Tuesday Volume 526 5 April 2011 No. 146

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 5 April 2011

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2011 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through The National Archives website at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/our-services/parliamentary-licence-information.htm Enquiries to The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 875 5 APRIL 2011 876

The Deputy Prime Minister: The commission will be House of Commons looking at the case for a British Bill of Rights, building on and incorporating all the protections and rights that are already in domestic legislation, translating the rights Tuesday 5 April 2011 and responsibilities of the European convention on human rights and building on them, but I think that The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock there is a lot more that the commission can do as well. The Court, by universal acknowledgment, is not working as well as it should. There is a backlog of 140,000 cases, PRAYERS for instance. The Government will assume the chairmanship of the Court in November, and the commission will be providing us, I hope, with useful input on how we can [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] improve the performance of the Court in Strasbourg.

BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS Tony Baldry: Will the Deputy Prime Minister give the House an assurance that a British Bill of Rights will be written by Members of this House and not by the NEW WRIT judges, particularly as they now appear to be making Ordered, what many of us consider to be unconscionable orders That the Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the that prevent constituents talking to their MPs? That Crown to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Member to must be unconscionable, so any Bill of Rights must be serve in this present Parliament for the Borough constituency of written by this House and not by the judges. Leicester South in the room of Peter Alfred Soulsby, who since his election for the said Borough constituency has been appointed to the Office of Steward and Bailiff of Her Majesty’s Manor of The Deputy Prime Minister: Clearly a British Bill of Northstead in the County of York.—(Ms Rosie Winterton.) Rights, as I have said, must build on and incorporate the rights that British citizens already enjoy. British judges, parliamentarians and politicians have a long and proud tradition of drafting rights, which apply not Oral Answers to Questions only in this country but in others. I think back to the role of Sir David Maxwell Fyfe, the Lord Chancellor in the Churchill and Macmillan Governments, who played such a crucial role in drafting the European convention DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER on human rights in the first place.

The Deputy Prime Minister was asked— Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): In 2007 the current Prime Minister said that the Human Rights Act 1998 had to go. Last May the Deputy Prime Minister said Bill of Rights that anyone who tampered with it did so at their peril. Could he tell us who is right? 1. Esther McVey (Wirral West) (Con): What progress he has made on establishing a commission on a Bill of The Deputy Prime Minister: It is no secret that the Rights. [50758] two coalition parties in this Government do not see eye to eye on this issue. That is why we have formed a 2. Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): What progress he commission that is composed of—[Interruption.] I know has made on establishing a commission on a Bill of that Opposition Members cannot bear the idea that in Rights. [50759] Governments there are perhaps people who have civilised discussions from differing points of view. The mere The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): The concept of different politicians in the same Government commission has been established. The Parliamentary seeking agreement from different positions is alien to Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues, but it is for Forest of Dean (Mr Harper), who is responsible for what we do, and do very well, in this Government. political and constitutional reform, announced the membership and terms of reference of the commission in a written statement to the House on 18 March. Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): I welcome the huge number of Liberal Democrat MPs here today to show Esther McVey: I thank the Deputy Prime Minister support for their current leader at the final Deputy for his response. In the light of the European Court of Prime Minister’s questions before the local and national Human Rights judgments that have gone against the elections. I also welcome the president of the Liberal will of the British public by giving prisoners the right to Democrats, the hon. Member for Westmorland and vote, allowing paedophiles to be removed from the sex Lonsdale (Tim Farron), who is here today. offenders register and preventing deportation of those Mr Speaker, I am sure you will have been interested considered dangerous to the country’s national security, by the previous answer that the Deputy Prime Minister specifically when could the British Bill of Rights be gave to the question about his commitment to the introduced and how will the Deputy Prime Minister Human Rights Act, but Lord McNally in the other ensure that it will reflect the will of the British public place and the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate in law? Change have said that, if the coalition Government 877 Oral Answers5 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 878 considered getting rid of that Act, that would be the he sticks with a 100% elected House of Lords, and, if by time for them to consider getting out of the coalition any chance because of his support, as we have just seen, Government. It is a straightforward question: does the the campaign fails, he has absolutely nothing to do Deputy Prime Minister agree with them or not? with the reform of the House of Lords—so that we can get the thing through? The Deputy Prime Minister: I am a passionate advocate, supporter and defender of the Human Rights Act—full The Deputy Prime Minister: It is truly laughable, even stop. by the hon. Gentleman’s extraordinary standards, that he now wants to make a show of reform of the House Ministerial Meetings of Lords when his Government delivered precisely 0% of elected Members of the House of Lords. What I can 5. Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): What meetings he confirm to him and to the House today is that we will has scheduled in his official capacity for Friday 6 May bring forward and publish proposals for an extensive 2011. [50762] reform of the other place—of the House of Lords—by the end of next month. The Deputy Prime Minister: On 6 May, I will be in government and the right hon. Gentleman will be in Political Parties (Funding) opposition. 6. Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): When he Mr Spellar: I fully understand the Deputy Prime expects to bring forward proposals on the funding of Minister’s reluctance to outline any official duties, as he political parties. [50763] will have to cope with the Lib Dem wipe-out throughout the country, especially in Sheffield. We should sympathise The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark with him for having to do the rounds of the studios, the Harper): The hon. Gentleman will know that the Committee meetings with panic-stricken colleagues and the visit to on Standards in Public Life is currently carrying out a the relationship counsellor about the future of the review of party funding, and it expects to report this coalition. Will he be going back to transcendental spring. When it does, the Government will look with meditation, or will he just be back on the fags? interest at its report and then bring forward our proposals with, I hope, consensus. The Deputy Prime Minister: I cannot be bothered to answer that question. Nick Smith: I thank the Minister for his response. The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill includes Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): As a supporter provision for the election of police commissioners. What of no to AV and somebody who believes in balanced discussions has the Minister had about the governing of debate, and given that the Deputy Prime Minister was election expenses and any taxpayer contributions towards apparently unavailable for the launch of the yes to such expenses for the candidates in those elections? AV campaign, may I offer him this opportunity to say why he says yes to AV, so that as many people as Mr Harper: That was a very measured question. I am possible know of his support for it and what lies behind not sure what the hon. Gentleman is getting at in terms it? of taxpayer contributions, but I am sure that elections to the office of police commissioner will be carried out The Deputy Prime Minister: What I would say to my in the same way as other elections, and that they will be hon. Friend and, indeed, to all my hon. Friends on the very well regulated and very sensible. I am not quite Conservative Benches is that the Conservative party has sure, however, what the hon. Gentleman is driving at. had a long and proud tradition of advocating choice and competition in almost every walk of public life, but Referendum Costs that for some reason, which I still cannot fathom, election to this place is the one bit of public life that the 7. Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): What recent people who campaign against electoral reform do not estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of want to make susceptible to greater choice in the hands holding a UK-wide referendum. [50764] of the British people. I find that ironic. I think the present electoral system is self-evidently The Deputy Prime Minister: The cost of holding the broken. There are hundreds of Members in this place referendum is similar to the cost of holding a general who have jobs for life and need only to get 30% of the election. The Government have been very keen to be as vote in their constituency. No wonder we had expenses cost-efficient as possible, and that is why the referendum scandals: if you want more duck houses, vote no; if you is being held on the same day as other elections. want more accountability, vote yes. Ian Murray: Given the rising cost of living for my Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): We note from the constituents, partly due to the “Tory VAT bombshell”, Deputy Prime Minister’s previous answers today that does the Deputy Prime Minister think that spending up he has gone from sanctimony to arrogance in one very to £250 million on his AV vanity project is a good use of short year. The arrogance of his answers is phenomenal. public funds, and does his continued leadership of his May I urge him to allow himself a little luxury on party depend on a yes vote? 6 May—a day without Conservatives, no phone calls, no meetings, not even a walk in the park with his best The Deputy Prime Minister: First, I point out that it friend, the Prime Minister—so that he can refine his was in the hon. Gentleman’s manifesto to hold a referendum inner social liberal, so that if the AV vote has succeeded on AV, and I am sure he has worked out the sums for 879 Oral Answers5 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 880 himself. Secondly, this £250 million figure is complete proceed not only with idealism but with a degree of and utter fiction. This Government have set aside pragmatism, and that will be reflected, I hope, in the £120 million for the costs of the next general election. If draft Bill that we will publish before the end of next month. I understand it correctly, this fictional figure has come from the assumption that we will be using electronic T3. [50770] Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) counting machines, for which this Government have no (Con): I congratulate the Deputy Prime Minister on the plans whatsoever. news of the coalition Government’s announcement on the new social mobility and internship strategy. I hope, Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Does the Mr Speaker, that through your good offices we can Deputy Prime Minister agree that one cannot put a cost soon match that internship strategy in this place. May I on democracy and that establishing the principle of a ask, in particular, how the new internship scheme will referendum might allow us to have future referendums benefit my constituents, as too often these schemes are on such things as, say, the European Union? dominated by people from London or with London connections? The Deputy Prime Minister: I certainly accept my hon. Friend’s premise that we should always stand The Deputy Prime Minister: If we are to open up ready to provide the British people with an opportunity internships in Government and elsewhere—I am delighted to have a say on issues that are of huge, overwhelming that a large number of businesses have already announced national concern. I would not recommend it as a monthly that they will be introducing greater meritocracy and event, but it is certainly something that has arisen and transparency in how they administer internships in will continue to arise from time to time. their own offices—that will depend heavily on people being able to apply for and secure those internships Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): The Deputy from wherever they live across the whole of the country. Prime Minister seems very reluctant to spell out the precise cost of this referendum, so could he tell us Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): clearly how much he thinks it is going to cost? How The Deputy Prime Minister knows that the replacement many representations has he received saying that this is scheme for the abolished education maintenance allowance the No. 1 priority for people in his constituency? will mean a 60% cut, but does he recognise that his new scheme introduces uncertainty because it is discretionary? The Deputy Prime Minister: Of course, at a time of Under the new scheme, young people will not know in economic difficulty when there are rising living costs, advance whether they will get a bursary, whether the many other priorities impinge on people’s lives. That is college they choose will give it to them and how much why, for instance, people will welcome the fact that from they will get. What would he say to the thousands of tomorrow 23 million basic rate taxpayers will get £200 cash young people who are going to be left in the dark? in their pockets because of the income tax we are giving The Deputy Prime Minister: We always said that the back. I accept that that is more important. As I said previous system—I am sure that the right hon. and before, the cost of the referendum will be roughly the learned Lady would be fair enough to recognise that the cost of every general election. previous Government acknowledged this, too—would be altered and changed as the compulsory education Topical Questions age went up to 17 in 2013 and to 18 in 2015. What we are doing is what we always said we would do: we are T1. [50768] Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): not scrapping the thing altogether but replacing it with If he will make a statement on his departmental a £180 million fund that can be targeted precisely at responsibilities. those people for whom financial support is necessary to continue in full-time education. As she will know, we The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): As are providing more money for those who are particularly Deputy Prime Minister, I support the Prime Minister vulnerable than was available under the old EMA scheme. on the full range of Government policies and initiatives. Yes, we are providing discretion, because directors and I take special responsibility for this Government’s principals of further education colleges and sixth forms programme of political and constitutional reform. As have told us that that is the best way to ensure that they, part of this, I would like to confirm again that we will who know the individual pupils, can provide the support be publishing a draft Bill on House of Lords reform that is needed. before the end of May. Ms Harman: But the Deputy Prime Minister has not Mr Cunningham: Can the Deputy Prime Minister tell answered the point about uncertainty for students who us why he broke his election pledge in relation to will not know in advance. His answer will not wash with elections to the House of Lords? He said that it would the 600,000 young people who will lose out under the be 100% elected, but now he is saying 80%. EMA abolition and who, if they manage to stay in education, will face massively increased tuition fees. The Deputy Prime Minister: I am grateful for Labour Even in the constituency of his ludicrously titled advocate Members’ sudden fanatical interest in reforming the for access to education, London South Bank university, House of Lords, given that during 13 years in government which has always done all it can to provide quality they did precisely nothing about it. Of course I am a higher education to local people on low incomes, now supporter of a fully elected House of Lords, but I have says that it will have to charge £8,450. He said that the always said that if we want to prevent the fate of £9,000 fees would be the exception rather than the rule, previous attempts to reform the other place, we should but it has turned out that he is wrong. Is that not just not make the best the enemy of the good. We need to typical of this coalition of cuts, chaos and confusion? 881 Oral Answers5 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 882

The Deputy Prime Minister: What is typical is that with his colleague, the GP Evan Harris, that one of the the right hon. and learned Lady is jumping on the latest vital amendments is the right for GPs to opt out of bandwagon without checking her facts. Less than half commissioning? the universities that have published figures so far have said that they will seek to charge £9,000 for some The Deputy Prime Minister: I certainly agree that courses, but there are still several weeks—in fact, two or there should be nothing doctrinaire about the point at three months—to go before the Office for Fair Access which GP consortia become the commissioning bodies provides its consent to those plans, which can go ahead in the NHS. That is why exacting requirements will be only if those universities provide much greater opportunities applied to consortia. If they are not ready by April 2013, for disadvantaged children to gain access to those they will not be given the new commissioning powers. universities. She ignores the fact that if we include bursaries and fee waivers, the average level of charges T10. [50777] Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire imposed on individual students will be a whole lot and Kincardine) (LD): Following the Budget’s impact lower. on energy investor confidence, do the Government have plans to enable this country finally to offer the stability T4. [50771] Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): needed for long-term strategic investment decisions? Given that successive Governments have centralised powers from once mighty councils and municipalities, The Deputy Prime Minister: I know how strongly my what steps will the Deputy Prime Minister take to hon. Friend feels about this issue, and he has spoken ensure that localism is embedded in our constitution about it before. As I have explained to him, it is right and that future Governments cannot reverse those moves? that the Government have asked an industry that is making huge profits because of the rise in world oil The Deputy Prime Minister: I strongly agree with my prices to make a significant contribution to ensuring hon. Friend that one of the key things that we must that we can bring the price down on the forecourt and at deliver as a Government is the reversal of the outrageous the petrol pump for millions of people who are finding arrogation of power to central Government under Labour it difficult to deal with increasing living costs. As he over the past 13 years. That is a painstaking job that knows, there was an emergency meeting of PILOT, at must be reflected in the way we give more freedom to which it was made clear by the Secretary of State for teachers in the classroom, more financial autonomy to Energy and Climate Change and others that we want to our local authorities and more devolution in how our work with the industry to ensure that we can provide great NHS works. Across the piece, we must reverse the the right environment to foster its investment decisions tide of centralisation that was one of the most baleful in future. characteristics of the Labour Government. T7. [50774] Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Mr Speaker: I call Stephen Pound. He is not here. Falkirk) (Lab): As well as being responsible for having probably destroyed the electoral hopes of the Liberal John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Will the party, the Deputy Prime Minister is formally responsible Deputy Prime Minister answer the question that he has for the West Lothian question. He will know that a been asked twice by Opposition Members? How much private Member’s Bill is in Committee, under which will the referendum cost? I know that answering a every piece of legislation would be labelled according to straight question is a bit of an alien concept to him, but which parts of the United Kingdom it affected. That will he give us a straight answer? How much will it be? would start a process of denying Members from Scotland the right to vote on all legislation in this House. Does he The Deputy Prime Minister: As I said before, it is the support that Bill? same as that of a general election. One thing I can tell the hon. Gentleman is that if there is a change in the The Deputy Prime Minister: This is a very difficult electoral system it will not—I repeat, not—cost £250 million. issue—[Interruption.] It is an issue that has bedevilled Governments for a long time. We do not support the T6. [50773] Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Does Bill, but we support the establishment of a commission the Deputy Prime Minister consider the rules on to look into the West Lothian question, and we will reporting of political donations to be adequate when establish one in due course. the no campaign in this referendum canvasses for support from the public without telling them where the Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): Further money is coming from? to the question from the hon. Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Michael Connarty), can the Deputy The Deputy Prime Minister: I strongly agree. If we Prime Minister give us a little more clarity on his are going to have the two sides of the argument deployed timetable for establishing the West Lothian commission? up and down the country in this all-important referendum, the least the public can expect is to find out who is The Deputy Prime Minister: There is a need to ensure bankrolling the no campaign. I hope that the people in that we do not overlap the important work of the the no campaign will come clean with the British people commission on the West Lothian question with the very soon. equally important work that we are doing on the reform of the other place. Once we have established the progress T5. [50772] Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): on that draft Bill, which we will publish before the end I see that the Deputy Prime Minister is now to play a of next month, we will be in a clearer position to role in the health legislation. I am in the midst of determine the timetable for proceeding on the West consulting GPs in Selly Oak on that. Does he agree Lothian question. 883 Oral Answers5 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 884

T8. [50775] Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): May I, in (Lab/Co-op): Last month, my constituent Christina all fairness, congratulate the Deputy Prime Minister on O’Brien was one of four Liverpool passport office showing since last May that the idea that his party is workers who were dismissed because they had been some kind of progressive alternative to Labour is absolute given permanent contracts by mistake. Ten others were nonsense? For that alone, he deserves every possible switched to temporary contracts. Will the Deputy congratulation. Prime Minister pursue the appalling treatment of these hard-working employees with the Home Office? They The Deputy Prime Minister: Let us just look at some have done nothing wrong, and they deserve to get their of the things that have been happening. Last Friday— jobs back. [Interruption.] Mr Speaker: Order. I know that the Deputy Prime The Deputy Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman Minister is quite capable of looking after himself, but speaks with great conviction and passion about the fate the hon. Member for Walsall North (Mr Winnick) has of his constituents. Of course, I would be happy to asked the question, and Members must hear the answer. receive further information from him and look into the The Deputy Prime Minister must be heard. case. The Deputy Prime Minister: I wanted to give the hon. Gentleman some specific examples of progress: last Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): Returning to Friday—the start of the implementation of the pupil House of Lords reform, if media reports are correct, premium, with £2.5 billion for the most disadvantaged elections will be held on a regional basis. My constituents children in our schools by the end of this Parliament; treasure their connection with the historic county of tomorrow—the delivery of a new tax threshold that will Lincolnshire, and do not want to be dragged kicking take 880,000 people on low pay out of paying any and screaming into the Yorkshire and Humber region. income tax, and the delivery of a triple guarantee for all Can the Deputy Prime Minister assure me that they will pensioners, restoring the earnings link that Labour be consulted fully on where they will be placed? failed to restore in 13 years. By the way, tomorrow is the beginning of the financial The Deputy Prime Minister: That is one of the reasons year when the hon. Gentleman’s party promised details why we are publishing a draft Bill before the end of next of £14 billion-worth of cuts, according to its plans for month, as I have said. The draft Bill will, in turn, be the reduction of the deficit. Where are they? When will subject to exhaustive scrutiny by a Joint Committee of Labour come clean with the British people? both Houses, to which he and all other hon. Members will be able to make representations on issues of concern Mr Speaker: We come to questions to the Attorney- to them. General. I call Jack Dromey. [Interruption.] Order. I appeal to Members who are leaving the Chamber, Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): When the Deputy particularly those who are walking past someone who is Prime Minister signed the foreword to the Government’s to ask a question, to do so quickly, quietly and preferably national health service White Paper, which part of the with some dignity. policy did he disagree with? ATTORNEY-GENERAL The Deputy Prime Minister: I actually think that the basic ideas that we need less bureaucracy in the NHS, The Attorney-General was asked— that GPs, who know the patients best, should have greater responsibility in it and that we need greater accountability, less centralisation and a greater role for Human Trafficking local authorities are accepted across the piece as the 1. Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): right approach, except perhaps on the Labour Benches. When he expects the Crown Prosecution Service to The key thing now is to ensure that we get the details publish its public policy statement on the prosecution and the implementation right. As the Secretary of State of cases involving human trafficking. [50788] for Health said very clearly yesterday, where there are legitimate concerns, for instance about the governance The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): The Crown of a GP consortium or the role of the private sector, we Prosecution Service expects to publish its public policy will seek to address them. That will then lead to substantive statement on the prosecution of cases involving human changes through amendments at the end of the process, trafficking later this spring. in about two months’ time. Jack Dromey: The Attorney-General will be aware of Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con): One of the the heartbreaking case of the young woman from Moldova most scandalous statistics in our democracy is the fact who was trafficked for the purposes of prostitution, that of 5.5 million British subjects abroad, only about deported, gang raped and tortured, and who is now 15,000 are registered. What are we going to do to taking legal action as a consequence. Will he impress improve the registration rates of British subjects abroad? upon both the CPS and the United Kingdom Border Agency that they have to act sensitively and in a determined fashion designed to end modern-day slavery? The Deputy Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is right to identify that as a real problem, and we are examining The Attorney-General: I can assure the hon. Gentleman right now how we can improve the situation so that even that the CPS fully understands those points and takes if British citizens live and work abroad, they can continue them very seriously indeed. He will be aware that the to participate in the democratic life of our country. last Government, with the support of all Opposition 885 Oral Answers5 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 886 parties, supported signing up to the Council of Europe Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): Further convention to deal with those who are trafficked. As he to the guardianship point that has just been raised, how will know, that provides for a period in which the long does the Solicitor-General believe it will take to person in question can recuperate, for which they are enshrine article 14 in UK law? given temporary leave to remain in the United Kingdom. He will also be aware that the CPS takes very seriously The Solicitor-General: I do not know. the need to bring such cases to court. Prosecution is sometimes very difficult and, of course, witnesses may Crown Prosecution Service be reluctant to come forward, but the fact that those difficulties exist does not in any way diminish the seriousness with which the matter is approached. 3. Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): What steps the Crown Prosecution Service plans to Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): Will my right hon. take to achieve its planned expenditure reductions over and learned Friend advise the House how improvements the comprehensive spending review period. [50790] in the performance of the CPS in magistrates courts might be achieved? The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): The CPS has developed and implemented a structured cost reduction The Attorney-General: The vast majority of trafficking plan, which will achieve the 25% budget reduction over cases—trafficking being a serious matter—are likely to the comprehensive spending review period and, at the go to the Crown court. More generally, the CPS is same time, maintain the capability of the CPS to deliver always looking to improve its performance in all courts its core business to a high standard. The plan covers in which it appears. If any specific matter troubles my expenditure on staff, accommodation, information hon. Friend about the performance of the CPS, and if technology, counsels, fees and administration costs. A he brings it to my attention, I shall ensure that he gets a recruitment freeze has been implemented and will continue proper reply. for the next four years. Contracts have been renegotiated Child Trafficking and the costs of many corporate services will be halved by 2014. 2. Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to Mr Cunningham: Given the cuts that the Attorney- increase the prosecution rate for child trafficking General has just outlined, how will the CPS maintain its offences. [50789] high standards?

The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier): The Crown The Attorney-General: All savings are challenging, Prosecution Service is working with law enforcement but the CPS is conscious of its statutory obligations. agencies and others in the United Kingdom and in The publication of its core quality standards underlines countries of origin to improve the investigation and its commitment to delivering a quality service and its prosecution of child trafficking cases. priorities remain the prosecution of offences. It is carrying Steve McCabe: Does the Solicitor-General agree that out efficiency savings across the board, particularly in two of the obstacles to improving successful prosecutions respect of its central units. It believes that it can carry are the tendency to focus on prosecuting young victims out the savings without affecting its ability to conduct for crimes committed under duress and, as ECPAT UK prosecutions. and the Body Shop have argued, the lack of a proper system of guardianship to prevent child victims of Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Is the trafficking from disappearing, especially from local authority Attorney-General following up the suggestion of the care? Director of Public Prosecutions, which was made in evidence to the Justice Committee, that considerable The Solicitor-General: I think I understand the thrust savings could be made by better handling in the courts of the hon. Gentleman’s question. However, I assure of early guilty pleas, as has been developed in Liverpool? him that the CPS does not prosecute people just for the hell of it. It prosecutes people against whom there is The Attorney-General: Indeed. I have participated in evidence and whose activities require the attention of discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service and the criminal courts. Those who are forced here and members of the judiciary on ensuring that the example commit crimes under duress are most unlikely to be of early guilty pleas in Liverpool can be progressively prosecuted, but I assure him that the CPS is deeply rolled out throughout the country. Other pilot schemes sensitive to the nature of those people’s existence and will operate that initiative. The Liverpool example suggests how they have come into this country. No prosecutions that very substantial cost savings can be achieved. I of people who are under duress should take place. cannot emphasise too much to the right hon. Gentleman and the House that the difference in cost between an Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con): early guilty plea and a case that trails on without a plea What is the likely effect on rates of prosecution if the until trial is imminent is in fact huge. United Kingdom signs up to the European Union directive on human trafficking? Specialist Rape Prosecutors The Solicitor-General: I think that the Prime Minister announced last Wednesday week that we are now signing 4. Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): How many up to that directive, having considered the matter. I specialist rape prosecutors the Crown Prosecution cannot tell him what the effect will be in numerical Service employed in the latest period for which figures terms, but it will have some beneficial effects. are available. [50791] 887 Oral Answers5 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 888

The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier): Specialist Specialist support services play a key role in contributing rape prosecutors have been appointed by chief Crown to those improvements. If I may make the position prosecutors based on local business needs. The number quite clear, the CPS is committed to working with those has not been centrally collated, but in January 2011, the specialist services and believes that a priority will be Director of Public Prosecutions said that 839 prosecutors given to their continuation, to ensure that it can continue throughout England and Wales had the requisite training to do the work it currently does. and experience to deal with rape cases. Human Trafficking Alison McGovern: It is worrying that conviction rates for rape and sexual offences other than rape are down. What will the Solicitor-General do to stop that slide 6. Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): What steps he is from becoming a worrying trend? taking to ensure that people recognised as trafficked under the national referral mechanism procedure are The Solicitor-General: I do not mean to misinterpret not prosecuted for criminal offences related to their the hon. Lady’s question, but in my submission, the trafficking. [50793] more important question is the attrition rate between report and the arrival of the case in court. The conviction The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier): Guidance rate in sexual offences cases stands good comparison has been issued to prosecutors on the prosecution of with that for most other crimes, but we need to concentrate defendants charged with criminal offences who might on the falling away of evidence from victims who are be trafficking victims. It advises prosecutors on the unprepared to take the matter from the initial stage right steps that should be taken when reviewing such a case. the way through to the court. I can assure her that the Similar guidance has also been issued to the police. police and the CPS are doing all they can to ensure that the attrition rate is not as high as it has historically been. Jeremy Lefroy: What steps is the Solicitor-General taking to ensure that the victims of trafficking are Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): On that better protected, so that they are more likely to give point of attrition, may I commend to the Solicitor-General evidence? the use of intermediaries to help vulnerable witnesses to give their evidence in an effective way, particular in The Solicitor-General: The national referral mechanism respect of allegations of rape and other serious sexual has improved the identification of trafficked victims offences? I have had personal experience of such and their subsequent referral into appropriate support intermediaries and I commend their use to him. and protection. As part of the wider strategy to combat human trafficking, the Government are introducing a The Solicitor-General: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, new model for funding specialist support for all adult who has huge experience as a criminal lawyer. There are victims of trafficking in England and Wales that will a number of things that we can do, and should do more provide support tailored to the individual needs of the of, to enable victims of rape to bring their cases to victims. There is guaranteed funding of up to £2 million court. To be raped is the most appalling experience, but a year to support this. If the victim agrees to assist in to have to relive that experience through the criminal criminal proceedings, a number of steps can be taken by justice system makes the matter all the worse. We must prosecutors to ensure their safety and improve their do all that we can to ensure that those women, and ability to give evidence, including special measures in some men, are enabled to bring their offenders to justice. court, applying for reporting restrictions to protect their identity or applying for the victim to give evidence Domestic Violence from their home country, if they wish to return there.

5. Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): The newly appointed What recent representations he has received on the chief officer in the Welsh Assembly responsible for effect on prosecution rates of the provision of specialist human trafficking issues in Wales said yesterday: domestic violence services. [50792] “Victims have no faith in the police and the public sector in their own countries because they are corrupt and traffickers will The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): Ihave tell them it is the same here.” received no recent representations. We know that that is not the case, but will the Minister indicate what he can do to ensure that people who do Luciana Berger: Does the Attorney-General agree not have faith in their own countries can have confidence that the success rate of the Crown Prosecution Service that we will deal with this issue seriously in ours? is dependent on factors outside its control, particularly in prosecuting crimes such as domestic violence? In The Solicitor-General: The right hon. Gentleman raises those circumstances, what will be the cumulative impact a very important point, which is that many of the of police, local authority and legal aid cuts on the victims come from jurisdictions in which the police are support available to victims of domestic violence, and seen as oppressors rather than assistants. As he on the number of perpetrators prosecuted? appreciates—having been a Home Office Minister and through his constituency experience—in this country, The Attorney-General: The hon. Lady is right that the the situation is rather different. As I said in answer to an success rate in domestic violence prosecutions has been earlier question, both the police and the Crown Prosecution on an upward trend—there was a significant increase Service are acutely sensitive to the difficulties that the from 65% in 2006-07 to 72% in 2009-10—against the victims of trafficking face, whether of sexual or labour background of an increasing volume of prosecutions. exploitation, or of immigration offences. 889 Oral Answers5 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 890

Rape The Solicitor-General: The SFO and the CPS will apply the prosecutors code in the usual way, and if that 7. Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): involves the application of common sense, they will What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to apply it. There is an awful lot of misinformed over- increase the rate of conviction for rape offences. [50794] excitement about the implementation of the Bribery Act. However, I would refer right hon. and hon. Members The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): Measures to an article on page 14 of today’s Financial Times by to strengthen rape prosecutions were announced by the Andrew Hill. It offers a sensible view on the matter. Director of Public Prosecutions in December 2010. Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) These include a new violence against women assurance (Lab): News of the implementation of the Bribery scheme involving the monitoring of approximately 25% Act 2010 is welcome. However, the Serious Fraud of all rape cases. Office faces slashed budgets and there is a plan to split its investigation and prosecution functions, against Diana Johnson: We are seeing a 25% cut in the CPS recommended practice. This uncertainty has already budget, cuts to specialist policing in cases of domestic seen six senior staff move to the private sector in recent and sexual violence, cuts to voluntary groups working weeks. What action will the Law Officers take to ensure with victims of sexual violence, fewer powers to use that confidence is maintained and that the UK is capable DNA evidence and fewer prison places. Despite this, is of delivering on its international obligations to tackle the Attorney-General confident about the prospects for serious corruption and fraud? more rape convictions? The Solicitor-General: By getting on with our job. The Attorney-General: If I may say to the hon. Lady, she asked an improper question, because it presupposed the answer at the time she raised it. The conviction rates for rape rose from 54% in 2006-07 to 59% in 2009-10, CHURCH COMMISSIONERS against a 17% increase in volume. There has also been an increase in guilty pleas. I have no doubt that, like all The hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church challenges, maintaining that into the future will require Commissioners, was asked— effort on the part of the CPS and the other organisations, but I have no reason to suppose that, as a result of the long list she announced, it should have an adverse Shahbaz Bhatti impact on the priority given to rape and our ability to convict people for it. 1. Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): What representations the Church of England has made on Mr Speaker: Order. I can assure the Attorney-General the death of Shahbaz Bhatti in Pakistan. [50778] that there has been no procedural impropriety of any kind. 6. Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): What representations the Church of England has made Bribery Act on the death of Shahbaz Bhatti in Pakistan. [50783] The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Tony Baldry): 8. Mr Tom Clarke (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) There were widespread expressions of sadness and concern (Lab): What progress the Director of Public Prosecutions across the Church of England and throughout Parliament and the Serious Fraud Office have made on guidance on following the news of the assassination of Federal the prosecution of cases under the Bribery Act 2010. Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, in Pakistan. [50795] The Archbishop of Canterbury takes a close interest in Pakistani affairs, after his visit to Pakistan in 2005, and The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier): The two had met with Mr Bhatti personally as recently as last directors issued joint guidance on 30 March this year. September. Both the archbishop and the Bishop of Pontefract, who chairs the archbishop’s Pakistan focus Mr Clarke: Does the hon. and learned Gentleman group, attended a service of remembrance and thanksgiving know whether the Attorney-General has had discussions for the life of Shahbaz Bhatti, which was held at with his Treasury colleagues, in the light of the budget St Margaret’s Westminster on 17 March. The Bishop of cuts to the SFO and the implications for the implementation Lahore is currently on a visit to the UK and has met the of the Bribery Act, given the diminished resources? Archbishop of Canterbury to discuss the unfolding situation and the position of Christians in Pakistan. The Solicitor-General: Both the SFO and the CPS The archbishop has reaffirmed the Church of England’s have factored in to their assessments of the financial full support for the work of the Church in Pakistan and needs of their prosecuting services the implications of solidarity with Christians facing persecution there and the Bribery Act, and both are satisfied that their work elsewhere. will be able to continue irrespective of the comprehensive spending review. Mr Buckland: It is likely that Mr Bhatti, who was a Christian himself, was murdered because he had suggested Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): Does my reforms to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Is not now a time hon. and learned Friend agree with the CBI that the for us to remember that article 18 of the universal SFO must take a common-sense approach to enforcement declaration of human rights, which enshrines the right of the Bribery Act to ensure that it is reasonable and to freedom of religion and belief, should be truly of risk based? universal application? 891 Oral Answers5 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 892

Tony Baldry: My hon. Friend, who chairs the be appropriate because Holy Saturday is the traditional Conservative party’s human rights commission, makes time of reflection and contemplation for Christians an important point. Freedom of religion and belief is a before the celebrations of Easter Sunday. The Archbishop fundamental human right, as set out in article 18 of the of York has been calling for all churches and Government universal declaration of human rights. As Amnesty buildings to fly the St George cross on their flagpoles on International has noted, both 23 April and 2 May.He has written to all Departments “the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a asking them to observe both 23 April and 2 May, to fundamental component of the universal and indivisible human ensure that we have a double celebration this year. rights framework that applies to all people everywhere, as laid out in international law.” Mr Nuttall: I thank my hon. Friend for that informative answer. Will the Church Commissioners be supporting Andrew Selous: I commend the Archbishop of the private Member’s Bill tabled by my hon. Friend the Canterbury on speaking out so strongly following the Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Nadhim Zahawi), which murder of Shahbaz Bhatti. Many of us were pleased to would have the effect of designating St George’s day, or see that, but will my hon. Friend ensure that the archbishop the nearest working day to it, a national public holiday? continues to speak out on these matters, not least in Iran, where 282 Christians in 34 different cities have Tony Baldry: In responding to my hon. Friend, I can been arrested since June last year, and where 300 Bibles do no better than to quote the Archbishop of York, were burned in February? who has said: “As someone who loves St George, I have long campaigned for Tony Baldry: My hon. Friend is right to remind the us to have a special holiday where we can celebrate our patron House of the persecution of Christians elsewhere in the saint and all that is great about our wonderful nation. There is so world. Let me remind the House of two comments much to love about England. Why can’t we put aside one day a made by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who said: year where we can wave our English flag of St George, sing songs “The protection of minorities of any and every kind is one acid about our proud history and maybe even drink a pint of English test of moral legitimacy for a government,” real ale with our friends.” and that applies to Iran, Iraq, Egypt and other countries Richard Graham: I am of course delighted that our where Christians are facing difficulties. The Archbishop noble cathedral continues to lead the way in celebrating of Canterbury has also observed that St George’s day, and I hope that other cathedrals and “Most Muslim thinkers are embarrassed by supposedly ‘Islamic’ churches will follow Gloucester cathedral’s example. In laws in various contexts that conceal murderous oppression and Scotland, St Andrew’s day has been marked by a public bullying…they need to be heard more clearly”. holiday since 2006. Many of us feel that St George’s day is at least as important a day in England. Indeed, Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): The welcome Shakespeare referred to statements from Lambeth palace and this House are one thing, but for a real impact, does the hon. Gentleman “Our ancient word of courage”. know whether the Prime Minister, who is currently in If the Church were to endorse the adoption of St George’s Pakistan, will publicly condemn what happened, and day as a public holiday, would my hon. Friend join me should he? in asking the Backbench Business Committee for an opportunity to debate the matter on the Floor of the Tony Baldry: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister House? is a robust defender of human rights. I am quite sure that he will not leave the Government of Pakistan in Tony Baldry: My hon. Friend makes a good point. It any doubt about the abhorrence felt in every part of this is worth recalling that St George’s day was declared a country and every part of civilised society at the murder public holiday as long ago as 1222. The House will of and martyrdom of people simply for their religious beliefs. course have an opportunity to support the private Member’s Bill tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Stratford- St George’s Day on-Avon (Nadhim Zahawi), who represents the constituency in which Shakespeare was born and died on St George’s day. For all those reasons, it is a good idea to have a 2. Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Whether public holiday to celebrate St George. the Church Commissioners plan to encourage the flying of the St George Cross flag by churches on Mr Speaker: I call Ben Bradshaw. Not here. St George’s day. [50779] Education 9. Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): What plans the Church of England has to mark St George’s 4. Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): What recent day. [50786] representations the Church Commissioners have received on the role of the Church of England in education. Tony Baldry: The Church of England is delighted to [50781] have a once-in-a-century opportunity to celebrate the patron saint of England on two occasions this year. The Tony Baldry: I thank my hon. Friend for her question. Church of England, along with other Christian In this, the bicentenary year of the Church of England’s denominations, will be officially celebrating St George’s National Society, the Church celebrates its long and day on 2 May. The reason for the shift in date this year distinguished history as a provider of primary and is that Easter is late, Easter Sunday falling the day secondary schools, and the society’s founding mission immediately after St George’s day, on 23 April. To to provide an education for the poor in every parish, celebrate St George’s day on Holy Saturday would not right across England, 50 years before state provision 893 Oral Answers5 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 894 began. The Church of England greatly values its continuing Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): role as a provider of inclusive and ethically grounded Will my hon. Friend confirm whether, if lottery money education for children of all communities. During this is to be increased, it will also be good news for places of bicentenary year, it is encouraging MPs to visit their worship? local church schools to see for themselves the outstanding work of the staff in the diverse communities they serve. Tony Baldry: Yes, absolutely. Indeed, we need to lever in all forms of funding for church buildings, which are a Fiona Bruce: I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. In very important part of our heritage. The Church of the light of the history of the Church’s role in establishing England looks after 19,000 churches, many of which education for all in this country, does he agree that it is are grade I listed buildings. We need to make sure that right that those in government at all levels should we find money from wherever we can to maintain that applaud the role of faith in our country as an inspiration heritage for future generations. for the generous community spirit of so many in our society—and, indeed, as one of the key building blocks ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE of the big society—through engaging constructively with the Church? The hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission Tony Baldry: My hon. Friend is right. I am aware that was asked— Ministers and officials at the Department for Education are working closely with the Bishop of Oxford, who was Enfranchisement (Non-residents) recently appointed by the Archbishops as the new chairman of the board of education. The education division of 7. Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con): What the Church of England has a continual and constructive research the Electoral Commission has commissioned relationship with colleagues in the Department for and evaluated on the enfranchisement in other Education. Recent conversations have included discussions countries of their non-residents. [50784] about academies and free schools, as well as detailed discussions about recent legislation and the impact on Mr Gary Streeter (South West Devon): The Electoral existing Church schools’ estate. In addition, the education Commission has not conducted research into the division of the Church of England is planning two enfranchisement of non-residents in other countries. events in Parliament to celebrate the important work of The commission does not take a view on the franchise, Church schools. An exhibition will take place in the because that is a matter for Parliament. Upper Waiting Hall in July, which I hope right hon. and hon. Members will visit. There will also be a reception Greg Hands: May I refer my hon. Friend to the on the Terrace in October to celebrate the bicentenary statistic I mentioned earlier—that of 5.5 million British of the National Society. subjects living abroad, only 15,000 are on the electoral register? Can we learn something from the United States, Listed Places of Worship which always encourages its nationals, when abroad, to register with their American embassy or consulate, while at the same time encouraging those citizens to register 5. Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): to vote? Could we not do the same thing? What recent discussions the Church Commissioners have had with Ministers on the future of the listed Mr Streeter: My hon. Friend makes a very interesting places of worship grant scheme. [50782] and helpful suggestion. In its report on the administration of the 2010 UK general election, the commission called Tony Baldry: The Church of England welcomed the on the Government to bring forward proposals for a Government’s announcement last October that the listed comprehensive modernisation strategy, which should places of worship scheme would continue beyond include options for improving voting opportunities for March 2011. We also accept the Government’s need to overseas electors. I will make sure that Ministers considering return the scheme to its original scope of eligibility and that report, including the Deputy Prime Minister, are to set cash limits for each year. Since then, the Church made aware of my hon. Friend’s excellent suggestion. of England has had positive discussions with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to determine Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): Has my hon. Friend, how the scheme can operate as simply as possible to as the representative of the Speaker’s Committee on the ensure that all the available money is paid out and that Electoral Commission, been notified of whether local the Department’s budget is not exceeded. authorities have, in view of this question and the role of Parliament to which he has referred, provided an opportunity for people to use their electoral facilities Diana Johnson: Will the hon. Gentleman continue to and services for the purpose of promoting the alternative make sure that there will be discussions with all the key vote? stakeholders to ensure that churches in the most deprived communities, where private donations are harder to get, Mr Streeter: My hon. Friend, as usual, makes an do not suffer unfairly because of the changes to the scheme? important point. I am not aware of any such representations, but he has raised a serious matter, which we will of Tony Baldry: Absolutely. It is, of course, a fundamental course look into. principle of the Church Commissioners to make sure that Church resources are targeted at deprived areas. Mr Speaker: We are grateful to the hon. Gentleman. 895 5 APRIL 2011 Social Mobility Strategy 896

Social Mobility Strategy out a clear framework for holding the Government to account on our ambitious proposals. We are creating a new statutory social mobility and child poverty commission 12.32 pm to assess progress on child poverty and social mobility, Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab) to hold Government and others to account, and to act (Urgent Question): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if as an advocate for change. We have developed a set of he will make a statement on the Government’s social leading indicators which will be used to track progress mobility strategy. towards a more mobile society. For the first time, as Departments develop new policies, they will need to The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): Today, consider the impact on social mobility. I will continue the Government are launching their strategy to improve to chair a group of Ministers to maintain the momentum social mobility. While our most urgent task is to sort for change. out the nation’s finances, our overriding mission is to Today’s strategy sets out the concrete steps that the take real steps towards a fairer society. To us, a fair Government are taking to promote social mobility and society is an open society, one in which everyone is free an open and fair society. There are many policy and to flourish and rise regardless of the circumstances of technical challenges in this area, and I am grateful for their birth. That is why the promotion of social mobility the support of Members in all parts of the House. Of is the principal objective of the coalition Government’s course it is true that most people do not sit around social policy. talking about inter-generational social mobility, but at It is simply unacceptable that so many of our children the heart of our strategy is a common instinct. It is the have their life chances shaped by the circumstances of most natural feeling in the world for any parent to want their birth. Gaps in development between children from their children to have the opportunities that they did different backgrounds can be detected even at birth. By not, and we can all agree that—as I said earlier—in a the age of five, bright children from poorer backgrounds fair society what counts is how hard you work, not how have been overtaken by less bright children from richer much your parents earn. In a fair society, ability trumps ones—and from this point on, the gaps tend to widen privilege, and that is the society that the Government still further. want to build. That is why this Government are taking a life-cycle approach to social mobility, an approach where we seek Ms Harman: I am afraid that the Deputy Prime to remove the obstacles to mobility at each stage of an Minister gave up the right to pontificate on social individual’s life—hence our new entitlements for free mobility when he abolished the education maintenance pre-school care for all two-year-olds from disadvantaged allowance, trebled tuition fees and betrayed a generation families and our pupil premium designed to narrow of young people. When I heard that he was going to attainment gaps in the school years. Then we are creating launch a commission on social mobility, I thought that an extra quarter of a million apprenticeships to boost it was April Fools’ day. In just 10 months this Tory-led mobility in the labour market, and opening up higher Government have launched an assault on opportunities education so that children from all backgrounds can for young people, especially the poorest. have the chance to go to university and end the scandal Will the Deputy Prime Minister confirm that the new whereby the one in five children who are eligible for free Office for Fair Access has no teeth? It is presiding over school meals make up less than one in 100 entering soaring youth unemployment, so why have the Government Oxford and Cambridge. abolished the future jobs fund? For many young people, We will continue to encourage fair access to jobs mobility now means a bus down to the jobcentre. Families during adulthood and, in particular, we are tackling the with young children are feeling the squeeze, so why have long-standing problems caused by unpaid internships the Government cut tax credits? The first few years are dominated by those from the most affluent backgrounds. vital to a child’s prospects, so why have they cut Sure The civil service is leading by example, and today my Start? colleague Baroness Warsi announced an end to unfair The Deputy Prime Minister boasts about the pupil informal internships in Whitehall. We are signing up premium, but will he admit that the Government are companies and other organisations to a new business cutting school budgets? He claims that he wants to compact on social mobility, asking business to do its improve social mobility, so why has he dropped section 1 bit. It should be what you know, not who you know, of the Equality Act 2010, which would have legislated that helps you to get a foot in the door. for all public authorities to play their part in narrowing We recognise, of course, that Government alone cannot the gap between rich and poor? In opposition he said single-handedly create a fairer society. It is a task for that the Act did not go far enough, but now he is parents, communities, businesses, professions and voluntary dancing to the tune of the Tories. Next he will be organisations too. This is not just a Government mission; foxtrotting down to the Tory party’s fundraising ball, it is a national mission, and I hope that Opposition auctioning City internships for the children of the highest Members will support our drive to tackle the long-standing bidder. Is that not the Government’s idea of social problems of social immobility in this country. mobility? We have further to go, but they are turning Low levels of social mobility clearly exact a high the clock back. social price by cramping the opportunities of millions The Deputy Prime Minister says that he is on a of children, but they damage our economy too, because mission to improve social mobility. Curiously, whenever talented individuals are denied the opportunity to develop he is on a mission to achieve something, the very their full potential. Of course it is not enough just to opposite seems to happen. His support for EMAs saw talk about social mobility. We need clear measures and them abolished, his determination to end tuition fees a mechanism for accountability, and our strategy sets saw them trebled, and his commitment to no VAT rise 897 Social Mobility Strategy5 APRIL 2011 Social Mobility Strategy 898

[Ms Harman] of part-time students from low-income backgrounds have to pay an up-front fee. We are getting rid of that. resulted in a hike to 20%. Is there not a very important Secondly, we are changing when people will need to lesson here? If you care about something, the very last repay for the benefits of having gone to university. If we person whom you want on your side is the Deputy want to be fair, we should remember yet again that it is Prime Minister. He may be a man on a mission, but estimated that the earning power of those who have with him at the helm, it is mission impossible. gone to university will increase on average by about £100,000. It is therefore not unreasonable to ask people The Deputy Prime Minister: I am grateful to the right to make some contribution to that, but we are different hon. and learned Lady for her calm, objective comments in saying that that repayment should be made only on the Government’s social mobility strategy. May I when they are earning much more money than under just point out a little bit of context for her? Under the old system: £21,000 rather than £15,000. In practice, Labour, in the last 13 years public spending more than that means that while, yes, how much universities can doubled in cash terms from £300 billion in 1997-98 to charge will go up, in most respects—this is what Opposition over £600 billion in 2010, yet social mobility did not Members refuse to acknowledge—the repayments for increase at all. When are she and her colleagues going to graduates will go down, so that every single graduate in ask themselves some fundamental questions about why, the future will pay out less from their bank account despite all that extra public spending—they had money every month than they do under the Labour system. to spend; they have deprived us of that luxury—social That is fair, it is sustainable, and it will work. mobility did not increase at all? We are trying to tackle this difficult dilemma: increased public spending does Several hon. Members rose— not, in and of itself, increase opportunity and social mobility. That is the serious question with which I Mr Speaker: Order. Understandably, there is considerable hoped she would engage. interest in this matter, so there is some pressure on time. Secondly, there is nothing just, and it will not help I therefore ask for brief questions and pithy replies. social mobility at all, in saddling our children and grandchildren with this generation’s debts. I cannot for Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Does my right hon. the life of me understand how the— Friend agree that the way to increase social mobility and social justice for our young people is not to leave Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): Calm down! them on the scrapheap, as the last Government did, but to increase the number of apprenticeships by hundreds of thousands? The Deputy Prime Minister: No,Iamworkedupby the idea that the Labour party thinks that it is honest The Deputy Prime Minister: I strongly agree. I think it and right by the children and grandchildren of Great shows our commitment to providing people with access Britain to say that, according to the Labour deficit to the labour market that we are increasing by a quarter reduction plan, £14 billion-worth of cuts should be of a million the number of apprenticeships available to unveiled tomorrow—yet it has not had the decency to young people, compared with the previous Government’s tell people where those cuts would fall. The right hon. plans. I repeat again that this is at a time when we are and learned Lady’s leader recently went to Hyde park spending—I think—£400 million every single day in and emulated Martin Luther King. I never heard Martin borrowing costs, which is enough to build a primary Luther King say, “I have a dream: we need cuts, but a school every 20 minutes. Therefore, those deficit deniers little less and more slowly than the other lot want.” We on the Opposition Benches have to ask themselves have got to engage in this seriously. This is a long-term again: “How do you promote social mobility on a project which requires a long-term approach. morass of debt?” You cannot. On the education maintenance allowance, let me repeat the clarification I gave earlier: we are replacing Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): The right the untargeted EMA with a targeted bursary fund— hon. Gentleman may be aware of the Speaker’s [Interruption.] The right hon. Member for Leigh (Andy parliamentary placement scheme, which is due to launch Burnham) is yelling about this proposition from a sedentary on 8 June and will provide paid parliamentary internships position, but a former Labour Home Secretary himself for people from working-class backgrounds. Does he conceded that EMA was always going to change as the agree that unpaid internships are exploitative and totally compulsory education age rose to 17. We have put in unacceptable in this day and age? Can he confirm that place an annual bursary of £180 million for 12,000 of he has not employed and does not employ any unpaid the most vulnerable young people, which is equivalent interns himself? to about £38 a week. More money will go to 12,000 students, including young people who are in care or The Deputy Prime Minister: I certainly welcome the who have left care, those living independently, those efforts of the right hon. Lady and all those others who whose parents have died, those with disabilities and have been involved in the Speaker’s excellent initiative; teenage parents. That is our commitment to targeting it is a small beginning but very significant. Of course I help at those who most need it. agree with her principle that internships should be not On fees—[Interruption.] Well, let me give the right only advertised openly and transparently, so that there hon. Gentleman some figures on fees. For the first time is a meritocracy in who applies for and secures internships, since fees were introduced by the Labour Government, but properly remunerated. I can confirm that, as of no one at university, including the thousands of part-time today—[Interruption.] I think we would all accept that students, will have to pay any fees whatsoever. As a the way in which internships—in all parts of the House— result of the Labour system, thousands and thousands have been administered and received in the past has left 899 Social Mobility Strategy5 APRIL 2011 Social Mobility Strategy 900 a lot to be desired. Speaking as the leader of the Liberal The Deputy Prime Minister: I strongly agree with my Democrats, I can confirm that, as of today, we are hon. Friend’s agreement with the previous question—if making sure that advertisements for internships are that is not too circular a way of putting it. I am name and school blind, so that there is a completely delighted that today a number of large businesses from level playing field, and that proper remuneration is several fields—the media, accountancy and law—have provided to those who secure internships. I do not say said that they will play their part, not only by making this in a competitive way, but I hope that we can move sure they administer their own internship programmes towards having that kind of approach across the whole more transparently, but by going out to schools. I was Westminster estate. with a number of leaders from those professions in a school in Southwark this morning, talking to 15-year-olds Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): I in small groups about how they could aspire to become welcome the strategy’s strong emphasis on reducing lawyers, accountants and politicians. That simple act of family breakdown. Does the Deputy Prime Minister getting into schools and showing what is possible can agree that strong families are an engine of social mobility have a galvanising effect on the aspirations of young for many children in our nation? people.

The Deputy Prime Minister: Although I may not Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): May entirely agree with some of the suggestions that have I tell the Deputy Prime Minister that many Opposition been put forward as to how that might be reflected in Members will view the strategy with interest? There are the tax system, I strongly agree, of course, that strong some things that we rather like about it, although we families produce strong and self-confident children. I have some reservations. May I also tell him, however, want to pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the Secretary that warm words will not work here? Specific professions of State for Work and Pensions for leading the debate, have to be taken on in the hardest way, particularly not only in Westminster, but across the country, on the lawyers. It is almost impossible for a young person from link between family breakdown and repeat cycles of an ordinary background to get into law—to get a deprivation. pupilage or anything like that—and it is almost impossible to get on to a Bar vocational course unless one has been Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): May I welcome privately educated. the statement that the Deputy Prime Minister made today? Although there are some noble exceptions, the life chances of most children in this country are determined The Deputy Prime Minister: I thank the hon. Gentleman by the age of five. Given that, what importance does he for his kind words, although that will not do him any attach to the foundation years as the key driver of this good on the Opposition Benches—he needs to be careful. new strategy? I strongly agree with him that words and strategies are no good unless they are translated into action. Let me The Deputy Prime Minister: I pay tribute to the right say two things. First, we have to be realistic. This is a hon. Gentleman and thank him for the work he has deep-seated issue with quite profound social, economic done in his independent report. It cast a fascinating and cultural antecedents, so we are not going to change light on precisely the problem and dilemma he identifies, things overnight. The challenge is going to far outlive which is that many of the patterns of injustice, social this Parliament and, I suspect, the political career of inequality and social immobility set in very early and everyone in the Chamber right now. that, as a society, we have for too long embarked on What we are trying to do in the announcement today remedial actions much later in life. It is not too late by is establish a mechanism of scrutiny and accountability then—that is too pessimistic a view—but it is a whole in relation not only to what this Government do but to lot of more difficult and certainly more expensive to what all future Governments of whatever political remedy at that stage problems that have their source complexion do, so that it is built to last. That is why I when a child is very young. I certainly agree with the am very grateful for the work that the former Secretary right hon. Gentleman on the approach to foundation of State for Health, Alan Milburn, did for the previous years. We need to equip all children with what he has Government on internships and professions, and is called “school readiness”, so that by the time children doing in his current role as the interim chair of the new walk through the school gates they are in a better social mobility and child poverty commission. He is position to benefit from school. We want them to enjoy utterly independent and will produce an annual report it and find it enriching, rather than end up as one of the on our progress against the indicators we have set out in small number who are distracted, bored and very disruptive the strategy, not to the Government but to everyone at the back of the class. I should stress that that is bad here in Parliament, so there will be totally independent, for everybody in the class, so I strongly endorse his annual and regular scrutiny of how well or, indeed, how approach. badly we are doing. Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): This follows on from what the right hon. Member for Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): Parents and Salford and Eccles (Hazel Blears) said. Does the Deputy teachers in Hastings warmly welcome the pupil premium Prime Minister agree that all parties in this place, most that will follow children with free school meals, of major professions, the media and most top businesses whom we have a high number. Does my right hon. have been living in a glass house when it comes to the Friend agree that it is not just the money but the barriers to social mobility that informal internships reforms proposed by the Secretary of State for Work have set, and that at least the coalition Government are and Pensions that will make the real difference in making beginning to show a lead on this particular issue? social mobility a part of our lives? 901 Social Mobility Strategy5 APRIL 2011 Social Mobility Strategy 902

The Deputy Prime Minister: One fact speaks for itself The Deputy Prime Minister: I think that is unfair. We and confirms exactly what my hon. Friend says: the published a written statement with the document at Work programme will take 900,000 people out of poverty 9.30 am and I have just referred to child poverty figures altogether by providing the simple incentive that work and the effect of the Budget on them. Just to be clear, always pays. It is a dramatic rebalancing of the benefit we have said that the child poverty strategy and the system and incentives to work, which will have a socially social mobility strategy are perfectly aligned. Why? It is progressive effect. because in our view simply taking a statistical snapshot view of child poverty, as happened in the past with the Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): Notwithstanding what 60% of median income cut-off, does not capture why the Deputy Prime Minister has said, does he recognise social mobility has not improved over generations. That that many of the measures introduced by the Government, is why we have tried to introduce a more well-rounded in relation to child trust funds, child benefit changes, and fuller picture in what we have published today. tax changes, tuition fees and the education maintenance allowance, will have a cumulative squeezing effect on Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): I very much many hard-working families? Is he not worried that the welcome the Deputy Prime Minister’s focus on leading compound impact of those measures will damage the indicators, which build and draw on the work of the emancipation of aspiration and social mobility? right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field). Of course, that makes it very important that we get the right The Deputy Prime Minister: I would test Mr Speaker’s indicators and make sure there is a sufficiently broad patience if I went through each of the items that the and balanced base. In the early years, which are so hon. Gentleman mentions. I really believe that hon. crucial, we know that some of the drivers are a healthy Members should look in more detail at how the new pregnancy, early attachment and spending time with higher education funding system will work and what it baby, talking and reading to her. How will the leading- will mean for individual graduates in terms of money indicators approach fully reflect those key factors? out of their bank account every month. They should look at how we are targeting the replacement for EMA The Deputy Prime Minister: As the hon. Gentleman in a way that really helps vulnerable children who would will see from the publication, some of the indicators otherwise be impeded from going on into education, seek to capture precisely some of the earliest indications and at the effect of the new income tax allowance, of disadvantage, such as birth weight—there is a strong which comes in tomorrow and will take 880,000 people, correlation between disadvantage and lower birth weight— in one simple step, out of paying any income tax but there are other things that we must do to make it altogether. Hon. Members should look at the decisions more possible for mothers and fathers to provide the in last year’s Budget that reduced child poverty by best possible start in life for all children. That is why we about 50,000, and at the triple-lock guarantee for pensioners are determined, although it will take time, to introduce that their state pension will increase by either 2.5%, over time more generous and more flexible parental inflation or earnings. I could go on. leave arrangements so that mothers and fathers can provide that vital care, nurturing and love that young With those measures we seek, in difficult circumstances, children, wherever they are born, deserve. to ensure that the most vulnerable are not affected. I repeat again that there is not a world of difference Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): The chief executive between the £14 billion-worth of cuts that is the Labour of Tesco earns 500 times what his colleagues who stack party’s position and the £16 billion-worth of cuts next shelves earn, but his company gets a corporation tax month. We have to bring down the deficit; otherwise we reduction, and now even Leeds Metropolitan university will saddle future generations with a dead-weight of wants to charge £8,500 in tuition fees. How will that debt around their necks, which will not allow them to promote social mobility? move ahead at all. The Deputy Prime Minister: The right hon. Gentleman Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Is my right hon. should not jump the gun. Of the universities that have Friend satisfied that the charitable status of private already declared how much they might want to charge, schools adequately supports the objective of social mobility? fewer than half have gravitated to the highest level. Of course, we cannot tell what that will mean for students The Deputy Prime Minister: The key in education is and graduates until we know what it means per course always to make sure that the vast majority of schools— and per individual. There are lots of waivers, fee reductions, state-funded schools—have the resources, freedom and bursaries and so on to consider. I stress again that the ability to provide the best possible education for their Office for Fair Access—this goes back to a question children and to make sure that children from those posed by the right hon. and learned Member for schools have the opportunity to go to our top universities. Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman) which I failed That should remain the focus of our attention. to answer earlier—is there not to micro-manage price but to insist that if any university is going to charge Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): Several of us in more than £6,000 it can do so only if it shows a opposition have been pushing the Government for some significant change in the way it will be reaching out to, time for details about when they were publishing their accommodating and accepting children from more child poverty strategy, but it was sneaked out under disadvantaged backgrounds, who are still woefully under- cover of a written statement today. Is it not shameful represented at our universities. that the only way we can get any mention of child poverty in the Chamber is by the Opposition asking an Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): This is a welcome but urgent question on social mobility? Should we not have huge cross-cutting agenda, which can be judged only on a proper debate on the strategy? results. Will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking 903 Social Mobility Strategy5 APRIL 2011 Social Mobility Strategy 904 that when the first annual report is published it will be to fulfil its deficit reduction programme. At the same accompanied by a ministerial statement, so that we can time, her party is committed to £12 billion of extra all have the opportunity to take stock of what progress spending. She cannot wave her finger at this Government has been made during the first year of this policy? until she tells us how she is going to reduce the deficit burden on future generations, because, without that The Deputy Prime Minister: I strongly endorse that element social mobility is impossible. suggestion and I would be very keen to take it up. Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): Can the Deputy Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): The Deputy Prime Minister confirm the story in today’s Evening Prime Minister quite rightly paid tribute to early years Standard that he secured his first internship through his provision to support families. Can he tell me, on that father’s influence in a Finnish bank? basis, whether the Government are prepared to rethink funding for early years, particularly given the great The Deputy Prime Minister: Yes, I can. As a teenager, success of the Sure Start scheme? yes, I did receive an internship, as, I suspect, did many people around the Chamber. [Interruption.] Good for The Deputy Prime Minister: As I hope that the hon. you if you did not. All of us should be honest and Gentleman knows, we have made more than enough acknowledge that the way that internships have been money available to secure the continuation of Sure administered in the private sector, the public sector, Start centres everywhere. What is happening—I say this political parties, and—I discovered when we came into before he shakes his head—is that there seems to be a government—in Whitehall as well, under 13 years of discrepancy in the pattern of how different councils are Labour, left a lot to be desired. I was a recipient of that, responding. For instance, I know that in the councils as, I suspect, many others here were as well. That is controlled by Liberal Democrats, not a single Sure Start what we need to change if we want to secure greater centre has been closed. The money in the early intervention social mobility in the future. grant, I am sure I am right in thinking, is more than sufficient to keep Sure Start centres going, and we want to continue fully to support them. Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): The commission on social mobility, established by the Deputy Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I do not Prime Minister, observed that countries with the highest doubt for one moment that Labour Members want to levels of social mobility also have the lowest levels of increase social mobility—they just do not know how to inequality. That is not the same as relative income do it. Throwing money at it was clearly wrong. In the poverty. I could not see a measure of inequality in the Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for new suite of indicators. Can the Deputy Prime Minister Work and Pensions, we have two people who passionately tell us what his Government will do to reduce inequality, believe in improving social mobility. Does the Deputy and particularly the way in which it is caused by excessive Prime Minister agree that it is not just money that incomes at the top? solves this problem? The Deputy Prime Minister: As the hon. Lady will no The Deputy Prime Minister: I agree absolutely. If doubt know, as she is an expert in this field, the relationship money were the answer, we would be in the most between inequality and social mobility is a slightly socially mobile society on the planet. We more than fraught area of academic study. For instance, Australia doubled, in cash terms, the amount of money spent has fairly similar, if not slightly higher, levels of inequality by Government between 1997 and 2010—from over compared with us, but it has significantly higher levels £300 billion to well over £600 billion—yet social mobility of social mobility. The other problem, as she knows, is did not advance at all. More profound factors such as that measuring social mobility, particularly intergenerational education, health, housing, how the tax system works mobility which is the focus of our attention, takes a and how it interacts with the benefits system need to be long time. We have now set aside money to introduce a looked at in the round. I hope that, bit by bit, we will, new cohort study, so that we do not continue to rely on collectively, on both sides of the House, make progress information that is, in some cases, decades out of date. on this. I believe that the tax changes that we have introduced, taking a lot of people on low income out of paying tax, Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): Cuts in the closing of some of the loopholes at the top, the public sector jobs will disproportionately affect women. increasing of capital gains tax by 10%—[Interruption.] Is that because the Deputy Prime Minister agrees with The hon. Lady frowns, but let us remember that, under the Minister for Universities and Science that the biggest the Labour Government, there was a grotesque loophole barrier to social mobility in the last 30 years has been whereby cleaners were paying more tax on their wages the advancement of women? than very wealthy financiers were on their dividends, and that is something that we have changed. We have The Deputy Prime Minister: The welfare reforms, imposed a £2.5 billion tax on the banks every single including universal credit, will massively benefit women year, far surpassing the single pinprick of the bank who want to take up a little bit of work, a few hours a bonus tax that she advocates. The action that we have week. [Interruption.] I find it patronising and demeaning taken in the past few months shows that we want to to say to people who want to work a few hours a week move in the direction that she advocates. that that is not a proper job. That is extraordinary. On public sector jobs, let me repeat something that Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): The proportion the hon. Lady is clearly not aware of. Her own party is of unpaid internships in the City of London will do committed to unveiling, in 24 hours, £14 billion of cuts nothing to improve social mobility in Easington. Does 905 Social Mobility Strategy5 APRIL 2011 Social Mobility Strategy 906

[Grahame M. Morris] Prime Minister’s scheme. Hundreds will be in my constituency. Does he imagine in his wildest dream—I the Deputy Prime Minister agree with the principal of imagine that his dreams are pretty wild—that any of East Durham college, who said, in relation to the education those students will see that as a contribution to social maintenance allowance, mobility? “I believe the Department of Education made the wrong decision, and the disadvantaged young people in the North-East The Deputy Prime Minister: As the hon. Gentleman will suffer as a result. Many of our learners are genuinely worried knows, and as was conceded by Secretaries of State in about paying for transport to college next year”? the previous Government, the EMA in its original Are not the actions of this Government at odds with design was always going to become a more targeted their rhetoric on social mobility? scheme as the compulsory education age increased to 17 and then to 18. That was made very clear when the The Deputy Prime Minister: If we had got rid of EMA was first announced. A number of independent EMA and not replaced it with anything, that allegation studies have been carried out. They vary a bit, but most would have some force. As I explained earlier, our of them seem to congregate around the conclusion that replacement fund of £180 billion actually increases the the proportion of those who really need support to stay amount of money—the equivalent of £38 a week for in full-time education is no more than about 10%. What the most vulnerable youngsters in the education system— we have done with the £180 billion— and provides significant funds—[Interruption.] The right hon. Gentleman says from a sedentary position that I John Cryer indicated dissent. am lying, so let me write to him to clarify exactly how the £180—[Interruption.] I find it quite extraordinary The Deputy Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman that, without listening to the question, he should bandy may shake his head, but this is an example of evidence-based about such outrageous allegations. He has studied our policy. I know that he does not like it. He probably proposals for several weeks, and what we are doing in would not acknowledge it if it hit him in the head, but it response to input from directors and principals of colleges. is something that we are trying to do as a Government. They tell us that in order to address some of those We have provided sufficient money to boost, not to transport costs, lunch costs and the cost of classroom reduce, support for the most vulnerable youngsters and materials they would like as much discretion as possible a significant discretionary fund to meet transport costs, so that they can provide the money to the children lunch costs and classroom material costs. whom they know really need the help. Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): Mr Speaker: Order. I trust that no right hon. or hon. Today’s press release on civil service internships has no Member will be accused of lying. I must say I heard no detail. How many places will there be on the fast-stream such allegation. I would just emphasise that, on the diversity scheme, and how much will interns be paid? whole, sedentary chuntering is to be deprecated. Most importantly, how does the right hon. Gentleman expect the scheme to be delivered in three months’ time Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Does the when the Cabinet Office has only today asked external Deputy Prime Minister accept that dealing with social organisations to bid to run it? mobility needs a long-term plan? I, and many of my generation, were the beneficiaries of a great deal of help The Deputy Prime Minister: I do not have detailed with social mobility as a result of the post-world war statistical answers to some of those questions, but I welfare state, created when the national debt was extremely shall write to the hon. Lady as soon as I can. high. Changes in social mobility in the last decade are far more likely to be influenced by the policies of the Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): previous 20 years, when the Deputy Prime Minister’s Will the Deputy Prime Minister explain how Liberal coalition partners were in power. Does he therefore Democrat-controlled Hull city council’s decision effectively agree that it is far too early to be reach a judgment on to mothball 13 of the city’s children’s centres and scrap the Labour Government? the council’s early years team will help social mobility in my constituency? The Deputy Prime Minister: Of course, to a certain extent, the hon. Lady is right to say, as I conceded The Deputy Prime Minister: There is great diversity earlier, that it is difficult to paint a detailed picture of and variety between what different councils are doing. I something that is slow moving and for which we need know that in the city I represent not a single swimming more evidence. However, there is a lot of evidence to pool, library or Sure Start centre has been closed, and show that there is no correlation between a significant there have been no more than 270 compulsory redundancies. increase in social mobility and a significant increase in People in Sheffield look across the Pennines to Labour- public spending. In cash terms, public spending more controlled Manchester and see a slash-and-burn approach, than doubled over the past decade, but there is precious whereby 2,000 people have been summarily dismissed little evidence that social mobility increased likewise. and one public service after the next has been closed. I think that that comparison speaks for itself. John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Some 600,000 students will lose out through the abolition of the Mr Speaker: I thank the Deputy Prime Minister and EMA, even allowing for the introduction of the Deputy colleagues for their co-operation. 907 5 APRIL 2011 British Nationals (Eritrea) 908

British Nationals (Eritrea) and Khartoum, to raise this issue as a matter of priority with their local Eritrean ambassadors. They have done so and the Eritrean ambassadors have agreed to report 1.11 pm our concerns to Asmara. Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater and West Somerset) Most recently, on 25 March, my right hon. Friend the (Con) (Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State Secretary of State for International Development requested for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a telephone call with President Isaias to discuss the a statement on the steps being taken to gain consular issue. We have not yet had a formal response. In the access to, and secure the release of, the British nationals event that President Isaias does not agree to a telephone taken prisoner by the Eritrean authorities in December 2010. call, or that it does not result in consular access being granted, the Foreign Secretary will write to him to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign reiterate our request and to make it clear that we take and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Henry Bellingham): I Eritrea’s non-compliance with the Vienna convention praise my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater and very seriously and will look to take tough measures in West Somerset (Mr Liddell-Grainger) for taking up this response, if necessary. case on behalf of his constituents, and my hon. Friends We have changed our travel advice for Eritrea specifically the Members for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris) and to highlight the difficulty in securing consular access for Northampton North (Michael Ellis) for the efforts and in our being able to provide general consular services. that they have made. We encourage people considering travel to Eritrea to I reassure the House that I and Foreign Office officials take into account the restrictions placed by the Eritrean across the world are working to ensure that our ambassador Government and the lack of consular access. We will is given consular access to all the men. I am very continue to push this issue until access is granted. If this concerned, as it has now been more than three months means taking a different and more robust approach, we since they were detained. As I am sure Members will are prepared to do exactly that. appreciate, we cannot interfere in the judicial process of another country or request that the men be released, Mr Liddell-Grainger: I thank my hon. Friend and the but under the Vienna convention we should be allowed Foreign Office for all the help they have given; we all to check on the welfare of detained British nationals. know that the situation is extremely difficult, and we It might help the House if I give the background to know the Eritreans of old. the case. On 24 December last year, the FCO was What information has the Minister had from the EU, notified of the disappearance of a UK-registered vessel and can we ask it for help? The United Nations has off Eritrea. The British ambassador in Asmara was access to many countries where, perhaps, we are not so subsequently advised that four British nationals on popular. Can the Minister arrange some form of access board had been detained by the Eritrean navy. The to Eritrea for UN people? Finally, and perhaps most Eritrean authorities have not officially informed us of difficult, could the Foreign Office send an envoy, almost the circumstances surrounding the men’s detention, or to camp on the Eritreans’ doorstep, primarily to get the of any charges being made against them. The men’s British nationals out? It is not acceptable, in any country, employers have told us, however, that it appears to be for there to be no access, certainly not since Christmas for the non-payment of fuel. eve, or for us not to know whether our nationals are The United Kingdom and Eritrea are part of the being held in humane conditions or being subjected to Vienna convention on consular relations, which states any form of torture or hardship. that, among other things, consular access should be I urge the Minister to continue what he is doing, provided to detained foreign nationals in a “timely although I suspect that more meetings without coffee manner”. This is usually interpreted as meaning 24 to might be the order of the day. 48 hours. The fact that we have not received any response from the Eritrean authorities after nearly four months is deeply troubling. Mr Bellingham: I again congratulate my hon. Friend Since the detention of the men, I have summoned the on pursuing the case with such tenacity and determination. Eritrean ambassador, Tesfamicael Gerahtu, three times We will discuss this with our EU counterparts and, and spoken to him on five or six other occasions specifically indeed, with every EU Foreign Minister. Although the to request, and to make clear the importance we attach EU and the UN would not normally get involved in to gaining, consular access. Indeed, I summoned him consular cases, this issue goes beyond one consular case this morning for an interview without coffee to emphasise because it involves non-compliance with the Vienna the importance of consular access and of our need to convention and it is extremely serious. That is why we receive a response to all our requests. I have also written shall urge the EU to put on as much pressure as to the Eritrean Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, to reiterate possible. I know that the EU generally is very concerned this request and to ask to speak to him urgently. I have about the lack of movement that its ambassadors are not received a response. allowed in Eritrea and the consular support they are Our ambassador in Eritrea has made regular able to give their citizens. representations to the Eritrean authorities to gain consular I was at the UN in New York at the start of the access, including to the Foreign Ministry and the office month and mentioned the case to the Eritrean permanent of the President. As of yet, there has been no formal representative. Although organisations such as the UN response from the Eritrean Government to these requests, and the African Union do not get involved in consular but our ambassador will continue to push for a response. cases, this has gone beyond the principle of dealing with The Foreign Secretary has instructed British embassies a consular case to the complete lack of adherence to the in several capitals, including New York, Beijing, Nairobi Vienna convention, which is why it is so serious. 909 British Nationals (Eritrea)5 APRIL 2011 British Nationals (Eritrea) 910

Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): The individuals concerned need the continued help and I join the Minister in congratulating the hon. Member assistance of Her Majesty’s Government. We have no for Bridgwater and West Somerset (Mr Liddell-Grainger) idea in what conditions they are being detained. Will he on securing this important urgent question and on his assure the House that every effort will continue to be efforts on behalf of his constituents and those of the made to obtain proper consular access for those individuals hon. Members for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris) and and, if necessary, to escalate the situation so that Eritrea for Northampton North (Michael Ellis). The Minister understands the import of our demands? has Labour’s full support in his efforts and in all that he has outlined today. Mr Bellingham: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, I take this opportunity to welcome the efforts of the because he too has taken a close interest in the case. I British consular services in addressing the difficult challenges certainly agree that we have been incredibly patient. We in this case and, more broadly, in accessing and assisting have made telephone calls and demanded that Eritrea British nationals encountering difficulty overseas. In comply with the Vienna convention. As I said in my the light of today’s case and of other recent events in statement, we will now look at more robust measures. I north Africa and the middle east, will the Minister made it very clear to the Eritrean ambassador this update the House on the lessons being learned by morning that there is a range of robust measures that British consular services in obtaining access to and we could take. Indeed, the Foreign Secretary is fully supporting British nationals facing danger overseas? apprised of this and is looking at exactly what additional We are concerned by the lack of progress with human tough and robust action we can take. My hon. Friend rights in Eritrea, as detailed in the recent Foreign and alluded to the point that my hon. Friend the Member Commonwealth Office “Human Rights and Democracy” for Bridgwater and West Somerset made a moment ago report. We are also concerned about the ongoing border about sending a special envoy, which we have certainly dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia—a conflict that not ruled out. We have an ambassador in Asmara who has cost the lives of 100,000 people—and Eritrea’s is doing her level best to get consular access, but we will alleged support for Islamist rebels in Somalia. Will the certainly consider sending a special envoy to demand Minister take the opportunity of today’s urgent question consular access if it is shown that that would be beneficial to update the House on the Government’s efforts to and if we feel that results could flow from it. promote peace, human rights and security in Eritrea and the wider region? Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): I congratulate the hon. Member for Bridgwater and West Somerset Mr Bellingham: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his (Mr Liddell-Grainger) on raising the matter and the remarks and his generous praise for the FCO’s consular Government on including Eritrea as a country of concern service, which does an excellent job, often in difficult in the human rights report published last week. Is there circumstances. They are perfectionists. They put the a possible role for other African countries in resolving duty of care to UK citizens absolutely at the heart of the issue, and would the Minister say a little more on their work. I believe that they are always looking to the question of Eritrea’s relations with its neighbours? improve their service and to learn lessons. I can assure him that if lessons can be learnt from this case, we will Mr Bellingham: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, certainly learn them. because in his time as Chair of the Foreign Affairs On the point about human rights in Eritrea, I certainly Committee he obviously had substantial involvement agree that the lack of political, religious and media with the horn of Africa. On his first point, it is a freedoms and the policy of sometimes indefinite military consular case, rather than an African issue as such. conscription are big concerns. As the hon. Gentleman However, as I said a moment ago, this has gone beyond pointed out, we have added Eritrea as a country of what I would describe as a routine consular case, which concern in the latest FCO human rights report because would be a purely bilateral matter. That is why we will of the lack of progress being made on those concerns. involve the EU, the UN and possibly the AU. We will do With regard to Eritrea’s alleged support for terrorism in that because we feel that the matter is tarnishing Eritrea’s the horn of Africa, particularly in Somalia, as he knows, reputation substantially. Furthermore, I agree with him we helped to sponsor UN Security Council resolution that until Ethiopia and Eritrea resolve their border 1907, which put an arms embargo on Eritrea. Indeed, dispute and the demarcation of the border, there will be there is provision in the resolution to impose a travel simmering discontent and a malaise between them that ban and an asset freeze. I can update him that the will make dealing with either country to try to solve monitoring group dealing with that will report later this issues such as this or the problems in Somalia much year. We certainly urge Eritrea to improve its human more difficult. That is why solving the border dispute is rights record, comply absolutely with the UN resolution so incredibly important. and sort out this very serious consular case, because until that happens we will be unable to have a normal Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): I congratulate bilateral relationship with that country. the hon. Member for Bridgwater and West Somerset (Mr Liddell-Grainger) and other hon. Members who Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): I congratulate are pursuing the interests of their constituents in this my hon. Friend on his statement and the work that he, regard. I also congratulate the British Government the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the consular on their persistence. Given the failure of the Asmara service have done so far. Several months have now Government to abide by international standards, both elapsed and Eritrea has been wholly unresponsive to in respect of consular access and in many other regards, are our entreaties. Even failed states and narco-regimes the British Government exploiting all the possible informal tend to take our telephone calls, but Eritrea has not. channels, including non-governmental organisations and 911 British Nationals (Eritrea)5 APRIL 2011 British Nationals (Eritrea) 912 possibly religious leaders and influences, to try to get Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): I thank the some kind of traction with this unco-operative Government Minister for his answers so far on the urgent question. I in Eritrea? very much appreciate the work that he, the Foreign Office and the desk officers at the consular directorate Mr Bellingham: I thank the hon. Gentleman, because have done to keep me up to date on the possible he makes a good suggestion. We should leave no stone whereabouts of my detained constituent and to inform unturned. We have been very patient and gone through his wife of any changes. Eritrea is in gross breach of the the usual channels, but now we will look at a menu of Vienna convention, and I wonder whether a meeting more robust action. For obvious reasons, it would be without coffee is quite strong enough. I urge the Minister inappropriate for me to tell the House what that action to escalate to the robust action that he mentioned in his might be. I agree that involving charities, businesses, statement as quickly as possible to get our constituents NGOs and Churches might be a very good move. I out of that place. simply add that on the two occasions on which I have met the Eritrean Foreign Minister, he has impressed upon me how incredibly keen he is to improve relations, Mr Bellingham: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, build business links between our two countries and because he has been very patient, as indeed have the work together on issues such as solving human rights families of the men who have been detained. As I made problems. clear to him when we met, we are in no way trying to interfere in the court case or in any action that might be Michael Ellis: He is not doing a very good job. taken, but we are demanding consular access. I agree that the time has come to embark upon more robust Mr Bellingham: I quite agree. He made it very clear action. The Foreign Secretary is fully apprised of this that that is what he wanted to do, but I made it clear to and has approved a strategy to take more robust action him in my letter that all that has been put in jeopardy by if need be. We will have to wait and see whether the the total non-compliance with the Vienna convention. Eritrean ambassador acts on the demands we made this morning. If he does not, we will have to go down that Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): Piracy off route. I thank my hon. Friend and the families involved the horn of Africa is increasing, with the use of mother once again for their patience. ships extending the pirates’ range, and we are also seeing evidence of piracy taking place off the west coast Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): of Africa. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to In his interview without coffee this morning, did the encourage the Eritrean authorities to tackle piracy? If Minister get any closer to determining from the Eritrean those steps come to nothing, is he prepared to adopt a ambassador the reasons underpinning the detention of more muscular policy to deal with piracy on the high seas? these individuals, as the given reasons appear wholly inadequate? Mr Bellingham: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, because piracy, as he rightly points out, has reached a new and worrying level. There are 40 vessels now under Mr Bellingham: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for pirate control and in excess of 600 hostages. Of course that question. We are demanding consular access under we are looking at what happens at sea—the Royal Navy the Vienna convention, of which both Eritrea and the has three warships off the horn of Africa as part of the UK are members. All we are asking for is the opportunity counter-piracy effort—but it is very important that a to check on those men, to check their welfare and to solution be found on land so that capacity can be built, inform the families accordingly. We are not trying to such as detention facilities and prisons for when pirates interfere with the judicial process, and we are not in any are convicted. That is why the UK recently gave £6 way trying to cast aspersions on their detention as such. million to support projects being delivered by the UN I think that the Eritrean Government are confusing the Office on Drugs and Crime. I agree with him that it is two, but we are doing our level best to make sure that very important that all the regional maritime states they understand their responsibilities and duties under work together to try to counter the evil of piracy. the convention. 913 5 APRIL 2011 Points of Order 914

Points of Order accused me of asking an improper question. As my questions were about rape, the levels of rape convictions 1.30 pm and how the coalition cuts would impact on those important matters, I was concerned that the Attorney- Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On a point of order, General should accuse me of asking such a question. Mr Speaker. You will know that it is the convention of Can I seek an apology from him, and can you advise me this House that, when there are changes to the Government, of the best way of doing that? they are notified to this House and to you personally. I just wondered whether you had had any notification of Mr Speaker: As to whether the hon. Lady will extract changes to the Government, and in particular whether an apology, I do not know, and I cannot advise her on any members of Plaid Cymru, the Welsh nationalist that. I can offer her the advice that I just offered the party, have notified you that they intend to sit on the hon. Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson) in Government Benches. I ask, because in the past few relation to his point of order, which is that she might weeks some anonymous leaflets have been published, wish to approach the Table Office for advice on how she urging people to vote Conservative in Cardiff North, can pursue the matter if she judges it necessary to do so. Clwyd South, Clwyd West, Vale of Glamorgan and For my part, I can say only that I did not hear Gower, Plaid Cymru in various other places and Liberal anything disorderly, but I shall of course peruse Hansard Democrat elsewhere. tomorrow. In so far as I am being asked why the The website, it turns out, is not quite so anonymous, statement that was made was made, I am afraid that I because it has clearly been produced by people working obviously have no idea. I know the Attorney-General in the office of the leader of the Welsh nationalists, very well, because he is a constituency neighbour of Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones, so I can only presume that, as he mine, and he is an immensely intelligent and cerebral and his office are now urging people to vote Conservative man, but it is expecting too much to expect the Speaker in constituencies in Wales, Plaid Cymru Members intend to be able to penetrate the inner recesses of the Attorney- now to sit on the Government Benches. General’s very well-furnished mind. I am in no position to do so. Mr Speaker: I have received no such indication of a change in the membership of the Government, and it is Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): On a point not apparent to me that what has just been said constitutes of order, Mr Speaker. Earlier today the writ was moved a point of order, but the hon. Gentleman has his for a by-election and the announcement made of an concerns on the record. If I were a far less charitable appointment to the distinguished office of profit under person than I am, I might think that he was engaged in the Crown of the manor of Northstead. I would be the grubbiest form of political point scoring, but, because grateful if you could confirm whether Mr Gerry Adams, I am so charitable, I of course do not think any such the previous occupant of the post, now sadly deposed thing. from his stewardship and office of profit under the Crown, at any point, as is provided for under the Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): On a point of Disqualification Act 1975, turned down or refused that order, Mr Speaker. In answer to my question during office? Communities and Local Government questions yesterday, the Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Mr Speaker: I cannot give an answer to the right hon. Local Government, the hon. Member for Hazel Grove Gentleman on that point, and I fear that once again, (Andrew Stunell) said that unaccountably, the point that has been raised—although “no local authority in this country faces a reduction in its real possibly a point of great interest, not least to the right expenditure of more than 7.7%”.—[Official Report, 4 April 2011; hon. Gentleman—does not quite amount to a point of Vol. 526, c. 729.] order. I think that tact and constraints on time suggest The reality is that 29 local authorities will see a reduction that I should leave it there. of 8.8%. Could you advise me on the procedure to bring the Minister back to the House to apologise and to set BILL PRESENTED the record straight? SUSTAINABLE ENERGY (LOCAL PLANS)BILL Mr Speaker: The short answer to the hon. Gentleman is that he should contact the Table Office to seek advice Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) on how best to pursue the matter that concerns him. He Martin Horwood, supported by Mr Tim Yeo, Dan has made his point this afternoon, and it will have been Rogerson, Joan Walley, Sir Peter Bottomley, Lorely heard by Members on the Treasury Bench, but it is Burt, Caroline Lucas, Sir Alan Beith, Martin Caton, essentially a matter of political argument and certainly Jim Dowd, Tom Brake and Andrew George presented a not a procedural matter on which I can rule, so the best Bill to promote energy efficiency; to require local authorities advice that I can give him is that which I have just offered. to publish sustainable energy plans; to make provision for a transfer of functions to principal councils; and for Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): connected purposes. On a point of order, Mr Speaker. During questions to Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on the Attorney-General earlier today, the Attorney-General Friday 25 November, and to be printed (Bill 179). 915 5 APRIL 2011 Electoral Registration, Identification 916 and Eligibility for Voting Electoral Registration, Identification and local authorities take these matters extremely seriously Eligibility for Voting and get a 95%-plus return of forms from households in their constituencies. Others make less effort and put in Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order fewer resources and get 80%, or even lower, and that No. 23) then impacts on the nature of the population that is registered and, potentially, on the resources that come 1.35 pm to that area to meet the needs of the community. There should be much greater obligations on local authorities. Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): I beg to If we are not going to have a national registration move, scheme, then we should at least ensure that local registration That leave be given to bring in a Bill to improve electoral is done more efficiently and effectively, and we need to registration; to introduce identification of voters and other measures make sure of that in legislation. to combat electoral fraud; to widen the franchise to allow all those over 18 legally resident in the United Kingdom to vote; to In addition, we have a very strange electoral registration strengthen measures to control negative campaigns by third party system. Someone who is a British citizen, a Commonwealth groups and websites; and for connected purposes. citizen with leave to remain in the UK or a citizen of the There has been much comment recently about our Republic of Ireland can vote in all elections in this electoral system and the way in which it works. The country. Someone who is a European Union citizen Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011, from any other EU state except the UK or Ireland can which will reduce this House to 600 Members and vote in local elections and European elections. However, necessitate the complete upheaval of boundaries, has someone who is a long-standing resident of the United come into law; the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill is in the Kingdom who happens to be Norwegian, Swiss, American, other place; and in a month’s time there will be a Mexican or Filipino, and who is married to a British referendum on the voting system for parliamentary citizen, has children born in this country and is paying elections. Despite those sometimes controversial changes, taxes, can have no right to take any role within our there remain other matters that, in my opinion, are as democratic process. Those anomalies and inconsistencies serious or more serious and require urgent attention. need to be addressed. [Interruption.] Conservative Members The Bill before us is about three of those areas: electoral may heckle, but are they content that people who have registration, the identification of voters and the prevention been living in Britain for 40 or 50 years, with grown-up of fraud, and the safeguards against abuse by third-party children, making a contribution to our society, have no groups and negative campaigns, including on websites. democratic rights? We need to address that issue and On electoral registration, in March 2010 the Electoral modernise our systems to bring it into play. Commission produced a report entitled, “The Completeness At the same time, we need to look at the measures on and Accuracy of Electoral Registers in Great Britain”. how we check against electoral fraud in the UK. Northern It concluded: Ireland has gone further than England, Wales and “Under-registration and inaccuracy are closely associated with Scotland, where the Electoral Commission has brought the social groups most likely to move home…under-registration is in a permissive approach. The Political Parties and notably higher than average among 17–24 year olds (56% not Elections Act 2009 talked about asking for voter identifiers registered), private sector tenants (49%) and black and minority ethnic (BME) British residents (31%).” and said that the issue would be revisited in future, but it needs to be taken further. There have been too many It also referred to examples of people abusing the electoral system, “a declining motivation to register to vote” impersonation and other kinds of activities. We need to among certain groups, and it said that check people’s IDs, not just requiring them to give a “under-registration was significantly higher in Greater London name and address when they go to vote but asking for a than it was in England and Wales as a whole.” driving licence or a document of some kind with their The situation since 2000 has got worse, and that year name on it to ensure that impersonation is not going on. under-registration was at 18% in inner London and The other matter that I wish to raise is what happens 11% in outer London, whereas it was at 6.9% in England, in so-called non-party campaigns in elections. Last 6% in Wales and 7% in other English metropolitan year, the Electoral Commission published a document areas. For new Commonwealth citizens and members called an overview which sets out the laws relating to of ethnic minorities, under-registration was at 17%. As groups that intend to put out literature commenting on a result, there are clearly problems with the accuracy of candidates or issues during an election campaign but the register of electors in different constituencies, and, are not fielding candidates. There is a regulated period given the other legislation to which we have already and various other requirements, but they are not working. agreed, there are potential difficulties with the elections An enormous number of groups, local and national, do that will probably be held in 2015. As a result, we will not register, and some organisations have websites. During potentially be in a situation where the boundaries that the last general election, a group called the Muslim are to be drawn up in the next two years will be based Public Affairs Committee UK targeted Labour MPs on figures that are not accurate, and as a result there and candidates, with downloadable leaflets and other will be, according to some estimates, up to 3.5 million material attacking people whom they were trying to get voters missing from the electoral registers throughout out of Parliament. It was able to put out tens of the United Kingdom. thousands of leaflets without any restriction—negative The first thing that I wish to do through this Bill is to material arguing against sitting Members of Parliament place a greater obligation on local authorities, and and encouraging people to vote for other candidates. In electoral registration officers of local authorities, to some constituencies where the result changed, Liberal ensure that the electoral registration process is carried Democrats or other people were elected having been out more accurately than it has been in the past. Some beneficiaries of this negative campaigning. We should 917 Electoral Registration, Identification 5 APRIL 2011 Electoral Registration, Identification 918 and Eligibility for Voting and Eligibility for Voting [Mike Gapes] the Phil Woolas case, I went on television to oppose his removal by the election court because I saw it as an tighten up the rules to regulate what can be put on the outrageous attack on parliamentary democracy.I accepted internet. We could also prosecute people who have that the judge acted under the law, but the law in this downloadable material that does not have imprints. We case is wrong—a sitting MP must be removed by voters, need to ask the Electoral Commission to take these not unelected judges. The new recall system will help. If matters far more seriously, and that is why I am proposing an MP has libelled his opponents, he should of course this Bill. be sued for libel, but the election of MPs must be up to voters to decide. 1.45 pm My fear is that the Bill almost risks a throwback to the 1950s, when interviewers on television programmes Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I have great respect had to ask Ministers, “What wonderful work are you for the hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike Gapes), doing today?” The hon. Gentleman’s Bill, if successful, and I have no problem with some of his Bill, which has would produce a 21st-century version of that: electioneering the worthy aim of improving electoral registration, on the internet that is bland and without colour. Fortunately, together with other measures to combat electoral fraud. we now live in an open society with social networking So it is with genuine regret that I must oppose it, as I and blogging where communication is of paramount have serious concerns about the last clause, which seeks to importance. The citizen is no longer a subject but an “strengthen measures to control negative campaigns by third autonomous individual. party groups and websites.” We are regularly criticised on Twitter and other social Effectively, he is calling for regulation of the internet. media sites—sometimes outrageous or even libellous He has built a Trojan horse of censorship under cover things are written, and I have also been a victim of some of making every vote count fairly. His proposal is of the things that the hon. Gentleman described—but wrong for two reasons: it would amount to a huge that is mostly part and parcel of politics. I do not assault on individual freedom of expression, and it is believe we should bring in a law to stop it, because it is unenforceable. the essence of a free society. Negative campaigning, Last Friday, the hon. Gentleman said in an interview however frustrating, is part of free speech and we must on the “Today in Parliament” programme—I almost hope that the truth will ultimately shine through in a choked on my hot chocolate—that he objects to so-called marketplace of ideas. attack websites because they can be We must ask whether the criminal justice system is “very effective in the modern world”. the right way of dealing with the problems that the hon. I agree that all election materials must be sourced and Gentleman has identified. Once we interfere with what that publishers must be clearly identified. He went happens on the internet, where will that stop? The loss further when he said: of freedom rarely happens all at once; it is usually “It is not just attack websites. I think there should be a incremental. First, we restrict free expression on the framework whereby publishing materials about elections, about internet at election times and then we restrict it altogether. candidates—either promotion, or negative campaigning—needs to be brought within the normal election law.” My second objection is that the provision is clearly unenforceable, as the hon. Gentleman said on BBC The interviewer put it to him: Radio 4. Web postings can be made overseas and domain “You do wonder if the cure might be worse than the disease on names can be registered in different territories. Even if this. You might stop people who want legitimately to comment on an election, because they have to go through some massive we restrict one individual from commenting, it will be registration process.” like the Hydra’s head: another will pop up in its place. His reply went precisely to the heart of the problem We all know what Voltaire said, but as a good Tory when he said: let me quote Hayek: “I am not calling for censorship. I am calling for regulation.” “In any society freedom of thought will probably be of direct significance only for a small minority. But this does not mean that That is a false argument, because when it comes to free anyone is competent, or ought to have the power, to select those expression, regulation is censorship by another name. to whom this freedom is to be reserved.” With free expression, regulation is censorship of the That is why, although I have great respect for the hon. worst kind, because it deters amateur enthusiasts, small Gentleman and support much of his Bill, I cannot let it neighbourhood groups and free-thinking individuals. pass through the House unopposed. Any increase in red tape and bureaucracy would leave the battle of ideas to special interest groups: the rich, Question put (Standing Order No. 23). the media establishment, those with extreme views, and The House divided: Ayes 30, Noes 86. professional groups such as trade unions and political Division No. 254] [1.51 pm parties. The hon. Gentleman justifies his reform by saying that AYES “other election literature is restricted”. Bayley, Hugh Gilmore, Sheila However, I believe that election literature is too restricted Burden, Richard Glass, Pat as it is. There are too many rules regarding second and Clwyd, rh Ann Glindon, Mrs Mary third-party endorsements, for example, and the Electoral Crausby, Mr David Hilling, Julie Commission regulations can be a minefield. Durkan, Mark Hood, Mr Jim Let us take the case of Phil Woolas, which the hon. Flynn, Paul Hopkins, Kelvin Gentleman raised in his interview on BBC Radio 4. He Gapes, Mike Jackson, Glenda said that that case proves the need for “greater regulation” Gardiner, Barry Jarvis, Dan of election materials, “especially on the internet”. During George, Andrew Lloyd, Tony 919 Electoral Registration, Identification 5 APRIL 2011 920 and Eligibility for Voting Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Whitehead, Dr Alan Humanitarian Relief and Libya MacShane, rh Mr Denis Williams, Hywel Meale, Mr Alan Williams, Roger Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Before I Michael, rh Alun Winnick, Mr David Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) call the Secretary of State to move the motion, I inform Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Tellers for the Ayes: the House that the time limit on Back-Bench speeches Skinner, Mr Dennis Steve McCabe and in the debate on humanitarian relief and Libya is 10 minutes. Stringer, Graham Mr Virendra Sharma We will then revert to the six-minute limit.

NOES 2.4 pm Baker, Steve Latham, Pauline Baldwin, Harriett Laws, rh Mr David The Secretary of State for International Development Barclay, Stephen Leadsom, Andrea (Mr Andrew Mitchell): I beg to move, Baron, Mr John Leech, Mr John That this House has considered the matter of Britain’s contribution Bebb, Guto Lefroy, Jeremy to humanitarian relief and Libya. Beith, rh Sir Alan Leigh, Mr Edward At the outset, I pay tribute to the seven United Binley, Mr Brian Leslie, Charlotte Nations staff who were murdered at the weekend in Brake, Tom Lopresti, Jack Mazar-e-Sharif. Brazier, Mr Julian Maynard, Paul Bridgen, Andrew McCartney, Karl The Prime Minister made a firm commitment to keep Bruce, Fiona McIntosh, Miss Anne this House fully informed in respect of our actions in Bruce, rh Malcolm McPartland, Stephen Libya. I am grateful for this opportunity to update Byles, Dan Munt, Tessa Members on the action that the Government are taking, Chishti, Rehman Parish, Neil and on our contribution to this and other humanitarian Chope, Mr Christopher Patel, Priti crises. Clappison, Mr James Percy, Andrew I begin by reminding the House of the dire consequences Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Phillips, Stephen that the recent United Nations resolution, resolution 1973, Coffey, Dr Thérèse Pincher, Christopher Collins, Damian sought to stop. Gaddafi’s forces were advancing on Raab, Mr Dominic Colvile, Oliver Benghazi: as he told his own citizens “We are coming Redwood, rh Mr John Davis, rh Mr David tonight” and Rogerson, Dan de Bois, Nick “there won’t be any mercy”. Rosindell, Andrew Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Rudd, Amber He was a leader intent on murdering innocent women Ellis, Michael and children, and on shattering lives. At that moment, Ellison, Jane Smith, Henry Smith, Julian the world was faced with a stark choice: it could stand Elphicke, Charlie by and watch, or it could intervene to stop an Arab Foster, rh Mr Don Smith, Sir Robert Fuller, Richard Stewart, Iain Srebrenica. We can reflect on the fact that Britain, Gale, Mr Roger Stuart, Mr Graham France, the United States, Arab states and other countries Garnier, Mark Swales, Ian agreed, through the auspices of the UN, that they Gilbert, Stephen Tomlinson, Justin would indeed face up to that challenge. We should all be Gray, Mr James Turner, Mr Andrew grateful to the leaders who had the courage of their Griffiths, Andrew Tyrie, Mr Andrew convictions and who ignored the soi-disant experts who Gyimah, Mr Sam Uppal, Paul said that nothing could be done. Halfon, Robert Walker, Mr Charles Many of us in this House have absorbed the bitter Harris, Rebecca Walker, Mr Robin lessons of the international community’s failure to act Hinds, Damian Weatherley, Mike when the Rwandan genocide was executed ruthlessly Hollingbery, George White, Chris over 90 days in 1994. We have no intention of making Hollobone, Mr Philip Williamson, Gavin Horwood, Martin the same mistake again. Willott, Jenny James, Margot Wright, Simon Johnson, Gareth Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): I Johnson, Joseph Tellers for the Noes: congratulate my right hon. Friend and the Government Kirby, Simon Mr Peter Bone and on the robust approach that we have taken on Libya. He Kwarteng, Kwasi Chris Heaton-Harris mentioned Rwanda, but we also inherited two interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, where the window of opportunity Question accordingly negatived. to sow the seeds of democracy was not taken. I urge him to do everything he can at this critical stage to ensure that the vacuum that is created is not filled by gangs that will turn into militias, but that we sow the seeds of democracy before it is too late and there is a repetition of what happened in those two other locations.

Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend makes an important contribution, and I hope that by the end of my remarks he will feel that the Government have taken account of his point. The UN enforcement action that we are taking in Libya is necessary, legal and right: necessary, because Gaddafi continues to brutalise his own people in flagrant 921 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 922

[Mr Andrew Mitchell] planes. That eased pressure on the transit camps and helped migrant workers to return to their own countries breach of an earlier UN resolution; legal, because we and their families. We have also supplied three logistics have a clear UN resolution that authorises “all necessary experts to assist with movements from the border, along measures” to protect civilians; and right, not only because with tents for 10,000 people and 38,000 blankets to help we have a moral duty to intervene but because it is in those whom I saw on the border shivering in the early our national interest to do so. We should never forget morning cold. Gaddafi’s track record. I remind Members of Lockerbie, Early on in the emergency, I visited the camp on the of Yvonne Fletcher, and of the supply of Semtex to the Tunisian border at Ras Ajdir and met some of the IRA. displaced migrant workers who have been leaving Libya As I speak, the people of Libya continue to suffer at in their thousands. What I saw and heard underlined the hands of Gaddafi’s troops. In Misrata, fighting the urgency and real human impact of the situation in continues. Although accurate information is hard to Libya. I wish to record today the Government’s admiration obtain, there are reports that up to 200 deaths have of the many hundreds of Tunisian families who, of occurred in the past week and that hundreds more their own accord, donated food, water, clothing and people have been injured. Access to Misrata remains other supplies to the people who were fleeing from difficult, but on Sunday a Turkish humanitarian ship, Libya. Those selfless and spontaneous acts of generosity the MF Ankara, evacuated about 250 injured people are a touching and inspiring example of the very best of from Misrata to the opposition-held city of Benghazi. human nature. Over the weekend, I arranged for 2,100 tents from Britain’s stores in Dubai to be dispatched to help those Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): The Secretary displaced by the fighting, especially around Ajdabiya. of State is right to say that a lot was done, including by The British taxpayer has also supported the International Britain, to help with the evacuation in the early days. Committee of the Red Cross, which is providing basic Now, however, the International Organisation for Migration necessities to 100,000 people displaced by the violence, is reporting that it lacks the funds to continue with the and medical supplies and treatment to 3,000 people evacuation. There are still an estimated 75,000 people affected by the ongoing fighting in Libya. Humanitarian who need to be evacuated, so what more is Britain experts from the Department for International Development doing directly or through other agencies to ensure that are on the ground on both borders to keep an eye on the the funding is available? situation, and we stand ready to assist further if necessary, as I told the head of the ICRC, Jakob Kellenberger, Mr Mitchell: We watch the situation closely and are when I saw him earlier today. in continuous liaison with the IOM. Some 400,000 people have crossed over the borders, and between Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): Will 10,000 and 14,000 are still on the borders. We are my right hon. Friend expand on his point about our considering carefully how we can help them to return giving humanitarian aid if we are required to do so? home. As I have said, we will continue to provide strong Where would the requirement to do so come from? support. We look at what other countries are doing as What would be the spark for our doing so? well, because we do not expect the British taxpayer to provide the funding all the time. We try to ensure that Mr Mitchell: As my hon. Friend knows, we watch the there is a proper burden-sharing approach to the work matter all the time and are in very close contact not only of repatriation from the border. with the ICRC but with the United Nations system, and As well as responding to the immediate humanitarian particularly with Valerie Amos, who is in charge of the needs of those who are suffering the consequences of Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs. conflict in Libya and on its borders, we are focusing Britain stands ready to assist in whatever way we feel is directly on plans for building longer-term stability. In appropriate in meeting the humanitarian need. the past, the links between humanitarian aid and post- conflict stabilisation have not always been well understood. Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): We must not make the same mistakes that were made in What role does my right hon. Friend see for the European Iraq. The international community must agree and External Action Service? To date, Baroness Ashton has implement a single UN-led plan to rebuild lives, peace managed to brief against the no-fly zone, which goes and security, and it must have the full support of the very much against the grain of EU member states, and Libyan people and strong regional buy-in. It should so far the EEAS’s record has not been terribly good. include preventing violence and providing security and What further record might it build up to redeem itself? justice; protecting people and institutions; rebuilding infrastructure; and ensuring that basic services such as Mr Mitchell: If my hon. Friend will allow me, I will schools and hospitals can function. That will require come later to the importance of the EU’s role in the clear, strong, multilateral leadership and a shared assessment stabilisation work that lies ahead. of what needs to be done. On top of what I have already described, we have We have learned lessons from Iraq, and indeed from given specific support to those who have fled over the events in Afghanistan, the Balkans and Sierra Leone. border. Early intervention by Britain and other donors For instance, we have learned that it is crucial that the has prevented a logistical challenge from developing international system starts to plan for stabilisation sooner into a humanitarian crisis. Indeed, we were able to do rather than later. We have learned that we will need to rather better than originally anticipated, with British make the security of ordinary Libyan citizens a priority, taxpayers funding more than 12,700 repatriations, 6,700 and that where it exists, state capacity must be preserved. of which we handled directly having chartered our own We have also learned that a functioning Government, 923 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 924 basic services and economic activity are critical. Those of it. We are in regular contact and working closely not are all valuable lessons that will serve us well as we seek only with Ban Ki-moon and with Baroness Amos of to help Libya’s people to rebuild their country. OCHA, as I have indicated, but with Helen Clark at the United Nations Development Programme, Tony Lake Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): I at UNICEF and Josette Sheeran at the World Food congratulate my right hon. Friend on the humanitarian Programme. role that he and his Department are playing. In line Of course, as part of its stabilisation Libya will need with what he has just said about the need for strong a strong, inclusive political settlement. As the Prime regional buy-in, what discussions has he had with the Minister has said, it must be for the Libyan people African Union and the Arab states in particular, for themselves to determine their destiny. The international which there should be no shortage of resources, about community can help them to do that by bringing together what they are prepared to do in the immediate humanitarian a wide coalition of political leaders within Libya, whether situation and in bringing stability to Libya in the longer regional groupings, community bodies or civil society, term? but Libya must find its own voice and shape its own future. Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend makes an extremely Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): I congratulate good point. I had discussions only yesterday with Jean the Secretary of State and his Department on what they Ping, the chairperson of the African Union. Indeed, I are doing on the humanitarian front, but as we move speak to him regularly. We have also had discussions forward and plan for the post-conflict situation, can he with the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, and I give the House a guarantee that no obstacle will be had specific discussions on both the humanitarian situation placed in the way of the pursuit of the Gaddafi regime’s and the stabilisation work with the Turkish Foreign people, administration or assets by victims of IRA Minister when he was here last week. terrorism that, as he mentioned, was sponsored by Last week’s London conference, under the Foreign Gaddafi through the supply of Semtex? They must be Secretary’s leadership, secured an extraordinary level of allowed to pursue their claims against whomever and international consensus. We welcome, in particular, the whatever assets are out there. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s offer to lead the co-ordination of humanitarian assistance and planning Mr Mitchell: The right hon. Gentleman makes an for longer-term stabilisation support. The Libya contact extremely good point. My right hon. Friend the Prime group, whose establishment was agreed by the conference, Minister has already spoken about the role of the will work with regional organisations and the rest of the International Criminal Court in those matters. The international community. Britain is ready to play its full right hon. Gentleman will have heard what has been part, building on our existing relationships and the said in recent days, not least by the Scottish law authorities work that we have been doing over recent weeks, especially about the long arm of the law and police investigations through the stabilisation unit. A British diplomatic leading where they may. mission, headed by a senior diplomat, Christopher Prentice, The role of regional partners is critical. I have held is engaging with key Libyan opposition groups in the discussions on stabilisation as well as humanitarian east of the country, including the interim transitional relief with Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the national council and its military council. We are deploying Organisation of the Islamic Conference. That builds on a humanitarian adviser and two stabilisation advisers to our coalition Government’s shift towards greater join that team, to get the most up-to-date information engagement with Gulf states generally. We have offered about the situation on the ground and to identify what to host the next high-level meeting of the Development more Britain can do to help. Assistance Committee/Arab Donor Co-ordination Group. Indeed, my right hon. Friend the Minister of State is Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): I will not travelling to Abu Dhabi today, where, together with the quarrel with any of the points that the Secretary of Emirati Deputy Foreign Minister, he will host a seminar State is making, and I welcome them. However, will he on partnership working in fragile environments. reveal to the House his views in his heart of hearts about whether we really had enough people in place in In the wider region, for example, in Egypt and Tunisia, the Maghreb countries before the crisis broke? Did we the role of Europe and the international finance institutions have any DFID aid going there at all? I think the answer will be crucial. They are significant players and can do is no, and there were no UK Trade & Investment much to catalyse economic and political change. We priority relationships with those countries. We are catching will also work with the EU on creating a new and up now, but we have been absent on parade for quite a ambitious economic and trade partnership with the long time. That is true of the previous Government as region. That offer, together with any EU aid attached to well—I am not trying to make any partisan point. it, should be made conditional on the delivery of real progress towards democracy, human rights and political Mr Mitchell: I am not sure that I agree with the right and economic reform. hon. Gentleman to any great extent. I do not think any Our vision is simple: we want open, fair and inclusive of us envisages bilateral programmes with the Maghreb societies that meet the needs of all citizens, including countries, but it is vital that the EU should engage with the poorest and most vulnerable. We want the economic them much more in future, particularly on opening up growth that will create the jobs that help young people trade and improving market access. We can do a range to see how they can build a future for themselves and of things to provide strong encouragement in future. their own children International consensus will be I was talking about the importance of our work in particularly helpful in achieving that. We will play our developing plans for stabilisation. I sought last week to part, recognising that our priority must be to help reinforce the message about the importance of early fragile states to build legitimate, effective and resilient planning, both at the conference itself and in the margins institutions of their own. 925 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 926

Dr Murrison: Will my right hon. Friend note the of Liberia. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary arrived extremely good example that Morocco set, in particular on the Liberian border with Ivory Coast yesterday to the speech that King Mohammed VI made on 9 March, assess the situation at first hand. which, I hope, will herald some genuine constitutional and political reforms in that country? Will he agree that Humanitarian emergencies can arise from rapid onset much of north Africa and the Maghreb must look to disasters as well as protracted conflicts. In recent weeks, such role models? we have seen terrible natural disasters in New Zealand and Japan. In each case, we responded to requests from their Governments for help, sending the UK’s international Mr Mitchell: I agree with the principle of my hon. search and rescue teams, made up of firefighters, medical Friend’s point. Although I have not yet read King experts and dogs that are specially trained to seek out Mohammed VI’s speech, I will make a point of doing so those who are still alive under the rubble, as well as afterwards in view of my hon. Friend’s interest in it. heavy lifting equipment. We have been able to provide some small help to the people of New Zealand and Malcolm Bruce (Gordon) (LD): Given that a major Japan as they cope with the aftermath of disasters, both cause of the problem in north Africa is a skilled and cruel reminders that nature does not discriminate on the educated work force but a lack of employment, does the basis of GDP. Secretary of State recognise that international organisations, such as the International Labour Organisation, which I end with a more general point. The House can be the Government have downgraded for core funding but proud that Britain is known across the world for the indicated that they would still accept as a partner, may quality of its response to humanitarian disasters. That have a role in helping to reconstruct the economies of is matched by the generosity shown by British people those countries and giving access to jobs for those who when faced with the overwhelming need of others—a have the skills, but not the opportunity? truth that was so poignantly illustrated last year in the case of Pakistan, and just last month in the public Mr Mitchell: The Chair of the International response to the Comic Relief appeal. The UK is a world Development Committee makes a good point. Of course, leader when it comes to humanitarian support. However, the ILO still receives core funding from the Department we should never be complacent. For that reason, I for Work and Pensions. His point is picked up in the asked Lord Ashdown to carry out an independent Government’s multilateral aid review because we will, review of Britain’s humanitarian emergency response of course, support any specific ILO programmes, which capability. He delivered that report last week. we judge to provide good and effective progress on the The review set out Lord Ashdown’s conclusions on ground and value for money for the British taxpayer. how we might equip ourselves for tomorrow’s disasters, While most eyes are on Libya, we should not forget which experts tell us unequivocally will increase in scale the crisis in Ivory Coast, where Laurent Gbagbo continues and severity. The need to anticipate and prepare for to cling to power. In little over six months, political disasters has been demonstrated many times and was unrest has displaced up to 1 million people from their cruelly illustrated again last year by the relative impacts homes and killed hundreds. There are well-documented of the almost contemporaneous earthquakes in Haiti accounts of significant abuses of civilians, including and Chile. The death rates tell their own story: despite rape, killings and disappearances. Insecurity continues the earthquakes being similar in magnitude, 316,000 to hinder the humanitarian response and help is reaching people lost their lives in Haiti compared with 562 in only a small proportion of those directly affected. However, Chile. Inevitably, the poorest people are the least equipped Britain has responded swiftly. We are planning to provide to prepare and therefore remain increasingly vulnerable. 25,000 displaced people with enough food to last them six months, supply enough tents to shelter 15,000 people, Lord Ashdown has suggested several ways in which treat 10,000 people for malnutrition, and help 3,000 Britain could improve the quality of its humanitarian west African nationals to return home. response. In framing his recommendations, he has focused on how DFID can deliver maximum benefit to those in As a result of the unrest, more than 120,000 men, need while achieving value for money for the British women and children have fled across the border into taxpayer. He has proposed some radical changes, which Liberia. That influx has had a major impact on border would place resilience to natural disasters at the heart of communities, depleting food stocks to a bare minimum. all our activity. In some villages, the number of refugees is almost the number of the host community and is likely to increase The Government will now consider Lord Ashdown’s still further in the coming months. report, and I will consult further on his recommendations. More than 10 days ago, I agreed significant support I expect to be in a position to report to the House, for 15,000 refugees in Liberia, including the provision setting out a detailed Government response, during the of food and shelter. We are particularly concerned week commencing 17 May. However, I can say to the about the number of children who have been separated House today that I agree with the review’s principal from their families. Through our support of UNICEF, recommendation—namely, that our response to a we are therefore helping to ensure that thousands of humanitarian emergency must be based on need. The children affected by the crisis are protected from violence, Government are, first and last, committed to respecting abuse and exploitation. We are working to supply water and promoting the neutrality, impartiality and independence and sanitation to the very large number of people I of humanitarian aid. described on the border. In the debate, we reflect on just some of the different We will monitor the situation closely and continue to humanitarian needs that exist in our world today and press other donors to play their full part. I have recently Britain’s response to them. Generosity of spirit and discussed the situation with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf concern for the plight of others are as much British 927 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 928 values as stoicism or free speech. I believe that the keep our focus on the plight of those in Libya who are whole House will join me in underlining that fact, and playing no part in the fighting, but who are suffering in working to continue that proud tradition. because of it.

Malcolm Bruce: Does the right hon. and learned 2.28 pm Lady agree that that action was taken under the UN Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): resolution on the responsibility to protect? Does she I am grateful to the Secretary of State for introducing agree that that is not a right, it is a responsibility? Does the debate at a time of extraordinary humanitarian she also agree that had we not taken such action, we emergencies, both those caused by natural disasters and would have been in breach of the spirit, if not the those brought about by conflict. I join him in paying words, of the UN charter? tribute to the seven UN workers who were killed in Afghanistan. Ms Harman: The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely There have been terrible disasters in New Zealand right—not taking such action would have cost many and Japan. Our thoughts are with all those who have more lives. The humanitarian situation in Libya is dire. lost relatives and are struggling to rebuild. Those disasters Libyans must flee from their homes and many, including underline the points that Lord Ashdown’s important children, are being gravely injured and face lifelong report on humanitarian emergency response makes so disabilities, and many are losing their lives. However, as compellingly. Our ability to anticipate where natural he says, the situation would have been immeasurably disaster will strike is growing all the time, and we must worse had the international community decided not to take action in advance to build resilience. We know that take action. As the Secretary of State graphically underlined anticipation and advance planning save lives. I pay to the House, Gaddafi’s attacks on, and threats to, his tribute to Lord Ashdown for his report and look forward own people, and particularly his threat to show no to the Government’s response. mercy to Benghazi, imposed a clear duty to prevent the The Foreign Secretary updated the House yesterday slaughter of innocent people, and we support that on the dreadful conflict in Côte d’Ivoire, of which the action. International Development Secretary spoke. Hundreds UN resolution 1973, which authorised military action have been murdered, and hundreds of thousands have for a no-fly zone, also required the Libyan authorities to fled their homes. Ivorians are in desperate need of food, allow full and rapid humanitarian assistance to those in clean water, shelter, medical care, and above all, an end need, and to take all measures to protect civilians and to to the fighting. Women and children are the most meet their basic needs. The Gaddafi regime has failed to vulnerable. Save the Children has said that at least comply with those obligations. The UN and aid agencies 500,000 children have been forced to leave their homes. are unable to reach all areas. The fighting makes things Many have lost their parents and suffered unimaginable too dangerous in some areas, and Gaddafi denies access trauma. They need protection and shelter, and there is to others. The UN Office for the Co-ordination of an urgent need for the international community to Humanitarian Affairs has said that hostilities around ensure that is provided. Tripoli and in the west make even finding out what It is therefore of great concern that aid is being needs to be done virtually impossible. impeded. There are reports of UN headquarters coming We do know, however, that the threats and the fighting under continuous attack and of UNICEF workers being in Libya are causing a massive flight of people from trapped in their office in Abidjan. For the suffering to their homes. Where the fighting is worst, the United stop and for peace to prevail, former President Gbagbo Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates must go. that only 10% remain in their homes—90% have fled. Refugees are flooding into Liberia, which is struggling Tens of thousands are presumed to have fled to Benghazi to cope. The Liberians have shown great generosity, but to seek refuge from Gaddafi’s troops; more than 70,000 they need support. The UN has asked for $146 million Libyans have fled their country altogether; and more from the international community, but so far, it has than 300,000 foreign workers have fled the country. been promised less than a quarter of that. What Facing upheaval and distress, they have needed food contribution has the UK made to that UN fund? Many and shelter at the border and transport back to their here, not least my Ivorian constituents living in Southwark, home countries. That is a huge movement of people, will want us to play our part in helping to alleviate such and we should pay tribute, as the Secretary of State did, terrible suffering. The UN Security Council is meeting to DFID for its role in the international effort to help to today. The Opposition fully support the international shelter and protect those who fled. efforts to bring an end to that crisis, which cannot Those stranded on the border remain a problem—those happen too soon. who cannot afford to go home or those who were in DFID’s expertise in responding to humanitarian Libya as refugees and who are afraid to go home. Many emergencies is recognised around the world, as Lord countries are playing their part in offering refuge to Ashdown’s report underlined. However, he is right that them. For example, Canada is taking 60, Argentina is we need to continue to press for improvements in how taking 25, and Finland is taking 70. We should play our both the UK and the international community respond part too. How many will the UK take? to humanitarian emergencies. There is a particular problem for women from sub- On Libya, although most of the attention has been Saharan Africa who were working in Libya, who are focused on the armed battle, it was because of the threat facing sexual violence—there are alarming reports of of death and injury to Libyan people that the UN rape and beatings. Can the Secretary of State assure the agreed to military action. It is right that we continue to House that every effort will be made to protect them? 929 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 930

Alec Shelbrooke: Will the right hon. Lady draw on offer to lead co-ordination of humanitarian assistance. her work on child sex slave trafficking? Has she considered We look forward to hearing further details as that is what opportunities exist for people to exploit young taken forward. women and girls who are fleeing Libya? Does she have Will the Secretary of State reassure the House that any suggestions on how we can prevent them from the important Turkish-UK-US humanitarian aid team ending up in this country as a result of such exploitation? is fully co-ordinated as part of the UN plan? Are the Government pressing for the clear leadership that Lord Ms Harman: The hon. Gentleman raises an important Ashdown proposed in his recent report? Is the UK point, and of course those women and girls are very pushing for one person to be put in charge of all vulnerable. Those who are foreign workers could be international humanitarian efforts? The countries of properly sheltered and protected on the borders, and north Africa and the Arab world have an important then transported safely home, but the situation for role, and the support and active participation of Muslim those who remain in Libya remains grave. There are countries in delivering aid is vital. Can the Secretary of grave problems for those who stayed behind—both State tell us which countries in the region are providing Libyans and migrant workers. that humanitarian support? As everyone recognises, the In Misrata, water and electricity have been cut off, need for the close involvement of the Arab League and the hospitals are inundated, and there is a growing the African Union is crucial. At the London conference, problem throughout Libya with the supply of food. the African Union was not represented. After his discussions Libya imports most of its food, but the fighting has with the head of the African Union this week, can we disrupted imports, threatening food shortages and price look forward to its greater involvement? rises. UNOCHA has expressed particular concern about Will the Secretary of State also tell the House what migrant workers getting the food they need because in the EU military operation set up last week will be able many cases, their employment has been disrupted, leaving to contribute to the humanitarian effort? As well as an them with little or no disposable income. The flight of effective response to immediate humanitarian needs, he so many foreign workers has also meant Libya facing is right to stress the importance of early and effective difficulties without Egyptian nurses, Tunisian construction planning for post-conflict stabilisation and clarity over workers, Palestinian engineers and thousands of who is leading the international effort. Women must be Bangladeshi workers. included in peacebuilding and reconstruction, as UN I join the praise for our armed forces who are protecting resolution 1325 demands. It was disappointing that at people through the no-fly zone, and I strongly support the London conference last week only five of the what DFID has done in Libya. We must also continue 46 participants were women. Will he assure us that the to back the UN in co-ordinated international efforts to UK will do all it can to ensure that in the future women increase humanitarian access to Libya and its borders. I are fully involved? also pay tribute to Islamic Relief, the International Red As the Secretary of State said, it must be Libyan men Cross and the International Medical Corps—humanitarian and women who lead the rebuilding of their country, so organisations that are operating in difficult and dangerous I hope that the Government will involve the Libyan circumstances. To get help to those who need it, they diaspora community in this country. They live here, but have not only to maintain scrupulous impartiality but they know and care about their homeland. Libya is also to be, and be seen to be, separate from the military struggling now, but it is not a poor country; it has great effort, which they are. potential and capacity. As well as highlighting the work of DFID, international agencies and humanitarian organisations, the Secretary Dr Murrison: It is of course right that the Government of State was right to highlight the role of the diaspora listen to all sources of advice, but would the right hon. community in this country. The Government play a and learned Lady accept that her Government listened major role, but hard-working people, often in low-paid too much to Iraqi expatriates, émigrés and defectors in jobs, are very generous and immediately rush to help the run-up to the 2003 conflict? In part, I am afraid, those in their country of origin. Those in the diaspora that resulted in some very misleading conclusions and community who rally round when there is an international hampered the reconstruction operation after the acute emergency greatly deserve to be recognised. war-fighting phase. The UN says that it needs $310 million funding for Ms Harman: I do not accept, as a general point, that the international effort, but it has collected only a third Governments, including the Labour Government, have of that. I was glad to hear the Secretary of State say listened too much to diaspora communities. If anything, that the UK will play its part in ensuring that other Governments feel that what they do is most important, countries contribute to that fund, as we have. and fail to see the efforts of ordinary people who know The Secretary of State has rightly highlighted the and care about their country of origin. I would never admirable and selfless support being provided by the criticise any Government—past or future—for listening Tunisians and Egyptians to refugees fleeing to their to diaspora communities, which have different sources borders. As people continue to leave Libya, however, of information. Obviously, that would form just part of there will be a need for ongoing support for her the information that Governments need to gather, but neighbours—Egypt and Tunisia—as they face the twin we must listen to those who might not work in the challenges of transforming into a new political future Foreign Office, but who know a great deal and care and a major influx of refugees. To tackle the urgent about their country of origin. humanitarian problems, international support must be properly financed, properly co-ordinated and clearly Mr MacShane: We would also be well advised to led, which is why we welcome the acceptance at last listen to the Moroccan diaspora communities in Paris week’s London conference of the UN Secretary-General’s and London that are presenting a very different picture 931 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 932 of the corruption and the authoritarian and repressive debate is important, because not only are we providing tactics—sadly, and despite the good intentions of the the immediate humanitarian aid, but there will be an king—in that country. ongoing need for nation-building aid. That will be really important. Ms Harman: I absolutely agree with my right hon. I seek clarification from my right hon. Friend the Friend on that point. Secretary of State for International Development; if he In conclusion, we have all seen the terrible events in cannot provide it now, perhaps he can seek it after the New Zealand, Japan, Côte d’Ivoire and Libya, and the debate. This morning, the Prime Minister’s spokesman suffering of the people in those countries. When we see said: children starving, women at risk of rape and abuse and “Our position on Gaddafi is very clear. He has to go. Anything people trapped under rubble, we cannot stand back as else is a matter for the Libyan people.” spectators. Ultimately, our humanitarian effort is no Does that denote a slight shift in the coalition’s position substitute for political action in situations such as those towards regime change? I do not think that there will be in Côte d’Ivoire and Libya, and where there is ongoing a satisfactory outcome to the Libyan situation until conflict, in places such as the Democratic Republic of Gaddafi leaves, so if that is the coalition’s new policy, I Congo. However, it can help to alleviate the suffering. welcome it. At the moment, the rebels do not have the Ensuring that those efforts are delivered as rapidly and military or other resources to bring about that change, effectively as possible is vital. What is needed for that is so we have to focus on the diplomatic activity, and use strong leadership and a strong and effective international all the interlocutors we can to bring about a settlement. system. Saif Gaddafi has a role to play, too, because if anyone can persuade Gaddafi to go, it must be his son. He has 2.44 pm had considerable experience of western culture and—much more importantly—of peaceful western democracy, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): I am including in this country. grateful to be called so early in the debate, Madam Deputy Speaker. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is right when he talks about the possibility of recognising the I start where my right hon. Friend the Secretary of interim transitional national council. We ought to recognise State finished—with the UK’s generosity of spirit. I the opposition. Instead of calling them rebels, we ought urge him to sell to the British people all the excellent to call them the opposition; language is really important. humanitarian work that the UK is undertaking. At this The worst people in all this are Gaddafi and his friends. time of economic stringency, a small minority of our The interim transitional national council and the ordinary constituents are asking, “Why are we spending so much people of Libya are those whom we ought to be helping. money on foreign aid?” so the British people ought to hear what he is doing around the world. Like the good As I said in my intervention on my right hon. Friend, Samaritan, we as a nation do not walk on the other side it was, after all, the Arab League and the African Union of the road; we get involved when a nation is in serious that urged us to obtain the UN resolution and the trouble, regardless of whether it is a wealthy nation or no-fly zone in the first place. We must keep the Arab one of the poorest nations on earth, which is why the League and the African Union up to the mark, which is Japanese people were so grateful that we volunteered to why I made my intervention. They are the people who send a team to try to recover victims following the should be putting pressure on Gaddafi and helping with earthquake. the humanitarian aid effort. They are the people who, in the longer term, should be helping with nation building. Anybody who, like my right hon. Friend and me, has After all, they have a vested interest in bringing stability seen the holocaust memorial in Kigali in Rwanda or, to the region. even worse, the sheds in Murambi just north of Butare, where during the holocaust women, men and even I pay tribute to what my right hon. Friend said about children were encouraged to enter the newly created the ordinary families in Tunisia who have voluntarily secondary school, locked up in sheds and then butchered given up their homes, giving help, food and shelter for with machetes, could have no doubt that we should the people crossing the borders. More than 350,000 have taken the action that we did in Libya—not to have people have crossed the Libyan border since the crisis done so would have been a moral outrage. My right began. I am so glad to see that my right hon. Friend is hon. Friends the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary providing them with help, in the form of £8.4 million, and the Secretary of State for International Development 10,000 tents and 30,000 blankets. That is a tremendous are to be congratulated on leading the world in taking effort from the United Kingdom, and one that is to be that action. greatly applauded. However, it is not just the African Gaddafi took over in a bitter military coup in 1969, Union and the Arab League that could be involved. and has lost close relations in the 1986 bombing and in Germany and other European Union countries have so the current campaign, so he is clearly a hardened individual. far not stepped up to the mark well enough, but I see no As a result, it is extremely unlikely that he will leave reason why they cannot play their full part—in fact, until he knows with absolute certainty that the game is more than their full part—in the humanitarian aid up. At present, that is not the situation. Although the effort and the nation building to come. The Americans, no-fly zone has been successfully implemented, all he who pulled out of the coalition for the no-fly zone, has to do is occasionally send out his tanks and armoured could also be playing their full part. cars to terrorise his population, and that keeps the Having said that, it is clearly important for the UN, coalition forces tied up. We have to accept, therefore, the EU and other multilateral agencies to co-ordinate that there will not be a military ending to this dispute; it the whole effort, because as my right hon. Friend said, it will have to be politically negotiated. That is where this will involve co-ordinating a large number of agencies, 933 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 934

[Geoffrey Clifton-Brown] I am glad that the Government responded positively to our pitch in the strategic defence and security review, and not just in addressing the humanitarian situation in and that they have responded to the Libyan crisis in the Libya. As we have seen, there is equally need in Egypt way that they have. I believe that the military action and, even more so, in Tunisia. Tunisia is a far smaller under Security Council resolution 1973 has saved many country on the map, but the prospects for bringing civilian lives in Benghazi and other rebel-held towns in about a peaceful democracy there are probably stronger eastern Libya, but I do not believe that military power than almost any other Maghreb country. If we focus will resolve Libya’s deeper political crisis. On that point our efforts there, perhaps that will help in our efforts in I am at one with the hon. Member for The Cotswolds Egypt, Libya and other countries. (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown), who has just spoken. A political Many others want to speak in this debate, so I shall solution is needed. The UK should support the Turkish sum up. All the actions taken by my right hon. Friend— Prime Minister’s initiative to secure a ceasefire and, particularly on the stabilisation unit, bringing about through political efforts, to reach terms on which Gaddafi cross-agency support for our humanitarian aid—have will leave office. been a fantastic effort. They include the Libyan contact I would certainly argue against broadening our military group under Christopher Prentice, which my right hon. objectives. I do not believe that regime change should Friend mentioned; bringing about contacts with the be set as a goal or that we should arm insurgents ITNC—perhaps with help from some of our other fighting against the Gaddafi regime. If we did either of agencies in the military—and gaining access to those those things, we would destroy the fragile coalition at people; as well as building friendships and coalitions to the United Nations that came together around the see where we can help to build stability in all parts of Security Council resolution. If we were to arm insurgents, Libya. However, the greatest need for humanitarian aid we would of course strengthen the arms of some is obviously in those cities and towns that have borne modernisers and democrats, but we would also put the biggest brunt of the military attack, particularly further arms into the hands of tyrants and dictators, Misrata and the surrounding cities. Clearly there is a big and into the hands of military and civilian personnel need for humanitarian aid. I welcome the Turks sending from Gaddafi’s regime who have defected. in a humanitarian aid ship. That was a tremendous effort, but surely the international effort must focus on Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): The hon. stabilising Libya and trying to keep as many people as Gentleman is talking a great deal of very good sense, possible in humane conditions in their own country, but does he not recognise that the logical outcome of rather than having to airlift them or take them out by rightly saying, “We shouldn’t arm the insurgents,” and, sea. Although that is imperative in the short term, our “We shouldn’t seek regime change,” will be a total medium and longer-term aim must be to bring about stalemate and that Gaddafi will not leave at all? That is stability and keep those people in their own country. the realistic outcome to expect. Does the hon. Gentleman not think that we ought to frame our policy accordingly? In closing, I do not think that this campaign will be over in months, as the media would have us believe. We Hugh Bayley: Before the Iraq war I took the view that are in it for the long haul—in Libya and in bringing the policy of containment had failed to secure Saddam about stability and democracy for the whole of north Hussein’s compliance with UN Security Council resolutions Africa—but the prize is huge, because stability in that and that military action was needed to resolve the region will bring about stability in the middle east and situation. In retrospect, I am not sure that that was the Africa. As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary right decision. Perhaps containment, although costly said, what we are seeing is one of the seminal events of and untidy, might have been a better policy. The hon. the first half of the 21st century. The prize is enormous. Gentleman’s analysis is fair, but if it means a long From what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State period of stalemate, that might be better than a war for International Development has said today, I have no whose objective was regime change. doubt that Britain will play its part—in fact, well above its part. That is to be wholly welcomed. Please will my If we escalated militarily, we would also undoubtedly right hon. Friend go out and keep telling the British intensify the humanitarian crisis in a way that would people that, so that they do not complain about how conflict with one of the recommendations of Lord much we are putting into international aid? Ashdown’s recent “Humanitarian Emergency Response Review”. The review says that “where states have failed,” or “when Governments are belligerent,” there is what 2.54 pm Paddy Ashdown’s team call “a fragile ‘space’ in which humanitarian agencies are accepted” Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): In August last and able to do their work. He recommends that year, the all-party Africa group published a report called “Security and Africa”, as our contribution to the “DFID humanitarian policy should be to protect and where Government’s strategic defence and security review. We possible enlarge this fragile space”. reminded the Government that there are a number of That would be impossible if the military campaign were security risks in Africa that threaten people both in that to adopt wider objectives. continent and further afield, including in Europe. We The majority of the victims to date have not been urged the Government to retain the capacity for military Libyans. They have been migrants from sub-Saharan engagement with Africa. We stressed the need for better African countries such as Chad, Nigeria, Ethiopia, co-operation between the Foreign Office, the Ministry Eritrea and Somalia who came to Libya looking for of Defence and the Department for International jobs or, in many cases, to use it as a stepping stone to Development, and the need to co-ordinate policy with Europe. The British Red Cross has reported that some our allies in NATO and the European Union. 390,000 people have already fled Libya, with some 935 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 936

9,000 currently stranded at Libya’s borders. An article review. The International Organisation for Migration in this week’s Voice newspaper tells the story of a has also been put on special measures by the Government. 31-year-old Eritrean, Tesfa Gebrimehedn, who said that It has been told that it must improve or lose its funding. he had suffered attacks from anti-Government protesters It has been decided that a number of UN agencies that who mistook him, as a black man from sub-Saharan are crucial to dealing with humanitarian crises, including Africa, for a mercenary. Gaddafi has employed many the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, people from sub-Saharan Africa as mercenaries. The are poorly managed and have now been put on special Libyan police beat up him and his friends and demanded measures or lost their funding. Surely the challenge is to money at roadblocks. The Red Cross reports that there tackle the poor management and to drive up standards, are 100 checkpoints between Tripoli and the Tunisian so that those agencies are better able to meet the needs border. Two friends of his were killed by policemen of the international community. When the Minister from the Gaddafi regime, and 5,000 dinars—£2,500—was replies to the debate, I hope that he will be able to tell us, stolen from him, again by police at one of the checkpoints. in relation to the four that are in special measures and The International Organisation for Migration tells us the four that have lost funding, what the Government that 87,000 foreign nationals have already been repatriated, are proposing as a management development programme and that 12,000 have been put on flights provided to increase the capacity of those organisations so that by funding from the Department for International they can do their job in future. Development. However, I agree with my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman) that we in the UK need to work with 3.6 pm others to create an international plan to provide for the Malcolm Bruce (Gordon) (LD): I thank my right needs of the refugees, and to provide asylum where hon. Friend the Secretary of State for keeping the necessary. It is wrong simply to leave this problem of House up to date on this important activity; I congratulate hundreds of thousands of people fleeing from Libya in him and his Department on their quick responses. I the hands of Tunisia and Egypt. shall explore how that will affect the role of the Department. There are some wider questions that I would like to The BBC recently conducted a poll on the public’s raise about Lord Ashdown’s review. He comes to some attitude towards the engagement in Libya. In the aftermath wise conclusions, including that the UK needs policies of Afghanistan and Iraq, I guess that there is a degree that anticipate humanitarian disasters as well as simply of voter fatigue and, perhaps—how can I put it?—an responding to them when they happen. Let us take Côte inability to distinguish between different engagements d’Ivoire as an example. It is now four months since and the reasons for them. That was partly what prompted President Ouattara was elected and Laurent Gbagbo my intervention on the right hon. and learned Member refused to accept the outcome of the election. The for Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman). United Kingdom did some extremely good work before We have been engaged in the concept of the responsibility the last election in Sierra Leone to role-play with the to protect, and in its development in the United Nations, President what he would do if he were voted out of but this is the first occasion on which it has been fully office by the electorate. Indeed, he was voted out, and applied. It is true that the shame associated with the he did leave office. experience in Rwanda is what prompted this action, but We certainly need to take steps to anticipate not only it took a long time for the concept of that kind of military and security problems but natural disasters. intervention to develop. It is important to explain clearly Paddy Ashdown’s report talks about the floods in not only to the British people but to the wider international Mozambique in 2006. It describes how Mozambique public that the responsibility to protect means just that. sought £2 million in aid before the floods to prepare to It does not involve a right or a permission; it is actually meet the crisis, and how the request fell on deaf ears. a duty to engage in a situation such as this. Had we not The subsequent cost to the international community of done so, we would all have witnessed on live television rescuing people from the floods was £60 million. It is the massacre of the people of Benghazi. Those people who blindingly obvious, when the Zambezi river is in spate say that they are not convinced that we should be in on the Angola-Zambia border, that it will flood in Libya would have been exactly the same people who would Mozambique two weeks or so later. There needs to be have said, “Why did you stand by and allow this to happen?” better co-operation between African countries in anticipating and preparing for disasters. Mr MacShane: I agree with the right hon. Gentleman, Paddy Ashdown also talks about the need to build but he should not gloss over the record of his fellow resilience into buildings, so that schools, for example, Scot, Robin Cook, who, along with many others, developed could double as typhoon shelters. That is a task for UN the responsibility to protect. At the end of the 1990s, he Habitat. In 2004, at the time of the tsunami, 150 million applied it very strongly in the southern Kurdish areas of people were affected by the tsunami and other humanitarian Iraq. The RAF flew bombing missions, and there was a crises. According to the Ashdown report, 263 million full-scale military intervention that was approved by the were affected by such crises last year and he says that we House and initiated by the former Foreign Secretary, should anticipate 375 million being affected by 2015. Robin Cook. This is partly because of climate change, but also because the global population is rising and people are becoming Malcolm Bruce: I am perfectly happy to acknowledge more and more concentrated in cities. If a disaster that fact. I had great admiration for Robin Cook’s strikes a city, the number of people affected is therefore activities as Foreign Secretary, and the right hon. Gentleman much greater. is absolutely right to remind us of them. I hope that he UN Habitat is one of four organisations that has lost will accept, none the less, that this was the first application funding as a result of the Government’s multilateral aid of a full engagement under a resolution of this nature. 937 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 938

[Malcolm Bruce] In that context, will the Secretary of State say more about the role of the European Union? We deliver a It is important that that engagement involves more substantial amount through the direct budget contribution than just a no-fly zone. We are using all the powers to the EU, in addition to which we give our own required to protect the civilian population. I do not development funding to the EU. I believe that in that intend to detain the House with a discussion of where it capacity it receives more than £1 billion a year. The might all end, because none of us knows. We hope that Secretary of State will know of the discussion in lives will be saved and that space will be created to allow the International Development Committee—indeed, we one regime to depart and some other form of government propose to produce a report on the EU as a development to develop. We also hope that that will be determined by partner—about the fact that quite a lot of the core the Libyan people and not by outside interests. budget to which we effectively contribute willy-nilly to It is also worth mentioning that, yes, Libya is an the EU goes towards overseas development assistance oil-producing country but we should nail the lie that in, for example, Turkey. Some EU member states are that is the reason for the international community’s strongly engaged in arguing that we should give support intervention. I really do not believe that that is the and assistance to our neighbours. My point for the reason. Indeed, the amount of oil that Libya produces Secretary of State is that it might not be a bad idea to is a relatively small proportion in world terms and reprioritise the existing EU budget to take account of certainly not something that fundamentally drives the the changing situation. It seems to me perfectly reasonable price of oil—in spite of its current record highs. We to expect that to happen. I am not suggesting that there need to get across to people the fact that this is a should be no more funding for changed circumstances, humanitarian intervention entirely based on the threat but we should be careful not to divert too much of our to the people of Benghazi and nothing to do with the development assistance, which by definition should go fact that Libya was and is an oil producer. to more needy causes. It would be helpful if the Secretary of State could I intervened on the Secretary of State earlier on the clarify in his reply what he believes DFID’s engagement subject of the multilateral review. Let me make it clear in the region is likely to be in the future. On the basis of that I have no problem with the Government’s decision the reply he gave to my Select Committee colleague, the on the International Labour Organisation, and I completely hon. Member for York Central (Hugh Bayley), I understand take the point that the core funding still comes from that to date—he might want to update us further— Her Majesty’s Government, but through a different £10.04 million has been allocated to meet the immediate Department. I was anxious to test the Secretary of State humanitarian crisis. I doubt whether any Member would and his reply was entirely where I wanted him go—to take issue with that, but we would like to know how the effect that, where the ILO can be a useful partner, as much further finance is likely to be committed. it can be in parts of the world, we should work directly I hope that the Secretary of State agrees that Libya is with it. I was reassured by that answer, as across north not a poor country. What it needs is co-ordinated aid Africa—indeed, this is also a salutary lesson for what and action. What it does not need is overseas development we are trying to do in sub-Saharan Africa—there is no assistance—there are other places and other people point in giving people skills, hope and aspiration and who have more urgent need of that. I hope that he will then failing to deliver livelihood opportunities. reassure us that development assistance will not apply in Libya. I understand that he has been given a particular When we boil it down, that is the core of the problem role by the Prime Minister to help to co-ordinate the that has led to an explosion in these communities of humanitarian relief, and I think that he and his Department youngish people who feel—and they are entitled to are ideally placed to do that. feel—that they have not been given their space in the sun, which their education and the means of the countries I understand that the Secretary of State intends to they live in could have provided them. The key to the reply to Lord Ashdown’s report in May. He might like future must surely be a more dynamic programme designed to engage with the United Nations to see whether its to give people jobs and opportunities and to share their leadership and co-ordination can be improved along country’s resources more equally. To the extent that we the lines that Lord Ashdown recommended. One suggestion can help to co-ordinate such a programme and assist from Lord Ashdown was that the Department for with it, that seems to me to be an entirely legitimate International Development should have a director general role. It is not all about money; it is about engagement, to focus specifically on humanitarian relief, resilience partnership, understanding and allowing people’s and co-ordination. That seems a sensible suggestion aspirations to find their own level rather than imposing that the Secretary of State might wish to take up. solutions from outside. The role of the international community is an important issue. The UK has taken quite a leading role on Libya, In conclusion, let me make passing reference to the but I think I could be forgiven for saying that this is not situation in the Côte d’Ivoire—and, by association and a hugely British responsibility—other than the fact that neighbourhood consequence, Liberia. We all welcome we are the kind of people we are. It seems to me that the fact that the Government have responded quickly other countries might have as great, or a greater and in a practical way and that the Under-Secretary of responsibility and that our job should be to co-ordinate State for International Development is evaluating the and to share the burden, not to take too much of it on situation on the ground. That is precisely what we ourselves. In the wider context, there are countries would expect the Government to do, but I hope that the whose commitment to international development, support Secretary of State will acknowledge that this should not and assistance is rather less than ours, but they could be be a priority area for the UK. It is an immediate crisis doing rather more—not least because they lie closer to and we want to be part of assisting to resolve it, but the affected area so that the impact on them is more again other countries and international agencies are direct. better equipped than we are to take responsibility for 939 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 940 the long-term future of the Côte d’Ivoire—as and when, The doctrine of the international community should hopefully, a legitimate Government can be put in place be pursued, and never more so than now. People want without being assaulted and can proceed with its to know not only that we are right to take action, but proper job of delivering for the people of the region. Is that we have clear objectives and are going to succeed. it not ironic, however, that this is taking place next door The humanitarian situation in Libya is extremely worrying. to Ghana, which has over the last 12 months had a Thousands of people on the Libyan borders await wholly successful election? The opposition won and the evacuation, and within the country humanitarian access Government were not happy.The Administration changed, is still very limited. Daniel Korski, a former special however—as far as I am aware, without even a broken adviser to the Secretary of State who returned from nose, let alone anything more serious. It seems an Libya recently, has said: ironic, almost tragic situation, that two countries that “There is less of a crisis than I thought but around the are so similar in so many ways and exist next door to war-caught cities the problem is severe. While we should eschew a each other are finding such a different destiny. One larger ceasefire, a ‘humanitarian break’ for Misrata may be worth hopes that partnership between those countries will, in contemplating to ensure people get out and receive medical the longer run, show how best practice can deliver the attention. We also need to ensure that the opposition forces have best results. To the extent that our Department for medical supplies and perhaps even medical expertise.” International Development can assist in that, I believe The international community has been caught between that it would have the support of the whole House. applauding the wave of democratic change—which will help, not hinder, our country’s security—and the fear of radical elements which drove our support for authoritarian 3.17 pm regimes in the past. Given our history in the region, it is Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab): The Balkans, clearly far preferable for any humanitarian intervention Afghanistan, Iraq, Tripoli and Benghazi—it is sobering to be instigated and led by Arab nations, but we must be to see how in 2011 those names are again at the forefront ready to assist. The nature of that assistance requires of our minds. As we debate national security, humanitarian very careful consideration, and we should be extremely aid and human rights, we must ask ourselves, “How has cautious about providing any materials that might further it come to this?” Was the international community too inflame the conflict, but it is right for medical and hasty to consign their dealings with these countries to humanitarian supplies to be made available in order to history, failing to recognise a role in ensuring stability in alleviate human suffering. those regions? That is a mistake that we repeat at our Unfolding events in Libya present genuine dilemmas. peril and one that we must not forget as we address the These are difficult judgments for any Government, and current and very real situation in Libya. the international community, to make. Our country has The other day in Barnsley, I was asked why we should not always struck the right balance between securing be dragged into another foreign conflict—somebody pragmatic but short-term political victories and putting else’s war. I was asked why we should feel obligated to in place enduring legacies that secure peace in the long ask our courageous RAF pilots to fly into the airspace term, and we must get the balance right now. Gaddafi’s above a foreign country in conflict. I was asked why we own future highlights the difficult and complex judgments should send our brave sailors and soldiers aboard warships that must be made. Given the Foreign Secretary’s comments into the waters of the state responsible for the Lockerbie last week, I hope that the Government’s commitment to bombing. Those questions made me consider why—why the International Criminal Court will not be sidestepped it was important to my constituents that our country in the pursuit of a pragmatic political solution for the among the international community should take the people of Libya, but I fully accept that such a judgment lead in securing a peaceful future for the people of requires very careful deliberation. Nevertheless, I believe Libya. Why us? that we must act, because we live in a world in which I then remembered why it should be us. It is because isolationism has ceased to have a meaningful reason to we have no real choice. This country has a long history exist. Specifically today, we have a clear interest in of standing up for justice and the rule of law, of preventing the re-subjugation of the people of Libya to standing up for the protection of the vulnerable and of an unbalanced and brutal dictatorship. There is a clear standing up for the men, women and children whose legal and moral imperative to act, and it is in our own Governments have persecuted and abandoned them. country’s own national interest for us to do so. Our country and our people should not walk by on the Detailed planning is vital to preparation for the post- other side of the street, ignoring the weak, the lost, the conflict period. We must satisfy ourselves that we have unprotected and the dispossessed. Walking on by is not made every effort to construct a plan for what will an option because we know that the right thing to do is happen when the fighting stops. We must learn the to stand up for others when we can and when it is legally lessons of the past: stabilisation and reconstruction are and morally the right thing to do. both political priorities, and we must not “deBa’athify” The British Government have a strong tradition of the state just for the sake of it, but give an incoming fighting for collective security, not selective security. regime every opportunity to succeed. Whether on the streets of Pristina or Freetown or elsewhere, we believe in standing up for the security of The Government have assured us that detailed work all. When we do act, however, clear objectives and is taking place. That work is vital, but the Whitehall decisive action are essential if the people of Libya are to culture does not always lend itself to cross-departmental be protected from a cut-throat regime and a humanitarian co-operation. Whitehall agendas can still prevail—joined-up disaster is to be averted. Already bodies lie in the streets government is still an aspiration and not yet a reality—but as lives are cut short by the bloody hand of an ever Whitehall can also engender a culture of “group think” more desperate dictator. which sometimes produces templated westernised solutions 941 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 942

[Dan Jarvis] often, however, the international community has stood by when genocide was imminent, paralysed by lack of that are not robust enough, or are too lofty in their consensus and fear of precedent. As has already been ambitions, to survive contact with complex situations in said, we must ensure that we learn the lessons of Rwanda other parts of the world. and Darfur as well as those of Iraq and Afghanistan. While the Government rightly focus on unfolding We must ensure that we live up to the ideals of the events in Libya, in Côte d’Ivoire, in Japan, in New “responsibility to protect”, but we must also ensure that Zealand and elsewhere, we should not forget the ongoing all action that is taken is visibly based on wholly insurgency in Afghanistan and our crucial role in securing humanitarian motives: that it is based on the moral a peaceful and enduring political settlement for the imperative to protect civilians, rather than on the western people there. However, there must come a point at temptation to impose our own political solutions. which the Government’s focus pulls back from the It must be said that, so far, the system has worked far immediate here and now, and they conduct a rigorous better and far more quickly than most international analysis of the implications of recent events for “Britain’s responses to state-sponsored violence. The fact that in role in the world”. just six weeks we have secured two Security Council The “question four” moment is the point in the resolutions and NATO control of a broad international military planning cycle at which, before the final military force, and have averted a humanitarian crisis as commitment to a plan, a last-minute check of events is hundreds of thousands of people have fled Libya, is conducted to establish whether the strategic or tactical nothing short of extraordinary. I join my hon. Friend situations have changed to such an extent that it is the Member for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) necessary to rethink or even abandon plans. This is a in congratulating the Government on their leadership question four moment: the point at which we should in driving this momentum, and on the care that they accept that the strategic defence and security review have taken to give the House regular updates and needs—at the very least—a rescrub, or a new chapter opportunities for debate. Nevertheless, a huge amount setting out the contribution that this country intends to of work and careful judgment is still required if progress make to the international community and, if possible, on Libya is to continue in a positive direction. Let me the mechanisms that it intends to deploy to best achieve give a couple of examples. the desired effect. As with any security, foreign policy, As we have learned in recent years, development and defence or development review, critically, if the Government reconstruction are not simply add-ons to a successful will the ends they must also will the commensurate military operation. They are, in fact, integral to the means. success or failure of an operation, and short, medium and long-term planning must incorporate detailed 3.26 pm development strategies. I was encouraged to hear the Foreign Secretary’s statement that the issues of urgent Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): humanitarian assistance and the needs of Libya after I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the the conflict were considered at the London conference, debate. Let me begin by adding my tribute to the and that the British diplomatic mission led by Christopher servicemen and women who are risking their lives in an Prentice will be making regular visits to Benghazi to effort to protect civilians in Libya. Regardless of the understand the situation of the opposition and civilians international debate on the parameters of the coalition’s on the ground better. However, may I ask for an update intervention, their role is honourable, and their families as to how DFID, the Foreign and Commonwealth can be justly proud of their bravery and assured of our Office and the Ministry of Defence are working to support. ensure there is a joined-up approach on the early and As the Secretary of State said, we should not forget sustained provision of humanitarian assistance, and why we got into this, and why, even after Iraq, the what role the UK will be playing in developing longer-term House voted so overwhelmingly in favour of humanitarian reconstruction strategies for Libya? For example, have action and the establishment of a no-fly zone in Libya. these issues been raised with the interim transitional It was because Colonel Gaddafi’s threats of vengeance national council, NATO command and control, and the on his own people were only too credible in the light of contact group, and will there be an ongoing forum to his record so far. It was because he told the world: ensure that Libyan people are included in this process? “There will be no mercy. Our troops will be coming to Benghazi In addition, there is some concern that at this point the tonight...If the world gets crazy with us we will get crazy too. We opposition may not have sufficient training, organisation will respond. We will make their lives hell because they are and leadership structures to ensure a smooth transition making our lives hell. They will never have peace.” to a post-Gaddafi Libyan leadership. Given that the It was because Benghazi’s 670,000 civilians would probably military part of this operation is likely to prove the most have been massacred, Libyan troops were already straightforward, has there been any discussion of UK committing atrocities in the outlying areas of the city, Government support for capacity building for the ITNC and Colonel Gaddafi’s men had received orders to go leadership? Investment in that now is likely to bear from house to house and from room to room to burn significant dividends as Libya progresses towards out the opposition. stabilisation. We are all anxious not to repeat the mistakes of Iraq Another problem facing the international community and Afghanistan. We are anxious for mission creep to is, of course, that while a measure of protection can be be avoided at all costs, and for the international community’s provided by a no-fly zone and the destruction of Gaddafi’s actions in Libya to present no opportunity for critics to larger military capability, current coalition activity cannot claim that western humanitarian action is code for protect civilians from small arms fire or other forms of regime change or wider political interference. Far too abuse and oppression. Given Amnesty’s reports of hundreds 943 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 944 of missing and detained civilians and Gaddafi’s record husbands, brothers and sons—deserve to have us take of torture and violent suppression of opposition, what the same care to comply with resolution 1325. We have assessment has the Secretary of State for International seen time and again that we will not achieve our goals of Development been able to make of the security situation peace and security in such regions if we do not include facing Libyans on the ground in different parts of the women. If we get just one thing right with the humanitarian country? Are we able to get a sense of the situation from planning for the future of Libya, let it be to play our the British mission to Benghazi, the International part in fully protecting women and girls, and to do all Committee of the Red Cross, or the reports of those we can to ensure women are given every opportunity to fleeing the country? In particular, I am concerned about participate fully in peace building and reconstruction. If reports of 80,000 internally displaced persons, with I can put it another way: no women, no peace. 9,000 refugees massed at the Tunisian border. Given that a disproportionate number of refugees tend to be 3.34 pm women and children, can the Secretary of State tell the Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): I welcome House what measures have been put in place to ensure this opportunity to debate the humanitarian consequences the protection of women and children in these temporary of the Libyan revolution. We have rightly had several camps? Protection of Libyan civilians does not end at opportunities to question the Prime Minister and the the border, and the history of refugee planning and Foreign Secretary specifically about the military and protection shows that the international community does political aspects of the crisis, but, as my right hon. and not always take into account the distinctive needs of learned Friend the Member for Camberwell and Peckham displaced women and girls. (Ms Harman) said, the intervention in Libya was a Finally, given the recent media coverage of the Libyan military response to a humanitarian situation, and it is woman claiming to have been raped by Gaddafi’s soldiers, also clear that there is an interaction between the military can the Secretary of State give an assessment of the and humanitarian aspects. incidence of sexual and gender-based violence in Libya? It is my understanding that the purpose of UN As the shadow Secretary of State pointed out, and as Security Council resolution 1973 was to neutralise the the Secretary of State knows only too well, women and attacks on civilians, particularly around Benghazi, and, girls suffer disproportionately in times of conflict and as a corollary of that, to avoid any additional civilian are particularly at risk of being targeted in civil war casualties. That was the basis on which I voted for the scenarios such as this one. So far, I have seen estimates motion supporting the resolution in this House. The of the number of dead and wounded, and estimates of purpose of the resolution was therefore not to act as a the number of internally displaced persons and refugees, support arm for rebel forces or to enable the arming of but not a single official estimate of the number of the rebels, nor to authorise regime change. However, women and children subjected to sexual and gender-based in the weeks since we debated—and passed by an violence, despite the fact that such atrocities are endemic overwhelmingly majority—the motion on that resolution in modern conflict. I remind the Secretary of State that in Parliament, those distinctions have not been entirely while schools and roads can be rebuilt, communities clear. It is also far from clear what the outcome of the torn apart by torture and sexual abuse are not so easily intervention is likely to be. Is there going to be a coup? restored, and if proper restorative justice systems are Is the country going to be divided into a western and not put in place early, the lasting legacy of these events eastern half? Is there going to be a military victory for will be to perpetuate violence and undermine peace one side or the other, or is there going to be a continuing building. military situation, whether involving rebel forces or In light of that, will the Secretary of State tell me warring armies, with fighting going on for long into the what consideration has been given to the implementation future, as we have seen in Afghanistan and elsewhere? I of UN Security Council resolution 1325 in NATO and was struck by a comment on the humanitarian situation the contact group, and in humanitarian responses? As that was made by a representative of an American he knows, resolution 1325 calls for the prevention of think-tank, the Centre for a New American Security: sexual and gender-based violence and stresses the need “The ultimate objective of this operation is not particularly to include women in all peace negotiations. It has been clear, and that makes it difficult to think about contingency planning, because you have to start with an outcome you want to worrying that so far in all the statements and speeches achieve, and then work out how you do humanitarian assistance”. of which I am aware there has been no reference to women in terms of the protection agenda or the political I feel that in an effort to second-guess or influence the process. Is the British diplomatic mission to Benghazi outcome of what is currently happening in Libya, there making any efforts to contact grass-roots women’s groups are moves in particular towards arming the rebels. or to establish the risks currently faced by women on Although the Foreign Secretary made it clear as recently the ground? Has the Secretary of State had any discussions as yesterday that the UK would supply communications, on this subject with other UK Departments, or with and not military, equipment, US Secretary Clinton has NATO and UN counterparts? not been as clear. She said: “It is our interpretation that 1973 amended or overrode the If the Secretary of State is unable to answer those absolute prohibition of arms to anyone in Libya so that there questions today—I did not give him notice of this speech could be legitimate transfer of arms if a country were to choose —perhaps he will agree to meet me, the all-party group to do that. We have not made that decision at this time.” on women, peace and security and the Gender Action There are increasing noises along those lines, however. for Peace and Security coalition of non-governmental If the west is intending to arm the rebels, it is clearly not organisations, to hear their concerns on this topic. We going to arm them without also providing training, are taking great care to make it clear that we are given the state of the rebel forces. If we are going to complying with Security Council resolution 1973, but provide training, that inevitably means there will be the women and girls of Libya—not to mention their both a long-term engagement and troops on the ground. 945 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 946

[Mr Andy Slaughter] sub-Saharan Africa, welcoming a tide of millions of immigrants from there. A substantial number, perhaps I also note the recent comments of Air Chief Marshal more than 100,000, remain in Libya and they have very Sir Stephen Dalton, who said: little by way of resources. As has been said, they are the “In general terms we are now planning on the basis of at least targets for violent attack by Libyans who think that six months, and we’ll see where we go from there.” they may be mercenaries or supporters of the Gaddafi None of these prognoses is particularly welcome given regime. My hon. Friend the Member for York Central the lesson of Iraq, and in these respects what is happening (Hugh Bayley) gave examples of these serious and in Libya looks more and more like what happened in damaging violent attacks, and we need to examine the Iraq. matter. One response for these people is to try to get out of the country by any means possible; hence the boats Mr Ellwood: May I urge caution in drawing comparisons going over to Italy and Malta. Many people have been with Iraq, whether or not we agree that we should have lost at sea as a consequence and some have been given a gone in there? The big difference between the approach very dusty welcome, with the situation being exploited of this Government and my right hon. Friend the politically by Berlusconi and others. That is perhaps at Secretary of State to Libya and the previous approach the depth of the humanitarian crisis. to Iraq is that he is at the forefront in leading a campaign We also face the issue of some Libyans crossing the to make sure that good governance is introduced and border. Their number is relatively small compared with there is reconstruction and development. That did not these other figures, at perhaps 20,000, but perhaps twice happen in Iraq, where, if I remember correctly, Clare that number are internally displaced. If military action Short, then Secretary of State for International escalates, with or without the support of the coalition, Development, sent a diktat to the directors in her the likelihood is that the number of internally displaced Department telling them not to get involved in that refugees will grow hugely. The military action has severe operation and campaign because she thought the war implications for humanitarian relief. was illegal. That put us on the back foot, and kept us in Iraq for many, many more years. Secondly, I ask the Secretary of State to consider the logistics of the situation. Access to the east of the Mr Slaughter: The last thing I want to do is make this country is not so bad, and I understand that UNHCR party political, and I am sure other hon. Members people are going back there later this week, but despite would support me in that. I am talking not about the the fact that some UNHCR employees are in Tripoli, detail of what is happening, but about the impression the west is almost off limits. The situation in places such that is being given, which will have a knock-on effect on as Misrata is very severe. The Turkish ship that courageously coalition support. That impression is that the west’s went in after waiting outside the dock for four days was embroilment is going deeper and further, beyond the going to remove about 100 people. It did take off about terms of the resolution, and so it will, in time, fracture 250 seriously injured people and their relatives, but it that coalition. left many thousands, including about 4,000 Egyptians, who were trying to get on the ship. I would not expect I return to the specific humanitarian points and I the Secretary of State to comment on what relief operations wish to raise three issues with the Secretary of State. If are planned for Misrata, but clearly it is the most he is not able to deal with them today, it would be serious situation, as people are being killed every day helpful to receive a further briefing from the Government, and no supplies, medical or otherwise, are reaching the either an oral or written one, to cover these areas. The town. That is the place in most urgent need at the first issue is displacement. It is estimated that about moment. 500,000 people have been displaced in Libya as a consequence of the fighting so far, the overwhelming Many organisations, including the International majority of whom—perhaps 90%—are migrants. According Committee of the Red Cross, the Tunisian and Egyptian to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Red Crescent, and Islamic Relief, are engaged heavily about 80,000 Egyptians and about 20,000 Tunisians where they can be, both in Libya and on the borders. I have been repatriated. I am somewhat confused by that, repeat what I said in my intervention: the funds are not because the most recent Library briefing says that up to necessarily available. I understand that only about 36% of 1.5 million migrants were in Libya before the crisis and the £310 million flash appeal funds sought have actually that a substantial number of them were Egyptian. When been raised, so there is a crying need for additional I was in Cairo two weeks ago, the Egyptian Government funding. That is why the evacuation of people from the and others were saying that we were dealing with a border camps has slowed almost to a trickle. We face substantially higher number of Egyptians. Can the Secretary not only a problem of access, particularly in the west of of State clarify where those migrant workers and residents the country, but a problem of funding. Notwithstanding are now? This concern for their own citizens in Libya is the Government’s efforts so far, they ought to turn their a substantive reason why the Egyptians have been reluctant attention to that again. to become more involved in the situation, despite having The final point I shall deal with is the question of powerful armed forces on the border. justice. A reference has been made to the International We did a good job, as did the international community, Criminal Court, and in my many visits to Gaza I have in moving Bangladeshi, Filipino and Nigerian migrants been struck by the fact that after people have suffered working in the oil and other industries in Libya out at a military action, they want to have not only financial relatively early stage. As has been mentioned, we have and substantive relief, but justice. They also want those not done such a good job in relation to sub-Saharan who have caused them harm to be dealt with by the rule African populations. That is partly a consequence of of law. It is very important that the international community Gaddafi’s policy of opening up Libya in years gone by; steps in at that point and that even those from the he turned away from the Arab world and towards regime who are seeking refuge at the moment will in due 947 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 948 course be called to account. That is as important for the Let us take the case of Musa Kusa, the former Libyan people of Libya in the long term as the immediate Foreign Minister, who is probably up to his elbows in humanitarian relief is in the short term. blood, in terms of arming the IRA. We are told that no indemnity against prosecution will be given to him, but 3.46 pm there have been reports this morning that we are lifting the freeze on some of his assets. How appalling it would Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): It is a pleasure be if that man—who at best is morally dubious and at to follow the hon. Member for Hammersmith worst may be a mass murderer through involvement (Mr Slaughter)—he asked some pertinent questions with Lockerbie—is allowed to enter and leave this country and I wish to do the same. We also heard a good speech with a lot of ill-gotten gains. I am reminded of one of by the hon. Member for Barnsley Central (Dan Jarvis), the speeches given before the war, by Winston Churchill although I did not agree with a lot of what he said. Many I think, about the danger that foreign policy can start in of his arguments reminded me of Tony Blair coming the Chancelleries of Europe with a broad, grand staircase here to justify the Iraq action. I hope that the hon. and gradually, by twists and turns, descend into the Gentleman will forgive me for saying that his speech torture chambers of the damned. I am very concerned was one of a liberal interventionist. I am not one and that we should not get sucked into actions that are despite the fact that I may not make myself very popular morally dubious because we are so intent on regime in this debate, I still want to go on asking these questions. change that we will use any means to get it. I felt unable to be among the 517 MPs who voted for the Libyan action. I spoke in that debate and asked a In the first debate on Libya I asked some questions number of questions, although they are perhaps incapable about our strategy such as what the endgame was, what of being answered. We were faced with an appalling we were trying to achieve and whether we could impose humanitarian dilemma and I am not suggesting that a solution simply from the air, which had never been there is an easy way out. As with Afghanistan and as done before. I think there was some lazy thinking at the with Iraq, my view of this action is very much based on time that the Gaddafi regime was so weak that the mere the policy of containment and of relying on United existence of a no-fly zone would ensure its collapse, but Nations resolutions. I hope that before I sit down I will that clearly is not happening. It is obvious that there is a have convinced some people that we should stick to the very strange war going on there at the moment. To read UN resolution absolutely—no more, no less—and that the popular press, one would think this was something there should be no question of regime change. like the Africa Corps against the Eighth Army, but it is not. It appears to be tiny, pocket-sized groups of irregular We wrap ourselves in a cloak of high morals, but we troops, and the Libyan coastline is 2,500 km long. should remember that arms sales to Libya—to the There is an appalling weakness in the information that Gaddafi regime—since 2009 have totalled £61.3 million. we get, but it is wishful thinking to assume that Gaddafi That means that we have provided sniper rifles, bullets, is simply going to go away. tear gas and crowd control ammunition to the Gaddafi regime that we are now trying to topple. The Foreign Something else that was not mentioned in the original Secretary was careful in his use of words yesterday debate was where the Italians were in all this. We know about exporting telecommunications equipment to the where they were originally: Italy agreed to pay £2.5 billion rebels. The impression given was that it would be of a in so-called reparations for colonial rule and apologised purely non-military nature, but there have been reports for having colonised Libya. It agreed to help to build a this morning that some of the telecommunications weapons pan-Libyan motorway, in return for which—this is the could be of a highly sophisticated variety to call down important point—Gaddafi would crack down on north air strikes on the Gaddafi forces, so my argument is that African illegal immigrants to Italy, and it is true that we are gradually being sucked into action that goes they had almost completely dried up in the past two or further than providing humanitarian support. Perhaps three years, but not recently. Obviously, some deal was the Secretary of State for International Development done between the Italians and Gaddafi that he would can assure us that that is not the case. stop those immigrants. Italy has made the very serious point all along that if we engaged in the war there was a Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): I am sure that real danger that we would get a flood of immigrants, the hon. Gentleman will confirm that it was a slip of the and that is now in danger of happening. We saw what tongue when he referred to communications weapons. happened with Berlusconi and the island of Lampedusa Does he appreciate that the rebels’ being able to recently; it would be a tragedy indeed if by instituting communicate with the coalition forces might help to this military action we created another flight of immigration. avoid some of the incidents we have already seen in I should also like to know what on earth the United which wrong identification has led to danger for civilians? States is doing. It announced yesterday that it was It might enable populations to protect themselves under pulling out all its aircraft, but it has 2,132 F-15s, F-16s the terms of the resolution. and F-22s in service. If it has more than 2,000 aircraft, Mr Leigh: That was a good intervention. It might be why is it taking its bat away? We have only 62 Typhoons that I have misunderstood and that the equipment will and 136 Tornadoes. It is very difficult to get information be used in an entirely peaceful way to avoid friendly- out of the Ministry of Defence, but Sir Stephen Dalton, fire actions and that there is no question of any the head of the RAF, said yesterday: telecommunications equipment—not weaponry—being “It’s a heck of a lot to be doing at one time.” used to bring down fire on the enemy, but the point Questions are increasingly being asked about whether is made. we should look again at the strategic defence and security Another thing that worries me very much is whether, review, as the hon. Member for Barnsley Central suggested because of the talk of regime change, we are being in the part of his speech that I agreed with. At the same sucked into supporting people of very dubious credentials. time as we are embarking on another war, we heard 949 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 950

[Mr Leigh] stopped not only the bloodbaths in Sarajevo, Srebrenica and Kosovo, but many hundreds of thousands of yesterday that 17,000 military personnel would be cut by citizens—perhaps as many as 1 million—of the former the MOD—7,000 from the Army, 5,000 from the RAF Yugoslavia having to flee as refugees and asylum seekers? and 5,000 from the Navy. I know that The Sun newspaper I still have many people in my constituency, as I expect is held in contempt by some of the more thinking do other Members, who came here from Kosovo because Members of the House, but it is unwise for politicians we failed to intervene. I would also like to see regime to ignore it. Its headline today is “Don’t you know there change in Zimbabwe and Burma. As we look at Ai are 2 bloody wars on?” That is a retake of a headline it Weiwei, a great Chinese artist banged up in prison, published on 28 August 2009 as an attack on Gordon perhaps a change of approach in the regime in Beijing Brown: “Don’t you know there’s a bloody war on?” would not be wholly unwelcome. Who are the rebels? We talk about them as though I pay tribute to the energy and leadership of the they were jolly members of Sevenoaks Conservative Secretary of State in providing humanitarian aid, but association—[Interruption.] There are increasingly reports we took some time to get to where we needed to be. The of flickers of al-Qaeda. There is Colonel Khalifa Hifter, House will record that, incessantly from the beginning the former commander of the Libyan army in Chad of the year, I asked for debates on international affairs who was captured and changed sides in 1988, setting up in either Government or Back-Bench time. The whole an anti-Gaddafi Libyan national army, reportedly with revolt started in mid-December in Tunisia, it spread to CIA and Saudi backing. For the last 20 years he has Egypt and to Libya and it is now taking off in Yemen, been living quietly in Virginia before returning to Benghazi where hundreds of people are being killed and where to lead the fight against Gaddafi. the Gaddafi of Yemen, President Ali Abdullah Saleh, is Another odd person is Abdul Hakeen al-Hassadi, a saying, “I’m staying. We’ll open fire and my troops will Libyan who fought against the US in Afghanistan be protected by British body armour as we do so.” before being arrested in Pakistan, imprisoned, probably We do not have a coherent and overall response, and at Bagram in Afghanistan, and then mysteriously released. we cannot forget the Prime Minister’s arms sales trip The US Deputy Secretary of State, James Steinberg, and his remarkable statement in Cairo in mid-February, told Congressmen that he would speak of Mr Hassadi’s when he said that career only in a closed session. Let us be careful before “I am not a naïve neocon who thinks you can drop democracy assuming the we are not in danger of scoring a spectacular out of an aeroplane at 40,000 feet.” own goal. Those who talk about arming the rebels may well be talking about groups such as the Libyan Islamic Well, that is precisely what he then decided to do, as he Fighting Group, which is undoubtedly there. agreed with the point of view, originally advanced by Lord David Owen, that a no-fly zone would be a good I know that these are appallingly difficult issues and idea. that there is no obvious solution, but I urge the House to bear in mind what this country’s geopolitical interests I do not quite accept the view that all this is a miracle are. We have never been the colonial power there. We of British leadership. For good or ill, some of us can clearly have a humanitarian objective. We may now read papers in other countries, and in The New York realise that there is a stalemate, and it might have been Times and in the French and the German press many wiser to have tried to persuade the UN to try to enforce believe that President Sarkozy was probably the driving a ceasefire. Perhaps we did not talk enough about a force behind much of the UN activity on Libya, inviting ceasefire at the time because we were too focused on the Benghazi resistance committee to Paris, offering it regime change. I think that we should focus on a ceasefire recognition without any consultation with London—and and accept that it is not for us to impose a solution on much of it driven by internal French political reasons. Libya. Appalling as the Gaddafi regime is—no one here That said, we have a remarkable UN resolution, and makes any apology for it—it would seriously destabilise it throws into relief the fact that the coalition, for its our relations with the Arab world if we were to seek to first period in government, did not have an active impose a solution. In my view, we stick to the UN foreign policy. It was broadly hostile to Europe, indifferent resolution, in terms of a humanitarian ceasefire; we do to President Obama’s United States and very much not insist on any kind of regime change; and we hope focused on mercantilism and trade, talking a lot about that out of that will come some decent and proper the BRICs, with the Prime Minister going to India and future for the people of Libya. to China. But what do Brazil, Russia, India and China have in 3.57 pm common? They all failed to support the resolution at Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): It is always the UN, so Britain has to ask itself serious questions a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Gainsborough about whether we have enough allies and friends throughout (Mr Leigh), who has an independent voice and, as he the world, and whether we punch too far below our reminded the House, an independent vote on these weight, because we have turned our back on alliances in matters. Unlike him, I am profoundly in favour of Europe, we are not really that interested in collaborative regime change. Much of my political activist life has work with the United States any more, and we think been committed to regime change, for example against that, if we can send a PM to India or China, that means the apartheid regime in South Africa, or in Poland, Beijing and Delhi will fall in behind us as they vote in where I was put in prison by the communists because I international forums throughout the world. wanted regime change there, obviously by peaceful means. We have to look at the structural approach to our Did we perhaps leave it too late to think of putting foreign policy, and that is why I invite the House to other pressures on Milosevic to get regime change there? consider this point. I address it directly to the Secretary Had we acted earlier or more decisively, might we have of State for International Development, whom I 951 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 952 congratulate on staying for the whole debate. It is the taken money away from the International Labour first time that I have seen a Secretary of State stay right Organisation, which was set up by Britain in 1919, was through a debate, and it is a tribute to the fact that he instrumental in defeating communism and apartheid in takes the House seriously and his job very seriously. I the 1980s, and is seen around the world as embodying invite the House to consider the idea that, rather than British values. DFID’s removal of money from the ILO just going in with stretcher bearers, aid, blankets and is regrettable. great waves of British generosity and charity after a By bringing in work from other Departments and humanitarian crisis unfolds, we look for more preventive from hon. Members, we can create something that is in development work. place for the next stages, so that when regime change I propose to the House an idea that I have raised with does happen, as I hope it will in Libya, it comes not the Prime Minister in shorter statements and in questions. from the air—not because of military intervention—but We should consider creating a UK foundation for because Britain is there ahead of the crisis trying to democracy development, a properly endowed and resourced promote and develop democracy, open-market economics all-party foundation, which could help us to put into and the building blocks of a free society with the rule of play some of the ideas that we have discussed in the law and free media and trade unions. Let this Government’s House today, doing so before the event, however, rather legacy be a foundation for democracy and development than running—suddenly when a crisis breaks out—after to make the world of the 21st century a better one. the events on the ground, trying to get a UN resolution, to mobilise our rather limited armed forces and to find humanitarian aid. 4.8 pm We have the excellent Westminster Foundation for Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): It is Democracy, but its budget has been cut to a little over a pleasure to speak in this debate, and particularly £3 million—about half a banker’s bonus at the going to follow the right hon. Member for Rotherham rate. We have development money available, and we are (Mr MacShane). Having watched the events across going to give more than £1 billion over the next four north Africa and the middle east unfold, I share his years to India alone. I am a friend of India, I hope, but analysis that we are not even at the beginning point of it has more millionaires and billionaires than we have. It understanding their historical significance. has its own aid and development programme, its own Unlike my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough space programme and its own military programme. It (Mr Leigh), I remain firmly of the view that the gives us no help at all in international forums. In military international community took the right decision to terms, it has rather more aircraft carriers than we can intervene in Libya to prevent a humanitarian disaster. manage—and so on. That intervention was both legal and necessary, and to We have within our national budget money to find date it has been robust but proportionate. In fact, the £50 million or £100 million to create a UK foundation whole emphasis of the international community’s for democracy development. It would have three principal determination to take action has been based on goals, the first being to support economic and business humanitarian grounds: first, the overwhelming need to development. The biggest complaint from people in protect the people in Benghazi from slaughter at the Tunisia and Morocco was that the regimes presiding hands of the regime; and now the need to ensure that over those two countries were deeply corrupt in terms the people who have been displaced and are suffering as of demanding a slice of the economic action. I was told a consequence of the action that the international that nobody in Tunisia would employ more than 100 people community has taken are protected. because the moment their firm got big, the Ben Ali It is clear that Libya faces a humanitarian crisis, family would arrive and take their share. In Morocco, particularly on its borders. It has been estimated that too, there are very serious complaints. It is not all happy about 380,000 people have left the country since the development there, with huge demonstrations on the unrest began and that about 13,000 people are stranded streets and demands that some of the advisers around on the borders with Tunisia and Egypt. We know that the King, who are accused of helping themselves too the UN is still negotiating for access to send its teams to easily to Moroccan economic wealth, move on. We need the affected parts of the west of the country and, of to promote good business and free-trade market economics. course, without that access it is hard to say what might At the moment, too much Maghreb and southern be occurring in that part of Libya. Mediterranean trade flows north to Europe, and very As the right hon. and learned Member for Camberwell little is intra-Arab, intra-Maghreb trade. and Peckham (Ms Harman) said earlier, let us be very The second goal of the foundation should be to clear that the failure of the Gaddafi regime to allow the develop political institutions, which the Prime Minister UN to enter the west of Libya is a breach of UN rightly calls the building blocks of democracy. Apart resolution 1973. For anybody who has any doubt about from the very limited money given to the Westminster the nature of the regime that we are dealing with, we Foundation for Democracy, we have no facility in this now have an individual leader who is refusing the UN country to advance this. All our political parties, none the right to access his people and to provide them with of which has any significant money to spend on humanitarian assistance. That is quite wrong and we international work, would then be resourced to try to must use every avenue possible to stop it, to get access develop democratic political institutions. to those people and to provide humanitarian assistance Finally, there is civil society, including the media, across Libya. women’s organisations, judicial organisations and trade In that context, I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend unions. As the Secretary of State is here and has done the Secretary of State. It is quite clear that he and his me the courtesy of listening to my speech, I must colleagues in the Cabinet have taken determined action protest that, of all the cuts it has imposed, DFID has to take the humanitarian consequences of the military 953 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 954

[Stephen Gilbert] that the Ashdown report recommends, and it is very welcome. It is absolutely right for the UK to be prominent intervention very seriously. Indeed, DFID has already in supporting that process. Of course, it is the UN that spent about £8 million helping people to leave Libya has the critical role of ensuring that humanitarian aid and to be resettled. As is customary for us as a nation, gets through to those who need it. Like hon. Members the UK was among the first to respond to the crisis on from all parts of the House, I pay tribute to the work of the border, providing shelter for up to 10,000 of the the hundreds of thousands of people from the UN people stranded there. I am sure that Members from all across the world who are often in harm’s way, and in parties will support the fact that the UK was among the particular to the families and friends of the seven UN first to intervene while encouraging many other countries workers who were tragically murdered recently. to follow the lead we have taken, particularly those Let us be clear: the Ashdown report stresses that countries in Europe that are not playing as much of a when the international community considers a humanitarian supporting role in tackling some of the humanitarian response, there must be clear leadership and it must set issues as they could be and as it would be right for them out on a determined course of action. It is right for the to do. UN to take a key role in providing that leadership, I welcome the fact that we were the first country to supported by international partners including the United provide blankets, tents and food supplies to about 100,000 Kingdom. of the people who are most in need. The Government I make a plea to the Secretary of State, to which I have also provided funding for the International Federation hope he will be sympathetic: our commitment to the of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, enabling it to Libyan people must be for the long term, and must not provide three medical teams to treat and provide medical end when the guns fall silent. We must stay there for as support and supplies directly to the 3,000 people affected long as it takes to deliver to the Libyan people the by fighting in Libya. benefits of pluralism and the ability to reach for self- determination. I think that that is the will of the House Mr MacShane: The Italian Government are proposing and of the international community. It is right that we to settle thousands of Libyan and Tunisian refugees are there for Libya for the long term to give it political from Lampedusa in mainland Italy. How many of those debate and economic growth. That will create the jobs asylum seekers does the hon. Gentleman think Britain and the standard of living that mean that the people has taken or should take? will no longer flee from their homeland, but will be able to enjoy their country in the way that we enjoy ours. Stephen Gilbert: I am grateful for that intervention, which highlights a key point. We must ensure that we Several hon. Members rose— are building conditions in Libya that mean that people feel free to stay in the country and do not feel the need Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I to leave or to be settled. Of course, when we are talking remind Members that Front-Bench speeches will begin about the resettlement of people it is quite right that the at 4.50. There are four speakers to come, so they will UK should play its fair part and take its fair share of each have about seven and a half or eight minutes if the that burden in the future. time is divided up fairly. The London conference last week brought together 40 Foreign Ministers and international organisations, 4.16 pm including the UN Secretary-General, Secretary of State Clinton and the Prime Minister of Qatar. It began to Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): It is a consider some of the issues that have been talked about pleasure to follow my coalition colleague, the hon. today by the hon. Member for York Central (Hugh Member for St Austell and Newquay (Stephen Gilbert), Bayley) and my hon. Friend the Member for The Cotswolds who spoke with authority about the importance of (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown). It asked what the endgame is Lord Ashdown’s report, and the right hon. Member for and what processes we can put in place to ensure that Rotherham (Mr MacShane), who spoke with enthusiasm the Libyan people choose their own destinies. The London and authority about his own opinions. I say that because conference established a political process to support the I am not sure that his Front-Bench colleagues would be people of Libya in making that determination and it is so enthusiastic to see as many regime changes as he quite right that the United Kingdom should play a lead spoke about. part and continue to give the Libyan people the support This is an important debate. The world is watching, they need to make self-determination as much of a including countries that are giving various degrees of reality for them as it is for us. conditional support and other nervous dictators. We The London conference, in a coming together of must get this right, because interventionism—if such a timings, also tackled one of the key recommendations word exists—has got a bad name recently because of from the Ashdown report, which made it quite clear our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. As more and that the international community needs to lead in more warning lights start flashing red on the Foreign humanitarian intervention and relief. I welcome the Secretary’s big wall map of the world, we must use our establishment of the Libya contact group to take forward ability to persuade, influence or intervene wisely, ensuring the work of building up and supporting the Libyan of course that it is legal to do so and that there is people as they make the transition to self-determination. regional support. It is quite clear that the group will provide an important I congratulate the Secretary of State for International forum for co-ordinating international policy and a focal Development and the Prime Minister on their leadership point for the Libyan people to engage with the international and on their determination to make the right decisions community. That is exactly the sort of proactive leadership on Libya. We started by ensuring that our citizens were 955 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 956 evacuated, we were the first to call for Gaddafi to go, we As Paddy Ashdown’s report mentions, there is a were the first to request a no-fly zone, we were integral learning curve, and the international humanitarian in ensuring that there was a UN resolution, and of community must work together to ensure that an course we hosted the recent London conference, which international community agenda is followed, not the my hon. Friend the Member for St Austell and Newquay agenda of individual countries. That was what went spoke about at length. These are incredible events and I wrong in Afghanistan and has kept us there so long. think that there are many more to come. There has not been a single agenda for everybody to Some have compared this Arab spring, as it has been follow. called, to the fall of communism. There are similarities I stress that the window of opportunity is small. If we in the way in which the world is changing and the are not there right at the start, not to tell people what to dynamics across the globe are starting to shift. The big do but to provide ideas that will assist in sowing the difference between the fall of communism and the fall seeds of a developing democracy, a vacuum will be of the dictatorships that we are now seeing is the lack of created. It will be filled, because that is only human depth in the structures beneath the dictatorships, which nature. For the sake of survival, gangs form, and they are built on fear. Underneath the communist structure become militias, which eventually start fighting each was a party political system and the requisite expertise other. We must ensure that we do not repeat that at every level, from the small village council to the big mistake. city. That is absent in these dictatorships, because they Libya, of course, presents its own challenges, but also are based on fear and decisions are made only at the opportunities. It is effectively a 3 mile-wide country, but very top. Remove the dictatorship—remove the dictator— a very long one, which in some ways makes resupplying and one is left with a precarious situation. and so on a lot easier. In historical terms it is a very new The Department for International Development and country, having come together only when the Italians other agencies focus on three main themes: aid and were in charge—I shall not say under their leadership. relief, which include the emergency response; development The sense of nationhood is therefore fragile. and reconstruction, which involves help with economic Historically, Benghazi has always looked east. It is programmes; and governance. Other colleagues have part of the Cyrenaica region, one of the country’s three mentioned the first two, but I wish to focus on the third, regions. Libya is a relatively wealthy country, with the because governance is critical to ensuring that we can largest oil reserves in Africa, but wealth is not evenly sow the seeds of democracy at this early stage. distributed. It is given to the few people who are close to We must learn from our mistakes, as I have said in a Gaddafi. It is not surprising, therefore, that the so-called couple of interventions. The current situation is not just Arab spring started in the relatively independent city of about a military campaign, it is also about post-conflict Benghazi, which has not looked towards Tripoli for planning, and that can start immediately. It should be leadership. That provides an opportunity that we can stressed that we cannot export western-style governance start taking advantage of now. We do not need to wait and impose it on countries. That would be absolutely for the entire country to be liberated to start sowing the wrong, as we have seen in Afghanistan and Iraq. We seeds of governance. cannot wander into countries, whether it is right or Let us consider Benghazi as it is now. On the positive wrong, and expect the governance vacuum to be filled side, the no-fly zone has prevented the genocide that we when there is nobody there to fill it. We saw what feared. We are seeing relative peace break out there. The happened in Iraq. Even though people were delighted national transitional council has been established, created to see the back of Saddam Hussein, particularly in by the educated and the great and the good—lawyers, places such as Basra, there was no governance and no dentists, architects and so on—who have come together leadership, so we as liberators were eventually seen as and effectively represent every corner of Libya. Even occupiers. Al-Qaeda was able to take advantage of that exiles have been welcomed back; they have not been and cause even more problems, which kept us in the treated as deserters as in some of the other nations that country far longer than we should have been. are seeking to get rid of their dictators. Professionals are taking on those roles. Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): I am listening Reports are sparse, but, on the negative side, there to my hon. Friend’s argument with great interest, and seems to be no police presence, and law and order is a he is absolutely right. As well as learning from our question mark. Daniel Korski’s report, which I recommend failures, we should learn from our successes. Organisations to colleagues, summarises the position. It states that such as the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, on there is no law and order in Benghazi and that many whose board I previously served, have done great things youths are going around armed with AK47s, creating a not in imposing democracy but in helping fledgling sense of lawlessness. They are all jubilant and elated political parties to develop, organise and share best because they are now liberated from Gaddafi, but there practice. Some activity of that type has already been is no sense of law and order. Heavily armed men are going on in north Africa and the middle east, thanks to regularly firing thousands of rounds of live ammunition organisations such as the WFD and similar organisations in celebration, but also in frustration and in mourning. from other countries. Nobody is in full control of the city. In the fog of war and under the blanket of chaos, there are tribal clashes Mr Ellwood: My hon. Friend makes an important within the city walls. Old scores are being settled. Crime, point. Organisations such as the WFD, and larger ones including kidnapping and disappearances, is being such as DFID, have been ignored in the past. Their skill committed. sets have been deliberately put to one side because, as I Even more worryingly, supplies are running short. have said, a previous Secretary of State did not want to Shops are closed, cash is running out and infrastructure participate. is coming to a standstill. Of course, 90% of that city’s 957 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 958

[Mr Ellwood] I worked for Oxfam at the time of the Rwanda genocide and I remember people’s rage and incomprehension at population were employed by the state and those pay the way in which the international community stood by cheques have dried up. Across the country, 1.5 million as nearly 20% of the Rwandan population were massacred. workers were foreigners who have departed. Help is That led directly to the development of the doctrine of therefore required in getting governance and structures the responsibility to protect, and I believe that the moving again. moral imperative is equally clear in Libya. As my right The role of the young people is also concerning. Yes, hon. Friend said, we had a moral duty to intervene. they are taking part on the front line, but a distance is I commend the Secretary of State on the Government’s growing between their actions and thoughts, and those joined-up approach. There is clear evidence of co-ordination of the lawyers and the elderly, who are making the between not only the Foreign Office and the Ministry of decisions in the national transition council. There is a Defence, but with the Department for International disconnect between the two. The direction of travel is Development. The discrete but important work of the worryingly insular. People are not used to working with stabilisation unit deserves particular credit. I was also a larger network of organisations or as a co-ordinating pleased that the Secretary of State said that we were body. Consequently, unless some outside help is gained, learning some of the lessons of Iraq, particularly the there will be a disconnect between the elderly and the need for a single, UN-led operation geared to humanitarian young and their aspirations. They are not following the relief, and the determination to preserve state capacity same agenda. in Libya. Both those elements were missing from the We need to be careful about the outcome and tolerant Iraq operation, with disastrous consequences. of the fact that there may be a stalemate for several I commend the Secretary of State on our generous years. We must be able to assist with sorting out the contribution to the UN flash appeal, which I believe he mess, and that will take many years. Complex laws need did not mention. There are two major donors—the US to be overturned. There is an absence of transparency and the EU—and Australia has given slightly more, but in the structures of governance and in employment the UK is the next highest ranked, along with Canada practices, as well as a lack of infrastructure and trade. A and the Scandinavian countries. Germany, Italy and new generation needs to be trained to take on the work France have made substantial contributions on top of that the foreigners have left behind them. their EU contributions, Turkey is on the list, and Japan The international community is not out of the woods. is quite highly ranked, which is commendable given the It is a critical time, and public opinion will swing other demands on its resources at the moment. However, against us if the seeds of democracy are not sown soon. what about the countries obviously missing from that The effort is international and I commend my right list? The Russian Federation, which is still a former hon. Friend the Secretary of State’s work. I urge him to superpower, has committed barely $500,000, which is continue to encourage other international operators to slightly more than Malta committed, and the second work with us. We must be prepared to tolerate a stalemate biggest economy in the world, China, does not appear for the time being. I believe that we must also learn to be on the list at all, nor does the largest economy in lessons from the past and ensure that all the work of the region, Saudi Arabia. I would not mind if the international agencies and the national non-governmental Secretary of State told me now or in writing later organisations can be co-ordinated. whether we are taking the matter of contributions to The Arab spring is spreading far beyond the Arab that fund up with those Governments. world, from Yemen to Saudi Arabia and the Ivory I repeat my warning that we should try to minimise Coast. Even Gabon is unsettled. I think that 2011 will the permanence of the refugee camps that are developing— be the year of turmoil, that worse is to come, and that tens of thousands of people are in such camps in we need to be prepared for it. Liberia and in the countries surrounding Libya—because all experience shows that they become dangerous. Not Several hon. Members rose— only can disease spread easily, but they become violent. It is impossible for children and adults, and particularly Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. We women, as the hon. Member for Oxford West and are now in more difficulty. That speech took nearly Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood) pointed out, to lead a 12 minutes and we are down to seven minutes for the normal life there. In time, they can become politicised, last three speakers. which I would have thought is a particular risk in this case. We should do everything we can to facilitate the safe return of Libyans to their homes, and the safe 4.27 pm return of those who are not Libyan citizens to their Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): I join the Secretary home countries. I would be interested to hear what the of State in paying tribute to the seven UN personnel Department has managed to achieve so far in repatriating who died in Mazar-e-Sharif. We are all citizens of the people to third countries. We must also encourage safe United Nations, and they died in our service, too. I also conditions within Libya. I hope we are working with the pay tribute to the British armed forces who are taking interim national council in the areas that it controls, part in the action in Libya and to the intelligence and which we can now regard as relatively safe, to services, including those in my constituency. I suspect facilitate the return of displaced people and refugees. that they are also playing a part, although, as ever, they Several hon. Members mentioned vulnerable groups, cannot tell me. including women and children. I was pleased that the My right hon. Friend the Member for Gordon (Malcolm Secretary of State mentioned close collaboration with Bruce) and the hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) UNICEF on that front. However, I want to highlight raised the moral imperative behind the action in Libya. one other group: elderly people. I also used to work for 959 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 960

Help the Aged—now called Age UK—which has enormous All three interrelated strands of efforts in Libya are experience in emergency situations in ensuring that the concerned with humanitarian ends—the military operation, relief provided reaches elderly people, who are sometimes relief aid and preparation for the future. On the military too frail and weak to leave the tents and join the queues operation, UN Security Council resolution 1973 specifically for food and resources. They can easily be forgotten and authorises the measures necessary to protect civilians left out. and civilian-populated areas under threat of attack, One last point specific to Iraq is on the need to while excluding a foreign occupation force. Clearly, protect infrastructure. The Secretary of State briefly embarking on any military campaign is the heaviest mentioned that—I think—but there is an important responsibility of a Government and should be undertaken dimension to the responsibility to protect civilian life, only after all possible alternatives have been explored which I hope extends to the protection of water and within the time available. In this context, of course, that energy supplies and other vital infrastructure. time period was dictated by the immediate, real and More broadly, I am very proud to be a member of a chilling threat of the Gaddafi regime to go from house party that supports a Government who are aiming to house, room to room, showing no mercy and no pity. finally to fulfil the pledge to commit 0.7% of gross So far the no-fly zone has been largely successful, and national income to development aid by 2013. Some of there are many people alive today in Benghazi who us have been campaigning for that for nearly 30 years, would not otherwise be so. I sincerely hope that these which shows our age. It is certainly a matter of pride events mark a maturing of international law and institutions. that we will finally achieve that. As explained in detail by the right hon. Member for Various hon. Members referred to the Ashdown report, Gordon (Malcolm Bruce), it is the first time that the which emphasises the importance of resilience, preparation responsibility to protect has been properly carried out, and leadership in emergency situations, but there are and in many ways it might mark—I hope it does—a key also lessons to be learned on longer-term development. milestone along the long road first embarked upon by I commend to the Secretary of State the Liberal Democrat Woodrow Wilson in 1919 for the role that international policy paper, “Accountability to the poor”, which was law and international institutions can play in a peaceful published last year. The paper is relevant to the situations world. in both Libya and Ivory Coast, including on the importance There are two points of impact. Obviously, the first is of the rule of law, transparency and good governance in about Libya itself, but the second is about everywhere ensuring that aid is delivered properly, and on the else and the deterrents that could be given to despots importance of Britain setting a good example through everywhere. My hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth its companies and anti-bribery work. Perhaps we will East (Mr Ellwood) used the term “nervous dictators”. I ratify the UN convention against bribery. am delighted that they are nervous, and I hope that The paper also highlights the importance of arms more of them become more nervous. Like hon. Members control. I cannot imagine what we were doing granting on both sides of the House, I was affected by my licences for ammunition, crowd-control equipment and experience on one of my right hon. Friend the Secretary tear gas to the Gaddafi regime in the first place, but I of State’s volunteering projects in Rwanda. Of course am pleased that this Government have begun to revoke the situation in Rwanda was very different from that in some of those licences, among many other arms licences Libya, but there are some links, and it is important to across the middle east for some dubious regimes. I am learn from them. I was particularly affected by one also pleased that they are fundamentally reviewing our conversation I had with a genocide survivor at the arms sales licence regime, and I hope that that too will Murambi camp, which my hon. Friend the Member for be a drastic review. The Cotswolds mentioned. I was told, “Back in 1994, Environmental issues are also important, as is while you were all arguing about the finer points of development education in building the support of the national sovereignty, international law, regional politics, population for development aid, as my hon. Friend the balance and all the rest of it, but basically doing nothing, Member for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of our pointed out. friends and neighbours were dying. Please never let this In the limited sense of providing immediate protection happen again.” As the right hon. Member for Gordon under resolution 1973, it is clear that we are already said, that was the genesis of the responsibility or duty enjoying considerable success in Libya. An enforced to protect. It also had a big impact on Bill Clinton, the ceasefire would represent further success. We could then then US President, and then, through his counsel, on move on to the next stage, which must be to form some President Obama. judgment as to whether Colonel Gaddafi is still the The second area concerns direct aid relief. I am proud legitimate Government of Libya, and on whether the once again of the leadership that this country has interim national council could have more legitimacy in shown in providing aid. Inevitably, in these situations, time. there will be damaged infrastructure, food supply lines down, families and communities broken apart and tens 4.35 pm of thousands of displaced people—with the hunger, Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): It is a privilege injuries and sickness that come with it. Libya is, of to follow the contribution from the hon. Member for course, an oil-rich country, so I welcome Qatar’s offer Cheltenham (Martin Horwood). It was one of several to consider facilitating the sale of Libyan oil in order to thoughtful and impactful speeches in this debate. Among fund some of the immediate aid and improvements the others were those of my hon. Friends the Members needed. for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown), and for We also have to look further into the future. We know Oxford West and Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood) and that the surest way to ensure a safe future for the people the hon. Member for Barnsley Central (Dan Jarvis). of pretty much any country is to have economic 961 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 962

[Damian Hinds] let a humanitarian crisis develop. I therefore praise the Secretary of State for his work in helping the humanitarian development within a liberal democratic framework effort. and the rule of law. However, a key lesson from recent There has been a lot of comment about the previous conflicts—if, indeed, it were needed—is that we cannot Government’s work with Gaddafi and whether that was simply impose a western-style democracy in short order. right. Again, we can learn from history. Perhaps the It is therefore absolutely right that a key theme of the previous Government were looking at what happened London conference was that Libya and the Libyans in Northern Ireland with the Good Friday agreement must choose their own future. Multinational bodies, and how, when we spoke directly to the terrorist and especially the nearby regional bodies, have a key organisations, we were able to bring about a peace that part to play. They include the UN, the EU, the African is now so strong that all sides in Northern Ireland Union, the Arab League and the Organisation of the jointly condemned the murder of the police officer this Islamic Conference. The Libya contact group, which week. However, the difference was that we were not was initially convened by Qatar, is obviously very much dealing with a lunatic. In the 1930s we tried to deal with to be welcomed. Hitler with appeasement, but we were dealing with a We do not know what the circumstances in Libya will lunatic, and Gaddafi is also a lunatic—a man who has be in a few months’ time, or in one or two years’ time, murdered our citizens in Northern Ireland and Scotland, but we do know the key building blocks for a more and who would quite happily murder his own civilians successful and safer future: infrastructure; social, medical for his own need. and educational services; security; property rights; the We have brought about that faith in this Parliament rule of law and a functioning justice system; and, ultimately, and we have realised that, as history has shown us, we civic society, the media and political parties. This country cannot go down the road of appeasement. However, has much experience in those areas and much to share. I just because the leadership may not be civilised, that welcome what the Secretary of State said about the does not mean that the people of Libya are not civilised. stabilisation unit. On that point, I join the right hon. Overall, it is a civilised society, with highly developed Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) in asking the cities. It is our duty to protect the innocent people from Secretary of State to clarify how he sees that body what is happening there. There are families on the evolving and to say which institutions will be key to that borders, with young women, children and elderly people process in the medium term. Britain has a long history in the cold and not knowing where to go. Some are ill; and a lot of responsibility in this area, and I am sure some are sick; some are wounded. It is our responsibility that it will continue to play its full part. to ensure that we can work to supply aid on and around the borders of those countries. 4.41 pm We have rightly focused on Libya, but I congratulate Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): Today’s the Secretary of State on his earlier comments about the debate has inevitably focused on the military action in aid that we are putting into the areas around Côte Libya. I want to focus on humanitarian relief, which is d’Ivoire as refugees pour across the borders. We have important, but there are also a couple of points that I the means and the ability to help people in those areas, want to make about the military action. and we can rightly stand up and be proud of that. It is We have often been asked, “Why are we doing it?”, all very well trying to intervene in world crises, although and so on. Britain has a strong history in helping the we are right to do so, especially when asked to do it in a oppressed, including the Jewish refugees who came to totally legal way, but we must take that further step. It is Britain from Germany and elsewhere in Europe in the not good enough simply to drop the bombs. Tragically, 1930s—not to mention the security that we need for our sometimes, people who are not involved in the conflict own borders. I very much enjoyed the speech by the are killed, but in dictatorships such as Libya, the regime hon. and gallant Member for Barnsley Central (Dan will draw into itself, and to hell with the people it is Jarvis). I am sure that, had it been in his speech, he supposed to represent. That is when a responsible country would have said that when he was taking part in military such as ours has to step in. patrols in other countries, he felt that he was doing I am very proud that we will be giving 0.7% of our humanitarian aid work, rather than serving as a soldier gross domestic product in international aid by 2013. in an aggressive force. I am sure that many in the armed That is something that we can all be proud of, and that forces would feel that way too. unites Members on both sides of the House. When We did indeed learn the lessons of Srebrenica. When people say to us on the street, “Why should things be I was a young man watching what was going on in the cut when we are giving money to foreign people?”, we Balkans, I completely lost faith in the UN. I wondered can tell them that it is the right thing to do. It is the right what the point of it was, if it was going to stand by and thing to do in the world, and for our country. It also let innocent people be murdered. We learnt those lessons; benefits our country. If we can create the proper security we have approached the current situation properly. We and meet the humanitarian needs of the refugees pouring went to the UN and we have a mandate. However, out of those countries, or keep them within their area, it having secured that mandate and protected countless will be easier to repatriate them when times become lives in Benghazi, as my hon. Friend the Member for more stable. We will not then see masses of immigrants East Hampshire (Damian Hinds) has just said, we have flooding into our country. We would rightly offer them to move forward. I believe that we have strengthened asylum here, as we have done in the past, but if we can this Parliament by taking the action that we have and by solve the problem in their own country, that is the right saying to the British public, “We’ve done this wholly thing to do. That is the message that we must send out legally—we’ve gone to the UN and we’re backing it up.” from this place. This is not only the right thing to do; it However, we will lose that faith in this Parliament if we also has a direct impact on the people of this country. 963 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 964

I commend the Secretary of State and his Department The events of recent months have tested the world’s for their efforts. He has shown Britain to be a beacon of resilience and ability to respond to humanitarian crises. hope to the oppressed people of the world. We are Natural disasters and political uprisings have become following the right path in taking legal military action, increasingly frequent. Even though New Zealand and but let us not underestimate the importance of ensuring Japan are advanced countries, the situation in those two that the humanitarian relief that we put in place in all countries makes it clear that the international community those zones is seen to be effective by the people it is is being increasingly tested. If those countries find it helping, and that it is actually helping the people in challenging to cope with such disasters, countries such those countries. as Haiti and Pakistan, which faced floods and earthquakes last year, are clearly going to require ever-increasing 4.47 pm support. As Lord Ashdown’s review highlighted, we need to be Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab): I better prepared, better equipped, better co-ordinated, should like to thank the Secretary of State for arranging better focused and better organised and resourced in this debate. I also pay tribute to the staff at the Department tackling these conflicts and challenges, which are likely for International Development, the Foreign and to become more frequent. That is why we welcome the Commonwealth Office and the humanitarian agencies humanitarian review and look forward to the debate on for their work in this incredibly testing period. We also the subject after the recess. owe our gratitude to our brave servicemen and women who are engaged in protecting civilians in Libya under I have a few brief questions about Libya, some of UN resolution 1973, and let us again pay our respects which have been raised by hon. Members. Time is to the seven UN staff who were killed in Afghanistan at limited, so I shall highlight three points. First, the the weekend. We are grateful to the Secretary of State regional inter-agency flash appeal for the Libyan crisis for updating us on the situation in Ivory Coast, as well was revised on 1 April, with $310 million requested for as for his extensive update on Libya. We welcome the the period from March to June. As mentioned earlier, humanitarian and emergency response review, chaired only 36% of that sum is funded, yet it is estimated that by Lord Ashdown, which builds on the work of the last 1.5 million people are now affected. What is the Secretary Labour Government, and the positive international of State’s Department doing to secure further financial reputation of the Department for International support, not only from our own Government but from Development. the international community? Secondly, we must ensure that all sides of the conflict are The contribution to the debate today from Members allowed unfettered humanitarian access to the civilian with so much expertise has highlighted the deep concern population. Will the Secretary of State tell us what steps and commitment felt towards those who are suffering are being taken to ensure that aid can reach Libya by sea around the world, whether due to natural disasters, and that, if necessary, civilian casualties can be evacuated? repression, human rights violations or conflict in countries such as Libya and Ivory Coast. The hon. Member Thirdly, it is clear that a lasting political solution is for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) spoke of vital, as many Members have highlighted, and that the generosity of the people in neighbouring Tunisia, given the neglect over the last four decades, civil society the importance of the Arab League’s involvement and the needs to be strengthened and built up. Economic co-ordination between the international aid agencies. reconstruction is also required. Will the Secretary of My hon. Friend the Member for York Central (Hugh State press the international community to ensure that Bayley) spoke with immense expertise about the need those issues are made priorities? for a political solution and the dangers of arming the In my last couple of minutes, I would like to raise a insurgents in Libya. Other hon. Members shared that couple of key questions about Ivory Coast. The situation concern. is clearly critical and, as we heard in reports last night, The right hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce) is changing by the hour. Baroness Amos spoke about spoke of the background to the duty to protect, and the mass graves being discovered, although that needs to be struggle by many hon. Members to establish that duty, verified. We call on the British Government to pay even which underpins the present action. My hon. Friend the closer attention to the emergency in Ivory Coast. Given Member for Barnsley Central (Dan Jarvis) spoke powerfully the challenges that that country faces, equal effort and from experience, and talked about Britain’s history of attention should be paid to that. We must recognise that intervening in the pursuit of justice and standing up for conflict in Ivory Coast risks destabilising west Africa, those who suffer in conflicts such as the one in Libya. and that countries such as Liberia need our assistance He also spoke of the need to look again at the strategic to cope with the movement of refugees. I call on the defence and security review. Secretary of State to encourage our European counterparts to ensure that Ivory Coast and neighbouring countries The hon. Member for Oxford West and Abingdon receive the support that they require, and that the (Nicola Blackwood) spoke powerfully about the protection British Government step up their efforts to secure a of women and children, and the need for protection political settlement in that country. from sexual violence. Other hon. Members spoke about the need to support civil society organisations. I do not 4.55 pm have time to sum up the wonderful and expert contributions Mr Andrew Mitchell: This has been a highly informed of many other Members, but I want to say that it has and extremely interesting debate. I am grateful for the been heartening to listen to them in the House today. warm support expressed throughout the House for the The conviction and passion expressed by Members of work of my officials, which I shall certainly pass on to all parties and the general support, albeit with some them. I shall try to respond to a number of the points exceptions, for the intervention in Libya have been that have been made, and I shall of course write to notable. Members to whose points I fail to respond. 965 Humanitarian Relief and Libya5 APRIL 2011 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 966

[Mr Andrew Mitchell] been a change in the policy on regime change. My answer is no, there has not, but we do believe that As I listened to the opening remarks of the shadow Gaddafi has no legitimacy and should go. Secretary of State, the right hon. and learned Member In a typically sensible speech, the hon. Member for for Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman), I struggled York Central (Hugh Bayley)—who I think can be described to identify any points of difference between us and more accurately as the York citizen in Parliament—referred failed to do so. I am grateful for her support. She to the importance of resilience. He asked about the UN referred particularly to the issue of Ivory Coast, with International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, but we which I dealt in my own opening remarks. Obviously, have focused on the question of which agency delivers this is a chapter VII rather than a chapter VI United to best effect in terms of both value for money and Nations assignment. In a recent United Nations resolution results, and other agencies we will be using do the same we called for more effective use of that mandate, which work as the UNISDR. I should make it clear to him I think we have seen in recent days. I can also tell the that we seek to deliver on specific outcomes, which is House that during the debate the position has changed why we have contributed to the UN central emergency in Ivory Coast. We believe that Gbagbo and his forces response fund, and indeed to UNICEF, so strongly. are currently negotiating surrender, but time will show whether that is indeed the case. My right hon. Friend the Member for Gordon gave a typically thoughtful and wise speech, in which he sought I can give the right hon. and learned Lady the assurance to nail the canard that we have intervened because of for which she asked: we will indeed focus very directly some interest in oil. Of course he is right to say, as the on the crisis in Ivory Coast which has spilt over the Prime Minister has said, that we have no national or border into Liberia. That is why the Under-Secretary of selfish strategic interest. Instead, we are intervening in State for International Development is there today. In support of UN resolution 1973. He and many other terms of British taxpayer support, we have delivered Members talked eloquently about Lord Ashdown’s report, more humanitarian relief to Liberia and Ivory Coast and I will report to the House in the middle of May on than the total spent so far in Libya. The right hon. and the Government’s conclusions on that, after having learned Lady was right to say that that emergency studied and reflected on—and, indeed, consulted further should not be forgotten, and it will not be. As the hon. on—Lord Ashdown’s report. I note, too, that my right Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Rushanara Ali) hon. Friend’s Committee will be producing work on the pointed out, it is essential that we do not forget the role of the European Union in development, which will allegations and atrocities, and I can give her the assurance be extremely welcome. she seeks that the British Government will strongly The hon. Member for Barnsley Central (Dan Jarvis) support their full investigation. spoke up eloquently, ventilating the dilemmas we face. The right hon. and learned Lady referred to the He talked of the balance we need to achieve. He also responsibility to protect, as did others, notably the praised the reporting of Daniel Korski, a former head Chairman of the Select Committee, my right hon. Friend of the provincial reconstruction team in Iraq, and a the Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce). Important distinguished past adviser on conflict to my Department. work was led by Gareth Evans, who was a Labor The hon. Gentleman asked whether the Government’s Foreign Secretary in the Australian Government. The approach to stabilisation was properly joined up. The whole world should be grateful to him for what he did, stabilisation unit has been involved from the beginning but it remains, in my view, a bumper sticker rather than on these issues, and is, of course, a tri-departmental a policy. It is up to us to try to ensure that we put far unit. It is producing extremely helpful work. more flesh on the bones of R2P. My hon. Friend the Member for Oxford West and The right hon. and learned Lady asked me about the Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood) spoke about the importance European Union’s contribution. In Libya, it has contributed of stabilisation. She also spoke about the critical importance ¤30 million so far. I have had discussions with Cathy of looking after, and defending, the interests of women Ashton, and we are sure that the EU will be part of the and children. I should say to her that those in the camps support for stabilisation, about which I shall say more on the border with Tunisia, and to a lesser extent with in a moment. The right hon. and learned Lady also Egypt, are, thank goodness, predominantly fit, young asked me who was in charge. In terms of the humanitarian men, so we have not seen what has happened in Ivory work, Valerie Amos leads for the United Nations, and it Coast on the Liberian border, where women and children is incumbent on us all to work extremely closely with her. are highly vulnerable. That is why we have given very specific support to UNICEF; we want to make sure the As for the work on stabilisation, which is of course interests particularly of children are defended. different from the work on humanitarian relief, the The hon. Member for Hammersmith (Mr Slaughter) United Nations—in the form of the Secretary-General—has asked whether we are arming the rebels. We have not agreed to lead that work. He has put Lynn Pascoe in done so, and we have no plans to do so. All the action charge of it, under him, and we will work extremely we take is in accordance with UN resolution 1973. He closely with all the agencies involved in the United also asked about the situation on the borders. Some Nations. I will shortly be going to New York to ensure 400,000 people have left, and there are only some 10,000 that Britain plays a full role in that. to 12,000 people on the border now, so the work of My hon. Friend the Member for The Cotswolds seeking, through the international community, to get (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown), who knows a great deal about people back to their homes and families has been pretty this matter, spoke up forcefully for British international effectively carried out. He asked about supplies to Misrata. development policy. Like many other Members on both Medical supplies have got through from the International sides of the House, he emphasised the importance of Committee of the Red Cross in small boats through the humanitarian intervention. He asked whether there had Libyan Red Crescent. We are actively looking at ways of 967 Humanitarian Relief and Libya 5 APRIL 2011 968 supplying food and medicine to Misrata, and I believe that a boat from the ICRC itself will be arriving there Backbench Business today. My hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough [1ST ALLOTTED DAY—SECOND HALF] (Mr Leigh) made an important speech, in which he raised the dilemmas and difficulties that we face. I Easter Adjournment should just say that he has clearly not addressed the Sevenoaks Conservative association, and he should take 5.4 pm an early opportunity to do so. I hope to be able to discuss with him the important matters that he raised in Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I beg to his speech at another time. move, That this House has considered matters to be raised before the I have failed to comment on the very good speeches forthcoming adjournment. by the right hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) It may help if I tell the House that we are using a and my hon. Friend the Member for St Austell and modified Hollobone formula today, whereby the first Newquay (Stephen Gilbert)— group of speakers will have a Department for Work and Pensions Minister replying to them, but for the rest of 5.4 pm the debate the fount of all knowledge, the Deputy Motion lapsed (Order, 29 March). Leader of the House, will respond. If he cannot respond substantively, a Minister from the relevant Department will provide a written response to Members. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I remind hon. Members that we have a time limit of six minutes.

WORK AND PENSIONS 5.5 pm Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): I suppose that I should be delighted to be the first part of this Hollobone experiment. I am delighted that the Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, the hon. Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb) is in his place, although I shall not be discussing his immediate subject brief. I wish, instead, to talk about the very important subject of health and safety and the Government’s recently published document “Good Health and Safety, Good for Everyone”. In my working life, my political opponents have never tried to kill me but when I worked in some dirty industries as a younger man one or two of my employers did. Health and safety is not a bolt-on extra, and I can see that the Minister agrees with that sentiment. The document’s introduction states: “No business benefits from having a bad safety record.” We would all agree with that, but it is a bit worrying to see it go on to say: “But the burden of health and safety red tape has become too great”. I do not regard health and safety as being a burden on industry; it is a necessary part of a good and proper working culture, and it involves both the employer and employee in a contract. That contract is not of the normal financial nature; it is about preventing injury and illness, and, in some cases, preventing risk to life. In that context, I wish to put a number of points across, and I hope that the Minister will be able to respond to them. Health and Safety Executive funding is being cut by some 35% over the comprehensive spending review period, and that is a significant decrease. The worry is that the new health and safety framework is rather more concerned with cutting down what the HSE does than with ensuring that health and safety working practices are in place. Some of the health and safety statistics are worth recalling. Although the number of accidents in Britain has declined in recent years—that is a very welcome 969 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 970

[Tony Lloyd] that jobcentre staff undertake an extremely challenging role in helping disappointed and sometimes embarrassed trend—there is nothing inevitable about that decline, individuals to be restored to the dignity of working life and health and safety has to be worked at all the time. It and I do not criticise any individual in a jobcentre or is worth while recording the fact that even companies any particular jobcentre. Indeed, I have visited my local that have been inspected by the HSE do not regard this jobcentre where the staff are hard-working and committed. as a burden of red tape; 89% of them found that Rather, I want to highlight some systemic issues. exchange with the HSE helpful. So I applaud the work Common themes highlighted by my constituents include of those in the HSE. We should be very concerned the need for training at an appropriate level, the need about the idea of withdrawing from proactive inspections for a more tailored client approach and the need to of places of work. signpost appropriate executive-level job opportunities Agriculture is one of the industries that the Government or agencies. Constituents have also requested that tell us will not be routinely inspected—or are not likely opportunities within voluntary organisations should be to be inspected very often—yet its health and safety risk identified and promoted to help them to broaden and is 16 times that of industry in general. Agriculture will update their skills and CVs. There is a need to point in be lightly inspected and I am not sure that that is the the right direction those who want to use their experience right way to make progress, given that health and safety to set up their own business and it is important to inspections are not a penal structure. What I want to get provide the managers of companies in which redundancies across is the fact that proactive engagement is worth are planned with constructive support in assisting staff while, not because it penalises, but because it encourages. with finding new jobs at the earliest possible stage—ideally Some 65% of firms reckoned that they had improved before redundancy hits. their health and safety operations because of the potential May I illustrate those issues through the experiences for inspection by the HSE. of some of my constituents? A senior project manager Something else that I wish to concentrate on is the who had overseen a number of complex building projects HSE’s inability and seeming reluctance to prosecute. If such as a forensic lab, a theatre and a sports centre and we are to have a lighter-touch approach to the inspection who had managed many skilled staff asked for help and of working places, there must be at least a commensurate was sent on a training course to learn how to look for disincentive to those who breach the health and safety jobs online. It was so basic that he learned nothing and rules. We know, as a matter of practical fact, that the ended up helping the person running the training number of prosecutions has declined dramatically over programme to teach others. He was sent on an interview the past 10 years. In 2000-01, there were about 1,900 training course, which was again so basic that he was prosecutions, but that number declined to a little over told to shine his shoes and what to wear—wholly 1,000 in 2009-10. The number halved in that period. inappropriate for a man who had selected and recruited I had a recent experience in my constituency with the hundreds of staff himself. That was a waste of time and Grafton hotel in Manchester. Its operators had been public resources, but for the training he really wanted, told that it was not fit for use, but they were still to update his senior construction skills certification allowing students to stay in it despite the health and scheme card, no help was available. safety risk. In the end, that was prevented by the actions Another constituent of mine, a lady who had worked of Manchester city council and the local fire service, for a leading bank for more than two decades, wrote: and the students who had moved in were, at the expense “Signing on was a completely humiliating experience. Professional of the operator, moved out and housed somewhere else. people are just not catered for…I was less motivated coming That was right and proper, but I found it difficult to out of” understand why the Health and Safety Executive refused the jobcentre than on going in. She also said that the to prosecute in that case even though that company had box-ticking procedures could have been done by computer manifestly put those students’ lives and well-being at terminals. risk. In my exchanges with the HSE, its chief executive When I raised these issues with Jobcentre Plus, I was wrote me a very evasive answer about why it had not told that in 2009 it had prosecuted and an even more evasive answer when I asked about its policy on prosecution. If we are to have “introduced a new range of support for customers with a professional or executive background”, a lighter-touch approach, and I am not sure that is the right direction of travel, the worst offenders have to be including job search techniques, signposting advice and brought before the courts. We would do that with coaching seminars. However, a constituent of mine who someone who had been warned about road traffic offences. had been seeking work for several months told me that They would then be prosecuted and we must do the none of that had been offered to him in an appropriate same when people’s lives and health have been put at manner. risk. Another constituent wrote to me about his experience of trying to set up his own business, saying: 5.11 pm “I have received absolutely no help whatsoever”. Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): I am grateful for the One might argue that it is not the role of jobcentres to opportunity to raise the issue of advice for professionals, advise on setting up a business, but at least better managers and those in skilled senior roles who face signposting to organisations that can provide such advice redundancy and seek re-employment. A number of would be a good start, particularly if we are serious letters and surgery attendances from constituents in about encouraging enterprise. that position have highlighted common themes about From a separate but very serious perspective, this how we support those who approach jobcentres for week I received an e-mail from a manager at Ideal help, and they have led me to raise this issue. I recognise Standard, the bathroom manufacturer that is closing a 971 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 972 factory in Middlewich in my constituency. More than ages, and if changes affecting their lives are to be made, 250 people will lose their jobs there by June. He highlighted they should be changes for the better that are properly how difficult Ideal Standard has found it to obtain the piloted and managed. right support for its workers who are facing redundancy I know that our current welfare system causes frustration and want re-employment. Although in other parts of and distress to some constituents, because benefits and the country there might be individual support and tax credits form the second largest part of my constituency funding for retraining, he says: casework after housing. I am sure that I am not alone in “For those of us who live in the CW post codes, i.e. the anticipating that such casework will increase as this Cheshire East area and your Congleton constituency there appears week’s welfare reforms are introduced. In recent months to be nothing; no support for retraining redundant employees. I have met jobcentre staff, local authority staff and my Employees are going through and coping with huge and major own local social housing provider, and my team has stress factors during this emotional change and site closure. To date, they have handled themselves extremely well, with swapped notes with the citizens advice bureau. I wanted professionalism, respect, pride and dignity, and I can only say to find out who will be affected by the reforms that are how proud I am of them all. However this situation only aggravates coming in, whether the details of benefit changes are and upsets people and contributes to pushing some beyond their clearly and easily understood and how they will be made. limit. We have no control of this and cannot influence any So what is the picture on the ground in a constituency outcomes. It is most unfair”. of 54,000 electors? There are 6,240 people in Blaenau Will the Minister please look into this specific issue Gwent claiming either employment and support allowance raised by Ideal Standard as a matter of urgency? or incapacity benefit. Labour created the new test for Finally, another constituent has told me that in looking people on incapacity benefit to see what support people for work she was willing to work voluntarily to improve needed and who should take steps to get back to work, her CV and job chances, but she was told by the but the Conservative-led Government are moving to a jobcentre that it was not its role to signpost her in that new assessment procedure, which I and agencies in respect. She wrote to me and said that there is an Blaenau Gwent fear will deny people, perhaps with “evident lack of suitable advice/provision for claimants from a cancer or with mental health problems, the help and professional background…There does seem to be a gross failure support that they need. and it is affecting a great many people’s lives.” Some 4,180 recipients of incapacity benefit in Blaenau She wants to work. I look forward to the Minister’s Gwent will undergo a reassessment, and initial estimates response. suggest that 1,254 of them will be found fit for work and barred from claiming ESA. Those found fit for work will have to apply for jobseeker’s allowance and 5.16 pm will see up to £28.85 lost in weekly benefits. In addition Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): I am grateful for to those deemed fit for work, trials also show that a the opportunity to speak on welfare reform and how it further 39% of incapacity benefit claimants will be will change the lives of my constituents. Like me, the placed in a work-related activity group. In effect, it residents of Blaenau Gwent believe that people should means that a potential 69% of those IB claimants being always work if they can. Work is good for people. It reassessed will either lose their benefit entirely or see the helps to give pride and a sense of purpose in life. It demands placed on them increased. improves economic well-being and health. One of my concerns is that the test that decides who The world of work has been transformed in Blaenau goes where has been found to have serious flaws, and Gwent. Our economy, which was once dependent on preliminary trials show that people with multiple sclerosis coal and steel, has been diversified into manufacturing, and serious mental illnesses have been found fit for pharmaceuticals and the public sector, including health work. Staff at our CAB in Blaenau Gwent say that their and local government. Many local people now take the office has had numerous complaints from clients about train to work in Cardiff. Local people also know that medical personnel not listening to them when they go sometimes they need to follow the work. For example, for medicals. The test must measure fitness for work when the Ebbw Vale steel works closed, some employees, accurately, so it must take account of variable symptoms, including members of my family, transferred to the the seriousness of underlying conditions and the context Tata steel works at Trostre near Llanelli. Having said of the work environment. that, it is a tough ask for many people to up sticks, Despite all that, the Tory-led coalition is ploughing particularly if they are in their 50s, and especially when ahead with a massive increase in testing. Charities say house prices are low, child care is in short supply and that that roll-out is happening too fast and Government they have to support their working children and their reforms to the system will not be implemented in time. grandchildren. Jobcentre Plus is to have more autonomy over decision In an area were people are still suffering from the making, and I welcome that. I hope that it will, and that illnesses inflicted by former heavy industries—it is the jobcentre staff will help people to move into sustainable top hot spot for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder employment and to obtain the benefits to which they in Wales—our valleys communities know that some are entitled. people, through no fault of their own, are not fit to On the changes to housing benefit, Blaenau Gwent work. Crucially, they know from hard experience that has 1,298 local housing allowance claimants who will be people will work only if there is work to be had. The affected by the change to LHA rates. From January, unemployment rate in Blaenau Gwent is 10.6%, and the 799 people under 35 years old will be on the shared working-age benefit claimant rate is a staggering 26.7%. room rate, rather than on the rate for a full flat, and an There are 9.2 applicants for every Jobcentre Plus vacancy. analysis by the local council showed that an average That is a snapshot of my constituency. Those rates and person in that age group will see their housing benefit percentages refer to real people and real families of all reduced by about £25.92 a week. 973 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 974

[Nick Smith] enforcement provisions so that parents do not have to go through the pain and uncertainty that Mrs Kuzniar Many reforms are taking place, but unfortunately I has suffered. do not have time to cover them. I wish to highlight the In addition, Mrs Kuzniar is already struggling to scale of the changes from this month and in subsequent support her family, and it would be all but impossible months and years not just for the individuals affected, for her to reach a private maintenance agreement with but for our local economy. This is big-ticket stuff for her ex-husband, given his continued attempts to avoid our families and for our economy. In Blaenau Gwent making payments through the CSA. Under the and in south Wales we need an ambitious plan for Government’s proposals, it appears that she would have growth and, in particular, investment in our transport to turn to the statutory system and potentially incur a and IT infrastructure to boost jobs. We need also fairness charge on a case-by-case basis. This would be devastating and good administration of the benefit changes that for her in view of the number of times her case has had will be introduced this month. to be re-assessed by the CSA because of her ex-husband’s Finally, the Prime Minister has told us that the actions. Government’s Work programme will be the best ever. I have been contacted by many other constituents My constituents need nothing less, and we will hold him who have faced similar difficulties and for whom the to his word. idea of making private arrangements with their ex-partner is unthinkable, so that they, too, would have to turn to the state system. One ex-partner has been requested to 5.22 pm pay only £5 per child, but instead seems to do what he can in order not to have to pay the mother anything. Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): I thank the There is a risk that under the Government’s proposals, Backbench Business Committee for giving me this chance vulnerable parents such as those I have mentioned will to talk about the Child Maintenance and Enforcement be forced to turn to the statutory system but could be Commission, or one element of it—the Child Support put off doing so by the thought of having to pay to Agency. access the system. I realise that there are proposals to In the borough of Charnwood, the CSA currently ensure that the non-paying partner pays the charges, handles 2,000 cases, and I am sure that many colleagues but this must be made clear to all involved, as it is throughout the House know of similar work loads. clearly causing a great amount of stress and worry. Despite the best efforts of the staff my office has dealt I want to highlight some of the issues currently faced with, it is clear that the CSA is not working and seems by parents making payments through the CSA. I have to embed conflict between separating parents. It costs been contacted by numerous constituents who say that £460 million per year, or 40p for every £1 collected, and even under the current system, these payments are on a day when the Government are talking about social unaffordable and do not share the burden of responsibility mobility we must ensure that such organisations as the evenly between the partners involved. These parents CSA do not play their part in hindering the life chances literally live on the breadline, and although they do of those children who rely on it. everything they can to support their children and would In the Government’s Green Paper, I welcome the be willing to come to a private maintenance agreement approach of considering child maintenance not in isolation, with their ex-partner if possible, they have been unable but with the Department for Education and the Ministry to do so for a variety of reasons. of Justice as part of the family law review. Based on the I particularly want to talk about the cases of two cases that I am going to mention, with the permission fathers, because we often concentrate on the mothers of the people involved, however, I particularly feel that involved. The Minister may be aware of the case of access to the children for whom maintenance is being Mr Jonathon Little, about whom I spoke at Work and negotiated cannot be sidelined. Pensions questions last week. Mr Little has not seen his children for two years, although he has been to court My main reason for speaking today is to give a voice more than 40 times to get agreement to visit. He is to some of the parents who have contacted me about paying £446 per month under the old scheme for children the CSA since my election last year. I realise that there he does not see. Meanwhile, he cannot afford to keep a are two sides to every case, but they highlight why roof over the heads of his new family. change is needed to the way child maintenance is collected Mr Mark Boylan has been left with only £49 in and calculated. I want to concentrate on three areas: disposable income a month after paying the CSA and enforcement, charges for those who have to rely on the all other expenses. His assessed payment should be state system and, in terms of the families involved, the lower, as the CSA charge attracts a discount if someone need to look at the whole picture. looks after their children for more than 52 nights a year. Mrs Denise Kuzniar, one of my constituents, has However, his youngest daughter is two years old and been receiving child maintenance payments from her too young to stay away from her mother overnight. As a ex-husband through the CSA for the past 11 years. result, although he looks after her during the day and However, the payments are intermittent, sometimes stopping pays all expenses for her, the CSA will not give him any for several months at a time, and she is currently owed discount for the care because she does not stay with him £2,300 in arrears. She is in increasing debt as a result of overnight. this situation. She has two teenage children to look I have sought to highlight some of the major concerns after and is really struggling to make ends meet. I have raised by constituents about the proposed changes to had several conversations with the CSA about this the child maintenance and support system, but I have issue, but no serious enforcement or action to remedy also mentioned the problems with the current system the situation has taken place. Any reforms to the statutory because they clearly demonstrate that reform is very system evidently need to include much more stringent much needed. There must be robust enforcement 975 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 976 mechanisms which prevent parents from using various with the HSE. I note that he was not satisfied with the means to avoid paying what they owe, there must be response he received, and if he wanted to take that clarity about charging, and the system must be flexible matter further, I am sure my fellow Minister of State at enough to reflect both parents’ incomes and who is the Department—he is in Committee at the moment, taking the burden of financial responsibility for caring debating the Welfare Reform Bill—would be pleased to for the children. hear from him. I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising the 5.28 pm matter, but want simply to stress the Government’s The Minister of State, Department for Work and commitment to health and safety, to proportionate Pensions (Steve Webb): I am grateful to the four hon. regulation and to ensuring that we go on maintaining Members who have contributed to this debate. I have high standards of health and safety in a cost-effective been asked to keep my remarks relatively brief because way. That is our goal. We have set up a review, to many hon. Members want to contribute on a range of be chaired by Professor Ragnar Löfstedt, to look for other topics, but I hope to offer a few comments in opportunities to consolidate, simplify and abolish response to the speeches that we have heard. regulations without, crucially, putting people at risk. Protecting people in the workplace and society as a I thank the hon. Member for Manchester Central whole remains a key priority for the Government. We (Tony Lloyd) for his measured comments on the Health have found that there have been too many inspections and Safety Executive. I, too, applaud its work, which of relatively low-risk and well-performing workplaces, the Government continue to value. He will be aware frequent poor advice to business from badly qualified that in the context of the comprehensive spending consultants —we want to deal with that—and a complex review, all Government bodies, including the HSE, are structure of regulation. Changing that is the goal for being asked to make savings. The HSE is doing this very which we have set out our strategy. I hope that that is much by focusing on the highest-risk sectors and trying helpful. to take a risk-based approach. I entirely agree that health and safety is not a bolt-on and that good health Let me deal now with the points raised by my hon. and safety regulation and legislation is not simply red Friend the Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce). She tape. On the other hand, there is a concept of made an important point about the position of people proportionality in regulation. One could try to regulate who are being made redundant and the particular problems and legislate to eliminate every possible conceivable faced by professionals. Her constituency has a relatively risk, but at disproportionate cost relative to the damage high proportion of professionals, including those who that one would do to employment and businesses. As are, unfortunately, experiencing unemployment. She is the hon. Gentleman says, there is a balance to be struck. right to say that unemployed professionals face particular We do not want employers taking chances with people’s challenges, although I would say that they have particular lives; on the other hand, we do not want to get in the advantages, too. The evidence shows that almost by way of employers who basically want to get on with definition they tend to be more experienced and qualified, doing a good job and who are not taking risks with they tend to have their own networks to look for work health and safety but find themselves constrained by and, on the whole, they tend to be more successful than unnecessary bureaucracy and regulations. That is what non-professionals at finding work more rapidly. They we are trying to achieve. also tend to make greater use of private sector recruitment agencies other than Jobcentre Plus. That helps to explain The hon. Gentleman welcomed the decline in the why 63% of those claiming jobseeker’s allowance in my number of accidents and said that there was no guarantee hon. Friend’s constituency come off it within three that would continue. He is of course right, although it is months, compared with the national average of 56%. In interesting that much of that decline has happened at a part, that reflects the higher proportion of professionals time when more money was not necessarily being spent in her constituency. and new regulations were not necessarily being brought in. That shows that we can achieve improved outcomes My hon. Friend made some important points and I in health and safety without necessarily increasing budgets know that she has been in correspondence with the or passing new laws. Good proactive and reactive health chief executive of Jobcentre Plus on this issue. We need and safety work and good conduct by employers and to ensure that what we call the rapid response service is employees can achieve improving outcomes. The link effective. She will be familiar with it: when we know that between spending and outcomes is not linear. We can large-scale redundancies, such as those that she mentioned deliver good health and safety outcomes with a reduced at Ideal Standard in her constituency, are coming down the budget, as recent history shows. track, we try, through the rapid response service, to get The hon. Gentleman mentioned the decline in the in there before people have lost their jobs rather than number of prosecutions, although of course if there having them go through that. The aim of the service is were fewer accidents that would, we hope, lead to fewer to help people move quickly into new employment or prosecutions. There has not simply been a step change self-employment, which she also mentioned, connecting in the willingness to prosecute. Under the Health and Safety people to jobs in the labour market, matching people Executive’s enforcement policy statement, prosecution facing redundancy to known job vacancies and is the expected outcome when the investigation of an helping people, where appropriate—I take her point incident has collected sufficient information about a about patronising schemes—with CVs and job-search breach of health and safety law to provide a realistic skills. prospect of conviction and when it is in the public My hon. Friend’s point about sending people on interest to prosecute. I cannot comment on the hotel box-ticking and patronising courses was important and example that he gave—I obviously do not know the I want to give her some reassurance that we should see details—although I am pleased that he took the case up an end to that kind of thing, certainly for those who are 977 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 978

[Steve Webb] The hon. Gentleman referred to the piloting of these measures. We have been piloting migration from incapacity long-term unemployed and who go through the Work benefit in Burnley and Aberdeen, and are learning programme. Hitherto, people have been paid for these lessons from those pilots. Indeed, some of the figures welfare-to-work schemes regardless of whether they that he quoted probably come from the pilots. were effective, but under the Work programme the It is important to stress that because incapacity benefit remuneration for those who provide such services will stopped a few years ago, anybody who is reassessed on be results based. If they pay to provide a useless scheme, IB has, by definition, been on it for at least two and a it will come off their bottom line, not from the taxpayer, half years. Therefore, anybody who is deemed capable but if they send someone on the right course to help of work, either in the work-related activity group or them retrain and acquire the right skills, they will be with jobseeker’s allowance, will be eligible for the Work remunerated for helping somebody into a sustainable programme. The Work programme gives tailored support job. I think that the incentives structure in the new to individuals, as I said to my hon. Friend the Member regime will be better. for Congleton. It involves payment by results, so the Finally, my hon. Friend asked about volunteering, people who provide such welfare-to-work services will which is an important route back into work. We are not be paid if they do not get somebody into sustainable implementing what we call volunteering desks in Jobcentre employment. They therefore have an incentive to meet Plus offices, to allow charities such as the Prince’s Trust the individual where they are, to respond if they have a to attract volunteers. In a big society way—I had to say particular health condition, as the hon. Gentleman that phrase at some point—we are keen for jobcentres said, and to see whether there are particular sorts of to facilitate such opportunities. We value volunteering, work that they can do. and I hope that the kind of experience that her constituent The hon. Gentleman gave the example that someone had will not happen as much in the future as it has in with multiple sclerosis had been found fit for work. I the past. was inclined to say, “And?” Clearly, some people with MS are not fit for work, and some people with MS are. The hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Nick Smith) The challenge is not to write people off because of a described very clearly the situation in his constituency, condition, but to meet them as individuals, assess their including the number of people who are dependent on needs and potential, and identify work that they can do incapacity benefit. I understand that in his constituency, or support them if they cannot work. There will be 5,110 people received IB in August 2010, which is a high long-term receipt on the support rate, as appropriate. If proportion compared to the national average. Three people can work, welfare-to-work providers will be paid quarters of those people had been on IB for five years by results to help them. Nobody will be sanctioned for or more. turning down a job that is not there. Nobody will be told, “We’re cutting off your benefit, because you didn’t That situation presents us with a challenge. I think take a job,” if there are no jobs there. However, where that both the hon. Gentleman and I would describe there are jobs, people will be expected to make reasonable ourselves as political progressives. The question is whether efforts to take them, with the right support. That is the it is humane and progressive to say, “Well, you’ve been strategy that we are adopting, and I believe that it is on IB for five years, there aren’t many jobs round here, more humane than simply leaving people on long-term and you can’t really move easily because the house IB receipt. prices are too low, so we’ll just leave you on IB.” That has been the problem for years. People just say, “It’s all Finally, my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough a bit difficult, we’ll leave you on IB and we won’t really (Nicky Morgan) raised a number of issues to do with have any contact with you.” I do not think that that is the Child Support Agency, with which I think every humane or progressive. Member will have had considerable dealings. Some of us have had CSA cases for a long time. One reason for The hon. Gentleman might be aware that the outgoing the reforms is that we feel that the old CSA system and Labour Government planned to reassess people on IB. the so-called new CSA system have not worked. She This project is therefore not an evil plot, but something cited the figure of 40p per £1 of maintenance collected, that was planned by the previous Government. The which is nonsense. work capability assessment that he criticised was introduced I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend about the by the previous Government. In the run-up to the last need for strong enforcement powers. There are already election, the Department commissioned an internal review pretty strong powers in the system, although I cannot of the WCA, and we have acted on its conclusions. comment on why they have perhaps not been used as Perhaps more importantly, an independent review has they might have been in individual cases. There are been undertaken by Professor Harrington, who has serious sanctions available, including direct deduction suggested a list of things that need to change to make from earnings, and we want them to be used appropriately. the WCA better. The Department has accepted every My hon. Friend was right to make the point about single one of his recommendations. The WCA will also seeing child support in its wider context, and the be the most reviewed bit of the benefits system because, Department is certainly committed to doing that. We from memory, there is a statutory requirement to want to ensure that when people break up, there is not review it every year for five years. Professor Harrington an assumption that they should go to the CSA. To has kindly agreed to play an ongoing role. I cannot paraphrase what she said in the words that someone commit him for five years, but he has certainly agreed once used to me, the CSA is seldom part of the healing to carry on for now. He has gone out, sat in on WCAs, process. If we can encourage people to seek some sort talked to people and learned lessons from that. We of mutual agreement at the point of break-up, and will continue to refine the process in the light of his provide them with calculations if they need them, that comments. will be a better strategy. 979 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 980

I absolutely take my hon. Friend’s point that when failed to understand the costly environment in the North relationships have broken down and there are long-standing sea at the moment, and the area’s maturity. There are cases, the situation will be more difficult. However, I much smaller finds and much higher costs and risks to can offer her a word of reassurance. Under our current investment. It is therefore a very dangerous time to proposals, an application charge is planned only for suddenly alter the tax regime. Also, the Chancellor initial application to the system, not for reassessment. prayed in aid the price of oil, but many of the investors The cases that she mentioned would hopefully not face in the North sea are smaller, new entrants, who have such a charge. I believe that the Under-Secretary, my already hedged their sales for this year and are not hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke (Maria Miller), receiving anything like the price that the open market is going to meet her to discuss some individual cases, would provide. It has yet to be explained why the and I hope that she will be able to respond in more Chancellor did not tax the hedge funds rather than detail. those doing the legwork at the coal face. I assure the House that we want a system in which, The Chancellor talked about decisions made last when relationships unfortunately break down, there are June, when he was promising not to interfere with the incentives and encouragement to form an agreement. tax regime, and the movement of oil prices since then. The CSA will then be able to act on behalf of children Someone who makes a 20-year investment is not interested and families when enforcement is needed. We hope that in a six-month cycle, but in all the peaks and troughs. it will take firm and effective action to ensure that Recently, the industry had to survive a fall to $35 a children and families get the support that they deserve. barrel and still be able to invest. We look forward to the ongoing contribution of my The other crucial point that has been missed is that hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough to our some of the older fields will now pay 81% tax on their consultations on the issue. profits, yet they are the vital hubs that ensure that we Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): We now exploit the minor, smaller fields that are still available. move on to the general debate. Many Members are The infill—the new fields—will keep the larger, older listed to take part, and a time limit of six minutes has platforms and pipework going to enable us to exploit been set. I plan to call the Deputy Leader of the House the North sea. If there is a hiatus in that investment and at about 7.44 pm. those fields are decommissioned, whole areas of the North sea will be left barren and the oil and gas will GENERAL MATTERS never be recovered. There is quite a worry not only about the actual tax, 5.42 pm but the way in which it was handled. So many reassurances Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) that there would not be a tax change were followed by a (LD): I thank the Backbench Business Committee for sudden tax change. As one industry insider said to me, giving us the opportunity to raise matters before the “It’s worse than Brown because at least he didn’t promise Easter recess in the same style as we have previously. I not to do it, when he was in government and did the wish to use this opportunity to raise a continuing and same thing.” A promise not to do it followed by doing it growing concern about the impact of the Budget on my is much more damaging to the investment climate. The constituency and on major investment in the UK economy. Government will have to work hard to undo that loss of I must first declare my entry in the Register of Members’ confidence by the investor community. Financial Interests as a shareholder in Shell, and my wider Even if, in the long run, quite a few projects still stack interests in the oil and gas industry, but my particular up, there is a major hiatus when they have to be put on reason for speaking is the interests of my constituency hold and reappraised, and investors in other parts of and constituents in the future of that industry and the the world are saying to their local manager, “What’s the many jobs that it provides in the north-east of Scotland bottom line? Is it still worth going ahead?” That affects and throughout the Scottish and UK economy. the whole supply chain. I was chatting to one manager I am motivated in many ways by the memories of in the supply chain who said that he had to put his what has happened before to the north-east of Scotland graduate recruitment round on hold because he does when there has been a downturn in investment—the not know whether his clients will go ahead with their rows of “For Sale” signs, people handing in the keys to project. That disruption to management and to activity their houses, the repossessions and the loss to the local is most damaging at such an important time, when economy of a major industry.It is vital that the Government the industry was one of the few success stories in understand and recognise the contribution of that industry. our economy. In what was called a Budget for growth, which was The Government must restore confidence. I welcomed otherwise well balanced and effective, it is depressing their agreement to an emergency meeting of PILOT, the that so much risk should have been taken with one of industry-Government taskforce, during which the the current success stories of the economy. The industry Government undertook to try to restore confidence in is not just a local interest, it is a national one. One third the stability of the regime. The Government have floated of industrial investment comes from the work of the oil the idea of field allowances to deal with individual and gas industry in the North sea and on our continental problems. I hope that they realise the number of civil shelf. It is a major contributor of tax revenues to the servants that they will have to recruit to manage the Exchequer and a major contributor to our balance of North sea on a case-by-case basis so that they can make payments and our energy security. real-time judgments on the new tax allowances that A matter of growing interest has been the export they are promising. market that has grown up on the back of the expertise The Chancellor prayed in aid the price of oil when built up in the North sea. That market requires a viable the price of gas is well below his $75 trigger. Gas is not a and effective home base. The Government seem to have global commodity in the same way, and there is therefore 981 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 982

[Sir Robert Smith] One who has young children said that she wants “better family deals and access”, a risk that he is putting up the cost of consumers’ gas which was echoed by many other parents. A large supplies while taxing profits on an industry that has not number of respondents said that they wanted an improved got the same upside of a high commodity price. and direct service so that they can get to the local The Energy and Climate Change Committee also has hospital. a wider concern about investment in new electricity The replies to the survey so far coincide with the bus generation, because £200 billion is required and people watchdog—Passenger Focus—research on what bus users need the security of knowing that that investment will want from their local bus service. Recent results show a not be taxed after it is made. reduction in satisfaction with the overall level of service, The Chancellor is right to say that it is our oil, but we and a reduction in satisfaction with reliability.Additionally, need experts to invest in getting it out of the ground. research by Bus Users UK says that 32% of commuters Without that investment, we earn no taxes, gain no jobs, want a considerable improvement in the bus service. and get no balance of payments help or energy security. One particular concern for many of my constituents The Chancellor must not undermine our energy security is bus fares. As I have said, my survey so far shows that and he must restore stability. the majority of people want lower fares. With the price of diesel at an all-time high, and bus companies increasingly 5.48 pm pressurised to pass on those costs to commuters, I am concerned about the affordability of buses, given that Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) high bus fares are clearly already an issue. (Lab): I am grateful to the Backbench Business Committee for the opportunity to speak today on the importance High bus fares hit all sectors of our society, but of local bus services, which are of continuing concern particularly students and those seeking work. That is to my constituents. why education maintenance allowance helped with the cost of getting to college. The Association of Colleges Good local bus services are vital to the local economy, has identified that 75% of its member colleges said that the national economy and hard-working people throughout the majority of their students get to school by bus. It the country. The Transport Committee’s recent report also found that 94% of its members believe that students recognised the importance of effective transport. It will find it harder to attend without EMA because of stated that bus fares. “supporting sustainable economic growth should be the overriding For older residents, bus services are a lifeline. Older objective for the Department for Transport”. people are among those who most depend on buses, for However, that is nothing new. In 2006, the Eddington example, to access the general practitioner’s surgery or transport study, which the Labour Government the hospital. They often have no alternative means of commissioned, concluded that an efficient transport transport. system is vital for a healthy economy. Sir Rod Eddington’s It is clear that not tackling that problem will have report recognised that people’s ability to travel to work, serious and lasting effects, not only for our economy, for work or to find work is crucial to drive the growth but for future generations. High Speed 2 is getting that our economy needs. considerable attention both inside and outside the House, The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions recently but my constituents are more concerned with ensuring advised the unemployed that they should get on a bus to that we have an affordable and accessible local bus find work. In my constituency, that would be pretty network, which is crucial in my area in the absence of difficult. That is the fatal flaw in his plan—local bus rail or a light rail network. services outside London need considerable improvement, If we are to create jobs and drive growth, we need to particularly the network in my constituency. ensure that we have bus services and the capacity to I grew up in the local area, and I still frequently use encourage businesses to invest and to grow. Our constituents local buses, so I know both the best and the worst of also deserve a bus network over which they feel they our local bus network. During my campaign and since have a say, and one that responds to their needs and is entering the House, I have continued to receive regular accessible to all. Those do not strike me as unreasonable concerns from constituents about the local bus service, demands, and local people deserve better. and I decided to investigate by launching a constituency- wide campaign called the “Big Bus Survey”. Constituents can either complete an online survey or return a postcard. 5.53 pm I have already received hundreds of responses, and they Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): I continue to come in. should like to make a few brief remarks about the From the initial responses, it is clear that the people importance of marriage and family policy. of Houghton and Sunderland South want lower bus My constituents, George and Dot Kemp, celebrated fares and a more frequent service. There is also the their diamond wedding in December 2010, and they obvious frustration that bus operators can change routes were good enough to share with the local paper, the or pull services with minimal notice or consultation. Dunstable Gazette, their secret for a long and happy Local people feel that they do not have a voice and that marriage. George said as follows: they cannot influence those decisions. “The secret to a long and happy marriage can be summed up in Some of the comments I have received are particularly six words…The magic words are, ‘I love you,’ and, ‘yes, my dear!’” revealing. One constituent said: That is a good tip, and good advice perhaps for those of “I don’t use buses at all for one reason—they are far too us who aspire to reach George and Dot’s record of expensive and it is cheaper and safer by car.” 60 years together. 983 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 984

That is a very happy story, and one that I am pleased the loss of about £30 a week was the key factor in to share with the House, but when politicians look at driving them apart. That is not a sensible way to design what is happening to family life in our country, we see a a welfare system, so I am pleased that the moves we are much more alarming picture. Only last week, the Office making in universal credit will do something about that. for National Statistics released figures showing the lowest That is a positive start. It is also absolutely right that the number of marriages in England and Wales since 1895— Government do more to give our constituents the skills there were 231,000 marriages in 2009, compared with a and support necessary to make a success of their family peak of 426,000 in 1972. It would be tempting to ask, relationships. The Government have committed £7.5 million “Why does this matter? What concern is it of ours as a year over the next four years to roll out courses such politicians?” I agree that it is wrong for politicians to as the “Let’s Stick Together” programme pioneered by lecture people, and even worse for them to preach or the Bristol Community Family Trust. That is welcome moralise, but we have a duty to look at what is happening indeed. We need more of that type of initiative. across our constituencies, and to consider its impact on our society. 5.59 pm We know, for example, that if a child’s parents separate, Eric Joyce (Falkirk) (Lab): Yesterday’s centrefold in that child is twice as likely to grow up in poverty as a The Guardian—if I may call it that, although the term child whose parents stay together—very relevant on a centrefold has been expropriated by a different publication day when the Government have brought out their child —had a good picture of two artisanal miners in the poverty strategy. A child has a 36% chance of growing Democratic Republic of the Congo scraping away in up in poverty if their parents separate, and only an what was basically a big hole. They do 24-hour shifts 18% chance if they stay together. Those statistics are and get paid very little. The picture emphasised how from the Government’s own figures in the “Households rudimentary mining is in the DRC. Mining is something Below Average Income” series. We know, however, that that could generate enormous wealth in the Congo, but marriage is not out of fashion among young people. it invariably does not, because the market is very difficult. Survey evidence suggests that more than 90% of young people want to get married eventually—once they are I want to mention a different expropriation today—one debt-free, can get a home of their own and have sorted that should give us all pause. I want also to emphasise out their education—and I know, because I survey them the extractive industry’s transparency initiative and the regularly, that 18-year-olds in my constituency are concerned Dodd-Frank legislation in the US. As is increasingly about this issue. More than seven out of 10 tell me that accepted on both sides of the House, these are examples they believe that family breakdown is a big problem in of good practice that can help businesses to operate the UK and that they want more done about it. properly in Africa, helping Africans themselves and delivering mutual benefit from the good trade that City Whether we are concerned about the effect on companies do. As has been made clear in The Times constituents’ lives or the impact on society, we should Africa CEO conference in the past couple of weeks, the also be concerned about the financial costs to the City of London is one of the country’s great strengths. country. Estimates vary, but the Secretary of State for Right now there are new and important opportunities Work and Pensions has estimated that every year we for investment in Africa. Companies listed in this country pay in taxes between £20 billion and £40 billion to pick can contribute more to Africa’s development than aid up the pieces when, sadly, couples separate. What can ever could. Aid is extremely important, but ultimately, we do to improve this dire situation? A leading family the only way out of poverty for those countries is judge, Mr Justice Coleridge—he should know about through proper investment. this, because he is at the coal face in the family courts—said in 2009 at a Relationships Foundation conference: We expect our senior executives to put their figures and their shareholders first, and yet there is a tipping “We are experiencing a period of family meltdown whose point. Where a company prospers by doing business in effects will be as catastrophic as the meltdown of the ice caps… It will be more destructive than any economic decline caused by Africa, we expect Africans to acquire some benefit— international market or financial movements triggered by through proper taxation payment and, for example, mismanagement by financial institutions.” jobs. Pretty much all the executives whom I have spoken to agree with that; indeed, that was very much the On the plus side, in showing how things can be positive attitude on parade at The Times conference. different when families stay together, Lord Sacks, the However, where a corporation ignores the principles of Chief Rabbi, said in another place: mutual benefit, that can do enormous damage to the “Children lucky enough to be born into strong families are prospects of investment in Africa. The bad reputation advantaged in almost every area for the rest of their lives: school that a company acquires can shake the confidence of attendance, educational achievement, getting and keeping a job. They will earn more. They will be healthier. They will be more other investors. I want to say a few words, therefore, likely to form strong families of their own. Children who do not about a particular example of a large and would-be have that good fortune will be disadvantaged for the rest their successful corporation wrecking its reputation and integrity lives.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 10 February 2011; Vol. 725, by entering into ropy deals with, frankly, shady c. 366.] middlemen—the Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation, We can do a number of things about this situation. a FTSE 100 company. We have taken steps to deal with the couple penalty. The The centrefold in The Guardian referred to the DRC right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field), who is in Government apparently raising only $13 million in tax his place, raised this matter very well in a recent “Panorama” from mining licences in the last financial year. Before programme entitled, “Britain’s Missing Dads”. It featured that, however, they raised $55 million per annum from young couples who had been together until the birth of one company alone—First Quantum, the country’s largest their first child, at which point they suddenly stopped taxpayer. Last year, however, the DRC Government living together. When asked why, they made it clear that essentially expropriated the assets of First Quantum for 985 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 986

[Eric Joyce] 6.5 pm reasons that looked extremely dubious indeed. First Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): I wish to Quantum had invested $700 million in a mine in Kolwezi raise a number of points before the House adjourns for which was generating thousands of jobs, and it was the the Easter recess. Proposed changes to legislation will largest taxpayer in the DRC. For good reasons—again, come into effect on 1 May relating to herbal medicines having looked at the mining and licensing contracts—I and vitamin and mineral supplements. Those changes have no doubt that that was the right thing to do. will have a major impact on the Annandale homeopathic However, one or two contracts were cancelled for reasons and allergy clinic in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. Varying that we should be more aware of. strengths of such supplements have always been available for purchase, but my constituents understand that under Inefficient artisanal mining raises small amounts of the proposed European Union regulations the strengths money compared with the enormous investment that of vitamin and mineral supplements available will be First Quantum had made. In essence, First Quantum standardised. The standardised levels will be too low, had its assets expropriated, which were then sold on to a and the ability to prescribe and retail such supplements middleman—a man called Dan Gertler, whose only to patients will consequently be adversely affected. I business qualification as far as I can see is that he is a would be grateful if the appropriate Minister could close personal friend of the President of the DRC. write to me about that matter. Having bought those assets for a song, Mr Gertler put them on the market and within a few months a FTSE Another constituent has contacted me about an e-mail 100-listed London company bought them for $175 million. that he received from the Lottery House which claimed Not one whit of that enormous benefit to him— that he had won £1 million on the lottery in the Netherlands. and perhaps others: it is very hard to tell, because there He was sent numerous fraudulent letters asking him to was no transparency in the deal—would have gone to pay money into various foreign accounts in order to the people of the DRC. It was an absolute and utter access his lottery winnings, and he has spent thousands shocker. of pounds trying to access that money. This is not an isolated incident, and I would be grateful if the appropriate What of ENRC, the buyer? Lots of companies said, Minister could look into this type of fraud, which is “We’re not touching this with a bargepole—it completely pretty rife at the moment. stinks,” but ENRC was absolutely up for it. ENRC is Mr Rod Godfrey, of 153 Hadleigh road, Leigh-on-Sea, ostensibly a successful FTSE 100 corporation, but it is has recently visited me at my surgery to discuss a underperforming on the stock market, in spite of the serious problem with the tax code that he has been wealth of assets. It should be striding away from its given by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. Mr Godfrey competitors, but its deal in the Congo has left it without pays his tax through PAYE, as he has always done, a CEO, its reputation trashed and its major investors, through a tax code issued to Tower Hamlets by HMRC. including the Kazakhstani Government, wanting out, He has now been advised that he has underpaid by a and it has now become a possible takeover target. There substantial amount of money.It is completely unreasonable is a lesson there for all to see. Perhaps it is time that that my constituent should be expected to pay such a ENRC grew up or just passed over its assets to somebody large sum of money, given that it is the fault of HMRC else who can manage them better. and not that of Mr Godfrey. Again, I would be grateful However, there is one other lesson: that non-executives if the appropriate Minister could comment on that. should be careful that they are not simply used as My next comments are not directed at any Members patsies for puppet masters of questionable integrity. present today, but I am increasingly fed up that the West ENRC’s board is primarily Kazakhstani—I have no Lothian question has not been addressed. It is completely quibble with the Kazakhstani Government; I think that unfair that Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Members they are pretty nervous about the whole thing too—but have two votes and that we poor English Members have there are also three well-known UK business men on only one. I hope that that matter will be addressed the board. They are Sir Paul Judge, Ken Olisa and during the course of this Parliament. Sir Richard Sykes. Ken Olisa wrote a letter to the Financial Times last week that was comical in its naivety. I am also concerned about the oppression of 3,400 He has clearly been put up as a front man, but he made members of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran, including a complete fool of himself by complaining about the 1,000 women in Camp Ashraf in Iraq. Those residing in Lombard column’s criticism of ENRC. Essentially, however, the camp have undergone psychological torture and the point man from the UK perspective is Sir Richard serious medical restrictions. Already, 208 Members have Sykes. He has had a pretty sound reputation in the past. signed an early-day motion calling for the Government He ran a large multinational, and he is used as the man to provide the necessary protection for the residents of who calms the markets. This whole business has done Camp Ashraf. Yesterday, in Committee Room 14, a his reputation immeasurable harm, however. People in couple of US Senators addressed a very well-attended the City are aware of that fact, and I hope that people meeting, and I hope that the Foreign Secretary will raise on both sides of the House will be aware of it, now that this issue with his American counterpart. I have raised the matter. Religious freedoms are under threat across the world. I hope that the Minister will be able to comment on Recent issues of significant concern include high-profile this point. Does he agree that all this could be avoided if assassinations of public figures who have attacked Pakistan’s there were more transparency in such deals? The blasphemy laws, the arrest and detention of dozens of Government are moving towards that, which is welcome, Christians in Iran, and the assassination of a Muslim but none of these things would take place if we had cleric and attacks on Christians in Nigeria. There is no legislation like the Dodd-Frank Act in the UK. simple solution to the situation in Pakistan. There is 987 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 988 clearly a need for proper international discussion on 3,000 and 750,000. The average we should expect, he blasphemy laws. Again, I hope that the appropriate said, was 65,000 deaths. The WHO said that we should Minister will be able to address this point. expect between 2 million and 7 million deaths in the I am increasingly uncomfortable about the way in world. In the event, there were 18,000 deaths. In Britain, which the Equitable Life issue was dealt with during the there were 447 deaths of people with swine flu, but Committee stage of the Equitable Life (Payments) Bill. fewer than 150 died of swine flu. It is, of course, a I remain concerned about the situation of with-profit tragedy for all the individuals involved, but this was annuitants who took out policies before the September nothing compared to the normal seasonal flu we have 1992 cut-off date. About 10,000 elderly people have almost every year, when 10,000 and sometimes 20,000 now been excluded from the compensation scheme and people die. are set to lose thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands, The World Health Organisation has been challenged of pounds. Those people were “locked in” and suffered since and there have been a number of inquiries. In this the same maladministration as the other policyholders, country, we had an inquiry by Deirdre Hine, but I am who will be paid 100% compensation. I had certainly afraid that it was premature. It did not come up with the not appreciated in Committee that those people would right answers because it did not ask the right questions. be excluded. I know that the Treasury team are working There is a far better inquiry, just published, by the extremely hard to try to balance the books, given the European People’s Party group in the European Parliament. terrible legacy that we were left, but I must tell the Its main conclusion is that next time, the severity of the Deputy Leader of the House that I am worried about flu must be a feature in any warnings given. It is the promises that were made before the general election. extraordinary that in calling this a phase 6 pandemic, Some of my elderly constituents feel that we have not no judgment was made about the severity of the disease. honoured them. To end on a brighter note, I am delighted to say that What was the cost to this country? We spent £1.2 billion the Better Southend project, involving four major and we suffered greatly from anxiety and fear. That was regeneration works at Cuckoo corner, Progress road, particularly the case for parents of young children, who Victoria circus and City beach, has, thanks to our were told that there would be 65,000 deaths. The health excellent Conservative-controlled council, been completed service was disrupted for nearly a year. All its priorities on time at the end of March. I ask local residents to were changed, and vital services were neglected so that judge those schemes on how they work out in practice. the necessary preparations could be made. Heaven knows I am also delighted to say that any number of what the cost was of the closure of all the schools, for international teams visiting Southend at the moment instance. All that was unnecessary, and we must now can consider using the town as a training base for their consider what we can do about it. It is difficult to blame international athletes. The latest to arrive are the Malaysians, the national Governments, because they would be damned so it is all happening in Southend. We hope that these if they did and damned if they didn’t, but can we say international teams are successful and, above all, that that spending more than £1 billion in Britain had a British athletes will enjoy great success in the 2012 good result? Can we say that more people would have games. Of course, we all wish the happy royal couple died if we had not spent that money? In fact, the reverse every success in the royal wedding on 29 April. is true. A splendid example is provided by Ewa Kopacz, who 6.11 pm was the Polish Health Minister at the time. In November Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): The swine flu 2009, she made a very brave speech saying that the pandemic that never was is an extraordinary story of Polish Government would not buy vaccines and antiviral bad science, fortunes made, public money wasted and medicines because she did not believe that H1N1 flu fear-mongering on a mass scale. It started in May 2009 posed any serious threat. In Britain, having spent £1 billion, when a new branch of flu was detected in Mexico. The we lost 7.4 people per million of the population; Poland, epidemiology then and now is still the same—that this having spent about 7 zlotys, ended up with 4.7 deaths flu was very mild. It killed about one in every 10,000 per million. In other words, Poland spent virtually who had it. nothing, and suffered half the number of deaths per On the World Health Organisation website in May million that we suffered. There is a lesson to be learnt 2009, the definition of a phase 6 pandemic—a crucial from that. As I said earlier, I do not blame the national issue—was that the flu had to be likely to cause “a Governments, because they were in a very difficult terrible number” of deaths and serious injuries. In the position. They had the advice of the World Health next month, that definition was changed to take the Organisation, which is a body that we should respect, severity of the flu out of the definition; it was described because we need a body that is above the national melee as a flu that was being experienced in more than two and national interests. Can we blame the World Health WHO areas. In June 2009, however, Margaret Chan Organisation? We certainly can. declared a phase 6 pandemic. The world press turned I have been to Geneva on a number of occasions. up and asked what a phase 6 pandemic was and whether Incidentally, my general election result was greatly improved there was a phase 6.5 or a phase 7 pandemic. She said, by the fact that I was there at the time. Because of the “No, this is the most severe pandemic—the top one.” ash cloud I had to stay there for five days, which, Understandably, the world press went into hysteria according to my constituency workers, helped to ensure mode and announced that this was as bad as the 1918 that the swing against the Labour party was one of the flu that killed between 25 million and 40 million people. lowest in Wales, and to secure my re-election. Absence There was never any possibility that it was going to is a great factor. However, although we have heard turn out like that. In this country, Liam Donaldson said reports from various organisations throughout the world, that the likelihood was that deaths would be between we must face the fact that the problem lay not with 989 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 990

[Paul Flynn] try to find out what exactly we can do. Of course, I understand the issue of the sovereign powers of Ukraine, national Governments but with the World Health but this case is not being investigated properly by the Organisation. The decision was taken by an emergency Ukrainian authorities. Every time we try to get a proper committee with 15 members— investigation, that is blocked. There is no doubt that there are problems within the police authorities in Ukraine. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. The We have dealt with our own police and with Interpol, hon. Gentleman’s time is up. and I appeal to Ministers to do much more to make sure that a proper investigation into the death of my constituent is carried out, so that his family can know what happened 6.17 pm to him and can put the whole matter to rest. Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): I welcome The final case is about a problem that dates back to the opportunity to contribute, and I thank the hon. long before I became a Member of Parliament. It Member for North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel), concerns Terence and Wendy Hart. When Mr Hart’s who chairs the Backbench Business Committee. wife was taken ill in 2006, he had problems with the Let me begin by endorsing what was said by the hon. Axminster medical practice, and there was an encounter Member for Southend West (Mr Amess) about the West between him and the practice doctors. Mr Hart was Lothian question. It is time that that was sorted out, very emotional at the time and was accused of being because too many votes are being cast twice by Labour abusive, but he has always denied that. We have taken and Scottish National party Members. I also want to that case to the health service ombudsman, and we have take a leaf out of the hon. Gentleman’s book when it been down all the other bureaucratic routes. I have comes to dealing with constituents who are dealing with contacted Ministers about it too, yet we still cannot get real problems. I am thinking primarily of our brave this case settled. I again appeal to Ministers about it. troops in Afghanistan, both men and women, and the great sacrifices that they are making. 6.23 pm One such trooper, Lyndon Chatting-Walters, of Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): It is 23 Engineer Regiment, is now 20 years old. On 19 July a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Tiverton and 2008, while serving in our armed forces in Afghanistan, Honiton (Neil Parish). I echo his tribute to our brave he was blown up in an explosion. He suffered shrapnel troops in Afghanistan, and in particular I wish him well injuries to his face, groin, legs and both arms, broken in his efforts to secure better support for the trooper teeth, a damaged arm, jaw and ankle, and muscle and whose case he brought to the attention of the House, tendon injuries. He has also experienced constant trouble and who has made a huge sacrifice for our country. with his back, and will be susceptible to arthritis and I rise to raise two issues. First, I want to ask a series rheumatism for the rest of his life. of questions on the Government’s view of the human That young guy was taken to Selly Oak hospital in rights situation in Sri Lanka and, through them, to ask Birmingham, which patched him up and did everything a series of questions of the Sri Lankan Government. I that it could for him. However, even while experiencing understand that the UN Secretary-General is due to great pain and suffering, he was determined to return to receive a report on 13 April produced by a three-member Afghanistan. He went back in autumn and served for a panel that has been mandated to advise him on options couple of months, but the pain from the injuries that he for addressing accountability for crimes committed during sustained in 2008 was so bad that he was invalided back the final stages of the recent conflict, with which all to the United Kingdom just after Christmas last year. who have an interest in Sri Lanka will be familiar. I ask He is still waiting for appointments to see doctors so whether that document will be published, and if not—or, that the nature of all his injuries can be clarified, and he indeed, if we are unsure whether it will be published—I is still seeking proper compensation from our armed ask the British Government to call on the UN Secretary- forces Ministers. I have written to them, and recently General to publish it. wrote again to the Secretary of State for Defence. I Furthermore, will the Government urge the lifting of know it is not directly his responsibility, but this young the prevention of terrorism Act in Sri Lanka? The UN man has given his all for his country, and I really do feel urged this as long ago as 2000. Will they urge the Sri that he has been treated shabbily. I do not know whether Lankan Government to release those who have been the fault for that lies with our bureaucracy or elsewhere, arrested, unless they are charged with criminal offences but I appeal in the strongest terms for us to do something and remanded in custody by a civilian court? Will the for that young man, because he has given his all, and Government urge the Sri Lankan Government to adhere given his future as well, and he must be adequately to a 2006 presidential directive by registering detainees, looked after and adequately compensated. informing their families and the Sri Lankan human My next case concerns Ukraine. A constituent of rights commission of the place of their arrest and mine, Mr Barry Pring, joined a dating agency in 2007, detention? Lastly, will our Government urge the met a Ukrainian woman online and later married her. Government of Sri Lanka to allow the Red Cross full To cut a long story short, tragically, a year later Mr Pring access to the prisons where those still detained after the was run over in a very suspicious car accident 28 km conflict are held? outside Kiev. An investigation is being carried out into In January and February, two of the world’s most whether—I think I can say this under parliamentary respected human rights groups, Amnesty International privilege—his wife was responsible for his death. and Minority Rights Group International, raised, in Immediately after his death, she came to Britain and separate reports, a series of concerns about the human, started trying to get hold of all his assets, and he was a social and economic rights of minority communities in reasonably wealthy man. I have written to Ministers to Sri Lanka. MRGI argued that nearly two years after the 991 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 992 end of the war between the LTTE—the Liberation that the topic might at first seem rather obscure, if not Tigers of Tamil Eelam—and the Government, minorities obtuse, to many Members, and the timing peculiar. face daily repression, and are marginalised in development First, I must declare an interest as a member of the policies and in politics in Sri Lanka. The MRGI’s Twentieth Century Society, which campaigns to preserve report documents cases of land in the north and east of examples of built heritage and modern architecture for Sri Lanka being seized by military and civilian authorities future generations. I am not here to debate the merits or and used for the construction of everything from military demerits of nuclear power—I am sure we will have encampments to hotels and leisure facilities. The report plenty of debates on that in the months and years to notes that international and national media and non- come—but rather to draw the Government’s attention governmental organisations still have restricted access, to the fact that as the decommissioning process for and that there is a high level of militarisation and state nuclear power stations begins, those buildings come to control over freedom of movement and association. the end of their industrial usage and we have to consider Amnesty’s report goes further. It believes that there whether we wish to preserve them for future generations. are credible allegations that both Government security There might be arguments about whether such buildings forces and the LTTE committed serious violations of should be preserved. Those against nuclear power might international humanitarian and human rights law wonder why anyone would wish to preserve a nuclear throughout their conflict, particularly in the final months, power station, but let me quote Tony Juniper of Friends including summary executions, torture, attacks on civilians of the Earth, who told The Sunday Times on 19 November and other war crimes. The Sri Lankan Government 2006: have established a domestic “lessons learned and “We need to be reminded of the huge amounts of money they reconciliation commission”, but most international wasted and the radioactive legacy they left us. We should preserve observers have argued that the gravity of the accusations these buildings as a monument to all that stupidity”. is such that a truly independent international investigation Equally, those of us who are more positive about nuclear is necessary to address these issues fully and ensure energy and think it still has a role to play might think accountability. That is why the UN Secretary-General that we should celebrate and protect examples of our established a three-member panel to advise him on world-leading role in developing civil nuclear power. It options and why we need to have those recommendations is often forgotten that we were at the forefront of publicised and made clear. developing the use of nuclear power for civil means. A longer-term problem in Sri Lanka has helped to Just as Ironbridge and the Pontcysyllte aqueduct drive what appears, at least, to be a culture of impunity are examples of Britain’s greatness in the 17th and and tolerance of breaches of human rights. The country 18th centuries, Dounreay, Hinkley Point and Windscale, has been under an almost continuous state of emergency or Sellafield, are examples of our greatness in the since the early 1970s and, as Amnesty has made clear, 20th century. We need to retain that sense of heritage successive Governments have used national security as and it is vital that we debate what to do with them and the reason to bring in a series of broad and complex understand their heritage value. They certainly have emergency regulations. If we look at the history of Sri architectural value, but they also have a quite separate Lanka, it is obvious that security has been a real concern, heritage value. As English Heritage’s 2006 report on our but let me be clear that the scale on which these emergency atomic age made clear: regulations have been used raises concerns. They have, “Nuclear installations due to their size have also created distinctive at times, been used against critics of the Government late 20th-century landscapes…The power station sites are from within the majority Sinhala community, as well as overshadowed by the large rectangular architectural blocks of the against those within the Tamil and Muslim communities. reactor buildings and turbine halls which in turn dominate their That is why I ask whether our Government will continue usually low-lying coastal locations and often provide focal points to press the Sri Lankan Government to lift the prevention in the landscape for many miles around”. of terrorism Act and to press for the Sri Lankan human My experience, from living on the coast in Blackpool, rights commission and relatives to be informed when is of walking out of my front door and being able to see someone has been arrested. the rectangular block of Heysham power station shining The second issue that I wish to raise today is very from 20 or 30 miles away across Morecambe bay. It is a different, although it is of equal, if not more, concern to major landmark in the local area. It does not quite all my constituents. I am talking about the future of the compete with Blackpool tower, but it is certainly always three polyclinics that serve my constituency: the Alexandra on the horizon. We have to realise that in those communities Avenue centre, which was opened by Lord Darzi; the the role of nuclear power has been not just one of Pinn medical centre in Pinner; and the urgent care environmental concern or energy production, but one centre at Northwick Park hospital. They provide walk-in of building communities. Places such as Sellafield and services from 8 am to 8 pm all year round and they are Dounreay have been major providers of jobs, and hugely popular with my constituents, but they are under communities have sprung up out of nowhere. Just as threat of closure or restriction. I urge the Government many Opposition Members fiercely defend the interests to take the opportunity of the pause in consideration of of coalfield communities and the heritage of mining the current NHS reforms to examine the future of the that has gone on for many years, we should not lose polyclinics in my constituency and to recognise the sight of the importance of the communities who have huge support that those have from my constituents. contributed to building our nuclear industry. That is why it is vital to take notice of the current 6.29 pm consultation process being carried out by the Nuclear Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con): Decommissioning Authority. In September 2010, it It is a pleasure to speak about the preservation of announced its initial intention that Britain’s built civil nuclear heritage, but I understand “none of our facilities will be preserved for national heritage”. 993 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 994

[Paul Maynard] I want to question our sense of priority and that of animal charities. In doing so, I raise a central question On one level that is understandable, as one cannot about the attitude of mind and the training of those divorce the heritage component of a nuclear power officers who had to decide, for example, to grant licences station for the obvious reason that it has a high degree for the 3.6 million experiments that took place last year. of radiological risk associated with it. Take, for example, We lay on them a duty to weigh up the pain those Trawsfynydd power station in north Wales, which was animals will suffer and the gains that we as a society not listed, not because it had no architectural value—far could accrue from those experiments. Obviously the from it, as it was designed by Sir Basil Spence, who animals have no say in whether the pain is greater than designed Coventry cathedral—but because it was sitting the gain, but I think that we take it for granted that all on a toxic time bomb and the costs of preserving that those decisions by those officers are right and that the toxic time bomb outweighed its architectural value. pain inflicted on the animals is less than what society Conversely, Cadw, the Welsh heritage agency, has at gains. least registered the equally notable garden by Dame In order to provoke a debate on the matter at some Sylvia Crowe and the associated landscaping that stage, I wonder what role the Deputy Leader of the surrounded the power station. That shows that we can House thinks the House should play. Should we spend preserve heritage not just by preserving something that the next 25 years never discussing the number of is toxic or radiological but by understanding the wider experiments on animals? What role might a Select heritage aspects. Committee play, and what role should the animal charities That is why I welcome the fact that the Nuclear play? Every time somebody writes to me about the latest Decommissioning Authority has grudgingly conceded thing that is happening to animals, I write back and say, that a national nuclear archive will be established at “That’s my view on the particular issue you’ve raised, Dounreay as part of its decommissioning process. I but will you raise with the organisation that you belong urge both Dounreay and the Nuclear Decommissioning to and support this issue of experiments on animals, Authority to consider fully what they mean by nuclear which the House of Commons rarely debates and, in heritage and what they intend to retain in the archive. It fact, is never raised with me or, probably, with other must not merely hold photographs of the buildings, but hon. Members by the animal charities themselves?” provide an understanding of the lives of the people who built those power stations, made them a success and Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): I am listening relied on them for their livelihoods. It is vital that the with very great interest to the right hon. Gentleman. He Department for Culture, Media and Sport has a coherent may be familiar with the memorial in Park lane to plan to protect them for future generations. animals and their suffering in wartime, which has the inscription, “They had no choice”. Is that an area which he believes might be looked at more closely, as well as 6.35 pm the area of experimentation?

Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): I wish to raise Mr Frank Field: I certainly do not want such a briefly the animal welfare issue that dare not speak its memorial; I want the memorial to be in this House, and name—namely, the licensing of animal experiments. I in what we do about the numbers, questioning whether do so mindful of what many of us have gained in the all those experiments are gainfully employed for the past and present, and will gain in future, from a number benefit of mankind, and what the animal charities of those experiments, and of the fact that public opinion themselves might do. Why has none of them written to on what is proper for animal experiments changes. The me about the matter? Should they not raise, in coalition House has reflected those changing views. At one time form, the political issue of the apparent lack of supervision one would have stood here and talked about testing that we give to the whole regulatory procedure? Might cosmetics on animals, but such testing is now forbidden. they also raise with the Home Office how we can be so I want to discuss the regulatory role we assumed when sure that the gains that we accrue from those 3.6 million we established the Animal Procedures Committee and experiments last year will outweigh the pain that those question whether we are being complacent in assuming animals felt? that everything is fine in that regulatory system. In so doing, I want to ask what further actions—new actions—we should take. 6.41 pm Last year, 3.6 million experiments were licensed in Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con): I, this country to be performed on animals. Only three of too, thank the Backbench Business Committee for the those licences were referred to the Animal Procedures opportunity to contribute to the debate. I would very Committee for consideration. The others were decided much like to focus on antisocial behaviour and the by Home Office civil servants. If we tally up the number steady creep of a seemingly higher tolerance of it by our of experiments on animals that the House has agreed to local agencies and local police authorities. since the establishment of the current system in 1986, When I say that antisocial behaviour is increasingly we get a total of 65 million. I want to contrast the care tolerated, I do not mean that there has been a willing that the House took over possible cruelty in hunting submission by our constituents. Hon. Members on both with dogs with the care we have taken in our supervisory sides of the House will have seen examples from their role for those 65 million experiments. The House spent own constituencies of harassment, racial abuse left 700 hours considering changing the law on hunting unchecked, elderly and vulnerable constituents too terrified with dogs. We spent only seven hours committing our to leave their homes, and noise disturbances and large country to the war in Iraq. We did not spend one second gatherings that are so frequent as to impact on the on those 65 million experiments. quality of people’s lives. 995 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 996

One of my constituents, an elderly lady who lives With these new powers and initiatives for residents alone, is being constantly and, I believe, systematically must be a greater accountability of the local police. intimidated by a neighbour. She has come to me because That will become a reality with the Government’s plans she has been unable to enlist the help and support of to replace police authorities with directly elected police her local housing society or, indeed, of the police. She and crime commissioners by May 2012. I agree with the feels that no one is taking her problems seriously, and Government that this will make the police the suggestion, “Well, you can always move,” which “more accountable to the public and responsive to local people, believe it or not came from the police, was not particularly more focused at a national level and more effective at tackling helpful. crime, as well as providing better value for money”. One of the most serious cases that I have been asked On another local front of crime prevention and to help with concerns a couple, living barely half a mile deterrence, I must raise an issue of considerable importance from me, who are being subjected to constant verbal to my constituents and our surrounding area—the proposed homophobic abuse and intimidation. They decided to move of our police helicopter. At present, the western take their case to the authorities, but it took almost a counties air operations unit covers the counties of Bristol, year for them to receive a response that fully acknowledged Somerset and Gloucestershire. It is based less than all the problems that they faced. In the end, one of the three minutes’ flying time from Bristol so that it can perpetrators was arrested, but no further action was react to any serious crime in the city and the surrounding taken, and after yet another incident my constituent areas. Until the creation of the unit, the area suffered decided to confront the individuals responsible, which high levels of vehicle crime, vehicle pursuits and on-street he did only in a measured and verbal fashion, but was crime such as ram raiding. The presence of the police then himself arrested by the police. helicopter within a few minutes has markedly reduced that level of crime. I have been supported in my campaign I hope that those terrible examples of how some of against the move by Councillor Brian Allinson, a former my constituents have suffered at the hands of aggressive, top-ranking police officer who was responsible for the intimidating and destructive behaviour by others introduction of the helicopter in the first place. I continue demonstrates to the House that the current methods of to be concerned by the proposed move of the aircraft dealing with such issues are inadequate given the task away from Filton airfield to Wiltshire, as that will have a that they face. I am reluctant to call those incidents very serious effect on its ability to reach incidents in the antisocial behaviour; to me they are crimes and should local area in an acceptable time scale. be dealt with as such. I am, however, encouraged by the Government’s proposals for and ambitions in tackling Finally on the problem of antisocial behaviour, I this serious problem, which runs through our communities. believe that the previous Government were far too soft on those who intimidate, disrupt and bring misery to The Minister with responsibility for crime prevention, the lives of others. I would like to share with the House the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, a simple question that was put to me by a constituent: my hon. Friend the Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup when did the law stop being on the side of good and (James Brokenshire) has recognised the slow and decent people who work hard, play by the rules, and ask bureaucratic way in which complaints are dealt with, only for the right to live in peace and privacy? and that it sometimes results in “months and months and months to obtain relief for communities that may be being very hard-pressed by the problems of anti-social 6.47 pm behaviour.” Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): I should like In reacting to that problem, the Government recently to thank the Backbench Business Committee for giving announced community triggers, stating that me the opportunity to speak in this debate. “if five people have made a complaint that’s not been followed On 9 February, the Chancellor of the Exchequer through, they’re able to escalate it to the agencies that are supposed came to the House and gave a statement on the Project to be providing that response.” Merlin agreement that was reached between the banks The goal must be that no case of intimidation or abuse and the Government. He outlined what he described as goes unchecked, and we must rebuild the partnership the essentials of a “new settlement” with our major between the police and the local community. banks following the global financial crisis of 2008. He Most welcome is the report published last Tuesday by said that under the agreement the banks would lend Baroness Newlove, the Government’s champion for active more money, especially to small businesses, pay more safe communities, who has herself been the victim of a taxes, pay less in bonuses, be more transparent about terrible crime—the murder of her husband outside their the bonuses they do pay, and make a greater contribution home. The Baroness puts it perfectly in her report: to our regional economy and society. If this is what the agreement achieves, it is of course most welcome, but “The public are on the frontline in suffering the effects of crime and antisocial behaviour but on the backline when it comes to my impression is that it falls far short of this because decisions about how to deal with the problem.” there are so many holes in the small print and it lacks teeth. I welcome several of the recommendations in her report, How confident can we be that the settlement will such as the community reward, whereby if information result in more lending to small and medium-sized provided by the community leads to a conviction, the enterprises? The Chancellor told us that under the community is then given a reward to spend on crime agreement, Barclays, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, prevention work; giving the public a single point of HSBC and Santander had agreed to lend more money contact through the roll-out of the 101 number to to SMEs. We were told that overall gross new lending to report antisocial behaviour; and plans to enhance the all businesses, large and small, would increase from street level crime maps scheme so people can use it to £179 billion to £190 billion, and that these targets report crime and agencies can publish details of what would be monitored by the Bank of England, which had action was taken against offenders. “agreed to collect the relevant data and publish them quarterly.” 997 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 998

[Mr Chuka Umunna] Why should we believe that the banks will not wave that flag as an excuse when it comes to meeting the commitments The Chancellor said that to help to ensure that the on pay? agreement on lending is honoured, The Chancellor also said the banks have committed “the pay of the chief executives of each bank…will be linked to to disclose the pay details of not only their executive their performance against…SME lending targets.”—[Official Report, board members but the top five highest-paid executives 9 February 2011; Vol. 523, c. 313.] not on the board, meaning that the salary details of at However, there are a number of problems with all least seven executives at each bank will be published this. The lending targets are gross, not net. As the this year. Clearly, that Merlin provision has no teeth, Business Secretary said in the Daily Mail on 23 March because the chief executive of the Financial Services last year, a gross lending target lets the banks “off the Authority has said that he has hook” because they can achieve a gross lending target “no power under the Financial Services and Markets Act to while withdrawing capital from SMEs. The banks’statement compel firms to supply information where it is not required for on Merlin refers to a commitment to lend up to £190 billion our regulatory functions’’. “should sufficient demand arise”, so it is quite feasible That of course falls far short of what was required in that they could argue that the demand had not arisen, the Walker review. which surely presents a get-out clause. In conclusion, Project Merlin was welcome at the On the scope of the monitoring exercise to be carried time, but it all seems rather aspirational, and there are out by the Bank of England, the Governor could not gaping holes in the agreement. There is hope: on Monday have been clearer when he appeared before the Treasury of next week, the Independent Commission on Banking Committee, on which I sit, on 1 March. He said: will publish its interim report. We hope that it will be “We’re not monitoring. What we are doing is putting up on our robust and wide-ranging. website the data that banks submit after a fairly cursory plausibility check. We are not auditing the data that are submitted”. 6.53 pm Then there is the claim that CEO pay will be tied to Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): I performance against the lending targets. Again, when was just reflecting on what a pleasure it is to have these one reads the small print a different picture emerges. little nuggets of debate at the end of term; it is one of The banks’ statement on Merlin simply says that whether the unexpected pleasures of being a new Member of lending targets are met will be given more weight in the Parliament. I want to associate myself with, among performance metrics of the CEOs concerned, but Treasury others, the remarks made by the right hon. Member for officials appearing in front of the Treasury Committee Birkenhead (Mr Field) about animals and those by my on 29 March were unable to tell us how much weight hon. Friend the Member for Filton and Bradley Stoke would be given in the performance metrics of the CEO (Jack Lopresti) about antisocial behaviour. The issue in each case. Furthermore, in a parliamentary answer that I want to bring to the House’s and the Government’s on this point given to me by the Financial Secretary to attention is the role of incineration in the UK’s strategy the Treasury, I was told: for dealing with domestic, municipal and other waste. “The calibration of performance metrics of chief executive remuneration is a matter for each individual bank.”—[Official It might interest the House to know that according to Report, 1 March 2011; Vol. 524, c. 433W.] the UK Without Incineration Network, about On the tax take from the banking sector, I have given 90 applications for mass burn incinerators are being credit to the Government before for unilaterally considered and 30 incinerators are operational across implementing the bank levy—it is just a shame they set the country. The applications include one in Cornwall it at a low level, given that they are not renewing in a village called St Dennis in my constituency, and I Labour’s bank bonus tax. In his statement, the Chancellor want to talk about that later after I have made some claimed Labour’s bank bonus tax raised £2.3 billion general remarks about incineration. despite the fact that the independent Office for Budget It is quite clear from the evidence that incineration Responsibility has clearly stated that it raised £3.5 billion. depresses recycling rates, wastes resources and releases The Financial Times looked into that and said that the greenhouse gases. Schemes are often forced through Chancellor reached his £2.3 billion figure by lopping off against the backdrop of strong public opposition. The £1.2 billion from the real £3.5 billion figure on account business model for incineration often relies on an of income tax and national insurance that the Exchequer exaggeration of future levels of waste. Incinerators might have lost because of lower bonus payouts, which create potentially harmful emissions and leave a hazardous the FT described as by-product in the fly ash that remains. As well as all “a highly speculative behavioural assumption.” that, the alternatives to incineration are cheaper, more flexible, quicker to implement and better for the Large bonus payouts dominated the headlines at the environment. The question we are left with is “Why?” beginning of this year, and in his statement the Chancellor said that the four major banks had agreed that total Of course, for the industry and for local authorities bonuses for their UK-based staff would be lower than across the country, incineration is a quick fix. It is an last year. In each case, we were told that the non-executive off-the-shelf solution, a one-off easy win to deal with director who chairs the remuneration committee of the problem. However, in life I find that the easy solutions each bank would have to confirm personally in writing are often not the correct solutions. Rather than simply that those agreements had been met, yet the banks’ burn our waste, we should focus on reusing and recycling, statement says: separating food and other waste, and getting the maximum “Nothing in this statement derogates from the obligation of value out of the stuff that we dispose of. Incineration the banks, and their boards and remuneration committees, to creates a Catch-22 situation in which we cannot achieve manage pay policy in a way which protects and enhances the that value. For example, few local authorities are prepared interests of their shareholders.” to collect plastic waste other than bottles as there is 999 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 1000 limited potential for it to be recycled. That locks the together across the political divide to oppose the application. recycling industry into a position in which it will never Despite that, the applicant, SITA, has appealed those be able to achieve the requisite economies of scale or to decisions, and senior officers of Cornwall council continue recycle and reuse the maximum possible amount. to peddle the doomsday myth to the people of Cornwall We know that private finance contracts for waste that that incineration is the only answer to avoid multi-million include incineration, such as that proposed for my pound fines—it is not, and they are wrong. constituency, depress recycling rates. They must do. The application now sits on the desk of my right hon. They rely on having a steady amount of waste to fill the Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and incinerators in each and every year of their operation. Local Government. I hope that as testament to his Given that criterion, we will never be able to achieve the commitment to localism, he will back the united view of maximum possible level of recycling. the local community and put the plans for the incinerator Accounting for recovered energy, incineration produces where they belong—in the recycling. twice or more the CO2 per unit of power than energy produced by fossil fuels. Incinerators that do not maximise 7pm the heat that they are producing for other benefits have Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I, too, am worse carbon emissions than gas or coal-fired power grateful to the Backbench Business Committee for the stations and a worse effect on climate change. opportunity to participate in this evening’s debate. Incineration is not the way householders want their I wish to talk about early years provision in Trafford, discarded material to be managed. Wherever an incinerator and I am especially pleased to do so on the day on is planned anywhere in the country, protest groups are which the Government publish their much awaited child launched. Such people are not nimbys; they care about poverty strategy. We have been told, not least by the the future of our environment and recognise that there Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, is a different way to do things. that Trafford is a model council that is in some way managing the miracle of avoiding cuts to front-line Many waste PFI contracts are entered into as a services. I must tell the House, as a resident of Trafford, response to the huge predicted increases in the quantity that that is not the case. Today, I want to highlight of household waste. In fact, household waste has fallen in concerns about the impact on children’s services. many areas. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the average annual increase in I believe that Members throughout the House are municipal waste from 2001-02 to 2006-07 was just 0.2%—far united in our enthusiasm for Sure Start. We were all short of the predicted 3% year-on-year rises on which pleased when the Minister of State, Department for many business models for incineration are based. Education, the hon. Member for Brent Central (Sarah Teather), told us that its funding would be protected. Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): I congratulate Yet in Trafford, despite that assurance, the council has the hon. Gentleman on an excellent speech, which I decided to impose a £689,000 cut on the provision of agree with 100%. In my constituency, a business case services in our children’s centres. That means the end of was made for incineration and the application talked universal provision, with a focus on services only for the about 20% of the waste being supplied by road and most vulnerable, with the gaps that will be left being 80% by rail. Come the retrospective planning permission, filled with volunteers, if possible. it changed to 80% by road and 20% by rail. That was What is wrong with that approach? First, where will done just so that planning permission could be obtained. we find the volunteers? Parents are often too busy to nip down the road and run their local Sure Start centre. Stephen Gilbert: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. In More important still, it is vital that children, especially Cornwall, the prediction is that there would be more the most disadvantaged, receive the high-quality, than 1,000 additional lorry movements per week to professional child care that research has repeatedly serve the 240,000-tonne incinerator that would dominate shown us can really make a difference to their outcomes. the historic village in my constituency. It is important also to recognise that in targeting services, we miss the point that some needs apply right across the I am sure that in his constituency, just as in mine, social and income spectrum. I could cite, for example, there are concerns about the health impacts of the the need for support for post-natal depression, which dioxins that are emitted by incinerators, despite the can occur in all social classes and economic backgrounds. assurances on the filtering process that is used. There That service has been valued in children’s centres in are particular concerns about that at start-up and close- Trafford. I am pleased to say that it looks as though it down, when dioxins are not monitored. will be performed on a voluntary basis for a time, but During the general election, the incinerator planned we ought not to rely on volunteers to provide something for St Dennis was, bizarrely, one of the issues on which that is so fundamentally needed by women from across all but one of the candidates agreed. I believed then, the social spectrum. and I still believe, that incineration is the wrong technology I worry repeatedly that when we start to talk of for Cornwall. Having one site to service all of Cornwall’s targeting services, we introduce the risk of stigmatising waste is the wrong solution. St Dennis, a small and them. It is very important, when we want to reach out ancient village in the middle of Cornwall, is absolutely to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in particular, the wrong place. that we do not create that sense of stigma or residualise Time after time, when the people of Cornwall have our Sure Start children’s centres by keeping them for been asked for their views, they have rejected the option only the most excluded. of incineration. The local parish councils rejected it, the In that context, I hope that the Deputy Leader of the district council rejected it and the former county council’s House will feed back to the relevant Minister a genuine planning committee rejected it. The community came concern that I have, which I have not yet heard raised in 1001 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 1002

[Kate Green] when the 12 northern clubs broke away to form the Northern Rugby Union, later called the Rugby League. debates about the targeting of Sure Start services. Surely, Since rugby league has remained mostly in the north of on a day when we are considering how to increase the England, the connections between the town of Rugby social mobility of some of the most disadvantaged in and the game have been mostly in respect of rugby society, it is important that we recognise the importance union. of enabling the most disadvantaged children to mix In the same year as the split, a plaque was unveiled at with children of other backgrounds. That helps to raise Rugby school, commemorating Webb Ellis’s invention aspirations and keep quality and standards up, and I of the game. It is known locally as the tablet. Along am concerned that a residualised approach to Sure with the field, which is known locally as the close, it Start, such as we are beginning to see in Trafford, may serves as the main draw to the town for enthusiasts of remove that aspirational gain. That point was raised in the game. his excellent report by my right hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field)—I am sorry to see that he The most significant recent development has been the has just left the Chamber. He strongly advocated a introduction of the world cup tournament every four universal Sure Start service because of the role that it years. In 1987 it was first held, in Australia and New could fulfil in helping to strengthen communities and Zealand, when a trophy named after the game’s founder, the support that it could give families. Webb Ellis, was won, of course, by New Zealand. I am concerned that Trafford council’s decision ignores The next tournament took place in England four the legitimate and important concerns that I have years later, in 1991, when Australia won and the town of mentioned. I understand that Ministers do not want to Rugby experienced a large increase in visitor numbers interfere in local decisions about priorities, but I hope as enthusiasts of the game, supporting their team, also that as they publish their important document on child looked in on the game’s home. The 1991 world cup poverty and social mobility strategy today, they will served as a catalyst for the town’s increasing involvement want to track the indicators of social mobility not just with the game. In that year, Rugby’s pathway of fame, a at national but at local level. If that is not done, it is series of plaques embedded in footpaths around the difficult for me to see how, in the current circumstances, town, was opened. children in Trafford can be properly protected and our council held to account. Also in 1991, the parliamentary world cup was played on the close at Rugby school. That enabled several Members of this place to put on their boots and play on 7.4 pm the turf where William Webb Ellis started it all. I hope that that event will be repeated in the near future. Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): I have the honour of After England’s victory in the 2003 tournament, the representing the only place that has given its name to an Sweet Chariot tour brought the trophy to the town, international game. Rugby is known as both a midlands which honoured the winning team by granting them the market town and a fast-growing game, played in two freedom of the borough. The borough council has codes by men and women. Indeed, the use of the same worked closely with the Rugby Football Union and the word for town and game occasionally leads to confusion. International Rugby Board in managing the collection If one googles any organisation in my constituency with of items that relates to the heritage of the game. Plans the town in the title, one gets links to a variety of rugby are in hand for a more extensive display in the town. clubs around the world. The game that started modestly in my constituency It all started in 1823 at Rugby school, which was has grown in the UK to 200 clubs nationwide embedded originally established by Lawrence Sheriff for the boys in local communities, with the unique feature that there of the town. In a game that largely did not have any is a position for everyone, regardless of shape or size. rules, but involved hacking about an inflated pig’s bladder, Two and a half million people are engaged in rugby a pupil called William Webb Ellis picked up the ball activity throughout England, with 60,000 volunteers and, importantly, ran with it, creating the characteristic and 35,000 coaches. feature of the Rugby game. Other schools had their own rules for football, but Rugby union is played in more than 100 countries they adopted Rugby’s rules over time and the growth in spanning six continents. Later this year, the game’s the game led in 1851 to a ball of the characteristic profile will be raised internationally with this year’s oval shape, which was made by William Gilbert in world cup in New Zealand, which will provide a further Rugby, being exhibited at the great exhibition in Crystal focus on the town. However, the biggest opportunity Palace. will come in four years, when the tournament is based in England, with some games taking place at the nearby In 1871, at a meeting of 21 clubs in the Pall Mall Ricoh stadium in Coventry. restaurant in Regent street, the Rugby Football Union, the governing body for the sport in England, was founded, At that time, the town of Rugby will prepare itself for with its headquarters at Twickenham, which I describe its biggest ever influx of visitors as people seek out the as the second most well known place associated with place where William Webb Ellis did the deed that led to the game of rugby. the formation of the massive international game that we all know today. In the 1860s and ’70s, the game started to be played around the world, often taken to places by former Rugby looks forward to that opportunity and to pupils of the school. That led to the formation in 1886 support from the Deputy Leader of the House and his of the International Rugby Board. One of the most Department in promoting the town as the home of significant developments in the game took place in 1895, the game. 1003 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 1004

7.10 pm presence means that Cambridge has been insulated from many of the problems that have affected other Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): It is a great parts of the country, such as unemployment. pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Rugby (Mark Pawsey). I should point out to him that the original There are risks—Cambridge is in danger of losing its rules for association football were drawn up in Cambridge, comparative advantage as a business destination of so we have a shared interest, although that is not the choice. When I talk to entrepreneurs and those companies, subject that I wish to talk about today. I am sure we can they express concerns about overheating and the lack of discuss which game is better later. infrastructure investment, and talk of housing shortages I want to talk about a Cambridge transport matter. It forcing people to live further away and of traffic congestion is important that the difficult decisions we must make in the city.Despite the impressive environmental credentials to tackle the structural deficit do not make us give up of many of my constituents, more than a quarter of hope for what we can do in future. Perhaps we should whom cycle to work or education, the ability of companies see the recent economic crisis as an opportunity to and businesses to grow is hampered by the lack of remodel our economy, to make it more sustainable, public transport access, particularly in the northern diverse and innovative. We talk a lot about the need to part of the city. encourage innovation, research and development in That is a key issue, and why it is so important that the manufacturing, and my right hon. Friends the Deputy Government accept the compelling case for a new station Prime Minister and the Business Secretary have both in Chesterton. Financially, the £10 million from regional played important roles in encouraging scientific research growth funds, with £10 million that we can raise locally, in providing funding, for which I thank them. However, will in only a few years give a £5 million a year cash to build such a stable economy, we need a transport surplus to the railway through fares and parking. It is a system to match. We need to get away from our overreliance very profitable proposal. It has been calculated that the on roads and cars, and move towards public transport, proposal will lead to around 1,000 jobs, making it a walking and cycling, and indeed towards travelling less good investment. altogether, with video-conferencing and working from home becoming increasingly viable alternatives. The case is clear not only in Cambridge, but more widely. For example, somebody who works at the science I am therefore grateful for the opportunity to talk park but commutes in from Brandon in Suffolk currently about a plan that meets all those policy objectives: has roughly a 40-minute drive—or twice that if the Chesterton station in north-east Cambridge. The proposal traffic is bad. The rail journey would cut that down to that I am supporting today would cost a little over 28 minutes. That is true for a huge range of other rail £20 million. A bid has been made for £10 million of journeys into the science park area, because the new regional growth fund support, which I hope the station would be just a short walk from all those companies. Government will support. It is a well-thought-through, It has been suggested that it would attract about 2,600 carefully planned scheme that would mean, right from users a day, about 1,500 of whom would be new users. the start, 12 trains an hour running through the new Furthermore, the 1,100 who are not new to rail would not be station during the peak times. The station would be an travelling across the congested centre of Cambridge. important strategic interchange that would cut journey times for the vast majority who work in the north of the The scheme has been worked up and in the pipeline city, whether they travel from other parts of Cambridge for a long time, and is supported by Cambridge city or from further afield. The station would also provide a council, Cambridgeshire county council, Suffolk county direct link between the high-tech businesses in the north council and many others. When I served on the regional of Cambridge and London, which is critical to their assembly, it was the No. 1 regional priority. It would growth, and it would link up with the rather flawed remove unnecessary traffic from Cambridge city centre, guided bus scheme, if that £180 million project, which improve air quality, reduce congestion and delay, was due for completion two years ago, is ever actually enhance public transport access and relieve congested finished. roads such as the A14, A10, A11, M11 and A1301. It Cambridge is a very special constituency for a number would also open up public transport routes for those in of reasons, one of which is the fact that it is a new cities to the north of Cambridge, such as March, King’s business model for the rest of the country. It has a Lynn and Brandon, where there is less opportunity robust economy driven by innovation, research and already. development. I have explored those issues more extensively The station could open up these opportunities and elsewhere in a charter for entrepreneurs, drawing on the bring economic benefits to those areas, as the spending successful experience of Cambridge’s brightest and best power of employees who live in the towns and could investors and innovators. now commute by train to Cambridge increases. That is There are some very successful areas. Cambridge why Suffolk county council supports the scheme. The science park has more than 100 global companies, scheme fits well with national and local transport objectives, 145 square metres of R and D floor space, and more and would also alleviate traffic on the A14, which is a than 5,000 jobs on site in important high-tech companies national concern. I do not envy Ministers in the Department such as CSR and Cambridge Consultants. Nearby, for Transport. They have to be skilled financial managers Cambridge business park has another 1,200 jobs in and strategic visionaries, planning transport schemes companies such as Autonomy and Cambridge Broadband years or decades in advance. However, every once in a Networks and so on. St John’s Innovation Centre is also while something comes along that really is an easy win. in Cambridge. As well as the large global companies, we I urge the Government to support the plans for a have the small start-ups—the globals of tomorrow—such station at Chesterton. It makes sense for Cambridge, for as Taptu, Light Blue Optics and many others. Their the east of England and for the UK as a whole. 1005 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 1006

7.16 pm they affect all businesses that use distribution. For example, Gregory’s, a large haulage company in North Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): I welcome the Tawton in my constituency which transports milk in opportunity to participate in this debate and to speak particular, operates right across the south-west and about the importance of supporting businesses in our beyond. To the extent that fuel prices go up, the company’s rural communities. I represent a highly rural constituency. prices go up too, and at the end of the day farmers’ At 550 square miles, it is one of the largest in the margins are squeezed even harder. country. It is also, I believe, the only constituency in the country with no conurbation with a population in excess I want to raise one other important issue: the VAT of 10,000—my largest town has a population of about rates applicable to tourist accommodation. We are unusual 6,000 or 7,000. in the European Union, in that we are one of only five countries of the 27 member states to apply the same Quite often in the House when we debate the economy VAT rate to tourist accommodation as to other VAT-able and business, we implicitly make the assumption that items. That is a mistake. We should look seriously at city and city-centre economies, areas with high levels of lowering the rate. Germany has a VAT rate of 19%, but public sector employment and perhaps our traditional applies only a 9% rate to tourist accommodation. In industrial heartlands are particularly vulnerable to economic Portugal, the figures are 20% for the general VAT rate, downturn. However, I am here to argue that rural as here, but only 5% for tourist accommodation. Some communities are just as vulnerable, although in different 20% of our fellow countrymen and women take their but equally important ways. Much of the economic holidays here in the United Kingdom, which is well output in my constituency comes from farming and below the 28% average across Europe, so we should agriculture, which has its own unique challenges, including really look at changing the rate. the power of supermarkets to control milk prices and the ongoing problems with bovine TB. I and many of The final element that I would like to mention is the my constituents felt that the previous Government did importance of getting broadband rolled out in our rural very little to tackle the latter problem, so I am pleased communities. Some 33% of households in Central Devon that this Government are taking a more positive approach. do not have access to broadband at 2 megabytes a second, which hampers business. The national figure is In my constituency, as in many rural constituencies, just 18.1%. I hope that Ministers will listen to the points small and medium-sized enterprises are particularly that I have made and recognise that when it comes to important. Hon. Members might be aware of a town business, rural communities are as important as those in called Okehampton in my constituency, which, because our towns and cities. three SMEs have recently closed their plants, has seen unemployment sky-rocket from about 2% to in excess of 10%. That town and its community are having a difficult time at the moment. 7.22 pm In general, I welcome what the Government have Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): It is an honour done to support business. First, through the emergency to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Central Budget last year, they stabilised the economy, got to Devon (Mel Stride) and, before him, my hon. Friend grips with the deficit to ensure that we did not lose our the Member for Rugby (Mark Pawsey), as I live within credit rating status, and ensured that interest rates did walking distance of the proper home of football—Wembley not spike and that we did not end up in the position that stadium. I thank the Backbench Business Committee Greece is in today. Secondly, they are bearing down on for securing this debate, and I thank you for calling me, the tax burden on business. In the previous Budget, they Mr Speaker. removed an extra 1% from corporation tax, so that it My hon. Friend the Member for Southend West will be 23% by April 2014, which will give us the lowest (Mr Amess) raised the issue of Equitable Life policyholders. level of corporation tax in the G7. As co-chair of the all-party Equitable Life policyholders I have serious concerns, however, about the level of group, I trust that Members will attend our next meeting, national insurance taxation. I know that the Government on 17 May, when that subject will no doubt be raised. headed off some of the more onerous elements that In the time available, I want to talk about the seven Labour had planned, but this is a tax on jobs, and it is schools in my area that are considering moving to very unwelcome. I ask Ministers to consider bringing it academy status, the consultation for which closed yesterday. down as soon as possible. I received an e-mail just this Three of the schools, Park High, Canons High and afternoon from an important business in Bovey Tracey, Bentley Wood High, are in my constituency, and four of the House of Marbles, pointing out just how onerous them, Hatch End, Nower Hill, Harrow High and Rooks that tax will be on the future of the business. Heath college, are in the constituency of the hon. Member I welcome the fact that we are going to tackle regulation, for Harrow West (Mr Thomas). We are talking about a that Lord Young’s proposals are to be implemented and potentially massive change to secondary schooling in that domestic regulation on businesses that employ Harrow and Brent: in the neighbouring borough, Claremont fewer than 10 people and on genuine new start-ups will High school, which is just across the road from my be removed or not applied for three years. Those are all constituency, is also considering becoming an academy. positive steps forward. The background to the issue has to be understood. Specifically for rural communities, it is very important During the 1990s in Harrow, only two schools decided that the Government should keep a close eye on fuel to go grant maintained, the rest remaining under local costs. Very little happens in Central Devon in a business authority control. Therefore, some 74% of secondary sense that is not affected by the price of fuel. Transporting places are now in schools that are under consideration a 25-tonne feed lorry from East Anglia to Devon costs to become academies. According to Ofsted, all the some £400 in fuel alone. These are huge amounts, and schools are classified as outstanding. However, we cannot 1007 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 1008 be complacent, because that takes no account of academic The council also talks about admissions policies, but capability or the results achieved in those schools. In makes no mention of the fact that academies will be fact, Ofsted reported that Park High school needed to bound by the admissions code. Again, this is setting up “raise achievement by planning lessons to meet the varied needs problems for the future. In answer to the question about of…students” whether academies will raise standards, the council and talks about the previous Government’s proposals to replace failing and low-performing schools with academies. “Improve the consistency of the rigour with which curriculum This takes no account of the fact that these are high- leaders analyse the weaknesses in student achievement.” performing schools that will achieve more when the new Canons High needed to leaderships take over their duties. “Raise attainment, especially in English and Maths, via inspirational Questions are also asked about the effect on primary teaching, sharper monitoring and curriculum development,” schools, and about whether the academies will have an all of which I would strongly support. impact on the ethos of education locally. It is clear that One of the myths that is spread about the London the schools in Harrow that are now consulting on borough of Harrow is that it is a leafy suburb. The fact becoming academies have said that they will retain the is that, in most of the schools there, between 30% and same admissions policies. They will also have a policy to 60% of the children are eligible for free school meals. work with the primary schools and other feeder schools, There is great deprivation in Harrow, and it needs and in co-operation with all the other schools in the extensive assistance. One problem is that the schools borough, whether they become academies or not. were so successful that the last Government put Harrow The trade unions have run a major campaign against right at the back of the queue for Building Schools for the schools taking on academy status. They have taken the Future. There was therefore no prospect of the a short-sighted, narrow view on what could happen to schools being rebuilt to provide better-quality facilities the schools if they became academies. In May, the where young people could learn. governing bodies of all seven schools will make a decision. It will be a momentous decision for the future not only Mr Thomas: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, my of the individual schools but of the education system in colleague in Harrow, for giving way. I would just like to the borough. I hope that those governing bodies will correct something, as he is perhaps not aware that the make the right decision, set themselves free and improve eighth school, which is not going for academy status, education for all the people of Harrow. Whitmore high school, received considerable sums of money from the previous Government and was completely 7.29 pm rebuilt. That process was facilitated by the local authority under the stewardship of his party and mine. Is that not Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): I am grateful for a good example of a local authority working in partnership the chance to make a brief contribution. I want to talk with schools? Does he agree that we want to see that about a recent announcement that has generated continue, whether the schools become academies or considerable concern in my constituency. After endless not? delays under Labour, this coalition Government have approved capital investment funding for the £431 million Bob Blackman: I thank my hon. colleague for that Mersey Gateway project in Runcorn. This plan is for a intervention. The Whitmore high school, which has second crossing of the river Mersey; it is essential for been rebuilt, suffered a fire and is now the subject of a tackling congestion across the region and will play a scandal over the commitment of money and the crucial part in the regeneration of Runcorn. It enjoys overspending that has taken place on the rebuilding. cross-party support and I have been pleased to work The hon. Gentleman and I both care passionately about with Labour-controlled Halton borough council and that subject, and we would not want to see that situation the hon. Member for Halton (Derek Twigg), who I repeated. However, we want the co-operation to continue, know has worked tirelessly in support of the project. whether the schools become academies or not, so that At the recent “march for the alternative”, however, the community spirit can focus on the schools across when asked where Labour would make the £14 billion-worth the whole of Harrow. of cuts they said they would make this year, the Labour Money is a big issue, and the additional funding that deputy leader said that the Labour party would the seven schools would gain would add up to just over “hold back on capital investment”. £3 million every year, which they would then disburse. It Given that the total level of capital investment planned is not surprising, therefore, that Harrow council is taking is far less than the amount Labour says it will cut, and this matter very seriously and looking at the structure given that it has failed to specify any other areas for of education locally as a result. I have raised this matter cuts, one must assume that it is planning to cut all in the House before. I am concerned about the capital investment. We can only assume that that means misinformation that has been spread by the council in that Labour would scrap the Mersey Gateway project. its answers to frequently asked questions. In answer to That would be a terrible and stupid mistake. One must the question “What do academies teach?”, it suggests also assume that Labour would also cut £100 million of that each school is science capital development, including the substantial “free to teach whatever it decides and does not have to follow the share going to Daresbury science and innovation campus National Curriculum.” in my constituency. It does not go on to say that the curriculum must be Presumably, high-speed rail is also for the chop under broad and balanced, and have a core of subjects including Labour’s plans. Indeed, it would appear that no capital maths, English and science. That would of course be in projects are safe under Labour. I strongly encourage all the minds of many parents. Members to speak up and demonstrate why the 1009 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 1010

[Graham Evans] that I make this evening, I will ensure that every Member who has spoken receives a proper written response from infrastructure projects in their constituencies should go the relevant Department. ahead, as it would be economic madness to hold back on genuine capital investment at this time. If we want to Mr Thomas: The Deputy Leader of the House is rebalance the economy, improve our international generous in allowing me to intervene, as indeed he competitiveness and go back to sustainable growth, we should be on occasions such as this. Does he agree that need to go ahead with the sensible capital investment local authorities should help to create a genuine and that was approved following the spending review. Let open debate about the merits or otherwise of academies, me put it this way: Labour’s plan to hold back on and that putting both sides of the argument on councils’ capital investment would be the wrong cut at the wrong websites and encouraging youth parliaments in towns time. to debate the issue is a positive move? In that context, I thus applaud the Government who have been able would he care to praise Harrow council—Labour-run—for to put together a credible and comprehensive plan for facilitating such a debate? eliminating the structural deficit over the course of this Mr Heath: I have to say that I have no idea how Parliament, while ensuring that key projects such as the Harrow council—Labour-run—has approached the issue Mersey Gateway scheme go ahead. I think it is essential of academies in the borough, although I have heard for the Opposition urgently to clarify their position on what has been said by both the hon. Gentleman and the this crucial subject. hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman), who Finally, let me talk about another issue of serious shares the borough with him. I think it important for concern in my area, on which it would be helpful to communities—both the school community and the wider have some clarity from the Labour party. Having free community—to discuss such matters properly and for a parking in a town is one proven way of helping to keep view to be reached that is then conveyed to Government, a high street vibrant. In Northwich in my constituency, and to that extent I agree with him, but the way in which it remains free to park. Conservative councillors have the arguments are couched is a very different matter. made it crystal clear that it will remain free to park. The I was looking for some common themes in the debate, local Labour candidates for the election this May, however, but reluctantly concluded that there were none. For that have been going round running a misinformation campaign, reason, rather than trying to weave Members’ contributions trying to convince local businesses and residents that together in an elegant fashion, I shall deal with them the only way to keep parking free is to vote Labour. one by one, commenting on them briefly. Despite being criticised for shameless scaremongering My hon. Friend the Member for West Aberdeenshire and being asked to apologise and clarify the situation, and Kincardine (Sir Robert Smith) spoke of problems Labour has carried on pursuing every dirty trick in the of oil and gas production associated with his constituency. book in its attempt to get a footing back in the town I do not know of anyone who is better attuned to the after being wiped out at the local elections of 2008. industry than my hon. Friend, who has made a point of Labour first took the people of Northwich for granted; talking to representatives of industry over the years and now it is trying to take us for fools—and it is becoming being alive to their concerns. I understand why he said more serious. Some businesses contacted me because what he said, but, as he knows, the Treasury believes they were worried after hearing Labour’s rumours. Some that because the oil industry is making record profits have talked even of leaving Northwich. Labour’s reckless which will probably remain high because of the oil scaremongering campaign is now at risk of hurting our price, there is unlikely to be a significant effect on high streets and putting jobs in danger. It is important production and investment as a result of the tax change for the Labour candidates involved in this campaign to in the Budget. However, he was right to pass on the come out and apologise immediately. The people of concerns that had been expressed to him, and I will Northwich deserve better. ensure that Ministers from the Treasury and, indeed, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills are aware of them. 7.33 pm The hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of South (Bridget Phillipson) talked about buses. I was the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): What a intrigued to hear about her big bus survey—a very wonderful occasion these pre-Adjournment debates always snappy name for a survey—which, I gathered, was are. I congratulate, as have others, the Backbench Business obtaining very useful results. I think that unless we Committee on maintaining the tradition, albeit as the recognise the value of public transport in this country hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone) said, under we will be missing a trick, and will not achieve some of a modified Hollobone system, rather than the full our objectives. I hope that she will maintain pressure on Hollobone one that we had last time. That has enabled local authorities in her area to support bus services four Members to have their contributions answered by where that is appropriate. As she knows, a great many the relevant, and very much better informed, Minister—the bus services receive no funds directly from councils, and Minister with responsibility for pensions in the Department are entirely commercially run. I am very impressed by for Work and Pensions. As the hon. Member for what is being done by my colleagues in the Department Wellingborough was kind enough to say in his earlier for Transport in supporting community transport, and comments—it is mentioned in the rubric to the notice she may like to consider that in the context of her of the debate—it is anticipated that I will be unable to constituency. answer the debate satisfactorily and therefore to provide I disagreed with the hon. Lady on only one point. She hon. Members with adequate responses. I share that said that the loss of education maintenance allowance pessimistic assessment. Notwithstanding any comments meant that young people attending colleges would not 1011 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 1012 be able to obtain transport, but that is precisely the who prey on the vulnerable and those less able to issue that will be dealt with by the replacement for recognise a scam. People are often defrauded of very EMAs. An important part of the support for young large sums of money. I hope that we can make a start in people entering further and higher education is ensuring pushing back against what is a very pernicious way of that they are equipped to do the job, as I hope she will defrauding many people. recognise during the months and years to come. The hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Sir Robert Smith: It would be good if the companies Selous) mentioned his constituents George and Dot whose logos are used as a front for phishing scams took Kemp. I am sure that the whole House will want to offer an interest when a customer reports such incidents. The its heartiest congratulations to George and Dot on the logo of the Royal Bank of Scotland has been used. occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary, which is a remarkable achievement in anyone’s book. The hon. Mr Heath: I could not agree more. I have often Gentleman stressed, as he often does, the importance of received e-mails telling me about my Halifax account stable families and stable relationships to stable societies. when I have never had a Halifax account in my life. I I do not think anyone would disagree with the view feel guilty that I have not contacted the Halifax and that it is important to provide family stability for children. said, “Do you know somebody’s conducting a scam and That can be achieved in a variety of contexts of course, pretending it’s from your site?” but stability is crucial. I hope that the hon. Gentleman Sadly, the hon. Member for Newport West (Paul was heartened by the earlier response that he received to Flynn) is not in his place at present. He talked about the an intervention during my right hon. Friend the Deputy swine flu pandemic. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and Prime Minister’s remarks on social mobility. He knows I do not entirely agree with everything he said. It is easy that the Government are attuned to supporting stability to say that contingency expenditure was not necessary, in family relationships, so far as it is possible for the but the authorities would rightly have been criticised if Government to achieve that objective. they had not taken appropriate measures in response to The hon. Member for Falkirk (Eric Joyce) talked what the World Health Organisation said. As the House about the very difficult situation that has arisen in the probably knows, an independent review, undertaken by Democratic Republic of the Congo in respect of the Dame Deirdre Hine, of the UK response concluded competing commercial claims of companies working that the preparations for the pandemic were soundly there. I perfectly well understand why he has reported based in terms of value for money and that the response that to the House, but he also knows that this is a legal was proportionate and effective. I criticised the previous dispute, and at the end of the day it will have to be Government at one point for not being ready for a resolved within the DRC legal systems. He made some pandemic, but they took action and made sure that we wider points too, however. He stressed the need for—I were better prepared. Therefore, I am not going to hope I can say this while in no way patronising the DRC criticise Labour Members now for having perhaps reacted or any other developing country—a business environment excessively in this case, although without having any that people can trust. That is crucial for the economic reason to realise that they were overreacting. development of many such countries. I know Her Majesty’s The hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Neil ambassador to Kinshasa has already raised that with Parish) raised the cases of three of his constituents, all the DRC Government in the context of First Quantum of which ought to give us cause for concern. The Minerals. The hon. Gentleman also stressed the need wounded soldier’s case is the one that immediately for transparency in business arrangements, and the comes to mind, because everyone in this House ought Government absolutely agree. I hope that we will make to appreciate the debt that we owe to the young men further progress on that, particularly in respect of British and women we send to places such as Afghanistan. companies or those listed on British exchanges. He has They risk their lives and their futures in that country therefore made a valuable point. and similar conflict areas, and part of the covenant with No pre-recess Adjournment debate would be complete our armed forces is that we will treat them properly without the tour d’horizon of Southend that the hon. when they return. I will make sure that the relevant Member for Southend West (Mr Amess) generally provides. Minister gets a clear message about that individual. He said at one point that it is all happening in Southend. The hon. Gentleman mentioned Ukraine and the It seems that it is always all happening in Southend, case of Barry Pring, a constituent of his who is, sadly, which is why we love his contributions so much. I do deceased. This is a matter that I should bring to the not know how he manages to fit so many subjects into attention of the Minister with responsibility for consular such a short period of time. He raised topics ranging services in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. I am from internet scams to Camp Ashraf, and I will, of not sure whether the case of Mr Hart and the Axminster course, make sure he receives responses on all of them. I medical practice has gone beyond the point where it can wish to single out what he said about internet scams, be remedied, but I will still pass the details on to my however, as that is a growing problem. The Government colleagues in the Department of Health. take online fraud extremely seriously. What is illegal The hon. Member for Harrow West (Mr Thomas) offline is illegal online, and it is a matter for the police rightly raised the issue of Sri Lanka, as he has done on and the relevant regulator. a number of occasions. He knows that the Government When we get these phishing e-mails or scams, most of continue to have grave concerns about human rights in us do nothing about them; we just delete them. Those of Sri Lanka, including in respect of disappearances, extra- us who are—if I can use this word—sophisticated enough judicial killings, arbitrary arrests and restrictions on to recognise a scam when we see it should do more than free expression. These concerns are constantly raised just delete them, however. We should report them every with the Sri Lankan Government and we have also single time, so that the authorities can pursue the people consistently stressed the need for Sri Lanka to have an 1013 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 1014

[Mr Heath] to work to reduce the use of animals in scientific procedures and we are working on plans that we will independent and credible process to address allegations announce in due course, which I hope will trigger of violations of international humanitarian and human exactly the sort of debate that he asked for. rights law during the conflict. I think we can only The hon. Member for Filton and Bradley Stoke (Jack maintain that pressure. He is right to raise the issue on Lopresti) mentioned the Avon and Somerset helicopter, behalf of a substantial community in his constituency which is very dear to my heart because I was the with an interest in Sri Lanka, and I hope that the House chairman of the Avon and Somerset police authority will continue to concentrate its mind on such matters. when it was bought. Until then we had had no air cover in Avon and Somerset. I persuaded Gloucestershire Mr Thomas rose— constabulary to share a third of the cost and between us Mr Heath: I do not have an unlimited amount of we were able to afford a helicopter that was based at time, but I will give way briefly. Filton, so I recognise the value of that facility to the force area. Mr Thomas: I recognise that, understandably, the The main thrust of the hon. Gentleman’s comments Minister cannot give me a detailed answer to my various was antisocial behaviour and the effect on his constituents. questions, but may I ask him to encourage the Foreign I am sure that he will have done this, but if he has not he Office to examine the particular issue of the three-member ought to seek a meeting in the very near future with panel and whether its report to the UN Secretary-General Chief Constable Colin Port of the Avon and Somerset can be made public? police, who is very keen on community policing and policing at the local level. I am sure that he would be Mr Heath: I will indeed. interested in what the hon. Gentleman has to say. The hon. Gentleman also raised the issue of polyclinics. The hon. Member for Streatham (Mr Umunna) raised He knows that the Government’s view is that local the issue of Project Merlin. He is in the privileged health facilities are best determined by people in localities position, as a member of the Treasury Committee, to be and that the whole thrust of Government policy is to able to tease out these issues on a regular basis and I ensure that that happens. Therefore, if the polyclinics know he will continue to do so. I share his anticipation enjoy a high level of support in his area, I hope that that regarding the report of the Independent Commission will be demonstrated in any future action in that area. on Banking. Like him, I hope it will be comprehensive The hon. Member for Blackpool North and Cleveleys and robust. The one point on which I would perhaps (Paul Maynard) raised a fascinating issue. We sometimes take issue with him is his comment that he would be forget about the value of 20th-century buildings that reading the small print on Project Merlin. Under the may not be immediately attractive. I am not saying that previous Government’s arrangements with the banks, such buildings are not immediately attractive, because we could not read the small print because there was some listed buildings in my area, dating from the second none—the pass was sold in a masterpiece of poor world war, are sections of hangars. They were made negotiation, but there we are. into residential properties as a temporary measure during My hon. Friend the Member for St Austell and the war and are very near the air station at Yeovilton. Newquay (Stephen Gilbert) talked about the UK’s They are now listed and they are fine examples of incineration policy. I think he will consider it good news something that was done as an expediency but that has when I tell him that the Government are reviewing all a continuing historical interest. aspects of waste policy and delivery in England, including The hon. Gentleman also raised the issue of nuclear the recovery of energy from waste, with the principal facilities. As he says, this is not a question about the aim of ensuring that we are taking the right steps rights or wrongs of nuclear power; it is about the fact towards a zero-waste economy. The findings of the that they have clearly made a contribution to the review will be ready for publication in May 2011. In technological advances, or otherwise, of the 20th century. other words, it will not be very long now. I hope that he He recognises the difficulties involved when a heritage will find in that review something of value to his site may indeed be dangerous because of radioactive constituents, particularly those who live in St Dennis. I contamination—we need to be careful—but he knows absolutely agree with him that the major objective must that the Government recognise the historical significance be an overall goal of waste reduction. The priority must of Britain’s nuclear sites and that we are looking to see be reducing it at source wherever possible rather than what can be done to ensure that that heritage is at least any form of waste disposal. maintained in part. I must say that when I am in The hon. Member for Stretford and Urmston (Kate Bridgwater bay I prefer to look towards the Quantocks Green), to whom I listen with great care when she talks and Exmoor than towards Hinkley Point, but beauty is about child poverty and children’s care issues because I in the eye of the beholder. know she has a great deal of experience and expertise, The right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) talked about children’s centres and how they might be talked about the Animal Procedures Committee. This is dealt with in Trafford. I apologise for sounding as a very sensitive issue and he was absolutely right to raise though I invented everything, but I was involved in it in the House. We have moved a long way over the setting up one of the first children’s centres in Frome years. When I was an undergraduate reading physiological when I was the leader of the county council there. I sciences, I was automatically given a vivisection licence think they are of enormous value, as do the Government. as a 19-year-old. That would not happen nowadays, but She raised a particular point about socialisation and the it was normal at the time. It was considered perfectly all interplay between child poverty and providing opportunities right then, but it would not be now. The Government for children to mix with others from different backgrounds, have made a clear commitment in the coalition agreement and she is absolutely right. We cannot have a system 1015 Easter Adjournment5 APRIL 2011 Easter Adjournment 1016 that is based on ghettoising people of modest means in Finally, but not least among the 20 colleagues to any way, as that will not achieve the objectives of social whom I am responding in this brief debate, the hon. mobility that were the entire thrust of what the Government Member for Weaver Vale (Graham Evans) talked about said today. the Mersey gateway project in Runcorn. He could not The hon. Member for Rugby (Mark Pawsey) started be more right. At a time when revenue budgets are his speech very boldly by claiming that his was the only necessarily constrained because we are dealing with the town to have given its name to a game. I say to him: biggest deficit that any Government have ever faced, Badminton. Obviously, rugby is the most important capital investment is nevertheless absolutely crucial. sport. Actually, there are three sports in my book: This Government have demonstrated that they are rugby, cricket and horse racing. The rest are games. He committed to introducing and maintaining capital ought to know that he is talking to the right person investment to improve infrastructure and to create jobs, about rugby, as I used to try to participate, and I would and that must be the right way to proceed. I hope that have worn my Saracens tie had I known that that was there will be no question whatever of what has been what he would raise. We are all looking forward to promised being cancelled at any future stage. hosting the rugby league world cup in 2013 and the In closing, I thank again the Backbench Business rugby union world cup in 2015, the latter of which is Committee, but I would like to wish you, Mr Deputy expected to contribute £1.1 billion to the economy. It is Speaker, the staff and Officers of the House and, indeed, not just sport; it is big business as well, and all the better all Members not a happy holiday, because I suspect that, for it. I hope that the town of Rugby can contribute to certainly for most Members, it will be a very busy period and be recognised as part of that process. indeed in their constituencies, but a peaceful Easter, and My hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge at least a brief respite from their duties in the House. (Dr Huppert) made an extremely strong case for establishing Question put and agreed to. a new railway station at Chesterton in his constituency, Resolved, but obviously he needs to garner all the local support That this House has considered matters to be raised before the that is necessary to push for the project with the Department forthcoming adjournment. for Transport. I know that the Department is aware of the local interest. If I am in his constituency over the next few weeks, as I suspect I will be, I would be PETITIONS delighted to see the site for myself and report back to colleagues in the Department if that would be helpful. Bus Service (Croyland, Wellingborough) However, I cannot promise all hon. Members who have spoken that I will be able to visit their constituencies over the next few days. 8pm The hon. Member for Central Devon (Mel Stride) Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): With the raised a number of issues that are common to both our leave of the House, I will present two petitions. constituencies. I have one town—Frome—that is bigger Last Friday I went to a packed protest meeting in the than his biggest town, but nowhere else in the constituency Croyland ward, which had been organised by the excellent has more than 3,000 or 4,000 inhabitants, so we have Councillor Thomas Pursglove and Councillor Martin similar demographics. We in rural areas often feel that Griffiths, and it concerned the loss of a bus service. we have been forgotten over the years. It is very important The petition states: that we recognise the economic needs and potential of areas such as Somerset and Devon—but principally The Humble Petition of residents of the Croyland area of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and the surrounding areas, Somerset, of course. Sheweth, Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con): That the proposed loss or reduction of public transport routes within the Croyland Ward of Wellingborough will significantly And Shropshire. disadvantage local residents, in particular the elderly, disabled and young; and that the potential loss of the W3 bus service will Mr Heath: Yes, although Shropshire is not in the leave many residents with no way of getting to the town centre. same local enterprise partnership as Somerset and Devon, Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House which were a little slow off the mark but now have their urges the Secretary of State for Transport to liaise with LEP. I am looking forward to seeing it work carefully to Northamptonshire County Council and the Borough Council of encourage business growth in our area and, in particular, Wellingborough to find a resolution that will lead to the maintenance stimulate the need for investment in broadband, which of an acceptable level of public transport in Croyland. is essential to the economic future of areas such as ours. And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. I know that the Government recognise that fact. [P000915] The hon. Member for Harrow East referred to the seven schools in Harrow that are applying to become Isham Bypass (Wellingborough) academies, and we heard a preview of that discussion from the hon. Member for Harrow West. I repeat that it 8.1 pm is a matter for the governing bodies, but it is also a matter for others in the community to discuss with Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The second those bodies. We would expect local authorities to respect petition is on the disappointing news that the Isham schools’ wishes and support them, but to do so in an bypass will not be built at the moment. informed way. I know that the Department for Education The petition states: is keen to hear from the local schools and discuss their To the honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of future needs with them. Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled, 1017 Easter Adjournment 5 APRIL 2011 1018

[Mr Peter Bone] Forestry Commission (Northumberland)

The Humble Petition of residents of the Isham area of Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and the surrounding areas, do now adjourn.—(Stephen Crabb.) Sheweth, That for forty years there has been a need for a by-pass of the 8.3 pm village of Isham; that the recent increase in housing and traffic Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): And has led to the environmental conditions for the residents of the main road in Isham being intolerable; and that the lack of a finally, to forestry. I am very glad of the opportunity to by-pass has caused unacceptable levels of noise and air pollution, raise the issue of employment in forestry, and particularly safety issues for pedestrians and motorists and structural damage employment by the Forestry Commission in Northumberland. to properties. There is more forestry production in Northumberland Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House than in any other English county, and part of it takes urges the Secretary of State for Transport to liaise with place in my constituency, where the Forestry Commission Northamptonshire County Council and the Borough Council of has Harwood, Rothbury, Kidland and other forest areas. Wellingborough to find a resolution that will lead to the reconsideration of the cancellation of the Isham By-Pass and a The greater part of the production takes place in the high priority given to its construction. constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. (Guy Opperman), which has Kielder, Wark and Redesdale forests. [P000914] Forestry jobs in my constituency are centred on the commission’s Rothbury office, but all 12 full-time equivalent jobs are planned to go with its closure. That is out of a total of just under 90 full-time equivalent jobs in the county, and they are to be reduced to 65. Most are based at Bellingham and Kielder in the Hexham constituency. Those numbers might not seem large to Members from urban areas, but they are very important to small rural communities such as Rothbury and Bellingham. Forestry staff are key holders of expertise on woodland issues. The forest ranger—we will have only one at the end of this process—used to educate schoolchildren about the forests and their wildlife, as well as helping to secure income from deerstalking. Forestry employees are key members of their local communities, often serving as first responders and trained firefighters. There are jobs in the wider community dependent on forestry, and the Rothbury office puts £200,000 a year into the local economy in salaries alone. Looking at the post-war history, it is interesting to note that the few remaining jobs in the direct employment of the Forestry Commission contrast with the original plans to provide a major source of employment in the countryside. Whole new villages such as Harwood in my constituency, and Kielder, were built between the 1940s and the 1960s for the workers who were expected to be employed in the expanding state forests. Now almost no forestry workers live in these houses. There were many critics of the policy that replaced hill shepherding with massive, regimented plantings of Norway and Sitka spruce, but the critics were told that trees meant jobs. Kielder village alone was projected to have a population of 800, but it never happened. The more accessible but still remote village of Harwood has become home to people who travel to a variety of jobs elsewhere. Even the house that has been built during my time as an MP, for the forest manager at Harwood, is no longer in forestry use. To get a reminder of the almost ideological commitment that brought large-scale forestry to our hills, I looked at the 1950s edition of the Shell guide to Northumberland written by the legendary town planner, Thomas Sharp, who said: “there is now taking place…an agronomic and scenic revolution of a kind that has happened only once before in the recorded history of England…The present revolution is in the development of the great new FORESTS that are being planted by the Forestry 1019 Forestry Commission 5 APRIL 2011 Forestry Commission 1020 (Northumberland) (Northumberland) Commission, acting as the agent of Government…two or want the prospect of charitable trusts choosing to run three hundred square miles of Cheviot country is being… some ancient woodlands, as the Woodland Trust already transformed…beyond all recognition from grassy sheep walk into does, to be thrown out with the bathwater of the vast forest of…Sitka and Norway spruce.” large-scale sales idea. He goes on: The threat to jobs does not come from the halted “You may not like what you see. Most of us who have loved programme of large-scale sales; it was planned to meet these grassy hills with their soft, many-tinted, cloud-shadowed the financial pressures on the commission under the outlines, their sense of wide, unrestricted freedom, their clean free spending review. The redundancies were to be paid for air, cannot but regret the beauty that has gone. But when these forests have matured they too will have some beauty of their own. out of the proceeds of the more limited programme of And in any event, the case for change is incontestable. In the sales that the Government had announced earlier, based planting that is now going forward much hardly-used land is on the system for forest sales operated by the Labour being brought into enormously increased productivity for human Government, which has also been halted while the benefit. Where before, as sheep walk, it employed one man to Government’s new independent advisory panel, chaired approximately every 500 acres, as maturing forest it will employ by the Bishop of Liverpool, considers the future of twenty times as many”. state forestry. He says that the new villages were to be If the panel recommends that there should be very “large enough to afford opportunities for a reasonably full social few further sales, how are the redundancies to be financed? life even in these remote hills: and all so designed that they will How are the losses, funded by the previous Government not be suburban-looking intrusions but closely-knit places” partly from sales, to be funded? If the panel recommends with that more work should be done in access and leisure, in “something of the character of the true English village…in this biodiversity or in education, how can it be done without great Government undertaking you will see in progress a rural the expertise of the staff who are being made redundant? revolution”. How will the advisory work of the forest service in Well, we should beware of planners and their forecasts. Northumberland’s private forestry be maintained? Its Even in those days, many country people and many role is crucial, in, for example, combating disease when who loved the hills as walking country did not subscribe the threat arises. How will the panel consult not just the to this vision. Indeed, the Forestry Commission was Institute of Chartered Foresters, which is represented often criticised for covering the hills with regimented on the panel, but forestry workers in general? blocks of non-native trees and for the failure of so There is a further crucial point that I want Ministers many of these jobs ever to materialise. The majority of to consider. The Northumberland forests are unlike the the jobs that were created in the local communities forests of southern England—they are predominantly disappeared as a result of mechanisation, the use of commercial, high-yielding forests. There is also extensive highly mobile contractors, and the sale of standing private commercial forestry to regulate. If all the forest timber to be harvested by the purchaser. service offices in the northernmost counties close— We all experienced the recent campaign against the Rothbury, Hamsterley and Penrith—that work will not forest sales. The enthusiasm of that campaign, which be easily or well managed from York or Delamere. has led to a rethink of the policies of the present Forestry in Northumberland is much more akin to Government, and indeed the previous one, is something forestry in Scotland. Indeed, the border forests used to of a tribute to the Forestry Commission and its staff. It be seen as a single group—I have with me tonight a was not that they campaigned, but that their work had guide book to the border forests—and they meet at the changed the way that the Forestry Commission is perceived. border in some places. Northumberland’s forests are From a position that was controversial to many, it has commercial producers on a very large scale and they over the years won a lot of friends. How? It has significantly need to be understood differently from some of the increased its commitment to landscaping and the use of forests in southern England. native species, and adjusted its planting policy to avoid I have a specific proposal for the Government about the alien squares and rectangles that wrecked the hill the Rothbury office. The national park is considering landscape in earlier forestry plantations. It has developed closing its information centre in Rothbury and both access and leisure opportunities that are much appreciated Natural England and the Environment Agency work by the public. At Kielder, this is in co-operation with closely with the Forestry Commission and the national Northumbrian Water. Through the forest service, which park, as does Northumberland county council. Why is the main activity at the Rothbury office, it has provided cannot those agencies pool a small amount of resources valuable advice and administered grant and approval and maintain a presence in shared offices in Rothbury? schemes for the large number of private forest owners In that way, they can retain an effective local service and and farmers in Northumberland. It has educated children improve joined-up working, which proved itself to be and young people about forests and wildlife. Forest essential in handling the recent floods. It is time to think Enterprise, its commercial arm, is regarded by the timber- more radically about how services vital to the countryside using industries, which are well-represented in and the rural community can be maintained. Here is an Northumberland, as a guarantor of supply and relative opportunity to set an example. stability in the market. Nationally, under the spending review, the Forestry It is obvious from all the e-mails we receive that Commission is likely to lose 29% of the staff of Forest people have learned to love the Forestry Commission, Enterprise and 19% of the staff of forest services. and that is down to the work of its staff. Clearly, a Nowhere is that more keenly felt than in Northumberland. massive sale of forests would reduce the small staff even Now that the forest sales that were to fund that redundancy further and bring to an end much of the activity I have programme are being reconsidered, surely the office described. Smaller forest sales to rationalise the estate closure and the redundancies must be reconsidered, too. and some purchases can make sense, and I would not Apparently, half a million people signed—or perhaps 1021 Forestry Commission 5 APRIL 2011 Forestry Commission 1022 (Northumberland) (Northumberland) [Sir Alan Beith] My right hon. Friend asked how the redundancies will be funded. I will come back to this in more detail, clicked on—the petition opposing forestry sales. They but it is relevant at this point. They will be funded by were not convinced by the argument that large-scale DEFRA’s modernisation fund, and were not planned to commercial forestry does not need to be state run, at be funded from the forest sales. Obviously, there will be least in part. They were particularly concerned to maintain an effect on cash flow, because we intend to resume the the access and biodiversity work, which needs experienced sales after the panel has reported on how we can protect and qualified commission staff. This is not an easy public interests. That is a cash-flow issue for the Forestry circle for the Government to square, but they must Commission, which we are working closely with it to listen and they must respond. minimise. Obviously, the panel will have to recognise the constraints and competing demands on public expenditure in this 8.14 pm spending review period and beyond. That brings us to The Minister of State, Department for Environment, the current situation, which my right hon. Friend rightly Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): I congratulate distinguished from the future of the public forestry my right hon. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed estate. Clearly, we have to reduce the structural deficit. (Sir Alan Beith) on securing the last Adjournment We have said that that is the No. 1 Government priority, debate of this part of the parliamentary Session. This and with the two notable exceptions of the national matter is close to his heart and important to his constituency, health service and the Department for International but, as he rightly said, it is of much greater significance, Development, everybody is having to take their fair as we have witnessed over the past few weeks. share. The Forestry Commission, along with DEFRA and all our other arm’s length bodies, has to work in As my right hon. Friend rightly reminded us, his that tough fiscal environment, which means unprecedented constituency, and the county of Northumberland even savings. more so, are hugely important to the public forestry The Forestry Commission’s budget in England will estate. His constituency, despite not containing Kielder, reduce by 25% over the next four years, and I stress that is within the top 10 by public forest estate land area, in addition, we expect Forest Enterprise to reduce to which makes it very important. He rightly referred to zero the current reliance on the sale of assets for some many issues beyond pure forestry, such as forestry £8 million a year of income. My right hon. Friend employment and jobs, and rural housing. He knows as referred to the sales carried out by previous Governments, well as I do that the world has moved on and that the and in the past several years capital has been sold to idea of big estates, whether private or public, for workers fund revenue. That practice is completely wrong. It has in any industry has long since disappeared. Nevertheless, been the selling off of forests simply to fill a gap in forestry workers and the forestry industry are important Forestry Commission finances, and it has to stop by the in rural areas. I have always understood the statistics, end of this spending review period. which he gave, that compare forestry with hill farming, which preceded the planting of many forests. To achieve those changes, the Forestry Commission in England will need to undertake significant restructuring I and the Department recognise that Kielder and and the downsizing of its programmes, at the same time most forests in northern England are primarily commercial. as taking on a number of new challenges. The commission’s As my right hon. Friend said, they are more akin to focus will be much more on protecting and improving some Scottish forests. Nevertheless, as we have witnessed the woodland resource and encouraging woodland over the past few weeks, there is significant public expansion. That will be delivered through promoting a concern about their future. However, I do not wish to competitive, thriving and resilient forestry sector, and repeat all the issues that were raised in the initial consultation through the empowerment, engagement and involvement and before it. of many local communities in the big society. We have taken a step back and have appointed the May I pick up my right hon. Friend’s point about independent panel, to which my right hon. Friend referred. disease? Ever since I took responsibility for the matter, I The panel will advise us on the future direction of have been extremely concerned by the march of a forestry and woodland policy in England. It has already number of diseases, particularly Phytophthora ramorum, had its first meeting. To partly answer his question which fortunately I do not think has reached about forestry workers, the chairman of the panel said Northumberland, but which has devastated forests in yesterday in a brief statement after its first meeting that the south-west. I do not want to say too much, because it is determined to get around the country and to meet the commission has not yet consulted on the matter, but everybody who has an interest in these matters, including I can assure him that we are doing our very best to forestry employees and those who campaigned in various maintain research into such diseases. Although I cannot ways in the run-up to the formation of the panel. say that there will be no reduction in spending on As my right hon. Friend said, there is the separate forestry research, the key tree health and disease issue of the planned disposal of 15% of the public programmes will be protected. That is very important if forest estate, which we had planned to do during the we are to get on top of diseases that could have a spending period from this financial year to 2014-15. I devastating effect, and not just on non-native species—we stress that that has been suspended, not cancelled. As know that some of them are in oaks, as well. he rightly said, those figures were part of the overall DEFRA budget, although most of the money was not Sir Alan Beith: I know that the Minister takes a close allocated because we did not have it. Nevertheless, some interest in that matter. The disease threat requires the of it was to be used by the Forestry Commission. I will commission to be able to respond quickly if a farmer or come back to that point. landowner discovers what appears to be evidence of 1023 Forestry Commission 5 APRIL 2011 Forestry Commission 1024 (Northumberland) (Northumberland) disease on his land. It will not be satisfactory if somebody to the Forestry Commission’s staff council and to wider has to come up from the opposite end of the country to staff. That will be followed by an implementation plan, do that. which is expected to be delivered progressively to 2014-15. Unfortunately, as we all know, the financial position Mr Paice: I entirely agree with my right hon. Friend, in which we find ourselves means that forestry and I am just coming on to the specific proposals. I do commissioners cannot delay starting the changes until not think there is any real suggestion that somebody after the panel advising on the future direction of would have to come up from the other end of the forestry and woodland policy in England has reported. country. The way in which the Forestry Commission moves Only last Friday, the commission closed its consultation forward to 2014-15 is also likely to be influenced by the with its staff on proposals for restructuring and reducing outcome of the panel’s report, and any decisions we the size of the organisation in such a way that it can make in response to its advice. My right hon. Friend manage the public estate and deliver the wider forestry rightly said that perhaps the outcome will be more work service. One proposal in the consultation document was for the Forestry Commission. All I can say is that we to reduce the number of forest districts that manage the will have to cross that bridge if and when we come to it. public forest estate from 12 to six, and the units that We cannot afford to wait, because the savings have to be manage grants and regulations from nine to five. An made. inevitable consequence of that proposal would be a However, the overall aim is to ensure that we have an reduction in the number of offices needed, and as my organisation that is fit for purpose and can deliver our right hon. Friend said, regrettably, one of the offices key objectives for forestry in England. that has been identified as potentially surplus to future None of us willingly enters into action that will cause requirements is Rothbury. However, the nearby office at other people to lose their jobs. As somebody born and Bellingham would remain, and high priority is being bred in the countryside, I feel passionately about it and given to retaining front-line staff. The Forestry Commission fully understand that, as my right hon. Friend said, very will aim to minimise the negative impact on its staff and small numbers can be significant in our more rural will use compulsory redundancies only as a last resort. areas. None of us entertains such action lightly. However, My right hon. Friend rightly referred to the options getting the country’s structural deficit back under control for sharing offices, and I can assure him that the potential should not be taken lightly, either. That is why we have for office sharing with other delivery bodies is being to make tough decisions, although the detail is clearly a considered. That is not unique to the Forestry Commission, matter for the Forestry Commission. because DEFRA is pressurising all its arm’s length The Department and the Government feel strongly bodies to work much more closely together. That applies that forestry is a vital part of our rural communities. It to Natural England and the Environment Agency, and, is now in the hands of the panel to advise us on the as he rightly said, to the national park authorities where form that it takes—the ownership, management and so relevant. We are encouraging much closer working, not on—but we are convinced that it has a long-term future just the sharing of office space, in the interests of as part of the rural economy and of providing biodiversity, efficiency as well as of resource saving. energy, a carbon sink and the multiple benefits that we As my right hon. Friend knows, I cannot speculate on all, as a community, get from our forests. the outcome of the consultation to which I referred and I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for raising the the decisions that the Forestry Commission needs to subject and I hope that I have been able to answer at make, but I can outline the next steps that it has least some of his concerns. planned. Question put and agreed to. By the end of April, the responses to the consultation will be shared with staff and by the end of May, the 8.27 pm proposals for structures and staffing will be presented House adjourned.

197WH 5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 198WH

from Radio Suffolk and there will be the opportunity to Westminster Hall phone in to our day-time programmes, which are under threat. Tuesday 5 April 2011 At the moment, distinctive radio is broadcast outside the breakfast and drive-time shows. That can vary, such as local sports coverage. How can I put it? Leiston FC [MR ANDREW TURNER in the Chair] probably would not get commentary on Radio 5 Live, even though they are about to win their championship BBC Local Radio and get promoted into the Ryman league premier division, but somehow I think that only matters to the people of 9.30 am Suffolk who express an interest in sport. Other examples Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting include the local phone-in programmes—we can talk be now adjourned.—(Stephen Crabb.) about post office issues relevant to the local area. There Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): It is a are so many examples, which I am sure that many pleasure to be speaking under your chairmanship, colleagues will offer today. Mr Turner. I thank Mr Speaker for granting this important BBC local radio has done some things of which I debate on BBC local radio. I should declare an interest: think it could do more, such as reducing the content of I used to work for the BBC, although not in the field of the website. There is space for local media to expand, in broadcasting. particular in Suffolk. I might surprise colleagues when I also thank the 66 Members of Parliament who have I tell them that I have three daily papers covering my signed early-day motion 1593 on the topic. I appreciate constituency, which can do that because they are local that not all Members of the House choose to sign and focus on local stories. There are also opportunities early-day motions, and some have a policy of not doing to expand the training to community radio stations so, but I assure you, Mr Turner, that the support I have which, again, all Members value in their constituencies, had from Members of all parties has been extraordinary but they are not a substitute for the excellent output we in the desire to keep what is special about the BBC—that, all enjoy from BBC local radio. firmly, is local radio. I am sure Members are not surprised that I will now The BBC spends about £600 million on radio—just focus on BBC Radio Suffolk. One of the important under a fifth of the licence fee income—of which about things to say is that there is a 22% reach to adults £137 million is spent on local radio in England. That throughout the county. More important, Radio Suffolk equates to about 3.2p per user hour, half that for Radio is truly fulfilling the 50-plus generation remit, because it 3 and less than for Radio Scotland, Radio Wales, Radio now covers one in three adults listening to that radio Ulster and Radio Foyle. I am not complaining about station. the amount of money spent on Radio 3 or the nations’ Running through some of the presenters, Mark Murphy radio stations, but I reflect that BBC local radio in in the morning is a must-listen for anyone and everyone. England is rather good value, reaching the number of I am sure he will send an ugly mug to anyone who listeners that it does. name-checks him today, but, importantly, he has a lead BBC local radio reaches about 7.4 million listeners role in campaigning for BBC Suffolk. I have already across its various stations, including—for the particular mentioned in the House, to the Prime Minister, how attention of Members—2.5 million people who do not BBC Suffolk was behind a great campaign in which the listen to any other BBC radio station. It is reaching out people of Suffolk raised more than £3 million to build a to that 40% of listeners who do not listen to Radios 1, 2, children’s hospice, very much helped by the radio station. 3, 4 or 5, and it is important to remember that. Other, more pertinent local issues include “Bin a Blade”: The remit of BBC local radio is deliberately focused in the first three weeks of the BBC’s publicising the on two areas. The first is to ensure that the breakfast campaign and working with the local police, more than and drive-time shows are 100% chat and news-driven, 1,000 knives were put into safe bins. That is the reach of which is what they do, and rather well, especially Radio the BBC in motivating people and getting that conversation Suffolk. At other times, a minimum of 60% chat is going about some real local issues. required. That leaves space for commercial radio to James Hazell has, I believe, the second most popular have distinctive programming, in particular music-driven, radio show on BBC Suffolk, but he is in the very time which brings in attractive advertising slots that reach a slot that the BBC wishes—is considering, I should younger demographic. The 55-plus generation like to say—to move to Radio 5. That would be a big mistake, listen to music, but perhaps not the type that drives all because on the local phone-in, James Hazell—our advertising on local radio. The second important point equivalent of Victoria Derbyshire—really hits the issues about the people reached by BBC local radio is that it that matter for Suffolk. captures not only the 2.5 million who do not listen to Lesley Dolphin in the afternoon goes the extra mile. other BBC radio services but a substantial number of She might have been following Chris Moyles, but she the C2, D and E social groups, broadening the BBC’s also went up Kilimanjaro and raised more than £60,000 reach, in contrast perhaps to the national radio stations. for charity. She continues to have that light touch that One of the six values of the BBC is to celebrate people enjoy listening to, perhaps while gardening or community moments—“national moments” as the BBC doing their crossword. Stephen Foster is a non-miss; he calls them. That is where local radio truly excels, such as does the news round-up in the evening. My friend, Rob the Proms at the Albert hall being taken to the local Dunger, would kill me if I did not mention him, but his celebration party, or the royal wedding coming up on 29 business breakfasts on Saturday mornings really bring April. I cannot tell you how many wedding parties there to the listener who is up and about important news of will be in Suffolk, but they will be covered by people the day and that friendly chat. 199WH BBC Local Radio5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 200WH

[Dr Thérèse Coffey] comments about the demographic profiles of those who listen to BBC local radio, its relationship with commercial Many good examples of BBC local radio will be radio, and the content of BBC local radio. I echo all her given today, but the reason I wanted the debate was to comments. The story is exactly the same for the people stand up for the licence fee payer. One of the things that of Sheffield and south Yorkshire. worries me about the BBC’s review process is that the My local radio station, Radio Sheffield, started licence fee payers have not been asked for their opinions broadcasting on 15 November 1967. It was the country’s or thoughts. By contrast, the Arts Council, which has second local radio station to go live, and it now broadcasts made difficult choices in the past week, set out open not only to south Yorkshire, but to the north midlands. and transparent criteria and the process by which it The signal can be picked up as far afield as the west of would make choices on which organisations it would Manchester, the north of Leeds, and as far south as fund. I have not seen any of that from the BBC so far, Leicestershire. In November 2010, it was voted station and I should have. of the year at the prestigious Gillard awards. For us, the I am not one to make cheap political points about station is as south Yorkshire as a Barnsley chop or choices, and talent on the BBC deserves to be paid well, the famous Henderson’s relish that goes with it. It is the just as it would be in the commercial market, but the radio station that people tune into to listen to local BBC needs to look at some of the more sensitive issues news or to talk about local matters. it faces in London with some of its talent, such as flying production teams from Scotland to London to Tony Cunningham (Workington) (Lab): I listened carefully accommodate a presenter, or how it manages its staff to what the hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) and talent. A report in The Guardian talked about how said. I fully endorse all the comments that have been the BBC misses out on £80 million a year because of made about the news, programmes and so on, but does how it manages staff. my hon. Friend the Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge I went on a training course for human resources. This (Angela Smith) agree that BBC local radio comes to the was no secret, but was said to everyone in the BBC who fore when there is a crisis, a tragedy or a major event attended that course: unfortunately, due to poor controls, such as flooding? That is when one sees how good local the BBC paid out more than £6 million to fixed-term radio stations are. contractors who no longer worked at the corporation but who, for some reason, had never had their contract Angela Smith: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, stopped on the payroll. The BBC corrected that—I and I shall refer to the role that Radio Sheffield played commend it—and I thought I would never bring the during the floods that afflicted south Yorkshire in 2007. issue up, but that is half the budget of BBC local radio. Radio Sheffield’s morning breakfast show is hosted There are opportunities for the BBC to look at its by the archetypal south Yorkshire man and “Phoenix internal bureaucracy to understand where the money is Nights” comedian Toby Foster, who can raise a smile on going. It found one source, and was able to turn off the anyone’s face. He brings together music, sports, local tap of funds, which was well done, but even on my last news and national news with a local interest, and does day at the BBC, I was arguing with another project so in a light-hearted, informative and entertaining way manager about a three-week delay, because that team that works with his audience. Other presenters, including had not got their act together, and they were trying to Rony Robinson, Howard Pressman, Paulette Edwards block our project going ahead. I was challenging them and Dean Pepall, are much loved and provide a familiar and saying, “You cannot make this decision. We need voice in the homes of people in our area. That is someone senior to make this decision, because your important, especially for the elderly and those who live delay will cost the BBC £12 million.” I know many alone. The demographics of Radio Sheffield listeners programme-makers who would give their right arm for tend towards the older end of the age profile, and it is £12 million to spend on programmes at the BBC, including important to bear that in mind; we do not all want to many radio stations throughout the country. listen to hip hop or rap on Radio Hallam. Regular phone-in programmes, to which the hon. It is important that the BBC makes savings—I know Member for Suffolk Coastal referred, are hosted throughout that, I get that. I am a member of the party in government the week on Radio Sheffield, and allow local people to and I realise that not every decision will be popular, but have their say on national and local events. At the one of the BBC’s core values is to reflect what its moment, it runs at least two phone-ins a day, but it audiences want. I call on it to look hard, think hard, would not be able to do that if the proposals were given and speak to licence fee payers. That is why it has the go-ahead. audience councils. I am not aware that they have been consulted on some of the ideas, or come forward with Radio Sheffield really comes into its own when something their own, but it is important that the BBC continues to of local importance happens that may not be of interest listen. It is a wonderful institution and something I to the national media or remains important long after cherish. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working for the the national media have moved on to other things. A BBC. It sometimes frustrates me, but it is wonderful good example was the floods of 2007, which badly and it needs to keep what is special. What is special, affected my previous constituency of Sheffield Hillsborough. especially to the people of Suffolk, is BBC local radio. For a brief period, the national news focused almost entirely on Sheffield, but after a few days the focus, probably rightly, moved elsewhere. 9.40 am However, for the people of south Yorkshire the nightmare Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): I of flooded homes and streets continued, and a year congratulate the hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal later the people of Cumbria suffered the same problem. (Dr Coffey) on securing this debate, and I echo her Radio Sheffield played a massively important social 201WH BBC Local Radio5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 202WH role in ensuring that local people knew what was going Mr Andrew Turner (in the Chair): Order. I note that on—when electricity would be restored to homes, when many hon. Members want to speak, and that there are streets would be cleaned, when traffic lights would be 50 minutes remaining. working and where people could go for help when they had lost everything because their homes were full of 9.49 am water and they had nowhere to go. Without that service, Mr Roger Gale (North Thanet) (Con): I start with a it would have been much harder for people to come to tribute to the BBC, and a thank you. Apart from two terms with the tragedy of those floods. years spent floating up and down on the waves as a Another immensely important role for our local radio pirate disc jockey, I learned my broadcasting with Radio station is its role in local sport. I was intrigued to hear London, which gave me the greatest opportunity I have the comments of the hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal ever had. It took me on as a young, inexperienced, about local football coverage, because the same can be microphone-trained-but-nothing-else broadcaster, and said in south Yorkshire. Unfortunately, for the time turned me into a radio journalist. I was given the being, not one south Yorkshire team is up there with the chance to cut my teeth, to make mistakes, to broadcast elite in the premiership. That will happen one day, hour after hour, and to learn the hard way what although it will take time. broadcasting is about. That is where I want to start. Without local coverage, many of the area’s football First and foremost, BBC local radio is now effectively teams would have no coverage at all. Radio Sheffield’s the only speech-based local radio service in the country, commentary team will travel, for example, to Exeter to and it provides a superb training ground for young cover a league one game involving Sheffield Wednesday. broadcasters. If that service is taken away, I do not As a Wednesday fan, I must admit that Radio 5 Live know how people will learn real broadcasting and radio will not cover Exeter versus Sheffield Wednesday on a journalism skills without that platform. Local radio is Tuesday night, which is shameful. It is also certain that vital to the future of broadcasting, and it should not be the national media will not be interested in reporting a underestimated in the way that the craven, metrocentric, game between Barnsley football club and Doncaster television-based management of the BBC currently tries Rovers, but such a game is of massive importance to the to treat it. people of south Yorkshire, because it is a local derby I am sorry; I should have congratulated my hon. and they want to hear about it. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) on During the week, Radio Sheffield provides a daily securing the debate before I went into rant mode. The “Football Heaven”programme hosted by the commentary hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela team, which includes Paul Walker, Seth Bennett and Smith) expressed the second point that I wanted to Andy Giddings. All three are now involved in national make very well. When it comes to local issues and as well as local commentary, because the quality of emergencies, to crisis time or to relatively regular and their commentary is so good. They learned their trade simple things such as schools closing due to snow, in BBC local radio. The importance of “Football Heaven” people turn to their local BBC radio station for information. and “Praise and Grumble” on Saturdays is that that is For news about floods and other disasters, people turn where ordinary fans have a chance to vent their anger, to BBC local radio because that is the only real source frustration and even, occasionally, their praise for their of local information. local football teams, although more often than not they I recall the 1987 hurricane when everything went are angry and frustrated. Let us also remember that for down but people still had battery-powered radios. The many years local radio has been the springboard for whole of Kent was incredibly badly affected by that much of the country’s broadcasting talent, without hurricane, and people tuned into Radio Kent. After a which tomorrow’s Nicky Campbell and Simon Mayo night of violent storm that ripped our county apart, I will not enjoy the same opportunities to learn their recall broadcasting at 6 o’clock in the morning through trade. The country would be the poorer for that. a radio telephone—as it was at the time—to Radio Radio Sheffield is running a trial for merging local Kent to offer help and blankets to elderly people in my radio into regional radio provision in the afternoons. I constituency, and to ask people to contact us if they do not like that, and the people of Sheffield do not like knew of any elderly people who needed heat and light. that. I like to hear about my own area in the afternoons, Members of Parliament from all parties could not have not about dancing dogs in Leeds or York. I want to hear mounted that operation had it not been for that genuinely local news, and that is why I tune into the station. The local outlet. Local radio is a vital service in every move to replace all local radio stations with national county. Radio 5 Live for most of the day would be a retrograde It is easy in metro-centres—in Birmingham, Manchester, step that people throughout the country will resist. Liverpool and particularly London—to say, “There is a Radio Sheffield was set up 44 years ago because local plethora of stations that offer a wide menu of broadcasting people wanted to hear local news and local stories. To alternatives, so we do not need this service.” I do not reduce that service at a time when technology has made believe that is true, however, because BBC Radio London, local reporting even easier and more immediate is wrong for example, still plays a vital part in the everyday life of and should be resisted. ordinary Londoners. I hope that the Government will play their part in ensuring that the BBC Trust understands how strongly Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): hon. Members and people throughout the country feel The hon. Gentleman mentioned Liverpool. Although about the issue. I look forward to hearing the Minister’s Liverpool has a plethora of commercial radio stations, response. BBC Radio Merseyside is the most listened to local radio station outside London, and has more than 300,000 Several hon. Members rose— listeners. 203WH BBC Local Radio5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 204WH

Mr Gale: That is a fair point. BBC local radio is still flower shows—as far as I am aware, Hampton Court the only truly speech-based radio service. The hon. and Chelsea are still in or around London—from Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge made a point Birmingham. about local sport in her speech. BBC local radio covers To pick up on the point made by my hon. Friend the local football and cricket matches, and some of the best Member for Suffolk Coastal, there is no point in flying cricket commentary in the country is provided by John a production team from Scotland so that Mr Dimbleby Warnett from BBC Radio Kent, who comments on can have his programme directed and produced in London. Kent’s county matches at the St Lawrence cricket ground. There is no point in flying expensive guests from London He would be an asset to “Test Match Special”—I have to Manchester—if they will go at all—to sit on a sofa suggested that to him, although it would be a great loss for the breakfast television programme. That exercise is to Radio Kent if he were to move to network radio. costing £1 billion. Those local broadcasters know their local teams, sports We could add to that the management fees charged and adversaries, and they cover and present a word by the BBC—the director general’s salary would pay all picture in a way that national broadcasting simply the salaries for one local radio station for a year. I do cannot. We will not get that service anywhere else. not suggest that the director general of the BBC is not a I am huge admirer of Radio Five Live and think it is terribly important person because I am sure somebody a great service that was an enormous and brave innovation. will convince me that he is, but there is a huge amount The management of the BBC at the time—I doubt of waste. When the Minister responds, I would like him whether today’s management would have had the balls to direct the BBC, perhaps through its new chairman of to do it—created something very special, and I would the trustees—Lord Patten, I hope—to areas other than not take one iota away from it. However, it is not the this candle-end of a cut, which is miniscule in terms of local radio service that BBC local radio provides, not the BBC’s finances. That candle-end shines a real light only—this is where people get so dismissive—at breakfast into the ordinary everyday lives of local people up and time or “drive time”, but throughout the day. Local down the country, and I want it to continue to burn. radio continues through the phone-ins and the local gossip. It is parish pump radio—coffee shop tittle-tattle 9.57 am for the county, and it matters to people. Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): It is a My final point is that the BBC wastes an enormous pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Turner. amount of money. I have been a BBC producer and I congratulate the hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal director; I have done the job and I know where the (Dr Coffey) on securing this debate. I know that she is a money goes. Last August, I was on holiday in France regular contributor to Radio Merseyside which, as my and due to return to the United Kingdom the following hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana day, which was a Saturday. The BBC rang me and asked Berger) has said, is the most listened to local radio whether, after sending a taxi for me to Kent, they could station outside London. fly me from Heathrow to Belfast to spend a night in a hotel, and five minutes on a sofa on Sunday morning to I would like to pick up the point about tragedy. talk about a cat in a dustbin. I worked out that the cost Unfortunately, tragedy has been an all-too-common of that exercise would have been over £1,000 for five occurrence in Liverpool in the recent past, and there is minutes of broadcasting. sometimes the need for a local voice or slant on something that has been misreported. For example, in 1989 the I watched the programme—I did not take part—and scurrilous newspaper, The Sun, defamed and disparaged at the end a screen credit read “BBC Belfast.” That was Liverpool supporters, and the city needed someone to the only thing in the entire programme that had any stand up for it. Radio City and Radio Merseyside both relevance to Northern Ireland whatever. The programme did that, and Radio Merseyside more than most. With could have been made just as easily in Hong Kong, and its phone-in and its afternoon presenter, Roger Phillips, probably more cheaply. The BBC has wasted £1 billion the station is not just a local voice but a friend who goes creating MediaCityUK, as it is called, in Salford Quays, into people’s homes, and who people know will not be and I would like to know why. What is the point of judgmental. They were prepared to use the phone-in transferring the “Blue Peter” garden from White City to programme to express not only their anger, but their a rooftop in Salford? grief.

Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): Does There is a long answer to that. Surely the hon. Gentleman the hon. Gentleman agree that the vital point of phone-in believes that the title British Broadcasting Corporation shows during moments of grief is to provide a local can be accurate only if it has local radio stations everywhere, voice? Although the BBC may be able to broadcast a and if it does not broadcast the main national stations phone-in show, I am sure that the people of Merseyside only from London. would prefer a local voice to someone based in London. Steve Rotheram: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely Mr Gale: I accept that entirely. The BBC has a long right. That is the crux of the matter. Although people and proud tradition of regional broadcasting centres. can phone national phone-in programmes, they are Manchester is one, Birmingham and Newcastle are unlikely to do so from somewhere such as Merseyside, others. Bristol has probably the finest natural history where people have that parochial feeling and sometimes service in the world bar none. I do not take anything think that the national slant on certain stories about away from any of the work done regionally by the our great city does not reflect the feelings of the people. BBC—that is not the point. There is, however, no sense That is why it is a regular occurrence when we listen to in producing coverage of the Hampton Court or Chelsea the radio in a taxi or when we walk past shops to find 205WH BBC Local Radio5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 206WH that everyone is listening to the phone-in programme children, but I had BBC Radio Leeds on, and Paul hosted by Roger Phillips, which takes place in the “Oggy” Ogden was commentating on Huddersfield at afternoon. In the morning, people can listen to Tony Tranmere. He actually lost his voice as he screamed the Snell’s programme or to my friend Sean Styles, who commentary on the second goal, scored by Novak, at does a show in the mid-morning. There is also Billy Tranmere, which was another vital win for Huddersfield Butler in the afternoon. Those names might not be Town. Ogden is a local lad—he lives down the road familiar to everyone in the Chamber, but if they go to from me—and it is that passion that we get from BBC Merseyside and mention any of them, they will find local radio. that everyone there knows them. People listen to Radio I must declare an interest: I am regularly on BBC Merseyside more than anything because they trust it. local radio. Recently, I have been on it talking about That is why the point made by the hon. Member for Libya, Arts Council grants and maternity services in Elmet and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke) is absolutely Huddersfield. There is a slot on Friday morning called right and why Liverpudlians will not stand idly by while “Meet Your MP”. My hon. Friend the Member for faceless bureaucrats wreak havoc with local radio stations, Elmet and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke) and I have recently including our local radio station. been on it, as have other hon. Members, and I will be on it again in a couple of weeks’ time, so local radio is good 10.1 am for local democracy as well. Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): It is a pleasure Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Does the hon. to speak under your chairmanship, Mr Turner. I Gentleman agree that, in our soundbite era, BBC local congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk radio is often the only media outlet that has the patience Coastal (Dr Coffey) on securing the debate, and I praise and care to do the in-depth interviews that get to the her compelling and persuasive arguments for keeping bottom of a story? daytime output on BBC local radio. She talked about its good value in terms of the cost and the valued Jason McCartney: My hon. Friend makes a very output. good point. The “Meet Your MP” slot lasts an hour I would like to give a personal point of view on BBC and is all speech; there is no music. It is a mixture of local radio. I am lucky to have had two main careers. people going out and about and interviewing people For 10 years, I was a Royal Air Force officer and then I about issues. We do not know what the questions will completely changed tack. I decided that I wanted to be be, and we get the time to give proper answers rather a journalist, did a postgraduate course in broadcast than just soundbites, so my hon. Friend has hit the nail journalism and, like many of my fellow students, ended on the head. up working in BBC local radio. I did freelance shifts at We have heard about the value of BBC local radio in BBC Radio Cleveland, which is now called BBC Radio a crisis or at a time when people are worried. On my Tees, and I also did some shifts at BBC Radio Leeds. I patch, there were very heavy snowfalls in the last two experienced at first hand the importance and the localness winters. Although it did not make for compelling radio, of BBC local radio. I was sent off early in the morning parents and guardians were glued to their radios as in the BBC local radio car, which was a little Fiesta with presenters read out the list of 380 schools that were a wobbly aerial on top, and I would go to the place closed. That was done on a half-hourly cycle, and I where something was happening and try to get people know how valuable the service was. The listenership was to talk about it. It felt so live, so immediate and so local. probably the highest ever. It was just list upon list of In the BBC local radio stations where I worked, there schools. The parents or guardians were worrying about was a fantastic mixture of the old hands, the characters whether they would have to take a day off work to look whom we have heard about, who had been there for after the children; the children were jumping for joy many years, and the young, talented and ambitious when they could go sledging and throwing snowballs. people—I did not count myself as one—who have gone That is the kind of localness that we get from BBC local on to national broadcasting careers. I have only to think radio. of people on BBC Radio 5 Live, which I listen to a lot The hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge now. Richard Bacon and Victoria Derbyshire both started (Angela Smith) has mentioned regionalisation. I was on in BBC local radio. the lunchtime phone-in show recently, and the presenter I would not dictate to BBC bosses, although I am kept thinking she was still in Sheffield, even though she tempted to, how they should spend their money, but we was broadcasting across the Yorkshire region. The BBC have to consider the facts and figures. One of the most is examining that already but, as has been shown, it compelling sets of figures are the most recent listening does not necessarily work. BBC local radio needs to be figures, which show a weekly reach of 7.4 million people local. We have heard in other recent debates in this in England for BBC local radio. That is an increase of place that we must protect the front line. There is 700,000 listeners on the previous year. Those figures do nothing more front line than BBC local radio, so I hope not surprise me, because I know the value of BBC that my hon. Friend the Minister will pass that message Radio Leeds in my Colne Valley constituency, on the on from all of us here today and that the BBC will edge of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire. listen. I must talk about the passionate football coverage. 10.6 am This is an exciting time in West Yorkshire. Leeds United are going for promotion, as are my team, Huddersfield Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): It is a pleasure to Town. Bradford City are struggling to stay in the league, speak under your chairmanship, Mr Turner. I congratulate but that also makes for compelling listening. Only on the hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) on Saturday afternoon, I was out and about with my securing the debate and on securing such good attendance 207WH BBC Local Radio5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 208WH

[Nic Dakin] Nic Dakin: Of course our constituents can tune into Radio Lincolnshire—they have the freedom to tune by MPs on the last day before the recess; that shows their radios—but my constituents tune into Radio how strongly we feel that we must join our voices to Humberside because of its performance and the support those of our constituents and ensure that the BBC it provides. They like to listen to Andy Comfort and to hears what we are saying. be teased by Peter Levy. That is why they enjoy Radio As the hon. Lady said, we need to stand up for licence Humberside, and long may it remain so. fee payers. We need to listen to what they want and The hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal must be absolutely ensure that they get a good deal. Local radio is a very congratulated for bringing this issue before us. Let us good deal—for licence fee payers and for the industry. hope that the BBC is listening. As the hon. Members for Colne Valley (Jason McCartney) and for North Thanet (Mr Gale) pointed out, drawing on their experiences, it is a breeding ground and a 10.11 am training ground for reporters who move on through the system, so it is very important. It is the lifeblood of the Mr Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): I, too, pay tribute whole system. to my hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal Like many right hon. and hon. Members, I was (Dr Coffey) for securing the debate. We may be holding brought up with local radio. My mother was a regular it on the last day of term, as the hon. Member for contributor to Radio Leicester as part of the comedy Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) said, but the turnout is excellent, duo Florrie and Ada. They performed in Sileby dialect— which tells a tale in itself. [Interruption.] I cannot do the dialect myself, but my Like many other Members, I should declare an interest mother still can. That illustrates the way in which local at the start of my remarks. I began my career in BBC radio keeps voice, dialect and idiom alive, which is also local radio; I worked in news and programming at very important. Local radio is part of the lifeblood of Southern Counties Radio in Guildford, which became communities. BBC Radio Surrey, and I also produced and read news The local radio station that I know best now is Radio in the United States—the types of radio involved could Humberside. I am pleased to see in the Chamber the not have been more different, and therein lies a tale for hon. Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers), who another day. I would consider myself a friend of the will also celebrate Radio Humberside. We both enjoy, I BBC, but like all friends worth having, one can sometimes am sure, the coverage of local football, although recently be critical and not always say what friends want to hear. I have not been able to enjoy it particularly. As we have heard, the BBC faces a tough licence Luciana Berger: We have heard lots of contributions settlement and is looking for savings. BBC staff are from hon. Members about the coverage of football on rightly being asked to contribute ideas about how to local radio, but does my hon. Friend agree that local achieve those savings as part of what the corporation radio stations such as BBC Radio Merseyside also calls “Delivering Quality First” workstreams— provide opportunities for other sports, such as basketball, “workstreams”is a great BBC term—and recommendations to get attention? This week in basketball the chase is will be made to the trust this summer. I suppose “Delivering going to the wire, and it is stations such as BBC Radio Quality First” is an exercise in flying a few balloons, Merseyside that are promoting teams such as the Mersey and I genuinely pay tribute to the BBC for flying them, Tigers. but I doubt whether it wanted the particular balloon we are talking about to fly quite as high and as publicly as Nic Dakin: I congratulate Merseyside on being top of it has. the league. In Scunthorpe, the local speedway group That is not really important now, however, because and the local rugby union club are also covered and this workstream has been picked up and will be discussed celebrated. Indeed, as a college principal, I often saw by members of the public and in this debate, which is a the college netball team and the college hockey team good thing. I have spoken to some members of BBC covered as well. Also in my role as college principal, I management, and I understand their frustration at the saw how important it was to have local radio to fact that “Delivering Quality First” is seemingly such a communicate to people, during the snows of the early leaky progress. My advice would be that that is not all part of 2010, which buses were and were not running. bad; there are many benefits to the fact that these issues Without that information source, we could not have are being discussed publicly. We should have more of kept everyone informed. that at the BBC. Local radio is part of the infrastructure of community, which keeps the community involved; it can celebrate Like my hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal, what goes on in the community and it can motivate I fully accept that the BBC faces a financial challenge. I communities. People in all parts of my constituency— may be critical of the nearly £100 million overspend on whether it is Hibaldstow, Redbourne, Cadney, Howsham, the redevelopment of Broadcasting house and I may Kirton, Bottesford or Scunthorpe—can see events wonder whether that money could have been used celebrated on local radio that they rarely see celebrated better—we have already heard examples of where savings on local, or indeed national, television. That is important could have been found—but when I say that I accept because it reflects the community’s passions and interests that there is a challenge, I also accept that there must be back to it. some changes. I accept that there must be changes to BBC local radio as somebody who has worked in it and Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): I agree with seen it from the inside. Those changes might be not only much of what the hon. Gentleman says, but does he necessary, but desirable. If it is done correctly, “Delivering acknowledge that his constituents, like most of mine, Quality First” could be a big opportunity for BBC local would actually prefer to be served by Radio Lincolnshire? radio. 209WH BBC Local Radio5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 210WH

It is right to look at some shared documentary When I worked in BBC local radio, I was fortunate programming, which could be broadcast across regions, enough to be part of the production team that ran our if the story will work on a much wider geographical afternoon sequence. That was not news, but a daytime area. One example from my part of the world is the magazine radio. We produced three and a half hours of future of Southampton airport, which is expanding live, all-talk radio five days a week, and I can tell rapidly. That is a regional story, which would be owned Members that that was a learning ground—we produced by BBC Radio Solent, but it would clearly be of interest some great live radio and some great stuff for the more widely to listeners in Sussex, Surrey, Wiltshire and Christmas blooper tape. Seriously, however, it was live possibly elsewhere. It is right to look at some shared radio in the community and for the community. We programming nationally and across regions. A story brought issues alive for listeners, especially when we may demand a wider audience, and the BBC can use its took the outside broadcasting car with the wonky aerial network of local radio stations to further its public out on the road. service role. Shortly after joining the station, I moved from news Another example might be a documentary looking at to programming, because it had much more of a magazine, the referendum that we will have on 5 May on a possible daytime feel and allowed us to develop stories and change to the voting system. It would be no bad thing if features from the community we served. To give one we used the BBC local radio network to explain in example, we used to open the programme every day much more detail to its loyal listenership what the with a feature called “Just the Job”, which brought alternative vote means, for instance. I would very much somebody on the air for 10 minutes to tell listeners welcome that. about their interesting or unusual occupation. The man Members who are listening carefully, or at all, will who tasted dog food to see whether it was ready for the have noticed that I said “shared documentary market lingers in my memory and in other ways—he programming”, and that was deliberate. There is no genuinely still exists. [Interruption.] It was very nice. reason for saying that certain time slots in BBC local However, my point is that BBC local radio daytime radio’s daytime schedule—not the whole thing—cannot output was fun and local, and the response to our show be earmarked for regional and/or national documentary was enormous. That loyal following genuinely drove content. It would be best if that was pre-produced content for us from one day to the next. documentary content. In my experience, there is not enough good radio documentary content these days, I want now to touch on localism. As we have heard and it falls to the BBC, through the amazingly unique over the past year or so, the Government’s whole drive way in which it is funded, to correct that. If the corporation is towards decentralisation and localism. We are putting is really smart, it will use the huge talent pool in BBC more power than ever before into the hands of councils, local radio, which other Members have mentioned, to councillors, schools and, dare I say it, even GPs. All bring such things to air and give them a chance. I see no those people will be responsible for huge sums of taxpayers’ reason why the BBC should not use its substantial money—our constituents’ money—and BBC local radio knowledge of specific BBC local TV and radio audiences will be needed to play an even greater role than ever in to do that in the way that has the least impact. holding local decision makers to account and in shining the light of transparency on behalf of our constituents. Mr Gale: My hon. Friend is making much more BBC local radio stations are increasingly involved in eloquently than I did the case that I was trying to make. holding people to account, which is the essential Does he agree that the BBC network leans very heavily accompaniment to localism, and it would be not just a on its local radio stations as stringers, particularly in shame, but dangerous to see that work go backwards. In times of national emergency, crisis and incident? Without my area, BBC Radio Solent, which began broadcasting the bedrock of those local journalists, all that will be from its antenna on the Isle of Wight many years ago stripped away and that huge national resource will be with the voice of Lord Mountbatten, has recently appointed lost. We cannot cover some issues only in a breakfast two local political specialists who have begun a series programme and a drive-time programme. that gives listeners a direct line to decision makers and service providers. I have been called to account myself Mr Brine: I absolutely agree, and I will explain why in many times, including at some ungodly hour this morning more detail later. What I am saying, however, is that to talk about this debate. The facts speak for themselves, there is no reason, if it is used intelligently, why good as many Members have said. People are listening in documentary content in predetermined slots—just an increasing numbers to BBC local radio. We have touched hour here or there—should not be fed through the BBC on crisis coverage and the BBC stamp of authenticity, local radio network. Many of the national stories that so, most importantly, we can all know when not only we hear on network radio will go to a reporter in kids but big kids—Members of Parliament—can go Scunthorpe or in Winchester, which I represent. Those sledging. reporters will be from BBC local radio, and the BBC will use their experience. It will use its local reach to I know that young audiences are also drawn to BBC bring issues to network radio, and it does that very well, local radio. Sometimes this debate can be polarised and but if we take that arrangement away, the network the service be seen as rather old-fashioned, but young will go. people in my part of the world listen to BBC Radio If savings have to be found, and many of us accept Solent through the partnership it has with Radio 1 and that they do, we have to think about these issues. What its “BBC Introducing” programmes, which give new we do not have to think about, however, is flatlining music and unsigned bands a chance via the BBC network all daytime BBC radio content and merely accepting and web pages. We should do much more of that. The the Radio 5 live feed other than during breakfast and BBC has a big responsibility to help young people and drive time. give them a chance. 211WH BBC Local Radio5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 212WH

[Mr Brine] sure that that is necessarily a move in the right direction. It is the idiosyncrasies, which have come out today in Local radio should be a vibrant and often risky hon. Members’ descriptions of how BBC local radio broadcasting environment, where young talent can grow reflects their areas, that are precisely what our local and learn and where the local stories, which we often radio stations should value. hear on network coverage, can be unearthed. In my limited experience of broadcasting, and especially radio Duncan Hames: In Corsham, Winsley, Chippenham broadcasting, it is as much in the heart as in the head. and Holt, the signature of BBC Wiltshire is its reach To create content that is interesting and engaging, it is into rural communities when other media seem to be necessary to create a sense of community that means stuck in the cities. My hon. Friend must feel that as the listeners will tune in to be a part of the team as acutely in west Cornwall. much as to hear what is said. Terry Wogan on Radio 2 with his TOGs—Terry’s old geezers or gals—is a brilliant Andrew George: My hon. Friend is right. We are example of that, but there are hundreds of examples in blessed in Cornwall. I might challenge the hon. Member BBC local radio across the country, including on BBC for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram) on whether his Radio Solent. local radio station is statistically more popular and has Hard news is only part of the story in breakfast and greater reach, penetration, listenership and loyalty than drive time on local radio. So many listeners value their Cornwall’s. BBC Radio Cornwall is an incredibly popular station for the companionship and sense of community local radio station, in spite of operating in a very it offers, and that, in my humble opinion, is something competitive environment with the independent stations, we are unwilling to lose without one hell of a fight. Pirate FM and Atlantic FM—both well listened to Without BBC local radio, the whole world would never local, independent radio stations. On the Isles of Scilly, have known the sheer pleasure of “Up With The Partridge” we have Radio Scilly as well, which provides a remarkable on Radio Norwich. As a great fan of Alan Partridge, I and engaging community service although it broadcasts think that that would be a very bad thing indeed—ah to a population of only 2,000. The only reason those ha! independent radio stations are able to succeed is that the BBC sets the standard that they have to attempt to 10.22 am reach. I go back to my fundamental point about a functioning Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): I congratulate the democracy. I fear that the BBC at national level is hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey). I have moving towards fly-on-the-wall, get-me-out-of-here types enjoyed coming to her weekly—or so it seems because of reporting, rather than the in-depth inquiring of her success in securing debates—90-minute debates documentaries in which it engaged in the past. Similarly, in Westminster Hall. I also congratulate her on speaking on local radio, I have noticed a trend towards just so strongly, passionately and ably on behalf, as she put reading out press releases rather than cross-questioning it, of the licence payers. Their voice is not heard sufficiently the information put out by the establishment. BBC in the corridors of power in the BBC, and I hope that local radio has done that effectively, it has the resources the voices raised this morning will resonate throughout to be able to do it and it is fundamentally important the BBC. I have not heard a word against local radio, that it should carry on doing it. which is no surprise, and I am certain that the message will be heard loud and clear. I hope that the Minister BBC Radio Cornwall is the national voice of Cornwall. will convey the messages from this morning. We have “An Nowodhow”—the news in Cornish—which is fantastic to be able to hear regularly, even with my It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Winchester rather rough and informal knowledge of the language. (Mr Brine) and his stories about dog food tasting, Other Members have mentioned dialect stories from which made us all sit up. I wish to make two straightforward other parts of the country. We can only get that with a points. We, as parliamentarians, are rightly and inevitably framework in which such reporting can be based. I fear, obsessed with how we achieve a functioning democracy. though, as Matthew Arnold put it, that this is about the Therefore, one of the obsessions with which we will desire of a centralised state to render its dominion inevitably engage to ensure that we get one is ensuring homogenous. The BBC may be engaged in that same that we have a functioning media—a means by which drift of simply treating the UK as if it reflects the people have communication that informs them in terms metropolitan elite, and it is not necessarily reflecting of their engagement with the political decision-making idiosyncrasies around the country as a whole. I hope the process. If all that the broadcast media can do is provide BBC is listening today. generalised national reporting or press releases read out on the hour quickly, interspersed with the extensive 10.29 am playing of records, it will not significantly contribute to the kind of functioning democracy that we, across all Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): I start by parties, desire. For that reason, we rightly want to congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk support and protect what we have now—in fact, if Coastal (Dr Coffey). Like her, I speak in support of anything, we need to enhance what BBC local radio is highly valued local radio services. To my pleasant surprise, achieving. I find I must declare a family interest, though I would The BBC has become involved in a race. I do not not have had to do so a week ago. My sister found out know whether it is the same in other areas, but six or last Friday that she has been accepted into the BBC’s seven years ago in my part of the world, BBC Radio talent pool and is therefore one more person with a Cornwall adopted “Radio Anywhere” jingles and a profound interest in its future. broadcast style and manner that is replicated in the grid It is not on my sister’s behalf that I am speaking, but pattern of BBC local radio across the country. I am not on that of my constituents, who value their local radio 213WH BBC Local Radio5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 214WH station, BBC Hereford and Worcester. Among its 110,000 and Worcester’s Paul Damari, our weatherman, is legendary; listeners, it has 33,000 who listen to no other BBC it would be harder to retain that knowledge with a station and 18,000 who listen to no other station at all. I broadcasting schedule of only a few hours a day. speak on behalf of the tens of thousands of listeners My case is that local radio remains a vital public who value, through the day, BBC Hereford and Worcester’s service. If there is any justification for public service updates on real local news, its local sports coverage and broadcasting, then surely local broadcasting should be the invaluable public service that it provides in times of at the forefront. The BBC must do what it can to crisis. I hope that we speak in this debate on behalf manage its way through these financial challenges, but of common sense when it comes to the BBC’s handling the suggestion of abandoning local radio is fraught of its financial challenges. with risk. It is the wrong cut to the wrong target. Cutting local radio, which represents a fraction of As we prepare for the Easter recess, I am reminded of the total radio budget and a still smaller fraction of the the parable of the speck and the beam in Luke’s gospel, overall budget of the BBC, is not the obvious place to in which one man focuses on the speck in his brother’s start. There is no doubt that the BBC, like other public eye rather than removing the beam from his own. The bodies, must cut its cloth to fit the times, but it has a BBC gives wall-to-wall coverage of Government cuts great deal of cloth from which to cut, including large and their impact on local communities, but it must also headquarters buildings and several smart television studios consider its own decisions and do the right thing to around the country, and budgets for entertainment, protect genuine community services such as local radio. publicity and promotion, the salaries that it pays to big name broadcasters and the budgets of expensive television productions. Perhaps some of the many hundreds of 10.33 am people who covered Glastonbury last year should be Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): It is a spared before the 30 who work hard in my local radio pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Turner. station. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk The “delivering quality first” proposals that prompted Coastal (Dr Coffey) on securing this important debate. this debate have not yet been properly costed. They are I wonder whether the BBC has lost the plot and only ideas at present. However, the director-general has completely forgotten that it is a public sector broadcaster. suggested that £150 million could be saved by scrapping Several hon. Members have discussed the vital nature of overnight television programming between 10.30 pm the BBC to local communities. I draw on the comments and 6 am, showing repeats instead. That is more than of my hon. Friend the Member for North Thanet the total cost of BBC local radio throughout the UK, (Mr Gale) about Radio Kent; I was brought up in Kent, which costs £137 million. and I remember sitting around the radio waiting to hear whether my school had been closed—those were exciting Apart from the fact that local radio is enjoyed by times. thousands every day, as other hon. Members have suggested, it comes into its own in times of crisis. In Worcestershire Tony Cunningham: We have talked about flooding in the summer of 2007, we faced cataclysmic flooding, a and other crises, but we tend to forget the huge crisis one-in-100-years flood that caused weeks of disruption, that hit the farming industry—the foot and mouth and images of our county were shown on the national outbreak of 2001. BBC Radio Cumbria—and, I am news for all the wrong reasons. In such circumstances, sure, local radio stations around the country—was vital, local radio comes into its own. People who were stranded as farmers who were completely isolated were able to were able to get help, drivers were able to avoid the tune into their local radio stations. closed roads, and SOS messages from farmers needing their cows to be milked and from the elderly in need of Alec Shelbrooke: Absolutely. That example shows food were responded to, thanks to local radio. how important local radio is. Many years ago, freak snowstorms in October cut off I raise those subjects because I want to discuss the my family in our home in rural Worcestershire. For technology. Local radio is broadcast on FM because its more than a week, the power was out and the heating reach is relatively small compared with other forms of was off, and the local radio on battery-powered radios broadcasting. The FM signal goes roughly the distance was our lifeline to the outside world, bringing news and that the eye can see—about 20 or 21 miles. It has the comfort. Much more recently, in last year’s hard winter, unique ability to allow several local radio stations to when snow drifts struck and thousands were stranded, broadcast to their communities on specific local issues. it was to local radio that many people turned. I remember I can understand the BBC thinking that Radio 5 Live sliding along in my car listening to an SOS from a local has become a popular radio station and that it might wedding because the DJ had failed to arrive. It was not say, “Let’s move it on to those FM frequencies, which a matter of life or death, but as I plan to get married we can free up by getting rid of local radio.” However, this Saturday, I can say that it must have felt so. Only that does a disservice to Radio 5 Live listeners. local radio could have delivered on such a mission—and Many Members have said that sports coverage on the it did. BBC is fantastic, and my hon. Friend the Member for If the cuts were to go ahead, the BBC would suffer North Thanet was right to say that it was a brave from the loss of local knowledge and contacts provided decision to create Radio 5 Live. I remember tuning to by the local radio network. Many journalists—and, it Radio 2 on Saturday afternoons to get football and seems, many MPs—began their careers in local radio, sports reports. When 5 Live came along, broadcasts but many of the most popular and well-loved characters were much more focused. However, medium wave on the airwaves have remained there for many years. broadcasts have the advantage that they can be heard in The local knowledge of figures such as BBC Hereford many areas that cannot receive FM. Indeed, given the 215WH BBC Local Radio5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 216WH

[Alec Shelbrooke] There is a role for public service broadcasting. I urge the BBC to take a close look at how it spends its money. correct atmospheric conditions, I have been able to pick It should remember its remit as a public service broadcaster. up Radio 5 Live in the Italian Alps. If we move the If that means getting rid of BBC 3 and BBC 4, and programme to FM, we shall disfranchise many listeners. using the BBC 1, BBC 2 and Radio 4 Extra channels I remember talk of making Radio 4 long wave into a instead to save money for BBC local radio, then that is news-only channel, and the resulting outcry from people what it should do. It should remember that technology who would not be able to hear “The Archers”, because allows it to use FM. It should also remember that they would not be able to pick up Radio 4 FM in the having medium wave for Radio 5 Live will let everybody more remote locations. hear those commentaries that we all appreciate and Some argue that we could move to digital channels. love. We have heard much about sports coverage today, but about two years ago coverage of Leeds United was 10.39 am moved from BBC Leeds to Yorkshire Radio, a station owned by Ken Bates. I am sure that everyone will Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): I congratulate the understand why he did that. The argument that we hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) on securing could hear the commentary on digital radio disfranchised this debate and on her speech. Like a number of hon. a great number of people in the Leeds area, who cannot Members this morning, she used her service with the now pick up the Leeds United commentary. The BBC BBC to inform the debate. says that it could use digital stations, but many people I associate myself with the remarks that have been do not have access to a digital set. More importantly, in made about the important role that the BBC plays in some of the more remote areas it is difficult to pick up a the lives both of the nation and of the regions and digital signal. communities that we represent. The structure of the The BBC needs to consider why it exists. Its primary BBC, like that of the NHS, says a huge amount about function is public service broadcasting. If the BBC is how we see ourselves as a nation—it is something to looking to save money, why do we need BBC 3 television? which we all contribute and from which we all benefit. BBC 3 does exactly what BBC 1 and BBC 2 used to It occupies a crucial role in our national life. More than do—and what Radio 4 used to do, as many of the any other broadcaster or media outlet in Britain or comedies that are now trialled on BBC 3 used to be elsewhere, the BBC is trusted for its impartiality. trialled on Radio 4. The BBC’s 40 local stations, not least Radio Suffolk, play a hugely important role across Britain. They have Jason McCartney: My hon. Friend has hit the nail on 7.5 million listeners a week—an increase of 500,000 on the head. It is all about financial choice. The BBC last year and more than 700,000 on the year before. A Democracy Live website is apparently not showing this third of listeners, some 2.5 million, listen to no other debate; instead, it is showing coverage of the EU Parliament. BBC station and almost a fifth listen to no other station Will my hon. Friend join me in saying that it should at all. Some 1.5 million British people get pretty much ditch that EU coverage and spend the money on BBC all of their news from their local BBC radio station. local radio? BBC local radio reaches 31% of less affluent over 55-year-olds, which is well ahead of Radio 2 at 24% and Alec Shelbrooke: I am sure that our written media Radio 4 at 16%. At 35%, local radio’s reach for less give more than enough coverage to European matters, affluent pensioners is even higher. In fact, the figure is and the BBC does not need to follow them. The BBC higher than for any other station. Given the proportion should prioritise. of people listening in the morning, BBC local radio is “Little Britain” and “The League of Gentlemen” are one of the main sources from which those people get very successful comedies on BBC 1, but they started on pretty much all their news and current affairs. Such Radio 4. I am sure that many will have read that BBC figures are really important, because they show how Radio 7 was rebranded to form Radio 4 Extra, with new local radio helps the BBC deliver effectively to all editions of “The Archers” and so on. It is a better licence fee payers. They show how significant numbers listening feast. New comedies should be trialled on of licence fee payers, particularly older and less affluent Radio 4 Extra, which is a digital channel. BBC 3 is a ones, would not be served properly if substantial parts digital channel, and getting rid of it would free lots of of the local radio service were removed. money. BBC 4 is a great channel, with some highbrow broadcasting, but its content used to be shown on BBC Tony Cunningham: May I go a stage further? For 2. Why are we spreading the money around? BBC 3 and many people who are elderly, disabled or housebound, BBC 4 could be scrapped, and that money could be local radio is not just something to which they listen, used for local radio. In my opinion, that would cause no but a lifeline. loss of content or quality for BBC viewers and listeners. Some of the more commercial stations, such as Radio Ian Austin: My hon. Friend is absolutely correct. 1 and Radio 2, could easily survive in the commercial That is a really important point about the BBC’s local world, but the BBC is a public service broadcaster. services, which are listened to and which give a voice to Radio 3 has been mentioned. It has a small audience, all those who are otherwise not catered for by other and it offers a unique service of limited appeal and may broadcasters, whether those broadcasters are run by the not be commercial viable, but it plays complete pieces of BBC or anybody else. music, unlike Classic FM. Despite being commercially The BBC runs five local radio stations in my region successful, Classic FM does not play the intellectual of the west midlands, including the brilliant BBC WM pieces that can be heard on Radio 3. with its broadcasting legends Ed Doolan, Paul Franks 217WH BBC Local Radio5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 218WH and Phil Upton, on whose show the hon. Lady and I The BBC’s economic impact study shows that every were interviewed this morning. pound of licence fee generates £2 of value to the licence Local radio in the midlands attracts more than 800,000 fee payer. I am worried that the money that is spent on listeners each week, and its content is of huge importance. production would be jeopardised if the local and regional It organises detailed debates and discussions on issues radio network was undermined as part of the current of local and regional importance. As my hon. Friends discussions. The point about cost and benefits is really the Members for Workington (Tony Cunningham) and important. The benefit of the licence fee should be felt for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram) have said, it by all licence fee payers and all citizens in all parts of covers major issues such as crises and floods. At the the UK. moment, there are debates involving the candidates to This morning, Government and Opposition Members be elected mayor in Leicester and Mansfield, discussions have celebrated the BBC’s work and the important role about the impact of spending cuts on the voluntary that it plays at a local and regional level. None the less, sector in the black country, coverage of local government many of us are concerned about what impact the savings elections, Ed Doolan’s legendary consumer advice service will have on its work. Of course, savings and efficiencies and brilliant sports reports, all of which would not be should be made where it is possible—no one disagrees covered or debated were it not for the BBC’s local and with that. Like all broadcasters and other media regional output. organisations, the BBC constantly has to adapt and modernise its service to reflect the introduction of digital services and other technological advances. Andrew George: The hon. Gentleman makes a vital point. Without local reporting, including BBC local Many hon. Members are worried that the scale of the radio, where would people go? These days, they may go savings that the BBC has been asked to find will be to the internet and the social networking blogosphere, difficult to achieve without compromising the important where there is a lot of uncorroborated rumour plied by functions that have been discussed this morning. I have rather sad and mendacious people, who often want to a number of questions for the Minister about the impact defame those engaged in trying to inform people. Is it that the cuts will have on the BBC over the next four not the case that the alternatives are rather worrying? years. How confident is the Minister that the duties set out in the royal charter will not be jeopardised by the savings that have to be made? How does he think that Ian Austin: The hon. Gentleman is correct in his the savings should be shared between national, regional comments about the rigour, impartiality and accuracy and local services? What criteria should be applied to that underpin the BBC’s work. where the cuts will fall? How does he think that those The BBC’s local and regional output is a core part of criteria might affect programme quality? What guarantees its work. Without it, I wonder whether it is possible for has he sought about the impact on the diversity and the BBC to fulfil both its mission to inform, educate quality of regional and local services? Based on his and entertain and its public purpose, which is set out in discussions with BBC management, can he tell us how its charter. For example, it has a duty to represent the many jobs might be jeopardised by the process? To what different nations, regions and communities and portray extent does he believe that the users of the BBC’s local and celebrate their range of cultures and communities and regional services should be consulted about any at a national, regional and local levels. changes? I will finish there in the hope that the Minister will address some of those questions in his response. Dr Coffey: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is a contradiction that the BBC is spending money moving TV production away from the centres to the regions and 10.48 pm nations, but, at the same time, almost taking away that The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, regionalisation from radio? Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): Iam grateful to the hon. Member for Dudley North (Ian Ian Austin: The hon. Lady makes an important point, Austin) for those questions and to my hon. Friend the and I will expand on it in a minute. Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) for securing this debate. Many Members have used this as an The BBC also has a duty to provide a range of opportunity to highlight the quality of their local BBC outputs, including original content, to meet the needs of radio service. However, I will, if I may, make a brief the different nations, regions and communities of the correction. Each Member gave the impression that they UK. had the best service in the country, but let me say that As the hon. Lady has said, the BBC’s English local BBC Radio Oxford is, in fact, the best local BBC station radio network also represents value for money. The in the country. BBC’s total spend in 2012 was £3.5 billion, of which Like many of the other stations that hon. Members BBC local radio in England spent £137 million. The have mentioned, BBC Radio Oxford was particularly service costs just 3.2p per user per hour, which is less prominent at a difficult time for its local area. In BBC than half the cost of BBC Radio Scotland and a fraction Radio Oxford’s case, that was when my own constituency of the cost of the Welsh language service. suffered from flooding in 2007, and the station continues As the hon. Lady has said, the BBC makes an important to provide a first-class service to my constituents and to contribution to the economies and cultural lives of the other people living in Oxfordshire. In particular, there is English regions with networked programming outside Malcolm Boyden’s excellent breakfast show and there is London supporting 7,000 jobs in Glasgow, Cardiff and Bill Heine’s show. Bill Heine is famous not only for Bristol, which is worth around £200 million to the being an excellent presenter, but for having a shark that economy of those areas each year. comes out of his roof in Oxford. 219WH BBC Local Radio5 APRIL 2011 BBC Local Radio 220WH

[Mr Edward Vaizey] member of its corporate affairs department. To give the BBC due credit, it takes debates in this House very Obviously, I want to address the concerns that have seriously. been raised, particularly those raised by the hon. Member Radio remains a very important medium in this for Dudley North, as best I can in the short time country. Every week, more than 90% of the population remaining to me. First, however, having criticised hon. consume more than a billion hours of radio in total. Members for trying to give the impression that their The radio landscape in the UK is more diverse than local BBC radio station was better than BBC Radio ever, with listeners having access to more than 20 national Oxford, let me say that I agree with them when they say radio stations, 400 local radio stations and 200 community that their voices should be heard by the BBC. radio stations. The creation of a community radio It is a testament to the commitment to the BBC of landscape is something that the last Government can hon. Members, and therefore a testament to the genuinely take credit for. In addition, internet radio commitment to the BBC of their constituents, that so makes it possible to listen to a diverse range of radio many of them have turned out for this morning’s debate stations from across the globe. to make their contributions. The hon. Member for We have debated the importance of localness in radio Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith) spoke about a number of times in this House and it was certainly a the importance of Radio Sheffield and she made the feature of the recent debate on changes in media ownership particularly good point that local radio offers an rules. Ensuring localness in radio is a key part of the opportunity for emerging talent to hone its skills. My regulatory regime for commercial radio and Ofcom is hon. Friend the Member for North Thanet (Mr Gale) required to ensure that commercial radio produces an talked about his vast experience in the media. Contributions appropriate amount of local material. For many commercial were also made by the hon. Members for Liverpool, stations, their local nature is their key differentiator. Walton (Steve Rotheram), for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) The location of their studios in the local high street, and for St Ives (Andrew George) and by my hon. Friend and the fact that their presenters travel the same roads the Member for Colne Valley (Jason McCartney) and to work as their listeners, allow those stations to speak my hon. Friend the Member for Winchester (Mr Brine), more directly to their listeners than some other stations. who acknowledged that some change is not always to be That is true of both commercial and BBC services. opposed. My hon. Friend the Member for Worcester However, those local media businesses are competing (Mr Walker), who is to be congratulated on his impending in an increasingly global media market, and commercial nuptials, also made a contribution. radio in the UK has seen its total revenues fall in the In fact, there is something about the BBC and marriage. past 10 years. So the needs of commercial businesses I say that because when I participated in a debate on the and the public policies of localness do not always sit BBC on Friday, such was the interest that I began easily together. Having said that, I am a supporter, for reading Dods from cover to cover and discovered that example, of some of the technology that some commercial the hon. Member for Chippenham (Duncan Hames) is radio companies are introducing to help them to reduce also due to be married; I also extend my congratulations the fixed costs of local studios and avoid the duplication to him. Of course, I also congratulate my hon. Friend of resources. But I know that that is not always popular, the Member for Elmet and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke) as the hon. Member for Colchester (Bob Russell) made on his contribution to the debate. very clear in a debate that we had on the localness rules. As I say, all those hon. Members made their feelings I also want to mention briefly the success of community known and I stress that what the BBC is apparently radio, which was introduced by the last Government in undertaking—I have not been briefed on this matter 2004. Community radio has quickly grown into an formally—is some kind of a consultation. However, important and thriving third tier of radio. Community hon. Members may recall the time that the BBC proposed services are the embodiment of local radio, with stations to close BBC 6 Music. There was an outcry, many hon. staffed and programmes presented by local volunteers. I Members became involved in the debate about that am pleased that, last week, Ofcom announced a further station, and the decision to close it was reversed by the round of licensing for community radio, so that even BBC Trust. Therefore, if these apparent proposals by more communities can benefit from such stations. If the BBC are firmed up, hon. Members will have a hon. Members do not have a community radio station chance to lobby the BBC Trust and perhaps persuade in or near their constituency, I urge them to look into its members that there are better ways to go forward. community radio. I promised to turn to the specific issue that my hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal raised, which is Alec Shelbrooke: I just want to respond to the Minister’s the speculation around the networking of the BBC’s comments about how BBC 6 Music was due to be local and regional services. As I said, the suggestion closed down and people lobbied against its closure. that the BBC will scale down its nations and regions BBC 6 Music offered a unique service. I urge my hon. services and its network programming with BBC Radio Friend to say to the BBC, “Get rid of the duplicity first Five Live is, at the moment, just speculation. The BBC and then let us see where we are”. is considering a number of proposals and absolutely no decision has been made at this time. Mr Vaizey: I am not sure whether my hon. Friend The hon. Member for Dudley North rightly pointed meant “duplicity” or “duplication”. “Duplicity” may out that the reduction in resources for the BBC could have been a Freudian slip there. [Laughter.] Let me also present the corporation with some problems. However, say that I am confident that the BBC is watching this it is worth looking at this issue of resources in the debate. When I participated in the debate on Friday round. It was only a couple of years ago that the BBC about the BBC, I received regular text messages from a was considering going into local video, in addition to 221WH BBC Local Radio 5 APRIL 2011 222WH local radio. That proposal was fiercely opposed by Advice Centres (Barnsley and Sheffield) many in this House because they wanted to preserve space for the commercial radio sector. The BBC had the resources then to make a significant expansion and 11 am therefore it does not need to consider making a significant Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): It contraction now. I will not pick up on the specific is a pleasure to deliver my speech in this debate under points that my hon. Friend the Member for North your chairmanship, Mr Turner. Thanet made, but he said that there are numerous ways in which the BBC could save money. Finally, I suspect Most people never need to seek advice, and I hope that changes to local radio programming are driven that that remains the case, but some people, often more by editorial decisions than by the need to save through no fault of their own, find themselves in difficulty, money. with creditors knocking on the door or, in the most extreme circumstances, their homes being taken away. The hon. Member for Dudley North asked me a Such people are often going through a terrible time. number of questions and I suggest that I should write They might have lost a partner or a job, or they might to him in some detail about them. For example, to ask find that they cannot work anymore, and it is at such me as a Minister to opine on how BBC savings should times that the advice centre comes into its own. It can be divided between national, regional and local services offer practical help by guiding people to a safe haven is to invite me to go beyond my brief in trying to decide and helping them to rebuild their lives. how the BBC should use its money. But I am certainly happy to approach the director-general of the BBC to My constituency is typical of many in this country, ask him what criteria he intends to apply and to ask for with parts in which deprivation levels are high and guarantees about programme quality and diversity. There increasing worklessness and unemployment, which is is no doubt that some jobs may be lost in the BBC, but not helped, it has to be said, by the cutting of public again that will be a matter for the BBC itself to consider. sector jobs. The constituency covers the north of Sheffield and the west of Barnsley, and it has three advice centres The BBC now has a seven-year licence fee settlement. for an electorate of about 70,000. On the Sheffield side, It has certainty of funding for the next seven years, the two advice centres, Chapel Green and Stocksbridge, which is something that no other media company in this are independent of Citizens Advice, and on the Barnsley country enjoys. It is quite right that the BBC should be side a citizens advice bureau covers most of the area. examining the scope for efficiency savings while looking The centres’ services are provided on very tight budgets, to deliver the best quality service possible with the and the centres draw heavily on the contribution made funds available to it. by an army of well-trained and well-motivated The BBC has launched its internal consultation, volunteers—the original big society, even before it became “Delivering Quality First”, and the proposed changes a PR slogan. to BBC local radio is just one topic of discussion. As I Even when the economy was in good health and said, however, there is a bright future for local news and employment levels were at record highs, advice centres local content, not only with commercial radio, community played an important role in supporting individuals who radio and the move towards digital radio, but with a found themselves struggling with the business of everyday subject that I am surprised not a single hon. Member survival, and demand for such support is now rising has mentioned in the debate—the advent of local television. because of the present economic climate. Unemployment Local television will bring a huge rebirth of local content is rising, and inflation is running at 5.5% on the RPI across communities in this country, and we should see measure, with the cost of everyday items, particularly the first fruits of that initiative early next year. food and petrol, increasing significantly. People are feeling the pinch, and those who have lost their jobs are likely to need significant levels of support if they are to succeed in protecting their families and getting back on their feet. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that as the Government spending cuts bite, personal indebtedness will increase by a massive £303 billion by 2015, meaning that average household debt will rise to £77,309—the previous projection was £66,291. To put it another way, household debt will rise to 170% of household income according to independent forecasts by a body set up by the Government themselves. One of the advice centres in my constituency has informed me that it has recently seen a 13% increase in the number of people seeking advice. In Barnsley, the citizens advice bureau has seen a massive 25% increase in the level of debt that it is being asked to advise on—the debt totalled almost £18 million last year. The Barnsley centre now receives 50 new debt-related inquiries a day, and debt accounts for 60% of its work. That is a frightening figure by anyone’s standards, and even more so in Barnsley, which will suffer particularly badly because of the cuts. All three advice centres agree that the situation will get worse as the Government’s austerity drive gathers pace in the coming months and years. 223WH Advice Centres (Barnsley and 5 APRIL 2011 Advice Centres (Barnsley and 224WH Sheffield) Sheffield) [Angela Smith] Not only has that grant been cut by 11%, but the funding received is for only six months, which is the This is not a time, therefore, to cut funding to advice Lib-Dem council’s policy, and the centre has been told centres, but that is exactly what is happening, never that it will then have to compete for a share of any mind that the financial inclusion fund has been reprieved. possible further funding. The centre covers not only the I acknowledge the fact that the Government have done north-east of the city, but also part of the massive that for the time being, but anyone familiar with the Parson Cross estate, the levels of deprivation of which funding regimes that apply to advice centres knows that are well known. The centre already runs on the work of the centres typically sustain themselves from a number volunteers and can only pay for a part-time manager, of sources. who is a very effective and dedicated individual. I run Stocksbridge advice centre is isolated in a steel-producing my surgeries from the Chapel Green advice centre on community seven miles from the next nearest advice the fourth Saturday of every month, and the manager centre, and it has seen its £84,000 budget reduced to turns out every single time to welcome my constituents £29,000 for the financial year that is just starting, thanks and to ensure that they are looked after while they wait to a number of decisions made by the Government. to see me. That is the level of dedication that he shows That is a massive cut by anyone’s standards. The centre’s in his work. He has been running the centre on a biggest loss is the £42,000 it used to get from Yorkshire shoestring for years, but the financial situation is now Forward, the regional development agency for Yorkshire deteriorating very rapidly, and if the centre is unsuccessful and the Humber that the coalition Government have in gaining further funding, it will no doubt face closure. abolished. The centre has also been told by the Lib-Dem Adequate debt advice will become unavailable to Sheffield city council that it will receive funding for only much of the population in north Sheffield, which involves six months of the coming year, because the council is about 40,000 people. The bit of Parson Cross covered required to save £80 million in one year thanks to by the advice centre has serious levels of deprivation. It reductions in its Government grant, with further amounts was once part of Sheffield, Brightside, one of the most to be cut from its budget in future years, of course. deprived constituencies in the north of England. The There is, therefore, only six months’ guaranteed income centre there secured £691,373.29 in unclaimed benefits from the council, after which the centre will have to bid for its clients during the financial year just closed. That for further funding for the rest of the year and beyond. is nearly £750,000 pumped into the local economy, with The centre serves not only the steel town from which it all the benefits accruing from that. This point must be takes its name, but a large rural area that extends well read into this debate: advice centres secure moneys due into the Peak District and to the wonderful market to local people, which has a knock-on effect on the local town of Penistone in Barnsley. The consequences of the economy and its shops and businesses at a time when reductions are that the number of paid staff will reduce those businesses need to be stimulated for their long-term from 2.6 to 0.9 full-time equivalents and the service survival. provided will be put at risk, despite the eight doughty volunteers who give their time for free, week in and The same centre reports that queries relating to debt week out. increased by 21% over the past year, with telephone queries up by 6%. In Barnsley, the local Labour council The centre’s statistics clearly demonstrate its worth. has been able to maintain the CAB’s funding of £195,000 Client gains in welfare benefits were in excess of £586,000 for another year. I applaud Councillor Stephen Houghton for the past year, which roughly equates to a £6 gain for for making the brave decision not to cut that funding in every £1 spent by the centre. That does not include the the face of a £26 million reduction in the moneys amount of debt dealt with, which by October 2010 was available to spend on services. He has recognised that well in excess of £500,000. In the past year, the centre the financial plight of many people living in his borough also undertook 134 home visits; every MP knows that must be a top priority in terms of local services delivered. home visits are an essential part of any advice service, However, although the retention of the financial inclusion and we occasionally have to do them ourselves, visiting fund is also helpful, the future of Barnsley CAB is still disabled people, for example, or the parents of children uncertain, and although the grant level is being maintained, with special needs. The advice centre also represented it is still being cut in real terms when inflation is taken 34 clients at social security tribunals. It is worth pointing into consideration. out that the centre covers a huge geographical area to the north of Sheffield, including parts of western Barnsley The centre covers not only a large part of the west of and, as I have said, the next nearest advice centre is my constituency but the rest of the borough of Barnsley, more than seven miles away, in Hillsborough, in the which features in any index of deprivation. If there is urban part of Sheffield. The Hillsborough centre is any borough in England that needs support even now, it already working at full capacity, and could not take on is Barnsley. It has some of the highest levels of people the extra workload if Stocksbridge ceased to exist—it on incapacity benefit in England, a lot of whom have would be physically and financially impossible. A huge long-term illness resulting from their work in the mining area would, therefore, be left without advice cover and, industry. People in Barnsley need support. In these given that a large part of it is rural and rather isolated—we difficult times, the Government must thoroughly reconsider are talking about the Peak District national park in its the cumulative impact of their policies on advice centres. north-eastern reaches—such a possibility is rather worrying, The future of those centres is at risk not only from the to say the least. The very idea that such a large area cuts that almost all of them face from local authorities could be left without the provision is of huge concern to but from their loss of funding from various other my constituents. sources. In the eastern part of my constituency, the local Although the big society is a great slogan, it still independent advice centre, Chapel Green, relies entirely needs funding. Volunteers are great and do a valuable on a grant from Sheffield city council for its survival. job, but they need support and training, which takes 225WH Advice Centres (Barnsley and 5 APRIL 2011 Advice Centres (Barnsley and 226WH Sheffield) Sheffield) money, and advice centres ultimately need paid professional However, I am delighted that in this coming year, we input to work. The Government must understand that have been able through the spending review to protect if we are really all in this together, advice centres need to the budget that the Department provides for Citizens be sustained. They provide critical individual support Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland. That will make to tackle difficult and entrenched problems relating to an important contribution to all citizens advice bureaux issues such as debt, disability and housing. across the country for provision of IT and other services. The Government must also understand that it would be damaging to force through a centralised rationalisation Angela Smith: The key point that I made was that not of advice centre services by contracting out the work to all advice centres are run by Citizens Advice. The cumulative call centres. When people are in trouble, they need the impact of the loss of funding from various sources is personalised and sensitive approach that they get from creating the problem. I could contest the point about face-to-face service. As MPs, we know that most of our the deficit and the Government’s way of dealing with it, constituents are happy for us to deal with their problems but my key point and priority is that the funding for one after a quick e-mail or phone call, but some constituents of my advice centres has been cut from £84,000 to have problems that are so complex and entrenched that £29,000 in this financial year, and its viability is at risk. they must meet us face to face at our surgeries in order to explain them so that we can work out what needs to be done. The same applies to advice centres, which need Mr Davey: The hon. Lady is right to make the point to be able to offer a face-to-face service. that it is not just about Citizens Advice. I take that on board. In considering debt advice, we want to ensure The challenge is clear. Are we all in this together? If that we look across the whole piece both locally and so, and if we believe in the big society, I ask the nationally, as numerous organisations have a national Government not to endanger an increasingly vital service locus in that area. She is also right to say that citizens that is valued by our communities. advice bureaux rely on many sources of money. That is why I recently met the Minister with responsibility for civil society, the hon. Member for Ruislip, Northwood 11.14 am and Pinner (Mr Hurd), and Ministers from other The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Departments with an interest in the area, such as the Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): I congratulate Department for Work and Pensions and the Ministry of the hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Justice, to ensure that we take a cross-Government view Smith) on securing this debate. I regard the citizens of funding for the advice sector. It is critical. advice bureaux in my constituency as incredibly important, The hon. Lady is right to mention the cumulative as I know she does. If other Members were here to listen impact. From the perspective of my Department, in to this debate, they would be praising the valuable work funding Citizens Advice—and, as she was kind enough done by CABs. to say, in securing the financial inclusion fund for Like the hon. Lady, I hold advice surgeries in some of face-to-face debt advice—we believe that we are playing my local CABs and work with them closely. I do not our part. Working with colleagues across Government, think that I could do my job as a constituency MP we want to consider not just the current year but the properly without that partnership with my local citizens next few years to ensure that there are no unintended advice bureaux. They refer people to me sometimes, but consequences resulting from a failure to join up the I generally refer people to them. I agree completely with different parts of Government. her and pay tribute to the many volunteers and staff Focusing on the issues raised by the hon. Lady, she who work in CABs. They do an amazing job. spent a little time, as I have mentioned, on debt advice. I hold two advice surgeries a week, spending six to She said that the Office for Budget Responsibility would eight hours face to face with constituents, and I think see an increase in indebtedness, which is absolutely true. that I see only the tip of the iceberg of the social issues It is already incredibly high. We have already seen, over out there. The hon. Lady spoke particularly about debt. the past few years, a massive increase in indebtedness, She is absolutely right that citizens advice bureaux play which is why more money has been spent by both the a critical role in debt management. We are currently previous Government and this Government in this area. consulting on consumer credit and personal insolvency, That is also why we have to think carefully about how and after the recess, we will be responding to the evidence we manage the issue. Whether it is through the phone, that we have received on the issue. The overall way in the internet, or face to face, we need to make sure that which we treat debt management and advice must be we provide the services that people actually need. We thought through more carefully than it has been. We need to go deeply into this, because there are other can do a lot more for a lot more people with the money issues in relation to debt advice about which we need to thatwehave. think carefully. The hon. Lady made a powerful case for her constituency We need to think about mental health. People with and the advice centres there. However, what she did not debt problems often suffer mental health problems as say—I am sorry to pull her up on this point, as I have a well—it is a huge relationship—so we need to think lot of sympathy for what she said—is that the Government about how we manage that. We need to think carefully are dealing with a huge Budget deficit, the largest in our about how we encourage people to come forward early peacetime. We have had to take tough decisions. I had enough to get support and advice. We need to make to see the previous chief executive of Citizens Advice to sure that the voluntary and charitable sectors are well tell that organisation in-year that it had to make serious known enough among people who suffer from debt, so budget cuts. That was probably my most difficult meeting that people who have problems do not just go to people and the most difficult decision to take. in the private sector who provide very expensive debt 227WH Advice Centres (Barnsley and 5 APRIL 2011 Advice Centres (Barnsley and 228WH Sheffield) Sheffield) [Mr Davey] at the whole of the advice sector in Sheffield city council and that all independent advice providers, as well as the advice and sometimes make the problem even worse. CAB, will be eligible to apply in the new process. We need to make sure that they know that advice There is a local, independent consortium of advice centres are available. agencies in the south Yorkshire area. Advice Sheffield I think that the hon. Lady and I have the same includes the CAB and independent providers and it is objective in mind. I shall not suggest that her constituency looking at how it can reshape advice provision in Sheffield is the same as mine, because there are different levels of to ensure that the services are available to those who deprivation, but I assure her that mine, as well as those need them. It is interesting that that consortium of of all Members, has pockets of deprivation and people advice agencies also wants to see how it can improve the who need the services under discussion. provision of its advice. Although it recognises that we The hon. Lady mentioned the situation in Barnsley are in difficult financial times as we try to tackle the and Sheffield. She will know, of course, that local deficit, it is doing its best for local people. It is right that authorities make decisions on funding local bureaux. advice providers, as well as local authorities, think Such decisions are not made by national Government. strategically. The previous Government took that view. There is not I want to make sure that I answer some of the hon. some sort of centralised support for individual bureaux, Lady’s core questions. She made an important point and I hope that she was not suggesting that we should about the support that advice surgeries give to people do that. who need to claim benefits, often making them realise that they are entitled to benefits in the first place. It is Angela Smith: What I am saying is that the Liberal certainly important that they secure many benefit deals. Democrat council in Sheffield has cut funding and has I do not think, certainly from the evidence that our given it for only six months. The key point, however, in Department is receiving, that those sorts of services will relation to Stocksbridge advice centre is that it has lost be taken away from people. I assure the hon. Lady that £42,000 as a result of the abolition of the regional we are looking at the issue closely. The evidence that we development agency. That is Government policy—it are getting is that budgets are tight and there is absolutely has nothing to do with the local council. no dispute about that, but what we are not seeing—I pay tribute to the local authorities that are playing a key Mr Davey: I think that we agreed earlier that there are role in this—is a whole set of bureaux closing. We want different sources of funding for advice services. That is to make sure that they can continue. why I am meeting other Ministers from across the We are taking a lot of other long-term decisions. I Government to make sure that, as we think through the have mentioned debt advice, but we are also undertaking next few years, we recognise those sorts of issues. a consumer landscape review—we published a consultation The hon. Lady talked about Sheffield city council, in either May or June—which will address the consumer which, like many other local authorities, has had a space, which has a whole range of different national tough settlement. It has to make some tough decisions and regional organisations. We want to see whether we and no one pretends otherwise. We cannot get out of can get better value for money for consumers and the massive deficit that we are in, in any sensible way, citizens from the confusing plethora of fragmented without taking some difficult decisions. I will not second- aspects of the sector. The organisation that we have guess the decisions that Sheffield city council are taking. asked to lead that is the National Association of Citizens The hon. Lady has pointed out a number of times that Advice Bureaux. That involves not just the national Chapel Green and Stocksbridge advice centres have organisation, where a lot of the national work will be been given funding for only the first six months of this done, but its relationship with local bureaux, which are, financial year, but my understanding is that Sheffield in many ways, the front line for consumers and citizens city council—the same is true of a number of local to make sure that they have the information they need authorities throughout the country—is doing a review and that they can register their concerns and complaints of the provision of advice within the city and looking to and get advice or redress in relation to their benefit move to a new commissioning process later this year. Of claims. course, that entails a degree of uncertainty in the short term, but the objective, as I understand it, is to make Angela Smith: It has to be pointed out that I have still sure that advice services can get support over the not received an answer to my key point, which is that forthcoming years, and get it in the most effective way Stocksbridge advice centre is living on borrowed time. possible. Nationally, we are reviewing the way in which The £42,000 to which I referred was European funding advice is provided, and I do not think it unreasonable that was directed through the regional development that local authorities are reviewing that, too. I certainly agency, and that has now disappeared altogether. What hope that, when they have made those reviews, they will will the Government do to ensure that moneys due to be in a position whereby they can stably fund their local areas such as Sheffield will stay in Sheffield? advice centres. One of the issues that always comes up in my area—our Mr Davey: If the Minister of State, Department for council has responded to this—is the need to help the Business, Innovation and Skills, my hon. Friend the voluntary sector in general and the CAB in particular Member for Hertford and Stortford (Mr Prisk) was know their budgets for, ideally, about three years. Sometimes, present, he would no doubt explain to the hon. Lady however, an initial strategic review is needed to arrive at that, although major changes are taking place due to that certainty. It is up to Sheffield city council how it the RDAs going and local enterprise partnerships being does its review and which new commissioning process set up, the European money to which she referred, to undertake. My understanding is that the review looks which was channelled through Yorkshire Forward to 229WH Advice Centres (Barnsley and 5 APRIL 2011 230WH Sheffield) her CAB, can still, we believe, be obtained. I cannot tell Groceries Code Adjudicator her how it will be allocated, because Yorkshire Forward will no longer exist, but it is not true to say that that money will all be lost to the system. [MR ROGER GALE in the Chair] I share the hon. Lady’s concern that these are challenging times for the CAB, but our Department is making sure that the national organisation has its funding protected. 2.30 pm We believe that, working across Departments and with Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con): May I local authorities, we can ensure that the advice that is say what a pleasure it is to serve under such esteemed sorely needed will be available. chairmanship, Mr Gale? You will bring an enlightened and seasoned touch to the proceedings. In many ways, 11.29 am I would have loved to entitle the debate “supermarket Sitting suspended. ombudsman” because so many people understand what that means. When I told my local paper that I had a very important debate on the groceries code adjudicator, there was a blank silence on the other end of the phone. I tried to ensure that the person concerned understood what an important debate it was, but I am afraid that a blank silence still greeted me on the other end of the phone. This important debate is about so much more than just farming or processes; it is about our supermarkets and everything we do and rely on. I do not come to this debate as a farmer or with any great farming heritage. I confess that I spent a week helping out a friend on a dairy farm, which involved cows standing on me, sitting on me and doing something else on me. However, I will not go into those details because I do not hold that against either the dairy industry or cows. This is an important debate because we need to get to the bottom of making sure that the grocery market works fairly, impartially and in the best possible way. I will not be making some rabid rant against the supermarkets or decrying what they do in wider society. In my constituency, supermarkets are a major employer, as I am sure they are in the constituencies of every hon. Member here. They are an important part of our social fabric and they contribute much—whether we are talking about Tesco, Waitrose, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons or the Co-op. I think I have covered them all.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): Marks and Spencer.

Gavin Williamson: Marks and Spencer, indeed. Thank you, Minister, for that contribution. They all make a valued contribution but, as I said, it is about balance and fairness. I called the debate because of a letter I received about a month ago. If you will indulge me, Mr Gale, I shall read it. The letter states: “I am writing to you in sheer desperation, it’s 2 am, and I can’t sleep. The fact is we are dairy farmers and we cannot pay our bills. We need to buy more feed and don’t know how to finance it…The simple fact is we have been producing milk and selling it at the cost of production for about 3 years, and now we are below the cost of production, with large increases in the world’s wheat prices putting feed up and fuel prices having a knock-on effect on everything else. We have had the worst winter for the weather, putting stress on the animals and equipment and severe stress on our own health. About 3 years ago milk to the consumer went up about 3p per litre and ours to the producer went down about 3p. Cream has had a lot of very high prices, it’s never passed on. We are only getting 24p per litre and we are now talking of an increase for April of 1¼ p per litre”. 231WH Groceries Code Adjudicator5 APRIL 2011 Groceries Code Adjudicator 232WH

[Gavin Williamson] be fairness in marketing practices across the board—whether we are talking about small or large companies. It just so That does not even take them to break-even level. The happens that the smaller a company is, the less likely it letter goes on: is that it will be able to employ the legal means to ensure “When we have challenged the dairy they say the supermarkets fair competition. are to blame and the cheap price war to sell milk as a loss leader…Supermarkets are making billions and are more powerful Gavin Williamson: My hon. Friend makes a valid than the Government…The decision for us is so bleak. We may point. I agree with him and I will try to touch on those have to sell up. When an increase comes it will be too late. points later in the debate. This last year 400 dairy producers have gone out of milk. We will just be another statistic. Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): The hon. Gentleman Yours, waiting for a miracle.” is right to talk about fairness. I know that the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) has made those Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): I, too, have points before and has been consistent on the matter. received letters very much along those lines—as I am However, in the spirit of fairness, is it not also right that sure a lot of other hon. Members who represent rural the large supermarkets should have access to an areas have. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is crucial adjudicator—an ombudsman—so that we have true for the ombudsman to have real teeth and power? As he fairness throughout the grocery market industry? said, supermarkets are very powerful, impressive businesses. However, the ombudsman must have genuine teeth and power if it is going to have any real impact and effect. Gavin Williamson: The hon. Gentleman, who is probably one of the most knowledgeable people on the matter in this Chamber, touched on a valid point. When an Gavin Williamson: My hon. Friend makes a very adjudicator is up and running, which I hope will be in good point. That is certainly an issue I will move on to the near future, it will be of benefit to all sectors within as I go through my speech. It is absolutely crucial that the whole supply chain—as I say, from the farm all the an adjudicator has teeth. way to the supermarket. That letter states: I remember almost a year ago, during the general “yours, waiting for a miracle.” election, speaking to many people in my constituency We all understand that, as Members of Parliament, we along the highways and byways of South Staffordshire. cannot dispense miracles. We do not have that ability. If The subject was raised with me again and again by not we did, I am sure we would all be re-elected. What we just farmers but many people who are concerned about can do is effect change and make a difference to many our countryside, our rural way of life and whether people’s lives. I am not saying that, as politicians, we there is always balance and fairness within the system. should be setting prices. However, we should be ensuring When I was travelling along the highways and byways fairness in the marketplace. of South Staffordshire, I remember saying to many of those people that, in our manifesto, we were going to do Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Does my hon. Friend something about the issue and that we would have a envisage that an ombudsman or adjudicator would supermarket ombudsman—a groceries code adjudicator. apply only to suppliers such as small farmers, or does he That was a promise that I made in my manifesto. I think it should apply to the vast bulk of supermarket accept that the Minister had a slightly different manifesto suppliers—companies such as Proctor and Gamble, in his election campaign. I also accept that he might not Mars, Heinz and Coca-Cola? Those companies make have met many dairy farmers in Kingston and Surbiton, huge profits and most people think that they are more though he will be able to correct me if that is not the than capable of looking after themselves in any negotiation. case. Does he envisage that the adjudicator will cover all companies or just small suppliers? Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD): My hon. Friend makes a powerful case and I congratulate Gavin Williamson: My hon. Friend makes a very him on securing the debate. Just to inform him, the valid point. However, the adjudicator has to look across Liberal Democrat manifesto was also committed to the whole market. We cannot look at farmers in isolation what we called not a groceries code adjudicator but a because they are part of a process and a route to supermarket regulator. Whatever the title, the critical market. Farmers are at the very start of the process. The point is not just about the powers, but whether it is a product does not go straight from the farm gate to the proactive body. The difficulty with the supermarket supermarket; in many cases it goes through a distribution ombudsman, the ombudsman that we know and love, is chain. For an adjudicator to be effective, it has to look that it is a reactive body. We do not want to be in a at the whole process. My hon. Friend makes the valid situation where dairy farmers—I meet many—are in point that many of these businesses are substantial, a position where they fear, right or wrongly, that if they major businesses that are present in our constituencies refer their case to the ombudsman they may then be a up and down the country. Whether someone is selling target for the supermarket. Surely the new body, whatever pigs or pizzas, the competitive market and the supermarkets we call it, has to have proactive powers of its own to go have a major impact on that business. out looking for trouble, to ensure that we have fair trade at home as well as abroad. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing the debate. Gavin Williamson: My hon. Friend the Member for In response to the comments of the hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew George) is also keen to make a Shipley (Philip Davies), I wish to say that there should contribution. 233WH Groceries Code Adjudicator5 APRIL 2011 Groceries Code Adjudicator 234WH

Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): In relation to the general public knew his business experiences and what I history of how we got to where we are—I do not have have just described, would the ombudsman have a greater time in an intervention to give a full history—it has chance of success? been Liberal Democrat policy, as my hon. Friend the Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Tim Farron) Gavin Williamson: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. expressed, for a number of years. I was pleased that the One of the greatest attributes of the British people is Conservatives adopted the policy in early 2010. Indeed, their fair-mindedness. People would like to see fair the previous Government also had a similar policy. All trade, not just abroad but in this country too. Many three main parties are pushing in precisely the same hon. Members will say that the Government are not direction and it is time for us to push it to a conclusion there to fix prices. I could not agree more, but sometimes as quickly as possible. there are distortions in a market. When producers are so small and insignificant that they cannot argue on the Gavin Williamson: I think that, in a single debate, I issue of price, sometimes they are simple victims of that have created a grand coalition of bonhomie right across market, just like the farmer I mentioned earlier who the political spectrum. That is to be welcomed. The wrote to me on this issue. points that my hon. Friends make are highly valid, I urge the Minister to act swiftly to introduce a because this is about getting it right. There is a coalition groceries code adjudicator Bill. A number of months of interests, if I may use that phrase, right across the ago, the aim was to bring a draft Bill before the House spectrum that includes politicians, producers, farmers before the Easter recess. We are pretty close to that and even some supermarkets, such as Waitrose, who are Easter recess. I understand, or I hope, that something in favour of achieving this. My hon. Friends have made will be brought to the House after the Easter recess. I the important point that we have all put this policy in appreciate that everything in government has the potential our manifestos and in the coalition agreement. to slip, but I seek reassurance from the Minister that he I want to see three key things in a groceries code will put all his effort into ensuring that there is no adjudicator as a result of this debate. The first is timing. further slippage and that a Bill is brought before the We have been waiting. It is almost a year since the House. We must ensure that the Bill will bring help and general election. It was a clear commitment in the support right across the process, and bring the balance coalition agreement. I accept that there are many demands and fairness that not only we, as politicians, want to see, —very many demands—on the time of the Minister but the British people want to see. and his Department, but we need to deliver on this The second vital issue is what the adjudicator is able because we have made a clear commitment that we will to do. There has been much talk about the adjudicator do so, and we need to make sure that we do so swiftly. being able to name and shame, and being able to issue a When we talk about dispute, we all tend to think press release in order to embarrass those who act wrongly. about price. It is not just about price. It is often about I am afraid to say that I do not believe that a press terms and conditions and how people operate. Before I release will be quite enough to make sure that we have entered this House I was a potter. I appreciate that an adjudicator that works well and works properly. As I being a potter is somewhat different to being a pig say, this debate is not just about farmers, but about farmer, and I did not sell to the grocery multiples, but I producers and supermarkets—all the way through the did sell to many high street multiples. I always remember process. I would expect any adjudicator to have firm going into the factory one day and opening up a letter powers to fine. I would also expect, however, any adjudicator from a major high street store group. I will spare its to use fines with prudence, rarely and only when it is blushes; I will not mention its name. We had reached an required, because an adjudicator will, in many ways, agreement that I would be paid within 30 days, at an have failed if it cannot sort out a situation through agreed price that seemed to be fair, and it had given me negotiation, discussion and bringing people together. a commitment to purchase from me at that price. The We only have to look at other ombudsmen or regulators letter said quite clearly that, instead of paying me that have been set up in the past. Those organisations within 30 days, it would pay me within 120 days. If I have been successful if they have some ability to enforce wanted to be paid within 60 days, it would pay me what they have found to be right and just. If we do not within 60 days, but would take a 6% discount—take it give an adjudicator that right, my fear is that they will or leave it. That is a difficult situation. be a mere fig leaf and an excuse of an organisation in Whether it is pots or pizzas, it is still the same which no one will have any confidence. situation. I had the factory, and people’s wages had to Philip Davies: My only concern with my hon. Friend’s be paid. A commercial agreement had been reached, comments is that this appears to be a solution looking which often involved making sure that we had the right for a problem. We already have a supermarket code of packaging and designing certain specific products for practice that stops such things as retrospective changes that retailer. Then, with one fell swoop, suddenly everything to deals between supermarkets and suppliers. That is changed. That 6% is often all the profit there is to be already overseen by the Office of Fair Trading. If anybody made on a product. wishes to make a complaint, they can already do so to the OFT. The OFT did research, and it could not find Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and South any material breaches of the supermarket code. I am, Pembrokeshire) (Con): My hon. Friend mentioned the therefore, not entirely sure what the problem is to which coalition of interests, but did not mention where the my hon. Friend is advocating a solution. public might come into this. Does he agree that, if the general public knew that supermarkets were making Gavin Williamson: I thank my hon. Friend for his a 22p a litre profit on milk yet farmers were producing comments. If one were to speak to many people, one at a 4p a litre loss, public attitudes would change? If the would find that there seem to be continued abuses, 235WH Groceries Code Adjudicator5 APRIL 2011 Groceries Code Adjudicator 236WH

[Gavin Williamson] Such a process would have to be done on the basis of evidence. No one in the farming or processing industries sometimes at a small level and sometimes at a major or the supermarkets wants to see an excess of investigations, level. I still believe that the confidence to report where which cost time and money and are distracting to abuses occur is not out there. As a producer myself, I business. I do not want to see that, and nor would many would have been highly reluctant to make an official other Members. However, that ability to have an complaint against, potentially, one of my largest customers. investigation has to be available. We will not always I am not saying that the best in the industry would have have a producer who is brave enough to go to the a small-minded attitude but equally, unfortunately, there adjudicator and say, “This is the problem.” Sometimes, are some poor operators. quite rightly, producers might want to hide behind—that is probably the wrong phraseology—or be protected by the trade association or organisation, which would be Andrew George: May I refer my hon. Friend to the making representations to the adjudicator, with the Competition Commission report in 2008, which identified adjudicator instigating an investigation. the unexpected costs and excessive risks as a problem in the supply chain? The commission used its power to Many problems are associated with our supermarkets, establish a statutory code, rather than the voluntary but so much more about them is absolutely fantastic code previously in place, but the situation is rather like a and works incredibly well. I hope that the Minister can game of rugby which has the rules of rugby but no take on board the three principal issues: to ensure the referee. That is why we need an adjudicator, because no introduction and progress of the Bill, so that it becomes one is keeping an eye on that code at the moment. a reality and we have a supermarket adjudicator; the importance of anonymity and that we must protect suppliers from the worst excesses; and, most important, Gavin Williamson: The clear feeling among the whole to ensure that the adjudicator can enforce its actions industry, with the possible exception of the British and levy fines. Retail Consortium, is that an adjudicator is required. The code, which I am sure most Members, if not all, None of us wants a weak, ineffectual, pointless welcomed, did not go that one step further to ensure adjudicator which will cost everyone something but fairness. achieve nothing. Neither I nor the Minister, I am sure, want that. Many people throughout the processing, farming and agricultural industries firmly believe that Tim Farron: The great difficulty is that an adjudicator those three principal things are required. I have no or a supermarket ombudsman who is too weak and a doubt that the Minister will deliver on what so many are code that is not enforced act as a badge of respectability expecting. for supermarkets, which can pretend that they are being regulated and that producers are being protected when they are not. A weak ombudsman could be worse than 2.56 pm none. Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Gale, and to follow Gavin Williamson: It comes down to a matter of the hon. Member for South Staffordshire (Gavin pride and respect. I have always been of the belief that Williamson), who made a very good contribution to the we should legislate as little as possible, because it does debate. I will not go into the details, because the hon. not always bring goodness and greatness to everything, Gentleman has summarised where we are today and the but when we do legislate, we must ensure that it is right history of the call from across the House and the parties and will lead to positive change and a positive influence for an ombudsman—I will use that term, because it is for the good. Therefore, if we are to have an adjudicator, appropriate. that adjudicator must have the ability to fine. I hope I am the hon. Member who promoted a private that the Minister can take that on board. I appreciate Member’s Bill on a grocery market ombudsman, which that there will be many siren voices whispering into his had all-party support in the previous Parliament. ear about how such a step would be retrograde, but I Importantly, the Bill received not only cross-party support point to how rarely most ombudsman organisations use but support from across the regions and nations of the the ability to fine or to level penalties. It is incredibly United Kingdom. The promoters of the Bill brought to rare because people never want to go down that route the debate deep knowledge of different parts of the except as a last resort. industry and of the United Kingdom. From the outset, My final point is about anonymity, which is vital. My it is important to say, as the hon. Member for South hon. Friend the Member for Shipley pointed out that Staffordshire has done, that I support supermarkets. there is a grocery code and asked why more and more However, I also support suppliers and consumers, and people were not coming forward. However, there is a it was in the spirit of fairness that I sponsored the Bill in real fear about doing so. Often, if people do come the previous Parliament. forward, it is so easy to identify who they are. As I I pay tribute to the hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew mentioned earlier, I am sure that 99% of our best and George) for his work on the issue over a long period. As greatest supermarkets would never dream of taking the able chair of the grocery market action group, he recompense from a supplier, but there is a fear that that brought together a big coalition including not only the might well happen. Therefore it is vital that, as part of farming unions, which were prominent with their calls the Bill, if and hopefully when it is published, trade for fairness on dairy and other produce, but non- bodies, organisations and associations will have the governmental organisations, which are important in ability to put forward concerns, and the adjudicator will fair trade issues in this country and throughout the be able to initiate an investigation. world, community groups and consumer groups, including 237WH Groceries Code Adjudicator5 APRIL 2011 Groceries Code Adjudicator 238WH the Women’s Institute. No politician, including the Minister, which said that it did not want the word to be used. Fair can ignore the WI, which was a member of that broad enough, we can live with a different title, and adjudicator coalition of supporters of an ombudsman. Another or enforcer would be adequate. I am comfortable that member was the Association of Convenience Stores, that post will be housed with the Office for Fair Trading, which represents the small shops that bear the brunt of because that is sensible and will keep costs down as long the situation. as it does not interfere with the OFT’s consumer work. The power of the supermarkets was deemed too However, it must be independent of the Government much, not by politicians but by a proper inquiry by the and the OFT, if it is to do its job properly, which we all Competition Commission. Its recommendations in the want. 2008 report called for a new code, because the existing Time is moving on, and there is talk of a draft Bill. voluntary code was not working. The new code came As the hon. Member for South Staffordshire has said, into effect in 2010, but it needs a referee—an adjudicator the draft Bill was to be published before Easter, but now or ombudsman—to ensure that it stands credibly for it will be published after Easter. Will the Minister the fairness that we all want. clarify whether there will be another Queen’s Speech I pay tribute to all the other parties as well. When I before it can make progress through the House? I think set off on the track of the private Member’s Bill, what that it will make progress, but time is moving on. The the parties stood for on an ombudsman was a grey area. group to which I have referred still wants an ombudsman. When my party was in government, I remember The farming unions, consumers and fair traders want approaching Conservative Front Benchers, who said, an ombudsman to ensure that the code of practice is “Well, we are not really sure how this will work in adhered to. practice,” but all of a sudden there was great movement We are fast approaching the second anniversary of and strong lobbying with an election in view. It was the code coming into being following the Competition exactly the same in my party—I am not making a Commission’s report. Cynics will say that if a gap is left, partisan point; I am giving the details. the supermarkets will behave for a period. As the hon. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Tim Farron) Affairs was 100% supportive of the Bill, but the Department has said, they will use the code as a badge of honour, for Business, Innovation and Skills was less supportive. and people will question whether an ombudsman or To be fair to the Liberal Democrats, they used different adjudicator is needed. It is not only cynics who think words, but they said exactly the same thing. They wanted that, because concerned farmers, businesses and suppliers an ombudsman, and at one time there was a proposal to have written to me to express their worry that the introduce a food standards ombudsman. They wanted coalition Government have lost interest in the matter. the fairness that the hon. Member for South Staffordshire Perhaps the Minister will respond to that. has discussed. We have moved a long way. Let us remind ourselves why an ombudsman is needed. My Bill received a Second Reading. There were some The Competition Commission’s inquiry and report in strong arguments against it, and I pay credit to the hon. 2008 contained clear recommendations. There was a Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) for his consistency. long period of consultation under the previous and I respect his standpoint, and it was good to have the current Governments, but we are now seeing long-grass debate. The Bill went into Committee, but it did not politics. It is no longer a priority, and it has been kicked make the wash-up, although the issue made it into all into the long grass. I know that the Government are the manifestos, which is important. All the major parties faced with big issues, but every new Government face went into the general election calling for an ombudsman issues that are not of their making, and they must deal with real teeth to enforce the code of practice for the with them. When a political party forms a Government grocery market. The previous Government conducted a saying that it has a priority to introduce something, it consultation from February 2010 to April 2010. When should do so as soon as possible. the coalition Government were formed, they made their I want a proactive and independent adjudicator to commitment clear at the start, and they followed through look at the entire grocery market and to provide safeguards on the consultation. When the executive summary was and protection for small companies. If those companies published, the Minister was gracious enough to give me do not want to be named, they should be allowed a copy of it and a copy of the Government response, anonymity, so that they can take their complaint forward which was thorough in its conclusions as well as in its positively. I want the ombudsman to be able to levy overview. penalties for abuse of the code. As the hon. Member for There was, rightly, a commitment in the coalition Montgomeryshire (Glyn Davies) has said—he is no agreement to introduce an ombudsman adjudicator at longer in his place—the ombudsman or adjudicator the first possible opportunity, and I remind hon. Members must have teeth. that during the general election the introduction of an We are already 12 months into the new Parliament, adjudicator was a priority for the major parties. A and I am worried about the Bill’s slippage. I would like priority should go into the first Queen’s Speech after an to see a draft Bill as soon as possible. I will not detain election, and that is what should have happened, but the the Chamber by going over the arguments that I have issue drifted. I want the Minister to explain why the summarised, but I hope that the Minister will tell us issue is so difficult. It has cross-party support and today a specific date for the draft Bill, although I do not consensus, and a broad coalition of groups outside the understand why it needs to be in draft form. During House supports it. A priority issue should go ahead previous Parliaments while I have been a Member of quickly. the House, I have wanted draft legislation on difficult The Government’s response was positive in many issues, but the matter before us has been debated to ways. I have referred to “the ombudsman”, but I was death and there is near consensus. I do not understand lobbied by the British and Irish Ombudsman Association, the need for draft legislation. The Bill could have been 239WH Groceries Code Adjudicator5 APRIL 2011 Groceries Code Adjudicator 240WH

[Albert Owen] Neil Parish: Absolutely.I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s comment. Again, to take a wonderful, if perhaps slightly introduced with the good will of the political parties, all overused, word, this is all about fairness. The supermarkets of which included the issue in their manifestos. There have huge investments, and they are entitled to a fair has been proper consultation, and everyone has had the profit, but if they use their situation to drive prices opportunity to be consulted and to put their views. I down for the producer and keep prices up for the hope that the adjudicator that the Minister has talked consumer, they are taking too much out of the market. about will come into being very soon, that we achieve Those of us who represent rural constituencies very the fairness that everyone wants, that we obtain a grocery much want agriculture and the growers to get a fair deal market that we can all be proud of, that each and every from the marketplace. I spent 10 years in the European part of the grocery market is included in the code and Parliament; we can talk about the common agricultural that the adjudicator has the licence and the teeth to policy and about whether we should be subsidised. In ensure that there are no abuses. I hope that we can move the end, however, it would be far better if farmers did forward on that. not have to be supported through a subsidy. What they This has been a good debate. There is consensus, so actually want is a fair deal from the marketplace. let us retain that consensus. As the hon. Member for Historically, the previous Government held an inquiry St Ives has said, we are all pushing in the same direction, in their early days into Milk Marque, a large co-operative but we must push the Minister a little harder so that his that bought 37% of the milk in this country. Subsequently, Department delivers the adjudicator. the Office of Fair Trading split the organisation up because it was considered a monopoly. We now have a supermarket with 32% of the trade in this country, but 3.7 pm it is not considered a monopoly. I am not going to push the Government to go to war with Tesco, and nor do I Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): I welcome want to go to war with Tesco, but I want to put clearly this debate, introduced by my hon. Friend the Member on the record that we must stop being so mealy-mouthed for South Staffordshire (Gavin Williamson), because it about these things, because, in the end, these guys have is so necessary that the question of an adjudicator huge power. should be discussed. Many hon. Members have made the point that the issue has cross-party support, and My hon. Friend the Member for South Staffordshire with other hon. Members I urge the Minister to give a put it very well when he talked about his pottery business. clear timetable of exactly when the grocery adjudicator He said he had a large buyer, who had come along and will come into being. It is essential that we send the said, “I’m not going to accept the deal that we’ve done. right message to the industry, supermarkets and consumers. I want to pay you less. I want to pay you late. That is the deal. Take it or leave it.” That is what the adjudicator Many hon. Members have said that we are all champions needs to sort out as far as food production is concerned. of the consumer, because our constituents and voters They have to make sure that buying power and scale do are all consumers, and they are keen to get a good deal. not drive prices down. They are keen to ensure that when they buy from supermarkets, a fair amount of the money goes back to When the supermarkets decide to have a price war, all those who produce the goods—the meat, milk, vegetables consumers are grateful. I would be the last to say that and so on. They want a fair share to go into the pockets such things should not happen, because that is competition. of those who produce the goods. However, when the supermarkets go into that price war, they must not turn around and tell producers, “Okay, we’re having a war with our neighbouring supermarkets, Philip Davies: My hon. Friend will know that the so we will drive down the price we pay you.” They then supermarket industry is worth about £130 billion a drive prices down to below the cost of production. Milk year. If the outcome of having an ombudsman is that a prices are now 3p or 4p below the cost of production. bigger slice of the cake goes to producers, and they Pig prices are £20 per pig below the cost of production. receive perhaps only 1% more income, that will add Cereal prices are probably the highest we have seen for £1.3 billion to food bills. Given that people are already many years, if not the highest we have ever seen. That is struggling to pay their bills at this difficult time, why adding to industry’s costs, but it is not reflected in the does my hon. Friend want to add another £1.3 billion to price that the supermarkets and big buyers pay producers. people’s food bills, including those of his constituents? That is why we are so keen to have an adjudicator. I agree with my hon. Friend and other Members that Neil Parish: Quite the opposite. I do not want to add the adjudicator must have real teeth so that they can another £1.3 billion to consumers’ bills, but to make take action to stop abuses. I do not think that there will sure that the supermarkets are not taking £1.3 billion be a huge bureaucracy and a huge problem, provided extra in profit from the overall trade when they are not that the adjudicator has the right muscle and teeth. If entitled to it. They have used their muscle in the marketplace they do, they will not need to be used in most cases, to drive down the price that they pay producers. To be because the producer, processor or whoever will be able perfectly honest, I have no sympathy with my hon. simply to threaten to go to the adjudicator. That is Friend’s position. Tesco has 32% of the retail trade, and when the system will really work—not when people if that is not a huge monopoly position, I will eat my have to go through the whole process. People need to be hat. able to go to somebody who can check what is happening. Smaller producers, in particular, do not need necessarily Andrew George: Is it not telling that, in the teeth of to declare exactly who they are. I know that that is a the most recent recession, the largest supermarkets were more difficult issue, but there is such huge pressure on posting record profits? smaller producers to avoid being targeted by those with 241WH Groceries Code Adjudicator5 APRIL 2011 Groceries Code Adjudicator 242WH power in the market. Edward Heath, who was perhaps perfect market, there are many sellers and buyers and not always the most popular man in the world, spoke everyone in the market has a real understanding of the about the unacceptable face of capitalism, but is what quantity and quality of the commodity being traded. we are talking about perhaps not the unacceptable face of the market? As a Conservative, it is perhaps dangerous As far as food production and retailing are concerned, for me to talk of such matters, but if there are huge, the perfect market does not exist. There are a small dominant players in the market, smaller producers can number of very large buyers in the market and a large be pushed out of business. number of small producers. Although the large buyers probably have a good idea of the state of the market, I am sure that the adjudicator will be welcomed the small producers do not and are therefore unable to across the House, but I have one final point for the take advantage when a possible advantage occurs. We Minister, to which I am sure he will respond when he are talking about anti-competitive practices and we sums up. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for South have plenty of competition law that should support us Staffordshire for raising this essential issue, but I wonder in this matter. whether we can have a real time scale for the Bill. It was to have been published before Easter, and I accept that I am a generous man and have often said that the Easter is coming and that we are obviously not going to supermarkets are so large that they sometimes do not see it. When will it come out? How long will the draft even realise that they are acting anti-competitively. Every stage take? One or two Members, including the hon. move they make and every step they take affects the Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen), asked whether market. I sometimes compare them to a large person in we need a draft and whether the issue is being kicked a narrow corridor. However well behaved that large into the long grass. I do not believe that it is, but the person is, they are bound to affect the people coming Minister needs to reassure us of that, because many and going. They could act not so politely and have a people are pinning great hopes on the adjudicator. terrible effect on the passage of people, but even when they are acting politely, they can have an effect, and supermarkets can have an effect. That is why we need 3.17 pm somebody external—an objective force—to look at the Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I supply chains and ensure that they are not being abused. will try to keep my comments relatively brief so that the I would like to give a little economics lecture on the Minister can address many of the questions that have profitability of supermarkets, although I am sure that been asked. the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) understands I want to place on the record my entries in the it a lot better than I do. The profitability of supermarkets Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I am a producer is determined by two things: one is the margin of the of beef cattle and sheep. My beef cattle go to the St product and the other is the turnover. If they are Merryn slaughterhouse in Merthyr, which supplies Tesco multiplied, we get the gross profit of the supermarket. and McDonald’s. My sheep go to Farmers Fresh—and Out of that, it has to fund its overheads, labour and where they go afterwards, I do not really know, but I financial costs and all the other costs attributed to suspect that some end up in supermarkets. businesses. Many of the arguments that have been used to reinforce The margin times turnover is key; one could argue the proposal for a grocery code adjudicator have been that it does not matter at what price a supermarket buys made before. However, it is useful that the hon. Member its product, as long as it can get the margin. However, for South Staffordshire (Gavin Williamson) has been its turnover depends on how competitive it is with other able to secure this debate so that we can put the issue supermarkets. That is when price pressure comes in. under the Minister’s nose, to remind him that it has not People tell me that quality is required and must be gone away, that Members are still pursuing it with great delivered, so often the only competitive advantage that vigour, as we have seen today, and that there is a great people can have is on price. The sheer size of some of appetite for it outside the House. the organisations—the 32% share that we heard about— I have great admiration for supermarkets, which have affects the marketplace. They can go in and abuse their been the star performers of the retail sector over many dominant position in the marketplace. years. They have done a lot to ensure that there is a sense of quality about their products, although some I would like to put on the record my appreciation of people would argue that we could do with more traditional the wonderful work that many hon. Members, including products. None the less, supermarkets set a standard on the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen) and my quality, and they have increased the variety of foodstuffs hon. Friend the Member for St Ives (Andrew George), available to the consumer. have done on this subject. Some of us have followed in Over the past 10 or 15 years, food price inflation has their wake—and we are still here, still pressing the been very low and often negative, which has made a Minister to take some action, because in the long run contribution at times when we have had low inflation that will be to the advantage not only of the producer figures. This country’s food producers have contributed but of the consumer as well. to low inflation figures, which has been to the consumer’s We want to ensure that the quality product that the benefit. consumer wants is available in the supermarket. We are Of course, we are talking about not just producers, very worried at the moment that constant cost pressure, but retailers. The argument that we are having today is particularly on milk and milk products, is driving quality that the producer rather than the retailer has borne the out of the supermarkets. When customers go in them, burden of keeping prices—until quite recently—low. they will not be able to buy the British product that they My limited knowledge of economics tells me that in a so want. 243WH Groceries Code Adjudicator5 APRIL 2011 Groceries Code Adjudicator 244WH

3.24 pm Some suppliers are so powerful that they have the whip hand over the supermarkets, because it is so important Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): I will speak as briefly that their products are on the shelves. as possible, because I know that the hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew George), who has done a lot of work in this area, wants to speak as well. Not for the first time, Neil Parish: My hon. Friend has referred to household and no doubt not for the last time, I appear to be in a names, which, of course, have a great deal of marketing minority of one in a debate, but speaking up for unpopular power when dealing with supermarkets. However, a lot causes is something that I enjoy doing, so I will make of the smaller producers, especially of goods such as the most of it. vegetables, which are seasonal and have to be sold at a certain time, do not have the same power to trade with a It is always chastening to see my hon. Friends leaping supermarket and the supermarket can then push down up to advocate an extra quango, and an expensive one the prices. at that. My hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Neil Parish) seems to think that it would have a minimal cost, and I admire his enthusiasm and, Philip Davies: The ombudsman, as envisaged, would perhaps, naivety. I have never known any of these apply to all suppliers, so even those that are more quangos to have a minor cost. He seems to think that powerful than the supermarkets would benefit. It would the ombudsman would not have anything to do and be a boon to big multinational businesses at the expense that the fact that they are there will be enough to pull of the consumer and the supermarkets. In reality, it everybody into line. I may make an early bid for the job. would do very little to help small suppliers. No doubt, a well-paid position with no work to do I come back to the point that this is a solution sounds like the ideal kind of job for most people. looking for a problem. We already have a supermarket I have no interest to declare, but, hopefully, I have code of practice that prohibits any retrospective changes some experience, both as someone who worked for a to agreements, which is one of the big beefs that people supermarket chain for the best part of 13 years and as had. It imposes a prohibition on charging suppliers for someone whose stepfather was a dairy farmer who went shrinkage, which is another cost that supermarkets have out of business because it was no longer viable. I like to to factor into their prices. It has an overarching fair-dealing think that I have seen the problems on both sides. provision, which the Competition Commission believes Rather than being anti-competitive, the supermarket balances the need to curtail unreasonable behaviour industry must be the most competitive industry in this and to allow some commercial flexibility. I must stress country. It is not only competitive, but one of our most that the code already makes it clear that a retailer may successful industries. I never know why politicians always only delist a supplier for genuine commercial reasons, see a successful industry and feel that the best way to and expressly not for exercising its rights under the treat it is to clobber it over the head as much as possible code. If any supplier at the moment wants to make a and to try to take as much money out of it as possible. complaint to the OFT, which oversees the supermarket We should celebrate our successful industries, not try to code of practice, it can do so without any penalty. It clobber them all the time. does not need to have anonymity, and I object to the Supermarkets have been successful for one reason principle of anonymity. and one reason alone, which is that they deliver what If somebody were accused of an offence in court, but their customers want at a price at which they want it. they had no idea who was accusing them or what they All successful businesses have two things in common: were being accused of, it would be completely unfair. they look after their customers and they look after their staff. All failed businesses in the world have two things Gavin Williamson: Will my hon. Friend give way? in common: they do not look after their customers and they do not look after their staff. Supermarkets are successful, because they look after their staff and customers, Philip Davies: I must press on because the hon. and we should celebrate that. Member for St Ives also wishes to speak. The point is that we already have an existing code. Why we need an ombudsman on top of that when such matters can Gavin Williamson: As always, my hon. Friend speaks already be enforced is beyond me. incredibly eloquently.Yes, a successful business is absolutely about looking after staff and, most importantly, customers, What does the Minister envisage the cost would be of but it is also about developing the supply chain. Every establishing a grocery ombudsman, and who would pay one of the major retailers will talk about the importance for it? I think it would be expensive, and that will lead of their supply chain all the way through. This is about only to higher prices. If we pass on higher returns to the getting that supply chain right and ensuring that there is supplier, the only possible consequence in a market that fairness all the way through. is already incredibly popular—margins for supermarkets are already low—will be an effect on the consumer. In Philip Davies: My hon. Friend is right. I was going to an industry worth £130 billion a year, 1% of that is come on to that point later, but I will mention it now £1.3 billion, 2% is £2.6 billion and so on. I have no idea since he has raised it. A supermarket’s success cannot how much extra people expect suppliers to get, but even work on the basis of the supermarket versus the supplier. if it is only in that region, it is a massive cost to pass on For a supermarket to be successful, it needs products on to consumers at a time when people cannot afford to the shelves just as much as the supplier needs the pay their bills. Constituents who are struggling will not supermarket to sell its products. A supermarket without thank hon. Members when they find out that huge Heinz baked beans and Kellogg’s cornflakes would not increases in cost have been passed on. be much of a supermarket. The idea that the whip hand is always the supermarket’s is not one that I recognise. Simon Hart: Will my hon. Friend give way? 245WH Groceries Code Adjudicator5 APRIL 2011 Groceries Code Adjudicator 246WH

Philip Davies: I cannot give way, because we have not The report from 2008—three years ago—came after got time. The idea that everyone agrees on this matter is years of inquiries by the Competition Commission and not correct. The economist, Professor Lyons, who is the Office of Fair Trading going back to 2000, after one of the two Competition Commission panel members which the first voluntary code was established. I will not working on supplier issues, concluded that the ombudsman go into the history of it all. would be counter-productive and opposed its being set I will quote from that report, because it fundamentally up. The commission’s report stated that he explains why we are in our position today, and there is “believed that the Ombudsman would be counterproductive...He great disappointment that we are not further forward. was concerned that the Ombudsman may find a role ‘proactively’ The report concludes: representing the interests of suppliers, including global manufacturers “We found that all large grocery retailers, wholesalers and and large intermediaries, which he considered would reduce the buying groups have buyer power in relation to at least some of benefits of competition.” their suppliers. This buyer power is of benefit to consumers since There are a large number of myths about the relationship part of the lower supplier prices arising from this buyer power between supermarkets and suppliers. The idea that all will be passed on to consumers in the form of lower retail prices.” buy one, get one free promotions are insisted on by That agrees entirely with the hon. Member for Shipley. supermarkets and paid for by suppliers is completely “However we found that when, in the hope of gaining competitive wrong. When I was at Asda, we tried to stop suppliers advantage, grocery retailers transfer excessive risks or unexpected from offering such deals and have an everyday lower costs to their suppliers, this is likely to lessen suppliers’ incentives price. Buy one, get one free deals are promoted to to invest in new capacity, products and production processes. If supermarkets by suppliers, many of which have huge unchecked, we conclude that this will ultimately have a detrimental effect on consumers, by leading to lower-quality goods, less marketing budgets. They use such deals as a way to choice of goods and product innovation.” market their products and get people to buy them in the I am grateful to the hon. Member for Ynys Môn future. Most of the big supermarket suppliers, such as (Albert Owen) for his major contribution to this debate Mars and Proctor and Gamble, have marketing budgets both today and over the years. His private Member’s that supermarkets could only dream about. That is the Bill helped to stimulate and provoke more rapid progress, reality of the situation. The ombudsman will do nothing although not rapid enough. From his party I also to help the consumer or the small supplier. If anything, remember the former Member of Parliament for Stroud, it will benefit only the bureaucracy that is set up, which David Drew, who was a great champion for this issue. will be self-serving, and big, multinational corporations, which can fend for themselves. In the remaining minutes, I would like to emphasise that I entirely sympathise with the hon. Member for I believe in the free market. For me, the free market South Staffordshire on the issue of the name; given the means allowing people to make deals themselves. There circumstances, the name is a bit like something put may be bad deals, but I hope the Government will not together by Frankenstein. I did not like the word interfere in every commercial discussion between two “ombudsman”, because that implies something reactive companies and try to fathom out who has got the best and we want something that will proactively keep an arrangement. That should be left for the free market to overview on what is going on throughout the supply decide, because the people who benefit most from chain. supermarkets are those who work in them and the consumers. As I said, this issue is about fair dealing. If the adjudicator were called the “supermarkets ombudsman”, Mr Roger Gale (in the Chair): Order. I would like to the assumption would be that all wrongdoing was on call the Front-Bench speakers at 3.40 pm. the part of supermarkets. If it were called a “grocery supply adjudicator”, that would recognise that fair—or 3.33 pm unfair—dealing might work both ways. In future years, we must keep an open mind as to how that power Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): I will be brief, Mr Gale. relationship might play out. It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Shipley Previous reports have found that supermarkets are so (Philip Davies). We disagree, but not in every respect, powerful that they can dictate market conditions. They and I passionately agree with his concluding remarks also identified that when suppliers were depended on to about the operation of the free market. complain in order to stimulate an investigation into the The issue is about what happens when the market breaking of the code, there was a climate of fear among fails. We have always had the Monopolies and Mergers them because of possible retaliatory action. Commission—now the Competition Commission—and I do not know the precise answer to the question other regulatory bodies to ensure fair dealing, and that from the hon. Member for Shipley about how much the is fundamentally what the debate is about. It is not adjudicator will cost to set up, but it will be small about price setting or protecting large and powerful numbers of millions of pounds, and the cost to the supermarket suppliers such as Kellogg’s and the producers taxpayer should be nil; it will be done through an of baked beans and other similar brands. In 2008, the industry levy, as I hope the Minister will confirm. Competition Commission raised a concern about the Ultimately, I hope that the adjudicator will be used as a transfer of badge of pride for supermarkets if they get a clean bill “excessive risk and unexpected cost.” of health on an annual basis. I hope it will provide a The hon. Member for South Staffordshire (Gavin service to the retail trade in awarding a badge, a tick, to Williamson) should be congratulated warmly on securing a supermarket because it was found to have done nothing this important and timely debate as we look forward to wrong during the year. the publication of the Government’s draft Bill. He As the Minister is aware, I have raised a number of should also be congratulated on the balanced and issues with him about the industry levy, which should considered manner in which he introduced the subject. be based on a formula to reflect the size and turnover of 247WH Groceries Code Adjudicator5 APRIL 2011 Groceries Code Adjudicator 248WH

[Andrew George] Then the coalition was formed and the coalition agreement committed it to introducing, the supermarkets that are regulated, as well as the “as a first step, an Ombudsman in the Office of Fair Trading who extent to which they are found to comply—or not can proactively enforce the Grocery Supply Code of Practice and comply—with the code. The capacity of the adjudicator curb abuses of power, which undermine our farmers and act should be sufficient for it to be capable of undertaking against the long-term interest of consumers”— its own independent, proactive investigations. The powers strong words indeed. The reason why hon. Members are of the adjudicator to undertake enquiries should be here today and why the Minister was asked a question sufficient to nullify the risk of retaliatory action being on this topic just last Thursday is that hon. Members taken against the supplier in a range of circumstances. are wondering what has happened to that commitment. It is vital that we move with maximum speed towards They are wondering whether the commitment in the a conclusion on this matter. It has all-party support, coalition agreement to introduce an ombudsman has and I wish the Minister well. I know that with one or gone the same way as the commitment to create a post two exceptions, he has full backing across the Chamber bank and whether it could become yet another broken to move the legislation forward. promise. It was encouraging, therefore, to hear the Minister confirm on Thursday that he expects to publish a 3.39 pm groceries code adjudicator Bill “soon after Easter”. We Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): I congratulate the hon. look forward to that. Perhaps the Minister will today Member for South Staffordshire (Gavin Williamson) on give us a more precise indication of what exactly “soon” securing the debate and reminding us of this very means and what is likely to be in the Bill. Will he give us important issue. It is now more than a year since my more detail of exactly how he envisages the role and hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen) work of the groceries code adjudicator and how proactive led the Second Reading debate for his private Member’s the adjudicator will be in enforcing the code? As hon. Bill—the Grocery Market Ombudsman Bill. In that Members will know, the new groceries supply code, debate, he made it clear that the concept of a grocery which came into force on 4 February 2010, applies to all ombudsman or adjudicator is not about being pro or companies that are active in the sector and have an anti any particular interest group. It is about fairness to annual retail groceries turnover of £1 billion or more. all those involved, whether they be farmers, small producers, As a number of hon. Members have reminded us, local suppliers, suppliers from developing countries, suppliers are reluctant to make complaints for fear that small shops, convenience stores, supermarkets or, most they will be identified and that retailers will subsequently importantly, consumers. stop trading with them. So the new groceries code I pay tribute to the work that my hon. Friend and the introduced independent binding arbitration and made hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew George), who chaired it clear that retailers could stop trading with suppliers the grocery market action group, did in harnessing the only for genuine commercial reasons, not because the support of organisations such as the Rural Shops Alliance, supplier had complained that the retailer had not respected the Association of Convenience Stores, the National the conditions of the original trade deal. Can the Minister Farmers Union, the Farmers Union of Wales, the British confirm that, in keeping with the Government response Independent Fruit Growers Association, the British to the 2010 consultation, the proposed Bill will give the Brands Group, Traidcraft, ActionAid UK and Banana groceries code adjudicator the power to receive anonymous Link and in pushing the agenda forward from the early complaints? days of the Competition Commission inquiry in 2006 The new code also placed the burden of proof on the through to the establishment of the new groceries supply retailer to demonstrate that the supplier had voluntarily code of practice, which came into force on 4 February complied with the requests made. It introduced a fair-dealing 2010. They gathered cross-party support, which led to provision, requiring retailers to act in good faith in both the inclusion of the concept of an adjudicator in each formal and informal agreements. However, proper of the three big parties’ 2010 general election manifestos. enforcement of the code is essential in ensuring its In the Labour party manifesto, we said that we would effectiveness, which is why an adjudicator is so important. ensure Will the Minister tell us how his Bill compares with “fairness for food producers through EU reform and a Supermarkets the private Member’s Bill promoted by my hon. Friend Ombudsman” the Member for Ynys Môn, in which he mentioned and that investigating and adjudicating on alleged breaches of “to protect farmers and food suppliers from unfair and uncompetitive the code, and powers to gather information, enforce practices by major retailers”, penalties and award costs? Will the Minister confirm we would that, as expressed in the Government response to the “create a Supermarket Ombudsman.” 2010 consultation, the Government do intend to provide in primary legislation the powers to introduce financial The Conservative party said in its manifesto: penalties? “To ensure the grocery supply code of practice is applied fairly, we will introduce an independent supermarket ombudsman.” I welcome the wording of the coalition agreement, which speaks of an ombudsman who can “proactively The Liberal Democrats promised in their manifesto to enforce” the code. Can the Minister confirm the proactive create nature of the adjudicator’s role as he envisages it? Does “a legal Supermarket Code and a powerful independent regulator he envisage the adjudicator’s having the necessary powers of Britain’s food market.” and resources to instigate proactive investigations when It is remarkable that three parties should have had such he feels that those are likely to be justified? What sort of similar wording on a topic. investigative powers will the adjudicator have? Will the 249WH Groceries Code Adjudicator5 APRIL 2011 Groceries Code Adjudicator 250WH adjudicator’s powers to request information be backed earlier if parliamentary time allows. One reason for up by a power to create offences for failure to comply publishing the draft Bill as soon as possible is that if with requests for information? parliamentary time allows, we may be able to make it a We have the new groceries supply code of practice, a first-Session Bill, but that is not within my control. I commitment from hon. Members on both sides of the should also make it clear that the timetable even for House and plenty of material on which to build—the publishing the Bill is subject to the necessary Cabinet Competition Commission evidence, my hon. Friend’s clearances and the outcome of pre-legislative scrutiny. I private Member’s Bill and the 2010 consultation. There hope that hon. Members will understand that, but I can is general support among the public. The role of the assure them that we are working hard to get the draft adjudicator is to ensure fairness. That is to the benefit Bill published. of all. It is worth putting our debate into context. A persuasive The very existence of an adjudicator with real powers case for an adjudicator has been made by all parties. As will be an incentive to good practice and fairness and others have done, I remind the House of its genesis. The will focus minds on the groceries supply code. It is groceries supply code of practice was recommended by important to have powers that can be used, although it the Competition Commission following its market inquiry is often more desirable to sort out difficulties without into the supply of groceries. Its final report was delivered having to resort to the full force of those powers. in April 2008. The commission concluded that, although Whatever we call the office—a supermarket ombudsman, the exercise of buying power by grocery retailers was in as some would say, or a groceries code adjudicator, as general a good thing for consumers, it could raise the Government now prefer to say—its existence will be concerns in certain limited circumstances. For instance, good for the consumer and good for all those players in if retailers transfer excessive risks or unexpected costs the sector, be they supermarkets, small retailers or to their suppliers in the hope of gaining competitive suppliers, who want to play by the rules. advantage, it is likely to blunt suppliers’ incentives to We look forward to hearing from the Minister about invest in new capacity, products and production processes. the progress that he has made to date on the proposed That is bad for consumers, and the code of practice is groceries code adjudicator Bill and, in particular, what intended to remedy the problem. the time scale is for introducing it. Without further ado, Like my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley, I I thank all hon. Members who have brought this very believe in the free market and in competition; and like important topic to the Minister’s attention and I ask him and others, I believe that our supermarkets do a him to deal with the issues that we are interested in fantastic job. The Competition Commission has inquired hearing about. into the matter and made its recommendations, and we are not going outside those in establishing a groceries 3.47 pm code adjudicator. Bearing that in mind, it is clear that it is not some sort of dramatic interventionist policy; I The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, believe that it goes with the flow of ensuring fair dealings Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): It is great to in that market. speak under your chairmanship, Mr Gale. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for South Staffordshire The groceries supply code will apply to all companies (Gavin Williamson) on securing a debate on this very active in the sector with an annual retail groceries important subject. It gives me a chance both to answer turnover of £1 billion or more. Its provisions are now hon. Members’ questions and to back up what we have included in all retailers’ contracts with their grocery already said about it. suppliers. It gives suppliers greater security, which should encourage them to invest in their operations. The code Let me come immediately to the timing of the groceries sets out a clear and overarching requirement for fair code adjudicator Bill, as almost every hon. Member dealing, and bans retailers from imposing retrospective who spoke is keen to hear about that. I am not quite changes to terms and conditions agreed with suppliers. sure about my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley It also limits the extent to which suppliers are required (Philip Davies), but nevertheless I shall deal with it. I to foot the bill for listings, promotions, inaccurate forecasts can assure hon. Members that we are not taking a by retailers, or customer complaints. In short, the code long-grass approach. We said in the Queen’s Speech for is about introducing clear standards and greater certainty. the first Session that we would introduce a draft Bill in As a result, those parts of supply agreements that may this Session, and that is what we will do. I confirmed subsequently change are discussed up front, and both in questions last week that we were not able to publish parties are agreed on how costs and payments will be the draft Bill before Easter, as I had originally hoped, allocated in such situations. but that we would publish the draft Bill soon after Easter to allow time for pre-legislative scrutiny in the The Competition Commission concluded that the current Session. code would be far more effective if it was enforced by an adjudicator. That should dispel the climate of fear Roger Williams: I hope that the Minister realises that among suppliers, who felt that they risked being de-listed Easter is very late this year. by their buyers if they invoked the previous code of practice. The commission does not have the power to Mr Davey: My hon. Friend is very impatient for the establish new bodies. After failing to win universal adjudicator. He has campaigned with many others for agreement from retailers to establish such a body on a it. I can assure him that we hope to be able to publish voluntary basis, it asked the then Government to act. the draft Bill soon after Easter. Our objective is to The present Government agree that the code of practice introduce a final Bill in the Second Session, although needs to be independently monitored and enforced if it we will look at the opportunity for introducing the Bill is to succeed. 251WH Groceries Code Adjudicator5 APRIL 2011 Groceries Code Adjudicator 252WH

[Mr Davey] The initial sanctions include the naming and shaming of individual retailers, and I believe that the ensuing The groceries code adjudicator will act as arbitrator negative publicity will be an effective deterrent. In a in disputes arising under the code. He will receive highly competitive market, retailers will not want to complaints about potential breaches and, when appropriate, risk customers going elsewhere in protest at their shoddy conduct investigations. The adjudicator will have the behaviour towards suppliers. However, I make it clear power to accept complaints about retailers’ treatment that the draft Bill will include a reserve power for the of primary suppliers from anyone in the supply chain, Government to introduce financial penalties if experience at home or overseas. That will include indirect suppliers shows that recommendations and negative publicity do who, like many farmers, may not supply the large not work. supermarkets directly. The adjudicator will have the power to require information from retailers in the course Andrew George: What my hon. Friend says is extremely of an investigation so that conclusions are based on helpful. As for naming and shaming or the application reliable evidence. He will also take account of other of financial penalties, it is important that we do not evidence in the public domain, but will not be obliged to have to come back to the House again, and I hope that investigate every complaint. there will be sufficient flexibility in the legislation. Further, I emphasise that last point, because it deals with I hope that the industry levy takes account not only of questions about how the adjudicator will act. The compliance with the code but of the size and turnover adjudicator can take complaints from suppliers directly, of the supermarkets caught within its ambit. as I said, but it can also take account of other evidence that has been published. That is important; in my Mr Davey: On my hon. Friend’s last point, about the judgment, it strikes the right balance between preventing funding of the groceries code adjudicator, there are a the adjudicator going on fishing trips and enabling him number of options and he mentioned one. However, he to consider information that is available to others. is right to say that the taxpayer will not be funding it; it will be the industry. My hon. Friend the Member for Gavin Williamson: If a trade organisation or association Shipley asked about the cost. We estimate that the total has made a study of a certain part of the market, would cost will be about £1 million a year, which will come that information be admissible as the Minister states? from the industry. Once the Bill is published, he will see that it will not be a quango. I know that he is interested Mr Davey: That is exactly the sort of information in working for it, but given his commitment to the free that I would expect the adjudicator to consider. If such market I suggest that he applies to the Competition a report or study gave the adjudicator cause for concern, Commission or a similar body. it would be a reason for it to investigate. The adjudicator will publish guidance on the code Albert Owen: May I return to the timetable? Will the and make recommendations to retailers on improving Minister explain why we needed a draft Bill if we are adherence to it. It will also have to publish an annual not going beyond the premises of the Competition report summarising its activities; that will include Commission report of 2008? What is the blockage? I monitoring and commenting on compliance with the understand about Cabinet clearance, but surely his code. Department has all the evidence to introduce a draft Bill now? My hon. Friend the Member for South Staffordshire raised the question of anonymity for complainants, as Mr Davey: As I said, we are close to publishing a did others. I make it absolutely clear that the adjudicator draft Bill. The hon. Gentleman asks whether it was will be able to deal with complaints confidentially. That necessary to publish it in draft form. In the battle for is an important provision; suppliers can be confident legislative space it was a good tactic to produce a draft that retailers will not be able to retaliate by discriminating Bill, because that ensured that it was in the Queen’s against them, as their identities will be protected. The Speech. We are ready if a slot appears; if parliamentary adjudicator will have a duty to protect suppliers’ identities, time opens up towards the end of the Session, we have a and will need to consider whether any of its actions Bill ready to go. Rather than dragging our feet, I hope could jeopardise matters before proceeding. that the Department and I have been boxing rather Another issue raised during the debate was whether intelligently, thus putting ourselves in a position to do the groceries code adjudicator would have teeth. I believe what Members wish. I hope that the House is reassured that the code will help the adjudicator to impose the that I and the Department wish to take this important necessary sanctions on retailers guilty of breaching it. matter forward. 253WH 5 APRIL 2011 Net Neutrality 254WH

Net Neutrality while at the same time pretending to be operating and offering a neutral service. Google is trying to bury the competition. 4pm I understand that the Minister may feel tempted to Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) (Con): It is a defer to the European Commission inquiry, but Britain privilege to secure my first Adjournment debate and to must also ask whether enough is being done to prevent hold it under your chairmanship, Mr Gale. I wish to such abuse and why we have to wait for the cumbersome, raise the increasingly important topic of protection of clumping, clumsy conclusions of the European Commission competition in the online marketplace and the neutrality to preserve our own free market at home. I would of search engines. Free markets require the rule of law welcome the Minister’s views on this vital area of policy. and space for robust competition, but they offer no place for monopolistic or cartel abuse, which is as true As a matter of domestic policy, there might be a for the online market as it is for any other. The EU prescriptive solution. I am not one to call for extra Competition Commissioner, Joaquin Almunia, has stated: regulation or legislation, but one of the points that Foundem makes is that it champions the principle of “I believe that the principles of competition must be maintained search neutrality. That states that search engines should in the digital economy with the same intensity that they are imposed in the brick and mortar world.” be transparent about the rationale and mechanism behind their online results rankings and that affected sites At both national and European levels, rules exist to should have access to a timely appeals process. prevent dominant undertakings resorting to anti-competitive practices to reinforce their position. Those rules do not The second principle advanced by Foundem is that prohibit or deter success in the global online marketplace. search engines should not be allowed to discriminate in Businesses can hold, secure or maintain a dominant favour of their own services while maintaining the guise position, but not abuse it, and there is growing evidence of neutrality. If their own products are inserted into that that is exactly what Google is doing. search results, they could be identified in the same way as sponsored links. There is no reason for Google not to Search engines are the gateways to the internet. With advertise its own wares, but it is something of a fraud to a 95% share of the search market in Europe, Google is dress it up for the consumer under the ostensible impartiality in a uniquely powerful position. It is the most visited of ordinary search engine results. website in 25 of the 27 EU member states. The proposals could be considered on a voluntary or Foundem, a UK-based price comparison website, has industry-wide code basis or under legislation. I am complained to the European Commission that it, among fairly open-minded about that. An alternative solution others, has fallen foul of anti-competitive abuses by is to focus on the more rigorous enforcement of the Google. The complaint is threefold. First, it was unfairly existing powers that domestic authorities have to preserve penalised by the mechanism Google uses to rank search competition. After all, the Office of Fair Trading and results, especially the exclusionary automated penalty Ofcom have the necessary authority under the Competition that has been applied to it and other competitors. The Act 1998 and EU law to issue directions and hand out effect was to suppress Foundem on Google’s search fines. results. Until December 2009, when it was corrected, Foundem’s rankings on a typical product such as a I recognise that purists will say that we should resist motor bike helmet were: first by Yahoo, seventh by Bing any intervention in the online search market. Some will and 144th by Google. As the top five recommendations argue that the internet is a fast-moving and changing on the first page of results account for 88% of hits, world and that we must be wary of trying to prejudge or Foundem effectively disappeared from the Google predetermine its future development. Unless competition landscape. The day after the penalty was lifted, Foundem is safeguarded, a flourishing river of competition could immediately rose to sixth place on Google’s rankings, so become a stagnant pond. Does the Minister agree that the impact is clear. far from being incompatible with a robust and rambunctious Secondly, Foundem’s complaints concern the review marketplace, this principle of search neutrality could procedure at Google. It took Foundem more than three bolster competition and consumer choice? years to secure the lifting of the arbitrary penalty Our regulators can already take action, but they have against it. For a small business in a fast-moving environment so far proved unwilling to take a proper look at Google. and marketplace, that could prove fatal. It did not in The chief executive of Ofcom talks about the need to this case, but it certainly could for other small and avoid suppressing reward for innovation and risk—we medium-sized enterprises. can all agree on that along with motherhood and apple Thirdly, Foundem says Google distorts search results pie. With more than a hint of complacency, the chief by imposing its own services in prominent positions. In executive of the OFT has said that most complaints the two years after Google started promoting its own come from price comparison website, Google Product Search, UK “competitors who are not best pleased that Google makes a better visitors to that site increased by 125%. Over the same offering to their customers.” period, visitors to the UK’s leading price-comparison Mr Fingleton says that the OFT would like to see websites fell by an average of 41%, so the discrepancy is complaints coming from customers themselves. That is stark. The fact that the European Commission has all very well, but customers may be oblivious to what decided formally to investigate Google shows that these Google is surreptitiously doing. complaints are serious and that they require an answer. Another argument that Google advances against Let us be clear about an important distinction that intervention is that competition is just a click away. In underpins competition law. It is one thing to sell space, other words, an open internet allows consumers to use ranking or priority online, but it is another thing altogether any search engine they want. This theoretical defence deliberately to stack the deck against potential rivals misses the practical point. It is precisely the scope for 255WH Net Neutrality5 APRIL 2011 Net Neutrality 256WH

[Mr Dominic Raab] the same way. I encourage the Minister to meet with Foundem’s representatives. I know that they have already competition that Google is killing off. If Google’s policy requested a meeting with the Minister and I encourage means that businesses cannot access potential consumers, him to see Foundem’s presentation, because it is quite they will be choked out of the marketplace. compelling and totally contradicts the view of the OFT’s In his Budget statement, the Chancellor highlighted CEO in 2009. the importance of promoting high-technology growth Finally, I want to open this debate up by saying that it in small businesses. He called for Britain to become a is not only about commerce. Commerce is obviously “home of innovation”. He is absolutely right. I hope very important, and Foundem’s case is based on commerce, that the Minister will recognise that there is a risk of but the principle here is about where we access services, that vision being jeopardised by anti-competitive abuse knowledge and information. Google provides 95% of online and that the market must remain an enabling searches in Europe. If someone goes to Google to environment for businesses of all kinds, small and large, search for a dishwasher or a new television, they also go and not one that is condensed and conditioned to there to search for news and knowledge. We now have preserve the status quo. Google providing search products, Google News, Google Google is one of a handful of companies that has Health and a Google bank. Next we might have a transformed our understanding of the internet’s potential. Google dictionary and later on a Google religion. I may I have no doubt that it will continue to do so in the be overplaying things, but the reality is that this company future, but it must not be allowed to pull up the ladder. has suppressed the growth of a business in my We must preserve the space and scope for innovators constituency—that is the reality. I do not think that that and entrepreneurs to mirror, and even surpass, Google’s is in the best interests of this country, and I do not think astonishing and outstanding success. that one company having that amount of power is in the best interests of this country, either. 4.9 pm Google is part of the infrastructure of the internet. That is the reality. If we stopped people on the street Dr Phillip Lee (Bracknell) (Con): Thank you, Mr Gale, and asked them, “What is the internet?”, most of them for chairing this debate and thanks to the Minister for would view it as starting with a search engine. And for allowing me to make a short contribution. search engines, 90% of Britons use Google. Google is to I begin by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member be congratulated on achieving such a powerful position for Esher and Walton (Mr Raab) on securing this timely in the world economy, but because it has that position, debate. The primary reason why I am speaking in it is it needs to be subject to regulation so that companies that Foundem is based in my constituency of Bracknell. such as Foundem and many others in the future can get I am very proud of this highly innovative UK technology a fair hearing in the world economy. business, and I am also proud that it is at the forefront of challenging Google in this way. By doing so, it is 4.13 pm going into bat for future UK start-ups, particularly in the IT sector. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, I noted that the Government’s new “Start-up Britain” Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): It is a website actually has Google on it, giving away AdWords. delight to serve under your chairmanship this afternoon, I must say that my eyebrows were raised by that and I Mr Gale. I participated in a Westminster Hall debate suspect that, when that website was launched, those of with you only this morning and I think that this is the Foundem’s owners were raised too, because when Foundem second of three debates that I will be responding to in was launched in 2006 Google’s AdWords were 5p a hit. Westminster Hall today. I gather that my colleague the Overnight, that went to £5 a hit and, as my hon. Friend Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and the Member for Esher and Walton has pointed out, Skills, my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and Foundem slipped down the Google search rankings Surbiton (Mr Davey), has responded to the other two from fourth to 120th. Foundem was never given a debates in Westminster Hall today, so we are slightly reason for that, and it took the company more than monopolising the time here. three years to have that situation turned around. In that I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Esher period, Google Product Search went up dramatically, a and Walton (Mr Raab) on securing this debate. He said dramatic amount of money was made and a significant that it was his first Adjournment debate and that he was part of the search business was taken by Google. sitting on the “wrong”side of Westminster Hall; although It is time that we all got real about this. Ofcom and he is sitting opposite me, we are in effect on the same the Office of Fair Trading have the necessary legislation— side. the Competition Act 1998—and EU law to support I also welcome the contribution of my hon. Friend them. They need to get on with protecting British the Member for Bracknell (Dr Lee) in standing up for start-ups, so that those businesses can thrive and there his constituents who established Foundem. In what is is a fair environment in which they can exist. an extraordinary “David and Goliath” story, those I note that in 2009 the chief executive officer of the constituents have managed to get the European Commission OFT was quoted as saying that there was no case for the to investigate allegations of anti-competitive behaviour regulator to challenge Google’s dominance. In the same by Google. year, there was an op-ed piece in The New York Times I should say at the start that I am extremely sympathetic by one of the founders of Foundem, which basically to what my hon. Friends have set out in terms of their outlined what had happened to the company in the principles. If I can take, as it were, a philosophical preceding three years. Anybody who has heard Foundem’s approach—although it might be unhelpful for a Minister case and seen its PowerPoint presentation would feel to take such an approach—there is no reason why any 257WH Net Neutrality5 APRIL 2011 Net Neutrality 258WH organisation should be exempt from the competition balance of power can shift extraordinarily quickly, rules simply because it exists on the internet. particularly if one does not anticipate, as it were, “the new new thing”. We could all reel off a list of companies that are, in effect, the dominant providers on the internet and from For example, if I was a spokesman for Google, I which we purchase our books, our groceries or our might say that Google’s next threat was not necessarily consumer goods, or from which we access search facilities from the European Commission, but from Facebook, or other applications, because they have first-mover which is now the dominant provider in social media advantage. However, they certainly seem to have held services. It might well be that we have not anticipated on to that advantage for a significant amount of time. It Facebook’s next threat, but that it will manifest itself in is perfectly appropriate for the competition authorities, two or three years’ time. Nevertheless, it is interesting to when appropriate and when a matter is referred to note that Microsoft has asked to be joined in this action them, to look into those organisations. against Google and Microsoft makes some interesting However, one of the reasons why people feel that the points. The position that Google would take—perfectly internet is perhaps more competitive than the high justifiably—is that alternative search methods are just street is that the barriers to entry are lower on the “one click away”. Indeed, I understand that we have internet. If someone wants to set up a retailer providing something like 177 UK search engines serving the UK a service, they do not have to go and buy land or rent market at the moment. property—or take on, say, the established supermarkets I have already agreed to see one of those companies, in trying to provide better products. The regulations are Reach Global, when I am next in Manchester, at the much lower for the internet and people can set up a invitation of the hon. Member for Hyndburn (Graham website at very low cost. Jones) in whose constituency it is based. I would be absolutely delighted to take up the offer made by my Dr Lee: I just want to expand on my hon. Friend the hon. Friend the Member for Bracknell to meet the Minister’s analogy of the internet being like going to founders of Foundem. Microsoft’s point is its allegation the shops. There is a sense with Google that there is one that Google restricts access to certain content, particularly big motorway that we all travel along to go to a set of to YouTube content on phones that run Windows, and shops, some of which Google itself owns. The problem it has set out its concerns extensively. is that there are not enough roads to lots of different Google also comes in for criticism from rights holders, shops, because there is a perception that people go to who say that the search engine helps to promote piracy, Google to go shopping. and Google is taking steps to address those concerns. For example, its introduction of predictive text when Mr Vaizey: Absolutely. In effect, I was going to agree searching for a piece of music in effect meant that the with my hon. Friend’s point before he made it, in the phrase was filled in with BitTorrent, almost directing sense that the internet is seen as being different because someone to pirate sites to download music. That has it is possible to set up a new company and to compete now been remedied by Google, and it is now also very relatively cost-effectively on it. One only has to look at, good at addressing concerns about its AdSense product. for example, the rise of Groupon, which is another one That product allows adverts to appear on appropriate of these phenomenal companies. It effectively started sites with appropriate content, but they were often from zero and now, within about 18 months, it is worth appearing on sites that promoted pirated music. Google an estimated $20 billion. One also sees it in the market is now happy to remove those ads, if notified by the of political journalism, which I could say is a market rights holders. I also know that the company is keen to close to our hearts. Nevertheless, there should be concerns work with rights holders on notice and take-down when there appear to be dominant providers on the issues, and will take down search results that direct internet. users to private sites, provided that it is notified and given adequate evidence. As my hon. Friend the Member for Esher and Walton is aware, there is an EU anti-trust probe into alleged Google’s unique selling point, and the area in which abuses by Google, concerning allegations about the it finds it much more difficult to accommodate the manipulation of its search results, the consequent concerns of rights holders, is in-search rankings, so one unfavourable treatment of its unpaid and sponsored can perhaps see why there is such intense debate on the results and the preferential placement of Google’s own issue. Search rankings are one reason why Google is so services. Although my hon. Friend said that the process popular. They are the holy grail, and the algorithm is of the EU’s anti-trust probe was going to be clunky and the secret formula that provides swift and accurate time-consuming, I remind him that the EU challenged search findings. Microsoft a few years ago and fined it substantially. One concern of rights holders and of companies that This process regarding Google will be effective, as it seek to rival Google products is that they do not appear continues, in establishing whether any of the allegations adequately high enough in the search rankings. A recent that have been made against it are true and need to be example that was brought to my attention by rights remedied. holders was that the day after publicity appeared for a It is perhaps ironic, given that Microsoft was in a single that will not be released until 30 May, typing in dominant position a few years ago, that it is now the name of the single revealed 160 different websites Microsoft asking the European Commission to investigate from which it could be downloaded illegally. Often, the the dominant position of Google. To a certain extent, legal source for a song will come on only the sixth or that reinforces the point that although there may be seventh page of the search results. Those are huge so-called “dominant providers” on the internet, the concerns, and it is absolutely right and proper that my 259WH Net Neutrality5 APRIL 2011 Net Neutrality 260WH

[Mr Vaizey] an ongoing debate about the scope of a particular Competition Commission review, a debate that often, hon. Friends should bring them to the attention of the certainly from my perspective—this is the area I know House, and that they should be debated as openly as best—touches on the changing face of the media. For possible. example, when we discussed contract rights renewal, I should address the point made by my hon. Friend there was a strong debate about whether the Competition the Member for Esher and Walton about whether the Commission had looked widely enough at the competition OFT or the Competition Commission should investigate that ITV faced from the internet. Given not just the the matter. The EU anti-trust probe is, I think, an convergence of the media but bizarrely, now, its huge adequate remedy at the moment, and I gather that the expansion regarding competition both in this country OFT looked into the matter three or four years ago and and globally, that is a very live issue. does not feel the need to do so again at this time. My On the general principles, it is important that we, in hon. Friend is, of course, perfectly able to contact the this House, stay focused on the need for an open internet. OFT and to suggest a change of heart. Without wishing In a speech last year I raised net neutrality, which has for this to be taken in any way as a criticism of the OFT not been an issue for live debate in this country, although or the Competition Commission, I should say that my there has been a very live debate in the United States. I hon. Friend might find that their procedures, in his raised the issue to start a debate, because the future perception, are clunky and time-consuming—I imagine operation of the internet, as my hon. Friend the Member that any probe would take at least two years. for Esher and Walton said, is absolutely fundamental to The reason why this debate is so important is that we the future of this country and of many economies are constantly going to be challenged about the development across the world. of the internet. My hon. Friend the Member for Bracknell In that speech, I set out what our principles should mentioned the possibility of a stranglehold on news by be: openness in infrastructure provision by both fixed a company such as Google, and the rise of Google and mobile operators; a clear obligation to offer all religion, almost like an Aldous Huxley novel, but it is legal content at the speed at which consumers contract not wrong of him to raise what some people might for; transparency, in the sense that consumers know consider fantastic concerns; such concerns are raised what speeds are offered and what traffic management with me all the time, although not specifically about practices are taking place; and, finally, support for Google. innovation and investment, so that we can create the As distinguished a man as Tim Berners-Lee has very content and the network that the future requires. strong feelings and very real concerns about keeping the I have maintained my focus on this very important internet as open as possible. That part of the debate, the debate and last month I held a round-table discussion net neutrality issue, which is the formal title of the on the open internet, with attendees from across the debate today, focuses much more on the people who industry, including internet service providers, mobile provide the infrastructure and the networks—the telecoms network operators, content providers, and also Google, companies, in effect—than on web-based companies. which continues to engage with us on a whole range of issues. I was privileged to have Sir Tim Berners-Lee Mr Raab: It is useful to know that this is the latest in speak at the meeting, as well as the chief executive of a series of feedbacks that the Minister has had. I know Ofcom. I was also delighted that we were able to launch that he has debated the issue in Westminster Hall before. a first draft of a voluntary code of practice on traffic The OFT and the Competition Commission, as part of management transparency, developed by the broadband the quango review, are looking at their practices and at stakeholder group, and I am very happy that the industry how they will consolidate. Might the Minister take this has committed to working together to further develop opportunity to feed in some of the points that have those principles. been raised about their ability to deal with online I thank you, Mr Gale, for the opportunity to debate competition, so that when they consider whether they these important issues, and I look forward to meeting have the right level of powers and the right balance representatives of Foundem. The EU will continue its between looking at things thoroughly and quickly, they process, which is effectively a judicial one. No company, might consider this issue, which is likely to arise more internet-based or not, should be above competition and more? rules, and no doubt many of the concerns that have been raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Esher Mr Vaizey: I absolutely take on board my hon. Friend’s and Walton, and by my hon. Friend the Member for point. The review currently being conducted by the Bracknell on behalf of his constituents, will be raised in Department for Business, Innovation and Skills aims to the very robust and thorough investigation taking place reduce costs and bring in greater efficiency, but there is in Brussels. 261WH 5 APRIL 2011 Library Services (South Manchester) 262WH

Library Services (South Manchester) permanently relocated in a shop unit on the other side of the road. After the library was burned down, it was 4.29 pm agreed that the council should delay rebuilding while discussions continued about revamping the shops and Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): It is the opportunity for a joint service centre on Merseybank a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship this afternoon, avenue, which would have secured the future of Barlow Mr Gale. I am delighted to have secured this short Moor library for years to come. debate. Most of my remarks will relate to Barlow Moor However, it is unfortunately now clear that the council library on the Merseybank estate. This debate was never had any intention of pressing ahead with that sparked by the decision of the Labour-run Manchester much-needed investment. Although the plans were city council to close the library as part of its cost-cutting supported by council officers, local Liberal Democrat programme. Before I give the House a brief history of councillors and local people on the estate, they were Barlow Moor library and the council’s policy on the dropped by Labour councillors. The council’s Labour provision of library services, I pay tribute to the staff leader, Richard Leese, stated in a council meeting that who work in library services in Manchester. I suppose Merseybank was not a priority for the council—a shameful that I ought to declare an interest, as I hold Friday remark—despite the fact that Merseybank falls within surgeries in three of the libraries in my constituency: the top 5% of deprivation in the country. Chorlton, Withington and Didsbury. I appreciate the work that the staff do to accommodate my surgeries Why was the library not simply rebuilt with the and, more important, to make libraries a welcoming insurance money? That would seem fairly sensible, and place and encourage more people to use our local insurance was paid out, but unfortunately it appears library services. that the payout was not enough to rebuild the library. Manchester has certainly had a tough Budget settlement The council spent half of it securing the site and removing —it has been particularly hard due to the front-loading the remains of the building. That is a scandal, and we of spending reductions—but the Labour council has still do not know what happened to the rest of the responded by using the settlement as an excuse for cuts money. Instead, the temporary library on the other side that it has wanted to carry out for many years but never of the road has remained, but it has been open for only thought that it could get away with politically. It is 15 hours a week. Given that it is open for so few hours, making politically motivated cuts with the intention of is it any wonder that library usage at Barlow Moor is discrediting the coalition and the coalition’s attempts to lower than at any other permanent library in Manchester? tackle the Budget deficit. There is a lot of uncertainty about when the library is open. Residents often tell me that they are never sure When the Labour council announced its budget, it when the Barlow Moor library will be open, so they included the axing of numerous front-line services, including choose to use other libraries that are open longer. libraries and leisure centres. Labour said that there was no alternative, blaming the Budget settlement and coalition Compared with those 15 hours a week, the next cuts. Interestingly, the Liberal Democrat opposition on closest library, Chorlton library, is open 61 hours a the council proposed an alternative budget that would week. That is the crux of the problem. Although investment have kept all the leisure centres and libraries open, but it has been made in the main district libraries, including was voted down by Labour. Chorlton, and hours have been extended, smaller local However, it was not the alternative budget that nailed libraries, which tend to be in more deprived areas, have the lie that there was no alternative to cutting front-line been neglected. In my view, there has been a deliberate services such as Barlow Moor library and leisure centres; policy of concentrating resources in the bigger libraries it was the huge community campaign in the constituency while starving the smaller ones and running them down next door against the closure of Levenshulme baths. so that they can ultimately be closed. The council’s position was that it had no alternative but Since the announcement that Barlow Moor library to close the baths, but it has done a U-turn, and would close, along with a couple of other local community Levenshulme baths will now remain open. The council libraries, the Labour executive member with responsibility failed to con people into believing that there was no for libraries has gone on a charm offensive, attending alternative and got cold feet once a community campaign consultation meetings on the future of library services was up and running with enormous local support. and attempting to blame the proposed closures on the Why does the council want to close Barlow Moor coalition Government. At a meeting on the Merseybank library? The simple fact is that it has wanted to run estate, Councillor Amesbury even had the cheek to down the library service on the Merseybank estate for claim that the council had been just about to rebuild the years. It has made no real commitment to maintaining library when the coalition cuts were announced. That is the local library, concentrating resources instead on the simply not true, and when he was challenged, he made main libraries, including a multi-million-pound investment no attempt to back up his claims. in the city centre. The council has shown a serious lack That series of meetings is not just about Councillor of commitment to Barlow Moor library over the years. Amesbury’s attempt to deflect the blame for Labour’s Even before I was elected as a local councillor, one of closure of libraries in Manchester; it is also about a the first campaigns in which I was ever involved opposed consultation on the future of the libraries. My concern, plans by the Labour council to reduce Barlow Moor which I voiced at the Barlow Moor library meeting, is library’s hours to save money. At the time, we warned that the consultation will be unbalanced and will give that reducing the library’s hours would ultimately threaten the council the opportunity to press ahead with its its future, which is proving true. policy of running down the smaller libraries at the Unfortunately, a few years later, the library was burned expense of the larger ones. Far more people who use the down in an act of arson. Despite promises to the bigger libraries, which have a much greater footfall, will contrary, the library was not rebuilt. Instead, it was fill in the “Over to you” consultation. Although council 263WH Library Services (South Manchester)5 APRIL 2011 Library Services (South Manchester) 264WH

[Mr John Leech] is vital that those people are included in the consultation, to ensure that they are able to retain some level of officers have agreed to make the consultation documents library service in the future. as readily available as possible in the local community, the reality is that people are far more likely to pick up a 4.41 pm consultation document about library services in the library, so the consultation will be skewed in favour of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, the larger libraries. At the same time, what incentive do Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): Iam users of Barlow Moor library have to fill in a consultation grateful, Mr Gale, to serve under your excellent on the future of their local library when they have chairmanship for the second time this afternoon. I already been told that the council has decided to close congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, it? Withington (Mr Leech) on securing this important debate. He spoke with passion and eloquence on the I am trying to get as many people as possible to take library in his constituency that he seeks to keep open. part in the consultation. Part of the reason why I I hope that, when we look back at this campaign, which wanted this short debate was to highlight the issue of I hope will be successful, the library will be renamed the the consultation and get as many people as I could to John Leech library, in honour of the campaign that he sign the petition against the closure of Barlow Moor has started. library. The people of Levenshulme have shown that the council can be forced into a U-turn, and we know that I have probably said too much already, because it there is an alternative to Labour’s cuts. would be wrong of me to get involved in any specific campaign on any reorganisation of a local library service. A politician recently said: As the Minister with responsibility for libraries, my first “Libraries are a vital resource; they are hubs of our communities. point is that library provision is still very much a local Libraries open doors to a world of opportunities, not just for service, albeit with a statutory underpinning to which I reading, but for learning, self-improvement, access to employment. shall return in a moment. One of the things that I was Closing libraries denies many people these chances and leaves us keen to stress when I became a Minister was that all poorer.” libraries are a local service, which means a number of I could not agree more, and I am sure that the Minister things. It is important that they are a local service, could easily have made that statement himself. However, because one would expect the local council to understand it is actually a quote from the shadow libraries Minister. the local community and to know its varied needs, It is a shame that Manchester Labour councillors seem which are different in different parts of the community. to think that it is acceptable to close such an important The idea that that provision could be second-guessed local facility. from Whitehall is absolute nonsense. The additional worry is that the consultation will It is also important that local councils engage with result in further cuts to our library services, possibly their local communities in the running of their local including a reduction in hours across all libraries. The library services. One of the things that I have found council consultation document points out that a reduction disappointing over the past few months, as library in hours can always be reversed once budgets are not so closures have reared their heads and campaigns have tight, but that somewhat contradicts the decision to started, is that some councils—I would not dream of close libraries such as Barlow Moor. I am fairly certain naming any of them—did not engage more with their that most library users would prefer to see a reduction library services many years ago to see what opportunities in hours across the board rather than library closures, were available. Some truly innovative councils have but the problem is that a reduction in hours is much realised that libraries are an extraordinary resource to more likely to be in addition to, rather than instead of, support the local community. Yes, they are about books library closures. and literature, but, in the 21st century, they are also about access to the internet, education, adult education We ought to look at all alternatives to reducing and learning, and about access to health, council and library hours, whether through a volunteer network of community services. Those councils that have seen and library supporters or through other cost savings, because seized that opportunity have provided go-ahead library there is a real danger that the hours will not be restored services. in the future. This is particularly important for local It is also important to stress—I say this as a matter of community libraries, which may end up, in years to principle, with no reference to the specific case raised by come, with the same fate as Barlow Moor library if my hon. Friend—that, sometimes, closing a library their hours are cut further, perhaps down to the number does not necessarily mean that the service is being run on which Barlow Moor library has been surviving. down. I always think about the service in Tower Hamlets, Finally, I will mention briefly the mobile library where a number of libraries were closed to create a service, which also faces the prospect of being wiped much more vibrant library service. It provided access out following the consultation in Manchester. The provision for a much wider part of the community, particularly of mobile library services costs £13.26 per visit, which is young people, simply by investing in core libraries and approximately six times as much as the £2.27 per visit to looking at the different services that different parts of permanent libraries. The library service in Manchester the community wanted. I also look, at a time of cuts, at says that there is evidence that a significant number of library services that not only sustain their existing service, mobile library users also visit permanent libraries. Clearly, but go ahead and open new libraries. For example, the those people would be relatively unaffected by the closure royal borough of Windsor and Maidenhead plans to of the mobile library service, but it is a lifeline for a open more libraries and is putting police points in its relatively small number of mobile library users, who are library service, because it understands that it is a community probably among the most vulnerable of library users. It service. Hillingdon has also refurbished its library estate. 265WH Library Services (South Manchester)5 APRIL 2011 Library Services (South Manchester) 266WH

Mr Leech: The Minister may not be aware that, at the strongly that there are some examples of outstanding same time as it is closing libraries in Manchester, the leadership in the library service up and down the country. local council has just opened a couple of new libraries It is important that such best practice is shared between in other parts of the city. If we have an existing service local authorities. One of the frustrations that I felt was that is valuable to the local community, why is that that some local councils were perhaps trying to reinvent being closed when resources are being put into other the wheel or to start from scratch when examining their parts of the city for other local communities? library service, instead of learning from their peers about how they could engage local communities in their Mr Vaizey: Again, I hesitate to comment on the libraries, provide additional services and, indeed, save specific example. Suffice to say that one reason why we costs. Another frustration is that there are 151 library support libraries as local services is that the council authorities and 151 sets of overheads. I hope that there should be free to reorganise its library service in the way will be progress in shared services across council boundaries. that it sees best. It should also, however, consult local That might apply to Manchester, where a Greater people, and there will clearly be disagreements about Manchester library service could be put in place. the strategy.For example, I remember a vigorous discussion In terms of my national responsibilities, the Secretary in Swindon, which is, perhaps, a parallel case. Swindon of State has responsibility for superintending the library opened a brand new central library and was going to service, and it is a statutory responsibility for local close the old town library, and there was a campaign to authorities to provide a comprehensive and efficient keep it open. Bizarrely, the solution, which was to close library service. If local authorities fail in that duty, the the old town library but move it into the arts centre library can be reviewed by the Secretary of State. That around the corner, has transformed that library. When has happened only once formally since the Public Libraries people visit the arts centre or attend an evening performance, and Museums Act 1964 was passed. Some people think they end up looking at the library as well, and visits to it it happened twice, because they include Derbyshire but, have increased significantly. There are, therefore, solutions, in fact, it has happened only once with the Wirral in, I some of which can be imaginative. think, 2009. I campaigned for the then Secretary of My hon. Friend mentioned a volunteer network to State to call in the Wirral, and I am one of the few sustain libraries, which is an important point. I have people who opine on the subject who bothered to go to been pilloried in the past for suggesting that volunteers the Wirral. Indeed, I also went to Swindon, which was should play a key role in sustaining library services. I do another high-profile case that people were jumping up not want to sound like I am crying over spilled milk, but and down about. When I visited, I felt that no thought I have been misrepresented by being seen to suggest that or strategy had gone into the plan for library closures. volunteers should replace professional staff, which is The Secretary of State’s decision to review the Wirral not my view at all. I certainly know, however, that case achieved two things. First, the Wirral stopped its volunteers work in libraries throughout the country library closures. However, more importantly, the report and, as my hon. Friend has indicated, if they can be prepared by Sue Charteris provided an outline of the brought into the fold, they can keep an existing library kind of steps that a local council should be taking when open for longer at the times when the community wants seeking to provide a comprehensive and efficient library to use it. As my hon. Friend has indicated, it can service, which included taking account of the needs of become a self-fulfilling prophecy: if the local council local communities. Since becoming the Minister with keeps the library shut for the majority of the week, responsibility for libraries, I have written at least twice fewer people will use it and the local council will then to the leaders and chief executives of library authorities say, “Very few people use this library, so there is no to remind them not only of their statutory duty, but of justification for keeping it open.” the steps that they should take to ensure that they are Although this sounds extraordinarily perverse, I think providing a comprehensive library service. that, when a library is under threat, there is a massive I understand my hon. Friend’s passion for Barlow opportunity to embrace volunteers. For example, in my Moor library, but it is certainly not my role as a coalition own constituency, where Grove library is threatened Minister to defend a specific example of what Manchester with closure by the county council, I have engaged with council is doing, particularly if it is seeking to blame the the local community and have actively suggested that it coalition for some of the decisions being made. In some seek to staff the library with volunteers. I have also ways, it makes me rather sad that it should do so. If one gone further—this is in my role as a constituency MP—and considers what Manchester has done from a distance, suggested that, even if the council reprieves Grove one can certainly see a case for its having a clear library, it should still hold on to the volunteer spirit that strategy for its libraries. It has opened six new libraries has emerged through the desire to keep it open. Too in the past seven years, including three in 2010. I am often, we sit back passively and allow libraries to be run told that the council is planning to open two more next in a passive-receive mode by a local council, but if we year and that several of its libraries operate in shared engage with them, we can have them open when we buildings. Co-location is a very good example of best want, and they can start to provide the additional practice, because one increases the footfall and new services wanted and suggested by people, which is a members coming through. What saddens me is that the much more open process. I hope that Grove library is leaders of Manchester council should be trying to convince reprieved—although that will be a decision for the local people in making the case for its strategy. It seems county council—and that a volunteer network will continue that it has put itself in a position of conflict with the to support that library in the future. local community, particularly in terms of Barlow Moor. Another thing that I did when I became the Minister In fact, it should be engaging and looking at a solution with responsibility for libraries was to set up the future that delivers not only the required savings, but a service libraries programme. As I indicated earlier, I feel very that is much desired by my hon. Friend’s constituents. 267WH Library Services (South Manchester)5 APRIL 2011 Library Services (South Manchester) 268WH

[Mr Vaizey] other to share best practice. Indeed, we published the findings of the future libraries programme on the website I have tried to fill out the time allotted, but I am of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council towards reluctant to comment on the specific case of Barlow the end of last week, so that everyone can see what best Moor too heavily. If the Secretary of State were to practice was shared. We have written to every library review any library authority’s decisions, he would have authority in the country to remind it of its duties and to sit in a quasi-judicial capacity to do so. It would set out the steps that it needs to take to provide a therefore be wrong for Ministers to comment too freely comprehensive and efficient library service. Even more on any particular examples. That is why I have so far importantly, officials from the Museums, Libraries and resisted meeting the many campaigners who have got in Archives Council have engaged on the ground with touch with me. I have not done so because I wish to be individual local authorities to assist them. rude to them in any shape or form but because, as I am a passionate supporter of local libraries. I proposals for the reorganisation of library services come believe that they can sit at the heart of communities and forward, it is important that Ministers do not get involved provide a fantastic service for them. I am not complacent unless and until they have to. in the slightest, but there is a danger of exaggerating the By that I mean, first, that many of the library closures level of closures. As I have said, many of the cases that people are talking about are simply proposals that people are talking about are proposals. I do not wish to are being consulted on with local communities. Oxfordshire sound perverse, but it is a good thing to behold the county council, which I know best because I am a number of communities that have risen up to defend Member of Parliament for that area, has said that it is their library service, engage with the council and put going back to the drawing board with its proposals, forward alternative proposals. No council holds the which shows how quickly issues can change. Many holy grail or the secret code of how to run a local other local authorities that on paper appear to be library service. If a local council is prepared to share the closing a large number of libraries have revised their financial information and all the relevant data with proposals. We are talking about a constantly moving local communities, it may be pleasantly surprised by the landscape, and it would be wrong for Ministers to kind of ingenious solutions and engagement that will intervene at an early stage. Consultation needs to take emerge. place and councils need to make a final decision. The library debate has put into sharp focus the need Importantly, Ministers need to get independent advice for us to move away from the traditional top-down from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, approach, where a solution is handed down from on which is soon to be merged with Arts Council England, high—whether that is the council or the Government— on whether an examination is needed before deciding towards embracing a bottom-up approach, where whether to call in any particular case. communities work with councils or the Government to I want to use this opportunity to emphasise the provide the solution that they need. alternative nature of engagement that Ministers have taken. As I have said, shortly after we came into office, I 5pm was at the launch of the future libraries programme, Sitting adjourned without Question put (Standing Order which will connect up to 36 local authorities with each No. 10(11) and Order of the House, 29 March). 51WS Written Ministerial Statements5 APRIL 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 52WS Written Ministerial TREASURY Statements Unfunded Public Service Pension Contributions The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): Tuesday 5 April 2011 The Government announced in spending review 2010 that they would accept the recommendation of the interim report of Lord Hutton’s Independent Public Services Pensions Commission to review the discount rate used to set unfunded public service pension BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS contributions. HM Treasury launched its consultation on the discount rate in December 2010, and this closed on 3 March 2011. Intellectual Property Office (Public Targets) A new discount rate was announced at the 2011 Budget and today the Government publish their summary of responses. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, On the basis of the submissions put forward in the Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): My noble consultation, the Government have decided that the Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Business, discount rate used to set unfunded public service pension Innovation and Skills, Baroness Wilcox, has today made contributions will be in line with long-term expectations the following statement. of GDP growth. The summary of responses document The Intellectual Property Office promotes innovation has been deposited in the Libraries of both Houses and by providing a clear, accessible and widely understood can be found at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ IP system, which enables the economy and society to consult_unfunded_pensions.htm. benefit from knowledge and ideas. I have set the Intellectual Property Office the following COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT targets for 2010-11: Policy Abolition of Regional Strategies Proposals for enhanced co-operation on the EU patent and court are adopted in line with UK objectives. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Rights granting Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): The coalition Government are committed to enabling the Efficiently deliver high-quality patents, so that: abolition of regional strategies through the Localism 90% of patent search reports are issued within four months Bill, in order to return decision-making powers in housing of request; and and planning to local authorities and the communities all outstanding patent examinations older than 42 months they serve. are cleared by the end of March 2012. I wish to inform the House that the Government have Efficiently deliver high-quality trade marks and registered decided to carry out an environmental assessment of designs, so that: the revocation of the regional strategies. applications for trade marks, for which we have not raised I make it clear that the Government are undertaking any issues and no opposition has been filed, are registered this assessment on a voluntary basis. We consider that it within four months in 85% of cases, within five months in 90% of cases, and within six months In 95% of cases; would be useful to assess whether there are any significant environmental effects of revoking each regional strategy. the correct decision on registration is made in at least 99% of trade mark applications; and We intend to compile an environmental report for each region and to consult on it in line with the process 95% of design applications, for which we have not raised any issues, are registered within one month. laid down in the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004. Local authorities Targeted business support and others should find this helpful in identifying issues Deliver business outreach that enables 85% of its recipients relevant to their areas and policies or initiatives in the to improve the IP performance of their businesses or the regional strategies which are no longer in effect, and it businesses they advise. should also help them decide how to proceed with IPO customers will give an average score of eight out of 10 preparing or reviewing their own plans. for the service they receive. This process of environmental assessment will be Enablers: value for money and people development carried out during the passage of the Bill through Achieve a return on capital employed of 4%. Parliament. Subject to Royal Assent, the revocation of In addition to the return on capital employed, deliver an each individual regional strategy will be commenced efficiency gain of 3.5%. after the assessment process has been completed. Improve the IPO’s engagement index so that our score is at least equal to that of the civil service 2011 benchmark. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER In November 2010, the Prime Minister announced an independent review of how the intellectual property Social Mobility Strategy framework supports growth and innovation. This will report in April 2011. Once it has reported, I will consider The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): Today I whether to set the Intellectual Property Office any further am launching a cross-Government strategy to improve targets for 2011-12. social mobility, “Opening Doors, Breaking Barriers: A 53WS Written Ministerial Statements5 APRIL 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 54WS

Strategy for Social Mobility”. This has been overseen opportunities, improve work incentives through our by the informal ministerial group on social mobility, welfare reforms, support lower and middle-income earners which I chair, and in close collaboration with key through our goal of raising the personal allowance to Departments. I am placing copies in the Libraries of £10,000, and help people to build up assets. both Houses and making it available on the Cabinet Crucially, our strategy sets out a clear framework for Office website (www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk). holding the Government to account on our ambitious Fairness is a fundamental value of the coalition proposals. We are creating a new statutory Social Mobility Government. A fair society is an open society, in which and Child Poverty Commission, to assess progress on everyone is free to flourish and rise, regardless of the child poverty and social mobility, hold Government circumstances of their birth. This strategy sets out our and others to account and act as an advocate for vision for a socially mobile society—the principal objective change. of the coalition Government’s social policy. We have developed a set of high-level indicators In Britain today, the income and social class of parents which will be used to track progress. And for the first continues to have a huge bearing on a child’s chances. time, as Departments develop new policies, they will Gaps in development between children from different need to consider the impact on social mobility. backgrounds can be detected even at birth. These gaps I will continue to chair a group of key Ministers to grow rapidly during the early years, and widen throughout maintain the momentum for change. school, such that only one in five young people from the We recognise that Government alone cannot single- poorest families achieve five good GCSEs, including handedly create a fairer society—this is a task for English and maths, compared with three quarters from parents, communities, businesses, professions, and voluntary the richest families. This has a major impact on participation organisations too. However, the coalition Government in further and higher education, and success in the will help to create a fair and open society where opportunity labour market. These cycles of disadvantage are repeated is shared and everyone can flourish. across generations. This is not only a source of great unfairness, but also hinders our national prosperity as talented individuals are denied the opportunity to develop their full potential. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS This strategy takes a comprehensive life cycle approach. A person’s fortunes should not be determined by the age of five, 15 or 30. By providing help and support at Water Affordability (Consultation) every stage we aim to narrow the gaps and provide second chances. The strategy seeks to improve social mobility at each life stage: the foundation years (ages The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for 0-5), school years (ages 5-16), transition years (ages Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Richard Benyon): 16-24) and adulthood (ages 24 and over). I am pleased to announce that DEFRA has today published its consultation on measures to assist households In the foundation years, we welcome the independent who face water affordability pressures and households reviews carried out by the right hon. Member for in areas with particularly high water bills, such as the Birkenhead (Mr Field), the hon. Member for Nottingham south-west. North (Mr Allen) and Dame Clare Tickell. Our approach puts supporting parents and providing affordable, high- The consultation follows publication of Anna Walker’s quality early education and care centre stage. We are independent review of charging for household water maintaining Sure Start children’s centres, recruiting and sewerage services and the pledge made in the Budget thousands more health visitors, expanding family nurse to consult on proposals to address water affordability partnerships, and investing in free pre-school education around reforms to the existing WaterSure scheme, the for all disadvantaged two-year-olds, on top of existing approach to company social tariffs and options for provision for all three and four-year-olds. additional Government spending to provide further support. During the school years, our school reforms—giving The consultation invites views on replacing the current schools greater freedom, raising the status and quality cap on bills under WaterSure with the lower of the of teaching, improving accountability and transparency— company average metered bill or the national average will raise standards in all schools, while the pupil premium metered bill. This would deliver substantial reductions will provide an extra £2.5 billion a year to radically in the bills of WaterSure recipients in areas where water improve educational outcomes for the most disadvantaged bills are relatively high. In addition, it invites views on pupils. We will also raise aspiration through high-quality meeting the cost of WaterSure in the future from public advice and guidance, much greater engagement between expenditure rather than the current system of meeting schools, businesses, and universities and wider society. WaterSure through the bills of individual water customers. For young people we will look to narrow gaps in It also paves the way for the introduction of company educational attainment, raising the participation age social tariffs to assist households who would struggle to and increasing funding for apprenticeships, while ensuring pay their bills in full by asking a number of questions to fairer access to higher education and developing a new help shape the Government’s forthcoming guidance on strategy to increase participation in education and training. company social tariffs. During adulthood, we will continue to encourage fair The consultation also invites views on options that access to jobs, with the civil service leading by example could reduce the bills of all household customers of and a new business compact on social mobility, asking South West Water and options that could target assistance business to do their bit. At the same time, we will towards low-income households in the region. These maintain second chances to train and lifelong learning include the proposed changes to WaterSure and rebalancing 55WS Written Ministerial Statements5 APRIL 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 56WS sewerage charges to reduce all household bills or to The proposed authorisation of three genetically modified fund a company social tariff (although this would be a crops (one cotton and two maize) was referred to Council. decision for South West Water). Other options include The Commission clarified that these were not intended an annual payment from the Government to reduce for cultivation within the EU and that the EFSA (European household bills in recognition of the disproportionately Food Safety Authority) opinion had been favourable. high bills paid by South West Water customers as a The United Kingdom lifted its parliamentary scrutiny result of unforeseen infrastructure expenditure at the reserve and voted in favour. The Commission agreed to time of privatisation and an option of match funding consider a request from Denmark for a proposal to from the Government for any company social tariff that address the issue of residues in foodstuffs. The presidency South West Water chooses to bring forward. concluded that the Commission could finalise their Given that there is only a limited amount of public decision-making process as there was no clear qualified expenditure available to fund water affordability options, majority in favour or against any of the proposals. there is a balance to be struck when allocating this The Commission presented the findings from the expenditure between assisting all household customers dairy quarterly report showing a continuing positive of South West Water on fairness grounds and helping trend for dairy in the EU. An extended advisory group low-income households in the region with acute water will meet before the end of June and publish its outcomes affordability problems. The Government will explore on the Commission’s report recommendations on the options to use additional public expenditure to deliver a soft-landing for the dairy sector. modest reduction in bills for all households in the There were four items under other business: region alongside options to target households with ED policy on animal welfare. The Commission explained specific affordability problems, both inside and outside that it was considering a range of options for future EU the south-west. animal welfare policy; it hoped to publish a new strategy in The consultation covers England only and the deadline December 2011. A report on the welfare of animals during for responses is 17 June. The consultation is available at: transport will be published in October 2011. www.defra.gov.uk/consult/water-affordability-1104/ The Netherlands introduced a note calling for an ambitious trade deal with Mercosur, but noted the importance of EU and I will arrange for copies to be placed in the Libraries agricultural interests. The Commission reaffirmed its of both Houses. We will set out our policy proposals in commitment to transparency in negotiations and to a balanced our forthcoming Water White Paper. deal which must comprise a reciprocal level of ambition, be consistent with CAP reform objectives and in which the EU should not pay twice. The Netherlands presented a paper, co-sponsored by nearly all member states, on CAP simplification, identifying principles which should inform the CAP post-2013. The Commission Agriculture and Fisheries Council said that the cost of the future CAP must be proportional to its objectives and that all future measures must be based on The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and both an impact assessment and the collective appetite for risk. Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): My noble Friend Spain (supported by Cyprus, Italy, Greece, France, Poland Lord Henley represented the United Kingdom at the and Portugal) called for private storage aid to be triggered in Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 17 March. order to deal with the problem of surplus olive oil production The meeting began with one minute’s silence in respect that had lowered market prices. The Commission pointed of the suffering in Japan. out that there had to be either evidence of serious market Potential health implications for the EU as a consequence disruption, or that the market price had fallen below the trigger point, before such measures could be taken. However of the Japanese earthquake and subsequent nuclear it was monitoring the market and will discuss matters at the incidents were discussed. The Commission confirmed it next examination committee. was monitoring events in Japan closely, but that currently Ministers discussed institutional questions in relation they posed no risk to the health of EU citizens. Member to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, including states will be kept informed of any developments through the forthcoming election of a new director general, over the usual EU food safety rapid notification systems. lunch. The presidency noted that decisions on this The presidency presented draft conclusions on CAP appointment were in member states competence. reform to the Council, in which it had made efforts to accommodate member states’ concerns and the text was much improved. However a number of countries, including HOME DEPARTMENT the UK, retained serious reservations on the draft conclusions for a variety of different, and sometimes Police Leadership and Training Review conflicting, reasons; in the UK’s case, because of concerns that the text did not make sufficiently clear the need for budgetary restraint and was insufficiently ambitious on The Secretary of State for the Home Department the need for reform of direct payments. The presidency (Mrs Theresa May): I am today placing in the Library attempted to find further compromise text changes, but of the House the report of the review of police leadership disappointingly focused only on the issue of allocation and training undertaken by Peter Neyroud QPM. of resources between the older and newer member Last year I asked Peter Neyroud to undertake a states. The presidency concluded that it could not find review of police leadership and training, and I am very consensus in the Council and adopted the amended text grateful to him for his work. as presidency conclusions, supported by a majority of Effective leadership and development is essential in member states. The conclusions were not supported by equipping the police to fight crime and deliver the the UK, Sweden, Latvia, Denmark, Estonia, Malta, service the public expect. We need to ensure that future Greece and Lithuania. generations of police leaders are able crime fighters. 57WS Written Ministerial Statements5 APRIL 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 58WS

The report contains a number of proposals and Conflict Resources: Treasury Settlement (£m) recommendations including the creation of a chartered Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4 professional body for policing that would set standards 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 and ensure accreditation of these, a new delivery body Total 630 644 664 683 for police leadership and training and a new qualifications Settlement framework for policing. Of which ODA 130 150 175 200 I will consider the review’s conclusions and Of which non- 500 494 489 483 recommendations very carefully with the police service ODA and other interested parties. I am today launching a public consultation on how police leadership and training The Treasury reserve will continue to provide up to could be delivered in the future and the review’s proposals £374 million each year for assessed peacekeeping costs for this. Details of the public consultation can be found (the peacekeeping budget). The conflict pool is the first on the Home Office website and copies will also be port of call should these obligatory costs exceed this placed in the Library of the House. figure. We have agreed to earmark £76 million from the conflict pool in FY 2011-12 for assessed peacekeeping costs in FY 2011-12 making a total provision of INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT £450 million from which we will meet our obligations on international peacekeeping. We will keep allocations under review and will adjust the balance of resources Conflict Resources (2011-12) allocated to the peacekeeping budget and the conflict pool if this is necessary. We will advise the House of any such adjustments to allocations on an annual basis. The Secretary of State for International Development (Mr Andrew Mitchell): I, together with my right hon. The remaining conflict pool balance of £180 million Friends the Secretary of State for Foreign and for FY 2011-12 will fund discretionary peacekeeping, Commonwealth Affairs and the Secretary of State for conflict prevention, and stabilisation activity. Maintaining Defence, wish to inform the House about our plans for a significant investment in these activities during the funding conflict prevention, stabilisation, and peacekeeping current financial climate demonstrates the Government’s activities for financial year 2011-12. commitment to tackling instability and conflict at source and is strongly in the UK’s national interest. The strategic defence and security review (SDSR) announced that we will increase significantly our support From 2011-12 the conflict pool will meet the running to conflict prevention and poverty reduction, focusing costs of the tri-departmental Stabilisation Unit, which on tackling threats at source in those fragile and conflict- supports UK civilian deployments, mainly to Helmand affected countries where the risks are high, our interests province, Afghanistan but also to southern Sudan, Somalia are most at stake, and where we know we can have an and other conflict priorities. The conflict pool will also impact. We have therefore agreed to an increase in the operate a reserve of £7 million to cope with in-year size of the conflict pool over the course of the next pressures such as the rising costs of international spending review period. The conflict pool is the mechanism peacekeeping missions and exchange rate fluctuations. by which the Government allocate resources for The reserve will allow the Government the flexibility to discretionary conflict prevention, stabilisation, and respond to emerging issues. These additional costs in peacekeeping activities and is managed jointly by the 2011-12, which were not covered by the conflict pool in Department for International Development, Foreign 2010-11, mean that we have had to make some reductions and Commonwealth Office, and Ministry of Defence. compared with 2010-11 programme allocations. We will increase the conflict pool’s programme resources Allocations for 2011-12 are based on an assessment from £229 million this financial year to £256 million in of countries at risk of instability where UK national FY 2011-12 and annually thereafter to £309 million interests are most engaged. in FY 2014-15. This excludes the net additional cost of military operations in Afghanistan where separate FY 2011-12 PROGRAMME (£ million) arrangements are in place to draw on the Treasury reserve. Afghanistan 68.5 As usual, the settlement provides a mix of official South Asia (other than Afghanistan) 15.5 development assistance (ODA) funding and non-ODA Middle East 11.4 resources. This will enable the conflict pool to bring Africa 33.1 together HMG’s development, defence, and diplomacy Wider Europe 27.5 capabilities in an integrated approach to tackling instability Strengthening Alliances and Partnerships 5 and conflict overseas. Stabilisation Unit 12 Conflict Resources: Treasury Settlement (£m) Reserve 7 Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4 TOTAL 180 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 The allocation for Afghanistan will be maintained at Peacekeeping 374 374 374 374 £68.5 million and over 70% of the south Asia allocation (non-ODA) of £15.5 million will be committed to Pakistan reflecting Conflict Pool 256 270 290 309 the importance of these countries to the UK’s national Of which: security interests. A large proportion of Afghanistan’s ODA 130 150 175 200 resources will continue to fund stabilisation activities in non-ODA 126 120 115 109 Helmand province. The south Asia programme will continue to support activities in Sri Lanka and Nepal. 59WS Written Ministerial Statements5 APRIL 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 60WS

The allocation of £33.1 million for Africa will maintain orders and supervision on licence. The standards cover current levels of support for conflict prevention activities relevant services to victims and courts, the assessment, and discretionary peacekeeping in Somalia and Sudan, planning and implementation of community sentences and will continue to support activities elsewhere to and licences in order to reduce reoffending, giving build African capacity to prevent and manage conflict. priority to reducing the risk of reoffending likely to In the middle east the allocation of £11.4 million will cause serious harm to the public be used to maintain current levels of activity in Yemen In a concise format, each of the new standards is and Lebanon, and for programmes supporting the middle supported by NOMS guidance on any minimum east peace process. The conflict pool will also continue mandatory requirements, indications of what is expected to support stabilisation activities in Iraq. In addition, from high-quality work by probation practitioners, guidance we will retain the flexibility to allocate programme on effective practice and on the source of more detailed funds to respond to new or emerging risks of conflict instructions and guidance. I expect practitioners to and instability in the region. manage their work with offenders as the risks of each In wider Europe, the allocation of £27.5 million will case demands, using their knowledge of the individual maintain the UK’s contribution to UN peacekeeping in case and drawing on their professional training and Cyprus at approximately £18 million, and will continue experience. Local managers will have a significant role to support EU and OSCE operations in the Balkans to play in assuring the continuing quality of the work and Caucasus. In recognition of the importance that within the scope of these standards. When fully the National Security Council attaches to wider Europe, implemented alongside quality assurance methods, we the Foreign Secretary has allocated an additional £2 million expect these changes to drive the active management of of programme funds from the Foreign and Commonwealth offenders to reduce reoffending thereby protecting the Office’s budget for FY 2011-12 to help mitigate the public, moving away from a defensive, tick-box approach reduction in the programme’s allocation compared with to following standard processes. FY 2010-11. The mandatory requirements governing breach action The Strengthening Alliances and Partnerships after failures to comply with community and suspended programme (previously the Strategic Support to sentence orders and licences have not been altered. We International Organisations programme) is allocated continue to expect sentences of the court to be properly £5 million. It will continue to provide support to enforced. strengthening UN and other international organisations’ All decisions to terminate orders early, for instance capability to deliver an integrated and effective response for good progress, continue to require the case to return to conflict, and assistance to countries in support of to court to allow magistrates and judges to make the security sector reform programmes. final decision. We are considering the responses to the The Stabilisation Unit is the Government’s front-line Green Paper, “Breaking the Cycle: Effective Punishment, delivery service for stabilisation in countries affected by Rehabilitation and Sentencing of Offenders”, and conflict, most notably working alongside the UK military Parliament will have the opportunity to examine further in Helmand province. The allocation of £12 million to the potential for professional discretion for offender the unit will support the strengthening of civilian-military managers later in the year. stabilisation co-operation and the deployment globally The new standards are consistent with this Government’s of civilian stabilisation experts from the unit’s thousand- commitment to reducing bureaucracy and allowing strong pool. It will also enhance the unit’s integrated practitioners to use their judgment and professional planning expertise in priority countries. skills. The revisions will enable local innovation in practice, The SDSR set out our ambitious vision for a results- and devolve responsibility for achieving results to individual focused approach to building stability overseas with a practitioners and probation trusts. strong emphasis on upstream work to prevent conflict In consultation with NOMS, probation trusts may and tackle emerging threats to the UK. The forthcoming adopt the new standards from today, with the expectation building stability overseas strategy, which we will publish that they will have completed their local implementation in spring 2011, will provide the over-arching framework by March 2012. for the UK’s approach. It will enable the National The new standards are available online. Security Council to decide on strategies, priorities, and resource allocations for the remainder of the spending review period to 2015, focusing on the countries that matter most to the UK and where we can have the greatest impact. We will use the new strategy to guide the allocation of conflict pool resources from 2012-13 Brussels I Regulation onwards. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Jonathan Djanogly): My noble Friend the Minister JUSTICE of State, Ministry of Justice, (Lord McNally), has made the following written ministerial statement: Probation Service (Revised National Standards) “The Government have today decided to opt in to the European Commission’s proposal to revise the “Brussels I” regulation (on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice civil and commercial matters). (Mr Crispin Blunt): I am publishing today new national The Brussels I regulation establishes common rules governing standards for the management of offenders that provide which country’s courts have jurisdiction in cross-border civil and a framework for the purposeful and effective management commercial disputes and provides for the recognition and enforcement of offenders subject to community and suspended sentence of their judgments. It is a bedrock legal instrument underpinning 61WS Written Ministerial Statements5 APRIL 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 62WS international trade. The legal framework it establishes provides It is always the hope and intention to return to jury the legal certainty necessary to allow trade to be conducted with trial in all cases in Northern Ireland. However, having confidence. considered the views of stakeholders and conducted a The general consensus among those who most use the current detailed analysis of the current threat, I believe it is regulation seems to be that it fulfils an essential function and that necessary to extend the non-jury trial system at this it generally works well. That is not, however, to say it is perfect. In time, for use in a very small number of cases, to ensure particular, certain judgments of the European Court of Justice since the regulation was implemented have introduced some justice is administered fairly. uncertainty in its operation and opened the possibility for tactical Therefore I am laying before Parliament an Order to litigation to be used to frustrate its purpose. The European extend the non-jury trial provisions for a further period Commission’s new proposal would repeal and replace the current of two years. regulation and attempt to resolve these widely identified problems and make other changes to bring the regulation up to date and I will, of course, keep the situation under review. The most useful. Government remain committed to a return to jury trial The House of Lords European Union Committee has in all cases as soon as it is deemed appropriate. recommended a UK opt-in. The matter was this week debated in European Committee B. The Committee agreed the Government’s recommendation that the UK should opt in.” TRANSPORT NORTHERN IRELAND EU Cross-border Road Safety Directive Rosemary Nelson Inquiry The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr Owen (Mike Penning): I wish to inform the House that the Paterson): In my written statement to this House on Government have decided not to opt in to the proposed 14 March 2011, Official Report, column 2WS, I outlined directive facilitating cross-border enforcement in the the process to check the report in order to meet the field of road safety at this stage. obligations on me in relation to article 2 of the European The draft directive intends to improve enforcement of convention on human rights and national security. I can certain road traffic offences committed using vehicles confirm that this checking process has now been completed registered in another member state. It aims to facilitate and I have received advice from the checking team the exchange of registered keeper data between member which confirms that there is nothing in the report states’ registration authorities, to help identify offenders. which, if published, could breach article 2 of the European convention on human rights by putting the lives or While broadly supportive of the objectives behind safety of individuals at risk, or put national security at this measure, the UK did not opt in to the directive risk. I am therefore satisfied that the report can be because, on balance, it did not appear to be in the UK’s published in full. However, publication cannot take interests to do so at this stage. place during the election campaign in Northern Ireland. In the UK we prosecute drivers for road traffic offences, I will therefore make a further announcement confirming rather than vehicle keepers. Given that the directive the date of publication shortly after the elections have only provides for the exchange of vehicle keeper taken place on 5 May. information, we had concerns around our ability to The report has not been shown to me or to any other effectively pursue fines against the drivers of the vehicles, Member of the Government, or to any officials except in the absence of effective provision to compel foreign the members of the small team which carried out the registered keepers to disclose who was driving the vehicle checking process. I have not been briefed on the contents when the offence was committed. of the report, nor have any officials other than those in We questioned the interaction of the directive with the checking team. Government will not have sight of the Prüm Council decisions, which the UK has signed the report until the day before it is published. up to, but not yet implemented, (“Prüm” provides for As with the publication of the Bloody Sunday and the exchange of keeper data between member states in Billy Wright inquiry reports, I intend to consider giving relation to criminal offences) and were concerned about advance sight of the report to those who are deemed how the necessary data protection mechanisms could be interested parties to the inquiry, to their legal representatives enforced. and to some Members of this House. I have discussed Additionally, we did not consider that a fine would this with the Speaker of the House and he has agreed have enough of a deterrent effect to bring about increased these advance sight arrangements. behavioural change, since domestically, research shows that it is the fear of points on a licence, or losing the Non-jury Trial (Extension) licence altogether which have the main effect on increasing compliance. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr Owen We also had concerns around affordability. There Paterson): The Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) would be significant start-up and running costs were Act 2007, which provides for trial on indictment without our police to use keeper information obtained under the a jury, is temporary and renewal and will expire at the proposed directive for enforcement purposes. end of the period of two years unless extended. Not opting in at this stage will give us the opportunity While the use of non-jury trials has reduced significantly to carefully scrutinise the actual costs for set up and in recent years, it is necessary to renew the powers in implementation of this directive across member states, order to protect jurors from any potential risk posed by informing any future decision on a possible post-adoption paramilitary groups. opt in, which the Government will look at longer-term. 63WS Written Ministerial Statements5 APRIL 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 64WS

A decision not to opt in to this particular directive We will do all in our power to increase the life does not prevent the UK from engaging with the EU on chances of children by supporting vulnerable families other matters relating to road safety nor co-operating through expanding the network of health visitors, targeting on enforcement and exchanging data where there are child care for the most disadvantaged and investing in strong, mutual interests for this. The UK continues to early intervention. By increasing standards in education play a prominent part in developing EU strategy in we will raise children’s aspirations and narrow the gaps these areas. We also expect that we will be able to in attainment, which play such a crucial role in defining continue to play a part in negotiating the final text of children’s future lives. the directive. As part of the strategy, we are announcing that we A copy of this statement has been placed in the will establish a child poverty commission with an improved Libraries of both Houses. remit, wider and more effective than previously legislated for by the last Government. We have consulted widely WORK AND PENSIONS to ensure that we get the power of the commission right and we have decided to increase the effectiveness of this Child Poverty Strategy body, further strengthening its role in holding the Government to account, while amending its advisory functions. This will be a broader commission which will The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain monitor and drive progress towards ending child poverty, Duncan Smith): Today, the Government are publishing improving life chances, and increasing social mobility. their first child poverty strategy. Until the new commission is in place, we will be broadening The strategy follows one year on from Royal Assent the current remit of the Government’s independent of the Child Poverty Act 2010 and embodies our reviewer on social mobility (Alan Milburn) to include determination to tackle child poverty. This strategy, child poverty. Alan Milburn will then be appointed which covers the first strategy period 2011 to 2014, sets acting chair of the new commission while an open out how our radical reform programme will transform appointment process for the commission takes place. It people’s lives and break cycles of disadvantage. is our intention to use the Welfare Reform Bill to make Our strategy will protect the most vulnerable, reform the necessary changes to the Child Poverty Act. welfare to make work pay and help those who are Parliamentary Written Answer (Correction) struggling to enter the labour market. For those who are able to work, we will provide help to get the best outcomes for them and their families. The Minister of State, Department for Work and The facts are that despite spending millions of pounds Pensions (Steve Webb): I regret to inform the House on addressing the issue, in the last several years progress that an error has been identified in the written answer against the child poverty targets has effectively stalled, 42792—28 February 2011, Official Report, column while contributory factors, like worklessness, were left 200-202W—given to the hon. Member for Westminster unchallenged meaning 5.8 million adults are still in North (Ms Buck). I provided her with figures for tenants poverty. Our strategy will bring together the work of of registered social landlords. I should have provided several Departments to help improve children’s life chances. her with tenants of registered social landlords and local Through the universal credit alone, we expect to lift authority tenants. These two together form social rented 350,000 children out of poverty and 200,000 children accommodation. The full answer given was as follows: out of the severest poverty. Overall universal credit will Mr Steve Webb: DWP estimates of the number of help nearly 1 million people out of poverty and with the households in receipt of housing benefit in social-rented Work programme we will see more people break out of accommodation by the requested family types and age the cycle of worklessness and benefit dependency. bands are given in the following tables:

Housing benefit claimants in social rented accommodation, family type, aged under 60: November 2010. Couple, no Government Office Region All Single, no child Single with child child Couple with child dependant dependant(s) dependant dependant(s)

All 1,090,080 511,850 372,450 55,910 149,880

North East 52,950 26,010 15,740 4,090 7,110 North West 176,980 88,920 57,490 9,680 20,900 Yorkshire and Humberside 71,110 34,260 22,390 4,280 10,190 East Midlands 52,220 23,360 18,050 3,000 7,820 West Midlands 99,200 45,610 33,200 5,740 14,640 East of England 90,910 37,850 33,680 4,700 14,690 London 177,730 81,800 66,540 4,920 24,470 South East 122,430 49,890 46,700 5,980 19,850 South West 84,930 36,180 30,080 4,640 14,030 Wales 56,600 27,070 18,180 3,650 7,700 Scotland 105,020 60,910 30,410 5,230 8,470 65WS Written Ministerial Statements5 APRIL 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 66WS

60-state Pension age housing benefit claimants, social tenants: aggregate clerical returns. The data are available monthly from November 2010 November 2008 and November 2010 are the latest available. Claimants 4. The age at which women reach state pension age will gradually increase from 60 to 65 between April 2010 and April 2020. This All 96,000 will introduce a small increase to the number of working age North East 6,600 benefit recipients and a small reduction to the number of pension North West 18,370 age recipients. Figures from May 2010 onwards reflect this change. Yorkshire and Humberside 7,440 5. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or East Midlands 4,420 a couple. West Midlands 8,760 6. Age groups are based on the age on the count date (second East of England 7,140 Thursday in the month), of either: London 10,610 (a) the recipient if they are single, or South East 9,870 (b) the elder of the recipient or partner if claiming as a couple. South West 7,670 7. State pension age (SPA) is 65 years for men and currently 60 for Wales 5,720 women under the incremental SPA equalisation. Scotland 10,290 Source: Notes: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE) 1. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to rounding. 2. Housing benefit figures exclude any extended payment cases. The correct answer should have been: An extended payment is a payment that may be received for a further four weeks when they start working full-time, work more DWP estimates of the number of households in hours or earn more money. receipt of housing benefit in social-rented accommodation 3. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct by the requested family types and age bands are given in from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly the following tables:

Housing Benefit claimants in social rented accommodation, family type, aged under 60: November 2010. Government Office Region All Single, no child Single with child Couple, no child Couple with child dependant dependant(s) dependant dependant(s)

All 1,949,500 906,480 663,420 106,490 273,110 North East 99,920 47,390 31,090 7,780 13,670 North West 240,060 120,600 76,900 13,420 29,140 Yorkshire and Humberside 158,060 74,370 49,830 10,440 23,430 East Midlands 119,660 52,360 41,060 7,870 18,370 West Midlands 186,250 83,480 62,690 11,300 28,800 East of England 144,890 60,540 52,900 8,080 23,370 London 373,350 167,370 140,350 11,720 53,920 South East 186,580 76,060 70,220 9,900 30,400 South West 121,220 51,510 42,850 7,060 19,800 Wales 95,840 43,360 32,100 6,590 13,780 Scotland 223,680 129,440 63,460 12,340 18,440

Housing Benefit claimants in social rented accommodation, aged 60 - 3. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct State pension age: November 2010. from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly Government Office Region Claimants aggregate clerical returns. The data are available monthly from November 2008 and November 2010 are the latest available. All 181,200 4. The age at which women reach state pension age will gradually North East 12,290 increase from 60 to 65 between April 2010 and April 2020. This North West 24,660 will introduce a small increase to the number of working age Yorkshire and Humberside 17,070 benefit recipients and a small reduction to the number of pension East Midlands 11,590 age recipients. Figures from May 2010 onwards reflect this change. West Midlands 17,370 5. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or East of England 12,730 a couple. London 24,820 6. The under 60 age group is based on the age on the count date South East 16,700 (second Thursday in the month), of either: South West 11,630 (a) the recipient if they are single, or Wales 10,030 (b) the elder of the recipient or partner if claiming as a couple. Scotland 22,310 7. The aged 60—state pension age group is based upon all cases Notes: where the claimant is female and aged 60 on the count date, or 1. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may male and aged 60-65, inclusive, on the count date. Cases where the not sum due to rounding. gender of the claimant is not recorded have been excluded from these figures. 2. Housing benefit figures exclude any extended payment cases. An extended payment is a payment that may be received for a further four weeks when they start working full-time, work more hours or earn more money. Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE) 735W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 736W

In 2011-12 DCMS will make annual private finance Written Answers to initiative (PFI) payments to local authorities totalling £18,462,200. These payments are classified as current Questions year spending in the Department’s budget. A breakdown of payments by local authority can be found in the table. Tuesday 5 April 2011 PFI payments for earlier years were met from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Revenue Support Grant and not by DCMS. It NORTHERN IRELAND is therefore not possible to provide real terms comparisons. Departmental Early Retirement Local authority—Operational 2011-12 grant (£)

Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Amber Valley 1,260,088 Northern Ireland how many of his Department’s staff Bournemouth 1,254,181 have taken early retirement in each of the last five Breckland 700,863 years; and at what cost to his Department in each such Brent 1,241,970 year. [50837] Brighton 1,504,913 Cornwall 603,606 Mr Paterson: Comparable figures for the Department Leeds 2,321,097 as it is now configured are not available following the Lewisham 923,706 completion of devolution of policing and justice functions Newcastle 3,208,148 on 12 April 2010. Oldham 1,803,457 Since 12 April 2010, my Department has approved Rotherham 1,810,796 early retirement for two members of staff at a cost of Sefton 560,687 £184,789. Uttlesford 449,954 Wolverhampton 818,733

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Total 18,462,200 Departmental Contracts Departmental Official Cars Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what contracts his Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Department and its associated public bodies signed Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on what date (a) with Lockheed Martin in each of the last 10 years; and he and (b) each other Minister in his Department last for what purposes each such contract was let. [50694] used a ministerial car while travelling in an official John Penrose: The Department for Culture, Media capacity; and how many times (i) he and (ii) each other and Sport has not signed any contract with Lockheed Minister in his Department has travelled to their Martin in the last 10 years. constituency in a ministerial car since May 2010. [50188] The Department does not collate this information for its arm’s length bodies. Accordingly, I have asked the John Penrose: DCMS Ministers do not have the use chief executives of each body to write to the hon. of individual ministerial cars. Cars are booked through Member for Wells. Copies of the replies will be placed the Government Car and Despatch Agency when required. in the Libraries of both Houses. The information requested is shown in the following Departmental Local Government Finance table.

Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Number of times pool Olympics, Media and Sport how much each local Date of last use car used to travel to authority received from each (a) revenue and (b) Minister of pool car constituency capital funding stream from his Department in (i) Secretary of State 5 February 2011 0 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; how much funding his Minister for Sport and the 11 November 2 Department allocated from each such stream in each Olympics 2010 year; and what the change was in the level of funding in Minister for Culture, 13 May 2010 0 Communications and Creative each such stream between those years in (A) cash and Industries (B) real terms. [49253] Minister for Tourism and No car used 0 Heritage John Penrose: The only programme of grants the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) made to local authorities in 2010-11 was for the free Public Bodies Reform Programme swimming initiative, which was revenue funding. The grant allocations for the period from 1 April to 31 July Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010, when the scheme ended, totalled £11,316,665. A Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what estimate breakdown of amounts allocated by local authority can his Department has made of the level of savings which be found at the following link: will accrue from the merging of the Commission for http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/FS- Architecture and the Built Environment and the Grant_determination2010-11-_final.pdf Design Council; [48703] 737W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 738W

(2) what estimate his Department has made of the ALB Proposed reform Savings anticipated level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of the Advisory Committee on National Historic Ships; S4C Amend current DCMS savings of around £230 [48704] RPI/funding link million are expected over the spending review period (3) what estimate his Department has made of the (including a transfer of funding level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of of £152.3 million from the Exchequer to the television the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites; licence fee). [48705] Gambling Merge Reforms including co-location Commission/ and merger are estimated to (4) what estimate his Department has made of the National Lottery generate savings of level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of Commission approximately £600,000 to the UK Film Council; [48730] £900,000 per annum (Note: neither costs nor savings fall to (5) what estimate his Department has made of the the Exchequer). level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of Horserace Betting Modify functions No significant costs or savings the Theatres Trust; [48731] Levy Board to remove anticipated for taxpayer, Secretary of State although costs of political (6) what estimate his Department has made of the for Culture, lobbying to bookmaking and level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of Olympics, Media racing industries will reduce and Sport’s role in significantly. the Public Lending Right; [48732] determining the (7) what estimate his Department has made of the levy level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of Football Licensing Abolish current No significant costs or savings Authority NDPB and anticipated. the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council; [48733] transfer expertise (8) what estimate his Department has made of the and functions to level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of another body Horserace Declassify and No administrative costs or the Legal Deposit Advisory Panel; [48734] Totalisator Board transfer from savings to the Exchequer, but (9) what estimate his Department has made of the public ownership capital receipt expected from level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of disposal. the Horserace Totalisator Board; [48735] For reforms relating to the UK Film Council, the (10) what estimate his Department has made of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of Public Lending Right, Museums, Libraries and Archives the Football Licensing Authority; [48736] Council, Sport England and UK Sport the costs and (11) what estimate his Department has made of the benefits are subject to ongoing analysis and while we level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of expect they will generate material savings no final figures the Advisory Council on Libraries; [48737] are yet available. (12) what estimate his Department has made of the DCMS also has a number of advisory NDPBs that level of savings which will accrue from the change in have either little or no associated costs. Reforms relating function of Visit England; [48739] to these bodies will not therefore generate any significant savings, but likewise will be achieved at little or no cost. (13) what estimate his Department has made of the In some cases, such as the Theatres Trust, it is important level of savings which will accrue from the change in to note that the bodies are not being abolished but will function of S4C; [48740] be declassified, as the NDPB status is not necessary for (14) what estimate his Department has made of the the body to carry out its functions. The correct proposed level of savings which will accrue from the change in reforms for our advisory bodies listed are: function of the Horserace Betting Levy Board; [48741] Advisory Committee on National Historic Ships: No longer (15) what estimate his Department has made of the an NDPB—Declassify and transfer functions level of savings which will accrue from the merging of Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites: No longer an Sport England and UK Sport; [48804] NDPB—Abolish and transfer functions in relation to England (16) what estimate his Department has made of the to English Heritage level of savings which will accrue from the merging of Advisory Council on Libraries: No longer an NDPB—Abolish the Gambling Commission and the National Lottery body and functions Commission. [48805] Visit England: Retain—Modify constitution to increase representation of destinations on Visit England Board John Penrose: The reform of the Department for Theatres Trust: No longer an NDPB—Continue as a charity Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) public bodies is Legal Deposit Advisory Panel: No longer an NDPB—Abolish part of a cross-Government drive to improve the body and functions (was abolished in August 2010) accountability of public bodies and to seek to reduce Departmental Travel their cost and number, with a view to simplifying the public bodies landscape. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for In view of the range of reforms that have been Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on what date (a) announced and the different periods over which they he and (b) each other Minister in his Department last will be carried out, the benefits will be realised over travelled by (i) London Underground and (ii) public different time scales, with some delivering net savings bus services on Government business; how many times beyond the current spending review period. (A) he and (B) each other Minister in his Department Estimated savings are in the following table. These has travelled by each such form of transport on estimates are subject to ongoing review as the final Government business since May 2010; and if he will details of the implementation of the reforms are agreed. make a statement. [50077] 739W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 740W

John Penrose: DCMS Ministers regularly travel by John Penrose: Section 331(4) of the Gambling Act 2005 London Underground and public buses on Government enables the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, business. Media and Sport to add jurisdictions to the ‘white list’ Oyster cards are available for use by all the Department’s so that operators regulated in those countries can advertise Ministers but the number of journeys made by these gambling services in the UK. In 2009, the Department forms of transport since May 2010 could be provided announced that new applications for the white list would only at disproportionate cost. not be considered while the regulation of remote gambling in Britain was being reviewed. That remains the position. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for I understand that some jurisdictions have expressed Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many of his interest in being added to the white list, but no applications ministerial team have been issued with (a) an Oyster have been made. I hope to make an announcement on card and (b) a (i) monthly and (ii) annual travel card how the Government intend to proceed in due course. valid on London Transport and paid for by his Department for use while travelling on Government Humanitarian Assistance business. [50166] Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for John Penrose: All Ministers within the Department Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many staff have been provided with pay-as-you-go Oyster cards for his Department’s Humanitarian Assistance Unit use while travelling on Government business. No monthly employed in (a) April 2010 and (b) February 2011. or annual travel cards have been issued. [48074] John Penrose: Within the Humanitarian Assistance Gambling Unit there were 4.0 FTE staff in April 2010 and 0.5 FTE staff in February 2011. This reduction reflects the Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, improved capability at the local level to care for people Olympics, Media and Sport (1) whether he has received after major emergencies. New Humanitarian Assistance representations from (a) the gambling industry and guidance is available on the following webpage (b) GamCare on the administrative burden placed upon http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/ GamCare by the regime implemented by the Responsible humanitarian-assistance-emergencies Gambling Strategy Board and the Responsible Gambling with complementary best practice available on the Fund; and if he will make a statement; [49841] Emergency Planning Society’s website at (2) whether he has received representations from (a) http://www.the-eps.org the gambling industry and (b) GamCare on risks to Plants GamCare’s provision of treatment services attributable to the time taken to arrange funding; [49842] Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) if he will review the (a) cost to the public purse Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much his and (b) administrative burden resulting from the Department has spent on indoor and outdoor plants creation of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board and trees since his appointment. [48427] and the Responsible Gambling Fund to determine whether research, education and treatment in respect of John Penrose: The Department has spent £1,859.37 problem gambling could be more effectively delivered on plants since the Secretary of State’s appointment. through GamCare; and if he will make a statement. [49843] Royal Parks Agency

John Penrose: Ministers have received representations Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for from a number of interested parties about recent difficulties Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether the Royal in resolving funding arrangements for some services to Parks Agency is taking steps to address trends in acute problem gamblers. This is a matter for the independent oak decline in trees in Richmond Park. [50036] charities concerned, and for their respective Boards of Trustees where relevant. I understand that the immediate John Penrose: The Royal Parks (TRP) is working issues have now been resolved. I hope that the parties with the Forestry Commission and other key agencies involved will continue to demonstrate their commitment to address the problem of acute or chronic oak decline. to tackling problem gambling by working together TRP has put a strategy in place and allocated additional constructively to agree a longer term solution. The resource to help mitigate the impact in Richmond and current funding structure was established by the industry, Bushy parks. in preference to a statutory levy, to try to ensure that industry donations are used to the best effect to reduce problem gambling levels. It does not involve public HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION money, nor any publicly imposed administrative burdens. Pay Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) under what Mr Winnick: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, powers the white list of approved gambling Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of jurisdictions has been suspended; [50037] Commons Commission, what the post is of each (2) whether any applications have been made to join person employed in the House of Commons Service the white list of approved gambling jurisdictions since with a salary higher than that of an hon. Member. its suspension. [50038] [51072] 741W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 742W

John Thurso: The basic salary payable to Members is Steve Webb: In 2010-11, Clwyd South constituency £65,738 per annum as at 1 April 2011. At that date, 76 was linked to Hawarden airport, Lake Vyrnwy and staff were paid an annual salary above this figure. A list Shawbury weather stations. In the previous four years, of the posts in the Senior Commons Structure and at Clwyd South constituency, as it now is, was linked to pay band A1, which have pay maxima higher than Crosby, Lake Vyrnwy and Shawbury weather stations. Members’ current salary, will be placed in the Library. Please find the information requested in the following Details of the staff pay bands and staff pay arrangements table: are available on the parliamentary intranet. Number of cold weather payment triggers for residents of Clwyd South Select Committees: Visits Abroad Weather station 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Mr Winnick: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Hawarden n/a n/a n/a n/a 4 Commons Commission, how many overseas visits each Airport Select Committee has made in the course of the present LakeVyrnwy01345 Parliament; and what cost to the House Service each Shawbury10235 Committee has incurred on such visits. [50820] Crosby0012n/a Note: John Thurso: The information on those Select A cold weather payment is made to an eligible customer when the Committees which have undertaken overseas visits in average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0°C or this present Parliament to date is given in the following below over seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to the customer’s postcode. (When the temperature criterion is met, the table. weather station is said to trigger.) Select Committee overseas travel since May 2010 Sources: Committee Number of visits Estimated costs (£) (1) Postcode districts in Clwyd South: National Statistics Postcode Directory. Business, Innovation 1 28,893 (2) Postcode district to weather station links: Department for Work and Skills and Pensions records. (3) Records of triggers by weather station: Department for Work and Culture, Media and 1 12,674 Pensions records. Sport Defence 3 40,564 Education 2 17,061 Energy and Climate 3 48,825 Crisis Loans Change Environment, Food 2 5,202 Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for and Rural Affairs Work and Pensions what (a) guidance and (b) Environmental 4 14,874 training his Department provides to staff on eligibility Audit and processing of interim claims under the Social European Scrutiny 4 14,272 Security (Payment on Account, Overpayments and Foreign Affairs 3 77,767 Recovery) Regulations 1988 in respect of delayed crisis Home Affairs 1 11,320 loans. [51076] International 3 78,673 Development Steve Webb: Where a customer is in hardship due Justice 1 426 either to the time taken to process their benefit claim or Northern Ireland 1 6,557 to the fact that an emergency has arisen before their Affairs next payment is due, they may be able to get an interim Science and 2 13,694 payment or a Social Fund crisis loan. An interim payment Technology is always considered in the first instance. Where either Transport 2 8,613 there is a doubt about entitlement or no benefit is due, Treasury 1 32,260 for example at the beginning of a claim, a Social Fund Welsh Affairs 1 6,384 crisis loan is appropriate. An interim payment is not Work and Pensions 2 32,277 appropriate for a delayed crisis loan because interim Notes: payments are made in recognition of the fact that 1. Some costs are provisional and subject to minor change owing to outstanding invoices. benefit will ultimately be payable for the period in 2. Visits made in a representative capacity and those made to question. European institutions are included. Training for the administration of interim payments The remaining Select Committees have not undertaken is included in the new entrant learning for a benefit any overseas visits. delivery processor dealing with claims to income support (IS), jobseekers allowance (JSA) and employment support allowance (ESA), supported by links to the relevant WORK AND PENSIONS guidance. This training provides an awareness of the interim payment process and includes the priorities for Cold Weather Payments an interim payment and a crisis loan, the action to take on entitlement, and the action to take when the customer Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for does not qualify for an interim payment. The training Work and Pensions how many times the payment of a for these types of payments across the three benefits cold weather payment has been triggered for residents also includes the detailed processes and actions to take of Clwyd South constituency in the last five years. within prescribed time limits to ensure the accuracy of [50478] an interim payment. 743W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 744W

Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Consultancy spend for the period May 2009 to December Work and Pensions what his Department’s policy was 2009 was £42.7 million. Spend has, therefore, reduced on payment of more than three crisis loans in one year by 29%. to a claimant prior to the implementation of the cap on In common with all Government Departments, DWP the number of awards from April 2011. [51079] is subject to a freeze on consultancy engagements. All requests for consultancy procurement are challenged to Steve Webb: There was no limit on the number of ensure that the work is essential and cannot be performed crisis loans that could be awarded prior to 4 April 2011. by existing staff and all requests for new contracts (and However (excluding alignment requests to an initial extensions to existing contracts) over £20,000 have to be benefit payment or wages) face to face interviews were approved at ministerial level. introduced on 30 October 2009 for customers applying for their third and subsequent living expense crisis loan Departmental Redundancy in a 12 month rolling period. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Departmental Contracts and Pensions how many civil servants in his Department have been offered voluntary redundancy Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work since April 2010; and if he will make a statement. and Pensions what contracts his Department and its [49191] associated public bodies signed with Lockheed Martin in each of the last 10 years; and for what purposes each Chris Grayling: The Department has run three voluntary such contract was let. [50703] early release programmes during 2010-11. Each has been subject to a formal value for money business case for approval. Chris Grayling: There are no records of contracts with the Department and its associated public bodies The first group of staff offered early release were with Lockheed Martin within the last 10 years. administrative assistants, our most junior grade, who were surplus or at risk of becoming surplus as a result of the introduction of new technology and business Public Bodies Reform Programme processes. There were 245 offers made with 178 accepted. The second and third group of staff have largely been Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work in managerial and specialist grades in departmental and and Pensions what estimate his Department has made Agency corporate functions. Staffing in these areas has of the level of savings which will accrue from the been reduced as part of ongoing efficiencies. change in function of the Health and Safety Executive. In the second exercise 405 offers were made, 316 of [48762] which were accepted. The third exercise is currently in progress. To date 1,287 offers have been made to applicants, Chris Grayling: On 16 March 2011, Official Report, with a deadline for acceptance of 31 March 2011. columns 9-10WS, my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General issued a Housing Benefit written ministerial statement updating Parliament on progress on public bodies reform. That statement also announced that Departments estimate cumulative Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for administrative savings of at least £2.6 billion will flow Work and Pensions how many single people aged from public bodies over the spending review period. between 25 and 34 are claiming the one bedroom local housing allowance rate in each (a) local authority area The Health and Safety Executive is not subject to any and (b) broad rental market area. [50270] functional changes or associated savings arising from the public bodies reform programme. However, I estimate Steve Webb: The Department published the ‘Two overall savings of £233 million over the 2010 spending YearReview of the Local Housing Allowance’ in February review period against its 2010-11 baseline. 2011, which includes the current caseload proportions claiming the one bedroom local housing allowance rate, Departmental Public Expenditure in figure 2.11. A copy of the document has been placed in the Library. Mr McFadden: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department plans to publish an Equality Impact Work and Pensions how much his Department spent Assessment for the shared accommodation rate changes on consultancy since May 2010. [38525] within the next two months, to accompany the draft regulations. This will contain estimates of the numbers Chris Grayling: DWP has spent £30.5 million on of single housing benefit claimants between the ages of consultancy since May 2010 until December 2010. 25 and 34 who will be affected by these changes. Of this figure, £13.5 million was management consultancy Housing Benefit: Motherwell and £17million was IT consultancy. Of the £13.5 million management consultancy figure, Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for £80,000 was entered into after May 2010. Work and Pensions how much housing benefit was We are unable to break down the IT consultancy paid to claimants in Motherwell and Wishaw figure as this information is not held centrally and constituency in 2010-11; and what estimate he has could only be gathered at a cost. made of the level of such payments. [51267] 745W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 746W

Steve Webb: Final housing benefit expenditure data Steve Webb: This is a matter for the Social Security for 2010-11 are currently unavailable, and information Agency in Northern Ireland. on expenditure at a parliamentary constituency level is not held. Pensions In 2009-10, total housing benefit expenditure in the North Lanarkshire local authority was £100.6 million. Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Work If its share of national spending remained constant, and Pensions what the nature is of the administrative North Lanarkshire would pay out around £109 million error that the National Pension Centre has identified in housing benefit in 2010-11. These figures are based concerning the additional pension component of the on our Budget 2011 housing benefit expenditure forecasts. State Pension. [50846] A breakdown of 2009-10 housing benefit expenditure can be found at the following link: Steve Webb: Work is being carried out to correct http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/h_tables_budget2010.xls errors in the calculation of additional state pension identified as part of the Cabinet Office investigation Jobseeker’s Allowance: Fraud into the incorrect indexation of guaranteed minimum pensions in Public Sector Pension schemes. Our conclusion Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for is that the errors which affect payments in Great Britain Work and Pensions how much his Department has and Northern Ireland have arisen due to a wide variety recovered from payments of fraudulent claims for (a) of reasons and there is no single causal factor. jobseeker’s allowance and (b) employment and support allowance in each of the last two years. [51336] Pensions: Females Chris Grayling: Details of recoveries of overpayments classified as due to fraud for jobseeker’s allowance and Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work employment and support allowance are in the following and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number table. of women who will have their state pension age increased by 18 months or more as a result of his £ proposed change in the state pension age for women. Employment and [49643] Jobseeker’s allowance support allowance1 Steve Webb: Estimates of the number of women 2008-09 3,425,831 0 affected by the proposed changes to the state pension 2009-10 3,621,776 607 2 age were published in the equality impact assessment 2010-11 3,435,008 12,941 that accompanied the Pensions Bill 2011. Around 300,000 1 Low recovery rates reflect the fact that ESA is a relatively recent benefit (introduced in October 2008) and that fraud debts can only be classified as such women in Great Britain, born between 6 December following lengthy investigations which result in a conviction or admission of the 1953 and 5 October 1954 will have their state pension offence. age increased by 18 months or longer. 2 April 2010 to February 2011 inclusive. Source: The figures provided are from Shared Services Debt Manager via Business Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Objects computer system and are subject to rounding. The figures are Management and Pensions what estimate he has made of the average Information (MI) collected for the purpose of routine administration, and therefore have not been subjected to the rigorous quality assurance that is monetary value of pension payments which will not be applied to DWP official statistics. paid to women born between December 1953 and In cases where the customer has been overpaid but October 1954 as a result of his proposed change in the not been convicted or admitted the offence, the debt state pension age for women. [49644] will be classified as customer error, and debt recovery pursued as such. Steve Webb: The effect of these changes is complex The total recovered from overpayments of all benefits and will vary significantly from person to person. Moreover, and pensions that arose due to fraud or customer error because of the revision in life expectancy projections, are listed in the following table. these women will, on average, be getting their state pension for about the same length of time (24 years), £ million and will be receiving around the same amount of state pension over their lifetime, as the previous life expectancy 2008-09 193.2 projections implied under a lower state pension age. 2009-10 205.1 Source: Many of these women will remain in employment, The figures provided are from Shared Services Debt Manager via Business and could therefore benefit from additional earnings Objects computer system and are subject to rounding. The figures are Management and from additional accrual of pension rights. Government Information (MI) collected for the purpose of routine administration, and therefore have not been subjected to the rigorous quality assurance that is will also be supporting those unable to remain in applied to DWP official statistics. employment through in-work benefits. Pensioners: Northern Ireland Pregnant Women: Grants Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners in Northern Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Ireland he estimates are affected by the administrative Work and Pensions whether advice and information on error identified by the National Pension Centre Sure Start maternity grants for second and third concerning the additional pension component of the children is still being provided to eligible mothers. state pension. [50845] [51077] 747W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 748W

Maria Miller: Advice and information on Sure Start Steve Webb: The information requested is not available. maternity grants remain available to eligible mothers We are not able to identify if an award for a Sure Start for second or subsequent children, and DWP leaflets maternity grant has been made in respect of a second or have been updated to reflect the recent changes to the third child. eligibility conditions. Social Security Benefits Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Poole constituency have Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for been in receipt of out-of-work benefits for (a) more Work and Pensions how many Sure Start maternity than one year and (b) more than five years. [50549] grants were awarded in respect of second and third children in (a) March 2011 and (b) March 2010. Chris Grayling: The information requested is given in [51078] the following table.

Claimants of out-of-work benefits by duration in Poole parliamentary constituency, August 2010 JSA ESA and incapacity benefits IS/PC

All durations 1,270 3,200 1,230 Duration of up to one year 1,090 530 420 Duration of one year up to five years 180 880 590 Duration of over five years 1— 1,790 210 1 Nil or negligible. Notes: 1. Case load figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and totals may not sum due to rounding. 2. Statistical Group is a hierarchical variable. A person who fits into more than one category will only appear in the top-most one for which they are eligible. For example, a claimant of disability living allowance and jobseeker’s allowance would appear in “jobseeker”, not in “disabled”. 3. Out-of-work benefits are: JSA—claimants of jobseeker’s allowance. ESA and incapacity benefits—claimants of incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance/employment and support allowance. IS/PC—claimants of income support (and males age 60 to 64 claiming pension credit) that are not also claiming IB/SDA. 4. Durations shown are the longest claim duration of the benefits of interest. Source: DWP Information Directorate: 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

Social Security Benefits: Fraud Chris Grayling: The number of National Benefit Fraud Hotline cases open at the end of February 2011 was as follows: Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Number and Pensions (1) in what proportion of the National Benefit Fraud Hotline cases closed in each of the last Fraud Investigation Service 22,554 five years (a) claims were found to be fraudulent, (b) Customer Compliance 27,567 claimants were found to be claiming erroneously and Information is not available from 2005-07. Information (c) callers were found to be mendacious; [49414] from 2007-08 is incomplete due to administrative changes. (2) how many open cases the National Benefit Fraud The following table provides available information Hotline has in the (a) fraud investigation service and relating to the number of National Benefit Fraud Hotline (b) customer compliance unit; and how many cases it cases closed in the last three years which resulted in a has closed in each of the last five years. [49416] fraud sanction being applied or an error being corrected.

Total number of National Total number of Total number of National Benefit Fraud Hotline cases these cases Benefit Fraud Hotline Total number of closed by Fraud Investigation receiving a Proportion cases closed by Customer these cases where Proportion Service sanction (%) Compliance error found (%)

2007-08 5,082 851 17 9,932 4,404 44 2008-09 23,873 4190 18 54,991 9,146 17 2009-10 27,299 3360 12 60,105 8,053 15 Notes: Information has been extracted from the Fraud Referral and Interventions Management Systems (FRAIMS). Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole figure.

The Department is not in a position to judge whether 2010-11; and what estimate he has made of the level of members of the public make mendacious calls to the payments in 2011-12. [51260] National Benefit Fraud Hotline and therefore does not collect information which would enable it to establish Chris Grayling: Benefit expenditure data for 2010-11 such cases. and forecasts for 2011-12 are not available at parliamentary Social Security Benefits: Motherwell constituency level. Benefit expenditure for Motherwell and Wishaw Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for parliamentary constituency in 2009-10 is shown in the Work and Pensions how much benefit was paid to following table for all benefit data that are available at claimants in Motherwell and Wishaw constituency in parliamentary constituency level: 749W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 750W

Motherwell and Wishaw constituency expenditure (b) Teesside and (c) Middlesbrough South and East 2009-10 £ million Cleveland constituency which will no longer be Attendance allowance 11.6 workless following implementation of his proposed Bereavement benefit/widow’s benefit 1.1 welfare reforms. [47592] Carer’s allowance 3.1 Chris Grayling: The Government have a broad range Disability living allowance 28.6 of measures designed to help people into work, such as Incapacity benefit/severe disablement 19.4 allowance ‘Get Britain Working’, the Work programme and universal Income support 18.4 credit. As set out in the White Paper ‘Universal Credit: Jobseeker’s allowance 8.3 Welfare that Works’, we estimate that universal credit Pension credit 18.8 will reduce the number of workless households by State pension 94.6 about 300,000. Winter fuel payments 4.0 We do not have separate estimates of the impact on Employment and support allowance 3.2 worklessness by region and constituency. Total expenditure 211.0 Notes: Universal Credit 1. Figures are rounded to nearest 100,000. 2. Totals may not sum due to rounding. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Source: Pensions, pursuant to the answer of 22 March 2011, DWP statistical and accounting data. Official Report, column 970W, on universal credit, if he Tables containing benefit expenditure by benefit, local will estimate the number of families with annual authority and parliamentary constituency can be found incomes between (a) £16,000 and £17,000, (b) £17,000 at the following URL: and £18,000, (c) £18,000 and £19,000, (d) £19,000 and http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/ £20,000, (e) £20,000 and £21,000, (f) £21,000 index.php?page=expenditure and £22,000, (g) £22,000 and £23,000 and (h) £23,000 and £24,000 which will have (i) a lower and (ii) a higher Unemployment Benefits entitlement under universal credit operating in the steady state; and what the average change in incomes will be for families in each group attributable to the Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work change in entitlement. [49820] and Pensions how many residents in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency were in receipt of out-of-work Chris Grayling: The Department is unable to provide benefits for more than (a) one and (b) five years on the information for the requested breakdowns due to the latest date for which figures are available. [50849] small sample sizes. However, the following table provides the estimates, using the Department’s policy simulation Chris Grayling: The information requested is given as model, of the number of families that will have (i) a follows. lower entitlement under universal credit operating in Claimants of out of work benefits by duration in Bexley Heath and Crayford the steady state and the average change in entitlement parliamentary constituency—August 2010 for families in larger income groups. Income is defined ESA and as income net of tax. incapacity JSA benefits IS/PC (i) Number that have a lower entitlement under Average weekly change All durations 1,750 2,770 1,630 Annual income universal credit in entitlement (£) Duration of up 1,460 510 440 to1year £16,000 up to £20,000 200,000 -13 Duration of 1 280 800 740 £20,000 to up £24,000 200,000 -20 year up to 5 years Total 400,000 -19 Duration of over 10 1,450 450 Note: 5 years The caseload figures have been rounded to the nearest 100,000. Totals may not sum due to rounding. Notes: 1. Case load figures are rounded to the nearest ten and totals may not sum due Transitional protection will ensure that there are no to rounding. cash losers at the point of transition as a result of 2. Statistical Group is a hierarchical variable. A person who fits into more than one category will only appear in the top- changes in the way benefit is calculated. most one for which they are eligible. The following table provides the estimates, using the For example, a claimant of disability living allowance and jobseeker’s allowance would appear in “Job Seeker”, not in “Disabled”. Department’s policy simulation model, of the number 3. Out of work benefits are: of families that will have (ii) a higher entitlement under JSA—claimants of jobseeker’s allowance. universal credit operating in the steady state and the ESA and incapacity benefits—claimants of Incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance/employment and support allowance. average change in entitlement for families in larger IS/PC—claimants of income support (and males age 60-64 claiming pension income groups. Income is defined as income net of tax. credit) that are not also claiming IB/SDA. 4. Durations shown are the longest claim duration of the benefits of interest. (ii) Number that have a Source: higher entitlement Average weekly change DWP Information Directorate: 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. Annual income under universal credit in entitlement (£)

Unemployment: North East England £16,000 up to £20,000 400,000 28 £20,000 to up £24,000 600,000 24 Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 900,000 25 Note: Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the The caseload figures have been rounded to the nearest 100,000. Totals may not number of workless households in (a) the north east, sum due to rounding. 751W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 752W

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Transitional protection will ensure that there are no Pensions, pursuant to the answer of 22 March 2011, cash losers at the point of transition as a result of Official Report, column 970W, on universal credit, in changes in the way benefit is calculated. how many families with savings (a) between £16,000 The following table provides the estimates, using the and £20,000, (b) between £20,000 and £25,000, (c) Department’s policy simulation model, of the number between £25,000 and £30,000 and (d) £30,000 and of families that will have (ii) a higher entitlement under above will have a lower entitlement under universal universal credit operating in the steady state and the credit operating in the steady state; and what the average change in entitlement for families in larger average loss in incomes will be for families in each savings group. group attributable to this lower entitlement. [49821] (ii) Number that have a higher entitlement Average weekly change Chris Grayling: The Department is unable to provide Savings under universal credit in entitlement (£) the information for the requested breakdowns due to small sample sizes. However, the following table provides £6,000 up to £11,000 100,000 20 the estimates, using the Department’s Policy Simulation £11,000 to up £16,000 1— 1— Model, of the number of families that will have a lower Total 100,000 21 entitlement under universal credit operating in the steady 1 Denotes a caseload of less than 50,000. Average weekly change in entitlement can not be provided due to small caseload sizes. state and the average change in entitlement for families Note: in larger savings groups. The caseload figures have been rounded to the nearest 100,000. Totals may not sum due to rounding. Number that have a lower Average weekly change Savings entitlement under universal credit in entitlement (£) Winter Fuel Payments

£16,000 up to 1— 1— Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for £30,000 Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost to the £30,000 and 100,000 -49 above public purse of provision of winter fuel allowance to Total 100,000 -52 those (a) aged 60 to 79 at the rate of (i) £200 and (ii) 1 Denotes a caseload of less than 50,000. Average weekly change in £250 per year and (b) aged 80 or over at the rate of (A) entitlement cannot be provided due to small caseload sizes. £300 and (B) £400 per year in (1) Brighton Pavilion Note: The caseload figures have been rounded to the nearest 100,000. Totals may not constituency and (2) the city of Brighton and Hove in sum due to rounding. each of the next four calendar years. [50241] Transitional protection will ensure that there are no Steve Webb: The information is not available as requested. cash losers at the point of transition as a result of Forecasts of winter fuel payments are made on financial changes in the way benefit is calculated. years rather than calendar years. The information that is available is in the following Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and tables: Pensions, pursuant to the answer of 22 March 2011, Official Report, column 970W, on universal credit, how Brighton Pavilion constituency Winter fuel payment expenditure (£ millions, many families with savings between (a) £6,000 and in-year prices) £7,000, (b) £7,000 and £8,000, (c) £8,000 and £9,000, Winter fuel (d) £9,000 and £10,000, (e) £10,000 and £11,000, (f) payment Age £11,000 and £12,000, (g) £12,000 and £13,000, (h) rates group 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 £13,0000 and £14,000, (i) £14,000 and £15,000 and (j) £200 / £300 79 and 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.4 £15,000 and £16,000 will have (i) a lower and (ii) a under higher entitlement under universal credit operating in 80 and 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 the steady state; and what the average change in income over will be for families in each group attributable to the All ages 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 change in entitlement. [49822] £250 / £400 79 and 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8 Chris Grayling: The Department is unable to provide under 80 and 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 the information for the requested breakdowns due to over small sample sizes. However, the following table provides All ages 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.0 the estimates, using the Department’s policy simulation model, of the number of families that will have (i) a Brighton and Hove local authority lower entitlement under universal credit operating in Winter fuel payment expenditure (£ millions, the steady state and the average change in entitlement in-year prices) for families in larger savings group. Winter fuel payment Age rates group 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 (i) Number that have a lower entitlement under Average weekly change £200 / £300 79 and 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.9 Savings universal credit in entitlement (£) under 80 and 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.1 £6,000 up to £11,000 100,000 -14 over £11,000 up to £16,000 100,000 -27 All ages 4.9 4.9 4.9 5.0 Total 100,000 -19 Note: The caseload figures have been rounded to the nearest 100,000. Totals may not £250 / £400 79 and 2.5 2.4 2.4 2.3 sum due to rounding. under 753W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 754W

Brighton and Hove local authority Steve Webb: There is no change to the standard rate Winter fuel payment expenditure (£ millions, of winter fuel payment. The previous Government always in-year prices) made it clear that the additional amount of £50 or £100 Winter fuel payment Age was a temporary increase to the winter fuel payment for rates group 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 winter 2010-11.

80 and 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.1 Details of the eligibility criteria and the payment over rates can be found on the Directgov website. Everybody All ages 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.5 who is due to receive a winter fuel payment will get a Notes: letter advising them when their payment is being made 1. Expenditure on winter fuel payments is rounded to the nearest £100,000. Age and how much it is. breakdowns may not sum to totals due to rounding. 2. Expenditure on the “79 and under” age group includes payments to people over women’s state pension age, which is increasing from 60 to 65 between 2010 Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for and 2018. People under women’s state pension age (both men and women) are Work and Pensions how much was paid out in winter not eligible for winter fuel payments. fuel allowances awarded to residents of Clwyd South 3. Projections of winter fuel payments on a constituency and local authority level use the latest administrative data to apportion total Great Britain (GB) constituency in the winter of 2010-11; and what expenditure over the requested geography. Therefore they do not allow for forecast he has made of the equivalent figure in potentially different trends between these geographical units and Great Britain 2011-12. [50476] overall. 4. GB forecasts of winter fuel payments are consistent with Budget 2011 forecasts. Steve Webb: Actual expenditure on winter fuel payments Source: Budget 2011 forecasts and projections based on DWP statistical data. for 2010-11 is not yet available. In 2009-10, the last year for which information is available, expenditure on winter Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for fuel payments in Clwyd South constituency was £3.4 million. Work and Pensions what change in expenditure he Forecasts for benefit expenditure are not produced expects to result from implementation of his proposed below Great Britain level. However, if the Clwyd South changes to winter fuel payments in the winter 2011-12. share of spending in 2009-10 was maintained in 2010-11 [50264] and 2011-12, spending would be £3.4 million and £2.6 million respectively. Steve Webb: Winter fuel payments for winter 2011-12 Notes: will be £200 for households with someone who has (1) Expenditure has been rounded to the nearest hundred thousand reached women’s state pension age and is under 80, and pounds. £300 for households with someone aged 80 or over, (2) We do not forecast winter fuel payment expenditure at a exactly as budgeted for by the previous Government. constituency level. Projections of winter fuel payments at this An additional temporary amount of winter fuel payment level use the latest administrative data to apportion forecast total was paid for the last three winters, taking the rates to winter fuel payment expenditure over the requested area. £250 for households with someone who had reached (3) An additional temporary amount of winter fuel payment was women’s state pension age and was under 80, and paid in 2009-10 and 2010-11, providing rates of £250 for households £400 for households with someone aged 80 or over. with someone who had reached women’s state pension age and It is estimated that making winter fuel payments in was under 80, and £400 for households with someone aged 80 or over. Winter fuel payments for 2011-12 will be £200 for households 2011-12 as planned would cost around £590 million less with someone who has reached women’s state pension age and is than if the additional amounts were to continue. under 80, and £300 for households with someone aged 80 or over, as budgeted for by the previous Government, decreasing winter Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for fuel payment expenditure for this year compared to the previous Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost to his years. Department of retaining the winter fuel payment at the Source: enhanced rate for households in receipt of pension Budget 2011 forecasts and DWP statistical data. credit in the winter of 2011-12. [50296] Steve Webb: Winter fuel payments for winter 2011-12 Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for will be £200 for households with someone who has Work and Pensions (1) how many people over the age reached women’s state pension age and is under 80, and of 80 and resident in Clwyd South constituency £300 for households with someone aged 80 or over, received a winter fuel allowance in the most recent year exactly as budgeted for by the previous Government. for which figures are available; [50477] An additional temporary amount of winter fuel payment (2) how many pensioners resident in Clwyd South was paid for the last three winters, taking the rates to constituency received winter fuel allowance in the most £250 for households with someone who had reached recent year for which figures are available. [50480] women’s state pension age and was under 80, and £400 for households with someone aged 80 or over. Steve Webb: The information is available in the document It is estimated that making the additional payment “Winter Fuel Payment recipients 2009-10 by Parliamentary on 2011-12 to households that are in receipt of pension Constituencies and Gender”. This is available in the credit would increase the winter fuel payment expenditure Commons Library and on the internet at: by around £160 million. http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=wfp Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions what steps he plans to take to and Pensions how many people in Bexleyheath and ensure pensioners are aware of the planned withdrawal Crayford constituency over the age of 80 received of the top-up payment to the winter fuel allowance. winter fuel allowance payments in the latest period for [50475] which figures are available. [50826] 755W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 756W

Steve Webb: The information is available in the document Mr Robathan: Under a £1.4 billion programme, some “Winter Fuel Payment recipients 2009-10 by Parliamentary 60,000 new or improved single living accommodation Constituencies and Gender”. This is available in the (SLA) bed-spaces are due to be delivered between 2003 Commons Library and on the internet at and 2013, subject to funding considerations. As the http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page-wfp. programme is being delivered through various initiatives across the Department (including private finance initiative Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work projects where SLA improvements are only one element and Pensions what assessment he has made of the of the work), exact expenditure by year cannot be separately likely impact of proposed changes to winter fuel identified without disproportionate effort and cost. payments on the future level of excess winter deaths; The following has been spent in each of the last five and if he will make a statement. [51040] financial years upgrading and improving service family Steve Webb: Winter fuel payments are one part of the accommodation (SFA) in Great Britain: overall Government programme to support vulnerable groups in winter. For winter 2011-12, most people who Financial year Spend £ million have reached women’s state pension age will receive a 2005-06 32.4 winter fuel payment of either £200 or £300 depending 2006-07 14.7 on their household circumstances. The winter fuel payment 2007-08 64 remains a significant contribution to an older person’s 2008-09 56.1 winter fuel costs. 2009-10 76.7 Targeted help for vulnerable groups is provided through cold weather payments, which the coalition Government In the Poole constituency, the following was spent on have permanently increased from £8.50 a week to £25 a new or improved SLA at Royal Marines Poole in each week. Cold weather payments provide real help to those of the last five financial years: most vulnerable to the cold i.e. disabled adults and children, the elderly and families with children under Financial year Spend in £ thousands five who are in receipt of an income-related benefit. 2005-06 3,201 They are paid when the average temperature where a 2006-07 754 customer lives is 0° C or below for seven consecutive 2007-08 433 days. This winter, over 17 million cold weather payments 2008-09 81 have been paid in Great Britain, worth an estimated 2009-10 92 £430 million. In addition, subject to parliamentary approval, from Some £550,000 was spent on bathroom and heating winter 2011-12 some of the poorest pensioners would improvements to 68 SFA properties in the Poole get direct assistance with their energy costs through a constituency in the financial year 2009-10. No similar rebate off their electricity bills under the warm home expenditure was incurred in the four preceding years. discount scheme. Rebates would be at least £120. Departmental Contracts The programme of support for vulnerable groups also includes the annual seasonal influenza vaccination programme, which offers free flu jabs to people most at Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for risk from potentially life-threatening complications of Defence (1) what proportion of his Department’s flu. The Government ran a new website service, Winter contracts by (a) value and (b) number were placed (i) Watch, as well as its annual Keep Warm Keep Well directly and (ii) through sub-contracts with small and campaign for 2010/11, to provide advice on staying medium-sized enterprises in each year since 2005; warm over the winter and staying in touch with people [50447] who may be vulnerable during cold weather, including (2) what steps he is taking to ensure that the prime the elderly, in order to reduce illness and deaths. defence contractors implement Government proposals that 25 per cent. of contracts should be placed with Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work small and medium-sized enterprises. [50448] and Pensions how many people resident in Warrington North constituency aged (a) under and (b) over 80 Peter Luff: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) years receive winter fuel allowance. [50985] play an essential role in defence as prime contractors, Steve Webb: The information is available in the document subcontractors and lower-tier suppliers, and we fully “Winter Fuel Payment recipients 2009-10 by Parliamentary recognise and value the contribution that SMEs make Constituencies and Gender”. This is available in the at all levels. Commons Library and on the internet at Approximately 95% of Ministry of Defence (MOD) http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=wfp contracts are managed through our central contract processes. These define a SME as a company with fewer than 250 employees. The following table shows the DEFENCE number of contracts let directly by MOD to SMEs in each year since the financial year 2005-06. Armed Forces: Housing Proportion of Proportion by value of Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Year ending 31 procurement contracts procurement contracts how much his Department has spent on improvements March awarded to SMEs (%) awarded to SMEs (%) to armed forces’ accommodation (a) nationally and 2005-06 47 10 (b) in Poole constituency in each year since 2005. 2006-07 46 3 [50491] 757W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 758W

within reasonable distance of London, where they would Proportion of Proportion by value of Year ending 31 procurement contracts procurement contracts normally be carrying classified papers on which they March awarded to SMEs (%) awarded to SMEs (%) would be working. The number of such journeys is set out in the following table: 2007-08 46 4 2008-09 48 5 Number of times 2009-10 45 10 Date last used a travelled to own ministerial car while constituency in a The smaller proportion of contracts by value in the travelling in an official ministerial car since three years from 2006-07 reflects the award of a few Minister capacity May 2010 very large contracts to non-SMEs. However, these large Secretary of State for n/a n/a contracts will themselves have generated significant business Defence1 (Dr Liam for SMEs as subcontractors. Indeed, the figures shown Fox) above are all under-representative of the total number Minister of State for 30 March 2011 0 the Armed Forces of contracts placed with SMEs throughout the supply (Nick Harvey) chain. Minister for Defence 28 March 2011 10 The December 2010 Green Paper entitled “Equipment, Equipment, Support and Technology (Peter Support and Technology for UK Defence and Security” Luff) includes a section which discusses ways in which the Minister for 30 March 2011 5 MOD might make procurement easier and improve International Security access to defence contract opportunities for SMEs at Strategy (Gerald Howarth) both prime and subcontract level. The three-month Minister for Defence 23 March 2011 0 consultation was completed on 31 March 2011 and we Personnel, Welfare and are taking account of views received in formulating a Veterans (Andrew White Paper, which will be published later this year and Robathan) Under-Secretary of 25 March 2011 0 set out the changes we intend to introduce. State for Defence But we are not waiting for this to deepen engagement (Lord Astor of Hever) with SMEs. We are already taking effective steps to 1 The Metropolitan police orchestrate such travel for the Secretary of State for bring innovative ideas from SMEs into defence through Defence. the Centre for Defence Enterprise. The first meeting of Departmental Travel a new forum for SMEs under the auspices of the Defence Suppliers Forum is also being held this week. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of his ministerial team have been Departmental Interpreters issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly and (ii) annual travel card valid on London transport Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence and paid for by his Department for use while travelling for which services provided by (a) his Department and on Government business. [50167] (b) its associated public bodies, interpreters provide services in a language or languages other than English; Mr Robathan: None of the Ministry of Defence’s how many interpreters are employed or subcontracted ministerial team have been issued with either an Oyster for each non-English language; and what estimate he card or a monthly or annual travel card that is paid for has made of the cost to the public purse of by the Department. interpretation costs incurred in the latest period for Departmental Redundancy which figures are available. [42887]

Mr Robathan: This information could be provided Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for for the Department as a whole only at disproportionate Defence how many staff have applied for early release cost. as part of the reduction of civil service numbers in his Department. [50885] The Department has a Welsh language scheme which obliges us to provide interpretation facilities should Mr Robathan: The Department launched a voluntary there be a requirement. The provision of these facilities early release scheme on 28 February with a target of is the responsibility of the areas organising the events releasing 4,000 staff by 31 March 2012. The total number and therefore this information is not held centrally. of applications received by the closing date was 13,832. Departmental Official Cars Departmental Secondment

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date (a) he and (b) each other Defence how many staff of his Department have been Minister in his Department last used a ministerial car (a) seconded and (b) attached or on loan to Defence while travelling in an official capacity; and how many Equipment and Support project teams in its prime times (i) he and (ii) each other Minister in his contractors since 2005. [50446] Department has travelled to their constituency in a Ministerial car since May 2010. [50189] Peter Luff: According to the Ministry of Defence’s human resources system, 13 staff from Defence Equipment Mr Robathan: As set out in the ministerial code, and Support have had secondments with the private Ministers are permitted to use an official car for official sector since 2008; four staff are currently on secondment. business and for journeys between home and office, Those secondments began in the following years: 759W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 760W

We have no details of the involvement in the Libyan Number internal opposition movement of individuals with a 2008 1 background in violent political activities or international 2009 9 terrorism in Afghanistan or Iraq, or of membership of 2010 3 proscribed terrorist organisations. We have been clear 2011 0 that it is essential that the Libyan opposition ensure that they are not infiltrated by al-Qaeda. It is clear from Information about numbers on secondment was not our engagement with the INC that that they are sincere held centrally before December 2007. in their wish for an inclusive, democratic Libya which Information is not held centrally about whether the rejects extremism, as shown by their manifesto and companies to which these secondments were made were public statements rejecting extremist ideas, and committing prime contractors. I will write to the hon. Gentleman to combating them in all circumstances and implementing with this information. UN Security Council Resolutions on counter-terrorism. Libya: Armed Conflict Ex-servicemen: Poole Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Defence what his policy is on the use of depleted what assistance his Department provides to veterans in uranium weapons; and how that policy (a) is applied Poole constituency. [50490] to and (b) will apply in operations in Libya. [51481]

Mr Robathan: The Government provide a comprehensive Dr Fox: The Government’s policy is that depleted programme of support for ex-service personnel across uranium (DU) can be used within weapons. It is not the UK. This includes: an excellent resettlement package prohibited under current or likely future international for service personnel returning to civilian life; high- agreements. The UK’s armed forces use all munitions in quality pension and compensation schemes; and measures accordance with international humanitarian law. It would to meet veterans’ health and welfare needs. Our commitment be quite wrong to deny our serving personnel a legitimate to rebuilding the armed forces covenant reinforces this and effective capability. and will set the tone for Government policy aimed at The only DU munition in service with our armed improving the support available for the armed forces forces is the Charm 3 antitank round fired from the community. Recent initiatives include providing improved Challenger 2 tank. With no deployed ground forces it support for ex-service personnel to study at university follows that none of the weapons supplied to UK and creating ‘Troops to Teachers’, a programme to armed forces for uses over Libya contain DU. recruit ex-service personnel into the teaching profession, Other nations may choose to use DU munitions fired and measures to improve services for those who may from aircraft guns against armoured targets if they have suffer from mental health problems. that capability but that is a choice for them alone to make. Libya Nuclear Submarines

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of any Defence (1) whether reactors on Royal Navy nuclear- potential relationship between the armed opposition to powered submarines in service have (a) systems for the Libyan Government and combatants who have safety injection of coolant into the reactor pressure previously fought against coalition forces in Iraq; vessel head and (b) passive core cooling systems; [50896] [50634] (2) what assessment he has made of any potential (2) what advice he has received from the Defence relationship between the armed opposition to the Nuclear Safety Regulator on the need for (a) systems Libyan Government and terrorist groups proscribed for safety injection of coolant into the reactor pressure (a) in the UK and (b) overseas; [50897] vessel head and (b) passive core cooling systems on (3) what assessment he has made of any potential submarine reactors in order to reduce risks to the level relationship between the armed opposition to the of as low as reasonably practicable; [50635] Libyan Government and persons who (a) are fighting (3) if he will place in the Library an unredacted copy and (b) have previously fought against NATO forces in of the note of 6 November 2009 entitled Safety Afghanistan. [50898] Regulators’ advice on the selection of the propulsion plant in support of the future deterrent review; [50729] Alistair Burt: I have been asked to reply. (4) what reasons the Defence Nuclear Safety We are in dialogue with the Interim National Council Regulator gave for his assessment on the adequacy of (INC) and other elements of the opposition inside and benchmarked relevant good practices of UK outside Libya. We are convinced that political reform in submarine reactor designs in respect of (a) the control Libya is necessary, that the Gaddafi regime has lost all of submarine depth and (b) a loss of coolant accident. legitimacy, and that the Libyan people have clearly [50730] indicated their desire for change. But the form of any political settlement is for the Libyan people themselves Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for to decide. We support the efforts of the INC to prepare Defence if he will publish the assessment of the for a more democratic and accountable government in Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator on (a) loss of depth Libya. Their announcement of a political programme control and (b) loss of coolant accidents on Vanguard- was an important first step in that process. class submarines. [51177] 761W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 762W

Peter Luff: All submarines in service with the Royal Since May 2010, 20 projects have been approved and Navy have passive core cooling capability and the ability therefore eligible for funding. Of those, grant payments to add coolant into the reactor pressure vessel if necessary. have been made to one project and contracts entered The Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator (DNSR)’s into for five totalling £2,358,766. assessment and advice was given in the document ‘Safety Regulators’ advice on the selection of the propulsion Academies: Finance plant in support of the future deterrent review’. Some information within this document has been Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for withheld because its disclosure would or would be likely Education which academy schools have been assessed to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of as having received an overpayment of grant; and what the armed forces; prejudice relations between the UK the amount concerned was in each such case. and another state and prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs. For these reasons I do not intend to Mr Gibb [holding answer 24 January 2011]: Eight release an un-redacted copy. A redacted copy will be academies have been assessed as having received an placed in the Library of the House. overpayment of grant in the past. The details are in the The standards set for the safety of nuclear reactors following table: are extremely high, and DNSR’s assessment is that they are met by all the reactors used by the Royal Navy. Over the Nevertheless, we are always seeking to better our safety Academy academic years Overpayment (£) performance, and improvements are made where necessary Westminster 2007/08, 2008/09, 1,721,328 and practicable. Academy 2009/10 Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Paddington Academy 2007/08, 2008/09, 2,003,481 2009/10 (1) on which occasions each Minister of State in his Department was present to welcome returning Pimlico Academy 2008/09, 2009/10 1,999,587 City Academy, 2009/10 479,330 submariners following a tour of duty of a Vanguard- Norwich class submarine in each year between 1996 and 2000; Marlowe Academy, 2006/07, 2007/08 984,000 [50262] Kent (2) on which occasions each Minister of State in his Dixons City 2005/06, 2006/07, 720,000 Department was present to welcome submariners Academy, Bradford 2007/08 returning to port following a tour of duty of a Capital City 2007/08, 2008/09 308,000 Vanguard-class submarine in each year from 2001 to Academy, Willesden 2004. [50438] Langley Academy, 2008/09 482,000 Berkshire Nick Harvey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right The overpayments were caused by a mix of administrative hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox) errors in relation to the calculation of their grant, on 18 March 2011, Official Report, column 678W. incorrect information from the academy or error in the Centralised records have only been held since December local authority budget statement which forms the basis 2004 and information prior to then could be provided of the grant calculation. In each case action has been only at disproportionate cost. taken to manage the overpayment that reflects the overall financial position of the academy.

Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for EDUCATION Education what local authority central spend equivalent grant allocation has been made to each Academies academy school for 2011-12. [38028] Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether any grants or contracts have been Mr Gibb [holding answer 3 February 2011]: This awarded to external bodies to assist schools seeking to information is not currently available for all academies. convert to academy status since May 2010. [38485] The YoungPeople’s Learning Agency (YPLA) is currently in the process of calculating allocations for academies Michael Gove [holding answer 4 February 2011]: I for academic year 2011/12. can confirm that since May 2010, grants and contracts The table showing the local authority central spend have been awarded to external bodies to assist the equivalent grant (LACSEG), allocations for those academies development of sponsored academies which generally that have received final funding letters which YPLA replace underperforming schools. started to issue from 29 March has been placed in the Contracts are awarded through an established framework House Libraries. These academies have until the end of to procure project management and educational services April to challenge the grant allocation and the basis on needed by academies in their pre-opening development which it is calculated. phase. The value of contracts varies according to the The remaining grant allocations will be dispatched by needs of the project. YPLA before the end of May 2011. A full breakdown Grant funding can be paid to academy trusts who of LACSEG allocations for academy schools in academic undertake themselves the pre-opening project management year 2011/12 will be available in August 2012. This will and educational services needed by academy projects include allocations for the remaining academy schools rather than appoint a commercial project management due to convert or open in the current academic year as company. well as those opening or converting in 2011/12. 763W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 764W

Apprentices in Liverpool’s secondary schools. On 6 August 2010, Enterprise South Liverpool Academy was among those Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for for which the Secretary of State announced allocations Education what plans he has to increase the number of of capital. The De La Salle Academy was notified of its apprenticeship places for 16 to 18-year-olds. [51001] capital allocation on 20 December 2010. On 28 March 2011, the Minister for Schools, the hon. Mr Hayes: In the 16-19 Funding Statement, published Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb), in December 2010, we increased funding for 16-18 visited St John Bosco School accompanied by councillor apprenticeships in order to have sufficient funding in Joe Anderson and the hon. Member for Liverpool, place to have 131,200 apprentice starts in 2010/11 and West Derby to observe the issues requiring investment 133,500 in 2011/12 (academic years). This represents and hear about proposals for addressing these issues. significant growth in the programme; in 2009/10, 116,800 16 to 18-year-olds started apprenticeship frameworks. Our investment in future years will reflect the value Children: Disadvantaged we place on apprenticeships as a key route for Raising the Participation Age for learning, due to commence Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Education in 2013. what assessment he has made of the effects of his Apprentices: Greater London proposed bursary scheme on the number of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds remaining in Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for education; and if he will make a statement. [50616] Education what estimate he has made of the number of people aged 16 to 18 years beginning apprenticeships in Mr Gibb: We are committed to ensuring that all the (a) London borough of Camden and (b) London young people continue in education or training post-16. borough of Brent in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12. We are investing nearly £15 million in providing a [38419] bursary of £1,200 a year to the most vulnerable young people, such as those in care and those receiving income Mr Hayes: The Government are strongly committed support—more than they would have received under to investment in apprenticeships for 16 to 18-year-olds, the old system. The remainder of the 16-19 Bursary which is why we have an ambitious planning assumption Fund—some £165 million a year—will go into discretionary of 131,000 apprenticeships for 2010/11 which allows for funds that schools and colleges can use in ways that best significant growth. The apprenticeship budget for the fit the circumstances and needs of their students, for 2010-11 financial year is £780 million for 16 to 18-year-olds. example, to provide help with books, meals, transport We want to see continued growth in the number of or other course-related costs. young people undertaking an apprenticeship, which is While actual payments will reflect need, by way of why funding for 16-18 apprenticeships will increase to illustration the 16-19 Bursary Fund is sufficient to £799 million in 2011-12, £19 million more than for provide a bursary of £800 a year to 15% of all 16 to 2010-11. This will provide funding for more than 133,000 19-year-olds in full-time education and training—more starts for 16 to 18-year-olds. than covering those who were in receipt of free school The Apprenticeships Programme is demand led. meals in year 11. Government do not plan apprenticeship places by local A full equality impact assessment has been published authority area. Government provide funding to the and is available on the Department’s website at: Skills Funding Agency on a national basis and forecasts http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/1/ the overall number of places that may be afforded. We ema%20replacement%20scheme.pdf rely on employers and providers to work together to A copy has also been placed in the House Libraries. offer sufficient opportunities to meet local demand, taking advantage of the greater freedoms and flexibilities that we have created in the further education system. Children’s Centres The National Apprenticeship Service works with local providers and employers in the London borough of Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Camden and the London borough of Brent to make Education how many Sure Start places were provided apprenticeship places available where there is demand. in (a) Brighton Pavilion constituency, (b) the Building Schools for the Future Programme: Liverpool Brighton and Hove area and (c) England in 2009-10; and how many such places he expects to be provided in Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11. [49370] Education what recent discussions he has had with Liverpool city council on progress on projects under Sarah Teather: The Department for Education collects the Building Schools for the Future programme in data on the number of Sure Start Children’s Centres in Liverpool. [17722] each local authority area in England but does not routinely collect data on the number of places provided Michael Gove [holding answer 18 October 2010]: On in each centre. In the Brighton and Hove city council 28 July 2010 the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of area, 15 children’s centres are recorded on the Department State for Schools, my noble Friend (Lord Hill) met for Education’s database, providing access to services councillors Joe Anderson and Paula Keaveney, for around 15,000 children under five and their families. accompanied by the hon. Members for Garston and Figures are not available for the Brighton Pavilion Halewood (Maria Eagle), for Liverpool, West Derby constituency. As at 31 March 2010, there were 3,614 (Stephen Twigg) and for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana children’s centres in England and at 22 March 2011 Berger). They discussed options for capital investment data shows there were 3,621. 765W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 766W

The Government wants to retain a network of children’s Staff numbers centres, accessible to all families but focused on those in greatest need. It is for local authorities, in consultation Name May 2010 March 2011 with local communities to determine the most effective General Teaching Council for England 216 175 way of delivering future services to meet local need. (GTCE) Local authorities continue to have a duty under section National College 367 326 5D of the Childcare Act 2006 to provide sufficient Office of the Children’s Commissioner 26 27 provision of children’s centres so far as is reasonably (OCC) Office of Qualifications and Examinations 162 163 practicable, and to consult before opening, closing or Regulation (Ofqual) significantly changing children’s centres. Office for Standards in Education, 1,945 1,615 Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Partnerships for Schools (PfS) 186 168 Education what estimate he has made of the change in Qualifications and Curriculum 502 363 the number of Sure Start children’s centres since May Development Agency (QCDA) 2010. [50931] School Food Trust (SFT) 74 72 Training and Development Agency (TDA) 311 311 Sarah Teather: The Department for Education collects Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) 561 534 data from local authorities on number of Sure Start Total 9,544 8,529 Children’s Centres in each local authority area in England. As at 31 May 2010, data show there were 3,631 Sure Start Children’s Centres in England. As at 22 March Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011, data show there were 3,621 Sure Start Children’s Education how many (a) actual and (b) full-time Centres in England. equivalent staff were employed by his Department in May 2010. [42401] It is for local authorities, in consultation with local communities, to determine the most effective way of delivering children’s centre services to meet local need. Tim Loughton: The number of staff employed by the Local authorities continue to have duties under section Department (as at 1 May 2010) was 2,646 (2,526.8 5D of the Childcare Act 2006 to provide sufficient FTE). provision of children’s centres, so far as is reasonably Similar information from May 2010 for the actual practicable, and to consult before opening, closing or number of staff working for the Department’s arm’s significantly changing children’s centres. length bodies is set out in the following table. Information Consultants for full-time equivalent staff is not yet available, but will be placed in the House of Commons Library when published: John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for how many hours consultancy work his Staff numbers May Department paid Michael Wilkins in the last Name 2010 12 months for which figures are available. [50505] British Educational Communications and Technology 264 Agency (BECTA) Tim Loughton: The Department’s financial records Children and Family Court Advisory and Support 2,098 show that the Department did not make any payments Service (CAFCASS) for consultancy hours to Michael Wilkins in the last Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) 210 12 months, nor does the Department hold any information General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) 216 for a Michael Wilkins on its central contracts database. National College 367 Departmental Manpower Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) 26 Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation 162 (Ofqual) Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services 1,945 Education how many (a) actual and (b) full-time and Skills (Ofsted) equivalent staff have left his Department’s employment Partnerships for Schools (PfS) 186 since May 2010. [42304] Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency 502 (QCDA) School Food Trust (SFT) 74 Tim Loughton: The actual number of staff who have Training and Development Agency (TDA) 311 permanently left the Department’s employ since 31 May Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) 561 2010 is 207 (195.85 FTE). The total number of people Total 6,922 who have left the Department and its arm’s length bodies is set out in the following table:

Staff numbers Departmental Official Cars Name May 2010 March 2011

Department for Education 2,622 2,605 Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for British Educational Communications and 264 9 Education on what date (a) he and (b) each other Technology Agency (BECTA) Minister in his Department last used a ministerial car Children and Family Court Advisory and 2,098 1,997 while travelling in an official capacity; and how many Support Service (CAFCASS) times (i) he and (ii) each other Minister in his Children’s Workforce Development 210 164 Department has travelled to their constituency in a Council (CWDC) ministerial car since May 2010. [50190] 767W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 768W

Tim Loughton: The following table shows the dates Administrative savings from the School Support Staff Ministers at the Department for Education last travelled Negotiating Body (SSSNB) over the spending review in a ministerial car. period are estimated at £1.4 million. The SSSNB is to be abolished because its remit to Minister Date develop a national pay and conditions framework for Michael Gove 29 March school support staff does not fit well with the Government’s Nick Gibb 29 March priorities for greater flexibility and autonomy for schools. Sarah Teather 29 March Departmental Travel Jonathan Hill 11 March Tim Loughton 22 March Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education on what date (a) he and (b) each other Information on the times and dates each minister Minister in his Department last travelled by (i) London travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car since underground and (ii) public bus services on May 2010 could be provided only at disproportionate Government business; how many times (A) he and (B) cost. Ministers only have a ministerial car when they are each other Minister in his Department has travelled by travelling in an official capacity and have departmental each such form of transport on Government business work, to do. However, all Ministers’, travel arrangements since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. are in accordance with the arrangements for official travel as set out in the Ministerial Code. Section 10 of [50091] the Code provides guidance on travel for Ministers, and Tim Loughton: The last time I travelled on the London makes clear that Ministers must ensure that they always underground while on Government business was 24 March make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. 2011 and I have not travelled by bus. The Department Departmental Official Hospitality holds no record of any other Minister travelling by either form of transport while on Government business. Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department has spent on Education how many of his ministerial team have been hospitality since May 2010. [35819] issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport Tim Loughton: From May 2010 to February 2011 the and paid for by his Department for use while travelling Department has spent £3,257.44 on hospitality. The on Government business. [50168] corresponding spend on hospitality from May 2009 to February 2010 was £6,612.37. Tim Loughton: No member of the ministerial team has been issued with either an Oyster card or any type Departmental Procurement of monthly or annual travel card.

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Travel Education pursuant to the answer of 8 March 2011, Official Report, columns 1009-11W, on departmental Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for procurement, what process was used to determine the Education how much his Department has spent on value of the contract with Professors Wiliam, Pollard ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) and James for an expert panel for the National bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft Curriculum review; and who was involved in the since May 2010. [50225] appointment process of the expert panel. [51329] Tim Loughton: The information is as follows: Mr Gibb: The decision to appoint Professors Wiliam, (a) The total invoiced expenditure on ministerial cars for the Pollard and James to the Expert Panel was taken on the Department since May 2010 is £207,125. advice of officials and Tim Oates, Chair of the Expert (b) Information regarding the cost of ministerial rail travel is not Panel. The value of their contracts was determined recorded separately and can be provided only at disproportionate through a process of negotiation which secured a rate cost. that represented good value for money for their services. (c) No ministerial journeys have been made by public bus. (d and e) Since May 2010, this Department is committed to Public Bodies Reform Programme publishing quarterly online information on all ministerial overseas travel, including cost. The published information can be viewed at: Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/ Education what estimate his Department has made of departmentalinformation/transparency/a0065263ministers- the level of savings which will accrue from the abolition quarterly-returns of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body. [48629] The information for January to March 2011 will be published in due course. Michael Gove: On 16 March 2011, the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, my right Ministers in the Department for Education have not hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude) travelled on a commercial or private aircraft within the issued a written ministerial statement on progress with United Kingdom. public bodies reform. That statement also announced Section 10 of the Ministerial Code provides guidance that Departments estimate cumulative administrative on travel for Ministers and makes clear that Ministers savings of at least £2.6 billion will flow from public must ensure that they always make efficient and cost- bodies over the spending review period. effective travel arrangements 769W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 770W

Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department spent on first Education which 16 to 19-year-old students in (a) class train travel in financial year 2009-10. [50562] sixth form and (b) further education colleges who received education maintenance allowance he met in Tim Loughton: The Department spent £2,397,940 on the course of development of his proposals for 16 to 19 first class train travel in the financial year 2009-10. student finance. [51345] The data has been provided by the Department’s contractor for travel booking, Carlson Wagonlit Travel. Mr Gibb: In developing the proposals for the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, Department for Education officials met Discretionary Learner Support Fund a number of young people in receipt of EMA from sixth form colleges and further education colleges, in particular through discussions arranged by the National Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Union of Students, the National Association of Managers Education pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2010, of Student Services and Platform 51. Official Report, column 411W, on the discretionary In developing these proposals, we also took account learner support fund: Poplar, on what date he plans to of the work of the right hon. Member for Bermondsey announce proposals for the replacement of the and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes), who, in his capacity education maintenance allowance. [38102] of Advocate for Access to Education, has met groups of young people from sixth form colleges and further Mr Gibb [holding answer 4 February 2011]: On 28 March education colleges in a number of areas, including we announced a new £180 million bursary scheme Merseyside, Southwark, Lambeth and Hampshire. which, from September 2011, will be targeted towards those young people who most need support to enable We are currently consulting on the new arrangements. them to continue their education and training post-16, together with transitional arrangements to help some of Education Maintenance Allowance: Blackpool those who are presently in receipt of EMA. We are currently consulting on our proposals. Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the number of Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for students in Blackpool who were in receipt of education Education what eligibility criteria he plans to put in maintenance allowance in academic year 2010-11 who place for eligibility for discretionary learner support for will be ineligible for the new Bursary scheme for students attending (a) sixth form and (b) further students aged 16 to 19 in academic year 2012-13. education colleges; and whether such support will [50902] include (i) travelcards, (ii) meals at college and (iii) course-related equipment. [38417] Mr Gibb [holding answer 4 April 2011]: The most vulnerable young people—whether or not they are Michael Gove: On 28 March 2011 we announced the currently in receipt of education maintenance allowance establishment of a new 16-19 Bursary Fund, worth (EMA)—will be eligible in 2012/13 for a bursary of £180 million a year. The most vulnerable young people— £1,200. Any other students who were in receipt of EMA those in care, care leavers and young people in receipt of in 2011/12 and are continuing in post-16 education or income support—will receive a bursary of £1,200 a training for a third year in 2012/13 will be eligible to year. Beyond this, schools, colleges and training providers apply for support from the 16-19 Bursary Fund in the will be able to use their discretion to award bursaries in third year of their studies. Decisions as to which students ways that best fit the circumstances and needs of their receive support will be made by schools, colleges and students, for example, to provide help with transport, training providers. meals, books, or other course-related costs. Education: Drugs Education Maintenance Allowance

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will review his decision to end Education what assessment he has made of the education maintenance allowance in the light of recent outcomes of the Blueprint drug education research programme. [50531] figures for youth unemployment. [41796]

Mr Gibb: Latest data from the Labour Force Survey Sarah Teather [holding answer 1 April 2011]: The (November-December 2010) show that the proportion Blueprint drug education research programme was a of 16 to 18-year-olds not in education, employment or Home Office funded programme. Three research reports training (NEET) fell by 0.7 percentage points against were published: the response of pupils and parents to the same quarter of 2009 to 8.5% (a fall equivalent to the programme, a delivery report and a practitioner 15,000 young people). On 28 March 2011 we announced report. These are all available online. The final report a new £180 million bursary scheme which, from September was published in 2009. 2011, will be targeted towards those young people who A summary of the response of pupils and parents to most need support to enable them to continue their the programme is available at the national archives education and training post-16, together with transitional website through the following link: arrangements to help the majority of those who are http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100419081707/ presently in receipt of EMA. We are currently consulting http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/publication-search/blueprint/ on our proposals. blueprint-final-report-2009 771W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 772W

The delivery and practitioner reports set out the key funding, who carried out the opinion poll cited in learning points for policy makers, practitioners and support of his policy; on what date it was conducted; programme designers. These reports are available at the how many people were surveyed; if he will place in the National Archives website through the following link: Library a copy of the (a) brief for and (b) results of http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100419081707/ the poll; and if he will make a statement. [50377] http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/publication-search/blueprint/ dpreports/?view=Standard&pubID=508900 Mr Gibb [holding answer 1 April 2011]: I can confirm These reports were considered by officials as part of that the opinion poll to which my right hon. Friend the the development of the national Drug Strategy published Secretary of State for Education, referred on 28 March in December 2010. 2011, Official Report, column 65, was carried out by YouGov between 19 and 20 January 2011 from a sample Post-16 Education: Funding of 1,860 adults. The survey results are shown in the following tables, and is available to view on the YouGov Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for website: Education pursuant to the oral statement of 28 March http://today.yougov.co.uk/sites/today.yougov.co.uk/files/YG- 2011, Official Report, column 65, on post-16 education Archives-Pol-YouGov-EMA-210111.pdf

Percentage Voting intention 2010 Vote Gender Age Total Con Lab Lib Dem Con Lab Lib Dem Male Female 18-24 25-39 40-59 60+

Weighted 1860 522 621 139 587 470 430 905 955 222 476 641 521 Sample Unweighted 1860 491 589 137 553 452 449 S71 939 132 436 778 514 Sample

Percentage Social grade Region AEC1 C2DE London Rest of South Midlands/Wales North Scotland

Weighted Sample 1043 787 239 609 395 454 101 Unweighted Sample 1211 6’19 244 S09 337 450 138

Education maintenance allowance (EMA) is a weekly allowance targeted help for the poorest students. Critics say this will deter of up to £30 paid to young people from low income backgrounds young people from staying in education. between the ages of 16 and 19 if they stay in full time education. The Government have said they will abolish the EMA as part of Do you support or oppose the abolition of the EMA? their measures to cut the deficit and Instead replace it with more

Voting intention 2010 Vote Gender Age Total Con Lab Lib Dem Con Lab Lib Dem Male Female 18-24 25-39 40-59 60+

Support 41 65 21 42 60 19 38 43 38 45 43 37 42 Oppose 46 25 68 42 27 69 50 44 49 44 38 51 49 Don’t know 13 10 10 16 12 11 12 13 13 10 19 12 10

Social grade Region AEC1 C2DE London Rest of South Midlands/Wales North Scotland

Support 46 34 42 41 42 38 39 Oppose 41 53 47 45 42 51 47 Don’t know 13 13 11 13 16 11 14

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for 19 bursary scheme, receive a bursary of £1,200 a year. It Education pursuant to the statement of 28 March is not possible to break these data down by provider, 2011, Official Report, columns 51-53, on post-16 local authority or region. education funding, what estimate he has made of the All students in full-time education or training will be number of students (a) in the west midlands, (b) in eligible to apply for support from the 16 to 19 bursary Dudley borough and (c) enrolled at Dudley college fund. Decisions as to which students should receive who will be eligible for (i) the 16 to 19 bursary and (ii) support will be made by schools, colleges and training the additional post-16 bursary of £1,200. [50809] providers. Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb [holding answer 4 April 2011]: We estimate Education what assessment he has made of the that there are around 12,000 young people currently in administrative burden on (a) school sixth forms and receipt of education maintenance allowance (EMA) (b) further education colleges of the operation of the who are in one of the groups that will, under the 16 to new bursary scheme for students aged 16 to 19. [50903] 773W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 774W

Mr Gibb [holding answer 4 April 2011]: Schools and Mr Gibb: The most vulnerable young people—those colleges already administer discretionary learner support in care, care leavers and young people in receipt of funding, and played a role in administering the education income support—will receive a bursary of at least £1,200 maintenance allowance. They will be allowed to use up under the arrangements we announced on 28 March to 5% of the 16 to 19 bursary fund to meet the costs of 2011. Schools, colleges and training providers will have administering the scheme. We are currently consulting discretion to award bursaries to other students, including on the arrangements for the 16 to 19 bursary fund. those in receipt of free school meals in year 11, in ways that best fit local needs and circumstances. Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what discussions he has had with Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for representatives of (a) the Association of Colleges, (b) Education what timetable he has set for consultation the Association of School and College Leaders, (c) the on the award of payments through the new 16 to 19 157 Group and (d) others on the administration of his education bursary and discretionary fund. [51341] Department’s bursary scheme for students aged 16 to 19. [50904] Mr Gibb: A formal consultation on arrangements for the 16 to 19 bursary fund, including the proposed Mr Gibb [holding answer 4 April 2011]: We have held transitional arrangements for young people currently in discussions with representatives of the Association of receipt of the education maintenance allowance (EMA), Colleges, the Association of School and College Leaders, was launched on 28 March 2011. The consultation will the 157 Group and others on the proposals to replace close on 20 May 2011. the education maintenance allowance (EMA) since the announcement of its closure. Following the announcement Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for of the new 16 to 19 bursary fund on 28 March 2011, we Education whether any of the funding for his have launched a formal consultation, which will close Department’s 16 to 19 education bursaries will come on 20 May. from departmental reserves. [51343] Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what requirements will be placed on training Mr Gibb: We have always had money set aside within providers to report on the (a) number and (b) size of the Department for Education budget for 16 to 19 awards administered through discretionary funding for financial support. As part of the budget discussions we 16 to 19 education. [51060] agreed a call on Treasury reserves for a minority of the funding for the new 16 to 19 bursary fund. Mr Gibb: Currently training providers with an allocation of discretionary learner support funds are required to Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for provide management information to the Young People’s Education on what date he plans to inform education Learning Agency annually.We expect that this arrangement and training providers of the level of funding they will will continue for the 16 to 19 bursary fund. be allocated for discretionary learner support. [51346]

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: Allocations will be made to schools, colleges Education if he will discuss with the Secretary of State and training providers following the end of the formal for Work and Pensions steps to identify those young consultation on the new arrangements, which closes on people who do not stay in education and training due 20 May 2011. to financial barriers. [51062] Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: The responsibility for identifying those Education what information he plans to issue to young young people who are not in education, employment or people on the new 16 to 19 student finance training rests with local authorities. They work closely arrangements; and whether the cost of issuing such with Jobcentre Plus to ensure that such young people information will be met by his Department. [51347] receive appropriate support to find employment or to re-engage in education or training. Mr Gibb: Information on the 16 to 19 bursary fund is currently available on the Department for Education Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for website and on Directgov. We will consider what further Education whether he plans to develop and issue communication may be necessary following the consultation national guidance for providers who will award 16-19 on the new arrangements. education discretionary funds. [51083] http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/ Mr Gibb: The YoungPeople’s Learning Agency, which MoneyToLearn/EMA/ will be responsible for the operation of the new 16 to 19 http://www.education.gov.uk/16to19/studentsupport/ bursary fund, will issue short, focused guidance to a0064057/financial-support-for-learning schools, colleges and training providers after the end of the formal consultation on the new arrangements. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which private training providers will have Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for access to discretionary learner support funding. [51348] Education if he will take steps to ensure that each young person who was in receipt of free school meals Mr Gibb: Training providers who are funded by the in year 11 and progresses to post-16 education between Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) will have the ages of 16 to 19 will receive £800 in funding from access to the 16 to 19 bursary fund, which replaces the discretionary learner support. [51086] discretionary learner support fund from September 2011. 775W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 776W

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Following the introduction of 16 to 19 bursaries from what estimate he has made of the number of recipients September 2011, the most vulnerable young people— of educational maintenance allowance who are not children in care, care leavers and young people on eligible for free school meals who will receive payments income support—will receive a bursary of £1,200. under his Department’s new bursary scheme. [50614] Under arrangements for transitional support, young Mr Gibb: Around 320,000 young people will receive people holding an EMA ‘guarantee’ from 2009/10— guaranteed support in 2011/12 as a result of the measures including those in receipt of free school meals—will see we announced on 28 March 2011. We do not hold data no change to their payments. Those who received £30 a on how many of these young people are eligible for free week EMA for the first time in 2010/11—including school meals. Decisions as to how the remainder of the those in receipt of free school meals—will receive £20 a funding is distributed will be made by schools, colleges week. Young people in both the 2009/10 cohort and the and training providers so we are not able to estimate 2010/11 cohort will also be eligible to apply for a how many young people will receive payments or what bursary, in addition to these weekly payments, from proportion of young people receiving a bursary will be their school, college or training provider. eligible for free school meals. While actual payments will reflect need, by way of Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Education illustration the 16 to 19 bursary fund is sufficient to what estimate he has made of the average change in provide a bursary of £800 a year to 15% of all 16-19 year annual income attributable to the introduction of the olds in full-time education and training—more than bursary for recipients of educational maintenance covering those who were in receipt of free school meals allowance who are not eligible for free school meals in year 11. This represents an increase of £40 on the current annual average payment to all young people between 2010-11 and 2011-12. [50615] receiving £30 a week EMA. Mr Gibb: In 2009/10 (the latest year for which full A full Equality Impact Assessment has been published figures were available) the average amount paid annually and is available on the Department’s website: to young people in receipt of £30 a week educational maintenance allowance (EMA) was £760, equating to http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/1/ approximately 25 weekly payments. For young people ema%20replacement%20scheme.pdf in receipt of £20 a week the average annual payment A copy has also been placed in the House Libraries. was £520, and for young people receiving £10 a week it was £260. Under arrangements for transitional support, young Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for people holding an EMA ‘guarantee’ from 2009/10— Education how he will determine free school meal including, but not limited to, those in receipt of free eligibility in sixth form and further education colleges school meals—will see no change to their payments. for the purposes of allocating discretionary funding for Those who received £30 a week EMA for the first time 16 to 19 education. [51057] in 2010/11 will receive £20 a week—including around 140,000 young people who are not eligible for free school meals. Young people who received £10 and £20 a Mr Gibb: Sixth form colleges, further education colleges week EMA for the first time in 2010/11 will not receive and training providers will have discretion to award a guarantee of support under the transitional arrangements: bursaries to students, including those who were in receipt young people in this group will not be eligible for free of free school meals while at school, in ways that best fit school meals. local needs and circumstances. Decisions will be made Current recipients of EMA in both the 2009/10 cohort at a local level and it will be for colleges and training and the 2010/11 cohort—whether or not they are eligible providers to consider what type of evidence they will for free school meals between 2010-11 and 2011-12—will use when determining how to allocate bursaries. be eligible to apply for a bursary, in addition to any weekly payments, from their school, college or training provider. A full Equality Impact Assessment has been published Free Schools and is available on the Department’s website: http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/1/ ema%20replacement%20scheme.pdf Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for A copy has also been placed in the House Libraries. Education what the basis in legislation is for the Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Education establishment of free schools. [50643] what estimate he has made of the difference in average annual incomes attributable to the introduction of the bursary payments for children in receipt of free school Mr Gibb [holding answer 1 April 2011]: Free schools meals entitled to the full education maintenance will be set up as academies under the provisions of the allowance assuming no other changes in their personal Academies Act 2010. circumstances. [50613] Mr Gibb: In 2009/10 (the last year for which full Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for figures are available) the average amount paid annually Education if he will have discussions with local to young people in receipt of £30 a week EMA was authorities for the purposes of asking them to £760. encourage more applications for free schools. [51455] 777W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 778W

Mr Gibb: Local authorities have a strong strategic Mr Gibb [holding answer 4 April 2011]: The information role to fulfil as commissioners of schools and school requested has been placed in the Libraries. places and a statutory duty to plan and secure the provision of schools. Free schools are designed to respond to local parental demand for change and as such we Free Schools Meals would expect local authorities to work with groups who come forward with an idea for a school. The changes in Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Education Bill also provide for LAs to invite, as a Education how many and what proportion of children first choice, solutions from an academy or a free school gained five or more A* to C grades at GCSE in group where they have identified a need for additional English, mathematics, the sciences, a foreign language school places. and a humanity in each year since GCSEs were GCE A-level introduced; and how many of those were (a) eligible and (b) ineligible for free school meals in each such Elizabeth Truss: To ask the Secretary of State for year. [50736] Education how many and what proportion of students were entered for A-level examinations in (a) English Mr Gibb [holding answer 1 April 2011]: This question literature, (b) history, (c) further mathematics, (d) can be interpreted in two ways. We have provided figures biological sciences and (e) physics in (i) comprehensive for each of the subjects separately and an overall figure, schools, (ii) selective schools, (iii) independent schools for pupils that achieved GCSEs at grade A* to C in all and (iv) sixth form colleges (A) nationally and (B) in of the listed subjects. each local education authority area in the last year for The figures requested for 2009 and 2010 are given in which figures are available. [50851] the following table:

Number of pupils1 achieving A*-C GCSE grades by free school meal eligibility. Years: 2009-10 (amended)2. Coverage: England, maintained schools (including academies and CTCs) Pupils known to be eligible for free school meals Pupils not eligible for free school meals All pupils3 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010

All pupils: 74,419 77,324 504,377 500,640 578,840 578,063

Achieving A*-C grades by subject: English Number 27,905 33,178 329,914 349,405 357,846 382,649 Percentage of pupils 37.5 42.9 65.4 69.8 61.8 66.2

Mathematics Number 26,075 30,625 312,568 329,997 338,673 360,685 Percentage of pupils 35.0 39.6 62.0 65.9 58.5 62.4

At least two sciences4 Number 15,917 17,570 238,278 245,507 254,203 263,103 Percentage of pupils 21.4 22.7 47.2 49.0 43.9 45.5

Humanities5 Number 9,115 9,997 172,973 174,082 182,098 184,095 Percentage of pupils 12.2 12.9 34.3 34.8 31.5 31.8

Modern Languages6 Number 10,156 10,420 151,824 150,851 161,990 161,299 Percentage of pupils 13.6 13.5 30.1 30.1 28.0 27.9

GCSEs at grade A*-C inc. all of the above subjects Number 2,848 3,161 83,478 84,701 86,326 87,869 Percentage of pupils 3.8 4.1 16.6 16.9 14.9 15.2 1 Number of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4. 2 2009 figures are based on final data; 2010 figures are based on amended data. 3 Includes pupils for whom free school meal eligibility could not be determined. 4 Pupils w ho achieved grade A*-C at (i) Double award Science GCSE, (ii) in both (Core Science or Single Science) and Additional Science GCSEs or (iii) were entered Physics, Chemistry and Biological Science and achieved A*-C grades in at least two of them. 5 Pupils w ho achieved grade A*-C at GCSE in History, Geography or both subjects. There is no set definition of ‘Humanities’, this definition is in line with the proposed English Baccalaureate. 6 Pupils w ho achieved grade A*-C at GCSE in at least one of the following subjects: French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Japanese, Modern Hebrew, Panjabi, Polish, Russian, Turkish, Urdu, Persian. Source: National Pupil Database 779W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 780W

Figures for previous years are available only at (4) On 8 April 2010, Ms Dimmock from the Children’s Right disproportionate cost. Alliance for England (CRAE) requested a copy of the legal advice provided to the (then) Secretary of State for Children, The subjects in this PQ are similar but not the same Schools and Families (Ed Balls) concerning the compliance of the as those in the English Baccalaureate. National and Children, Schools and Families Bill with the European convention school level data on individual GCSE subjects, indicators on human rights (ECHR), specifically with regard to the age at excluding equivalences and the components of the English which parents can withdraw their children from sex and relationships Baccalaureate, were published on 31 March 2011 (see education. tables 1b and 4) at: A reply to Ms Dimmock on 10 May 2010 confirmed that this http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000985/ information had been withheld under section 35(1)(a), section 40(2), index.shtml and section 42 of the FOI Act 2000 (5) Following the decision at point (1), Mr Norman Wells was Health Education: Sex advised by the Information Commissioner that, due to the passage of time, it might be relevant to make a second request for all correspondence, notes of meetings, discussion papers, file notes Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for and all other documents in relation to discussions about the age Education what requests for information relating to up to which parents should be able to withdraw their children (a) abortion and (b) sex and relationships education from sex and relationships education, prior to 6 May 2010. This were made to his Department and its predecessor subsequent request was made on 1 November 2010. under the provisions of the Freedom of Information A reply to Mr Wells on 15 December 2010 reiterated that this Act 2000 in each year since 2009; whether each request information was being withheld under section 35(1)(a) and section was (i) agreed to and (ii) refused; if he will place in the 42 of the FOI Act 2000. Library a copy of the information provided in response (6) On 24 May 2010, Mr Chilton asked whether any assessments to each request; and if he will make a statement. had been made about the compatibility of: section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998; and section 405 of [48872] the Education Act 1996, on a range of articles and conventions. A reply containing the information requested was provided on Sarah Teather: All FOI requests for abortion data are 15 June 2010. responded to by the Department of Health. There have been five FOI requests for information International Baccalaureate relating specifically to sex and relationships education (SRE) and a further case that covered both SRE and Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for religious education/collective worship. A summary of Education what his policy is on the (a) funding and each request and its outcome is provided as follows. (b) availability of places to study for the International Copies of the full replies and any associated documents Baccalaureate in maintained schools and colleges. that were provided to the correspondent, will be placed [50856] in the House of Commons Library. (1) On 6 November 2009, Mr Norman Wells requested release Mr Gibb [holding answer 4 April 2011]: Funding for of all correspondence, notes of meetings, discussion papers, file the International Baccalaureate (IB) will be the same notes and all other documents in relation to discussions about the for the academic year 2011/12 as it has been in 2010/11. age up to which parents should be able to withdraw their children The 16 to 19 funding formula is currently being reviewed from sex and relationship education lessons. and we will ensure that we take into account issues A reply to Mr Wells on 30 November 2009 confirmed that the relating to the delivery of the IB as part of that review. requested information was being withheld under section 35(1)(a) and section 42 of the FOI Act 2000. The Government recognise the high quality and rigour of the IB and we very much support schools and (2) On 19 January 2010, Mr G. E. Hester requested copies of minutes and any notes, including handwritten notes, taken at any colleges who choose to offer it. However, it is for meetings or gatherings where the Catholic Education Service, or schools and colleges to judge the demand for the IB and any of its agents, including Ms Oona Stannard and Bishop to determine the number of places they want to offer. McMahon, met with any civil servant or Government Minister in the calendar year 2009 on the subject of sex education or PSHE Outward Grange Consultancy in schools; and any letters, e-mails or other communications sent by the same parties on the same subject in the calendar year 2009. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for A reply to Mr Hester on 5 March 2010 explained that aspects Education (1) how much his Department spent on of the information he had requested had been partially withheld education services provided by Outward Grange under section 35(1)(a) of the FOI Act 2000. Consultancy in the last 12 months for which figures are (3) On 9 April 2010, Mr Carl Gardner requested disclosure of available; [50506] all legal advice provided in 2009 and 2010 by DCSF or other Government lawyers, including Parliamentary Counsel, or by (2) what information his Department holds on the outside counsel instructed by Government lawyers, on the questions (a) income and (b) expenditure of Outward Grange (a) whether any amendment to the Children, Schools and Families Consultancy in the latest period for which figures are Bill to give parents the right to withdraw their children from available; and if he will make a statement. [50503] ‘PSHE’ until the age of 16 would or would not be incompatible with convention rights and (b) on the question whether Ministers Mr Gibb: The Department has not made any payments had any choice but to remove those provisions from the Bill; to Outward Grange Consultancy and does not have any disclose whether or not such legal advice was or was not given, by whom it was given, and when, or disclosure of the fact that legal financial information on Outward Grange Consultancy. advice was given if we believe naming individuals would prejudice individual privacy. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for A reply to Mr Gardner on 10 May 2010 confirmed that this Education if he will assess the appropriateness of the information had been withheld under section 35(1)(a), section award of public sector contracts to Outward Grange 40(2), and section 42 of the FOI Act 2000. Consultancy; and if he will make a statement. [50533] 781W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 782W

Mr Gibb: The Department has made no payments to Pupils: Disadvantaged the Outward Grange Consultancy. In awarding contracts, the Department ensures that it awards contracts to Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for commercial consultancy organisations in line with the Education what estimate he has made of the number of Public Procurement Regulations 2006. pupils in (a) Berkshire, (b) Reading and (c) Reading West constituency who will qualify for the pupil premium. [49676] Parenting Classes Mr Gibb: The pupil premium for 2011-12 will be Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for allocated to local authorities and schools with pupils Education what assessment his Department has made that are known to be eligible for Free School Meals of the effectiveness of (a) pre-natal classes and (b) (FSM) as recorded on the January 2011 school censuses. adult parenting classes in improving child Each pupil known to be eligible for free school meals development. [48206] will attract £430 of funding which will go to the school or academy via the local authority or YPLA if the pupil is in a mainstream setting or will be managed by the Sarah Teather: The Department has assessed the responsible local authority if the pupil is in a non- effectiveness of a number of pre-natal and adult parenting mainstream setting. classes in improving child development. Details of these are as follows: Local authorities will also attract the Looked After Child Pupil Premium for 2011-12 which will be allocated Pre-natal classes to local authorities for pupils who at some point in the The Family Nurse Partnership programme (FNP), year to 31 March 2010 were looked after continuously which includes a focus on parenting skills, starts in the for at least six months, and who were aged four to 15 on pre-natal period and continues until the child is two 31 August 2009 as recorded on the April 2010 local years old. It is designed to improve the health, well-being authority return. Each pupil will attract £430 of funding and self-sufficiency of parents and their children. which will go to the responsible local authority who will pass it to maintained schools for pupils who have been Early research into the implementation of FNP has in care for six months or more in the year to 31 March demonstrated that the programme generates high levels 2011. of engagement with hard to reach families, strong engagement with fathers, a reduction in smoking during There is also a Service child premium which will be pregnancy and increasing breastfeeding rates. More allocated to local authorities and schools with pupils information is available at: who were registered as Service children on the January 2011 School Census. Each pupil known to be eligible http://www.education.gov.uk/publications/ will attract £200 of funding which will go to the school eOrderingDownload/DCSF-RR166.pdf or academy via the local authority or YPLA. Adult parenting classes Data from the January 2011 school censuses are not The Department for Education currently provides yet available, but the January 2010 censuses allow an funding support to the National Academy of Parenting estimate of the number of pupils known to be eligible Research (NAPR) that looks at effective parenting for FSM to be made. interventions and evidence-based parenting programmes In Berkshire1 in January 2010 there were 13,020 that work to improve child well-being and educational pupils known to be eligible, which would give rise to a attainment. Findings about the effectiveness of the pupil premium of £5,392,000. parenting programmes will be published in 2012. In the Reading local authority in January 2010 there In 2008 and 2010 the Department for Education were 3,120 pupils known to be eligible, which would published results from the evaluation of the Parenting give rise to a pupil premium of £1,341,000 Early Intervention Pathfinder (PEIP). The parenting programmes have had positive effects on the parents’ In Reading West constituency in January 2010 there mental well-being and the style of parenting, as well as were 2,500 pupils known to be eligible, which would their children’s behaviours. More information is available give rise to a pupil premium of £1,073,000. This does at: not include pupils recorded on the Alternative Provision census (i.e. those funded through the Dedicated Schools http://www.education.gov.uk/publications/ Grant via local authorities but educated in Non-Maintained eOrderingDownload/DFE-RR047.pdf Special Schools, Further Education establishments, etc.), Family intervention services work with the most or children eligible for the looked after child premium challenging families. The intervention provides the families as this is not available at constituency level. with the support of a dedicated ‘key worker’ who However, these are estimates only and are not necessarily co-ordinates a multi-agency package of support and indicative of how the pupil premium will be distributed. works directly with the families to help them overcome 1 Includes the following local authorities Bracknell Forest, Reading, problems. In 2006 the Department commissioned the Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham. National Centre for Social Research to conduct a programme of research to monitor and evaluate Family Note: Intervention Projects (FiPs) as they were then known. The county and local authority level figures in the above estimates This programme of work is currently ongoing. Published include FTE FSM-eligible pupils, in Reception to Year 11, or aged 4-15 if not following the National Curriculum, as at the statistics can be found here: January 2010 School Census and Pupil Referral Unit Census and http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/STR/d000956/ headcount from 4-15 in the Alternative Provision Census (i.e. osr09-2010.pdf those pupils funded through the Dedicated Schools Grant via 783W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 784W local authorities but educated in Non-Maintained Special Schools, the majority of staff working directly on those functions Further Education establishments, etc.) those eligible for the are expected to transfer with them. For those areas of Service child premium and those eligible for the Looked After the QCDA’s work which will cease, and where jobs are Child pupil premium. Dual main registrations and sole registrations at risk, the QCDA has commenced consultation on a for five to 15 and all registrations for 4-year-olds are taken. Pupil numbers are rounded to the nearest 10, and allocations are voluntary redundancy scheme and has adopted a number rounded to the nearest 1,000. of redundancy avoidance measures, including affected staff being given priority status when applying for civil service vacancies. Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State School Leaving for Education what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of closing the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency. [50456] Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has for the future of the Mr Gibb: The Department is committed to the September Guarantee of a funded learning place to all Government’s ambition to reform public bodies, improve 16 to 17-year-olds. [51000] transparency and accountability, streamline services and reduce costs. Subject to the will of Parliament, I expect Mr Gibb: The Young People’s Learning Agency has the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency allocated funding to schools, colleges and other providers (QCDA) to be closed shortly after Royal Assent is given for over 1.3 million places for 16 to 19-year-olds in the to the Education Bill. It is too soon to provide an 2011/12 academic year. Together with the funding available estimate of the costs which will be incurred and savings for 230,000 apprenticeship places for this age group, which will be achieved by closing the QCDA. Across this will ensure that an appropriate funded place is the spending review period, the savings from closing the available for any 16 or 17-year-old who wants one. QCDA will contribute to the overall anticipated The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for departmental savings from ALBs of up to £673 million. Education, my noble Friend (Lord Hill) wrote to all local authorities on 17 February 2011 to make clear Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State that the process of offering 16 and 17-year-olds a suitable for Education (1) what estimate he has made of the place in education or training by the end of September, cost of transferring staff working on the National which has been known as the ‘September Guarantee’, Curriculum Assessment at the Qualifications and will continue. This will help to ensure that more young Curriculum Development Agency into his people have the opportunity to continue their education Department; [50457] as we move towards full participation of 16 and 17-year-olds (2) what estimate has been made of the likely level of by 2015. savings that will arise from transferring responsibilities from the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency to the Standards and Testing Agency. [51026] School Meals: Expenditure Mr Gibb: We expect the great majority of staff currently working directly on statutory assessment and testing Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for within the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Education how much his Department spent on school Agency (QCDA) to transfer in due course to the Standards meals in each year since 2007 (a) in the City of and Testing Agency. Overall costs associated with Brighton and Hove and (b) nationally. [34861] establishing the Standards and Testing Agency, including the necessary works to effect transfer of staff to DfE Sarah Teather: School meals are primarily funded by systems, are not expected to exceed £5 million. parents and local authorities. The Department’s It is too soon to be specific or to provide a detailed contribution was introduced in 2005 to support the breakdown of the savings that will be achieved by transformation of school food and help schools to meet closing the QCDA. Across the spending review period, the increased costs of introducing healthier school lunches. the savings from closing the QCDA will contribute to The Department has contributed the following towards the overall anticipated Departmental savings of up to the costs of school lunches in Brighton and Hove: £673 million. Our priority for National Curriculum 2007-08: £293,386 (Targeted School Meals and Devolved School testing is to ensure its smooth and efficient transfer to Meals Grants) the Standards and Testing Agency, in order to support safe delivery of testing through that agency. 2008-09: £316,267 (School Lunch Grant) 2009-10: £310,126 (School Lunch Grant) Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State 2010-11: £301,597 (School Lunch Grant). for Education what steps he is taking to avoid The value of the School Lunch Grant, to be compulsory redundancies among staff working at the mainstreamed into the Dedicated Schools Grant in Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency. Brighton and Hove in 2011-12, is £301,597. [50458] The total over these four years in Brighton and Hove Mr Gibb: The Qualifications and Curriculum is £1,221,376. Development Agency (QCDA) and the Department are The Department has funded English local authorities committed to minimising potential redundancies. Where with £80 million per year via the grants listed above, functions are transferring to the Department or elsewhere, giving a total of £320 million over the same four years. 785W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 786W

Schools: Academies mathematics, (ii) English literature, (iii) further mathematics, (iv) biological sciences, (v) physics, (vi) John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for chemistry, (vii) geography and (viii) a modern foreign Education what assessment he has made of the effects language in the latest period for which figures are on levels of employment at Portland and Valley schools available; [50158] of his decision to award academy status to Outwood (2) A-level mathematics examinations in the latest Grange Academy. [50462] period for which figures are available; [50159] (3) one or more A-level examinations in a foreign Mr Gibb: The Department for Education has approved language in the latest period for which figures are an Expression of Interest from Outwood Grange Academy available. [50160] Trust to develop plans to replace both Valley and Portland Secondary Schools with two Sponsored Academies. Mr Gibb [holding answer 31 March 2011]: The This project will now move into the next stage of information requested has been placed in the House development. During this phase, the appropriate staffing Libraries. structure to run each of the Academies effectively will be developed by Outwood Grange Academy Trust. Schools: Nottinghamshire Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many applications his Department has John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for received from schools seeking to become Academy Education, how much was to be allocated to schools in schools since August 2010. [50485] Nottinghamshire in 2011-12 before the allocations from the fourth round of Standards Fund payments; Mr Gibb: As of 1 March 2011, 486 schools had and how much is now to be allocated. [49961] applied to convert into Academies since August 2010. The April figure will be published later this week. Mr Gibb [holding answer 30 March 2011]: There are A list is available on the DfE website, which is updated two funding streams from this Department in 2011-12 monthly at: that are available to local authorities to fund schools. They are the Dedicated Schools Grant and the Pupil http://www.education.gov.uk/academies/a0069811/schools- Premium. The Dedicated Schools Grant per pupil for submitting-applications-and-academies-that-have-opened-in- 201011 Nottinghamshire for 2011-12 is £4,746.05. The pupil premium is £430 per pupil eligible for free school meals Schools: Finance or looked after child and £200 per service child. These amounts have not been changed since they were announced on 13 December 2010 as part of the Local Government Neil Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Finance Settlement. Education what steps he is taking to ensure equitable funding of schools (a) within and (b) between local authority areas. [47567] Schools: Private Finance Initiative

Mr Gibb: This Government inherited a funding system Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for that was based on an out of date assessment of need, Education which body is responsible for arbitrating and this has resulted in some anomalies in revenue disputes over responsibility for payments under the funding within and between local authorities areas. For Private Finance Initiative (PFI) in cases where a school 2011-12, we have simplified schools funding by removing constructed or improved under a PFI Project ring fenced grants but there remains a need for greater subsequently becomes an academy. [48262] transparency and consistency in funding. We want all schools to be funded logically and equitably, and to Mr Gibb [holding answer 22 March 2011]: When a reduce the funding differences between similar schools PFI school becomes an academy, the local authority, in different areas. academy trust and DfE negotiate a tripartite agreement We announced in the Schools White Paper “The known as the Principal Agreement. It is for the parties Importance of Teaching” that we intend to consult in involved to reach agreement on the terms and conditions the spring of 2011 on the merits of moving to such a of this document. The Principal Agreement contains a National Funding Formula for schools, the right time comprehensive dispute resolution process which would to begin the transition to a formula, the transitional be used if a dispute arose between the parties after it arrangements necessary to ensure that schools and local had been signed. It sets out that, where initial efforts authorities do not suffer undue turbulence, and the fail, and mediation by the Centre for Effective Dispute factors to take into account in order to assess the needs Resolution (CEDR) does not solve the problem, any of pupils for funding purposes. party can refer the matter to an adjudicator. If the parties cannot agree who should adjudicate, the Chartered Schools: GCE A-level Institute of Arbitrators would appoint one.

Elizabeth Truss: To ask the Secretary of State for Schools: Southwark Education how many and what proportion of A-level students in (a) comprehensive schools, (b) selective Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for schools, (c) independent schools and (d) sixth form Education how much funding for discretionary learner colleges in each local education authority area support his Department plans to allocate for schools in were entered for (1) at least three A-levels from (i) Southwark in academic year 2011-12. [48029] 787W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 788W

Mr Gibb: On 28 March 2011, Official Report, For children with statements of special educational columns 51-53, the Secretary of State for Education needs, parents currently can request that their child announced a new £180 million bursary scheme which, goes to a local authority maintained school, including a from September 2011, will be targeted towards those maintained mainstream school, and the local authority young people who most need support to enable them to has a conditional duty to send the child to the school continue their education and training post-16. He also the parents have requested. set out proposals for transitional arrangements to help The Green Paper ‘Support and Aspiration: A new some of those who are presently in receipt of EMA. We approach to special educational needs and disability’ are currently consulting on our proposals, including on was published on 9 March. In that, the Government the methodology for allocating the funding to schools, makes clear that parents should have a real choice colleges and training organisations. between mainstream and special schools in meeting their children’s needs. To this effect, it proposes to Schools: Sports introduce legislation to ensure that the parents of children with an SEN statement, or a new ‘Education, Health Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for and Care Plan’, have equivalent rights to request any Education what discussions he has had with the state-funded school—whether that is a mainstream school, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and special school, mainstream or special Academy or Free Sport on the use of school facilities for sport. [51319] School—and that the local authority will have the same conditional duty to send the child to the school the Tim Loughton: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer parents have requested. given on 14 March 2011, Official Report, column 56W. Where parents request a mainstream place, the Green Schools: Transport Paper proposes a number of ways to help equip mainstream school teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for to meet the needs of children with SEN. These include: Education what assessment his Department has made funding for a greater number of teacher trainee placements of the effects of reductions in the revenue support in special school settings so that prospective teachers grant on the ability of local authorities to meet their can develop their skills in meeting the needs of children statutory travel to school obligations. [37095] with SEN; encouraging learning from the best practice in mainstream and special schools; scholarships for Michael Gove: I have allocated a further £85 million serving teachers to develop their practice in supporting over the next two financial years to local authorities to pupils with SEN, including in specific impairments and; support children from low income families to attend launching a tender for bids from external organisations schools further from home than the statutory walking to build on the good practice achieved by the successful distances. Officials will review with local authorities Achievement for All approach to school improvement, how we can improve the efficiency and practice within with its emphasis on high expectation and constructive local authority transport planning in the coming years. engagement with parents. Special Educational Needs: Academies Secondary Education: Kingston upon Thames Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether parents of children with statements Education if he will make funding available for a new of special educational needs (SEN) are restricted in secondary school in North Kingston. [32971] seeking to send such children to academy special schools; whether local authorities are entitled to direct Mr Gibb: In December, the Secretary of State for all children with SEN in this area to an area special Education, informed every relevant local authority of school; and if he will make a statement. [49859] its full share of DfE capital funding for 2011-12 - £4.9 million for the Royal borough of Kingston-upon-Thames. Sarah Teather [holding answer 29 March 2011]: We The Department has not retained any reserves for expect the first special academies to open in September responding to individual applications from schools or 2011. Parents will then have the right to ask for their local authorities. child with a statement of special educational needs to go to a special academy. Local authorities will have to Special Educational Needs consider parental requests for a place at a special academy, but will not be obliged to name it in the statement as the Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for school the child will attend. In cases where parents’ Education what steps he is taking to integrate preferences have not been met, parents have the right to education for children with special educational needs appeal to the first-tier tribunal (special educational into mainstream schools. [50044] needs and disability). Local authorities cannot direct all children with Sarah Teather: The latest available data from the 2010 statements to-attend their local special schools. They School Census show that the majority (54.9%) of children have a conditional duty to comply with parental requests with special educational needs (SEN) statements—those for children with statements to be educated in local with the most severe and complex needs—are educated authority maintained schools, either special or mainstream. in mainstream schools. Other than in exceptional The Government’s Green Paper “Support and Aspiration: circumstances, all children with SEN but without statements A new approach to special educational needs and disability”, are educated in mainstream schools. In January 2010, published on 9 March, proposes that all parental requests 90% of the 1.7 million pupils identified with Special for a placement in state-funded schools, including special Educational Needs were in maintained mainstream schools. academies, will be treated in the same way. This will 789W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 790W mean that local authorities will have the same conditional results for each local authority under the pre-2005 duty to send children with statements to special academies value-added metric alongside the contextual value- in accordance with parental requests as they currently added results for 2009 and 2010. [37044] do for parental requests for local authority maintained schools. Mr Gibb: The information requested is not held by the Department and can be produced only at Students: Grants disproportionate cost.

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Vocational Guidance: Young People Education with what frequency payments to those awarded 16 to 19 bursaries will be made. [51315] Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans his Department has to increase Mr Gibb: Decisions regarding the frequency of payments the standard of career services available to young to those awarded 16-19 Bursaries will be a matter for people; and if he will make a statement. [50969] schools, colleges and training providers. We are currently consulting on the details of the new arrangements. Mr Gibb: Subject to the passage of the Education Bill through Parliament, schools will be under a duty to Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for secure access to independent careers guidance for their Education what plans he has to consult on the pupils from September 2012. The careers guidance must development of a discretionary fund for 16 to 19 be presented in an impartial manner and include student finance. [51325] information on 16 to 18 education or training options, Mr Gibb: A consultation on the 16-19 Bursary Fund including Apprenticeships. This new provision will apply was launched on 28 March 2011 and will run until to pupils in school years nine to 11 and we will also 20 May 2011. Consultation documents are available on consult this summer on whether the duty should be the Department for Education’s website. extended down to year eight and up to age 18. Schools will be free to make arrangements for careers guidance Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education that fit the needs and circumstances of their pupils. what the average household income is of those who will receive a full bursary from his Department’s 16 - 19 Written Questions: Government Responses education fund who are (a) severely disabled, (b) a care leaver and (c) from a family in receipt of income Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education support in the next academic year. [51363] when he plans to answer (a) Questions 38027 and 38028 tabled on 31 January 2011 for answer on 3 Mr Gibb: Young people in care, care leavers and February 2011, (b) Question 38806 tabled on 25 January young people in receipt of income support in their own 2011 for answer on 31 January 2011, and (c) Questions right will receive a bursary of £1,200 a year under the 35861, 35860, 35859 and 35858 tabled on 19 January new arrangements. The Department does not hold 2011 for answer on 24 January 2011. [40622] information regarding their household income and we do not expect providers to ask for evidence of household Mr Gibb: A response to Question 38028 has been income for these very vulnerable groups of young people. issued today. A response to Question 35861 will be issued shortly. Teachers: Pay Responses were issued to the other questions as follows: Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for PQs 35858 and 36806: 28 February 2011, Official Report, Education if he will assess the likely effects on quality columns 246-48W. of education of proposed reductions in teaching PQ 38027: 9 March 2011, Official Report, columns 1103-104W. assistant pay in Cumbria. [50861] PQs 35860: 14 March 2011, Official Report, column 42W. Michael Gove [holding answer 4 April 2011]: Decisions on pay and conditions are taken at local level, by the JUSTICE employer of the staff in question. All employers are obliged to ensure that their reward structure delivers Driving Offences equality of pay across their work force. This is the Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice purpose of the Single Status review that has been carried if he will request the Sentencing Guidelines Council to out in Cumbria. The Government believe it is right for review sentencing guidelines for offences of driving this matter to be dealt with locally. In doing so, however, without insurance to provide that the penalty imposed there is an expectation that the staffing structures in by the courts is greater than the average annual cost of place in schools will be those that provide for the motor insurance; and if he will make a statement. greatest impact on pupil outcomes. [50570] I am aware that many school support staff in Cumbria are concerned about the outcomes of the county council’s Mr Blunt: The Sentencing Guidelines Council was Single Status job evaluation. But I have no doubt that, abolished on 6 April 2010 and was replaced on the same despite these concerns, their commitment to support date by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales. the delivery of high quality education to the pupils in It is for the Sentencing Council as an independent body Cumbria will be maintained. to decide whether existing guidelines need to be reviewed, Value-added Metric and the content of its guidelines. Sentencing guidelines are clear that the amount of a Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for fine must reflect the seriousness of the offence. The Education if he will publish key stage 2-4 value added court must also take into account the financial 791W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 792W circumstances of the offender, so that the impact is voluntary sector providers interested in providing equal on offenders with different incomes; it should be alternatives to custody as part of his Department’s a hardship but not force an offender below a reasonable review of sentencing policy. [51160] subsistence level. For the offence of driving without insurance the guideline is that a ‘Band C’ fine should be Mr Blunt: As part of the consultation process on the imposed, with a starting point of 150% of weekly income. Green Paper “Breaking the Cycle: Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation and Sentencing of Offenders”, the Ministry I am looking into the position and will write to the of Justice received over 1,200 responses. Of these, hon. Member. approximately 180 were from voluntary and community Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice sector organisations, and approximately 90 were if he will take steps to increase the level of fine payable from private organisations. Policy officials are on conviction of an offence of keeping a car without currently still in the process of considering the consultation insurance; and if he will make a statement. [50568] responses. As part of the development of the “Breaking the Mr Blunt: The maximum sentence available on conviction Cycle” Green Paper, the Ministry worked closely with for keeping a car without insurance is a £1,000 fine. the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group Within that statutory limit, it is for the court to decide and a broader group of voluntary sector partners in what to impose in a particular case, taking into account developing the range of proposals. We also fund the the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances of third sector infrastructure organisation Clinks to provide the offender. I am looking into the position and will a voice for the sector. Clinks consulted and fed in the write to the hon. Member. views of a range of mainly small and medium-sized voluntary and community organisations working with Community Orders: Technology offenders. In addition, policy officials also met representatives from the private and public sector during Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice the development of the Green Paper proposals. what consideration has been given to the use of recent technology in developing innovative alternatives to Crime: Alcoholic Drinks custody as part of his Department’s review of sentencing policy. [51161] Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people normally resident in (a) Poole Mr Blunt: The Green Paper “Breaking the Cycle” constituency and (b) the criminal justice area covering proposes to make curfews tougher to punish offenders Poole constituency were convicted of alcohol-related and give communities respite from criminal behaviour. offences in each of the last five years. [50516] It expects curfews to be used more creatively to target offending patterns, and assist compliance with other James Brokenshire: I have been asked to reply. requirements. It also proposes the use of other technology, From information held by the Ministry of Justice, the such as satellite tracking, to improve surveillance. number of persons found guilty at courts in We are always looking at ways to enhance the supervision Dorset police force area for alcohol related offences, for of offenders in the community. Following a pilot several the years 2005 to 2009 (latest available) can be viewed in years ago it was found that the GPS technology for the table. tracking the movements of offenders was not robust This information is not available at parliamentary enough. However, we have kept the technology under constituency level and the place of residence of those review and have been exploring a number of uses including convicted of an offence cannot be identified from data whether GPS tracking would be a useful tool to monitor held centrally. certain offenders. Data for 2010 are planned for publication in the Community Orders: Voluntary Organisations spring of 2011. Number of persons found guilty in Dorset police force area for alcohol related Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice offences1, 2005 to 20092,3 what mechanisms have been considered as a means of Dorset police force enabling the voluntary sector to implement innovative area 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 approaches to ensuring that offenders complete community orders as part of his Department’s review Found guilty 1,190 1,145 1,230 1,168 1,132 of sentencing policy. [51158] 1 Includes offences of; (a) Drunkenness. (b) Drunkenness with aggravation. Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice Business Plan (c) Offences by licensed person or others acting on their behalf. 2011-15 sets out that we will no longer provide rehabilitation (d) Other offences (against intoxicating liquor laws). services directly without testing where the private, voluntary (e) Driving etc. after consuming alcohol or taking drugs—Aiding, abetting, causing or permitting driving etc. after consuming alcohol or taking drugs. or community sectors can provide it more effectively 2 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom and efficiently. these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for The payment by results approach will encourage which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for innovation and bring out the diverse skills from all two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory sectors. In exploring payment by results options we will maximum penalty is the most severe. 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and consider the specific barriers for these smaller providers complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted and will identify options which will best enable them to from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police be part of a dynamic mixed market of provision. forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Source: what representations he has received from private and Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. 793W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 794W

Data Protection: Clubs Discrimination

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he has assessed the merits of extending data what estimate he has made of the financial effects on protection exemptions conferred on charities to include his Department of the non-implementation of the dual sports clubs. [51216] discrimination rules in the Equality Act 2010. [51296]

Mr Djanogly: An exemption from the requirement to Mr Djanogly: According to the impact assessment provide an annual notification to the Information published by the Government Equalities Office in April Commissioner currently exists for non profit-making 2010, the financial cost for courts and tribunals of organisations, relating to processing of their members’ implementing the dual discrimination provision in the personal data for administrative purposes. It is likely Equality Act 2010 have been assessed at £251,728, over that many sports clubs may already rely on this exemption. 10 years, for cases where only a dual discrimination case was brought; when a complaint of dual discrimination The Government will consider any changes to the was brought with one or more other single strand UK’s own data protection legislation as part of the discrimination complaint it was thought that the hearing forthcoming negotiations on a new EU data protection duration would have increased by one third. Since a legal instrument. A legislative proposal from the European decision has been taken not to implement the provision, Commission, due to be published in the summer, is it will no longer have that impact on the Department. expected to address the issue of notification to national data protection authorities. Employment Agencies Departmental Mobile Phones Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department spent on (a) recruitment Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice agency fees, (b) outplacement agency fees for displaced how many officials in his Department are provided or redundant staff and (c) staff training in the last with mobile communication devices; and how much his year for which figures are available. [51407] Department spent on mobile telephones and related data services in the last year for which figures are Mr Kenneth Clarke: All figures given are for the available. [51425] financial year 2009-10 and cover the Ministry of Justice, Her Majesty’s Courts Service, the Tribunals Service, the Mr Djanogly: Mobile communications devices in the National Offender Management Service and the Office Ministry of Justice are supplied to officials on the basis of the Public Guardian. These organisations had a total of established business need. As at December 2010, the of over 94,000 staff at the time. total number of mobile communication devices supplied to officials in Ministry of Justice headquarters (HQ), £ Her Majesty’s Prison Service (HMPS) and Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) was 10,649. Recruitment agency fees 1n/a This comprises 7,956 mobile phones, 2,190 BlackBerrys Outplacement agency fees 1,860 and Smartphones, and 503 other devices (e.g. data Training costs2 11,695,000 cards). Overall expenditure on mobile telephones and 1 It would incur disproportionate costs to identify these costs as we related services for 2009-10 for HQ, HMPS and HMCTS use the same suppliers for permanent staff, temporary staff, and some was £2.26 million. The number and cost for BlackBerrys consultancy. It is therefore impossible to pull out the specific costs for agency fees as these are not separated from daily rates, expenses etc. supplied to the national probation service (NPS) are 2 This figure has come from the published resource accounts category included in these figures, however, data on mobile phones “Training and Other Staff Costs”. The MoJ and its executive agencies for the NPS are not included, as records for these are use a wide variety of training methods and it is not possible to capture not held centrally and the information could be provided all of these from the internal accounting system. As well as providing only at disproportionate cost. online learning opportunities through the Justice Academy, many staff are job skills trainers, who provide training and support to Departmental Vacancies colleagues in specific skills e.g. bespoke IT packages or local processes. Staff can also access books and other resources from the Learning Library and go through these at their own pace. If the MoJ is not able Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice to offer a suitable course for a staff member, then external training what the staff vacancy rate in his Department was in providers may be used. 2010-11; and what vacancy rate has been assumed in Land Registry his Department’s budget for 2011-12. [51383] Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Djanogly: The vacancy rates for 2010-11 are given Justice when he next expects to meet staff in the following table. representatives to discuss the future of the Land Registry. [51323] Percentage

National Offender Management 6 Mr Djanogly: The Minister of State, my noble Friend Service (NOMS) (Lord McNally), has agreed to meet with staff Wider MoJ 4.7 representatives of the Land Registry once consideration of the recent Feasibility Study into the opportunities In developing budgets for 2011-12 no specific vacancy presented by private sector involvement in the Land rate has been assumed. The number of vacancies in the Registry has concluded, and before any public forthcoming year will depend upon turnover rates and announcement has been made. A date has not yet been the ability to redeploy displaced staff. set for those meetings. 795W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 796W

Law: Repealed Mr Blunt: No comparative analysis of the reports of HM chief inspector of prisons has been undertaken Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for specifically on standards in private and public sector Justice how many laws have been repealed since May prisons. Since 2009-10, the prison rating system (PRS) 2010. [51332] has been the single framework for assessing the performance of both public and contracted prisons in England and Mr Djanogly: Given the limited time available it has Wales; the results from HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ not been possible to collate the information that has healthy prisons tests form part of the framework. Once been requested. the ratings have been finalised, they are published on However, I would like to assure the hon. Member the Ministry’s website. that the Government are committed to the repeal of legislation which is no longer necessary. The Ministry of Probation: Voluntary Organisations Justice is working with departments across Government to prepare a Repeals Bill with a view to taking forward Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice legislation when parliamentary time allows. what consideration has been given to means of The Bill aims to repeal legislative provisions in all ensuring that probation trusts increase the involvement areas of law that do not work as intended because they of the voluntary sector in managing offenders as part are unnecessary, obsolete or unworkable. This will reduce of his Department’s review of sentencing policy. burdens on people and businesses and result in better [51159] law. Mr Blunt: The Green Paper “Breaking the Cycle: The Bill is one of a number of measures to take Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation and Sentencing of forward the Government’s commitment to removing Offenders” explores ways in which we can further develop unnecessary laws from the statute book and rolling the role of the voluntary and community sector, for back state intrusion in people’s lives. Other related example in relation to integrated offender management measures include the abolition of ID cards; the Protection and access to accommodation for ex-offenders. The of Freedoms Bill currently before Parliament; and the payment-by-results approach we are adopting will bring Your Freedom public engagement exercise which took out the diverse skills from all sectors, including the place over the summer. small and specialist voluntary providers and social Legal Aid Scheme: Bexley enterprises. We are considering the responses we have received to Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice the consultation on the Green Paper and intend to how many applications for legal aid from residents in publish our response in May. (a) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and (b) the London borough of Bexley were granted in each of Protection from Harassment Act 1997 the last three years. [50848] Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Djanogly: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) Justice how many people have been convicted under is responsible for administering the legal aid scheme in section 1 of the Protection From Harassment Act 1997 England and Wales. The LSC does not record the in relation to public protests. [51304] number of applications granted to individual people who apply for legal aid, whether successful or not, but Mr Blunt: Section 1(1) of the Protection from instead records the number of ‘acts of assistance’. One Harassment Act 1997 provides that a person must not individual may receive a number of separate acts of pursue a course of conduct which amounts to harassment assistance, and one act of assistance can help more than of another, and which he knows or ought to know one person. amounts to harassment of the other. Section 1(1A) We are re-examining the data in respect of the states that a person must not pursue a course of conduct geographical areas requested and I will write separately involving the ‘harassment of two or more persons, with this information. which he knows or ought to know amounts to harassment, Prisons: Private Finance Initiative and which’ is intended to persuade them (or somebody else) not to do something that they are entitled or Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice required to do or to do something that they are not how many prisons have been operating under the under any obligation to do. private finance initiative since 1997. [51450] A defendant who pursues a course of conduct in Mr Blunt: Nine prisons have been built and operated breach of section 1(1) or section 1(1A) is guilty of an under the private finance initiative since 1997. Further offence under section 2 of the Act. details are available on the HM Prison Service website The Ministry of Justice court proceedings database http://www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/prisoninformation/ holds information on defendants proceeded against, privateprison/ found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in Prisons: Standards England and Wales. Other than where specified in a statute, statistical information available centrally does Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice not include the circumstances of each case. It is therefore what comparative analysis he has undertaken of the not possible to separately identify those proceedings reports on standards in (a) private sector and (b) under section 2 of the Protection from Harassment public sector prisons undertaken by HM Chief Act 1997 which specifically occurred in relation to Inspector of Prisons in the last five years; and if he will public protests. make a statement. [51456] Charging data are not available centrally. 797W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 798W

Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: Justice how many applications for injunction were As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I made under section 3 of the Protection From have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many Harassment Act 1997 in each of the last five years; on men in each age group were diagnosed with prostate cancer in what grounds the injunctions were sought; and in how each of the last five years; and what proportion (a) died and (b) many cases the injunction was granted. [51305] recovered in each such year. [50311] The latest available figures for newly diagnosed cases of prostate Mr Blunt: There were 361 applications for injunctions cancer (incidence) are for the year 2008. Please note that these and 283 injunctions granted under section 3 of the numbers may not be the same as the number of people diagnosed Protection from Harassment Act 1997 between April with cancer, because one person may be diagnosed with more 2009 and December 2009 and 457 and 375 respectively than one cancer. in 2010. Comparable data for previous periods are not The numbers of newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer in available. England by age group, in each year from 2004 to 2008, are presented in Table 1. The Ministry of Justice does not hold figures centrally according to the ground on which the injunctions were ONS does not publish figures on what proportion of people diagnosed with a cancer (a) died or (b) recovered. Instead, ONS sought under section 3 of the Protection from Harassment publishes figures on one-year and five-year relative survival for Act 1997. This information could be obtained only adults diagnosed with cancer, by age group and sex. through the examination of individual case files at Relative survival is an estimate of the probability of survival disproportionate cost. from cancer alone. This takes into account the fact that some cancer patients will die from other causes other than their cancer during the period in question. ATTORNEY-GENERAL For some cancers, five-year survival figures are interpreted as ‘cure’ rates. However, some prostate cancer tumours progress very Human Trafficking slowly and may not cause symptoms or death. Patients diagnosed with these types of tumours are monitored in the first instance, Nia Griffith: To ask the Attorney-General when he rather than being treated with a view to being ‘cured’. For these expects the Crown Prosecution Service to publish its reasons, five-year survival from prostate cancer is not the same as public policy statement on the prosecution of cases ‘recovery’ or ‘cure’. involving human trafficking. [50797] The latest one-year and five-year survival rates available for adults diagnosed with prostate cancer are for men diagnosed in The Attorney-General: I refer the hon. Member to the 2003-2007 and followed up to 2008. These figures are presented answer I gave to the oral question from the hon. Member by age group in Table 2. for Birmingham, Erdington (Jack Dromey) today. ONS does not publish site-specific cancer survival figures by single year of diagnosis. For statistical reliability, figures are published for three- to five-year periods, to avoid over-interpretation CABINET OFFICE of random year on year fluctuations. The latest published figures on the incidence of prostate cancer Land Registry in England are available on the National Statistics website at: www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_health/mb1-39/mb1- Mr Frank Field: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet no39-2008.pdf Office whether the proposed Public Data Corporation The latest one-year survival figures available for England, for is to take over the work of the Land Registry. [51322] 21 common cancers, for patients diagnosed in 2003-2007 and followed up to the end of 2008, are available on the National Mr Maude: One of the aims the Government have set Statistics website at: themselves on Public Data Corporation is to create a http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/ centre of excellence for collecting, holding and managing Product.asp?vlnk=14007 public data, driving further efficiencies and improving Comparable survival rates for England for each preceding five productivity across the public sector. year period back to 1998-2001 and followed up to 2003 can also The Government are considering whether machinery be downloaded from this link. of government changes to bring some organisations Table 1: Registrations of newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer by age group, under the sponsorship of one Department could assist males, England, 2004-081, 2 in furthering this aim and whether the merits of change Age group 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 would outweigh the costs. 0-49 206 229 250 237 284 Until decisions are taken it would be premature to 50-59 3,077 3,042 3,151 3,200 3,082 announce which bodies may be involved. Further details 60-69 9,294 9,322 9,722 9,949 10,100 will be announced if the Government decide to proceed 70-79 11,664 11,072 11,712 11,600 11,429 with these changes. 80+ 6,734 6,388 6,641 6,250 5,998 Prostate Cancer 1 Prostate cancer is coded as C61 in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). 2 Based on newly diagnosed cases registered in each calendar year. Mr Amess: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many men in each age group were diagnosed with Table 2: One and five-year relative survival with 95% confidence intervals (CI), for males (15-99 years) diagnosed with prostate cancer during 2003-07, prostate cancer in each of the last five years; and what 1, 2, 3 proportion (a) died and (b) recovered in each such England, by age group One-year survival Five-year survival year. [50311] Age Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the group % 95% CI % 95% CI responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have 15-49 96 94 97 81 77 84 asked the authority to reply. 50-59 98 98 98 90 90 91 799W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 800W

Table 2: One and five-year relative survival with 95% confidence intervals (CI), Tony Baldry: I know the right hon. Member has for males (15-99 years) diagnosed with prostate cancer during 2003-07, England, by age group1, 2, 3 taken a close interest in this, and I am delighted to have One-year survival Five-year survival another opportunity to tell the House that the paintings Age by Zurbarán will be staying at Auckland castle, not group % 95% CI % 95% CI least as a result of an extremely generous gesture from Mr Jonathan Ruffer, who has donated the funds necessary 60-69 98 98 98 91 90 91 to create a Trust, which will buy and maintain the 70-79 95 95 95 85 84 85 paintings in the castle. 80-99 83 82 83 59 58 60 1 Prostate cancer is coded as C61 in the International Classification of Diseases, I would like to repeat my thanks to all concerned in Tenth Revision (ICD-10). putting together this deal, and especially to the hon. 2 Adult patients aged 15-99. Member for Bishop Auckland (Helen Goodman). 3 Confidence intervals are a measure of the statistical precision of an estimate and show the range of uncertainty around the estimated figure. As a general rule, if the confidence interval around one figure overlaps with the interval Social Cohesion around another, we cannot say with certainty that there is more than a chance difference between the two figures. 10. Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the hon. Member for Third Sector Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church Commissioners have made Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Minister for of the potential contribution of Church of England the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the schools to social cohesion between faith communities number of (a) residents, (b) groups and (c) and between ethnic groups. [50787] organisations who have participated in each of the Big Tony Baldry: In 2009 an independent academic study Society vanguard areas. [46541] was undertaken of Ofsted data, which assessed schools’ Greg Clark: I have been asked to reply. progress on the duty to promote community cohesion The information on the number of groups and residents and tackle inequality. This study revealed that faith is not held centrally. based schools—and church secondary schools in particular—contribute more highly to community cohesion and tackling inequality than community schools. The findings of this study were then published in a CHURCH COMMISSIONERS report by the Church of England’s Education division. Clergy/Laity I will place a copy of the report in the Library for hon. Members to peruse at their leisure. 3. Mr Bradshaw: To ask the hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, what estimate the Church Commissioners have made of the number of (a) clergy and (b) laity who joined the DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church in the last 10 years. [50780] Prisoners: Enfranchisement Tony Baldry: As I said on 1 March 2011, Official 3. Stephen Pound: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Report, columns 162-63, in response to a question from when he expects to bring forward legislation on the the hon. Member for Colchester (Bob Russell), figures enfranchisement of prisoners. [50760] held by the Archbishops’ Council show that in the past five years 14 former Roman Catholic priests have sought Mr Harper: In light of the strong views expressed in to be received into ordained ministry within the Church Parliament, the Government have asked that the most of England. As there is also discretion at diocesan level recent European Court of Human Rights case against for acceptance into the ministry, not all candidates are the UK, “Greens and MT”, be referred to the Grand centrally recorded, so the national figure is likely to be Chamber—the higher tier of the Court. higher. I do not have statistics for the past 10 years and it would be difficult to make a meaningful estimate. We await the outcome of that referral request. Similarly, in relation to laity the Church does not Electoral Register keep central figures for the movements from one denomination to another, so meaningful estimates are not possible. But the history of the Church of England 8. Andrew Selous: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister over the past 500 years illustrates that traffic between what steps he is taking to increase the completeness denominations is never simply one-way. and accuracy of the electoral register. [50765] The Church of England is happy to welcome people of all denominations, faiths and none to services and Mr Harper: Maintaining a complete and accurate events within its churches. electoral register is the responsibility of electoral registration officers (EROs). It is clear that more can be done to Zurbarán Paintings support completeness and accuracy.So we have announced plans to speed up the implementation of individual 8. Sir Alan Beith: To ask the hon. Member for electoral registration in 2014, which will ensure that Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, only those entitled to vote will get on the register. And what consultation the Church Commissioners have we are also trialling data matching this year to help undertaken on the future of the Zurbarán paintings in identify people missing from the register. If successful, Auckland castle. [50785] we will consider rolling this out across the country. 801W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 802W

Alternative Vote states to delay a ban on battery cages for laying hens, due to be implemented in 2012. Although there have 9. Tom Brake: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister been no other recent discussions at ministerial level, the what progress he has made on preparations for the UK Government continue to make it clear that we will referendum on the use of the alternative vote system not support requests for derogations from or delays to for elections to the House of Commons. [50766] the introduction of higher welfare standards in the EU. In terms of animal welfare standards in countries Mr Harper: The Parliamentary Voting System and outside the EU from which the UK imports food, we Constituencies Act 2011 received Royal Assent on 16 are working with countries within the World Organisation February, providing the legislative framework for a for Animal Health to develop and progress internationally referendum on 5 May. The Electoral Commission has recognised standards of animal welfare. Bilateral agreements responsibility for running referendums and is working between the EU and its main current and prospective with electoral administrators to prepare for the poll. trading partners provide an opportunity to promote high welfare standards, although the EU cannot refuse Elected Representatives: Recall on welfare grounds to honour market access rights 10. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Deputy Prime conferred under World Trade Organisation rules. Minister whether his proposals for the recall of elected Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control representatives will apply to local councillors. [50767] Mr Harper: The Government are committed to bringing Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for forward legislation to introduce a power to recall Members Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment of Parliament where they have engaged in serious she has made of the (a) statutory and (b) wrongdoing. parliamentary processes required to be satisfied before Once a recall system is introduced for MPs, consideration any cull of badgers in England can be implemented; will need to be given as to whether other elected offices what assessment she has made of the minimum time in the UK should be subject to the same system. within which such requirements can be completed; and if she will make a statement. [50528]

Mr Paice: The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 provides ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS for licences to be granted to kill or take badgers for the Animal Feed: Prices purpose of preventing the spread of disease. No decision on badger control has yet been taken. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for We received a large number of responses to the public Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make consultation on “Bovine Tuberculosis: The Government’s an assessment of the factors underlying trends in approach to tackling the disease and consultation on a farmgate prices for feed wheat in the last 12 months. badger control policy”, which closed on 8 December [51069] 2010. We are carefully considering the responses and we will announce our decision as soon as possible, as part Mr Paice: UK cereal prices largely reflect the supply of a comprehensive and balanced TB eradication and demand situation on the world market. The increase programme for England. in farmgate prices for feed wheat over the last 12 months is a reaction to the lower wheat production in Russia Farmers: Supermarkets and other Black Sea countries, and the subsequent implementation of grain export restrictions by Russia Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of and Ukraine. An additional factor is higher energy State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what prices, which have pushed up farm input costs such as recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of fuel and fertiliser. supermarket codes of practice on the prices paid to farmers; and if she will make a statement. [50396] Animal Welfare Mr Paice: The purpose of the Groceries Supply Code Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of of Practice (GSCOP) is not to oversee the price paid to State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what farmers and as such no assessment of its impact on the recent discussions she has had with her international prices paid to farmers has been made. counterparts on animal welfare standards in countries from which the UK imports food; and if she will make When the Competition Commission investigated the a statement. [50395] groceries market it found that large retailers with buyer power could transfer excessive risks and unexpected Mr Paice: The Government view animal welfare as a costs to their direct suppliers, which was likely to reduce matter of high priority. As well as promoting high suppliers’ incentives to invest in new capacity, products animal welfare standards in this country, we are keen to and production processes. If unchecked these practices encourage high animal welfare standards internationally, would ultimately have a detrimental effect on consumers. both in other European Union countries and in third In response the Commission introduced the GSCOP. countries. The Government will be introducing a Groceries On an EU level, discussions were held at the EU Code Adjudicator (GCA) to monitor and enforce the Agriculture Council on 21 February, where the Secretary GSCOP. The Commission found that very few farmers of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs supplied retailers direct. However, the Government have refused to accept an attempt by some EU member decided to allow direct and indirect suppliers of groceries 803W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 804W to complain to the GCA, on an anonymous basis, when met with the English Food and Drink Alliance, which they believe that they may have suffered from an alleged consists of regional food groups and initiatives working breach of the GSCOP. across the food chain, to understand how they are The Government believe that the setting of prices is a working. I also urge Local Enterprise Partnerships, commercial matter to be resolved by private negotiation, where appropriate, to encourage local food hubs, which which should take place within the parameters set by bring growers, processors and small food businesses competition law. The market should determine prices. together in sustainable operations. In addition, the Plunkett Foundation will soon be launching the findings of Food Social Enterprise Action Research funded by Government to explore the role of social enterprise in food policy in Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for England. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what steps her Department plans to take in response to the Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for recommendation from the Sustainable Development Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she Commission that it should produce a strategy to has taken to implement the terms of the Food 2030 increase fruit production; [49718] plan since May 2010. [49898] (2) what plans she has to respond to the recommendation from the Sustainable Development Mr Paice: This Government are taking practical action Commission that her Department should produce a to support British farming, encourage sustainable food strategy for sustainable food production; [49760] production and help to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the whole food chain. This will ensure (3) what plans she has to respond to the a secure, environmentally sustainable and healthy supply recommendation from the Sustainable Development of food with improved standards of animal welfare. To Commission that her Department should produce a meet these objectives, since May 2010, we have taken strategy to reduce the levels of grain foodstuffs used in the following actions: the meat and dairy industry; [49761] UK Action (4) what plans she has to respond to the Government Buying Standards will be published in the next recommendation from the Sustainable Development few weeks which will, for the first time, set out what constitutes Commission that her Department should work to healthier and more sustainable food and catering services for the create local food partnerships to meet local public sector. sustainability targets. [49762] Established the industry-led Task Force on Farming Regulation which will identify ways to reduce the regulatory burden for all Mr Paice: The Sustainable Development Commission farm sectors. ceased its activities on 31 March 2011 prior to its formal Invested £13.6 million of Government funding for collaborative closure. We are working with the food industry and research, with matching contributions from industry, through the across Government to ensure that we have a sustainable Technology Strategy Board’s first call for research under the food industry capable of dealing with a growing population Sustainable Agriculture and Food Innovation Platform (co-funded and changing climate while protecting biodiversity. The by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Foresight report on Global Food and Farming Futures and DEFRA). has given us a roadmap for how to go forward with this A taskforce on barriers to increasing fruit and vegetable production in conjunction with governments around the world. and consumption reported in August and agreed an action plan in October 2010. The taskforce on barriers to increasing fruit and The Groceries Code Adjudicator will be established very soon, vegetable production and consumption reported in August which will help to strike a balance between farmers and food 2010 and agreed an action plan in October 2010. The producers getting a fair deal, and supermarkets ensuring their Taskforce consisted of industry leaders including growers, customers are getting the high-quality food they want at a price retailers, researchers, and health advisers. They propose they can afford. continuing the upward trend of UK production of Encouraged Local Enterprise Partnerships and local development indigenous fruit over five years to meet 50% of hubs as vehicles to encourage local food hubs which bring growers, consumption. Consumption had grown from 33% in processors and small food businesses together. 1998 to 38% 10 years later. Both the SDC and the Continued engagement with consumers (e.g. via Love Food taskforce acknowledge that the UK will never be totally Hate Waste) and work with industry (e.g. via the Courtauld Commitment) to prevent food waste arising wherever possible. self sufficient in fruit, especially fruits such as bananas and citrus. Reviewed all the farming and food advisory groups across DEFRA and reduced down to one group focused on the issues Although swill feeding is banned, EU legislation facing farming, food and rural communities. permits the use in feed of certain low-risk foodstuffs, Funded research to support sustainable food production by such as surplus bread, cakes, confectionary (not containing developing options to reduce negative impacts on the environment ruminant gelatine), vegetables and fruit, which are no and support biodiversity. Also research to develop the evidence longer intended for human consumption, provided they base on sustainable, healthy diets. are only sourced from food manufacturing sources or Produced an Aquaculture Plan for England setting out how retail establishments and procedures for adequate separation the industry will develop itself, including a review of relevant can be established preventing any contact with meat, regulations as part of this process. fish and other animal by-products. Launched ‘Fishing for the Markets’ which looks to encourage consumption of under-utilised, sustainable species that are often A significant amount of local food activity already discarded. exists, working to address local concerns about health, Made commitments on uplands including a guarantee that sustainability, social cohesion and the economy. Such 100% of hill farmers eligible to enter Uplands Entry Level activity ranges from very small scale, such as community Stewardship—the key environmental management scheme—will gardens, to larger scale producer networks, food hubs be able to do so, which would be worth up to an extra £6 million a and small businesses, such as box schemes. I recently year from within the Rural Development Programme for England 805W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 806W

(RDPE). Also, creation of an “Uplands Theme” in the new Mr Paice: The report that I submitted to Parliament delivery arrangements for the socio-economic elements of RDPE on 30 November 2010 on “The contribution that reporting to target support to hill farmers, details of which will be announced of greenhouse gas emissions makes to the UK meeting later in the year. its climate change objectives” refers to the recent Global Action Environment Agency report “Environmental Disclosures: Set out actions for Government after publication of the recent The third major review of environmental reporting in Foresight Report ‘The Future of Food and Farming: Challenges the annual report and accounts of the FTSE All-Share and Choices for Global Sustainability’ including an international companies”. workshop on food waste. Following the guidance issued by the previous Provided £2.9 billion towards tackling issues related to land use and food production abroad, with a significant amount of Government, this report found that 99 out of 458 FTSE this money to be used for addressing illegal logging, deforestation All-Share companies (22%) reported quantitative and ensuring forestry contributes to climate change mitigation. information on climate change and energy use in line Commissioned an evidence study to map the UK’s palm oil with that guidance. consumption to understand how far the commitments that businesses Horse Passports have already made to sustainable sourcing will take us, and to consider whether further action is needed. Also convened (jointly Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for with the Netherlands Government) a meeting with business leaders Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether officials to discuss how to mainstream sustainable palm oil. of her Department have discussed with the European In the ongoing EU negotiations on new food labelling rules, we Commission the possibility of a UK derogation in have successfully extended the current text to include compulsory respect of horse passport regulations. [49374] origin labelling to fresh and frozen meat with the possibility of further extension to other foods. Mr Paice: Commission Regulation (EC) No 504/2008 Forestry Commission allows member states to apply derogations concerning the identification of certain equidae living under wild or semi-wild conditions. In the UK this has been exercised Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for in a number of areas in Wales, and in the New Forest Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has and on Exmoor and Dartmoor in England. held meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss her Department’s policy on the future of (a) Horses the Forestry Commission and (b) Forestry Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Commission land. [44021] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will Mr Paice: I have had meetings with a number of consider the merits of measures to prohibit the ministerial colleagues on the future of the Forestry long-term tethering of horses. [50660] Commission and the public forest estate. Mr Paice: I consider that the existing law already Forests protects horses and other equidae against long-term tethering. Long-term tethering could constitute an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 because it restricts Neil Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for a horse’s ability to exercise, to find food and water or to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will escape from attacks by dogs or extremities of the weather. estimate the number of woodlands and forest areas in the ownership of the Forestry Commission which do In addition to the 2006 Act, DEFRA introduced a not have public access rights. [47775] Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and their Hybrids which includes advice on Mr Paice: The public forest is owned by the Secretary tethering, and it is one of the priority issues for secondary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and legislation under the 2006 Act. The code does not placed at the disposal of the Forestry Commissioners contain any offences but it could be used in court as under section 3(1) of the Forestry Act 1967. evidence to support a case of poor horse welfare. A copy of the code can be downloaded from the DEFRA Statutory access on foot to the land in freehold website at: ownership is protected under the provisions of the http://archive.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/cruelty/ Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 and in the New documents/cop-horse.pdf Forest under the Law of Property Act 1923. The freehold area that does not currently have statutory access protected Oak amounts to less than 10,600 hectares. This comprises Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for around 120 separate deeds. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Of the land in leasehold ownership 55,168 hectares research her Department has (a) commissioned and have no legally protected access rights. This comprises (b) evaluated on measures to combat acute oak around a further 570 separate deeds. decline; and whether she has made an assessment of the likely effects of the condition on woodland in Greenhouse Gas Emissions England in the next 10 years. [50126] Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Paice: The Forestry Commission is leading an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what ongoing research programme into acute oak decline. information her Department holds on the number Scientists from Forest Research have discovered a number and proportion of UK listed companies which of previously unknown bacteria which they believe are have reported on their greenhouse gas emissions in playing a key role. Further work, to obtain a better accordance with her Department’s guidance in understanding of the disease, how it spreads, and what 2009-10. [51330] other factors might be involved, is continuing. 807W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 808W

The Forestry Commission is monitoring the effect of Percentage of properties the disease on oak to ascertain the impact that it may Owned or have over the next 10 years. Early indications are that Owned or managed by on average 25% of trees on susceptible sites show symptoms managed by registered of acute oak decline. From 2006 to 2010 the number of In private local social confirmed incidences rose from eight to 44. Current LA provider rented sector authorities landlords studies by Forest Research suggest that after one year Glasgow CC 0 0 100 1% of the trees showing symptoms had died. Most NECAS 0 95 5 reports of symptomatic oaks are from the midlands, however reports from south-east England and Wales Y&H Consortium 28 46 26 have also been received. NW Consortium 0 36 64 Liverpool CC 95 0 5 Rural Development Programme: Finance West Midlands 28018 Consortium Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Cardiff CC 79 6 15 State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she Swansea CC 0 100 0 will bring forward proposals to simplify the applications process for claiming funding under the Rural Development programme; and if she will make a Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the statement. [49554] Home Department pursuant to the answer of Mr Paice: I announced in my written ministerial 27 January 2011, Official Report, column 429W, on statement on 28 February 2011, Official Report, columns asylum: housing, what contingency plans are in place 6-7WS, that responsibility for delivery of the socio-economic to house people seeking asylum in circumstances where elements of the Rural Development programme for all accommodation provided by local authorities or England will transfer from the eight existing Regional local authority consortia under contracts with the UK Development Agencies to DEFRA. As part of these Border Agency is already taken up; and if she will transitional plans we shall be implementing a more make a statement. [50741] nationally consistent approach to programme delivery including the introduction of application processes which Damian Green: In the unlikely event that a local are simplified but also continue to ensure that programme authority provider is unable to provide a sufficient delivery continues to comply with the EU regulations amount of accommodation as per the terms and conditions governing the programme. Work to deliver this outcome of their contract, the UK Border Agency would utilise is currently in progress with the intention of being capacity available to us through contracts with alternate implemented at the earliest opportunity over the providers in the same region. forthcoming year. We are satisfied that the capacity available to us Wild Animals across all contracts provides sufficient amounts of Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for accommodation in every region. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect of snares on wild animals. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the [50677] Home Department pursuant to the answer of Mr Paice: DEFRA has commissioned a project to 31 January 2011, Official Report, column 647W, on look into the extent of use and humaneness of snares. asylum: housing, what discussions her Department has The report has not yet been finalised but is expected held to date with providers of accommodation to later this year. people seeking asylum in order to establish (a) the number of families likely to be subject to a physical move, (b) the extent to which this could involve HOME DEPARTMENT disruption for school age children and (c) the mitigating measures that can be put in place; whether Asylum: Housing any further discussions are planned; and whether the outcomes of such discussions will be made public. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of [50742] 27 January 2011, Official Report, column 429W, on asylum: housing, how many of the homes provided to Damian Green: We are encouraging providers to transfer people seeking asylum by local authority consortia management of properties thereby allowing the asylum under contracts with the UK Border Agency were (a) seeker(s) to remain in situ. However, if this is not in the private rented sector, (b) in accommodation achievable there are ongoing, daily discussions with all owned or managed by local authorities and (c) in accommodation providers to decide when it becomes accommodation owned or managed by registered necessary to move asylum seeking people as the contracts social landlords in each of the last five years; and if she expire. There are no plans to release the details of these will make a statement. [50740] discussions. Damian Green: The accommodation contracts do not We estimate that there are likely to be up to 310 stipulate that details relating to the category of property families with children who will be required to move to ownership needs to be provided to the UK Border an alternative property. We are hopeful that children Agency. However, we are able to estimate that the will remain within their current school but can not current situation is as follows: guarantee this. 809W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 810W

As a result of this, UK Border Agency regional Damian Green: The Home Department and its associated directors are personally reviewing cases where there is public bodies has or has had contractual relationships potential for a move which could disrupt schooling. with Lockheed Martin, which concern operational matters or matters relating to national security. It is the established Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the policy of successive Governments not to comment on Home Department pursuant to the answer of these matters. 31 January 2011, Official Report, column 647W, on asylum: housing, what related services and other duties Departmental Manpower the providers of accommodation to people seeking asylum through contracts with the UK Border Agency Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for provide to those they house; what procedures and the Home Department what public sector job guidelines are in place to ensure that such duties are reduction targets have been set for her Department and met; and if she will make a statement. [50743] its non-departmental public bodies for each of the next 24 months; and what steps she plans to take to meet Damian Green: Details of all the services required such targets. [51522] under our accommodation and related services contracts are contained within the Statement of Requirements, Damian Green: The Home Office is planning to reduce which is available in the Members’ Library and can be its total work force by 6,500 (full-time equivalents) over accessed from the Home Office public website. the next four years. Work force plans have been agreed that will support the Department to meet that commitment Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the including reductions over the next 24 months to 28,839 Home Department what estimate she has made of the FTE by 31 March 2012 and to 27,237 FTE by 31 March average number of times a person or family seeking 20131. asylum and housed in accommodation provided The precise timing of these planned reductions over through contracts with the UK Border Agency was the next 24 months will be dependent on the business obliged to move home during the period that such needs of the department’s agencies and the implementation accommodation was provided in the latest period for of organisational change. which figures are available; and if she will make a The Home Office is currently in consultation with its statement. [50744] arm’s length bodies to establish similar plans for their work force. These are not yet finalised and therefore Damian Green: Moves to alternative asylum support numbers can not be provided. accommodation may be instigated by supported persons, by the UK Border Agency or by accommodation providers The Home Office has implemented two voluntary themselves. Internal management information suggests exit schemes to enable staff to leave the Department. that between these three categories, approximately 9,400 We have a recruitment freeze in place and will continue households were approved for a move during 2010. This to reduce substantially numbers of agency workers and would equate to each household being moved once contractors throughout the next 24 months. We have every two to three years. introduced a new restructuring, redeployment and redundancy policy which sets out a fair and consistent approach, helping staff to find redeployment opportunities British Nationality and using redundancy as a last resort. 1 Note that these figures are total work force, which include Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the permanent civil servants, contractors, agency workers and secondees. Home Department how many complaints against British citizens alleged to have been active Departmental Mobile Phones Wachmänner guards during the Second World War her Department has received in the last five years. [51449] Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officials in her Nick Herbert: We have no record of any such complaints Department are provided with mobile communication being received. devices; and how much her Department spent on The investigation of criminal offences, including those mobile telephones and related data services in the last under the War Crimes Act 1991, is an operational year for which figures are available. [51423] matter. Arrangements are in place within the Metropolitan police service for investigating allegations of war crimes Damian Green: The Home Office including its Executive in liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Agencies provides 13,644 mobile communications devices the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and other agencies as to its officials, comprising of mobile phones, BlackBerrys appropriate. All agencies take the investigation of war and mobile Broadband devices for laptops. Expenditure crimes seriously and these arrangements remain under by the Department on mobile telephones and related review to ensure that they continue to be effective. data services to mid-January of the FY 2010-11 was £2.1 million. Departmental Contracts Departmental Public Appointments

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Department what contracts her Department and the Home Department pursuant to the answer of its associated public bodies signed with Lockheed 21 March 2011, Official Report, column 777W, on Martin in each of the last 10 years; and for what departmental public appointments, how many (a) purposes each such contract was let. [50699] women and (b) men no longer serve on public bodies 811W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 812W sponsored by her Department because of decisions to The Security Industry Authority will no longer be an close, merge or reorganise such bodies taken since her NDPB and the National Policing Improvement Agency appointment. [51437] is currently being phased out so appointments to these bodies will be dissolved in due course along with the Damian Green: Pursuant to my answer of 21 March organisations. The Women’s National Commission was 2011, Official Report, column 777W, more detailed abolished on 31 December 2010. The three remaining information on the number of departmental public bodies are subject to mergers and a reorganisation and appointments affected, or likely to be affected, by decisions at this stage it is too early to say what the impact on the to close, merge or reorganise public bodies sponsored public appointments to these bodies will be. by the Department is set out in the following table.

Number of male public Number of female Total public Public body Reform as published on 16 March 2011 appointments public appointments appointments

Security Industry No longer an NDPB—Phased transition to new 336 Authority regulatory regime National Policing No longer an NDPB—Currently considering 404 Improvement Agency which functions must be delivered nationally and where they should sit in a rationalised national policing landscape, as previously announced Serious Organised Crime Merge—Merge functions into the new National 3116 Agency Crime Agency, as previously announced Independent Merge—Government have announced that ISA 7411 Safeguarding Authority and Criminal Records Bureau are to be merged and a new single organisation established Equalities and Human Retain and substantially reform—Retain on the 41014 Rights Commission grounds of performing a function that requires impartiality, with better focus on its core regulatory functions and improved use of taxpayers’ money. Women’s National Body abolished 31 December 2010 and core 01515 Commission functions brought into the Government Equalities Office, ensuring direct Ministerial engagement with women and women’s organisations

Departmental Public Travel Damian Green: The following table shows the number of women and children who were removed or departed Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the voluntarily to eastern European countries outside the Home Department how many of her ministerial team EU in each year from 2004 to 2010. The EU expanded have been issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) during this period; footnotes in the table indicate when monthly and (ii) annual travel card valid on London accession countries are included or excluded, according Transport and paid for by her Department for use to their accession date. while travelling on Government business. [50174] Removals and voluntary departures1, 2, 3 of women and children from the United Kingdom to eastern European countries outside the EU4, 5, 6, 2004-10 Damian Green: No oyster cards, monthly or annual travel cards have been issued by the Home Office to any Number of departures member of the ministerial team. Women7 Children8 Departmental Vacancies 2004 1,970 1,115 Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the staff vacancy rate in her 2005 1,125 670 Department was in 2010-11; and what vacancy rate has been assumed in her Department’s budget for 2011-12. 2006 1,140 510 [51385] 2007 805 210 Damian Green: The Home Office does not capture the number of vacancies held and therefore cannot 2008 610 140 provide vacancy rates. The business plans for 2011-12 assume minimal external recruitment. 20099 530 120

Deportation: Eastern Europe 20109 550 105

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 Figures are rounded to the nearest 5. 2 Includes enforced removals, persons departing voluntarily after notifying the the Home Department how many (a) women and (b) UK Border Agency of their intention to leave prior to their departure, persons children were deported to eastern European countries leaving under Assisted Voluntary Return programmes run by the International outside the EU in each year since 2000; and how many Organization for Migration and persons who it has been established left the UK without informing the immigration authorities. of those deported were victims of human trafficking. 3 Removals and voluntary departures recorded on the system as at the dates on [51198] which the data extracts were taken. 813W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 814W

4 Figures for all years include: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia The Home Office publishes statistics on the number and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, of persons removed or departed voluntarily from the Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. UK on a quarterly and annual basis, which are available 5 The figure for 2004 includes those removed or departed voluntarily to: Czech from the Library of the House and from the Home Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia during January—April 2004, but excludes those removed to these countries Office’s Research, Development and Statistics website from May 2004 onwards following their accession to the EU. at: 6 Figures prior to 2007 include removals and voluntary departures to Bulgaria www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- and Romania; figures from 2007 onwards exclude those removed to Bulgaria and Romania following their accession to the EU. statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ 7 Those aged 18 or over at the time of their departure from the UK; excludes Since 1 April 2009, decisions about who is a victim of cases where age or gender is unknown. 8 Those aged under 18 at the time of their departure from the UK; excludes trafficking have been made by trained specialists in cases where age is unknown. designated ‘Competent Authorities’. New case types 9 Provisional figures. Figures will under record due to data cleansing and data were implemented on the UK Border Agency Case matching exercises that take place after the extracts are taken. Information Database (CID) from 1 April 2009 following Destination data have only been collated since 2004; the UK’s implementation of the Council of Europe data for earlier years are not available. Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The UK Border Agency did not capture data The Home Office publishes statistics on the number regarding victims of trafficking before this date. of persons removed or departed voluntarily from the UK on a quarterly and annual basis, which are available Disturbances: Greater London from the Library of the House and from the Home Office’s Research, Development and Statistics website Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for at: the Home Department pursuant to the statement of www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- 28 March 2011, Official Report, columns 25-32, on statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research disturbances (London), how many people have been charged to date in relation to the protest at Fortnum Since l April 2009, decisions about who is a victim of and Mason on 26 March 2011. [50727] trafficking have been made by trained specialists in designated ‘Competent Authorities’. Separate management Nick Herbert: The Metropolitan police inform us information indicates that there have been no enforced that 138 individuals have so far been charged with returns of individuals conclusively found to be victims offences arising out of the occupation of Fortnum and of trafficking by Competent Authorities returned to Mason’s on 26 March. any of the eastern European countries outside the EU since 1 April 2009. Drugs: Misuse New case types were implemented on the UK Border Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Agency Case Information Database (CID) from 1 April Home Department pursuant to the answer of 2009 following the UK’s implementation of the Council 1 February 2011, Official Report, column 686W, on of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in drugs: misuse, whether her Department plans to Human Beings. The UK Border Agency did not capture undertake research into the effects of the data regarding victims of trafficking before this date. criminalisation of drugs. [50474]

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for James Brokenshire: The Home Office has no plans to the Home Department how many (a) asylum seekers undertake research into the effects of the criminalisation and (b) victims of human trafficking were deported to of drugs. eastern European countries outside the EU in each Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the year from 2000 to 2005. [51199] Home Department what (a) measures and (b) indicators she intends to use to assess the effectiveness Damian Green: 6,295 asylum applicants (including of the Government’s drugs strategy. [50529] dependants) were removed or departed voluntarily to eastern European countries outside the EU in 2004; and James Brokenshire [holding answer 1 April 2011]: 4,580 in 2005. These figures are rounded to the nearest The 2010 Drug Strategy has two overarching aims: to five. ‘Reduce illicit and other harmful drug use’ and to ‘Increase the numbers recovering from their dependence’. Destination data have only been collated since 2004; Relevant data are publicly available that will allow the data for earlier years are not available. public to assess how the Government are performing Figures for 2004 and 2005 include those removed or against the strategy’s aims. Home Office data on drug departed to the following countries: Albania, Armenia, use and supply are available on the transparency page Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, of the Home Office website at: Croatia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Georgia, http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/non-personal-data/ Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Data from other Government Departments are available Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. from: Additionally, the figure for 2004 includes those removed http://data.gov.uk/ or departed voluntarily to: Czech Republic, Estonia, With regard to assessing the effectiveness of the 2010 Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, Drug Strategy, the Government are developing plans to during January-April 2004, but excludes those removed evaluate the impact of interventions to reduce demand to these countries from May 2004 onwards following for drugs, restrict their supply, and support and achieve their accession to the EU. recovery from drug dependence. 815W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 816W

Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the the use of (a) victims of human trafficking and (b) Home Department what research her Department has individuals reporting possible instances of human (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the trafficking. [50433] decriminalisation and regulation of drugs which are currently prohibited. [50532] Damian Green: We have no plans to introduce a human trafficking hotline. James Brokenshire [holding answer 1 April 2011]: Individuals wishing to report suspicions of trafficking The Home Office has not commissioned or evaluated can use the widely advertised Crimestoppers helpline or any research on the decriminalisation and regulation of contact the local police force. drugs which are currently prohibited. Entry Clearances: Students Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what definition of human trafficking her Department uses. [50434] Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the statement of Damian Green: The UK uses the definition of trafficking 22 March 2011, Official Report, columns 855-872, on set out in the United Nations Protocol to Prevent and student visas, what assessment she has made of the cost Punish Trafficking in Persons, which we ratified on to the economy of reducing the number of 9 February 2006. international student visas by 80,000. [50630] Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Damian Green: An announcement on reforms was the Home Department if she will make it her policy to made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department assess the performance of each police force in (a) on 22 March 2011, Official Report, columns 855-872. tackling and (b) investigating offences of human An impact assessment will be published in due course. trafficking; and if she will make a statement. [50435] Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for the Damian Green: Combating human trafficking is a key Home Department pursuant to the statement of priority for the Government, who are committed to 22 March 2011, Official Report, columns 855-72, what tackling organised crime groups who profit from this definition of (a) low-risk countries and (b) high-risk human misery, and to protecting victims. students her Department uses. [50800] Our policy on performance is that police leaders Damian Green: For the purposes of enabling a should performance manage policing with minimal central streamlined Tier 4 application process, a low-risk country interference or prescriptive targets. is defined as one where the UK Border Agency has However, as an important check within the new compiled significant evidence of high levels of compliance accountability structures Her Majesty’s inspectorate of and low risk of abuse for students. A list of countries constabulary (HMIC) will continue its vital work. HMIC that meet the criteria is contained in the published are close to finalising their new monitoring and risk-based policy document “Student Visas: Statement of Intent inspection arrangements for 2011-12 and their risk and Transition Measures”. A copy is available in the assessment work will allow the Inspectorate to examine House Library. any human trafficking risks identified by forces and For Tier 4 application process purposes we do not assess how effectively they respond. hold a list of countries categorised as high risk. Human Trafficking: Females From summer 2011 we will introduce a streamlined application process for certain low-risk students, in Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for general waiving the requirements to provide documentary the Home Department (1) what factors were taken into evidence of maintenance and qualifications at the time account in assessing whether a woman had been of application. The substantive requirements will remain trafficked into the UK in the period from 2000 to 2005; the same, including the 28 day rules for maintenance [51200] funds, and students must be able to provide the appropriate documents if subsequently requested. (2) how many staff of her Department were trained to identify victims of trafficking in the period from Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2000 to 2005. [51201] Home Department how many university students who entered the UK on study visas in each of the last three Damian Green: The identification of victims of trafficking years were enrolled on (a) science and (b) humanities is a matter for front-line staff. From 2003 a trafficking courses. [51333] toolkit was available to all law enforcement and immigration officers, which contained indicators that assisted Damian Green: Information about the type of course practitioners in identifying whether someone was a enrolled on by those who have entered the UK on victim of trafficking. This toolkit is no longer available, student visas is not held centrally. This information but was replaced in 2009. could be obtained only by checking individual visa records at disproportionate cost. Human Trafficking: South West England Human Trafficking Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police (a) Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for investigations and (b) raids there were in relation to the Home Department if she will bring forward human trafficking offences in each local authority area proposals for a free multilingual national hotline for in the South West in each of the last five years. [50983] 817W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 818W

Damian Green: Information on human trafficking is (2) what arrangements are in place to scrutinise the not held by local authority area. accounts of the National Public Order Intelligence Unit; [50930] Immigrants: English Language (3) how much funding the National Public Order Intelligence Unit received from (a) police forces and Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the (b) her Department in each year since 1999. [50932] Home Department pursuant to the answer of 15 March 2011, Official Report, column 233W, on Nick Herbert: The Government assessed funding for immigrants: English language, (1) when verification of all elements of policing as a part of the comprehensive the mapping of prospective providers of secure English spending review in 2010. Figures provided by the National language tests in relation to conference with the Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPOIU) to the Home Common European Framework of Reference will (a) Office on previous funding are set out in the following begin and (b) conclude; who has been appointed as the table. The accounts of NPOIU are subject to the receiving independent expert; and if she will publish the terms of authority’s audit processes, Government audit and the employment of that expert; [50802] National Audit Office. (2) whether her Department has any plans to investigate the historical adherence of the secure £ English language test providers to the Common Home Office European Framework Reference; and if she will make Police forces CT Grant Total budget a statement. [50803] 1999-2000 — — — 2000-01 — — — Damian Green: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) 2001-02 — — — does not plan to investigate historical adherence of 2002-03 — — — providers of secure English language tests to the Common 2003-04 2,500,000 — 2,500,000 European Framework of Reference. It will continue to 2004-05 2,500,000 — 2,500,000 investigate providers believed to be in breach of its 2005-06 2,500,000 — 2,500,000 published criteria on the provision of secure English 2006-07 2,537,945 — 2,537,945 language testing. 2007-08 2,593,658 1,686,000 4,279,658 As part of its current exercise to revise its list of 2008-09 2,718,000 3,228,500 5,946,500 secure English language test providers, the UK Border 2009-10 2,721,119 2,981,700 5,702,819 Agency conducted a verification exercise of the mapping 2010-11 2,803,120 2,081,700 4,884,820 of prospective providers of secure English language tests to the CEFR. Dr North (one of the CEFR co-authors) Passports: Biometrics was invited to play the role of an independent expert on 10 December 2010 and the consultation took place during the second week of March 2011. Dr North was Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for not employed or paid by UKBA and terms of employment the Home Department (1) what guidance she provides did not apply. to police forces on the length of time data obtained through the use of facial recognition technology should Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the be held before being destroyed; [50405] Home Department what evidence she has received (2) Home Department what guidance her from Secure English Language Test providers on their Department issues to police forces on the use of facial adherence to the Common European Framework. recognition technology during incidents of civil unrest; [50980] [50584] (3) how much her Department has spent on facial Damian Green: The UK Border Agency has recently recognition technology for police forces in each of the conducted an exercise to revise its list of approved test last five years; [50585] providers. Organisations bidding to be included in the (4) whether the Metropolitan police used facial revised list were required to provide evidence to demonstrate recognition technology during the civil unrest in how their testing arrangements mapped to the Common London on 26 March 2011. [50586] European Framework of Reference. This evidence was assessed by the UK Border Agency, together with an Nick Herbert: The acquisition and deployment of independent expert. The list of successful providers will equipment or technology is an operational matter for be announced shortly. individual police forces. The Home Office has neither A variety of evidence sources have been received as provided specific funding to forces for facial recognition part of the recent exercise to replace the existing list of technology nor issued guidance to forces on the use of test providers. It is not possible to list all of the information facial recognition technology in civil unrest incidents, received and some of the information is commercially nor on data retention periods. sensitive. Police: Accountability National Public Order Intelligence Unit: Finance Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to publish Home Department (1) what assessment she has made proposals for the administration of the election of of the level of funding of the National Public Order police and crime commissioners in England and Wales. Intelligence Unit since October 2010; [50929] [50798] 819W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 820W

Nick Herbert: These will be set out in secondary include recommendations on improving communication legislation. The Government are working closely with with demonstrators, police officers wearing ID at all the Electoral Commission, representatives of local times during demonstrations and updated guidance government and others to draw up these regulations. and training particularly around containment and use Subject to the will of Parliament, they will be issued of force. In February 2011, HMIC published a follow-up following Royal Assent to the Police Reform and Social report which set out the good progress against its earlier Responsibility Bill. recommendations and areas for further development.

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Police: Finance Home Department what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of electing a police and crime John Cryer: To ask the Secretary of State for the commissioner for the (a) South Wales, (b) Gwent, (c) Home Department when she last met the Deputy Dyfed Powys and (d) North Wales police authority. Prime Minister to discuss funding for police services. [50806] [50761]

Nick Herbert [holding answer 4 April 2011]: As stated Nick Herbert: The Secretary of State for the Home in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill’s Department meets regularly with ministerial colleagues, impact assessment, elections for Police and Crime including the Deputy Prime Minister, and others, in Commissioners England and Wales will cost £50 million order to discuss matters of policy. in 2012. These estimates are based on the costs of other national elections, and costings are therefore not available Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the for each force area. This sum is being made available Home Department what estimate she has made of the separately; it will not come from force budgets. cost to the public purse of (a) the (i) pay, (ii) expenses and (iii) contributions made to environmental protest Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the groups by Mark Kennedy and (b) the (i) pay and (ii) Home Department whether she plans to bring forward expenses of police officers assigned to protect him; and proposals to regulate the funding of election what arrangements were made to account for such campaigns for police and crime commissioners in costs. [51247] England and Wales. [50807] Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not hold this Nick Herbert [holding answer 4 April 2011]: Yes. information. The deployment of undercover resources These will be set out in secondary legislation. The is an operational matter for the police. Government are working closely with the Electoral Commission, representatives of local government and Police: Pensions others to draw up these regulations. Subject to the will of Parliament, they will be issued following Royal Assent Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for the to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill. Home Department what consideration she has given to the implications for police pensions of the recent report Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the of the Independent Public Service Pensions Home Department whether she plans to (a) launch Commission; and if she will make a statement. [50754] and (b) fund public information campaigns in (i) England and (ii) Wales on the proposed supplementary Nick Herbert: As the Chancellor of the Exchequer, voting system to be used where an election of a police my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), and crime commissioner has three or more candidates. announced in his Budget statement on 23 March 2011, [50808] Official Report, columns 951-66, the Government accepts Lord Hutton’s recommendations as a basis for consultation. Nick Herbert [holding answer 4 April 2011]: The The Government recognises that the position of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility gives the Electoral uniformed services, including the police, will require Commission a statutory duty to raise awareness of particularly careful consideration. The Government will these elections, and how to vote in them, as it currently set out proposals in the autumn that are affordable, does for all UK elections. sustainable, and fair to both the public sector workforce and the taxpayer. Any changes to police pensions would Police: Demonstrations be subject to the usual consultation processes with the Police Negotiating Board. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of Police: Recruitment work undertaken by HM inspectorate of constabulary on the policing of protests; and whether she has Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the assessed the effectiveness of the scrutiny of police Home Department what guidance she issues to police actions conducted by that body. [50928] forces on the time period for which the assessment results of potential police recruits are valid during a Nick Herbert: The reports published by HM inspectorate period when police recruitment is suspended. [51261] of constabulary (HMIC) on the policing of protest, which evolved after the policing of the G20 protests in Nick Herbert: Police forces should aim to appoint 2009, recognised that the police service successfully candidates who have been successful at the assessment manage thousands of peaceful demonstrations every centre within 12 months of attendance. In some year, but also identified areas where lessons could be circumstances, this can be extended for a further 12 learned. The Government support HMIC’s reviews which months. 821W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 822W

Police: Surveillance HMIC has included independent oversight into their review in the form of an external reference group comprising Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the representatives from the judiciary, Parliament, academia, Home Department (1) to what extent the findings the London Assembly, the Home Office, and Liberty. of the review of Her Majesty’s inspectorate of Full details of the membership of this group have constabulary into the operational accountability of already been announced on the HMIC website. undercover work conducted by the National Public The full terms of reference for the review are to Order Intelligence Unit and how intelligence activity is review how intelligence that supports the policing of authorised in law will be made public; and whether a protest involving criminal activity is prioritised, gathered, report with recommendations will be published; [50738] assessed and managed by the National Public Order (2) whether those conducting the review of Her Intelligence Unit by considering: Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary into the 1. the existing remit of these units and whether they are operational accountability of undercover work appropriate for the future; conducted by the National Public Order Intelligence 2. the effectiveness of operational oversight and governance Unit and how intelligence activity is authorised in law arrangements for these units; have had any direct involvement in the deployment of 3. the adequacy and resilience of structures, funding, staffing undercover police officers within protest groups under and resourcing of these units and the future requirements; the auspices of (a) the Association of Chief Police 4. how intelligence activity associated with these units is authorised Officers, (b) the National Public Order Intelligence in accordance with the law including (a) consideration of how the Unit, (c) each police force which provided the ‘proportionality’ of covert tactics is determined, in particular undercover officers whose authorities are under the use of undercover officers for collecting intelligence; (b) the process by which covert methods to collect intelligence are tasked investigation and (d) any other police force or police and co-ordinated; (c) the process by which covert intelligence is organisation; [50739] translated into operational activity and, where appropriate, tested (3) what the terms of reference are of the review by through a judicial process; and (d) the training, experience and Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary into the accreditation of all staff involved in the process; operational accountability of undercover work 5. how covert intelligence gathering associated with these units conducted by the National Public Order Intelligence is managed, including the use of undercover police officers; Unit and how intelligence activity authorised in law 6. whether existing legislation, and the guidance provided by will (a) include and (b) exclude; and when the full ACPO, is sufficient to maintain public confidence in managing terms of reference will be announced; [50745] intelligence about protest activity. (4) whether the terms of reference of the review of HMIC will be considering within the terms of reference, Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary into the how covert intelligence gathering associated with these operational accountability of undercover work units is managed, including the use of undercover police conducted by the National Public Order Intelligence officers. This will include undercover officers both in Unit (NPOIU) and how intelligence activity is this country and when working abroad. authorised in law will consider (a) undercover officers HMIC inspect policing in the public interest and will acting as agent provocateurs, (b) undercover officers publish a report with recommendations at the conclusion engaging in sexual misconduct, (c) potential breaches of the review. of international and European rules on policing, (d) the relationship between the NPOIU and the corporate Police: Working Hours sector and (e) the role of UK undercover police officers abroad; [50746] Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the (5) to whom the review of Her Majesty’s inspectorate Home Department what proportion of the budget of of constabulary into the operational accountability of police authorities in England and Wales was allocated undercover work conducted by the National Public to remuneration for shift work in antisocial hours in Order Intelligence Unit and how intelligence activity is 2010-11. [47366] authorised in law will report; and if she will make a statement to the House at the conclusion of the review. Nick Herbert [holding answer 17 March 2011]: This [50747] information is not held centrally. The Government allocates funding to police authorities Nick Herbert: Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary as a whole and does not stipulate how these resources (HMIC) will publish a report of their findings following should be used. The chief constable and the police the review. Any findings which could include operational authority are better placed to judge local need and detail leading to the identification of an undercover prioritise resources accordingly. It is only right that officer or to the compromise of covert operations or decisions about the use of resources are made locally. tactics will be reported separately in a confidential report. I understand from HMIC that the HMIC review Public Order Offences: Prosecutions team do not have any team members that have had direct involvement in the deployment of undercover Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for officers by the National Public Order Intelligence Unit. the Home Department how many people have been (a) Some members of the team do have experience in the charged and (b) prosecuted under section 1 of the deployment of undercover officers and covert policing. Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in relation to This knowledge is essential in order to fully examine the public protests. [51303] operational accountability of undercover work and covert policing. Mr Blunt: I have been asked to reply. 823W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 824W

Section 1(1) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 Intra company transfer visas issued under tier 2 of the points based system from provides that a person must not pursue a course of December 2008 to December 2010 conduct which amounts to harassment of another, and Visas issued which he knows or ought to know amounts to harassment 2008 (from December) 47 of the other. Section 1(1A) states that a person must not 2009 22,029 pursue a course of conduct involving the ‘harassment 2010 29,176 of two or more persons, which he knows or ought to The 2009 and 2010 figures are not rounded, are not provided under National know amounts to harassment, and which’ is intended to Statistics protocols and have been derived from local management information persuade them (or somebody else) not to do something and are therefore provisional and subject to change. that they are entitled or required to do or to do something that they are not under any obligation to do. A defendant who pursues a course of conduct in HEALTH breach of section 1(1) or section 1(1 A) is guilty of an Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse offence under section 2 of the Act. The Ministry of Justice court proceedings database Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health holds information on defendants proceeded against, which health organisations invited to subscribe to his found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in proposed public health responsibility deal on alcohol England and Wales. Other than where specified in a in England have not yet done so; what assessment he statute, statistical information available centrally does has made of the reasons why each has not subscribed not include the circumstances of each case. It is therefore to the agreement; what assessment he has made of the not possible to separately identify those proceedings implications of his assessment for future such under section 2 of the Protection from Harassment agreements; and if he will make a statement. [50726] Act 1997 which specifically occurred in relation to public protests. Anne Milton: The Secretary of State for Health, my Charging data are not available centrally. right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley) launched the public health responsibility Quilliam Foundation: Finance deal on 15 March and to date 182 organisations have signed up to it. Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for the The only organisations who declined to do so Home Department (1) what plans she has for future because of stated concerns with the alcohol pledges funding of the Quilliam Foundation by her were Alcohol Concern, The British Liver Trust, the Department; and if she will make a statement; [45344] Institute of Alcohol Studies and the British Medical (2) what steps she is taking to prevent the closure of Association. the Quilliam Foundation. [45343] Three others said they hoped to be able to sign up in future. They were Diabetes UK, the Royal College of Nick Herbert [holding answer 10 March 2011]: Quilliam Physicians and the British Heart Foundation. has received six-figure funding from the Government The Responsibility Deal is a voluntary agreement for this financial year. Quilliam is welcome to submit a and it is up to each organisation to decide for itself bid for project funding for the next financial year. whether to sign up. This Government will only fund organisations for It is essential that we find new ways to work in work that contributes to the delivery of its public policy partnership with industry and other external organisations objectives. As with other areas of public spending, this to tackle the major public health challenges we face. funding is subject to value for money and effectiveness The Responsibility Deal is one part of our strategy for assessments. tackling alcohol misuse and improving public health as Work Permits set out in the White Paper “Healthy Lives, Healthy People” published in November 2010. We will publish Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the an alcohol strategy later this year. Home Department how many out-of-country Bone Cancer: Drugs applications for intra-company transfer work permits her Department approved in each year since 2007. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for [50290] Health what reports he has received on the time taken by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Damian Green [holding answer 31 March 2011]: Tier 2 Excellence (NICE) to conclude its final appraisal of the points based system was launched on 27 November determination announcement for the Mepact treatment 2008. Prior to this date, the entry route for intra-company for osteosarcoma; and when he expects NICE to transfers was the work permit arrangements. announce the outcome of the appraisal. [50588] Work permit intra company transfer out of country applications approved in 2007 and 2008. Mr Simon Burns: As a stakeholder in the National Applications approved Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) 2007 38,000 technology appraisal on the use of Mepact (mifamurtide) 2008 35,700 for the treatment of osteosarcoma, the Department is The 2007 and 2008 figures are rounded, are not provided under National routinely kept up-to-date on progress as part of the Statistics protocols and have been derived from local management information appraisal process. and are therefore provisional and subject to change. Not all those who were granted a permit took up the job and some may have been refused entry NICE has not yet confirmed when it expects to issue clearance or leave to enter. final guidance to the national health service. 825W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 826W

Care Homes cause difficulties chewing and swallowing; or they may abuse alcohol and so not eat properly. Therefore two sets of figures have been provided: the first showing deaths where one of these Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for conditions was the underlying cause of death, and the second Health (1) how many and what proportion of deaths in where the condition was either the underlying cause or a contributory care homes were attributable to (a) MRSA, (b) factor. clostridium difficile infections, (c) malnutrition and The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each (d) dehydration in each of the last 13 years; [49797] year by sex, age, cause and place of death are published annually (2) how many (a) cases of and (b) deaths where the on the National Statistics website at: death certificate referred to healthcare acquired www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=15096 infections there were in care homes for each type of (i) In addition, the number of deaths involving MRSA and C. infection and (ii) care home in each of the last 13 years. difficile in England and Wales by sex and age are published [49828] annually on the National Statistics website at: MRSA: Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply. www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=13571 The information requested falls within the responsibility C. difficile: of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=14782 to reply. Clostridium Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated April 2011: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, Questions asking: Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the rate of clostridium difficile 1. How many and what proportion of deaths in care homes infection was among patients in each NHS were attributable to (a) MRSA, (b) Clostridium difficile infections, (c) malnutrition and (d) dehydration in each of the last 13 years. organisation in the latest period for which figures are (49797) available. [50558] 2. How many (a) cases of and (b) deaths where the death certificate refers to healthcare acquired infections there were in Mr Simon Burns: “Clostridium difficile” infection care homes for each type of (i) infection and (ii) care home in each (CDI) rates for the year 2009-10, the latest full year for of the last 13 years. (49828) which data are published, are shown in tables which Tables 1 to 4 provide the number and percentage of deaths in have been placed in the Library. Rates are provided at care homes where (a) Meticillin-resistant “Staphylococcus aureus” both national health service acute trust and primary (MRSA) (Table 1), (b) “Clostridium difficile” (C. difficile) (Table care organisation (PCO) level. The tables provide relevant 2), (c) Malnutrition or effects of hunger (Table 3), and (d) trust apportioned rates (per 10,000 bed days) for all 167 Dehydration (volume depletion or lack of water) or effects of NHS acute trusts and relevant total rates (per 100,000 thirst (Table 4) were (i) the underlying cause of death and (ii) population) for all 152 PCOs. mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, either as the underlying cause or as a contributory factor, in England and Wales, for 1997 There have been significant reductions in CDIs in the to 2009 (the latest year available). first 10 months of 2010-11. The impact that this has There is no official definition of a Healthcare Associated had in lowering rates further within the majority of Infection (HCAI). Tables 5 and 6 provide the number of deaths organisations in comparison to 2009-10 will be available where (a) Meticillin-resistant “Staphylococcus aureus” (MRSA) for review when the full year’s data for 2010-11 are (Table 5) and (b) “Clostridium difficile” (C. difficile) (Table 6), available in May this year. two specific types of HCAIs, were (i) the underlying cause of Notes: death and (ii) mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, either as the underlying cause or as a contributory factor, for local 1. The trust level rates provided are based upon trust apportioned authority care homes and non-local authority care homes in CDI cases only (i.e. all those cases detected four or more days England and Wales, for 1997 to 2009 (the latest year available). following admission to the acute Trust) rather than all cases. We are thus able to suggest that included cases were acquired during Copies of the tables will be placed in the House of Commons that particular admission. Library. 2. PCO data are however based upon all cases and thus does not Death certificates record the place where a person died, but not identify where the case was acquired. where any infections may have been acquired. It is not possible from the information on a death certificate to know whether an infection was acquired in the care home where a person died. Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State People are often transferred between hospitals, care homes and for Health what objectives on clostridium difficile have other establishments, and may acquire infections in a different been set for each NHS organisation. [50559] place from where they died. The number of cases of healthcare associated infections in care Mr Simon Burns: The “Clostridium difficile”Objectives homes is not available. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) 2011-12 aim to reduce the variation in infection rates publish regular reports about anti-microbial surveillance, HCAIs that currently exists in the national health service, bringing and their consequences for human health in the UK. These are the performance of everyone up to the level of the best. available on the HPA website at: Tables of the Objectives set for each NHS organisation www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/InfectiousDiseases/ for reductions in “Clostridium difficile” infection in AntimicrobialAndHealthcareAssociatedInfections/ 2011-12 have been placed in the Library and will also Those who die with the conditions specified above are usually shortly be made available on the Health Protection already very ill, and it is often their existing illness which is Agency website. designated as the underlying cause of death. For example, someone with malnutrition or effects of hunger mentioned on their death When reviewing these tables, it should be noted that certificate may have cancer of the digestive tract, which means the number of infections, both in terms of the baseline they cannot eat properly or cannot absorb nutrients; they may number and 2011-12 Objectives set for primary care have suffered from a stroke or have advanced dementia which can trusts, incorporate all “Clostridium difficile” infections 827W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 828W within the population for which they are responsible, Doctors: Manpower including those infections that have been separately apportioned to the acute trusts within their area. Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward proposals to increase Departmental Contacts the number of doctors employed by the NHS. [51135] Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Simon Burns: There are currently no proposals to Health for what reasons the use of DH Mail e-mail increase the number of doctors employed by the national addresses on his Department’s website was withdrawn health service. Local NHS organisations are best placed and replaced by a new contact page system. [50991] to train and employ the staff needed to meet the needs of their local populations. Mr Simon Burns: The generic departmental e-mail address (‘DHMail’) has been used for several years as a Drugs point of contact for the public. However, as the e-mail address has been picked up by marketing lists and Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for publicised on the internet, the levels of spam and Health whether his Department has any plans to inappropriate correspondence we received reached such amend the NHS Constitution to include a right of a significant volume that an alternative was required. patients to have access to drugs and therapies The Department therefore followed the example of recommended by the National Institute for Health and other Government Departments by setting up a ‘contact Clinical Excellence; and if he will make a statement. us’ web form. [51463] Diabetes: Health Services Mr Simon Burns: The NHS Constitution already provides the right for patients to receive drugs and Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if treatments which have been recommended by the National he will review the adequacy of provision of (a) NHS Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) diabetes specialists and (b) diabetes care and diagnosis and which their doctors recommend for them. facilities. [50390] Currently, this right is underpinned by a statutory funding direction that requires national health service Paul Burstow: The diagnosis of diabetes and the care organisations to fund healthcare interventions patients receive are provided in a number of settings; recommended by NICE within three months of publication general practitioner (GP) practices, community and of final technology appraisal guidance. In future, and hospital based facilities. We recognise that diabetes subject to the successful passage of the Health and specialist teams in all these care settings play a valuable Social Care Bill, we intend to replicate the effect of this role in supporting people with diabetes to manage their funding direction. condition. Workforce planning is a matter for local determination Facial Disfigurement as local national health service organisations are best placed to assess the healthcare needs of their local Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for population. Health how many people in (a) the UK, (b) England, (c) (d) (e) Following the NHS reforms, GPs will be responsible the North East, Teesside and for commissioning diabetes services. Their understanding Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency of patients’ needs and wishes, along with their clinical (i) were born with and (ii) acquired as a result of an knowledge, should ensure that their patients receive the accident a severe facial disfigurement. [50868] most appropriate and timely care. Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not held centrally. Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department plans to take to improve General Practitioners diabetes diagnosis following the publication of the NHS Diabetes report, Coding, Classification and Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Diagnosis of Diabetes. [50459] what progress is being made in introducing GP commissioning consortia in (a) Poole constituency Paul Burstow: We recognise that diagnosing diabetes and (b) England. [50509] can be complex. We welcome the new guidelines published by NHS Diabetes and the Royal College of General Mr Simon Burns: The Health and Social Care Bill Practitioners (RCGP) which are aimed at helping general 2011 will provide for general practitioner (GP) consortia practitioners (GPs) accurately diagnose diabetes for all to be established from April 2012, prior to taking on patients. The RCGP has a suite of e-learning modules full statutory responsibilities from April 2013. The in relation to diabetes ranging from diagnosis to emergency Department has established a rolling programme of GP care and newer therapies. consortia pathfinders to test the different elements involved The new audit tools which have also been developed in GP-led commissioning and enable emerging GP consortia will help GPs to share information and look at similar to get more rapidly involved in current commissioning cases to help to resolve even the most difficult of cases. decisions. The RCGP is also following up the recommendations of Groups of GP practices keen to participate in the the report on out of hours training for GPs and looking pathfinder programme put themselves forward to their at ways to expand this training, which would provide strategic health authority. The Bournemouth and Poole opportunities to raise awareness of acute presentations GP consortium has been awarded pathfinder status. In of the complications of diabetes. England, there are 220 pathfinders in total. 829W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 830W

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for PCT net operating costs 2009-10 Health what plans he has to enable all willing providers Net operating costs to bid for contracts with (a) the NHS Commissioning Name (£000) Board and (b) GP consortia. [50653] Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT 548,452 Barking and Dagenham PCT 342,413 Mr Simon Burns: The Government’s policy is that Barnet PCT 584,529 national health service services should be commissioned Barnsley PCT 434,898 from the best providers able to meet patients’ needs and Bassetlaw PCT 180,536 deliver value for taxpayers’ money. Guidance on the Bath and North East Somerset PCT 289,877 procurement of health services in the NHS has been Bedfordshire PCT 588,957 published since May 2008. This guidance has consistently Berkshire East PCT 553,035 made it clear that procurement processes, including any Berkshire West PCT 620,316 evaluation of bids for contracts, must be transparent, Bexley NHS Care Trust PCT 323,859 proportionate and non-discriminatory with equality of Birmingham East and North PCT 716,665 treatment for all providers. Blackburn with Darwen PCT 282,191 We have also consulted on plans to extend patient Blackpool PCT 287,672 choice so that patients have greater choice and control Bolton PCT 457,110 over their treatment and care, including choice of provider Bournemouth and Poole Teaching PCT 547,225 wherever possible. A key principle of our proposed Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT 886,547 approach is that ‘any qualified provider’ should be able Brent Teaching PCT 506,092 to offer services where the provider meets quality standards Brighton and Hove City Teaching PCT 460,699 and accepts the NHS standard contract tariff. Prices Bristol PCT 719,867 would be fixed in advance with money following patients’ Bromley PCT 480,328 choices and competition on quality. We will publish our Buckinghamshire PCT 694,456 response to the consultation shortly. Bury PCT 314,472 Calderdale PCT 329,499 Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Cambridgeshire PCT 817,316 Health what transparency requirements he plans to Camden PCT 519,654 establish in respect of the awarding of contracts under Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT 689,984 GP commissioning arrangements. [50654] Central Lancashire PCT 739,043 Mr Simon Burns: The Health and Social Care Bill City and Hackney Teaching PCT 503,541 proposes clear statutory duties on commissioners in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT 858,510 relation to procurement and in relation to anti-competitive County Durham PCT 956,146 behaviours. A clear set of underpinning rules and guidance Coventry Teaching PCT 552,898 will be developed to apply to general practitioner (GP) Croydon PCT 557,119 consortia, so that they have the necessary support to Cumbria Teaching PCT 831,533 make decisions that are fair and transparent and avoid Darlington PCT 174,873 any perceived conflicts of interest. In addition, the Bill Derby City PCT 445,868 also includes a requirement that each consortium’s Derbyshire County PCT 1,103,298 constitution sets out arrangements for decision-making Devon PCT 1,169,805 and managing potential conflicts of interest. The economic Doncaster PCT 544,715 regulator will also have powers to intervene if there are Dorset PCT 621,051 concerns that a consortium has not met its duties in Dudley PCT 496,333 relation to fairness and choice or has engaged in anti- Ealing PCT 593,933 competitive behaviour. East and North Hertfordshire PCT 797,842 East Lancashire Teaching PCT 667,403 Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for East Riding of Yorkshire PCT 457,065 Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the East Sussex Downs and Weald PCT 537,799 public purse of operating (a) primary care trusts in the Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT 1,212,687 last 12 months for which figures are available and (b) Enfield PCT 471,559 proposed GP consortia in the first 12 months of their Gateshead PCT 377,774 operation. [50680] Gloucestershire PCT 868,112 Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT 377,918 Mr Simon Burns: The latest data from 2009-10 audited Greenwich Teaching PCT 449,412 accounts show that total net operating costs for primary Halton and St Helens PCT 582,184 care trusts (PCTs) in 2009-10 was £85.8 billion. Figures Hammersmith and Fulham PCT 347,215 for each PCT are shown in the following table. Hampshire PCT 1,821,809 The detailed financial regime for the new health Haringey Teaching PCT 477,463 system is still being developed. No estimate has been Harrow PCT 331,223 made of the expected operating costs in the proposed Hartlepool PCT 173,595 general practitioner (GP) consortia in their first 12 months. Hastings and Rother PCT 322,995 A direct comparison between the operating costs of Havering PCT 391,928 PCTs and the future operating costs of GP consortia is Heart of Birmingham Teaching PCT 563,662 invalid as PCTs’ functions will not all transfer across to Herefordshire PCT 276,174 the new GP consortia. Some functions will pass to the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT 393,328 NHS Commissioning Board, local authorities and other Hillingdon PCT 390,004 bodies. Hounslow PCT 393,689 831W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 832W

PCT net operating costs 2009-10 PCT net operating costs 2009-10 Net operating costs Net operating costs Name (£000) Name (£000)

Hull Teaching PCT 487,382 Surrey PCT 1,657,220 Isle of Wight NHS PCT 245,435 Sutton and Merton PCT 611,241 Islington PCT 442,040 Swindon PCT 292,760 Kensington and Chelsea PCT 401,203 Tameside and Glossop PCT 411,899 Kingston PCT 249,418 Telford and Wrekin PCT 254,492 Kirklees PCT 646,478 Torbay Care PCT 248,924 Knowsley PCT 324,230 Tower Hamlets PCT 544,453 Lambeth PCT 635,253 Trafford PCT 354,025 Leeds PCT 1,245,915 Wakefield District PCT 601,547 Leicester City PCT 528,843 Walsall Teaching PCT 455,159 Leicestershire County and Rutland PCT 883,404 Waltham Forest PCT 411,261 Lewisham PCT 509,516 Wandsworth PCT 561,332 Lincolnshire Teaching PCT 1,117,027 Warrington PCT 315,053 Liverpool PCT 990,848 Warwickshire PCT 794,214 Luton Teaching PCT 302,017 West Essex PCT 421,605 Manchester PCT 1,016,984 West Hertfordshire PCT 821,931 Medway PCT 425,074 West Kent PCT 992,328 Mid Essex PCT 497,759 West Sussex PCT 1,236,479 Middlesbrough PCT 281,430 Western Cheshire PCT 408,186 Milton Keynes PCT 341,881 Westminster PCT 521,132 Newcastle PCT 503,064 Wiltshire PCT 639,603 Newham PCT 538,681 Wirral PCT 597,434 Norfolk PCT 1,132,213 Wolverhampton City PCT 438,309 North East Essex PCT 512,191 Worcestershire PCT 817,362 North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus PCT 272,576 Source: North Lancashire Teaching PCT 548,793 PCT Audited Summarisation Schedules 2009-10 North Lincolnshire PCT 250,042 North Somerset PCT 317,730 Health Research Regulatory Agency North Staffordshire PCT 334,540 North Tyneside PCT 366,521 North Yorkshire and York PCT 1,178,878 Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Northamptonshire Teaching PCT 987,809 Health (1) what timetable he has set for the Northumberland Care PCT 524,639 commencement of operations at the Health Research Nottingham City PCT 544,618 Regulatory Agency; [50707] Nottinghamshire County Teaching PCT 1,005,383 (2) what steps he is taking to reduce the time taken to Oldham PCT 415,559 approve clinical trials. [50708] Oxfordshire PCT 903,594 Peterborough PCT 286,776 Mr Simon Burns: A range of measures to streamline Plymouth Teaching PCT 423,656 health research regulation and improve the cost-effectiveness Portsmouth City Teaching PCT 350,036 of clinical trials are outlined in ‘The Plan for Growth’. Redbridge PCT 395,526 Redcar and Cleveland PCT 246,993 The Government will create a health research regulatory Richmond and Twickenham PCT 280,859 agency to combine and streamline the approvals for Rotherham PCT 433,775 health research, which are at present scattered across Salford PCT 458,730 many organisations. This will improve the timeliness of Sandwell PCT 560,835 decisions about clinical trials. The agency will be established Sefton PCT 511,611 in the first instance as a special health authority, with Sheffield PCT 939,323 the National Research Ethics Service as its core, during 2011. Shropshire County PCT 447,657 The new agency will work closely with the Medicines Solihull NHS Care Trust PCT 314,103 and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to create a Somerset PCT 808,558 unified approval process and promote proportionate South Birmingham PCT 625,727 standards for compliance and inspection within a consistent South East Essex PCT 529,130 national system of research governance. South Gloucestershire PCT 365,920 From autumn 2011, National Institute for Health South Staffordshire PCT 892,270 Research (NIHR) funding will become conditional on South Tyneside PCT 294,250 organisations playing their part in the national research South West Essex PCT 660,316 governance system. The Government will launch a Southampton City PCT 404,295 framework of standard procedures and good practice Southwark PCT 524,278 for local health research management—the NIHR Research Stockport PCT 465,243 Support Services framework—by May 2011. Recipients Stockton-on-Tees Teaching PCT 314,789 of NIHR funding will regularly publish metrics on their Stoke on Trent PCT 500,676 performance in initiating and delivering health research. Suffolk PCT 867,082 When deciding on funding, the NIHR will take account Sunderland Teaching PCT 534,144 of performance against public NIHR benchmarks, 833W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 834W including an initial benchmark of 70 days from receipt Mr Simon Burns: The Department is very aware of of a valid research protocol to recruitment of the first the role innovative medical technology can play in the participant in a study. delivery of the reforms to the national health service. This is why the Department is keen for the National Hospitals: Blood Institute for Clinical Excellence to continue its role in assessing medical technologies through the recently Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for established Evaluation Pathway programme. This is Health (1) how many hospitals in (a) England and (b) designed to provide guidance to the NHS and to help it Bedfordshire have (i) 24-hour and (ii) seven-day cover adopt efficient and cost-effective medical devices and for gastrointestinal bleeding; [50939] diagnostics more rapidly and consistently. (2) what information his Department holds on The Department is also committed to continuing the hospitals which have (a) 24-hour and (b) seven-day NHS Life Sciences Innovation Delivery Board, which cover in respect of gastrointestinal bleeding. [50941] was set up to look at ways in which the relationship between the life sciences industries and the NHS can be Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not improved and support the rapid adoption of innovative held centrally. technologies. Furthermore, the Department is keen to Local national health service organisations are best build on the Innovative Technology Adoption Procurement placed to determine the work force and services required Programme—known as iTAPP—which is seeking to to deliver safe patient care. speed up the adoption of a number of key medical technologies into the NHS through the National Inflammatory Bowel Disease Technology Adoption Centre. Medical Treatments Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provisions he plans to make to provide for Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for adequate low-volume services for (a) inflammatory Health (1) what percentage of NHS patients were bowel disease and (b) other chronic conditions. [51462] voluntarily in receipt of medication at home at the point immediately before such provision was made Mr Simon Burns: The Health and Social Care Bill compulsory in the latest period for which figures are currently being considered by Parliament has proposed available; [50623] devolving responsibility for commissioning some national (2) how many departments of NHS hospitals require health service health care services to general practitioner patients to receive medication via a home delivery (GP) consortia and establishing an independent and service. [50624] accountable NHS Commissioning Board, which will support GP commissioning and hold GP consortia to Paul Burstow: Information on the number of patients account. in receipt of medicine through the medicine homecare GP consortia will commission a range of services delivery service or the number of national health service that best meet local needs including inflammatory bowel hospital departments which operate such services is not disease where necessary. The NHS Commissioning Board held centrally. Contracts are awarded by individual will produce commissioning guidelines, and seek Quality NHS trusts for such services to specialist contractors Standards from the National Institute for Health and and some medicine manufacturers operate their own Clinical Excellence to ensure patients receive high quality schemes for homecare delivery, most commonly in such services. The NHS Commissioning Board will commission therapy areas as HIV,renal, rheumatology, haematology, those specialist services currently commissioned both immunology, oncology and metabolic disorders. nationally and regionally based on the services described in the Specialised Services National Definitions Set, Midwives which will include some low volume services. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Medical Technology Health what the age profile was of NHS midwives in each year from 2002 to 2008. [50387] Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to encourage Anne Milton: The age profile of midwives employed the innovative use of medical technologies in the NHS. in the national health service in England between 2002 [51467] to 2008 is as follows:

Headcount

65 and Under 25 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 over Unknown

2002 571 1,467 2,542 4,811 4,705 3,372 2,380 1,495 348 13 1,545

2003 682 1,586 2,405 4,524 4,990 3,584 2,466 1,592 404 25 1,683

2004 671 1,707 2,279 4,255 5,224 3,943 2,594 1,738 473 46 1,914

2005 648 1,949 2,238 3,798, 5,224 4,225 2,752 1,716 532 63 1,663

2006 559 2,034 2,281 3,339 5,167 4,386 2,920 1,779 591 57 1,356

2007 549 2,102 2,366 3,142 5,098 4,623 3,139 1,750 689 70 1,565 835W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 836W

Headcount 65 and Under 25 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 over Unknown

2008 640 2,187 2,401 2,968 4,787 4,757 3,313 1,798 717 91 2,005 Source: Information Centre for health and social care Non-Medical Workforce Census

National Office for Clinical Research Infrastructure: Patient care and quality of service is our priority and it Research will be important to take account of the particular circumstances of a provider or service at a given time. Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Monitor and the NHS Commissioning Board will play Health what assessment his Department has made of important roles in ensuring a coherent approach across the progress of the National Office for Clinical the system and determining when particular providers Research Infrastructure in removing barriers to warrant support or not. research and innovation within the NHS; and if he will NHS Walk-in Centres make a statement. [51465]

Mr Simon Burns: The purpose of the National Institute Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for for Health Research (NIHR) Office for Clinical Research Health how many NHS walk-in centres there were (a) Infrastructure (NOCRI) is to maximise the contribution in May 2010 and (b) on the latest date for which of the NIHR-funded clinical research infrastructure for figures are available; what information his Department health research and patient benefit; and for the nation’s holds on the number of centres that have (i) reduced international competitiveness as a location for applied and (ii) maintained their opening hours during that clinical research. period; and if he will make a statement. [50910] NOCRI is discharging this function by facilitating Mr Simon Burns: National health service walk-in cross-NIHR funded facility co-operation on scientific, centres are the responsibility of the local NHS. It is technical and process challenges, supporting the spread currently for primary care trusts to decide whether the of bureaucracy-busting measures led by other areas of services provided by walk-in centres continue to meet NIHR and leading on the development of model the needs of patients. Figures are not collected centrally agreements, e.g. the recently published NIHR/Medical on numbers of centres, nor data on their opening hours. Research Council model Industrial Collaborative Research Agreement to streamline contracting for research NHS: Competition partnerships between industry, universities and the national health service. Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for NOCRI is supporting research funders big and small Health what advice he has received on the effect of the in the life sciences industry and charities by helping implementation of the any willing provider model on them to navigate the research environment to find suitable the application of EU competition rules to NHS individuals or organisations to support their research services. [50679] needs. NOCRI was established in December 2009 and its Mr Simon Burns: The principle that ‘any qualified managing director took up post in May 2010. It would provider’ (previously any willing provider) should be therefore be premature to assess its full impact. able to offer national health service services subject to patient choice—where the provider meets quality standards and accepts the NHS standard contract and tariff—would NHS not affect the application of competition law. This policy is consistent with the principles of competition Mr Barron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health law, however, because it seeks to ensure commissioning what consideration he has given to the application of processes are transparent, non-discriminatory and to state aid in the NHS following the re-establishment of avoid restricting choice or competition against patients’ Monitor as an economic regulator. [50942] interests. Mr Simon Burns: We are currently assessing whether NHS: Expenditure and to what extent European Union state aid law will have an impact in the national health service, including Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for what the position will be with respect to a health system Health what estimate he has made of the proportion of that will remain funded by the taxpayer and providing real-terms expenditure on the NHS which will be universal coverage, free at the point of need. accounted for by restructuring requirements over the comprehensive spending review period. [50683] Mr Barron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide financial assistance to non-designated Mr Simon Burns: The estimated real-terms expenditure NHS organisations and services which do not qualify on the national health service, totalled across the four under EU state aid rules and competition rules. [50943] years of the comprehensive spending review period from 2011-12 to 2014-15, is £411 billion. The estimated Mr Simon Burns: The Health and Social Care Bill cost of the Government’s plans for modernising the will ensure that essential services are protected as well NHS is £1.4 billion, to be incurred in 2011-12 and as setting out a credible regime for managing failure. 2012-13. This represents 0.34% of the total. The changes 837W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 838W are estimated to achieve administrative savings of Emerging consortia are already recognising the need £5.2 billion (or £3.8 billion after netting off the cost) to involve secondary care professionals. They understand over the comprehensive spending review period, followed the need for expert clinical advice to understand the by savings of £1.7 billion every year from 2014-15. intricacies and interdependences between different hospital services. NHS: Manpower At its heart, a GP consortium is about a nexus of professional interrelationships, the exercise of peer influence, Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for and professionals taking on direct responsibility and Health how many (a) individuals and (b) full-time public accountability for the decisions they collectively equivalents were employed in the NHS in 2010. [51227] make. NHS: Standards Mr Simon Burns: The total number of people employed in the NHS hospital and community health service including general practitioners and general practice staff Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for as at 30 September 2010 was 1,431,557 headcount and Health what assessment he has made of the effect of 1,186,571 full-time equivalent. The new headcount reductions in the number of NHS targets on the methodology for 2010 data is not fully comparable with quality of service to patients. [50681] previous years data due to improvements that make it a more stringent count of absolute staff numbers. Mr Simon Burns: We have removed some process targets to give the national health service more freedom NHS: Procurement to improve outcomes for patients—to measure the results, not just the timescales. Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Our reforms will ensure that patients are at the heart Health what steps he plans to take to ensure an of decisions made in the NHS and that the NHS will equitable distribution of NHS contracts of greatest continue to drive up quality and maintain standards for monetary value between the private and the public patients. sector. [50678] Personnel: Pay Mr Simon Burns: The Government have no plans to Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health intervene to affect the distribution of national health what the monetary cost to his Department in respect of service contracts between the private and public sector. (a) staff salaries and (b) other costs of Monitor has been in each year since its inception; and what estimate Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for he has made of the likely costs in each such case in each Health what guidance he plans to issue to NHS trusts of the next five years. [50984] on the relative assessment of the merits of price and quality when determining the award of contracts under Mr Simon Burns: A breakdown of funding provided competitive tenders. [50682] to Monitor (the statutory name of which is the Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts) in respect of Mr Simon Burns: In future, as now, it will be for staff salaries and other costs since its inception in 2004 commissioners to set the evaluation criteria for the is shown in the following table: award of competitive tenders in accordance with procurement law. Under the Health and Social Care Data provided by Monitor Bill, commissioners would undertake this procurement £000 in line with regulations that the Secretary of State may As at 31 March: Staff salaries Other costs issue concerning good practice in procurement. At present, 2004 49 3,365 commissioners are expected to follow guidance set out in the “Procurement Guide for Commissioners of NHS 2005 1,380 13,570 Funded Services”. 2006 2,373 13,792 2007 3,741 9,692 2008 4,482 8,426 NHS: Reorganisation 2009 5,761 8,762 2010 6,346 9,307 Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to encourage greater The impact assessment published alongside the Health co-operation between primary and secondary health and Social Care Bill estimates the annual running costs care professionals as part of his proposals for NHS of Monitor at £72 million by 2015-16. At this stage, we reform. [50472] do not hold information centrally on estimated annual running costs for Monitor, or an estimated breakdown Mr Simon Burns: The Health and Social Care Bill of expenditure, for each of the next five years. places a duty on consortia to make arrangements to obtain advice from people with professional expertise. Prescription Drugs Effective general practitioner (GP) commissioning will require the full range of clinical and professional input Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for alongside that of local people. Primary and secondary Health what process the National Institute for Health healthcare professionals and others, all have a vital role and Clinical Excellence follows in instances when the to play and a real opportunity to develop services and final decision on a drug appraisal process is delayed on improve the health outcomes of their local populations. more than one occasion. [50587] 839W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 840W

Mr Simon Burns: This is a matter for the National Isotretinoin is subject to annual European safety Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as assessments which review all safety data including adverse an independent body.NICE’s technology appraisal process reactions suspected to be associated with isotretinoin. guide is available at: These assessments include the detailed assessment of www.nice.org.uk/media/42D/B3/STAGuideLrFinal.pdf adverse reactions in patients aged between 12 and 18. The latest review was completed on 28 March 2011 and Quality Innovation Productivity and Prevention concluded that the overall balance of benefits and risks remains positive. Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what mechanism his Department proposes Science: Health to measure progress on the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention agenda; and if he will make a statement. [51468] Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) who will be responsible for advancing his Mr Simon Burns: The Quality, Innovation, Productivity Department’s evidence-based cost-benefit risk analysis and Prevention (QIPP) agenda will support the national to inform the appropriate model of regulation for the health service to make and reinvest up to £20 billion of healthcare science workforce; what timetable has been efficiency savings by 2014-15. Local NHS organisations set for the recommendations of the analysis to be made have identified opportunities to do this as part of the public; and which stakeholders will be invited to single integrated business planning process set out in contribute to the analysis; [47293] ‘The NHS Operating Framework for the NHS in England (2) what methodology his Department plans to use 2011/12’. to ensure that the diversity of the disciplines covered by In 2011-12, the Department will measure progress on the healthcare science workforce is taken into account QIPP through this single integrated process. in its analysis of the regulation of that workforce. [47294] Respite Care: Disability Anne Milton: In line with the overall Government Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for approach to the extension of professional regulation, as Health what steps he is taking to improve respite set out in the Command Paper “Enabling Excellence”, services for families of children with disabilities. [39693] the extension of statutory regulation to currently unregulated professional or occupational groups, such Sarah Teather: I have been asked to reply. as some groups in the healthcare science workforce, will This Government have committed more than only be considered where there is a compelling case on £800 million in funding over the next four years to local the basis of a public safety risk and where assured authorities to support the delivery of short breaks. That voluntary registers are not considered sufficient to manage funding is part of the new Early Intervention Grant. this risk. In order to maintain and protect the delivery of short We have therefore asked officials to begin discussions breaks, I recently laid regulations to ensure that from with the Health Professions Council and the Council 1 April 2011 all local authorities are under a duty to for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence about the timetable provide a range of short breaks services for disabled for creating an assured voluntary regime and any interim children and their families. From 1 October 2011 local arrangements that may be required. authorities will be required to publish for parents in their area a ‘service statement’ which will explain exactly what short breaks are available and how they can be Social Services: Finance accessed. My Department recently published a Green Paper, John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health ‘Support and aspiration: A new approach to special whether his Department is taking steps to ensure that educational needs and disability’. The Green Paper funding it has provided to the NHS for adult social proposes a number of ways to improve access to services care is used for that purpose. [51147] for children with additional needs. The consultation period ends on 30 June 2011. More information is available at: Paul Burstow: The Government have announced various www.education.gov.uk/consultations funding streams, including as part of the 2010 spending review, which have been allocated to the national health service in order to support social care and improve joint Roaccutane working between the two systems. Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Details about this funding have been set out in a Health what recent assessment has been made of the letter from David Behan and David Flory to NHS and risks associated with isotretinoin and its prescription local authority chief executives, which can be found at: for teenagers and young adults. [50444] www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/ Lettersandcirculars/Dearcolleagueletters/DH_123460 Mr Simon Burns: The Medicines and Healthcare A copy of this letter has been placed in the Library. products Regulatory Agency continuously monitors the The following table summarises the funding which has safety of all medicines on the market. been allocated for joint working. 841W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 842W

£ million Purpose 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 How the funding should be used

Development of post-discharge support 70 150 300 To work with local authorities to develop and re-ablement services local re-ablement capacity, according to local plans submitted to strategic health authority (SHAs) in December 2010. Funding may be transferred to local partners or pooled budgets. It is for local discretion, the proportion of spend on the NHS and social care. To support social care services 162 648 622 Funding must be transferred to local authorities, to spend on social care services which also benefit health. Primary care trusts and local authorities should jointly agree how the funding should be spent and the outcomes to be achieved.

As part of the NHS planning process for 2011-12, the South London Healthcare NHS Trust: Land Department will seek assurances from SHAs that arrangements are in place for funding to be transferred Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to local authorities and that plans have been jointly what recent representations he has received on the agreed between NHS organisations and their local authority potential sale of land owned by South London partners for delivery of services in line with the Operating Healthcare NHS Trust. [50752] Framework for the NHS in England 2011-12. Mr Simon Burns: The Department has received no The allocation for the next four years will continue to representations on the potential sale of land owned by rise considerably, in recognition of the pressures that South London Healthcare NHS Trust since January local authorities will face and the importance Government 2011. places on social care. £1 billion by 2014-15 will be made available for social care through grant funding from the South London Healthcare NHS Trust: Restructure Department. This funding will be allocated on top of the Department’s existing social care grants, which will Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health rise in line with inflation. Total grant funding from the what recent representations he has received on the Department for social care will reach £2.4 billion by potential restructuring of South London Healthcare 2014-15. NHS Trust. [50753] Mr Simon Burns: The Department has received no representations on the potential restructuring of South Social Services: Manpower London Healthcare NHS Trust. Strokes: Health Services Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects of Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health reductions in the number of social workers on (a) what assessment he has made of the potential effect of children at risk, (b) disabled children and (c) carers. introduction of the any willing provider model on [41041] access to post-stroke physiotherapy services. [50422]

Tim Loughton: I have been asked to reply. Mr Simon Burns: The Government’s intention in introducing any qualified provider (AQP) (previously Social workers play a key role in protecting and any willing provider) is to increase the choice and supporting children, including children at risk and disabled control patients have over their care and treatment. The children, their families and carers. It is the responsibility Department is continuing to develop AQP policy, and of local authorities to ensure that they employ an initial implementation guidance will be published later appropriate number of social workers with the right in the spring. skills and experience to provide high quality and timely social care services in their area. Surgery Data on the number of social work staff employed Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for by local authorities are collected and published Health how much and what proportion of the NHS annually by the NHS Information Centre in its Personal research budget was spent on research into surgical Social Services Staff of Social Services Departments procedures in the last 12 months for which figures are England return (SSDS001). The latest available data, available. [51464] published on 31 March 2011, provide information on the number of social work staff as at 30 September Mr Simon Burns: Estimated spend by the National 2010. This publication shows that, at 30 September Institute for Health Research (NIHR) on directly-funded 2010, the number of social work staff employed by research relating to surgery in 2009-10 was £7.3 million. local authorities had grown steadily over the previous This was 1.9% of total directly-funded NIHR research, decade. Further information is available on the NHS and 0.9% of total expenditure from the NIHR revenue Information Centre at: budget. In addition, the NIHR clinical research network http://www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/social- provided national health service research infrastructure care/adult-social-care-information/personal-social-services-staff- support to a wide range of trials and other clinical of-social-services-departments-england-at-30-september-2010 studies in surgery. 843W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 844W

Visual Impairment Community Development

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to allow optometrists to refer Communities and Local Government if he will bring patients with (a) cataracts, (b) diabetic retinopathy, forward legislative proposals to provide that (c) glaucoma and (d) wet age-related macular expressions of interest in the provision of public degeneration for secondary care. [50655] services under his proposed community right to challenge may not be accepted from groups with Mr Simon Burns: Direct referral from optometrists to extreme political or social agendas; and if he will take ophthalmic hospitals is already provided for in the steps to assist relevant authorities in identifying and General Ophthalmic Services Contracts Regulations excluding such groups from the bidding process. 2008. [50899] Andrew Stunell [holding answer 4 April 2011]: Local COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT authorities must comply with all relevant legislation including equalities and human rights legislation when Community Assets Programme exercising their functions. This will apply to the exercise of functions by a relevant authority that may arise Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for under, or be related to, the proposed community right Communities and Local Government what steps he is to challenge, in particular, the procuring and monitoring taking to assist community organisations who wish to of services. purchase assets of community value. [50543] We are currently consulting on proposals for Andrew Stunell: We are considering what assistance implementing the community right to challenge, including communities might need in helping to bid to take over the statutory grounds on which an expression of interest their valued assets to support the take-up of the Community may be rejected by a relevant authority, and whether Right to Buy provisions in the Localism Bill. We are there are issues on which the Department should provide seeking views on this as part of the current consultation guidance. This is available on our website at: into the details of the scheme. http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/ This Department already funds the Asset Transfer localgovernment/righttochallengeconsultation Unit, led and managed by Locality (formerly the Community Development: Religion Development Trusts Association). The ATU provides guidance and support to community groups acquiring Mr Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for public assets under powers for local authorities to transfer Communities and Local Government what legislative assets at less than market value. The ATU has supported and other provisions provide that religious the completed transfer of 17 assets to community organisations which win contracts to deliver public organisations in the last 12 months. services under his proposed community right to In addition, the CommunityBuilders programme is challenge do not discriminate in the provision of such another existing source of help for community organisations services. [50900] who want to improve their sustainability by acquiring Andrew Stunell [holding answer 4 April 2011]: Under assets. This fund has recently been endowed to ensure the Equality Act 2010 any organisation delivering a maximum value for money and flexibility. service—whether following a procurement exercise under Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the community right to challenge or otherwise—will Communities and Local Government what need to deliver the service in a way which eliminates mechanisms are in place to assist community discrimination, harassment or victimisation of either organisations with the community asset transfer the service user or potential service user. Delivering to a process. [50600] person a service which is of less quality or delivering it in a manner or on terms not usually provided to the Andrew Stunell: The Government-funded Asset Transfer general public would also constitute an offence. Unit provides information, advice and expertise for As public authorities, relevant authorities under the community organisations on the asset transfer process. community right to challenge will also need to have Their website: regard to this Act and in particular to these considerations www.atu.org.uk in commissioning, procuring and monitoring services— includes access to information and case studies on whether this occurs as a result of the right to challenge, community asset transfer and the programmes they run or otherwise. They will want to ensure that contracts on behalf of Government. Guidance and toolkits they they enter into for service provision include adequate have developed to support community asset transfer are safeguards to enable them to meet these obligations and also available, such as a legal toolkit to assist community others, such as arise under the Human Rights Act. groups and local authorities; guidance on community-led Construction: Standards open spaces, exploring transfer of parks and green spaces; transferring heritage assets; community-owned Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for libraries; making buildings work for your community Communities and Local Government what recent through design and refurbishment; and The Place Station: discussions he has had on the Accredited Construction www.theplacestation.org.uk Details (ACDs) scheme; and when he expects to an online interface which enables individual citizens approve a scheme for ACDs that meets the conditions and communities to engage with asset owners and set out in Approved Document L1A, paragraph 5.12a. entrepreneurs. [51029] 845W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 846W

Andrew Stunell: My officials have been working with First-Time Buyers industry, and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service on the development of practical authorisation criteria, Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for both technical and management, for such a scheme. Communities and Local Government what steps his Draft scheme requirements are now being reviewed in Department is taking to support home ownership and advance of formally inviting potential scheme operators first-time buyers. [50663] to come forward, with a view to having accredited schemes in place as soon as possible in support of the Grant Shapps: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I 2010 changes to the energy efficiency requirement of gave my hon. Friends the Member for Aberconwy the Building Regulations. (Guto Bebb) and the right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes), on 4 April. 2011, Council Tax Official Report, columns 729-730. Green Belt Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for authority in England collected the lowest proportion of Communities and Local Government pursuant to the council tax in 2009-10 according to records held by his Financial Statement of 23 March 2011, Official Report, Department. [50662] column 956, what steps he plans to take to ensure protection from development for green spaces. [50110] Robert Neill: According to QRC4 returns submitted to the Department by all billing authorities in England, Greg Clark: We are taking substantial steps to help which show receipts of 2009-10 council tax by 31 March communities protect green spaces from development. 2010 as a proportion of net collectible debit, Manchester Councils have been given stronger powers to prevent collected the lowest percentage of council tax in 2009-10 unwanted garden grabbing; national green belt protection at 90.9. This represents a shortfall of £11 million a year will be maintained; regional spatial strategies will be of funding in the 2009-10 financial year. Collection abolished including their top-down targets and we will rates for all authorities are shown in table 5 of the create a new designation to protect green areas of statistical release “Collection Rates for Council Tax and particular importance to local communities. Non-domestic Rates in England 2009-10”at the following address: Homelessness http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/pdf/ 1620281.pdf Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will Enterprise Zones: Peterborough consider the merits of introducing (a) a two-stage discharge of the homelessness duty into the private Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State rented sector and (b) an interim tenancy in order to for Communities and Local Government what allow local authorities to determine whether consideration he has given to the establishment of a accommodation is sustainable. [50671] Greater Peterborough enterprise zone; and if he will make a statement. [51318] Grant Shapps: The Localism Bill contains provisions to allow local housing authorities to fully discharge the Robert Neill: At Budget, the Government invited main homelessness duty with offers of accommodation 11 local enterprise partnerships to come forward with in the private rented sector without requiring the applicant’s proposals for enterprise zones, and announced that a agreement. It will provide for an assured shorthold further 10 would be sought from open competition. tenancy of a minimum of 12 months, and for protection against repeat homelessness for up to two years (regardless Greater Peterborough, as part of the Greater Cambridge of priority need). and Greater Peterborough local enterprise partnership will therefore be able to submit a bid for an enterprise A two-stage or interim tenancy discharge would require zone as part of that competition. an initial assured shorthold tenancy of six to 12 months while the homelessness duty is still owed, before the duty could be ended with a further 12- month tenancy. Fire Services This would offer no greater protection than the measures in the Localism Bill, would be unnecessarily complex Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State and could, for some, mean a longer wait in expensive for Communities and Local Government whether he temporary accommodation. It would also effectively plans to produce a new Fire and Rescue Services require private landlords to offer a minimum 18-month National Framework following the expiry of the tenancy and responses to the “local decisions: a fairer framework for 2008 to 2011; and if he will make a future for social housing” consultation indicated that statement. [51317] this would not be practical. Existing safeguards in the homelessness legislation Robert Neill: An announcement on the national already mean that the local authority must, by law, framework will be made shortly as part of the Government consider whether the accommodation is affordable in response to the fire and rescue sector led Fire Futures determining whether it is suitable for the applicant and reports, a copy of which will also be made available for their household’s particular needs. This is in addition to the Library of the House. The existing national framework considering its size, its condition, its accessibility and remains in force until it is replaced. also its location. 847W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 848W

Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for The Housing Health and Safety Rating System together Communities and Local Government what steps his with extensive enforcement powers for local authorities Department expects local authorities to take to prevent exist to make sure that any private rented sector property homelessness. [50417] meets an appropriate basic standard. Existing safeguards in the homelessness legislation Grant Shapps: Homelessness prevention and housing also apply before the homelessness duty can be brought options services are now standard practice for local to an end. The authority must be satisfied, by law, that authorities. This is in recognition of the cost effectiveness the accommodation is suitable for the applicant and his and benefits for households of preventing homelessness or her household. This includes considering whether whenever possible. Effective prevention measures include the accommodation is affordable for the applicant, its support to access private rented housing, family mediation size, its condition, its accessibility and also its location. and debt advice. Options offered will depend on local circumstances and priorities. Local action to prevent Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for homelessness among single people plays an important Communities and Local Government what steps he is role in preventing rough sleeping. taking to assist homeless people. [51036] We have announced Preventing Homelessness Grant Grant Shapps: We have established a Ministerial Working allocations of £81.5 million each year for local authorities Group on Homelessness bringing together eight in 2011-12 and 2012-13. This is part of our commitment Government Departments to address the complex causes to maintain the level of investment in homelessness of homelessness and improve support for homeless grant for local authorities and the voluntary sector, people. A new approach to evaluating rough sleeping with provision of £400 million in total over the next levels has been introduced so that there is clear information four years. in all areas, to inform service provision and action to address the problem. Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Despite the record deficit we inherited, we are maintaining Communities and Local Government what plans he investment in homelessness grant, with £400 million has to increase the level of compliance by local over the next four years. This will be made available to authorities with their duty to offer advice and local authorities and the voluntary sector to support assistance to those who are homeless in respect of their work to tackle homelessness. This includes funding single people. [50449] for Crisis to help support single homeless people to access settled housing in the private rented sector. We Grant Shapps: If a local housing authority is satisfied have made an additional £190 million available for that an applicant is eligible, unintentionally homeless discretionary housing payments and other forms of but not in priority need, then they have a duty to practical support alongside the Government’s package provide advice and assistance to help them in any of welfare reform measures. attempts to secure accommodation for themselves. This I also refer the hon. Member to my letter of 20 October is a statutory duty that local authorities are obliged to 2010 on the spending review’s settlement for housing, comply with. A failure to comply with statutory duties which includes our plans to build more affordable homes is challengeable through the courts. and renovate poor quality social housing. A copy of the We have maintained the level of investment in letter is available in the Library of the House. homelessness grant, providing £400 million over the Housing: Construction next four years. We have established a Ministerial Working Group on Homelessness which brings together eight Departments to tackle the complex causes and improve Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for support for single homeless people. We are providing Communities and Local Government what guidance he £10 million grant funding to Crisis over three years to is providing to local authorities on ensuring an improve the support available at local level to help adequate supply of housing. [50393] single homeless people access private rented Robert Neill: Local planning authorities, working accommodation. with their local communities, are best placed to understand how much housing is needed and to decide the most Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for sustainable locations for growth. Planning policy statement Communities and Local Government if he will 3: Housing and the Government’s Strategic Housing consider the merits of requiring local authorities to Market Area Assessment guidance and Strategic Housing discharge their homelessness duty through a landlord Land Availability Assessment guidance can help local accreditation scheme when using the private rented authorities to assess the need for housing and identify sector. [50670] land for housing development. Furthermore, we announced in the Plan for Growth Grant Shapps: Many local authorities already run that we will produce a shorter, more focused and inherently successful landlord accreditation schemes. These are pro-growth national planning policy framework to deliver used in a variety of ways and experience shows that more development in suitable and viable locations. This accreditation works best where the local authority has will include planning for new housing. The framework developed the scheme in response to local needs and the will be published for consultation in the summer. local rental market. If landlords with suitable properties decide not to become members of an accreditation Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for scheme, this could reduce a homeless household’s chances Communities and Local Government what his estimate of finding a good home. is of the average carbon dioxide emission of (a) anew 849W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 850W home built in 2016 according to the provisions of the Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for code for sustainable homes and (b) a new home built Communities and Local Government if he will bring in 2016 on the basis of accountability by the house forward proposals for (a) a strategy on and (b) builder only for those carbon dioxide emissions that are collection of statistics on the energy performance of covered by building regulations. [50534] existing archetypes of existing housing stock in England in order to develop investment plans for Andrew Stunell: On average a semi-detached home future housing stock to meet obligations under the built to 2010 Building Regulation standards will emit Climate Change Act 2008. [50713] 2.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum from all energy use in the home. Of this, 1.3 tonnes will be from Andrew Stunell: The Government already collect statistics emissions subject to the Building Regulations (i.e. emissions in the English Housing Survey on the long-term trends from heating, hot water, lighting and any other fixed in the energy performance of homes in England by building services but not emissions from the use of property type. This can be found at: appliances). The new definition of zero carbon homes http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/ requires house builders to mitigate these emissions to housingsurveys/englishhousingsurvey/ ensure that, in net terms, they are reduced to zero. This Furthermore, the Energy Bill currently before Parliament is the equivalent to the energy standard in level 5 of the contains measures to make more accessible the data Code for Sustainable Homes. contained in the register of energy performance certificates, On top of this, to meet the energy standard in level 6 which will enable more detailed analysis of the installed of the Code for Sustainable Homes, emissions from measures and carbon reduction potential in homes with appliances, such as televisions and hairdryers, have to energy performance certificates. This information will be reduced, in net terms, to zero. However, emissions support the targeting of the Green Deal, the Government’s from appliances are also subject to a suite of other policy for enabling investment in the energy efficiency policies including the EU Emissions Trading Scheme of homes at no up-front cost to householders. and policies to increase the energy efficiency of appliances Housing: Newcastle and the operation of these policies, cumulatively and in combination with the new definition, should have the result that the carbon footprint of new homes does not Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for add to overall carbon reduction burdens. Communities and Local Government what plans his Department has to improve housing availability in the The Code for Sustainable Homes continues to be Benwell and Scotswood area of Newcastle. [50704] supported by the Government and goes far wider than just an energy-based definition of sustainability. House Andrew Stunell: As set out in the coalition programme builders can, if they wish, still seek to achieve the Code for government, we are promoting decentralisation and level 6 energy standard through their own measures. democratic engagement by giving new powers to local councils, communities, neighbourhoods and individuals, Housing: Energy with new fiscal incentives for local authorities to develop housing. In reforming planning through the Localism Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Bill, we intend to abolish regional strategies and their Communities and Local Government if he will (a) associated top-down development targets, and introduce issue guidance on and (b) bring forward legislative neighbourhood planning, to give communities a greater proposals to establish the minimum (i) standard say in planning where housing growth should go. assessment procedure and (ii) energy performance Our package of fiscal incentives includes the New ratings required of existing housing stock. [50712] Homes Bonus which will give communities a significant incentive to build the homes they need by matching the Andrew Stunell: The Government are introducing the council tax for the following six years. Additionally, we Green Deal in late 2012 to provide the means for are investing nearly £4.5 billion over the next four years households to improve their energy efficiency voluntarily. to deliver up to 150.000 new affordable homes. Key to The Government are encouraging uptake through measures this is the introduction of an “Affordable Rent” product such as improving the advice and recommendations which will give housing associations greater financial made to householders in Energy Performance Certificates, capacity to develop new affordable homes. and working with social landlords to encourage large scale Green Deal retrofit schemes. Infrastructure: Planning Permission In the private rented sector, where there remain a Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for significant proportion of properties with an F and G Communities and Local Government what powers he performance rating, the Energy Bill legislation includes plans to transfer to the Major Infrastructure Planning a measure to enable the introduction, from 2015, of a Unit. [50577] requirement on private landlords to (i) agree to reasonable requests from tenants for energy efficiency Greg Clark: The Government have committed to improvements and transferring decision making on major infrastructure to (ii) to improve the energy efficiency of all F and G rated Ministers. This is provided for through the Localism homes. Bill, which transfers the responsibilities and powers of Any such measure would be conditional on upfront the Infrastructure Planning Commission to the finance being available, for example through the Green Secretary of State. The Government have also said they Deal, to landlords for any such works and there being will create a Major Infrastructure Planning Unit within no net negative cost for landlords. the Planning Inspectorate to take on the day-to-day 851W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 852W administration of the major infrastructure planning Local Government: Pensions regime. The Planning Inspectorate is an Executive agency of the Department, and is capable of undertaking work Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for in the name of the Secretary of State, so no formal Communities and Local Government if he will work transfer of powers to the unit is necessary. with the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Review Group to examine alternative reforms to achieve long term sustainability of the LGPS. [51478] Local Enterprise Partnerships: North East England Robert Neill: The Local Government Pension Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Scheme Policy Review Group is engaged in developing Communities and Local Government which its collective response to the recommendations made by organisations are members of the North East Lord Hutton in his recently published report on public Economic Partnership. [50244] service pension scheme reform. This includes the central objective of maintaining the long-term sustainability of the scheme, its affordability and fairness to employers Robert Neill: The North East Economic Partnership and taxpayers. is neither a Government body, nor a local enterprise partnership, and therefore central Government do not Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for play a role in determining its membership. Communities and Local Government for what reasons the funding raised by additional employee Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for contributions to the local government pension scheme Communities and Local Government how much will not be used to improve the financial security of the funding his Department allocated to Northumberland scheme. [51479] county council in each of the last five years. [51353] Robert Neill: Regulatory adjustments being considered to the existing local government pension scheme employee Robert Neill: The total grant funding allocated by the contribution tariff will improve the viability and affordability Department of Communities and Local Government of the scheme, and its fairness to employers and taxpayers. to Northumberland county council (from 2009-10, Northumberland unitary authority) is as follows: Planning Permission Northumberland £000 Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005-06 236,791 Communities and Local Government what guidance 2006-07 100,014 and information he plans to provide to (a) private 2007-08 103,453 house developers and (b) landowners on changes to 2008-09 127,478 the planning system. [50392] 2009-10 170,171 Robert Neill: The Government are committed to putting The definition of central Government grant used local councils, communities and local firms in the lead here is the sum of: when it comes to delivering growth through a reformed planning system. We announced in the Plan for Growth formula grant (revenue support grant and redistributed non- that we will produce a shorter, more focused and inherently domestic rates) pro-growth national planning policy framework to deliver specific grants inside Aggregate External Finance (ie revenue more development in suitable and viable locations. The grants paid for council’s core services) (only includes grants from framework will be published for consultation in the this Department) summer. specific grants outside Aggregate External Finance (only includes grants from this Department) Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Area Based Grant (from 2008-09), and Communities and Local Government what mechanisms exist to resolve disagreements in and ‘other grants’ provided by all Government Departments. between communities in the determination of planning These figures are taken from revenue outturn forms issues matters. [50465] provided by authorities after the end of a financial year. Figures for formula grant, Area Based Grant and other Greg Clark: Communities are consulted extensively grants are aggregated grants for all Government as part of the Local Development Framework, which Departments. provides the opportunity of resolving disagreements Comparison across years may not be valid owing between communities over the future shape of development to changing local authority responsibilities and in their areas. The provisions in the Localism Bill changes to funding methodology. For example, the large introducing neighbourhood planning will further empower apparent reduction in Northumberland’s funding communities to work together to create a positive vision between 2005-06 and 2006-07 is due principally to for their local area. the transfer of Dedicated School Grant (£150.5 million Controversial planning applications are considered in 2006-07) from Formula Grant to Specific Grants by locally elected councillors who assess the merits and inside Aggregate External Finance (from another demerits of proposals based on the evidence and prevailing Department). planning policies. 853W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 854W

In addition, there is a statutory period of public The Government published an impact assessment of consultation on all planning decisions, where communities the abolition of the regional planning tier and introduction have the opportunity to express views about specific of the Duty to Co-operate on 31 January, available on development proposals. The Localism Bill will reinforce the Department’s website. this ability for communities to influence the planning http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/ process through the introduction of a new duty upon pdf/1829659.pdf developers to consult communities prior to the submission Rents of larger planning applications. Planning decisions are made in accordance with the Mr Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for statutory Development Plan, unless material considerations Communities and Local Government what his indicate otherwise. Department’s policy is on the principle that a tenant’s rent is only spent on the services provided by the landlord. [50847] Regional Planning and Development Andrew Stunell: The proposed abolition of the subsidy system does not end the requirement for local authorities to maintain a statutory, ring-fenced housing revenue Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for account. They will still be required to account to their Communities and Local Government what assessment tenants for income and expenditure on council housing his Department has made of the potential effects on separately from other functions and services. This ensures the level of house-building of the abolition of regional that council taxpayers do not subsidise services specifically spatial strategies. [50369] for the benefit of tenants and that rent is not used to subsidise functions which are for the benefit of the Greg Clark: Under the last Government house wider local community. building rates fell to their lowest peacetime levels Solace: Finance since 1924. Regional targets clearly failed to build the right number of homes in the right places. Removing Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for targets and replacing them with effective incentives, Communities and Local Government what funding (a) including the New Homes Bonus and Community his Department and (b) the public bodies for which he Infrastructure Levy, will encourage local authorities is responsible provided to (i) Solace and (ii) Solace’s and communities to increase their aspirations for housing associated companies in (A) 2008-09 and (B) 2009-10. and economic growth and to deliver sustainable [50373] development. Robert Neill: The amount paid to the Society of House building starts in England in the first three Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) and its quarters of 2010-11 were 23% higher than in the associated companies by the Department for Communities comparative period in 2009-10 (62,720 starts rising to and Local Government, its agencies, non-departmental 77,240) (DCLG, “House Building; December Quarter public bodies, and other arm’s-length bodies is shown 2010”, February 2011, Table 1a). in the following tables:

2008-09 £ DCLG Organisation Solace Solace Foundation. Solace Enterprises ACE Total 2008-09

DCLG 1,763 — 30,429 — 32,193 Government Offices — — — — — Tenant Services Authority — — — — — Local Government Ombudsman 203 — — — 203 Homes and Communities Agency — — — — — Standards Board 1,891 — 1,208 2,150 5,248 Planning Inspectorate — — — 360 360 Ordnance Survey 70,500 — — — 70,500 Audit Commission — 8,950 — — 8,950 Total 74,356 8,950 31,636 2,510 117,452

2009-10 £ DCLG Organisation Solace Solace Foundation Solace Enterprises ACE Total 2009-10

DCLG 1,242 — — — 1,242 Government Offices 794 — 18,000 — 18,793 Tenant Services Authority 11,949 — — — 11,949 Local Government Ombudsman 203 — 1,003 — 1,204 Homes and Communities Agency — — 517 — 517 Standards Board 6,598 — 2,530 2,232 11,360 Planning Inspectorate — — — 370 370 Ordnance Survey 70,000 — — — 70,000 Audit Commission 5,721 5,000 — — 10,721 Total 96,506 5,000 22,048 2,602 126,156 855W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 856W

Where figures have been rounded, there may be a obligations were agreed in relation to support for the slight discrepancy between the total and the sum of three tenancy deposit protection schemes under the constituent items. previous Administration; [38765] Sports Clubs (2) what assessment he has made of the financial stability and integrity of each of the three tenancy deposit protection schemes, including the effect of low Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for interest rates on their integrity, since May 2010; [38766] Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to encourage local authorities to promote the (3) what steps he has taken since May 2010 to ensure Community Amateur Sports Club scheme. [51218] that tenancy deposit schemes can meet their financial liabilities. [38767] Andrew Stunell: The Department for Communities and Local Government currently has no plans to promote Grant Shapps: The three tenancy deposit protection the Community Amateur Sports Club scheme to local schemes are operated by private companies under service authorities, although we recognise this as an excellent concession agreements with my Department. All three opportunity for community-based amateur clubs to schemes are designed to be self-financing. benefit from a range of tax reliefs, including Gift Aid. The service concession agreement that was agreed by Sports Facilities the previous Administration with the custodial tenancy deposit protection scheme contained a guarantee that Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Government would meet any shortfall arising if Communities and Local Government in what ways approved fees were not covered by the interest on deposits neighbourhood plans will confer extra protection on held. That guarantee was removed as part of a revised sport and recreation facilities. [50601] agreement negotiated in August 2010 which also incorporated a four year extension of the original Greg Clark: Research commissioned by the Department agreement. for Culture, Media and Sport into the regulatory burden Neither of the two insurance based tenancy deposit on sport and recreation clubs was published in March protection schemes’ agreements have ever included any 2011 (“Red Card to Red Tape—How sports clubs want similar government guarantees, underwriting, liabilities to break free for bureaucracy”). It recommended that or obligations. neighbourhood plans should consider the provision of sport and recreation facilities. The Localism Bill will allow communities to set out Voluntary Organisations: Non-domestic Rates how important sport and recreation facilities should form part of their neighbourhood plan, which, if adopted, becomes part of the development plan. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will Sustainable Development encourage local authorities to offer rate relief to voluntary community organisations. [50639] Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what factors he Robert Neill: Charities are generally entitled to 80% plans to take into account in developing a definition of mandatory business rate relief. Local authorities must sustainable development for use in the planning grant that relief where the relevant eligibility criteria system. [49721] have been met. Greg Clark: Current policy on the sustainable In addition, councils have a power to offer discretionary development principles that should underpin planning rate relief. They can offer up to 100% rate relief to decisions is contained in Planning Policy Statement 1: non-profit making organisations. Central Government Delivering Sustainable Development. The National funds 75% of the cost of discretionary rate relief. Planning Policy Framework will consolidate and simplify While the granting of discretionary rate relief is the suite of existing national policy and guidance, and ultimately a decision for the local authority, I believe it we will consult on a draft in the summer. That draft will has an important role to play in supporting the local also take into account responses to a consultation on voluntary sector, recognising the public benefit that the content of the National Planning Policy Framework, voluntary groups give to their local community. We and will reflect the Government’s vision for sustainable would expect local authorities to take full account of development announced by the Deputy Prime Minister the central Government funding support for discretionary and the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food rate relief in making their decisions. and Rural Affairs on 28 February this year. Certain voluntary organisations may also be eligible Tenancy Deposit Schemes for small business rates relief which we have doubled until 30 September 2012. Eligible organisations with Nigel Adams: To ask the Secretary of State for rateable values below £6,000 will pay no rates for that Communities and Local Government pursuant to the period. answer to the hon. Member for Dudley North (Ian Moreover, I have recently corresponded with the Austin) of 14 December 2009, Official Report, column London borough of Camden on the issue of discretionary 919W, on tenancy deposit schemes, (1) what (a) rate relief to the innovative People’s Supermarket, as guarantees, (b) underwriting, (c) liabilities and (d) outlined in my Department’s press notice of 3 March 2011. 857W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 858W

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT we will stop 10 million more children going hungry and ensure a further four million people have enough food Departmental Early Retirement throughout the year. We anticipate working directly on food security in a small number of countries including Ethiopia, (South) Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Sudan, Zimbabwe and Burma. In other countries including International Development how many of his Rwanda, Kenya and Malawi we will deliver programmes Department’s staff have taken early retirement in each which improve the livelihoods of rural people and the of the last five years; and at what cost to his enabling environment for small holder food producers. Department in each such year. [50842] We will also continue to support multilateral agencies with a mandate on food and nutritional security.Agriculture Mr Duncan: The following table shows the number of will continue to be a major focus for DFID’s Research staff who have taken early retirement, under the provisions and Evidence Division, which has increased its support of the civil service compensation scheme, from the for agriculture by 60% over the last three years. Department for International Development in each of the last five financial years. Developing Countries: HIV Infection The following table shows total capitalised costs Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for (including annual compensation payments or early/ International Development what his policy is on the enhanced pensions) which are recorded against the year provision of generic drugs for the treatment of in which the retirement was approved. HIV/AIDS in developing countries; and what his

Number of early policy is on the (a) international trade and (b) Financial year departures Total cost (£000) intellectual property issues involved in the supply of such drugs. [51034] 2006-07 19 2,478 2007-08 50 5,587 Mr Duncan: The UK remains committed to the goal 2008-09 14 2,147 of achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, 2009-10 29 3,853 care and support. This includes working with both 2010-111 18 21,337 originator and generic pharmaceutical companies to 1 Costs yet to be finalised ensure that safe, affordable and effective drugs are available. 2 Approximately Increasing value for money in terms of price, quality, market security and product suitability for developing Developing Countries: Agriculture country use is paramount. We are working with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS TB and Malaria, UNITAID Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for and other partners to encourage a more strategic approach International Development what proportion of his to shaping international anti-retroviral markets. Department’s commitment to agriculture and food With regards to international trade and intellectual security made at the G8 L’Aquila Summit has been property issues involved in the supply of generic medicines, disbursed to date; and under what budget headings it we stated in our recently published White Paper ‘Trade has been spent. [50873] and Investment for Growth’ that we would seek to ensure that provisions on intellectual property rights in Mr Duncan: In the fiscal year 2009-10 the Department EU free trade agreements did not have negative impacts for International Development (DFID) had disbursed on the ability of the poorest to access low cost medicines. 32% of its total pledge of £1.1 billion to global food Further, legitimate generic products of assured quality security and agriculture. DFID is, therefore, on track to should not be detained unnecessarily while in transit. meet its commitment made at the 2009 G8 summit held at L’Aquila. The £352 million disbursed in the 2009/10 Employment Agencies fiscal year is comprised of the following: Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Budget heading Spend (£ million) International Development how much his Department spent on (a) recruitment agency fees, (b) Agriculture, Agro-industries, Forestry and Fishing 116.1 outplacement agency fees for displaced or redundant Development Food Aid and Food Security Assistance 26.4 staff and (c) staff training in the last year for which Transport and Storage projects where the main 8.8 figures are available. [51406] purpose is to promote food security Rural Development projects 51.5 Mr Duncan: In financial year 2010-11 the Department Contribution through multilateral channels 149.7 for International Development (DFID) spent the following:

Category of spend 2010-11 figure (£) Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans his Department Recruitment agency fees 11,254,961 has for the use of the remaining funds from its Outplacement agency fees for 25,950 commitment to agriculture and food security made at displaced or redundant staff the G8 L’Aquila Summit before the 2012 deadline. Staff training 23,140,519 1 [50874] This figure represents the total paid to recruitment agencies. These payments were for the services of temporary staff and included both payment to the individual and a fee to the recruitment agency. It is not possible to Mr Duncan: The recent bilateral and multilateral aid disaggregate this figure. 2 This figure represents payments to training providers for staff training and reviews have set out the results which DFID will deliver professional development for DFID staff, including staff appointed in country in the next four years. In summary, it is envisaged that (SAIC). 859W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 860W

Overseas Aid: Publicity Mr Bellingham: The Government most recently discussed the prospect of a UN Commission of Inquiry in Burma Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for at official level with other EU member states in March International Development what steps the Government 2011. Officials have in recent weeks also raised this issue has taken to publicise its reasons for increasing official bilaterally with Swedish, Danish, Dutch, Irish and development assistance to 0.7 per cent. of gross Lithuanian counterparts. The Government continue to national income by 2013. [51494] support the UN Special Rapporteur’s recommendation for the UN to consider the idea of a Commission of Mr Andrew Mitchell: I have taken every opportunity Inquiry, and is working with other countries to build to publicise this Government’s commitment to spend international support. 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) as official development assistance (ODA) from 2013, and to explain Departmental Secondment the results that British taxpayers should expect to see from this investment. The commitment was published Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign in the coalition programme for government and the and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff of his comprehensive spending review. I have reaffirmed this Department are on secondment to (a) a business commitment is several speeches, both in the UK and organisation and (b) a charitable or non-governmental overseas. Last month saw the publication of ‘UK Aid: organisation. [50916] Changing Lives, Delivering Results’, which set out clearly the pressing needs in developing countries, and how Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth meeting the 0.7% target will transform lives. Office (FCO) does not hold a central record of all its staff working on secondment with outside organisations as staff may also take special unpaid leave (SUPL) from the FCO to take up these appointments. Staff on SUPL FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE are not counted as FCO employees for the duration of Burma: Capital Punishment these appointments and their locations are not tracked. However, there are nine FCO staff on formal secondment Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for to business organisations. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the British Ambassador to Burma has raised with EU Action the government of Burma the circumstances of the execution on 19 November 2010 by Border Guard Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Force soldiers of a 75 year old man from Dtra Greh Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the policy of township, Pa’an district, Karen state. [50631] the Government is on the examination of the scientific evidence presented by the European Commission in Mr Bellingham: We were concerned to read the Karen support of legislative proposals presented to the Human Rights Group bulletin which reported this incident. Council of Ministers. [49143] Our embassy in Rangoon is speaking with groups in Burma to corroborate the report. Our ambassador regularly Mr Willetts: I have been asked to reply. raises with the Burmese authorities the Government’s The Government believe that European legislation serious concern over the regime’s human rights violations. should be based upon a strong evidence base, including, when appropriate, scientific evidence. In this context we Burma: Politics and Government support President Barroso’s intention to appoint a Chief Scientific Advisor. We also welcome a strengthening of Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he providing robust scientific and technical advice to support has received of attacks by the Burma Army on civilians development and implementation of EU legislation. in the Manorone area of Ta Naw Tha Ri township, It should also be noted that evidence presented in Karen state. [50709] support of EU legislation will be examined by the UK Mr Bellingham: The Government were concerned to and, where necessary, challenged well before any legislation read of the Free Burma Rangers report and other reaches the European Council. For proposals which do reports from February which documented the aftermath go to Council it may be that scientific arguments will of attacks on Karen communities, and the Burmese previously have been discussed at working groups of regime’s continuing persecution of and violence towards member states including the UK. The lead Department ethnic groups such as the Karen. The UK helped secure in the UK will have assessed the evidence presented by a robust resolution at the March UN Human Rights the Commission and may have presented its own evidence Council which called on the Burmese regime to take to the Commission. Scientific evidence is therefore urgent measures to end their violations of international thoroughly examined but final decisions do take into human rights and humanitarian law including the targeting account broader issues and a range of evidence, not of civilians in ethnic areas. always principally scientific, may be offered in support. Burma: War Crimes Exports: Dairy Farming

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his he has had with his EU counterparts on EU support Department has to support the development of export for a UN commission of inquiry into possible war markets for UK dairy producers (a) in the Far East crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. [50553] and China and (b) elsewhere. [50862] 861W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 862W

Mr Bellingham [holding answer 4 April 2011]: I refer Libya: Armed Conflict my hon. Friend to the response from the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, my hon. Friend the Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Member for Hertford and Stortford (Mr Prisk) on 23 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK March 2011, Official Report, column 1115W. humanitarian aid flights have landed in Libya since UN Security Resolution 1973 was adopted; and how Government Communications much aid has been delivered. [50636] Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for Alistair Burt: No UK aid flights have landed in Libya Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution of the operating costs of the Research, Information 1973; however the UK is providing assistance and protection and Communications Unit in the Home Office (a) was to the people of Benghazi through our funding of the met by his Department in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10 International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The and (b) will be so met in 2010-11. [47323] UK is providing £2 million to ICRC, enabling it to Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to the response provide medical teams to treat and provide medical from the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice my supplies to 3,000 people in Libya affected by the ongoing right hon. Friend the Member for Arundel and South fighting. The ICRC will also provide food and supplies Downs (Nick Herbert) of 31 March 2011, Official to 100,000 of those most in need. Report, column 458W. Lack of access by humanitarian agencies makes it difficult to give a comprehensive view of humanitarian Haiti: Politics and Government needs in Libya. However, to date humanitarian agencies have reported no widespread, urgent humanitarian needs Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for in Benghazi. In eastern Libya more generally, people Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent have access to food, water and electricity, although assessment he has made of the political situation in there remain pockets of specific needs. Disruption to Haiti following the time taken to announce the regular supply chains also risks causing shortages of outcome of the Presidential elections. [50973] basic items. Medical supplies are reaching eastern Libya Mr Bellingham: We continue to underline the need and hospitals are functioning but stretched, with some for all Haitian parties to continue to demonstrate their staff shortages. Throughout Libya we have serious concerns commitment to a free, fair and transparent electoral for the protection of civilians. process. We understand that the delay in announcing Over 12,000 people have been repatriated from the the preliminary results is due to the Haitian Provisional borders with Libya on UK-funded flights. Blankets and Election Council (CEP) making additional checks of tents also delivered by the UK provide shelter for up to the vote tabulations. 14 May 2011 is the date set for the 10,000 people. UK funded air operations specialists are inauguration of the new President. It is vital that this helping co-ordinate repatriations as part of our efforts date does not slip, as any political vacuum or loss of to prevent logistics difficulties in Tunisia and Egypt momentum would threaten the continuity of the becoming a humanitarian crisis. reconstruction efforts so essential to Haiti’s rehabilitation. The Organisation of America States Caribbean Community Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Election Observation Mission will give its considered Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment opinion of the conduct of the Second Round in the he has made of the ability to deliver humanitarian coming weeks. We, along with others in the International assistance to Benghazi following the establishment of a Community and in Haiti, will draw important conclusions no-fly zone over Libya. [50637] from that assessment about the state of Haitian democracy. Alistair Burt: Since the adoption and enforcement of It is vital that the next President works in the interests of UN Security Council Resolution 1973 a number of all the Haitian people to continue the important task of agencies have returned to, or established operations in reconstruction. Benghazi, including the International Committee of the Ko Mya Aye Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières and International Medical Corps. However the situation remains precarious Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for and the conflict poses an ongoing risk to humanitarian Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has access, with the situation changing day to day. made representations to the Government of Burma on Benghazi is also being used as a hub for the onward the (a) detention of and (b) access to medical delivery of assistance. The World Food Programme is treatment of Ko Mya Aye. [50632] using it as an entry point for food aid and the Interim Transitional National Council has been able to forward Mr Bellingham: Our ambassador to Rangoon most aid from Benghazi to the besieged city of Misrata. recently reiterated the need to release all political prisoners, especially those in poor health such as Ko Mya Aye, on The prime concerns in Libya now are for people 26 January 2011 during a meeting with Burmese officials caught up in the fighting: attacks on civilians, medical in Naypyitaw. Our embassy regularly raises concerns needs of the wounded and sick, and those displaced by over prison conditions with senior regime officials and fighting, as well as access for humanitarian agencies. works with prisoner support networks and non- Libya: Aviation governmental organisations to assist the families of prisoners who ask for our assistance. The Government Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for helped secure a tough resolution at the Human Rights Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what costs his Council in March 2011 which called for the immediate Department has incurred in chartering aircraft to and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience. Libya in 2011. [48937] 863W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 864W

Alistair Burt: Our provisional cost is £1 million. This Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for will not be confirmed until the Foreign and Commonwealth Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what official visits Office receives final invoices. Ministers in his Department have made to Somaliland in the last five years. [50407] Libya: Politics and Government Mr Bellingham: There have been no visits by Foreign Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for and Commonwealth Office Ministers to Somaliland in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his the last five years. Department has received on the detention by Libyan authorities of Iman al-Obaidi; and if he will make a Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for statement. [50971] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had at EU level on Somaliland. Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office [50408] is aware of this case, which on 30 March 2011 the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Mr Bellingham: The EU Foreign Affairs Council on Affairs has described as: 21 March 2011 adopted Conclusions on Somalia. These “shocking to the whole world” included agreement that the EU would aim to enhance and as one which demonstrates the Gaddafi regime’s: its support to regions of Somalia, such as Somaliland, “absolute disregard for any understanding of human rights”. and remained committed to peace, stability and democracy. Miss Iman al-Obaidi’s claims must be investigated thoroughly, and if she is indeed still being detained, she Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for should be freed and given access to legal representation. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had at UN level on Somaliland. Libya: Students [50409]

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Bellingham: I attended a UN Security Council for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will Open debate on Somalia on 11 March 2011 in New assess the effects of financial sanctions on Libya on York. During this debate, the UN Security Council Libyan students who are living and studying in the agreed to urge the International Community to provide UK; and if he will make a statement. [51162] additional support to the Transitional Federal Government, local and regional administrations, including Somaliland, Alistair Burt: The Government have been careful to to develop government institutions, strengthen civil society, implement the UN sanctions regime so as to minimise prevent and resolve conflict, and take forward socio- any adverse effects on Libyan students in the UK. We economic reconstruction. are working with the universities and the Libyan People’s Bureau in London to get a fuller picture of who may be Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for adversely affected by the sanctions. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) letters, (b) emails and (c) other items of Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State correspondence on the status of Somaliland his for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will hold Department has received in each of the last 12 months. discussions with banks to ensure that Libyan students [50412] who are living and studying in the UK are not disadvantaged as a result of financial sanctions on Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth Libya; and if he will make a statement. [51163] Office receives regular e-mail correspondence on the status of Somaliland, making it difficult to give precise Alistair Burt: The Treasury has issued licences to figures. In the past 12 months, the Foreign and enable payments to be made in respect of students in Commonwealth Office has received at least 15 letters the UK who are sponsored by Libyan entities whose from members of the public and 12 letters from Members assets have been frozen. Such payments include educational, of Parliament on the status of Somaliland. living and maintenance costs incurred by sponsored students. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings Somaliland officials in his Department have had with officials from Somaliland in the last five years. [50413] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has Mr Bellingham: We hold regular meetings with the any plans to visit Somaliland on official business. Somaliland administration at official and ministerial [50406] level both in the UK and in the Horn of Africa region, including in Somaliland. Recent examples include official Mr Bellingham: We are not able to publicise plans for level meetings during President Silanyo’s visit to London future visits for security reasons. The Government regularly in November 2010, the visit of the Foreign Commonwealth engage with the Somaliland Government, both in London Office (FCO)’s Director for Africa to Hargeisa in March, and in the horn of Africa region. The Secretary of State and meetings in the margins of a Somaliland Investment for International Development, my right hon. Friend Conference, organised by the FCO and the Anglo- the Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell) visited Somaliland Chamber of Commerce, in London on Somaliland on 31 January 2011. 31 March 2011. 865W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 866W

Third Sector operational matters. This information is highly confidential, and would be regarded as such in any major criminal Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for investigation. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Yemen: Politics and Government Department has taken to support the Big Society initiative. [42649] Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office made of the potential implications for UK policy of (FCO) has a strong tradition of voluntary work, ranging the departure from office of President Saleh of Yemen from individuals getting involved with their local before any transfer of power to a new administration. communities to whole Departments undertaking voluntary [49732] activities in the UK and throughout our overseas network. The FCO actively supports public and private voluntary Alistair Burt: UK policy in Yemenremains to encourage service by its staff through allowing both paid and and assist the development of a unified, secure, democratic unpaid special leave to undertake voluntary activities. and prosperous Yemen. The amount of time given varies according to the To this end, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, nature of the activity, but all employees are offered up the Department for International Development and the to five days paid special leave a year to volunteer. Ministry of Defence work closely together under a Examples of some of the voluntary activity undertaken comprehensive strategy which aims to help the Yemenis by individual members of staff granted special paid tackle economic and security issues in parallel with leave are: broader issues of political representation. Independent Custody Visitor, reporting findings of unannounced visits to detention centres The UK will welcome and support any decision of the people of Yemen to deepen their democratic structures. Youth Educator, Envision Project The UK remains a friend to the people of Yemen and Participation in reintegration project for young ex convicts remains committed to helping to improve Yemen’sstability, Facilitation of Royal Commonwealth Society Commonwealth economic development, the implementation of human Youth Summits rights, the reduction of conflict and the degradation of Event promotion for Croydon Community Against Trafficking terrorism. In addition, in 2010 FCO staff in London and at 55 Any issue relating to the presidency and possible posts overseas ran a mile as part of Sport Relief and change of power are properly a matter for the Yemeni raised over £43,000 for 60 charities in the UK and people. We continue to watch developments closely. overseas. The Big Society approach is also reflected in the activities of our posts around the world in empowering TRANSPORT local communities. Many of our staff overseas have given up their time to help local community projects, Airports: Planning and have assisted charitable organisations through donations and fund-raising activities. The ‘Speed Sisters’ project Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for in Palestine is an example of a project where, by providing Transport pursuant to the answer of 28 February 2011, financial and practical support to a Palestinian women’s Official Report, column 182W, on Heathrow airport, if racing team that had been struggling to compete, our he will set out each relevant Government policy that is consulate staff were able to challenge widely held views to be taken into account as a material consideration of women in the middle east. where a planning application is made for expansion of an airport. [45231] Turks and Caicos Islands Mrs Villiers: There is no fixed list of national policies Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for which are material considerations whenever airport Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent expansion is proposed. The circumstances and the potential progress has been made by the Special Investigation impacts of the development will not always be the same. and Prosecution Team in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is for the decision-makers in any planning case to [51250] decide which factors are relevant to the case, and how much weight to attach to each. Individual policies in a Mr Bellingham: The Special Investigator announced planning policy statement or planning policy guidance in April 2010 that 18 months would be a reasonable note might be a material consideration in one case, but time for the criminal investigations to be completed. have no bearing in another. The Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) Aviation: Noise continues to make progress and reports regularly to a Strategic Oversight Group (SOG), that includes the Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Turks and Caicos Islands Chief Executive and the State for Transport what his policy is on the fitting of Commissioner of Police. silencers to small planes. [49777] It is part of the SOG’s remit to ensure that the SIPT works efficiently, keeps within a justified budget and Mrs Villiers [holding answer 29 March 2011]: Most pursues a sound investigation strategy. The SIPT’s reports light aircraft are required to meet international standards to the SOG include information on the timing of critical on aircraft noise and will be fitted with some form of 867W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 868W silencer to provide basic reduction in noise from the Kirdford engine’s exhaust system. In addition, enhanced silencers Laddingford have been developed for many light aircraft types. Laindon The responsibility for the certification of small aircraft Lamberhurst is dependent upon the type of aircraft. For those that Lashenden fall under the provisions of Regulation (EU) 216/2008, Lewknor the Basic Regulation, the responsibility rests with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). However, Linton for small aircraft EASA will largely validate the certification Lippitts Hill carried out by the State of Design, e.g. the USA. The London Colney configuration of the aircraft to meet noise requirements Meppershall is generally achieved as part of the aircraft design Napps Field process. North Weald For aircraft that do not fall within EASA’s remit the Nuthampstead UK CAA is responsible for those aircraft that are registered in the UK. At present, homebuilt aircraft are Old Hay not required to conform to the noise requirements. Panshanger Plaistow Aviation: Olympic Games 2012 Rayne Redhill Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for Ridgewell Transport which private air fields, flight schools and Rochester leisure flight operators will be within the exclusion zone Rush Green during the London 2012 Olympics. [51230] Russells Farm Mrs Villiers: The recently announced London 2012 Rydinghurst Olympic and Paralympics airspace restrictions are intended Southend to apply to the following aerodromes marked on the Spring Farm 1:250000 Aeronautical Chart: Stapleford Andrewsfield Stoke Ascot Thurrock Audley End Waits Farm Battersea Heliport Warlingham Benington Wethersfield Bicknor Farm Biggin Hill White Waltham Blackbushe Willingdale Boreham Wycombe Air Park Damyns Hall We also expect that all small landing strips located Denham within the planned prohibited or restricted zones will be Dunsfold covered by the temporary airspace restrictions. Dunstable Downs All airspace users wishing to operate in these zones Duxford will need to comply with the airspace restrictions in place. Earls Colne Egerton Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for Elstree Transport whether steps will be taken to compensate Fairoaks private air fields, flight schools and leisure flight Farnborough operators who are within the exclusion zone during the Farthing Corner London 2012 Olympics. [51231] Fowlmere Gerpins Farm Mrs Villiers: The Government have no plans to Graveley compensate aerodrome operators or airspace users who may be affected by the planned security restrictions for Halton the London 2012 Games. Harpsden Henlow Cycle to Work Scheme High Easter High Wycombe Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Hunsden Transport whether he has made an assessment of the Hurley Lodge behavioural impact analysis report by the Cycle to Jackrells Farm Work Alliance on the effects on the cycling industry of Jenkins Farm the financial incentives provided by the cycle to work Kenley scheme; and if he will make a statement. [51145] 869W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 870W

Norman Baker: I welcomed the publication of the and Paymaster General, the right hon. Member for behavioural impact analysis report by the Cycle to Horsham (Mr Maude), issued a written ministerial Work Alliance and also provided a supportive foreword. statement updating Parliament on progress on public There are no plans to make a further statement or bodies reform. That statement also announced that conduct an assessment on the effects on the cycling Departments estimate cumulative administrative savings industry of the financial incentives provided by the of at least £2.6 billion will flow from public bodies over cycle to work scheme. the spending review period. Cycling England I refer the right hon. Lady to my answer of 23 March 2011, Official Report, columns 1144-5W. This provides our best current estimate of the level of savings which Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for will accrue from the dissolution of the Renewable Fuels Transport what residual functions will remain Agency and the transfer of its functions to the Department following the abolition of Cycling England; which for Transport. organisation will carry out each such function; what the estimated costs of each such function are; and what Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for transfer of funds will be made to each organisation to Transport what estimate his Department has made of carry out each such function. [46486] the level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of the Commission for Integrated Transport. [48688] Norman Baker: Cycling England will cease to exist after 31 March 2011 and promotion of cycling will fall Norman Baker: On 16 March 2011, Official Report, to the Department for Transport and local authorities. columns 9-10WS, the Minister for the Cabinet Office Funding for cycling will be subsumed into the Local and Paymaster General, the right hon. Member for Sustainable Transport Fund. £560 million is available Horsham (Mr Maude), issued a written ministerial over four years for sustainable transport solutions including statement updating Parliament on progress on public cycling. Local authorities will also have ring fenced bodies reform. That statement also announced that resources for public health, which could include promoting Departments estimate cumulative administrative savings cycling. of at least £2.6 billion will flow from public bodies over A number of national cycling projects will continue the spending review period. to be funded through the Local Sustainable Transport I refer the right hon. Lady to my answer of 30 March Fund, overseen by Department for Transport. 2011, Official Report, column 351W. This is our best These are: current estimate of the level of savings which will Bikeability Cycle Training has been allocated £11 million in accrue from the abolition of the Commission for Integrated 2011-12 and will continue to be supported for the duration of this Transport. Parliament. The delivery arrangements for this are currently being considered. Departmental Theft Links to Schools, Bike It and Bike Club have been allocated £12.7 million in 2011-12 via a grant to the Active Travel Consortium. After March 2012 local authorities will be expected to support Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for such projects themselves. Transport what items with a value of over £100 have been taken without authorisation from his Department Departmental Estate since his appointment; and what steps have been taken to recover such items. [48434] Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to reduce the size of his Norman Baker: The Department for Transport Department’s estate; and if he will make a statement. comprises seven agencies, a shared service centre [46219] and the central Department (the ‘Department’). The figures provided in the following table are for all Norman Baker: I refer to the answer given by the items recorded as lost by or stolen from DFT staff, Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and from either on and off the various premises of the Skills my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and Department and includes both Department owned assets Surbiton (Mr Davey) on 14 March 2011, Official Report, and staff personal property. The figures provided do column 150W. not include losses or thefts where records are not available In addition, the Department for Transport has exercised centrally or where such losses or thefts were not reported. a lease break on approximately one third of its main While some of this information may exist in records London headquarters building which will cease to be held locally within the central Department and the occupied by the Department from the end of 2012. We agencies, it can be obtained only at disproportionate estimate that this measure will save £5 million per year. costs. The property recorded as lost and stolen since May Public Bodies Reform Programme 2010 is as follows:

Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for Lost Stolen Transport what estimate his Department has made of Central DFT 10 BlackBerry 8 BlackBerry the level of savings which will accrue from the abolition — 1 Laptop of the Renewable Fuels Agency. [48684]

Agencies and shared 2 Laptops 8 Laptops Norman Baker: On 16 March 2011, Official Report, service centre columns 9-10WS, the Minister for the Cabinet Office 871W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 872W

Great Western Railway: Electrification Lost Stolen

4 BlackBerry Watch Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Projector iPhone Transport pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member Digital Radio PC and screen for Pontypridd of 7 March 2011, Official Report, Airwave radio High Visibility Suit column 835W, on the Great Western Railway: electrification, when he plans to place in the Library — Bicycle details of the business case work which assisted his — 250 litres of heating oil Department in determining the further extension of — Gas boiler flue electrification of the Great Western Main Line. [48086]

It would not be appropriate to comment on specific Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for cases, however, the Department takes firm action to Transport when he plans to publish the details of the investigate thefts and seeks to recover losses. Instances business case work prepared in respect of the of theft are reported to the police whenever appropriate. electrification of the Great Western main line between Information held on departmental laptops and Cardiff and Swansea; and if he will make a statement. BlackBerrys is encrypted to appropriate HMG standards. [48860] All such BlackBerrys reported as lost or stolen are remotely erased. Mrs Villiers: Details of the business case work, which assisted the Department for Transport in determining Driving Standards Agency the case for further Great Western electrification, was placed in the Libraries of the House on 31 March. Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much the Driving Standards Agency High Speed Two Railway Line (a) received in income from and (b) spent on administration of the Driver Certificate of Professional Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Competence in the financial year 2009-10. [50537] Transport to which public libraries his Department has sent hard copies of the consultation documents on the Mike Penning: In the 2009-10 financial year the agency proposals for High Speed Two. [50821] received £3.1 million of income and incurred total costs of £3.74 million on the Driver Certificate of Professional Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 4 April 2011]: Competence. Hard copies of all of the consultation documents were sent to the following libraries: European Aviation Safety Agency Amersham Library Atherstone Library Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the oral answer of 10 March Aylesbury Library 2011, Official Report, column 1053, on the European Banbury Library Aviation Safety Agency, what his policy is on lowering Beaconsfield Library flight time limitations as a result of the proposed Birmingham Central Library European Aviation Safety Agency legislation. [51115] Brackley Library Buckingham Library Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to comments Coventry Central Library submitted by my Department and the Civil Aviation Authority to the European Aviation Safety Agency’s Daventry Library consultation on flight time limitations which are published Ealing Central Library in Civil Aviation Information Notice Number IN-2011/18 Fulham Reference Library at: Harrow Civic Centre Reference Library www.caa.co.uk High Wycombe Library Highbury and Islington Central Library Exhaust Emissions Kensington Central Library Lichfield Library Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Oxford Central Library Transport what assessment his Department has made Rickmansworth Library of the effectiveness of the draft Local Authority Basic Carbon tool in evaluating the carbon impact of whole Solihull Central Library area interventions, including those delivered through Swiss Cottage Central Library the Sustainable Travel Town programme, prior to the Tamworth Library introduction of the tool. [49834] Uxbridge Library Warwick Library Norman Baker: The Department for Transport undertook a full, independent evaluation of the Sustainable Westminster Reference Library Travel Town programme in March 2010, including carbon Willesden Green Library Centre impacts. The Department has not undertaken a retrospective Copies of the main consultation document, the summary evaluation of such interventions using the carbon tool, and the consultation CD, were also sent to 139 councils which only went live on 16 February 2011. along the proposed London to West Midlands route. 873W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 874W

High Speed Two However, we can say that the majority of life cycle emissions for all vehicles are associated with the usage Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for phase. Information collected by the Driver and Vehicle Transport what the role and responsibilities are of Licensing Agency for 2010 shows that the average emissions Mr Ian Jordan, Project Sponsor of HS2 Ltd; and what for newly registered hybrid cars was 106 gCO2/km, remuneration he receives. [49923] petrol cars was 145 gCO2/km, diesel cars was 144 gCO2/km and .the average of petrol and diesel combined was Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 30 March 2011]: 144.6 gCO2/km. Mr Jordan’s role encompasses the following responsibilities: This means that the average UK hybrid car is a developing the overall case for HS2 London-west midlands for 26% improvement on average of a diesel car, a 27% the current consultation and co-ordinating HS2 Ltd’s advice to improvement on an average petrol car and 27% Government; improvement on the average petrol and diesel cars leading the option selection process for route proposals from combined. the west midlands to Leeds and Manchester and producing a report to the Secretary of State; HS2’s demand modelling and economic analysis; responsible Motor Vehicles: Finchley for building the economic case for HS2 and developing the more detailed analysis necessary to support a hybrid Bill; Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for programme and project management for HS2. Transport what proportion of applications for renewal Mr Jordan is a senior civil servant in pay band 1 of vehicle excise duty tax discs were made (a) online (SCSI). Under the Government’s Transparency Agenda, and (b) at post offices by (i) all residents and (ii) individual base pay is disclosed (in £5,000 bands) only residents over the age of 65 years of Finchley and for SCS pay band 2 and above. Golders Green constituency in the latest period in High Speed Two: Rolling Stock which figures are available. [51222] Mike Penning: The information requested about the Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for proportion of residents of Finchley and Golders Green Transport what his most recent estimate is of the likely renewing their vehicle excise duty using the Internet and average seat occupancy rate of High Speed Two trains. the Post Office is not readily available and would incur [49934] disproportionate costs to gather. Information about residents over the age of 65 is not held. Mr Philip Hammond: I refer my right hon. Friend to the ‘Economic Case for HS2: The Y Network and Throughout Great Britain the proportion split for London-West Midlands’, available on the consultation renewing vehicle excise duty tax discs during the financial website at: year 2009-10 was online 41%; Post Office 54%; Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Local Offices 2% and http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/library/documents/economic- case electronically to fleet operators 3%. London-Norwich Railway Line Motor Vehicles: Insurance Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was spent from the public purse Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for on rebranding (a) engines and (b) rolling stock used Transport (1) what steps he has taken to assist police on rail services between Norwich and London in (i) forces and insurers to address motor vehicle insurance 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08, (iii) 2008-09 and (iv) 2010-11. fraud; [49798] [49157] (2) what steps he is taking to tackle fraud in the motor insurance industry. [49849] Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport does not hold information related to rebranding of rolling stock on the Norwich to London line. A decision to rebrand Mike Penning: The Department for Transport has is a commercial matter for a train operating company. recently introduced Continuous Insurance Enforcement which is expected to have a significant effect in reducing Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions the use of uninsured vehicles. We are working with the motor insurance industry to Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for provide industry participants with automated access to Transport what estimate he has had made of the likely a driver’s record so that they can check the driver’s level of carbon dioxide emissions over the lifetime of a entitlement to drive, endorsements or driving convictions hybrid car compared to that of a petrol or diesel car. when applying for motor insurance cover. The intention [47847] is to prevent drivers providing false or misleading information which may compromise cover and invalidate Norman Baker: The Department for Transport does the policy. not hold data on lifetime, emissions of hybrid cars The police already take steps to tackle those who are compared to petrol or diesel cars. not validly insured and other fraud. I will also consider No detailed studies have been undertaken to compare with the Home Office a proposal for a dedicated police production and end of life emissions and it not possible unit on insurance fraud, paid for by the insurance to fully compare in-use emissions due to insufficient industry, as proposed in the recent Transport Select data. Committee’s report on motor insurance. 875W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 876W

Parking: Pedestrian Areas The Government support a progressive electrification of the rail network in England and Wales as a way of Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for reducing the cost of running the railways, increasing Transport what the outcome was of the review of passenger comfort and reducing carbon. We continue pavement parking conducted in 1988. [46196] to work with Network Rail to look at the case for further electrification in the next rail control period Norman Baker: The review did not lead to any formal starting in 2014. conclusions, but it did inform the development of legislation, including the Road Traffic Acts of 1988 and 1991. Railways: Infrastructure I have recently written to all English traffic authorities in England (outside London) to remind them of the Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for powers and tools they already have to tackle local Transport what cost-benefit analysis his Department pavement parking problems, and to issue them with the has undertaken on proposals for restructuring of rail special authorisation necessary for new signs for area-wide and signalling infrastructure in (a) Scotland, (b) the bans. South Western region, (c) the South Central region and (d) the South Eastern region. [49833] Radioactive Materials Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport has made Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for no such assessment. The independent Office of Rail Transport which radioactive materials were carried on Regulation is responsible for assessing the performance the ship Captain Yakovlev which departed from Hull of Network Rail in driving efficiencies on the rail network on 25 February 2011 for St Petersburg; and which while delivering the Government’s High Level Output company owned the cargo. [50242] Specification.

Mike Penning: The regulatory regime for the transport Railways: North West England of radioactive materials requires consignors to notify Department for Transport of only a very limited proportion Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for of the many thousands of shipments of low level radioactive Transport what assessment has been made of the material which are safely undertaken each year. We effects on rail fares of the development of the Northern have received no notification of this consignment. Hub. [50827]

Railways Mrs Villiers: No assessment has been made of possible impact on future rail fares arising from the development Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Northern Hub. Transport (1) what consideration his Department has given to removing responsibility for rail and signalling Railways: Shropshire infrastructure from Network Rail in (a) Scotland, (b) the South Western region, (c) the South Central region Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for and (d) the South Eastern region; [51093] Transport if he will ensure that a direct rail service (2) what consideration his Department has given to between Shropshire and London is included within the removing Anglia area rail track and signalling new West Coast franchise. [50041] infrastructure from the responsibility of Network Rail in 2011. [51094] Mrs Villiers: The rail service for the next West Coast franchise is currently under consultation. This consultation Mrs Villiers: Sir Roy McNulty’s Rail Value for Money will not be completed until 21 April 2011. The Department Study has considered a range of options relating to for Transport has received representations regarding responsibility for the rail network. The study will present previous Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone services its findings shortly. Sir Roy’s recommendations and as part of this consultation. The Invitation to Tender is responses to those recommendations will shape the expected to published in early May 2011 and this will Government’s proposals for the reform of the industry, detail the train services that bidders for the franchise which we intend to set out later this year. will be expected to operate. Railways: Electrification Railways: Wales

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to further Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the electrification of the UK’s existing rail infrastructure. business case for electrification of the South Wales [49708] Valleys rail lines. [45224]

Mrs Villiers [holding answer 29 March 2011]: As well Mrs Villiers: Copies of the business case for electrification as a package of electrification in the North West, which of the South Wales Valleys rail lines were placed in the includes electrification between Manchester and Liverpool Libraries of the House on 31 March 2011. via Newton-le-Willows and electrification to Blackpool North, we recently announce plans to extend the existing Rescue Services: VAT programme of electrification of the Great Western Main Line to Bristol and Cardiff. We are currently working Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for with the Welsh Assembly Government on a proposal to Transport what steps he has taken to implement the electrify the Valleys lines north of Cardiff. value added tax refund for Mountain Rescue. [49776] 877W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 878W

Mike Penning [holding answer 29 March 2011]: I Sea Rescue have been advised by HM Treasury that there has been no announcement on extending zero rates of VAT to Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for benefit mountain rescue teams. However, discussions Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of each are continuing on determining a suitable grant system of the most recent tests for local knowledge for distributing the funds to support the purchase of administered to coastguards working at maritime mountain rescue equipment announced by the Chief rescue co-ordination centres. [45875] Secretary to the Treasury on the 8 February. More details will be available in due course. Mike Penning: The current coastguard local knowledge tests are developed and administered separately by the management of each maritime rescue coordination centre Road Safety (MRCC). The subject areas covered are consistent, but the tests themselves vary in format and style between Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for locations. I have arranged for copies of the current tests Transport (1) what plans his Department has for road to be placed in the Libraries of the House. safety campaigns on television in 2011-12; [50656] Tamar Valley Railway Line (2) what plans his Department has for road safety campaigns in schools in 2011-12; [50657] Mr Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (3) whether his Department plans to run road safety (1) whether the construction of communication masts campaigns for children in conjunction with the private along the Tamar Valley line is required to be carried sector in 2011-12; [50658] out under an obligation required by any European (4) whether his Department has a ring-fenced budget directive; [48851] for road safety for children in 2011-12. [50659] (2) if he will review the adequacy of (a) consultation with local residents and (b) protection of areas of Mike Penning: The Department for Transport is currently outstanding natural beauty of the permitted developing its communication plans for 2011-12 and development rights arrangements under which future years. The spending review allocated £3.5 million Network Rail is constructing communication masts for road safety communications in 2011-12. along the Tamar Valley line. [48915] Child road safety will remain a priority. Plans for Mrs Villiers: There is a requirement under the child road safety have yet to be submitted and interoperability directive 2008/57 for railway subsystems approved although we expect to include child road to comply with technical specifications for interoperability safety campaigns in partnership with the private sector. (TSIs). The current TSI for control-command and signalling The plan will be subject to the controls on advertising applies to high speed or conventional lines on the and marketing spend governed by the Efficiency and trans-European rail system and requires the installation Reform Group. of a global system for mobile communication (GSM-R) The THINK! education materials (covering early years, based secure radio system for new or upgraded lines. primary and secondary school children) will remain The TSI does not require a GSM-R system for lines available for use within schools. outside of the scope of the TSI. There are no current plans for television road safety Network Rail propose GSM-R is rolled out beyond campaigns in 2011-12. the lines covered by the scope of the TSI and across their entire rail network on the grounds that this offers the most cost-effective and safe solution. Rolling Stock: Costs The location of individual GSM-R masts is an operational matter for Network Rail in which Ministers Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for have no power to intervene. Network Rail’s permitted Transport pursuant to the answer of 21 March 2011, development rights (PDRs) enable the company to carry Official Report, column 786W, on rolling stock, what out certain development on its operational land in the source is of the base data on which the net present connection with the movement of traffic by rail without value calculation was made; and what the assumed (a) having to make a specific planning application. These procurement and (b) maintenance costs are of the rights are set out in part 17 of schedule 2 to the Town electric trains and locomotives. [49411] and Country Planning (General Permitted Development Order 1995 (the GPDO). The GPDO is administered by Mrs Villiers: The data on which the calculation was the Department for Communities and Local Government made came from sources that included Network Rail, (DCLG). Network Rail advises that its PDRs apply in the rail Network Modelling Framework (NMF), areas of outstanding natural beauty and we understand data from previous rolling stock deals and the recent the company followed guidance from DCLG about Intercity Express programme (IEP) proposal from Agility informing local authorities and residents in advance of Trains. The capital rental of full length electric trains the development. was assumed to cost around £260,000 per month, with Railways: Cost-Benefit Ratios the capital rental of each locomotive assumed to cost around £30,000 per month. The maintenance of eight-car David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for electric trains was assumed to cost £3.56 per mile, with Transport what estimate he has made of the 60-year the maintenance of each locomotive assumed to cost cost-benefit ratio of (a) the Thameslink programme, £0.45 per mile. (b) Crossrail, (c) High Speed One and (d) High Speed The above costs are given at 2009-10 prices. Two. [47309] 879W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 880W

Mrs Villiers: The information is as follows: The costs of travelling by air are not available from (a) The benefit cost ratio for the current Thameslink investment ONS data so are provided from DfT analysis. The is 2.2:1. average cost of a one-way domestic flight air fare, (b) The benefit cost ratio of Crossrail is 1.92:1. including taxes and charges, fell by 34% in real terms (c) The Secretary of State has not made an estimate of the 60 between 2000 and 2008, the latest date for which figures year cost-benefit ratio for High Speed 1 using the current economic are available. assessment methodology. Cost-benefit ratios were calculated during the life of the project using the methodology of the time. Information Transport: Passengers on these is available in National Audit Office reports dated 28 March 2001 and 21 July 2005. Both reports are available from the NAO. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for (d) The Government estimate that the benefit cost ratio for the Transport how many and what proportion of proposed Y-shaped HS2 network is 2.6:1. passengers travelled by (a) private car, (b) bus, (c) rail and (d) air transport in each year since 2000. [50864] Thameslink Railway Line: Standards Norman Baker: The National Travel Survey covers Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for residents of Great Britain and produces estimates of Transport how many and what proportion of delay the number of trips made per person per year, by mode minutes on the Thameslink route were attributed to of transport. The most recent estimates for 2009 and (a) Network Rail, (b) First Capital Connect and (c) earlier years are available at: delays to First Capital Connect services caused by http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/ other train-operating companies in each of the last 15 nts/how-mode/nts0303.xls performance periods for which figures are available. The percentage of trips that each mode accounted for [37752] during 2009 are available at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/ Mrs Villiers: Network Rail is responsible for performance nts/how-mode/nts0301.xls data for the rail industry. My hon. Friend may wish to The National Travel Survey covers travel within Great contact Network Rail’s chief executive at the following Britain only and the number of air trips within the address for such information: survey is small. Air travel is therefore included in the David Higgins “other” category in these tables. Chief Executive Network Rail Waterloo Station Kings Place 90 York Way Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for London, N1 9AG. Transport what recent estimate has been made of the book value of Waterloo International railway terminal. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for [49847] Transport what recent assessment he has made of the (a) performance and (b) level of customer service Mrs Villiers: The former Eurostar facility at Waterloo under the franchise agreement provided by First is owned and managed by BRB (Residuary) Ltd (BRBR) Capital Connect on the Thameslink rail route. [50019] on behalf of the Department for Transport. The latest valuation was carried out as at 31 December 2009 and is Mrs Villiers [holding answer 31 March 2011]: included in BRBR’s 2009-10 annual report and accounts. Department for Transport officials meet every four These show that the book value of the facility at that weeks to review compliance against the franchisee’s date was £3.2 million. This valuation is split into four contractual commitments, including the delivery of specific parts as follows; performance obligations. During the most recent four- weekly assessment period, First Capital Connect was Freehold station valued at £35.7 million compliant with all its franchise commitments. Leasehold concourse valued at £1.0 million Leased coach park valued at £0.3 million Transport: Finance Leased arches beneath domestic station valued at negative £33.8 million John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for The commercial value of these assets is likely to Transport what recent estimate he has made of the exceed the book value. change in the real-terms cost of a passenger journey by (a) private car, (b) bus, (c) rail and (d) air since 2000. West Coast Rail Franchise [50865]

Norman Baker: I have not estimated changes in the Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for real cost of passenger journeys by car, bus or rail. Transport how much his Department has allocated to Instead the Department for Transport (DfT) uses data the costs of tendering for the West Coast rail franchise. from the independent Office for National Statistics [50871] (ONS). This shows that between 2000 and 2010 the real cost of motoring, including the purchase of a vehicle, Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport anticipates declined by 8%, bus and coach fares increased by 20% and that the costs of tendering for the West Coast rail rail fares increased by 15% in real terms. franchise will be in the order of £1,220,810. 881W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 882W

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE No DECC Ministers have allocated GCDA— Government Car and Despatch Agency—ministerial Agriculture: Environment Protection cars. Ministers may use the GCDA pool cars, and have occasionally used these to travel to their constituency, Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy where a business requirement has justified this. Ministers and Climate Change if he will estimate the number of also use taxis and private hire cars for official travel. agricultural businesses which will receive funding from The details of overseas travel are published quarterly, his Department for the use of low-carbon technology and can be found at: and energy-efficient equipment in each of the next four www.decc.gov.uk financial years. [50811] Since May 2010, DECC has spent £132,676 on GCDA Gregory Barker: DECC is in the process of prioritising ministerial cars, compared with £303,129 which DECC funding for innovation for the next four years to focus spent on GCDA ministerial cars during the period on those technologies and programmes where the need 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010. is greatest and that will have the greatest impact on All travel is taken in accordance with the Ministerial meeting the Department’s climate change and energy Code. objectives. It is, therefore, not possible to estimate the Departmental Vacancies number of agriculture businesses that will receive funding from DECC for the use of low-carbon technology and Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy energy equipment over this period. and Climate Change what the staff vacancy rate in his Anaerobic Digestion (AD), a relevant technology for Department was in 2010-11; and what vacancy rate has many agricultural businesses, is eligible for the feed-in-tariff’s been assumed in his Department’s budget for 2011-12. (FIT) scheme which reward small-scale, low-carbon [51390] electricity generation. We are currently consulting on proposals to increase tariffs for AD installations with Gregory Barker: The average monthly staff vacancy an installed capacity of up to 500kW. rate in DECC during 2010-11 (from April to February) was 6%. During the course of the year, the vacancy rate Departmental Mobile Phones reduced from almost 10% in April 2010 to below 3% in February 2011. We expect the vacancy rate to stabilise Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy at around 2% in 2011-12. and Climate Change how many officials in his Energy Department are provided with mobile communication devices; and how much his Department spent on Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy mobile telephones and related data services in the last and Climate Change what steps his Department has year for which figures are available. [51418] taken to provide information to the public on (a) creating low-carbon energy, (b) matching supply and Gregory Barker: As of 4 April 2011, DECC had 436 demand, (c) securing value for money for consumers officials with mobile communication devices. This includes and (d) other major energy challenges over the next mobile phones, BlackBerry devices and 3G cards. The decade. [51112] cost of these devices for the period covering 20 February 2010 to 19 February 2011 was £215,600.48. Gregory Barker: Greater transparency is at the heart of our commitment to enable the public to hold political Departmental Travel and public bodies to account and deliver better value for money in public spending. DECC aims to ensure Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for that its data are as accessible to the public as possible. Energy and Climate Change (1) on what date (a) he The Department publishes information through a and (b) each other Minister in his Department last wide range of avenues including the DECC website and travelled by (i) London underground and (ii) public bus data.gov.uk. Data on energy production including services on Government business; how many times (A) renewables are published monthly on the DECC website, he and (B) each other Minister in his Department has while each quarter fuller analysis of energy production travelled by each such form of transport on and use is published in ‘Energy Trends’. Annually full Government business since May 2010; and if he will information is published in the ‘Digest of UK Energy make a statement; [50090] Statistics’ as well as a more detailed look at energy use (2) on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in ‘Energy Consumption in the UK’. Other important in his Department last used a ministerial car while data sets included data on GHG—greenhouse gas— travelling in an official capacity; and how many times emissions, detailed local level electricity and gas (i) he and (ii) each other Minister in his Department consumption data and work with the Energy Saving has travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car Trust to publish data on installation of insulation measures since May 2010; [50191] at local authority and parliamentary constituency level. (3) how much his Department has spent on A number of recent publications also provide the ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) public with relevant information: bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft The DECC Business Plan sets out actions against coalition since May 2010. [50226] priorities to 2015 and a number of impact and input indicators which can be used to assess progress. Gregory Barker: Ministers regularly use London The DECC website and the Energy Saving Trust provide underground and public buses on Government business consumers with extensive information on how they can generate at their own expense. No central record is kept of such low-carbon energy (through the domestic feed-in tariffs) and travel. energy saving measures more generally. 883W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 884W

DECC’s Annual Energy Statement, consultation for electricity If the Government need to use the powers to mandate market reform (EMR) and 2050 Pathways Analysis all describe action by the energy suppliers then a further impact the major energy challenges over the next decade and beyond. assessment will be required. The EMR consultation also includes projections for future demand and supply and how the balance could be maintained. Energy: Housing Affordability is a key concern for DECC. We support the independent regulation of electricity markets through Ofgem—their Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy primary duty is to protect the interests of present and future consumers. The proposals set out in the EMR consultation and Climate Change what discussions his Department document were assessed to gauge their likely impact on consumers has had with local authorities on their role in (a) and that has been published alongside the policy proposals. providing access to the Green Deal and (b) improving National Grid also publishes data on its website the energy efficiency of private rented homes. [50556] describing in real time how supply and demand is matched: Gregory Barker: On 9 March 2011, the Department agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with the http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Electricity/Data/Realtime/ Local Government Group to work together to tackle Energy Supply climate change. DECC is currently working with several local authorities to consider the opportunities and barriers to deliver the Green Deal. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment has been Our discussions with local government, including the made of the ability of independent renewable Local Government Association, include improving the electricity generators to secure a reasonable value for energy efficiency of the private rented sector. their output following removal of the requirement on Energy: International Co-operation suppliers to secure increasing proportions of the power they supply from renewable sources. [50620] Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Charles Hendry: We published the EMR electricity Energy and Climate Change (1) whether any (a) market reform consultation in December 2010 seeking special advisers, (b) parliamentary assistants and (c) views on proposals to reform the electricity market to Ministers’ spouses or partners took part in the green meet our decarbonisation, security of supply and trade mission to the US; [51475] affordability goals. This included a proposal for a feed-in (2) what the (a) names and (b) job titles are of the tariff to support low carbon, including renewable members of the green trade mission to the US; [51476] generation. (3) how the members of the green trade mission to We are committed to supporting existing investment the US from private sector companies were selected. in renewables, and therefore we also consulted on the [51480] best means to transition from the current renewables obligation to the new mechanism. Gregory Barker: The following business representatives We will publish final proposals before the summer took part in the recent UK green trade mission to the recess. US, which I led: Emma Howard Boyd, Director, Jupiter Asset Management Energy: Billing Bill Rumble, Group Commercial Director, Mark Group Dennis Hayter, Vice President for Business Development, Intelligent Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of Rowan Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Global Analytics the likely effects on consumers of provisions in the at Willis Re (replaced by David Short in North and South Energy Bill to increase the information provided on Carolina) domestic energy bills. [51154] Andy Wood, Chief Executive, Adnams Ian Mays, Chief Executive Officer, Renewable Energy Systems. Gregory Barker: The Energy Bill includes proposals No ministerial spouses or partners, special advisers, to require energy suppliers to inform consumers through or parliamentary assistants were part of the delegation. their bills about the cheapest available tariff to give customers greater control over their energy costs, (we Businesses were invited to participate in this visit are also seeking to implement this proposal through a taking account of assessments by DECC, UKTI and voluntary agreement with energy suppliers). the British embassy network in the United States of their compatibility with the objective of demonstrating We have published an impact assessment which the ability of companies to seize the opportunities concluded that, depending on the level of switching in presented by the global green economy; their interest in relation to the cheaper tariff information, consumers the commercial opportunities in the states being visited; may benefit in terms of cheaper energy bills. It also and compatibility of schedules. estimated that if a voluntary agreement cannot be reached and secondary legislation is required, total costs would Shipping: Exhaust Emissions be in the range of £0-£43 million with a best estimate of £22 million. This impact assessment is available online Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for at: Energy and Climate Change what representations he http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/legislation/energybill/ has made on raising of international climate finance 1002-energy-bill-2011-ia-green-deal.pdf from the regulation of shipping emissions at the (a) (with details of the information on bills requirement International Maritime Organisation and (b) G20. from page 72). [51233] 885W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 886W

Gregory Barker: The Government are an active Charles Hendry: Following the nuclear incident at proponent internationally of measures to reduce shipping Fukushima in Japan, the Secretary of State for Energy emissions. The primary aim of such measures would be and Climate Change asked Dr Mike Weightman, HM to reduce emissions, but they could in addition generate Chief Inspector of Nuclear Installations, to report on revenues which could be used for a variety of purposes, the lessons to be learnt for the UK from the incident, potentially including international climate finance. with an interim report requested from Dr Weightman in The Secretary of State has made no direct representations May 2011 and a final report in September 2011. at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) or Dr Weightman has complete independence to determine the G20 (Finance Ministers), as these are for the Secretary the scope of his reports and the arrangements for of State for Transport and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. conducting his inquiries for them. However, the Secretary In the G20, I understand the French presidency have of State’s responsibilities only relate to civil nuclear held discussions on international climate finance among facilities. I understand that Dr Weightman’s focus for Finance Ministers, and Trevor Manuel, the South African his interim report will be on any early lessons for National Planning Minister, has presented the findings existing and prospective UK nuclear power stations. of the UN Secretary-General’s High Level Advisory His final report may have lessons that are relevant for Group on Climate Change Finance (AGF) with UK nuclear safety at defence-related sites. Government support. Office for Renewable Energy Deployment The IMO secretary general and the Secretary of State spoke in November 2010, given the Secretary of State’s role as a member of the AGF. We also understand the Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Norwegian Government, as co-chair of the AGF, are Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of presenting the findings to the IMO shortly. 14 March 2011, Official Report, columns 107-8W, on departmental manpower, which specific technologies Feed-in Tariffs the Office for Renewable Energy Deployment covers. [50748] Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many certificates an investor Gregory Barker: Renewable energy is defined by the or generator may hold for the purposes of feed-intariffs Renewable Energy Directive 2009 as: in respect of a site with a unique (a) property address “energy from renewable non-fossil sources, namely wind, solar, and (b) meter point. [50625] aerothermal, geothermal, hydrothermal and ocean energy, hydropower, biomass, landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas and biogases”. Gregory Barker: No certificates are issued under the There are at least 22 technologies that fall within this feed-in tariffs (FITs) scheme. I therefore take the question definition across the electricity, heat and transport sectors. to refer to meeting the criteria of the definition of a site for accreditation under the FITs scheme. The Office for Renewable Energy Deployment’s (ORED) purpose is to increase greatly the deployment of these A site is defined in the FITs licence conditions as technologies in the UK as cost-effectively and sustainably “the premises to which are attached one or more Accredited as possible. ORED does this through a framework of FITs installations or Eligible installations in close geographical proximity to each other, to be determined by: a). the relevant financial incentives that provide long-term, comprehensive meter point administration number for the electricity supply, b). and targeted support across the range of renewable street address, c). OS grid reference; and any other factors which technologies; and by taking steps to address non-financial the Authority (Ofgem) at its discretion views as relevant.” barriers that hinder renewables deployment. It is the responsibility of Ofgem as administrators of ORED works with others to meet its objectives, both the scheme to use its discretion in applying the definition in DECC and across Whitehall—particularly DECC’s of a site when accrediting an installation for the feed-in teams that deal with heat and microgeneration technologies tariffs (FITs). and the Green Deal; with the Department for Transport on renewable transport technologies; and DECC’s Science Natural Gas: Exploration and Innovation Group on renewable technologies which are still at relatively early stages of development and Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State demonstration but which are expected to be important for Energy and Climate Change if he will consult the contributors for the pathway to 2050. Environment Agency on the potential implications of seismic tremors for onshore drilling for unconventional Oil gases. [51621]

Charles Hendry: We have regular contact with both Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Health and Safety Executive and the environment Energy and Climate Change what plans he has for agencies on unconventional gas. The implications of future support to the UK oil refining industry. [50426] seismic tremors for onshore drilling for unconventional gas will form part of this dialogue. Charles Hendry: The Government recognise the important role that the UK’s refining sector plays in the Nuclear Power Stations: Safety economic life of the country. The Government seek to ensure that the right conditions exist to attract and Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for retain investment in the UK’s refining sector. We work Energy and Climate Change whether defence nuclear closely with the downstream oil industry and its activities will be included within the scope of the review representatives to understand the impact of policy on into the safety of UK nuclear plants by the Health and the sector and to ensure this understanding is shared Safety Executive’s Nuclear Directorate. [51460] across a range of Government Departments. 887W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 888W

Renewable Energy Solar Power

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of and Climate Change what assessment his Department 9 March 2011, Official Report, column 1074W, on the has made of the effects of removing the prohibition on solar photovoltaic sector: Brighton, what size of the sale by local authorities of electricity generated market his Department considers to be relatively small; from renewable energy. [51156] and if he will make a statement. [50749] Gregory Barker: The change has been welcomed by a Gregory Barker: As of 1 April 2011, data from number of local authorities seeking to take forward the “FITs Installation Statistical Report” produced by renewable energy projects. DECC is working Ofgem: proactively with local authorities and the Local https://www.renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk/Default.aspx Government Group (LG Group) to enable local show 28,617 solar photovoltaic (PV) installations with authorities to benefit from this new opportunity a total generation capacity of 77.862 MW for Great supported by the renewables incentives framework. For Britain. Brighton and Hove contributes less than 1% example, a recent DECC-LG Group Memorandum of with 81 solar PV installations with total generation Understanding1 acknowledges the pivotal role that local capacity of 0.164 MW. councils have in tackling climate change. We are therefore committed to working with local authorities to reduce Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for emissions on their own estate and operations, in their Energy and Climate Change if he will discuss with the areas (within their control and influence) and through banking industry future funding for solar photovoltaic participating in national carbon reduction initiatives developers affected by the outcome of the fast-track such as the Green Deal, roll-out of renewables, and review of the feed-in tariff scheme. [51117] smart meters. Gregory Barker: My officials are in regular contact 1 http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/lc_uk/ with representatives from the banking sector and solar local/local.aspx photovoltaic (PV) developers. Solar Power: Cornwall Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will assess the effect Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State of the fast-track review of the feed-in tariff scheme on for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the farmers in Cornwall who have signed contracts with written ministerial statement of 18 March 2011, solar photovoltaic developers. [51116] Official Report, column 33WS, on feed-in-tariffs (review), what discussions he has had with Gregory Barker: DECC officials are in regular representatives of the anaerobic digestion sector prior contact with organisations representing the views of to the publication of his proposed tariff changes. farmers in Cornwall, and will take into account all [48817] evidence received through the current public consultation. Solar Power: Feed-in Tariffs Gregory Barker: Before the publication of the fast-track consultation on the feed-in tariffs (FITs), discussions Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy were held with the National Non-Food Crops Centre and Climate Change how many megawatts of solar (NNFCC), the Renewable Energy Association (REA), photovoltaic generating capacity have been installed in the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) Northumberland since the launch of the feed-in tariff the National Farmers Union and the Country Land scheme. [51352] and Business Association (CLA). Matters discussed Gregory Barker: As of 31 December 2010, 173.1 kW included: (i) whether the current tariff for farm-scale of solar photovoltaic (PV) had been installed in anaerobic digestion (AD) delivers the expected 8% return Northumberland since 1 April 2010, the launch date of on capital and if not, why not; (ii) the capital, operating, the feed-in tariffs (FITs) scheme. An additional 28.7 kW fuel and other costs of farm-scale (up to 500 kW) AD of solar PV capacity was installed between 15 July 2009 plants; and (iii) financial and non-financial barriers to (when the FITs scheme was announced) and 1 April the further deployment of farm-scale AD and how 2010. these might be addressed.

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for TREASURY Energy and Climate Change (1) what assessment his Department has made of Ofgem’s ability to make Air Passenger Duty feed-in tariff payments; [50975] Mr Donohoe: To ask the Chancellor of the (2) what key performance indicators his Department Exchequer (1) when his Department first announced uses to assess Ofgem’s ability to make feed-in tariff that air passenger duty would be increased by the rate payments. [50976] of inflation each year; [50640] (2) how much income from (a) air passenger duty Gregory Barker: Feed-in tariffs (FlTs) payments are and (b) the inclusion of aviation in the Emissions not made by Ofgem. The obligation is on electricity Trading Scheme he expects to accrue to the Exchequer suppliers to make the FITs payments. in each year to 2015-16; [50641] 889W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 890W

(3) if he will publish the advice he received on the Child Benefit legality of a per-plane duty. [50642]

Justine Greening: The June 2010 Budget policy costings Nic Dakin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer document: what estimate he has made of the dead-weight cost to the public purse of operating the child benefit system http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_costings.pdf in the latest period for which figures are available. made clear on page 51 that air passenger duty (APD), [49726] along with many other duties, was assumed to increase with RPI. Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs publishes The Office for Budget Responsibility now publishes detailed information about the costs associated with the revenue forecasts independently. The OBR’s revenue administration of child benefit in its annual accounts. forecasts for all APD and ETS receipts were set out on The most recently published information can be found page 92 of the Budget 2011 document. in the 2009-10 accounts, trust statement and the report The Government do not routinely publish legal advice by the Comptroller and Auditor General published to safeguard openness in communications between together at: Ministers and officials, ensuring access to full and frank www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/hmrc-accs-0910.pdf advice.

Banks: Incentives Child Tax Credit

Mr Syms: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what recent assessment his Department has made of if he will estimate the number of households in (a) EU proposals for a financial transaction tax. [50487] Glasgow North East constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) Great Britain in which the child- Mr Hoban: The European Commission issued a care element of working tax credit payable will reduce communication in October 2010 on taxation of the in each of the next four financial years; and if he will financial sector. This concluded that financial estimate the average annual change in income transactions taxes were best suited to raising revenue attributable to such a reduction in each case; [50134] at a global level. Further detail was set out in Explanatory Memorandum 15282/10: Taxation of the (2) if he will estimate the likely annual loss of income Financial Sector. to affected households attributable to the reduction in The Government believe that financial transaction the child-care element of working tax credit in (a) tax could not be viable unless implemented globally. Glasgow North East constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) There are many issues that need to be further explored Scotland and (d) Great Britain for individuals earning around whether the financial transaction tax model (i) up to £16,000, (ii) between £16,000 and £24,000, (iii) offers a stable and efficient mechanism to raise revenue. between £24,000 and £30,000, (iv) between £30,000 and £40,000, (v) between £40,000 and £50,000 and (vi) Business: National Insurance £50,000 and above in each of the next four financial years. [50138] Nic Dakin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely annual Mr Gauke: The reduction of child care support to dead-weight cost to the public purse of the exemption 70% from 80% is part of a range of reforms to the tax from national insurance for new businesses setting up credits system announced at the spending review. However, outside the south-east. [49727] to ensure support is better targeted at low-income families with children, some of the savings from measures Mr Gauke: The regional national insurance contributions announced at the spending review have been recycled (NICs) holiday scheme is designed to support new into significant above-indexation increases to the child businesses in their first year and reduce the cost of tax credit in 2011-12 and 2012-13. Treasury analysis hiring staff for new businesses. shows that modelled tax and benefit reforms announced since Budget 2010 have a small reduction in child poverty The Budget costing is an estimate of the NICs forgone in 2011-12 and 2012-13; however given the uncertainty from the number of qualifying new businesses we should around these types of estimates, this change may not be normally see setting up. This did not account for any statistically significant. additional start-up activity or any wider macro-economic benefits from the policy. There are interactions between the measures so estimating The Government do not consider the support of the impact of just one measure does not give a clear these businesses, dead-weight costs since they provide a indication of the full impact on households. benefit to new businesses, increasing incentives to take The Government published estimates of the distributional on employees and improving the likelihood of business impact of the whole package of announced tax and survival in the potentially vulnerable early stages. benefit measures which can be found at: Further information on the assumptions and http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/sr2010_annexb.pdf methodologies underlying the costing are available at: This distributional analysis is not available at the (page 21) geographical breakdowns requested and could be obtained http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_costings.pdf only at disproportionate cost. 891W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 892W

Corporation Tax Financial Institutions

Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the proportion what plans he has to sell the Government’s stake in (a) of businesses trading in the UK and subject to Northern Rock, (b) Bradford & Bingley, (c) Royal corporation tax who will pay the tax in each of the next Bank of Scotland and (d) Lloyds TSB Bank. [51320] four financial years. [50033] Mr Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages Mr Gauke: HMRC does not forecast the proportion the Government’s shareholding in Bradford & Bingley of UK businesses that will pay tax in the next four plc; Northern Rock Asset Management plc; Northern financial years. The Office for Budget Responsibility Rock plc; Lloyds Banking Group; and the Royal Bank (OBR) publish an onshore CT forecast to which a link of Scotland on an arm’s length and commercial basis. is provided at: In October 2010 UKFI integrated Northern Rock http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/econ-fiscal- (Asset Management) plc and Bradford & Bingley plc outlook-march.html under a single holding company UK Asset Resolutions This forecast includes the aggregate effect of tax (UKAR) which is committed to an orderly wind down deductions which may result in some businesses having of both banks’ closed mortgage books. no taxable profits. In relation to Northern Rock plc; Lloyds Banking Group; and the Royal Bank of Scotland UKFI’s remit is to devise and execute a strategy for disposing of the Departmental Travel Government’s investments in an orderly and active way, in line with its overarching objective to create and Maria Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the protect value for the taxpayer as shareholder. Exchequer (1) on what date (a) he and (b) each other Because any decision needs to be taken in the context Minister in his Department last travelled by (i) London of changing economic and market conditions, UKFI Underground and (ii) public bus services on do not think that it is possible or desirable to state hard government business; how many times (A) he and (B) goals such as time that would drive the sale of the each other Minister in his Department has travelled by Government’s shareholdings. But circumstances under each such form of transport on government business which UKFI are likely to be able to sell shares are likely since May 2010; and if he will make a statement; to be those in which the economy—and investor [50089] confidence—is recovering and in which bank share (2) how many of his ministerial team have been prices are firm. issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and paid for by his Department for use while travelling what recent estimate UK Financial Investments Ltd on government business; [50170] has made of the monetary value of each of the financial institutions in which it has a stake. [51324] (3) on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in his Department last used a ministerial car while travelling in an official capacity; and how many times Mr Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages (i) he and (ii) each other Minister in his Department the Government’s shareholding in Bradford and Bingley has travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car plc; Northern Rock Asset Management plc; Northern since May 2010; [50192] Rock plc; Lloyds Banking Group; and the Royal Bank of Scotland on an arm’s-length and commercial basis. (4) how much his Department has spent on ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) UKFI set out a summary of investee banks’ performance bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft and key financials in their annual report. since May 2010. [50214] Financial Institutions: Public Sector Debt Justine Greening: The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer disproportionate cost. All travel undertaken by Treasury what his policy is on using proceeds from any future Ministers is carried out in line with the “Ministerial sale of the stake UK Financial Investments Ltd holds Code”, in all cases by the most efficient and cost-effective in UK financial institutions for payment of the means possible. national debt. [51488]

Mr Hoban: UK Financial Investments’ (UKFI) objective Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation is to dispose of the Government’s investments in an orderly and active manner, within the context of an Michael Fallon: To ask the Chancellor of the overarching objective of protecting and creating value Exchequer when he expects the first compensation for the taxpayer. payments to be made to Equitable Life policyholders. Because any decision needs to be taken in the context [51334] of changing economic and market conditions, UKFI does not think it is possible to or desirable to state hard Mr Hoban: The Government’s ambition is to start goals such as price or time that would determine when making payments in the middle of this year. the Government’s interests will be sold. 893W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 894W

Financial Services Justine Greening: Last year the Gift Aid Forum, established by HM Treasury recommended a number of Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer ways to improve the Gift Aid system but made no with reference to paragraph 3.5 of Project Merlin- proposals in respect of junior membership subscriptions Banks’ Statement, whether a banking institution may to community amateur sports clubs. This Government be released from its obligations under the agreement if have not received any representations on extending Gift it is deemed necessary by its board. [50123] Aid to junior subscriptions. Budget 2011 announced a number of improvements Mr Hoban: As a result of the Government’s discussions, to Gift Aid which will benefit community amateur the four largest UK banks have committed that the sports clubs as well as charities. The new Gift Aid Small total remuneration paid in 2010 will be lower than it Donations Scheme will allow clubs and charities to was in 2009 and lower than it would have been otherwise. claim Gift Aid-style payments on up to £5,000 of small The Remuneration Committee chair of each bank will donations without needing to obtain a Gift Aid declaration write to the FSA to confirm that this commitment has from donors. Together with the introduction of online been met. Gift Aid claims, this means that from 2013 the income of many community amateur sports clubs will increase Financial Services: EU Law at the same time as their administrative burdens are reduced. We continue to keep all policy issues under review. Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the capital requirement rules within the Basel III accord in ISA: Children respect of financial institutions based in the UK. [51070] Mr Hanson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the Mr Hoban: The Basel III agreement will strengthen content of (a) the website taxfreejuniorisa.co.uk and the safety of the financial sector by significantly increasing (b) commercial websites which present information as the amount capital banks are required to hold against if it were the policy of his Department; and if he will their risk weighted assets and by introducing a leverage make a statement. [49818] ratio to prevent a dangerous build up of leverage emerging in the financial system. The Basel package represents a Mr Hoban: The Government have been made aware credible and crucial set of reforms that will strengthen of the existence of www.taxfreejuniorisa.co.uk, but has the resilience of the banking system to the long-run not received any representations on its content. The benefit of the economy. website does not purport to be a Government website. Moreover, in order to protect the economic recovery The Treasury has no record of receiving any recent the Basel committee has agreed an extended transition representations on other commercial websites purporting period; with most elements of the package phased in to present information as if it were the policy of the gradually from 2013 to 2019. Department. The UK supports a full and faithful implementation of the Basel III agreement in the EU through the Northern Rock Capital Requirements Directive. John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Fly-tipping what plans he has for the future mutual status of Northern Rock. [51487]

Mr Reed: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Hoban: UK Financial Investments Limited (UKFI) how much he expects to accrue to the Exchequer from manages the Government’s investments in financial landfill tax receipts arising from disposal in landfill of institutions on an arm’s length and commercial basis. waste previously fly-tipped on (a) private and (b) The development and execution of strategies for disposing public land in the financial year 2010-11. [50381] of the Government’s shareholding in Northern Rock is part of UKFI’s remit. Justine Greening: The data collected on fly-tipping of UKFI are looking at the full range of alternatives for waste does not include the level of detail necessary to divestment, and are exploring options based on maximising undertake this calculation. value for the taxpayer, maintaining financial stability and paying due regard to promoting competition. All Gift Aid exit strategies, including mutualisation, for Northern Rock plc will be considered with the final decision on Ian Austin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer the sale of Northern Rock made by the Chancellor. (1) if he will consider the merits of extending the criteria for gift aid eligibility to include junior Oil and Gas Industry subscriptions to community amateur sports clubs; [50596] Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) (2) what representations he has received on what meetings on what dates he had with extending the eligibility criteria for gift aid to include representatives of the oil and gas industry in the six junior subscriptions to community amateur sports months prior to 23 March 2011; and who attended clubs. [50597] each such meeting; [50607] 895W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 896W

(2) what discussions, on what dates, he had with Solvency II Process representatives of the oil and gas industry on the supplementary charge on the industry prior to making his Budget Statement on 23 March 2011; who attended Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer each such meeting; and at which of these meetings the (1) how many officials (a) in his Department and (b) effects of the price of oil falling below $75 a barrel was of the Financial Services Authority are engaged in discussed. [50609] policy development in respect of the Solvency II proposals; [51202] Justine Greening: A list of Treasury Ministers’ meetings (2) what recent assessment he has made for with outside interest groups is published quarterly on benchmarking purposes of the size of (a) the UK the Treasury website: annuity market and (b) similar product markets in http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ministerial_meetings.htm each other EU member state; [51203] Treasury Ministers and officials meet representatives (3) what discussions he has had with his EU from a wide range of organisations and individuals in counterparts on the Solvency II approach to capital for the public and private sectors as part of the process of insurers; [51204] policy development and implementation. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the (4) what assessment he has made of the potential Government’s practice to provide details of all such effect on consumer prices of implementation of the meetings. capital requirements under consideration in the Solvency II process; [51205] Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if (5) whether the decisions on Solvency II proposals in he will make an assessment of the likely effects on the Council of Ministers will be subject to (a) future trends in production and investment in the oil unanimous consent of member states, (b) agreement and gas industry of the supplementary charge on the via qualified majority voting or (c) another form of industry announced in his Budget Statement. [50608] decision-making; and if he will make a statement. [51327] Justine Greening: As set out in Budget documentation, the Government do not expect a significant impact on investment or production in the forecast period as a Mr Hoban: HM Treasury and its associated public consequence of this measure. bodies have a number of staff involved in working Recognising the importance of continued investment across government and with other partners on Solvency in the North sea, the Government will consider, with II as part of their wider roles. the industry, the case for introducing a new category of The Treasury is working closely with the FSA and field that would qualify for field allowance should there with UK industry on assessing the scale of, and implications be cases where the tax change has made previously new for, the annuities market. The Association of British fields un-commercial. Insurers estimate, that in 2009 (the last date available) the total premium written for annuity was £10.8 billion, Oil: Prices and that the total amount of annuity liability is around £130 billion. Finance Ministries across Europe take a Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer similar approach with respect to the products offered by what arrangements he has made for the reduction in their industries. Government do not engage in the public the supplementary charge on the oil and gas industry benchmarking of the UK annuity market against other should the oil price fall below the level of $75 per European markets. barrel specified in his Budget Statement. [50606] The Chancellor and other Treasury Ministers have Justine Greening: If the oil price falls below the regular discussions with European counterparts on a trigger on a sustained basis, the Government will reduce range of issues, including the new approach to capital the supplementary charge back towards 20% on a staged for insurers under Solvency II, and the treatment of and affordable basis while prices remain low. The long-term products such as annuities. Government believe that a trigger price of $75 per The potential effect on consumer prices of barrel would be appropriate, but will set a final level implementation of the Solvency II capital requirements and mechanism after seeking the views of oil and gas cannot be sensibly estimated yet as the rules are still not companies and motoring groups. finalised. The Government continue to work closely Public Finance with the Financial Services Authority and with industry to ensure a full understanding of the potential effect on consumer prices. Mr Hollobone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the The Solvency II directive has already been adopted reductions in public expenditure required to reduce the by the Council of Ministers. The directive is being budget deficit by half over four years. [48019] amended through Omnibus II, to bring it into line with the decision-making process agreed in the Lisbon treaty. Justine Greening: The Office of Budget Responsibility’s Omnibus II will be subject to agreement via the qualified June 2010 pre-Budget forecast set out an independent majority decision process, as well as agreement with the forecast for public spending and the deficit consistent European Parliament. When Omnibus II comes into with the previous Government’s plans. This forecast is force, the Delegated Acts—which will set out the technical available at: details and rules of Solvency II—will then be subject to http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/d/ the qualified majority decision process in the Council of pre_budget_forecast_140610.pdf Ministers. 897W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 898W

Statoil training that Government investment can support: 437,000 in 2011/12 AY and 497,000 in 2012/13 AY.These will be Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the updated to include the additional places announced in Exchequer what representations (a) he, (b) Ministers the Budget. We will publish a revised forecast for academic and (c) officials in his Department received from year 2011/12 and a forecast for 2012/13 later this year. Statoil or its representatives or agents prior to the 2011 1 Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth published by BIS Budget. [51477] http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/further-education-skills/ docs/s/10-1272-strategy-investing-in-skills-for-sustainable- Justine Greening: No budget representations were growth.pdf received from Statoil or their agents/representatives prior to the 2011 Budget. Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Tax Evasion Business, Innovation and Skills how many apprenticeship starts his Department plans to fund in Mr Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) what steps he is taking to encourage Crown 2014-15. [50583] Dependencies to share more information in respect of potential tax evasion; and what effects he expects such Mr Hayes [holding answer 1 April 2011]: In the steps to have on the amount of unpaid tax which is Budget we announced an additional £180 million package recovered. [50814] for 50,000 additional adult apprenticeship places over Mr Hoban: The Crown Dependencies exchange the spending review period. This is on top of the plans information on request under Tax Information Exchange for growth in the adult apprenticeships programme that Agreements and similar arrangements. In addition the we published in “Investing in Skills for Sustainable 1 Isle of Man and Guernsey will have moved to automatic Growth” in November 2010. The Department for exchange of information under the EU Savings Directive Education’s plans for the apprenticeship programme for framework by 1 July 2011. This will help HM Revenue those aged 16-18 years are outlined in the 16-19 Funding 2 and Customs to ensure the correct tax is paid by UK Statement published by the Young People’s Learning tax residents with savings income arising in those Agency in December 2010. jurisdictions. We encourage Jersey to move to automatic The apprenticeships programme is demand led, which exchange of information on savings income as soon as means that we do not plan places or set targets. In possible. “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth”, we provided illustrative learner forecasts to show the capacity for training that Government investment can support: 437,000 BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS in 2011/12 AY and 497,00 in 2012/13 AY. These will be Animal Welfare updated to include the additional places announced in the Budget. We will publish a revised forecast for academic Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, year 2011/12 and a forecast for 2012/13 later this year. Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer to the 1 Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth published by BIS hon. Member for Belfast East of 14 February 2011, http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/further-education-skills/ Official Report, column 566W, on animal welfare, by docs/s/10-1272-strategy-investing-in-skills-for-sustainable- what date he expects to be able to determine his policy growth.pdf on the implementation of the 7th amendment to 2 16-18 Funding Statement published by the YPLA Council Directive 76/768/EEC and Regulation (EC) http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/YPLA/16- No 1223/200 on the testing of cosmetics on animals in 19_Funding_Statement.pdf 2013. [50684] Mr Davey: This will depend entirely on the date of Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for publication of the European Commission impact Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for assessment on the effects of the ban. the (a) allocation and (b) funding of the additional apprenticeships announced in the 2011 Budget in each Apprentices region. [51232] Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many new Mr Hayes: In the Budget we announced an additional apprenticeship places will be available as a result of £180 million package for 50,000 additional adult announcements in the 2011 Budget in (a) 2011-12, (b) apprenticeship places over the spending review period. 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) 2014-15. [50581] This is on top of the plans for growth in the adult apprenticeships programme that we published in ‘Investing Mr Hayes [holding answer 1 April 2011]: In the in Skills for Sustainable Growth’1 in November 2010. Budget we announced an additional £180 million package The apprenticeship places announced in the Budget for 50,000 additional adult apprenticeship places over are in addition to the minimum expectation of the spending review period. This is on top of the plans apprenticeships delivery set out in the Skills Funding for growth in the adult apprenticeships programme that Agency’s final funding allocations issued to providers we published in “Investing in Skills for Sustainable on 31 March 2011. I have asked the Skills Funding Growth”1 in November 2010. Agency to propose how the additional funding can best The apprenticeships programme is demand led, which be allocated to colleges and training providers to support means that we do not plan places or set targets. In delivery of these additional apprenticeships. Take-up by “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth”, we provided region follows employer demand. For this reason, we illustrative learner forecasts to show the capacity for are not able to provide estimates of the geographical 899W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 900W distribution of apprenticeship places or funding as these Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for would be either too broad to be of use or would be Business, Innovation and Skills how much his potentially misleading. Department plans to contribute to funding the 1 Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth published by BIS apprenticeship places announced in the 2011 Budget; http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/further-education-skills/ and from which of his Department’s budgets such docs/s/10-1272-strategy-investing-in-skills-for-sustainable- funding will be drawn. [51484] growth.pdf Apprentices: Mechanics Mr Hayes: In the Budget we announced an additional £180 million package for 50,000 additional adult Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State apprenticeship places over the spending review period. for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has had This is on top of the plans for growth in the adult recent discussions with private sector training colleges apprenticeships programme that we published in ‘Investing on provision of car mechanic apprenticeships in (a) in Skills for Sustainable Growth’1 in November 2010. the west midlands and (b) nationally. [51165] The funding is not drawn from elsewhere within the Department’s budgets; it is in addition to BIS’ allocation Mr Hayes: I meet with the Association of Learning announced in the spending review in the autumn. Providers on a quarterly basis, and did so most recently 1 in January this year. I also hold discussions on a wide Investing in Skills (or Sustainable Growth published by BIS variety of subjects related to apprenticeships with individual http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/further-education-skills/ docs/s/10-1272-strategy-investing-in-skills-for-sustainable- colleges and training providers in arranged visits and growth.pdf meetings. However, I do not recall any discussions specific to private sector training providers and provision Apprentices: North West England of car mechanic apprenticeships either in the west midlands or nationally. Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Apprentices: Funding Business, Innovation and Skills how many apprenticeship starts there were for (a) men and (b) Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for women in (i) the north west, (ii) Merseyside, (iii) Wirral Business, Innovation and Skills for how many and (iv) Wirral South constituency in (A) 2007-08, (B) apprenticeship places he plans to allocate funding in 2008-09 and (C) 2009-10. [51236] 2012-13; what recent discussions he has had on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [50282] Mr Hayes: Table 1 shows the number of apprenticeship Mr Hayes: In the budget we announced an additional starts by gender for the north west region, Wirral local £180 million package for 50,000 additional adult education authority and Wirral South parliamentary apprenticeship places over the spending review period. constituency for 2007/08 to 2009/10. We only hold This is on top of the plans for growth in the Adult information at region, local education authority and Apprenticeships programme that we published in “Investing parliamentary constituency levels of geography, therefore in Skills for Sustainable Growth”1 in November 2010. data for Merseyside are not presented. The Department for Education’s plans for the Table 1: Apprenticeship starts by gender in the north west region, Apprenticeship programme for those aged 16 to 18 years Wirral local authority and Wirral South constituency, 2007/08 to are outlined in the 16-19 Funding Statement published 2009/10 by the Young People’s Learning Agency in December 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2 2010 . Female From the 2011/12 academic year (AY) colleges and North West 17,240 18,810 24,790 training organisations will have a single adult skills Wirral 1,000 940 1,230 budget, with earmarked delivery for adult apprenticeships Wirral South 190 180 190 so that they can use the increased freedoms and flexibilities that we have given them to respond to and be accountable to the needs of learner, employers and communities. Male This means that while we do not plan apprenticeship North West 18,240 17,720 22,490 places or set targets, we have provided illustrative learner Wirral 950 870 990 forecasts to show the capacity for adult training that Wirral South 180 160 160 Government investment can support. Using the funds committed in the spending review Total alone, as set out with illustrative forecasts in “Investing North West 35,480 36,530 47,280 in Skills for Sustainable Growth”, we anticipate that Wirral 1,950 1,810 2,210 Government funding will support 437,068 adult Wirral South 370 330 350 apprenticeships in the 2011/12 AY.For those aged 16 to Notes: 18 years old, we estimate we will fund 230,000 in the 1. All Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2011/12 AY.We will publish a revised forecast for academic 2. Geography information is based upon the home postcode of the year 2011/12 and a forecast for 2012/13 later this year. learner. 1 Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth published by BIS Source: Individualised Learner Record http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/further-education-skills/ docs/s/10-1272-strategy-investing-in-skills-for-sustainable- Information on the number of apprenticeship starts growth.pdf is published in a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). 2 16-19 Funding Statement published by the YPLA The latest SFR was published on 31 March: http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/YPLA/16- http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ 19_Funding_Statement.pdf statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current 901W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 902W

Both the Department for Business, Innovation and Bankruptcy Skills, and the Department for Education are responsible for the promotion of equality of access to apprenticeships. Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for The National Apprenticeships Service (NAS), as the Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has body responsible for promoting apprenticeships to made of the merits of raising the bankruptcy level employers and to potential apprentices, manages its under section 267(4) of the Insolvency Act 1986 to systems to ensure equal access to information about prevent bankruptcy petitions being made on very low the programme and to apprenticeship vacancies. A level debts. [51089] priority for NAS is to address stereotyping and under- representation across apprenticeships including gender, Mr Prisk: My officials in the Insolvency Service have race and disability. analysed the likely effect of an increase to the bankruptcy level and undertook some targeted consultation with interested parties last year. About 80% of bankruptcies Apprentices: Poole are as a result of the bankrupt’s own petition where no limit applies. If the limit was increased to £1,750 (which Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, would have been approximately in line with inflationary Innovation and Skills how many young people in Poole increases since the limit was last set), there would be constituency (a) started and (b) completed an expected to be about 3% fewer bankruptcy orders made apprenticeship in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010. [50499] on a creditor’s petition. Views were invited on the whole personal insolvency regime in our consultation “Managing Mr Hayes: The following table shows the number of Borrowing and Dealing with Debt”. Officials are carefully apprenticeship programme starts and framework analysing the responses and will be reporting to me in achievements in Poole parliamentary constituency from due course. 2008-09 to 2009-10. Business: Maidstone Apprenticeship framework starts and achievements, 2008-09 to 2009-10 Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Poole parliamentary constituency Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has had Starts Achievements recent discussions with representatives of small and 2008-09 370 230 medium-sized enterprises located in Maidstone and the 2009-10 480 280 Weald constituency on their access to credit. [51133] Notes: 1. Figures for parliamentary constituency are rounded to the nearest Mr Prisk: Both the Secretary of State and I meet 10. regularly with national business representative bodies—such 2. Figures are based upon the home postcode of the learner. as the British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation Source: Individualised Learner Record of Small Businesses, the Federation of Private Businesses, the Institute of Directors, and the Confederation of Information on the number of apprenticeship starts British Industry. At these meetings, a range of matters is published in a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). are discussed, which include access to finance for small The latest SFR was published on 31 March 2011: businesses. http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ In addition, the Small Business Economic Forum, statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current chaired by me, meets quarterly. This forum includes representatives from a number of small business representative bodies. The most recent meeting was held Apprentices: Wolverhampton on 4 April, and the agenda included items on the progress being made by the British Bankers Association Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for in implementing their Business Finance Taskforce proposals, Business, Innovation and Skills how much he has and exporting. allocated for level 2 apprenticeships in Wolverhampton These representations have a national focus, rather North East constituency in 2011-12. [49757] than focusing on the Maidstone and the Weald specifically. However, BIS data and other research indicate that Mr Hayes: Apprenticeships are a demand-led programme access to finance is an issue that affects small businesses for young people and adults. Government fund all across the UK to a broadly equal extent. apprenticeship training, in full for 16 to 19-year-olds and in part for adults, but relies on employers and Climate Change providers to work together to offer sufficient opportunities, in the context of the greater freedoms and flexibilities Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for that we have created in the further education system. Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Therefore, Government do not plan apprenticeship places Department has asked the National Physical but provide funding and forecast the number of places Laboratory to take steps to support (a) the assessment that may be afforded as a result. of low carbon technology, (b) carbon trading and (c) Budget 2011 announced a package of measures for the validation of climate change measurement. [51265] apprenticeships worth £180 million. Taken together with the funding announced at the spending review, this Mr Willetts: As part of the National Measurement means the Government will fund at least 250,000 more System Programmes, funded through the National adult apprentices over the next four years compared Measurement Office (an executive agency of the with the previous Government’s plans. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)), 903W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 904W the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is carrying out Mr Davey: There are no current plans to implement work related to both the assessment of low carbon the Easter Act 1928. This Act remains on the statute technology and the validation of climate change book, however, the Act requires that before a draft measurement. Some of this work is also in receipt of order is laid before Parliament co-funding from the European Metrology Research “regard shall be had to any opinion officially expressed by any Programme. BIS has not to date requested NPL to Church or other Christian Body”. undertake work to support carbon trading. At this time, the Churches have not all expressed a Consumers: Debts desire or willingness to move to a fixed Easter.

Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Employment Agencies: Regulation Business, Innovation and Skills if he will assess the merits of introducing Simplified Individual Voluntary Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Arrangements for simple consumer debt cases. [51088] Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Mr Davey: Our recent call for evidence, “Managing Department takes to ensure that individuals who are Borrowing and Dealing with Debt”, sought views on proposed for vacancies by employment agencies or the personal insolvency framework. Officials are carefully businesses are made aware of their rights to refuse such analysing the responses and will be reporting to me in vacancies under the provisions of regulations 18 and 19 due course. I will consider whether changes need to be of the Conduct of Employment Agencies and made to consumer insolvency procedures in the light of Employment Businesses Regulations 2003. [49154] the responses received. Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovations Departmental Interpreters and Skills (BIS) ensures agency workers are aware of their rights under the provisions of the conduct regulations Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for by publishing advice on the Direct.gov and Business Business, Innovation and Skills for which services Link websites, by publicising the pay and work rights provided by (a) his Department and (b) its associated helpline number (0800 917 2368) and by producing public bodies, interpreters provide services in a leaflets for workers which are handed out at job fares language or languages other than English; how many and universities. interpreters are employed or subcontracted for each BIS are currently working with the TUC and have non-English language; and what estimate he has made produced an awareness raising video, which will be of the cost to the public purse of interpretation costs hosted on the TUC website and distributed to union incurred in the latest period for which figures are representatives as part of a TUC training package. available. [42221] Mr Davey: This Department does not hold information Employment: West Midlands centrally on the number of interpreters employed or subcontracted for each non-English language. This also Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State applies to this Department’s non-departmental public for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has had bodies (NDPBs). To provide this information would recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Work incur disproportionate cost. and Pensions on the number of (a) men and (b) This Department has spent the following amounts on women aged 16 to 24 who are seeking (i) work and (ii) interpreters/translation services. training in the West Midlands; and if he will make a statement. [51166] £

2009-10 195,000 Mr Hayes: My right hon. Friend has held no discussions 2010-11 1260,000 with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 1 Approximately. the numbers of 16 to 24 year olds seeking work or training in the West Midlands. However, we recognise Departmental Manpower that this is an important issue both in the West Midlands Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for and nationally. Business, Innovation and Skills how many staff in his Adults aged 19 and over are currently entitled to fee Department were in the Civil Service redeployment remission to support them to attain basic literacy and pool on the latest date for which figures are available; numeracy and the equivalent of five good GCSEs (Level 2); and how many of these had been in the redeployment adults aged 19 up to 25 are currently entitled to fee pool for more than six months at that date. [44348] remission to support them to attain the equivalent of 2 A-Levels (Level 3). Mr Davey: As at 31 March 2011, the Department has From 2011/12 the L2 entitlement will also include 30 people in its Career Centre of which 18 people have support for those who need help to make the step up been there for more than six months. from basic skills. Easter We are also helping young people improve their skills and get into work through pre-employment training Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for and in the Budget, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor Business, Innovation and Skills if he will bring into of the Exchequer announced funding for 50,000 additional force the provision of the Easter Act 1928 fixing the adult apprenticeship places over the lifetime of this date of Easter. [51197] Parliament. 905W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 906W

English for Speakers of Other Languages: Finance Our recent Trade and Investment White Paper, published in February 2011, set out our strategy to improve the Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for UK’s trade performance. The strategy has already begun Business, Innovation and Skills what work his to be implemented and work will continue over the Department has undertaken on the equality impact coming months and years. assessment on the changes to the funding for English The White Paper announced that UK Trade and for Speakers of Other Languages announced in Investment’s new strategy will focus on encouraging November 2010. [50710] more innovative and high growth of small and medium businesses (SMEs) to export and focus on high growth Mr Hayes: This Department published an Equality and emerging markets. To support SMEs in particular, Impact Assessment published alongside “Skills for the White Paper also announced an expanded and Sustainable Growth” (November 2010) which found better co-ordinated package of trade finance products that, at the aggregate level, there are unlikely to be on a pilot scheme basis which will be launched by disproportionate impacts on protected groups. A separate April 2011. assessment of how the changes to skills funding may We will continue to boost open trade, which will affect ESOL learners is currently being carried out by enable UK businesses to export more easily, through this Department. the successful conclusion of the Doha Development Round, completion of bilateral trade agreements and EU External Trade: India strengthening of the Single Market Act. My noble Friend the Minister of State for Trade and Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Investment chairs the Economic Affairs Cabinet Sub- Business, Innovation and Skills what objectives his Committee on Trade and Investment. This Committee Department has set for the outcome of negotiations on will drive the implementation of the strategy, using its the EU-India Free Trade Agreement. [51037] regular meetings to monitor progress and shape the emerging policies. Mr Davey: The UK wants to agree an ambitious EU-India Free Trade Agreement which achieves maximum Exports: Government Assistance liberalisation across all sectors, including meaningful liberalisation in the services sector, and ensures that Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for intellectual property (data exclusivity) provisions do Business, Innovation and Skills how much financial not impact negatively on access to medicines for the support UKTI provided to (a) agricultural companies, poorest. (b) manufacturing, (c) universities and educational institutions, (d) financial services companies and (e) Executives: Females professional services companies in each region in 2011-12; and how much such support he expects to be Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for provided in (i) 2012-13 and (ii) 2013-14. [49836] Business, Innovation and Skills if he will make a comparative assessment on the relative performance of Mr Prisk: All UK businesses, irrespective of sector or private sector companies which have (a) women and region, can access UKTI services. UKTI, therefore, (b) no women on their board; and if he will make a does not plan or record expenditure at sector or regional statement. [51128] level. To provide the information at sectoral or regional Mr Davey: We welcome the noble Lord Davies’ review level would require gathering and collating the information into women on boards and encourage companies to and this could be provided only at disproportionate implement his business-led strategy. A growing body of cost. evidence now exists to show that well balanced boards are better boards, benefiting from fresh perspectives, Further Education: Bureaucracy talent, new ideas and broader experience which lead to better decision making. In addition, diverse organisations Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for reflect their customers better, understand them better Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he has taken and offer better products and services as a result. to reduce administrative burdens for further education We remain committed to seeing more women reaching colleges. [51142] the boardrooms of UK plc and are working with stakeholders, including leading business representative Mr Hayes: We are committed to reducing burdens organisations, and academia to monitor progress. and bureaucracy on colleges, so that they can better meet the needs of their communities. This is set out in Exports detail in our strategy documents “Skills for Sustainable Growth”and “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth”. Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, We have removed centrally imposed targets, which Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to (a) enables colleges to determine the learner offer that best increase British exports and (b) reduce the UK’s trade meets the needs of learners and employers. We are in goods deficit. [50539] simplifying the public funding system with a single adult budget. In addition, the Education Bill currently Mr Prisk: UK trade has increased by 55% in real going through the House aims to remove a raft of terms between 1998 and 2008. However the UK’s relative regulations that will further free colleges to deliver for share of world trade has declined over the same period their local customers—delivering value for money and from 5.7% in 1998 to 3.9% in 2008. serving community needs. 907W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 908W

Higher Education Funding Council 2012/13 and research capital for the four years 2011/12 to 2014/15, with funding for 2012/13 to 2014/15 being Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for indicative: Business, Innovation and Skills what meetings (a) he http://www.hefce.ac.uk/news/hefce/2011/grant1112/ and (b) Ministers in his Department have had with capital.htm external organisations on the role of the Higher Funding for future years is not yet confirmed. Education Funding Council in England in each month Capital allocations for previous years are available at: since 1 January 2011; and if he will make a statement. [51471] http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2008/08_04/ for the years 2008 to 2011, and at: Mr Willetts: Departmental Ministers have frequent http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2005/05_08/ meetings with arms-length bodies and other organisations for the years 2006 to 2008. about higher education, involving regular discussion about HEFCE and its functions. I will place copies of these in the Libraries of the House. Higher Education: Admissions Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many meetings he Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, has had with external bodies to discuss allocation of Innovation and Skills what proportion of students the higher education budget in each month since from (a) sixth form and (b) further education colleges 1 January 2011; and if he will make a statement. entered university in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010. [50500] [51472] Mr Hayes: The last available estimate shows that 63% of students aged 17 (who attempted at least one GCE/VCE Mr Willetts: The majority of my meetings with A level or VCE Double Award level in 2005/06) from external bodies in higher education include a discussion further education colleges (including sixth form colleges) of funding issues. However, individual allocations to progressed to higher education by age 19 in 2007/08. institutions are a matter for the Higher Education Funding The Department has not yet produced data which show Council for England and Ministers play no part in that sixth form colleges separately from other further education process. colleges. Data for the 2008/09 academic year will be available in the summer. Higher Education: Forensic Science Higher education progression rates for sixth form colleges and further education colleges were first published Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for in a joint report by the Sutton Trust and this Department Business, Innovation and Skills how many students in in July 2009 (page 14): further and higher education are studying courses in http://www.suttontrust.com/research/applications-offers-and- forensic science in 2010-11. [50009] admissions-to-research-led-universities/ Mr Willetts: In the 2009/10 academic year, the latest Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, year for which we have complete data, 20 students were Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of enrolled at English further education colleges on the capacity of the director of fair access to (a) fulfil Government-funded further education courses in forensic his statutory duty to protect the academic freedom of science. higher education institutions and (b) adhere to his Department’s guidance that the director should ensure The latest available figures from the Higher Education that each such institution is making sustained progress Statistics Agency (HESA) show in the 2009/10 academic towards a more balanced and representative student year there were 5,640 enrolments on forensic science body. [50857] higher education courses at English higher education institutions. Figures for 2010/11 will be available in Mr Willetts: We have every confidence in the director January 2012. of fair access to fulfil his duties. Horticulture: Qualifications Higher Education: Finance Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what information his Business, Innovation and Skills how much capital Department holds on the number of (a) qualifications funding for teaching and research his Department and (b) apprenticeships available in ornamental allocated to each university in each of the last five horticulture; and whether it has made an assessment of years; how much it plans to allocate in each of the next the change in the number of such (i) qualifications and three years; and if he will make a statement. [49873] (ii) apprenticeships in the last 10 years. [49764]

Mr Willetts [holding answer 29 March 2011]: The Mr Hayes: Table 1 shows the number of enrolments Higher Education Funding Council for England announced in the Horticulture and Forestry Sector Subject Area its capital allocations for 2011/12 to 2014/15 on 17 March for 2005/06, the earliest year for which we have comparable 2011 and they were published on its website. These data, to 2009/10 the latest year for which we have full include indicative allocations for teaching capital for year data (Near-Final). 909W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 910W

Table 1: Further education and skills (excluding apprenticeships) enrolments on Innovation Centre to set the framework for building an the Horticulture and Forestry Sector Subject Area, 2005/06 to 2009/10 integrated business plan that will define funding Total requirements. This will allow the Technology Strategy 2005/06 41,990 Board to finalise the overall funding the centre will 2006/07 35,770 receive and then how much funding each individual 2007/08 35,770 party will receive. 2008/091 37,600 2009/101 38,480 Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 Figures for 2008/09 onwards are not directly comparable to earlier years as the Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding his introduction of demand led funding has changed how data are collected and how funded learners are defined from 2008/09 onwards. More information on Department provided to each of the partners in the demand led funding is available at: High Value Manufacturing Technology and Innovation http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/datadictionary/businessdefinitions/ Centre in each of the last five years for which figures Demand+Led+Funding.htm Notes: are available. [51366] 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Information in this table is based on all Government funded learners. 3. This data include FE, Train to Gain, Adult Safeguarded Learning and Mr Willetts: The Advanced Manufacturing Research University for Industry funding streams. Centre (AMRC), Advanced Forming Research Centre Source: (AFRC), Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and Individualised Learner Record Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) have not received Table 2 shows apprenticeship starts on Amenity any direct funding from the Department over the last Horticulture, Horticulture and Production Horticulture five years. frameworks from 2002/03 the earliest year for which comparable data are available to 2009/10, the latest year The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has received for which full year data are available. approximately £26.5 million from my Department. This includes £12 million for the construction and operation Table 2: Apprenticeship starts on Amenity Horticulture, Horticulture and Production Horticulture frameworks, 2002/03 to 2009/10 of a large-capacity Industrial Biotechnology Demonstration Amenity Production Facility; approximately £2.5 million from the Tees Valley Horticulture Horticulture Horticulture Industrial Programme; and £12 million for Printable Electronics Technology Centre. 2002/03 770 — — 2003/04 930 — — The Department has also provided £12 million of 2004/05 1,050 — 30 funding for the National Composite Centre (NCC), 2005/06 1,050 — 10 which is due to open in the autumn, and £19 million in 2006/07 980 — 20 to the universities of Sheffield and Manchester for the 2007/08 1,110 — 10 establishment and operation of the Nuclear Advanced 2008/09 1,250 — 20 Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC). 2009/10 70 1,440 — Departmental funding, where identified, was provided Notes: over the period 2009/10 to 2010/11, and does not include 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. funding from the Regional Development Agencies, the 2. Information in this table is based on all Government funded Apprenticeships. Source: Technology Strategy Board, the Research Councils, or Individualised Learner Record the Devolved Administrations, where relevant. Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Insolvency Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made an assessment of the level of skills deficit in the (a) gardening industry and (b) ornamental horticulture Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for sector; and if he will make a statement. [49767] Business, Innovation and Skills what consideration he has given to the merits of introducing a moratorium Mr Hayes: Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for the from creditor action for financially distressed land-based and environmental industries. Lantra works individuals to increase the likelihood that they are able with employers to identify skills needs and seeks to to enter an appropriate insolvency solution. [51087] improve the match between the supply and demand for technical skills. A skills assessment of the horticulture Mr Davey: This was one area covered by our recent and landscaping industry is available on the Lantra call for evidence, “Managing Borrowing and Dealing website at: with Debt”. Officials are carefully analysing the responses www.lantra.co.uk at present and will be reporting to me in due course. I will then inform the House of our proposals on how to Innovation: Finance deal with all the issues covered in that document. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Government Finance Business, Innovation and Skills how the funding allocated by his Department to the High Value Manufacturing Technology and Innovation Centre will Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State be distributed between the constituent organisations. for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has had [51269] recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on the effects of Mr Willetts: Discussions are currently underway between reductions in funding for local authorities on the level the Technology Strategy Board and the parties that will of private sector contracts with the construction form the High Value Manufacturing Technology and industry; and if he will make a statement. [51025] 911W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 912W

Mr Prisk: The Secretary of State for Business has The Government’s plans include: offering online business had no recent discussions with the Secretary of State for information and tools more closely tailored to the individual Communities and Local Government on this specific needs of businesses, through improvements to the issue. www.businesslink.gov.uk website; encouraging the Last month the Government issued a Plan for Growth development of business mentoring through business to put the UK on a path to sustainable long-term mentoring providers and the British Banking Association; economic growth and which set out a number of specific and backing potential high growth SMEs through Business measures to benefit the construction sector. Coaching for Growth to optimise their development. The Government are also establishing local enterprise Meetings partnerships (LEPs) that will develop links to existing private sector provision for start-up support and encourage Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for their use. The new LEP for Kent, Greater Essex and Business, Innovation and Skills how many meetings East Sussex, will involve local business and civic leaders Ministers in his Department have had with their working together to drive economic growth and create counterparts in (a) the Department for Communities new jobs in their communities. and Local Government and (b) HM Treasury since his In the Budget it was also announced that 21 enterprise appointment. [51328] zones will be created that will be sited within LEP areas. Mr Davey: Ministers in this Department have had 23 The first 11 have been allocated but the Kent, Greater meetings with Ministers in the Department for Communities Essex and East Sussex LEP will be able to bid for an and Local Government and 31 with Ministers in HM enterprise zone to be located within their LEP area in Treasury. the second phase.

New Businesses: Kent New College Redditch: Apprentices Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of the the future of his Department’s provision of support for apprenticeships announced in the 2011 Budget will be business start-ups in Kent. [51130] allocated to New College in Redditch. [51099] Mr Prisk: The Government’s plans for modernising Mr Hayes: In the Budget we announced an additional the provision of publicly funded support, information £180 million package for 50,000 additional adult and advice for business were set out in the “Bigger, apprenticeship places over the spending review period. Better Business” pamphlet published on 5 January 2011, This is on top of the plans for growth in the adult which can be found on the BIS website at apprenticeships programme that we published in ‘Investing www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/enterprise/docs/b/11-515- in Skills for Sustainable Growth’1 in November 2010. bigger-better-business-helping-small-firms In support of the coalition Government’s principle Henceforth, the majority of publicly funded support of greater freedom, ‘Skills for Sustainable Growth’2 and for people wanting to start-up will be delivered online ‘Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth’ set out the through a dedicated start-up hub within the national abolition of central targets and increased freedom and Business Link website. There will also be a new national flexibility for further education colleges and training contact centre for those who cannot access the information organisations to respond effectively to the needs of they need on the website. employers, learners and their communities. It is for The Government are also establishing local enterprise individual colleges and training organisations, working partnerships (LEPs) that will develop links to existing directly with their local partners, to determine the offer private sector provision for start-up support and encourage that best meets the needs of their communities. The their use. The new LEP for Kent, Greater Essex and apprenticeship places announced in the Budget are in East Sussex, will involve local business and civic leaders addition to the minimum expectation of apprenticeships working together to drive economic growth and create delivery set out in the Skills Funding Agency’s final new jobs in their communities. funding allocations issued to providers on 31 March 2011. I have asked the Skills Funding Agency to propose Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for how the additional funding can best be allocated to Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his colleges and training providers to support delivery of Department is taking to assist the development of these additional places. small and medium-sized businesses in Kent. [51131] 1 Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth published by BIS Mr Prisk: Business support is currently delivered via http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/further-education-skills/ the regional development agencies through the Business docs/s/10-1272-strategy-investing-in-skills-for-sustainable- Link regional advisory service and growth.pdf 2 Skills for Sustainable Growth published by BIS www.businesslink.gov.uk http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2010/Nov/skills-for- The Government recently announced reforms to the sustainable-growth way information, guidance and advice to businesses is provided, with more focus on improving small business Novartis performance and growth, and a greater emphasis on further and better private sector provision. The “Bigger, Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Better Business” pamphlet sets out the plans in detail. It Business, Innovation and Skills whether (a) he or (b) can be found on the BIS website at Ministers in his Department met representatives of www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/enterprise/docs/b/11-515- Novartis in the period 12 May 2010 to 16 March 2011. bigger-better-business-helping-small-firms [50288] 913W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 914W

Mr Davey [holding answer 31 March 2011]: The Mr Prisk: UK trade has increased by 55% in real Minister for Universities and Science (Mr Willetts) terms between 1998 and 2008. However the UK’s relative had a telephone conference meeting with Novartis on share of world trade has declined over the same period 15 March 2011. from 5.7% in 1998 to 3.9% in 2008. Office for Fair Access Our recent Trade and Investment White Paper, published in February 2011, set out our strategy to improve the Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for UK’s trade performance. The strategy has already begun Business, Innovation and Skills how many to be implemented and work will continue over the representations his Department received on the role coming months and years. and powers of the Office for Fair Access in each month The White Paper announced that UK Trade and since 1 January 2011; and if he will make a statement. Investment’s new strategy will focus on encouraging [51470] more innovative and high growth of small and medium businesses (SMEs) to export and focus on high growth Mr Willetts: Our records show that the Department and emerging markets. To support SMEs in particular, has received the following numbers of parliamentary the White Paper also announced an expanded and questions and general correspondence that include a better co-ordinated package of trade finance products reference to the Director of Fair Access or the Office for on a pilot scheme basis which will be launched by April Fair Access. 2011. We will continue to boost open trade, which will JanuaryFebruary March enable UK businesses to export more easily, through Parliamentary questions 4 15 4 the successful conclusion of the Doha Development Correspondence 2 0 6 Round, completion of bilateral trade agreements and strengthening of the Single Market Act. Overseas Students: Loans My noble Friend the Minister of State for Trade and Investment chairs the Economic Affairs Cabinet Sub Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for Committee on Trade and Investment. This Committee Business, Innovation and Skills (1) pursuant to the will drive the implementation of the strategy, using its answer of 9 March 2011, Official Report, column regular meetings to monitor progress and shape the 1180W, on overseas students: loans, how much has emerging policies. been written off as bad debt from EEA students in arrears; what the monetary value of pending payments Post Office: Bank Services is; and if he will make a statement; [49091] (2) how many people from (a) EEA countries, Switzerland and Turkey and (b) the UK have ceased Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for making scheduled repayments against outstanding Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer student loans after being declared bankrupt in the of 16 February 2011, Official Report, column 833W, on latest period for which figures are available. [49116] the Post Office: bank services, what estimate he has made of the minimum cost of establishing a Post Bank. Mr Willetts: The Student Loans Company (SLC) [51100] does not write off any loans as bad debt. If any borrowers are due to repay and are not doing so, the SLC will Mr Davey: As set out in my previous answer to the continue to recover arrears and outstanding balances hon. Member on 16 February 2011, Official Report, until the loan(s) expire. The SLC will pursue any such column reference 883W, the costs of establishing a Post borrowers through the courts if necessary. Bank would be determined by its operational remit and At the SLC, loan cancellations due to bankruptcy do scale. As such the Government are not able to identify a not occur when the borrower notifies the SLC but when minimum cost of establishing a Post Bank. the SLC processes the cancellation, i.e. when the SLC obtains evidence of the concluded bankruptcy from the Post Offices borrower’s elected legal practitioner. Provisions were included in the Higher Education Act 2004 to prevent student loans being written off on bankruptcy, so since Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for then, loans have only been written off on bankruptcy Business, Innovation and Skills what access criteria he which occurred prior to this legislation, the processing has agreed with Post Office Ltd for the main post of which concluded more recently. offices it has committed to provide by the end of the current Parliament. [51102] In financial year 2009-10, the latest year for which figures are available, approximately £1.4 million was cancelled due to bankruptcy, for approximately 300 Mr Davey: Under the terms of its funding from borrowers. We cannot separately identify the nationality Government, Post Office Ltd has committed to adhere of those borrowers. to the strict access criteria already in place. These will continue to apply across the whole of the network, Overseas Trade ensuring that 99% of the population will live within three miles of a post office branch. Main post offices Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for will typically tend to be located in town and city centres, Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking where the access criteria are even more stringent—95% to increase the UK’s share of world trade in the next six of the urban population must be within one mile of a months; and if he will make a statement. [50306] post office branch. 915W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 916W

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Post Office: modernisation, whether there are any Business, Innovation and Skills which post offices will additional conditions on the use of the funding be main post offices by the end of the current package for 2011-15. [51110] Parliament; and what estimate he has made of the proportion of the UK population which will be within Mr Davey: The Government’s £1.34 billion funding (a) three miles and (b) six miles of a main Post Office. to modernise the Post Office network to safeguard its [51103] future includes as a condition a commitment from Post Office Ltd to maintain the network at its current size of Mr Davey: Post Office Ltd is in the process of planning at least 11,500 branches. Post Office Ltd will also continue the location and distribution of the 4,000 main post to adhere to the strict access criteria which ensure that offices it will have in place by the end of this Parliament. 99% of the national population lives within three miles of a post office branch. This is in addition to the Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Government’s commitment that there will be no programme Business, Innovation and Skills which post offices are of closures under this Government. to be converted into Post Office Locals by the end of the current Parliament; and how many of these will offer a narrower range of products as a result of the Regional Development Agencies: Assets conversion. [51104] Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Davey: Post Office Ltd is currently piloting the Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what estimate he Post Office Local model in some 60 locations across the has made of the cost to the public purse of transferring UK. Final decision over the precise nature of services regional development agency assets to local authorities to be offered in Post Office Locals will be made by Post and local enterprise partnerships; [50715] Office Ltd, informed by the results of these pilots. (2) what estimate he has made of the monetary value Recent research by Consumer Focus shows that 86% of of each regional development agency’s assets to be existing post office services, equating to over 95% of transferred to local authorities and local enterprise consumer transactions by volume are already available partnerships; [50716] in Post Office Local pilots. The national implementation of the Local model will begin in 2014, with around (3) which assets of each regional development 2,000 Local branches by the end of this Parliament. agency he proposes to transfer to local authorities and local enterprise partnerships; [50717] Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for (4) if he will publish the proposals made by each Business, Innovation and Skills which services offered regional development agency for the disposal of its by (a) Crown Post Offices and (b) sub-post offices are assets. [50718] not offered by a Post Office essentials service. [51105]

Mr Davey: The information requested is an operational Mr Prisk: Each regional development agency (RDA) matter for Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked Paula has developed a detailed plan for the disposal of its Vennells, the managing director of Post Office Ltd, to assets and liabilities and the scrutiny of the plans is respond directly to the hon. Member and a copy of her ongoing. That consideration has not yet been reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House. completed but a list of land and property assets has been approved for short term market sale in line with Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Managing Public Money which provides that disposals Business, Innovation and Skills what payments are will be at market value; this list will be published made to (a) sub-postmasters and (b) providers of Post shortly. Office essentials services by Post Office Ltd. [51106] We do not have a final estimate of what will go to local authorities or local enterprise partnerships. In line Mr Davey: The information requested is an operational with my previous answer to the hon. Member for Blackpool matter for Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked Paula South (Mr Marsden) on 17 February 2011, Official Vennells, the managing director of Post Office Ltd, to Report, column 984W, in many cases local authorities, respond directly to the hon. Member and a copy of her and local enterprise partnerships will be given first reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House. refusal as they were the proposed recipient in the relevant asset and liability plan. The disposals will be made in a Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for way that seeks to secure best value for the taxpayer and Business, Innovation and Skills what compensation minimises cost. It is for RDAs to decide when and how payments have been made to sub-postmasters for to release the plans as they know which aspects of the converting to Post Office Locals services as part of the plans are commercially sensitive. We support them in Post Office Locals trial. [51107] being as transparent as possible.

Mr Davey: The information requested is an operational Research: Finance matter for Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked Paula Vennells, the managing director of Post Office Ltd, to respond directly to the hon. Member and a copy of her Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House. Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions his Department had with (a) research councils and (b) Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for local authorities before taking its decision on Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer additional capital expenditure at Daresbury, Harwell of 15 February 2011, Official Report, column 742W, on and Cambridge. [50733] 917W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 918W

Mr Willetts [holding answer 1 April 2011]: The FE Fee Grants to support trainee teachers undertaking diploma Department asked the seven Research Councils to identify level ITT on a part-time/in-service basis, provided to their employers their highest scientific priorities for a one-off injection via the Institute for Learning (IfL); of capital in 2011/12 in the Budget. This did not involve a FE bursary scheme to attract and train high quality teachers consultation with local authorities. to teach STEM subjects and literacy and numeracy skills. For 2012/13 onwards, new funding arrangements will Sector Skills Councils be introduced for higher education so that funding follows the choices of individual students. We have Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for recently asked the Association of Colleges (AoC) to Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to lead a review of the future funding and delivery of FE review the role of Sector Skills Councils in further Initial Teacher Training, working with other FE employer education. [50918] representative bodies and in consultation with wider FE stakeholders. We expect AoC to report findings to BIS Mr Hayes: There are no plans for a specific review of by the end of May 2011. the role of Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) in further education. The role of SSCs is changing and will increasingly focus on raising employer ambition and Technology Strategy Board investment in skills. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UK CES) works with the SSCs to produce Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for and utilise high quality sectoral labour market intelligence Business, Innovation and Skills how many to reduce skill gaps, and to raise skill levels. This information representations his Department received on the role of helps to ensure that the further education sector provides the Technology Strategy Board in each month since accurate advice and guidance, as well as delivering 1 January 2011; and if he will make a statement. qualifications relevant to the changing skill needs of the [51469] work force. In addition, SSCs have a central role in developing apprenticeship frameworks, and in enhancing Mr Willetts: I have regular interactions with officials, the quality and accessibility of apprenticeships. The particularly the chief executive, of the Technology Strategy majority of SSCs also work closely with national skills Board, but the Department has not had any other academies to promote excellence in vocational training. representations specifically on its role. The role of the Technology Strategy Board, and its programmes, such Students: Fees and Charges as establishing an elite network of Technology and Innovation Centres, is often raised however in the context Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, of wider discussions with stakeholders on the Department’s Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to ensure role in achieving strong, sustainable and balanced growth differentiation in the level of tuition fees between that is more evenly shared across the country and higher education institutions whilst protecting the between industries. autonomy of those institutions. [50858] Mr Willetts: No university wishing to charge over Trade Agreements £6,000 yet knows for certain how much it will charge. This is because no university has yet signed an access Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for agreement with the director of fair access. The guidance Business, Innovation and Skills whether (a) Ministers to the director of fair access makes clear that we expect and (b) officials in his Department have met (i) trade universities to meet stringent conditions before they can associations, (ii) charities and (iii) non-governmental charge above £6,000. However, the director is not a organisations to discuss free trade agreements since his price regulator. What he will do is ensure that the levels appointment. [51126] of ambition of an institution’s access agreement is proportionate to how much more than the basic level Mr Prisk: Both Ministers and officials in this Department the institution intends to charge. engage regularly with a wide range of stakeholders on We expect there to be a range of charges and those the subject of those EU bilateral Free Trade Agreements institutions discussing higher levels all look set to include under negotiation. This includes regular consultation substantial fee waivers for students from poorer with trade associations, charities and non-governmental backgrounds. organisations. Teachers: Training Training: English Language Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for fund initial teacher training for teachers in further Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what methods he education colleges. [51486] plans to use in his Department’s equality impact assessment on the changes to English for Speakers of Mr Hayes: For 2011/12, Further Education Initial Other Languages funding; and what the name is of Teacher Training (FE ITT) courses delivered by higher each group officials of his Department will consult as education institutions will continue to be funded through part of this process; [51482] the Higher Education Funding Council for England. (2) whether he plans to consult with institutions that In addition, BIS will continue to fund: provide English for Speakers of Other Languages ITT courses validated by and delivered for National Awarding (ESOL) courses on his Department’s equality impact Bodies, via the Skills Funding Agency; assessment on changes to ESOL course funding. [51485] 919W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 920W

Mr Hayes: The equality impact assessment published (b) While UKTI records expenses claimed personally alongside ‘Skills for Sustainable Growth’ (November by each board member, UKTI does not centrally hold 2010) found that, at the aggregate level, there are unlikely records of expenses that are incurred on their behalf by to be disproportionate impacts on protected groups. A offices overseas. UKTI has offices in 162 locations separate assessment of how the changes to skills funding across 96 countries. To obtain the information, for each may affect English for Speakers of Other Languages executive board member, would involve tasking each (ESOL) learners is currently being carried out by the office to review and collate their records and this can be Department, and I expect to be able to publish the provided only at disproportionate cost. assessment in due course. Non-executive board members receive attendance The Department’s equality impact assessment is drawing expenses and these are disclosed annually in UKTI’s on published analytical information and on views offered Annual Report and Accounts (HC 3). to us in person or in writing by a wide range of organisations with an interest in this area, including correspondence UK Trade & Investment: Private Sector from learners and their representatives and principals of further education colleges. Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking UK Trade & Investment: Official Hospitality (a) to increase awareness of private sector approaches and (b) ensure that his Department makes effective use Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for of private sector expertise with UK Trade & Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) hospitality Investment; and if he will make a statement. [50314] was received and (b) expenses were incurred by each member of the board of UK Trade & Investment in Mr Prisk: UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is seeking each of the last three years. [47983] to emulate the best of the private sector professional services organisations. It has developed a range of corporate Mr Prisk [holding answer 21 March 2011]: The training programmes to underpin new business methods, information is as follows: such as relationship building with the most significant (a) UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI) board members inward investors and exporters. UKTI’s aim is to develop received hospitality as per the following table: innovative approaches to working with the private sector Summary of hospitality for UK board members—number of occasions in order to raise the quality of its services, build successful 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 relationships with trade and investment clients and to achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction. Chief Executive UKTI is a service delivery organisation and the use Breakfast 6 5 4 of private sector expertise is integral to the development Lunch 10 9 9 and the delivery of these services. In addition, more Dinner 13 9 9 than 200 senior business people help to shape and Reception 10 10 18 support UKTI’s strategy and service delivery. 1,100, or 85% of people working in UKTI’s trade teams overseas Deputy/Acting Chief Executive are locally engaged, and most of these have business Lunch 1 2 3 experience. Trade and investment delivery services in Dinner 1 1 5 England, apart from London, are outsourced to private Reception 1 4 0 sector organisations.

MD Sectors Group Unskilled Agency Workers Breakfast 1 0 7 Lunch 4 12 10 Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Dinner 6 9 13 for Business, Innovation and Skills what support his Reception 5 25 14 Department provides to unskilled agency workers in the construction industry aged 16 to 24 to assist them MD Marketing Group in furthering their careers; and if he will make a Reception 1 0 0 statement. [51024]

MD Business Group Mr Prisk: The Government have a responsibility to ensure that all those who need additional help can Lunch 3 3 12 increase their skills and progress. We fully fund training Dinner 0 5 5 for young adults undertaking their first full level 2 or 1 Reception 003first full level 3 qualification, and any adult who has a basic skills need is entitled to free training. MD Defence and Security Organisation The Government have put apprenticeships at the Breakfast 1 2 1 heart of the FE and Skills system and they are a key Lunch 25 22 16 route for young people to enter and progress in the Dinner2 13 30 14 construction industry. We are committed to significant Reception 12 23 20 growth in the number of places available and the Cultural event 1 1 0 Construction Industrial Training Board (CITB) positively 1 One occasion included accommodation. encourages young people to enter the industry by promoting 2 Two occasions included accommodation. the availability of apprenticeships. 921W Written Answers5 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 922W

The CITB also delivers strategic careers information, the contribution of vocational training and advice and guidance to careers professionals to ensure apprenticeships to the economy; and if he will make a they are fully informed of the wide range of careers statement. [51164] qualifications and progression routes available to young people across all occupations within the construction and built environment sector. Mr Hayes: Research commissioned by the Department Visits: Salford suggests that further education participants who started a qualification in 2008/09 will generate an additional £75 billion for the economy over their working lives. Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for These benefits include increased wages and improved Business, Innovation and Skills when the Minister with employment prospects for individuals, as well as benefits responsibility State for Business and Enterprise last to employers stemming from increased productivity. visited Salford in a ministerial capacity. [51497] This research examines the economic value generated Mr Prisk: Although I allocate considerable time to by Government-funded post-19 qualifications—including making regional visits, I have not unfortunately, been apprenticeships, national vocational qualifications (NVQs) able to visit Salford, near Manchester yet. I have, however, undertaken in college, training provider and workplace recently visited the North East. settings, and basic skills qualifications—and the full Vocational Training report can be accessed at: http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/higher-education/research- Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State analysis/research-reports/measuring-economic-impact- for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will assess further-education 13MC Ministerial Corrections5 APRIL 2011 Ministerial Corrections 14MC Ministerial Correction The full answer given was as follows: Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office Tuesday 5 April 2011 has not issued any specific guidance relevant to the practice of business offering discounts to persons based on their nationality. The European Court of Human Rights has published non-statutory guidance on the WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Equality Act 2010 for service providers. It would not normally be lawful for a business to Equal Opportunities: Nationality offer discounts based on the protected characteristic of race, which includes nationality and ethnic or national Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for Women and origins. Equalities what guidance (a) the Government Equalities The correct answer should have been: Office and (b) the Equality and Human Rights Commission issues on the practice of businesses offering Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office discounts to persons based on their nationality. [47854] has not issued any specific guidance relevant to the [Official Report, 21 March 2011, Vol. 525, c. 763W.] practice of business offering discounts to persons based Letter of correction from Lynne Featherstone: on their nationality. The Equality and Human Rights An error has been identified in the written answer Commission has published non-statutory guidance on given to the hon. Member for Witham (Priti Patel) on the Equality Act 2010 for service providers. 21 March 2011. It is the Equality and Human Rights It would not normally be lawful for a business to Commission that has published non-statutory guidance offer discounts based on the protected characteristic of on the Equality Act 2010, not the European Court of race, which includes nationality and ethnic or national Human Rights. origins.

ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 884 CHURCH COMMISSIONERS—continued Bribery Act ...... 889 Shahbaz Bhatti...... 890 Child Trafficking...... 885 St George’s Day ...... 891 Crown Prosecution Service...... 886 Domestic Violence ...... 887 DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 875 Human Trafficking ...... 884 Bill of Rights ...... 875 Human Trafficking ...... 888 Ministerial Meetings ...... 877 Rape...... 889 Political Parties (Funding) ...... 878 Specialist Rape Prosecutors...... 886 Referendum Costs...... 878 Topical Questions ...... 879 CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 890 Education ...... 892 ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 894 Listed Places of Worship...... 893 Enfranchisement (Non-residents)...... 894 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 51WS JUSTICE...... 59WS Intellectual Property Office (Public Targets) ...... 51WS Brussels I Regulation ...... 60WS Probation Service (Revised National Standards).... 59WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 52WS Abolition of Regional Strategies...... 52WS NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 61WS Non-jury Trial (Extension)...... 61WS DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 52WS Rosemary Nelson Inquiry ...... 61WS Social Mobility Strategy...... 52WS

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL TRANSPORT ...... 62WS AFFAIRS...... 54WS EU Cross-border Road Safety Directive ...... 62WS Agriculture and Fisheries Council...... 55WS Water Affordability (Consultation) ...... 54WS TREASURY ...... 52WS Unfunded Public Service Pension Contributions ... 52WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 56WS Police Leadership and Training Review...... 56WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 63WS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 57WS Child Poverty Strategy ...... 63WS Conflict Resources (2011-12) ...... 57WS Parliamentary Written Answer (Correction) ...... 64WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 797W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Human Trafficking ...... 797W English for Speakers of Other Languages: Finance...... 905W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 897W EU External Trade: India...... 905W Animal Welfare ...... 897W Executives: Females ...... 905W Apprentices...... 897W Exports ...... 905W Apprentices: Cars...... 899W Exports: Government Assistance ...... 906W Apprentices: Finance ...... 899W Further Education: Bureaucracy...... 906W Apprentices: North West...... 900W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 907W Apprentices: Poole ...... 901W Higher Education: Finance ...... 907W Apprentices: Wolverhampton...... 901W Higher Education: Forensic Science...... 908W Bankruptcy ...... 902W Higher Education Funding Council...... 907W Business: Maidstone ...... 902W Horticulture: Qualifications ...... 908W Climate Change ...... 902W Innovation: Finance...... 909W Consumers: Debts...... 903W Insolvency...... 910W Departmental Interpreters ...... 903W Local Government Finance ...... 910W Departmental Manpower...... 903W Meetings ...... 911W Easter...... 903W New Businesses: Kent ...... 911W Employment Agencies: Regulation ...... 904W New College Redditch: Apprentices...... 912W Employment: West Midlands ...... 904W Novartis ...... 912W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued DEFENCE—continued Office for Fair Access...... 913W Departmental Contracts ...... 756W Overseas Students: Loans ...... 913W Departmental Interpreters ...... 757W Overseas Trade...... 913W Departmental Official Cars...... 757W Post Bank...... 914W Departmental Public Transport ...... 758W Post Offices ...... 914W Departmental Redundancy ...... 758W Regional Development Agencies: Assets...... 916W Departmental Secondment ...... 758W Research: Finance...... 916W Ex-servicemen: Poole ...... 759W Sector Skills Councils...... 917W Libya...... 759W Students: Fees and Charges...... 917W Libya: Armed Conflict...... 760W Teachers: Training...... 917W Nuclear Submarines...... 760W Technology Strategy Board...... 918W Trade Agreements ...... 918W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 800W Training: English Language ...... 918W Alternative Vote...... 801W UK Trade and Investment: Official Hospitality ..... 919W Elected Representatives: Recall ...... 801W UK Trade and Investment: Private Sector...... 920W Electoral Register...... 800W Unskilled Agency Workers...... 920W Prisoners: Enfranchisement...... 800W Visits: Salford...... 921W Vocational Training...... 921W EDUCATION...... 761W CABINET OFFICE...... 797W Academies...... 761W Land Registry ...... 797W Academies: Finance ...... 762W Prostate Cancer...... 797W Apprentices...... 763W Third Sector...... 799W Apprentices: Greater London ...... 763W Building Schools for the Future Programme: Liverpool ...... 763W CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 799W Children: Disadvantaged...... 764W Clergy/Laity...... 799W Children’s Centres ...... 764W Social Cohesion ...... 800W Consultants...... 765W Zurbarán Paintings ...... 799W Departmental Manpower...... 765W Departmental Official Cars...... 766W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 843W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 767W Community Assets Programme...... 843W Departmental Procurement...... 767W Community Development...... 844W Departmental Public Bodies ...... 767W Community Development: Religion...... 844W Departmental Public Transport ...... 768W Construction: Standards ...... 844W Departmental Travel ...... 768W Council Tax ...... 845W Discretionary Learner Support Fund...... 769W Enterprise Zones: Peterborough...... 845W Education: Drugs...... 770W Fire Services...... 845W Education: Finance...... 771W First Time Buyers ...... 846W Education Maintenance Allowance...... 769W Green Belt...... 846W Education Maintenance Allowance: Blackpool...... 770W Homelessness...... 846W Educational Maintenance Allowance: Free School Housing: Construction...... 848W Meals ...... 775W Housing: Energy ...... 849W Free School Meals...... 775W Housing: Newcastle ...... 850W Free School Meals: Further Education ...... 776W Infrastructure: Planning Permission...... 850W Free Schools...... 776W Local Enterprise Partnerships: North East ...... 851W GCE A-level...... 777W Local Government Finance: Northumberland...... 851W GCSE: Free Schools Meals ...... 778W Local Government: Pensions ...... 852W Health Education: Sex ...... 779W Planning Permission ...... 852W International Baccalaureate ...... 780W Regional Planning and Development...... 853W Outward Grange Consultancy ...... 780W Rents...... 854W Parenting Classes ...... 781W Solace: Finance...... 854W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 782W Sports: Clubs ...... 855W Qualifications and Curriculum Development Sports: Facilities...... 855W Agency: Finance ...... 783W Sustainable Development...... 855W Qualifications and Curriculum Development Tenancy Deposit Schemes...... 855W Agency: Redundancy ...... 783W Voluntary Organisations: Non-domestic Rates ...... 856W School Leaving...... 784W School Meals: Expenditure ...... 784W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 735W Schools: Academies...... 785W Departmental Contracts ...... 735W Schools: Finance...... 785W Departmental Local Government Finance...... 735W Schools: GCE A-level ...... 785W Departmental Official Cars...... 736W Schools: Nottinghamshire...... 786W Departmental Public Bodies ...... 736W Schools: Private Finance Initiative ...... 786W Departmental Public Transport ...... 738W Schools: Southwark ...... 786W Gambling...... 739W Schools: Sports ...... 787W Humanitarian Assistance...... 740W Schools: Transport ...... 787W Plants...... 740W Secondary Education: Kingston upon Thames ...... 787W Royal Parks Agency ...... 740W Special Educational Needs...... 787W Special Educational Needs: Academies...... 788W DEFENCE...... 755W Students: Grants ...... 789W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 755W Teachers: Pay ...... 789W Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION—continued HEALTH—continued Value-added Metric...... 790W Facial Disfigurement...... 828W Vocational Guidance: Young People ...... 790W General Practitioners ...... 828W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 790W Health Research Regulatory Agency...... 832W Hospitals: Blood ...... 833W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 881W Inflammatory Bowel Disease ...... 833W Agriculture: Environment Protection...... 881W Medical Technology...... 833W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 881W Medical Treatments...... 834W Departmental Travel ...... 881W Midwives...... 834W Departmental Vacancies ...... 882W National Office for Clinical Research Energy...... 882W Infrastructure: Research...... 835W Energy: Billing ...... 883W NHS...... 835W Energy: Housing ...... 884W NHS: Competition...... 836W Energy: International Cooperation ...... 884W NHS: Expenditure ...... 836W Energy Supply...... 883W NHS: Manpower ...... 837W Exhaust Emissions: Shipping ...... 884W NHS: Procurement ...... 837W Feed-in Tariffs...... 885W NHS: Reorganisation...... 837W Natural Gas: Exploration ...... 885W NHS: Standards...... 838W Nuclear Power Stations: Safety ...... 885W NHS Walk-in Centres ...... 836W Office for Renewable Energy Deployment...... 886W Personnel: Pay...... 838W Oil...... 886W Prescription Drugs...... 838W Renewable Energy...... 887W Quality Innovation Productivity and Prevention.... 839W Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs...... 887W Respite Care: Disability...... 839W Solar Power...... 888W Roaccutane ...... 839W Solar Power: Cornwall ...... 888W Science: Health ...... 840W Solar Power: Feed-in Tariffs...... 888W Social Services: Finance ...... 840W Social Services: Manpower...... 841W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL South London Healthcare NHS Trust: Land ...... 842W AFFAIRS...... 801W South London Healthcare NHS Trust: Animal Feed: Prices ...... 801W Restructure ...... 842W Animal Welfare ...... 801W Strokes: Health Services...... 842W Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control...... 802W Surgery...... 842W Farmers: Supermarkets ...... 802W Visual Impairment ...... 843W Food ...... 803W Forestry Commission...... 805W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 807W Forests ...... 805W Asylum: Housing ...... 807W Greenhouse Gas Emissions...... 805W British Nationality ...... 809W Horse Passports ...... 806W Departmental Contracts ...... 809W Horses...... 806W Departmental Manpower...... 810W Oak...... 806W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 810W Rural Development Programme: Finance ...... 807W Departmental Public Bodies ...... 810W Wild Animals...... 807W Departmental Public Transport ...... 811W Departmental Vacancies ...... 811W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 859W Deportation: Eastern Europe...... 811W Burma: Capital Punishment...... 859W Disturbances: Greater London ...... 814W Burma: Politics and Government ...... 859W Drugs: Misuse...... 814W Burma: War Crimes ...... 859W Entry Clearances: Students ...... 815W Departmental Secondment ...... 860W Human Trafficking ...... 815W EU Action ...... 860W Human Trafficking: Females...... 816W Exports: Dairy Farming...... 860W Human Trafficking: South West...... 816W Government Communications ...... 861W Immigrants: English Language ...... 817W Haiti: Politics and Government...... 861W National Public Order Intelligence Unit: Finance .. 817W Ko Mya Aye...... 861W Passports: Biometrics...... 818W Libya: Armed Conflict...... 862W Police: Accountability ...... 818W Libya: Aviation ...... 862W Police: Demonstrations ...... 819W Libya: Politics and Government...... 863W Police: Finance...... 820W Libya: Students ...... 863W Police: Pensions...... 820W Somaliland...... 863W Police: Recruitment...... 820W Third Sector...... 865W Police: Surveillance ...... 821W Turks and Caicos Islands ...... 865W Police: Working Hours...... 822W Yemen: Politics and Government ...... 866W Public Order Offences: Prosecutions ...... 822W Quilliam Foundation: Finance ...... 823W Work Permits ...... 823W HEALTH...... 824W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 824W Bone Cancer: Drugs...... 824W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 740W Care Homes ...... 825W Pay...... 740W Clostridium...... 826W Select Committees: Visits Abroad ...... 741W DH Mail ...... 827W Diabetes: Health Services...... 827W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 857W Doctors: Manpower...... 828W Departmental Early Retirement ...... 857W Drugs...... 828W Developing Countries: Agriculture ...... 857W Col. No. Col. No. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—continued TRANSPORT—continued Developing Countries: HIV Infection ...... 858W Rolling Stock: Procurement ...... 877W Employment Agencies...... 858W Sea Rescue ...... 878W Overseas Aid: Publicity ...... 859W Tamar Valley Railway Line ...... 878W Thameslink ...... 878W JUSTICE...... 790W Thameslink Railway Line: Standards...... 879W Community Orders: Technology ...... 791W Transport: Finance...... 879W Community Orders: Voluntary Organisations...... 791W Transport: Passengers ...... 880W Crime: Alcoholic Drinks...... 792W Waterloo Station ...... 880W Data Protection: Clubs ...... 793W West Coast Railway Line ...... 880W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 793W Departmental Vacancies ...... 793W TREASURY ...... 888W Discrimination ...... 794W Air Passenger Duty ...... 888W Driving Offences ...... 790W Banks: Incentives ...... 889W Employment Agencies...... 794W Business ...... 889W Land Registry ...... 794W Child Benefit...... 890W Law: Repealed...... 795W Child Tax Credit ...... 890W Legal Aid Scheme: Bexley...... 795W Corporation Tax ...... 891W Prisons: Private Finance Initiative...... 795W Departmental Travel ...... 891W Prisons: Standards ...... 795W Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation .. 891W Probation: Voluntary Organisations...... 796W Financial Institutions...... 892W Protection from Harassment Act 1997 ...... 796W Financial Institutions: Public Sector Debt ...... 892W Financial Services ...... 893W Financial Services: EU Law ...... 893W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 735W Fly-tipping ...... 893W Departmental Early Retirement...... 735W Gift Aid ...... 893W ISA: Children...... 894W TRANSPORT ...... 866W Northern Rock...... 894W Airports: Planning ...... 866W Oil and Gas Industry ...... 894W Aviation: Noise ...... 866W Oil: Prices...... 895W Aviation: Olympic Games 2012...... 867W Public Finance ...... 895W Cycling...... 868W Solvency II Process ...... 896W Cycling England...... 869W Statoil ...... 897W Departmental Estate ...... 869W Tax Evasion ...... 897W Departmental Public Bodies ...... 869W Departmental Theft ...... 870W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 741W Driving Standards Agency ...... 871W Cold Weather Payments ...... 741W European Aviation Safety Agency...... 871W Crisis Loans ...... 742W Exhaust Emissions ...... 871W Departmental Contracts ...... 743W Great Western Railway: Electrification ...... 872W Departmental Public Bodies ...... 743W High Speed Two...... 873W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 743W High Speed Two Railway Line ...... 872W Departmental Redundancy ...... 744W High Speed Two: Rolling Stock...... 873W Housing Benefit ...... 744W London-Norwich Railway Line ...... 873W Housing Benefit: Motherwell ...... 744W Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions ...... 873W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Fraud ...... 745W Motor Vehicles: Finchley ...... 874W Pensioners: Northern Ireland...... 745W Motor Vehicles: Insurance ...... 874W Pensions...... 746W Parking: Pedestrian Areas ...... 875W Pensions: Females ...... 746W Radioactive Materials ...... 875W Pregnant Women: Grants...... 746W Railways...... 875W Social Security Benefits...... 748W Railways: Electrification ...... 875W Social Security Benefits: Fraud ...... 747W Railways: Infrastructure...... 876W Social Security Benefits: Motherwell...... 747W Railways: North West ...... 876W Unemployment Benefits...... 749W Railways: Shropshire...... 876W Unemployment: North East...... 749W Railways: Wales ...... 876W Universal Credit...... 750W Rescue Services: VAT ...... 876W Winter Fuel Payments...... 752W Roads: Safety ...... 877W Winter Fuel Payments: Warrington...... 755W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Col. No. WOMEN AND EQUALITIES ...... 13MC Equal Opportunities: Nationality ...... 13MC 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 Tuesday 12 April 2011

STRICT ADHERENCE TO THIS ARRANGEMENT GREATLY FACILITATES THE PROMPT PUBLICATION OF THE VOLUMES

Members may obtain excerpts of their Speeches from the Official Report (within one month from the date of publication), on application to the Stationery Office, c/o the Editor of the Official Report, House of Commons, from whom the terms and conditions of reprinting may be ascertained. Application forms are available at the Vote Office.

PRICES AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES DAILY PARTS Single copies: Commons, £5; Lords, £3·50. Annual subscriptions: Commons, £865; Lords, £525. WEEKLY HANSARD Single copies: Commons, £12; Lords, £6. Annual subscriptions: Commons, £440. Lords, £225. Index: Annual subscriptions: Commons, £125; Lords, £65. LORDS VOLUME INDEX obtainable on standing order only. Details available on request. BOUND VOLUMES OF DEBATES are issued periodically during the session. Single copies: Commons, £105; Lords, £40. Standing orders will be accepted. THE INDEX to each Bound Volumeof House of Commons Debates is published separately at £9·00 and can be supplied to standing order. WEEKLY INFORMATION BULLETIN compiled by the House of Commons, giving details of past and forthcoming business, the work of Committees and general information on legislation, etc. The Annual Subscription includes also automatic despatch of the Sessional Information Digest. Single copies: £1·50. Annual subscriptions: £53·50. All prices are inclusive of postage Volume 526 Tuesday No. 146 5 April 2011

CONTENTS

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 875] [see index inside back page] Deputy Prime Minister Attorney-General Church Commissioners Public Accounts Commission Speaker’s Electoral Commission Committee

Social Mobility Strategy [Col. 895] Answer to urgent question—(Deputy Prime Minister)

British Nationals (Eritrea) [Col. 907] Answer to urgent question—(Mr Hague)

Sustainable Energy (Local Plans) [Col. 914] Bill presented, and read the First time

Electoral Registration, Identification and Eligibility for Voting Bill [Col. 915] Motion for leave to bring in Bill—(Mike Gapes)—on a Division, negatived

Humanitarian Relief and Libya [Col. 920] Motion—(Mr Andrew Mitchell)—agreed to

Backbench Business [1st allotted day—second half] Easter Adjournment [Col. 968] Motion—(Mr Bone)—agreed to

Petitions [Col. 1016]

Forestry Commission (Northumberland) [Col. 1018] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall BBC Local Radio [Col. 197WH] Advice Centres (Barnsley and Sheffield) [Col. 222WH] Groceries Code Adjudicator [Col. 230WH] Net Neutrality [Col. 253WH] Library Services (South Manchester) [Col. 261WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 51WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 735W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 13MC]