England, such as the thus be construed as Marxist? Did he ever imagine that Isle of Wight, which are in exactly the same circumstances? when this coalition Government set out their aims, they The consequences of not associating his remarks with would end up with Marxism in Cornwall? those other areas would mean that the Boundary Commission would have to take completely arbitrary Andrew George: Let me quote someone else. It was decisions, not based on any community considerations, Matthew Arnold who said that it was the desire of a so part of the integral community would have to be centralised state redistributed elsewhere. “to render its dominions… homogenous”. 681 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 682 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): This If we break up our areas, whether they are urban like issue strikes at identity, community and history—all mine, suburban or rural, we will rue the day. We must encapsulated in amendment 183, to which I and other hang on in order to continue to make our political Liberal Democrat colleagues have appended our names. system work—and our political system works because Does my hon. Friend agree with me that the House people see us representing them and understanding should divide on amendment 183? their communities.

Andrew George: I do. I wish to bring my remarks to a Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): I tabled close, as other Members wish to contribute to the amendment 1 to protect the Isle of Wight. The needs debate. and interests of the people of the Isle of Wight are I am glad that we have had the opportunity to talk about different from those of people living on the mainland. Cornwall. I hope that the Front Benchers are listening However, it is not only on behalf of the islanders that I to our debate and I hope that it will not be necessary for oppose the change; my proposal makes better sense for an unelected Chamber to sort out the mess and that the mainland as well. The island needs local representation, elected Members will ensure that we have the right type whether by one or two Members of Parliament. What of election and the right type of boundary for elections will not do is the creation of one whole constituency to this place. We are not asking for any favours for with an electorate of 76,000, with the remaining 34,000 Cornwall, as I have said. We just want the Government forming part of another constituency extending across to be fair—with “fair” being a favourite word of the the sea to the mainland. coalition. On 15 July, the Deputy Prime Minister told the Select I shall support every amendment that achieves the Committee on Political and Constitutional Reform that objects that I have set out. I believe that it is a self-confident we must Government who are prepared to listen and to change “come to terms with the need for extensive political reform in their ways when the evidence is clearly opposed to the order to re-establish public trust in what we do here”. general direction in which they are proceeding. I agree with the Deputy Prime Minister’s words, but it is hard to reconcile them with his actions. His aim is the Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab): I establishment of 600 constituencies of more or less was prompted to speak solely by the words of the hon. equal size. He says that he wants greater public trust Member for Corby (Ms Bagshawe), who said that this and transparency, yet he has arbitrarily decided that was about people. It is not about people; it is about exceptions will be made for some Scottish islands and dividing areas and regions into total numbers, rather not others. That is it: no discussion, no consultation, no than understanding the community. The communities justification. I am not criticising the Deputy Prime in Devon and Cornwall, in Wales, in Northern Ireland Minister for what he said, but he has not satisfactorily and in Scotland exist in my part of south London— explained why Isle of Wight residents are not entitled to homogenised suburban south London—but people live the consideration that is given to Scottish islanders. in villages, they live in communities, and they want to be Like the Scottish islands, we on the Isle of Wight are represented by people. physically separate from the mainland, but our uniqueness Some of my constituents do not vote. They cannot is totally ignored. We have no roads, trains or planes— vote. They do not register. We all know that someone who is black, someone who lives in private rented Albert Owen: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? accommodation or someone who is aged between 17 and 24 is unlikely to register, but those people still need Mr Turner: Not for the moment, if the hon. Gentleman to be represented. When they come to my surgery, I do will forgive me. not ask them whether they are from Afghanistan or What we have is a limited and sometimes eye-wateringly from Germany. They live in my area, and I represent expensive ferry service. It is necessary to live on an them. island to understand how limiting that can be. Some We know that harsh, strict, numerical determination islanders rarely or never travel to the mainland, and never takes account of the value of what we all do as there are times when it is impossible to reach it because individuals in representing our areas and communities. of weather or sea conditions. Ferries themselves provide Dare I suggest that that is part of the big society? A big evidence that the interests of electors on opposite sides society that has no representatives and does not understand of the Solent are very different. The Lymington River the meals on wheels ladies, the people from Somalia, or Association is vehemently opposed to the new ferries on the people who enjoy whatever it is that they enjoy will the Yarmouth-Lymington route, while islanders who do be unable to represent. If we cannot represent and travel to the mainland need the improved services that understand our areas, we are completely lost, and the the companies are trying to offer. value of our system is lost. The role of constituency Member of Parliament is 7.15 pm not respected in the House of Commons, although it is talked about a great deal. The essence of our democracy Albert Owen: Like the hon. Gentleman, I represent lies in encouraging people to vote when, having lost an island community.Although it is linked to the mainland faith in parties and the system, they are still prepared to by a bridge, that does not make it any less an island confide to their Member of Parliament—someone they community. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that those do not know—the greatest secrets about their lives and special characteristics must be preserved, and that the their values, and to tell that Member of Parliament Isle of Wight, with a population of 100,000, and Ynys about a pub or post office in their community that is Môn, with a population of 50,000, are equal island about to close. communities whose uniqueness should be recognised? 683 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 684 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Mr Turner: I understand that perfectly. Let me just say this to the Government. The danger is As well as the two Scottish island constituencies, in their desire to create mathematically perfect constituencies there are other arbitrary exceptions to the principle of and to allow only 5% of leeway to the boundary fair votes. However, it is not all about fairness or unfairness. commissions, and in creating the exemptions for three It is about allowing people to be consulted and to have seats in Scotland, they will undermine the three Scottish the representation that they want, even if that means constituencies and make them seem like rotten boroughs. keeping a larger constituency. That is why the decision The Government will make the whole country look like should be made by the independent Boundary Commission, a mathematical exercise, and not like anything that rather than according to the diktat of the Deputy Prime recognises the facts of life. Minister. When miners went down the mines in the Rhondda My constituency is the largest in the United Kingdom, in the 19th and 20th centuries, they had a number with 110,000 voters. I am happy to continue to be judged stamped on their miners’ lamps. The people of this by those people when it comes to whether I represent country do not want to be just numbers on a miner’s them effectively. The Deputy Prime Minister paid me lamp. The people of this country want to be recognised the compliment of saying that I was well known as an for the constituencies and the communities that are “outstanding constituency MP”. If that is the case, why represented in it, and it is their voices that should be is he determined to fix something that is not broken, heard in the House rather than just the statistics with particularly when his reforms are unwanted by the which the Minister agrees. people who are affected by them? I must end my speech, because we are running out of John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): On a point of order, time. Let me finally say that it is a terrible thing to have Mr Deputy Speaker. You said in response to the point one’s constituency divided. I recognise that that will of order of my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff happen in some cases, but what I do not like is the idea West (Kevin Brennan) that a point about who gets to of the constituency being divided and part of it sent to speak is not a point of order for the Chair. A point the mainland. about which amendments are selected is, however, a point of order for the Chair. My amendment to this part of the Bill deals with the same kind of special Chris Bryant: So far this evening, the Government privilege that other Members have addressed in their have gained no supporters for their argument. I think amendments, but it was not selected. I appreciate that that there is a good reason for that. The arguments the Chair has a difficult task. However, my point of presented by Members on both sides of the House— order is if this Bill had been taken in full Committee, including the persuasive argument of the former leader would not my amendment have been allowed and debated? of the Liberal Democrat party, the right hon. Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber (Mr Kennedy)—can be summed up very simply as “This House does not believe Mr Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member has raised in the Government’s construction of a mathematical this point previously, and I stress once again that it is exercise in order to create constituencies”. Everyone not a point of order. He cannot challenge what amendments who has articulated an argument this evening has expressed are selected. The selection of amendments is the Speaker’s the belief that, in the case of Cornwall, Scotland, the prerogative, and that has been decided. I now call the south Wales valleys or the whole of Wales, we need to Deputy Leader of the House. ensure that minority voices are heard loud and clear in the House. John Mann: Further to that point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker— Kevin Brennan: Will my hon. Friend give way? Mr Deputy Speaker: No, I have ruled on that. Chris Bryant: I will not, if my hon. Friend does not mind. I know that the Minister needs to be able to reply. John Mann: It is an incorrect ruling.

Kevin Brennan: On a point of order, Mr Deputy Mr Deputy Speaker: I think the Member will wish to Speaker. When you called the Front-Bench spokesmen, withdraw that comment, for all our sakes. at least a dozen Labour Members were still waiting to speak. It is clear that not enough time has been allowed John Mann: I withdraw that comment, but further to for the debate. Can anything be done to enable those that point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. The point of Members to put their points on the record? order I am raising is that in full Committee any amendment that is put in the Committee is eligible to be taken, and Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): That is not it is only the time constraints that have required you, a point of order. The point about the amount of time Mr Deputy Speaker, to rule out certain amendments, allowed for the debate has been taken on board, but including my own. that is a decision for the Government rather than the Chair. Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. We are not going to push this any further. I have made a ruling, I stand by that Chris Bryant: My hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff ruling and the Member must accept it. I call Mr Heath. West (Kevin Brennan) knows perfectly well that I entirely agree with him. I note that at least 12 Labour Members The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of have not yet been able to speak, and that is why I will the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): This large speak very briefly now. group of amendments reflects a range of views about 685 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 686 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill [Mr David Heath] More fundamentally, it is the duty of each MP to represent all constituents no matter whereabouts in the representation in the nations and the way in which the constituency they live. I understand the views of my boundary commissions should go about the task of colleagues from Cornwall—my hon. Friends the Members drawing up constituency boundaries. for St Ives (Andrew George) and for North Cornwall Let me start with a simple statement of principle. In a (Dan Rogerson)—but I simply do not accept that Cornwall single-Member constituency system, there must be broad will be any the less “Cornwall” if it is represented by a equality in constituency size so that one elector means Member who also represents part of Devon. I believe a one vote between, as well as within, constituencies. I do Member of Parliament who is doing their job can not think that is a particularly controversial remark. represent constituents on either side of the Tamar equally. The hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) calls it an attitude that is “crazed” and “desiccated”—it is Several hon. Members rose— interesting that one can be both simultaneously—but I do not accept that. My concern about the amendments in this group is that they would all compromise on Mr Heath: I have not got time to give way, I am equality for a range of motivations, some entirely afraid. understandable, others less so. I also want—[Interruption.] I also want to make it The amendments seek to make exceptions for, variously, plain that my right hon. Friend the Member for Ross, the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, Ynys Môn and the highlands Skye and Lochaber (Mr Kennedy) made—[Interruption.] of Scotland, and we recognise the pride and sense of history that underpins each of these claims for special Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. The hon. Member has said treatment. The Minister with responsibility for political he will give way a little later. Let us be a little more patient. and constitutional reform, the Parliamentary Secretary, People want to hear what is being said. [Interruption.] I Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Forest am sure the hon. Member can see behind him, Mr Bryant; of Dean (Mr Harper), visited the Isle of Wight on he does not need any assistance. 1 October and Ministers at the highest possible level have met campaigners from Cornwall to hear their arguments. However, it is not the case that the only Mr Heath: I am most grateful, Mr Deputy Speaker. I argument that was made was in favour of the status am trying to cover quite a lot of ground for colleagues quo; I think the hon. Member for Isle of Wight (Mr Turner) in a relatively short period. recognised that in a previous debate. For example, a I wanted to address the issues raised by my right hon. cross-Solent constituency might have advantages. The Friend the Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and Isle of Wight council has recently made a submission to my hon. Friend the Member for Caithness, Sutherland the Government to create a Solent local enterprise and Easter Ross (John Thurso)—and I know that if my partnership covering the economic area of south Hampshire hon. Friend the Member for Argyll and Bute (Mr Reid) and the Isle of Wight. Where appropriate, therefore, the been able to contribute to the debate he would have said island is clearly willing to develop its long-term interests very much the same thing about the highlands of Scotland. in conjunction with its mainland neighbours. There are [Interruption.] May I correct the hon. Member for a number of shared opportunities between the island Rhondda? He kept on saying that there are three exceptions and the mainland and I believe this willingness to in the Bill, but there are not three exceptions; there are engage could also be demonstrated in a cross-Solent two exceptions and they are, for very clear reasons, for constituency. the two island constituencies where contacts are very difficult. I think my hon. Friend the Member for Argyll Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): Had the and Bute can make a very strong case for his own Government allocated enough time for us to debate this constituency as well, but I do not accept that having a topic this evening, the hon. Gentleman would have maximum size—which it has been said is the size of heard a cross-section of views not only from Wales, Belgium—is unreasonable for the Scottish Members Devon, Cornwall and colleagues from Northern Ireland representing highland constituencies. and Scotland, but from the whole country, expressing The hon. Member for Foyle (Mark Durkan) made a concern about communities being split up and boundaries very important point on Northern Ireland. I expected being drawn on the basis of strange anomalies or purely him to make the connection between parliamentary in accordance with mathematics. In fact, the Government constituencies and Assembly constituencies. Instead, he are in danger of ensuring that people such as those concentrated on the quota and the Sainte-Laguë formula, mentioned by colleagues are under-represented in the and he raises an important point that we need to look House, not over-represented. at. I want to make absolutely sure that the system is fair to all parts of the United Kingdom, and I will certainly Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. That was a long intervention. look at that point. Mr Heath: I simply do not understand this argument I find it very difficult to understand the argument that having equal constituencies with a margin of plus that the Welsh constituencies are badly treated by being or minus 5% represents an outrageous innovation that treated the same as other constituencies, such as those is anti-democratic. That is simply not the case. on my side of the Bristol channel. I do not know whether changing the name of Somerset to Gwlad yr Several hon. Members rose— Haf would have the desired effect of giving us twice as many representatives, but I do not accept that people in Mr Heath: Let me make some progress, as we have the west country should be disadvantaged in that way. very little time. [Interruption.] No, what is patronising is to pretend 687 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 688 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill that we cannot go from one part of a constituency to Flint, rh Caroline McGuire, rh Mrs Anne the other because there is a hill or a river in the way. Flynn, Paul McKechin, Ann That is nonsense. Fovargue, Yvonne McKinnell, Catherine Francis, Dr Hywel Meacher, rh Mr Michael I briefly want to address the effect of Government Gapes, Mike Meale, Mr Alan amendments in this group, which are technical in nature. George, Andrew Mearns, Ian Amendments 220 and 221 allow the boundary commissions Gilmore, Sheila Michael, rh Alun to use the most up-to-date register in areas where publication Glass, Pat Miliband, rh Edward is delayed. If these amendments are not agreed to, in Glindon, Mrs Mary Miller, Andrew some areas the boundary commissions would have to Goggins, rh Paul Mitchell, Austin use the register before the results of the annual canvass Goodman, Helen Moon, Mrs Madeleine were included in it. I therefore hope we can all agree Greatrex, Tom Morden, Jessica that the amendments must be made. Green, Kate Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Greenwood, Lilian Morris, Grahame M. Amendment 21 makes consequential amendments to Griffith, Nia (Easington) other legislation that refers to particular constituencies Gwynne, Andrew Mudie, Mr George by name. We need to make that other legislation consistent Hain, rh Mr Peter Munn, Meg with the new rules for constituencies in the Bill. Hamilton, Mr Fabian Murphy, rh Mr Jim I hope the House will be able to support the Government Hanson, rh Mr David Murphy, rh Paul amendments, and will reject the other amendments if Harman, rh Ms Harriet Murray, Ian they are pressed to a Division, as I believe they introduce Harris, Mr Tom Nandy, Lisa inequalities—and inappropriate inequalities at that—that Havard, Mr Dai Nash, Pamela I personally cannot accept. Healey, rh John O’Donnell, Fiona Hendrick, Mark Onwurah, Chi Question put, That the amendment be made. Hepburn, Mr Stephen Osborne, Sandra The House divided: Ayes 245, Noes 326. Heyes, David Owen, Albert Hillier, Meg Pearce, Teresa Division No. 104] [7.29 pm Hilling, Julie Perkins, Toby Hodge, rh Margaret Phillipson, Bridget AYES Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Pound, Stephen Abbott, Ms Diane Cooper, Rosie Hopkins, Kelvin Qureshi, Yasmin Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Crausby, Mr David Hosie, Stewart Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Creagh, Mary Howarth, rh Mr George Reed, Mr Jamie Alexander, Heidi Creasy, Stella Hunt, Tristram Reeves, Rachel Ali, Rushanara Cruddas, Jon Irranca-Davies, Huw Reynolds, Emma Anderson, Mr David Cryer, John Jamieson, Cathy Reynolds, Jonathan Bailey, Mr Adrian Cunningham, Alex Johnson, Diana Riordan, Mrs Linda Bain, Mr William Cunningham, Mr Jim Jones, Graham Robertson, Angus Balls, rh Ed Cunningham, Tony Jones, Helen Robertson, John Banks, Gordon Curran, Margaret Jones, Mr Kevan Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Barron, rh Mr Kevin Dakin, Nic Jones, Susan Elan Rogerson, Dan Beckett, rh Margaret Danczuk, Simon Jowell, rh Tessa Rotheram, Steve Begg, Miss Anne Darling, rh Mr Alistair Keeley, Barbara Roy, Mr Frank Benn, rh Hilary David, Mr Wayne Kendall, Liz Roy, Lindsay Benton, Mr Joe Davidson, Mr Ian Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Ruane, Chris Berger, Luciana Davies, Geraint Khan, rh Sadiq Ruddock, rh Joan Sanders, Mr Adrian Betts, Mr Clive Davies, Philip Lammy, rh Mr David Seabeck, Alison Blackman-Woods, Roberta De Piero, Gloria Lavery, Ian Sharma, Mr Virendra Blears, rh Hazel Denham, rh Mr John Lazarowicz, Mark Sheerman, Mr Barry Blenkinsop, Tom Dobbin, Jim Leslie, Chris Sheridan, Jim Blomfield, Paul Dobson, rh Frank Lewis, Mr Ivan Docherty, Thomas Shuker, Gavin Blunkett, rh Mr David Lloyd, Tony Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Simpson, David Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Skinner, Mr Dennis Brennan, Kevin Love, Mr Andrew Doran, Mr Frank Smith, rh Mr Andrew Brown, Lyn Lucas, Ian Doyle, Gemma Smith, Nick Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Dromey, Jack MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Smith, Owen Brown, Mr Russell Dugher, Michael MacShane, rh Mr Denis Soulsby, Sir Peter Bryant, Chris Durkan, Mark Mactaggart, Fiona Spellar, rh Mr John Buck, Ms Karen Eagle, Ms Angela Mahmood, Mr Khalid Straw, rh Mr Jack Burnham, rh Andy Eagle, Maria Mahmood, Shabana Stringer, Graham Byrne, rh Mr Liam Edwards, Jonathan Mann, John Stuart, Ms Gisela Cairns, David Efford, Clive Marsden, Mr Gordon Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Campbell, Mr Alan Elliott, Julie McCabe, Steve Tami, Mark Campbell, Mr Ronnie Ellman, Mrs Louise McCann, Mr Michael Thomas, Mr Gareth Caton, Martin Engel, Natascha McCarthy, Kerry Thornberry, Emily Chapman, Mrs Jenny Esterson, Bill McClymont, Gregg Timms, rh Stephen Clark, Katy Evans, Chris McDonagh, Siobhain Trickett, Jon Clarke, rh Mr Tom Farrelly, Paul McDonnell, John Turner, Mr Andrew Clwyd, rh Ann Field, rh Mr Frank McFadden, rh Mr Pat Turner, Karl Coaker, Vernon Fitzpatrick, Jim McGovern, Alison Twigg, Derek Coffey, Ann Flello, Robert McGovern, Jim Twigg, Stephen 689 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 690 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Umunna, Mr Chuka Wilson, Phil Grant, Mrs Helen Lewis, Brandon Vaz, rh Keith Winnick, Mr David Gray, Mr James Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Vaz, Valerie Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Grayling, rh Chris Lidington, Mr David Walley, Joan Wishart, Pete Green, Damian Lilley, rh Mr Peter Watson, Mr Tom Woodcock, John Greening, Justine Lloyd, Stephen Watts, Mr Dave Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Lord, Jonathan Weir, Mr Mike Woolas, Mr Phil Griffiths, Andrew Loughton, Tim Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Wright, David Gummer, Ben Luff, Peter Whitehead, Dr Alan Gyimah, Mr Sam Lumley, Karen Wicks, rh Malcolm Tellers for the Ayes: Hague, rh Mr William Macleod, Mary Williams, Hywel Angela Smith and Halfon, Robert Main, Mrs Anne Williamson, Chris Mr David Hamilton Hames, Duncan Maude, rh Mr Francis Hammond, rh Mr Philip May, rh Mrs Theresa NOES Hammond, Stephen Maynard, Paul Hancock, Matthew McCartney, Jason Adams, Nigel Chishti, Rehman Hancock, Mr Mike McCartney, Karl Afriyie, Adam Clappison, Mr James Hands, Greg McIntosh, Miss Anne Aldous, Peter Clark, rh Greg Harper, Mr Mark McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Alexander, rh Danny Clegg, rh Mr Nick Harrington, Richard McPartland, Stephen Amess, Mr David Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Harris, Rebecca McVey, Esther Coffey, Dr Thérèse Andrew, Stuart Harvey, Nick Menzies, Mark Collins, Damian Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mercer, Patrick Colvile, Oliver Bacon, Mr Richard Hayes, Mr John Metcalfe, Stephen Cox, Mr Geoffrey Bagshawe, Ms Louise Heald, Mr Oliver Miller, Maria Crabb, Stephen Baker, Norman Heath, Mr David Mills, Nigel Crockart, Mike Milton, Anne Baker, Steve Heaton-Harris, Chris Crouch, Tracey Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Baldry, Tony Hemming, John Davey, Mr Edward Moore, rh Michael Baldwin, Harriett Henderson, Gordon Davies, David T. C. Mordaunt, Penny Barker, Gregory Hendry, Charles (Monmouth) Morgan, Nicky Barwell, Gavin Davies, Glyn Herbert, rh Nick Morris, Anne Marie Bebb, Guto Davis, rh Mr David Hinds, Damian Morris, David Beith, rh Sir Alan de Bois, Nick Hoban, Mr Mark Morris, James Bellingham, Mr Henry Dinenage, Caroline Hollingbery, George Mosley, Stephen Benyon, Richard Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hollobone, Mr Philip Mowat, David Beresford, Sir Paul Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Holloway, Mr Adam Mulholland, Greg Berry, Jake Dorries, Nadine Hopkins, Kris Mundell, rh David Bingham, Andrew Doyle-Price, Jackie Horwood, Martin Munt, Tessa Binley, Mr Brian Drax, Richard Howarth, Mr Gerald Murray, Sheryll Birtwistle, Gordon Duddridge, James Howell, John Murrison, Dr Andrew Blackman, Bob Duncan, rh Mr Alan Hughes, Simon Neill, Robert Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Blackwood, Nicola Huhne, rh Chris Newmark, Mr Brooks Dunne, Mr Philip Blunt, Mr Crispin Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Newton, Sarah Ellis, Michael Boles, Nick Hunter, Mark Nokes, Caroline Ellison, Jane Bone, Mr Peter Huppert, Dr Julian Norman, Jesse Elphicke, Charlie Bottomley, Peter Hurd, Mr Nick Nuttall, Mr David Eustice, George O’Brien, Mr Stephen Bradley, Karen Jackson, Mr Stewart Evans, Graham Offord, Mr Matthew Brady, Mr Graham James, Margot Evans, Jonathan Ollerenshaw, Eric Brake, Tom Javid, Sajid Evennett, Mr David Opperman, Guy Bray, Angie Jenkin, Mr Bernard Fabricant, Michael Osborne, rh Mr George Brazier, Mr Julian Fallon, Michael Johnson, Gareth Ottaway, Richard Bridgen, Andrew Farron, Tim Johnson, Joseph Paice, Mr James Brine, Mr Steve Featherstone, Lynne Jones, Andrew Parish, Neil Brokenshire, James Field, Mr Mark Jones, Mr David Patel, Priti Brooke, Annette Foster, Mr Don Jones, Mr Marcus Pawsey, Mark Browne, Mr Jeremy Francois, rh Mr Mark Kawczynski, Daniel Penning, Mike Bruce, Fiona Freeman, George Kelly, Chris Penrose, John Buckland, Mr Robert Freer, Mike Kirby, Simon Percy, Andrew Burns, Conor Fullbrook, Lorraine Knight, rh Mr Greg Perry, Claire Burns, Mr Simon Fuller, Richard Kwarteng, Kwasi Phillips, Stephen Burrowes, Mr David Garnier, Mr Edward Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pickles, rh Mr Eric Burstow, Paul Garnier, Mark Lancaster, Mark Pincher, Christopher Burt, Alistair Gauke, Mr David Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Poulter, Dr Daniel Burt, Lorely Gibb, Mr Nick Laws, rh Mr David Prisk, Mr Mark Byles, Dan Gilbert, Stephen Leadsom, Andrea Pritchard, Mark Cable, rh Vince Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Lee, Jessica Raab, Mr Dominic Cairns, Alun Glen, John Lee, Dr Phillip Randall, rh Mr John Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Goldsmith, Zac Leech, Mr John Reckless, Mark Carmichael, Mr Alistair Goodwill, Mr Robert Leigh, Mr Edward Redwood, rh Mr John Carmichael, Neil Gove, rh Michael Leslie, Charlotte Rees-Mogg, Jacob Carswell, Mr Douglas Graham, Richard Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Reevell, Simon 691 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 692 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Reid, Mr Alan Syms, Mr Robert The House divided: Ayes 243, Noes 327. Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Teather, Sarah Division No. 105] [7.43 pm Robathan, Mr Andrew Thurso, John Robertson, Hugh Timpson, Mr Edward Robertson, Mr Laurence Tomlinson, Justin AYES Rosindell, Andrew Truss, Elizabeth Abbott, Ms Diane Doyle, Gemma Rudd, Amber Tyrie, Mr Andrew Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Dromey, Jack Ruffley, Mr David Uppal, Paul Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Dugher, Michael Russell, Bob Vaizey, Mr Edward Alexander, Heidi Durkan, Mark Rutley, David Vara, Mr Shailesh Ali, Rushanara Eagle, Ms Angela Sandys, Laura Vickers, Martin Anderson, Mr David Eagle, Maria Scott, Mr Lee Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Bailey, Mr Adrian Edwards, Jonathan Selous, Andrew Walker, Mr Robin Bain, Mr William Efford, Clive Shapps, rh Grant Wallace, Mr Ben Balls, rh Ed Elliott, Julie Sharma, Alok Walter, Mr Robert Banks, Gordon Ellman, Mrs Louise Shelbrooke, Alec Ward, Mr David Barron, rh Mr Kevin Esterson, Bill Simmonds, Mark Watkinson, Angela Beckett, rh Margaret Evans, Chris Simpson, Mr Keith Weatherley, Mike Begg, Miss Anne Farrelly, Paul Skidmore, Chris Webb, Steve Benn, rh Hilary Field, rh Mr Frank Smith, Miss Chloe Wharton, James Benton, Mr Joe Fitzpatrick, Jim Smith, Henry Wheeler, Heather Berger, Luciana Flello, Robert Smith, Julian Whittaker, Craig Betts, Mr Clive Flint, rh Caroline Smith, Sir Robert Whittingdale, Mr John Blackman-Woods, Roberta Flynn, Paul Soames, Nicholas Willetts, rh Mr David Blears, rh Hazel Fovargue, Yvonne Soubry, Anna Williams, Roger Blenkinsop, Tom Francis, Dr Hywel Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Williams, Stephen Blomfield, Paul Gapes, Mike Spencer, Mr Mark Williamson, Gavin Blunkett, rh Mr David Gilmore, Sheila Stanley, rh Sir John Willott, Jenny Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Glass, Pat Stephenson, Andrew Wilson, Mr Rob Brennan, Kevin Glindon, Mrs Mary Stevenson, John Wollaston, Dr Sarah Brown, Lyn Goggins, rh Paul Stewart, Bob Wright, Jeremy Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Goodman, Helen Brown, Mr Russell Greatrex, Tom Stewart, Iain Wright, Simon Bryant, Chris Green, Kate Stride, Mel Yeo, Mr Tim Stuart, Mr Graham Buck, Ms Karen Greenwood, Lilian Young, rh Sir George Stunell, Andrew Burnham, rh Andy Griffith, Nia Zahawi, Nadhim Sturdy, Julian Byrne, rh Mr Liam Gwynne, Andrew Swales, Ian Tellers for the Noes: Cairns, David Hain, rh Mr Peter Swayne, Mr Desmond Bill Wiggin and Campbell, Mr Alan Hamilton, Mr Fabian Swinson, Jo Norman Lamb Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hanson, rh Mr David Caton, Martin Harman, rh Ms Harriet Chapman, Mrs Jenny Harris, Mr Tom Question accordingly negatived. Clark, Katy Havard, Mr Dai Clarke, rh Mr Tom Healey, rh John 7.42 pm Clwyd, rh Ann Hendrick, Mark Coaker, Vernon Hepburn, Mr Stephen Proceedings interrupted (Programme Order, this day). Coffey, Ann Heyes, David The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary Cooper, Rosie Hillier, Meg for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that Cooper, rh Yvette Hilling, Julie time (Standing Order No. 83E). Crausby, Mr David Hodge, rh Margaret Creagh, Mary Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Amendment proposed: 11, page 10, line 10, at end Creasy, Stella Hoey, Kate insert— Cruddas, Jon Hollobone, Mr Philip ‘(1A) A Boundary Commission shall ensure that— Cryer, John Hopkins, Kelvin Cunningham, Alex Hosie, Stewart (a) in England, no district or borough ward shall be Cunningham, Mr Jim Howarth, rh Mr George included in more than one constituency; Cunningham, Tony Hunt, Tristram (b) in Northern Ireland, no local authority ward shall be Curran, Margaret Irranca-Davies, Huw included in more than one constituency; Dakin, Nic Jamieson, Cathy Danczuk, Simon Johnson, Diana (c) in Wales, no unitary authority ward shall be included in more than one constituency; Darling, rh Mr Alistair Jones, Graham David, Mr Wayne Jones, Helen (d) in Scotland, regard shall be had to local authority Davidson, Mr Ian Jones, Mr Kevan ward boundaries. Davies, Geraint Jones, Susan Elan (1B) The Boundary Commission for England shall where Davies, Philip Jowell, rh Tessa practicable have regard to the boundaries of counties and De Piero, Gloria Keeley, Barbara London boroughs; and in any case no constituency shall include Denham, rh Mr John Kendall, Liz the whole or part of more than two counties or London Dobbin, Jim Khan, rh Sadiq boroughs. Dobson, rh Frank Lammy, rh Mr David (1C) The Boundary Commission for Wales shall where Docherty, Thomas Lavery, Ian practicable have regard to the boundaries of unitary authorities; Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Lazarowicz, Mark and in any case no constituency shall include the whole or part of Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Leslie, Chris more than two unitary authorities.’.—(Chris Bryant.) Doran, Mr Frank Lewis, Mr Ivan 693 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 694 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Lloyd, Tony Robertson, Angus Blackman, Bob Francois, rh Mr Mark Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Robertson, John Blackwood, Nicola Freeman, George Love, Mr Andrew Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Blunt, Mr Crispin Freer, Mike Lucas, Ian Rotheram, Steve Boles, Nick Fullbrook, Lorraine MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Roy, Mr Frank Bone, Mr Peter Fuller, Richard MacShane, rh Mr Denis Roy, Lindsay Bottomley, Peter Garnier, Mr Edward Mactaggart, Fiona Ruane, Chris Bradley, Karen Garnier, Mark Mahmood, Mr Khalid Ruddock, rh Joan Brady, Mr Graham Gauke, Mr David Mahmood, Shabana Seabeck, Alison Brake, Tom George, Andrew Mann, John Sharma, Mr Virendra Bray, Angie Gibb, Mr Nick Marsden, Mr Gordon Sheerman, Mr Barry Brazier, Mr Julian Gilbert, Stephen McCabe, Steve Sheridan, Jim Bridgen, Andrew Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl McCann, Mr Michael Shuker, Gavin Brine, Mr Steve Glen, John McCarthy, Kerry Simpson, David Brokenshire, James Goldsmith, Zac McClymont, Gregg Skinner, Mr Dennis Brooke, Annette Goodwill, Mr Robert McDonagh, Siobhain Slaughter, Mr Andy Browne, Mr Jeremy Gove, rh Michael McDonnell, John Smith, rh Mr Andrew Bruce, Fiona Graham, Richard McFadden, rh Mr Pat Smith, Nick Buckland, Mr Robert Grant, Mrs Helen McGovern, Alison Smith, Owen Burns, Conor Gray, Mr James McGovern, Jim Soulsby, Sir Peter Burns, Mr Simon Grayling, rh Chris McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Spellar, rh Mr John Burrowes, Mr David Green, Damian McKechin, Ann Straw, rh Mr Jack Burstow, Paul Greening, Justine McKinnell, Catherine Stringer, Graham Burt, Alistair Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Meacher, rh Mr Michael Stuart, Ms Gisela Burt, Lorely Griffiths, Andrew Meale, Mr Alan Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Byles, Dan Gummer, Ben Mearns, Ian Tami, Mark Cable, rh Vince Gyimah, Mr Sam Michael, rh Alun Thomas, Mr Gareth Cairns, Alun Hague, rh Mr William Miller, Andrew Thornberry, Emily Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Halfon, Robert Mitchell, Austin Timms, rh Stephen Carmichael, Mr Alistair Hames, Duncan Moon, Mrs Madeleine Trickett, Jon Carmichael, Neil Hammond, rh Mr Philip Morden, Jessica Turner, Karl Carswell, Mr Douglas Hammond, Stephen Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Twigg, Derek Chishti, Rehman Hancock, Matthew Morris, Grahame M. Twigg, Stephen Clappison, Mr James Hancock, Mr Mike (Easington) Umunna, Mr Chuka Clark, rh Greg Hands, Greg Mudie, Mr George Vaz, rh Keith Clegg, rh Mr Nick Harper, Mr Mark Munn, Meg Vaz, Valerie Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Harrington, Richard Murphy, rh Mr Jim Walley, Joan Coffey, Dr Thérèse Harris, Rebecca Murphy, rh Paul Watson, Mr Tom Collins, Damian Harvey, Nick Murray, Ian Watts, Mr Dave Colvile, Oliver Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Nandy, Lisa Weir, Mr Mike Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hayes, Mr John Nash, Pamela Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Crabb, Stephen Heald, Mr Oliver Nuttall, Mr David Whitehead, Dr Alan Crockart, Mike Heath, Mr David O’Donnell, Fiona Wicks, rh Malcolm Crouch, Tracey Heaton-Harris, Chris Onwurah, Chi Williams, Hywel Davey, Mr Edward Hemming, John Osborne, Sandra Williamson, Chris Davies, David T. C. Henderson, Gordon Owen, Albert Wilson, Phil (Monmouth) Hendry, Charles Pearce, Teresa Winnick, Mr David Davies, Glyn Herbert, rh Nick Perkins, Toby Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Davis, rh Mr David Hinds, Damian Phillipson, Bridget Wishart, Pete de Bois, Nick Hoban, Mr Mark Pound, Stephen Woodcock, John Dinenage, Caroline Hollingbery, George Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Holloway, Mr Adam Qureshi, Yasmin Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Hopkins, Kris Woolas, Mr Phil Reed, Mr Jamie Dorries, Nadine Horwood, Martin Wright, David Reeves, Rachel Doyle-Price, Jackie Howarth, Mr Gerald Reynolds, Emma Tellers for the Ayes: Drax, Richard Howell, John Reynolds, Jonathan Angela Smith and Duddridge, James Hughes, Simon Riordan, Mrs Linda Mr David Hamilton Duncan, rh Mr Alan Huhne, rh Chris Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy NOES Dunne, Mr Philip Hunter, Mark Ellis, Michael Hurd, Mr Nick Adams, Nigel Baldwin, Harriett Ellison, Jane Jackson, Mr Stewart Afriyie, Adam Barker, Gregory Elphicke, Charlie James, Margot Aldous, Peter Barwell, Gavin Eustice, George Javid, Sajid Alexander, rh Danny Bebb, Guto Evans, Graham Jenkin, Mr Bernard Amess, Mr David Beith, rh Sir Alan Evans, Jonathan Johnson, Gareth Andrew, Stuart Bellingham, Mr Henry Evennett, Mr David Johnson, Joseph Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Benyon, Richard Fabricant, Michael Jones, Andrew Bacon, Mr Richard Beresford, Sir Paul Fallon, Michael Jones, Mr David Bagshawe, Ms Louise Berry, Jake Farron, Tim Jones, Mr Marcus Baker, Norman Bingham, Andrew Featherstone, Lynne Kawczynski, Daniel Baker, Steve Binley, Mr Brian Field, Mr Mark Kelly, Chris Baldry, Tony Birtwistle, Gordon Foster, Mr Don Kennedy, rh Mr Charles 695 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 696 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Kirby, Simon Phillips, Stephen Wharton, James Wollaston, Dr Sarah Knight, rh Mr Greg Pickles, rh Mr Eric Wheeler, Heather Wright, Jeremy Kwarteng, Kwasi Pincher, Christopher Whittaker, Craig Wright, Simon Laing, Mrs Eleanor Poulter, Dr Daniel Whittingdale, Mr John Yeo, Mr Tim Lancaster, Mark Prisk, Mr Mark Willetts, rh Mr David Young, rh Sir George Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Pritchard, Mark Williams, Roger Zahawi, Nadhim Laws, rh Mr David Pugh, Dr John Williams, Stephen Leadsom, Andrea Raab, Mr Dominic Williamson, Gavin Tellers for the Noes: Lee, Jessica Randall, rh Mr John Willott, Jenny Bill Wiggin and Lee, Dr Phillip Reckless, Mark Wilson, Mr Rob Norman Lamb Leech, Mr John Redwood, rh Mr John Leigh, Mr Edward Rees-Mogg, Jacob Question accordingly negatived. Leslie, Charlotte Reevell, Simon Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Reid, Mr Alan . Lewis, Brandon Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Amendment 183, page 10, leave out lines 18 to 25 and Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Robathan, Mr Andrew insert— Lidington, Mr David Robertson, Hugh ‘Whole numbers of constituencies Lilley, rh Mr Peter Robertson, Mr Laurence 6 (1) The following shall be allocated whole numbers of Lloyd, Stephen Rosindell, Andrew constituencies by whichever Boundary Commission is responsible Lord, Jonathan Rudd, Amber for them— Loughton, Tim Ruffley, Mr David (a) Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands council areas; Luff, Peter Russell, Bob Lumley, Karen Rutley, David (b) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar council area; Macleod, Mary Sanders, Mr Adrian (c) the Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn Isle of Anglesey county Main, Mrs Anne Sandys, Laura area; Maude, rh Mr Francis Scott, Mr Lee (d) the Isle of Wight county area; May, rh Mrs Theresa Selous, Andrew (e) the County of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly council Maynard, Paul Shapps, rh Grant areas; McCartney, Jason Sharma, Alok (f) the Highland Council area; McCartney, Karl Shelbrooke, Alec (g) the Argyll and Bute Council area. McIntosh, Miss Anne Simmonds, Mark McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Simpson, Mr Keith (2) The number of constituencies to be allocated to each area shall be determined by dividing the electorate of the area or areas McPartland, Stephen Skidmore, Chris concerned by the United Kingdom Electoral Average and McVey, Esther Smith, Miss Chloe rounding to the nearest whole number, unless this would mean Menzies, Mark Smith, Henry that rule 4(1) could not be satisfied, in which case the area Mercer, Patrick Smith, Julian concerned will be allocated the smallest number of constituencies Metcalfe, Stephen Smith, Sir Robert required in order to satisfy that rule. Each area must be allocated Miller, Maria Soames, Nicholas at least one whole constituency. Mills, Nigel Soubry, Anna (3) In this rule “United Kingdom Electoral Average” means Milton, Anne Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline (where E is the electorate of the United Kingdom)— Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Spencer, Mr Mark Moore, rh Michael Stanley, rh Sir John Mordaunt, Penny Stephenson, Andrew E Morgan, Nicky Stevenson, John .’.—(Mr Kennedy) 600? Morris, Anne Marie Stewart, Bob Morris, David Stewart, Iain Question put, That the amendment be made. Morris, James Stride, Mel The House divided: Ayes 257, Noes 315. Mosley, Stephen Stuart, Mr Graham Division No. 106] [7.56 pm Mowat, David Stunell, Andrew Mundell, rh David Sturdy, Julian AYES Munt, Tessa Swales, Ian Murray, Sheryll Swayne, Mr Desmond Abbott, Ms Diane Blunkett, rh Mr David Murrison, Dr Andrew Swinson, Jo Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Bottomley, Peter Neill, Robert Syms, Mr Robert Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Newmark, Mr Brooks Teather, Sarah Alexander, Heidi Brennan, Kevin Newton, Sarah Timpson, Mr Edward Ali, Rushanara Brown, Lyn Nokes, Caroline Tomlinson, Justin Anderson, Mr David Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Norman, Jesse Truss, Elizabeth Bailey, Mr Adrian Brown, Mr Russell O’Brien, Mr Stephen Turner, Mr Andrew Bain, Mr William Bryant, Chris Offord, Mr Matthew Tyrie, Mr Andrew Balls, rh Ed Buck, Ms Karen Ollerenshaw, Eric Uppal, Paul Banks, Gordon Burnham, rh Andy Opperman, Guy Vaizey, Mr Edward Barron, rh Mr Kevin Byrne, rh Mr Liam Osborne, rh Mr George Vara, Mr Shailesh Beckett, rh Margaret Cairns, David Ottaway, Richard Vickers, Martin Begg, Miss Anne Campbell, Mr Alan Paice, Mr James Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Benn, rh Hilary Campbell, Mr Ronnie Parish, Neil Walker, Mr Robin Benton, Mr Joe Caton, Martin Patel, Priti Wallace, Mr Ben Berger, Luciana Chapman, Mrs Jenny Pawsey, Mark Walter, Mr Robert Betts, Mr Clive Clark, Katy Penning, Mike Ward, Mr David Blackman-Woods, Roberta Clarke, rh Mr Tom Penrose, John Watkinson, Angela Blears, rh Hazel Clwyd, rh Ann Percy, Andrew Weatherley, Mike Blenkinsop, Tom Coaker, Vernon Perry, Claire Webb, Steve Blomfield, Paul Coffey, Ann 697 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 698 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Cooper, Rosie Hillier, Meg O’Donnell, Fiona Straw, rh Mr Jack Cooper, rh Yvette Hilling, Julie Onwurah, Chi Stringer, Graham Crausby, Mr David Hodge, rh Margaret Osborne, Sandra Stuart, Ms Gisela Creagh, Mary Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Owen, Albert Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Creasy, Stella Hoey, Kate Pearce, Teresa Tami, Mark Cruddas, Jon Hollobone, Mr Philip Perkins, Toby Thomas, Mr Gareth Cryer, John Hopkins, Kelvin Phillipson, Bridget Thornberry, Emily Cunningham, Alex Hosie, Stewart Pound, Stephen Thurso, John Cunningham, Mr Jim Howarth, rh Mr George Qureshi, Yasmin Timms, rh Stephen Cunningham, Tony Hunt, Tristram Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Trickett, Jon Curran, Margaret Irranca-Davies, Huw Reed, Mr Jamie Turner, Mr Andrew Dakin, Nic Jamieson, Cathy Reeves, Rachel Turner, Karl Danczuk, Simon Johnson, Diana Reynolds, Emma Twigg, Derek Darling, rh Mr Alistair Jones, Graham Reynolds, Jonathan Twigg, Stephen David, Mr Wayne Jones, Helen Riordan, Mrs Linda Umunna, Mr Chuka Davidson, Mr Ian Jones, Mr Kevan Robertson, John Vaz, rh Keith Davies, Geraint Jones, Susan Elan Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Vaz, Valerie Davies, Philip Jowell, rh Tessa Rogerson, Dan Walley, Joan De Piero, Gloria Keeley, Barbara Rotheram, Steve Watson, Mr Tom Denham, rh Mr John Kendall, Liz Roy, Mr Frank Watts, Mr Dave Dobbin, Jim Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Roy, Lindsay Weir, Mr Mike Dobson, rh Frank Khan, rh Sadiq Ruane, Chris Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Docherty, Thomas Lammy, rh Mr David Ruddock, rh Joan Whitehead, Dr Alan Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Lavery, Ian Russell, Bob Wicks, rh Malcolm Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lazarowicz, Mark Sanders, Mr Adrian Williams, Hywel Doran, Mr Frank Leslie, Chris Seabeck, Alison Williamson, Chris Doyle, Gemma Lewis, Mr Ivan Sharma, Mr Virendra Wilson, Phil Dromey, Jack Lloyd, Tony Sheerman, Mr Barry Winnick, Mr David Dugher, Michael Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Sheridan, Jim Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Durkan, Mark Love, Mr Andrew Shuker, Gavin Wishart, Pete Eagle, Ms Angela Lucas, Ian Simpson, David Woodcock, John Eagle, Maria MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Skinner, Mr Dennis Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Edwards, Jonathan MacShane, rh Mr Denis Slaughter, Mr Andy Woolas, Mr Phil Efford, Clive Mactaggart, Fiona Smith, rh Mr Andrew Wright, David Elliott, Julie Mahmood, Mr Khalid Smith, Nick Ellman, Mrs Louise Mahmood, Shabana Smith, Owen Tellers for the Ayes: Esterson, Bill Mann, John Soulsby, Sir Peter Angela Smith and Eustice, George Marsden, Mr Gordon Spellar, rh Mr John Mr Alan Reid Evans, Chris McCabe, Steve Farrelly, Paul McCann, Mr Michael NOES Field, rh Mr Frank McCarthy, Kerry Fitzpatrick, Jim McClymont, Gregg Adams, Nigel Brake, Tom Flello, Robert McDonagh, Siobhain Afriyie, Adam Bray, Angie Flint, rh Caroline McDonnell, John Aldous, Peter Brazier, Mr Julian Flynn, Paul McFadden, rh Mr Pat Alexander, rh Danny Bridgen, Andrew Fovargue, Yvonne McGovern, Alison Amess, Mr David Brine, Mr Steve Francis, Dr Hywel McGovern, Jim Andrew, Stuart Brokenshire, James Gapes, Mike McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Brooke, Annette George, Andrew McKechin, Ann Bacon, Mr Richard Browne, Mr Jeremy Gilbert, Stephen McKinnell, Catherine Bagshawe, Ms Louise Bruce, Fiona Gilmore, Sheila Meacher, rh Mr Michael Baker, Norman Buckland, Mr Robert Glass, Pat Meale, Mr Alan Baker, Steve Burley, Mr Aidan Glindon, Mrs Mary Mearns, Ian Baldry, Tony Burns, Conor Goggins, rh Paul Michael, rh Alun Baldwin, Harriett Burns, Mr Simon Goodman, Helen Miller, Andrew Barker, Gregory Burrowes, Mr David Greatrex, Tom Mitchell, Austin Barwell, Gavin Burstow, Paul Green, Kate Moon, Mrs Madeleine Bebb, Guto Burt, Alistair Greenwood, Lilian Morden, Jessica Beith, rh Sir Alan Burt, Lorely Griffith, Nia Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Bellingham, Mr Henry Byles, Dan Gwynne, Andrew Morris, Grahame M. Benyon, Richard Cable, rh Vince Hain, rh Mr Peter (Easington) Beresford, Sir Paul Cairns, Alun Hamilton, Mr David Mudie, Mr George Berry, Jake Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hamilton, Mr Fabian Mulholland, Greg Bingham, Andrew Carmichael, Mr Alistair Hancock, Mr Mike Munn, Meg Binley, Mr Brian Carmichael, Neil Hanson, rh Mr David Murphy, rh Mr Jim Birtwistle, Gordon Carswell, Mr Douglas Harman, rh Ms Harriet Murphy, rh Paul Blackman, Bob Chishti, Rehman Harris, Mr Tom Murray, Ian Blackwood, Nicola Clappison, Mr James Havard, Mr Dai Murray, Sheryll Blunt, Mr Crispin Clark, rh Greg Healey, rh John Nandy, Lisa Boles, Nick Clegg, rh Mr Nick Hendrick, Mark Nash, Pamela Bone, Mr Peter Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hepburn, Mr Stephen Newton, Sarah Bradley, Karen Coffey, Dr Thérèse Heyes, David Nuttall, Mr David Brady, Mr Graham Collins, Damian 699 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 700 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Colvile, Oliver Hemming, John Morris, Anne Marie Smith, Henry Cox, Mr Geoffrey Henderson, Gordon Morris, David Smith, Julian Crabb, Stephen Hendry, Charles Morris, James Smith, Sir Robert Crockart, Mike Herbert, rh Nick Mosley, Stephen Soames, Nicholas Crouch, Tracey Hinds, Damian Mowat, David Soubry, Anna Davey, Mr Edward Hoban, Mr Mark Mundell, rh David Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Davies, David T. C. Hollingbery, George Munt, Tessa Spencer, Mr Mark (Monmouth) Holloway, Mr Adam Murrison, Dr Andrew Stanley, rh Sir John Davies, Glyn Hopkins, Kris Neill, Robert Stephenson, Andrew Davis, rh Mr David Horwood, Martin Newmark, Mr Brooks Stevenson, John de Bois, Nick Howarth, Mr Gerald Nokes, Caroline Stewart, Bob Dinenage, Caroline Howell, John Norman, Jesse Stewart, Iain Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hughes, Simon O’Brien, Mr Stephen Stride, Mel Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Huhne, rh Chris Offord, Mr Matthew Stuart, Mr Graham Dorries, Nadine Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Ollerenshaw, Eric Stunell, Andrew Doyle-Price, Jackie Hunter, Mark Opperman, Guy Sturdy, Julian Drax, Richard Huppert, Dr Julian Osborne, rh Mr George Swales, Ian Duddridge, James Hurd, Mr Nick Ottaway, Richard Swayne, Mr Desmond Duncan, rh Mr Alan Jackson, Mr Stewart Paice, Mr James Swinson, Jo Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain James, Margot Parish, Neil Syms, Mr Robert Ellis, Michael Javid, Sajid Patel, Priti Teather, Sarah Ellison, Jane Jenkin, Mr Bernard Pawsey, Mark Timpson, Mr Edward Elphicke, Charlie Johnson, Gareth Penning, Mike Tomlinson, Justin Evans, Graham Johnson, Joseph Penrose, John Truss, Elizabeth Evans, Jonathan Jones, Andrew Percy, Andrew Tyrie, Mr Andrew Evennett, Mr David Jones, Mr David Perry, Claire Uppal, Paul Fabricant, Michael Jones, Mr Marcus Phillips, Stephen Vaizey, Mr Edward Fallon, Michael Kawczynski, Daniel Pickles, rh Mr Eric Vara, Mr Shailesh Farron, Tim Kelly, Chris Pincher, Christopher Vickers, Martin Featherstone, Lynne Kirby, Simon Poulter, Dr Daniel Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Field, Mr Mark Knight, rh Mr Greg Prisk, Mr Mark Walker, Mr Robin Foster, Mr Don Kwarteng, Kwasi Pritchard, Mark Wallace, Mr Ben Francois, rh Mr Mark Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pugh, Dr John Walter, Mr Robert Freeman, George Lancaster, Mark Raab, Mr Dominic Ward, Mr David Freer, Mike Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Randall, rh Mr John Watkinson, Angela Fullbrook, Lorraine Leadsom, Andrea Reckless, Mark Weatherley, Mike Fuller, Richard Lee, Jessica Redwood, rh Mr John Webb, Steve Garnier, Mr Edward Lee, Dr Phillip Rees-Mogg, Jacob Wharton, James Garnier, Mark Leech, Mr John Reevell, Simon Wheeler, Heather Gauke, Mr David Leigh, Mr Edward Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Whittaker, Craig Gibb, Mr Nick Leslie, Charlotte Robathan, Mr Andrew Whittingdale, Mr John Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Robertson, Hugh Wiggin, Bill Glen, John Lewis, Brandon Robertson, Mr Laurence Willetts, rh Mr David Goldsmith, Zac Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Rosindell, Andrew Williams, Roger Goodwill, Mr Robert Lidington, Mr David Rudd, Amber Williamson, Gavin Gove, rh Michael Lilley, rh Mr Peter Ruffley, Mr David Willott, Jenny Graham, Richard Lloyd, Stephen Rutley, David Wilson, Mr Rob Grant, Mrs Helen Lord, Jonathan Sandys, Laura Wollaston, Dr Sarah Gray, Mr James Loughton, Tim Scott, Mr Lee Wright, Jeremy Grayling, rh Chris Luff, Peter Selous, Andrew Wright, Simon Green, Damian Lumley, Karen Shapps, rh Grant Yeo, Mr Tim Greening, Justine Macleod, Mary Sharma, Alok Young, rh Sir George Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Main, Mrs Anne Shelbrooke, Alec Zahawi, Nadhim Griffiths, Andrew Maude, rh Mr Francis Simmonds, Mark Gummer, Ben May, rh Mrs Theresa Simpson, Mr Keith Tellers for the Noes: Gyimah, Mr Sam Maynard, Paul Skidmore, Chris Mr Philip Dunne and Hague, rh Mr William McCartney, Jason Smith, Miss Chloe Norman Lamb Halfon, Robert McCartney, Karl Hames, Duncan McIntosh, Miss Anne Question accordingly negatived. Hammond, rh Mr Philip McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Hammond, Stephen McPartland, Stephen Amendments made: 220, page 11, line 27, leave out Hancock, Matthew McVey, Esther from first ‘on’ to ‘in’ in line 28 and insert ‘the relevant Hands, Greg Menzies, Mark version of a register of parliamentary electors’. Harper, Mr Mark Mercer, Patrick 221, page 11, line 30, at end insert— Harrington, Richard Metcalfe, Stephen ‘(None) Harris, Rebecca Miller, Maria Harvey, Nick Mills, Nigel ‘For this purpose the relevant version of a register is the Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Milton, Anne version that is required by virtue of subsection (1) of section 13 Hayes, Mr John Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew of the Representation of the People Act 1983 to be published no later than the review date, or would be so required but for— Heald, Mr Oliver Moore, rh Michael Heath, Mr David Mordaunt, Penny (a) any power under that section to prescribe a later date, Heaton-Harris, Chris Morgan, Nicky or 701 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 702 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill (b) subsection (1A) of that section.’. place within the constituency, Amendment 21, page 12, line 18, at end insert— (b) they shall make available via their website, and if they see fit by other means, copies of their proposed ‘( ) In Part 4 of Schedule 1 to the House of Commons recommendations and information on their effect, Disqualification Act 1975 (offices disqualifying for particular together with such information as they have on the constituencies)— number of the electorate in every sub-division of (a) in the entry for Member of Her Majesty’s Commission every ward, electoral division and electoral area in of Lieutenancy for the City of London, for “The England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, and constituency comprising the whole of”there is substituted (c) representations with respect to the proposed “Any constituency comprising the whole or part of”; recommendations may be made to the Commission (b) in the entry for Governor of the Isle of Wight, for by people whether in or outside any given “The Isle of Wight” there is substituted “Any constituency during a specified period of 12 weeks, constituency comprising the whole or part of the Isle and the Commission shall take into consideration of Wight”. any such representations duly made.’. ( ) In section 8 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 Amendment 15, page 12, leave out lines 35 to 41 and (registration officers), for paragraph (b) of subsection (2) there is insert— substituted— “(b) in relation to any constituency part of which consists ‘(1A) A Boundary Commission may cause a local inquiry to of some or all of the area of the City and the Inner be held for the purposes of a report under this Act where, on and Middle Temples, the Common Council shall publication of a recommendation of a Boundary Commission appoint an officer to be registration officer for that for the alteration of any constituency, the Commission receives part of the constituency.”’.—(Mr Heath.) any representation objecting to the proposed recommendation from an interested authority or from a body of electors numbering one hundred or more. Clause 12 (1B) Where a local inquiry was held in respect of the constituencies before the publication of the notice mentioned in subsection (1) above, that subsection shall not apply if the BOUNDARY COMMISSION PROPOSALS: PUBLICITY AND Commission, after considering the matters discussed at the local CONSULTATION inquiry, the nature of the representations received on the publication of the notice and any other relevant circumstances, is Mrs Laing: I beg to move amendment 205, page 12, of an opinion that a further local inquiry would not be justified. line 21, at end insert— (1C) In subsection (1A) above, “interested authority” and ‘(A1) In relation to a report under section 3(1) that a “elector” respectively mean, in relation to any recommendation, Boundary Commission is required by section 3(2) to submit a local authority whose area is wholly or partly comprised in the before 1 October 2013— constituencies affected by the recommendation, and a (a) a Boundary Commission shall make information parliamentary elector for any of those constituencies.’. available via their website, and if they see fit by other Amendment 209, page 12, leave out lines 35 and 36. means, on their proposed general approach to the application of Schedule 2; Amendment 194, page 12, line 35, after ‘(2)’, insert ‘Subject to subsection (2A) below’. (b) representations with respect to this proposed general approach may be made to the Commission during a Amendment 195, page 12, line 36, at end insert— specified period of eight weeks; and ‘(2A) The Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland shall (c) the Commission shall take into consideration any such cause a public inquiry to be held for the purposes of a report representations duly made prior to the provisional under this Act covering the whole of Northern Ireland, where determination of any recommendations affecting any any representation objecting to a report has been received from constituency. the council of a district in Northern Ireland or from a body of (A2) A Boundary Commission’s “proposed general approach” parliamentary electors in Northern Ireland numbering one shall include, but need not be limited to— hundred or more from two or more constituencies.’. (a) the processes by which they intend to seek to ensure the Amendment 210, page 12, leave out line 41. application of rule 2, and in the case of the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland of rule 7, Mrs Laing: I am glad that we are going to be able to including the circumstances in which they will debate all these amendments in this one debate. It is consider recommending that wards, electoral areas unfortunate that the hon. Member for Nottingham and divisions should be divided between two or more North (Mr Allen), the Chairman of the Political and constituencies, and the information on which they intend to rely in determining how to carry out such a Constitutional Reform Committee, cannot be present, division, and as he would have relished the opportunity to speak to (b) the extent to which they intend to take into account these amendments on behalf of our Committee. I am each of the factors described in rule 5(1), and in the pleased to see that other members of the Committee are case of the Boundary Commission for England of in the Chamber, however, and they may wish to echo rule 5(2).’. those sentiments. In the absence of the Chairman, I shall speak to amendments 205 and 206, which arise Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): With this from the Committee’s report on the Bill—the nearest it will be convenient to discuss the following: that we got to pre-legislative scrutiny. Amendment 206, page 12, leave out lines 22 to 34 and The purpose of amendments 205 and 206 is to ensure insert— that consultation by the boundary commissions is as ‘(1) Where a Boundary Commission has provisionally determined meaningful as possible. Amendment 205 would require to make recommendations affecting any constituency— them to hold a one-off, short consultation on how they (a) they shall take such steps as they see fit to inform intended to approach the division of England, Scotland, people in the constituency of the effect of the Wales and Northern Ireland into constituencies before proposed recommendations and that a copy of the the first review—the 2011 to 2013 review—took place. recommendations is open to inspection at a specified It would allow people to give their views on the extent 703 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 704 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill to which, for example, county boundaries should be to improve the perception of the commissions’ legitimacy, crossed and which ward sub-division might be desirable but I argue, from my point of view as the representative and, where wards are sub-divided, on the kinds of of a constituency that has been changed by almost sub-division to be used. The Committee has asked the every boundary review over the past century, that most House simply to consider whether amendment 205 of the time taken up by consultation with the boundary would—we hope that it would—increase the perceived commissions has been taken up by political parties. legitimacy of the boundary commissions’ decisions, There has not—I defy anyone to come forward with and reduce the likelihood of local frustration and the evidence to show that there has—been an enormous possibility of legal challenge to their recommendations. outcry from individuals, saying, “I don’t want to be in Amendment 206 is intended to improve the quality of Epping Forest; I want to be in Brentwood and Ongar.” the consultations that the boundary commissions conduct Most people in this country accept that the boundary under each proposed future review. As the Committee commissions have to do the work that they do, and that, said in its report: having one vote of one value and equal-sized constituencies, “The legitimacy of the next boundary review in the eyes of the is the right way to a fair, modern democracy that public is likely to be strongly influenced by their ability to properly represents every person who lives in any part participate effectively.” of the United Kingdom. The boundary commissions The amendment would allow people to make have not been inundated with individual members of representations to the commissions on constituencies the public whose hearts have been broken by the thought other than the one in which they live, and it would of being represented by a different Member of Parliament. require information on the number of electors within sub-ward divisions of constituencies to be made available Mr Russell Brown: I cannot speak about Epping nationwide. I appreciate that the Government are working Forest or Brentwood and Ongar, but, when the boundaries to a very tight timetable and we do not have very much changed in Scotland in 2005, the proposal for my time for debate this evening. Members wish to raise constituency was to take out two large wards from the important matters, so I shall be as brief as I can. town of Dumfries itself. People were so angry that they The purpose of the amendments is to ensure that mounted their own campaign, which they took to a people have, first, the information about their locality public inquiry, and they won the case that they should that they need to make to the boundary commission a not be separated. It is wrong for the hon. Lady to say proposal that keeps within the rules, and, secondly, the that only political parties undertake such activity. The right to make recommendations about constituencies strength and voice of communities should be heard, but other than the one in which they live so that that they the Bill will not give those communities the voice that are not prevented from making suggestions about their they deserve in a democratic society. locality that would otherwise take their constituency outside the range of the 5% flexibility permitted. I Mrs Laing: I understand what the hon. Gentleman appreciate that I have truncated the case, for the reasons says, and I understand how strongly the people of that I have set out, but I am sure that hon. Members Dumfries feel, but that is not the point of democracy. In who are interested in the matter and, certainly, Ministers a modern democracy what counts is not valleys, mountains, will already have read the Select Committee’s report rivers and perceived ancient boundaries, as we heard and fully appreciate the importance of the points that argued in the previous debate; what counts is that every I have put to the House. person in the United Kingdom has a voice of equal The Government may not wish to accept the value and votes. amendments, but they are intended entirely to be helpful and constructive. The Committee took a cross-party Mark Tami: The hon. Lady has made the point a position, and the amendments are not political. Given number of times tonight about everything being of the timetable to which the Government are working, equal value and equal size, so why does she support however, they may not wish to consider the matters. If measures that take three seats in Scotland and count the Minister is not prepared to accept the Committee’s them differently? Her argument would be stronger if amendments, how will the boundary commissions ensure she opposed those measures in the Lobby. that consultation with local people is meaningful, and that the mass of the new rules is not so constructed that local feeling on constituency boundaries cannot be Mrs Laing: I do not support them. The matters on taken into account? which we have just voted were rather more complicated than that, and went further than three seats. 8.15 pm I am sure that the Minister will appreciate the point Mark Tami: So why did you vote for it? that I make on behalf of the Committee, and members of the Committee who sit on the Opposition Benches Mrs Laing: The hon. Gentleman does not know how may wish to take those points further, but I shall move I voted—that is my business. [Interruption.] Well, I was on from the Committee’s position to speak on my own not in the Lobby with him. [Interruption.] It is hardly a behalf. We know from experience that the boundary secret, is it? The matters on which we have just voted commissions have taken a very long time to consider were rather wider than that, and so I naturally loyally their reports in previous decades, and that an enormous supported my Government—or part of my Government. amount of time and taxpayers’ money has been spent [Interruption.] The hon. Gentleman has not been here on consultations with them. throughout these debates. The Committee is being constructive with amendments 205 and 206, by trying to help the Government Mark Tami: I have been here all day. 705 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 706 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Mrs Laing: The hon. Gentleman has not been here particular political party. Anyone involved in politics throughout the five days of the Committee stage. knows perfectly well that that happens. At a time when we should be spending money on the real big society Mark Tami: Ihave. issues of which the hon. Gentleman is only too well aware, we should not be spending enormous amounts Mrs Laing: Well if he has, he has: I am sorry that I of taxpayers’money on keeping the boundary commissions did not notice. [Interruption.] I have said on more than doing that year after year. one occasion— Huw Irranca-Davies: I agree with the hon. Lady’s Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. I know that people Aristotelian logic. There is no need for wide public have strong views on this, but, Mr Tami, it would help if inquiries or forced submissions if we are going to have a you proceeded by intervention rather than by shouting purely arithmetical decision on where the boundaries across the Chamber: it is very distracting. Thank you lie; in fact, there is no need for any submissions whatsoever. very much. May I therefore urge her to table an amendment that would scrap any discussion or debate in this House Mrs Laing: Thank you for your protection, Madam and just move on to drawing the jigsaw that will be the Deputy Speaker. Regardless of where the hon. Gentleman United Kingdom’s parliamentary boundaries? If one has been, he can have this argument with the Government, takes her logic to the extreme, there is no need for any but he cannot have it with me, because I have said on discussion or debate whatsoever. more than one occasion—and I will say it again, but it does not really matter, because nobody listens to what Mrs Laing: The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent Isay— point with which I cannot disagree. It is the arithmetic that rules. Labour Members try to find arguments Mr Harper: Ido. against that, but the fact is that if one believes in a modern democracy where every vote is of equal value Mrs Laing: I am much gratified by that. and every Member of Parliament comes here with an I would not have had any exceptions in the Bill; I equal weight of potential votes behind them, one cannot think that the exceptions are wrong. The matter at issue argue otherwise. I would go further and say that there is that every vote in the United Kingdom should be of should have been no exceptions in the Bill. one value and of one weight—that every Member of Parliament who comes to this House should have, within Mr Russell Brown: This evening and on other occasions, a reasonable tolerance, the same number of potential Members of this House have put great emphasis on voters, voting for them or otherwise. equal votes having equal value. If the coalition Government succeed in doing what they are attempting to do, the Mark Tami rose— vote of every person who goes to the polling station will be equal when they enter, but a 48% turnout will give a Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab) rose— different value to that vote than it would if the turnout were 70%. Equality is about more than just the number Mrs Laing: I will not give way to the hon. Member of bodies in a constituency—it is also about votes being for Alyn and Deeside (Mark Tami) again, but I give way cast, and that can cause a disproportionate level of to the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse (Jim representation. Fitzpatrick). Mrs Laing: I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is Jim Fitzpatrick: Does the hon. Lady support—I fully speaking from sincere and heartfelt beliefs, but that is presume that she does—the building of the big society, totally illogical. If there are, say, 76,000 potential voters as outlined by her right hon. and hon. Friends on the in a constituency and 40,000 of them decide not to vote, Front Bench? Is not the Select Committee’s suggestion that is their democratic choice, just as it is the democratic that the boundary commissions should have this choice of the other 37,000—I think I got the arithmetic arrangement for people to make representations an wrong there—to cast their vote. People who decide not acknowledgement that the elimination of public inquiries to vote are exercising their democratic judgment in the is creating a vacuum and depriving citizens of the same way as people who decide to vote. There has been opportunity to make such representations, and therefore a lot of discussion about where the heart is, communities, totally contradicts the big society in preventing expressions boundaries, and so on—matters that appear to be anything of disappointment or concern about the proposals from other than purely arithmetical. being allowed to take place? John Mann: Completing the circle of logic in the hon. Mrs Laing: The hon. Gentleman is, as ever, very Lady’s argument, presumably she will want to table, or clever in the way that he puts his point, but this has to have someone else table, an amendment that would nothing to do with the big society. I take his point that prohibit people from registering in more than one place, the boundary commissions must be seen to be operating because those voters, be they students or second-property fairly, but I argue strongly that there is no need for them owners, have the opportunity to choose where they to take year after year, spending more and more taxpayers’ would cast their vote. Therefore their vote is not as money, listening to political parties making points that equal as anybody else’s. Given her logic, she is presumably are cleverly disguised as being about ancient boundaries, in favour of such an amendment and will be urging communities and so on, when in fact they are about the Government Front Benchers to bring it forward perceived electoral advantage or disadvantage of each immediately. 707 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 708 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Mrs Laing: I see the hon. Gentleman’s point. However, to have a far greater say than they have for many years the logic and arithmetic of that is that it does of course in a county such as Nottinghamshire? Although the happen, but it pretty well cancels itself out from one boundary reviews there have sometimes been contentious, constituency to the next. People often, for various reasons they have been within clearly defined parameters, which and quite legitimately, register in more than one place, have been publicly available and generally publicly but the fact that it happens all over the country cancels acceptable. it out. Sadiq Khan: I thank my hon. Friend for his comment. Mark Durkan: Will the hon. Lady give way? I will come later to the evidence, which is something the Government seem scared of. It proves his point that at Mrs Laing: No, I cannot prolong this part of the the time when the public inquiries are serving their debate. I am aware that there is very little time and there greatest function, they are being abolished. One has to are a lot of matters to be discussed. ask why. All the other parts of this debate have been froth: the A balance needs to be struck between overlapping only thing that matters is that in a modern democracy objectives, but in the Bill the Government have managed every vote should have an equal value, and every Member to get the weighting wrong in almost every regard. The of Parliament should come to this House with an equal limits on disparities between seats are too severe and number of constituents behind them. inflexible, the time scale for the boundary review is far too tight, and the abolition of local inquiries in return Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): I rise to speak to for an extended window for written submissions is amendment 15, on which we will wish to divide the deplorable. House. As I have said, because of the programming of the It is always a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Bill we have dealt inadequately with the speed of the Epping Forest (Mrs Laing). As charming as her speech boundary review and with the strictness of the adherence was, I am reassured that we were in different Lobbies in to electoral equality. The abolition of inquiries is entirely the last Division, and I suspect that we will be again at odds with the concept of localism and open politics, come 10 o’clock. She has sat through all five days of the which my hon. Friend the Member for Poplar and Committee stage and all of today, and no doubt she will Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick) referred to a moment ago sit through tomorrow’s debates on remaining stages. and which the Deputy Prime Minister, who has called The hon. Lady should understand that many colleagues himself the great reformer, has previously professed. In are frustrated that they have not had a chance to make a speech five months ago, which I will quote because it certain substantive points, and they will be frustrated by is important that colleagues in the other place hear it, the Bill when it leaves the House. That is a metaphor for he said: what will happen when it abolishes the public inquiry. “I have spent my whole political life fighting to open up She and many colleagues are frustrated, and some politics. So let me make one thing very clear: this government is Members shouted “Disgraceful” when the last Division going to be unlike any other. This government is going to transform result was announced. Citizens around the country will our politics so the state has far less control over you, and you have be shouting “Disgraceful” when the boundaries are far more control over the state.” changed without their having a chance to argue their How does the abolition of local public inquiries empower case before the boundary commission. Their only option people? will be recourse to judicial review, which will make To suit their rushed agenda, the Government are lawyers rich and citizens poorer. simply withdrawing any meaningful element of public participation and consultation, thereby reducing the 8.30 pm boundary review process to an opaque, bureaucratic I am not usually one for hyperbole, but let us be and largely mathematical exercise. The loss of transparency absolutely clear that the Government’s proposal to abolish and the ability to comment on and amend proposals public inquiries is driven by one overriding concern—the will seriously damage the reputation of the boundary politically driven desire to rush the completion of the commissions. It will erode the high level of trust in their boundary review through by October 2013. That is impartiality that they rely on for their reports to be against due process and natural justice, and it is partisan. accepted, and the quality of their proposals will be I say to the hon. Lady that if there are concerns about compromised. public inquiries taking too long, the Government should Any significant boundary change is likely to cause speed up the process, not abolish them. There is obviously some level of discontent and controversy, but that will a tension between the speed of the boundary reviews, be magnified to previously unknown levels of disquiet if strict adherence to electoral equality and the strong the rigid new rules in the Bill are adopted and 50 seats tradition of consultation and public involvement in are abolished. In a written submission to the Political such reviews. This country is currently giving lectures to and Constitutional Reform Committee, the secretaries emerging democracies about the importance of voting of the four boundary commissions were clear: and of involving communities in how boundaries are “The changes to the total number of constituencies, and the drawn up, but at the same time we are abolishing public tighter limits on the number of electors in each constituency, will inquiries. result in a complete redrawing of constituency boundaries.” John Mann: Is it not the case that where the traditional They continued: English counties, for example, are breached, such as by “The electoral parity target may require the Commissions to constituencies crossing from Nottinghamshire into work with electorate data below ward level in many cases” Derbyshire, Yorkshire or Lincolnshire, people will want and 709 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 710 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill [Sadiq Khan] more than one local authority? I am sure they are not. For goodness’ sake, we all have to cope with different “will result in many constituencies crossing local authority layers of local government. The hon. Member for Ogmore boundaries…the application of the electoral parity target is likely is wrong to say that he is any way accountable to local to result in many communities feeling that they are being divided authority chief executives—that is simply nonsense. between constituencies.” Such arguments have nothing whatever to do with this If there is no procedural outlet for that discontent, the debate and do not hold water. boundary commissions and the entire review process will be rapidly discredited. Sadiq Khan: With respect, may I tell the hon. Lady why she is wrong? My hon. Friends’ constituents will Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): As the Member have their lives changed because they will have to deal for Blaenau Gwent, I have a coterminous borough. If I with different people as a result of the boundary changes. want to get things done, I go to one chief executive and Those changes will be made not to make things more one leader. I talk to the local police inspector or the efficient, or to save money, but because the system has, person who manages the health board locally. According for partisan reasons, been based just on numbers. An to the Electoral Reform Society, if the proposed change MP’s ability to do his or her constituency a service will is pushed through, I will have to work with three or four be affected. More importantly, however, a constituent’s different borough councils, which will make it much ability to contact the person he or she needs to contact harder to be effective as a local politician and to get to improve things will also be affected. things done. It will be much more complicated to work on behalf of my constituents, and I will be much less Mr Heath: I find it extraordinary that we have these likely to be able to stand up for them, because I will complaints from Members representing small constituencies. have to deal with numerous officials in all sorts of They say that it is quite impossible to do something that different places. Surely that is bad for democracy. is normal for half the House. I have three local authorities in my constituency. That is normal on our side of the Sadiq Khan: That highlights some of the nonsense Bristol channel, but it is apparently impossible on the reasons given by the coalition Government for the Bill. Welsh side. We are told that the Bill will make MPs more effective. Clearly, it will not. We are told that the boundary Sadiq Khan: If the Minister is so confident in his changes will make things cheaper for MPs. Clearly, they arguments, why does he not allow the public to make will not. What is clear is that it is not only my hon. objections and to have a local public inquiry, rather Friend who will become a number, but the citizens in than a bureaucrat in a quango taking only written his area. That is all for the partisan reasons that I have submissions before reaching a view? The Minister has set out. to answer that question. Huw Irranca-Davies: Pursuant to the point made Another possible outcome of the proposed consultation by my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent is legal challenge by political parties, or local cross-party (Nick Smith), I should add that, under the ERS proposals, or apolitical campaign groups, such as Keep Cornwall the seat of Ogmore will disappear, and it is no coincidence Whole. Boundary commission decisions could be subject that the largest majority in absolute terms for any party to judicial review. It is worth noting that only one in Wales is in Ogmore. The seat will disappear and be judicial review resulted from the previous boundary subsumed into five neighbouring constituencies, all of review, but in evidence the Political and Constitutional which will be accountable to two chief executives, two Reform Committee, Professor Ron Johnston, who is an cabinet systems, two sets of social services and two sets expert on such matters, said: of everything, including different police authorities. In “I can well see people using [judicial review] as a [means to] terms of simplifying an MP’s accountability to his address the issues that they think they are not able to address constituents, and of constituents being able to demand because they are not having public inquiries.” good services in one area, the Government are completely Excluding those cases when the only change was the shooting themselves in the foot. name of the constituency, in the fifth periodic review of boundaries 27% of English constituencies were altered Sadiq Khan: I thank my hon. Friend. [Interruption.] by one degree or another following a public inquiry into I hear the chuntering from those on the coalition commission recommendations. In many cases, those Government’s Front Benches—it is funny how soon inquiries looked at the local ties of a particular village some people become arrogant. The Government should or town. Most of the participants were concerned about test my hon. Friend’s proposition. It would be easy: the integrity of their local constituency. they could have a public inquiry to test whether my hon. Friend is on a frolic of his own or whether his constituents Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): What share his concerns about what the changes will bring. makes the right hon. Gentleman’s argument so unpersuasive Why are the Government running away from local to me is that when the people of Northumberland voted public inquiries? in a referendum not to replace their district councils with a single unitary authority, the Labour Government Mrs Laing: I am very concerned about the points ignored the referendum, which they had organised. made by the hon. Members for Blaenau Gwent (Nick Smith) and for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies). Does Sadiq Khan: I am not sure what point the right hon. the shadow Minister agree that they cannot possibly be Gentleman is trying to make. We are talking about the arguing that they are so inefficient and ineffective as abolition of local inquiries. In fact, his is an argument Members of Parliament that they cannot cope with for more scrutiny and checks and balances at local level, 711 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 712 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill with people giving evidence, rather than relying on Scottish parliamentary seat crossing the River Clyde written evidence in 12 weeks. If he feels that strongly, he estuary that was widely opposed and rejected by the should be embarrassed at how he will vote in an hour assistant commissioner in favour of a scheme of minimum and a half. change. I have many examples of where proposals have It is noteworthy that Cornwall MPs tonight found been made, local residents have looked at the proposals, their consciences when self-interest was involved, but there has been a public inquiry, and an assistant for five days in Committee they were absent from the commissioner has heard the evidence and changed their Division Lobby. It is also noteworthy that three Tory mind. MPs were willing to vote in their own interests. The Opposition have been consistent throughout in saying 8.45 pm that the Bill is wrong. It is wrong on the principle of Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con): Of all losing public inquiries, but it is also wrong because as the changes made by the assistant commissioners, how the Cornwall Members pointed out—there is compelling many were instigated by proposals put forward by evidence—the remote communities in Cornwall previously political parties? managed to convince the commission to amend its proposals. Many of us believe that the attention given Sadiq Khan: I was coming to that. I am not embarrassed to such local issues is the strength of the current system. to say that political parties have a huge role to play in a Here is the key point: in every single case in which the democracy. We are going around the world, not only commission proposed an increase or decrease in the lecturing, but helping emerging democracies. They have number of constituencies in an area, its initial proposals a lot to learn from us, so hon. Members should be were amended following a public inquiry. careful of what they throw away in the interests of The hon. Member for Epping Forest mentioned citizens victories at future general elections. and asked why MPs cannot do their jobs. However, this is not about our jobs becoming more complicated, but Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): My right about citizens and constituents having a right to have hon. Friend prayed in aid Merseyside, but he should not their views heard in a public inquiry. In many cases, take that argument too far, because Wirral now has a including Derbyshire, Merseyside and north-west London, lot of undersized constituencies, while Knowsley, which substantial changes were made to initial proposals, as I represent, has a very large one. It does not always in the Deputy Prime Minister’s city of Sheffield. His work out perfectly. predecessor appeared at the inquiry and successfully Sadiq Khan: My right hon. Friend makes my point argued for changes to the provisional recommendations. for me. There will be many people who are unhappy Many times, the commission commented in its report with how boundaries are drawn up—there always have that the assistant commissioner’s recommendations been, and there always will be—but having a fair process improved as a consequence of the public inquiry. at least makes people believe that they are involved in Mr Hamilton: May I reinforce my right hon. Friend’s how boundaries are redrawn. If he is this disgruntled point? There was a public inquiry in Midlothian before with the old system, let us imagine how he will feel if the the 2005 election. The commission recommended that only chance to object is by a written submission in a the borders be brought into Midlothian and that we 12-week window that he might not have heard about. take Peebles and Galashiels into my constituency, but after public scrutiny the commission recommended that Mr Howarth: My right hon. Friend needs to realise that would be inappropriate. No city of Edinburgh the fact that, because Wirral ended up with undersized representative has yet complained because they represent constituencies, one constituency in Knowsley disappeared 75,000 people and I represent 60,000 or so. Nobody altogether. It was not done as a nice statistical exercise. questions that, because they recognise that the geographical It was basically done on the prejudices of the people of layout of Midlothian is different to that of the city. Wirral, who did not want to be seen to cross the river and be considered as part of Liverpool. Sadiq Khan: My hon. Friend makes an important point, and colleagues in the other place with read it with Sadiq Khan: As somebody who does not get the interest. chance to go to Anfield as much as he would like, I take my right hon. Friend’s point. I am happy for him to In Derbyshire and Derby, the commission made invite me up and show me the consequences of the provisional recommendations for the creation of a new changes made. seat, but they were rejected in favour of another that the assistant commissioner believed better reflected community The Bill’s new inflexible rules and proposals for an ties. The amended proposals moved fewer electors and arbitrary reduction in the number of constituencies will reduced the disparity. In Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, mean that the situations I have illustrated will occur in the commission proposed a division of the city of many more areas. At exactly the point when public Exeter that was deeply unpopular with residents. The inquiries will be at their most valuable, the Government assistant commissioner believed that the counter-proposal are proposing to abolish them. Even those who hold better reflected local ties and reduced the electoral reservations about the workings of public inquiries disparity. concede that now is not the time to end their use—quite the opposite in fact. Professor Ron Johnston told the In Merseyside, the commission proposed a seat Political and Constitutional Reform Committee: containing parts of both sides of the Mersey that was “where public inquiries had a big impact from what the Commission opposed by almost all those with an interest, and the initially proposed to the final solution was where either a seat was assistant commissioner recommended a counter-proposal being added to a county or being taken away and then everything that almost wholly redrew most of the constituency. was up for grabs and, not surprisingly, there was much more The Boundary Commission for Scotland proposed a fighting over it”. 713 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 714 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill [Sadiq Khan] get a fair hearing. In just five months, these guys on the Government Benches have been willing to bulldoze He continued: through some of the biggest changes in our lifetimes for “that is an argument for having public inquiries this time because the sake of stitching up the next general election. you are drawing a totally new map with new constituencies and nearly everything will be different…This time you are going to Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): We have heard terms have much more where the local people are going to be concerned such as “denial of democracy” and “inconsistency” in because suddenly the pattern of representation is going to be very recent interventions, but in a democracy should not different from what they have been used to for a long time.” everyone ultimately have an equal vote, which should Importantly, Professor Johnston’s view was echoed not be decided by special interest groups or the intervention by Robin Gray, the former chair of the Boundary of political parties? Commission for England, who told the Select Committee: “Particularly with this first round I can see there is a real need Sadiq Khan: The way it works in a democracy is that for public inquiries particularly to enable those who are interested, candidates stand on a manifesto and people vote for political parties and others, to actually argue this through because there are going to be big changes”. that manifesto, so that those representatives have a mandate. What is not democratic is for two parties to He made another important point. He noted that the come up with a deal behind closed doors over five days, main responses under the new system will come in with no mandate from the British public, and after the shortly before the end of the 12-week deadline, which election to change their views from what they had means that participants will not necessarily know the wanted to do before the election. Neither of the two counter-proposals made. The main benefit of inquiries parties in government talked about getting rid of public is that all those with an objection feel that they have had inquiries or about 300 seats, so the hon. Gentleman an opportunity to be heard, and can understand the should ask himself whether he is proud to vote as he arguments against them and why they might be will in an hour and a half, to abolish public inquiries. unsuccessful. For the avoidance of doubt, and to answer the important Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): My right point raised by the hon. Member for South Staffordshire hon. Friend is making a powerful speech about this (Gavin Williamson), I do not disparage the active part travesty of democracy. Can one imagine what the Minister that political parties play in the inquiry process. It is responding to this debate would have said about the entirely natural that they are involved and that inquiries proposal were he in opposition? He would have been are more effective as a result. Indeed, that is what we the most vehement opponent of this denial of democracy. encourage in emerging democracies. He should be thoroughly ashamed that he is willing to justify what is before us. Gavin Williamson: I actually asked the right hon. Gentleman how many of the changes in question had Sadiq Khan: Given parts 1 and 2 of the Bill, one has been the result of proposals put forward by a political to ask what sort of shabby deal was made in those five party. I wonder whether he has an answer to that. days when this Government were being formed. It is clear from the history of our country and the way in Sadiq Khan: I will go one better. In a few moments, I which reforms have been made that, for big constitutional will cite for the hon. Gentleman not what I think, but change, parties have either a mandate from their manifestos what assistant commissioner Nicholas Elliot QC concluded or try to reach a consensus across the Chamber or after he had heard evidence from political parties. between the two Houses. No such attempt has been In the fifth review, both Labour and the Conservatives made in this case. The Government are rushing through presented carefully researched and reasoned cases to some of the biggest changes in my political lifetime for the boundary commissions. That enabled proper arguments the sake of expediency. My hon. Friend was very tempered and options to be presented to the assistant commissioners. in his comments. That was hardly illicit manipulation of the process; Huw Irranca-Davies: May I point out to my right rather, it was open and transparent, and there was an hon. Friend the inconsistency in principles at work inquiry. I ask the question: how open and transparent here? In Wales, we are currently redrawing the local will the process be if people only get to write in and do authority boundaries. We are able to make submissions not have an inquiry, where the public can see what and have hearings. Some people are happy and some representations are made? It is far better for political are not, but at least they feel that they have had the parties to get involved than just to have a rigid mathematical opportunity to be heard. Many Lib Dem and Conservative formula to decide how seats are drawn up. local associations have made submissions to that process, and that principle has been accepted by everybody, Ian Lucas: It is important to highlight the fact that because they have had that opportunity. What is being oral representations in a public inquiry will be taken proposed is the electoral equivalent of a poll tax, and it away. Like me, my right hon. Friend is a solicitor. Do is going to bite some people on the bum. oral hearings not very often illuminate far more than written representations ever would, so that all parties, Sadiq Khan: One of the reasons why we have a Public including the person who holds the inquiry, learn much Gallery and open democracy is that people can see more through that process? democracy at work, even though they may not like what we say or how we vote. One of the reasons why we have Sadiq Khan: I advise my hon. Friend to be very open trials is to have open justice, so that people can see careful with this coalition Government. In five months, what happens in a trial. Not only does due process lead they have got rid of the local public inquiry for the sake to better results; it also leads to people feeling that they of expediency. God knows, next year they may get rid of 715 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 716 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill the right of appeal to the Court of Appeal and just rely and the same judgments are unlikely to be reached on written representations. They may think, “This based solely on a written consultation. The inquiry democracy malarkey is just too expensive. Let’s just allows all those with an interest to comment not only on have written submissions and then have a vote in our the commissioner’s proposals but on those of others, so constituencies rather than turning up and having a that all counter-proposals are tested in the same way. debate and arguing the pros and cons of an issue.” I am Such transparency and engagement is what gives legitimacy astonished that hon. and right hon. Members on the to the boundary review process. This Bill, with clause 15 Government Benches, who should know better, are left unchanged, would remove the opportunity for the taking through this shabby piece of legislation. public to have a meaningful say over the reform process Another criticism, which came from the hon. Member and would replace a transparent system with an opaque for Epping Forest, is that the local inquiry takes too one. long. The final and most lengthy inquiry, the fifth review, was in Greater Manchester and took more than Huw Irranca-Davies: My right hon. Friend will know two weeks. The assistant commissioner, Nicholas Elliot QC, individuals who never put pen to paper and who do not made the following observation: have the capacity to articulate their views in written “The advantage, sitting as an Assistant Boundary Commissioner, form, but who can stand up and speak eloquently for is that one gets from the two major political parties that they their communities at a public meeting and turn an equally look at the overall picture in somewhere like Greater argument on a dime. Who are we, as parliamentarians, Manchester where it has to be done, whereas others examine it to deny such people ever again the opportunity to have from their own perspective. The difficulty of the Assistant their say? Are the Government arguing, rather, that Commissioner is that you do have to look at the overall picture, and it is only those two major political parties who do provide those people should go to the offices of their MPs or very, very great assistance in trying to come to what may be the councillors and sit with them while they write out their best or worst answer.” complaints?

John Mann: It is good to use Manchester as an example when one talks about public inquiries. South 9pm Manchester has the highest concentration of university students in western Europe. Is not one of the anomalies Sadiq Khan: As ever, my hon. Friend makes a good that boundary commission inquiries might need to take point. Another, linked, point is that assistant commissioners evidence on the fact that university students will be able often visit areas under consideration, once they have to register in two locations? Therefore, there will not be been pointed out by members of the public or by MPs. equal-sized constituencies. What we will have are university Evidence from such senior people is invaluable when constituencies with a significant number of dual recommendations are being made. registrations. There could be as many as 15,000 people It is in the context of the biggest shake-up of constituency who are dual-registered and choose to vote in their boundaries in modern times that the Government are previous constituency. The concept of equal votes in abolishing public inquiries. The next review will be equal constituencies is thrown out of the water. Is that critical for other reasons as well. Concerns are already not the sort of thing that the Boundary Commission, being expressed about the legitimacy of the next election. even with this rotten legislation, would want to have a look at? Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): Does my right hon. Friend accept that giving primacy to Sadiq Khan rose— numbers as opposed to community and geography, combined with not having a transparent appeals system, Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. could result in boundaries drawn purely on the basis of As the right hon. Gentleman rises to answer that political gerrymandering, in the knowledge that those intervention, may I remind him that he is supposed to adjudicating on those decisions in private will not be be addressing his remarks to the Chair, and not to have required to take account of geography, community, his back to the Chair? culture or history and will therefore accept what could simply be bizarre drawings for the party political advantage Sadiq Khan: It is with pleasure that I address the of the Government? Chair, Madam Deputy Speaker. May I tell my hon. Friend that one of the important points that comes out in an oral inquiry is the one that can be teased out. The Sadiq Khan: My hon. Friend’s point would have less ability for the assistant commissioner to tease out and force if the coalition Government were taking time to uncover points is hindered by written submissions. My ensure that the 3.5 million electors who are not on the hon. Friend raises a serious point. register were put on to it, if they were to wait and see The tradition of boundary reviews is that they tend what happens as a result of next year’s housing benefit to be politically uncontentious. All those with an interest— changes, and if they were to wait for the results of next political parties, local authorities, community organisations year’s census. They are rushing this Bill through, however, and individuals—have the opportunity to participate. and my hon. Friend’s point has some force. The commissioners adopt the recommendations of assistant The Bill will mean that the next election could be held commissioners only because they believe them to be under a different voting system and with 600 constituencies improvements on the proposals. Such recommendations instead of the present 650, alongside a referendum with come not from the political parties, but from the assistant differential turnouts. Questions are already being asked commissioner after he or she has heard evidence from about the legitimacy of the next general election. Why the community. Political parties are part of that add to that by taking away due process and natural community—I am proud to be part of that community— justice? By taking away the opportunity to hold a public 717 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 718 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill [Sadiq Khan] says that it does not matter. For her, traditions do not matter; local conditions do not matter; identity does inquiry, the coalition Government are eroding the legitimacy not matter; community does not matter—it is all going of a system for redrawing boundaries that is the envy of to be driven by a numerical imperative that says “one the democratic world. size fits all” and nothing else can be considered. An official of the European Commission would be proud Mr David Hamilton: Surely it cannot be right that in of that mindset. It is exactly the mindset that the hon. Scotland, at the end of the 10-year period between 2005 Lady usually criticises in the European Commission. As and 2015, there will be 25 fewer MPs. That means that well as backing the “IPSA-fication” of boundaries in 31% of the representatives of Scotland will be wiped the future, she is now backing a European Commission out in that short period of time. What does that say standard that says, “No, we just deal in numerical about democracy? arithmetic; we see only one size fitting all; we make no concession to local realities or local conditions.” Sadiq Khan: This is what we call the respect agenda. I hope that when those in Scotland have seen the Bill Mrs Laing: I rise to defend myself, because that is not rushed through, the way in which the debate has been at all what I said. On the contrary, communities and stopped—the hon. Member for Epping Forest mentioned local traditions are very important. It is important to “truncated” contributions—and the number of MPs have a parish council representing a village and to have who have not been allowed to make a contribution, they Cornishmen feeling Cornish and caring about Cornwall— will form their own judgment. nobody is changing Cornwall. It is very important to We do not want to stop being the envy of the democratic respect local history and the feelings of local communities. world, and I commend my amendment to the House. That is not reflected in the boundaries of parliamentary I ask those colleagues who are watching the debate constituencies. There are many other ways in which in their rooms to do the right thing and support those traditions and communities are respected, observed amendment 15. and upheld. It is not in the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies— Mark Durkan: I rise to speak to amendments 194 and 195. Before I address them specifically, however, I shall comment on one of the amendments tabled by members Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. of the Select Committee, with which I have a fair degree Interventions should be short, not a second speech. of sympathy.I must express my slight reservation, however, about the wording of proposed new subsection A2(a) in Mark Durkan: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. amendment 205. I am worried that, by asking a boundary I take no responsibility for the possibility that the commission to publish the criteria it would use in the boundaries of interventions were exceeded there. splitting of wards, we could end up inviting the commission to split wards more than we want. The Bill proposes I would take the hon. Lady’s point if she had said that wards should not be split, and I think that most that in her speech, but that was not the attitude she Members agree that local government boundaries should conveyed. Then, it was the numerical imperative that not be split. I am worried that that proposal could result was going to achieve an equality that she believed in more wards being split than people would want. I overrode every other possible consideration, including would still support that amendment on a vote, however. those that she has just outlined. Boundary commissions have been able to ensure that these sorts of local Amendment 195 deals with the Government resisting considerations are brought to bear on the construct of all attempts to keep local inquiries as a general option. parliamentary constituencies. In future, after this Bill, Under my proposal, at least Northern Ireland would be however, that is going to be hard. allowed the option of holding a general regional inquiry in relation to all the seats in Northern Ireland. This I do not accept that we should lose the ability to have proposal is a fall-back measure. local inquiries in general as part of electoral reform, but I want to make it clear that I absolutely support the my fall-back amendments are designed to protect the amendments that would preserve the opportunity of particular circumstances of Northern Ireland, where, as holding local inquiries throughout the United Kingdom. I said when speaking to earlier amendments, it needs to The right hon. Member for Tooting (Sadiq Khan) made be borne in mind that the parliamentary constituencies a powerful speech in support of preserving inquiries are, by statute, also the constituencies for the Northern and their important role. I know that other colleagues Ireland Assembly. Many of the issues that will come up will propose other amendments to preserve inquiries. as matters of local contention and perhaps even party political controversy will pertain as much to the Assembly I thought that the hon. Member for Epping Forest constituencies as to other constituencies. Of course, the (Mrs Laing) was quite disparaging about the role of Northern Ireland Assembly is elected on the basis of inquiries, submissions and contributions to inquiries. proportional representation, which is meant to be about First, where political parties make shallow, self-serving giving equal weight to votes, including those of minorities submissions about boundaries and where specious and in particular Northern Ireland constituencies. That is spurious claims of local identity and local interests are part of the agreement. We want to ensure that, rather made, there is no better way of exposing them than than decisions in Northern Ireland being driven by local inquiries. By their very nature, local inquiries robotic computer-generated arithmetic suggesting expose, counter and introduce other realities. boundaries that will secure the numbers that fit, a local The hon. Lady’s speech was about the rule of arithmetic, regional inquiry can take account of the different and I agree that this is what the Bill is about—the interests—not just party interests, but civic and local tyranny of arithmetic for boundaries in the future. She community interests. 719 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 720 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Mr MacNeil: Is the hon. Gentleman suggesting—and I attended the inquiry on more than one occasion, and all of us in the islands must bear this in mind—that heard the debates about what links existed between the there will be a particularly destabilising effect on Northern two constituencies. Irish society? We know what a destabilising effect on Two facts emerged that tipped the balance. The first Northern Irish society might mean. Is that the main was that a large number of people living in the Sefton, cause of his concern? East part of what subsequently became the Knowsley, North and Sefton, East constituency worked in Knowsley, Mark Durkan: I do not want to dwell on this, because which was an industrial area. The second was that many I spoke about it in the context of an earlier amendment, people travelled between the two constituencies for but we should bear in mind that the boundaries will be leisure purposes. revised in every single Parliament as a result of the Bill. The leisure centre in Kirkby, which was in the old Given the way in which the seats will be distributed in Knowsley, North constituency, was heavily used by the various parts of the United Kingdom, the chances people from Maghull, Aintree and Melling, so a link are that the number of seats in Northern Ireland will was established, but it would never have been established— fall following one boundary review, rise following the nobody would have even checked the statistics on this— next, and then fall again. unless there had been a public inquiry. In the end, the The unsettling nature of the reviews will affect Assembly original Boundary Commission proposals stood and and parliamentary constituencies. A computer will say, the new constituency was formed; it became a parliamentary “This is what we have to do”, and it is possible that seat at the 1997 general election. constituencies will receive the word that the computer says that there must be a reduction from 15 to 14 9.15 pm following the next boundary review. That will be hugely destabilising, and people will feel frustrated when they My constituency’s second boundary change took place are told, “Sorry, this pays no regard to the Northern before the last general election. I made some comments Ireland Assembly.” Another of my amendments, in a about the Wirral earlier and, on reflection, perhaps I subsequent group, would enable the Speaker of the overstated the case. I think I said that we ended up with Assembly to be notified formally of all the workings of the boundaries we have got because of prejudices on the the boundary commissions. That would make at least part of the people in the Wirral. Prejudice is probably some acknowledgement of the impact on the Assembly, too strong a word, so let me retract it. However, what which is completely absent from the Bill. did clearly emerge was that because of the arguments put by the people of the Wirral, we have undersized I believe that if the Government are refusing to allow constituencies in that part of the county of Merseyside local inquiries elsewhere—and they should not do that— than on my side of the river in Knowsley. they should at least allow, as a fall-back, a general inquiry in Northern Ireland that will take account of its It is rather like a county. I will come on to counties particular circumstances. I will support any and all shortly, because I realise it might sound as if I am amendments that defend local inquiries. arguing against myself. Let us consider constituencies within a county with reference to the idea of a balloon. I ask Members to bear my amendment in mind; I ask If we squeeze some air out of one part of it—air being the Government to continue to acknowledge that there the electors—it will emerge somewhere else, and it emerged is a deficit in the consideration that they have shown to in Knowsley. I now represent a constituency of just Northern Ireland in the Bill, and to be ready to make up under 80,000 people, whereas some Members of Parliament for that deficit. in the Wirral represent under 60,000. The Government’s argument would be that if we equalise that, it would not Mr George Howarth: It is a great pleasure to follow matter, but I honestly believe that 80,000 electors is too my hon. Friend the Member for Foyle (Mark Durkan), many for an MP to be able to represent adequately. It who always speaks with a deep understanding of Northern is not that, as the hon. Member for Epping Forest Ireland, with a great passion for Northern Ireland, and, (Mrs Laing) said, I am too lazy or incompetent to do of course, with eloquence. that; it is just really difficult. I was elected in a by-election in 1986 to represent a I now want to talk about some of the practical constituency that was then known as Knowsley, North. implications of the two changes I have experienced. The I represented Knowsley, North in the House until 1997. first of them is to do with representing a constituency Following earlier boundary changes—a public inquiry that is partly in two different boroughs. The Knowsley, had been held before the boundaries were finally fixed—I North and Sefton, East constituency was slightly less ended up representing a constituency known as Knowsley, than half in Sefton with the rest in Knowsley. Many North and Sefton, East. I represented Knowsley, North Members on the Government Benches represent areas and Sefton, East for 13 years. In the meantime, the where that is already the case, but most of them are boundary commissioner came along again, and I now probably not in metropolitan districts. For Members represent a constituency known as Knowsley. I therefore with constituencies that are in a metropolitan district speak as one who has experienced dramatic boundary rather than a shire county, the powers of local authorities, changes in my constituency on two occasions. primary care trusts and so forth are much more important I think it instructive to examine what happened on and much more focused. For 13 years, I represented a both those occasions. On the first occasion, when the constituency that had two primary care trusts, two boundary commission proposed that the Knowsley, hospital trusts, two local authorities and two different North constituency should be coupled with Sefton, area police command divisions, and dealing with that is East, a public inquiry was held. Different views were very difficult. Apart from the practicalities of needing expressed on either side of the boundary about what to keep lists of everybody we have to deal with, we deal was and what was not appropriate. People had their say. with areas that have different kinds of crime, different 721 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 722 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill kinds of health problems and different kinds of relationships Mr Howarth: It is very tempting to be taken down the with their local authorities. That does make a difference. road that my hon. Friend seeks to lead me, but having My hon. Friends the Members for Ogmore (Huw Irranca- spent a lifetime struggling with the problems of the Davies) and for Blaenau Gwent (Nick Smith) made that Mersey I am hardly likely to spend what remains of my point quite well, and I support it. life struggling with the problems of the Solent. He Now if, as seems perfectly possible under the provisions makes his point effectively. in this part of the Bill, we start to say that county My key point is that there are practical implications boundaries can also be crossed, the problem could be to such changes. They need to be examined and the best compounded even further. At some points, my constituency way to do that is in a public inquiry. The hon. Member is right on the edge of West Lancashire—indeed, it is on for Epping Forest (Mrs Laing), for whom I have some the edge of a lot of other constituencies. It is perfectly affection—she referred to Socrates, so perhaps at this possible that if this Bill goes ahead as it is, my constituency point I should say that it is entirely Platonic—outlined could end up containing part of Lancashire, as could the argument that this issue is not important and that a the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for lot of these inquiries were vexatious and just held for St Helens North (Mr Watts). That would involve a the benefit of political parties. I do not think that is whole different set of relationships, and my hon. Friend true. My experience of having sat through two public and I could find ourselves motoring up and down to inquiries into major constituency boundary changes is Preston on an almost daily basis in the recesses as we try that people from the community—people from community to represent another county, as well as the metropolitan groups or individuals—come along, express their opinion county in which we are located. and either it is taken into account or it is not. If there is a valid objection, it will often be taken into account. If Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): My right it is not, it will not. The point is that they are the most hon. Friend will be aware that the last time the number- important people in that inquiry. It is important to crunching took place the Boundary Commission them with whom they are linked in a parliamentary recommended that one constituency should be half on constituency. one side of the river and half on the other. How does he I come back to the point that my right hon. Friend feel he could represent a constituency that had the the Member for Tooting (Sadiq Khan) was making: of River Mersey running between its two halves? course there needs to be fairness on the size of constituencies, but if we reach the point where they are Mr Howarth: I do not think that that would be purely mathematical entities and if everybody changes—if impossible. After all, two tunnels and a bridge run between it is like a roundabout, where someone jumps on at one the two areas, and there is a proposal for a further point and jumps off at the next election, finding themselves bridge. I do not think it would be beyond the wit of representing an entirely different constituency—the man, or even my hon. Friend and I, to commute either relationship between the constituency, the Member of under a tunnel or over a bridge. The point is that, as I Parliament and the people whom that Member of said a little earlier—I do not know whether he was in his Parliament represents will change dramatically. Not place at the time—the consequence of the arrangements only will those constituencies be a mathematical entity, is that we have undersized constituencies in the Wirral but Members of this House will start to view them in and oversized constituencies in some parts on the other that light. That will dramatically change the relationship side of the river. with our constituents.

Sadiq Khan: Is the point not that under the Bill, as John Mann rose— drafted—I refer to clauses 11(2) and 11(5)—numbers trump everything? All the points made by my right hon. Friend and by other hon. Friends do not matter a jot, Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab) rose— because numbers trump everything. Mr Howarth: I shall give way to my hon. Friend the Mr Howarth: Yes, and my right hon. Friend may not Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann) and then to my have realised it, but I am actually supporting his argument. hon. Friend the Member for Llanelli (Nia Griffith). The point I am making is that a public inquiry is able to Then I really do want to finish this speech. examine any problems that are thrown up as a result of that, and that is why I am supporting his amendment John Mann: I thank my right hon. Friend for generously 15, which would create the circumstances in which giving way, and he is making an excellent point. Will the public inquiries could still be held. problem not be further and particularly compounded by the fact that with individual registration proposed Dr Whitehead: I wonder whether my right hon. Friend, for 2014-15, there will be a huge ripple effect throughout in reflecting on the problems of the Mersey, might also the country—particularly in areas where there are university consider the issues of the Solent and the proposition residences with large concentrations of students who that 40,000 people will be taken away from the Isle of are automatically registered by the university authorities? Wight and distributed to a constituency somewhere in If students are not automatically registered, there will Hampshire. They know not where, they would have no be a huge ripple effect throughout the country that will say in where that might be and, as far as I can see, the alter the boundaries significantly in every constituency? Boundary Commission may not even be able to determine whether a ferry actually connects them with where they Mr Howarth: My hon. Friend is quite right. The might go. Does he think that that is a reasonable way to ripple effect in a metropolitan county such as Merseyside, proceed on a boundary change—with no public inquiry which I described earlier, would go right through the or no input into what might happen in future? country. 723 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 724 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Nia Griffith: I thank my right hon. Friend for allowing provisions or on reducing the number of seats from 650 me to intervene. Does he not agree that the key point to 600, given that there has been no Speaker’s Conference about public inquiries is that rule by consent is the basis and no pre-legislative consultation, and given that no of democracy? If people, because of the abolition of cross-party consensus has been sought or given and public inquiries, feel that they have no voice—if they that there has been no consultation with any of the feel that they have no chance to make their opinions devolved Administrations, it is all the more appalling heard, whether or not their opinion is the one that is and reprehensible that there should be no opportunity found in favour of—that will do absolutely nothing to for people to give oral evidence to, or to query, the get rid of the cynicism about democracy and nothing to boundary commission proposals at a local public inquiry. help people to take part. That will bring the coalition The coalition Government talk about new politics, openness Government into absolute disrepute. and transparency, but I think that these measures will be for ever cited as a damning indictment of their real Mr Howarth: My hon. Friend put that argument very approach to this issue. well indeed and I would struggle to find the words to match what she has just said. Given the scale and unprecedented nature of the changes to boundaries and constituencies and given Let me conclude. I genuinely believe that what is that the measures are driven by the need to do this proposed by taking away public inquiries as part of the quickly for reasons of political expediency, it is absolutely process is that the relationship between constituent, essential that we should have public local inquiries. It is Member of Parliament and constituency, which is already vital to ensure that people in local communities know fractured, will split completely. I think we will end up in what is going on and what is being proposed, that they a situation where constituencies are simply ships of are able to participate fully in the process and feel convenience. I hope that that day never comes and that ownership of it, and that there is transparency and the Government will at some point wake up and realise openness in the entire process. In my experience and that this is not the right way to do things. that of the people I represent, the taking of such an approach has made a difference. Mr Dodds: I want to speak in support of amendment 209, tabled in my name and that of my hon. Friend the As the hon. Member for Foyle will know, not long Member for South Antrim (Dr McCrea), as well the ago the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland consequential amendment 210. It would delete proposed proposed to reduce the number of seats in Belfast from new section 5(2) from clause 12 so that the status quo four to three and there was an outcry. The hon. Member was maintained and a public inquiry could be held by a for Epping Forest said that there was never an enormous boundary commission. As that is the purpose of my outcry about constituency boundary changes, but I can amendment, I have no difficulty in lending my support tell her that there was about the prospect of the Belfast and that of my hon. Friends to amendment 15, proposed boundaries being changed. Of course, she can imagine by the right hon. Member for Tooting (Sadiq Khan). As why that might be, given what it would mean with regards the other amendments in this group, I am regard to who would be representing certain people in happy to support amendment 194, tabled by the hon. certain areas. More recently, when it was proposed that Member for Foyle (Mark Durkan). As he said, it is a a particular community should be moved from the fall-back provision if the House decides to do away Lagan Valley constituency into the Belfast West with the option of having local public inquiries in constituency, that community spontaneously and of general. At the very least, I agree that there should be their own volition made strenuous objections to the such a provision that would cover Northern Ireland as a proposal. They went to the public local inquiry, raised region because of the particular circumstances that he their concerns, were interrogated on them and ultimately so ably outlined. made a difference to the outcome. The effect is all the I want to make a few general comments very briefly, greater because some Northern Ireland constituencies then a couple that relate specifically to Northern Ireland. are not represented in this House as their elected Members First, we have had a very good debate. Everyone who deliberately abstain from and boycott the House by not has spoken in this and the previous one spoke against taking their seats here, so these things matter to people the Bill and its provisions. I have not heard many in Northern Ireland. That is why we need public local speeches in support of it, other than from those on the inquiries to take account of such local issues. Government Front Bench. [Interruption.] I am sorry: As has been mentioned, the proposed constituency the hon. Member for Epping Forest (Mrs Laing), who changes will affect representation not only in this House has returned to her place, strongly opposed part 1 of but in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Some of the the Bill on the alternative vote, so she is in the category issues pertinent to the boundary changes are therefore of having opposed the Bill on some matters but, as she relevant not only to the make-up of the House of made clear, she would go much further than the Bill Commons and how people are represented here, by a does on other matters. I got the clear impression that single elected Member, but to multi-Member constituencies she would be happy to do away with constituencies in the Northern Ireland Assembly. I do not underestimate altogether and have one great list system in which the fact that people in Northern Ireland have for many everyone voted in relation to the entire country. She years put a great premium on stability and having a might be happier with such a system, but we shall not consensus moving forward. rehearse that debate as we have already had exchanges Now we risk—almost as an aside, almost as an incidental on it. of the Bill being rushed through—upsetting a delicate political equilibrium, a point that was made by the right 9.30 pm hon. Member for Torfaen (Paul Murphy), the former Given that no mandate has been sought by or given Secretary of State, in his contribution. We risk that to either of the coalition parties on either the AV 725 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 726 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill equilibrium being thrown into turmoil. All sorts of say that the boundary commission process has worked unintended consequences could emerge from that, so I pretty well, without enormous public outcry at its past urge caution. decisions. At the very least, if the Government are not so Looking ahead, we find that the Government are minded and the House does not support my amendment removing not only most of the checks and balances that or amendment 15 in the name of the right hon. Member were in the boundary commission arrangement, but the for Tooting, the Government should allow Northern very last check and balance whereby, after that whole Ireland, through amendment 194, to have the opportunity process has taken place, the public have an opportunity of its own regional inquiry. I urge the House to think to question, have their say and find out why those carefully before it does away with the right of local changes are taking place in the way that has been public inquiries to have the oral evidence presented, to suggested. The idea that that should be replaced with a allow people to participate and to have their concerns procedure that is simply not transparent is a complete investigated in detail. rejection of all those previous checks and balances, and a rejection of the principles put forward—I am sorry if Mr MacNeil: It strikes me that there is cross-community this sounds ad hominem—by a Minister, the Deputy agreement on local public inquiries as the Northern Leader of the House, for whom I have a great deal of Ireland fall-back position. Does the right hon. Gentleman respect, but who would have made exactly the same hope that if the Government do not listen here, they arguments about public representation, the public’s say might listen in the other place? and the due process of democracy until one day before the election. Mr Dodds: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his I do not know whether a particular event in Greece, intervention. Given the experience of recent days, and and the electoral practices there, caused the hon. Gentleman the Minister’s references to the time that has been to change his mind on the matter, but over the years a allowed for debate—a couple of hours this afternoon large number of Liberal Democrat constituency parties and this evening to debate these very important matters have been active participants in those processes, and he concerning the number of seats and the abolition of the will have to go to them and say, “Actually, you can’t do age-old right to have local public inquiries—I am confident this anymore, because I’ve thrown this out of the window that the other place will examine these matters in great as part of a deal to get something else through.” They detail and will, I hope, bring common sense to bear. will be aghast at what has happened to the principles that they previously put forward. Paul Murphy: My right hon. Friend is making an important point. Is he aware that, so far as I know, there Ian Lucas: Does my hon. Friend know whether any is an anomaly that in Northern Ireland, Scotland and party standing at the last general election had as a Wales the boundary commission inquiries for parliamentary manifesto commitment the abolition of public inquiries constituencies are to be abolished, but remain for the by the boundary commission? two Assemblies and the Parliament?

Mr Dodds: In Northern Ireland, the parliamentary Dr Whitehead: As my hon. Friend will know, peruse constituency boundaries are the Northern Ireland Assembly though one might, it is not possible to find such a boundaries. I know the position is different in Scotland pledge. If any party had put such a pledge in its manifesto and Wales. That is why, at least for Northern Ireland—and at the last election, that itself would have been the for all the reasons that I and others have outlined this subject of an internal public inquiry, because of what it evening, it should be the case for the whole country—I would have said about that party’s commitment to the appeal to the Government to think very carefully about process of electoral change. the implications for our country of the decision to push On the differences that the boundary reviews will ahead with abolition. make, I refer to the Isle of Wight, which is close to my constituency but separated by a substantial body of Dr Whitehead: Almost all of us are aware of the water, the Solent. The proposal, which is likely to come purpose of the abolition of inquiries into boundary to pass, is that 40,000 people will be taken out of that changes. It is about expediency, getting the process constituency and distributed somewhere else in through as rapidly as possible, and air-brushing out a Hampshire—they know not where. [Interruption.] They particularly important part of the process in order to will stay on the Isle of Wight, but for the purposes of do that. political representation they will join another constituency. I do not accept the idea that because boundary The boundary commission will have a certain say commissions have not changed an enormous amount in in the process, because it will have to decide which the past, that is likely to be the case in future. Because of 40,000 people on the island go to various other parts for the wholesale changes that are being made in the rest of their representation. It may decide that they will go to the Bill, boundary commission public local inquiries Portsmouth, to Southampton or to the New Forest. will probably be more important in future than was the Each area has a connecting ferry service to the island, case in the past. but I am not sure whether the commission can even take In the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986, the into account whether the people and the ferry service most recent iteration of the rules for the redistribution should be connected, given the changes that will be of seats, we see, as other hon. Members have mentioned, made and the Government’s conditions for the new a balancing arrangement between the idea of equality arrangements. in representation, between various local considerations, All that will be done on the basis of a boundary and between representation and decision making. As a commission decision, no public inquiry, some result of that relatively balanced mechanism, it is fair to representations and no explanation. That represents a 727 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 728 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill serious and fundamental change to the representation the boundary commissions must take is in Parliament. of, admittedly, just one constituency, but the process The importance of that is highlighted by the fact that will be repeated throughout the country in a substantial the Bill had its Committee stage on the Floor of the if not such an extreme way, and if that is not a negation House. The boundary commissions will carry out the of the public’s right to understand what is happening to review according to Parliament’s wishes, as has always their own political processes, I do not what is or will be. been the case. We must vote for amendment 15, which would In any event, I do not consider that the commissions’ reintroduce the idea of a public inquiry within particular general approach, divorced from the resulting boundaries and for particular concerns to ensure that it recommendation for particular constituencies, is a subject was conducted seriously and not frivolously. The idea on which wide consultation is appropriate. It is the effect that the public should have their say in who they are of the recommendations on a person’s local constituency represented by, how they are represented and where or local area on which it is important for them to have a their representation takes place has been a fundamental say, and the Bill increases the period for them to do so. part of our electoral system for many years, and to Consultation on a general approach is likely to lead to throw it out of the window for expediency is a move many responses that are based not on genuine concern that will be regretted and a move that we should reject. about the approach but on guesswork as to what the effect of that approach might be in a local area. But until Mr Heath: Let me start by thanking the hon. Member the commission has taken all the many individual decisions for Epping Forest (Mrs Laing) for speaking to the necessary to formulate its recommendations, it will be amendment on behalf of the Political and Constitutional impossible to predict the effect on a particular area. Reform Committee on which she serves. It is a great I hope that it will reassure hon. Members that during pity that the Chair of the Committee, the hon. Member the previous review the Boundary Commission for England for Nottingham North (Mr Allen), is not also present in produced a booklet prior to the publication of order to support its view. recommendations which gave information about the review. There was also extensive use of the commissions’ 9.45 pm websites to inform interested parties about all aspects of the review. Amendment 206 proposes a new set of The hon. Lady said that nobody ever listens to a publicity and consultation rules under clause 10. I hope word she says. I have to say that that is not entirely the to reassure hon. Members who tabled the amendment case, because I remember in Committee of the whole that it is not necessary as it reflects the practice that the House she very eloquently put forward the views of the boundary commissions are likely to follow in any event. Select Committee that the Government should not be The boundary commissions made extensive use of the able unilaterally to change the views expressed by the internet in publicising the last general review and, although boundary commissions before presenting them to it is for them to decide, I am confident they will do Parliament. We listened to what she said on behalf of likewise this time. The information that they published the Select Committee, and we have tabled amendments at the time of their recommendations included the to put that into effect; they will be debated in due electorate figures mentioned in the amendment. course. I believe that it is important to allow the boundary commissions discretion to present their recommendations Mrs Laing: On behalf of the Select Committee, I and relevant accompanying information as they think thank the Minister and the Government for listening best, taking into account the particular circumstances and acting accordingly. with which they are dealing and the changing way in which people obtain information and communicate. On Mr Heath: I am grateful to the hon. Lady. The Select that basis, while I do not disagree with the principle Committee has done a very good job in raising some underlying the amendment, I do not agree that it is desirable important issues. for the Bill to particularise the commissions’ practice in Amendment 205 would add a stage to the consultation legislation to the extent that the amendment proposes. process that the boundary commissions are required The amendment would also expressly allow to carry out for the purposes of the review. Prior to representations to be made by people within or outside making recommendations, the commissions would be the affected constituency. That is presently the case, and required to publish online their proposed approach to the Bill does not change that. New section 5(1)(b) of the the application of the rules and factors. A consultation Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 follows the existing period of eight weeks would follow, and the commissions section 5(2) in that respect. The boundary commissions would be required to take the results into account. We are likely to publish recommendations for a number of have set a deadline of October 2013 for the commissions constituencies together as a scheme, and the proposals to report to allow parties, administrators and electors to for one constituency will undoubtedly affect those of adjust to the new boundaries prior to the general election others. It is important that interested parties from both in 2015. within a proposed constituency and from neighbouring An increase in consultation time of eight weeks could constituencies may make representations to the commissions delay the reports, making it harder to prepare for the for alternative schemes that work within the rules, and next general election. In effect, the time added to the the Bill does not prevent that from happening. While I process by the amendment would be much greater, as understand the concerns of the hon. Member for Epping the commissions would have to publicise their proposed Forest, it is not necessary for the wording that appears approach and assess the representations received before in the amendment to be in the Bill. On that basis, I hope taking the many and complex individual decisions required that she will feel able to withdraw the amendment. to put together their recommendations. The Government I now turn to more general points about local inquiries. believe that the right place to debate the approach that It was interesting to listen to the right hon. Member for 729 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 730 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill [Mr Heath] Oral inquiries were described by Professor Ron Johnston and his colleagues, whom the right hon. Member for Tooting (Sadiq Khan) outline the Opposition’s case. I Tooting quoted several times, as am glad that in this evening’s debate, we have not heard “very largely an exercise in allowing the political parties to seek local inquiries described as appeals, because of course influence over the Commission’s recommendations—in which they are not. They are part of the process of information their sole goal is to promote their own electoral interests.” gathering, listening to the views of local people and That is why the right hon. Gentleman and his friends weighing them up as part of the due process. like the system at the moment. It gives the power to the The process suggested in the Bill maintains that principle. parties, not to the public. Indeed, it actually extends it. It is vital that the boundary commissions fully consult all interested parties on proposals Sadiq Khan: The Deputy Leader of the House makes for changes to constituency boundaries. We all accept an interesting point and quotes a generalised point that that. Local people in particular must be able to have the professor made, but did not he and many other their say. However, the Government believe that it would experts also make the specific point that bearing in be a mistake to imagine that local inquiries achieve that mind the huge changes that are to be made, this is the objective, and there is independent support for that one occasion if any when a public inquiry is essential? view. The Bill abolishes them for three major reasons. First, we simply must speed up reviews. Mr Heath: No, it is the one occasion when it is absolutely essential that we have the fullest possible Chris Bryant: Why? consultation process, and that is why we are extending the consultation period for three months, allowing every single person to have their say, not just the political Mr Heath: I am telling the hon. Gentleman why, if he parties that want to turn up at public inquiries. I hope will just listen. the right hon. Gentleman recognises that. The boundaries in force in England for the first time at the general election in May were based on electoral Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab) rose— register data that were 10 years out of date. I do not think that is acceptable, and nor should Opposition Ian Lucas: Will the Deputy Leader of the House give Members. way?

Mr George Howarth: The Deputy Leader of the Mr Heath: No, I have got to make progress. House makes a fair point that those registers were out The third reason for abolishing inquiries is that they of date. Does he believe it is of equal concern that rarely lead to significant changes in recommendations. 3.5 million people will not be registered by the time the The statistics that are often prayed in aid of local new constituency boundaries are drawn up? inquiries usually group together many different constituencies and include changes solely to the names Mr Heath: Yes, it is very important that we get people of constituencies, to inflate the figure of the proportion registered, and it is an indictment of the previous that lead to change. The truth, as Professor Johnston Government’s conduct that they totally failed to deal told the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee, with the gap in registration. However, I have to say that is: it is not relevant to the issue before us at the moment. “Public inquiries often have no impact.” The changes are frequently minor. For example, at the Sadiq Khan: The Deputy Leader of the House will be time of the fifth general review in England, only 2% of aware that the average time taken for a review in the wards in counties where inquiries were held were moved current system is six years. In his new system it will be between constituencies as a result. three years. Bearing in mind that he has conceded that What the Bill does—[Interruption.] No, let us deal people will still be missed off the electoral register, is with what the Bill actually does. It improves the process not the real reason for the rush that he wants the change of public consultation, so that the public will be better before the next general election rather than the one able to have their say on proposals. That is why we are after? extending the period for representations on proposals from one month to three. Where a boundary commission Mr Heath: It is hardly a secret that we want a general revises proposed recommendations, the period of election based on fair constituencies, and I do not think consultation on the revised proposals will be the same. that is an unreasonable aspiration. In making that decision, the Government have considered The second reason why we are abolishing the public the approach taken in other nations. We looked at the inquiries is that they do not achieve their purpose. They example of Australia, which has a 28-day consultation do not provide the boundary commissions with a good period for proposed recommendations, followed by 14 days indication of local opinion to aid them in the process of for comments. The Government propose a longer drawing up constituencies. [HON.MEMBERS: “How do consultation period of three months. you know?”] I will tell Members how I know—academics have been clear on that point for a number of years. Mark Durkan: The Deputy Leader has said that Professors Butler and McLean, in their evidence to the where a boundary commission reviews its recommendations, Committee on Standards in Public Life in 2006, argued they will be subject to a further period of consultation, that a faster approach could but a second revision will be final, and there will be no “simplify the system without leading to any significant decline in consultation. An appeal will involve people turning to equity.” the Secretary of State, who may, under the Bill, prepare 731 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 732 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill an Order in Council with or without modification. The Mrs Laing: I am grateful to the Minister for giving Secretary of State can therefore change things, but the full consideration to amendments 205 and 206. I accept public cannot appeal. his assurances and beg to ask leave to withdraw amendment 205. Mr Heath: I would answer the hon. Gentleman in two ways, and I know that he takes a serious interest in Hon. Members: No. these matters. The second inquiry, as he puts it, does not Question put, That the amendment be made. happen now. Once a boundary commission makes its Question negatived. final conclusions, that is the end of the story—and there Amendment proposed: 15, page 12, leave out lines 35 has to be an end to the process. In the Bill, we are to 41 and insert— establishing a longer and more thorough process of consultation, all of which will be in the open, rather ‘(1A) A Boundary Commission may cause a local inquiry to be held for the purposes of a report under this Act where, on than in secret, because it will all be published and publication of a recommendation of a Boundary Commission available for people to see. That is a fairer way of doing for the alteration of any constituency, the Commission receives things than having highly paid QCs representing two any representation objecting to the proposed recommendation big parties simply making partisan points in front of an from an interested authority or from a body of electors assistant commissioner. numbering one hundred or more. (1B) Where a local inquiry was held in respect of the Ian Lucas: If the Minister believes that abolishing constituencies before the publication of the notice mentioned in subsection (1) above, that subsection shall not apply if the public inquiries into boundary reforms is such a good Commission, after considering the matters discussed at the local idea, will he tell me whether he proposed them before inquiry, the nature of the representations received on the the general election? publication of the notice and any other relevant circumstances, is of an opinion that a further local inquiry would not be justified. Mr Heath: We did not propose legislation on the (1C) In subsection (1A) above, “interested authority” and Boundary Commission at that point, but we are doing “elector” respectively mean, in relation to any recommendation, so now, and those are the proposals before the hon. a local authority whose area is wholly or partly comprised in the constituencies affected by the recommendation, and a Gentleman. He must look at them and see whether they parliamentary elector for any of those constituencies.’.—(Sadiq make sense. I believe that they do. Khan.) During our discussions, we have had a flavour of Question put, That the amendment be made. some of the arguments that are put before commissioners in public inquiries. We have had people claiming that The House divided: Ayes 244, Noes 336. constituencies can never cross a river. We have had Division No. 107] [10 pm Members complaining that they cannot have a connection to more than one local authority in their constituency. AYES Those are the sorts of spurious argument that a public Abbott, Ms Diane Chapman, Mrs Jenny inquiry throws out of court every time. Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Clark, Katy Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Clarke, rh Mr Tom Sadiq Khan: The Deputy Leader of the House quoted Alexander, Heidi Clwyd, rh Ann Professor Johnston out of context and now has issues Ali, Rushanara Coaker, Vernon Bailey, Mr Adrian Coffey, Ann with lawyers earning lots of money in inquiries. Will he Bain, Mr William Cooper, Rosie confirm that Professor Johnston said: Balls, rh Ed Cooper, rh Yvette “I can well see people using” Banks, Gordon Corbyn, Jeremy judicial review Barron, rh Mr Kevin Crausby, Mr David Beckett, rh Margaret Creagh, Mary “as a reason for addressing the issues that they think they are not Begg, Miss Anne Creasy, Stella able to address because they are not having public inquiries”? Bell, Sir Stuart Cruddas, Jon Does the Minister agree with Professor Johnston or Benn, rh Hilary Cryer, John does he not? Benton, Mr Joe Cunningham, Alex Berger, Luciana Cunningham, Mr Jim Betts, Mr Clive Cunningham, Tony Mr Heath: If each of the boundary commissions Blackman-Woods, Roberta Curran, Margaret does a thorough job, which I fully expect them to, and Blenkinsop, Tom Dakin, Nic takes the proper matters into consideration, I do not Blomfield, Paul Danczuk, Simon expect an increase in judicial review. That is my answer Blunkett, rh Mr David Darling, rh Mr Alistair to the right hon. Gentleman. He mentions the fact that Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben David, Mr Wayne he is a lawyer and that I do not like highly paid lawyers Brennan, Kevin Davidson, Mr Ian very much, but I am surprised that he decries the idea of Brown, rh Mr Gordon Davies, Geraint submissions being made in writing rather than orally, Brown, Lyn Davies, Philip because that is a well-known and fundamental principle Brown, rh Mr Nicholas De Piero, Gloria in law. Brown, Mr Russell Denham, rh Mr John Bryant, Chris Dobbin, Jim The improved process in the Bill will deliver faster Buck, Ms Karen Dobson, rh Frank reviews. Time-consuming public inquiries that do not Burnham, rh Andy Docherty, Thomas bring new arguments to the table and which are dominated Byrne, rh Mr Liam Dodds, rh Mr Nigel by parties attempting to advance their electoral interests Campbell, Mr Alan Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. are not beneficial in Northern Ireland or anywhere in Campbell, Mr Ronnie Donohoe, Mr Brian H. the UK. I urge hon. Members not to press the amendments. Caton, Martin Doran, Mr Frank 733 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 734 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Doyle, Gemma Lucas, Ian Soulsby, Sir Peter Watson, Mr Tom Dromey, Jack MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Spellar, rh Mr John Watts, Mr Dave Dugher, Michael Mactaggart, Fiona Straw, rh Mr Jack Weir, Mr Mike Durkan, Mark Mahmood, Mr Khalid Stringer, Graham Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Eagle, Ms Angela Mahmood, Shabana Stuart, Ms Gisela Whitehead, Dr Alan Eagle, Maria Mann, John Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Wicks, rh Malcolm Edwards, Jonathan Marsden, Mr Gordon Tami, Mark Williams, Hywel Efford, Clive McCabe, Steve Thomas, Mr Gareth Williamson, Chris Elliott, Julie McCann, Mr Michael Thornberry, Emily Wilson, Phil Ellman, Mrs Louise McCarthy, Kerry Timms, rh Stephen Winnick, Mr David Engel, Natascha McClymont, Gregg Trickett, Jon Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Esterson, Bill McDonagh, Siobhain Turner, Karl Wishart, Pete Evans, Chris McDonnell, John Twigg, Derek Woodcock, John Farrelly, Paul McFadden, rh Mr Pat Twigg, Stephen Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Field, rh Mr Frank McGovern, Alison Umunna, Mr Chuka Wright, David Fitzpatrick, Jim McGovern, Jim Vaz, rh Keith Tellers for the Ayes: Flello, Robert McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Vaz, Valerie Mr David Hamilton and Flint, rh Caroline McKechin, Ann Walley, Joan Mr David Anderson Flynn, Paul McKinnell, Catherine Francis, Dr Hywel Meacher, rh Mr Michael Gapes, Mike Meale, Mr Alan NOES Gilmore, Sheila Mearns, Ian Adams, Nigel Cairns, Alun Glass, Pat Michael, rh Alun Afriyie, Adam Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Glindon, Mrs Mary Miliband, rh Edward Aldous, Peter Carmichael, Mr Alistair Goggins, rh Paul Miller, Andrew Alexander, rh Danny Carmichael, Neil Goodman, Helen Mitchell, Austin Amess, Mr David Carswell, Mr Douglas Greatrex, Tom Moon, Mrs Madeleine Andrew, Stuart Chishti, Rehman Green, Kate Morden, Jessica Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Clappison, Mr James Greenwood, Lilian Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Bacon, Mr Richard Clark, rh Greg Griffith, Nia Morris, Grahame M. Bagshawe, Ms Louise Clegg, rh Mr Nick Gwynne, Andrew (Easington) Baker, Norman Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hain, rh Mr Peter Mudie, Mr George Baker, Steve Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hamilton, Mr Fabian Munn, Meg Baldry, Tony Collins, Damian Hanson, rh Mr David Murphy, rh Mr Jim Baldwin, Harriett Colvile, Oliver Harman, rh Ms Harriet Murphy, rh Paul Barker, Gregory Cox, Mr Geoffrey Harris, Mr Tom Murray, Ian Barwell, Gavin Crabb, Stephen Havard, Mr Dai Nandy, Lisa Bebb, Guto Crockart, Mike Healey, rh John Nash, Pamela Beith, rh Sir Alan Crouch, Tracey Hendrick, Mark O’Donnell, Fiona Bellingham, Mr Henry Davey, Mr Edward Hepburn, Mr Stephen Onwurah, Chi Benyon, Richard Davies, David T. C. Heyes, David Osborne, Sandra Beresford, Sir Paul (Monmouth) Hillier, Meg Owen, Albert Berry, Jake Davies, Glyn Hilling, Julie Pearce, Teresa Bingham, Andrew Davis, rh Mr David Hodge, rh Margaret Perkins, Toby Binley, Mr Brian de Bois, Nick Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Phillipson, Bridget Birtwistle, Gordon Dinenage, Caroline Hoey, Kate Pound, Stephen Blackman, Bob Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hopkins, Kelvin Qureshi, Yasmin Blackwood, Nicola Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Hosie, Stewart Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Blunt, Mr Crispin Dorries, Nadine Howarth, rh Mr George Reed, Mr Jamie Boles, Nick Doyle-Price, Jackie Hunt, Tristram Reeves, Rachel Bone, Mr Peter Drax, Richard Illsley, Mr Eric Reynolds, Emma Bottomley, Peter Duddridge, James Irranca-Davies, Huw Reynolds, Jonathan Bradley, Karen Duncan, rh Mr Alan Jamieson, Cathy Riordan, Mrs Linda Brady, Mr Graham Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Johnson, rh Alan Robertson, John Brake, Tom Ellis, Michael Johnson, Diana Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Bray, Angie Ellison, Jane Jones, Graham Rotheram, Steve Brazier, Mr Julian Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Helen Roy, Mr Frank Bridgen, Andrew Eustice, George Jones, Mr Kevan Roy, Lindsay Brine, Mr Steve Evans, Graham Jones, Susan Elan Ruane, Chris Brokenshire, James Evans, Jonathan Jowell, rh Tessa Ruddock, rh Joan Brooke, Annette Evennett, Mr David Joyce, Eric Seabeck, Alison Browne, Mr Jeremy Fabricant, Michael Keeley, Barbara Sharma, Mr Virendra Bruce, Fiona Fallon, Michael Kendall, Liz Sheerman, Mr Barry Buckland, Mr Robert Farron, Tim Khan, rh Sadiq Sheridan, Jim Burley, Mr Aidan Featherstone, Lynne Lammy, rh Mr David Shuker, Gavin Burns, Conor Field, Mr Mark Lavery, Ian Simpson, David Burns, Mr Simon Foster, Mr Don Lazarowicz, Mark Skinner, Mr Dennis Burrowes, Mr David Francois, rh Mr Mark Leslie, Chris Slaughter, Mr Andy Burstow, Paul Freeman, George Lewis, Mr Ivan Smith, rh Mr Andrew Burt, Alistair Freer, Mike Lloyd, Tony Smith, Angela Burt, Lorely Fullbrook, Lorraine Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Smith, Nick Byles, Dan Fuller, Richard Love, Mr Andrew Smith, Owen Cable, rh Vince Garnier, Mr Edward 735 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Parliamentary Voting System and 736 Constituencies Bill Constituencies Bill Garnier, Mark Lancaster, Mark Pickles, rh Mr Eric Stunell, Andrew Gauke, Mr David Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Pincher, Christopher Sturdy, Julian George, Andrew Laws, rh Mr David Poulter, Dr Daniel Swales, Ian Gibb, Mr Nick Leadsom, Andrea Prisk, Mr Mark Swayne, Mr Desmond Gilbert, Stephen Lee, Jessica Pritchard, Mark Swinson, Jo Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Lee, Dr Phillip Pugh, Dr John Syms, Mr Robert Glen, John Leech, Mr John Raab, Mr Dominic Teather, Sarah Goldsmith, Zac Leigh, Mr Edward Randall, rh Mr John Thurso, John Goodwill, Mr Robert Leslie, Charlotte Reckless, Mark Timpson, Mr Edward Gove, rh Michael Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Redwood, rh Mr John Tomlinson, Justin Graham, Richard Lewis, Brandon Rees-Mogg, Jacob Truss, Elizabeth Grant, Mrs Helen Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Reevell, Simon Turner, Mr Andrew Gray, Mr James Lidington, Mr David Reid, Mr Alan Tyrie, Mr Andrew Grayling, rh Chris Lilley, rh Mr Peter Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Uppal, Paul Green, Damian Lloyd, Stephen Robathan, Mr Andrew Vaizey, Mr Edward Greening, Justine Lord, Jonathan Robertson, Hugh Vara, Mr Shailesh Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Loughton, Tim Robertson, Mr Laurence Vickers, Martin Griffiths, Andrew Luff, Peter Rogerson, Dan Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Gummer, Ben Lumley, Karen Rosindell, Andrew Walker, Mr Robin Gyimah, Mr Sam Macleod, Mary Rudd, Amber Wallace, Mr Ben Hague, rh Mr William Main, Mrs Anne Ruffley, Mr David Walter, Mr Robert Halfon, Robert Maude, rh Mr Francis Russell, Bob Ward, Mr David Hames, Duncan May, rh Mrs Theresa Rutley, David Watkinson, Angela Hammond, rh Mr Philip Maynard, Paul Sanders, Mr Adrian Weatherley, Mike Hammond, Stephen McCartney, Jason Sandys, Laura Webb, Steve Hancock, Matthew McCartney, Karl Scott, Mr Lee Hancock, Mr Mike McIntosh, Miss Anne Selous, Andrew Wharton, James Hands, Greg McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Shapps, rh Grant Wheeler, Heather Harper, Mr Mark McPartland, Stephen Sharma, Alok Whittaker, Craig Harrington, Richard McVey, Esther Shelbrooke, Alec Whittingdale, Mr John Harris, Rebecca Menzies, Mark Simmonds, Mark Wiggin, Bill Harvey, Nick Mercer, Patrick Simpson, Mr Keith Willetts, rh Mr David Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Metcalfe, Stephen Skidmore, Chris Williams, Mr Mark Hayes, Mr John Miller, Maria Smith, Miss Chloe Williams, Roger Heald, Mr Oliver Mills, Nigel Smith, Henry Williams, Stephen Heath, Mr David Milton, Anne Smith, Julian Williamson, Gavin Heaton-Harris, Chris Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Smith, Sir Robert Willott, Jenny Hemming, John Moore, rh Michael Soames, Nicholas Wilson, Mr Rob Henderson, Gordon Mordaunt, Penny Soubry, Anna Wollaston, Dr Sarah Hendry, Charles Morgan, Nicky Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Wright, Jeremy Herbert, rh Nick Morris, Anne Marie Spencer, Mr Mark Wright, Simon Hinds, Damian Morris, David Stanley, rh Sir John Yeo, Mr Tim Hoban, Mr Mark Morris, James Stephenson, Andrew Young, rh Sir George Hollingbery, George Mosley, Stephen Stevenson, John Zahawi, Nadhim Hollobone, Mr Philip Mowat, David Stewart, Bob Holloway, Mr Adam Mulholland, Greg Stewart, Iain Tellers for the Noes: Hopkins, Kris Mundell, rh David Stride, Mel Mr Philip Dunne and Horwood, Martin Munt, Tessa Stuart, Mr Graham Norman Lamb Howarth, Mr Gerald Murray, Sheryll Howell, John Murrison, Dr Andrew Question accordingly negatived. Hughes, Simon Neill, Robert Huhne, rh Chris Newmark, Mr Brooks Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Newton, Sarah 10.15 pm Hunter, Mark Nokes, Caroline Proceedings interrupted (Programme order, this day). Huppert, Dr Julian Norman, Jesse Mr Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary for Hurd, Mr Nick Nuttall, Mr David the disposal of the business to be concluded at that time Jackson, Mr Stewart O’Brien, Mr Stephen (Standing Order No.83E). James, Margot Offord, Mr Matthew Javid, Sajid Ollerenshaw, Eric Jenkin, Mr Bernard Opperman, Guy Clause 10 Johnson, Gareth Osborne, rh Mr George Johnson, Joseph Ottaway, Richard REPORTS OF THE BOUNDARY COMMISSIONS Jones, Andrew Paice, Mr James Jones, Mr David Parish, Neil Amendments proposed: 20, page 8, line 5, leave out ‘as Jones, Mr Marcus Patel, Priti follows’ and insert ‘as set out in subsections (2) to (7)’. Kawczynski, Daniel Paterson, rh Mr Owen Amendment 218, page 8, line 37, at end insert— Kelly, Chris Pawsey, Mark ‘(5AA) Any such draft giving effect to recommendations Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Penning, Mike contained in the report of a particular Boundary Commission Kirby, Simon Penrose, John may do so with modifications only if that Commission has Knight, rh Mr Greg Percy, Andrew requested the modifications and submitted to the Secretary of Kwarteng, Kwasi Perry, Claire State a statement of the reasons for the modifications.’. Laing, Mrs Eleanor Phillips, Stephen Amendment 219, page 8, line 42, at end insert— 737 Parliamentary Voting System and 1 NOVEMBER 2010 738 Constituencies Bill ‘( ) In section 4(2) of the 1986 Act (Orders in Council), at the discussed in Committee, and we had less than two end there is inserted “submitted under section 3(5AA) above”.’. hours’ debate today. There were more than 12 speakers Question put (single Question on amendments moved who were not called at the end of the debate. Clause 13 by a Minister of the Crown), That amendments 20, 218 ––[Interruption.] and 219 be made.—(Mr Heath.) Question agreed to. Mr Speaker: The right hon. Gentleman has made his point, and I understand his concern. He knows that the Amendments 20, 218 and 219 agreed to. programme motion is a matter determined by, and in Bill to be further considered tomorrow. the hands of, the House; it is not a matter for the Chair. The Speaker is always keen to have the maximum Sadiq Khan: On a point of order, Mr Speaker–– debate on matters of concern. The right hon. Gentleman [Interruption.] is a very experienced Member, and he has made his point with great clarity. It is on the record, and it will be Mr Speaker: Order. I understand that the House is heard by those on the Treasury Bench: whether it is excited, but we must hear the point of order. heeded by others remains to be seen. Sadiq Khan: Thank you, Mr Speaker. We have today Business without Debate debated the remaining stages of a Bill that were not discussed in Committee. The parts we were supposed to discuss today covered a reduction in the number of POLITICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM seats, a change in the way they are distributed, and COMMITTEE abolition of local inquiries. We have also had two Ordered, statements. That Nick Boles be discharged from the Political and Constitutional We have had no debate on clause 12, which covers Reform Committee and Andrew Griffiths be added.—(Stephen Boundary Commission processes and which was not Crabb.) 739 1 NOVEMBER 2010 Aircraft Carriers 740

Aircraft Carriers number of highly motivated and trained people who are currently working in Rosyth. Does he agree that the Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House unique partnership between Babcock, Carnegie college do now adjourn.—(Stephen Crabb.) and the schools has assured the high-quality apprenticeship Mr Speaker: Before I call Thomas Docherty, may I training, vocational retraining and graduate development make the ritual appeal to right hon. and hon. Members necessary not only to assemble the carriers but to carry who are leaving the Chamber to do so quickly and out the excellent refits and refurbishments for which quietly, because Members want to listen to Mr Thomas Rosyth is rightly renowned? Docherty? Thomas Docherty: I am grateful to my hon. Friend Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): for that intervention. He has a history of 30-odd years I pleased that the question of how our new Queen of service as a first-class educator of young people in Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers are to be maintained Fife. I also want to place on record my tribute to has attracted such widespread interest in the House. My Professor Bill McIntosh and all the staff at Carnegie constituents and everyone in Fife can only be reassured college, and, indeed, those at Adam Smith college, by the keen interest shown by right hon. and hon. for their work with the dockyard in helping to create Members on both sides of the House in this important 350 apprenticeships in a highly skilled work force. issue. I hope that the House will consider this important matter seriously and sombrely. Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): This is For the benefit of hon. Members who are present, it a non-partisan, all-Fife occasion, and I would like to might help if I explain why this debate is so important, support the hon. Gentleman in his submissions to the not just to west Fife, but to the wider defence establishment House. He might also care to consider that HMS Ark and, indeed, to our national interest. Only two functioning Royal, which is unfortunately soon to be decommissioned, dockyards in western Europe are big enough to take the was recently the subject of a substantial programme of Queen Elizabeth-class carriers: Rosyth dockyard in my maintenance that was very successfully carried out at constituency and the one in Brittany, France. I hope Rosyth dockyard. That is an indication of the modern that the turnout tonight shows the widespread support capability of Rosyth to deal with such large-scale projects. for the Government to choose the UK dockyard and to support UK jobs and the defence industry. Thomas Docherty: The right hon. and learned Gentleman Rosyth dockyard has a long and proud tradition of is absolutely correct to point out the cross-party support supporting our Royal Navy, and of returning warships that the dockyard has enjoyed. We hope that this will be to active service in prime condition on time and on a bipartisan, measured debate, and I look forward to his budget. The House may recall that at the outbreak of continuing support in the months and years to come. the Falklands conflict in 1982, Rosyth dockyard worked The UK Government’s recent strategic defence and night and day to ensure that the taskforce was able to security review produced a couple of significant outcomes sail south in the best possible condition. on which I hope the Minister will be able to provide some reassurance. First, he will be aware of the uncertainty Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): The surrounding the near-term future of the work programme Falklands conflict is a good example to show the importance at Rosyth. A large part of the order book for the next of operational readiness and the stress that will be on three years was to be filled by the refitting of warships the carriers. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that that that the Prime Minister has indicated in the SDSR will means that the bulk of maintenance work will have to no longer be in service. This is obviously causing be done in their home port of Portsmouth, and is that consternation locally, as there is the potential for perhaps why the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath an 18-month hole in the work stream. I am sure the (Mr Brown) told my constituents that they would be Minister will appreciate that it will be difficult for the based there? dockyard to hold on to those vital employees for that length of time, and I want to ask him whether he is Thomas Docherty: I am grateful for the hon. Lady’s prepared to meet me and representatives of the trade comments, but she obviously needs to work on her unions to discuss how we can help to fill that void. pronunciation of my right hon. Friend’s constituency. It is absolutely right that Royal Navy warships receive the Secondly, we are still unclear about whether the so-called best possible care and maintenance, and I hope that she “cat and trap” system will be fitted on to HMS Queen will join me in urging her Government to back UK jobs Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, and, if so, when. and the UK’s defence industry. Can the Minister confirm whether those decisions have We would never wish to see events such as the Falklands been made? If they have not, will he tell us how soon repeated, but—to pick up on the hon. Lady’s point—I they will be made? It is surely logical—not to mention believe that it is a matter of national importance that providing the best price to the taxpayer—to fit them the United Kingdom retains the capability to send the during construction, before the ships embark on operations. Royal Navy’s flagship into operations in the best possible Thirdly, can the Minister confirm when HMS Queen condition. We have highly skilled, highly trained staff at Elizabeth will enter operational service? Will she sail for Rosyth, and I want to pay tribute not only to the any period without the joint strike fighter, or will she be management and work force but to the local schools delayed further if the JSF is delayed in arriving into and colleges that provide excellent training and support. service? Will the Minister also tell the House when he expects HMS Queen Elizabeth to have her first scheduled Lindsay Roy (Glenrothes) (Lab): I congratulate my refit? Will it be in 2022, as originally scheduled? Will it hon. Friend on securing this important debate. I am a be 2024, as has been inferred from the Prime Minster’s former head teacher, and my school provided a substantial statement to the House? Or will it be even later? 741 Aircraft Carriers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Aircraft Carriers 742

[Thomas Docherty] the last few weeks. These are military decisions, made on military advice for military reasons. The reason the The House will be aware that Ministry of Defence decisions have been made is that if we are to retain a civil servants carried out briefings this afternoon, and global presence as a Navy, as armed forces and as a there is some confusion about their content. I understand country, we will need these aircraft carriers in the years that Scottish newspapers have received certain information to come. We will need them not only because they are prior to its being given to the House. If the reports that important to the defence of the Falklands, but because the Ministry of Defence will award those refurbishment they are important for maintaining the 500-year role of contracts to the United Kingdom are true, it is indeed the Royal Navy in being available to assist in any part of great news. However, I am sure the House will agree the world. that reports of this nature should be made first by My hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline and Ministers to this House and not by officials in briefings West Fife has put the case for the refitting work to come to selected newspapers. to Rosyth. He has said that it is better to refit there than It is important that the Government be clear on the to refit in France. He has also said that the work force of timetable for their plans so that the loyal work force in Rosyth are skilled, educated and trained people who Fyfe will know when it can expect the first refit work to have devoted their lives to the service of this country. I start. Thank you, Mr Speaker. think it important to recognise that we are talking about the future of people’s lives—those of the people 10.25 pm who are prepared to give their lives for the security and Mr Gordon Brown (Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath) service of this country. (Lab) rose— Thank you, Mr Speaker, for allowing this Adjournment debate this evening. The words of my hon. Friend the Hon. Members: Hear, hear. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife in speaking up Mr Brown: At the start of any defence debate, even not just for the Royal Navy, but for the civilian defence one on the Adjournment, it is important to recognise workers, will be well heard in Plymouth and in Portsmouth the quality and commitment of our armed forces: our as well as in Rosyth. We owe a duty to the workers in all Army, our Navy, our Air Force, and the civilian defence this country’s dockyard areas. staff who work for the security, strength and safety of our country. Speaking as someone who has visited Iraq 10.29 pm and Afghanistan on many occasions, I think it is important The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence to pay tribute to all those serving in Afghanistan at the (Peter Luff): It is right that I should begin by joining the moment and to their contribution to the security of this right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath country. (Mr Brown) and the hon. Member for Dunfermline and In the week that precedes Armistice day, I also think West Fife (Thomas Docherty) in paying tribute to the it important to recognise those who gave their lives in armed services at this time of all times, and also to the service of this country. On this day and in this Rosyth for its work in preparing the country for the month, it is important to say that those who lost their Falklands war and for its skills, which were mentioned lives in Afghanistan will never be forgotten and that by the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife. their influence lives on in the lives of the people they I seem to pick my Adjournment debates, or perhaps leave behind. they pick me. On the last occasion, my hon. Friend the I have been Member of Parliament for one of the Member for Fylde (Mark Menzies) initiated a debate Fife constituencies for 27 years. I am pleased that the on the aerospace industry which we had thought would other MPs for Fife are with us this evening, and I last half an hour. It lasted for three hours, and attracted applaud my hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline an only slightly smaller audience than tonight’s debate. and West Fife (Thomas Docherty) for securing this Tonight we have had the privilege of being footnotes in debate and for securing this above-average attendance parliamentary history. for an Adjournment debate. In the course of those I am glad to be able to respond to the debate in, I 27 years, the whole history of Fife has revolved around hope, a constructive spirit. I am tempted to say some of the future and the fate of Rosyth dockyard. the things that are on my mind, but I shall leave them Winston Churchill said that Rosyth was the best for another occasion. [Interruption.] I shall resist the defended war harbour in the world, in recognition of temptation. Rosyth’s work during the second world war, when it Let me begin in the customary way by congratulating refitted as an emergency all the vessels sent to sea from the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife on that area of Scotland. Over the past 30 years, the naval securing the debate, which comes soon after the Prime base has closed; the Rosyth dockyard and naval base, Minister’s announcement of the details of the strategic which once employed 15,000 people now employs defence and security review. The review was, by definition, 1,500 people. Rosyth is the only base that can assemble strategic, and we are now working through the detail the aircraft carriers that this country has commissioned. that flows from that strategy. Given that some of the It is also the only base that can serve us by refitting the issues discussed by right hon. and hon. Members tonight carriers in the future. When announcements are to be have focused on specifics, I hope that the House will accept made by the Ministry of Defence, it is important to that I am not yet in a position to answer all their questions. recognise that Rosyth is the base best able to refit the I will, however, try to provide as much information as I carriers in the years to come. can in response to the issues that have been raised. I want to be clear about why the aircraft carriers are I particularly welcomed the contribution of the right important to this country. I believe that the debate has hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath. I well been clouded by many things that have been said over remember sitting on the Opposition Benches and making 743 Aircraft Carriers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Aircraft Carriers 744 similar points on behalf of my own constituents, and I I am sure hon. Members will appreciate that until the hope that the right hon. Gentleman will find my response work on all the options we are looking at has been as constructive as I found many Government responses completed, we will not be in a position to confirm the then. exact nature of our contracting approach for future Let me say how impressed I have been by the work support or maintenance work. The main investment undertaken at all the shipyards involved in the Queen decision for support arrangements for the Queen Elizabeth Elizabeth class project. Although I have not yet had an class is expected to be taken before the middle of this opportunity to visit every yard, I recently visited the decade—that is as precise as I can be tonight—and will Govan shipyard to see the progress on the Queen Elizabeth reflect the aircraft launch system changes that have carrier. While I was there I spoke to a range of staff, all been agreed in the SDSR. [Interruption.] An Opposition of whom showed their skills and complete dedication to Member says from a sedentary position, “After the the project. They were a credit to the programme, and I general election.” That is a completely irrelevant pay tribute to them. consideration; this decision will be taken at the right The progress achieved so far, such as the delivery of time for the project. the bow unit and installation of diesel generators, is genuinely remarkable. To appreciate the scale of the Thomas Docherty: Does the Minister not understand project, one has to see it with one’s own eyes. That that if the HMS Prince of Wales does not have a “cat success is largely due to the skills of shipyard workers and trap” system it will not be able to fly the aircraft off not just at Rosyth but around the country, at Appledore, it, and it will therefore just be a big scrap of metal? Birkenhead, Govan and Portsmouth, and on the Tyne. I shall not go into the wider issues raised by the Peter Luff: Understandably, the hon. Gentleman invites former Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for me to make commitments that I cannot make at this Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath. Let me merely say that stage. I understand his point and I promise it will be the strategic defence and security review has confirmed taken fully into account. [Interruption.] An Opposition that we will build both carriers. The Government believe Member says from a sedentary position that it is a very that it is right to retain, in the long term, the capability serious question. I entirely agree, which is why I will not that only carriers provide: the ability to deploy air give an answer off the cuff from the Dispatch Box power anywhere in the world, without the need for tonight. friendly air bases on land. Once delivered, the carriers Our planning assumptions for the support requirements will be in service for about 50 years. Indeed, the final of the Queen Elizabeth class have been that each vessel commander of the carriers is unlikely even to have been will require a period of major maintenance every six born yet. years, including a period in dry dock for hull cleaning, At this point we expect to operate only one of the survey and preservations, which we expect will take ships, the other being retained in extended readiness. I about 36 weeks. In addition, the operational vessel will assure the House, however, that we will maximise the require up to 12 weeks of maintenance per year, depending carrier’s effectiveness by adapting it to operate the more on operational tasking. Again, I must stress that these capable carrier variant of the joint strike fighter, which assumptions remain under review as we continue to will require the installation of catapults and arrester develop the support solution, which will include gear. Conversion to CV will take longer, but it will consideration of the support requirements for a vessel provide greater interoperability with key allies such as at extended readiness. I simply cannot answer any specific the United States and France. questions at this stage. The hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife We are also currently examining a number of potential asked a number of detailed questions, but I am afraid options on which company or companies could undertake that I can travel only a certain distance in answering future maintenance work for the Queen Elizabeth class. them tonight. We plan to deliver the carrier strike These include, but are not limited to, solutions involving capability from around 2020, and are now investigating the Aircraft Carrier Alliance—the means by which the the optimum means of achieving that outcome, working carriers are being constructed—and the surface ship with members of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance and support alliance, which will provide efficient, sustainable wider industry as well as our international partners. We and affordable engineering support to the Royal Navy. expect the work to take a number of months, but the In addition, I would like to remind the House that building work will continue to maintain the momentum although, as my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth in the delivery of this important capability. We will North (Penny Mordaunt) reminded us in her intervention, investigate a number of different aspects, including the Portsmouth has been confirmed as the base port for the type of launch system, the procurement route, the delivery Queen Elizabeth class carriers, that does not automatically date, and whether one or both ships should be converted mean that all the maintenance work will be undertaken and in what order. However, I stress that no decisions there. A number of options are being considered for the have yet been made, as the work has only just begun. future support of the Queen Elizabeth class, including facilities at Rosyth, together with other UK, and possibly Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Can my overseas, locations, all with sufficiently large facilities. hon. Friend at least go as far as dispelling any rumour There are more than two yards that can do this work. or suggestion that the second carrier will be sold rather than remaining a part of the Royal Navy? Penny Mordaunt: Because of the operational readiness Peter Luff: That option is indeed spelt out in the that the carriers will have to provide, does my hon. SDSR document, but I think that it is unlikely to be Friend agree that outside those six years the maintenance adopted. Extended readiness is a much more likely work is likely to have to be opportunistic and therefore option. done within the home base, which will be Portsmouth? 745 Aircraft Carriers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Aircraft Carriers 746

Peter Luff: Quite reasonably, my hon. Friend teases frigate, is expected to arrive at Rosyth later this week in me to make the same sort of commitments as does the preparation for her refit period, which is planned to last hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife. I am until next autumn. afraid, however, that I just cannot make those commitments Recently, the hon. Gentlemen wrote to me seeking at this stage, much as I would like to. assurances about the future upkeep programme at Rosyth—he sought that assurance again tonight—and I Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): would like to take this opportunity to explain again the Does the Minister accept that if one aircraft carrier is Department’s current position. As has been the practice on extended readiness and a second, which is being used since the start of the alliance programme, discussions for operational duties, has to go into dry dock, there have been continuous between members of the alliance will be no aircraft carrier available for use, and would he about the best allocation of the forward programme of therefore consider building a third? upkeep periods. It is, however, too early to say what changes might be required of the programme at Rosyth Peter Luff: Now, that is a commitment I would be and elsewhere in the alliance following the hard decisions delighted to make at the Dispatch Box if I possibly made to reduce the size of the Royal Navy as part of the could. I think the hon. Gentleman will be unsurprised SDSR. I can, however, confirm that decisions will continue to learn, however, that, sadly, I am unable to give him to be made on what we describe as a “best for enterprise” that assurance. basis, and I will be delighted to meet him and his I recognise that there are many positive reasons for constituents to discuss these issues further. I look forward undertaking Queen Elizabeth support work at Rosyth, to making the arrangements for that meeting at the but we are still some way from taking the main investment earliest possible date. decision on support arrangements, and I hope the House Turning to future shipbuild work, we now expect up will understand why no decisions have yet been—or to three years of additional design and modification could be—taken on this issue. That is why the reports in work on the Queen Elizabeth class carriers to address the Scottish media to which the hon. Member for the changes needed to install catapults and arrester Dunfermline and West Fife referred must, by definition, gear. That may, in part, at least answer the question put be untrue. I suspect they may be guilty of over-interpreting by the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath. certain remarks, but I can assure him that no decisions In addition, design work is already under way on the have been taken at this stage. I think I would know Type 26 global combat ship, which is expected to enter about them if they had. [Interruption.] I think I would; service early in the next decade; this is the next generation I am fairly confident I would. of frigate. I know that the hon. Gentleman is anxious to hear As the House is aware, the SDSR announced the how Babcock Marine’s Rosyth dockyard will fare in all Government’s intentions for the current and future of this. I am sure that the Government’s announcement equipment and capabilities we need to defend this country. in the SDSR to build both carriers will reassure the It made some tough, but necessary choices, removing hon. Gentleman that Babcock Marine will have sufficient some projects while keeping others. We are now working construction work until late into this decade. There are hard to provide the level of detail needed to decide not many organisations that have that kind of assurance exactly how these intentions are turned into reality. over a 10-year period. With the decision to decommission some of the Royal Navy’s ships—these are decisions that I personally regret, Thomas Docherty: I am grateful to the Minister for but they were inevitable—we need to continue working clarifying that newspaper point. Will he therefore give a with industry to decide how best to support the Royal guarantee that when decisions are made, they will be Navy surface fleet to ensure that we achieve the best made to the House before they are made in media value for money. We also know that maintenance work briefings, such as the night before the SDSR was published, on the Queen Elizabeth class is still some way—some as happened last time? years—from being decided. A key factor in that decision will be achieving a more detailed understanding of Peter Luff: I did take a self-denying vow at the beginning what changing the aircraft launch system means for not of these remarks not to say some of the things on my only the build programme, but through-life support. I mind. All I would say to the hon. Gentleman is that I said at the start of my speech, that I will not be able to will do my best to comply with his reasonable request, provide the House with all the answers today that I although it was not one that the previous Government know it would like, but we do know that two extremely respected that often. [Interruption.] I just like to get capable Queen Elizabeth class carriers will be built. these things on the record from time to time. In terms of wider surface ship maintenance work, we Mr Gordon Brown: Why can the Minister not assure continue to work with Babcock Marine and BAE Systems us that the aircraft carriers will be refitted within the Surface Ships to develop the surface ship support alliance. United Kingdom? Babcock Marine is in the final stages of a substantial six-month maintenance and upgrade period for HMS Blyth, Peter Luff: I think that it is extremely likely that they a minesweeper. I am pleased to confirm that this work is will be, but I cannot rule out the possibility that they on track to complete on time and to budget, and I wish will not; the assumption is that they will be refitted in to thank all who have contributed to the success of this the UK, as the right hon. Gentleman suggestions, but I project—this is a tribute to the hon. Gentleman’s am not going to give him that categorical assurance at constituents. Additionally, Babcock Marine is undertaking this stage, for reasons that I am sure he, as a former a docking period for HMS Illustrious and I am also Chancellor of the Exchequer and Prime Minister, will pleased to be able to confirm that HMS Kent, a Type 23 understand. 747 Aircraft Carriers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Aircraft Carriers 748

Mr Brown indicated dissent. for Dunfermline and West Fife on securing this debate and look forward to seeing him at my office at an early date Peter Luff: Well, the right hon. Gentleman shakes his Question put and agreed to. head and I am surprised at that. As a constituency MP I 10.43 pm am sure he would not understand, but as a former House adjourned. Chancellor and Prime Minister I suspect that he probably does. With one carrier to be operated, there will be long-term requirements for maintenance, potentially for up to CORRECTION 50 years. In times of austerity across the country, the UK shipbuilding industry and ship repair industry should take great comfort from that, as well as the other naval Official Report, 28 October 2010: In column 519, the activity, both surface and submarine, that the SDSR contribution attributed to Julian Sturdy should be attributed confirmed. Once again, I congratulate the hon. Member to Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon (Con):

27WS Written Ministerial Statements1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 28WS

Nevertheless, the Secretary of State for Defence has not Written Ministerial ruled out holding a public inquiry at some point in the future, should serious and systemic issues emerge from Statements IHAT’s investigations that might justify it. The establishment of the IHAT should not be taken as an admission of fault or failure. These allegations are Monday 1 November 2010 as yet unproven, but their existence is corrosive to both the morale and reputation of our armed forces. We owe TREASURY it to them, and the complainants, to investigate properly these allegations and that is exactly what the IHAT has The Office for Budget Responsibility (Treasury now started to do. Committee Report)

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Justine FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Greening): The Government have today responded to the Treasury Select Committee report on the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Copies are available in General Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council, the Vote Office and the Library. The Government are 25 October 2010 grateful to the Committee for its assistance in establishing the OBR and the legislation that is now before the House reflects many of the Committee’s recommendations. The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): The General Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council were held on 25 October in Luxembourg. The UK was represented by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of Independent Public Service Pensions Commission State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and myself. The agenda items covered were as follows: The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL (GAC) Lord Hutton has today published a further “Call for The full text of all conclusions adopted can be found Evidence”, which has been deposited in the Libraries of at: both Houses. http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/ Periodic updates of the Commission’s work will be docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/117366.pdf made available through the website, located at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ Follow-up to the September European Council indreview_Johnhutton_pensions.htm . The Commissioner for Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration (Sefcovic) briefed on EU 2020, covering the ongoing dialogue with member states on DEFENCE their national reform programmes which are due for submission in November. Iraq Historic Allegations Team I and others raised Pakistan and the importance of delivery on trade and development assistance commitments The Minister for the Armed Forces (Nick Harvey): In made at the September European Council. The Foreign March my predecessor announced the intention of the Secretary repeated the call later at the FAC. previous Government to set up a dedicated Iraq historic October European Council allegations team (IHAT) to investigate allegations of abuse of Iraqi citizens by British service personnel that Ministers discussed at length the issue of the taskforce have been brought to the Ministry of Defence’s attention. on economic governance and possible treaty change at The Government have endorsed the continuation of both the GAC session on 25 October, and the ministerial this approach, and we are determined to ensure that dinner with the President of the European Council these allegations are investigated thoroughly and as (Van Rompuy) on 24 October. quickly as possible. Some Ministers made the case for treaty change, I would like to inform the House that the IHAT now arguing that sanctions were integral to any agreement has a full investigative capability and has commenced on the crisis resolution mechanism—and that political work. The team is led by a retired senior civilian policeman sanctions would have more clout than financial ones. and consists of military and ex-civilian police detectives Others called for greater consultation and transparency, who will ensure that each allegation is appropriately and argued that the EU should avoid appearing divided investigated. Given the volume of allegations and the on the question. complexity of investigating the events in question, we I underlined the importance to the UK of stability in anticipate that it will take around two years to complete the eurozone, and that it was therefore right that eurozone the work of the IHAT. members strengthened governance arrangements within There are those who argue that the Government the eurozone. I stressed that the UK would not be part should hold a public inquiry into these unproven of any permanent crisis resolution mechanism and that allegations now—we disagree. A costly public inquiry sanctions would not apply to the UK. I undertook to would be unable to investigate individual criminal behaviour look closely at what was proposed, but as the Prime or impose punishments. Any such inquiry would Minister had already made clear, we would not support arguably therefore not be in the best interests of the anything that involved a transfer of powers from individual complainants who have raised these allegations. Westminster to Brussels. Many backed my call for an 29WS Written Ministerial Statements1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 30WS indicative text to be circulated in advance of the European Union for the Mediterranean Council. The presidency concluded by saying that this Baroness Ashton set out proposals for a one-year discussion would continue with Heads at the European transitional arrangement for the EU co-presidency of Council on 28-29 October. the Union for the Mediterranean. In response to concerns There was a brief exchange on the EU position for set out by the Foreign Secretary and others. Baroness the G20 summit in Seoul on 11-12 November where I Ashton agreed to look again at the proposals with the pressed for more ambitious language on the Doha aim of reaching agreement on a legal basis acceptable negotiations. On climate change, some Ministers expressed to all member states before the 21 November summit. concern about the prospects for the UN framework Middle East Peace Process / Lebanon convention to be held in Cancun from 29 November to 10 December. I emphasised the need to be clear about Baroness Ashton briefed on her contacts with the US any conditions we should attach to any second Kyoto over the EU’s role in supporting the US-led peace commitment period. efforts. Following a discussion, she concluded that the EU needed to continue its influencing work with key On the EU’s approach to third-country summits, I international stakeholders and its support for Palestinian and a number of other Ministers argued that conclusions state-building and Gaza access and exports. Ministers from the summits should focus on clear deliverables. On agreed to reaffirm the EU’s support for the Special the EU-US summit, many supported my call for a Tribunal for Lebanon. reinvigorated Transatlantic Economic Council with clear tasks. I also proposed including language on Pakistan. Cuba Ministers continued their discussions on third-country Ministers exchanged views on options for the EU’s summits over lunch at the FAC. approach towards Cuba. They agreed to task Baroness Enlargement/Serbia Ashton to reflect on this, working within the EU’s Conclusions were adopted that agreed to forward Common Position, and report back to Ministers at a Serbia’s membership application to the Commission, later date. while emphasising, inter alia, the importance of Sahel co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal Discussions on the Sahel region focused on the security for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the need for constructive risks it posed for both the region and Europe. Ministers regional co-operation, and the importance of progress adopted conclusions tasking Baroness Ashton, in liaison in the process of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. with the Commission, to elaborate a Sahel strategy by External Action Service (EAS) the beginning of next year. The Council gave political approval to the final EAS European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) decisions on the Staff and Financial Regulations and the 2011 budget, with formal adoption expected after The Commissioner for Enlargement (Fule) briefed necessary legal procedures have been completed. Ministers on developments for reforming the ENP. The Additionally, Baroness Ashton announced the ENP review should culminate with a ministerial conference appointments of Pierre Vimont as Executive Secretary with ENP partners in February 2011. The UK emphasised General and David O’Sullivan as Chief Operating Officer that the door to EU enlargement must be kept open for of the EAS. partners that met the criteria. Although ENP was not a pre-accession instrument, it nevertheless provided a FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL (FAC) framework to prepare partners for eventual membership. The full text of all conclusions adopted, including “A”points, can be found at: Iran http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/ Ministers agreed an EU regulation implementing docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/117367.pdf sanctions against Iran’s nuclear programme. 489W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 490W

Average working days lost 2009-10 Written Answers to Grade TSOL SFO CPS NFA1

AA 241.7 — 12.1 — Questions AO 14.1 223.4 10.8 — EO 9.8 11.4 9.6 0.7 HEO 4.8 3.9 7.8 0.6 Monday 1 November 2010 SEO 2.6 12.1 5.4 0.15 G7 5.8 3.2 8.1 0.29 G6 4.0 4.0 7.2 0.3 SCS 2.9 5.5 2.8 0 ATTORNEY-GENERAL 1 The NFA was launched on 1 October 2008 with a staff base of predominantly interim and temporary employees. During 2009-10 the Crown Prosecution Service: Pay Agency began a process of recruiting permanent civil service staff and therefore the average figures are depressed by there being less than the full complement of staff in post throughout the whole year. Rehman Chishti: To ask the Attorney-General for 2 In both cases relatively small numbers of people were employed at what performance-related bonuses senior officers of these grades, and the figures for average working days lost have the Crown Prosecution Service are eligible. [20642] consequently been heavily distorted by a very small number of staff who were on long term sick leave. The Attorney-General: Senior civil servants (SCS) employed, by the CPS are eligible for consideration of Euthanasia: Switzerland performance related payments in accordance with Cabinet Office guidelines. For 2009-10, payments of between Caroline Lucas: To ask the Attorney-General what £1,259 and £12,117 were made to 22 members of the reports he has received on the number of UK residents SCS. For Chief Crown Prosecutors, awards of between who have been assisted to die in Switzerland since the £666 and £9,675 were made for the same period to publication of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ 45 members of staff. interim policy on the prosecution of offences assisted suicide; and how many of such cases have been referred Rehman Chishti: To ask the Attorney-General what to the Crown Prosecution Service for investigation. criteria are used to determine the payment of bonuses [20861] to Crown Prosecution Service employees. [20643] The Attorney-General: I have not received any direct The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service reports on the number of UK residents who have been (CPS) reviews the achievement of annual personal objectives assisted to die in Switzerland since the interim policy and business performance measures in determining for prosecutors in respect of cases of assisted suicide performance related pay for staff. was issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on 23 September 2009. Daniel Ubani The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has advised that their central records indicate that four cases involving Stephen Barclay: To ask the Attorney-General what UK residents who have been assisted to die in Switzerland information the Crown Prosecution Service holds on have been referred to the CPS since September 2009. the date on which the German authorities (a) This number includes both those cases that are ongoing commenced investigations into Dr Daniel Ubani’s and in which decisions on prosecution have been taken. treatment of David Gray in the UK, (b) arrested him Following a public consultation exercise, the DPP and (c) initiated legal proceedings against him. [21009] amended the interim policy and published a revised version on 25 February 2010. The Solicitor-General: Before 23 March 2009, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had no information Sexual Offences: Young People on any criminal process contemplated or taken by the German authorities. The CPS has no information on: Fiona Bruce: To ask the Attorney-General (1) how (a) when any criminal investigation was commenced by many cases of underage sex involving boys aged the German authorities; or (b) whether Dr Ubani was 15 years and under were passed to the Crown arrested in Germany. The CPS has a copy of a German Prosecution Service in (a) 1980 to 1989, (b) 1990 to prosecutor’s document, which suggests that legal 1999 and (c) 2000 to 2009; and in how many such proceedings were initiated against him on 12 March cases (i) charges were made against the adults involved, 2009. (ii) charges were made against the underage boys involved and (iii) the underage boys were prosecuted; Departmental Sick Leave [20282] (2) how many cases of underage sex involving girls Mike Freer: To ask the Attorney-General for how aged 15 years and under were reported to the Crown many days on average staff in the Law Officers’ Prosecution Service in (a) 1980 to 1989, (b) 1990 to Departments in each pay grade were absent from work 1999 and (c) 2000 to 2009; and in how many such as a result of ill health in 2009-10. [18580] cases (i) charges were made against the adults involved, (ii) charges were made against the underage girls The Attorney-General: The information requested is involved and (iii) the underage girls were prosecuted. contained in the following table. [20283] 491W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 492W

The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service Public Expenditure: Wales (CPS) came into existence in 1986. Limited information on the volume of prosecutions for specific offences is Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales captured on the Compass Management Information what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the System. Compass was fully implemented in April 2005 Exchequer on the effects of outcomes of the Comprehensive and there are no central records prior to that date. The Spending Review on funding for Government services records show that in the five years ending March 2010 in Wales. [20599] there were 13,282 offences charged under the sections of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which relate to sexual Mrs Gillan: I have discussed the comprehensive spending assaults or activity with a child or young person under review with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and other the age of 16. This figure relates to the age of the victim Cabinet colleagues, and will continue to do so. and not that of the, defendant. Charges for other sexual offences, for example rape, may also involve victims The spending review sets out how the Government aged 15 years or under but it is not possible to ascertain will carry out Britain’s unavoidable deficit reduction the age of the victim. plan. It is in line with our policy of building a freer, fairer and more responsible society and puts public It is also not possible to ascertain the number of services and the welfare reform onto a sustainable footing, offences that were reported, whether the charges were while protecting the most vulnerable. modified or the outcome of the proceedings, because the records show the nature of the offence at the outset of the proceedings. Furthermore, it is not possible to ascertain the age or gender of any victim or whether the INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY victim in any case was also prosecuted from the database. STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE This information is held on individual case files and could be obtained only by identifying and examining Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority: every relevant file in each CPS office, which would incur Manpower disproportionate cost. Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for NORTHERN IRELAND the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, pursuant to the answer of 21 October 2010, Official Billy Wright Inquiry Report, column 875W,on the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority: manpower, what the annual cost Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for to the public purse is of staff participation in Benenden Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the Healthcare. [20660] Justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive on implementation of the recommendations of the Billy Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls Wright inquiry. [20077] within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Mr Paterson: I discussed the matter with the Justice Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. Minister shortly after publication of the report on 14 Letter from Andrew McDonald: September and continue to engage with him on this As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary issue. Work has since been commissioned to follow up Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary the report’s recommendations; this is being taken forward Question asking what the total annual cost to the public purse is by the Northern Ireland Department of Justice and the of staff participation in Benenden Healthcare. Northern Ireland Prison Service, as well as by officials The total annual cost to the public purse of IPSA staff participation in the Northern Ireland Office where recommendations in Benenden Healthcare will be nil, as the scheme is funded by relate to non-devolved matters. I shall issue a written contributions from staff. statement to the House shortly. Members: Allowances

Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, WALES representing the Speaker’s Committee for the Independent Disability: Public Expenditure Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the average amount paid by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Authority to each hon. Member receiving payments for what recent discussions she had with carers and disability (a) mortgage interest and (b) rent has been in each organisations in Wales on the effect of the Comprehensive month since May 2010. [18098] Spending Review on the payment of benefits to their members; and if she will make a statement. [20062] Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Mrs Gillan: I have met with a range of organisations, Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. including the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, prior to the announcement of the comprehensive spending Letter from Andrew McDonald: review and discussed the issues raised with colleagues. As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary I now intend to continue a programme of meetings Question asking what the average amount paid by the Independent with organisations and individuals from across Wales to Parliamentary Standards Authority to each hon. Member receiving discuss key issues, including the comprehensive spending payments for (a) mortgage interest and (b) rent has been in each review outcome. month since May 2010. (18098) 493W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 494W

Average mortgage payments in each month since May are as Mr Charles Walker: Although I greatly sympathise follows: with the concerns of the hon. Member, the role prescribed by statute for the Speaker’s Committee for the Independent £ Parliamentary Standards Authority does not include May 606.40 making representations on the scheme. June 736.32 July 783.99 Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for August 715.43 Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, September 712.20 what provision will be made for a review of the October 694.63 efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the Independent Average rent payments in each month since May are as follows: Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) as part of the forthcoming review of the expenses scheme for hon. £ Members; and what professional advice will be May 793.22 provided to IPSA on those matters. [20346] June 889.37 July 1,063.89 Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary August 1,067.65 Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. September 1,060.34 October 1,173.81 Letter from Andrew McDonald: As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary The average mortgage interest payments are lower than average Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary rental payments, in part due to historically low interest rates. The Question asking what provision will be made for a review of the expenses scheme does not provide for future payments of mortgage efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the Independent Parliamentary interest, picking up one of the recommendations that was central Standards Authority (IPSA) as part of the forthcoming review of to the report on MPs’ expenses and allowances made by the the expenses scheme for hon. Members; and what professional Committee for Standards in Public Life: advice will be provided to IPSA on those matters. 20346 “Recommendation 3: MPs should no longer be reimbursed for IPSA launched an organisational review in October which will the cost of mortgage interest payments or any other costs associated run in parallel with the forthcoming review of the expenses with the purchase of a property. No new arrangements for scheme for hon. Members. The organisational review is aimed at support of mortgage interest should be allowed from the date of improving IPSA’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness and will make this report. In future only rent or hotel costs should be reimbursed.” use of internal and external professional advice as appropriate. Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for the Independent Personnel: Privilege Days Parliamentary Standards Authority, if the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority will estimate (a) Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the hon. Member for the average time spent by (i) hon. Members and (ii) the Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for staff of hon. Members dealing with the Authority and the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, (b) the cost to the public purse of the time so spent in how many staff of the Independent Parliamentary the latest period for which figures are available. [18422] Speaker’s Authority are entitled to privilege days; and what the annual cost to the public purse is of the Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls entitlement per employee. [19821] within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls Letter from Andrew McDonald: within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Letter from Andrew McDonald: Question regarding time spent by hon. Members and hon. Members As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary staff dealing with IPSA and the cost to the public purse of the Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary time so spent. Question asking how many staff at IPSA are entitled to privilege IPSA does not keep time records of how long Members of days, and the annual cost to the public purse is of the entitlement Parliament or their staff spend dealing with IPSA, nor does IPSA per employee. keep any estimates of the cost to the public purse of their There are a total of 54 employees at IPSA who are entitled to doing so. privilege days at IPSA. The notional cost per employee per IPSA does keep records of the number and length of phone annum for this benefit is approximately £375 (net). calls from Members of Parliament and their staff. In September, the last full month for which there is data, IPSA received some Season Ticket Loans 2,980 calls to our information line with each call lasting on average 5 minutes and 30 seconds. Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the hon. Member for Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for representing the Speaker’s Committee for the Independent the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, Parliamentary Standards Authority, if he will make how much funding the Independent Parliamentary representations to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Standards Authority has allocated to the provision of Authority for claims made by hon. and right hon. interest-free season ticket loans for its staff; and what Members to be repayable without the requirement that the average cost to the public purse is of the scheme in they must be made within 90 days of the expense being respect of each participating member of staff in incurred. [18676] 2010-11. [19888] 495W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 496W

Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls The Prime Minister: We are still waiting for a full list within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary of candidates for the UK delegation. Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. Letter from Andrew McDonald: Task Force on Strengthening Economic Governance in As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary EU Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how much funding the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has allocated to the provision of interest-free Mr Cash: To ask the Prime Minister what negotiating season ticket loans for its staff, and what the average cost to the position he intends to adopt on the conclusion of the public purse is of the scheme in respect of each participating Task Force on Strengthening Economic Governance in member of staff in 2010-11. EU, presented to the European Council and dated In the current financial year to date, IPSA has granted season 21 October 2010, that endorsement by the Council of ticket loans totalling £22,777.56 to 20 employees. Assuming an the recommendations in the report will contribute to average notional rate of interest of 3.5%, the annual cost of the strengthening economic governance in the EU and the scheme is currently £797.21. The average cost of the scheme for euro are and can be implemented within the existing each participating member of staff is therefore £39.86. treaties; and if he will place immediately in the Library IPSA provides for an equivalent scheme for Members’ staff. a copy of (a) the Taskforce Report and (b) the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s submission to the Taskforce made on 9 July 2010; and if he will make a statement. [20485] HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to my Official Hospitality statement today and to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Hoban) Mr Whittingdale: To ask the hon. Member for on 27 October 2010, Official Report, column 318. Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons Commission, which posts in the House of Commons Service entitle the holder to accommodation (a) in the gift of the House Service and (b) paid for from the HOME DEPARTMENT public purse; and what the address is of each property owned by the House Service which is put at the Police Stations: Opening Hours disposal of such staff. [20072]

Sir Stuart Bell: The following positions in the House 19. Mark Pawsey: To ask the Secretary of State for entitle the holder to accommodation: Clerk of the the Home Department if she will issue guidance to House, Serjeant at Arms, Speaker’s Secretary, Head police authorities on the opening hours of inquiry Office Keeper and two Senior Office Keepers. Sleeping desks at police stations. [20317] facilities are provided for the Deputy Serjeant at Arms, Assistant Serjeant at Arms, Clerk Assistant, Clerk of Nick Herbert: Opening hours of inquiry desks are a Committees and Clerk of Legislation, reflecting their matter for individual chief constables to decide, based particular need to be available on the parliamentary on their local priorities. estate over prolonged periods and at unpredictable times. The addresses of the accommodation are: 2 Parliament street, 3 Parliament street, 2a Canon row, 2b Canon UK Border Agency row, 4 Canon row, 102 Rochester row and 22 John Islip street. The sleeping facilities are also used by other staff 20. Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for when there is a need to do so. the Home Department what assessment she has made of the likely effects on UK Border Agency services of the proposed reduction in its staff numbers by 2015. [20318] PRIME MINISTER Members: Allowances Damian Green: The UK Border Agency priorities will be to secure the border and reduce migration. It will Bob Russell: To ask the Prime Minister how long on do this at the same time as reducing the budget by up to average he spends managing expenses and allowances 20% through cutting overhead costs, improving efficiency claims; and if he will make a statement. [19608] and quality through investment in technology and getting better value for money from suppliers. The Prime Minister: I am aware of concerns surrounding the expenses system and am keen to see improvements. I Rural Police Forces do not claim accommodation expenses. Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe: UK 21. Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Delegations the Home Department what mechanisms are in place to determine the funding of rural police forces. [20319] Mr Amess: To ask the Prime Minister what progress he has made in appointing a new UK delegation to the Nick Herbert: I will put before this House more detail Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; on funding allocations for all forces, including rural and if he will make a statement. [20249] forces, in December. 497W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 498W

Licensing Act 2003 The new European Union directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, 22. Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for to be implemented in United Kingdom legislation in the Home Department when she plans to publish her January 2013, also requires a risk-based approach to proposals to amend the Licensing Act 2003. [20320] inspections. A detailed assessment of the impact of its provisions, including those relating to inspections, is James Brokenshire: The proposals for amendments to under way and will in due course be included in a public the Licensing Act will be included within the Police consultation on options for transposition. Reform and Social Responsibility Bill. The Police Reform Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate and Social Responsibility Bill will be introduced later in the year. Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inspectors are in post Immigration Cap: Science and Industry in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate; what the average length of service of those inspectors is; 23. Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the and how many inspectors have left the Inspectorate in Home Department what recent representations she has each of the last seven years. [19072] received on the likely effect of her proposed immigration cap on science and industry. [20321] Lynne Featherstone: At 25 October 2010 there were 25 Inspectors in post in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Mrs May: Our recent consultation on immigration Inspectorate with an average length of service in the system fully involved scientific organisations. They have Home Office of between five years and 10 years. Both underlined the importance of being able to recruit the records of length of service and the number of inspectors best scientists from around the world. I am aware of the who have left the Inspectorate in each of the last seven case of the Beatson Institute in my hon. Friend’s years, which follow, are recorded in bands that comply constituency and can assure her that the UK Border with the Office of National Statistics guidelines. Agency is looking closely at this and related cases. 2009: Less than five 2008: Less than five Firearm and Knife Injuries 2007: None 2006: Less than five 24. David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005: Less than five the Home Department what discussions she has had 2004: Less than five with the Secretary of State for Health on the sharing of 2003: Between five and 10 non-confidential information on firearm and knife injuries between hospitals and police forces. [20322] Asylum: Deportation

James Brokenshire: The Secretary of State for Health Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the and the Home Secretary have established the Department Home Department how many children of asylum of Health Information Sharing Implementation Group, seekers awaiting deportation were in detention on the to determine how to deliver the coalition Government latest date for which figures are available. [19588] commitment to share non-confidential information on gun and knife crime. Home Office officials sit on that Damian Green: National Statistics on children detained group. solely under Immigration Act powers are published quarterly in the Control of Immigration: Quarterly Animal Welfare Statistical Summary, United Kingdom. The Statistical Summary for the second quarter of 2010, the most recent available, coupled with local management Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the information indicates that one child of an asylum seeking Home Department whether her Department has made family was detained with its family awaiting removal as an estimate of the likely change in the number of at 30 June 2010. inspections of designated establishments carried out by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate in This figure is based on management information and each of the next three years; and if she will make a is not subject to the detailed checks that apply for statement. [18802] National Statistics. It is provisional and may be subject to change. Lynne Featherstone: I am not in a position to estimate Information on people detained solely under Immigration the number of inspections of designated establishments Act powers as at 30 September will be available on to be carried out by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) 25 November in the Control of Immigration: Inspectorate in each of the next three years. Quarterly Statistical Summary, United Kingdom, July- The inspectorate plays a key role in the implementation September 2010 on the Home Office’s Research, of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act. Visits by Development and Statistics website at: inspectors to designated establishments, many of which http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum- are unannounced, are important to check for compliance stats.html with the Act. An additional important role is to advise The Government have made clear their commitment those working under the Act and encourage best practice to end the detention of children and continues to work with respect to the 3Rs—replacement, refinement and with its corporate partners to find an alternative that reduction. The inspectorate implements a risk-based protects the welfare of children, without undermining approach to inspection and I expect this to continue. UK immigration laws. 499W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 500W

Borders: Personal records non-conviction information; any ongoing or outstanding criminal investigations or proceedings; where more than Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for the one force holds relevant information and the operational Home Department what estimate she has made of the effectiveness of the Disclosure Units of the police forces cost to the public purse of new procurement exercises involved in the CRB checking process. for the e-Borders programme. [20457] The CRB have been working with police forces through joint operational performance reviews, to address the Damian Green: Since the termination of the contract problems associated with delays and the impact that with the prime supplier, Raytheon Systems Limited, the exceptional demand for CRB checks can have on police e-Borders programme has been developing a strategy to forces. The CRB has set up improvement plans with procure services to replace those under the original those forces that have been having problems meeting the e-Borders contract. The programme is currently examining demand for certificates. This is aimed at maintaining a options for contracting with new suppliers and expects steady output of applications on the system while also to be able to identify the costs by December 2010. reducing the number of outstanding cases that have been with police forces for more than 25 days. Criminal Records Bureau Criminal Records: Fees and Charges Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 13 Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the October 2010, Official Report, column 201W, on the Home Department whether she plans to require volunteers Criminal Records Bureau, on how many occasions the applying to work as leaders in recognised youth processing of enhanced disclosures initially received in organisations to pay a fee for Criminal Records Bureau each month of 2010 to date has taken more than 28 checks; and if she will make a statement. [20170] days. [18619] Lynne Featherstone: My right hon. Friend the Home Lynne Featherstone: The following table details the Secretary announced the terms of reference for the total number and percentage of enhanced Criminal review of Criminal Records Bureau and the Vetting and Records Bureau (CRB) checks that took over 28 calendar Barring Scheme (VBS) on 22 October 2010, Official days to issue for the period 1 January 2010 to 31 August Report, columns 77-78WS. The first phase of the Criminal 2010. September figures are not yet available as 28 Records Review and the VBS review are expected to calendar days have not yet elapsed since the end of this report early in the new year. month. Figures for September will be available from the While the reviews may have an impact on the bureau from 28 October. requirements to undertake Criminal Records Bureau checks, the Government remain committed to reducing Total enhanced the barriers to volunteering and they do not intend to CRB checks review the provision of free checks for volunteers (at Total despatched this stage). Application enhanced after 28 days form received CRB checks or still in Percentage Departmental Consultants month received progress over 28 days 2010 Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for the January 282,738 98,285 34.8 Home Department how many (a) consultants and (b) February 352,462 130,406 37.0 contractors were employed by or on behalf of the UK March 411,374 174,498 42.4 Border Agency to work on the e-Borders programme in April 323,130 127,577 39.5 each of the last five years. [20451] May 345,044 117,253 34.0 June 388,810 124,515 32.0 Damian Green: The following table provides the numbers July 362,762 115,853 31.9 of consultants and independent contractors employed August 259,183 73,405 28.3 by the e-Borders Programme since 2005. Separate figures are not held for contractors and consultants. The current The length of time a CRB check can take to process figure as at 28 October 2010 is 39. can include “time out with customer”. This occurs when the CRB has to contact the registered body for Consultancy headcount additional information about the applicant, when the application form has not been completed correctly or 2005-06 72 where the police require additional clarification about 2006-07 103 the applicant’s identity. The CRB cannot continue to 2007-08 81 process the application until the registered body provides 2008-09 53 this information; or the applicant resolves any question 2009-10 60 of identity to the satisfaction of the police force. There are a number of other factors that can affect Human Trafficking the timely completion of CRB checks, including but not restricted to the length of time it can take for an Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home employer to deal with the initial application; the accurate Department what recent assessment she has made of completion of the application form; the clarity of the the merits of opting in to the EU Directive on human information provided; the existence of conviction or trafficking. [20644] 501W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 502W

Damian Green: The Government decided not to opt James Brokenshire: The Home Office has not in to the Directive at the outset, but to review the commissioned or evaluated any research on controlling position once the Directive has been agreed. We still the sale of knives, or made any assessment of the merits have the option of applying to opt in at a later stage. of licensing the sale of knives. Guidance on the restrictions In reaching this decision, the Government considered in place on the sale of domestic and non-domestic whether the Directive would make a practical difference knives is available at: to the way the UK fights trafficking and whether it http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/ contained operational co-operation measures from which Typesofcrime/DG_181675 the UK would benefit. Law Enforcement Agencies: Expenditure Immigration Jack Lopresti: To ask the Secretary of State for the Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her most recent estimate is of Home Department what recent progress she has made the average annual expenditure of law enforcement on reform of the immigration system. [20311] agencies on investigations of financial crime; and what proportion of that expenditure is accounted for by Damian Green: In just six months the coalition forensic analysis of currency for controlled drugs. Government have made significant progress in the reform [19060] of the immigration system. We have introduced an interim limit on non-EU economic migrants and consulted James Brokenshire: It is not possible to provide this on proposals for the annual. We are also reviewing estimate as the majority of crimes contain a financial student and family routes. We have made significant element and financial investigation is an integral part of progress towards ending the detention of children and a broad range of law enforcement investigations. we have also begun exploring improvements to the asylum system. Offensive Weapons

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) from what countries of origin Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for the applicants for indefinite leave to remain normally Home Department how many arrests there were for resident in the Medway council area (a) applied for, possession of an offensive weapon in St Albans constituency (b) were granted and (c) were refused indefinite leave in each of the last five years; and how many such arrests to remain in the latest period for which figures are resulted in convictions for which a prison sentence of available; [20545] five years or more was imposed. [19664] (2) how many individuals who at the time of their application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK James Brokenshire: The information requested on were resident in the Medway council area, were granted arrests is not collected centrally. such leave in the latest period for which figures are The arrests collection held by the Home Office covers available. [20546] arrests for recorded crimes (notifiable offences) only, broken down at a main offence group level, covering Damian Green: The UK Border Agency is unable to categories such as violence against the person and robbery. provide definitive data on the applicants address at the It is not possible to separately identify which arrests time of application. The information provided is therefore under these offence categories were related to the possession for the applicants last known address. of offensive weapons. The number of applications made for indefinite leave The maximum sentence for the possession of a knife from April 2009 to March 2010 for applicants living in or offensive weapon is four years, therefore no defendants the Medway council area was 398. Of this figure 332 convicted of these offences were sentenced to imprisonment were granted and 26 were refused. for five years or more. The breakdown by nationality can be found in the House of Commons Library. Prostitution This is internal management information and is subject to change. This information has not been quality assured Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for the under National Statistics protocols. Home Department what assessment her Department has made of the effect of advertisements for sexual Knives services on levels of demand for prostitution. [20833]

Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for the Lynne Featherstone: We do not believe it is appropriate Home Department whether her Department has (a) to advertise sexual services in local newspapers. The commissioned and (b) evaluated recent research on Government Equalities Office commissioned research controlling the sale of knives; what recent assessment into the advertising of women and services supplied by she has made of the merits of licensing the sale of women in personal classified advertisements. Two reports knives; what guidance her Department issues on the were produced: ‘WomenNot for Sale’, which was published restrictions in place on the sale of (i) domestic and (ii) in January 2008, and a follow-up report published in non-domestic knives; and if she will make a statement. March 2010. However, no assessment has been made of [19669] the effect of advertising on levels of demand for prostitution. 503W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 504W

Rape: Finance Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice is currently developing its capital expenditure plans in the light of the spending Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the review that was announced on 20 October 2010. Home Department pursuant to the answer of 14 October The Chancellor announced in his spending review 2010, Official Report, columns 404-05W,on rape: finance, statement that plans for a new 1,500 place prison had what the reasons are for the difference in the timetables been deferred. Initial plans for other capital projects for for making payments to sexual assault referral centres the SR period, including budgets for maintenance of in Wales and England. [20366] the prison estate will be in place by the end of the calendar year. Lynne Featherstone: Resource funding for sexual assault Decisions about prison and wing closures have yet to referral centres (SARCs) in England is in the process of be made. The Ministry of Justice is committed to publishing being paid from the Department of Health to strategic a Green Paper on Rehabilitation and Sentencing, consulting health authorities, and will be allocated by SHAs to on our longer term plans for offender management. As SARCs in their region. Capital grants were issued by a consequence the Ministry will re-evaluate its strategy the Home Office in September and where correctly for prison capacity. signed agreements have been returned, payment will be Departmental Pay made in October. Home Office funding for Welsh SARCs was initially Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice due to be administered through the Home Office Crime (1) how much was paid to officials in his Department Team for Wales, part of the Government Office Network. and its non-departmental public bodies in bonuses and However, as a result of the decision to dissolve the other payments in addition to salary in each year since Government offices, including the Home Office Crime its inception; how many officials received such Team for Wales, that funding will now also be administered payments; and what the monetary values was of the by the Home Office. Grant agreements have been issued largest 20 payments made in each such year; [18701] to all Welsh SARCs receiving funding in this round, and (2) what allowances and payments in addition to on the return of correctly signed agreements, funding salary were available to officials in his Department and will be paid in November. its non-departmental public bodies in each year since its inception; and what the monetary value was of payments and allowances of each type in each such year. [18702] JUSTICE Mr Kenneth Clarke: Within the Ministry of Justice, payments of salary, non consolidated performance pay Capital Projects and other allowances depend on the contractual terms that an individual is employed on. The information Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for provided as follows covers a range of contractual terms. Justice (1) which of his Department’s capital projects Senior Civil Service he plans to (a) abandon, (b) defer and (c) continue; Members of the Senior Civil Service (SCS) are employed on [20086] common terms across the Ministry. Details of the non-salary elements of their remuneration are set out in the Senior Salaries (2) how much capital funding he has allocated to Review Body Report. maintenance of the prison estate in each of the next http://www.ome.uk.com/Senior_Salaries_Review_Body.aspx four years; [20087] Since the establishment of the Ministry, payments of (3) whether he plans to close any (a) prisons and (b) non-consolidated performance pay to members of the prison wings. [20218] SCS are shown in the following tables:

Paid in Staff receiving Total amount Maximum Largest calendar year payments Average payment (£) awarded (£) payment (£) 20 payments (£)

20071 116 7,469 866,500 22,500 205,500 2008 159 10,364 1,648,000 25,000 341,000 2009 162 8,488 1,375,000 15,000 270,000 2010 168 5,822 949,000 10,000 200,000

1 Refers only to those Ministry members formerly in the Department of Constitutional Affairs.

Performance payments are awarded as part of the ‘In Year’ non-consolidated performance pay, awards of which annual pay award process to members of the SCS are made during the performance year to staff who have made whose performance has exceeded their agreed delivery exceptional contributions on specific occasions. objectives during the previous performance year. ‘End of Year’ non-consolidated performance pay, awarded as part of the annual pay award to staff who have exceeded their Non SCS employees within the Ministry are eligible performance objectives during the previous performance year. to non-consolidated payments and occupational allowances. Payments of non-consolidated performance pay to staff The Ministry of Justice (excluding NOMS) may be either: The following table provides information on ‘In Year’ non-consolidated performance payments. 505W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 506W

Paid in Staff receiving Total amount Value of largest financial year payments1 Average payment (£) awarded (£) Largest payment (£) 20 payments (£)

2007-08 5,327 440 2,348,520 4,000 42,000.00 2008-09 6,135 418 2,566,120 5,675 77,225.00 2009-10 5,673 269 1,483,442 8,000 91,448.00 1 Includes those working in HM Court Service, Tribunals Service, Office of the Public Guardian and those Non Departmental Public Bodies whose pay terms are aligned with the Ministry.

The following table provides information on ‘Year End’ non-consolidated performance payments.

Paid in financial year Staff receiving payments Average payment (£) Total amount awarded (£) Largest payment (£)

2007-08 2,419 400 967,000 400 2008-09 1,608 1,200 1,929,600 1,200 2009-10 1,889 1,200 2,226,800 1,200 Note: The value of the ‘Year end’ payment of non consolidated performance pay is set as part of the pay award and is an equal amount for all staff who receive it.

Payments of occupational allowances to staff are Details of total amounts paid in overtime paid to made in accordance with the Ministry’s Pay Policy staff in the Ministry is shown in the following table. Manual. These allowances may be based on the requirement Records on the number of individual employees paid of a job role (e.g. qualification) or reflect a recognised overtime or the highest 20 payments are not held centrally. market premium. An allowance also may be paid to reflect the pattern of working (e.g. on-call payments) £ and where an individual performs duties at a higher level than their own substantive grade. Central records 2007-08 6,788,860 on the total number of staff receiving allowances is not 2008-09 6,881,223 held. Nor is the value of the top 20 largest payments 2009-10 6,759,306 paid to individuals. Information on the total amount paid in each year since 2007 are shown in the following table. National Offender Management Service (NOMS) Information on the number of staff in grades below £ the SCS receiving ‘In Year’non-consolidated performance 2007-08 8,048,082 payments and the total amount paid in the 2007-08, 2008-09 10,945,380 2008-09 and 2009-10 financial years across HM Prison Service and National Offender Management Service 2009-10 9,458,872 Headquarters is contained in the following table.

Paid in financial year Number of staff receiving a payment Total amount paid1 (£) Value of the largest 20 payments (£)

2007-08 3,559 1,314,358 66,500 2008-09 3,411 2,110,012 70,284 2009-10 2,503 1,609,340 87,454 1 Information has been adjusted to exclude payments that are not Special Bonus payments. The figures presented here will therefore differ from previously published totals. The nature of the excluded payments is not known.

Details for payments of ‘Year End’ non-consolidated across HM Prison Service and the National Offender performance pay in the 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10 and Management Service Headquarters are shown in the 2010-11 financial years for staff below SCS employed following table:

Paid in financial year Number of staff receiving a payment Total amount paid (£) Value of largest 20 payments (£)

2007-08 4,817 1,096,766 14,384 2008-09 5,332 1,325,952 16,060 2009-10 5,256 1,426,330 16,420 2010-11 5,950 1,629,784 16,580 Note: The value of the ‘Year End’ payment of non consolidated performance pay is set as part of the pay award and is standard percentage of salary for all staff who receive it. 507W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 508W

The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) table. Records on the number of individual employees does hold information on allowances and payments in paid overtime or the highest 20 payments are not held addition to salary but not in the detail requested. However, centrally. the sum of all payments in addition to standard salary payments for NOMS staff for 2007-08, 2008-09 and £ 2009-10 is as shown in the following table: 2007-08 10,260,954 2008-09 10,814,950 £ 2009-10 10,442,968 2007-081 109,586,243 2008-092 122,900,162 Information Commissioner’s Office 2009-10 120,272,758 The Office of the Information Commissioner is a non 1 The 2007-08 data is prior to the formation of the NOMS agency. Departmental Public Body of the Ministry and employs 2 The data for 2008-09 is incomplete as it does not include values staff on separate contractual terms. In addition to basic before September 2008 for circa 1,000 staff who transferred from HM salary, employees may be eligible for non-consolidated Prison Service into NOMS that month. performance pay depending on their performance measured Details of total amounts paid in overtime paid to over the performance year. These arrangements have staff in the NOMS Agency is shown in the following been in place since 2008.

Paid in financial year Amount paid (£) Number of staff receiving award Total amount paid (£)

2008-09 250 46 110,500 2009-10 250 64 115,600 1 The value of the ‘Year end’ payment of non consolidated performance pay is set as part of the pay award. The amount is pro-rated for reduced hours staff.

Allowances are paid to staff working in Office of the Mr Djanogly: The Department does not maintain a Information Commissioner to recognise specific skills list of bodies funded solely from the public purse that and proficiencies or requirements of the role. The maximum are not public authorities for the purposes of the Freedom skills/proficiency allowance is £519 and other allowances of Information Act 2000. £240. Both allowances have been paid to fewer than 10 Over 100,000 public authorities are currently subject individuals in any year since 2007. to the Act. These are either listed in Schedule 1 of the Information on total payments of overtime to staff in Act, or covered under section 6 as “publicly owned since 2007 are shown in the following table. Records on companies” that are wholly owned by the Crown or a the number of individual employees paid overtime or public authority listed in Schedule 1. the highest 20 payments are not held centrally. The Government are considering a range of options to increase transparency, including extending the scope £ of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to additional 2007-08 102,188 public authorities. The Government will announce their 2008-09 97,955 intentions in due course 2009-10 87,955 Ian Tomlinson

Food Supplements Directive Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether a senior judicial officer has been appointed Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice to head the inquest into the death of Ian Tomlinson. what recent discussions his Department has had with the [19904] authorities in (a) Jersey and (b) Guernsey on progress in implementing the EU (i) Food Supplements Directive Mr Djanogly: The authority to appoint assistant and (ii) Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation. deputy coroners to hear specific inquests lies with the [20830] coroner and his or her local authority. The Ministry of Justice has received a request from the coroner for the Mr Djanogly: My noble Friend the Minister of State nomination of a suitable judge for appointment to hear for Justice (Lord McNally), the Minister responsible for the inquest into Mr Tomlinson’s death. In accordance the Crown Dependencies raised the implementation of with the usual practice in such cases, we have been the Food Supplements Directive and the Nutrition and discussing with the Lord Chief Justice the availability of Health Claims Regulation with the Guernsey authorities suitable candidates for appointment to this inquest. The during his visit to the Island on 24 September 2010 and Lord Chief Justice has now agreed to nominate a judge, expects to raise the issue with the Jersey authorities in and details of the appointment are likely to be made the course of his forthcoming visit there. public by the local authority for the coroner at the earliest opportunity. Freedom of Information: Public Expenditure Legal Aid Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice which bodies funded solely from the public Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for purse are not public authorities for the purposes of the Justice how much his Department has spent on legal aid Freedom of Information Act 2000. [20852] for social welfare cases (a) in total and (b) in respect of 509W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 510W

(i) welfare benefits, (ii) housing, (iii) debt, (iv) community of law, including; housing, debt, welfare benefits, care and (v) employment in each year since 2006-07. employment and community care, is provided in the [20638] following table:

Mr Djanogly: The total amount spent each in each year 2006-07 to 2009-10 in the social welfare categories

£ million 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-101

Housing2 52 52 59 60 Debt 24 21 27 33 Welfare benefits 23 22 25 28 Employment 6 6 6 8 Community care 4 4 5 6 Total 108 106 123 135 1 The figures for 2009-10 are subject to audit. 2 The figures for housing include the Housing Possession Court Duty Solicitor Scheme.

Magistrates Courts (2) what the cost to the public purse was of the Director of Offender Management regional John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice organisations in the financial year 2009-10. [20407] what recent representations he has received from Nottinghamshire police on the closure of magistrates Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service courts; what response he has made to such representations; (NOMS) Agency was established from April 2008. There and if he will make a statement. [21073] are therefore no comparable figures for the financial years 2004-05 to 2007-08. Mr Djanogly: Nottinghamshire police authority has The NOMS Agency accounts for 2009-10 show, on a submitted a county wide response to the consultation comparable basis, figures for both 2008-09 and 2009-10 proposals. This is being carefully considered alongside for HQ and Policy as follows: the other responses received. We hope to announce decisions by the end of the year. £ million Magistrates Courts: Bassetlaw 2008-09 151 2009-10 255 John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what estimate he has made of the number of residents However, of the year on year difference, £113 million of Bassetlaw constituency unable to reach Mansfield is due to the accounting treatment on the impairment of magistrates court on public transport by 10.00 am on a assets. weekday; and if he will make a statement; [21071] The 2008-09 expenditure on regional offices was £57 (2) what estimate he has made of the maximum million. journey time by public transport from Mansfield to The 2009-10 expenditure for the Directors of Offender Bassetlaw at the end of the working day on each day of Management regional organisations was £48 million. the working week. [21072]

Mr Djanogly: I am aware of the concerns regarding Offenders: Deportation public transport in north Nottinghamshire that have been raised in the court estate consultation responses and I can assure the hon. Member that these are being Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for very carefully considered. Justice how many foreign national prisoners he expects Ministry of Justice economists are currently working to be repatriated in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011. [20092] on the provision of area wide impact assessments that will provide a full assessment of the costs and benefits Mr Blunt: The United Kingdom has in place prisoner of each closure. These will include an assessment of the transfer arrangements with over 100 countries and travel impact on court users. We intend to publish the territories. The majority of these arrangements are voluntary impact assessments alongside the consultations responses, agreements which require the consent of both states by the end of the year. involved, as well as that of the prisoner concerned, before transfer can take place. In the calendar year 2010 National Offender Management Service: Public we expect approximately 45 prisoners to have been Expenditure repatriated from prisons in England and Wales (38 prisoners have transferred to date). In 2011, up to 50 prisoners are Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice expected to be repatriated. (1) what the cost to the public purse was of the National The repatriation of prisoners from Scotland and Offender Management Service head office and regional Northern Ireland is a matter for the relevant devolved offices in each financial year since 2004-05; [20406] administration. 511W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 512W

Offenders: Mental Illness Pleural Plaques Compensation Scheme are entitled to compensation under that scheme. [19881] Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what arrangements he plans to make for the Mr Djanogly: The pleural plaques former claimants’ custody of mentally-ill offenders whom he proposes to payment scheme does not extend to dependants or to personal representatives claiming on behalf of deceased divert into treatment. [20088] claimants. Mr Blunt: Mentally ill offenders who require transfer Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for and detention for treatment can be transferred to secure Justice if he will bring forward proposals to extend the hospital services, if they meet the relevant clinical criteria (a) eligibility criteria and (b) period for which the under section 47 or section 48 of the Mental Health Act Pleural Plaques Compensation Scheme will be open. 1983. Mentally ill offenders who do not need to be in [19883] custody can access treatment from community mental health services, as part of community sentences with a Mr Djanogly: There are no proposals to extend the mental health treatment requirement. eligibility criteria or the time period for the pleural The Government are also exploring how more effective plaques former claimants’ payment scheme. The scheme mental health assessment and liaison services can help was set up to provide payments to those individuals identify and support police and court decisions, cases who had begun, but not resolved, a legal claim for where offenders with mental health problems pose a compensation for pleural plaques at the time of the low risk to the public, and for whom a community 2007 House of Lords judgment, on the basis that they based approach would be justified. had an understandable expectation at the time of beginning the claim that it would result in compensation. The Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for scheme will be open to applications for one year, which Justice what tests his Department undertake to will provide sufficient time for those who are eligible to ascertain whether an offender is mentally ill. [20089] make an application. Prisoners Mr Blunt: The responsibility for establishing whether a defendant or an offender is suffering from a mental Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for disorder rests with qualified clinical practitioners. Such Justice what proportion of prisoners serving custodial assessments can take place at any stage of the criminal sentences of up to six months have (a) no previous justice process including at the point of arrest, during convictions and (b) seven or more previous court proceedings, on reception in custody or during convictions. [20091] sentence. Mr Blunt: The proportion of prisoners sentenced to Pleural Plaques Compensation Scheme immediate custody with sentence lengths of up to six months in 2009 who had no previous convictions was Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for 5.6%. The figure for prisoners with seven or more Justice whether the next of kin of deceased claimants previous convictions was 74.6%. The following table who would otherwise have had a valid claim under the presents figures for the last 10 years.

Proportion of offenders who were sentenced to immediate custody with sentence length up to six months for indictable offences1,2 by the number of previous convictions, 2000-09 Percentage Number of previous convictions 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

No previous 6.5 6.1 5.4 5.4 5.6 6.2 6.1 6.1 5.6 5.6 conviction 1-6 previous 28.9 27.3 23.8 21.9 21.5 21.2 21.9 21.9 20.1 19.8 convictions 7 or more 64.6 66.7 70.8 72.7 72.8 72.6 72.0 72.0 74.3 74.6 previous convictions All offenders 36,431 37,172 39,693 42,186 42,946 40,306 39,071 40,335 43,537 37,971 (100%) 1 Including indictable and trial either ways offences. 2 Counts of offenders sentenced during the year; an offender may be counted more than once if an offender had been sentenced more than once.

The figures are further breakdowns of the criminal The figures have been drawn from the police’s history statistics presented in chapter 6 of “Sentencing administrative IT system, the police national computer, Statistics, England and Wales 2009” which was published which, as with any large scale recording system, is on 21 October 2010 and can be found at: subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/docs/sentencing- more information is recorded by the police. stats2009.pdf 513W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 514W

Prisoners: Terrorism A review of offender learning is being undertaken jointly by the Department for Business, Innovation and Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for Skills and the Ministry of Justice. The review will make Justice (1) what conditions may be imposed when granting recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness a release on licence to prisoners with convictions for of such arrangements. terrorism; [20547] Prisons: Population (2) how many prisoners with convictions for terrorism offences are under consideration for release Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for by the Parole Board; [20548] Justice what the evidential basis was for his decision to (3) how many prisoners with convictions for reduce the prison population by 3,000 by 2014. [20076] terrorism offences have an earliest date for release in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [20549] Mr Blunt: The Government’s expectation that the prison population will be 3,000 fewer by 2014 is based Mr Blunt: All offenders convicted of terrorism or on (a) prison population projections and recent population terrorism related offences serving a sentence of 12 months trends and (b) our new approach to sentencing and or more are subject to statutory probation supervision rehabilitation which we will outline in a Green Paper on licence, with strict conditions, on release from prison. later this year, with an accompanying impact assessment. All of these offenders are subject to standard licence conditions. Additional licence conditions may be applied, Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for where they are necessary to manage the risks presented Justice (1) what steps he plans to take to reduce the by an individual. Where offenders are released on the prison population by 3,000 by 2014. [20093] direction of the Parole Board, the board will set the (2) whether he plans to reduce the numbers of licence conditions. Where offenders are released suspects held on remand. [20219] automatically from custody, licence conditions will be set by the governor of the releasing prison. Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice will publish a A Probation Instruction (PI 13/2010) was issued on Green Paper later this year, setting out plans to reform 27 September 2010 on the subject of licence conditions. sentencing and rehabilitate offenders more effectively. This instruction replaced previous policy guidance on The Green Paper will set out our approach to reducing licence conditions and includes a menu of licence conditions the prison population, including our approach to the for those convicted of terrorism or terrorism related use of remand. offences. Probation Service Two prisoners, one from a previous terror campaign, are subject to consideration for release by the Parole Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Board at this present time. 31 terrorist or terrorism-related what estimate he has made of the effect on prison prisoners will be eligible for consideration by the Parole numbers of reductions to the probation service budget Board for release in the future. in the financial year (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. 2010: A total of 20 offenders have or will have been released by [20409] the end of 2010. Of the 20, six have been re-released following recall. In addition, one further offender will reach his parole eligibility date in November 2010, and his release will be considered Mr Blunt: The probation budget for 2010-11 is by the Parole Board in due course. £864 million compared to £894 million 2009-10. Before the new Probation Trust arrangements came into general 2011: A total of 18 offenders will reach their earliest date for release during the course of 2011. operation in April 2010, all trusts and potential trusts were required to demonstrate how they would drive 2012: A total of seven offenders will reach their earliest date down costs and improve performance. There is no evidence for release during the course of 2012. that the savings that have been achieved have had any Note: adverse impact on performance, and as such these savings The number of relevant offenders who will actually be released in are not expected to adversely impact on the prison any of the three years will depend on a number of factors, population. Internal resource allocations for the spending including: in the case of parole-eligible prisoners, a direction for review 2010 period have not yet been decided, but we release from the Parole Board; whether any offenders are sentenced in the intervening period to custodial sentences; and whether have already been clear that a large part of our savings offenders appeal successfully against the length of their sentence. will be achieved through improvements in efficiency and cutting administration. Prisons: Education Redundancy: Public Expenditure

Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for what recent discussions he has had with the Prison Justice what estimate he has made of the number of Service on educational and training opportunities redundancies from frontline posts in his Department to within HM prisons; and if he will make a statement. be incurred under the proposals in the Comprehensive [20919] Spending Review. [20090]

Mr Blunt: I meet frequently with officials from the Mr Kenneth Clarke: My Department is developing National Offender Management Service, including those firm plans to deliver its priorities within the funding responsible for prisons, and discuss a range of issues baselines announced in the Spending Review. We will be including prisoner learning and skills. consulting widely on proposals for change but as yet no 515W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 516W internal budgets have been set. Preliminary estimates considered robust. The National Offender Management suggest that the Department will lose around 14,000-15,000 Service is currently introducing a new costing system posts, including a significant reduction in our headquarters for probation trusts which will collect reliable information and administrative areas. Preliminary modelling on both budgeted and actual expenditure on unpaid assumptions split the posts between 10,000 in the National work. Budgets for unpaid work are set locally by providers Offender Management Service, 3,000 in courts and and commissioners and will be determined in the light tribunals services and 1,000-2,000 elsewhere in the of the Spending Review settlement. Allocations within Department over the four-year period. Where possible, the Ministry of Justice to business groups, including the staff reduction will be through natural turnover and National Offender Management Service, are yet to be voluntary redundancy, avoiding compulsory redundancies decided but will reflect the impact of the forthcoming if possible. Green Paper on Sentencing Reform and need to deliver My Department’s response to the Spending Review services as efficiently as possible including through the marks the beginning of a programme of radical change use of the new competition framework for unpaid work. which will fundamentally reform the way justice is Sentencing provided by 2015. I am confident that the process will lead to a transformed Ministry of Justice which is efficient and affordable. Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many community sentences he expects to Reparation by Offenders be handed down in each of the next four years. [20083]

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Blunt: We have no targets for the number of Justice how much his Department spent on community community sentences to be imposed over the next four payback schemes in each year since 2005; and how years. We want to see sentencing that is effective in much it plans to spend on such schemes in each of the rehabilitating offenders so that they do not offend again. next three years. [20084] This includes increased use of community sentences where they are more effective than short prison sentences Mr Blunt: Reliable year-by-year information on the in providing punishment and rehabilitation, and in helping expenditure on community payback by probation trusts offenders come off drugs. for the past five years is not available. A cost collection Over the 11 years to 2009 the numbers of community exercise in 2008-09 estimated that roughly £95 million sentences imposed on adults and juveniles are shown in was spent on unpaid work but the estimate is not the following tables.

Persons sentenced to community sentences at all courts by type of community sentence, 1999 to 2009—England and Wales Number of persons and percentage Type of community sentence 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

All offences Total persons sentenced 1,397,786 1,414,188 1,338,522 1,410,505 1,479,812 1,536,825 Percentage given community sentences 10.8 11.0 12.3 13.2 12.9 13.1

Community sentences: Community rehabilitation order1 58,368 56,459 58,947 63,781 63,202 60,661 Supervision order 12,679 11,556 11,083 10,502 9,870 10,119 Community punishment order1 49,597 49,983 49,764 50,791 50,382 53,886 Attendance centre order 8,679 7,041 5,824 4,031 3,283 3,432 Community punishment and rehabilitation order1 20,733 19,241 14,662 15,484 15,159 15,972 Curfew order 1,577 2,597 3,863 6,266 9,599 15,142 Reparation order — 3,984 7,975 5,004 3,111 3,087 Action plan order — 4,356 8,650 6,181 4,348 4,486 Drug treatment and testing order — 321 4,229 5,272 7,058 8,596 Referral order2 — — — 19,208 25,410 26,122 Community order3 ——————

Total community sentences 151,633 155,538 164,997 186,520 191,422 201,503

Number of persons and percentage Type of community sentence 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

All offences Total persons sentenced 1,473,275 1,412,940 1,406,788 1,353,937 1,397,310 Percentage given community 13.9 13.5 14.0 14.0 14.0 sentences

Community sentences: Community rehabilitation order1 33,583 3,854 2,282 2,033 1,720 517W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 518W

Number of persons and percentage Type of community sentence 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Supervision order 10,600 11,196 11,952 9,642 8,071 Community punishment order1 34,808 5,832 2,541 2,070 1,819 Attendance centre order 3,305 3,169 3,455 2,868 2,516 Community punishment and 10,812 2,268 1,588 1,598 1,708 rehabilitation order1 Curfew order 12,129 6,511 6,594 6,710 7,077 Reparation order 3,217 3,745 4,055 4,066 3,559 Action plan order 4,832 4,867 4,865 4,074 3,242 Drug treatment and testing order 5,541 306 38 10 3 Referral order2 29,958 30,070 32,142 29,423 28,139 Community order3 55,462 119,019 126,912 127,677 137,911

Total community sentences 204,247 190,837 196,424 190,171 195,765 1 Some community sentences were renamed in April 2001. Community rehabilitation order was previously probation order, community punishment order was previously community service order and community punishment and rehabilitation order was previously combination order. 2 Referral orders were introduced nationally on 1 April 2002. The figures include extensions of referral orders (retrospectively for 2002-04). 3 The community order was introduced on 4 April 2005 and applies to offences committed on or after that date. Persons sentenced to community sentences and percentage sentenced to community sentence by age and sex, 1999 to 2009—England and Wales Number of persons and percentage Age 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

All persons Aged 10-17 Total number 90,160 91,480 95,485 94,548 92,531 96,188 sentenced Number given 30,623 35,972 42,859 54,187 54,952 56,715 community sentences Percentage given 34.0 39.3 44.9 57.3 59.4 59.0 community

Aged 18-20 Total number 165,412 162,090 157,907 159,384 162,067 156,399 sentenced Number given 26,934 26,499 26,368 26,743 26,462 27,460 community sentences Percentage given 16.3 16.3 16.7 16.8 16.3 17.6 community

Aged 21 and Total number 1,142,214 1,160,618 1,085,130 1,156,572 1,225,214 1,284,238 over sentenced Number given 94,076 93,067 95,770 105,590 110,008 117,328 community sentences Percentage given 8.2 8.0 8.8 9.1 9.0 9.1 community

All ages Total number 1,397,786 1,414,188 1,338,522 1,410,504 1,479,812 1,536,825 sentenced Number given 151,633 155,538 164,997 186,520 191,422 201,503 community sentences Percentage given 10.8 11.0 12.3 13.2 12.9 13.1 community

Number of persons and percentage Age 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

All persons Aged 10-17 Total number 96,203 93,806 97,387 88,375 81,490 sentenced Number given 61,106 61,498 66,007 60,043 55,923 community sentences Percentage given 63.5 65.6 67.8 67.9 68.6 community 519W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 520W

Number of persons and percentage Age 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Aged 18-20 Total number 146,051 142,694 140,276 137,575 141,884 sentenced Number given 26,756 24,879 25,314 24,259 26,031 community sentences Percentage given 18.3 17.4 18.0 17.6 18.3 community

Aged 21 and over Total number 1,231,021 1,176,440 1,169,125 1,127,987 1,173,936 sentenced Number given 116,385 104,460 105,103 105,869 113,811 community sentences Percentage given 9.5 8.9 9.0 9.4 9.7 community

All ages Total number 1,473,275 1,412,940 1,406,788 1,353,937 1,397,310 sentenced Number given 204,247 190,837 196,424 190,171 195,765 community sentences Percentage given 13.9 13.5 14.0 14.0 14.0 community

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for announced on 13 August, district auditors will retain a Justice what definition of a short sentence his duty for reporting issues in the public interest. It is not Department uses. [20085] envisaged that the National Audit Office will assume any of the Audit Commission’s functions in this respect. Mr Blunt: There is no legal definition of a short custodial sentence but for most purposes the Department My Department has not yet made any estimate of the categorises a short custodial sentence as one where the cost and savings that would arise if the National Audit headline sentence is under 12 months. Office assumed any of the Audit Commission’s functions. Any such cost and savings will be reflected in the impact assessment which we will publish when introducing any COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT legislation to effect these changes. Anti-Semitism Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the purpose Communities and Local Government what recent was of the Audit Commission’s payment of £1,434 to representations the cross-Government working group SPA Landscaping in 2009-10; and what works were to tackle anti-Semitism has received from the Jewish undertaken. [20427] community; and if he will make a statement. [20255]

Andrew Stunell: The cross-Government working group Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the to tackle anti-Semitism is made up of officials from Audit Commission and I have asked the Chief Executive across Government and senior representatives of the of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member Jewish Community and therefore is in regular receipt of direct. representations from the Jewish community on issues of concern. Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010: Audit Commission Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities SPA Landscaping provided grounds maintenance services at and Local Government what estimate he has made of Audit Commission offices at Littlemoor House in Eckington. the cost to the public purse of the National Audit Office The payment of £1,434 was in respect of services provided in assuming the Audit Commission functions regarding accordance with the specification and contract for grounds (a) value for money studies and (b) the exercise of maintenance at that site. public interest responsibilities by auditors. [20215] A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. Robert Neill: My Department is working with the Audit Commission, the National Audit Office and other Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for partners to consider a range of options for the functions Communities and Local Government what the (a) currently undertaken by the Commission, including purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion was in respect of value for money studies. As my right hon. Friend the which the Audit Commission paid £1,897 to St Martin- Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in-the-Fields in 2009-10. [20428] 521W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 522W

Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the (1) Steps ran four workshops on 15 & 17 July and 10 & Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive 20 August for the Human Resources department. This was a of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member programme developed to help staff understand and address areas direct. of concern identified in our 2009 employee survey. (2) Steps contributed to three development centres for potential Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010: Principal Auditors in February and March 2010. Steps staff Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply developed realistic scenarios to test the auditors’ client relationship on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. skills. St Martin-in-the-Fields was used as a venue for a joint media A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. launch of the Oneplace website and the publication of the first set of Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) reports. It took place Audit Commission: Conflict Management Plus on 7 December 2009. This was a joint event with the CAA partner inspectorates (Ofsted, Care Quality Commission, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, HM Inspectorate of Prisons and HM inspectorate Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for of Probation) and was attended by members of the national and Communities and Local Government what the (a) trade media. purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion was for which the A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £3,851 on Conflict Management Plus in 2008-09. [20105] Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what the (a) Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion was in respect of Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive which the Audit Commission paid £3,650 to the of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member Science Museum in 2009-10; [20429] direct. (2) what the (a) purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010: was in respect of which the Audit Commission paid £1,545 Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply to Digby Trout Restaurants Ltd in the category of on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. learning and development services in 2009-10. [20430] In September 2008, following a competitive tender, the Commission engaged Conflict Management Plus to assist us in developing our Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the managers to resolve staff disputes and difficulties. Conflict Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive Management Plus attended a one day review workshop and of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member subsequently advised us on the best approach for managers. direct. A copy of this fetter will appear in Hansard. Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010: Audit Commission: Connaught Your Parliamentary Questions have been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for The questions relate to the same event so I am responding to (a) them in the same letter. Communities and Local Government what the purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion was for which the In Spring 2009, the Audit Commission’s Local Government Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £19,545 on and Assessment Directorate underwent a restructure as it took on responsibility for the new Comprehensive Area Assessment. A the New Connaught Rooms in 2008-09. [20111] one day core team workshop took place on 12 May 2009 as part of the preparation for this major national initiative. Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Workshop facilities at the Science Museum provided confidential Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive discussion space and adjoining breakout rooms for working sessions. of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend The figure quoted covered the cost of the venue and equipment hire. direct. Digby Trout Restaurants Ltd are the venue’s in-house caterers Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010: and the payment was the total cost of catering at the basic day Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply delegate catering rate. on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. The Audit Commission incurred this expenditure for two events in 2008-09. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for 30 September 2008—A senior stakeholder briefing, bringing Communities and Local Government what the (a) together local authorities and PCTs to discuss the new framework purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion was in respect of for Comprehensive Area Assessment. which the Audit Commission paid £15,025 to Steps 1 December 2008—An internal staff briefing event to discuss Drama Learning Development in 2009-10. [20431] restructuring. This venue was used to accommodate the large number of staff in attendance. The Commission does not have Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the offices big enough to facilitate this kind of event. Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct. Audit Commission: Consultants Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010: Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. Communities and Local Government for what programmes or projects undertaken by the Audit Commission strategic Steps Drama Learning Development are training specialists who work with a wide variety of clients in the public and private consultancy was provided by (a) Deloitte, (b) GFK sectors, including HSBC, British Airways and the NHS. The NOP Limited, (c) Jodi Berg, (d) Lawson Wright Ltd, Commission worked with Steps on a number of occasions in (e) OPM - London, (f) PA Consulting Services and 2009-10. (g) Ville and Company in 2009-10. [20421] 523W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 524W

Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the Chief Executive Audit Commission and I have asked the Chief Executive of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct. direct. Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010: Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010: Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. You asked for Information on consultancy work provided by a The Audit Commission incurred expenditure in 2008-09 as number of firms in 2009-10. These details are as follows: follows: (a) Deloitte LLP (a) Exeter Golf and Country Club - This venue was used to Deloitte provided expert knowledge on treasury management hold a stakeholder briefing for Finance Directors from the Local for the review of local authority treasury management, Risk and Government and Health sectors. The event took place on 4/5 February Return: English Local Authorities and Icelandic Banks, published 2009 and was part of the Final Accounts Local Government and in March 2009. NHS Conference. (b) GFK NOP Ltd (b) Malmaison Hotel - This venue was used for a staff training GFK NOP is a leading market research organisation, it was event held over a three day period, from 16-18 July 2008. The appointed to undertake an employee attitude survey in January Commission does not have offices big enough to facilitate this 2009. kind of event. (c) Jodi Berg (c) Hotel du Vin and Bistro - The Commission incurred this expenditure for two events. We hosted the Housing Excellence Jodi Berg, the independent Complaints Reviewer, provides the Awards Lunch at Hotel du Vin and Bistro on 17 June 2008 that third stage of the Audit Commission’s complaints process. Because was held during the Chartered Institute of Housing Conference. the Commission does not come under the remit of an Ombudsman, We also held a strategic studies development event at the Malmaison the Commission’s Board, which is responsible for the complaints in Birmingham on 16 June 2008, which at the time was part of the process, decided that an independent stage was necessary. Hotel du Vin group. Further information on the full complaints process is published (d) The Royal Horseguards - The Audit Commission held on the Commission’s website at: Parliamentary Dinners for MPs from all three main political http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/aboutus/contactus/ parties to brief them on our national reports and studies programme complaints/pages/default.aspx and on Comprehensive Area Assessment. It was also an opportunity and information on the services provided by the ICR on for MPs to raise with us any areas of concern, or where they felt the Commission could assist. These dinners were held in October/ her website at: November 2008 and February 2009. http://www.icrev.org.uk In July 2008 we hosted a dinner for Chief Executives of (d) Lawson Wright Ltd Housing Associations to discuss the key changes affecting the Lawson Wright Ltd is an HR consultancy company. It provided housing environment, such the Housing and Regeneration Bill, a confidential helpline service to staff. the state of the housing market and the introduction of short life inspections on housing associations by the Audit Commission. (e) OPM - London In November 2008 we hosted a CAA Cross Inspectorate OPM carried out work assessing the costs to local authorities dinner to discuss the development of the new performance framework of meeting the requirements of the Comprehensive Performance for local authorities. We also hosted a seminar of senior representatives Assessment and Comprehensive Area Assessment processes. Its from the NHS, the Dept of Health, other national bodies and report was published in March 2010. private sector providers of information to discuss data quality in (f) PA Consulting Services the NHS and how it could be improved. PA Consulting Services was engaged to support the Commission’s (e) South West Lakes - This venue was used for staff team Continuous Improvement and Innovation Programme. This was meetings in November 2008 and January 2009. The Commission designed to deliver efficiency savings. PA Consulting provided does not have offices big enough to facilitate this kind of event. specialist skills and support. A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. (g) Ville and Company Ville & Company provided a briefing on decision-making on Audit Commission: Historic Royal Palaces the allocation of teaching resources by maintained schools. This was incorporated in Valuable Lessons, published in June 2009. Ville and Company also scoped a potential study of local Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities’ spending on energy, as part of the Commission’s Communities and Local Government what the (a) process for selecting its study programme. purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion was for which the Following the Commission’s decision to end Use of Resources Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £3,450 on assessments, Ville local audit work could best help PCTs improve Historic Royal Palaces Enterprise in 2008-09. [20107] value for money. A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the Chief Executive Audit Commission: Exeter Golf and Country Club of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 20120: Communities and Local Government what the (a) Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me for reply purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion was for which the on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. Audit Commission incurred expenditure on (i) Exeter The Audit Commission paid a deposit of 30 per cent on Golf and Country Club, (ii) Malmaison Hotel, (iii) 30 December 2008 (£3,450) to secure the Banqueting House as a Hotel du Vin and Bistro, (iv) The Royal Horseguards venue for the Vil Eurorai Congress. The event took place on and (v) South West Lakes in 2008-09. [20109] 4 October 2010. 525W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 526W

Eurorai is a network of over 70 regional audit bodies in Audit Commission: Marks’ Home and Garden Europe and has been in place for nearly 20 years. It exists to enable practising auditors in different regions and countries to share experiences and learning. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the (a) A congress is held every three years and the Region of the purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion was for which the President elect is the host for this event. In 2007, we agreed that we would act as the host and plans have been underway to Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £940 on organise the congress for the last three years. Following the Marks’ Home and Garden maintenance services in Secretary of State’s announcement on 13 August of the Audit 2008-09. [20102] Commission’s abolition, we considered our position and agreed to go ahead with the congress and fulfil our commitment. Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the The congress was fully funded by Eurorai, and the dinner at Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive Banqueting House by a small contribution from the Audit of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member Commission and partner agencies including from the accountancy direct. profession and some private sector audit firms. The Audit Commission’s costs were in the region of £5,000. Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010: A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. Audit Commission: London Zoo In July 2008, the Audit Commission used Marks’ Home and Garden maintenance services to clear the driveway and surrounding area at our Ipswich offices. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. Communities and Local Government what the (a) purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion was for which the Audit Commission: Nineteen Restaurant Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £13,470 on Leith’s at London Zoo in 2008-09. [20110] Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the (a) Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion was for which the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive Audit Commission incurred expenditure at (i) Nineteen of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend Restaurant, (ii) L’Oranger Restaurants Ltd, (iii) the direct. London Hilton and (iv) 60 Hope Street in 2008-09. Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010: [20108] Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the The Audit Commission did not incur expenditure of this Audit Commission and I have asked the Chief Executive amount at Leith’s at London Zoo. of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member The Audit Commission did make a payment of this amount to direct. Leith’s at The British Library. The occasion was a two-day Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010: Appointed Auditors Conference held on 29/30 April 2009. Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. The Audit Commission incurred expenditure in 2008-09 as follows: Audit Commission: Marketing Nineteen Restaurant The Audit Commission used to allocate funding for social Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for events at Christmas and on this occasion staff in our North Communities and Local Government what marketing Yorkshire Office used this venue. Following a Board decision, this projects were undertaken for the Audit Commission by funding was subsequently withdrawn across the Commission (a) Grant Riches, (b) HSAG Design and (c) Ocean from June 2009. Media Group in 2009-10. [20422] L’Oranger Restaurants Ltd The Audit Commission hosted a dinner for senior stakeholders Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit at L’Oranger restaurant on 8 December 2008 to discuss the Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the development of the new performance framework for local authorities, Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct. Comprehensive Area Assessment. The purpose was to ensure that the design of the new framework took account of the views of Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010: senior figures in local government and the dinner formed part of Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply a wider consultation process. on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. The London Hilton The following marketing projects were undertaken: The Audit Commission’s Senior Management Team, which (a) Grant Riches provided the Commission with additional consists of the Chief Executive and Managing Directors, held a support to help promote Comprehensive Area Assessment and strategy meeting at the London Hilton on 10 March 2008. The the associated Oneplace website. purpose of this meeting was to discuss the development of CAA (b) HSAG Design helped us develop extensions to our visual following the consultation process with senior stakeholders. identity guidelines. This is a document that prescribes how we 60 Hope Street produce everything from stationery through to exhibition signs. It The Audit Commission hosted a dinner for senior stakeholders provides guidelines on how to use corporate colours and design to at 60 Hope Street Restaurant on 19 January 2009 to discuss the comply with good practice on accessibility for partially sighted development of the new performance framework for local authorities, people. Comprehensive Area Assessment. The purpose was to ensure that (c) Ocean Media Group runs the Chartered Institute of Housing’s the design of the new framework took account of the views of (CIH) annual conference. The payment to it was for the Commission’s senior figures in local government and the dinner formed part of presence at the 2009 CIH conference in Harrogate. a wider consultation process. A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. 527W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 528W

Audit Commission: Official Hospitality Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010: Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. Communities and Local Government how much the The purpose of the spending on Oval Events was: Audit Commission spent on (a) hospitality, (b) hotel 2008/09—6 one-day training events on non-cricket days accommodation and (c) communications, marketing 2009/10—1 one-day training event on a non-cricket day and public relations in each of the last three financial The cost of each event was approximately £2,000. The number years. [20158] of attendees ranged from 24 to 32. A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive Audit Commission: Press Cuttings of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010: Communities and Local Government how much the Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply Audit Commission spent on (a) press cuttings and (b) on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. opinion research in each of the last three financial a) The Audit Commission spent the following sums on hospitality years. [20112] in each of the last three years. In order to be consistent with data previously provided for the Public Sector Procurement Expenditure Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Survey we have defined hospitality as the provision of food and Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive beverages at our own premises. of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct. £ Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010: 2007-08 211,845 Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply 2008-09 229,134 on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. 2009-10 289,271 The Audit Commission’s press cutting agency is Durrants and we use them for national, regional, local and trade cuttings and b) The Audit Commission spent the following sums on hotel for media evaluation. The Commission spent £66,282 in 2007/08; accommodation in each of the last three years. This includes all £42,194 in 2008/09; and £52,758 in 2009/10. expenditure booked through Expotel, which provides access to The Commission has spent the following amounts on opinion negotiated government hotel rates, for staff required to work research: £70,881 in 2007/08; £54,206 in 2008/09; and £73,192 in away from their home base and stay overnight. In line with data 2009/10. The Commission has defined opinion research as contact previously published as part of the Public Sector Procurement with its stakeholders to elicit views on the Commission as an Expenditure Survey this excludes expenditure on training and organisation and on the services it provides. events. A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. £ Audit Commission: Progressive Resources Ltd 2007-08 1,246,815 2008-09 1,910,944 Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009-10 1,614,953 Communities and Local Government what the (a) c) The Audit Commission spent the following sums on purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion was for which the communications, marketing and public relations in each of the Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £6,850 on last three years. This excludes staff salaries but includes all other Progressive Resources Ltd in 2008-09; and what the expenditure undertaken by the Communications and Public Reporting nature was of the teambuilding events that took place. function such as the production and publication of audit inspection [20106] and study reports, responding to media enquiries, website maintenance, conferences, exhibitions and internal communications. Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive £ of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member 2007-08 1,547,570 direct. 2008-09 1,301,354 Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010: 2009-10 1,163,643 Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. In October 2008, we decided to merge two sub-regions, South East and South Central. In doing so we reduced costs and Audit Commission: Oval Events increased productivity through economies of scale. The merger did, however, bring its own major challenges and it was recognised that the integration of the two former teams required substantial Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for change. Communities and Local Government what the (a) We therefore held an event over two days on 10/11 December purpose, (b) date and (c) occasion of the Audit 2008, using Progressive Resources Ltd. We had major sessions on Commission’s expenditure on Oval Events was in (i) audit quality; connecting audit and Comprehensive Area Assessment; 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10. [20222] and values and expectations. We also included representatives from the accounting firms, who joined us on day two. Around Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the 200 delegates attended the event. Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive Progressive Resources Ltd provides corporate team building of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member events to large multi-nationals as well as public sector organisations. direct. A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. 529W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 530W

Audit Commission: Public Finances funding available both to protect people’s access to services and deliver new approaches to improve quality Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for and outcomes. Communities and Local Government what plans he We have achieved this by: has for the charging structure for local government the NHS transferring some funding from the health capital audit work undertaken by private auditors following budget to health revenue, to be spent on measures that support the end of the Audit Commission; what estimate he has social care, which also benefits health. This funding will be up to made of the cost to the public purse of such work in £1 billion in 2014-15; and each of the next three years; and if he will make a additional grant funding, rising to £1 billion by 2014-15, will statement. [20052] be made available for social care. This funding will be allocated in addition to the Department’s existing social care grants, which Robert Neill: My Department is working with the will rise in line with inflation. Total grant funding from the Department for social care will reach £2.4 billion by 2014-15. In Audit Commission, the National Audit Office and other order to support local flexibility and to reduce administrative partners to consider a range of options for the future of burdens, this funding will go to authorities through the revenue local audit following the disbandment of the Commission, support grant. including options for moving the Commission’s in-house audit practice into the private sector. This work includes Coal: Mining making estimates of the costs and savings of options, a process which is currently in progress. All such costs Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for and savings will be reflected in the impact assessment Communities and Local Government (1) what recent which we will publish when introducing any legislation assessment he has made of the economic, social and to effect these changes. cultural needs of former coalmining areas; and if he Audit Commission: Smith Institute will make a statement; [20056] (2) what recent research his Department has (a) Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for evaluated, (b) commissioned and (c) undertaken on Communities and Local Government what payments regeneration strategies for former coalmining areas; the Audit Commission made to the Smith Institute in and if he will make a statement. [20059] each of the last three financial years; and for what purposes and projects. [20104] Andrew Stunell: The Department for Communities and Local Government commissioned a review of coalfields Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the regeneration led by Michael Clapham. The Coalfields Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive Regeneration Review Report was presented to Government of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member in September 2010. direct. The review looked at all aspects of coalfields regeneration, Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010: including the economic, social and cultural needs of coalfield areas. The review considered data and evidence Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. provided by delivery bodies, including the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the Homes and Communities Agency, The Audit Commission has made one payment of £10,000 to the Smith Institute (in August 2008) during the last three financial local authorities, Communities and Local Government years. The payment was sponsorship for a project on the future of analysts and other Government Departments. It also public sector regulation. considered previous research, particularly the report The Smith Institute was planning to conduct an expert round from the Audit Commission (‘A mine of opportunity; table and publish and launch a monograph of essays on the future local authorities and the regeneration of the English of public sector regulation. The Smith Institute sought additional Coalfields (2008)’). sponsorship for the event and publication. However, the project The Review Board also carried out a consultation was subsequently cancelled and the Smith Institute agreed to exercise seeking views from a wide range of bodies on refund £9,250 to the Audit Commission. coalfields regeneration, including local authorities, voluntary A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard. organisations and social enterprises. Carers: Public Expenditure Government are considering the recommendations made in the report and intend to respond formally in Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for November. Communities and Local Government if he will make A full copy of the report, which includes all the data arrangements to ensure that local authorities do not referred to above, is available on the Communities and reduce services essential to (a) carers and (b) disabled Local Government website at: people following the comprehensive spending review; http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/regeneration/ and if he will make a statement. [20058] reviewcoalfieldsregeneration

Paul Burstow: I have been asked to reply. Council Housing The spending review recognises the importance of social care in protecting the most vulnerable in society. Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State In recognition of the pressures on the social care system for Communities and Local Government what in a challenging fiscal climate, the coalition Government assessment he has made of geographical variations in has allocated an additional £2 billion by 2014-15 to market rents in formulating the proposal to raise the support the delivery of social care. This means, with an rents of new council tenants to 80% of market rent; ambitious programme of efficiency, that there is enough and if he will make a statement. [20808] 531W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 532W

Grant Shapps: We will publish more detail on the The control centres were procured through a private implementation of new “affordable rent” tenure shortly. developer scheme, so the total costs of the land, construction, fit-out and plant are paid through lease Council Tax: Medway payments over a 20 or 25 year period. As with all major Government projects FiReControl Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for is being reviewed to ensure value-for-money for the Communities and Local Government how many taxpayer. We have been clear that EADS (now branded properties there are in each council tax band in the as Cassidian) must deliver to time, cost and quality. Medway Council area; and how many in each band are This Government are not prepared to pour any more long-term empty dwellings. [20544] taxpayers’ money into funding their further delays, nor can they cut any corners in the quality of the system Robert Neill: The numbers of properties and empty they deliver. domestic dwellings in the Medway council area in each council tax band as at 5 October 2009 are shown in the Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for following table. Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the additional (a) costs of and (b) Of which: savings from an immediate termination of the regional Number of properties Long term empty fire and emergency response centre programme. [20425] A 10,803 317 B 37,109 530 Robert Neill: We are currently working with the C 32,334 277 FiReControl project contractor EADS to ensure they D 16,181 105 deliver the main IT system to time, cost and quality. E 7,960 70 If it were to become necessary to terminate the F 3,330 22 project, the only contracts to which significant cancellation G 1,207 7 charges could apply would be those awarded to EADS H664for the integrated system and Babcock for facilities Total 108,990 1,332 management of the control centre buildings. These cancellation charges could vary significantly depending The data are taken from the Council Tax Base and on the circumstances in which the contracts were cancelled. Council Tax Base (Supplementary) forms completed Specific arrangements set out in these contracts cannot annually in October by all billing authorities in England be disclosed due to commercial confidentiality. Savings and returned to the Department for Communities and could also accrue from the cancellation of these contracts Local Government. as well as from the cessation of national team staffing costs and local implementation costs paid to fire and Emergency Services rescue authorities which are currently funded for this work under New Burdens principles. Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Savings generated would be offset by ongoing liabilities Communities and Local Government what estimate he for the control centre buildings. If the project were has made of the cost to the public purse of the regional cancelled the Department would seek to identify suitable fire and emergency response programme. [20423] third parties to make use of the accommodation and contribute to costs. Robert Neill: The current estimated cost of the As with all major Government projects FiReControl FiReControl project is £423 million, initiated by the last is being reviewed to ensure value-for-money for the Government. taxpayer. We have been clear that EADS (now branded The FiReControl project is over-budget and behind as Cassidian) must deliver to time, cost and quality. schedule. The new Government are committed to ensuring This Government are not prepared to pour any more value for money for the taxpayer improving resilience taxpayers’ money into funding their further delays, nor and stopping the forced regionalisation of the fire service. can they cut any corners in the quality of the system they deliver. Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent estimate he has made of (a) the likely date of European Regional Development Fund commissioning of the new regional fire and emergency response centres and (b) the cost to the public purse of Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for the construction programme for these centres. [20424] Communities and Local Government what assessment Robert Neill: The Department for Communities and he has made of the implications for the current round Local Government have activated a milestone in its of the European Regional Development Fund of the contract with the main contractor EADS for the completed abolition of regional development agencies. [20116] IT system to be delivered in the first three control centres by mid-2011. The first fire and rescue services Robert Neill: We are currently considering the future would switch over their control room operations some arrangements for running European regional development time after this, when they had completed preparations fund programmes in the regions, after the abolition of to their satisfaction, including the final test of the the regional development agencies, and we will make an system, training and data input. announcement when the decision has been reached. 533W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 534W

Fire Services: North East Levels of staffing of wholetime and retained firefighters in Nottinghamshire and England at 31 March 2010 Number Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the timetable Retained Duty System2 is for the establishment of the regional control centre Nottinghamshire 198 for the fire service for the North East. [21114] England 11,899 1 Full-time equivalent. Robert Neill: The control centre in the north-east, at 2 In 24-hour units of cover. Durham, is fully constructed and fitted out. The Source: Department for Communities and Local Government Fire and Rescue Services Annual Returns to CLG has activated a key milestone in its contract with the main FiReControl contractor EADS (now branded Fire Services: Strikes Cassidian) requiring them to deliver the completed IT system in three control centres by mid-2011. The north-east control centre is one of these. The first Fire and Rescue Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Services would switch over after this, when they had Communities and Local Government what recent completed their preparations, including data input, training discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with and the final assurance testing test. the Mayor of London on strike action by London fire crews; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of The FiReControl project, initiated by the last contingency arrangements in such circumstances; and Government, is over-budget and behind schedule. As if he will make a statement. [20162] with all major Government projects it is being reviewed to ensure value for money for the taxpayers. We have been clear that EADS must deliver to time, cost and Robert Neill: As I indicated in my statement to the quality. The new Government are committed to ensuring House on the 26 October, I am in regular contact with value for money for the taxpayer, improving resilience the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority. and stopping the forced regionalisation of the fire service. They have reassured me that their contingency arrangements worked during the eight hour strike on the 23 October Fire Services: Nottinghamshire and will work for any future strikes. My Department is also working to ensure that in the John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for event of a major incident, the National Co-ordination Communities and Local Government how many (a) and Advisory Framework arrangements, overseen by full-time and (b) retained firefighters there are in each the chief fire and rescue adviser, will ensure the deployment fire station in (i) Bassetlaw and (ii) Nottinghamshire. of any necessary specialist equipment. [20892]

Robert Neill: This information is not held centrally Grants: Expenditure and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The latest levels of staffing of wholetime and retained Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for firefighters are collected for each Fire and Rescue Authority. Communities and Local Government what the (a) Figures for Nottinghamshire and England are provided purpose and (b) programme or project of each of the in the following table. grants given under the LG-Interreg 3A SE DTLR Levels of staffing of wholetime and retained firefighters in heading was in his published grant expenditure data for Nottinghamshire and England at 31 March 2010 2009-10. [20221] Number

1 Robert Neill: Details of the 11 projects and 13 payments, Wholetime which relate to grants paid under the Franco-British Nottinghamshire 565 INTERREG IIIA programme co-financed by the European England 29,735 regional development fund, are given in the following table:

Amount in sterling British project Supplier Transaction number (£) reference Project title Purpose Comments

Medway council 2500121396 5,739.00 342 Champion— Enhancing the well- Revenue costs Championing being of citizens in Community Well- Medway and Being—A Grande-Synthe Common Cross- through Border Imperative improvements to their health and community services

Kent county 2500121399 226,282.00 313 Cross-Channel Development of Revenue costs council Greenways environmentally friendly and sustainable travel routes in Kent, Medway and the Nord Department 535W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 536W

Amount in sterling British project Supplier Transaction number (£) reference Project title Purpose Comments

Brighton and Hove 2500121411 14,424.00 206 Share the expertise Steps to harmonise Revenue costs City PCT of three health the treatment of networks for the cancer patients in benefits of cancer Kent, Sussex and patients Upper Normandy by adopting best practice from each area

Medway council 2500121445 26,822.00 217 Promoting the Development of Revenue costs Mental Health of strategies to tackle Young People social exclusion (12-18 years) among young people in Medway and the Somme Department

Medway council 2500121462 1,500.00 480 Cross-Channel Identification of Revenue costs waste and energy problems of waste management audit generated by at tourist sites growing numbers of visitors to sites in the Baie de Somme and the Medway area

East Sussex CC 2500121443 49,217.00 456 Community Development of Revenue costs Challenge: Take common strategies Part, Make a to improve waste Difference management information and incentives for citizens of the Seine- Maritime Department and East Sussex

Kent county 2500121465 102,001.00 185 Financing of the Support towards Revenue costs council Joint Technical four technical Secretariat and assistants based in logistical costs Kent, Medway, East Sussex and the City of Brighton and Hove to promote the programme and develop new projects

Medway council 2500121503 6,235.00 482 CONMIIXT Enabling citizens of Revenue costs (CONRAD and Medway and MIIXT) Dunkirk to develop further collaboration on shared social cohesion issues

East Sussex CC 2500121499 26,124.00 334 Nature Without Creation of two new Revenue costs Borders: eco-tourism discovering bird products exploring life and wetland the special natural attributes of Kent, East Sussex, and the Seine-Maritime and Somme Departments

East Sussex CC 2500121506 23,915.00 255 Nature Corridors Engaging people Revenue costs for All—Phase II with learning (Refine, Develop difficulties in East and Sustain) Sussex, Brighton and Hove, and the Seine-Maritime Department in shared activities to support protection of the environment and wildlife

East Sussex CC 2500121544 48,426.00 295 Rethinking Identification of, Revenue costs Rubbish—Tackling and proposing our waste problems solutions to, issues together of growing volume of waste in communities in East Sussex and the Seine-Maritime Department 537W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 538W

Amount in sterling British project Supplier Transaction number (£) reference Project title Purpose Comments

East Sussex CC 2500121548 28,927.00 356 New Opportunities Setting up training Revenue costs for Sustainable opportunities for (Social and disabled people and Environmental) those with special Integration needs, and improving access for them to the countryside and historical sites East Sussex CC 2500121544 6,955.00 295 Rethinking Identification of, Capital costs Rubbish—Tackling and proposing our waste problems solutions to, issues together of growing volume of waste in communities in East Sussex and the Seine-Maritime Department East Sussex CC 2500121548 6,690.00 356 New Opportunities Setting up training Capital costs for Sustainable opportunities for (Social and disabled people and Environmental) those with special Integration needs, and improving access for them to the countryside and historical sites

Homelessness affected by the increase in the age threshold for housing benefit; what estimate he has made of the likely associated Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities costs of providing bed and breakfast accommodation and Local Government what recent estimate he made of for such people; and if he will make a statement. [20762] the number of (a) statutory homelessness acceptances and (b) households assisted with obtaining or retaining Grant Shapps: The Department for Work and Pensions private sector accommodation under relief and prevention (DWP) assesses that the increase in the age threshold of homelessness powers. [20996] for the shared room rate announced in the spending review will affect around 88,000 claimants. DWP are Grant Shapps: Statutory homelessness data collected working closely with other Departments to assess the include the number of households accepted by local wider impacts for affected claimants and are to publish housing authorities as eligible for assistance, unintentionally a full impact assessment when legislation is laid before homeless and in priority need, and therefore owed a Parliament. main homelessness duty (to secure that suitable An additional £130 million would be made available, accommodation is available). These are published by via DWP, to local authorities to administer discretionary the Department in the quarterly Statistical Release on housing payments to provide extra support for households Statutory Homelessness via the DCLG website: where needed. I have provided a further £10 million in http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/ this financial year to London local authorities to help housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/homelessnessstatistics/ publicationshomelessness/ support those families most at risk of homelessness. The number of households accepted as owed a main The Government are committed to tackling and homelessness duty was 10,100 during the second quarter preventing homelessness. I have established a new cross- of 2010 (April to June). Government working group on homelessness bringing together Ministers from eight Government Departments The latest information on local authorities’ prevention to address complex causes of homelessness and rough and relief activities taking place outside the homelessness sleeping. statutory framework can be found in the Department’s Homelessness Prevention and Relief Statistical Release Last week I announced that over the course of the via the DCLG website: spending review over £400 million of homelessness http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/ grant will be made available to local authorities and the statistics/homelessnessprevention200910 voluntary and community sector to support the most In 2009-10 there were 50,700 cases of homelessness vulnerable and tackle homelessness. We are also continuing prevention or relief where the household was assisted to to invest in Places of Change hostel improvement obtain alternative accommodation in the private rented programme, ensuring that those coming off the streets sector and 200 cases where the household was assisted get the support they need. to find a low cost home ownership or other low cost Local Enterprise Partnerships: Essex market housing solution. Housing Benefit Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State make an announcement on the formation of local for Communities and Local Government what estimate enterprise partnerships involving local authorities in he has made of the number of people likely to be Essex. [19573] 539W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 540W

Robert Neill: We have today written to the leaders of England, funding received from (a) redistributed non- Essex, Kent and East Sussex county councils inviting domestic rates (b) revenue support grant and (c) ring- them to proceed with the establishment of their proposed fenced specific grants for the financial years 2005-06 to Essex, Kent and East Sussex local enterprise partnership. 2008-09. Figures for the financial year 2009-10 are not Details of all the proposed local enterprise partnerships yet available. that have been given the go ahead to proceed are set out Details on the provisional local government finance in the White Paper “Local Growth” which was laid settlement for 2011-12 will be announced in early December. before Parliament on 28 October 2010. Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Government Communities and Local Government if he will reverse his decision to (a) remove ring-fencing from grants to Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for local authorities and (b) reduce the level of support Communities and Local Government what assessment grant by 26 per cent. in the next four years. [21005] he has made of the merits of proposals to establish joint chief executive posts for local authorities in (a) Robert Neill: No. The Coalition Government’s spending adjacent boroughs, (b) boroughs which propose to review provides a fair though challenging settlement for operate joint management teams and joint services and local government. It reflects the clear priorities for the (c) other boroughs. [21014] spending review as a whole: to bring down the massive budget deficit and drive economic growth, while protecting the interests of hardworking families and the most Robert Neill: As outlined in the Secretary of State’s vulnerable in society. speech of 13 October 2010, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House, the Government are The review also provides significant new powers for strongly supportive of councils sharing services and local government. Councils have long argued that with chief executives to deliver savings that will help protect more freedom and flexibility, they would be much better frontline services; permission from the Department is equipped to become more efficient and effective in not required. The local government sector is evaluating delivering local public services. This settlement delivers the opportunities offered by such approaches, including that freedom and flexibility, as part of the new Government’s through the Local Government Group’s Place Based decentralisation agenda. Productivity programme. The Improvement and Development Agency has published reports on this Microgeneration subject in 2008 and 2009, at: www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=14198370 Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for The evidence so far from this work is that joint chief Communities and Local Government what steps he is executives or management teams can lead to financial taking to discharge his obligations under section 3 (4) savings, greater opportunities for joint procurement, of the Green Energy (Definition and Promotion) Act and the ability to share the experience and expertise of 2009 on permitted development for microgeneration. specialist staff and other services. [20435]

Local Government Boundary Review Robert Neill: The Government are committed to amending the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 to introduce permitted Mr Nuttall: To ask the Secretary of State for development rights for small-scale wind turbines and Communities and Local Government if he will air source heat pumps on domestic properties, as part of commission a local government boundary review by our agenda to support renewable energy and low carbon 2015. [20070] technologies. There are a number of technical and practical issues that we are considering. We are aiming Robert Neill: The Local Government Boundary to resolve these, and to make key announcements and Commission for England, an independent parliamentary legislative changes as soon as possible. body established in April 2010, is responsible for the review of local government boundaries. While the Secretary Natural England: Planning Permission of State has no role in the review of electoral boundaries he may request that the Commission review administrative boundaries. There are no plans to make such a request. Martin Vickers: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many planning Local Government Finance applications Natural England has recommended for call-in since its establishment as a statutory consultee; and how many such applications have subsequently Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for been called-in. [20141] Communities and Local Government what funding each local authority received from (a) national non-domestic Robert Neill [holding answer 28 October 2010]: There rates, (b) revenue support grant and (c) ring-fenced is no comprehensive record held of the number of call specific grants in each of the last five financial years; in requests made by Natural England or its predecessor, and what estimate he has made of the equivalent figures English Nature, since the statutory consultation duties for each local authority in 2011-12. [20290] were introduced in 1994. The limited data available identifies four occasions when a planning application Robert Neill: I have today placed in the Library of the has been called in following a request from Natural House a table that gives, by each local authority in England. 541W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 542W

Outdoor Advertising £ million 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will include Gross arrears 361 371 396 428 452 in his draft national planning framework the subject of Net arrears 249 259 277 298 312 controls on outdoor advertising. [20610] (after provision) Robert Neill: It is proposed to include key policy on Social Rented Housing: Evictions advertising control in the national planning framework.

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will bring Communities and Local Government what estimate he forward proposals to increase the powers of local has made of the number of evictions by registered authorities to determine the controls to be imposed on social landlords in each of the last five years. [19965] outdoor advertising in their areas. [20611] Andrew Stunell: In the last five years the total number Robert Neill: The Government announced on 25 May of evictions by registered social landlords from both 2010 that it would bring forward a Decentralisation and general needs and supported housing is as follows: Localism Bill as part of the current parliamentary session. A list of the main elements of the Bill was Total number of evictions published, which included planning elements. We have 2006 12,145 since confirmed on 11 October 2010 that planning 2007 11,384 enforcement measures will form part of the Bill. Further 2008 11,354 announcements on the details of these measures will be 2009 11,320 made in due course. 2010 9,905

Silica: Quarrying Social Rented Housing: Rents

Mr Gyimah: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what targets his Communities and Local Government whether his Department has set for extraction of silica sand; and proposals to set rents for social housing at 80 per cent. when he next plans to review the adequacy of such of market rates will apply to tenancies created by targets. [20986] mutual exchange. [20211]

Robert Neill: The Government have no central target Grant Shapps: Existing tenants of local authorities for the extraction of silica sand. Minerals planning and housing associations will retain their current tenancy authorities are expected to make provision for silica and rent arrangements. sand extraction where the resource is found, taking into Supporting People Programme account relevant national planning policy including Minerals Policy Statement 1 and Mineral Planning Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Guidance 15. I also refer my hon. Friend to the answer I Communities and Local Government what the (a) gavehimon20July,Official Report, columns 220-221W. highest and (b) lowest per capita Supporting People grant allocations were in England in 2009-10. [20523] Sky Lanterns Andrew Stunell: The Supporting People programme is not allocated on a per capita basis. Funding is allocated Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for to top tier local authorities using the Supporting People Communities and Local Government on how many Distribution Formula which takes account of population, occasions fire and rescue services have been alerted to level of deprivations, people at risk and other relevant incidents involving sky lanterns in each of the last three needs data. years. [21008] Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: This information is not held centrally Communities and Local Government for what reason and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. the Supporting People redistribution formula has not been implemented. [20583] Social Rented Housing: Arrears Andrew Stunell: No decision regarding the use of the Supporting People Distribution Formula to allocate the Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Supporting People budget going forward has been taken. Communities and Local Government what estimate he The Supporting People allocations will form part of the has made of the total amount of rent arrears owned by local government settlement due to be announced in tenants of registered social landlords in each of the last December. five years. [19964] Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Stunell: The total amount of rent arrears Communities and Local Government what Supporting owed by tenants of registered social landlords in each of People grant allocations he proposes in the period of the last five years is as follows: the comprehensive spending review. [20841] 543W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 544W

Andrew Stunell: The spending review minimised In addition we will be providing a further £12.25 reductions to the Supporting People programme, with million to local authorities and the voluntary sector to £6.5 billion investment secured over the next four years. help those households that are affected by the proposed This represents reductions in Supporting People funding housing benefit reforms and to help improve access to totalling 12% staged gradually over the four-year period. the private rented sector for single homeless people. National budget figures for the spending review period are provided in the following table. Individual local Wind Power: Planning Permission authority allocations are not yet available and will form part of the local government settlement due to be Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for announced in December. Communities and Local Government what plans he Supporting People has to give local authorities the power to determine £ million minimum distances between wind turbines and dwellings. [20732] 2011-12 1,625.00 2012-13 1,620.00 Robert Neill: Under current planning policy distances 2013-14 1,620.00 between wind turbines and dwellings are decided on a 2014-15 1,590.21 case by case basis so that local factors can be taken fully into account. Local planning authorities are already Supporting People Programme: Oxfordshire able to set out the criteria they apply in assessing applications for renewable energy development in their Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for local plans provided this does not rule out or place Communities and Local Government what steps he constraints on development without sufficient reasoned plans to take to increase participation in Supporting justification. People programmes for young carers in Oxford West and Abingdon constituency. [21055] ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Andrew Stunell: The Supporting People programme provides housing related support to a wide range of Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency vulnerable clients to enable them to remain, or move Scheme towards, living independently. The design and provision of services is a matter for each local authority based on Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy local needs and priorities. and Climate Change (1) what discussions his Department has had with (a) the Local Government Association Supporting People Programme: Wolverhampton and (b) local authorities on the allocation of funds from the sale of Carbon Reduction Commitment Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for allowances; and if he will make a statement; [19960] Communities and Local Government how much his (2) what assessment his Department has made of the Department allocated to Wolverhampton City Council effect on local authority services of the retention of under the Supporting People per capita grant allocation central Government of revenue from sales of Carbon in 2009-10. [20522] Reduction Commitment allowances; [19961] (3) what consultation his Department has had on Andrew Stunell: The Supporting People programme allocating revenue raised by the Carbon Reduction is not allocated on a per capita basis. Funding is allocated Commitment; and if he will make a statement. [19962] to top tier local authorities using the Supporting People Distribution Formula which takes account of population, Gregory Barker: The Government decided not to level of deprivation, people at risk and other relevant proceed with the recycling of CRC revenues proposed needs data. The Supporting People allocation for by the previous Administration in order to support the Wolverhampton city council in 2009-10 using the public finances and contribute to the spending plans set Distribution Formula was £7,997,826. out in the spending review, which align the allocation of public resources with the Government’s overall objectives Temporary Accommodation: Homelessness as set out in the coalition agreement. The decision has the additional benefit of creating a clearer price signal Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for in the Scheme which participants have asked for. Communities and Local Government (1) from which The clearer and stronger price signal provided by this local authorities he has received representations on the change should reduce uncertainty and administrative use of temporary accommodation for homeless costs while maintaining energy efficiency measures among households; [20065] participants and the commensurate savings in energy (2) whether he has any plans to review the bills. homelessness duty placed on local authorities. [20066] Next month, the Government will begin a consultation with CRC participants on what further steps can be Grant Shapps: The Government are committed to taken to simplify the Scheme. ensuring that there is an adequate safety net for people who are homeless. It has been argued that giving local Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy authorities greater flexibility in how they are permitted and Climate Change what steps his Department is to discharge the main homelessness duty could help to taking to ensure that local areas benefit from the sale of address these concerns. The Government are giving Carbon Reduction Commitment allowances; and if he these representations careful consideration. will make a statement. [19963] 545W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 546W

Gregory Barker: Revenue from the sale of CRC Carbon: Prices allowances will be used to support the public finances and contribute to the spending plans set out in the Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for spending review, which align the allocation of public Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he resources with the Government’s overall objectives as has held with his EU counterparts on his plans to set out in the Coalition Agreement. introduce a carbon floor price. [20437]

Gregory Barker: As part of Government duties, Ministers Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for hold regular meetings with EU counterparts and other Energy and Climate Change (1) what his most recent interested parties to discuss a range of issues. HM estimate is of the gross revenue which will arise from Treasury and HMRC will shortly publish proposals to the sale of allowances through the Carbon Reduction reform the climate change levy to provide more certainty Commitment before the recycling of such monies to and support to the carbon price and encourage investment scheme participants in each of the next five years; in low-carbon electricity generation. As part of this [20570] consultation, appropriate discussions will be held with EU counterparts, and other relevant parties. (2) what plans he has for the future of the carbon reduction commitment scheme. [20572] Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has assessed the merits of introducing mechanisms to underwrite Gregory Barker: Government have committed to keeping the price of carbon as part of his plans to introduce a the operation of this scheme under active review with a carbon floor price. [20438] particular eye to simplifying it and ensuring it properly incentivises those who do most to improve Gregory Barker: Building on the coalition’s commitment energy efficiency. to introduce a floor price for carbon, the Chancellor, with the support of the Cabinet, announced in the June In order to clarify the price signal to participants and Budget that HM Treasury and HMRC would publish to support the public finances, including spending on proposals in the autumn to reform the climate change the environment, as part of the comprehensive spending levy to provide more certainty and support to the review the Government announced that revenue from carbon price and encourage investment in low-carbon allowance sales will not be recycled back to participants. electricity generation. My officials have been supporting As part of the commitment to simplify the scheme and HMRC and HM Treasury in developing these proposals reduce the burden on businesses, we also announced as well as ensuring that they are factored into considerations that the first allowance sales for 2011-12 emissions will for wider reform of the electricity market. Full details now take place in 2012 rather than 2011. A public on proposals to support the carbon price will be published dialogue and consultation with participants on how to as part of the HM Treasury and HMRC consultation further simplify the scheme will begin shortly. The UK along with an impact assessment. Government and devolved Administrations will consider the results of that consultation process and, subject to Climate Change the views expressed, make legislative proposals to amend the CRC ahead of the second phase. Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much funding he The spending review 2010 policy costings document: plans to allocate to international climate finance http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ programmes in each year from 2010-11 to 2014-15. spend_sr2010_policycostings.htm [19828] sets out the impact on Government expenditure of not Gregory Barker: The UK has committed to providing recycling the revenue to participants. A positive figure £1.5 billion in fast start finance over the period 2010-2012 indicates a saving compared to previous plans, for both mitigation and adaptation action. A total of corresponding to the revenue expected to be generated £511 million has so far been approved for specific from allowance sales each year. multilateral programmes (subject to demonstration of Annually Managed Expenditure (AME) value for money and results)—DECC’s contribution to £ million this figure is £250 million. 2011-12 +716 The spending review provides a total of £2.9 billion 2012-13 +731 of international climate finance—called the International 2013-14 +995 Climate Fund (ICF)—over the spending review period. The fund will be managed collectively by the relevant 2014-15 +1,020 Departments. From DECC’s budget, we will contribute £1 billion of the total. Ministers will decide on allocations The decision to delay the first sale of allowances will from the ICF, including the specific programmes on affect the timing of these receipts. which the ICF will be spent at a later stage. These estimates are based on significant assumptions, Climate Change: International Cooperation particularly with respect to the quantity of emissions covered by the scheme and the uptake of energy efficiency Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for measures within the sector. We will not know the CRC Energy and Climate Change what proposals he plans to emissions coverage accurately until participants have table at the forthcoming UN Climate Change submitted their emissions data in July 2011. Conference in Cancun. [20571] 547W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 548W

Gregory Barker: The Government are committed to Secondly, local authorities have a key role in delivering working for an ambitious global deal to tackle climate the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) which change. At Cancun, we want to see substantive progress aims to drive energy efficiency improvements in low made on a politically balanced package of decisions income areas. DECC is carrying out an evaluation of that help re-establish momentum towards that goal. CESP which includes consideration of the role of local authorities in delivering the programme. Conferences Thirdly, the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) is an obligation placed on large energy suppliers to Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for reduce carbon emissions from households. Most obligated Energy and Climate Change which UK and CERT suppliers form partnerships with local authorities international conferences staff of his Department have and others in helping deliver their schemes. attended since October 2008; how many staff attended each conference; in what capacity such staff attended; We are working with the Local Government Group and what the cost to the public purse under each on its offer to DECC, which includes support for the category of expenditure was on each such occasion. roll-out of future energy efficiency programmes, including [20478] the Green Deal and smart meters programmes.

Gregory Barker: The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost. Energy: Housing Departmental Redundancy Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what funding he plans to Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made allocate to the Green Deal programme in each year of of the number of redundancies arising from the the Comprehensive Spending Review period. [20869] spending reductions proposed in the Comprehensive Spending Review in respect of (a) his Department, (b) Gregory Barker: Announcements about allocations its non-departmental public bodies and (c) other to particular DECC programmes will be made in due public bodies which are dependent on his Department course. Details of the Department’s overall settlement for funding. [21527] are available on the DECC website: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/csr_hmt_releas/ Gregory Barker: DECC has not made an estimate of csr_hmt_releas.aspx the numbers of redundancies that may be required The most significant funding for Green Deal will following the comprehensive spending review. come through private sector investment. Reviews are currently under way to decide how the settlement will be implemented across the DECC family. Energy: Tariffs Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the costs to his Department of staff redundancy in Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for each of the next four years. [21528] Energy and Climate Change if he will include in the Energy Security and Green Economy Bill proposals for Gregory Barker: DECC has not currently made an minimum standards of energy tariffs requiring energy estimate of the cost of any redundancies that may be companies to provide a customer with 12 weeks notice required in each of the next four years. of (a) a change in tariff and (b) the end of a discount Reviews are currently under way to decide how the tariff; and if he will make a statement. [20099] spending review settlement will be implemented in DECC over the spending review period. Gregory Barker: The Bill will include measures to improve energy efficiency and energy security, measures Energy Efficiency to enable low carbon generation and measures to clarify liabilities and responsibilities. We have no plans to Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy include the very specific measures the hon. Member and Climate Change what assessment his Department asks about. has made of the performance of local authorities in rolling out local energy efficiency programmes; and if Ofgem already requires energy suppliers to give customers 30 working days’ notice of when a contract is due to he will make a statement. [19958] end, together with details of the deemed contract they Gregory Barker: We expect and will encourage local will be moved to if they do not enter into a new contract authorities to develop stretching ambitions to tackle or switch supplier. climate change. Ofgem has also recently consulted on requiring suppliers Local authorities are closely involved in the roll out to give advance notice of price increases or other adverse of three main national energy efficiency programmes: changes to energy contracts and should be announcing the Local Carbon Frameworks pilot programme which the way forward shortly. challenges local authorities to work with individuals In addition, Ofgem has recently introduced new over and other stakeholders on carbon reduction in their arching standards to prevent the selling of products areas. There are nine pilot areas involving 30 local that are inappropriate to a customer’s needs or products authorities. that are unnecessarily complex or confusing. 549W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 550W

Energy: Western Isles ambitious, EU-wide cap on emissions. This will bring with it more emission reductions, more predictable market Mr MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy conditions and improved certainty for industry. and Climate Change what steps his Department is The Government support an EU move to a 30% taking to ensure that the proposed 450MW HVDC emissions reduction target, and a significant part of this interconnector linking Na h-Eileanan an Iar constituency reduction should come from sectors covered by the EU to the national grid will be operational by the end of ETS. An EU move to 30% would therefore mean a this year. [19847] lower cap level, in turn delivering a higher carbon price which will stimulate investment in low carbon jobs and Charles Hendry [holding answer 27 October 2010]: technologies, and help to put the EU and UK on track Decisions on the financing of the transmission link and to meet 2050 emissions reduction targets. allocation of associated risks are for the Gas and Electricity Fuel Poverty Markets Authority in line with their statutory duties. SHETL have been in discussion with Ofgem about Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for securing sufficient developer commitment to enable the Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of link to go ahead and will be making an announcement 16 September 2010, Official Report, column 1006, on on the link in the near future. fuel poverty, whether he plans to extend the energy High transmission charges have been cited as a possible rebate scheme to all low-income vulnerable households. barrier to developers of renewable generation on the [20504] Western Isles making the necessary connection commitments to finance the transmission link. That is Gregory Barker: Energy suppliers will be required why I have committed to look again at the case for a from April 2011 to provide greater help with the financial transmission charge adjustment scheme under section costs of energy bills to more of the most vulnerable fuel 185 of the Energy Act 2004 for the Scottish Islands poor households, through Social Price Support—with alongside Ofgem’s wider review of transmission charges total support of £250 million in 2011-12 rising to £310 with their Project TransmiT. million in 2014-15. We anticipate that data matching methods, similar to EU Emissions Trading Scheme: Carbon those which were used successfully in the Energy Rebate Scheme, will be used to target the assistance available Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for through Social Price Support towards more of the most Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made vulnerable households. of the price of carbon under the EU Emissions Trading We intend to consult on the detailed policy design, Scheme in each of the next five years. [20436] including eligibility and targeting methods, later this year. Offshore Industry Gregory Barker: The following prices were published in June 2010, with estimates of the short-term traded Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for price of carbon to be used for Government policy Energy and Climate Change when he expects to appraisals available at: complete the further assessments on the offshore oil http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/what%20we%20do/ and gas leasing of blocks in (a) Cardigan Bay and (b) a%20low%20carbon%20uk/carbon%20valuation/ the Moray Firth. [21035] 1_20100610131858_e_@@_carbonvalues.pdf Charles Hendry: An environmental assessment of the Traded potential impact of oil and gas licensing in Cardigan

£2009/tCO2 Low Central High Bay was carried out in 2007. The assessment concluded that oil and gas licensing should not proceed at that 2010 7.3 14.1 17.8 time. The applications for a Petroleum Licence received 2011 7.4 14.3 18.1 during the 24th Licensing Round for three blocks in 2012 7.5 14.5 18.3 Cardigan Bay have been withdrawn. No applications 2013 7.6 14.7 18.6 were received during the 25th and 26th Licensing Rounds 2014 7.7 14.9 18.9 for blocks in Cardigan Bay.There are no further assessments 2015 7.9 15.1 19.2 planned at this time. These prices should not be seen as forecasts, rather With regard to the Inner Moray Firth, a revised they are estimates of the price given the current targets environmental assessment in relation to an application in the EU emissions trading scheme. Moving to a for a Petroleum Licence for block 17/3 was issued for tighter target would result in higher prices. public consultation from 15 July to 12 October 2010. Officials are carefully considering the comments received Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for during the public consultation and therefore I am not Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on the yet in a position to reach a decision concerning licensing emissions cap in Phase III of the EU Emissions of this block. Trading Scheme. [20569] Renewable Energy

Gregory Barker: The EU Emissions Trading System Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for (EU ETS) was significantly revised as part of the EU Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made Climate and Energy Package agreed by EU member of the proportion of the 15 per cent. of UK energy states in 2008. The changes will take place from Phase consumption to be achieved from renewable sources III, which will run from 2013 to 2020, with a more which will be attributable to wind power. [21266] 551W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 552W

Charles Hendry: The UK’s National Renewable Energy Wind Power Action Plan, published in July 2010, estimated that onshore wind would contribute 34 TWh and offshore James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for wind would contribute 44 TWh in 2020 towards a Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made projected overall target of 238 TWh. Wind is therefore of the cost to the National Grid of paying wind farm expected to contribute around a third of the target of operators to turn off their turbines during periods of 15% of final energy consumption. excess generation. [21096] There are no targets for individual technologies, and the actual mix of technologies that makes up the UK’s Charles Hendry: National Grid have never needed to achievement of the 2020 target will depend on how curtail wind output because supply on a national scale different technologies respond to the financial incentives exceeded demand. National Grid have made payments put in place, and how constraints such as planning, to wind farm operators to curtail output on two occasions. grid, and supply chain ease over time. It should also be The first was a test to ensure the technical capability noted that the overall target is defined as a proportion was present and the second was due to constraints on of energy demand, which is uncertain, and thus the the transmission network. The total cost incurred was exact level of renewable energy required in 2020 is approximately £53,000. uncertain too.

Warm Front Scheme CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Arts Council of England: Information Officers Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment his Department Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for has made of the expected effect of ending the Warm Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many press Front scheme on levels of fuel poverty in the next 10 officers Arts Council England employed in each year years; and if he will make a statement. [19955] from 1996-97 to 2004-05; and at what cost. [17703]

Gregory Barker: Warm Front continues to provide a Mr Vaizey: The Department does not collate this range of heating and insulation measures for vulnerable information centrally. households. The new Energy Company Obligation, starting Accordingly, I have asked the chief executive of Arts in late 2012, will run in parallel with the Green Deal Council England to write to the hon. Member for programme. It is intended to focus particularly on Burnley. households who cannot achieve financial savings without Copies of the reply will be placed in the Libraries of additional support, including the poorest and most both Houses. vulnerable and those in hard to treat homes. We expect energy companies to play a greater role than they do Arts: Finance through the current obligations in ensuring the poorest and most vulnerable can afford to heat their homes Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for adequately. This includes offering a wider range of Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he measures which improve energy performance, such as has made of the number of arts organisations and heating systems. projects likely to close as a result of reductions to the Arts Council budget announced as part of the Between 2007 and 2008 there was up to an estimated Comprehensive Spending Review. [20168] 80,000 households prevented from falling into fuel poverty and this can be attributed to energy efficiency improvements. Mr Vaizey [holding answer 28 October 2010]: The We will continue to monitor the impact of such measures number and identity of organisations that receive funding, on the fuel poor. along with the level of that funding, is a matter for Arts Council England. As part of the Spending Review we Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy have protected front line funding for the arts, limiting and Climate Change whether owners of privately- the reduction to the overall budget for arts organisations rented accommodation are required to repay funds to 14.9% over four years. provided under the Warm Front scheme in circumstances in which the occupiers who were entitled In 2009-10 the typical regularly funded arts organisation to the assistance move out of that accommodation; and received 33% of its income from the Arts Council. if he will make a statement. [20477] Therefore the actual reduction in income seen by the typical arts organisation from the reductions in the Arts Gregory Barker: The primary aim of the Warm Front Council’s budget will be less than 5% over four years. Scheme is to improve the thermal efficiency of private There will, of course, be variation between organisations. sector homes where the occupants are vulnerable to fuel This does not take into account changes to other poverty. The scheme is designed in such a way that while sources of income not controlled centrally. the applicant must meet specific qualifying criteria to Departmental Expenditure Limits qualify for a grant, the grant itself is then associated to the property in which they reside. David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for To encourage uptake of the grant and thereby assist Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much and as many qualifying households as possible, the owners what proportion of his Department’s capital Departmental of privately rented accommodation are not required to Expenditure Limit will be allocated to (a) London and repay funds provided under the grant should a tenant (b) the North West in each year of the Comprehensive who applied for the grant move out of the property. Spending Review period. [19859] 553W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 554W

Hugh Robertson: The amount and proportion of sites, including sites in London and/or the north-west. capital departmental expenditure limit (CDEL) allocated This is set out in tables 4 and 5. We are unable to to projects and arm’s length bodies (ALBs) located in estimate the proportion of the CDEL in tables 4 and 5 London and the north-west of England over the four which will be allocated to London and the north-west financial years of the spending review period is set out because this will be for our ALBs to determine over the in tables 1, 2 and 3. course of the spending review period. In the case of A proportion of the Department’s CDEL is allocated some grant schemes, our ALBs will allocate CDEL on to England or UK-wide grant schemes administered by the basis of successful applications. our ALBs and to ALBs for the maintenance of multiple

Table 1: Major projects in London 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Transform Tate Modern — 0.9 1.3 — Cutty Sark 3 — — — British Museum—North West Development 8.9——— Total 11.9 0.9 1.3 0

Proportion of DCMS CDEL 7.70% 0.50% 1.20% 0.00%

Table 2: Core capital for ALBs in London 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

British Museum 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 Natural History Museum 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 National Gallery 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 National Maritime Museum 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.8 National Portrait Gallery 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 Victoria and Albert Museum 1.7 1.8 1.9 2 Wallace Collection 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Sir John Soane’s Museum 0000 Horniman Museum 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Geffrye Museum 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Government Art Collection 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 UK Sport 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 The Royal Parks Agency 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 DCMS central expenditure 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 Total 15.1 15.4 15.8 116.1

Proportion of DCMS CDEL 9.80% 8.90% 14.60% 14.60%

Table 3: Core capital for ALBs in the North West 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

National Museums Liverpool 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.5 Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Total 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.8

Proportion of DCMS CDEL 1.00% 0.90% 1.60% 1.60%

Table 4: Core capital for ALBs with multiple sites (including in London and/or the North West) 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Tate Galleries 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 English Heritage 2.1 2.2 2.3 4.9 Arts Council England 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 Sport England 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.8 Royal Armouries 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Imperial War Museum 1.9 2 2.1 2.2 National Museum of Science and Industry 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 British Library 2.9 3 3.2 3.3 MLA 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Visit Britain 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 BFI 0.9111 Total 15.8 16.3 16.9 20

Proportion of DCMS CDEL 10.20% 9.40% 15.60% 18.20% 555W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 556W

Table 5: UK/England-wide grants 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 1.5 2014-15 1.5

Wolfson Foundation 0.5 2 Arts Council England 11.7 11.5 11.4 11.2 Listed Places of Worship 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 English Heritage 9.1 8.3 7.6 6.9 National Heritage Memorial Fund 0 5 10 5 Sport England 24 24 24 24 Broadband funding 45 84 15 15 Total 91.6 136.1 70.7 65

Proportion of DCMS CDEL 59.50% 78.20% 65.50% 59.10%

Horserace Totalisator Board John Penrose [holding answer 28 October 2010]: This information is already published in the annual National Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Lottery Distribution Fund (NLDF) accounts. Copies State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he can be found in the House of Commons Library and expects to invite bids for the purchase of the Tote; and online at: if he will make a statement. [20757] www.official-documents.gov.uk http://www.official-documents.gov.uk John Penrose: The Government are now preparing to launch an open market process in which they will invite proposals from interested parties. This process will be National Lottery: Armed Forces open to all organisations who have an interest in the Tote, and the Government expect to be in a position to update the House early in the new year. Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether members Libraries: Domestic Visits of the UK armed forces posted overseas but still resident in the UK for tax purposes are eligible to play the national lottery. [19721] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many libraries he has visited on official business since his John Penrose [holding answer 26 October 2010]: The appointment. [20821] National Lottery Commission has advised that in order to be eligible to play the National Lottery, players must Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, be resident at a United Kingdom or Isle of Man address, Media and Sport has not made any official library visits irrespective of their tax status. Residency in this instance since his appointment. However, as the Minister with is determined by checks carried out by Camelot, the responsibility for this policy area, I have made official National Lottery operator and, in practice, this means visits to the British Library, Birmingham Central Library, members of the armed forces can open an online interactive Didcot Library and opened the Thame Library since account and purchase games on the national lottery my appointment. website, as long as they are in a country where it is legal to do so, and/or set up a direct debit account. London Olympics 2012: Bus Services However, the National Lottery Commission understands that in the majority of overseas jurisdictions, local laws Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for forbid the purchase of other foreign lotteries, including Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions the UK National Lottery. If tickets are purchased he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on from a country where it illegal to do so, the tickets are the operation of the M4 bus lane during the London invalid and Camelot is not able to pay any associated 2012 Olympics. [20819] prizes. The NLC have therefore required Camelot to amend Hugh Robertson: The Secretary of State for Culture, the rules for National Lottery games so that players will Olympics, Media and Sport has discussed the Olympics only be able to set up or amend their direct debit, or with the Secretary of State for Transport. Their discussions purchase games online when they are physically located have not specifically included plans for the operation of in the UK and the Isle of Man. These new rules will the M4 bus lane, the details of which will be finalised in apply from 18 December 2010. I welcome the NLC’s due course. intention to prevent people buying invalid tickets and inadvertently putting themselves at risk of prosecution National Lottery Distribution Fund in foreign jurisdictions. I shall be writing to the NLC to thank them for their Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for action so far, but I shall also ask them to consider what Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much funding can be done in countries where the purchase of UK has been made available to the National Lottery lottery tickets is lawful to allow armed forces personnel Distribution Fund in each year since 2005-06. [20166] (and others) to participate. 557W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 558W

Olympic Games 2012: Tickets The funding figures are as follows.

Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, £ million Olympics, Media and Sport for what sessions at the Total funding From DCMS From BBC London 2012 Olympics the pay your age ticketing scheme 2011-12 90 90 0 will be available; and in respect of how many such 2012-13 83 83 0 sessions that scheme will be available. [20593] 2013-14 83 6.7 76.3 2014-15 83 7 76 Hugh Robertson: The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) This means that S4C funding is secure for the next is responsible for ticketing for London 2012. LOCOG four years and will enable the channel to structure itself announced pricing for Olympic tickets earlier this month, for the modern broadcasting environment. ″ ″ including a Pay Your Age scheme which will see This letter can be found using the link: around 1.3 million tickets available to those 16 and under to pay their age (and to those 60 or over to pay http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/Jones_S4C.pdf £16). Full details of the specific sessions in each sport: Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, will be announced next year, but these special prices will Olympics, Media and Sport if he will guarantee the be available across all 26 Olympic sports, and in 220 funding allocation to S4C under the new arrangements sessions—almost a third of all sessions. These will be in the Spending Review period after 2015. [20752] mainly in the morning and day-time, which are most accessible for young people. Mr Vaizey: The Spending Review provides S4C with The published list of ticket prices and sessions is the certainty of a four-year funding settlement. No available on LOCOG’s website at: decisions have been made about S4C’s funding http://www.tickets.london2012.com/olyticketprice1.html arrangements after 2014-15. LOCOG will announce Paralympic ticket pricing separately, next year. WORK AND PENSIONS S4C: Finance Access to Work Programme

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Olympics, Media and Sport what proportion of the and Pensions what plans he has for the funding of his funding allocation to S4C under the proposed new Department’s Access to Work Scheme in the period to funding arrangements he expects to be made available 2014-15; and what criteria he plans to use to determine for the commissioning of programmes by the eligibility of support from the Access to Work Scheme independent production sector in Wales. [19626] in the same period. [20443]

Mr Vaizey: All of the content budget will be spent on Chris Grayling: The Department has now received its independent production, as it is now. budget settlement following the spending review. We are now in the process of setting programme budgets. Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Government will continue to review welfare to work Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he plans to take programmes to ensure the support they provide remains to ensure that S4C retains full editorial and programming appropriate, effective and value for money. We are independence following the implementation of new funding committed to ensuring disabled people are given the arrangements. [19627] right support they need to get a job and remain in employment. Mr Vaizey: The details of the partnership between There are no plans at present to change the eligibility S4C and the BBC Trust have still to be developed but criteria for the Access to Work programme. the Secretary of State has made it clear in his spending Cancer: Asbestos review allocation letter to S4C of 20 October and his funding settlement to the BBC Trust of 21 October that Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for S4C will retain its editorial independence. Work and Pensions whether compensation is available to the next of kin of those diagnosed with asbestos- Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, induced lung cancer in circumstances in which that Olympics, Media and Sport whether the funds made cancer cannot be confirmed as the sole cause of death. available to S4C under his Department’s proposed new [19882] arrangements will be ring-fenced in the BBC budget. [19628] Chris Grayling: We provide no fault compensation via the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) Mr Vaizey: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of scheme to employed earners for disablement arising State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport’s letter of from an industrial accident, or from one of the diseases 21 October 2010 to the chairman of the BBC Trust prescribed in regulations. The list of prescribed diseases about the next television licence fee settlement set out includes primary carcinoma of the lung where there has the level of funding the BBC must provide to S4C. been exposure to asbestos in certain defined activities. From 2013-14, the cost of funding S4C will be met Additionally, the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers from a combination of continued Exchequer funding, Compensation) Act 1979 (the 1979 Act) provides a advertising revenue and the television licence fee. lump sum payment where a person is unable to pursue 559W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 560W an employer for civil compensation for certain dust You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how related diseases. One of the diseases is primary carcinoma much maintenance the Child Maintenance and Enforcement of the lung when accompanied by asbestosis or diffuse Commission has collected through the statutory scheme since 1 pleural thickening. April 2010. [16100]. The amount of child maintenance collected through the statutory Where the sufferer has died, a claim for IIDB can be maintenance service is routinely published in the Child Support made on the deceased’s behalf. Under the 1979 Act, a Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics which is available in the claim can be made only by a dependent, or on behalf of House of Commons library or online at: a dependent. For both IIDB and the 1979 Act schemes, http://www.childmaintenance.org/en/publications/ a claim must be made within 12 months of the death of stats0610.html the sufferer. Benefit is payable provided that the deceased The total amount of maintenance collected and arranged would have satisfied the conditions of entitlement during through the statutory scheme was £283.5m in the quarter to June their life. The fact that primary carcinoma of the lung 2010 and £1,143.4m in the 12 months to June 2010. This includes was not the only cause of death would not affect both maintenance collected through the Child Support Agency payment. collection service and maintenance the Child Support Agency arranged to be paid directly to parents with care by non-resident Carers: Finance parents. Council Tax Benefits Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the likely Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and effects on his Department’s provision of support for Pensions how much on average was paid in council tax carers of his Department’s settlement in the 2010 Spending benefit in each local authority in each of the last three Review; and if he will make a statement. [20769] years. [20994]

Maria Miller: The spending review sets out measures Steve Webb: Council tax benefit expenditure shown to secure a sustainable foundation for the future of the by local authority can be found at the following URL: welfare system, delivering fairness, better work incentives and value for the taxpayer. There are no specific measures http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/la_expenditure.xls in relation to carers. The tables contained in this publication contain expenditure data for all local authorities from 2002-03 The Government recognise that the United Kingdom’s to 2009-10. six million carers play an indispensable role in looking after family members or friends who need support. Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and We have set out our commitment to simplify the Pensions what estimate he made of the average council benefit system in order to improve work incentives and tax benefit payment to (a) pensioner households, (b) encourage responsibility and fairness. We are giving working households, (c) households receiving jobseeker’s careful consideration to the needs of carers as we develop allowances, (d) households receiving income support our detailed proposals for fundamental welfare reform, and (e) households receiving invalidity benefit or education including any changes that may be necessary to take support allowance in each of the last three years. [20995] account of the introduction of universal credit. Children: Maintenance Steve Webb: The information requested on the average weekly council tax benefit paid to all households receiving incapacity benefit or employment support allowance is Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work not available. and Pensions how much maintenance the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission has collected Information is collected on the average weekly council through the statutory scheme since 1 April 2010. [16100] tax benefit payment for those also in receipt of a passported benefit, and the available information on Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement the number who are also receiving income-based jobseeker’s Commission is responsible for the child maintenance allowance (JSA(IB)), income support (IS) and employment system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner support allowance (income-based), in Great Britain, are to write to the hon. Member with the information shown in the table. requested and I have seen the response. However to provide the total number of JSA, incapacity Letter from Stephen Geraghty: benefit (IB), and employment support allowance (ESA) claimants receiving council tax benefit would require a In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary significant exercise to merge the relevant data and would of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance incur a disproportionate cost. Commissioner. The available information is shown in the table:

Council tax benefit recipients average weekly award by passported benefit and age, November 2008 to July 2010 Passported benefit Non-passported (standard claims) Employment Jobseeker’s support allowance allowance All CTB Income (income- (income- Allaged65or All non- Of which in recipients All passported support based) based) over passported employment

2008

November 15.11 16.08 15.91 15.66 15.65 15.28 12.87 11.03 561W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 562W

Council tax benefit recipients average weekly award by passported benefit and age, November 2008 to July 2010 Passported benefit Non-passported (standard claims) Employment Jobseeker’s support allowance allowance All CTB Income (income- (income- Allaged65or All non- Of which in recipients All passported support based) based) over passported employment

December 15.10 16.08 15.92 15.72 15.86 15.27 12.84 10.94

2009 January 15.10 16.09 15.92 15.77 15.97 15.27 12.84 10.93 February 15.11 16.11 15.93 15.85 16.10 15.27 12.84 10.92 March 15.26 16.24 16.05 16.04 16.33 15.40 13.04 11.31 April 15.63 16.57 16.36 16.38 16.64 15.71 13.51 12.28 May 15.62 16.58 16.37 16.40 16.67 15.70 13.46 12.11 June 15.60 16.59 16.37 16.41 16.67 15.70 13.41 11.95 July 15.60 16.59 16.38 16.41 16.67 15.70 13.37 11.82 August 15.59 16.60 16.40 16.39 16.64 15.70 13.29 11.76 September 15.58 16.59 16.39 16.36 16.59 15.69 13.27 11.72 October 15.59 16.60 16.40 16.35 16.59 15.69 13.30 11.88 November 15.77 16.61 16.41 16.35 16.61 15.75 13.85 13.61 December 15.76 16.61 16.41 16.34 16.62 15.76 13.79 13.43

2010 January 15.74 16.61 16.41 16.34 16.63 15.75 13.76 13.38 February 15.74 16.61 16.41 16.33 16.64 15.75 13.74 13.28 March 15.83 16.71 16.50 16.41 16.73 15.85 13.86 13.48 April 16.02 16.89 16.67 16.58 16.92 16.05 14.07 13.74 May 16.00 16.89 16.67 16.55 16.91 16.04 14.01 13.58 June 15.97 16.88 16.66 16.53 16.91 16.04 13.95 13.44 July 15.94 16.88 16.66 16.50 16.90 16.04 13.91 13.33 Notes: 1. Age groups are based on the age on the count date (second Thursday in the month), of either: (a) the recipient if they are single, or (b) the elder of the recipient or partner if claiming as a couple. 2. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month. 3. Average awards are shown as pounds per week and rounded to the nearest penny. 4. Passported status does not include recipients with unknown passported status. 5. Passported benefit as recorded on systems within the LA. 6. Average weekly amounts do not include second adult rebate cases. 7. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. The data are available monthly from November 2008 and July 2010 is the latest available. 8. People claiming council tax benefit not in receipt of a passported benefit are recorded as being in employment, if their local authority has recorded employment income from either the main claimant, or partner of claimant (if applicable), in calculating the housing benefit award. 9. Data are published at http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/hb_ctb/hbctb_release_oct10.xls Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE).

Council Tax Benefits: Scotland 2009-10 council tax benefit expenditure figures for Scottish local authorities are shown in the following Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for table. Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Council tax benefit Scottish local authorities effect on the revenue available to each Scottish local 2009-10 £ million authority of the implementation of his decision to devolve direct control of council tax benefit in each Aberdeen City 11.5 year of the Comprehensive Spending Review period. Aberdeenshire 8.8 [21132] Angus 6.0 Argyll and Bute 6.1 Steve Webb: The Government are working to develop Clackmannanshire 3.7 the new arrangements including the detailed administrative Dumfries and Galloway 9.3 implications for local authorities which have yet to be Dundee City 13.8 determined. East Ayrshire 10.3 East Dunbartonshire 5.2 Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for East Lothian 5.7 Work and Pensions how much has been paid in council East Renfrewshire 4.1 tax benefit in each Scottish local authority area in each Edinburgh, City of 30.9 year from 1997. [21133] Eilean Siar 1.9 Steve Webb: Tables of council tax benefit expenditure Falkirk 9.0 by local authority from 1996-97 to 2008-09 have been Fife 22.8 placed in the House Library. Glasgow City 74.6 563W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 564W

Council tax benefit Scottish local authorities Maria Miller: Entitlement to DLA is dependent on 2009-10 £ million an assessment of how much help someone needs with personal care/supervision and/or mobility because of Highland 13.6 their disability and is not based on a particular diagnosis Inverclyde 7.4 or condition. We are unable to say how many people Midlothian 5.4 diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic Moray 4.2 fatigue syndrome have had their initial application for North Ayrshire 12.1 disability living allowance (DLA) turned down in the North Lanarkshire 27.0 last three years. Although this level of detail is held on Orkney Islands 0.8 the person’s records we estimate that there would be a Perth and Kinross 7.0 disproportionate cost to the Department in having to Renfrewshire 14.1 extract this information. Scottish Borders 6.0 Shetland Islands 0.8 Disadvantaged South Ayrshire 9.0 South Lanarkshire 22.8 Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Stirling 4.9 and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number West Dunbartonshire 10.4 of people who have been given financial support through West Lothian 10.5 (a) credit unions and (b) other community finance Source: organisations that have been supported by funding from Local authority subsidy returns the Financial Inclusion Fund in each of the last five Council tax benefit expenditure shown by local authority years; and if he will make a statement. [20342] can also be found at the following URL: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/h_tables_budget2010.xls Steve Webb: The Department for Work and Pensions The tables contained in this publication contain Growth Fund invests in the capacity of credit unions expenditure data for all local authorities from 1996-97 and other community finance organisations to offer to 2009-10. access to savings, banking, insurance, budgeting and affordable credit services. Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Since 2006 credit unions have made over 262,056 Work and Pensions what discussions he had with loans to financially excluded people, with an additional Scottish local authorities prior to his decision to 43,308 loans made through other community finance devolve direct control of council tax benefit to local organisations. authorities. [21134] Over 275,000 customers who took out a Growth Fund loan also opened a bank or savings account. Steve Webb: Local authorities throughout the United Kingdom were consulted extensively about the proposal Housing Benefit to rename council tax benefit as council tax rebate. The Government believe it is possible to go further and give Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for local authorities a greater say in how a rebate scheme Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 27 July should operate. Local authorities will be given the 2010, Official Report, column 1137W, when he plans to opportunity to contribute their views when we consult report the results of his Department’s review of the on the proposal. way housing benefit for supported accommodation is assessed. [18114] Departmental Secondment Steve Webb: As part of our review of the housing Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work benefit rules for certain types of supported accommodation, and Pensions how many staff his Department has we are currently working up options for change to appointed on secondment since 7 May 2010; and from provide a more transparent, consistent and fairer system what organisation each such member of staff has been of expenditure control. seconded. [16256] We have already been helped by a number of local authorities who assisted in a survey that we ran last Chris Grayling: Information about how many staff in year. Research has also been under way to provide the the Department have been appointed on secondment necessary evidence base for considering change, the since 7 May 2010, and from what organisation each research report is due to be published later in the such member of staff has been seconded is not held autumn. Our stakeholder working group has also helped centrally. As a consequence this information could be in formulating broad options for change. provided only at disproportionate cost. Although we do not have plans to report the results of this review, we will consult more widely on any Disability Living Allowance proposed changes.

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people diagnosed with Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue the effect on provision of (a) homeless hostels, (b) syndrome have had their initial application for women’s refuges and (c) other homeless services of (i) disability living allowance turned down in the last three his proposed changes to housing benefit and (ii) his years for which figures are available. [18646] proposed cap on benefit payments. [18124] 565W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 566W

Steve Webb: The proposed changes affect those in the Steve Webb [holding answer 28 October 2010]: The private rented sector whose housing benefit is based on amount of a social housing tenant’s rent that is eligible the local housing allowance. Those who live in hostels for help is usually based on their contractual rent. and in supported accommodation within the social and Social housing tenants do not come under local housing voluntary sector do not routinely have their housing allowance arrangements. benefit based on the local housing allowance and are therefore unlikely to be affected by these changes. Social Security Benefits: Disability We will work closely with other Government Departments, the devolved Administrations, local authorities and external organisations to monitor the John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for impact of the changes and to inform policy development Work and Pensions how many families in Carlisle over time. constituency are in receipt of (a) incapacity benefit, (b) attendance allowance and (c) disability living Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and allowance. [19349] Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of social housing tenants in each local authority who are Chris Grayling: The information is provided in the likely to be subject to housing benefit deductions as a following table: result of having one or more bedrooms above their Claimants of attendance allowance, disability living allowance, and household need. [20993] incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, Carlisle parliamentary constituency, February 2010 Steve Webb: The information is not available. Number The detailed policy design of this change is still being developed. Impact assessments, including the number Incapacity benefit/severe 3,560 disablement allowance of households affected, will be published to accompany Disability living allowance (in 5,080 the relevant legislation when introduced in Parliament. payment) Public Expenditure Attendance allowance (in 2,870 payment) Notes: Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Some additional Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the disclosure control has also been applied. likely effect on his Department’s expenditure on benefit 2. Caseload show the number of people in receipt of DLA, AA and payments of the change in the number of jobs in the exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been public sector in the Comprehensive Spending Review suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 3. A claimant can be in receipt of more than one of these benefits period. [19835] and will therefore be counted for each benefit they receive. 4. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance Chris Grayling: The Department’s benefit expenditure (ESA) from October 2008. forecasts published following the June Budget are based 5. Figures do not include ESA. on the economic assumptions made in the Office for 6. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May Budget Responsibility’s June Budget forecast, as set out 2010. 7. A claimant can receive more than one of the above benefits and in table C5 of the June Budget document. Those economic will therefore be counted for each of the benefits they receive. assumptions reflect the decisions on overall public spending Source: made at the June Budget. DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal An update to those forecasts will be published following Study. the Office for Budget Responsibility’s publication of Social Security Benefits: Fraud their autumn forecasts on 29 November. Shared Housing Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people convicted of Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and benefit fraud had two or more previous such Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the level convictions in each year since 2005. [18681] of availability of shared room accommodation in each broad market retail area; and if he will make a statement. [20992] Chris Grayling: Information on the number of people convicted of benefit fraud with two or more previous Steve Webb: Information on the number of dwellings such convictions in 2005-06 and 2006-07 is provided in available in shared accommodation in the private rented the following table. sector is not available. From next year, the local housing People convicted of benefit fraud with two or more previous such allowance rates will be set at the 30th percentile of rents convictions in the UK in each broad rental market area, ensuring that 30 Number percent of properties, for each property size, would be affordable under the local housing allowance arrangements. 2005-06 4 2006-07 5 Social Rented Housing Data is incomplete from 2007-08 onwards due to the Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and roll-out of Fraud Referral and Intervention Management Pensions whether the proposed rents for social housing System (FRAIMS). Options for reintroducing collation of 80 per cent. of market level will attract housing of this data are kept under review subject to cost- benefit in full. [19805] effectiveness. 567W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 568W

Social Security Benefits: Mental Illness Total appeals heard Appellant successful

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Gloucestershire 250 120 State for Work and Pensions how many appeals against mental health benefit assessments were upheld in (a) Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 and are England and (b) Gloucestershire in the most recent 12 based on appeals heard from August 2009 to July 2010, month period for which figures are available. [20763] the latest data available.

Chris Grayling: For appeals relating to the fit for State Retirement Pensions: British Nationals Abroad work decision at the initial work capability assessment for employment and support allowance claims where Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for the primary condition recorded at the start of the claim Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made related to a mental and behavioural disorder, the numbers of the average annual difference between the state appealing and numbers where the appellant was successful pension paid to ex-UK residents now resident in other are as follows: EU member states and the (a) basic and (b) means-tested pension. [16194] Total appeals heard Appellant successful

England 22,390 9,490 Steve Webb: Please find the information provided in the following table:

£ Weekly amount Difference

Average amount of Category A state pension paid to UK state pension recipients 65.00 — now resident in other EU member states Full rate of basic state pension, 2009-10 95.25 30.25 Full rate of guarantee credit (single persons rate), 2009-10 130.00 65.00 Notes: 1. The average amount given in the first row of the table is the sum of basic state pension and additional pension paid to UK state pension recipients now resident in other EU member states, based on their Category A entitlement. 2. The average amount figure is rounded to the nearest £1.00. Source: Average amount: DWP calculations; Administrative records, September 2009.

State Retirement Pensions: Uprating stable since the mid-1990s″, reflecting ″governments’ concerns over the effect on employment of high labour ″ Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for taxes . Projections made by the EU Commission in its Work and Pensions what information his Department “Ageing Report 2009” suggest that revenue from pension holds for benchmarking purposes on mandatory contributions should remain stable as a percentage of increases in contributions to state pensions in other EU GDP between 2007 and 2060. member states. [16865] Winter Fuel Payments

Steve Webb: The DWP does not hold information for Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State benchmarking purposes on mandatory increases in for Work and Pensions how many people aged (a) 60 contributions to state pensions in other EU member to 64, (b) 65 to 69, (c) 70 to 79 and (d) 80 years or states. over were in receipt of winter fuel allowance in (i) EU member states have very different state pension England and (ii) Easington constituency in each year systems which are financed in different ways. Analysis since 2005. [17753] by the OECD in “Pensions at a Glance: 2007” suggests that ″pension contribution rates have remained broadly Steve Webb: The information is in the following tables:

Winter fuel payment recipients—Great Britain and abroad: Time Series by age Area/age 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06

England 10,810,140 10,592,900 10,345,380 10,028,780 9,864,190 Under 60 14,220 10,090 9,930 9,750 — 60 to 64 2,852,580 2,802,640 2,690,280 2,478,860 — 65 to 69 2,265,860 2,183,790 2,133,960 2,110,630 — 70 to 79 3,498,400 3,457,650 3,412,500 3,372,870 — 80 and over 2,179,080 2,138,730 2,098,700 2,056,680 —

Winter fuel payment recipients—Easington Constituency: Time Series by age Area/age 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06

Easington parliamentary 17,480 17,230 17,050 16,710 16,580 constituency Under 60 30 20 30 20 — 569W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 570W

Winter fuel payment recipients—Easington Constituency: Time Series by age Area/age 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06

60 to 64 4,550 4,500 4,330 4,120 — 65 to 69 3,670 3,570 3,640 3,650 — 70 to 79 6,210 6,190 6,170 6,140 — 80 and over 3,020 2,950 2,890 2,790 — Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and therefore totals may not sum. 2. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2005. DWP are currently working to produce 2009-10 WFP figures for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. 3. The ‘under 60’ category contains cases where an IS/JSA claimant receives a payment on behalf of their partner who is aged 60 or over. 4. The age breakdown for 2005-06 winter fuel payments shows a larger than expected number of recipients aged under 60 compared with subsequent years. The age breakdown has been withdrawn while the figures are investigated. Source: DWP Information Directorate 100% data

Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government are aware of and Pensions how many higher rate taxpayers receive reports that people living in the Hukawng reserve, in winter fuel payments; and what the cost to the public Kachin state, Northern Burma, have had their homes purse of such payments was in the latest period for destroyed, land confiscated and been forcibly relocated which figures are available. [21011] as a result of the regime’s plans to transform the area into a centre for bio-fuel production. Our embassy in Steve Webb: The number of higher rate taxpayers in Rangoon is part of an in-country group that is monitoring Great Britain receiving winter fuel payments is not developments and providing assistance to local communities available. to help document and highlight the situation. However, winter fuel payments are paid to those over woman’s state pension age, which is increasing from 60 Burma: Railways to 60.5 during 2010-11. The estimated number of higher rate tax payers aged 60 and over in 2010-11 is 450,000 Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for (rounded to nearest 50,000). This figure includes those Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he paying tax at the additional rate (i.e. at a rate of 50%). has received on the construction of a railway link The estimated amount of winter fuel payments paid across the Salween River to eastern Shan State in to higher rate (or additional rate) tax payers is £90 Burma. [20840] million in 2010-11 (rounded to nearest £10 million). Notes: Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government are aware of reports alleging that thousands of acres of farmland 1. Figures use HMRC data on the number of taxpayers by tax band for 2007-08, projected forwards using June 2010 Budget have been confiscated in this area and that farmers who assumptions. It is assumed that all tax payers of appropriate age complain to the regime have been threatened with get winter fuel payment. imprisonment. Ethnic groups in Shan State are also 2. The winter fuel payment for 2010-11 is £250/£400 per household. reportedly concerned that the railway could be used by the regime to deploy military forces and equipment to the area. We are monitoring developments.

Departmental Public Expenditure FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Burma: Overseas Trade Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) which embassies have had their budgets reduced as a result of Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the removal of the overseas price mechanism; and by Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps how much each such embassy’s budget for (a) 2008-09, he has taken to discourage British companies from (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 was reduced; [16723] trading and investing in Burma. [20839] (2) whether spending reductions consequent on the removal of the overseas price mechanism have resulted Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government’s position on in reductions in his Department’s spending on counter- this issue is well known. We do not encourage trade and terrorism projects; [16724] investment in Burma and, in compliance with EU sanctions, (3) whether the budget reductions required as a we do not offer commercial services to any companies result of the removal of the overseas price mechanism who may want to trade or invest there. resulted in the withdrawal, reduction or deferral of any of his Department’s (a) human rights, (b) democracy Burma: Politics and Government promotion, (c) counter-proliferation, (d) counter- projects narcotics, (e) counter-radicalisation and (f) Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for climate change projects; [17028] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he (4) whether the spending reductions consequent on has received on forcible relocations of indigenous the removal of the overseas price mechanism resulted farmers in the Huugawng valley, Northern Burma. in the withdrawal or reduction of his Department’s [20906] support to any of the Overseas Territories. [17029] 571W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 572W

Alistair Burt: The Overseas Pricing Movements (OPM) that a new Foreign Currency Mechanism would be Mechanism was abolished by the previous Government introduced to enable the FCO to better manage exchange as part of the 2007 comprehensive spending review. rate pressures and allow for better planning. This will OPM was originally put in place in order to ensure that allow the FCO to stabilise the value of our budget the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) overseas overseas so that our activity will no longer be dictated budget was maintained in real terms after foreign exchange by the foreign exchange markets, as it has been since rate and differential inflationary pressures overseas. OPM was withdrawn. The decision to remove OPM became effective in April 2008. As a result the FCO implemented a foreign currency Departmental Sick Leave forward purchase programme to help manage its foreign exchange needs. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Since April 2008, our posts overseas have faced significant and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials in his exchange rate and inflationary pressures. In 2008-09 the Department have had (a) fewer than five days, (b) five exchange and inflation rate pressure on our posts’ budgets to 10 days, (c) 10 to 15 days, (d) 15 to 20 days, (e) 20 was £59.2 million. In 2009-10 the exchange and inflation to 25 days, (f) 25 to 50 days, (g) 50 to 75 days, (h) 75 rate pressures on our posts’ budgets was £80 million to 100 days, (i) 100 to 150 days, (j) 150 to 200 days, and is estimated to be over £100 million in 2010-11. As (k) more than 200 days, (l) more than three months, budgets in the FCO are devolved to our network of (m) more than six months and (n) one year on paid over 250 posts, details of the specific impact that the sick leave (i) consecutively and (ii) in total in each year loss of OPM has had on any project or specific area of since 1997. [18771] spend could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Additional exchange rate pressures have had an impact Alistair Burt: Under our Sickness Absence Management on our international organisations subscriptions, Policy and Procedures, staff, both in the UK and overseas, peacekeeping assessed contributions and other budget are required to enter details of any sickness absences areas spent in foreign currency from the UK. The total they have on our online Human Resource system. Line net impact on the Department’s budget of adverse managers are then required to verify that the absences currency movements is estimated to be £77 million in have been correctly entered. This measure is in place to 2008-09, £109 million in 2009-10 and £141 million in ensure we have an accurate record of sickness absence 2010-11. and are able to deal promptly with cases of excessive In order to manage the pressures on our overseas sick leave. Staff who fail to follow correct sickness network from exchange rate movements since the ending absence procedures could face disciplinary action under of the OPM mechanism and retain a global footprint, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Misconduct the FCO has had to re-examine and reprioritise funds Procedures guidelines. allocated to Programmes so they focus on those areas We are currently reviewing our Sickness Absence where the FCO itself can make the biggest difference Management Policy and Procedures and will consider and which offer the best possible value for money. as a part of this review whether there are additional As part of the 2010 spending round, my right hon. steps which may help reduce levels of sickness among Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced both junior and more senior staff.

Response: (i) consecutively 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Fewer than five days 2,289 1,805 1,376 1,383 2,046 2,177 1,875 5 to 9 days 397 367 291 290 383 441 272 10 to 14 days 139 144 113 96 129 160 106 15 to 19 days 86 82 71 63 96 89 64 20 to 24 days 44 46 29 37 46 52 32 25 to 49 days 97 107 115 81 111 124 98 50 to 74 days 53 37 33 32 31 35 25 75 to 99 days 29 21 18 21 8 18 9 100 to 149 days 34 18 16 15 12 5 9 150to199days9868121 More than 200 days 5 11 16 12 5 4 4 More than three months 44 32 28 30 16 2 13 More than six months 10 7 9 11 3 17 5 One year on paid sick leave 0593320

Response: (ii) total in each year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Fewer than five days 1,386 1,150 874 872 1,313 1,357 1,365 5 to 9 days 509 392 312 349 480 508 357 10 to 14 days 204 153 123 113 93 90 93 15 to 19 days 119 78 74 64 152 217 56 20 to 24 days 63 42 29 43 55 47 33 25 to 49 days 114 124 83 92 107 109 93 573W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 574W

Response: (ii) total in each year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

50 to 74 days 52 29 42 42 46 47 31 75 to 99 days 25 34 29 29 18 29 18 100 to 149 days 31 26 23 12 27 11 18 150 to 199 days 15 16 17 13 9 18 8 More than 200 days 17 18 23 17 9 10 6 More than three months 51 55 48 36 34 41 30 More than six months 18 15 12 15 10 9 9 One year on paid sick leave 0 8 11 4330

Hajj Advisory Group Israel: Illegal Settlers

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultation Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and his Department had with community leaders before objectives his Department has set for its policy on taking the decision not to include a medical team Hezbollah. [20010] within the British Hajj Delegation. [19875] Alistair Burt: We want to see Hezballah reject violence Mr Jeremy Browne: The decision to discontinue the and play a constructive, democratic and peaceful role in medical element of the British Hajj Delegation was Lebanese politics, in line with the full implementation taken by Ministers following a Foreign and Commonwealth of UN Security Council Resolutions, most notably UN Office (FCO) review in March 2010. The review did not Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls upon include consultations with community leaders but, rather, Hezballah to disarm. took an objective view of the situation on the ground. The review noted significant improvements to the medical facilities provided for Pilgrims by the Saudi authorities Middle East: Armed Conflict since the British Hajj Delegation first began 11 years ago. It also noted the declining demand for medical Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for assistance for minor ailments from British Hajjis. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he The decision brings our support for British Hajjis has received on the condition of Gilad Shalit; and what more into line with the support we provide for British discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on nationals at other events. The FCO does not provide the matter. [19984] medical services at any other event involving large numbers of British nationals. Alistair Burt: The UK has long called for Gilad Shalit’s immediate and unconditional release. It is also Iran: Nuclear Power vital that Hamas allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit Gilad immediately and Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for ensure that he is in good health. His continued captivity Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent without any ICRC access and with only very occasional, reports he has received on the effect of the Stuxnet minimal contact with his family is utterly unacceptable. computer virus on Iran’s nuclear programme. [19981] We continue to call on Hamas to renounce violence and take immediate and concrete steps towards the Alistair Burt: I am aware of recent reports relating to Quartet principles and to free Gilad Shalit without the Stuxnet computer virus. It is for Iran to comment delay. on the impact of such incidents. However, it is clear that Iran is continuing to undertake proliferation-sensitive Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for activities including seeking to expand its nuclear programme, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent in direct defiance of six UN Security Council resolutions. progress his Department has made in efforts to secure the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit. [20011] Iran: Sanctions Alistair Burt: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Secretary made clear in the House on 14 September and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he 2010, Official Report, column 740: has had with his (a) US and (b) European counterparts “Obviously, we are not able directly to secure his release, but on the effectiveness of sanctions against Iran. [19980] that matter is one of the deeply aggravating factors that mean that Gaza remains such an immense international problem. We have Alistair Burt: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary called repeatedly for the release of Gilad Shalit and will continue holds regular discussions with US and EU counterparts to do so, and the international community will continue to work on the Iranian nuclear issue, including sanctions. My towards that end. If Hamas and other forces in Gaza were right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary most recently remotely interested in a political settlement and in coming to discussed Iran with Secretary of State Clinton on terms with Israel and the rest of the international community, 27 September, and with EU counterparts at the Foreign they would wish to do that”. Affairs Council on 25 October, where an EU regulation The UK Permanent Representative to the UN reiterated implementing sanctions against Iran was adopted. this message on 18 October 2010. 575W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 576W

Nuclear Disarmament underlined concerns about reports of Syrian facilitation of arms to Hezbollah. My officials continue to raise Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign these issues at the highest level during our regular and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the Prime dialogue with Syrian counterparts. Minister’s oral statement of 19 October 2010, Official We remain concerned that Iran is undermining regional Report, columns 805-06, on the Strategic Defence and peace and stability, including through weapons transfers. Security Review, in what forums he expects discussions We call on Iran to play a constructive role in the region, of the UK’s responsibilities for multilateral nuclear including through restoring international confidence in disarmament to take place. [20731] its nuclear programme. We continue to make our views clear through interventions at the UN on UN Security Alistair Burt: The Government are committed to the Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559. long-term vision of a world without nuclear weapons Sri Lanka: Human Rights and will press for multilateral progress as the primary means of achieving sustainable global nuclear disarmament. Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for The UK continues to take part in regular discussions Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions on multilateral nuclear disarmament in the following he has had with his counterpart in the government of international fora: the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Sri Lanka on the human rights situation in the country. preparatory committees and five-yearly review conferences; the UN’s Disarmament Commission and First Committee; [20526] the preparatory commission for the Comprehensive Alistair Burt: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary Test-Ban Treaty Organisation; and the Conference on and I discussed our concerns with the Sri Lankan Disarmament in Geneva. The Nuclear Weapon States Foreign Minister on 19 and 20 October 2010 and stressed will also discuss nuclear disarmament at a meeting of the need to improve the human rights situation in Sri the P5 in Paris in 2011—following a similar conference Lanka. hosted by the UK in 2009. Nuclear Weapons: Arms Control John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for made towards the establishment of an independent and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what position the transparent investigation into allegations of war crimes Government plan to take in the forthcoming meeting in Sri Lanka. [20615] of the United Nations First (Disarmament) Committee on the draft resolution on (a) the Nuclear Weapons Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to my response Convention (draft resolution L.50) and (b) d-alerting of 21 October 2010, Official Report, columns 821-22W, (draft resolution L42). [20668] to my hon. Friend the Member for St Ives (Andrew George). Alistair Burt: Resolution votes at the UN’s First Tamils Committee started in New York on 26 October 2010. The UK voted against the draft resolution on a Nuclear Weapons Convention (draft resolution L.26), together John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign with 47 other countries including the US and all EU and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department partners. has received reports on the authenticity of photographs of Tamil detainees released by the Global Tamil On 27 October 2010, the UK voted against the draft Forum. [20616] resolution on ’de-alerting’ (L.42), along with the US and France. We gave a statement at the time of voting at Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office First Committee, which explained that we do not accept has received no reports on the authenticity of the that further de-alerting of nuclear weapons by the UK photographs. These disturbing images underline the is necessary to prevent accidental use: our nuclear weapons importance of a credible investigation into allegations are subject to the most rigorous command and control of violations of international law by both parties to the systems, and the UK has already significantly reduced conflict. the operational status of our nuclear deterrent. Peace Keeping Operations TRANSPORT Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations Bus Services he has made to his Iranian and Syrian counterparts on (a) the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) weapons smuggling into Lebanon. [19982] Transport what guidance his Department issues to local authorities on the provision of bus services. Alistair Burt: During my visit to Damascus in July, I [19262] made clear and firm representations to Foreign Minister Muallem in support of UN Security Council Resolution Norman Baker [holding answer 25 October 2010]: 1701. We are strongly committed to the full implementation The Department has issued the following guidance to of UN Security Council Resolution 1701: this is the local authorities considered relevant to the provision of best means of achieving stability in Lebanon. I also bus services, which can be found on the internet at the raised the issue of weapons smuggling in Lebanon and addresses provided: 577W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 578W

Guidance to support local authorities in preparing their third Cycling Schemes Local Transport Plans. The guidance gives brief advice to local authorities on the powers and other measures available to local authorities to enhance local bus services, and points authorities to Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport other useful documents. what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/ltp/guidance/ Bikeability cycle training scheme. [17101] localtransportsplans/ Guidance on making best use of community transport for Norman Baker: Bikeability cycle training is based on local authorities completing Local Transport Plans: the National Standard for cycling training. The National http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/ltp/guidance/ Standard was developed by cycling organisations, safety localtransportsplans/policies/communitytransport/ bodies (including the Royal Society for the Prevention Guidance for local authorities and bus operators on bus punctuality of Accidents and Road Safety UK), and the partnerships: Administrations of the United Kingdom. It represents http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/buspunctuality/ years of combined experience in providing high-quality, safe, cycle training. Formal cycle training with an on-road Guidance on quality bus partnership schemes, quality contract schemes and voluntary bus partnership schemes: element, like Bikeability, has been shown to improve the safety awareness of children. http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/localtransportbill/ vpaguidance.pdf Recent research conducted by MORI asked parents http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/localtransportbill/ and children about their experiences of Bikeability. qcsstatutoryguidance/ Children who have taken part in the scheme feel safer and more confident when riding on the road (86%) and http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/localtransportbill/ their parents feel more confident in allowing them to do Guidance on the tendering of bus services, including good so (87%). Children who have participated also feel more practice and specimen contracts: confident about riding their bike more often (87%). http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/tendering/ Bikeability training is rated very highly by both parents (97% say that they are very/quite satisfied with the Bus Services: Standards training) and children (95% describe it as fairly/very good). I intend to publish this research in full in the near future. Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times a Traffic Commissioner has The Department is currently evaluating cycling measures taken steps as a result of complaints regarding bus undertaken in the designated cycling demonstration companies not fulfilling their advertised timetables towns, including cycle training and other activities aimed since 2005; which companies were the subject of such at schools. This work will be published once complete. complaints; and what fine was imposed by the Traffic The value the Government place on Bikeability is Commissioner in each case where a penalty was demonstrated by our decision to continue support for imposed. [19054] the scheme after 2010-11.

Mike Penning [holding answer 22 October 2010]: Departmental Computer Software Between April 2005 and March 2010, a total of 166 operators of local bus services have attended public Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for inquiries at which traffic commissioners have considered Transport how many applications for the Apple iPhone taking action for not running local services as registered, his Department has commissioned each company to under the provisions of section 26 of the Transport Act create; and at what cost to the public purse those 1985. Of these there were 100 incidences where an applications were created. [19460] operator had penalties imposed under section 155 of the Transport Act 2000 and 38 incidences where operators had other restrictions placed upon their operator’s licence. Norman Baker: The only application for the Apple Traffic commissioners can also issue warning letters to iPhone commissioned by the Department for Transport operators without holding a public inquiry if they consider and agencies is one launched by the Highways Agency it appropriate, in February 2010. It provides traffic information and breaking news alerts, and was developed by the companies The Traffic Commissioners publish the results of all Rufus Leonard and AIM at a cost of £29,050. public inquiries on the DFT website available at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/tpm/trafficcommissioners/ Departmental Manpower publicationscheme/publications

Crossrail Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the staffing levels of each agency sponsored by his Department in Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for each year of the Comprehensive Spending Review Transport what his most recent estimate is of the period. [19852] opening date for the full Crossrail route. [19791] Norman Baker [holding answer 27 October 2010]: We Mrs Villiers [holding answer 26 October 2010]: Under are committed to meeting the targets for efficiencies set the revised programme for the construction of the out in the comprehensive spending review and are currently central tunnels, we expect that phased introduction of working up detailed plans to deliver these, which includes Crossrail services will commence from 2018. staffing levels. 579W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 580W

Departmental Sick Leave Norman Baker: The central Department and its Executive agencies committed to a Cabinet Office methodology of Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport calculating sickness absence in 2007. To recalculate how many days his Department has lost to staff sickness earlier figures is available only at disproportionate cost. in each year since 1997; and what estimate he made of the cost to his Department of sickness absence in each Our quarterly departmental returns to the Cabinet such year. [18722] Office are summarised in the following table:

12-month period Total number of sick days AWDL per full-time equivalent post

January 2007 to December 2007 206,608.0 11.0 April 2007 to March 2008 204,384.0 10.8 July 2007 to June 2008 191,879.0 9.9 October 2007 to September 2008 180,057.0 9.3 January 2008 to December 2008 171,613.0 8.9 April 2008 to March 2009 159,168.0 8.3 July 2008 to June 2009 152,579.0 8.1 October 2008 to September 2009 153,933.0 8.1 January 2009 to December 2009 153,992.0 8.1 April 2009 to March 2010 155,799.0 8.2

An estimate of costs is available only at disproportionate attended by staff of his Department in the last 12 cost as single periods of sickness exceeding six months months; and what the cost to the public purse was of are paid at a reduced rate. each such course. [13305] The Department report sickness absence figures to the Cabinet Office on a quarterly basis and update our results on the external website: Norman Baker: The following table lists the number http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/staff/sickabsence of external training courses attended by staff in the Departmental Training Department for Transport (DfT) between 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010, and the cost where information Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for is available: Transport how many external training courses were

Agency Number of training courses Total cost (£)

Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency 194 114,557 Government Car and Despatch Agency 1 4,644.65 Vehicle Certification Agency 1— 216,019 Maritime & Coastguard Agency 416 630,083 Driving Standards Agency 235 204,336 1 Number of courses cannot be obtained without incurring disproportionate costs.

This information is not held centrally by the Central driving offences which have not resulted in a prosecution Department for Transport, and it is not possible to due to the provision by the offender of fraudulent obtain this for the Highways Agency, and Vehicle and identity documents in each of the last five years; and Operator Services Agency without incurring how many such offences involved one or more deaths. disproportionate costs. Whilst we are able to provide [19293] the overall cost of training courses for the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), it is not possible to obtain James Brokenshire: I have been asked to reply. information on the number of training courses without The information requested is not available. again incurring disproportionate costs. This is because the VCA relies on data supplied by its finance procurement Data on driving offences and road casualties held by system. Whilst this can identify expenditure on learning the Home Office and Department for Transport do not and development activities as a whole, it is not possible include information on the identity documents held by to differentiate between expenditure on courses and offenders. expenditure on other forms of learning and development activity. It is also not possible to accurately determine the number of courses delivered against a paid invoice. Driving Tests: Birmingham Their training budget is also used to meet the cost of ad-hoc training course expenses, professional registration, Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport and exam fees, among other items. what the average waiting time was between applying for Driving Offences: Fraud and taking a driving test in (a) Wednesbury, (b) Wolverhampton and (c) Kingstanding in (i) each of the Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for last five years and (ii) the most recent period for which Transport what estimate he has made of the number of information is available. [21004] 581W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 582W

Mike Penning: The following table gives the annual average waiting times for car and motorcycle tests at Wednesbury, Wolverhampton and Birmingham (Kingstanding) driving test centres in the past five years.

Weeks 2010 to 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 date1

Kingstanding Car 5.0 8.0 9.5 9.1 8.0 9.0 Motorcycle 2.0 1.9 3.1 6.6 — —

Wednesbury Car 3.8 5.9 7.2 5.5 4.5 5.4

Wolverhampton: closed Car 2.4 3.7 7.1 8.9 8.3 — 30 March 2010 Motorcycle 6.3 4.8 4.8 6.3 2.5 —

Wolverhampton MPTC: Car — — — — 5.8 8.3 opened 25 October 2009 Motorcycle — — — — 2.1 4.5 Module 1 Motorcycle — — — — 3.0 3.9 Module 2 1 25 October 2010 Notes: 1. Wolverhampton DTC stayed open while another DTC was refurbished. 2. Waiting times measured at Wolverhampton until September 2009, when the Wolverhampton MPTC started taking bookings.

East Coast Railway Line to the 2010 budget is currently estimated at 14%. The UK’s contribution to the EU budget from 2014 onwards Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State will be decided during the forthcoming negotiations. for Transport how much he plans to allocate to The EU budget allocation to complete the system improvements to the East Coast Main line; over what was set at ¤3.405 billion in 2007. Four of the six work period; and if he will make a statement. [20516] package contracts necessary to complete the system have been let and orders placed for items such as Mrs Villiers: During Control Period 4, which runs satellites, and the remaining contracts should be signed from April 2009 to March 2014, Network Rail’s delivery in the near future. plan allocates spending of £582 million (in 2010-11 The European Commission has not yet set out its prices) for enhancements to the East Coast Main Line. proposal for the exploitation phase covering the operation, maintenance, marketing, improvement and renewal of Galileo the system from 2014 onwards. The Commission is required to undertake a feasibility study of the advantages Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for and disadvantages of the use of contracts with private Transport what his most recent estimate of the cost to sector entities as part of this process since that may save the UK of the EU Galileo satellite project is; and what public funds. The Commission’s proposal may be made such estimates were made in each of the last three with the programme’s mid-term review which the years. [18563] Commission is legally required to undertake in 2010.

Mrs Villiers [holding answer 25 October 2010]: The Great Western Main Line system’s in orbit validation (IOV) phase was initially funded through contributions to the European Space Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Agency (ESA). The UK has provided ¤240.3 million to Transport what capital allocations he plans to make in Galileo through its contributions to ESA. Funding to respect of the Great Western Main Line in each year of ESA is provided on a juste retour basis, meaning that the next spending review period. [19797] contracts equivalent to a member state’s contribution less administration costs should be awarded to companies Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for from within the member state. Transport whether he plans to allocate funds for the The subsequent work required to complete the Galileo electrification of the Great Western Main Line. [19618] system is funded from the core EU budget to which all member states contribute. The UK contributes to the Mrs Villiers [holding answers 26 October 2010]: Decisions EU budget as a whole, not to individual programmes on electrification are linked with rolling stock programmes within it. The level of UK contribution depends on a and the Intercity Express Programme. We are currently number of factors, and varies from year to year. As a considering revised proposals from Agility Trains for rough indication, the UK’s pre-abatement contribution the Intercity Express Programme (IEP). An announcement 583W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 584W on the electrification of the Great Western Main Line preparation of recommendations to Government in relation to will be made in due course, taking account of decisions lines to Leeds and Manchester; and on the future of the IEP project. provision for assistance for the owners of properties affected by blight. Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he plans to announce his decision on High Speed Trains: Staffordshire his plans for the electrification of the Great Western Line between Swansea and London; and by what Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for means he plans to make that announcement. [20670] Transport whether he has made an estimate of the likely effects of High Speed 2 on the economy of (a) Mrs Villiers: We are currently considering revised Staffordshire and (b) Tamworth constituency. [20587] proposals from Agility Trains for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP). An announcement on the electrification Mr Philip Hammond: I have made no such estimate. of the Great Western Main Line will be made to the House in due course in light of the Government’s Highways Agency: Finance decision on the IEP programme. John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Great Western Railway: Finance Transport when he expects each of the Highways Agency major schemes for which funding was Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for confirmed in the Comprehensive Spending Review to Transport what capital rail expenditure schemes his be completed. [19811] Department has planned for the Great Western Line during the Comprehensive Spending Review period. Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 28 October [20578] 2010]: I refer the hon. Member to my oral statement of 26 October 2010, Official Report, columns 177-79, Mrs Villiers: We expect that the following capital rail “Investment in Highways and Local Transport Schemes” expenditure schemes will take place on the Great Western which has been placed in the Library of the House. Main Line during the spending review period: Specific completion dates will be confirmed by the Elements of the Crossrail surface works Highways Agency’s programme in due course. Reading station redevelopment Barry—Cardiff Queen Street corridor improvements John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Cotswold line re-doubling Transport what assessment he has made of the likely effects on maintenance standards on the strategic road An announcement on the electrification of the Great network of reductions in funding for the Highways Western Main Line will be made in due course in light Agency. [19812] of the Government’s decision on the Intercity Express Programme. Mike Penning [holding answer 28 October 2010]: The Highways Agency is responsible for the maintenance, High Level Output Strategy repair and renewal of the Strategic Road Network (SRN) in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for The agency is undertaking a review of its routine and Transport what timetable he has set for announcements winter maintenance standards to ensure that it maintains on the future procurement of rolling stock under the the SRN in a safe and serviceable condition, while High Level Output Strategy. [19717] seeking to reduce costs and drive value for money from its supply chain. Mrs Villiers [holding answer 26 October 2010]: An The review is expected to be completed by April announcement on the High Level Output Specification 2011.The revised standards will be introduced into new (HLOS) will be made in due course. and existing maintenance contracts as appropriate. Maintaining the SRN in a safe condition will remain a High Speed Trains: Finance priority for the agency.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Large Goods Vehicles Transport under what budget headings the planned £750 million allocation to High Speed Two will be Ms Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for spent in the next spending review period. [19696] Transport what estimate he has made of the proportion of heavy goods vehicles using trunk roads that were Mr Philip Hammond: A breakdown of budget allocations left-hand drive in 2009; and if he will make a for high speed rail in the next spending review period is statement. [21230] not yet available. Funding over this period will include expenditure under the following headings: Mike Penning: The Department does not hold data delivery of a consultation on the Government’s strategy for on the proportion of left-hand drive vehicles using high speed rail and on a line of route from London to the west trunk roads. midlands; subject to the outcome of that consultation, preparation, Data are collected on the proportion of foreign registered including an environmental impact assessment, and delivery of a vehicles on British roads. In 2009, 3.9% of all heavy hybrid Bill seeking powers for a London to west midlands line, goods vehicle traffic was estimated to be driven by a including any further refinement of the line of route; foreign registered vehicle. 585W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 586W

M20: Noise Motorways: Speed Limits

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the number of Transport what recent representations he has received households located in the area between junctions 4 and from motoring organisations in support of increasing 6 of the M20 which are adversely affected by noise the speed limit to 80 miles per hour on controlled from that motorway; and how many such households stretches of motorway. [19118] are estimated to fall into each decibel band. [20540] Mike Penning: There have been no recent representations Mike Penning: During the last five years, the Highways received in support of increasing the speed limit to 80 Agency (HA) has carried out an extensive installation miles per hour on controlled stretches of motorway. of noise barriers on the section of the M20 between Junctions 4 to 5 as part of the HA list noise mitigation Railway Heritage Committee programme. Since the barrier installations, the HA has not made Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for any estimate of the number of households located in Transport whether the functions currently undertaken the area between junctions 4 to 5 of the M20 which are by the Railway Heritage Committee will continue to be adversely affected by noise from the motorway. The carried out after its abolition; and if he will make a M20 between junctions 5 and 6 was not part of the statement. [19801] noise mitigation programme and no estimate has been made of the number of households adversely affected Mrs Villiers [holding answer 26 October 2010]: We at this location. have considered whether the Committee’s power to M4: Bus Lanes attach statutory designations to rail-related items of heritage interest should be retained following the Committee’s abolition. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the total cost We have noted that the rail industry has a good to the public purse of his proposed (a) suspension of record in relation to protection of items with heritage the M4 bus lane until and (b) removal of the M4 bus interest and that no equivalent power has been enacted in relation to other industries or transport sectors. In lane after the London 2012 Olympic Games. [16736] the light of that, we do not plan to retain the current Mike Penning: The cost of the suspension of the M4 designation powers. We would expect to repeal them bus lane is estimated at around £400,000. Our indicative but this would be subject to parliamentary scrutiny. business case shows that the economic value of potential journey time savings that could be realised by the removal Railways: Birmingham of the M4 bus lane exceeds the cost of removing the bus lane under the Experimental Order. In advance of the Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for conclusion of the Experimental Order period and further Transport pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2010, evaluation, it would not be appropriate to attempt to Official Report, columns 410-11W, on railway stations: estimate costs relating to any scheme for permanent Birmingham, whether there have been any changes to removal. (a) the budget for the Access to All Scheme at Northfield Station since May 2010 or (b) the estimated Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Training costs of the scheme since it was first approved by Network Rail. [20813] Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications the Maritime and Norman Baker: The scope of the work for the Access Coastguard Agency received to its Local Authority for All scheme at Northfield Station has evolved to a Beach Supervisor Course in the last 12 months; and design with two lifts, one serving each platform. The what proportion of such applicants was successful. anticipated final cost for implementation of the programme [21320] remains at 2.531 million and this has not changed since May 2010. Mike Penning: In the last 12 months the Maritime Network Rail is currently investigating cost-efficiency and Coastguard Agency have received 11 applications measures to deliver this scheme and we hope this will from local authorities, and of these, six were successful. achieve some cost reductions. Motorways Railways: Comprehensive Spending Review Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which Managed and Controlled Motorway Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Schemes his Department plans to deliver in the next Transport how many (a) new and (b) cascaded five years. [21003] carriages he expects to be delivered to rail routes in the North West over the period of the comprehensive Mike Penning: I direct the hon. Member to the Secretary spending review. [19716] of State’s announcement of 26 October 2010, Official Report, columns 177-79, on future transport investment. Mrs Villiers [holding answer 26 October 2010]: A full outline of forthcoming road schemes can be Deployment of carriages to the North West is linked to found in the Library of the House. decisions on other, inter-dependent rail schemes. 587W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 588W

We are currently considering revised proposals from Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport does not Agility Trains for the Intercity Express Programme. hold information about rail journeys at the level of Announcements on the Thameslink programme and detail requested. the High Level Output Specification rolling stock Across the overall network, over 60% of all rail programme will be made in light of the Government’s journeys are made on tickets that are regulated and we final decision on the Intercity Express Programme. expect that the same level would probably apply for Decisions on those schemes will then determine the journeys made in the East of England, Norfolk and the availability of new and cascaded rolling stock for other Great Yarmouth constituency. parts of the network. Railways: Electricity Generation Railways: Construction Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the electricity requirements are for High Speed 2; Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for and (a) from what sources and (b) by what means he Transport what estimate he has made of the level of expects that electricity to be generated. [19969] carbon dioxide emissions likely to be generated as a result of construction activity relating to the proposed Mr Philip Hammond: The ’Project Specification’ annex High Speed Rail 2 project. [16277] to the ’HS2 Technical Appendix’, published by HS2 Ltd in March 2010 alongside its main report, sets out an Mr Philip Hammond: A detailed business case for assumption of the provision of 25-0-25kV AC High Speed Two—the proposed line between London autotransformer fed overhead line equipment, with and the west midlands—was published by HS2 Ltd in additional provisions for, for example, lighting along March 2010. This estimates that the main bulk construction the line and portable maintenance equipment. materials will produce emissions for HS2 Ltd’s Issues of electricity generation and supply are outwith recommended route of 1.2 million tonnes of carbon the Department for Transport’s remit. HS2 Ltd’s report dioxide (MtCO2), within the range of +0.29 MtCO2 to and supporting documents are available at: +2.12 MtCO2. www.dft.gov.uk/highspeedrail The range reflects the preliminary stage of the design HS2 Ltd has also published an ’HS2 Traction Energy for the scheme, and the fact that a number of assumptions Modelling’ report, available at: had been made in terms of volumes of concrete, steel www.hs2.org.uk/highspeed2-publications and ballast required to build the scheme. These volumes of construction materials would be subject to variation which found that a 200m train from Euston to Birmingham as the design for the scheme evolves. with two stops would consume 4700 kWh energy (after regenerative braking benefit of 437 kWh), and that the total annual energy consumption on the line would be Railways: Disability 150 million kWh based on 0.048 kWh/seat-km and 3.2 billion seat-km (running 50 x 200m trains per day Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for each way). Transport what plans he has for the future pricing of (a) disabled persons’ rail cards and (b) rail tickets Railways: Electrification purchased using disabled persons’ rail cards. [20897] Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what capital funding he plans to allocate to Mrs Villiers: Any proposed changes to the purchase (a) electrification of the Manchester to Liverpool line, price or the terms and conditions for the disabled (b) electrification of the Manchester-Preston-Blackpool person’s railcard are a matter for the participating train line and (c) the Northern Hub for each year of the operators, acting together through their industry body, spending review period. [19795] the Association of Train Operating Companies in accordance with the terms of the disabled person’s Mrs Villiers [holding answer 26 October 2010]: On 20 railcard scheme. October, the Chancellor announced that electrification Under the disabled person’s railcard scheme, the purchase of the lines between Manchester, Liverpool, Preston price of the railcard may not be increased beyond and Blackpool would go ahead. We are working with accumulated RPI. Network Rail to determine the timetable for the completion Any change to the terms and conditions of the disabled of these schemes, and ways of delivering them as cost- person’s railcard, including the discounts to which users effectively as possible, and will make an announcement of the railcard are entitled, would require the written in due course. approval of the Secretary of State. The Department for We will consider the Northern Hub proposal once Transport is not aware of any such plans. Network Rail has completed further development work, and we are able to assess the costs, benefits and affordability Railways: East of England of the scheme for the next railway control period commencing in 2014. Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Railways: Fares Transport what his estimate is of the percentage of rail fares for journeys commencing or terminating at Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for stations within (a) the East of England, (b) Norfolk Transport what estimate he has made of the compound and (c) Great Yarmouth constituency that are percentage change in regulated rail fares in each year regulated. [21091] from 2011 to 2015. [19793] 589W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 590W

Mrs Villiers [holding answer 26 October 2010]: The estimate he has made of the number of dwellings likely Chancellor announced that the regulated fares cap will to be affected by peak noise levels of (a) max 73Db(a) stay at RPI+1% for January 2011, change to RPI+3% and (b) 66Db(a) as a HS2 train passes by. [20027] from January 2012 to January 2014 and then revert back to RPI+1% in 2015. This translates to a 10% real Mr Philip Hammond: The numbers of dwellings affected increase. by noise at different levels would vary significantly as a Railways: Finance result of the specific horizontal and vertical route alignment selected. Ministers have not yet made a decision on the exact route that they will recommend for consultation, Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for so these figures cannot currently be finalised. However, Transport how much each train operating company has estimates of the numbers of properties that may be invested in the rail network in each year since 2002. affected by noise will be included in the full Appraisal [18369] of Sustainability which will be published to inform the forthcoming consultation. Further information on noise Mrs Villiers [holding answer 20 October 2010]: The and a summary of the number of dwellings considered Department for Transport does not hold figures for to be impacted by the route recommended by HS2 Ltd annual investment by train operating companies. in their March report are reproduced in the explanatory In addition to investment in works such as Project note on noise which is available on the HS2 Ltd website Evergreen being undertaken by Chiltern Railways, train at: operating companies invest significant sums to enhance www.hs2.org.uk stations and associated facilities. Most investment in rail infrastructures is currently Railways: North West undertaken by Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd. Full details of their current investment plans can be found at: Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/6648.aspx what plans he has for funding rail line improvements between Darwen and Manchester. [20659] Details of Network Rail’s actual investment expenditure are available in their published annual report and accounts at: Mrs Villiers: The Government have no current plans to fund rail line improvements between Darwen and http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browseDirectory.aspx?dir=\ Manchester. However, the local authorities are undertaking Annual%20Report%20and%20Accounts &pageid=3221&root studies with Network Rail to investigate the feasibility Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for of introducing an all day half hourly service between Transport what preliminary results he has received Blackburn, Darwen and Manchester. It is anticipated from the rail value for money study undertaken by Sir that local authorities would fund both capital costs and the additional subsidy requirement arising from operating Roy McNulty. [20717] a more frequent service. Mrs Villiers: On 14 June 2010, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that he asked for the independent Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for review of value for money in the rail industry to report Transport how much of his Department’s proposed back early with its initial findings. expenditure on improvement of rail platforms he plans (a) (b) Initial findings are due to be published shortly. to allocate to the North West and Wirral. [21282] Railways: Noise Mrs Villiers: The spending review confirmed approval Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for for a package of works totalling around £100 million to Transport what estimate he has made of the vibration allow increased rail capacity in the north-west. The levels likely to be produced by High Speed 2 trains. package includes track and signalling modifications, [19975] as well as platform lengthening and station improvements. Mr Philip Hammond: HS2 Ltd included an initial Full details of how this spending is broken down are assessment of vibration effects in its ‘Appraisal of a matter for Network Rail, as it delivers the high-level Sustainability: A Report for HS2, Non Technical Summary,’ outputs specified by Government. found at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/ Road Traffic: Opening of Parliament appraisalofsustainability/ Further information will be provided in the full appraisal, which will be published to inform the forthcoming Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport public consultation. It is HS2 Ltd’s expectation that if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of there will not be perceptible vibration above tunnelled congestion in Southwark, Waterloo and Vauxhall caused sections. by traffic disruption on the day of the State Opening of Parliament. [18615] Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the assumptions in his Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport is not Department’s report on Appraisal of sustainability: able to produce the information requested from the new technical summary on High Speed (HS2), what data we currently hold. 591W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 592W

Roads: Privatisation Mr Philip Hammond: None. However, a strong national and international design and manufacturing base exists. Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential effects of Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for privatising the motorway and trunk road networks on Transport what assessment he has made of the likely the (a) level of receipts from (i) vehicle tax discs and (ii) effects of the outcomes of the Spending Review on his fuel tax, (b) maintenance and (c) policing of such plans for the delivery of new rolling stock. [20355] networks; and if he will make a statement. [20681] Mrs Villiers: The Spending Review announcement Mike Penning: We have no plans to privatise the road confirms the Government’s joint commitment with the network. Therefore, we have carried out no analysis of Mayor of London to delivering Crossrail in its entirety. the effects of privatisation. The delivery of Crossrail will include the procurement of new rolling stock. Roads: Sandwell Deployment of other new rolling stock is linked to decisions on several inter-dependent rail schemes. We Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport are currently considering revised proposals from Agility how many road traffic accidents were recorded in Sandwell Trains for the Intercity Express Programme, which would in each of the last five years. [21321] provide new intercity rolling stock. Announcements on the Thameslink programme and the High Level Output Mike Penning: The information requested is shown in Specification rolling stock programme, which would the following table. provide new and cascaded rolling stock, will be made in Reported personal injury road accidents in Sandwell authority, light of the Government’s final decision on the Intercity 2005-09 Express Programme. Number of accidents

2005 1,028 Rolling Stock: North West 2006 1,023 2007 995 Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 971 Transport what timetable has been set for purchasing 2009 893 new rolling stock for the North West. [20362]

Roads: West Midlands Mrs Villiers: Deployment of carriages to the North West is linked to decisions on other, inter-dependent Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for rail schemes. We are currently considering revised proposals Transport how many fatal road accidents there have from Agility Trains for the Intercity Express Programme. been in West Bromwich East constituency in each Announcements on the Thameslink programme and month of the last three years. [20764] the HLOS rolling stock programme will be made in light of the Government’s final decision on the Intercity Mike Penning: The information requested is shown in Express Programme. Decisions on those schemes will the following table. then determine the availability of new and cascaded rolling stock for the North West. Reported fatal road accidents: West Bromwich East constituency1, 2007-09 Accidents Severn Crossing: Finance Month 2007 2008 2009

January 0 0 1 Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for February 0 0 1 Transport how much debt is owed to Severn River March010Crossing plc for the construction of the second Severn crossing, expressed in (a) 2010 and (b) 1989 prices. April 0 0 0 [20876] May001 June 0 1 1 July001Mike Penning: In their 2009 accounts SRC detail the August 1 0 0 amounts falling due to creditors after more than one September 0 0 0 year as £338.8 million, valued at the end of December 2009. Specifically they are the index linked debenture October 0 0 0 stock due (£200.1 million) for repayment in 2013 and November 0 0 0 the index linked Government subordinated debt December 0 0 0 (£138.7 million) due for repayment at the end of the Total 1 2 5 concession period. 1 Based on 2010 constituency boundary In July 1989 prices, the £338.8 million liability (as at Rolling Stock end December 2009) would be £179.5 million. In September 2010 prices, this liability would be £350.1 million. Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with suppliers Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for on (a) rolling stock and (b) locomotives for High Transport when he expects all debts to Severn River Speed 2. [19971] Crossing plc to have been repaid. [20877] 593W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 594W

Mike Penning: Severn River Crossing plc are expected However, a Department for Transport consultation to repay the subordinated debt owed to the Government has recently closed on proposals to reform rail franchising. at the end of the concession period. This is currently An option under consideration is to include passenger forecast for the first half of 2017. satisfaction measures as one of the ways to assess the performance of train operating companies under their Severn Crossing: Manpower franchise. Passenger views on the provision of toilet facilities could be expected to affect overall perception on the quality of service provided by a train operator. Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff of (a) his Department and Transport: Finance (b) the Highways Agency are deployed full- or part-time on matters relating to the transfer of the Severn crossings into Government ownership. [20878] John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which highways authorities major schemes Mike Penning: An official from the Highways Agency remain under review; and when he expects to announce attends four half-day meetings a year with Severn River his decision on the future of each of those schemes. Crossing plc to discuss end of concession transfer and [19813] planning issues. No consideration is given otherwise to matters relating to transfer by either the Highways Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 27 October Agency or departmental staff. The current expectation 2010]: I refer the hon. Member to my announcement of is that the transfer will not happen until 2017. 26 October 2010, Official Report, columns 177-79. Further information has been placed in the Library. Speed Limits Transport: Greater London Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for the introduction of 20 miles per hour zones in (a) Transport how much funding he plans to allocate to towns and (b) villages. [17199] transport services in London in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [17712] Mike Penning: Decisions about setting 20 miles per hour zones are for local authorities, who are best placed Mrs Villiers: The information is as follows: to assess all the factors in individual cases. 2010-11 The independent Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) The Secretary of State has determined the level of GLA has published several pieces of research, including TRL transport grant for Transport for London for the year at Report 215: Review of traffic calming schemes in 20mph £2,766,694,000.00. In addition the Department for Transport will zones and TRL Report 363 Urban speed management pay Transport for London grant of £392,500,000.00 by way of methods. support for its obligations in relation to the former Metronet Additionally in September 2009 the Department PPPs, and £24,932,347.14 for the purposes of London Overground. Other smaller amounts of funding for specific projects have been published a review of how 20mph speed limit zones are allocated to Transport for London, and to London boroughs, implemented in England. It is available on our website during the year, for example in relation to potholes. at: 2011-12 http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/research/rsrr/theme4/ 20mphzoneresearch.pdf The Secretary of State expects to determine the level of GLA transport grant for 2011-12 shortly before the start of that financial In addition to the above, the Department has researched year. He set out his intentions regarding future funding for the effects of the introduction of widespread 20 mph Transport for London at the recent Spending Review; details of limits in Portsmouth and published the findings on our Transport for London’s new funding agreement from the Government website at: are available on the Department’s website in the letter dated 20 October from the Secretary of State to the Mayor of London. http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/speedmanagement/ 20mphPortsmouth/pdf/20mphzoneresearch.pdf The Department also allocates funding to other transport operators who provide or facilitate services in London, Trains: Public Lavatories for example Network Rail, train operating companies or local bus operators.

Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Underground Railways: North East Transport what obligations his Department places on train operating companies to provide lavatories on rail services of (a) up to 30 minutes, (b) between 30 Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for minutes and one hour, (c) between one and two hours, Transport what plans he has to implement his proposal (d) between two and three hours and (e) more than for funding of a Tees Valley light rail metro system; three hours in duration. [19348] and if he will make a statement. [19498]

Mrs Villiers [holding answer 25 October 2010]: The Norman Baker [holding answer 25 October 2010]: provision of toilets on trains is not specified as part of The Department for Transport has no plans to implement rail franchises. The rolling stock used on by individual a Tees Valley light rail metro system. We are aware of a train companies is generally an operational matter for long-standing proposal from local authorities in the them to decide, along with the toilet facilities they area for such a system, but no official funding bid has contain. ever been received by the Department. 595W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 596W

Some early elements of the Tees Valley Metro project The Government are considering the recommendations were prioritised by the North East in the previous made by Lord Browne in his Independent Review into Government’s Regional Funding Allocations system. Higher Education Funding and Student Finance and These schemes are not being considered for major scheme we have also published the findings of the Strategic funding in the spending review period and we hope to Defence and Security Review. In the light of these advise promoters how best to proceed once we have separate pieces of work, the likely uptake of places and made progress in developing a new funding framework the cost of attendance at university for the next five for major schemes for the future. In the meantime, years, in England or elsewhere, cannot be determined promoters may also seek alternative funding sources. with accuracy. On 20 October the Department announced that the Armed Forces: Training agreed funding for the Tees Valley Bus Network would be accelerated so that the scheme can be delivered to a quicker timescale. Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the average cost of training (a) a Royal Marine commando and (b) an DEFENCE Army infantry soldier in the latest period for which figures are available. [21172] Aircraft Carriers Nick Harvey: The training cost for a Royal Marine Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for from recruitment to graduation from the Commando Defence what advice he received on the cost- Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) is in the effectiveness of (a) cancelling and (b) proceeding with region of £54,000. Other than local familiarisation training, the aircraft carrier construction programme; and if he a graduate from CTCRM is fully deployable. will publish each submission he received indicating that The training cost for an Infantry soldier from recruitment cancellation would be the more expensive option. to graduation from the Infantry Training Centre is in [19197] the region of £31,000. However, a soldier is not deployable Peter Luff: The Prime Minister received advice on the at that stage and will undertake further training to aircraft carrier construction programme as part of the become operationally effective within their unit. These Strategic Defence and Security Review process. BAE further costs are not collected centrally and will include Systems separately wrote to the Prime Minister setting an element of local training where the cost is not easily out the company’s assessment of costs. The Government’s identifiable, for example one to one instruction by a conclusions have been fully explained in the Strategic Non-Commissioned Officer improving tactical knowledge Defence and Security Review, which was published on of a unit’s operational function. 19 October. Defence: Expenditure Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the cost of modification of the Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for two new aircraft carriers to allow the use of the Defence which (a) service and (b) civilian allowances carrier-variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. [20261] will be affected by his proposed reductions in expenditure. [19650] Peter Luff: As announced on 19 October 2010, we plan to deliver the carrier strike capability from around Peter Luff: The final shape of the package will depend 2020 with the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter on further work, which will be subject to full consultation and Queen Elizabeth class carrier fitted with catapults with relevant parties, including the trades unions, as and arrestor gear. We are investigating the optimum well as the results of mandatory assessments on the means of achieving this outcome, working with industry impact that the measures will have on sustainability, and our international partners. No decisions have been equality and diversity and health and safety. taken as to the type of system, delivery dates or procurement route, or whether both carriers will be converted. Defence: Exports Armed Forces: Higher Education Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he plans to take to increase defence Defence how many members of the UK’s armed forces exports. [19638] he has estimated will take up places at universities in England in each of the next five years; at what cost to Mr Gerald Howarth: This Government have made the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement. [19756] defence exports a priority. UKTI Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO), part of the Department for Peter Luff: In addition to formal attendance at universities Business Innovation and Skills but working in close either as an undergraduate or post graduate, we encourage harmony with the MOD, is responsible for promoting the attainment of academic qualifications in a part-time British defence industry overseas. As the hon. Member capacity and have in place a variety of funding mechanisms knows only too well, defence exports make an important ranging from sponsorship through to standard and contribution to sustaining our defence industry. They enhanced learning credits. In addition many military uphold tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs and courses attract accreditation and we work closely with maintain prosperity for both the individuals in the academic institutions to facilitate the attainment of industry and for taxpayers as well. In addition to this, qualifications such as the MBA programme with the defence exports tie into a broader diplomacy initiative Open University. by enhancing relationships with key strategic partners. 597W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 598W

This Government intend to increase defence exports could deliver the Defence Sea Mounting Centre requirement through an active and innovative programme for defence as cost-effectively.This will continue to be tested throughout diplomacy. We are working closely with industry to gain the sale process. a clear understanding of the marketplace and to grasp The current assumption, which will be tested to deliver the genuine potential to achieve exports. We are now value for money, is that Marchwood would continue to considering export issues early in our acquisition process deliver the Sea Mounting Centre services required by and aim to identify how early adjustments can be made the MOD under private ownership. 17 Port and Maritime to our own procurement programme to improve export Regiment’s continued requirement to use the prospects. We will utilise modular design opportunities accommodation and training facilities will be taken to provide enhanced flexibility to both the company into account as planning for the sale of Marchwood and customer by considering differing capability develops. We will also consult with the relevant authorities requirements. and stakeholders as necessary. We continue to support industry through responsible While an exploratory letter was received from Associated exports consistent with maintaining the effectiveness of British Ports on the long-term operation of the Sea the UK’s strategic export controls. The first duty of the Mounting Centre in February 2010, it would not be Government is to safeguard our national security and appropriate to publish commercially confidential and support for our troops: effective strategic export controls sensitive information. are essential in fulfilling that commitment, and as such, we will retain an appropriate export licensing process. RAF Kinloss: Rescue Services

Departmental Research Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce his decision on Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the future of the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Defence whether his Department’s research and Centre at RAF Kinloss. [20213] development budget is to be frozen in cash terms in 2011-12 at 2010-11 rates. [20711] Nick Harvey: Work is now under way to consider the implications of decisions announced in the Strategic Defence and Security Review for UK military bases, Peter Luff: The Department’s research and development including the future of the Aeronautical Rescue expenditure will not be frozen in cash terms in 2011-12 Co-ordination Centre at RAF Kinloss. at 2010-11 rates. Rescue Services: Private Finance Initiative Marchwood Military Port Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce his decision on Defence (1) whether his Department has had contact the future of the search and rescue private finance with Associated British Ports on the future of the initiative contract suspended in June 2010. [21169] Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre in the last 12 months; and if he will place in the Library a copy of Peter Luff: On 17 June 2010 the Chief Secretary to any documents relating to any potential purchasers of the Treasury announced a review of the approval of the the freehold of the site of that Centre; [20284] Search and Rescue Helicopter project in the context of (2) whether it is intended to continue to use the the wider pressures on public spending. As soon as this Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre for its present review is complete an announcement on the way forward military purposes after any sale of the freehold by his will be made. Department; [20285] Type 26 Frigates (3) what assessment has been made of the practicability of transferring to other locations the Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for present military functions of the Marchwood Sea Defence (1) what estimate he has made of the cost to Mounting Centre; [20286] the public purse of procuring a Type 26 frigate in the (4) whether the 17th Port and Maritime Regiment latest period for which figures are available; [21170] will continue to (a) be based or (b) have the use of (2) what estimate he has made of the total cost to the facilities at the Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre; and public purse of the Type 26 frigate. [21273] if he will make a statement; [20287] (5) if he will take account of public opinion in the Peter Luff: I refer the right hon. Member to the local community about the intended use of the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow South Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre in considering West (Mr Davidson) on 27 October 2010, Official Report, proposals from potential future purchasers. [20288] column 377W.

Peter Luff: Marchwood’s continued suitability as the UAVs: Afghanistan Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s Sea Mounting Centre has been tested by regular reviews, most recently in the Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for work done to inform the Strategic Defence and Security Defence what savings he expects to accrue to his Review and spending review announcements on 19 and Department as a result of withdrawing the Sentinel 20 October. It remains our view that no other UK from service after completion of its operations in location offers the benefits available at Marchwood nor Afghanistan. [19564] 599W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 600W

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) made work in Pakistan on 30 September 2010. A copy of that estimates of the cost savings accrued from measures in letter was emailed to the hon. Member’s office on 26 the Strategic Defence and Security Review for the purposes October 2010. of formulating policy. Some of these have been published to help inform the public debate. Release of further Sri Lanka: Internally Displaced Persons detail may prejudice the MOD’s negotiating position with its commercial suppliers. Furthermore, final savings Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for figures will depend on detailed implementation, which International Development what recent discussions he will generally be subject to full consultation with all has had with his counterpart in the government of Sri relevant parties, including the trades unions and the Lanka on the return to their homes of internally devolved Administrations, as well as the results of displaced people in that country. [20524] mandatory assessments on the impact that the measures will have on sustainability, equality and diversity, and Mr Duncan: Ministers have not had any discussions health and safety. The MOD is therefore not prepared with the Sri Lankan Government regarding the return to release more detailed figures at this time. of internally displaced people to their homes. The British high commissioner in Colombo discusses this issue regularly with the Government of Sri Lanka. We encourage the authorities to allow those people who remain in INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT camps for internally displaced people to return to their Climate Change: Finance home areas as soon as possible. Sri Lanka: Overseas Aid Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much funding his Department plans to allocate to international climate Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for finance programmes in each year from 2010-11 to International Development what his Department’s 2014-15. [19827] policy is on the provision of aid to Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [20525] Mr O’Brien: The UK has committed to providing £1.5 billion in Fast Start finance over the period 2010-12, Mr Duncan: The Department for International to help the developing world carry out the urgent work Development (DFID) has no direct bilateral development needed to adapt to climate change, adopt clean technology programme with Sri Lanka. Over the last two years and reduce emissions from deforestation. Of this, a however, we have committed £13.5 million of humanitarian total of £511 million has so far been approved for funding, all through the UN, Red Cross and NGOs. No specific multilateral programmes (subject to demonstration funding has gone directly to the Government of Sri of value for money and results). Lanka. The Spending Review provides a total of £2.9 billion Uganda of UK international climate finance (ICF) over the spending review period. Of this total, the Department Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for for International Development (DFID) will be responsible International Development what steps his Department for approximately £1.8 billion. Further allocations will has taken to implement the recommendations of the be informed by the ongoing Bilateral and Multilateral 2002 United Nations Human Development report on Aid Reviews, which are assessing how we can maximise Uganda; and if he will make a statement. [20034] the impact of UK aid and achieve value for money. Institute for Fiscal Studies Mr O’Brien: Before the 2006 Ugandan presidential elections the UK Government provided technical and financial support to the Uganda Electoral Commission Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for through a multi-donor fund managed by the Danish International Development how much his Department International Development Agency. has spent on services provided by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in the last 24 months. [20470] For the presidential elections scheduled for February 2011, the UK Government are participating in a Mr Duncan: The Department for International “Deepening Democracy” programme with other Development (DFID) has no record of any expenditure development partners including Denmark, Norway, Ireland, for services from the Institute of Fiscal Studies in the the Netherlands and Sweden. Achievements of this last 24 months. joint donor programme so far include enhanced scrutiny of the Executive by Parliament, more transparent and Members: Correspondence open electoral processes, organisational strengthening of political parties, inter party dialogue, large scale Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for engagement with the electoral processes by civil society, International Development when he plans to reply to promotion of conflict mitigation and resolution strategies the letter of 1 September 2010 from the hon. Member and enhancing media freedom. for Sittingbourne and Sheppey on employment of UK contractors for reconstruction work in Pakistan. Yemen [20388] Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Duncan: A response was sent to the letter from International Development what programmes his the hon. Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey about Department has to seek to prevent Yemen from the employment of UK contractors for reconstruction becoming a failed state. [20688] 601W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 602W

Mr Duncan: As part of the UK Government’s for partnership working between government and the co-ordinated approach to Yemen, the Department for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) International Development’s (DFID’s) programme supports sector. the Government of Yemento address causes of instability. Included in the Compact is a section on advancing Increasing stability helps prevent state failure. DFID’s equality, which commits VCSE organisations to take programmes provide direct support to the delivery of practical action to eliminate discrimination and advance services for the poorest communities in Yemen; better equality. It also commits the VCSE sector to putting education, improved access to water, health care, jobs, strategies in place to promote equality. and justice and policing. DFID also provides humanitarian The Compact is currently being renewed. relief to those displaced by conflict. DFID, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Voluntary Organisations: Innovation takes a leading role in the Friends of Yemen process, which co-ordinates international support for Yemen. Anas Sarwar: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Through this process, we are driving efforts to develop Office what steps his Department is taking to new ways to support Yemeni development priorities encourage innovation in the voluntary sector. [19878] that directly tackle instability. The process has secured agreement from the Government of Yemen to deliver a Mr Hurd: We intend that commissioning of public range of reforms which will address immediate causes services should be outcome based, leaving much more of instability, including for example, implementing an scope for innovative providers from the social enterprise, IMF programme that will help stabilise the economy, voluntary, charitable and small business sectors to bid. and pursuing the National Dialogue to promote a political resolution of key grievances. Voluntary Organisations: Public Expenditure

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what research his Department has (a) commissioned CABINET OFFICE and (b) evaluated on the effect of reductions in public Central Office of Information: Newcastle upon Tyne spending expenditure on levels of demand for services provided by the voluntary sector. [19874] Sir Alan Beith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many Central Office of Information posts Mr Hurd: The Government recognise this is a particularly he expects to be located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne at the challenging time for the voluntary, community and end of 2011. [21070] social enterprise sector and are working closely with partners in the sector and across Government to understand Mr Maude: I have asked the chief executive for COI and mitigate the impact of public spending reductions to write to the hon. Member. on the sector. It is currently too early to evaluate the impact of these reductions on demand for voluntary Letter from Mark Lund, dated 1 November 2010: sector services; however the Cabinet Office is working As Chief Executive of the Central Office of Information with the Third Sector Research Centre to examine the (COI), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question exposure of the sector to public spending reductions. 21070 regarding the number of posts based in our Newcastle-upon- Tyne Office. The Government remain committed to ensuring the The number of posts following the recent redundancy scheme sector can play a key role in building a stronger civil will be 9 in November 2010, one request for voluntary redundancy society and are working to open up a range of opportunities was accepted mitigating the need for any compulsory redundancies. for the sector. This includes a £100 million fund to It is not possible to forecast the number of posts at the end of support the sector in the transition to a tighter funding 2011, however it is not expected to change at this time. environment and delivering public services; work to NDPBs: Legal Aid open up new sources of funding through the Big Society Bank; and training of community organisers to support and galvanise change where most needed in local Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet communities. Throughout this the Government are Office whether he has received representations on the dedicated to limiting the impact of spending reductions issue of payments from the public purse of fees for on the sector and are working with local partners and legal advice sought by chief executives of non- the sector to share best practice in reducing spending. departmental public bodies which are to close. [20032]

Mr Maude: No such representations have been received. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Voluntary Organisations: Equality Agriculture: Finance Anas Sarwar: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps his Department has taken to assist Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for voluntary sector organisations contracted to deliver Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her public services to fulfil equality duties in respect of Department has taken to reduce administrative costs their staff. [19877] on farmers since her appointment. [20078]

Mr Hurd: In December 2009 the Cabinet Office published Mr Paice: I announced a Farming Regulation Review the refreshed Compact. The Compact is a long-standing in June, which aims to reduce red tape on farmers and agreement that sets out shared commitments and guidelines the associated administrative costs. To carry this forward, 603W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 604W

Richard Macdonald is chairing the Task Force on Farming Mr Paice: DEFRA issued new guidance on the Regulation to identify ways of reducing regulatory burdens enforcement of the legislation in place to control dangerous on business and to advise on how best to achieve a dogs last year. This was in order to assist police forces risk-based system of regulation. The task force’s full list and local authorities in dealing with incidents brought of members, terms of reference and details of how the to their attention involving dangerous dogs. The guidance wider farming and food sector can engage with its work can be found on the DEFRA website at: can be found on the DEFRA website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/dangerous http://www.defra.gov.uk/2010/07/09/farm-review/ The task force is consulting widely and meeting with farming organisations and others to obtain their views Fisheries on what should be done. The task force will report to Government in April 2011. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Dogs Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department spent on (a) monitoring, (b) protecting Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for and (c) surveying marine fisheries in each of the last Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice her five years. [18820] Department has issued to police forces and other enforcement bodies on enforcement of legislation Richard Benyon: The information requested is set out designed to reduce the number of dog attacks. [20214] in the following table.

£ 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

(a) Monitoring 4,389,577.00 4,424,289.00 4,568,967.00 4,613,325.00 5,109,895.00 (b) Protecting 3,819,438.00 3,982,054.00 4,573,144.00 4,265,195.00 4,689,265.00 (c) Surveying1 9,255,874.00 9,021,555.00 8,942,042.00 9,313,068.00 9,357,776.00 Total 17,464,889.00 17,427,898.00 18,084,153.00 18,191,588.00 19,156,936.00 1 Assumed to mean surveillance.

Flood Control Flood Control: Finance

Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Department is taking to co-ordinate responses to a she has made of the effect of the proposed national emergency; and which of these steps derive Comprehensive Spending Review efficiency savings from recommendations of the Pitt Report. [20426] from her Department’s capital expenditure on its programme for improving flood defences; and if she Richard Benyon: As the designated lead Department will make a statement. [20440] responsible for the overall management of the central Government response to major emergencies in nine Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency is committed areas, DEFRA has ensured plans are in place to co-ordinate to deliver real term efficiency savings of at least 15% in that response. procurement over the spending review period. In real In the case of flooding, DEFRA’S work programme terms, 15% efficiency savings in flood and coastal risk following the Pitt report included many actions designed management procurement is equivalent to delivering an to improve the multi-agency response to flooding average of 2% more in terms of outcomes, each and emergencies—at all levels from local to national. A every year, between now and 2015. progress report on the full programme was published in The Environment Agency is developing a new December 2009 and is available on DEFRA’s website. procurement strategy which will set out how these savings Looking forward, a National Flood and Coastal Erosion will be achieved. Its main contractual frameworks are Risk Management Strategy is currently being prepared due for renewal, and these present an opportunity to and will provide an overview of all flood risk management increasingly move towards a delivery model that arrangements. commissions segments of capital and asset maintenance work to clearly defined service levels and outcomes. Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what methodology she plans to use to determine the future Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions of her Department’s flood defence schemes. [21023] she has had with the Association of British Insurers on Richard Benyon: During the spending review period the likely effects of reductions in her Department’s we plan to reform the way in which funding is prioritised flood defence budget on insurance premiums (a) and allocated to projects, giving communities a bigger nationally and (b) in areas of flood risk. [21021] say in deciding what action is taken and when. We will consult on the approach as part of the forthcoming Richard Benyon: DEFRA had discussions with key National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management representatives from the insurance industry, the National Strategy. Flood Forum, the Environment Agency and local 605W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 606W government at the Flood Insurance Summit in September. and intend to confirm this shortly. Due to the level of We agreed to continue working in partnership to ensure applications for new HLS agreements already approved insurance remains widely available beyond 2013, when so far this year, Natural England has now temporarily the current Statement of Principles agreement expires. suspended further approvals while the effects of the DEFRA is also working to ensure that individuals spending review outcome are assessed. This is necessary benefit from improved insurance terms if they take because new commitments made this year will impact responsibility for reducing their own flood risk. on the budgets for subsequent years.

Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Land Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of (a) homes and (b) Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for businesses likely to be affected by the reduction in her Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether non- flood defence budget. [21022] statutory obligations on (a) management regimes, (b) access and (c) biodiversity in respect of land owned or Richard Benyon: The spending review settlement will managed by central Government departments, agencies protect front line forecasting and warning services and and non-departmental public bodies will be transferred incident response, and will prioritise the maintenance of to new owners or managers of such sites in existing defences. We expect to be able to deliver better circumstances in which responsibility for such land is protection to around 145,000 households by March transferred. [20864] 2015, and will support growth in activity by lead local flood authorities. Richard Benyon: The transfer of non-statutory obligations would depend on the specific obligation relevant to Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for each area and would need to be considered on a case by Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate case basis. she has made of the likely effect of the outcomes of the Comprehensive Spending Review on her Department’s Rural Areas: Impact Assessments expenditure on flood defence in each year to 2015. [21024] Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will Richard Benyon: Flood risk management is a priority publish her Department’s rural impact assessment of area for DEFRA, as is protecting front line services. We the 2010 Spending Review. [20450] will be spending over £2.1 billion on flood and coastal erosion management over the spending review period. Richard Benyon: DEFRA has not carried out a formal By March 2015, better levels of protection are expected assessment of the impact of the spending review on for a minimum of 145,000 households in England. The rural matters. It is the responsibility of each Government precise annual breakdown has not yet been determined. Department to ensure that the needs and interests of rural people, businesses and communities are addressed Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for fairly in its implementation of the spending review. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many flood defence schemes in each (a) constituency and (b) local DEFRA has supported Departments by providing authority area will be affected by her Department’s guidance to assist them in carrying out their own analysis proposed spending reductions; and what discussions of whether rural and urban communities will be affected she has had with local authorities on that matter. in different ways by spending decisions. DEFRA has [21025] also provided Her Majesty’s Treasury with advice to help it identify potential adverse rural impacts of spending Richard Benyon: By March 2015, better levels of decisions. DEFRA officials will assist Departments in protection are expected for a minimum of 145,000 understanding the likely rural impacts as they work on households in England. However, it is too early to say implementing the spending review. what this means for individual schemes and local authorities.

Higher Level Stewardship Scheme EDUCATION Academies Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what discussions she has Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for had with Natural England on the budget for the higher Education how many Academy Orders he has agreed in level stewardship scheme in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; relation to academies planning to open in September and if she will make a statement; [19777] 2010. [12552] (2) what discussions she has had with Natural England on in-year revision of the budget for the higher level Mr Gibb [holding answer 6 September 2010]: On the stewardship programme. [19778] 26 May 2010, the Secretary of State invited schools to register their interest in becoming an academy. Following Mr Paice: DEFRA holds regular discussions with registration schools applied to convert to an academy Natural England and other arm’s length bodies, including and once applications were approved they were published on budgetary matters. We are working with Natural on the Department’s website at: England to finalise the detailed budgets for Higher www.education.gov.uk/academies Level Stewardship (HLS) for the remainder of the A list of all Academy Orders that have been approved is lifetime of the Rural Development Programme for England, also available on the website. 607W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 608W

Arts: Curriculum Bolton has submitted its Outline Business Case to Partnerships for Schools, but this has not yet been Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State approved. This will affect the plans for Bolton BSF for Education what recent assessment he has made of projects as follows: the content of the creative curriculum in primary Bolton St Catherine’s Academy: Unaffected—project continuing schools; and if he will make a statement. [15964] Essa Academy: Unaffected—project continuing Kearsley Academy: Decision on any capital allocation to be Mr Gibb: A January 2010 Ofsted report into ‘Learning: taken in the next few months creative approaches that raise standards’ was generally Bolton Muslim Girls School: Stopped positive in its findings across the schools visited. Ladybridge High School: Stopped We are reviewing the National Curriculum, for both Little Lever Specialist Language College: Stopped primary and secondary schools, to restore it to its Rumworth Special School: Stopped original purpose - a core national entitlement organised Sharples School: Stopped around subject disciplines. A slimmed down National Curriculum will allow schools more freedom and time Smithills: Stopped to build on the core entitlement to provide a rich Westhoughton High: Stopped. educational experience for all their pupils and to continue to use their professional judgement to organise teaching Free Schools as they see fit. The Government want every child to experience a Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for solid cultural education including learning an instrument Education if he will publish the business case and and to sing. On 24 September the Secretary of State costings presented to his Department by the New asked Darren Henley of Classic FM to hold a review of Schools Network. [12028] music education and, as part of his recommendations due before the end of the year, to indicate how the Mr Gibb [holding answer 6 September 2010]: A copy delivery of music education can show the way for of the business case presented to the Department by the cultural education. New Schools Network (NSN) has been placed in the House Libraries. Building Schools for the Future Programme Certain redactions have been made to the business case in line with exemptions under sections 43 and 36 of Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Freedom of Information Act. Education pursuant to his answer to question 16 in oral evidence to the Select Committee on Education on Ed Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 30 July 2010, HC 395-i, which (a) local authorities and (1) what the 62 applications for free school projects (b) hon. Members have sent him a letter to thank him were that his Department had received by 27 July 2010; for ending Building Schools for the Future. [14972] [14946] (2) if he will publish each written agreement between Mr Gibb: The Department for Education is able to his Department and the New Schools Network; [14947] provide information on the number of items of correspondence received on a specific subject but is (3) pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 6 unable to provide information on specific correspondence September 2010, Official Report, column 4WS, on content. pupil place planning, on what date his Department received each of the 16 applications for free school However a significant proportion of correspondence status. [14948] received supports the Government’s decision to end the Building Schools for the Future programme. Mr Gibb [holding answer 13 September 2010]: We Building Schools for the Future Programme: Bolton will make available information about successful proposals once we have made the decision on whether to progress the proposal to the next stage of the development Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for process. Further details about the first 16 approved Education what criteria were used to select for applications will be published shortly on the Department’s cancellation the new school building projects under the website at: Building Schools for the Future programme in Bolton. [9751] www.education.gov.uk/freeschools The dates each of these 16 proposals was received are in Mr Gibb: The Department has announced that Building the table. Schools for the Future (BSF) projects that have reached The Department is currently working out the details Financial Close will continue, together with repeat projects of its written agreement with the New Schools Network. which have Outline Business Case approval prior to 1 January 2010. All projects that have not reached Close Date proposal received Proposal of Dialogue will stop with immediate effect. 18 June 2010 The West London Free School On 6 August the Department announced that 33 sample 22 June 2010 Stour Valley Community School school projects will proceed and the 44 academies at the 9 July 2010 Wormholt North Hammersmith most advanced stage in their capital planning with Free School (ARK) Partnerships for Schools will also receive capital now. 16 July 2010 Mill Hill Jewish Primary School Decisions on any capital allocations for a further 75 will 21 July 2010 Discovery New School be decided in the current period. 609W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 610W

(36,368) of these pupils achieved five GCSEs at A* to C Date proposal received Proposal grades and 26.6% (19,778) achieved five GCSEs including 26 July 2010 Haringey Jewish Primary English and mathematics at A* to C. School The provisional figures for 2010 are due to be published 26 July 2010 I-Foundation in the statistical first release ‘GCSE Attainment by 27 July 2010 St Luke’s School Ltd Pupil Characteristics, in England 2009/10 (Provisional)’ 10 August 2010 King’s Science Academy in December 2010. 10 August 2010 Nishkam Education Trust 1 These figures relate to GCSEs and equivalent examinations. 12 August 2010 The Childcare Company They cover all pupils in maintained schools in England, including 27 July 2010 Bedford and Kempston Free CTCs and academies at the end of key stage 4. The figures are School based on final data. 26 August 2010 Rivendale Free School 27August 2010 North Westminster Free School (ARK) History: GCSE and CGE A-level 28 June 2010 The Free School Norwich 30 June 2010 Priors Marston and Priors Hardwick School Ltd Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how many and what proportion of GCSE: Disadvantaged pupils of each ethnicity eligible for free school meals achieved a grade C or above in (a) history GCSE and (b) history A-level in the most recent 12 months for Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for which figures are available; [15167] Education how many and what proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals attained (a) five GCSEs (2) how many pupils of each ethnicity were entered at A* to C grades and (b) five GCSEs including for (a) a history GCSE and (b) a history A-level in the English and mathematics at A* to C grades in the latest last 12 months for which figures are available; and how period for which figures are available. [20639] many were eligible for free school meals. [15170]

Mr Gibb: In 2009 there were 74,419 pupils1 eligible Mr Gibb: The information requested is given in the for free school meals at the end of key stage 4. 48.9% following tables:

Number and percentage of pupils of each ethnicity eligible for free school meals who achieved a grade C or above in History GCSE or History A-level in 2009 GCSE A Level FSM Non-FSM FSM Non-FSM Ethnic grouping Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent

African 509 11.4 1,638 19.3 40 6.0 174 7.7 Any other Asian background 139 14.0 932 18.1 12 4.4 91 5.6 Any other black background 47 6.5 308 15.7 5 7.1 37 8.4 Any other ethnic group 231 11.5 755 18.4 18 5.0 120 9.9 Any other mixed background 101 9.5 1,097 23.0 9 6.5 179 12.6 Any other white background 253 10.6 2,965 20.6 32 9.1 621 14.6 Bangladeshi 286 10.3 556 17.2 25 4.8 58 7.2 British 3,078 6.4 90,944 22.0 282 7.8 15,168 13.6 Caribbean 116 6.7 782 12.5 9 4.7 95 7.9 Chinese 47 22.5 485 23.5 5 6.7 76 7.7 Gypsy/Roma 0 0.0 16 5.4 0 0.0 1— 1— Indian 189 13.9 2,927 24.4 16 4.6 396 6.7 Information not obtained 41 9.0 616 22.7 8 10.5 130 12.2 Irish 29 9.9 544 32.9 5 15.2 148 21.2 Pakistani 572 11.4 1,866 16.9 41 4.6 149 5.4 Refused 48 9.0 879 22.8 9 11.7 172 13.3 Travellers of Irish heritage 1— 1— 1— 1— 0 0.0 0 0.0 White and Asian 53 10.9 804 29.1 6 8.5 121 12.7 White and Black African 33 10.1 250 19.8 3 8.8 37 12.9 White and Black Caribbean| 104 7.2 770 16.0 12 10.5 78 9.1 1 Suppressed due to small numbers Source: National Pupil Database (NPD) Number of pupils of each ethnicity entered for History GCSE or a History A-level and number and percentage of whom were eligible for free school meals in 2009 GCSE A Level FSM FSM Ethnic grouping Total Number Percent Total Number Percent

African 3,393 933 27.5 300 69 23.0 Any other Asian background 1,528 216 14.1 127 14 11.0 Any other black background 608 108 17.8 53 5 9.4 Any other ethnic group 1,462 387 26.5 172 29 16.9 Any other mixed background 1,749 208 11.9 221 11 5.0 611W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 612W

Number of pupils of each ethnicity entered for History GCSE or a History A-level and number and percentage of whom were eligible for free school meals in 2009 GCSE A Level FSM FSM Ethnic grouping Total Number Percent Total Number Percent

Any other white background 4,727 503 10.6 807 45 5.6 Bangladeshi 1,375 550 40.0 114 40 35.1 British 142,684 8,129 5.7 20,047 447 2.2 Caribbean 1,699 276 16.2 147 15 10.2 Chinese 631 62 9.8 87 6 6.9 Gypsy/Roma 40 9 22.5 1— 1— 1— Indian 4,043 322 8.0 530 22 4.2 Information not obtained 974 98 10.1 181 10 5.5 Irish 742 49 6.6 196 6 3.1 Pakistani 4,150 1,124 27.1 273 65 23.8 Refused 1,391 99 7.1 230 12 5.2 Travellers of Irish heritage 7 1— 1—0 0 0.0 White and Asian 1,120 93 8.3 147 7 4.8 White and Black African 423 69 16.3 47 4 8.5 White and Black Caribbean 1504 243 16.2 130 14 10.8 1 Suppressed due to small numbers Source: National Pupil Database (NPD).

The GCSE figures relate to pupils at the end of Key (4) whether any companies other than the New Schools Stage 4 in maintained schools only. Network tendered for his Department’s contract for The A level figures relate to students at the end of advice to potential free school providers. [14973] advanced level study in maintained schools and FE Colleges (including sixth form colleges). Mr Gibb: There are currently no plans for officials to be seconded to New Schools Network (NSN). Lord History: Teachers Hill of Oareford is the Minister responsible for the policy on Free Schools. The formal grant agreement Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for between the Department and NSN has not yet been Education how many secondary school teachers with a finalised but it will include appropriate clauses on conflicts history specialism there were in each of the last five of interest and clear reporting requirements. years. [15171] There was no contract let for advice to potential Free Mr Gibb: The latest available information was published School providers and therefore there were no tenders in Table 5.1.1 within the research report ‘Secondary from other companies. School Curriculum and Staffing Survey 2007’, from the following web link: Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.education.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/ Education when his Department plans to respond to DCSF-RR026.pdf the requests made by Clifford Singer on 6 July 2010 The Secondary School Curriculum and Staffing Survey under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for the (SSCSS) was a survey which was carried out every four release of information relating to the New Schools to six years. 2002 was the year prior to 2007 and the Network. [15490] results of this were published in Table 24 within ‘Statistics of Education: School workforce in England, 2003 edition Mr Gibb: We expect to answer Mr Singer’s Freedom (including teachers’ pay for England and Wales)’, available of Information requests shortly. from the following web link: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/VOL/v000443/ Pupil Numbers: Hounslow index.shtml

New Schools Network Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the number of Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education primary and secondary school places required in (a) (1) whether any officials from his Department will be the London Borough of Hounslow and (b) Brentford seconded to the New Schools Network (NSN) during and Isleworth constituency in the next five years. the period of his Department’s contract with NSN; [16090] [14954] (2) which Minister in his Department is responsible Mr Gibb: It is the responsibility of each local authority for his Department’s contract with the New Schools to manage the supply and demand for primary and Network; when the contract was agreed; and if he will secondary school places in its area and secure a place make a statement; [14955] for every child of statutory school age who wants one. (3) whether there is a mechanism to ensure that the Ministers play no role in deciding primary and secondary New Schools Network does not have any financial school provision in individual authorities and constituencies conflicts of interest relating to its work on behalf of his but the Department allocates capital funding to enable Department; [14959] local authorities to provide sufficient school places. 613W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 614W

Reading: Teaching Methods Anti-Semitism

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to increase the uptake of Business, Innovation and Skills who represents his the synthetic phonics method of teaching reading in Department on the cross-Government working group primary schools. [14554] to tackle anti-Semitism; whether any changes in that representation are planned during the next six months; Mr Gibb: We are committed to strengthening the and if he will make a statement. [20244] teaching of reading in schools through systematic synthetic phonics. We have a wide range of plans in hand to Mr Willetts: An official from the Department’s Higher promote this, and announcements relating to this area Education Directorate who covers policy on anti-Semitism will be made in due course. Our aim is to ensure that no as part of their remit attends the cross-Government child who is capable of learning to read should leave working group. No changes are planned. primary education without a secure level of literacy. Broadband Schools: Transport Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of the planned Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for funding for broadband services in the Spending Review Education what recent representations he has received period will be allocated to (a) conventional and (b) on school transport in rural areas; and if he will make superfast broadband services. [20551] a statement. [16008] Mr Vaizey: The Government have made universal Mr Gibb: The Government have received four broadband a high priority and have allocated funding representations about school transport in rural areas: of £530 million over the lifetime of this Parliament to two in response to the ’YourFreedom’, cross-Government stimulate private sector investment to deliver the best consultation, launched by the Deputy Prime Minister superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015. The in July; and two letters, one from a parent and one from Department has not yet decided how the money should a pupil. be allocated between conventional and superfast broadband services. Decisions will be informed by the responses to Written Questions: Government Responses the Universal Service Commitment theoretical exercises run by Broadband Delivery UK over the summer and Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for by the pilot projects announced by the Chancellor on 20 Education when he plans to answer question 12028, October. tabled on 23 July 2010, on the New Schools Network. [15480] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Mr Gibb: A response to the hon. Member has been made of the proportion of the population who will issued today. have access to 2 megabytes broadband by the end of 2010. [20702] Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to respond to question 17883 Mr Vaizey: The Coalition Government have not made on the Building Schools for the Future programme, an estimate of the proportion of the population that tabled on 13 October 2010 for named day answer on will have access toa2Mbpsservice by the end of 2010. 19 October 2010. [20441] The Government have made universal broadband a high priority and has allocated funding of £530 million Mr Gibb: A response was issued to the hon. Member over the lifetime of this Parliament to stimulate private on 26 October, Official Report, columns 284-285W. sector investment to deliver the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015.

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to ensure the availability of high-speed broadband to people living in rural areas; and if he will Aimhigher Scheme make a statement. [20825]

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Vaizey: The Government have made universal Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for broadband a high priority and has allocated funding of the future funding of the Aimhigher scheme; and if he £530 million over the lifetime of this Parliament to will make a statement. [20636] stimulate private sector investment to deliver the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015. Mr Willetts: The Government are considering the implications of the recent comprehensive spending review Broadband: Wales and the report from Lord Browne’s Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance. We Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, will make an announcement about the future of Aimhigher Innovation and Skills what timetable he has set for the shortly. proposed superfast broadband pilots in Wales. [20550] 615W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 616W

Mr Vaizey: On 20 October the Chancellor of the Financial years Number Exchequer announced in the spending review that there would be £530 million of funding for broadband rollout. 2010 to 30 June 26,442 He also announced the locations of the four superfast Total 351,767 broadband pilot projects, which are situated in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, Herefordshire, Cumbria Many of these people will also receive advice on their and North Yorkshire. benefits, but we do not require our projects to provide While the pilots do not currently involve Wales, we data on this. are still in discussion with the Welsh Assembly Government The Debt Advice in Prisons project run by the Legal and we hope that the Hereford Golden Valley Pilot Service Commission is also funded from FIF, but we do could be extended to Wales. not have total figures for the number of clients advised under that project. Charity Research Support Fund Debts: Students Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, the future of the Charity Research Support Fund. Innovation and Skills what assessment his Department [20040] has undertaken of effects of levels of student debt on students’ ability to obtain (a) mortgages, (b) small Mr Willetts: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I business loans and (c) other loans. [20266] gave on 21 October 2010, Official Report, column 866-67W, to the hon. Member for North Tyneside (Mrs Glindon). Mr Willetts: Income contingent student loan borrowers are not required to pay back their loan until the April Debts: Advisory Services after they finish their course. Repayments are based on 9% of income above the threshold of £15,000 per annum (or monthly/weekly equivalent) and linked directly Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for to a borrower’s income and not the size of their loan. Business, Innovation and Skills how many (a) debt advice organisations and (b) credit unions have been The Council for Mortgage Lenders advise that a funded through the Financial Inclusion Fund in each student loan is very unlikely to materially impact on an of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. individual’s ability to get a mortgage. However, the [20340] reduction in net income may result in a commensurate reduction in the amount a mortgage lender is willing to Mr Davey: There are around 250 debt advice lend. Any increase in the repayment threshold will organisations funded via the Financial Inclusion Fund increase the amount of net income available to borrowers. (FIF) Face-to-Face Debt Advice project. Participants A student’s ability to obtain a loan, such as a small include Citizens Advice Bureaux and other independent business loan will depend on the bank or institution advice agencies which are members of Advice UK approached, and their terms and conditions. The Department for Work and Pensions Growth Fund invests in the capacity of credit unions and other Departmental Pay community finance organisations to offer access to savings, banking, insurance, budgeting and affordable Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, credit services. Since 2006 144 credit unions and 14 Innovation and Skills what allowances and payments in other community finance organisations have received addition to salary were available to officials in his Growth Fund investment. Department and its non-departmental public bodies in My Department does not have any figures on The each year since his Department’s inception; and what Debt Advice in Prisons project which is run by the the monetary value was of payments and allowances of Legal Service Commission. each type in each such year. [18774]

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has and Skills (BIS) was formed through a Machinery of made of the number of people who have been given Government (MoG) change that occurred in June 2009. advice on debt and benefits through organisations The Department was created by merging the Department funded by the Financial Inclusion Fund in each of the for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and last five years; and if he will make a statement. [20341] Skills (DIUS). Mr Davey: In each of the last five years, the number As BIS was only created in June 2009 we have not yet of individuals receiving debt advice from the Financial had the opportunity to harmonise the allowances available Inclusion Funds (FIF) Face-to-Face Debt Advice project to staff within this Department. The following list is as follows. includes all of the allowances that are available within BIS but most of them are only claimed by a small Financial years Number proportion of staff. The allowances available to an individual member of staff are dependent on which of 2006/07 26,567 the former Departments they worked for. 2007/08 92,635 Night Duty Allowance 2008/09 100,968 Night Duty Officers Allowance 2009/10 105,155 Offshore Allowance 617W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 618W

On Call Allowance Home Working Allowance Standby Allowance Detached Duty Weekend Duty Press Officers Childcare Vouchers Overseas Allowance Extra Duty Shift Disturbance Childcare Expenses Foreign Language Allowance Long Service Awards Private Secretaries Allowance The pay operations for both Departments were combined Supervisory Allowance on 1 December 2009. The information provided in the Additional Housing Cost Allowance following table includes payments made to all former Cost of Living Addition BERR staff from 1 April 2009 until 30 November 2009 and payments made to all BIS staff from 1 December Difficult Post Supplement 2009 onwards. We regret that we are unable to provide Private Secretary details of payments made to former DIUS staff prior to Clothing Allowance 1 December 2009 as this could be done only at Excess Fares disproportionate cost.

BIS payments and allowances (other than salary) £ 2009/10 2010/11 (to September)

Additional Housing Costs 70,360 19,678 Car Allowance 0 2,600 Cost of Living Addition (Overseas) 64,384 43,731 Difficult Post Supplement 1,285 703 Private Secretary Allowance 12,233 10,426 Clothing Allowance 2,614 437 Excess Fares 48,490 29,014 Homeworking Allowance 855 360 Detached Duty 47,787 10,302 Childcare Vouchers 28,837 41,452 Extra Duty 41,576 15,451 On Call, Stand By and Night Duty Allowance 116,839 61,234 Childcare Expenses 1,328 768 Long Service Award 1,000 500 Total 437,588 236,658

No payments have been made for allowances that are Mr Davey: The coalition Government have committed in the list but do not appear in the table. to extending the right to request flexible working to all The information for non-departmental public bodies employees. I plan to consult on this in due course. is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Higher Education Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for increasing the number of providers in the higher education Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding his sector; and if he will make a statement. [16891] Department (a) allocated to the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme for 2010-11 and (b) plans to allocate Mr Willetts: The Government want to make it easier to that scheme in 2011-12. [20866] for new providers who can offer excellent teaching and Mr Prisk: The Enterprise Guarantee will facilitate up a high-quality experience for students to enter the higher to £700 million of additional bank lending in 2010-11 education sector. However, this is one of a number of and up to £600 million in 2011-12. The Government do institutional issues in the wake of Lord Browne’s not provide upfront funding for EFG but pay out to independent review of higher education and student lenders on claims on the guarantee where a loan defaults. finance which requires thorough debate and consultation. We intend therefore to publish a Higher Education However, the Government’s liability is capped at a White Paper with detailed proposals to which experts maximum of 9.75% of the overall portfolio, thus the from the sector can react, leading, subject to parliamentary maximise exposure to Government of the £700 million time, to a Higher Education Bill in autumn 2011. facility is almost £70 million, and of the £600 million facility almost £60 million. Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Flexible Working Business, Innovation and Skills what provision he plans to make for (a) full-time and (b) part-time students of Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for a higher education institution in circumstances in Business, Innovation and Skills if he will make it his which that institution (i) closes and (ii) is obliged to policy to extend to all employees the right to request close a course after such students have begun a course flexible working. [20538] of study. [20669] 619W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 620W

Mr Willetts: The interests of the students, part time universities in England in each of the next five years; and full time, are always the main concern for the and if he will make a statement. [19758] Government and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) when an institution is in difficulty. Mr Willetts: We have no reliable basis to make such HEFCE operates a support strategy and has a track estimates. HEFCE-funded student places are allocated record of managed transition that has successfully protected in full-time equivalent terms with the mix of students the interests of students over a long period. The between full-time and part-time courses being an Government are considering the report of the Browne institutional decision. The Higher Education Funding review at present and agrees that students will need to Council for England (HEFCE) will receive its annual be protected as the HE system moves towards a different grant letter for 2011-12 by January 2011. It will set out funding model. the number of funded places for that year. Plans for the On courses, institutions and not the Government are longer term will be set out in the Higher Education responsible for meeting their obligations to students, White Paper this winter. We share Lord Browne’s conclusion which would generally take the form of teaching out the that we should extend the exemption from upfront fees remainder of the course for existing students or transfer to part-time students who have been unfairly discriminated to another institution, if a course for any reason was against hitherto. likely to close. Higher Education: Private Sector Higher Education: Disadvantaged Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what change he expects Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for in the number of private providers of higher education Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to in the next five years in the UK; and if he will make a take to ensure that universities admit more students statement. [21077] from disadvantaged backgrounds whose qualifications meet university admissions requirements. [21042] Mr Willetts: The Government want to make it easier for new providers who can offer excellent teaching and Mr Willetts: Admissions are a matter for universities a high-quality experience for students to enter the higher as autonomous institutions. education sector. However, this is one of a number of The coalition agreement recognises the need to attract institutional issues in the wake of Lord Browne’s a higher proportion of students from under-represented independent review of higher education and student groups into higher education. This is one of the criteria finance which requires thorough debate and consultation. against which we are judging the proposals of Lord We intend therefore to publish a Higher Education Browne’s Independent Review of Higher Education White Paper with detailed proposals to which experts Funding and Student Finance. The Government have from the sector can react, leading, subject to Parliamentary made clear their intention that access to higher education time, to a Higher Education Bill in autumn 2011. should be one the basis of ability, not ability to pay, and to this end we have already pledged £150 million to Institute for Fiscal Studies establish a new National Scholarship fund to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department The Government also have a key role to help young has spent on services provided by the Institute for Fiscal people obtain the information they need to make Studies in the last 24 months. [20475] appropriate choices about their futures, and to help them gain the necessary qualifications. Our vision for Mr Davey: During the period October 2008 to September education, including how to give young people access to 2010, the Department, and its predecessors, made payments high quality, expert careers guidance so that they are totalling £160,735 to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. able to make well informed and successful choices for education and work, will be set out in a Schools White Money Lenders: Crime Paper, which we intend to publish later in the autumn. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Higher Education: Females Business, Innovation and Skills how many people have been assisted by teams established to tackle illegal Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, money lending funded by his Department in each of Innovation and Skills whether he plans to carry out an the last five years; and if he will make a statement. equality impact assessment of the effects on women of [20630] the implementation of the recommendations of the Browne Review of higher education funding. [20748] Mr Davey: The Illegal Money Lending project has helped over 16,000 victims of loan sharks across the Mr Willetts: I refer my hon. Member to the answer I seven national teams established to tackle illegal money gave to the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead lending since 2004. (Teresa Pearce) on 25 October 2010, Official Report, column 135W. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many convictions Higher Education: Part-time Education he estimates to have resulted from prosecutions for offences related to money lending initiated by teams Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for established to tackle illegal money lending and funded Business, Innovation and Skills what forecast he has by his Department in the last three years; and if he will made of the number of part-time students studying at make a statement. [20631] 621W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 622W

Mr Davey: There have been 171 convictions from Mr Davey: We have made no detailed estimate of the prosecutions initiated by illegal money lending teams level of funding required for the post office network across the regions since the start of the project in 2004. beyond the 2010 spending review period. Our expectation is that, as a result of the actions to Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for be taken over the next four years, the level of public Business, Innovation and Skills how much his subsidy required will reduce over time. Department has spent on teams established to tackle illegal money lending in each of the last five years; and Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for if he will make a statement. [20632] Business, Innovation and Skills whether the funding for post offices announced by him on 27 October 2010 is Mr Davey: Since the first two pilots in Glasgow and additional to his Department’s settlement in the 2010 Birmingham in 2004 and the national roll out of the Spending Review. [21138] project in 2007, BIS has provided funding of £22 million to teams established to tackle the problem of illegal Mr Davey: The funding announced for the post office money lending. network by my right hon. Friend on 27 October is included in the Department’s settlement in the 2010 Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for spending review. Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for future funding from his Department of (a) teams established to tackle illegal money lending, (b) debt Regional Development Agencies advice organisations and (c) credit unions; and if he will make a statement. [20633] Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has Mr Davey: Decisions regarding further funding for had with the Secretary of State for Communities and (a) teams established to tackle illegal money lending Local Government on the apportionment of residual and (b) debt advice organisations will not be taken liabilities of regional development agencies. [19988] until Departments have considered the implications of the Spending Review. Mr Prisk: As BIS is sponsor Department for the Existing arrangements for funding credit unions through regional development agencies both the Secretary of the Department for Work and Pensions Growth Fund State and I have regular discussions with ministerial are due to end on 31 March 2011. No firm plans beyond colleagues at the Department for Communities and that date have been agreed. Local Government on issues concerning the RDAs and other matters. The approach to handling RDA liabilities Post Offices: Finance is set out in the Local Growth White Paper published on 28 October. Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Regional Development Agencies: Closures Business, Innovation and Skills what his estimate is of the number of post office branches which derive more than (a) 25 per cent., (b) 35 per cent., (c) 45 per cent. Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for and (d) 55 per cent. of their revenue from Royal Mail. Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has [21135] made of the costs to his Department arising from liabilities of regional development agencies following Mr Davey: I have asked Paula Vennells, the managing their closure. [20420] director of Post Office Ltd, to respond directly to the right hon. Member and a copy of her reply will be Mr Prisk: Subject to passage of the Public Bodies Bill placed in the Libraries of the House. now before Parliament, the RDAs are expected to close in March 2012. The extent of residual liabilities remaining Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for at that point will depend on the progress made on asset Business, Innovation and Skills what organisations will transfer and disposal during the course of the next 18 be eligible to receive funding to support proposed months. It is not possible at present to estimate the investment in post offices; on what conditions; and for extent of costs arising at that point. what purposes. [21136] Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Mr Davey: It is envisaged that funding to support Innovation and Skills what proportion of the savings investment in post offices will be channelled through estimated to be made from the closure of regional Post Office Ltd to post office operators. Detailed terms development agencies by 2014-15 will be reallocated to and conditions for this support have not yet been his Department’s programmes. [20552] determined. Mr Prisk: Funding for future departmental programmes Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for in the Spending Review discussions was handled Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has independently of the costs of closure of the regional made of the level of public subsidy required for the development agencies. As set out in the Spending Review Post Office network beyond the 2010 Spending Review document, my Department will provide £200 million a period to meet the commitment that no post offices will year by 2014-15 to support manufacturing and business close. [21137] development. 623W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 624W

Royal Mail: Edgworth part of their tuition fees from their own funds under the Browne Review proposals in each of the next five Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for years; and if he will make a statement. [19764] Business, Innovation and Skills if he will discuss with Royal Mail the continued provision of services (a) in Mr Willetts: Future levels of tuition fees and support Edgworth, Rossendale and (b) other small rural available to students from Government will depend on villages. [20652] the response to the Browne review of Higher Education and Student Finance. This is a substantial report and Mr Davey: The Government are committed to the we shall consult further on some of the more detailed provision of the six-day a week universal postal service proposals before making specific recommendations to throughout the UK at uniform, affordable prices and Parliament, with a view to implementing the changes firmly believe it is an essential part of our society and for students entering higher education in autumn 2012. economy. The primary objective of the Postal Services Bill is Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for to protect this service. The Bill contains new and Business, Innovation and Skills if he will put in place stronger protections around the service than is currently contractual arrangements to guarantee the (a) level at the case. which students will start paying back student debts and (b) rate of interest to be charged over the 30-year life The day-to-day provision and delivery of its services of a loan. [21027] are an operational matter for Royal Mail and this is overseen by the regulator, Postcomm. Any concerns Mr Willetts: Currently all borrowers who receive a about services in specific areas should in the first instance loan sign an undertaking on their application form be raised with the company. which states that they will repay the lender any loans Science: Finance made to them with all and any interest, penalties and charges which apply. They also agree to provide the Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for lender with all information required to ensure repayment. Business, Innovation and Skills what funding his They sign to say that they have read and understood the Department plans to allocate for (a) knowledge transfer, booklet, “Student Loans; a guide to Terms and (b) national academies, (c) the Government Office for Conditions”. This booklet clearly states that it provides Science and (d) capital expenditure from the science information about the current terms of the loan and budget in 2011-12. [20766] repayment and the regulations may change from time to time and this means the terms of the loan may also change. Mr Willetts: In the recent spending review the Chancellor announced that the Government will spend £4.6 billion Students: Finance on science and research programmes in each of the next four years within a ring-fenced budget. Capital and Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for administration spending on science and research have Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the not yet been decided. cost of means-testing parents of university students to In the coming months, Ministers will make decisions determine student loan and student fee reduction on the balance of funding between research councils, eligibility in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. HEFCE’s research and knowledge transfer activities, [18535] the national academies and other programs. Detailed decisions on specific projects will be taken by funding Mr Willetts: The total cost of processing student bodies, in line with the Haldane Principle. support applications for English students in the financial year 2009-10 was £38.3 million. We are not able to Science: Regional Planning and Development separately identify the cost of means testing household income to determine students’ eligibility for support. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for The costs of processing applications in financial years Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of 2010-11 and 2011-12 are not yet available. expenditure channelled through regional development Fee loans are not subject to means testing and are agencies by his Department was spent on support for available for eligible students undertaking designated science-based industry between 2007 and 2010. [20710] full-time courses. Mr Prisk: The Department allocates budgets to regional Eligible full-time students are also entitled to apply development agencies. The agencies determine which for an up-front maintenance loan, 28% of which depends projects to support, subject to the terms of the on their household income, and for a means-tested Accountability and Financial Framework and their maintenance grant. Students who wish to apply for a delegated financial authorities. RDAs’ investments have maintenance loan but do not wish to provide their been guided by the regional economic strategy and their household income are entitled to apply for a non-means corporate plans. The Department does not hold details tested maintenance loan which is 72% of the maximum of individual projects supported by the RDAs within loan. their delegated financial authorities. Technology and Innovation Centres Students: Fees and Charges Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what mechanisms Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has are in place to attract private investment in the made of the number of students who would pay all or proposed technology and innovation centres; [20871] 625W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 626W

(2) from what sources funding for the proposed Mr Prisk: UKTI is not an employer in its own right; technology and innovation centres will be drawn; for the majority of its human resource requirements it [20872] draws on civil service staff employed by one or other of (3) what funding he plans to allocate to the proposed its two parent departments—the Department for Business, technology and innovation centres in each year of the Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Foreign and Comprehensive Spending Review period. [20873] Commonwealth Office (FCO). UKTI also has business people under contract to deliver UKTI services in the Mr Willetts: The spending review will provide over English regions. £200 million of funding for technology and innovation Numbers of people working for UKTI centres over the next four years, and the annual breakdown of funding for these centres will be announced in due Total Overseas UK course. The centres will be based on the model proposed by 2010 1,935 1,280 655 Hermann Hauser and James Dyson, which sees core 2009 1,980 1,300 680 public sector funding leverage significant contract funding 2008 1,900 1,240 660 from the private sector, alongside grant funding from 2007 1,820 1,260 560 EU and national research programmes, which in turn 2006 1,915 1,290 625 leverage funding from the private sector. 2005 2,250 1,540 710 2004 2,305 1,600 705 UK Trade and Investment: Finance 2003 2,350 1,640 710 2002 2,165 1,515 650 Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for 2001 2,225 1,530 695 Business, Innovation and Skills what funding he plans Notes: to allocate to UK Trade and Investment in each of the 1. The overseas figures are expressed as full-time equivalents: (FTE). next five years; and if he will make a statement. [21080] 2. The figures for March 2008, 2009 and 2010 include staff in the Defence and Security Organisation (DSO) which transferred to UKTI Mr Prisk: UKTI has three main funding streams: its under a Machinery of Government change in 2008. 3. All figures in the table are rounded to the nearest 5. own directly funded UKTI programme vote, and funding 4. The figures for the UK do not include the people working in the contained within the Department for Business, Innovation UKTI English regional network, the large majority of which are and Skills (BIS) and the Foreign and Commonwealth business people under contract to deliver UKTI services. Office (FCO). The planned funding in UKTI’s own programme Sectors vote pays for front line activity including grants and Many UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) front-line business support services, and is set out in the spending staff work with companies across a wide range of review 2010 (SR10) settlement, reference CM7962, table sectors and information on the number of staff employed A. 12. The net funding is: on each sector is therefore not available. They have done 2011-12: £83 million so for the last 10 years though sector priorities have 2012-13: £79 million changed during that time. 2013-14: £75 million The future 2014-15: £72 million. UKTI’s funding for next four years is set out in the UKTI’s administration funding is ring-fenced with spending review 2010. UKTI is currently working through the BIS SR10 settlement and pays for front line and detailed business planning processes, with both BIS and support staff based in the UK. The planned funding is: the FCO, to set out its future priorities. This will include 2011-12: £39 million sector priorities. 2012-13: £38 million 2013-14: £36 million HEALTH 2014-15: £33 million. Abortion UKTI’s FCO funding is contained within the FCO Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health vote, and the UKTI element is yet to be finalised. This what assessment his Department has made of the effect funding pays for front line staff based overseas delivering of the Gillick ruling on abortion rates between key programmes. December 1984 and October 1985; and if he will make The funding covers the next four years of the SR10 a statement. [20247] period. UKTI has not been allocated funding beyond Anne Milton: As conceptions data files for 1984 and this four-year timeframe. 1985 are archived, extracting this data to provide figures UK Trade and Investment: Manpower for this specific period could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for There was little difference on the number of conceptions, Business, Innovation and Skills how many staff were which led to an abortion for every 1,000 women aged 13 employed by UK Trade and Investment (a) in total to 15 between 1984 and 1986. The rate was 4.8 in 1984, and (b) to work on each industry sector in each of the 4.8 in 1985 and 4.8 in 1986. last 10 years; how many of these were based (i) in the Figures on conception are estimated based on the UK and (ii) overseas in each such year; what estimate number of live births, stillbirths or legal abortions. he has made of the likely equivalent figures in each of Figures are based on the women’s age at estimated date the next five years; and if he will make a statement. of conception. Figures for women under the age of 16 [21079] between 1984 and 1986 are given in the following table: 627W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 628W

Mr Simon Burns: Responsibility for the design and Number of Resulting in Resulting in an conceptions maternity abortion organisation of local health services lies with the national health service locally.Therefore this information is available 1984 9,700 4,300 5,400 from the local NHS, not the Department. 1985 9,400 4,200 5,200 This Government are committed to devolving power 1986 9,200 4,200 5,000 to local communities; to the people, patients, general Source: Office for National Statistics practitioners (GPs) and councils that are best placed to Annual abortion rates for the same period remained determine the nature of their local NHS services. The constant at 3.7 for women aged 16 and under, resident Government have pledged that, in future, all service in England and Wales. changes must be led by clinicians and patients rather than driven from the top down. For under 16s seeking an abortion, guidance from the Department emphasises that health professionals should In May 2010, the Secretary of State for Health outlined discuss the benefits of the young woman involving her new strengthened criteria that he expects decisions on parents. Where she cannot be persuaded to do so, every NHS service changes to meet. Decisions must: effort should be made to find another adult to provide focus on improving patient outcomes; support, for example another family member or specialist consider patient choice; youth worker. have support from GP commissioners; and In 2005, the Department asked for a snapshot survey be based on sound clinical evidence. to be undertaken to look at the level of parental and The Department has asked the local NHS to look at other adult support for under 16s having abortions. The how ongoing schemes meet these new criteria by the survey results showed a high level of parental involvement end of October 2010. Strategic health authorities will (around 65% ), and that only 5% did not have another review the evidence provided to assure themselves that adult provide support. the four criteria are met. Any proposals for reconfiguration of services will also need to be assessed against the four Accident and Emergency Departments criteria. We are clear that services should be driven by the need to improve patient outcomes. Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the Alzheimer’s Disease: Public Expenditure NHS of treating patients attending accident and emergency units in 2009-10. [20289] Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost to the public purse has been of Mr Simon Burns: Information on the cost to national drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in each health service providers of treating patients attending of the last three years. [20182] accident and emergency units is collected annually as part of NHS reference costs. 2009-10 costs have not yet been published. Details of previous year’s costs are Paul Burstow: Drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s available on the Department’s website at disease are classified in the British National Formulary, section 4.11 Drugs for dementia. The drugs are Donepezil, www.dh.gov.uk/nhscosting Galantamine, Rivastigmine and Memantine. These together with the unlicensed drug Idebenone, comprise the figures Accident and Emergency Departments: Greater London in the tables below. Figures are for the latest available three years. Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Table 1: Community cost: Net ingredient cost (NIC) of prescription items what plans he has for the future of the accident and written in the UK or the Isle of Man and dispensed in the community, in England emergency department at the (a) Whittington Hospital £000 and (b) North Middlesex Hospital in North London. [20594] 2007 70,415.3 2008 80,162.6 Mr Simon Burns: It is the responsibility of the local 2009 90,123.9 Note: national health service to plan and provide health services NIC is the basic cost of a drug. It does not take account of discounts, to meet local needs. My right hon. Friend the Secretary dispensing costs, fees or prescription charges income. of State has outlined four tests that proposals for significant Source: NHS service changes must now meet. Change must Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) system. improve patient outcomes; consider patient choice; have Table 2: Hospital cost: Estimated cost of hospital usage in England support from general practitioner commissioners; and £000 be based on sound clinical evidence. Local NHS 2007 12,039.1 organisations will need to make sure any plans for 2008 12,523.5 change meet these tests. 2009 12,238.1 Notes: 1. Figures based on a sample and costed using standard price lists, either the Acute Beds Drug Tariff or, if the drug is not listed, the drug manufacturer’s price list. The figures therefore do not necessarily represent the actual amounts paid by the hospitals. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2. Data includes all drugs dispensed in NHS hospital regardless of patient, so which (a) hospital trusts and (b) primary care trusts will include drugs dispensed to private patients in private wards within NHS have indicated their intention to undertake an acute hospitals as long as they have been dispensed via the hospital pharmacy. The extent of this varies from hospital to hospital. services review which will involve reconfiguring Source: services since May 2010. [20664] Hospital Pricing Audit Index (HPAI) database. 629W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 630W

Ambulance Services: Bassetlaw Blood: Contamination

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Dr Phillip Lee: To ask the Secretary of State for when a performance review was last undertaken of the Health (1) how many requests for information under ambulance service in Bassetlaw; what reports were the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department made on that review; who was informed of the has received on the contamination of NHS blood outcomes of that review; and when he expects the next products during the 1970s and 1980s since the entry such review to be undertaken. [20667] into force of the Act; and how many such requests (a) were rejected, (b) are outstanding, (c) have been answered in part and (d) have been answered in full; Mr Simon Burns: The Care Quality Commission [19832] (CQC) is the independent regulator of all health and adult social care in England, and licenses health and (2) what requests under the Freedom of Information adult social care providers if they meet essential quality Act 2000 his Department has received on the and safety standards. The CQC has registered and contamination of blood products during the 1970s and therefore licensed East Midlands Ambulance Service 1980s; and if he will place in the Library a copy of each NHS Trust to provide services. such request. [19843] The latest published national health service performance Anne Milton: The available information requested is framework data (quarter four 2009-10) shows that East contained in the following table:

Midlands Ambulance Service is rated as “Performing”—the 1 highest rating a trust can achieve (the other ratings being Freedom of Information Requests 2005-10 “Performance under review” and “Underperforming”). Number This data was published in “The Quarter” on 14 October Rejected/withheld 8 2010 which has been placed in the Library, and is Outstanding 0 available on the Department’s website at: Answered in part 13 www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/ Answered in full 21 PublicationsStatistics/DH_087335 Total 42 Quarter one 2010-11 results are scheduled be published 1 Data identified from the Department of Health correspondence in the week commencing 15 November 2010. database, and cover requests made from 1 January 2005 to 26 October 2010. It is for primary care trusts and strategic health The Department will place a copy of these requests in authorities to work with NHS organisations to ensure the Library and also publish them in due course on the they are providing an appropriate and improving level Department’s website at: of high quality care for patients. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/FreedomOfInformation/ Freedomofinformationpublicationschemefeedback/ FOIreleases/index.htm

Arthritis: Health Services Breast Cancer: Screening

Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment has been made of the Health (1) if he will take steps to encourage women (a) standard and (b) consistency of (i) ongoing and over the age of 70 years to take part in breast cancer (ii) specialist care for rheumatoid arthritis patients. screening; [20039] [20584] (2) if he will review the 50 to 70 age range for breast cancer screening with the aim of extending eligibility for such screening to women under the age of 50 years. Paul Burstow: It is currently the responsibility of [20041] primary care trusts as commissioners of health care services to ensure that their populations have access to Paul Burstow: The Cancer Reform Strategy included the services that they require. the commitment that the NHS Breast Screening Programme In 2009, the Department developed a good practice (NHS BSP) would be extended to women aged 47 to 73. commissioning pathway for inflammatory arthritis. This In June this year, we confirmed in the “Revision to the provides information to illustrate the type of services NHS Operating Framework 2010-11” that all local that could be commissioned and provided in different breast screening programmes should begin the extension levels of care. in 2010-11. Based on the latest information, 14 of 82 local screening programmes have extended. The Department expects local health communities to be mindful of National Institute for Health and Clinical Women over the age of 70 can request free three-yearly Excellence (NICE) guidance when commissioning services screening and should receive the leaflet “Over 70? You for people with rheumatoid arthritis. A NICE are still entitled to breast screening” to advise them of commissioning guide, “Services for the diagnosis and this fact when they leave the NHS BSP. NHS Cancer management of rheumatoid arthritis in adults”, was Screening Programmes has commissioned research to published in December 2009 to assist commissioners in examine if more can be done to raise awareness of this implementing “NICE Clinical Guideline 79: the right. management of rheumatoid arthritis in adults” locally, The extension of breast cancer screening includes including consideration of access to care for people inviting women age 47-49, which will guarantee every with established rheumatoid arthritis. woman her first breast screening invitation by the time 631W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 632W she is 50. NHS BSP has undertaken research into Care Homes: Regulation screening women under 50. This research, the ‘Age Trial’ began in 1991, screening women from the age of Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for 40 and 41. The results, published in December 2006, did Health how many care homes the Care Quality not suggest that screening from this age would have a Commission regulates. [20641] significant impact on the number of deaths from breast cancer. The women who participated in this trial continue Paul Burstow: The following information has been to be followed up. provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC): Cancer: Drugs At 30 September 2010 there were a total of 18,075 adult social care homes registered with the CQC under the Care Standards Act 2000. Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date he plans to establish the Cancer Updated figures under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 will be available in due course. Drugs Fund; and if he will make a statement. [20179] Carers: Voluntary Organisations Paul Burstow: The Cancer Drugs Fund will be established from 1 April 2011 providing an additional £200 million Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for a year for cancer drugs over the next three years. On 27 Health what assessment his Department has made of October we launched a three month consultation on the the contribution of voluntary organisations to support operation of the Cancer Drugs Fund. The consultation for carers; and if he will make a statement. [20604] document has already been placed in the Library and is available on the Department’s website at: Paul Burstow: Many carers and former carers are www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/ leaders and key players in voluntary organisations and DH_120834 their experience and knowledge is invaluable. This Care Homes: Inspections Government value the contribution and innovative work of the voluntary sector, both nationally and locally. ‘Building a Stronger Civil Society Strategy’ sets out how Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health government will support charities, voluntary groups what the average interval is between (a) Care Quality and social enterprises to maximise the opportunities Commission (CQC) inspections of a care home and (b) arising from the power shift from central Government an inspection and the publication on the CQC website to local services, that underpins the Government’s agenda. of the final report of that inspection. [20640] Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Paul Burstow: The following information has been provided by the Care Quality Commission. Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Under the Care Standards Act 2000 the average Health whether he plans to bring forward proposals to number of days between the most recent two inspections establish an independent scientific committee to of care homes up to 1 October 2010 was 336 days, (this oversee research on myalgic encephalopathy; and if he figure includes annual service reviews which are not site will make a statement. [19866] visits but are desk based reviews/assessments). The average number of days between the most recent Mr Willetts: I have been asked to reply. two key inspections of care homes up to 1 October 2010 The Medical Research Council (MRC) is one of the was 527 days. main agencies through which the Government support The average number of days between the end of the medical and clinical research. The MRC is a non- site visit for care homes and the publication of the most departmental public body which receives its grant in aid recent key inspection report up to 1 October 2010 was from the Department for Business, Innovation and 69 days. Skills. These figures are based on care homes which were MRC established, in 2008, an expert group to advise registered under the Care Standards Act 2000 as at it on research into chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic 30 September 2010. encephalopathy (CFS/ME). The Government have no plans to set up a group to oversee this type of research. The new system under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 was introduced for care homes on 1 October Dementia: Medical Treatments 2010. It is too early to provide meaningful figures. Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on Health how many of the inspection reports on care the inappropriate prescription of anti-psychotic drugs homes on the Care Quality Commission website were for dementia patients. [20543] produced prior to November 2008. [20770] Paul Burstow: Inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotic Paul Burstow: The following information has been medication for people with dementia is completely provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). unacceptable. Antipsychotics should only be prescribed CQC holds 119,347 adult social care reports published when they are absolutely necessary. We have received prior to November 2008. All these reports are available representations from a range of interested parties about via the CQC website at: this issue since it was first raised. The Government are http://caredirectory.cqc.org.uk/caredirectory/ committed to achieving overall a two-thirds reduction searchthecaredirectory.cfm in the use of these drugs by November 2011. 633W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 634W

This is a key priority as signalled in the new outcomes Mr Simon Burns: A dental practice which is not focused implementation plan for the National Dementia willing to accept any national health service patients Strategy, which was published on 28 September. Professor will have no entitlement to an NHS contract or payment Burns, the Department’s national clinical director for for NHS services. dementia, is leading this work. He is supported by an advisory group, which includes representation from across Dental Services: Fees and Charges health, social care, the independent sector and relevant national organisations. Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on charging for NHS dental care at the point of delivery; and if he will make a Dental Services statement. [19950] Mr Simon Burns: We think it reasonable to continue Mr Barron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the long standing policy that those who can afford it (1) what estimate he has made of the number of dental should make a contribution to the cost of national (a) practice advisers and (b) consultants in dental health service dental care. Children, pregnant and nursing public health required to commission dentistry for mothers, and adults on certain benefits or low incomes local populations; [19594] do not have to pay charges. (2) what discussions he has had with consultants in Depression: Autism dental public health on the implications for them of his Department’s White Paper on Equity and Excellence: Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Liberating the NHS; [19595] Health (1) whether he has made a recent estimate of (3) what role dental practice advisers will have in the proportion of parents being treated for depression commissioning dentistry under the proposals in his whose children are on the autistic spectrum; [20180] Department’s White Paper on Equity and Excellence: (2) if he will take steps to help parents on medication Liberating the NHS. [19596] for depression and stress whose children are on the autistic spectrum to have respite care; and what Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper ‘Equity and estimate he has made of the provision of such care in Excellence: Liberating the NHS’ refers to creation of a 2011-12. [20181] NHS Commissioning Board and a new Public Health Service, to integrate and streamline existing health Paul Burstow: This Government recognise that breaks improvement. The NHS Commissioning Board will from caring is very important for carers in terms of the take on responsibility for commissioning national health sort of support they want—carers have reiterated this in service primary dental services, whilst the primary care their response to our recent call for views on what our trusts’ (PCTs) responsibilities for local health improvement key priorities should be over the next four years. We are will transfer to local authorities. currently updating the previous government’s Carers Strategy and this will be published before the end of the Local authorities will employ the Director of Public year and will remind health and social care services in Health jointly appointed with the Public Health Service. England of the importance of breaks to all carers, To discharge their functions and responsibilities, both including carers of children with autism. the Public Health Service in local authorities and dental No formal estimate has been made specifically on the service commissioners will need appropriate advice and proportion of parents being treated for depression whose input from dental public health consultants, dental children are on the autistic spectrum. The Government practice advisers and their teams, working with local are committed towards improving the lives of both clinicians. individuals with autism and their families, and recognise There have been no direct discussions between Ministers the importance of providing more support to families and the United Kingdom consultants in dental public and carers to achieve this goal. health group but departmental officials have met with Additionally, more and more people across England the group on a regular basis. The group has also formally are getting access to psychological therapies for the responded to the White Paper consultation and their most common mental health problems, including views will be taken in to consideration. depression. About 140 new psychological therapy services The ‘Improving oral health and dental outcomes: are now up and running around the country and by Developing the dental public health workforce in England’ March 2011 60% of primary care trusts will have an report recommends a half time appointment for a improving access to psychological therapies service, meaning consultant in dental public health and two sessions per many more people suffering from depression will be week for a dental practice adviser as best practice seen in these services. within each organisation PCTs. In light of the White Doctors: Foreign Workers Paper proposals, we may need to reconsider estimates once the new commissioning arrangements become clear. Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to bring forward proposals to Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for amend legislation implementing the appropriate EU Health whether any new commissioning body will directives so as to allow the administration of a continue the practice of withholding money from language test to medical professionals qualified in dental surgeries which do not accept NHS patients. other EU member states who wish to practice in the [19951] UK. [21001] 635W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 636W

Anne Milton: Current domestic legislation provides Doctors: Manpower for employers and contracting bodies to be able to undertake checks on the language knowledge of all Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for doctors, including European Economic Area doctors, Health how many (a) F1, (b) F2, (c) ST1 and (d) ST3 which can include administering a test. category doctors are currently working in hospitals in The Department is discussing Directive 2005/35/EC (i) Devon and (ii) Cornwall. [20491] with the General Medical Council. The terms of the Directive are to be reviewed in 2012 Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in and the Government will be providing evidence to the the format requested. Such information as is available is Commission ahead of the review. in the following table:

Hospital and Community Health Services: Medical and dental doctors in training within selected organisations, as at 30 September 2009 Headcount House officer Doctors in Senior house Foundation and foundation training Registrar group officer year 2 year l

Plymouth Teaching Primary Care Trust 16 16 1— 1— 1— (PCT) Devon PCT 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT 1 1—11— 1— South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation 195 117 3 38 37 Trust Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust 94 64 1—1119 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 280 155 21 50 54 Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation 311 209 23 39 40 Trust Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust 18 18 1— 1— 1— Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust 478 374 5 51 48 Devon Partnership NHS Trust 31 31 1— 1— 1— Torbay Care Trust 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 1 denotes zero Source: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care (Medical and Dental Workforce Census)

Drugs: Rehabilitation the annual data from 2005-06 onwards are considered robust enough to provide detailed information about Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for individual treatment journeys. This means that 2009-10 Health what estimate he has made of the number of was the first year that robust data for those in treatment people who commenced a continuous (a) methadone for four years or more are available. and (b) buprenorphone/subutex prescription of (i) 12 NICE recommends that substitute prescribing should to 24, (ii) 24 to 48 and (iii) 48 months or more in each always be accompanied by psychosocial interventions. year since 2005. [21167] In addition, “Drug Misuse and Dependence: UK Guidelines on Clinical Management” (2007), a copy of Anne Milton: The National Drug Treatment Monitoring which has already been placed in the Library, state that System (NDTMS) collects information on the number any decision to maintain a patient on long-term prescribing of people receiving substitute prescribing interventions should be an active one agreed between the clinician for substance misuse in England, but does not distinguish and patient, reviewed at regular intervals, and part of a between methadone and other drugs such as buprenorphine broader programme of care-planned social and which are also recommended for the treatment of drug psychological support. misuse by the National Institute for Health and Clinical The following table gives a breakdown of the number Excellence (NICE). of people in treatment for opioid dependency, showing The National Treatment Agency took over full how long they have been continuously receiving substitute responsibility for managing NDTMS in 2004-05. Only prescribing.

Less than 12 Unknown time in months 1-2 years 2-3 years 3-4 years 4 years+ treatment Total

2009-10 58,773 28,947 18,045 12,747 35,120 n/a 153,632 2008-09 61,900 26,862 17,611 13,492 — 30,121 149,986 2007-08 58,659 25,946 17,886 — — 36,228 138,719 2006-07 53,859 25,323 — — — 43,659 122,841 2005-06 54,693 ————55,681 110,374 Source: NDTMS. 637W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 638W

General Social Care Council Health Services: West Sussex

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for what recent assessment he has made of the Health what assessment he has made of the effect on performance of the General Social Care Council. accountability of the NHS of his proposals for [19158] decision-making in local NHS services in Crawley and West Sussex. [20853] Paul Burstow: Assessment is an ongoing process. A senior official has been nominated to act as sponsor of Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper, Equity and the General Social Care Council (GSCC) with overall Excellence: Liberating the NHS, sets out our vision of a responsibility for oversight of its performance. The national health service where providers are autonomous Department holds quarterly accountability meetings and accountable to local commissioners and the patients with the GSCC. they serve, rather than being subject to bureaucratic In June 2009, the GSCC notified the Department controls. As a result, the NHS will be more accountable that a backlog of conduct referrals had been identified. for the results it achieves and patients and the public An independent report by the Council for Healthcare will have greater power to hold healthcare professionals Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) identified significant and providers to account. The NHS will also have failings in the conduct function of the organisation and greater local democratic legitimacy through a new role made recommendations for improvement. From September for local authorities in promoting integration between 2009 to April 2010, the Department held monthly local NHS services, social care and health improvement. accountability meetings with GSCC. The Department consider that GSCC has made progress to address these Healthy Schools Programme: Expenditure public protection issues. On 26 July the Government announced that they Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health intended to abolish the GSCC and transfer its regulatory how much his Department spent on the promotion of functions to the Health Professions Council, which will the Healthy Schools Programme in each year since its be renamed to reflect its additional responsibilities. We inception. [20245] believe that this presents the best way to ensure fair, consistent and proportionate regulation fully independent Anne Milton: The Department of Health and of Government. Department for Education jointly fund the Healthy Schools Programme. The amount spent on promotion in the last five years is set out in the following table. Health Services: Public Expenditure £ Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects of the 2006-07 132,200 outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review effect 2007-08 49,285 on the capacity of local healthcare providers to meet 2008-09 40,120 the healthcare needs of (a) carers and (b) disabled 2009-10 83,470 people; and if he will make a statement. [20055] 2010-11 0

Paul Burstow: The Government announced that they For the period 1999 to March 2006, there was no would protect health care spending in the spending central expenditure on the promotion of the Healthy review.Together with an ambitious programme on efficiency, Schools Programme. The figures are based on central releasing up to £20 billion of annual efficiency savings funding for advertising, conference/exhibition attendance over the next four years, this funding will enable the and paid for marketing. national health service to meet rising demands while Hepatitis improving outcomes. Primary care trusts will be able to prioritise spending to support particular groups according to local need, including carers and disabled people. Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether he plans to propose the introduction of pilots for hepatitis C screening, early Health Services: Wakefield Prison diagnosis and treatment in his forthcoming public health White Paper; [20487] Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (2) whether he plans to include proposals on if he will assess the standard of healthcare provided in hepatitis C in his proposed public health White Paper. HM Prison Wakefield to Mr David Kenyon, PC7235 [20489] BI-23, a constituent of the hon. Member for Torbay; and if he will make a statement. [20442] Anne Milton: Later this year, the Department will set out a radical new approach to public health in a White Paul Burstow: Details of individuals are confidential. Paper focused on protecting the public from health However, I will write to the hon. Member privately. threats (such as infectious diseases and environmental In line with the 2006 transfer of commissioning for hazards), improving the healthy life expectancy of the healthcare in prisons to the national health service, all population, and improving the health of the poorest, complaints or concerns about the standard of care fastest. This will include consultation on particular received should be dealt with via the NHS complaints aspects of the new system such as how outcomes will be procedure. measured. 639W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 640W

Professor Martin Lombard, national clinical director Mr Simon Burns: Information on all healthcare associated for liver disease, is currently leading the Department’s infections is not collected centrally. Tables showing data programme of work to address liver disease in England, for all healthcare associated infections reported under of which hepatitis C is a factor. The Department will the mandatory surveillance scheme have been placed in then hold a public consultation on proposals. the Library: Glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GREs) bloodstream infections Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for in acute national health service trusts in England for the five Health whether he plans to publish a funded hepatitis 12-month periods (October 2004 to September 2009); C action plan. [20490] Trust-apportioned1 Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections reported in acute NHS trusts in Anne Milton: Professor Martin Lombard, national England for the last two financial years (2008-09 and 2009-10); clinical director for liver disease, is currently leading the All MRSA bloodstream infections reported in acute NHS Department’s programme of work to address liver disease trusts (including cases acquired outside of hospitals) in England in England, of which hepatitis C is a factor. The Department for the last five financial years (2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 will then hold a public consultation on proposals. and 2009-10); Trust apportioned1 Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for people aged two years and over reported in acute NHS trusts in England for the last three2 financial years (2007-08, 2008-09 and Health what steps his Department plans to take to (a) 2009-10); (i) collect and (ii) monitor data on the prevalence of All Clostridium difficile infections in people aged two years hepatitis C over the next 24 months and (b) identify and over reported in acute NHS trusts (including cases acquired those with the disease who have not yet presented any outside of hospitals) in England for the last three2 financial years symptoms. [20488] (2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10); All Clostridium difficile infections in people aged 65 years and Anne Milton: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported in acute NHS trusts (including cases acquired outside of collects, monitors and publishes data on the prevalence hospitals) in England for the last five financial years (2005-06, of hepatitis C in individuals having diagnostic tests, in 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10); and injecting drug users attending specialist services and in Surgical site infections (selected orthopaedic procedures) reported blood donors. This surveillance will continue when the in acute NHS trusts in England for the five financial years HPA’s functions are transferred into the new public (2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10). health service within the Department. Notes: Since January 2010, the Department has established 1 By calculating the elapsed time between a patient’s admission a number of working groups, which include clinicians date and the reported specimen date, the data capture system now and patient representatives, to support the national allows for indirect identification of cases that may have been health service in developing a response to the rising acquired within the reporting trust. This became possible for CDI from April 2007, and for MRSA from April 2008. trend in liver disease. As part of this programme, led by 2 Professor Martin Lombard, national clinical director In April 2007, mandatory surveillance of CDI was expanded for liver disease, the Viral Hepatitis Cross Cutting Group from just those aged over 65 to everyone two years and over. has been asked to look at the prevalence of hepatitis C Hospitals: Mortuaries and how the NHS can improve the detection and diagnosis of hepatitis C. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Hospitals: Food which hospitals in England with acute services have no mortuary. [20663]

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Simon Burns: This information is not collected Health if he will take steps to increase the proportion centrally. of domestically produced food supplied to hospitals under contracts negotiated by NHS Supply Chain. Liver Diseases: Health Services [20574] Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Simon Burns: For NHS Supply Chain in 2008-09, Health when he plans to issue his Department’s liver the proportion of domestically produced food used (by strategy. [20486] value), of food that can be produced in the United Kingdom was 100% for bakery, eggs, milk, cheese and Mr Simon Burns: Professor Martin Lombard, national whole potatoes and more than 70% for roots, onions, clinical director for liver disease is currently leading brassicas, poultry, beef/veal, bacon and pork. work with the national health service and public health Under public sector procurement rules, NHS Supply specialists to ensure that our response to the rising Chain is prohibited from placing a geographical restriction demand for liver disease services is evidence based, and on the origin of food in any food procurement exercise. that we also work to improve the quality and productivity UK producers can of course compete for any contract of services. We expect that first formal proposals will be tendered by NHS Supply Chain. published for consultation in 2011. Hospitals: Infectious Diseases Maternity Services

Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health how many cases of hospital-acquired infection how many non-elective interventions were made by were recorded in each NHS trust in each of the last five consultants in maternity departments in each hospital years. [20503] in 2009. [20666] 641W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 642W

Anne Milton: Information is not available in the continuous period of admitted patient care under one format requested. consultant within one health care provider. The following table shows the number of finished It should be noted that FCEs do not represent the consultant episodes (FCEs) in 2009-10 by hospital provider, number of patients, as a person may have more than where the method of admission was non-elective, where one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or there was an operating procedure or intervention and in different stays in the same year. where the main speciality was obstetrics. A FCE is a

A count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs)1 where the method of admission2 was not elective, where there was any main operating procedure or intervention3, and where the main speciality4 was obstetrics, by hospital providers for 2009-10—Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector Hospital provider 2009-10

England 365,317

Airedale NHS Trust 9 Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust 2,935 Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust 4,858 Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 1,235 Barts and the London NHS Trust 334 Basingstoke and North Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust 327 Bedford Hospital NHS Trust 47 Birmingham Treatment Centre 0 Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust 7,776 Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,900 Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,712 Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust 0 Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust 592 Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 3,508 Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust 1,503 Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 4,093 Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 5,604 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 5,862 Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 1,025 City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust 3,455 Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust 7 Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 3,401 County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust 5,103 Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust 3,071 Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,791 Derbyshire County PCT 0 Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 910 Ealing Hospital NHS Trust 1,496 East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust 5,451 East Cheshire NHS Trust 1,061 East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust 3,012 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust 4,399 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 4,265 Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust 2,009 George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust 391 Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,827 Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,912 Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust 3,824 Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust 1,902 Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust 11,631 Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,718 Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust 2,151 Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust 162 Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 3,287 Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 2,317 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 6,323 Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust 277 James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,464 Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 3,379 King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 2,297 Kingston Hospital NHS Trust 6,098 Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 4,389 643W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 644W

A count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs)1 where the method of admission2 was not elective, where there was any main operating procedure or intervention3, and where the main speciality4 was obstetrics, by hospital providers for 2009-10—Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector Hospital provider 2009-10

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 7,263 Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust 8,473 Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 3,613 Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust 121 Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust 3,899 Medway NHS Foundation Trust 238 Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,987 Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 692 Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust 2,378 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 3,461 Milton Keynes hospital NHS Foundation Trust * Newham University Hospital NHS Trust * Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,515 North Bristol NHS Trust 4,886 North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust 3,293 North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 206 North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust 3,662 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 3,895 Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust 622 Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust 616 Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,533 Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 3,194 Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust 5,786 Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust 1,342 Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 10,491 Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 3,438 Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust 4,963 Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 3,213 Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust 3,391 Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust 0 Queen Mary’s Sidcup NHS Trust 0 Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust 2,978 Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 0 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 0 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 1,286 Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust 1,622 Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust 2,356 Royal West Sussex NHS Trust 0 Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust 1,670 Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust 0 Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust 3,253 Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Health Care NHS Trust 1,354 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,904 Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 621 Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust 1,475 South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 1,574 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 11,038 South Staffordshire PCT * South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust 3,144 South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust 1,591 Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 3,848 Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 1,398 St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust 1,088 St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust 4,616 Stockport NHS Foundation Trust 2,098 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 1,441 Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust * The Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 4,855 The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust 3,010 The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust 3,492 The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 6,246 The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust 2,174 The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Trust 1,713 645W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 646W

A count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs)1 where the method of admission2 was not elective, where there was any main operating procedure or intervention3, and where the main speciality4 was obstetrics, by hospital providers for 2009-10—Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector Hospital provider 2009-10

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust 996 The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust 4,051 The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust 484 Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust 1,000 University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 5,236 University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust 4,671 University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust 1,224 University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust 4,554 University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust 2,566 University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust 5,171 University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust 0 Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust 3,599 Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 27 West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust 4,878 West Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 4,504 West Suffolk hospitals NHS Trust 1,726 West Sussex PCT * Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust 1,390 Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust 1,653 Wiltshire PCT * Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust 0 Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 5,049 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 2,477 Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust 0 Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust 3,282 Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 309 York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,334 Notes: 1. Finished Consultant Episode (FCE) A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. 2. Method of Admission We have defined non-elective admissions by the following admission method codes: 21: Emergency—via A and E services, including casualty department of provider 22: Emergency—via General Practitioner (GP) 23: Emergency—via Bed Bureau, including Central Bureau 24: Emergency—via consultant out-patient clinic 28: Emergency—other means, including patients who arrive via A and E department of another HC provider 31: Maternity—where baby was delivered after mother’s admission 32: Maternity—where baby was delivered before mother’s admission 81: Transfer of any admitted patient from another hospital provider 82: Other—babies born in HC provider 83: Other—babies born outside HC provider, except when born at home as intended 98: Not applicable (e.g. other maternity event) 99: Not known 3. Main procedure The first recorded procedure or intervention in each episode, usually the most resource intensive procedure or intervention performed during the episode.Itis appropriate to use main procedure when looking at admission details, (e.g. time waited), but a more complete count of episodes with a particular procedure is obtained by looking at the main and the secondary procedures. 4. Consultant Main Specialty The specialty under which the consultant responsible for the care of the patient at that time is registered. Take care when analysing HES data by specialty,orby groups of specialties (such as “acute”). Trusts have different ways of managing specialties and attributing codes so it is better to analyse by specific diagnoses, operations or other patient or service information. Main speciality of obstetrics 501—Obstetrics for patients using a hospital bed or delivery facilities 5. Hospital Provider A provider code is a unique code that identifies an organisation acting as a health care provider (e.g. NHS trust or PCT). Hospital providers can also include treatment centres (TC). Normally, if data are tabulated by health care provider, the figure for an NHS trust gives the activity of all the sites as one aggregated figure. However, in the case of those with embedded treatment centres, this data is quoted separately. In these cases, ‘—X’ is appended to the code for the rest of the trust, to remind users that the figures are for all sites of the trust excluding the treatment centres. The quality of TC returns are such that data may not be complete. Some NHS trusts have not registered their TC as a separate site, and it is therefore not possible to identify their activity separately. Data from some independent sector providers, where the onus for arrangement of dataflows is on the commissioner, may be missing. Care must be taken when using these data as the counts Small numbers To protect patient confidentiality, figures between one and five have been replaced with “*” (an asterisk). Where it was still possible to identify numbers from the total an additional number (the next smallest) has been replaced. Data quality Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England and from some independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for health and social care 647W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 648W

Multiple Sclerosis Mr Simon Burns: The Department collects accounting data from national health service organisations through: Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State the audited summarisation schedules; and for Health what estimate he has made of the number of the financial returns. people with multiple sclerosis, including those not The audited summarisation schedules primarily collect diagnosed; how much the NHS has spent on treating data required by the Department to fulfil its statutory multiple sclerosis in each of the last 10 years; and from accounting requirements, and the financial returns provide what sources such figures are derived. [20132] an additional lower level breakdown of this data. Neither collection contains data on whether NHS Paul Burstow: The National Institute for Health and bodies have subscribed to and/or funded organisations Clinical Excellence estimated, in 2003, that the number with an objective of influencing public policy. of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in England and Wales at between 52,000 and 62,000. The numbers NHS: Local Government of those with undiagnosed multiple sclerosis is not collected. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Information on the expenditure for treating those what functions of his Department have been with multiple sclerosis is not collected. transferred to local authorities since May 2010; what functions he plans to transfer to local authorities in the Muscular Dystrophy next 12 months; and what estimate he has made of the likely savings to his Department as a result of such Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for transfers in each of the next three years. [21015] Health what steps he plans to take to improve care and assistance for people with Duchenne muscular Mr Simon Burns: No functions of the Department dystrophy; and if he will make a statement. [20772] have transferred to local authorities since May 2010. The White Paper Equity and excellence: Liberating the Paul Burstow: It is the responsibility of health and NHS proposed a stronger role for local authorities in care professionals, working in conjunction with patients supporting joined up working across health and social and their families, to arrange the most appropriate care and primary care trusts (PCTs) current responsibilities health and social care for those living with Duchenne for public health improvement would transfer to local muscular dystrophy. The National Service Framework authorities. The responses to consultations related to for long-term conditions (NSF) provides an overview the white paper are currently being analysed, so no final how this care should be provided. The 11 quality decisions have yet been taken. The Government intend requirements of the NSF are compatible with more to bring detailed proposals before Parliament later this condition specific standards of care, such as the year in a Health Bill. international TREAT-NMD recommendations for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. NHS: Sick Leave In future, outcomes, which the national health service will be expected to achieve, will be set via the NHS Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Outcomes Framework, and the NHS Commissioning Health what the (a) sickness absence rate and (b) Board will hold general practitioner commissioners to estimated cost to the NHS of sickness absence was in account for delivery through the framework. each NHS trust in each of the last five years. [20502] National Treatment Agency: Finance Mr Simon Burns: Information is not available in the form requested. The NHS Information Centre publishes John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health quarterly figures on NHS sickness absence drawn from what the budget for the National Treatment Agency the national health service electronic staff record. Between (a) was in 2009 and (b) will be in each of the next April 2009 and March 2010, the average sickness absence three years. [21013] rate for the NHS in England was 4.38%. The latest NHS Information Centre publication (October 2010) Anne Milton: Details of the National Treatment Agency’s shows the rate of NHS sickness absence (April to June (NTA) accounts are published in their annual report 2010) as 3.89%. However, there is a seasonal element to each year and copies for 2008-09 (HC579) and 2009-10 sickness absence. The Boorman Review of NHS Health (HC89) are available in the Library. The NTA’s budget and Well-being (November 2009), reported an estimated for 2010-11 have been published in their business plan annual rate of 4.5%. and a copy of this has been placed in the Library. The Individual pay information is not held centrally, and budget for 2011-12 have yet to be decided, and from is held locally at trust level. It is therefore not known 2012-13, the NTA will be incorporated into the Public how many staff are on paid or unpaid sickness. However, Health Service. the Boorman Review, estimated that reported levels of sickness absence results in a loss of 10.3 million days NHS: Lobbying per year, equivalent to 45,000 whole time equivalent staff and an estimated annual direct cost of £1.7 billion. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS bodies have (a) subscribed to and NHS: Telephone Services (b) funded organisations with an objective of influencing public policy in each of the last five years; Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for and how much has been paid to each such organisation Health how many call centres based outside the UK in each such year. [19406] the NHS uses. [20514] 649W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 650W

Mr Simon Burns: NHS Shared Business Services Blood and Transplant launched a UK-wide public (NHS SBS), which provides business support services awareness campaign to encourage more people to join to the national health service operates two call centres the Organ Donor Register (ODR), and to discuss their in India, located in Pune and Noida. These call centres wishes in relation to organ donation with family members. only handle inquiries from internal NHS clients and do NHS Blood and Transplant also work in partnerships not take calls from patients or the public. The Department with the national health service, commercial and third does not hold information about the remainder of the sector organisations to support local events around the NHS. country or national initiatives such as joining the ODR when registering with a doctor, or applying for a driving North West Strategic Health Authority: Redundancy license. The Organ Donation Taskforce believed that by Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health implementing the recommendations in their report “Organs what estimate he has made of the redundancy costs for Transplant” published in January 2008, organ donor which will be incurred as a result of the decision to rates can increase by 50% by 2013 which would enable abolish (a) the North West Strategic Health Authority around 1,200 extra transplants every year. and (b) Warrington Primary Care Trust. [19907] Steady improvement is being made. During 2009-10, Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper “Equity and organ donor rates increased to nearly 20% over the Excellence: Liberating the NHS” set out proposals for baseline year of 2007-08. Our aim is to see organ donor fundamental changes to the way that the national health rates continue to rise this year allowing many more service is structured and run. The precise costs, at both people to benefit from a life saving or life enhancing national and local level, of any redundancies that will transplant. be incurred as a result of the decision to abolish the strategic health authorities and primary care trusts are Pharmaceuticals not yet known, though efforts will be made to minimise the number and cost of redundancies. Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State Four consultations relating to how the new organisations for Health what criteria the National Institute for should be designed specifically covering “transparency Clinical Excellence uses to determine which on outcomes, liberating the NHS: local democratic pharmaceuticals may be funded to treat extremely rare legitimacy in health and commissioning for patients conditions; and if he will provide funding from the and regulating healthcare providers” have recently closed Cancer Drugs Fund for the provision of mifamurtide and once the results of these have been analysed, we will for the treatment of osteosarcoma. [20074] publish the costs of the new system in an impact assessment. Paul Burstow: Following the referral of a topic to the Organs: Donors National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), technology appraisal guidance is developed in Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for accordance with NICE’S published process and methods Health how many organs were donated in each of the guides which are available on NICE’S website at: last 10 years. [20637] www.nice.org.uk/aboutnice/howwework/devnicetech/ technologyappraisalprocessguides/technology_ Anne Milton: The number of organs donated in each appraisal_process_guides.jsp of the last 10 years is shown in the following table. Funding for specific drugs from the £50 million interim cancer drugs funding made available in the current Number of organs donated in the United kingdom, 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2010 financial year is a matter for the local clinically-led Organs from regional panels based on the advice of cancer specialists. deceased Organs from The Cancer Drugs Fund will be established from 1 Financial year donors living donors Total April 2011 providing an additional £200 million a year 2000-01 3,455 372 3,827 for cancer drugs over the next three years. On 27 October 2001-02 2,999 386 3,385 we launched a three month consultation on the operation 2002-03 2,768 397 3,165 of the Cancer Drugs Fund. A copy of the consultation document has been placed in the Library and is available 2003-04 2,785 472 3,257 on the Department’s website at: 2004-05 2,680 485 3,165 2005-06 2,689 599 3,288 www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/ DH_120834 2006-07 2,861 702 3,563 2007-08 2,947 858 3,805 Primary Care Trusts: Manpower 2008-09 3,252 961 4,213 2009-10 3,375 1,062 4,437 Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 29,811 6,294 36,105 Health how many full-time equivalent staff were employed by primary care trusts (a) on 20 September Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009 and (b) on the most recent date for which figures Health what steps he plans to take to increase the are available. [20901] number of people registered as organ donors; and if he will make a statement. [20771] Mr Simon Burns: The annual national health service work force census shows that at 30 September 2009 Anne Milton: There are a range of ongoing activities there were 207,833 full-time equivalent staff employed to promote organ donation. In autumn 2009, NHS by primary care trusts. The latest monthly NHS Hospital 651W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 652W and Community Health Service workforce statistics in Recruitment England show that in July 2010 there were 205,985 full-time equivalent staff employed by primary care Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health trusts. how many staff his Department plans to (a) recruit and (b) transfer to new duties as a result of implementation Primary Care Trusts: Negligence of proposals for the reform of those non-departmental public bodies within his Department’s area of responsibility; Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for and how many redundancies he expects to result from Health what the financial value of compensation the implementation of those proposals. [19824] payments was to patients for clinical malpractice in each primary care trust in each year since 2000. [20068] Mr Simon Burns: The reforms to the Department’s Executive non-departmental public bodies were announced Mr Simon Burns: The NHS Litigation Authority in the report of “The Arm’s Length Bodies Review”, (NHSLA) supplied the information requested in tables published in July 2010. Further work is under way, to which have been placed in the Library. plan for implementation of the reforms, before estimates The NHSLA administers schemes, on behalf of the can be made of staff transfers and redundancies, and of Secretary of State for Health, that assist members with the costs entailed. clinical negligence claims. All primary care trusts (PCTs) are members. Before April 2002, one of the schemes Reducing Cancer Inequality: Evidence operated by the NHSLA operated ’excess’ levels where trusts, rather than the NHSLA, handled and settled claims below the excess level. Neither the Department Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health nor the NHSLA holds data on claims valued below (1) what progress has been made on the implementation ’excess’. Additionally, PCTs were introduced on a rolling of the recommendations of his Department’s report on basis from April 2000, with full coverage from October Reducing cancer inequality: evidence, progress and making 2002. Data covering years before April 2003 is therefore it happen; and if he will make a statement; [20117] not comparable with data covering years from April (2) what steps he is taking to address age inequalities 2003 onwards. in outcomes for cancer patients; [20118] The NHSLA report that no payments were made on (3) if he will commission research into ageism in the behalf of PCTs in the year 2000-01. treatment of cancer patients; and if he will make a statement; [20160] Primary Health Care: Finance (4) what assessment he has made of research by his Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Department into ageism in cancer treatment; and if he for Health what estimate he has made of his will make a statement. [20161] Department’s funding in real terms for primary healthcare in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 Paul Burstow: The NHS Constitution makes clear and (d) 2014-15. [20292] that a core duty of the national health service is to promote equality, and the Cancer Reform Strategy (CRS) Mr Simon Burns: Future revenue resource funding made this a priority for NHS cancer services. for the Department was set out as part of spending Progress on the recommendations in the report, review 2010. The national health service will receive “Reducing cancer inequality: evidence, progress and funding of £102.6 billion/£105.2 billion/£108.2 billion/£111.1 making it happen”, which was published by the National billion in years 2011-12 up to 2014-15 (see table A10 of Cancer Equality Initiative (NCEI) in March this year, statistical annex to the spending review); a cumulative will be reported in the review of the CRS which is real growth of 1.4% over the four years. currently under way. The report will be published in the Work is currently ongoing to determine the disposition winter. of this funding including the amount in primary care The NCEI report identified the need for further trust (PCT) allocations. Having set PCT allocations, research around age inequalities in three areas: firstly, final decisions on funding growth for primary, community to look at why the reduction in mortality in older and secondary care are made locally. people is slower than for younger people and slower compared to other countries; secondly, to examine to Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State what extent poor patient health and patient choice for Health what estimate he has made of his contribute to poorer outcomes; and finally, to look at Department’s capital funding for primary health care how effective pre-treatment health assessments would providers in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and be in reducing adverse outcomes in health inequalities. (d) 2014-15. [20293] Through the National Institute for Health Research, Mr Simon Burns: Future capital funding for the the Department funds a significant amount of cancer Department was set out as part of spending review research. At this time, we are aware of a research 2010. The national health service will receive funding of application to the NIHR that intends to examine issues £4.4 billion/£4.4 billion/£4.4 billion/£4.6 billion in years around outcomes for older breast cancer patients. 2011-12 up to 2014-15 (see Table A6 of statistical annex The Department is working with Macmillan Cancer to the spending review). Support on a jointly funded project that aims to improve Discussions remain ongoing over the disposition of appropriate intervention rates for people over 70 who this funding between the different health sectors. Final have a cancer diagnosis. The pilot programme aims to decisions on the level of capital expenditure in primary identify, test and evaluate ways to assess an older person and secondary care are determined locally. for cancer treatment; to provide practical support and 653W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 654W information to aid patient/practitioner decision making; Paul Burstow: The coalition Government have allocated and to train professionals involved in the pathway to an additional £2 billion by 2014-15 to support the promote age equality and address age discrimination. delivery of social care. This means, with an ambitious It is anticipated that the pilot projects will run for a programme of efficiency, that there is enough funding 12 month period with the pilots taking place between available both to protect people’s access to services and May 2011 and April 2012. We will then evaluate whether deliver new approaches to improve quality and outcomes. the approaches tested can have a positive impact on We expect that this will benefit all users of social care intervention and mortality rates for older people. services, including people with disabilities and their families. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Expenditure Streptococcus: Babies

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for how much the National Health Service spent on treatment Health (1) what steps his Department has taken to of sexually transmitted diseases in (a) males and (b) inform (a) relevant health professionals and (b) females under 16 years of age in each of the last five pregnant women of the symptoms and prevention of years for which information is available. [20246] group B streptococcus infections in babies; [21082] (2) what guidelines his Department issues to NHS Anne Milton: The Department does not collect trusts on preventing Group B Streptococcal infection information on national health service expenditure on in newborn babies. [21098] treating sexually transmitted infections broken down by age and sex of patients. Anne Milton: Current guidance for obstetricians, midwives and neonatologists is provided by the Royal Social Services: Finance College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), which published its Green-top guideline No. 36 on the Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State prevention of early-onset neonatal Group B Streptococcus for Health what estimate he has made of the likely size disease in November 2003. In 2005, the RCOG, in of transfer of funds from the health care budget to collaboration with the National Screening Committee, fund local authority social care as a result of the 2010 established a national audit to evaluate practice in spending review. [20294] United Kingdom obstetric units against the recommendations of the guideline. The audit published Paul Burstow: The spending review set out that, over in January 2007, reported that current practice followed the spending review period, an additional £3.8 billion the established patterns of care described in the RCOG will be made available within the national health service guideline. to be spent on measures that support social care. The The Department supports the Standards for Maternity profile, in each of the years from 2011-12 to 2014-15 is Care published by the RCOG in 2008, which state that as follows: £0.8 billion/£0.9 billion/£1.1 billion/£1.0 billion. maternity services should comply with evidence-based guidelines for the provision of high-quality clinical care. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence for Health what steps he plans to take to ensure that clinical guidelines for routine antenatal care, published funds transferred from health care budgets to local in 2008, recommends that pregnant women should not authority social care are spent on social care. [20295] be offered routine antenatal screening for Group B Streptococcus because evidence of its clinical and cost- Paul Burstow: In order to support social care, the effectiveness remains uncertain. national health service will transfer some funding from the health capital budget to health revenue, to be spent Information for women on Group B Streptococcus is on measures that support social care, which also benefits contained in “The Pregnancy Book”—a guide to a health. Further details about this support will be published healthy pregnancy, labour and childbirth, and life with alongside the 2011-12 NHS Operating Framework. a new baby, which is given to all pregnant women. Information is also available on the NHS Direct website Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for at: Health what correspondence he has received from (a) www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk local authority leaders, (b) councillors with lead and NHS Choices website at: responsibility for social care and (c) local authority www.nhs.uk directors of social services on the likely effects on the Women who are concerned about Group B Streptococcus provision of social care of the outcomes of the infection are advised to talk to their doctor or midwife. Comprehensive Spending Review. [20390] Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Paul Burstow: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of Health (1) what steps are being taken by his Department State has received no correspondence of this nature to increase levels of compliance with the Royal College since the comprehensive spending review was announced of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ guidelines on on 20 October 2010. preventing Group B Streptococcal infection in newborn babies; [21097] Mr Watts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (2) what guidance his Department issues to health what assessment he has made of the effect of professionals on implementation in maternity units of reductions in local authority social care funding on the the guidelines issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians level of service provided by such authorities to disabled and Gynaecologists for preventing Group B Streptococcus individuals and their families. [20836] infection in newborn babies. [21100] 655W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 656W

Anne Milton: We encourage the national health service for emergency stroke admissions in each hospital in the to take into account the guidance for obstetricians, latest period for which figures are available. [20665] midwives and neonatologists provided by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Mr Simon Burns: There is sound evidence that admittance which published its Green-top guideline No.36 on the to a stroke unit is the single, most effective intervention prevention of early-onset neonatal Group B Streptococcal for people who have had a stroke to achieve the best disease in November 2003. In 2005, the RCOG, in possible outcomes. collaboration with the National Screening Committee, The Vital Sign for stroke measures the number of established a national audit to evaluate practice in people who are admitted to hospital following a stroke United Kingdom obstetric units against the who then spend 90% or more of their time on a stroke recommendations of the guideline. The audit published unit; and the number of transient ischaemic attack in January 2007, reported that current practice followed cases with a higher risk of stroke who are subsequently the established patterns of care described in the RCOG assessed and treated within 24 hours in an out-patient guideline. setting. The data are published on the Department’s The Department supports the Standards for Maternity website at: Care published by the RCOG in 2008, which state that www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Statistics/ maternity services should comply with evidence-based Performancedataandstatistics/Vitalsignsmonitoring/ guidelines for the provision of high-quality clinical care. DH_112528 Copies of the two documents have been placed in the Streptococcus: Pregnancy Library. The quarter two figures will be available on this Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for website on 17 November 2010. Health (1) what measures he uses to ensure that The NHS Information Centre does not hold the data high-quality information on group B streptococcus is requested. Health Episode Statistics does not hold given to all pregnant women as a routine part of their information on outcomes. antenatal care; [21083] (2) if he will take steps to ensure that pregnant Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health women are informed about Group B Streptococcus as if he will take steps to ensure that patients admitted to part of their antenatal care. [21101] hospital following a stroke are placed in a specialist stroke unit. [20767] Anne Milton: Information for women about Group B Mr Simon Burns: The National Stroke Strategy and Streptococcus (GBS) is contained in ’the Pregnancy the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Book’—a guide to healthy pregnancy, labour and childbirth, Quality Standard for Stroke are clear that people with and life with a new baby, which is given to all pregnant stroke should receive an early multi-disciplinary assessment women. Information is also available on the NHS Direct and have prompt access to a high-quality stroke unit. www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk and NHS Choices www.nhs.uk To reflect this, the Best Practice Tariff for stroke incentivises websites. Women who are concerned about GBS infection direct admission to a stroke unit and access to timely are advised to talk to their doctor or midwife. brain imaging, and the Tier 1 Vital Sign for stroke measures the proportion of patients who spend at least Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for 80% of their time in hospital on a stroke unit. The Health what guidance his Department issues to Accelerating Stroke Improvement Programme, which is strategic health authorities on the provision of tests to supported by the Department, the Stroke Improvement pregnant women for Group B Streptococcus infection. Programme and the stroke networks, is aimed at making [21099] further improvements across the stroke care pathway including ensuring that the majority of patients are Anne Milton: The Department does not issue guidance treated in stroke units. to strategic health authorities on the provision of tests to pregnant women for group B streptococcus (GBS) Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health infection. what steps he is taking to improve the availability of Current guidance for obstetricians, midwives and continuous non-invasive physiological monitoring for neonatologists is provided by the Royal College of patients admitted to hospital following an acute stroke. Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), which published [20768] its Green-top guideline No. 36 on the prevention of Mr Simon Burns: Intensive physiological monitoring early-onset neonatal GBS disease in November 2003. in the early phase of a stroke is important in identifying The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and supporting early treatment that can halt stroke clinical guidelines for routine antenatal care, published progression and minimise the degree of brain damage. in 2008, recommends that pregnant women should not All acute stroke units should provide high-dependency be offered routine antenatal screening for GBS because care including physiological monitoring. The National evidence of its clinical and cost effectiveness remains Stroke Strategy and the National Institute for health uncertain. and Clinical Excellence quality standard set out the elements of high quality care. It is for the national Strokes: Health Services health service to ensure that these standards are met, including provision of access to good stroke care out of John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health hours and at week ends. Support is available to implement what assessment he made of the health outcomes in improvements to acute care from the Stroke Improvement respect of each of his Department’s performance indicators Programme and the stroke networks. 657W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 658W

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (ICD-10) system used to classify diseases. Therefore, we what steps he plans to take to encourage the training of have provided data on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and more stroke specialist registrars. [20811] pulmonary embolism (PE) in the following table. Patients treated by their general practitioner or as Mr Simon Burns: In order to support the implementation out-patients are not included. Some DVTs manifest of the National Stroke Strategy, the Department provided themselves as PE. This means that a number of the funding over the last three years to train more stroke patients who have been diagnosed with PE will also specialist physicians. Central funding has been provided have been diagnosed with a DVT. It would not be for the training of 26 junior doctors and a further advisable to sum the number of episodes for PE and tranche will undergo training this year. It is for local DVT because of the potential for double-counting. national health service organisations to plan and deliver a workforce appropriate to the needs of their local Count of finished consultant episodes1 with a main or secondary diagnosis2 of DVT and PE, 2004-05 to 2008-09, England3 population based on clinical need and sound evidence. Finished consultant episodes by diagnosis4 DVT5 Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health All relevant ICD what recent representations he has received on codes ICD-10 I80.2 PE6 improving access to specialist early stroke-supported discharge teams. [20812] 2004-05 59,695 46,303 40,059 2005-06 63,373 48,952 43,360 Mr Simon Burns: The Accelerating Stroke Improvement 2006-07 61,459 46,257 46,685 Programme, which is supported by the Department, the 2007-08 61,050 46,031 49,114 Stroke Improvement Programme and the stroke networks, 2008-09 62,066 46,786 56,029 1 A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted is aimed at making further improvements across the patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are stroke care pathway including concentrating effort on counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the the introduction of high quality, early supported discharge number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. across the country so that all stroke survivors who can 2 The information is the number of episodes where this diagnosis was recorded benefit have access to it. The Accelerating Stroke in any of the 20 (14 from 2004-05 to 2006-07) primary and secondary diagnosis Improvement Programme was developed in response to fields in a Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) record. Each episode is only counted once, even if the diagnosis is recorded in more than one diagnosis field Committee of Public Accounts report, “Progress In of the record. Improving Stroke Care”, which concluded, among other 3 Activity in English national health service hospitals and English NHS commissioned things, that not enough hospitals arrange early supported activity in the independent sector. 4 Counts for the different diagnoses shown are not necessarily mutually exclusive discharge for stroke patients, even though it provides and therefore summing the different diagnoses is not possible (e.g. a patient may better outcomes for many patients and can save money. have a DVT and a PE in a single episode, and would be counted once in each relevant column—double counting would occur if the values were summed). Swine Flu: Vaccination 5 Diagnosis is recorded in HES using ICD-10 codes. ICD-10 code I80.2 is used for a diagnosis of DVT where there is no further information on the site of the thrombosis. However DVT may also be recorded under a number of different Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health codes, although these codes may also include cases which are not considered deep. The full list of relevant ICD-10 codes is as follows: I80.0 Phlebitis and what proportion of the vaccines and anti-virals thrombophlebitis of superficial vessels of lower extremities I80.1 Phlebitis and purchased in preparation for the swine flu pandemic thrombophlebitis of femoral vein I80.2 Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of other were not used. [20875] deep vessels of lower extremities I80.3 Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of lower extremities, unspecified I80.8 Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of other sites I80.9 Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified site O22.2 Superficial Anne Milton: The proportion of H1N1 influenza thrombophlebitis in pregnancy O22.3 Deep phlebothrombosis in pregnancy O87.0 Superficial thrombophlebitis in the puerperium O87.1 Deep phlebothrombosis vaccine held centrally for the United Kingdom is 51% in the puerperium. of the quantity procured. Part of this stock (8 million 6 Pulmonary embolisms are coded as I26.0 (Pulmonary embolism with mention doses, representing 18% of the total quantity procured) of acute cor pulmonale) and I26.9 (Pulmonary embolism without mention of acute cor pulmonale). has date expired or is close to date expiry. H1N1 influenza 7 Assessing growth through time: HES figures are available from 1989-90 vaccines continue to be used as recommended in the onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context 2010-11 seasonal influenza immunisation programme. of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from Antivirals were purchased as part of our overall 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, apparent reductions in planning for influenza preparedness rather than being activity may be due to a number of procedures which may now be undertaken in out-patient settings and so no longer included in admitted patient HES data. purchased specifically for the H1N1 pandemic. We Source: continue to hold antiviral stockpiles for over 50% of the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for health and population as part of our preparedness planning for the social care. next influenza pandemic. The following table shows the total number of Thromboembolism Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections (bacteraemias) reported by English NHS acute trusts under the mandatory surveillance Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for scheme, for each of the last five financial years. However, Health how many cases of (a) venous this number will include infections acquired outside of thromboembolism characterised by (i) deep vein NHS facilities. thrombosis and (ii) pulmonary embolism, (b) MRSA and (c) clostridium difficile were recorded in patients MRSA bacteraemia reports, all English NHS acute trusts in NHS facilities in each of the last five years. [19844] Number 2005-06 7,096 Mr Simon Burns: There is currently no single definition 2006-07 6,383 of venous thromboembolism (VTE) available in the 2007-08 4,451 International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision 659W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 660W

MRSA bacteraemia reports, all English NHS acute trusts MRSA bacteraemia reports, all English NHS acute trusts Number Number

2008-09 2,935 2008-09 1,606 2009-10 1,898 2009-10 1,003 Total 22,763 Total 2,609

The following table shows the number of these MRSA The following table shows the total number of bacteraemias apportioned to acute trusts for the two Clostridium difficile infections reported by English NHS years that figures are available1. acute trusts under the mandatory surveillance scheme, in patients aged 65 years and over, for each of the last 1 By calculating the elapsed time between a patient’s admission date and the reported specimen date, the data capture system now five financial years. This is broken down into those aged allows for indirect identification of cases that may have been two years and over and two to 64 years for the three acquired within the reporting trust. This became possible for CDI years that figures are available. However, this number from April 2007, and for MRSA from April 2008. will include infections acquired outside of NHS facilities.

Clostridium difficile infection reports, all English NHS acute trusts Number 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Total

Patients aged 65+1 51,981 55,930 45,439 28,784 20,192 202,326 Patients aged 2 to 64 — — 10,059 7,311 5,412 22,782 All patients aged 2+ — — 55,498 36,095 25,604 117,197 1 In April 2007, mandatory surveillance of CDI was expanded from just those aged over 65 to everyone two years and over.

The following table shows the number of these latest date for which figures are available; and how Clostridium difficile infections apportioned to acute many such apprentices recruited in the last 12 months trusts in all patients aged two years and over, for the (a) were previously apprentices, (b) had been long- three years that figures are available1. term unemployed and (c) are graduates. [20270] 1 By calculating the elapsed time between a patient’s admission date and the reported specimen date, the data capture system now Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 28 October 2010]: allows for indirect identification of cases that may have been The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) acquired within the reporting trust. This became possible for CDI is an independent body. The following is based on from April 2007, and for MRSA from April 2008. information it has provided. Clostridium difficile infection reports, all English NHS acute trusts Three apprentices were in post at the EHRC at Number 27 October 2010. 2007-08 33,442 Of the apprentices recruited in the last 12 months: 2008-09 19,927 (a) None were previously apprentices; 2009-10 13,195 (b) None were long-term unemployed; and Total 66,564 (c) None were graduates.

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Equality Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of treating in NHS facilities patients who have suffered a venous thromboembolism characterised Caroline Lucas: To ask the Minister for Women and by (a) phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of femoral vein, Equalities what plans she has to publish equality (b) phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of other deep vessels impact assessments undertaken by the Government of lower extremities, (c) phlebitis and thrombophlebitis Equalities Office as part of the comprehensive of unspecified lower extremities, (d) phlebitis and spending review; and if she will make a statement. thrombophlebitis of unspecified site, (e) embolism and [18281] thrombosis of unspecified vein, (f) pulmonary embolism with mention of acute cor pulmonale and (g) pulmonary Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 20 October 2010]: embolism without mention of acute cor pulmonale in The Treasury has published an overview of the impact each of the last five years. [19845] of the spending review on groups protected by equalities Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in legislation. Full assessments of impact, where necessary, the format requested because the Department does not will be done when Departments develop and implement collect the cost to national health service providers of policies. treating individual diagnoses. The majority of the Government Equalities Office’s (GEOs) budget goes to the two bodies it currently sponsors, the Women’s National Commission (WNC) WOMEN AND EQUALITIES and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Apprentices: Equalities and Human Rights Commission It has published an equality impact assessment on the closure of the WNC and will publish further material Stephen Barclay: To ask the Minister for Women and when developing and consulting on options for reforming Equalities how many apprentices were in post at the the EHRC. All changes at the GEO itself will be carried Equalities and Human Rights Commission on the out in accordance with its statutory equality duties. 661W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 662W

TREASURY Justine Greening: The Treasury keeps all tax reliefs under review, and is in regular contact with representatives Aggregates Levy: Northern Ireland of the brewing industry about a range of issues, including small breweries relief. Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Child Benefit what discussions he has had with the European Commission on the future of the Northern Ireland Helen Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Aggregates Levy Credit Scheme. [21012] what estimate he has made of the (a) number of households in Warrington North constituency that will Justine Greening: On behalf of HM Treasury, the be affected by the proposed changes in child benefit Chancellor and officials held discussions with Commission and (b) proportion of those households which representatives earlier this month and are working closely comprise (i) single parents and (ii) couples with only with the Commission to try to achieve the Government’s one wage earner. [17900] objective of re-introducing the scheme at the earliest opportunity. Paul Uppal: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of people in Aviation: Taxation Wolverhampton South West constituency who will be affected by his proposal to change the eligibility criteria Henry Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the for child benefit. [18000] Exchequer what plans he has for the future taxation of the aviation industry; and if he will make a statement. Mr Gauke: Information on household income for [19906] child benefit claimants is not available at parliamentary constituency level. Justine Greening: The Government confirmed at the Child Benefit: Carlisle June Budget that it would explore possible changes to the aviation tax system, including the option of switching from a per-passenger to a per-plane duty. Any major John Stevenson: To ask the Chancellor of the changes will be subject to public consultation. Exchequer how many families in Carlisle constituency are in receipt of child benefit. [19350]

Banks: Pay Mr Gauke: The information requested on the number of families receiving child benefit on Carlisle constituency John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer can be found at: what discussions he has had with UK banks on the size http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/child benefit/chb-geog-aug09.pdf of their bonus pools for 2010-11. [20512] This data is based on the August 2009 snapshot of all child benefit claims. Mr Hoban: As part of the work being undertaken to reform the financial services sector, the Government are Child Tax Credit taking action to tackle unacceptable bonuses throughout the banking sector. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the The FSA has consulted on the revision of the Exchequer whether he has made a recent estimate of Remuneration Code; and banks subject to the code the number of households (a) in each Government have been invited to provide feedback. The revised rules Office region and (b) nationally that receive working will be in place by 1 January 2011 and will ensure tax credit childcare element of between 70 and 80 per bonuses are deferred over a number of years and are cent. of their child tax credit payments. [19871] linked to the performance of the employee and their firm. In addition, significant portions of any bonus will Justine Greening: All families benefiting from the be paid in shares or other securities. child care element will be affected by the change announced in the spending review. Barclays: Burma The latest information on the number of households benefiting from the child care element, by region, is Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Chancellor of the available in the HMRC snapshot publication “Child Exchequer what recent reports he has received of and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Geographical compliance by Barclays Bank with the provisions of Analyses”, available at: EU financial sanctions on Burma; and if he will make http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog- a statement. [20837] stats.htm Child Trust Fund: Lewisham Mr Hoban: The Treasury has received no such reports. Joan Ruddock: To ask the Chancellor of the Beer: Business Exchequer what the cost to the public purse was of the provision of Child Trust Fund payments to the Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Chancellor of the residents of Lewisham, Deptford constituency in each Exchequer if he will commission a fresh impact year since the scheme’s inception; and how many such assessment of the operation of small breweries’ relief. funds were established for children in the constituency [20517] in each such year. [21094] 663W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 664W

Mr Hoban: Statistical information about Child Trust be involved in the pilot; for how long the pilot will run Funds is published on HM Revenue and Customs’ before consideration of extension of the scheme is website at extended to other areas; and which islands in Scotland http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ctf/stats.htm he expects to qualify for the scheme when it is fully The latest Westminster constituency information published rolled out. [20750] in autumn 2009, and in advance of the 2010 general election boundary changes, shows that 7,623 children Justine Greening: The Government intend to introduce born on or before 6 April 2008 in the Lewisham, Deptford a pilot scheme that will deliver a maximum of 5p per constituency had a Child Trust Fund account. litre duty discount on petrol and diesel in remote rural areas. The Government are currently considering the All eligible children currently receive a payment from exact scope of the pilots and at present has announced the government to open their Child Trust Fund account their intention to include the Inner and Outer Hebrides, with children in low income families also getting an the Northern Isles, and the Isles of Scilly. The Government additional government payment. The total cost of will report back to the House, in due course, prior to Government payments to child trust funds is not available submitting a formal proposal on the scope and design at constituency level. of the scheme to the European Commission. Departmental Manpower Export Credits Guarantee Department: Pakistan

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the Joan Walley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer how many officials his Department has if he will discuss with the Secretary of State for Business, appointed on a fixed-term contract since 7 May 2010. Innovation and Skills the cancellation of debts owed by [16791] Pakistan to the Export Credits Guarantee Department. [19889] Justine Greening: The number of officials who have been appointed to HM Treasury on fixed-term contract Mr Hoban: Ministers regularly discuss a wide range since 7 May 2010 is 52. of policy issues. The Government of Pakistan has not asked for debt relief and we do not consider debt relief Disabled Persons Tax Credit: Carlisle to be the most effective way to support Pakistan at this time. John Stevenson: To ask the Chancellor of the National Insurance: Exemptions Exchequer how many families in Carlisle constituency are in receipt of disabled persons’ tax credit. [19351] Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account he took of variations in levels Mr Gauke: The number of families in Carlisle of need in the North East when developing his constituency benefiting from tax credits, with at least proposals for national insurance exemptions for new one disabled adult or child in the household is 240. businesses. [20096] This information is based on snapshot data on the number of families benefiting from child and working Mr Gauke: The employer National Insurance tax credits, by each parliamentary constituency. It is Contributions holiday for new businesses is intended to available in the HMRC snapshot publication “Child promote the formation of new businesses employing and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Geographical Analyses. staff in those countries and regions most reliant on April 2010”. This can be found at: public sector employment. Almost 25% of workers in http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog- the North East are employed in the public sector making apr2010.pdf it one of the regions the Government decided should be covered by the scheme. Employment and Support Allowance Within regions there will be areas with higher or lower levels of public sector employment but targeting Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the smaller geographical areas would be costly and complex Exchequer whether his estimates of the savings likely to to administer and would not reflect that in practice accrue as a result of placing a time limit on the labour markets generally extend more widely. contributory employment and support allowance included assumptions on behavioural change. [19869] Office for Budget Responsibility: Finance

Chris Grayling: I have been asked to reply. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer other than the budget announced in the autumn forecast, We have not included assumptions relating to behavioural how much funding has been provided to support the change in the costing for the savings likely to accrue as a activities of the Office for Budget Responsibility; and result of time-limiting contributory employment and how much funding has been provided to resource the support allowance for customers in the work related Budget Responsibility Committee. [19694] activity group. Justine Greening: The Permanent Secretary to the Excise Duties: Fuels Treasury has written to the Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to confirm the funding Mr MacNeil: To ask the Chancellor of the arrangements agreed with the OBR for the Spending Exchequer when he expects the pilot scheme of fuel Review period. The OBR is being given a multi-year duty discount for rural areas to begin; what criteria his settlement of £1.75 million per year (flat cash for the Department used to decide which communities would period). This settlement funds all of the OBR’s activities. 665W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 666W

Oil: Prices Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Government plans to implement his proposals Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the to (a) reduce the number of Criminal Records Bureau Exchequer (1) when he expects to publish his response checks for junior doctors, (b) distribute National Insurance to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s report on the numbers to people with a letter instead of a plastic card effect of oil price fluctuations on the public finances; and (c) increase the selling of surplus and second-hand [20563] Government equipment by expanding the use of Ministry of Defence’s e-Disposals service for use across all (2) what his policy is on a fair fuel stabiliser. [20564] Government departments. [20817] Justine Greening: In the June Budget the Government asked the Office of Budget Responsibility to undertake Danny Alexander: The proposals you outline above an assessment of the effect of oil price fluctuations on were all as a result of ideas received through the the public finances. The Office of Budget Responsibility Government’s spending challenge website and were published its report on 14 September. announced as policy by the Chancellor on 10 September. The relevant Government Departments will now be The Government are considering the Office of Budget taking forward the implementation and roll-out of these Responsibility’s assessment and will report back as part proposals. For example HMRC have already this October of the usual Budget process. stopped issuing replacement national insurance cards Public Expenditure and have said that from 2011 they will be issuing all national insurance numbers to people by letter rather than providing a plastic card, saving the Government Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Chancellor of the up to £1 million a year in upfront costs. Exchequer what assessment he has made of the likely effects of implementation of the proposals in the Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Comprehensive Spending Review on (a) the number of what estimate he has made of the implementation costs public sector jobs in County Durham and (b) the of (a) reducing the number of Criminal Records number of women employed in such jobs. [19989] Bureau checks for junior doctors, (b) distributing national insurance numbers to people with a letter Danny Alexander: The Office for Budget Responsibility instead of a plastic card and (c) increasing the selling (OBR) released, as part of its Budget forecasts on 22 of surplus and second-hand government equipment by June 2010, projections for whole economy expanding the use of the Ministry of Defence’s employment to 2015-16. eDisposals service for use across all Government Further information on its employment forecast, departments. [20818] including projections for general government employment, was released on 30 June 2010 in its document ‘OBR Danny Alexander: The proposals you outline above forecast: Employment’, which can be found at: were all as a result of ideas received through the http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/ Government’s spending challenge website and were publications.html announced as policy by the Chancellor on 10 September. A revised forecast will be released on 29 November Cost benefit analysis to ensure that implementing these 2010. policies represented good value for money was undertaken by the relevant Departments for all these ideas before The OBR has not published forecasts by region or they were announced. gender.

Mary Creagh: To ask the Chancellor of the Public Sector: North West Exchequer if he will publish his Department’s regional impact assessment on the 2010 Spending Review. Helen Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer [20484] what estimate he has made of the change in the number of public sector jobs in (a) Warrington and (b) the Danny Alexander: It is for Departments to decide North West in each of the next five years. [21168] how to best prioritise resources within their departmental expenditure limits. The regional consequences will only Danny Alexander: The Office for Budget Responsibility become apparent once these decisions have been made. (OBR) released, as part of its Budget forecasts on 22 Government spending is determined by criteria that June 2010, projections for whole economy employment includes spatial aspects, but is dominated by deprivation to 2015-16. and demand. Therefore the impact of the spending review is best measured by income distribution. This Further information on its employment forecast, was included for the first time in the SR document, and including projections for general government employment, can be found in Annex B of the document or online at was released on 30 June 2010 in its document “OBR forecast: Employment”, which can be found on the www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ spend_sr2010_impact_households.htm following webpage: However, the Treasury published what actions are http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/ publications.html being taken to encourage growth in each region, and how each region will benefit from schemes announced A revised forecast will be released on 29 November in the spending review, including capital investment 2010. programmes. This information is available online at The OBR has not published forecasts on a sub-national www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/spend_sr2010_regions.htm level. 667W Written Answers1 NOVEMBER 2010 Written Answers 668W

Public Sector: Pay public purse of research and development credits in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) Mr Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2014-15. [20765] what estimate he has made of the proportion of public sector workers earning less than £21,000 per year who Justine Greening: The information requested falls will receive a pay rise of at least £250 in (a) 2011-12 within the responsibility of the Office for Budget and (b) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. Responsibility (OBR), and I have asked the OBR to [20094] reply. Danny Alexander: The Budget announced a two-year Letter from Robert Chote, dated 1 November 2010: pay freeze from 2011-12 for public sector work forces, As Chair of the Budget Responsibility Committee of the except for those earning the full-time equivalent of Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), I have been asked to £21,000 or less, who will receive an increase of at least reply to your recent question: £250 per year. Approximately 1.7 million public sector To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has workers (excluding the devolved Administrations and made of the cost to the public purse of research and development public corporations), earn £21,000 or less. credits in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) 2014-15. 20765 For those areas where pay is not set centrally, it will be up to individual employers to determine their own The interim OBR’s June 2010 Budget forecast incorporated a forecast for research and development credits. Research and pay policy. Therefore, while the Government will expect development tax credits are included in the corporation tax similar restraint in these areas, it is not possible to state credits line in Table C11 (p100) in the June Budget. The element with certainty the proportion of those public sector of R&D tax credits which are paid out to firms with no tax workers earning £21,000 or less who will receive £250. liability are treated as AME expenditure and included in the tax credits line in Table C13 (p102) in the June Budget. Public Sector: Richmond Upon Thames Following your request for supplementary information on its forecasts, the Office for Budget Responsibility will release the Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the specific information on R&D tax credits on 18 November 2010, Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect on at 11am. This information will be published on the OBR website, the number of public sector jobs in Richmond Park and copies of all published material will be made available to constituency of the reductions in departmental Parliament. This is in accordance with our publication procedure, spending announced in the Comprehensive Spending which is available on our website at: Review. [20565] http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/d/ release_policy.pdf Danny Alexander: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) released, as part of its Budget forecasts on 22 June 2010, projections for whole economy Working Tax Credit employment to 2015-16. Further information on its employment forecast, Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the including projections for general Government employment, Exchequer whether his estimate of the level of savings ″ was released on 30 June 2010 in its document OBR which will accrue from his proposed changes to the ″ forecast: Employment , which can be found on the working hours requirement for the working tax credit following webpage: includes assumptions on behavioural changes. [19842] http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/ publications.html A revised forecast will be released on 29tNovember Justine Greening: The estimate of the level of savings 2010. which will accrue from his proposed changes to the working hour’s requirement for couples with children The OBR has not published forecasts on a sub-national does not include behavioural assumptions. level. The policy costings for the Spending Review do not Research and Development Tax Credit generally include indirect behavioural effects. If the Office for Budget Responsibility judges them to be Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the significant they will be captured in their autumn 2010 Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the economic forecast. ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 1 November 2010

Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 591 HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Community Support Officers...... 599 National Crime Agency ...... 596 Deportation Services (Private Companies)...... 605 Newport Passport Office...... 604 Immigration...... 603 Police Numbers...... 597 Immigration...... 605 Police Numbers...... 601 Immigration Rules (UK Science Base) ...... 602 Topical Questions ...... 606 Immigration System...... 593 West Midlands Police...... 591 Licensing Act 2003...... 600 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 1 November 2010

Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE...... 27WS TREASURY ...... 27WS Iraq Historic Allegations Team...... 27WS Independent Public Service Pensions Commission. 27WS The Office for Budget Responsibility (Treasury FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 28WS Committee Report)...... 27WS General Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council, 25 October 2010...... 28WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 1 November 2010

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 489W CABINET OFFICE...... 601W Crown Prosecution Service: Pay ...... 489W Central Office of Information: Newcastle upon Daniel Ubani ...... 489W Tyne...... 601W Departmental Sick Leave ...... 489W NDPBs: Legal Aid...... 601W Euthanasia: Switzerland ...... 490W Voluntary Organisations: Equality...... 601W Sexual Offences: Young People ...... 490W Voluntary Organisations: Innovation ...... 602W Voluntary Organisations: Public Expenditure ...... 602W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 613W Aimhigher Scheme...... 613W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 519W Anti-Semitism...... 614W Anti-Semitism...... 519W Broadband ...... 614W Audit Commission ...... 519W Broadband: Wales...... 614W Audit Commission: Conflict Management Plus ..... 522W Charity Research Support Fund ...... 615W Audit Commission: Connaught ...... 522W Debts: Advisory Services...... 615W Audit Commission: Consultants ...... 522W Debts: Students...... 616W Audit Commission: Exeter Golf and Country Departmental Pay ...... 616W Club...... 523W Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme ...... 617W Audit Commission: Historic Royal Palaces ...... 524W Flexible Working...... 617W Audit Commission: London Zoo ...... 525W Higher Education...... 618W Audit Commission: Marketing...... 525W Higher Education: Disadvantaged ...... 619W Audit Commission: Marks’ Home and Garden ..... 526W Higher Education: Females...... 619W Audit Commission: Nineteen Restaurant...... 526W Higher Education: Part-time Education...... 619W Audit Commission: Official Hospitality...... 527W Higher Education: Private Sector...... 620W Audit Commission: Oval Events ...... 527W Institute for Fiscal Studies ...... 620W Audit Commission: Press Cuttings...... 528W Money Lenders: Crime ...... 620W Audit Commission: Progressive Resources Ltd ...... 528W Post Offices: Finance...... 621W Audit Commission: Public Finances ...... 529W Regional Development Agencies...... 622W Audit Commission: Smith Institute...... 529W Regional Development Agencies: Closures ...... 622W Carers: Public Expenditure ...... 529W Royal Mail: Edgworth...... 623W Coal: Mining...... 530W Science: Finance...... 623W Council Housing...... 530W Science: Regional Planning and Development ...... 623W Council Tax: Medway ...... 531W Students: Fees and Charges...... 623W Emergency Services...... 531W Students: Finance ...... 624W European Regional Development Fund...... 532W Technology and Innovation Centres...... 624W Fire Services: North East ...... 533W UK Trade and Investment: Finance ...... 625W Fire Services: Nottinghamshire ...... 533W UK Trade and Investment: Manpower ...... 625W Fire Services: Strikes ...... 534W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued continued Departmental Redundancy ...... 547W Grants: Expenditure ...... 534W Energy Efficiency ...... 547W Homelessness...... 537W Energy: Housing ...... 548W Housing Benefit ...... 537W Energy: Tariffs ...... 548W Local Enterprise Partnerships: Essex ...... 538W Energy: Western Isles ...... 549W Local Government ...... 539W EU Emissions Trading Scheme: Carbon ...... 549W Local Government Boundary Review ...... 539W Fuel Poverty...... 550W Local Government Finance ...... 539W Offshore Industry...... 550W Microgeneration...... 540W Renewable Energy...... 550W Natural England: Planning Permission ...... 540W Warm Front Scheme ...... 551W Outdoor Advertising...... 541W Wind Power ...... 552W Silica: Quarrying...... 541W Sky Lanterns...... 541W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Social Rented Housing: Arrears...... 541W AFFAIRS...... 602W Social Rented Housing: Evictions ...... 542W Agriculture: Finance ...... 602W Social Rented Housing: Rents...... 542W Dogs ...... 603W Supporting People Programme ...... 542W Fisheries...... 604W Supporting People Programme: Oxfordshire...... 543W Flood Control...... 603W Supporting People Programme: Wolverhampton ... 543W Flood Control: Finance ...... 604W Temporary Accommodation: Homelessness ...... 543W Higher Level Stewardship Scheme ...... 605W Wind Power: Planning Permission ...... 544W Land ...... 606W Rural Areas: Impact Assessments ...... 606W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 552W Arts Council of England: Information Officers..... 552W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 569W Arts: Finance ...... 552W Burma: Overseas Trade...... 569W Departmental Expenditure Limits ...... 552W Burma: Politics and Government ...... 569W Horserace Totalisator Board ...... 555W Burma: Railways...... 570W Libraries: Domestic Visits ...... 555W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 570W London Olympics 2012: Bus Services...... 555W Departmental Sick Leave ...... 572W National Lottery: Armed Forces...... 556W Hajj Advisory Group ...... 573W National Lottery Distribution Fund ...... 555W Iran: Nuclear Power...... 573W Olympic Games 2012: Tickets...... 557W Iran: Sanctions...... 573W S4C: Finance...... 557W Israel: Illegal Settlers...... 574W Middle East: Armed Conflict...... 574W DEFENCE...... 595W Nuclear Disarmament...... 575W Aircraft Carriers ...... 595W Nuclear Weapons: Arms Control ...... 575W Armed Forces: Higher Education ...... 595W Peace Keeping Operations...... 575W Armed Forces: Training ...... 596W Sri Lanka: Human Rights...... 576W Defence: Expenditure...... 596W Tamils ...... 576W Defence: Exports...... 596W Departmental Research...... 597W HEALTH...... 626W Marchwood Military Port...... 597W Abortion ...... 626W RAF Kinloss: Rescue Services ...... 598W Accident and Emergency Departments ...... 627W Rescue Services: Private Finance Initiative...... 598W Accident and Emergency Departments: Greater Type 26 Frigates...... 598W London...... 627W UAVs: Afghanistan ...... 598W Acute Beds...... 627W Alzheimer’s Disease: Public Expenditure ...... 628W EDUCATION...... 606W Ambulance Services: Bassetlaw...... 629W Academies...... 606W Arthritis: Health Services...... 629W Arts: Curriculum...... 607W Blood: Contamination ...... 630W Building Schools for the Future Programme ...... 607W Breast Cancer: Screening...... 630W Building Schools for the Future Programme: Cancer: Drugs...... 631W Bolton...... 607W Care Homes: Inspections ...... 631W Free Schools...... 608W Care Homes: Regulation ...... 632W GCSE: Disadvantaged ...... 609W Carers: Voluntary Organisations ...... 632W History: GCSE and CGE A-level...... 610W Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ...... 632W History: Teachers...... 611W Dementia: Medical Treatments ...... 632W New Schools Network...... 611W Dental Services ...... 633W Pupil Numbers: Hounslow...... 612W Dental Services: Fees and Charges ...... 634W Reading: Teaching Methods...... 613W Depression: Autism...... 634W Schools: Transport ...... 613W Doctors: Foreign Workers...... 634W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 613W Doctors: Manpower...... 636W Drugs: Rehabilitation...... 635W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 544W General Social Care Council...... 637W Carbon: Prices ...... 546W Health Services: Public Expenditure ...... 637W Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Health Services: Wakefield Prison...... 637W Efficiency Scheme ...... 544W Health Services: West Sussex...... 638W Climate Change ...... 546W Healthy Schools Programme: Expenditure...... 638W Climate Change: International Cooperation ...... 546W Hepatitis ...... 638W Conferences ...... 547W Hospitals: Food ...... 639W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued JUSTICE...... 503W Hospitals: Infectious Diseases...... 639W Capital Projects...... 503W Hospitals: Mortuaries ...... 640W Departmental Pay ...... 504W Liver Diseases: Health Services...... 640W Food Supplements Directive ...... 507W Maternity Services ...... 640W Freedom of Information: Public Expenditure ...... 507W Multiple Sclerosis...... 647W Ian Tomlinson...... 508W Muscular Dystrophy ...... 647W Legal Aid ...... 508W National Treatment Agency: Finance...... 647W Magistrates Courts...... 509W NHS: Lobbying...... 647W Magistrates Courts: Bassetlaw ...... 509W NHS: Local Government ...... 648W National Offender Management Service: Public NHS: Sick Leave...... 648W Expenditure ...... 509W NHS: Telephone Services...... 648W Offenders: Deportation...... 510W North West Strategic Health Authority: Offenders: Mental Illness ...... 511W Redundancy...... 649W Pleural Plaques Compensation Scheme...... 511W Organs: Donors ...... 649W Prisoners ...... 512W Pharmaceuticals...... 650W Prisoners: Terrorism...... 513W Primary Care Trusts: Manpower...... 650W Prisons: Education...... 513W Primary Care Trusts: Negligence...... 651W Prisons: Population...... 514W Primary Health Care: Finance ...... 651W Probation Service...... 514W Recruitment ...... 652W Redundancy: Public Expenditure...... 514W Reducing Cancer Inequality: Evidence...... 652W Reparation by Offenders ...... 515W Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Expenditure ...... 653W Sentencing...... 516W Social Services: Finance ...... 653W Streptococcus: Babies...... 654W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 491W Streptococcus: Pregnancy ...... 655W Billy Wright Inquiry...... 491W Strokes: Health Services...... 655W Swine Flu: Vaccination ...... 657W PRIME MINISTER ...... 495W Thromboembolism...... 657W Members: Allowances ...... 495W Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 496W Europe: UK Delegations...... 495W Animal Welfare ...... 497W Task Force on Strengthening Economic Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate ...... 498W Governance in EU ...... 496W Asylum: Deportation ...... 498W Borders: Personal records ...... 499W TRANSPORT ...... 576W Criminal Records Bureau...... 499W Bus Services ...... 576W Criminal Records: Fees and Charges...... 500W Bus Services: Standards ...... 577W Departmental Consultants...... 500W Crossrail...... 577W Firearm and Knife Injuries ...... 497W Cycling Schemes ...... 578W Human Trafficking ...... 500W Departmental Computer Software...... 578W Immigration...... 501W Departmental Manpower...... 578W Immigration Cap: Science and Industry...... 497W Departmental Sick Leave ...... 579W Knives...... 501W Departmental Training ...... 579W Law Enforcement Agencies: Expenditure...... 502W Driving Offences: Fraud...... 579W Licensing Act 2003...... 497W Driving Tests: Birmingham ...... 580W Offensive Weapons...... 502W East Coast Railway Line ...... 581W Police Stations: Opening Hours ...... 496W Galileo ...... 581W Prostitution...... 502W Great Western Main Line...... 582W Rape: Finance ...... 503W Great Western Railway: Finance ...... 583W Rural Police Forces ...... 496W High Level Output Strategy ...... 583W UK Border Agency ...... 496W High Speed Trains: Finance ...... 583W High Speed Trains: Staffordshire...... 584W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION ...... 495W Highways Agency: Finance...... 584W Official Hospitality ...... 495W Large Goods Vehicles ...... 584W M4: Bus Lanes ...... 585W M20: Noise ...... 585W INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Training...... 585W STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE...... 492W Motorways...... 585W Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority: Motorways: Speed Limits ...... 586W Manpower ...... 492W Railway Heritage Committee ...... 586W Members: Allowances ...... 492W Railways: Birmingham...... 586W Personnel: Privilege Days...... 494W Railways: Comprehensive Spending Review...... 586W Season Ticket Loans ...... 494W Railways: Construction...... 587W Railways: Disability ...... 587W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 599W Railways: East of England ...... 587W Climate Change: Finance...... 599W Railways: Electricity Generation ...... 588W Institute for Fiscal Studies ...... 599W Railways: Electrification ...... 588W Members: Correspondence ...... 599W Railways: Fares ...... 588W Sri Lanka: Internally Displaced Persons ...... 600W Railways: Finance ...... 589W Sri Lanka: Overseas Aid ...... 600W Railways: Noise...... 589W Uganda ...... 600W Railways: North West ...... 590W Yemen ...... 600W Road Traffic: Opening of Parliament...... 590W Col. No. Col. No. TRANSPORT—continued TREASURY—continued Roads: Privatisation ...... 591W Public Sector: Richmond Upon Thames...... 667W Roads: Sandwell...... 591W Research and Development Tax Credit ...... 667W Roads: West Midlands ...... 591W Working Tax Credit ...... 668W Rolling Stock ...... 591W Rolling Stock: North West ...... 592W WALES...... 491W Severn Crossing: Finance ...... 592W Disability: Public Expenditure ...... 491W Severn Crossing: Manpower ...... 593W Public Expenditure: Wales ...... 492W Speed Limits ...... 593W Trains: Public Lavatories...... 593W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 659W Transport: Finance...... 594W Apprentices: Equalities and Human Rights Transport: Greater London...... 594W Commission...... 659W Underground Railways: North East...... 594W Departmental Equality ...... 660W

TREASURY ...... 661W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 558W Aggregates Levy: Northern Ireland...... 661W Access to Work Programme ...... 558W Aviation: Taxation ...... 661W Cancer: Asbestos...... 558W Banks: Pay ...... 661W Carers: Finance...... 559W Barclays: Burma...... 661W Children: Maintenance ...... 559W Beer: Business ...... 661W Council Tax Benefits...... 560W Child Benefit...... 662W Council Tax Benefits: Scotland ...... 561W Child Benefit: Carlisle...... 662W Departmental Secondment ...... 563W Child Tax Credit ...... 662W Disability Living Allowance...... 563W Child Trust Fund: Lewisham ...... 662W Disadvantaged ...... 564W Departmental Manpower...... 663W Housing Benefit ...... 564W Disabled Persons Tax Credit: Carlisle ...... 663W Public Expenditure...... 565W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 663W Shared Housing ...... 565W Excise Duties: Fuels ...... 663W Social Rented Housing...... 565W Export Credits Guarantee Department: Pakistan .. 664W Social Security Benefits: Disability...... 566W National Insurance: Exemptions...... 664W Social Security Benefits: Fraud ...... 566W Office for Budget Responsibility: Finance...... 664W Social Security Benefits: Mental Illness...... 567W Oil: Prices...... 665W State Retirement Pensions: British Nationals Public Expenditure...... 665W Abroad ...... 568W Public Sector: North West...... 666W State Retirement Pensions: Uprating...... 567W Public Sector: Pay ...... 667W Winter Fuel Payments...... 568W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied, nor can corrections be made in the Weekly Edition. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Monday 8 November 2010

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CONTENTS

Monday 1 November 2010

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 591] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for the Home Department

European Council [Col. 613] Statement—(The Prime Minister)

Aviation Security Incident [Col. 632] Statement—(Mrs May)

Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies [Col. 647] Programme motion (No. 4) (Mr Harper)—on a Division, agreed to As amended, considered

Aircraft Carriers [Col. 739] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 27WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 489W] [see index inside back page]