Thursday Volume 545 24 May 2012 No. 10

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 24 May 2012

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2012 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] 1263 24 MAY 2012 1264

House of Commons TRANSPORT FOR LONDON BILL [LORDS] Motion made, That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the Thursday 24 May 2012 Transport for London Bill [Lords] be now considered.—(The Chairman of Ways and Means.)

The House met at half-past Ten o’clock Hon. Members: Object. To be considered on Tuesday 12 June. PRAYERS

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair] Oral Answers to Questions

BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS

CANTERBURY CITY COUNCIL BILL BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Motion made, That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the The Secretary of State was asked— Canterbury City Council Bill be now considered.—(The Chairman of Ways and Means.) Regulation

Hon. Members: Object. 1. Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con): What steps To be considered on Tuesday 12 June. he has taken to reduce the burden of regulation on (a) small and medium-sized and (b) other businesses. LEEDS CITY COUNCIL BILL [109146] Motion made, That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Leeds City Council Bill be now considered.—(The Chairman of and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk): The Government take a Ways and Means.) comprehensive approach to cutting the burden of red Hon. Members: Object. tape. We have capped the cost of new regulation, identified hundreds of existing regulations to be scrapped, and To be considered on Tuesday 12 June. introduced a moratorium on regulation for all micro- NOTTINGHAM CITY COUNCIL BILL businesses. Motion made, Stephen Hammond: Small businesses in Wimbledon That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the tell me that the two incentives to growth are access to Nottingham City Council Bill be now considered.—(The Chairman of Ways and Means.) lending and deregulation. Can my hon. Friend be a little more explicit about what the red tape challenge Hon. Members: Object. might bring those businesses in my constituency? To be considered on Tuesday 12 June. Mr Prisk: Progress on the red tape challenge is very READING BOROUGH COUNCIL BILL important. We have now reviewed some 1,500 regulations, Motion made, and Ministers have agreed to scrap or substantially overhaul 59% of them—some 887 regulations. That will That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the Reading Borough Council Bill be now considered.—(The Chairman make a real difference to businesses in Wimbledon and, of Ways and Means.) indeed, elsewhere. Hon. Members: Object. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Will To be considered on Tuesday 12 June. the Minister take it from me, as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on management, that we must CITY OF LONDON (VARIOUS POWERS)BILL [LORDS] stop feeding this anti-regulation red tape movement Motion made, and concentrate on good management of small businesses? Forty-three per cent. of managers in the country are That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the City of London (Various Powers) Bill [Lords] be now considered.— rated as poor. Let us do something about management, (The Chairman of Ways and Means.) rather than going on about red tape. Hon. Members: Object. Mr Prisk: We cannot ignore the fact that 11,000 elements To be considered on Tuesday 12 June. on the statute book impose a burden on many businesses. We need to tackle that, and I am sorry that the last CITY OF WESTMINSTER BILL [LORDS] Government failed to do so. Indeed, they produced six Motion made, new regulations on every working day. But is the hon. That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the Gentleman correct in saying that we need to think City of Westminster Bill [Lords] be now considered.—(The Chairman about the calibre of management of small businesses? of Ways and Means.) Yes. Bad regulation and red tape need to go, but we need to think about the wider issue as well, I shall Hon. Members: Object. certainly take that from the hon. Gentleman, as he To be considered on Tuesday 12 June. asked me to do. 1265 Oral Answers24 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 1266

Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): My hon. Friend has and thereby helping small businesses. That is what we already outlined many of the measures that we as a are doing. The Labour party failed to do that in 13 years coalition Government are taking to reduce the regulatory in office. It is no good Labour Members wishing things; burden, but does he agree that a fire-at-will policy might we are acting and they are not. be counter-productive and would not produce the increased productivity and growth that we need so much? Business Confidence

Mr Prisk: The element of the Beecroft report to 2. Mr David Hamilton (Midlothian) (Lab): What which my hon. Friend refers is one of 23 separate recent assessment he has made of the effect on business measures. We want to ensure that we consider these confidence of the economy entering recession. [109148] matters on the basis of good evidence. That is why there is a call for evidence, and once we have had a look at it The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David and weighed the pros against the cons, we will make a Willetts): Business confidence has held up so far this year, decision. and is well above its 2008-09 lows. The CBI business confidence index came in at plus 22 in April, one of its Mr Speaker: Before we continue these exchanges, let highest readings in the past five years. me say that ordinarily when the Secretary of State is absent, the fact of the absence is explained at the start Mr Hamilton: Does the Minister accept that consumer of Question Time. I can hear Members inquiring about confidence is extremely important? If Beecroft’s fire-at-will it. I know that the Secretary of State is absent because measure is implemented, as proposed by some Members I have received a letter from him, but let me say for the on the Government Benches, that confidence will sharply record that it would be desirable to be told at the outset, decline. I say that as someone who was unemployed for and, in general terms, that it is of course highly undesirable two and a half years; people cannot plan ahead or do for the Secretary of State to be absent on these occasions. anything, and it brings added jeopardy to families. This It must not become a regular practice. is therefore extremely important: if we want confidence, we must get rid of the Beecroft report. Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): Does the Minister believe that a person who has made a donation of more Mr Willetts: It is very important to maintain confidence than £500,000 to the Conservative party and made in the British economy, and people can take confidence more than £100 million from equity deals is a fit and from the fact that employment is up, and that inflation proper person to determine Government policy and is down so their living standards are protected. They workers’ rights? can take confidence in the fact that exports are up, and they can take confidence in the fact that public borrowing Mr Prisk: Let me first respond to what you said, is down so interest rates are down. Those are the Mr Speaker. I apologise if I have not made clear that reasons why we are confident in the British economy. the Secretary of State is promoting British business in Germany. I know that that is something that all parties Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): May I tell the have wanted to do. However, the Secretary of State will Minister that the chief executive of the Northamptonshire note, and we will note, your admonishment. chamber of commerce has said that As for the question from the hon. Member for Wansbeck “the news the economy was in recession paints an “unduly (Ian Lavery), I think that we need to be very careful pessimistic picture” when it comes to the kind of allegation that he is trying as far as Northamptonshire is concerned? Mr Griffiths to make about that particular individual. It is important says the news is contrary to what he is hearing from to have good employers—good people who actually his members, and his local quarterly economic survey understand the market. That is an important contribution, shows a far “more positive picture”. He believes that regardless of whatever the hon. Gentleman’s prejudices thatgivesa may be. “more accurate indication of the underlying trends in the economy.”

Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): It is clear that Mr Willetts: There are great examples of business this Government do not know what they are doing on success across Britain, in both small and large companies. growth: one day it is regulation, and the next day it is The coalition is committed to ensuring that we deliver deregulation. This week, Baroness Wilcox pronounced growth and prosperity in the future. in the other place that the groceries code adjudicator regulations were a “pro-growth measure” on the same Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab): Back in the real day that the AWOL Secretary of State called the world, has the Minister seen this week’s report by the deregulatory Beecroft proposals “bonkers”. Does that Institution of Mechanical Engineers, showing that more not demonstrate that Downing street’s obsession with than half of manufacturers have no confidence in the Beecroft is not intended to promote growth, but is Government and think the Government are performing simply another example of this Government’s incoherent badly, and only 14% think the Government are doing and incompetent approach to the economy, putting old well? In the same week, the CBI said manufacturing Tory ideology before any credible strategy to get people output will fall sharply in the next quarter because of back to work? contracting demand, producing a double-dip recession made in Downing street. Does the Minister believe the Mr Prisk: I am sorry that we are getting platitudes manufacturers, who wish to engage with Government like that, because this is an important issue. We want to to create a long-term industrial strategy, or does he side ensure that there is a concerted approach on regulation— with his Cabinet colleagues, who believe business should capping the costs of new ones, scrapping existing ones, merely stop whingeing and work harder? 1267 Oral Answers24 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 1268

Mr Willetts: I agree with what the director general of I entirely agree with the principle mentioned; this the CBI said the other day. I thought he put it very well: House has an opportunity to put manufacturing beyond “We have always said that the path back to sustainable economic party politics. I want to do that, as does the Secretary of growth will be a long and difficult one, with many bumps along State. We are putting in £125 million specifically to the way. To re-balance our economy towards exports and investment target the supply chain, and I want to make sure that will take time and patience.” that is available shortly. We are working well with We are absolutely committed to rebalancing towards Birmingham city council and others, and I look forward exports and investment, and in my conversations with to being able to develop things further. engineering businesses and others across the country it is clear they understand that that is exactly what the Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): I grew up in a village Government are doing. just outside Coventry, a city that had half a dozen car manufacturers in the 1970s, at a time when the industry Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): Will the was being decimated by strikes, led by trade unionists Minister join me in congratulating businesses across such as Red Robbo, over demarcation disputes and North Wiltshire, who are reporting extremely good excessive wage claims. Does the Minister agree that conditions? Honda has just announced a new line, the much of the recent success of the industry is due to a excellent automatic hand dryer I used a short time ago more sensible and flexible approach by the work force? in a House of Commons lavatory was made by none other than Dyson of Malmesbury, and a number of Mr Prisk: Absolutely. I again pay tribute to many enterprise awards have been given to firms in the of the work force in the motor industry. They have constituency. The picture is actually not bad at all. Will demonstrated the willingness to show that British workers the Minister congratulate those companies? are highly productive and that we can compete, and they are also flexible. That is the good news story. There Mr Willetts: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. There are history lessons, and I hope that the Labour party is a spirit of innovation in our country of which we can has now learnt them. be proud. It is one of the reasons that our exports to the emerging economies of India, China and Brazil—which Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): are the most competitive and important economies of May I put on record my thanks to the newly labelled the future—are shooting up, even while, sadly, we are socialist Secretary of State, and indeed to the Minister, held back by the economic problems of the eurozone, for the work they did in securing the future of Ellesmere brought on by membership of the euro, a policy advocated Port’s Vauxhall plant? Does the Minister agree that by the Labour party. the teamwork that involved, which started with Lord Mandelson’s creation of the automotive alliance, and involved the Unite union, the management and so on, is Motor Industry the way to take this industry forward?

3. Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): What steps he is Mr Prisk: I absolutely agree with that, and I pay taking further to develop the motor and components tribute to the hon. Gentleman, too, for his work on this industry. [109149] issue. I do not want us to be too self-congratulatory, but it is important that we work together. I am proud to see The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation British factories not only able to compete, but to win and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk): Over the past 18 months, against stiff international competition. the United Kingdom automotive sector has secured more than £4 billion-worth of investment, including the John Pugh (Southport) (LD): The success at Ellesmere decision by General Motors to build the next generation Port this week, with unions and management combining of Astras in Ellesmere Port. Through the Automotive and “out-Germanning” the Germans, proved that that Council, we are working hard to rebuild the UK’s is the route to success, rather than the more one-sided supply chain and to encourage exports further. Beecroft proposals.

Mr Spellar: I am astonished that the Secretary of Mr Prisk: I knew it was going too well. The important State has not turned up today. Not only is it bad form, point is to make sure that the work force are flexible and but I actually wanted to praise him—although that working together. I am very happy to work with the might have been bad for inter-coalition relations. He trade unions when we are bidding for British jobs. has shown a bipartisan continuity of policy in support of the motor industry, which is so important for encouraging Post Office Network long-term investment. As that policy is increasingly successful, as the Minister has indicated, will he now 4. Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): focus strongly on the supply chain, where too many What recent progress he has made on securing the components are still imported? Will he get his officials future of the Post Office network. [109150] to work with the industry to get the main-tier suppliers to develop capacity in the UK, so that there is a major The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, benefit to the British economy, British jobs and British Innovation and Skills (Norman Lamb): Significant progress workers? has been made on securing the future of the post office network. In particular, Post Office Ltd has become an Mr Prisk: It is rare that a Minister gets the opportunity independent company, with its own strengthened board; to receive the praise intended for a Secretary of State, so signed a long-term agreement with Royal Mail, cementing I will just stand here for a moment or two. their commercial relationship for the next 10 years; won 1269 Oral Answers24 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 1270 new contracts from central and local government; and fewer than 11,000 volunteers have already signed up achieved greater network stability, with net closures of and, buoyed by that, I congratulate the hon. Gentleman just two post offices in the year to March 2012, which is on his personal commitment and support for this exciting the lowest figure for 25 years. initiative.

Harriett Baldwin: Will the Minister congratulate villagers Andrew Stephenson: As ever, the Minister is backing from Alfrick in my constituency, who have raised £60,000 Britain and backing business, but as he often says, we in a community share offering and found 60 volunteers can always do more. What does he expect the increase to reopen the community post office? However, does he to be in the number of mentors during the final part of agree that asking each of those 60 pillars of their this year? community to go through a Criminal Records Bureau check is a little excessive? Mr Hayes: I do not know, Mr Speaker, whether you have yet had the chance to see my hon. Friend’s local Norman Lamb: I absolutely congratulate the villagers newspaper, the Burnley Express.Inthatpaper,hesays: who have managed to achieve that. I have seen a similar “Mentoring is a great way for business leaders to invest in and story in Norfolk, and it is a fantastic community spirit give back to their communities.” that manages to achieve that. I tend to agree that asking The truth is that we intend in the short term—by the every volunteer in the village to undergo a CRB check end of this year—to grow that number from 11,000 to seems over the top. 26,000 mentors.

Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP): I welcome what the Mr Speaker: We are obliged to the Minister. Minister says, but does he not share my concern that there are still problems when main post offices are Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): I am sorry to moved into other businesses? A constituent of mine introduce a note of caution into this backslapping, but went to the main post office in Arbroath, by far the given that women make up only 12.5% of FTSE 100 largest town in my constituency, to renew his photographic boards, what steps is the Minister taking to get more driving licence, only to be told that it could no longer women business mentors? provide that service and that he would have to go to Dundee. Does the Minister not accept that such incidents Mr Hayes: I agree with the hon. Lady. It is important undermine efforts to stabilise the post office network? that mentors are drawn from across the business community and that everyone, regardless of who they are and from Norman Lamb: I hear the hon. Gentleman’s point, where they start, gets their chance to prosper as a result but the transformation being undertaken through pilots of the scheme. As a result of her question, I will look in both main and local post offices has been received again at what more we can do in that respect. incredibly positively by customers, with 90% satisfaction rates, and by the sub-postmasters and postmistresses Adult Training and Employment who are delivering those services. 6. Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): What Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): Does the funds his Department makes available for training and Minister share my concerns about the lack of vetting of employment for adults. [109152] staff who will be operating the new Post Office Local network and that that will result in a reduction in the The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong level of assurance that customers can expect? Learning (Mr John Hayes): Despite the pressures and challenges, this Government protected the adult and Norman Lamb: I do not think that that concern is community learning budget. In the wake of adult learners fair. The response from customers has been incredibly week, Mr Speaker, I know that you will want me to positive. More than 200 Post Office Locals have been congratulate all those who are involved in giving people piloted so far and the response we are getting is very a second chance. Overall, funding in adult and further positive. If we can make post office services more education will be £3.8 billion in 2012-13. The expansion accessible, particularly by extending opening hours, increases in provision will be focused on young adults, the low-skilled in the number of sales can be achieved. There has been and pre-employment training for the unemployed. The an increase of 9% in sales and in the number of customers reason for that is that this Government are committed coming into the post offices, so that is a real success to redistributing advantage. We are a Government driven story. by social purpose.

Mentoring Alec Shelbrooke: What specific help can my hon. Friend’s Department make available to those not in 5. Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): What recent employment, education and training, such as a constituent progress he has made on the recruitment of business of mine who has a job lined up as an electrician but mentors. [109151] cannot afford the £600 training course he needs to undergo in order to gain the latest addition to the qualifications? The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong He has been out of the trade for only 18 months. Learning (Mr John Hayes): The value of mentoring guides all we do. After all, it is at the heart of the Mr Hayes: My hon. Friend is right that we need to Government’s flagship apprenticeship programme. Business allow people to access education at the point that is mentoring is just as important and “Get Mentoring” is right for them. That is why continuing education is so a fantastic example of businesses working together. No important and why the apprenticeship programme is 1271 Oral Answers24 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 1272 both for young people entering the labour market for Mr Willetts: I have great respect for Mike Turner of the first time and for those who want to upskill and GKN. We do believe in the importance of an active reskill. I strongly support, as he does, the expansion of industrial strategy, and we have seen the fruits of our that programme in both quantity and quality. approach in the announcement only the other day of the new investment by General Motors. We have also seen it Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): in the announcement of investment by GlaxoSmithKline. The ability of mature students to access further education We are up for working with business to deliver the courses in order to access higher education courses is industrial strategy and that is what we are doing. vital both for social mobility and for upgrading the nation’s skills. As things stand, anybody taking that Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): route incurs debts at the FE course level and, potentially, May I inform my right hon. Friend that relations with at the higher education course level—in effect a double business in rural north Yorkshire are excellent but could whammy. What is the Minister going to do about it? always be improved? In particular, what can we do to promote the local enterprise partnership in rural north Mr Hayes: The hon. Gentleman will know that loans Yorkshire, east Yorkshire and York? in further education are restricted to older learners and those learning at higher levels precisely because of my Mr Willetts: I am sure that there is always more we determination that the people I have described are can do to promote LEPs, but they are already playing a protected from additional cost. The information that crucial role in the allocation of the regional growth we have garnered from our early research suggests that fund. I very much look forward to visiting Norfolk later the overwhelming majority of people would not be today when I will have the opportunity of announcing deterred from engaging in the way that he describes. further investment in that important county.

Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South) (Lab): The Mr John Denham (Southampton, Itchen) (Lab): In Minister rightly praised adult learners week, but the the time that Ministers in this Government had dozens truth is that Ministers plan to scrap grants to nearly of meetings with Google, one of the few British IT 400,000 adult learners, including apprentices, forcing companies to achieve global status, Autonomy, has them to take out personal loans of up to £4,000 a year. been taken over and today tragically destroyed. May I His own Department’s research shows that only one in suggest to Ministers that instead of spending so much 10 learners said they would definitely do courses on that time cosying up to American giants that just want to basis. Do we not face a complete shambles, with blocked protect their monopolies, they should talk to people social mobility and a lost generation of adult learners? such as Mike Lynch, the founder of Autonomy, to The Minister’s boss, the Secretary of State, told the understand why it is so difficult for British innovative Association of Colleges: companies to get the long-term finance on their own “We don’t know how it’s going to work.” account that they need to become global leaders? Can the Minister give a guarantee now? Will we have more adult learners on loans or not? Mr Willetts: Let us make it absolutely clear. My fellow Ministers and I talk on an even and equitable Mr Hayes: I guarantee this: the scheme we have built basis with Autonomy and Mike Lynch, of course, and to deliver the most apprenticeships in our history, of the with HP and Google. Indeed, we have set up a council highest quality, will not be altered. I also guarantee that to plan our strategy for e-infrastructure and high- adult and community learning, which was constantly performance computing in which their advice is greatly threatened when Labour was in government, will be secure valued. Yes, it is very important that we invest in high- and safe under this Government, with £210 million a technology companies, but I cannot believe that a former year for adult and community learners: second-chance Secretary of State is actually saying that we should have education delivered by this Government. direct controls to stop a company such as Autonomy being taken over. Business Community Apprentices 7. Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab): What recent assessment he has made of the Government’s 8. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): What recent relationship with the business community. [109153] assessment he has made of the employment circumstances of apprentices on completion of their placement. The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David [109154] Willetts): The Department has an honest, constructive and positive relationship with business based on the The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong shared belief that enterprise and Government working Learning (Mr John Hayes): My Department has recently together can get us out of recession—not more taxation, led an extensive survey of 5,000 apprentices. The results, regulation and borrowing. Ministers also have one-to-one published on 15 May, show that 85% of the apprentices strategic relationships with key international companies. who completed their apprenticeships in the past 12 months are employed; 4% are self-employed and 3% are in Susan Elan Jones: I am grateful to the Minister for further education or training. that answer. Will he tell us why he does not agree with the chair of GKN, Mr Mike Turner, who is calling for a Duncan Hames: That is very welcome news. The more active “industrial strategy”? Why does he not success of apprenticeships will be judged not just by the listen to him? Surely Mr Turner knows something about growth in their number but by the difference they make business. to apprentices’ future employment. Reports on the future 1273 Oral Answers24 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 1274 jobs fund found that 14 months after starting their 13. [109160] Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and placement, nearly half the participants were back on Leith) (Lab/Co-op): The most recent Bank of England benefits. Will the Minister ensure that he continues to survey says that smaller firms continue to report that conduct evaluations of the new apprenticeships? they are unable to obtain credit and that it has become harder to secure long-term funding. That issue is raised Mr Hayes: Absolutely. The survey that I have just by Members on both sides of the House every month at mentioned—the biggest survey, producing the best ever BIS questions. The Government may have introduced results in terms of satisfaction—showed that 92% of some measures to provide finance to small businesses, apprentices were satisfied with their apprenticeship, and but they are clearly not doing enough. Is it not time to that 88% of the businesses that took on apprentices felt develop some new policies? they had gained a business benefit. That information is critical to guiding our policy, described last week by the Greg Clark: All Members of the House recognise the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, which I need to encourage banks to lend to small businesses. went before dutifully, as a flagship. My apprenticeship There is some good news; the volume of lending to policy: our victory. small businesses in 2011—the latest year for which figures are available—was £75 billion, a rise of 13%, but Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ there is more to be done. With my colleagues in the Co-op): Hackney community college does excellent Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, we are innovative work on apprenticeships, but along with doing everything we can to encourage banks to lend to other further education colleges it faces a 7% cut this small businesses. year. Earlier, the Minister waxed lyrical about increasing social mobility, and in my constituency and others in Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): Will the Minister east London, further education is a crucial way for join me in congratulating Advanced Insulation, a firm adults who missed out to get back on track, often even in my constituency, which has just won the Queen’s before they get to the apprenticeship stage. What message award for enterprise? Does he agree that such firms are does the Minister have for my constituents, as the emblematic? We need to demonstrate that we are good college has to cut back further? at innovating and exporting, and that that is the direction of travel for economic growth. Mr Hayes: The message is plain: further education has never been given the priority in the past that it has been given by this Government. It is about the flexibilities Greg Clark: I will indeed join my hon. Friend in and freedoms to respond to need in the hon. Lady’s congratulating that company. In fact, a record number constituency and elsewhere. Further education, once of the recent Queen’s awards, announced last month on the Cinderella sector, when I became the Minister found Her Majesty’s birthday, were for small businesses, which its Prince Charming. shows that this country’s small businesses have a huge amount to contribute to the future success of the nation. Mr Speaker: I sometimes think that the Minister of State would like dedicated oral questions for himself Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): Yesterday I met alone, but I am not aware that the House has any plans 35 small businesses that borrowed money to fuel growth to provide such, so I hope he can contain his disappointment but now feel that they were mis-sold interest rate swap at that news. products by their banks. There is a real urgency to investigate that issue before more otherwise healthy Business Growth companies are brought down. Will the Minister join us in calling for banks, while they are investigating whether these products were mis-sold, not to foreclose on companies 9. Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): What support his that are falling behind because of these products? Department is giving to small and medium-sized businesses to enable them to grow. [109155] Greg Clark: If the allegations are correct, the companies will need assistance to cope. An investigation on that is The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation about to conclude. I will take the matter forward with and Skills (Greg Clark): To drive growth, we are reducing the hon. Gentleman and am happy to discuss it outside the cost of lending to small businesses by keeping this place with his Front Benchers. interest rates low and through specific measures such as the national loan guarantee scheme. We are also stripping away red tape, including a three-year moratorium on Caravans (Hull) domestic regulation for micro-businesses. 10. Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): Henry Smith: Will my right hon. Friend update the If he will assess the commercial prospects of the House on the progress the Government have made in caravan manufacturing industry in and around Hull. reducing the burden of EU regulation on small and [109156] medium-sized enterprises? The Minister of State, Department for Communities Greg Clark: Yes. My hon. Friend will be aware that in and Local Government (Greg Clark): The Government Brussels the Prime Minister secured an agreement from recognise the important contribution of caravan the EU Commission that any future regulation should manufacturing to Hull and the importance of the caravan be assumed not to apply to small businesses unless a industry in other areas. I am aware of the concerns case were proved that it needed to do so. The Prime across the country about the effects of the proposed Minister has secured a significant step forward. VAT changes. Although that is clearly a matter for the 1275 Oral Answers24 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 1276

Treasury, as the hon. Lady understands, she will know to trade, and given that it is such an important exporter, that I, as Minister for cities, have a personal commitment will the Minister speak to the Immigration Minister to and interest in the future success of Hull. If she or and urge him to change these rules? other Members would find it helpful, I am happy to visit Hull over the next few weeks to meet manufacturers. Mr Willetts: Of course we are in close contact with the Home Office on the implementation of these rules, Diana Johnson: If the coalition really is supportive of but the key point is that there is no cap on the number Hull and caravan manufacturing, can the Minister explain of overseas students who can come to Britain. I take why the Treasury thinks that putting VAT at 20% on every opportunity on trade missions abroad, as do the static caravans, which we know will result in a 30% drop Prime Minister and other members of the Government, in the market, less money going to the Treasury and to communicate very clearly in crucial counties such as 7,000 job losses across the country, will help manufacturing India that there is no limit on the number of legitimate in my city? students with the appropriate qualifications who would be very welcome to come here and study at British Greg Clark: As I think the hon. Lady knows—I also universities. pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart) and other Members across Exports (Far East) the House who have raised concerns about the impact of the proposal—the consultation has been extended. 12. Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): What steps She and others have had meetings with Treasury Ministers he is taking to promote exports to the far east; and if and clearly made a forceful case, because the extension he will make a statement. [109158] has been made. I know that Ministers are seriously considering this matter. I will be happy to meet her and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, manufacturers. I know the importance of the caravan Innovation and Skills (Norman Lamb): Through UK industry; when I was growing up I spent my holidays in Trade & Investment, we are promoting exports to Asia a static caravan on the north-east coast. I am keen to do and to the far east by campaigning for better market what I can. access and by improving market conditions for UK businesses. For example, we are lobbying for the start of Russell Group formal free trade agreement negotiations between the European Union and Japan, and for the successful 11. Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) conclusion of an ambitious EU-Singapore free trade (LD): When he last met representatives of the Russell agreement this year. We also provide targeted support group; and what matters were discussed. [109157] services for UK businesses.

The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Nicholas Soames: Will the Minister join me in welcoming Willetts): I met vice-chancellors from the Russell group the exceptional work of the Prime Minister, the Trade on 8 March at an event at Nottingham university. We and Investment Minister, the Foreign Secretary and all discussed university access, research and international those other Ministers who are doing a great deal to issues. promote British trade to the far east? Does the Minister agree that it will do our cause no good if senior business Mr Kennedy: I thank the Minister for that reply. On men in the far east, wanting to come here and take part access, particularly for international students, he must in business exchanges, find it difficult to get a visa to do be aware of how loudly alarm bells are now ringing in so? May I urge him to take every step to resolve that the Russell group and the tertiary education sector right question? across the UK because of the plummeting number of applications from international students as a result of Norman Lamb: I absolutely share my right hon. Friend’s the Home Office’s net migration targets. As this is worth comments about the incredibly valuable work undertaken nearly £8 billion a year to UK plc, can he not put by the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and pressure on his Home Office colleagues to see sense? the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. During the Prime Minister’s recent visit, deals Mr Willetts: The latest evidence from UCAS shows worth £546 million were secured from south-east Asia, that applications to British universities from outside the but I understand the concern that my right hon. Friend EU are going up, but it is absolutely right that we the Member for Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames) raises should back our very successful higher education sector. about visas, and I will certainly look into them. It is not a business, but it does have a lot of exports and the 400,000 students who come here from abroad to Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Has the study can be regarded as an export success. That is why Minister read last week’s pamphlet, by one of the most there is no limit on the number of genuine students who brilliant and prescient Members among us, which states: can come to the UK to study. There is no cap on their “It is noteworthy that other developed countries have re-oriented numbers. their export profiles more effectively than Britain has done, raising doubts about whether we are keeping pace with our EU Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): I want to partners in promoting British commercial interests in the emerging reinforce the point that the right hon. Member for Ross, economies”? Skye and Lochaber (Mr Kennedy) just put to the Minister. That sentence was written by the hon. Member for The new visa regime is causing huge instability and Orpington (Joseph Johnson), who is sitting behind the sending a very discouraging signal internationally. Given Minister. Could they swap jobs, so that we have a trade how important the HE sector and the Russell group are Minister who knows what to do? 1277 Oral Answers24 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 1278

Norman Lamb: I will ignore that abuse. Mr Willetts: One reason why we have protected the science and research budget and, for the first time, Mr Willetts: Hear, hear. Rise above it. included the research funding going to universities via the Higher Education Funding Council for England is Norman Lamb: I will rise above it, absolutely. so that our universities can be confident that they have secure and protected research funding for the life of this Exports to the far east are growing very significantly. Parliament. UK exports to China have grown by 15% over the past year, for example, and we are working hard to secure a Mr Kevan Jones: Durham university is not only world- free trade agreement with Japan, which would deliver class but, along with the other four universities in the significant benefits to the UK. north-east, a key driver of the regional economy. What assessment has the Minister made of the visa changes Mr Speaker: Iain McKenzie. Not here. and the capacity of Durham, and those other four universities, to attract overseas students, especially when Higher Education (Economic Growth) we read in the press that students from India and other countries are choosing Canada and the United States, 15. Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): What rather than the UK? recent assessment he has made of the contribution of the higher education sector to economic growth. Mr Willetts: Let us be clear about what the Government [109164] have done. We have tackled abuse in bogus colleges and the issue of overseas students who, sadly, did not have 17. Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): the necessary academic qualifications to benefit from What recent assessment he has made of the contribution coming into higher education in this country. That of the higher education sector on economic growth. abuse had to be tackled. We now have a clear message [109166] that legitimate students are welcome, with no cap on numbers, to come from anywhere in the world to study at British universities. I work very closely with our 20. Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): What universities, including the university of Durham, on recent assessment he has made of the contribution of trade missions to get that very positive message out the higher education sector to economic growth. across the world. [109170]

The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Energy Pricing Willetts): Higher education contributes to growth. We have just had universities week, celebrating our universities’ 16. David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): What contribution to the Olympics, to the economy and to discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for national life, and estimates by Universities UK indicate Energy and Climate Change on the potential effect on that higher education contributes more than £31 billion process manufacturing of the Government’s policy on to our GDP.University education is of course, however, energy pricing. [109165] also worth while in itself—in ways that cannot be measured by economists. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Norman Lamb): The Secretary of Paul Blomfield: The Minister acknowledges the State regularly meets the Secretary of State for Energy importance of higher education as a major export earner. and Climate Change to discuss energy and climate Does he therefore agree with his hon. Friend the Member change policies, including their impact on manufacturing. for Orpington (Joseph Johnson), who wrote an excellent We are committed to ensuring that manufacturing remains piece in the Financial Times last week, arguing that we competitive, and in the autumn statement we announced should catch up with our competitors and stop classifying a package worth £250 million to reduce the impact of students as migrants, as part of a strategy to win a policies affecting the cost of electricity for electricity- bigger market share for our world-class university system? intensive industries most at risk of carbon leakage.

Mr Willetts: I absolutely support the objective in that David Mowat: In January, the Department of Energy statement of winning a greater market share for our and Climate Change published figures which say that higher education sector, and we can be very proud of 18% of electricity costs for business go towards supporting the international demand from students wanting to the renewables industry. Last week, in the Financial study at our higher education institutions. There is no Times, the chief executive officer of Solvay said that cap on the number who come here, and we will do high energy prices are a bigger issue for his business in everything possible to correct any misunderstandings the UK than the eurozone crisis. What assurance can around the world which may be inhibiting people from the Minister give us that as we decarbonise, we do it as applying. cheaply as possible to ensure that we minimise value destruction and the number of jobs lost? Mr Thomas: At a time when many mainstream universities are extremely worried about where sufficient Norman Lamb: I give the hon. Gentleman that absolute funding for research, which is vital to Britain’s long-term reassurance. In terms of global carbon emissions, it economic growth, will come from, why does the Minister makes no sense for a business to relocate to another think that a multi-million pound VAT cut for commercial country, so we will do everything we can to ensure that universities is a good use of public funds? businesses remain competitive. 1279 Oral Answers24 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 1280

Topical Questions They said that they would support different industries, from defence to renewables, but they have failed to do T1. [109171] George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): so. They boasted that their regional growth fund would If he will make a statement on his departmental create more than half a million jobs, but the National responsibilities. Audit Office tells us that it has created less than a tenth of that. We have always known that Tory-led Governments The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David are heartless. Do today’s figures not demonstrate that Willetts): My Department has a key role in supporting they are hopeless too? the rebalancing of the economy and businesses to deliver growth while increasing skills and learning. May I repeat, Mr Willetts: That pre-prepared speech had nothing Mr Speaker, that the Secretary of State has a long-standing to do with the reality of the industrial strategy being commitment to be in Berlin and Düsseldorf and therefore pursued by this coalition, which is delivering big increases regrets not being able to be with us today? in exports to the big markets of the future. Exports to China are up 18%, exports to India are up 29% and George Freeman: Does my right hon. Friend agree exports to Brazil are up 11%. Employment is up, inflation that the UK’s life sciences in areas such as biomedicine, is down and public borrowing is down. [Interruption.] clean energy and agriculture offer a huge potential opportunity for us to drive a sustainable recovery here Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Member for Hartlepool in the UK by supporting sustainable development in (Mr Wright) is usually such a measured and emollient the developing world, and that our science base, not fellow. He must calm himself. least in Norwich research park in my county of Norfolk, has a key part to play in that revolution? Mr Willetts: We are committed to working with all our partners across the British economy, including business, Mr Willetts: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. to ensure that there is investment in the high-tech Indeed, I will be visiting Norwich research park later businesses of the future. Just the recent announcements today and will be able to announce £250 million of of investments in General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover research funding going into life sciences across the and GlaxoSmithKline show that the strategy is bearing country. Alongside the commitment to human health fruit. that we have already made, this will be a commitment to research in animal health, plant breeding and the T6. [109176] Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): Last week, agricultural industries of the future. UK Trade & Investment put on an extremely useful event for businesses in my constituency and that of my Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): This Government hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey). inherited an economy that was growing, with Subsequently, my constituent, Simon Chater, has expressed unemployment falling and a recovery settling in. The concern about the cost to small and medium-sized revised GDP estimate for the first quarter of this year, enterprises of using the overseas market introduction far from being revised up, as some expected, has just service. Will the Minister confirm that UKTI is doing been revised down. With the country in a double-dip all it can to support SMEs that are seeking to export, recession created by this Government, 50 businesses including working with other Departments to identify going under every single year, and over 2.6 million new markets? people out of work, this shambolic Government have been squabbling over a report produced by a millionaire Tory donor that suggests that all would be well were it The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, not for people’s rights at work. Why on earth are they Innovation and Skills (Norman Lamb): I was delighted going along with this nonsense instead of, for example, to hear about the event in my hon. Friend’s constituency. implementing the active industrial strategy that we need? I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge (Margot James), who has made arrangements with Mr Willetts: Let us be clear: this coalition Government 70 MPs to hold similar events around the country. We also inherited an economy that had been hit by a major have to do a lot to encourage SMEs to export. The level financial crisis because of Labour’s failure to regulate of exports from our SMEs is below the European financial services, and unsustainable levels of Government average, so we need to tackle that. Many UKTI services, borrowing which the head of the International Monetary including its initial consultations, are free. It has a Fund said earlier this week caused her to shiver when particular focus on helping SMEs to increase their she thought what would have happened if they had not exports. been tackled. We are committed, rightly, to reducing the burden of red tape and regulation on the economy, and T2. [109172] Mr Nicholas Brown (Newcastle upon Tyne alongside that we are constructively investing in and East) (Lab): The Government have recently designated supporting the industries of the future. Tyneside a centre for offshore renewable energy. In welcoming that designation, I ask the Minister to set Mr Umunna: This is a no-growth Government with out the economic development advantages of such a their head in the sand. They blame businesses, they designation. What assistance can the initiative expect blame the people who work in them, and now they from UKTI, which operates under BIS? Will Ministers blame the eurozone, when countries such as Germany urge senior officials to visit Tyneside, and to promote and France are not in recession and we are. They said this Government initiative at home and abroad? that they would increase lending to small businesses, but there has been a net contraction in lending to small Mr Speaker: Even former Chief Whips are supposed businesses in every single month of this Government. to ask only one question. 1281 Oral Answers24 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 1282

The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation T4. [109174] Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): I and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk): The right hon. Gentleman am an avid viewer of “The Apprentice”, and I enjoy raises an important industry and an important location. trying to work out who is next in Lord Sugar’s firing The local enterprise partnership is doing very well in line. As television it is brilliant, but it is far removed that area and we are encouraging offshore energy through from the real world of people trying to find work, stay the work of UK Green Investments. If there were in work and prosper in it. Can a Minister explain to me additional points in his comprehensive question, I know how making it easier to sack people will create the jobs that the relevant Ministers will be happy to deal with that my constituents in Lewisham so desperately need? them. Norman Lamb: The clear message that should go out T7. [109177] Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old is that the best way to get the best out of employees is to Southwark) (LD): The Government’s introduction of recruit well and invest in staff, and in that way to the national careers service is welcome. The Business maximise productivity. I remain far from convinced Secretary has made it clear that there must be face-to-face that taking protection away from 25 million employees careers advice for targeted groups of adults. Will the in the UK would do much for confidence in this country. Department try to win the argument across Government, including in the Department for Education, that face-to-face Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Is the Minister aware careers guidance is vital for everybody, and that mentoring that Harlow has the highest business growth in the for all young people in an important complementary United Kingdom and a new enterprise zone that will project? open next year and create 5,000 new jobs? Will the Minister of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark), who is responsible for Learning (Mr John Hayes): It was Odysseus who entrusted cities, visit Harlow, even though it is a town, and see Mentor with the guidance of his son, as now the nation’s what more we can do for jobs and growth? sons and daughters are entrusted to me. To that end, we have set up the first all-age careers service in England’s The Minister of State, Department for Communities and history. It is right that schools should have a statutory Local Government (Greg Clark): It would be a pleasure duty to secure independent and impartial advice and to come back to Harlow with my hon. Friend. We are guidance. The right hon. Gentleman is correct that about to conclude the first round of city deals, but I will face-to-face guidance is an important element of that. I make an announcement shortly to invite other places commit to having further discussion to see what more across the country, especially those that have prospects we can do to ensure that such guidance happens. of high growth, as I know Harlow does, to put their innovative ideas forward. T3. [109173] Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): It is six years this year since the collapse of Farepak. The T5. [109175] Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): victims have still not received any of their money back, Will the Minister for Universities and Science reassure even though the administrators’ costs to wind up the the House that the introduction of any student premium company far outstripped the minimal compensation to offset the impact of tuition fee increases, as proposed that they will eventually receive. Does the Minister earlier this week by the Deputy Prime Minister, will not understand just how frustrated Farepak customers and be at the expense of the funding that is provided for the agents are, and does he have any positive progress to widening participation premium and currently allocated report? to universities by the Higher Education Funding Council for England?

Norman Lamb: This whole saga has been a nightmare Mr Willetts: I have just written to the Office for Fair for those affected by it, and I have enormous sympathy Access and HEFCE to ask them to assess the effectiveness with them for the plight that they have suffered, which of the very large amount of money that is now used for has dragged on for so long. The hon. Lady and I have that purpose through the widening participation premium had one attempt to meet, and I am happy to meet her and universities’ access funding. We fully recognise that and work with her to assist those who have been affected. the different strands of money have different purposes, and that some of it is there to meet universities’ particular Adam Afriyie (Windsor) (Con): When it comes to needs through WPP funding. growth in small businesses, I commend the Minister for Universities and Science for the energy and intelligence Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): As someone with which he has enacted high-tech policies for high-growth who benefited from a similar scheme in the 1990s, may I industries. However, we must be careful not to pick ask the Minister to update the House on the progress of individual winners within those sectors. Does he agree the new enterprise allowance scheme? Will he ensure that backing Britain’s successful high-tech sectors is the that it is yet another flagship programme, like the new key to releasing economic growth and securing the jobs apprenticeship schemes? and competitive international advantage that we should enjoy? Mr Prisk: I am happy to assure my hon. Friend that the scheme is a great way of ensuring that we provide Mr Willetts: I agree with my hon. Friend. It is important microfinance and experienced business advice. That is that we act on the advice that we get about the big, what the allowance is specifically designed to do. We general-purpose technologies of the future and do not have examined past models that have worked, and this randomly hand out grants to particular businesses, as one will help thousands of unemployed people become happened all too often in the past. self-employed people. 1283 Oral Answers24 MAY 2012 Oral Answers 1284

T8. [109180] Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): Do the Government (Lab): Can the Government clear up the confusion on accept the evidence from R3 that businesses in their own Benches? What part of the Beecroft report administration find it expensive or impossible to trade do the Government accept, and what part do they because of the ransom tactics of suppliers, particularly reject? on-suppliers. Will they address the shortcomings in the Insolvency Act 1986, which fails to provide firms with Norman Lamb: The Government are implementing the protections they would have under chapter 11 in the many elements of the Beecroft report. In fact, Adrian United States? Beecroft has already had discussions with officials in my Department and his report includes a lot of measures Norman Lamb: I will look into the issue the hon. that the Department was already considering implementing. Gentleman raises and will be happy to discuss it with A call for evidence is out on no-fault dismissal, and it is him. right to examine the international evidence. We will report after that evidence has been collated. Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I am sure all hon. Members welcome the publication of the Enterprise Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): May I urge and Regulatory Reform Bill, which sets out some great Ministers to ignore the canned melodrama of the shadow initiatives, including the Green investment bank and the Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary on the Beecroft fight against red tape. Will the Minister work with local report? Will the Minister confirm that the current call government to ensure that it applies regulations judiciously for evidence from very small businesses in Britain will as opposed to ferociously? be objective? Mr Prisk: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Norman Lamb: I can absolutely confirm that. It is primary authority scheme, which was started by Labour, always right to base policy on evidence—[Laughter.] will be extended under this Government to ensure that the enforcement of regulation, which is often just as Mr Speaker: Order. The Minister is seeking to respond burdensome as the red tape itself, will be appropriate in in a very professional way. Whether Members agree that locality. with him or not, they ought to hear him. Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): Norman Lamb: I am very grateful, Mr Speaker. Sixty redundancies have been announced today at the It is interesting to note that the evidence gathered open-cast mine at Kirkconnel. It is in the constituency from Germany suggests that there was very little change of the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, but it will to the level of employment in small businesses after the affect my constituency in east Ayrshire. What are the reforms. Government doing to support the coal industry?

Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): The Million+ Mr Willetts: Earlier this week we produced our energy group of universities has concluded that the new fees strategy, which involves ensuring not just a fair deal for regime to be imposed on mature students will deter consumers, but sustaining investment in energy in Britain. many thousands of them from going to university. That will damage their life chances, and it could damage the Mr Speaker: Order. I do not want the Minister to lose universities, but it will also restrict the talent available in his handkerchief. It is about to fall out, but I am sure he our economy. Will the Government think again about can rescue it. fees for mature students? Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): May we have an Mr Willetts: Many mature students are part-time answer to the question from my hon. Friend the Member students, to whom this Government have for the first for Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) from a Conservative time extended loans to cover the cost of fees. That is one Minister? Why is it easier to hire people if it is easier to of the many features of our higher education reforms of fire them? which we are very proud.

Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): I am sure the House Norman Lamb: It is important that we have a business will join me in celebrating the fact that SMS Electronics environment in this country that attracts inward investment. in Beeston in Broxtowe has been a lucky recipient of a However, interestingly, surveys show that employment Queen’s award for enterprise. Many small businesses tell protection is not one of the barriers that those seeking me and others that they need less regulation and oppressive to invest in the UK see. red tape if they are to grow. Will a Minister please confirm something that I was told today: that under the Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): From today’s previous Government, there were six new regulations answers about regulation, it appears that, in the every working day? Government’s eyes, progress has already been made. Why, then, has growth slowed so far that we are now Mr Prisk: There were six regulations every working back in recession? Does that not show that all this day under the previous Government. I am proud to say deregulation is not working and that we need measures that instead of having 1,500 Labour regulations every to increase demand? year, this Government have reversed the pattern. There were just 89 last year. That is real progress, and good for Mr Willetts: Growth has slowed because of the problems businesses in my hon. Friend’s constituency and across in the eurozone driven partly by levels of regulation the country. much greater than those in Britain. 1285 24 MAY 2012 Business of the House 1286

Business of the House questions to answer in the House? It is perfectly reasonable for them to arrange their trips at other times of the week. 11.34 am Yesterday, the Government published the Enterprise Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): Will the Leader of and Regulatory Reform Bill. The Leader of the House House please give us next week’s business? announced a moment ago that the Bill would be the first thing we considered on our return. The Bill contains The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir George Young): a small section on employment law. Will he reassure the Next week’s business would not take very long, but the House that the Government will not bring forward business for the week commencing 11 June will be: amendments to the Bill to implement more of the MONDAY 11 JUNE—Second Reading of the Enterprise Beecroft report? and Regulatory Reform Bill. The senior Liberal Democrat Back-Bencher, the right TUESDAY 12 JUNE—Second Reading of the Defamation hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith), Bill, followed by motion on a European document introduced a petition this week opposing the Government’s relating to the proceeds of crime. decision to impose a caravan tax. I thought I must have missed him in the Division Lobby when the Opposition WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE—Opposition Day [1st allotted tried to prevent the Government from introducing this day]. There will be a debate on an Opposition motion. unfair tax, but according to Hansard he voted for it. Subject to be announced. The Liberal Democrats voted for the pasty tax and THURSDAY 14 JUNE—There will be a debate on mental pretended to oppose it in their constituencies, and now health. The subject for this debate was previously suggested they campaign against the caravan tax, which they by the Backbench Business Committee. voted for. Is there any bit of this bungled Budget that I should also like to inform the House that the business they are prepared to support in their constituencies? in Westminster Hall for Thursday 14 June will be: These Liberal Democrat tactics are clearly infectious, THURSDAY 14 JUNE—Debate on piracy off the coast of because four Conservative Back Benchers have started Somalia. doing the same thing: they have introduced petitions opposing the caravan tax that they voted for. Will the Ms Eagle: I thank the Leader of the House for his right hon. Gentleman find time for a statement to statement. Twenty four years ago today, Parliament remind his Back Benchers that if they want to campaign passed legislation introducing section 28 into law. It was in their constituencies against Government policy, they a nasty, discriminatory law that caused a lot of bullying should at least vote against it when the matter is before and misery. After a fierce three-year battle, in the teeth this House? People are beginning to notice. of Tory opposition, we repealed it in government. Last Ministers have recently been complaining that the week, I asked the right hon. Gentleman about the country has not been working hard enough. We have to Government’s position on equal marriage. In reply, he wonder what planet they are on. Families up and down spoke eloquently about the importance of equality, the country are struggling to make ends meet, worried but by an unfortunate oversight—I am sure it was an about job security, worried about how they will afford oversight—he omitted to answer my question. This rising fuel and food bills, and angry that the Government morning, the Government’s position has become clear. are doing nothing to help. Can the Leader of the House Lacking the courage of the Prime Minister’s convictions confirm that when Ministers complain that the country and threatened with a growing revolt in the Cabinet, needs to work harder, they are in fact thinking about the they have decided to grant those opposed to equal Prime Minister? We learn this week that his aides say marriage a free vote, meaning that the Government’s that he spends flagship policy on equal rights will become law only “a crazy, scary amount of time playing Fruit Ninja”. with Labour support. Will he arrange for the Home Secretary to make a statement to say when legislation We have a Chancellor who is trying to do two jobs—both will be introduced, because there was no sign of it in the badly—while the Prime Minister fills his time slicing Queen’s Speech? fruit on his iPad. The Prime Minister was no doubt delighted to receive On a day when the Office for National Statistics has from Steve Hilton his leaving gift, a copy of the Beecroft announced that the double-dip recession is worse than report, which is the worst attack on workplace protection we thought, Liberal Democrats and Conservative Ministers in a generation. His gratitude was clearly short lived, are slugging it out in public. The Conservative party is because only a few days later No. 10 was briefing The fighting among itself on equal marriage and House of Daily Telegraph: Lords reform. Government Back Benchers are denouncing “No one really has any idea what went on with this report, it in their constituencies the measures that they voted for was very much Steve Hilton’s project. The whole thing is a bit in Parliament. Does the Leader of the House not think dodgy and we wish it had never happened”. that instead of losing his temper and ranting at the Dispatch Liberal Democrat and Conservative Ministers have spent Box, the Prime Minister should just get a grip? the last few days fighting over it, and the shambles has continued with the report’s author attacking the Business Sir George Young: I wait patiently for questions about Secretary by calling him a “socialist”. Only a hedge next week’s business, but they are pretty hard to find. Let fund boss and Tory donor could call someone who me go through the issues that the hon. Lady touched on. voted for a tax cut for the richest 1% a socialist. Where The Government are consulting on equal marriage, was the Business Secretary today, by the way? He was in which is something that the Labour party did not Berlin. Will the Leader of the House prevent Secretaries consult on, or indeed do anything about, when it was in of State from being out of the country when there are government for 13 years. The consultation is under way; 1287 Business of the House24 MAY 2012 Business of the House 1288 it has not finished. Along with other issues that involve explained that the Government’s view was that it was matters of conscience, it seems to me perfectly proper much better that an animal be stunned before slaughter, that this matter should be subject to a free vote on this but that there were certain sensitive religious issues side of the House, and that is what we plan to do. involved. There is some evidence that the incidence of We had a statement on Beecroft on Monday. We have non-stunning exceeds that required for religious reasons. also had BIS questions, a large chunk of which were all I do not recall the exact words that I used a week ago, about Beecroft, and I am not sure that the Leader of the but I think I am right in saying that I told my hon. Friend House can usefully add to what has already been said. that the Government had the matter under review. I will ask the Home Secretary to write to my right hon. The hon. Lady asked about the Enterprise and Friend to bring him up to date with our proposals. Regulatory Reform Bill, which has been published. The Bill, which will be debated when we come back, sets out the Government’s proposals on the subject. Of course Dame Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): the Government will listen to the House if it proposes The Leader of the House will be aware that, while we amendments to the Bill. For her to ask me to rule out are not seeking to reduce the hours that the House any Government amendments is to say that we should works, many of us wish to rearrange them. Has he any be denied the opportunity of listening to the views of information on when the Procedure Committee will the House, including those of Opposition Members, so report on this issue? When it does so, will he ensure that of course we will be in listening mode on that issue. there is a full debate on the matter, with amendable motions, on the Floor of the House? On VAT on static caravans, the Chancellor announced a number of measures in the Budget to address anomalies Sir George Young: That question would have been and loopholes. We extended the consultation period on better answered by my right hon. Friend the Member the measures to 18 May, and we are now considering for East Yorkshire (Mr Knight). The Procedure Committee the consultation responses, including the petitions that is conducting an inquiry into our sitting hours, to which hon. Members have presented to the House. The the shadow Leader of the House and I have given Government will respond on the issue of static caravans evidence, and I understand that it is making good later in the summer. progress. I hope that it will produce its report before the On not supporting in the Division Lobbies that which summer recess and that the House will find time to Members may have supported in early-day motions, I debate it. I also hope that the report will be structured would just remind the hon. Lady of the incident with in such a way as to enable the House to vote on a series the post office closures in the last Parliament. We tabled of options, so that Members’ preferences can be indentified a motion that very closely resembled early-day motions before we move on to the next stage. that had been signed by Government Members, and then, miraculously, they were not in the Lobby when the Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Good news, Division was called. I therefore think she needs to be Mr Speaker! Since I asked my question last week, the cautious about that. Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has As for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s now put the minutes of many of its board meetings on temper, I am amazed that the hon. Lady has the audacity its website. They reveal a lack of attendance by most of to raise that, in the light of the somewhat irrational its members. Indeed, at the meetings on 30 January and behaviour at times of the previous Prime Minister. 8 March, no board members attended, other than the chairman. They participated by telephone instead, and Mr Greg Knight (East Yorkshire) (Con): May we have one assumes that that enabled them to qualify for their a debate—[Interruption.] £400 daily allowance. Given that the meeting of 8 March “had been convened in order to consider the outcome of the Mr Speaker: Order. The House is getting a little over- consultation on MPs’ pension contributions and to approve IPSA’s excited. First, it is seemly if it does not do so. Secondly, corporate plan for 2012/13”, the right hon. Gentleman, the Chair of the Procedure does the Leader of the House agree that, at the very Committee, is an extremely senior Member of the House— least, we as Members should have a debate on what the one might say he was a cerebral and celebrated figure—who IPSA board is up to? should be heard with courtesy. Sir George Young: IPSA is an independent body set Mr Knight: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am obliged; I up by the House to adjudicate on our pay and pensions. did not realise. There might be an opportunity to address the issue of May we have a debate on reducing unnecessary animal membership when the terms of office of some existing suffering? Has the Leader of the House seen the recent members run out and the question of reappointment, remarks made by Professor Bill Reilly, the ex-president or the appointment of new members, arises. My hon. of the British Veterinary Association? He said that it Friend’s intervention shows the effectiveness of Back-Bench was “unacceptable” to slit the throats of cattle, lambs Members in getting results at business questions. I and chickens without first stunning them. Given that remind him that he had an opportunity, I think earlier this unacceptable practice is rife and is even used in this week, to cross-question members of IPSA about cases when the customer does not require it, when are their performance. No doubt he took that opportunity the Government going to take action? when it presented itself.

Sir George Young: I refer my right hon. Friend to the Margaret Hodge (Barking) (Lab): The Leader of the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for House might have seen an article in The Daily Telegraph Ealing Central and Acton (Angie Bray) last week. I today which contained a leak of written evidence that 1289 Business of the House24 MAY 2012 Business of the House 1290

[Margaret Hodge] in the hope that the outcome might then look better. I will seek the necessary assurances and convey them had been given in confidence to the Public Accounts to him. Committee. All the members of my Committee will be extremely distressed at this, as the evidence was very Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): I know the sensitive and the leak could cause damage to those who Leader of the House is a keen cyclist—possibly the provided it and to the companies involved. In the most celebrated cyclist in the House. May we have a circumstances, will the Leader of the House confirm statement on what support the Government can give to that he and the officials of the House and the Government Yorkshire’s bid to bring the grand départ of the Tour de will co-operate fully with the leak inquiry that I have France to our great county? instituted on behalf of the Committee? Sir George Young: Modesty forbids me from endorsing Sir George Young: As a former Chairman of a Select the claim that I am the most famous cyclist in the Committee, I know just how damaging leaks can be to House. I enjoy seeing many of my hon. Friends and those Committees’ cohesiveness and effectiveness. The many Opposition Members at the bicycle shed after the right hon. Lady will know the process that can be last Division of an evening. I applaud my hon. Friend, instituted to conduct a leak inquiry. It is initially a who I believe is in touch with the all-party cycling matter for her Committee, but if I remember rightly, the group, which, under the guidance of its chairman, the matter can then be taken to the Liaison Committee. Of hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) has decided course the Government would co-operate if any leak to endorse the Yorkshire bid. As a Government Minister, inquiry then took place. I have to be a little cautious in case a rival bid should come forward from another county—possibly Hampshire. Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Moorlands) (Con): I am Although the Government are neutral, I commend my sure I am not alone in having my postbag filled with hon. Friend’s initiative. correspondence from constituents concerned about planning decisions. In Staffordshire Moorlands, in Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): The particular, there is great concern about some changes to membership of the Backbench Business Committee has roads in Leek that involve the removal of a roundabout. now been elected and waits to be endorsed by the This planning decision was taken in December 2010 House when we return on Monday 11 June. We hope to under Labour’s failed planning laws, so will the Leader have our doors open for business as usual on the following of the House find time for a debate on the Localism Act day, Tuesday 12 June, at 1 pm. Will the Leader of the 2012 and the national planning policy framework and House suggest a way by which I could make such a on how, as a localist document, it will help to ensure public service announcement in a business question? local people feel that their voice is being heard in future planning decisions? Sir George Young: I think that, in a sense, that question contained its own answer. I am delighted that all the Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend parties co-operated—and I include yourself, Mr Speaker for a good example of the improvements that I believe —in ensuring that the Backbench Business Committee will be derived from our new localism agenda. I think was established pretty quickly at the beginning of the we debated this back in March. For the first time, local new Session. I am delighted that it is up and running. people can produce neighbourhood plans, which will Any Members with bids should indeed turn up at become a formal part of the planning system. Although 1 o’clock on Tuesday 12 June in order to put their I cannot promise another debate, there will be an submissions to the hon. Lady’s Committee. opportunity later today, if my hon. Friend so wished, to participate in the Whitsun recess debate to raise this matter. Our reforms strengthen local planning and we Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): I was pleased want local people to decide what they need and how to see that unemployment in Vale of Glamorgan fell their needs should be matched. during the last quarter. I know that the Leader of the House will be more than familiar with Bruce Dickinson, the lead singer of the rock group Iron Maiden, who has Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): There is growing committed to creating 1,000 jobs in my constituency in bewilderment in Europe and concern among the Danish the St Athan enterprise zone over the next 18 months. presidency that the UK is dragging its feet on proposals May we have a debate on enterprise zones and their for Rio+20 that the Government had previously advocated. success or otherwise in creating new employment Will the Leader of the House obtain a clear commitment— opportunities so that best practice can be shared across perhaps from No. 10 or the Cabinet Office—that no the whole United Kingdom? instruction to that effect has been given to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, so that the Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend Prime Minister, who has been appointed by Ban Ki-moon and delighted to hear of the initiative to which he has to do the follow-on from Rio might look extra good referred. On our first Monday back, there might be an afterwards by ensuring that expectations of the outcomes opportunity to develop this further in the context of the from Rio are dampened? Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill. One thing we wanted to do with enterprise zones was to encourage Sir George Young: I doubt whether there is any investment and employment growth in those parts of substance in the hon. Gentleman’s allegations about a the country that had suffered from the recession. I am somewhat sinister conspiracy to dampen expectations pleased to hear that that initiative is now having success, 1291 Business of the House24 MAY 2012 Business of the House 1292 with companies locating in enterprise zones, taking with the least, and reduce spending power and harm local advantage of the tax breaks and other incentives available economies as a consequence; and calls on the Government there. to suspend this policy until a full and independent assessment takes place on the economic impact of the policy and to Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Given that engage meaningfully with all stakeholders affected by this my hospital trust has still not been allocated its budget policy across the UK prior to implementation.] despite the fact that the Government have carried out He will also be aware that a significant number of those three financial appraisals of the hospital, costing hundreds sitting on the coalition Benches have signed up to it. of thousands of pounds, may we have a debate on the May we soon have a debate—in Government time, but incompetence of Health Ministers? on a free vote—so that we can work out whether the Cable tendency in the coalition is going to oppose Sir George Young: There will be an opportunity on regional pay, which would be of enormous advantage Tuesday 12 June, shortly after the House returns, to put to the nation? questions to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health. In the meantime, I will make some inquiries to see why the hospital trust in the hon. Gentleman’s Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman will know constituency has not apparently had its allocation for that we have asked a commission to look at the whole the current year. issue of regional pay, so I think it would be premature to have a debate before that work is completed, which I Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): The Chancellor wisely believe is expected in the autumn. Thereafter it might be established the Office of Tax Simplification in order to worth while to have a debate on the issue. So far as try to deal with the extraordinary, infamously long and tensions within the Government are concerned, let me complex tax code handed to us by the previous remind the hon. Gentleman that he was a member of a Government. My right hon. Friend may know that, this Government where the tensions within a one-party week, the 2020 Tax Commission launched an excellent Administration were far greater than any tensions in the report, brought forward by the Institute of Directors present two-party Administration. and the TaxPayers Alliance. May we have a debate on this report, on tax simplification and, overwhelmingly, Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): May we on the performance of the Office of Tax Simplification? have a debate on freedom of speech, following on from the news that the Law Society in its conference arm last Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend week banned the session on marriage that was to be for reminding us of the imperative of simplifying the addressed by the distinguished judge Sir Paul Coleridge tax system. He will know some of the initiatives that we and the Marriage Foundation? Does my right hon. have already taken. The Finance Bill is before the Friend, like me, deprecate this suppression of debate on House, so there may be an opportunity to table amendments an area of great public policy importance? to introduce some of the initiatives recommended in the publication he mentioned. There may be an opportunity Sir George Young: I am not sure that it is the responsibility for a further debate when the Finance Bill returns to the of a Minister to comment on that, although I understand Floor of the House. I applaud the work of the Office of my hon. Friend’s views. I will share his concern with my Tax Simplification, and I hope that in future Budgets, right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor or my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will be able to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary—just to see make further progress in making the tax code easier to whether there is a role for Government to play in this. understand.

Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): The Leader Mr David Hamilton (Midlothian) (Lab): The Leader of the House will be aware of early-day motion 55, of the House will be aware that British Airways won the which strongly opposes the concept of regional pay for contract to buy over British Midland Airways. Many of public sector workers: us have concerns about that, but little did we know that [That this House notes the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s in Northern Ireland, the east midlands and Scotland, decision to give Government departments freedom to hundreds and hundreds of people are being made localise public sector pay; believes this will undermine redundant because TUPE does not apply. Will the pay review bodies by shifting wholesale to local bargaining Leader of the House allow us a debate so that Members in the public sector; further believes pay review bodies affected can put their views to the appropriate nationally are a better way of delivering flexibility while Department—whether it be the Department for Business, keeping a lid on costs; considers the Government’s plans Innovation and Skills or the Department for Transport? will set hospital against hospital and school against school; If that cannot happen, will he arrange a meeting between opposes unfair discrimination against nurses, teachers appropriate Members, British Airways and the appropriate and civil servants according to where they live when they Department? are doing the same job; recognises that many successful large national companies use national pay bargaining for Sir George Young: I will certainly use whatever influence their staff pay; further recognises that with record I have to promote a meeting along the lines that the unemployment and more than five jobseekers per job hon. Gentleman suggests. Of course I understand his vacancy across the UK there is little evidence the public concern that TUPE does not apply in the particular sector is crowding out the private sector; further believes circumstances that he outlined. I will share his concern this policy will offer nothing to private sector workers in with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for low pay regions; fears this policy will instead remove Transport to see whether there is a role for her to play in substantial sums from the regions and devolved nations bringing this to a satisfactory conclusion. 1293 Business of the House24 MAY 2012 Business of the House 1294

Esther McVey (Wirral West) (Con): May we have a Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): I shall be working debate on the positive impact that the Government are hard in Dudley next week, but given that we are back in having on Merseyside, given the delivery of the Cruise recession, and given the other huge challenges facing terminal in Liverpool, the Government’s role in securing the country, is it not completely wrong that the House is the future of Vauxhall at Ellesmere Port, and the historic not sitting then? That may suit our chillaxing—whatever signing in China this week of an agreement on significant that means—Prime Minister, and it may suit the part-timers investment in the Wirral enterprise zone? and moonlighters on the Government Benches who prefer to line their pockets as barristers and business Sir George Young: I am surprised that the shadow men instead of doing the full-time job that their constituents Leader of the House did not mention some of the good sent them here to do, but I think that it reflects really news for Merseyside, given her interest in the area. This badly on the standing of the House that we shall not be is an example of our attempts to redirect growth away here for another week. And while we are on the subject, from, for example, the City of London, and to ensure is it not about time— that parts of the country that have had a rough time get the benefit of growth. I am delighted to learn of the Mr Speaker: Order. I think that the hon. Gentleman success that my hon. Friend has described. is saying “Is it not about time that we sat next week?” I have got the gist, and I think that the Leader of the Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): As House has as well. the Leader of the House will know, tonight there is to be a jubilee party for all who work in the House. Does it Sir George Young: The House decided without a concern him that members of staff here are increasingly Division that it would not sit next week or the week worried about their inability to deliver a first-class after. I am not quite sure where the hon. Gentleman was service to Members of Parliament who represent the when we made that decision; perhaps he was not here. people in their constituencies because of cuts, including Let me make a serious point, however. When the House job cuts, and the fact that this place is being run as is not sitting, Members of Parliament are working. though it were a business rather than a service in a Moreover, if the hon. Gentleman compares the first democracy? Indeed, the very security of the Palace of three years of this Parliament with the first three years Westminster is of concern to the people who work here. of the last Parliament, he will see that this Parliament It is about time we woke up and did something about will be sitting for longer. this. May we have a debate on it? Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): High-cost Sir George Young: I join the hon. Gentleman in debt has been a huge problem for many families for paying tribute to those who work for the House. I am years, and now payday lending is growing fast as well. aware of their concerns, and I can reassure the hon. May we have a debate on the new feasibility study by Gentleman that my fellow members of the Commission the Department for Work and Pensions on helping are aware of them as well. Earlier this week I had a credit unions to upscale and modernise so that they can meeting with a staff representative, who shared some of offer a real, reasonably priced alternative? those concerns with me. We want to keep our staff on side. Genuine discussions Sir George Young: My hon. Friend is right: credit are taking place between the management board and unions and community finance organisations have a representatives of those who work in the House, so that key role to play in helping those on low incomes to they can be aware of what we are planning and have an balance their books, particularly when they do not have opportunity to influence decisions before they are made. access to bank accounts. I believe that a week ago a Ultimately this will be a matter for the Commission, but written ministerial statement announced a feasibility we share the hon. Gentleman’s interest in maintaining a study setting out the way forward for credit unions. We good relationship with those who work here. are listening to representations made on the basis of that, and will announce our decisions shortly thereafter. Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con): Boxley’s Butchers, based in Wombourne, has won many prizes Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): May we have over the years for its fantastic produce, including, most a statement on gun law? It is some time since the Home recently, the diamond jubilee pork pie. May we have a Affairs Committee, chaired by my right hon. Friend the debate on how we can encourage the supply and sale of Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz), issued a report more local produce from all our constituencies, including on firearms control. There were some terrible events in Boxley’s pork pies, here in the House of Commons? my constituency on new year’s day, and I think it is time that we had an opportunity to question the Home Sir George Young: Boxley the Butcher could be straight Secretary on the Government’s intentions and on how from Happy Families. we can best protect public safety. I congratulate Boxley’s on what is obviously a high- quality product, and congratulate my hon. Friend on Sir George Young: The Government would normally promoting it. The House is a good showcase for food respond to a Select Committee report within a given and drink. My hon. Friend may know that last October number of weeks—I think that it is eight weeks—and I all nine Members representing Norfolk constituencies hope that we responded in time to that report. However, held a celebration of Norfolk food and drink in the I will raise the hon. Gentleman’s concern about gun law Palace of Westminster. He and fellow Members representing with the Home Secretary, and will ask her to write to his county may wish to follow Norfolk’s initiative. him setting out our proposals in that important area. 1295 Business of the House24 MAY 2012 Business of the House 1296

Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): One of my hon. Friends Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman was a Minister has already raised the issue of animal welfare. May we in, I believe, the Foreign Office, and he will know that in have a debate on animal cruelty, and, in particular, on order to represent this country’s best interests, Ministers the sentences given to those who wilfully seek to kill occasionally have to go abroad. The Business Secretary domestic pets? A case was brought to me by Mrs Angela is fighting for British industry in Germany and helping McDowell of St Anne’s, whose pet had been deliberately to win jobs for this country. It is perfectly appropriate poisoned with anti-freeze in milk. The person who was for Ministers to represent this country abroad occasionally, found guilty received a lenient sentence. even if it means being absent from the House. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman went abroad occasionally when Sir George Young: I understand my hon. Friend’s he was a Foreign Office Minister. strong views. I do not know whether he will be able to raise the issue of animal cruelty at greater length during Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): Last night I the debate on the Adjournment later today, when my learned that the plaque marking my father’s grave has hon. Friend the Deputy Leader of the House will be in been stolen, along with a huge number of other plaques a position to respond. If he cannot do that, I will raise in Beckenham cemetery. I am sure that all Members the issue again with the Home Secretary. There is an share my utter contempt for people who would steal, outstanding commitment in respect of circus animals, and trade in, such memorials. The Government have which the Government will want to honour in due taken some action in relation to the scrap metal industry, course, and that legislation may provide an opportunity but may we have a debate on what other measures for the House to deal with other issues involving animal might be needed, and in particular the proposal raised cruelty. by my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington South (David Mowat) at yesterday’s Prime Minister’s question Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): On a day on on whether this should be an aggravating factor in which we have discovered that the double-dip recession sentencing? is worse than it was expected to be, may I ask whether we can have a debate on the two great challenges with Sir George Young: I am very sorry to hear of what which the Prime Minister has been wrestling over the happened to my hon. Friend’s father’s tombstone; I last 12 months, so that we can learn which of them he understand how distressing that must be. He will know found more daunting—Angry Birds or Fruit Ninjas? what the Prime Minister said at yesterday’s PMQs. We have already taken some steps in the Legal Aid, Sentencing Mr Speaker: I see that the Leader of the House is and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, but we recognise struggling to identify a governmental responsibility, that other measures may well be needed. The Government and I must say that I share his struggle. I think that we are actively considering what further steps we might will move on. take, such as increasing the penalties and having a better regulatory regime for scrap metal, in order to Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): avoid distressing incidents such as that which my hon. May we have a debate on the Government’s support for Friend described. Serbia’s plans to accede to the European Union, given its lamentable record on human rights? That record is Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): Please may we exemplified by article 359 of its penal code, which has have a statement from the Secretary of State for Wales been used to incarcerate my constituent Mr Nick Djivanovic on why this week, out of the blue, she published a since 28 March 2011. A country that continues to use a Green Paper on redrawing the Welsh Assembly boundaries, measure crafted by Marshal Tito to incarcerate political even though the Prime Minister has assured the Welsh prisoners has no place in the European Union which it First Minister that there would be no change in the aspires to join. electoral arrangements without the agreement of the Welsh Assembly? Sir George Young: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. As he will know, any country applying to join Sir George Young: A Green Paper is a Green Paper; it the European Union must meet certain standards on is a consultation. If the hon. Lady has views on this human rights and other related matters, and there can matter, I am sure she would be able to respond to the be no question of an accession when those basic standards Secretary of State for Wales, but I will draw her concerns have not been met. I cannot promise an early debate, to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of but I will pass on to the Foreign Secretary my hon. State, and ask her to write to her. Friend’s deep concern about the issues that he has raised. Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Following the question from the Chairman of the Public Accounts Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): May we have a debate Committee, the Leader of the House now knows that on how many Liberal Democrat Ministers it takes to matters that were before the PAC in private have been represent this country abroad? Things are surely getting leaked to a national newspaper. They were taken in a little bit shoddy when a whole string of Ministers do private on the advice of both the Speaker’s Counsel and not turn up for their questions in the House. The Police the Clerk of Committees, and they were not able to be Minister, the Home Secretary, the Justice Secretary, the verified. Will the Leader of the House confirm that an Culture Secretary and the Business Secretary have all inquiry could be conducted by either the Clerk of the not turned up for questions. It is just not good enough. Committee or the Chairman, and will he also confirm This is the priority: they should be answering questions the penalties available for those found guilty of a breach here, because otherwise we cannot do our job. of parliamentary privilege? 1297 Business of the House24 MAY 2012 Business of the House 1298

Sir George Young: On the latter point, I can, because Gentleman stays on in the Chamber for just a little I was Chairman of the Standards and Privileges Committee, longer, he can develop that theme at greater length—and which has taken action against Members who have perhaps even put it to song. leaked Select Committee documents. Members have been suspended from the House for doing so. The other Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): I believe that this issues are more a matter for the House than for the House has not had a dedicated European affairs Question Leader of the House. I am sure that the Chair of the Time since 1985. As what emanates from Europe affects PAC has noted what my hon. Friend has said about our national life and economy so greatly, will consideration the process of instituting a leak inquiry. be given to reintroducing that? Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): Members across the House are growing increasingly concerned about Sir George Young: If we were to do that, it would the evidence of interest rate swap mis-selling by banks. displace the Question Time of another Department. At Members are hearing about firms in their constituencies present, Question Time is focused on departmental that are being put out of business because of such responsibilities, but responsibilities for Europe stretch hedge fund products. May we have an urgent debate on across various Departments. In the last Parliament, this issue, and ensure that banks do not foreclose on there were cross-cutting questions in Westminster Hall, businesses while investigating whether mis-selling took at which Ministers from a range of Departments answered place only then to have to go back and make compensatory questions on cross-cutting issues. I have to say that I payments after that business has collapsed? think that was a failure, which is why it was discontinued. Against that rather unpromising background, I am not Sir George Young: I share the hon. Gentleman’s concern. sure I can give much encouragement to my hon. Friend. Earlier this week we had a debate on the Financial Services Bill before it went to the other place, and in the Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): Queen’s Speech there is a commitment to legislate on The Equality and Human Rights Commission is being banking reform, so there may be an opportunity in the all but annihilated, and the Government now intend to near future to address these issues. repeal significant sections of the Equality Act 2010. How will this be done? Will it be the subject of a debate Brandon Lewis (Great Yarmouth) (Con): Great on the Floor of the House, and will we have the chance Yarmouth has inherited historically high unemployment to vote on it? rates, so it is pleasing to see that since March unemployment in Great Yarmouth has fallen by 3%. Schemes such as Sir George Young: I think I am right in saying that the enterprise zones, the youth contract, apprenticeships Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill contains clauses and work experience are clearly having a positive impact on the EHRC, so there will be an opportunity for the in my constituency. Will the Leader of the House find hon. Lady to say a few words about this matter when we time for a debate to discuss how we might take such debate that Bill on the first Monday when we return. schemes even further, so as to have higher falls in unemployment in the future? Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): Please may we have a debate on the progress being made Sir George Young: I am pleased to hear of the drop in in tackling the deficit, and has the Leader of the House unemployment in my hon. Friend’s constituency. The found time to review the International Monetary Fund youth contract kicked in last month; hopefully, it will scorecard given to the UK in the late 1970s? provide half a million new opportunities for 18 to 24-year-olds to find work through subsidies to employers. On the Monday when we return, there may be an Sir George Young: My hon. Friend raises a good point. opportunity to develop this theme further in the context In my first Parliament, the IMF visited this country and of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill. Like my the report it produced then sharply contrasts with the hon. Friend, I am heartened by the recent fall in report it has just produced. Speaking from memory, the unemployment, the increase in employment and the then Chancellor, Denis Healey, had to put to his Cabinet progress that is being made in regenerating his part of colleagues a freeze on all public sector capital investment the country. that was not already committed, a freeze on all uprating of benefits and substantial reductions in capital expenditure. Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): Is the One simply has to contrast what the IMF said then, two Leader of the House as excited as I am about the years into the term of a Labour Government, with the prospects of Leicester’s singing sensation, Engelbert benediction it gave to the policies we have been adopting Humperdinck, at this week’s Eurovision song contest? when it came here this week. Will he find time for a debate—or, perhaps, some other parliamentary procedure—so that Members who are fans Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) (Lab/Co-op): of “the Hump” can express their support not only for May we have a debate on one of this country’s treasures his singing, but also for his extensive charity work? from the era of the industrial revolution: our network of canals and waterways? Unfortunately, litter and debris Sir George Young: I applaud his extensive charity can be a considerable problem in our canals, but I am work. There is an opportunity to raise this topic later pleased to be able to say that in Stalybridge we have today: in the upcoming debate on matters to be raised agreed a regular monthly clean-up, paid for by the local before the forthcoming Adjournment almost any issue supermarket. By putting in place similar arrangements, may be discussed with my hon. Friend the Deputy we can open up these assets to an even wider group of Leader of the House, who is in his place. So if the hon. our fellow countrymen. 1299 Business of the House24 MAY 2012 Business of the House 1300

Sir George Young: This is the big society in action. I Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): May we commend what is happening in the hon. Gentleman’s have a debate on the good proposal that Aung San Suu constituency, and I hope other groups will also do what Kyi addresses us all in Westminster Hall? But could we they can to improve the environment in our canals and make that a day to reflect on all the other political rivers. I cannot promise an early debate on this topic, prisoners, perhaps by putting up their portraits and but there will be an opportunity to raise it later today in showing a video of them. I am thinking of Leyla Zana, the debate on matters to be raised before the forthcoming a Turkish parliamentarian—one of us; a Member of Adjournment. Parliament—who has been condemned to 10 years in prison because she speaks up for Kurdish issues. I am Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): The overwhelming majority thinking of Liu Xiaobo, the Chinese Nobel peace prize of the British public will have been delighted with the laureate, who is in the gulag. I am thinking of Dau Van Prime Minister’s response to the question about votes Duong, a Catholic pro-democracy activist who is with for prisoners from the right hon. Member for Belfast his friends in the Vietnamese communist gulag. Interestingly, North (Mr Dodds) during yesterday’s Prime Minister’s neither the Prime Minister, nor the Foreign Secretary questions. Can the Leader of the House confirm that, has had the guts to speak out for these people in recent as far as the Government are concerned, this matter is trips to China and Vietnam. Can we get their portraits closed and that the Government will accept the verdict up and show a video, so that the whole world knows of this House in its vote in the previous Session and will that, whatever the Government do on human rights, we not introduce any further legislation or proposals to as MPs believe in these people, support them and want give prisoners the right to vote? to give them maximum publicity during this great lady’s visit? Sir George Young: As my hon. Friend said, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave a robust response Sir George Young: I listened to what the right hon. yesterday to the question he was asked on prisoner Gentleman said, as did you, Mr Speaker, because many voting. We welcome the fact that the Court has accepted of these issues are more issues for the House—in fact, our arguments that each state should have a wide discretion for both Houses—than for the Government. All I can on implementation. We will be considering the judgment say to him is that his suggestions have clearly been carefully and its implication for the issue of prisoner heard by the Speaker, and it lies more with the Speaker voting in the UK. than with the Government to take them forward.

Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): As a member Mr Speaker: That was a very skilful sidestep. of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, I was concerned to learn this morning that the Government Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): Unemployment have plans to waste thousands of pounds on destroying in Tamworth fell by 3.3% last month and, pleasingly, buzzards’ nests in an attempt to protect game birds. youth unemployment is at a 12-month low. So may I Will the Leader of the House investigate the possibility echo my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth of a debate on how the Government are protecting and (Brandon Lewis) in calling for a debate on job creation, preserving the UK’s native wildlife species? so that we can explore what further measures the Government can take to encourage small and medium-sized Sir George Young: Like the hon. Lady, I saw those enterprises, such as Forensic Pathways in my constituency, reports in the press today, and I understand her concern to recruit still further? about the implications for the buzzard. I will raise the matter with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State Sir George Young: I am delighted to hear that for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and ask her unemployment has fallen in my hon. Friend’s constituency. to write to the hon. Lady. As I said in response to an earlier question, there may be an opportunity to discuss the issue further when we Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): The 177,000 additional debate the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill, which apprenticeships delivered by this Government—an increase contains a number of measures to promote employment. of 63%—have been a real benefit to young people in He will know that we have a national loan guarantee Pendle, where unemployment fell again last month. scheme to get cheaper loans, that we have the most May we therefore have a debate on the importance of competitive business tax system in the developed world apprenticeships and giving all our young people the best by cutting corporation tax and that we are cutting red possible start in life? tape. He will have heard in the exchange with BIS Ministers the other steps we are taking to promote employment in all parts of the country. Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that. I believe that he asked a question on roughly the same lines in Department for Business, Innovation Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): I and Skills questions, but it is a question worth putting understand that private assurances have been given to twice. I say to him, and to all hon. Members, that we coalition Members by Treasury Ministers that the caravan should do all we can to promote apprenticeships in our tax issue will return to the Floor of the House. Can the own constituencies and remind employers of the extensive Leader of the House confirm that that is correct? A help available to firms that want to take on apprentices. number of coalition MPs who voted for the caravan tax He mentioned the rise of 177,000 or 63%, which is a presented petitions against it on Tuesday this week, and huge achievement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary I would like them to be given the opportunity to vote of State and his colleagues at BIS. against it on the Floor of the House. 1301 Business of the House24 MAY 2012 Business of the House 1302

Sir George Young: A large number of hon. Members funerals and weddings, and they cannot appeal because presented petitions on behalf of their constituents, which that takes too long. They have been running up costs of is a perfectly proper thing to do. It is a matter for the up to £1,000, despite cast-iron guarantees that they will House authorities what amendments are selected when return. Will the Leader of the House ensure that we the Finance Bill comes back to the Floor of the House have an urgent debate on whether the policy is being and, indeed, what amendments are proposed in Committee. applied in the same way throughout or perhaps even an On the hon. Lady’s direct question, I have no knowledge explanation from the Minister for Immigration? of any private undertakings that may have been given on this subject. Sir George Young: This is a matter for the Home Office, but I am sure we have all had constituents who Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): Following the theme have had their applications turned down and then found of caravans, a company in my constituency lost a day’s that the process of appeal is somewhat lengthy. In some production because a mobile home and two caravans cases, the best thing to do is simply to reapply, having turned up and camped on its premises. The people taken on board the reason why the refusal was given involved told my constituents that they needed £500 in and sought to overcome it the second time around. I cash or more vehicles would be coming to join them. will share the hon. Lady’s concern with the Minister for The police were sympathetic to my constituents’ case, Immigration and ask him to write to her. but said that this was a civil matter. May we have a debate about the sanctions against intentional trespass? Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): We in this House enjoyed the Humble Address presented to Her Sir George Young: Iamnotalawyer,butwhatmy Majesty the Queen, but we should recognise that when hon. Friend has described sounded to me a little bit like we are away from Parliament we will be celebrating criminal behaviour—trespassing on someone’s land and her diamond jubilee and that that is something we hold then demanding money to go away. I would like to in common with a quarter of the world’s population, share this issue with my right hon. Friend the Home through the Commonwealth. May we have a debate in Secretary to see whether there is a combination of civil Government time when we return about the United or criminal penalties available to cover the circumstances Kingdom’s special relationship with the Commonwealth? that my hon. Friend has described. I understand how disruptive it must have been to have that presence in an Sir George Young: My hon. Friend makes a very industrial estate. positive suggestion. It may be that in the first instance it is appropriate to approach the Backbench Business Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): A number of my Committee to see whether it can organise a debate on constituents have had visitor’s visas refused—they are the Commonwealth, as I would be misleading her if I from India and Pakistan—with alarming regularity. said that in the very near future the Government will be They are missing important family occasions such as able to find time for such a debate. 1303 24 MAY 2012 Feed-in Tariffs Scheme 1304

Feed-in Tariffs Scheme than 6% for most typical, well sited installations, and up to 8% for larger bands. The mechanism for setting 12.27 pm future tariffs that I am publishing today is slightly different from the one we proposed in February. In The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate particular, it should smooth out deployment more evenly Change (Gregory Barker): Today is an important day and provide greater budgetary control and predictability for the UK solar sector. On 9 February, I published a for investors. consultation setting out proposals to ensure the future of the feed-in tariffs scheme for solar PV.These wide-ranging TLC is what I have always set out to provide: reforms will make it a bigger scheme, providing better transparency, longevity and certainty. I believe that that value to consumers and more certainty to both industry is exactly what our new framework will deliver. As we and government. Today, I am announcing the Government’s go forward, predictable and transparent tariff changes final decisions on those proposals and explaining how might be made every three months, at the beginning of we are working in partnership with the industry to November, February, May and August. The amount of make the feed-in tariffs scheme just one part of an even the tariff cut, if any, will be announced at least two bigger plan to ensure a strong framework for the ambitious months in advance and—crucially—it will depend not roll-out of low-cost, high-impact solar installations across on a political judgment, as it did in the old system the UK. introduced by the previous Government, but on uptake In recent weeks, we have received a lot of helpful in the previous three months; so if uptake in May to input from a wide range of stakeholders, including July is very low, we will announce before the end of businesses and consumers, who have entered into really August that there will be no tariff cut in November. The constructive engagement with the Government in a default reduction, if deployment is within the published spirit of genuine partnership and a determination on all thresholds, will be 3.5%. If uptake is higher than that, sides to get the proposals right. I believe that the resulting the cut will be increased. improvements and reforms to the FITs scheme will now All the changes are designed to set a clear, predictable put it on a predictable and sustainable long-term footing framework within which the solar industry can flourish, for householders, communities, business and the UK but we need to go beyond that to unblock any barriers solar industry, so that industry and consumers alike can to the development of solar PV in the UK and to face the future with real confidence. continue the drive towards widespread cost-effective We have listened carefully to what industry has shared deployment. That is why the Department of Energy with us. Our reforms and assumptions have been informed and Climate Change is developing, in partnership with by further independent expert analysis of both the the industry, an enterprise strategy for solar, reflecting technology and installation costs, which remain on an the serious and significant future that solar PV now has encouraging cost path; and we have been monitoring in the UK energy economy, and helping to realise the closely the very latest trends in deployment. As a result coalition’s vision of a far more radically decentralised of that careful listening, we have decided that the continuing energy sector than we inherited. As part of that, I expect cost reductions in PV technology and installation justify solar to feature prominently in the renewable energy further changes in tariffs, but that, to help the sector road map when we update it later in the year. through the period of transition, the changes should be More is needed, however. The huge strides made so made on 1 August, rather than 1 July as we had originally far in bringing solar manufacturing costs down need proposed. now to be repeated in the installation end of the business. On 1 August, we will raise the export tariff for new That is why I have now set up a PV cost reduction solar PV installations from 3.2p to 4.5p better to reflect taskforce, involving leaders from the solar industry, and the real value of solar electricity exported to the grid. will be working proactively with it on the challenge of Generation tariffs will continue to be uprated in line bringing down the installation costs of UK solar PV. with the retail price index, following strong support We will also continue our regular dialogue with the PV from consumers and industry. To bring PV into line manufacturers’ group, which played a key role in helping with the tariffs applied to other feed-in tariff technologies, us to understand the cost drivers and trends in this the lifetime for which tariffs are paid to new installations dynamic industry, and with our FITs PV round table from 1 August will be reduced from 25 years to 20. group, which I will meet again early next week. Those However, that change has been taken into account groups will play a vital role in helping us to monitor when setting generation tariffs, so that the overall rate developments in the solar industry and to support of return is not affected. future decision making, ensuring that UK solar can We set out in our document a range of options for reach its cost-effective potential. In addition, we will reducing tariffs further. but, having listened carefully to continue to invest in science and innovation. The work the sector, I am announcing today that the generation of Research Councils UK supports early stage solar PV tariffs for nearly all installations will be at or above the development, with a commitment to spend about highest of the options we consulted on in February. The £40 million on researching solar technologies between exception is the smallest domestic installations rate, for now and 2014. which we had proposed a range of tariffs from 13.6p to Finally, I welcome a particularly encouraging sign of 16.5p, and for which we have decided on a tariff of 16p. new leadership and confidence in the UK solar industry: The new tariff reflects the particularly strong performance the proposals to establish a national solar centre. That of the industry in bringing down costs in that crucial exciting and far-reaching plan to set up a national solar part of the sector. centre in Cornwall is being developed by Cornwall The tariff for multiple installations will now be set at council and the Building Research Establishment. That 90% of the individual tariffs, up from 80%. Those tariffs is great news for the south-west and further evidence of are designed to give a return on investment of more the solar industry’s coming of age. 1305 Feed-in Tariffs Scheme24 MAY 2012 Feed-in Tariffs Scheme 1306

[Gregory Barker] and more than under Labour, but the number of installations has collapsed since his last cuts came into The solar sector has come through a difficult period force in April. He said that his Government would of adjustment but now, thanks to our major reforms deliver 22 GW of solar power by 2020, but at the and the coalition’s continuing support, it can face the current rate of installation, that target will be missed by future with genuine confidence. more than 100 years. He also said that he would put the industry on a sustainable footing, but a devastated 6,000 people have lost their job as a direct result of his 12.37 pm actions last summer. Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): The Government’s rushed changes to feed-in tariffs I thank the Minister for his statement. Unfortunately go too far and too fast, hitting squeezed families who his office sent the statement and the 39-page consultation are trying to protect themselves from soaring energy response document just over half an hour ago, so I have bills and paralysing an entire industry.Instead of supporting not been able to study it in detail. I was, however, able to businesses, he put thousands of jobs at risk and left the get details of what was in the statement from someone sector living on its nerves. Today was a chance to end at Friends at the Earth, who had been briefed by his the uncertainty and lay out a clear path to 2020, but the Department before I received a copy. Perhaps the Minister Minister has failed to set out his plan to deliver his can share with us why that was possible. 22 GW by 2020. He said that he wants to deliver The chaotic manner in which the statement came TLC—I have noted the phrase transparency, longevity about tells its own story about the Government’s approach and certainty on a number of occasions—but all we got to feed-in tariffs. No one disputes the need to bring today was more of the same: more chaos, more confusion down the FIT level in an orderly fashion, but the and more cuts. Government’s chaotic mismanagement of that process threatens a growing industry and undermines investment Gregory Barker: I am very sorry that the Labour across the entire low-carbon sector. This debacle, a party is stuck in this rut of doom-mongering, carping mess created by this Minister, began more than eight and sapping the confidence of the industry. Everyone months ago and has so far cost the Department more I have spoken to, right across the board, wants to than £80,000 in legal fees. re-inject a sense of confidence and energy into this vital Once again, the Government are sneaking out changes sector, but rather than rally around the sector, Labour to feed-in tariffs on the day before a recess. They did it Members are determined to sap confidence even more in February and they have done it again today. The and send chaotic messages to people who are trying to Minister threw a lot of smoke and mirrors about why he make a living—all for short-term, petty political gain. is moving the July deadline, but the truth is that he is Rather than look at the long term, they are just playing changing the deadline not because he wants to but politics. because he has to. Will he confirm that the Government As for sneaking out an announcement on the last day have missed the deadline by which they were legally before recess, it may be that this is a half-day, slacker’s required to provide notice to Parliament for the next shift for Opposition Members, but for coalition Members round of cuts to have come into force by 1 July? Is not it is a full working day. Obviously, the hon. Lady sees his incompetence the real reason why he has been forced today as part of the holidays, but I assure her that we to come to the House today? are at work. On the detail of his statement, will the Minister tell Let me be absolutely clear: we have not moved the date us whether, despite the changes announced today, the by one or two days, or one or two weeks. If that was number of installations will still drop by a third this what we wanted to do, we could have done it, but we year? I welcome the announcement that tariffs will wanted to send a very clear message to the industry that continue to be linked to the retail price index, but what we are listening. We have moved the date from 1 July to estimate has he made of the effect on take-up of the 1 August in a very planned, deliberate and thoughtful way, reduction from 25 to 20-year payments? If take-up and I think the industry will be glad of that change. The remains low, what measures will he introduce to boost bottom line is that had we wanted to meet the 1 July demand to meet his ambition of 22 GW by 2020? deadline, we would have had to lay the measures sooner, The Minister says he wishes to set up a PV cost but we did not want to meet the deadline of 1 July. The reduction taskforce. What mechanisms will he put in deadline is now to have the measures in place to allow place to ensure that a cut in the cost of installation does the cuts to take place on 1 August. I thought that even not lead to an increase in rogue solar installers? If the Opposition would have been capable of working demand does exceed the deployment level set by his that out. Department, what will be the additional cut to the tariff The hon. Lady asked about ambitions for installation. above the 3.5% he has announced today? He says that That we continue to build deployment is key for a he listens to the industry, but if he really listened he sustainable UK industry. I can tell her what our impact would not have dragged it through the courts, trying to assessment will say and what the coalition’s clear ambition impose devastating cuts that went too far and too fast. and expectation is. Under the totally unfit-for-purpose He lost that battle. This entire process has been a long scheme produced by the current Leader of the Opposition list of blunders by the Minister and his Department. as one of his last acts in government, about 250,000 Will he now agree to independent oversight of the solar panels would have been put on to roofs. I can say feed-in tariff to prevent future mishandling of the scheme? to the hon. Lady that, thanks to our reforms, there will In February, the Minister said that his cuts would be more than 1 million solar panels on British homes “deliver for far more people”—[Official Report, 9 February 2012; by the next general election. I am really proud of that. Vol. 540, c. 473.]— Delivery will be far more cost-effective than it would 1307 Feed-in Tariffs Scheme24 MAY 2012 Feed-in Tariffs Scheme 1308 have been under Labour’s scheme, and unlike that scheme, Gregory Barker: Large-scale deployment of solar will ours will be delivered on a long-term basis, free from be achieved only if costs come down, but I can assure political interference, and it will be much more transparent, my hon. Friend that the way in which the new mechanism sustainable and predictable. works means that if deployment suffers because the On the 2020 ambition, the hon. Lady is absolutely tariff clearly is not generous enough, that will be reflected right that solar is a transformational technology. in the figures that inform the cut. If deployment Developments around the world now lead us to be undershoots, there will be no cut in the following quarter— confident that we can deliver on a very high ambition, or, indeed, the quarter after that if it is still undershooting. and mine is 22 GW by the end of the decade—but that My expectation is that industry costs will continue to depends absolutely on our driving down costs. How and fall in the short to medium term, although perhaps not where we do that and the point at which we do it will be at the staggering rate that we saw last year and in the critical. That is why I am determined to work more first quarter of this year. We certainly look forward to closely with the industry. some very exciting times in which the industry not only becomes cost-competitive with all the other major renewables, but actually reaches grid parity within this decade. Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): My hon. Friend will know that one of consumers’ biggest concerns is the size of their household energy bills. Can he say what Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): impact his scheme will have on the average household Carillion Energy, which is headquartered in my constituency, bill, compared with the previous scheme? is undoubtedly keen to benefit from the Minister’s TLC, but I wonder whether he truly comprehends the devastating impact that the recent chaos and U-turns have had in Gregory Barker: Absolutely. Had we proceeded with Newcastle, with people afraid for their jobs, small companies Labour’s scheme, at least £61 would have been added to going bust and large companies unable to plan. Many hard-pressed consumers’ bills. Under our proposals, have sought to focus on the green deal to create new because we are taking advantage of the rapidly falling jobs. Can the Minister guarantee that the green deal will costs and passing those on to consumers up and down meet its targets and so incentivise the move to a low-carbon the country, we anticipate that just £9 will be added to economy and the creation of the jobs that go with it? consumers’ bills. Gregory Barker: I can indeed. I can also say that, Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Feed-in tariffs within the past few days, I have met the chief executive are a means of ensuring that investors’ risk relating to of Carillion, who was very confident and positive about future prices is resolved. The Minister has talked about both the green deal and the way we propose to take listening to the industry and about long-term certainty. forward the wider green agenda. Will he speak to his fellow Minister of State at the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the hon. Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I thank Member for Wealden (Charles Hendry), who is responsible my hon. Friend for the statement. It shows that we are for energy policy, to make it clear that the proposals on incentivising companies to cut costs and that we no feed-in tariffs published earlier this week in the draft longer have an unaffordable scheme that simply allows Energy Bill do not address any of the other four risks people to get rich from a financial investment. The that investors in the industry face when looking at typical rate of return of 6% shows that people can do long-term renewables? In particular, investors are not the right thing and still get a small reward. satisfied that they do anything to address construction risks. If they do not, there will be no new build and the Gregory Barker: My hon. Friend is, once again, absolutely lights will go out. right. We have taken the scheme from one that was for the lucky few who were able to afford high-cost installations Gregory Barker: The lights would have gone out if to one that helps to encourage reductions in the cost of Labour had still been in office, that is absolutely clear. I solar installation, and offers a sensible reward for people am not here to answer questions on electricity market to do the right thing through well sited installations. It reform and I would be ruled out of order if I did, but has gone from being a scheme for the few to a scheme I can tell the hon. Gentleman that he is absolutely for the many. wrong. Our proposals on EMR and the introduction of a feed-in tariff to replace the renewables obligation will Dame Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): bring greater certainty and investment, and will ensure When we were in government, the hon. Gentleman was that the lights do not go off under this coalition always boasting that he would go further and faster, but Government. actually he fell at the first hurdle. He talks about the gloom and doom among the Opposition, but we are Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): I warmly welcome my simply representing the people who have lost their hon. Friend’s statement and the move away from the jobs, the companies that have gone to the wall and those rigid system whose legacy was tremendous uncertainty who have had to take legal cases against the Government. in the industry. I welcome also the excellent news for Can the Minister tell me his view on the future of Cornwall about the national solar centre. On the need the social housing sector, given the information from for certainty in the industry, his statement presupposes the National Housing Federation that he received in the that a cut in the tariff might be considered every quarter. consultation? Of course, we do not know what will happen commercially, but can he reassure the House that there might be Gregory Barker: Yes. I think the right hon. Lady will occasions, albeit perhaps very rarely, when that tariff find there a strong welcome from social housing for the might need to go up as well? proposals we have set out. We are increasing the level of 1309 Feed-in Tariffs Scheme24 MAY 2012 Feed-in Tariffs Scheme 1310

[Gregory Barker] the end of the decade, and many others say that it could come a lot sooner. That is why I am determined that, aggregated tariff from 80% to 90%. As the costs come unlike under the previous Government, when it was down, it becomes affordable for all consumers to support treated as a cottage industry for anoraks, solar will be a the roll-out of solar PV on social housing and other major part of our energy strategy. mixed-tenure low-income homes. The scheme can now be rolled out at real scale, unlike the cottage-industry, Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): The fact is that not-fit-for-purpose scheme that we inherited from Labour. Britain is years if not decades behind Germany across the whole field of renewables in general, and solar in Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): For PV particular. That is down to the baleful influence of the businesses in East Hampshire, what message does today’s six big energy companies, which have had a hold over announcement give in terms of investment predictability successive Ministers, successive Governments and, above and the sustainability of the sector? What are its growth all, officials in the Department of Energy and Climate prospects compared with what was envisaged by the Change. When will the Minister tell his officials to look former Energy and Climate Change Secretary, who now at Germany and imitate here what the Germans do? leads the Opposition? Gregory Barker: It is extraordinary that the hon. Gregory Barker: The growth prospects are very strong. Gentleman has managed to blame officials in my There is now real visibility, not just for the next few Department, the big six energy companies and practically months or until the next political review. Industry and everybody else he could think of, apart from the people investors alike can plan for the long term with real who ran the country for 13 years and the last Labour confidence, because there is no end date on the scheme. Energy Secretary, who is now Leader of the Opposition. There is no sell-by date for the formula we have established; I will tell him why we were third from the bottom of the it is an enduring, long-term scheme—certainly much renewables league table and why we inherited a disastrous better than the appalling car crash of a scheme that we position on the solar scheme. It is entirely due to the inherited from Labour. People can invest with certainty incompetence, mismanagement and laziness of the last and the predictability of reasonable, sensible returns. Government.

Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP): Everyone, including Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) (LD): Clearly, I the industry, accepts that the cost of PV is coming welcome the Government’s decision to invest in Cornwall down. The PV scheme has been one of the most successful and to support development there. The pathway that at getting home owners involved in renewables. Does has been set out for the feed-in tariff will give a measure the Minister not think it is sending the wrong signal to of security to those who are looking to invest in the choose the smallest domestic installations as the only technology. I urge the Minister to be cautious when ones where he has not gone for the highest possible listening both to the Opposition, who had to be dragged tariff under his new options? kicking and screaming to the feed-in tariff, and to those who point to the impact on bill payers, when the rising Gregory Barker: The hon. Gentleman should understand costs of fuel and other technologies will add to their that I am not using consumers’ money—that is what it bills too. It will not just be feed-in tariffs. Would the is: subsidy that comes directly from consumers and Minister or one of his colleagues be prepared to meet consumer bills—to send signals or to play politics. The me and someone who has recently developed a large tariff needs to reflect the genuine underlying costs of scheme in my constituency, to talk about the issues they installing solar. That was totally missing from the scheme face and their ideas for supporting the Government’s we inherited; it is now at the core of the new tariff work in the future? framework. As a result of the particularly strong falls in the costs of smaller systems, we are able to set a tariff that accurately reflects, as far as we can, the return of Gregory Barker: My hon. Friend is absolutely right around 6% that we think is sensible and makes it to point out that the shadow Energy Secretary voted in attractive for people with the right roof to install solar. the House against feed-in tariff schemes. This opportunistic conversion to the merits of feed-in tariffs is pretty David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): Will the shameless. Minister confirm that even after today’s changes, solar I should be delighted to meet my hon. Friend. I am will be the most heavily subsidised form of low-carbon keen to meet stakeholders who contribute to new ideas electricity generation? Can he tell the House when it that contribute to driving forward the deployment of an will reach the same cost status as other forms of low-carbon exciting technology. generation and when it could reach grid parity? Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): What would the Minister Gregory Barker: It is not the most highly subsidised say to Revolution Power, an award-winning green power form, although it is one of them. It is certainly true that, company in my constituency? It has had to lay off a per unit of electricity generated, the domestic rate of third of its work force. The Minister refers to them as 16.5p is still substantially more than the rate given to anoraks, but I would refer to them as hard-working onshore, or indeed offshore, wind, for example. The people who are now on the dole because of the really exciting thing is the speed at which we anticipate incompetence of the Government on this issue over the the costs continuing to fall. Using a crystal ball, particularly past year. The company foresees a short-term rush of in the Chamber of the House of Commons, is never orders for solar panels over a few weeks, but is worried a very good idea, but I think that industry experts about its long-term integrity and its ability to go forward are increasingly saying that we can reach grid parity by because the goal posts are being moved all the time. 1311 Feed-in Tariffs Scheme 24 MAY 2012 1312

Gregory Barker: Let me be absolutely clear: I most Whitsun Recess certainly was not referring to workers in the industry as Motion made, and Question proposed, anoraks; I was saying that was the mindset of Ministers in the previous Government, who set up a woefully That this House has considered matters to be raised before the inadequate feed-in tariff scheme that we have had to forthcoming Adjournment.—(Michael Fabricant.) pick up, repair and reform. If the hon. Gentleman looks at our proposals, he will see that, as a result of our 1pm reforms, they are transparent and that there will be far Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): I am less political interference and far fewer political judgments. grateful for the opportunity to raise the issue of a The scheme we have announced will provide a basis for pardon for Alan Turing, the celebrated wartime code getting the solar industry, including Revolution Power, breaker and father of the modern computer. My reason back on a firm footing, allowing it to grow predictably is twofold. First, Bletchley Park, where Alan Turing did and strongly in the future. much of his famous work, is in my constituency. Secondly ––a more timely reason––23 June will be the centenary Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): By replacing the of his birth. The centenary should be a celebration of incredibly short-sighted system introduced by the Labour his achievements and what he did for this country. Government, does the Minister agree that TLC, which There is also the issue of whether he should be pardoned I warmly welcome in all Departments, will lead to much for the so-called crime of which he was convicted in more innovation, much more development of technology 1952, which led directly to his death two years later at and refinement of solar power manufacturing and the age of 41. installation processes, thereby lowering the price for everybody concerned? Before turning to that, let me remind the House of the debt this country, and indeed the whole world, owes Gregory Barker: Absolutely. We looked carefully at this man. He was a brilliant mathematician and his role the lessons from Germany when putting the scheme at Bletchley Park in deciphering the messages encrypted together—it is a great shame the previous Government by the German Enigma machine was vital. He led a did not do that. We have tried to make the scheme as team that designed a machine, known as a bombe, that predictable as possible to inject that vital element of decoded the Germans’ military messages. So vital was TLC. As a result, I anticipate that the cost of capital that information to the allied campaign that, without will come down in due course, which will free up more it, the war might have lasted much longer and, indeed, spending for innovation and research. The Government its outcome might have been very different. How many obviously have a part to play in that, but this is an lives of allied servicemen, residents of cities in this incredibly innovation-rich sector and I expect that we in country bombed by the luftwaffe and people transported the UK will now thrive. to Nazi extermination camps were saved by his work? It is no exaggeration to say that we probably owe our very liberty to his work and his genius. It is also fair to say that he is the father of modern computing. He produced the first academic papers on artificial intelligence, which paved the way for modern computers. Who knows where technology would be today without his pioneering work? I hope that Parliament will be able to mark his centenary next month in some way. I am applying to the Backbench Business Committee for a debate close to that date so that we can pay proper tribute to his work. There is a more controversial matter that I would like to raise today and ask the Government to have a serious think about. In 1952, Alan Turing, by then working in Manchester, met and fell in love with a young man and had a sexual relationship with him. That affair came to the attention of the police. Homosexual acts were illegal at the time and he was charged and convicted for gross indecency. Upon conviction, he was given the choice between imprisonment and probation conditional upon his agreement to undergo hormonal treatment designed to reduce libido—effectively chemical castration. He chose the latter option. His security clearance was withdrawn, meaning that he could no longer work for GCHQ. It is now well documented that the consequences of that treatment led directly to him taking his own life by biting into a cyanide-laced apple in 1954. In my view, the state effectively killed him. What a disgraceful way to treat a hero of this country. In our thankfully more enlightened times, his so-called crime is now perfectly legal. Welcome steps have been taken to apologise for how he was treated. The former Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy 1313 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1314

[Iain Stewart] are keen to trumpet jobs in the car industry and other industries such as aerospace, so the absence of the and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), rightly issued an official hiring and firing proposed by Beecroft does not seem to apology on behalf of the Government. I referred to that have had an adverse impact on those 175 jobs. However, action in my maiden speech and I am happy to repeat the reality is that those jobs are set against a background my praise for it, but more could be done. There is a of thousands of job losses. I understand that BAE campaign and an e-petition to grant Alan Turing a Systems is trying to mitigate that and reduce the number formal pardon, and to date nearly 34,000 people have of job losses to several hundreds. How successful it will signed it. Both local newspapers in my constituency, be remains to be seen, particularly given the doubts the Milton Keynes Citizen and MK News, are backing about the joint strike fighter and the orders with Lockheed the campaign. Martin in America. It could well be that thousands of So far, the Government have been reluctant to accede jobs are lost and those 175 jobs for the Hawk, although to this request. I raised the issue with my right hon. welcome, simply will not reverse the cataclysmic decline Friend the Leader of the House during business questions in employment and skills in the county. and he replied: I want to raise some questions about the Hawk deal. “I understand that an application for a royal prerogative of Will there be a successor to the Hawk? It only has a mercy was made on the basis that the offence should not have certain lifespan, so where is the investment in, and the existed but, sadly, one cannot give a royal prerogative on those forward thinking on, the next trainer plane? What are grounds. I will have another look at this, but I am not sure that we doing about Britain’s interests? Replacing the Hawk there is a case for intervention by my right hon. and learned requires a long lead-in time, and, if we do not start Friend the Secretary of State for Justice. That could happen only considering our aerospace future, we might run out of if fresh evidence came to light to show that the conviction should not have taken place. The argument that the offence should not products that we can sell to the world, with exports such have existed in the first place is not normally a ground for as the Hawk to Saudi Arabia becoming a distant memory prerogative.”—[Official Report, 8 March 2012; Vol. 541, c. 1018.] in 10 or 15 years’ time. That really worries me. I understand that argument but ask the Government to A lot of BAE Systems’ hopes in the north-west seem look again. If a pardon in the traditional sense is not to be pinned on unmanned aerial vehicles—UAVs—and, legally feasible, is there some other way that this could in particular, on the Taranis, so I should like the Deputy be done? After all, it is an area of law on which the Leader of the House to state the Government’s commitment Government have recently taken welcome action. Under to ensure not only that they are manufactured in Britain the recently passed Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, a and bought and endorsed by the British Government, person who has been convicted, or received a caution but that we have an active industrial policy to push for, an offence under sections 12 or 13 of the Sexual UAVs. They are clearly the future and a chance for BAE Offences Act 1956 or corresponding earlier Acts can Systems to maintain production in the north-west, but, apply to have their conviction or caution disregarded. if the Taranis and UAV programmes should decline, fall Those were the same “offences” for which Alan Turing or move elsewhere, they would begin the collapse of was convicted. If a full pardon is not possible, could not military aerospace in the region. I have deep concerns the disregard be applied posthumously for Alan Turing? about the issue, so I should welcome his comments on My call today is simply for the Government to take a that. fresh look at the matter and explore all possibilities. We All that is set against the chaos of Lancashire’s owe so much to this great man. The coming centenary enterprise zone. Last July, the Business Secretary declined of his birth affords us a great opportunity to put right to offer the region an enterprise zone; then Sky News the wrong that was done to him, and I urge the Government ran a breaking story that 3,000 jobs were to be lost in to look carefully at the matter. Warton and Samlesbury; and within 24 hours the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a U-turn on 1.7 pm the enterprise zone decision, stating that it would go ahead—based on 24-hour rolling news. Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): Thank you, Mr Deputy It was a chaotic situation that should not have been Speaker, for asking me to speak in this debate. Obviously, allowed to arise, particularly when it involved such a it is of huge significance to my constituents that I can large employer that adds so much to the GDP of the raise some points that are of concern but that do not area and of the country in terms of defence, and adds to seem to fall within the scope of particular issues when skills and to the supply chain for other manufacturers the House is discussing them. and areas in the region. I have really deep concerns The first issue I want to discuss is the situation at about that, and I hope that the Deputy Leader of the BAE Systems, which deeply concerns me. BAE Systems House can put them to bed. is a major employer not only in Samlesbury, Warton, On the implications of that situation, I note that Brough and other areas, but throughout Lancashire youth unemployment in my constituency has risen to and the north-west because of its supply chain. The 232% of its 2010 figure, and I have real concerns, aerospace industry is huge and there would be a colossal because, if we lose aerospace, what impact will that impact if it were slowly to move away from the north-west. have? The availability of work in the area appears to be I have deep concerns that BAE Systems has a large declining, and I wonder where the future lies for my investment in Texas, and the British Government do not constituents, while we are in a double-dip recession and seem as committed as I would like them to be to the while economic policies are not working nationwide projects that BAE Systems is currently engaged in. and, in particular, in the north. There is a north-south I welcome the recent announcement of 175 jobs. It divide, and we are seeing the impact of that, but it is not did not escape my attention that those jobs arrived in just the young people in my constituency who are this country with our current employment laws, not suffering, but the long-term unemployed, who are becoming those proposed in the Beecroft report. The Government the even longer-term unemployed. 1315 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1316

The third issue that I draw to the attention of the The car industry in the north-west and the north in Deputy Leader of the House is the number of people general is another major manufacturing employer, and who are applying for the few vacancies that exist. we have heard the Government fanfare on cars, but, Increasingly, people are forced to go for part-time work, when Ministers say that we now have a balance of trade rather than full-time, and they are struggling to make surplus, I think, “You probably have.” Because if the ends meet. Those concerns of mine and of my constituents public services are procuring cars from overseas, not reflect the economic downturn that of the past couple domestically, that is one way to achieve a trade surplus—not of years under, I am afraid, his Government, and they by increasing exports, but by diminishing domestic demand. are impacting severely on my constituents, who are That is what has happened with Lancashire constabulary deeply worried. It should come as no surprise to him and with other public services, and in all that there is a that, in my local authority area and in neighbouring whiff of hypocrisy, with the Government taking their areas, people at polling stations only two weeks ago eye off the ball. rejected the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties There is a national crisis in adult social care, but I and voted Labour. He must be deeply concerned about shall reflect on the situation in Lancashire, which really that, because he cannot say that the voters are wrong; needs some attention. Older people in Lancashire have he must listen to them and to their concerns. Having been badly let down by the county council and by raised the issue of youth and long-term unemployment, Lancashire’s Conservatives. I have raised the issue before, I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House takes it as but, for example, our local Conservatives have raised seriously as I do and does not just say, “It will all be all the daily charge for day centre care from £5 to £30, and right in a couple of years’ time.” These are chronic they are going to double it to £60. Some people might issues, the backbone of which is the industrial base in believe that this is the market and people should pay the the region. cost, but let me explain the consequences. If 20 people Another concern is the country’s nuclear programme, are required to keep a day care open, but only 10 people which does not particularly affect my sub-region, the can afford such extortionate charges so it closes, everybody east of the county, but does affect the west and the loses. Then the danger is that there will be no market supply chain. There are huge doubts about the programme, because it will have collapsed. Day care providers tell and, given that the west is home to some large nuclear me that these increased charges mean that they are industry employers, that could have a grave impact on thinking about closing their businesses. The day centres one of this country’s great manufacturing areas. The will be shut and people will be unable to access such Deputy Leader of the House must be concerned about services—even those who can afford them. All the those issues, and I hope he will address them. community links and personal links that our ageing The bottom line is the increasing number of people population have built up will be lost. turning up at food banks in Lancashire, particularly in For people who go to these centres, particularly those the east of the county. In the corridor from Chorley to who are vulnerable and may have dementia, it is very Hyndburn, people are turning up, desperate, unable to confusing to be asked or forced to go to a different feed themselves and reliant on handouts from supermarkets place to meet other people and to have to pay these and other generous donors, and that is a real concern. charges. They are vulnerable people who should not be Today, growth figures were revised down, from a pushed around like this. Greater consideration should contraction of 0.2% to 0.3%, and, if the Deputy Leader be given to the unintended knock-on consequences of of the House looks at that geographically, he will find the ridiculous charges that have been brought about by the south-east flatlining while the north-west and my the austerity policy of the coalition parties, whose area are taking a disproportionate hit, with the north-west members do not fully appreciate the consequences. No contracting not by 0.3% but possibly by double or wonder the voters look at these fees and think, “This is treble that, thereby giving rise to the figures I cited not the austerity that we want. It is undermining civil earlier on youth unemployment. society and undermining my family. There must be The chaos and confusion around BAE Systems is other ways we can deal with this.” The electorate are worrying, and it concerns many of the electorate in our unhappy, hence the election results. area. When they see headlines involving the Navy buying The problem does not end there. There has been a ships from Korea, they find it deeply disconcerting. We wholesale attack on elderly people in Lancashire, who have naval production in Barrow, in the north-west and have been really let down by the Conservatives. The throughout the country, and when people see such removal of funding for community transport means things they question what precisely the Government are that people sometimes cannot get to day care centres. doing in their economic strategy. Extra charges are being added. People are not just More locally, when we look at procurement, we think paying £30 but another £3 or £4 for community transport of Lancashire constabulary. Why are they not buying and, on top of that, £6 or £7 for food. In total, elderly British cars? They recently bought cars from Korea, but people are having to pay about £41 a day just to turn up. how can that possibly be right? How is that rebalancing It is not just the provision of day care centres that the economy? How on earth can Britain be a manufacturing people are upset about and where there is a crisis in country when just down the road in Lancashire there Lancashire. In addition, the local authority is failing to are Vauxhalls on offer to the police authority, which has consider the private provision of day care. Day after gone and bought Korean cars? For all the talk of day, I speak to people in my surgery who are deeply rebalancing the economy, it is either hypocritical or just concerned about the inadequacy of the home help lazy when we are not actively engaging with public service that they receive and the lack of safeguards. We services—these are public services—that procure foreign have seen the crisis that surrounds respite care and vehicles. It is not just vehicles, but ships and other permanent residential care, and the scandals that have things too. occurred in those settings. However, something that 1317 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1318

[Graham Jones] should tell the truth about the Sure Start services that are being provided, not just give the headline figures on never gets talked about is the fact that home helps who the number of centres that are being kept open, although go to the properties of vulnerable elderly people, who I believe that that number is diminishing as well. often have dementia and are unable to act as consumers, In 2009, the Prime Minister himself came to Lancashire provide what they and their relatives feel to be an and said, “This is the beginning of the Conservative inadequate, and in some cases appalling, service. That fight-back in the north”, but now all these services are scandal needs to be looked at. I am sure that the majority being undermined. To my knowledge, the Prime Minister of people feel that the current system is unsatisfactory has not been back to Lancashire, and I presume that and that there are no safeguards. People are starting following the local elections he has probably written us late, clocking off early and providing a poor service off. The damage that has been done since 2009 is because they know that their customer is 95 years old, irreparable. People are extremely unhappy about how has dementia, is infirm, and cannot move. That is some of their services are being treated and feel that generally the situation, and it is not right. there should be a better way that is not just about a The situation is not helped by the removal of some message of austerity. care packages by Lancashire county council. For instance, it removed the allowances for shopping and laundry Another aspect of the situation in Lancashire is the that were given to the infirm and those with dementia local enterprise partnership, which I am deeply concerned who cannot do their own shopping and washing. We about, and the programme for rural broadband. Not now have elderly people trapped in their own homes only are Lancashire residents being let down by the who are able to receive some help, but not allowed to county council in terms of adult social care, Sure Start receive help with shopping and laundry. It seems that an and other initiatives, but the Conservatives in Lancashire 89-year-old with dementia will be advised that they are obsessed with rural broadband, on which they are must use the internet or phone up to get Asda to do a spending £32 million. When I asked for the figures on home delivery, or ask their neighbour or relatives to the number of beneficiaries per borough in Lancashire, come round and do their laundry for them. they refused to provide them, but I acquired them for my constituency, where it appears that only some This is all adding to the deep concern about adult 4,000 people out of 80,000 will benefit from the upgrade social care for our elderly and vulnerable people in to the rural broadband service. That £32 million will Lancashire. If the people of Lancashire feel they are mean faster internet shopping for millionaires; it will being let down by the Conservatives, I am sure that they not generate business in rural communities. Many people will go to the polls with that in mind, and at the next in rural communities in Lancashire, such as the Ribble election we will see the same as what happened in the valley, already run businesses. That is why they live in previous election. The Deputy Leader of the House the Ribble valley, and they do not operate from home. needs to be deeply concerned about the fact that this situation affects many people who may change their The rural broadband policy in Lancashire will not vote because of it. I am very worried about staffing and provide additional businesses or create jobs. It will reduced access in adult social care, and I would be certainly not mean that businesses will be opened down grateful if he commented on that. country lanes that take two hours to drive down and are There are deep concerns across the country about a long way from the urban centres. This is just about Sure Start—not about its being cut but its being undermined faster internet shopping for wealthy people. [Interruption.] by stealth. In Lancashire, we have experienced reduced I will say it whether people like it or not. In most cases, hours, reduced staff, and a cut in outreach services. In the urban areas in Lancashire are already connected to some instances, there is anecdotal evidence of a bucket fast broadband. There is simply no need for this investment, being passed around so that people can put in donations which could go towards improving urban infrastructure to keep Sure Start going. It is not satisfactory for such as rail and road links rather than towards providing Ministers to stand at the Dispatch Box and say that rural broadband for some farm 25 miles— there is no reduction in the number of buildings where Sure Start services are being delivered when in fact Iain Stewart: I have been listening to the hon. Gentleman’s those services are being reduced and undermined and points with interest. Given his comments, one would parents are being put off going there because they are think that there was no investment in rail infrastructure asked for handouts when they do so. in the north of England, but the Government have just given the go-ahead to the northern hub, which will Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): Does my hon. revolutionise public transport in that part of the country. Friend agree that while money might be being saved for the moment through this approach, it is storing up problems for the future, so that in the long term the cost Graham Jones: I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s will be much greater than it would in paying for a comments, but as he knows, the northern hub covers proper service now? Manchester and Liverpool, whereas I am talking about east Lancashire. He will be aware that his colleague, the Graham Jones: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. If hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Jake Berry), the service is undermined from within, it will eventually is pleading for an upgrade of the east Lancashire line collapse, and that is what is happening with Sure Start, between Rawtenstall and Bury. Members on his own certainly in Lancashire, and, I believe, in his area of side of the House are pleading for infrastructure projects. north Wales. Ministers must stand at the Dispatch Box and be Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): honest about this, because it is affecting the people we For the record, the northern hub has not been given represent, including some of the most vulnerable. They the go-ahead. The Chancellor gave the impression in 1319 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1320 the Budget that we would get the electrification of the and upper-class areas will get the money and deprived, Hope Valley line from Sheffield to Manchester, but that working-class areas will have money removed from turns out not to be the case. them. That is true of rural broadband. A similar thing is happening nationally. Graham Jones: That point was relevant to the intervention Lancashire’s residents are being let down by Lancashire from the hon. Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain county council. How does the Deputy Leader of the Stewart). Not only do Labour Members disagree with House feel about how local people feel and about how his comments, so are organisations such as the Skipton-East they are responding through the ballot box? How does Lancashire Rail Action Partnership, which wants to he feel about the concerns that I and others have expressed extend the line from Colne into Yorkshire. Infrastructure about the disproportionate spending, with services being investment is needed because communities and directed to white, middle-class people in wealthier areas, constituencies such as Pendle are isolated. Such projects which makes working-class people feel that they have require substantial amounts of money. been left behind? That concern is also expressed nationally. Age, rather than deprivation, is to be used as one of the Iain Stewart: I remind the hon. Gentleman that next indices for the allocation of health funding. month or in July, we will have the next round of investment in the rail system, with the next five-year period of Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): I want to reinforce high-level output specification projects. The projects to the point that my hon. Friend is making about age. My which he has referred may well get the go-ahead. constituency has the lowest age structure of any in the country, and yet it has some of the highest health needs. Graham Jones: I will be watching to see whether the Under the system that he is describing, we would suffer. east Lancashire line, which I support, along with the hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen, receives Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Before the funding. I am sure that the hon. Member for Milton hon. Gentleman gets back on his feet, I point out that Keynes South will join me and the hon. Member for he has been talking for almost 30 minutes. I am sure Rossendale and Darwen in the chorus calling for investment that he must be coming to the end. What he has said has in the east Lancashire line. I am deeply grateful for his been very fruitful for the House, but he needs to come support if he is saying that that should go ahead alongside to an end due to the lack of time and the need to get the rural broadband investment. However, if it turns other people in. out that we are investing in rural broadband at the expense of infrastructure projects, I will come back to Graham Jones: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for him and suggest politely that he was wrong in his that kind advice. intervention. I am deeply concerned about the health reforms and Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. I assure the hon. Gentleman their impact on my constituency. We seem to have had a that it was not advice. metropolitan or London-centred conversation about choice that does not reflect the situation in east Lancashire. East Lancashire has a monopoly provider in the East Graham Jones: I apologise, Mr Deputy Speaker. Thank Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. It is futile to argue you for those firm words. that general practitioners have choice when there is only The talk about shifting health funding concerns me one hospital trust, with its two major hospitals in because the GP surgeries in my constituency are all at Burnley and Blackburn, that people in the area want to the bottom of the performance league tables produced use. There is no choice. by the PCT, whereas those in the affluent areas score far I met the chair of the clinical commissioning group better. All the deprived areas in Lancashire come at the for east Lancashire to discuss several issues, which I will bottom of those tables. I am therefore deeply concerned draw to the House’s attention. Some £70 million of about the transfer of health funding. funding from the primary care trust is being transferred I want to mention briefly my concern about Great to Lancashire county council for the health and wellbeing Harwood health centre, because it has been transferred board. As I have said, Lancashire is being let down by to PropCo. It was built under the LIFT initiative. On Lancashire county council. I have deep concerns about several occasions we have thought that it will happen where that money will be spent. One of my initial and then that it will not happen. We are now at a stage concerns is that Lancashire county council, which is where we think it will happen and £10 million has been based in Preston, is far removed from the constituents set aside by the PCT. However, all that money is to whom the 14 or 15 MPs in Lancashire represent. I have subsumed into a Whitehall quango called PropCo, which deep concerns that the public will not fully understand, will decide how it will be spent. I would appreciate a be engaged with or be able to respond to the funding commitment from the Deputy Leader of the House on that is being spent by the health and wellbeing board at whether PropCo will carry through the decisions that county hall. There will be little accountability. have been agreed with local people and the PCT. We have no choice in NHS services, and yet GPs are Finally, I will talk about individual voter registration. shaping the services. The health and wellbeing board I did not get the opportunity to speak in the debate will be spending an awful lot of money, but it is not yesterday. I concur with the hon. Member for Pendle clear how it will be held accountable for where that (Andrew Stephenson) that there are issues with postal money is spent. My concern, again, is that the deprived voting that need to be looked at. It seems that it is being corridor from Chorley to Hyndburn and on to Pendle used to drive up turnout. I do not believe that anything will be left behind. We will see what we traditionally see wholly illegal has happened, but I do believe that it has from Lancashire county council: white middle-class been used to drive up turnout and win elections. Will 1321 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1322

[Graham Jones] me to remind them that the whole purpose of green-belt land is to prevent urban sprawl and protect communities the Deputy Leader of the House acknowledge that the so that they stay just that—identifiable communities Conservative party in Hyndburn is currently under that people love and enjoy, for all the reasons that one investigation for proxy voting fraud? That is unacceptable. can imagine. The legislation that his Government are bringing forward The other great benefit of green-belt land, as well as should look at that element, and not just at individual its preventing the coalescence of communities, preventing voter registration. With that encouragement, I will close sprawl and retaining identities, is that it provides green, my comments. open spaces that people can love and enjoy in many ways. 1.38 pm They walk their dogs there, take their children there and so on. We do not have much of it in Broxtowe, which Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): It is a great honour has become overdeveloped. Now we have the housing to speak in this Adjournment debate before the recess. target, and we have only brownfield land or green-belt Hon. Members should welcome the fact that I do not land to build on, so we face the real threat of yet more intend to speak for well over half an hour, so that of our green belt being lost. everybody can participate in the debate and then go out to enjoy the sunshine and, more importantly, return to The situation flies in the face of the national planning our constituencies to carry on the work that we do on a policy framework that the Government announced at daily basis for our constituents. the end of March, and of the statements of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and I will talk about an issue in my constituency that I various other Ministers including the Leader of the believe has an impact on other Members: the threat to House and the Prime Minister. They have made it the green belt in Broxtowe. I will address two direct crystal clear that green-belt land should not be developed threats to the green belt in Broxtowe. The first is an on save in exceptional or very special circumstances, uncontroversial issue in that all political parties in Broxtowe and then only after robust public consultation. There is are in agreement about it. We are united in our opposition a complete disconnect between what the Government to an application by UK Coal for an open-cast mine on are rightly saying—they could not say it in clearer or a piece of land between Cossall and Trowell called firmer tones—and what some councils are actually doing Shortwood. It is a 325-acre site, and this is the third time in the real world. that UK Coal has made an application to Nottinghamshire county council in respect of it. We have already held one There is an argument about the amount of brownfield public meeting, and there will be another one on Friday. land that is available in Broxtowe, but up to 2,000 homes There is no merit whatever in the application that UK are to be built on our green-belt land. I believe that the Coal has made. It would undoubtedly lead to an excess majority of people in Broxtowe are against that. However, of dust and noise and the loss of an amenity that is our Labour and Liberal Democrat council has steamed much loved by many of my constituents. Perhaps the ahead in the face of local people’s views and without greatest irony of the application is that 1.5 million tonnes proper consultation. Instead of adopting Labour’s of coal and clay would be removed from the site and put admirable policy of brownfield sites first and green-belt into lorries. There would be eight heavy goods vehicle land afterwards, Broxtowe council is doing the reverse. movements every hour along an already overly congested The very first site that has been put forward for road, up to the equally congested Nuthall roundabout development—it is almost a done deal—is a place called and on to the M1. The coal and clay would then be Field farm in Stapleford. That piece of land separates driven all the way back down the M1 to the Ratcliffe-on- Stapleford from Trowell, so it is doing its job and Soar coal-fired power station. It is the stuff of madness providing a buffer to prevent urban sprawl. It is also a that in this day and age we are still extracting coal in place that people love very much. They go there to that way and burning it in power stations. We should enjoy the wildlife and so on. now have alternatives up and running. An application has gone in for 450 homes on that The second most important threat to the green belt land, and the deep irony is that the two local councillors— in Broxtowe, which I believe also affects other areas, is Labour and Liberal Democrat—not only failed to vote housing development. Many hon. Members should be against the plans that have made the land ripe for greatly concerned about it. What I will say is, in effect, development, but spoke in favour of them last week. an open letter to the Secretary of State for Communities That flew in the face of the people whom they are meant and Local Government. In a nutshell, we have a to represent. Many people have found it ironic that it serious problem in Broxtowe and other boroughs in has been the Tories, and a Conservative MP, who have Nottinghamshire and, I suspect, across the land. Councils spoken out in defence of that green-belt land. have adopted and accepted the targets that were laid down under the last Administration’s old—they should Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): The hon. be old—regional spatial strategies. That means that they Lady is speaking very well. I am an east midlands MP, have no alternative but to build on our green belt. as is she. She will recognise that a report published Only last week Broxtowe borough council voted on earlier this week suggested that the east midlands faces and accepted, with only the Conservatives dissenting, a a potential housing crisis, and that in the next 20 years top-down housing target of 6,150 houses being built in or so we will probably need 22,000 extra houses. I a 16-year period or so, as set down under the last recognise her argument entirely, but those houses will Administration’s structures. We have very little green-belt have to go somewhere. land left in Broxtowe, because we have built on it over the years. We are now the most densely populated Anna Soubry: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman borough in the whole of Nottinghamshire, and arguably and understand his point. Unfortunately, when we run in the whole east midlands. Hon. Members do not need out of land on which we can build houses, we have to 1323 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1324 look elsewhere. This is not about nimbyism; it is about of its recommendations have been implemented, such the fact that my constituency only has enough brownfield as holding senior officials accountable for crimes. land for about 3,000 houses. The target has been accepted, Recommendations on torture have also not been and the only other place to build is on the green belt. He implemented, and there has been a failure to free protesters mentions homelessness, and it is a valid point, but the who were jailed for exercising their right to free expression number of people on the waiting list in Broxtowe is and peaceful assembly. Bahraini police continue to beat 2,254. As he will understand, that list often indicates the and torture detainees, including minors, despite the level of interest in finding houses that the council may report’s recommendations and public commitments by have available. The number of homeless people recorded the heads of Bahrain to end torture and police impunity. in my constituency is probably fewer than 10. Nabeel Rajab, a Bahraini human rights activist and I do not want to trouble the House any longer, but head of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, a non- people in my constituency are concerned that their governmental organisation, who led protests against voices will yet again not be heard. Only this week, I was authorities in the gulf kingdom by calling for democratic publicly admonished by the planning officer in an e-mail change, was arrested on his return from a trip abroad that was unfortunately copied to Labour councillors on charges of and my predecessor. The e-mail told me that my advice to my constituents was in some way inaccurate, but it “participating illegal assembly and calling others to join” was not at all. I have come to this place to achieve a and “insulting a statutory body” via Twitter. He has been number of things, but perhaps most importantly I am granted bail but is still being held in anticipation of here to represent my constituents, whether they voted other charges being made against him. for me or not. I intend to continue to do that. In so The court of cassation, the highest judicial body in doing, I speak out in favour of protecting the green belt that gulf Arab state, shifted the case of 21 men who in my constituency, whether from open-cast mining or were convicted in a military court to a civilian court and from a housing target that my borough council did not freed one lesser known prisoner. Seven of the 21 are have to accept. abroad or in hiding, but the court ruled that the other I hope the Deputy Leader of the House will forgive men would remain in jail, including Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, me if I am not here at the end of the debate. I will be who is being fed intravenously in a military hospital quiet very soon, so that others can speak. I hope that after nearly three months on hunger strike. We assume the Secretary of State for Communities and Local that that is still the case, because we have heard nothing Government will make the Government’s policy quite further about him recently. clear yet again. I hope he will say that local authorities More than a year after the men were arrested, the are under a duty to determine their own housing targets Bahraini authorities have produced no evidence that the and make their own plans, and to protect their green jailed leaders were doing anything but exercising their belt from development at almost all costs. basic human rights. The Bahrain Government have made it clear that they still view the case as serious. One 1.49 pm of the al-Khalifa family—the chief Government spokesman Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): It was a great —alleged that the 21 men temptation to go off down the M4 about an hour ago, “called for the overthrow of the monarchy using violent means”. but I wanted the opportunity to speak today since we are going to be away for two weeks. Many changes will He said: take place in the middle east in that period, so I could “In due course new evidence will be presented in a civilian not go without voicing my concern. If I take more court to prove that point.” than 10 minutes, perhaps you will signal vigorously in A similar retrial process is under way in a civilian court my direction, Mr Deputy Speaker. I also hope the for 20 medical professionals—doctors, nurses and Hammersmith flyover will soon be back to normal—it dentists—who were convicted of anti-state activities by is ridiculous that it has taken so many months to repair. a military-led tribunal. Those who use that artery to the M4 have to allow an extra hour in our journey just to get over it. After signalling that Saudi women might be allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time at the I have spoken about Bahrain a number of times. The London games, Saudi officials appear to have retreated. Select Committee on Foreign Affairs is currently preparing The only possibility remaining is that a few Saudi women a report on the Arab spring. For some countries, spring might gain entry as “unofficial participants”. Saudi came earlier, but things have been more difficult in women must walk behind men at home, but they cannot others. In countries where the spring is in its early walk behind the Saudi flag in London. stages, such as Bahrain, there are concerns about the lack of progress. Many of the recommendations made A few months ago, Human Rights Watch reported by the commission set up by the King are yet to be discrimination against female athletes in that Islamic implemented. Human Rights Watch said in a new report kingdom. Even physical education classes and sports released earlier this month that Bahrain’s human rights club memberships for women are prohibited. The report situation remains critical in the wake of the brutal referred to a religious scholar who said that crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in 2011, “the health of a virgin girl will be affected by too much movement with clashes between police and protesters continuing. and jumping in sports such as soccer and basketball.” There are also reports of deaths from beatings and the excessive use of teargas. How ridiculous is that? The report concluded: The King established that so-called independent “It is impossible to square Saudi discrimination against women inquiry—I have high regard for some on the inquiry, with the noble values of the Olympic Charter”, such as Sir Nigel Rodley—but unfortunately, very few which forbids intolerance. 1325 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1326

[Ann Clwyd] Ann Clwyd: I completely agree with the hon. Lady. I have raised the matter several times in Afghanistan and Under the kafala system of sponsorship, by which here, including with President Karzai directly, but he foreigners can work in the country only if they have a always brushes it aside. The last time was a few weeks sponsor who organises contracts, salaries, visas and ago, when we had a private meeting with him in the repatriation, sponsors use their control to exploit workers House. I am afraid, however, that he would not move by taking away their passports or residence permits on, or even discuss, this matter. When I suggested that away, or by failing to pay wages on time. women in Afghanistan had no faith in his determination I welcome the free and—it appears—fair and peaceful to protect them, he said, “But women vote for me.” I elections in Egypt, there are still problems in the country. said, “Well, they might have done last time, but they I was there with the Foreign Affairs Committee a few won’t next time.” Clearly, he does not take it seriously, months ago. Human rights violations continue to take which is a matter of great concern. place, in some cases to a worse extent than under I am pleased that Aung San Suu Kyi is to visit Mubarak. Military trials continue; reports of the use of Parliament. Burma was admitted to the Inter-Parliamentary torture are frequent; freedom of expression is curtailed; Union at the conference I attended in Uganda a few weeks and peaceful demonstrations have often been met with ago. There are concerns, however. There are green shoots, violence and repression. Additionally, civil society and but matters could be reversed, so we should wait and NGOs continue to be repressed and restricted. The trial see. For example, we should be cautious before removing of foreign NGO workers who were arrested for allegedly sanctions. Political prisoners are still in jail there. The breaching Egypt’s law on association, which took place IPU committee on the human rights of parliamentarians, during the Committee’s visit, is due to continue on of which I am an active member, does not know the fate 5 June. The law on association has criticised repeatedly of the Burmese parliamentarians elected 10 years ago by UN treaty bodies and human rights experts and is who were never able to take their seats. It is said that all likely to be replaced by a new law by the new Parliament. political prisoners have been released, but there is an Women’s rights are under threat in Egypt, and there argument about how many remain in jail. In truth, are only eight women in Egypt’s 500-seat Parliament. many died in jail or after being released, and a number We met many parliamentarians and raised that point with remain unaccounted for. They are still on the committee’s them. They have removed their quota system, which list of parliamentarians about whom we are concerned, ensured proper representation for women in the Parliament. and we want to know what happened to them. They are Activists in Egypt have serious concerns that the personal not simply names on a piece of paper. We have campaigned status code, which currently provides some equality for on their behalf for many years, and we want to know women in divorce and custody law, could be repealed, their fate. resulting in women’s rights being curtailed. Aung San Suu Kyi will obviously get a good welcome Women human rights defenders and activists are here. However, if the Burmese President genuinely wants being targeted with virginity testing, with those responsible meaningful political reform, a joint domestic and being acquitted, and attacks and beatings. I have raised international review board, with UN involvement, could that in the Chamber several times. create a credible process to investigate cases of disagreement over whether someone has been imprisoned for political In Afghanistan, women should not be abandoned by reasons. That could kick-start broader legal reform to the pull-out of western troops or traded in favour of overturn laws still stifling basic human rights in Burma. reconciliation with the Taliban and other insurgent One of the most pernicious is section 401 of the criminal groups. Afghanistan remains a key foreign policy priority procedure code—effectively a form of parole that could of the UK Government, and as a major international see many released prisoners rearrested for any perceived partner and donor, they can exert significant diplomatic or minor offence. influence on the Afghan Government and the transitional process. Only a couple of months ago, Afghanistan’s I would like to continue my canter around the world, ulema council—the country’s leading group of religious because there are so many countries where the human clerics—published a statement in which it referred to rights of parliamentarians remain a major issue. Of the women as secondary to men and implied that violence roughly 153 countries that attend the IPU annual against women was appropriate in some cases. Worryingly, conferences, about 50 are of great concern. Obviously, President Karzai expressed support for the statement, Syria is one of them. Over the next two weeks, while we in a move seen as widely conciliatory to the Taliban and are on our Whitsun recess—looking around me, I see it other groups that would curtail the rights of women. has already begun—I hope that Assad will see sense. His days are numbered in Syria. He should see the Women’s security continues to be extremely fragile in writing on the wall and go now to prevent further blood areas of Afghanistan under Taliban control. Women loss in a country where so much blood is being lost and who contribute politically or in the public and civic where there is no future for him or his crowd. He should sectors face considerable pressure and intimidation. give Syria the chance to join the Arab spring countries. Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): I am delighted that the 2.4 pm right hon. Lady has brought this incredibly important topic to the Floor of the House. This morning, I met Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): I want to talk ActionAid, which has campaigned heavily in this area, about the Government’s proposal, announced in the and it told me that for an Afghan woman to approach a Budget, to extend VAT to static holiday caravans. There police officer was considered an immoral act. Does she was a short debate on this matter during the Committee agree that we must do more to ensure the security of of the Finance Bill. However, that debate included Afghan women and that without it there will be no proposals to put VAT on many other things, so there lasting peace in that country? was no time properly to debate static caravans. I was 1327 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1328 pleased, however, when the Government announced could be depriving a local family of a chance to buy a during the debate that the consultation period would be home. That is not fair taxation, nor does it make any extended to allow the industry to make representations. sense as far as supporting fragile economies is concerned. I am glad that the Government are in listening mode, The Government realise that if they impose VAT on and I want to use this opportunity to make representations static holiday caravans, they will have to draw a line to them. somewhere. They have proposed that static caravans My constituency interest arises from the large number that are manufactured to BS 3632 will not be liable to of caravan parks scattered throughout Argyll and Bute. VAT. Only caravans built to a lesser standard would be I represent a beautiful constituency stretching from subject to VAT. However, that would simply create Loch Lomond in the east to Loch Linnhe in the north another anomaly. British standards change all the time, and the Mull of Kintyre in the south. It also contains so they are an unsuitable measure for determining eligibility the Cowal and Rosneath peninsulas, the Isle of Bute for taxation. It is also important to consider how such a and many other beautiful islands—there is far too rule could be enforced. Will VAT inspectors be trained much beautiful scenery to mention, including the miles in how to determine whether a British standard has of coastline on the west coast and the Firth of Clyde. been met for a particular caravan? If so, will they have The scenery is beautiful, but the economy is fragile. to inspect all static caravans that are sold, to determine “You can’t eat the scenery”, as the old saying goes, but whether they meet the standard—which, we should we can sell the views to the visitors, and that is where remember, constantly changes? Another new anomaly static caravans play an important role. that would be created is that houseboats would still be A large proportion of people who visit Argyll and zero-rated, whereas static caravans would not. Both are Bute own static caravans on the many holiday parks, tied to a fixed point, yet they would be treated differently and these caravans provide many jobs in rural areas. for tax purposes. Far from ironing out an anomaly, we There are the people who work on the parks and a would just be creating a series of other anomalies. whole host of small businesses that make their livelihoods The proposal appears to have arisen because somebody from selling food and other goods to the static caravan found a loophole in the present legislation. They worked owners. As a result, these holiday parks underpin many out that large hybrid touring caravans would not be small businesses, and we should be encouraging such subject to VAT. Hybrid touring caravans are large caravans small businesses in these difficult times, not imposing a that are too big to be towed by cars, although they can further tax on them. Many local shops tell me that a be towed behind lorries. Under the present rules, they large proportion of their sales are to static caravan are zero-rated because of their large size. However, owners and that they could not survive without this rather than trying to block the loophole by taking static business. Neither is this just a business for the short caravans into taxation, why not block it by making summer season; many owners regularly come to their caravans that are designed to be towed by a large lorry caravans at weekends throughout the year. on public roads subject to VAT? Surely it would be The Treasury’s own impact assessment suggested that fairly straightforward to create a definition in legislation imposing VAT on static caravans would cut demand by to provide that caravans that could be towed on the 30%. That is a huge fall in demand for any business to road would be subject to VAT. Static caravans cannot cope with, never mind those already struggling because be considered to be road-going, as they do not have a of the recession. It should be noted, however, that the chassis with brakes or a handbrake, nor do they have industry regards the 30% figure as an underestimate brake lights and indicators to comply with road traffic and believes that the actual drop in sales could be much legislation. It should surely be straightforward to ensure bigger. Fewer caravan sales means fewer owners, which that if, under road traffic legislation, the caravan can be obviously means fewer people visiting rural constituencies towed on the road, it should be subject to VAT. To such as mine and spending their money in the rural summarise: if it moves, tax it; if it doesn’t, don’t. Static economy. People living in remote areas with fragile caravans do not move—yes, the clue is in the word economies who will lose their jobs if this VAT measure “static”. My suggestion for the Government would be goes ahead will find it difficult to get another job where fairly straightforward. The tax treatment of static caravans they live. The Treasury estimates that the measure will should be compared with the treatment of other static bring in an extra £35 million in 2013-14, but I urge the accommodation, such as houses and houseboats, not Government to consider the wider picture. The proposal caravans that can be towed on our roads. might bring in £35 million, but a lot more will be lost to Although announced in the Budget, the measure is the economy if the extra tax goes ahead. not part of the Finance Bill. I hope that, following the The proposal appears to have arisen because the consultation, the Government have listened and will Government wanted to correct a supposed anomaly—that decide not to go ahead. I even hope that my hon. Friend caravans towed on the road by cars are subject to VAT the Deputy Leader of the House will be able to make but static caravans are not. By proceeding in this way, that announcement in his summing up today. [Laughter.] however, the Government will simply create other anomalies However, I suspect from his reaction that I am perhaps that will be just as difficult to resolve. For example, let being a bit optimistic. The consultation closed only on us compare buying a static caravan to buying a holiday Friday, so we ought to be prepared to give the Government cottage. Static caravans sell from about £24,000. VAT a bit more time to respond. I hope that they will decide on a £24,000 static caravan would be £4,800. Let us not to proceed. However, I would like my hon. Friend compare that with somebody who buys a holiday cottage to tell the House today what procedures will be followed for £240,000. The tax paid—in this case stamp duty—will to introduce the measure, should the Government decide be 1%; that is, £2,400. Therefore, the cost of the holiday to do so. cottage is ten times as much as the cost of the caravan, Argyll and Bute’s main asset is our beautiful scenery. but the tax is only half. That is hardly fair. We should This VAT proposal will make it far harder to sell that also remember that the person buying the holiday cottage scenery to visitors. Many other Government policies 1329 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1330

[Mr Alan Reid] Newham has a lower incidence of cancer than many other areas, but sadly our mortality rate is higher. The are supportive of small businesses. I urge the Government London-wide cancer mortality rate is about 112 deaths to think again. On this policy, I hope that they will think per 100,000 cases. In Newham it is 123 deaths per of small businesses. I appeal to them not to go ahead 100,000 cases, which is a significantly higher rate than with this proposal. The cost in lost jobs, in fragile rural we ought to find. That is clearly unacceptable. The economies throughout the country, will be far greater five-year survival rate for women in Newham who have than any VAT income from the proposed new tax. had breast cancer is 75%, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 83.4%. The reason is illustrated, 2.14 pm in part, by the take-up rate of breast-screening services. Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): I hope that hon. Members In 2009-10, the take-up rate across England was 73%. will be gentle, because my voice is not as strong as it Across London it was 62%, but in Newham it was 50%. usually is. I also hope that I can be heard today. It is an Early detection enables treatment in early stages, honour to follow the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute when the cancer is easier to treat and when women’s (Mr Reid), who made an excellent speech about VAT on chances of survival are higher. In my area, the combination static caravans. Those of us on the Opposition Benches of late presentation and late diagnosis leads to treatment support much of what he said. I hope that his Government that is, of necessity, more complex and less successful. were listening to that speech, which really was rather That is causing the unnecessary deaths of too many excellent. women. Those deaths are, frankly, preventable. I will be I want to take this opportunity to speak about an seeking to ensure that a consequence of the Health and issue of increasing concern—breast cancer. I want to Social Care Act 2012 is not a visible deterioration in focus on three areas: diagnosis, treatment and mortality health screening services in my constituency. In fact, I in my constituency; worrying comparisons with other will be hoping to see the 50% uptake of screening in countries, which raise issues about the effectiveness of Newham increase in the years to come. cancer services in the UK; and a specific concern about I want to turn to international comparisons. I have radiotherapy, on which we perform rather badly, compared before me some statistics, which were helpfully provided with other countries. Let me first set the scene with by the House of Commons Library. These data are some facts about breast cancer. As many colleagues will drawn from a cancer epidemiology research project on know, it is the most common cancer in the UK, with the survival of cancer patients in 24 European countries. some 48,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Around The figures need to be treated with some care, given that 12,000 women and 90 men will die from breast cancer the most recent are for survival rates for those diagnosed this year. The good news—relatively speaking—is that a between 1995 and 1999, but they provide a useful generation ago, only half the people with breast cancer snapshot of the five-year survival rate. For England, the survived for five years after diagnosis. Today, eight out survival rate for all cancers at five years was 47.3%, of 10 people are still alive after five years or more. That ranking us 17th out of the 24 countries. The survival improvement is due to the unprecedented investment rate at five years for breast cancer was somewhat better, made in the NHS, with a shift in emphasis—the right at 79.7%, but this still ranks us just 13th out of the shift—towards prevention and early detection, and the 24 countries. That international comparison raises some establishment of cancer networks, bringing together disturbing questions about the effectiveness of our screening, specialists to improve the quality of care. diagnosis and treatment services, and I intend to return Advances in research, new treatments, earlier diagnosis, to that matter in the future. breast screening and greater public awareness have all One issue that I want to explore further today is the played a part, but it is essential that we keep up the use in treatment of radiotherapy and, specifically, of momentum if we are to avoid slipping back. I have new and advanced forms of radiotherapy such as intensity- spoken in the House before about the inequality in modulated radiation therapy—IMRT. Radiotherapy health outcomes that is characteristic of my constituency treatment is more effective in treating all forms of cancer, and other areas with high poverty, poor housing, a poor including breast cancer, especially when the cancer is environment and low educational achievement. Things diagnosed early. It can be targeted on the cancer much are improving and health outcomes are getting better, more effectively, thus limiting the damage caused to but the gap remains. Although I have a huge hope that non-cancerous tissue. It is far less invasive than other the legacy of the Olympic and the Paralympic games treatments, it leads to better outcomes and it is a much will bring an even greater health improvement to my better experience for the patient. area, as well as economic regeneration, we have to do The use of radiotherapy is more advanced in Scotland more, rather than just sitting back and waiting to see and Wales. London is marginally better provided for whether that happens. than the rest of England, but that does not alter the fact that the UK as a whole is woefully behind the best- Claire Perry: Let me give the hon. Lady a chance to performing countries in the rest of Europe and the US rest her voice. I am grateful to her for bringing this in using advanced radiotherapy as an effective tool against incredibly important subject to the Floor of the House. cancer. Access rates to existing radiotherapy services Would she like to join me in the Race for Life at the are already lower than the 50% of cancer patients who it beginning of June? We can put on our pink T-shirts, and is generally agreed should receive the treatment. We do although I am afraid that I will be walking, she can walk not even know how many breast cancer patients are able with me and we can raise some money for a worthy cause. to access the more advanced IMRT. Lyn Brown: That is possibly an offer that I cannot What assessment have the Government made of the possibly refuse. I think that sounds like an excellent impact of the Health and Social Care Act on the thing to do together. commissioning of radiotherapy, and on the supply of 1331 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1332 suitably trained radiotherapists? From my perspective, been incredibly healthy. The coroner diagnosed the cause it is entirely unclear where responsibility for the of death as sudden unexplained death from epilepsy— commissioning of radiotherapy will sit in the future SUDEP—involving a massive cerebral haemorrhage. arrangements of the NHS. The clinical commissioning The reason that Mr and Mrs Burns came to see me groups are far too small to effectively manage it, and was that they had never heard of SUDEP before that the position of the NHS Commissioning Board is obscure. awful tragedy struck their family. In fact, SUDEP kills For radiotherapy, there is no is no equivalent of the more people in the UK than AIDS and cot death— big campaigns that we see in our newspapers. It has no conditions we have all heard of—combined. We have equivalent of a big pharmaceutical company to promote been educated recently to understand certain other it and lobby for new treatments, because there is no conditions, including strokes—there has been a very profit to be made from it. Radiotherapy is an effective good national education campaign to help us to understand treatment that is widely used in other countries, but it is the signs of strokes and what happens when someone patchily under-utilised here, to the detriment of cancer suffers a stroke. patients, and that is likely to be contributing to our relatively It is fitting that this week is national epilepsy week, poor survival rates. In the absence of an external lobby running from 26 May. Charlie’s parents really made me promoting radiotherapy, I humbly suggest to the House aware of this condition—sudden unexplained death that that responsibility lies here with us. from epilepsy.It is a silent killer. As a result of conversations The issues that I have outlined today go to the heart with the parents, I believe that it is almost unknown, of the quality of cancer care in this country. They need which means that parents are not looking out for the to be explored in more detail and subjected to more signs, and in many cases nor are paramedics and medical scrutiny so that the service offered across the country professionals. In my comments today, I intend no criticism can be improved to the level of the very best, and not of the local paramedic or hospital services; a separate just the very best in this country, but the very best by inquiry is ongoing. It was the depths of the personal international standards. tragedy and the suddenness of the bereavement suffered by the Burns family that particularly resonated with me. 2.25 pm I ask three things of colleagues today. The first is for Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): It is a pleasure to follow them to help me raise the profile of a fantastic national the hon. Member for West Ham (Lyn Brown), who charity, Epilepsy Bereaved, which works with parents spoke eloquently on an important topic. I look forward and anyone who has suffered a bereavement through to our “walk for life” together. epilepsy.We should remember that more than 1,000 people As I am sure everyone knows by now, I represent a a year are so affected. I was pleased to learn that my military constituency. with 10,500 soldiers and at least hon. Friend the Member for Kenilworth and Southam the same number of family members, but because I have (Jeremy Wright) had met the charity and done some a tiny job helping the Secretary of State for Defence, I publicity work last year, for which the family and the can never speak on military matters, so there is no point charity are extremely grateful. Secondly, there is no in hon. Members lobbying me about cap badges. I meet national standard register of epilepsy deaths, and one many members of the armed forces in my surgeries, of the charity’s proposals is that the chief coroner should however, and I want to speak today about a story that maintain such a record and have a standard diagnosis, I heard during one such meeting. so that we can understand the scale of the problem. I would heartily support such a measure. Jan and Barry Burns came to see me in my surgery in Ludgershall, in the south of my constituency. Barry is a Finally, we call for a review of the guidance issued serving Army officer. I felt incredibly moved and educated to medical professionals, particularly first responders, by what I heard, and I was glad that I had boxes of to help them to look out for signs of that type of seizure tissues handy. The Burns parents came to tell me about in otherwise healthy children. Charlie’s parents told me their son Charlie, who died unexpectedly last year at the that children can come back very quickly from such age of 10. I have a boy who will be 10 this summer, and episodes. Charlie came back after his attack and was it was very moving to be presented with that tragedy. conscious when the paramedics got there, although he was droopy, drowsy and not himself. If he had been Charlie Burns was a completely fit, well and happy taken to hospital at that point and a brain scan had 10-year-old who had an epileptic seizure, completely been done, he just might have been saved. out of the blue, on Friday 7 October. The paramedics arrived well within the target time, but they made a Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): I want to express my diagnosis that many people think was incorrect. They support for everything my hon. Friend has said about diagnosed a febrile convulsion, even though there was SUDEP. A few months ago, some parents in my no associated temperature. Over the weekend, Charlie constituency came to see me, having sadly lost their was fine, but subsequently his parents took him to their teenage daughter to SUDEP. When their daughter was GP, as he was a little unwell. The GP correctly suggested diagnosed with epilepsy, the parents were not really that Charlie had suffered an epileptic seizure and that made aware of SUDEP—the “sudden death” aspect. If he should see a neurologist. they had been told about it at the time, they might have On Tuesday 11 October, Charlie went to school in acted differently. They highlighted the need for more Larkhill as usual and was absolutely fine. He was able publicity so that more people—parents and children—are to see his sister, Isabella, that evening—she goes to made aware of it. I congratulate my hon. Friend on boarding school, so it was lucky that they saw each raising this very important issue. other that day. He went to bed at 8.45 that evening, and when his parents went to check on him later, they found Claire Perry: I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. that he had died in his sleep. They were of course He is absolutely right; it is estimated that more than horrified. Their little boy had, until the previous week, 40% of these deaths could be avoided with better 1333 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1334

[Claire Perry] travelling to Wembley on cup final day can take a long time as well. According to one estimate, based on that recognition, better diagnosis and speedier action. Epilepsy figure of 5,000 visits a year, between 10,000 and 20,000 is a condition that affects many thousands of people police officer hours could be wasted in transporting and it is a manageable condition, but Charlie’s parents prisoners to the two new custody suites. were subsequently told that he was among the most I understand that shortly after a custody suite closes, susceptible to a nocturnal epileptic episode out of the the CID team in the Met go to the replacement custody blue, and that such children were at greater risk of dying suite. Given that more than 100 CID officers are currently unexpectedly from this killer. based at Harrow police station, my constituents are There is nothing I can say today to bring Charlie understandably concerned that those officers may find Burns back, or give his parents any comfort. I simply themselves permanently based at Wembley police station want to make as many people as possible aware of this in Brent. That, too, would reduce the level and quality condition, so that we can all help to make sure that of policing in my constituency. similar tragedies do not happen in the future. Thank In an attempt to establish the reason for Metropolitan you, Madam Deputy Speaker. police’s decision, I tabled a freedom of information request asking them for details of all their custody suites, including 2.32 pm the number of cells and the staffing levels. There are Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): I some 44 custody suites in London; 14 contain fewer am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this debate, cells than Harrow police station, and at many substantially but I hesitate to do so after the contribution of the hon. more staff and police officers are based than are based Member for Devizes (Claire Perry), who I thought at Harrow. The decision by the Metropolitan police to made an excellent speech and spoke with considerable close the Harrow custody suite therefore does not appear compassion about the death of her constituent. I am to have been made on cost grounds. I am told that the sure that the Minister will want to respond in the most Met may have had in mind the quality of the cells at appropriate manner possible. Harrow and that some capital investment is certainly I seek to raise four issues on the Whitsun Adjournment. needed, but I am also told that there is no difference in The first relates to the future of the custody suite at quality between Harrow and Kilburn. Harrow police station, which serves my constituency. I I was not consulted on, or even formally told of, the heard in April that the Metropolitan police were planning decision in advance. I have written to the Metropolitan to close the custody suite in October. There are rumours Police Commissioner, who has told me that an assistant this week that the decision has been put on hold and commissioner will be writing to me to explain why that a final decision on closing or saving it will be taken Harrow police station has been singled out. I have not in the autumn. There certainly appears to be a considerable yet received that letter. I welcome the fact that the Met body of opinion within the higher levels of the Met in may well reconsider the decision, but I hope that the favour of closing the custody suite. That would leave Deputy Leader of the House will use his influence to Harrow with no custody suite, and one of only two encourage Home Office Ministers to have a quiet word London boroughs—both in the suburbs of London, as in the ear of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner I understand the other is Richmond—without one. To and urge him to reverse it. date, there has been no proper explanation from the The second issue is the proposed airport in the Thames Metropolitan police of why they think Harrow’s custody estuary. On behalf of the airports serving my constituency, suite, which has 13 cells, should close. notably Heathrow, I have concerns about that proposal. I raised this issue on the Floor of the House during There are several noisy cheerleaders for the Thames Home Office questions, and—understandably—the Home estuary airport, even though it does not make sense in Secretary replied that it was an operational matter air traffic control terms, it would require hugely costly for the Metropolitan police. At first glance, she is investment in roads, housing and other infrastructure, absolutely right, Nevertheless, I encourage Ministers to and years of architects’, planners’ and traffic and use their influence to ask the Metropolitan police to environment consultants’ time, and it certainly would reconsider. not solve London’s immediate need for extra airport As I have said, Harrow’s custody suite consists of capacity. Many rival airports, notably Schiphol in the 13 cells. There are 5,000 “visits”, as they are called in Netherlands, have experienced a significant increase in the jargon, to those cells each year. Potentially, therefore, business in recent months. Given that the Thames estuary 5,000 prisoners would have to be held in other custody airport has not begun to go through any of its planning, suites. I understand that the Metropolitan police want environmental, financial or air traffic control assessment those who are arrested in Harrow to be housed at processes, owners of such rival airports must be licking Kilburn and Wembley police stations. On one level, I their lips at the prospect of the months or even years am not concerned about where a prisoner from my they will have to attract international business away constituency is housed. What concerns me and many of from London’s airports while the debate about a Thames my constituents is that if prisoners have to be transported estuary airport continues. to those other custody suites for the purposes of an National Air Traffic Services has quietly pointed out investigation into whether they have committed the the considerable additional problems a Thames estuary crimes of which they are accused and preparation of airport will cause in London’s already congested airspace. paperwork for court appearances, substantial police It would sit directly under the central route into London’s officer time will be wasted. That would inevitably have airspace, so aeroplanes carrying thousands of passengers an impact on the quality and number of investigations a year would be taking off and landing at the new that can take place at Harrow. Travelling to Kilburn airport through one of the world’s busiest airspaces. In during the rush hour can take more than an hour, and short, a Thames estuary airport is about as sensible as 1335 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1336 building a new crèche in the middle of a motorway. It A number of my constituents have brought to my would also shift the eastern boundary of London’s air attention the unexplained death of a young Tamil man, traffic holding patterns, in turn opening up the need for Easwarathasan Ketheeswaran, who was deported back negotiations with other nations about changes to UK to Sri Lanka from the UK. I have tabled questions to airspace, which, at best, would mean another delay to the FCO and the Home Office on the matter. I asked any new airport’s start date. Worse still, there is the risk the FCO whether it has had discussions with the regime of creating an investment hiatus at London’s existing in Sri Lanka to press questions about the quality of the airports, as the business community waits to see whether police investigation into this young man’s death. I asked the idea of a Thames estuary airport can really be made the Home Office whether this unexplained death of to work. someone deported back to Sri Lanka from our country will affect its policy on the deportations of Tamil men, Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): I am listening in particular, back to Sri Lanka. very carefully as I was brought up in London. I have The FCO report gave detail about the human rights always been astonished that we are the only capital city situation in Sri Lanka, and recalled that the Sri Lankan in the world where the Head of State and the Prime Government’s own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Minister can be woken up at 5 o’clock on Christmas Commission report had noted a serious lack of morning by planes flying over. Everywhere else, airports investigations by the Sri Lankan police into disappearances are situated some distance away, so planes do not need and human rights abuses, particularly in the north and to fly over city centres. I wonder whether my hon. east of the country. The commission went on to note the Friend is right to dismiss the idea of shifting everything failure of the Sri Lankan police on some occasions to a little eastwards, with planes flying into the wind from register complaints when people had come to see them the east, rather than over the capital city. Also, if there to point out disappearances, abductions and human was an accident involving a plane flying over central rights abuses. Indeed, as the FCO’s work pointed out, London, that could be incredibly dangerous. that commission report also highlighted the continuing substantial military presence in the north and east Mr Thomas: Nobody wants to lose any passenger of Sri Lanka, which it said was making the northern through an air traffic incident, and, of course, we would province, in particular, unsafe for women. The FCO want to minimise disruption to anybody, whether a report went on to note the number of war widows in the Prime Minister or not, but we have to look at these northern and eastern provinces—approximately 90,000. issues in the round, and I gently say to my right hon. Many hon. Members will be familiar with the huge Friend that, notwithstanding the noise level that the number of deaths in Sri Lanka at the end of the conflict Prime Minister currently has to deal with, he should in 2009, which prompted United Nations Secretary-General consider the range of issues mounting up against the Ban Ki-moon to appoint a panel of experts to report on idea of a Thames estuary airport. both the scale of the killings and the level of human rights abuses in the run-up to the last months of the I am worried about the Thames estuary airport proposal conflict, when more than 40,000 people were killed. stalling investment at Heathrow. Many of my constituents According to the UN report, many of those people lost work at Heathrow, or in the businesses that thrive in the their lives as a result of the Sri Lankan military’s use of economy associated with it. Leaving aside the considerable cluster bombs and as a result of the intense bombing financial, air traffic control and other such reasons for of areas, even those designated as “no-fire zones”. The not going ahead with the Thames estuary airport, I UN report also noted that huge numbers of Tamils in cannot see how an airport there could be in the interest particular in the north and east suffered at the end of of west London, as Heathrow would, in effect, be the conflict from a lack of access to food and medicine, downgraded from the major international hub airport as the Sri Lankan military allowed food and medicine it is now and would lose the jobs and investment that a through to the then still LTTE-controlled areas in very major airport brings in its wake. That is what would few cases. happen if a Thames estuary airport were built. The UN panel concluded that there was evidence My last point about the problems with the Thames of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity estuary airport relates to the environmental challenges and repeated the call for an international independent it would generate, which do not appear to have been investigation into those war crimes allegations. taken on board yet. I gently suggest to Ministers that Encouragingly, the UN Human Rights Council recently the proposal for an airport in the Thames estuary is a concluded that there needs to be a proper international distraction from, not a solution to, the issue of airport investigation and that people should be held to account. capacity. It has the potential to damage the economy In addition, the International Crisis Group, my hon. that serves my constituency in the area around Heathrow, Friend the Member for West Ham (Lyn Brown) and and I urge Ministers to bring it to a close. other Members have highlighted the growing insecurity The third issue that I briefly wish to discuss is Sri of women in the north and east because of lack of Lanka, and the report that the Foreign and Commonwealth access to housing or jobs and the generally unsafe Office has just released on human rights across the environment in which they live. What can the Government world, which touches on Sri Lanka. I very much welcome do to help? They should certainly continue to keep up the report, and I commend the FCO for continuing the the pressure for an independent international inquiry. tradition of publishing a report on human rights in Many of my constituents were disappointed by the the countries in which we all, as a House of Commons, decision to invite the President of Sri Lanka to take have a considerable interest. The report noted the part in the jubilee celebrations without assurances being considerable number of disappearances and abductions sought that he will be accommodating to the UN and that are continuing in the north and east of Sri Lanka, will help an independent international inquiry to take in particular, with a sharp rise at the end of the year. place. 1337 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1338

[Mr Thomas] Mr Thomas: I am grateful for the support of the hon. Gentleman and, I think, the support of my right hon. Another direct thing that the Government could do, Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) for through the Department for International Development—I this great cause. hope that the Deputy Leader of the House will take this London Welsh players responded in the best way point back to the Department—is fund one or two possible to the news last night when they won the away international non-governmental organisations with a leg at the Cornish Pirates’ ground 37 points to 21. We proper track record in such matters to provide support take a 16-point lead into the home game at the Oxford and assistance to the women and many children in the Kassam stadium next Wednesday evening. I hope that north and east of Sri Lanka who are vulnerable. I know members of the RFU board will come to that stadium from my time as a Minister in DFID that it does not to see just how well that ground could house premiership have staff based in Sri Lanka and could not therefore rugby next year. set up its own aid programme, but it does fund many international organisations—from the Oxfams and Save David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): I thank the the Childrens to the Islamic Reliefs and so on—that hon. Gentleman for giving way and I note that the work in countries across the world where the Department fourth issue he has addressed, rugby, has attracted a lot does not have a full operation of its own. They could be more interest in the Chamber than the previous three. I trusted to provide proper development assistance to endorse the comments that we have just heard about the incredibly vulnerable people. quality of administration in the RFU. If he or his club My final point is very different and concerns London would like to come to the rugby league to see an Welsh rugby football club’s application to join rugby’s example of fine administration they should do that. premiership. As Members will recognise, I have some Let me make a serious point about London Welsh, which Welsh roots and a number of my constituents, like me, I think would be replacing Newcastle in the premiership. enjoy cheering on London Welsh. For the first time in I have nothing at all against London Welsh, but it the history of the rugby championship in the UK, would be a pity if the whole of the rugby union premiership London Welsh has got through to the play-off final and became dominated by teams from the south and did not it submitted its bid to the Rugby Football Union to be include fine teams such as Rotherham and Newcastle, considered for a place in the premiership should it win. which have dropped out of that league. Yesterday, before the first leg of that play-off final was due to take place, the RFU published the results of its Mr Thomas: The hon. Gentleman makes an important investigation into London Welsh’s bid and rejected it point about the need for rugby union to have a very out of hand. Proper reasons have not yet been given for diverse base across the country. I certainly hope that the decision, but if media reports are to be believed it when Newcastle takes its place in the championship, as appears that the application was rejected because London I hope it will, it continues to benefit from the RFU’s Welsh does not have its own ground that meets premiership support and largesse so that it can have a genuine standards. As London Welsh spokespeople have pointed chance of winning a place back in the premiership. out to the media, a series of premiership teams are Nevertheless, we have to allow proper promotion and already in that category, notably Saracens. relegation to take place. I do not think London Welsh has been properly treated thus far. I raise this issue in Mr MacShane: I wish my hon. Friend all the best, but the House today because I hope that the Deputy Leader frankly the men in blazers and those bright pink and of the House might encourage the Minister for Sport orange corduroy trousers who control the RFU will not and the Olympics to use his influence to encourage the give any consideration to the passion of London Welsh, RFU to publish the full details of its assessment and its players and its supporters. We experienced that in how it reached the decision to reject London Welsh’s Rotherham when we got into the premier league and application for the premiership, so that London Welsh were then booted out. We had a wonderful ground and has all the facts in front of it as it prepares its case for people could get right down to the touchline to watch appeal. the rugby. It is much better than sitting up in a big stadium, but those gentlemen of a particular class are 2.58 pm the worst administrators of any of our major games. I wish my hon. Friend well, but he ain’t going to get going Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): I am pleased to follow until they change their corduroy trousers. the hon. Member for Harrow West (Mr Thomas), who has raised some very important issues about a team with a wonderful heritage in the game of rugby. I am Mr Thomas: I am a huge supporter of my right hon. pleased to contribute to this debate and although I do Friend on most things, as he knows, but I hope that on not intend to go on at great length, it is an enormous this occasion he will allow me to take a slightly more pleasure to be able to speak in this place without having temperate view of the Rugby Football Union. In general, to race the clock or strike out paragraphs from a speech I think it does a good job and I hope that it will because of a time limit being reduced. reconsider London Welsh’s application. I want to speak about graduated driver licensing, with would involve a change in the licensing regime for Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): As the Member of new drivers to restrict them to driving only in low-risk Parliament for Rugby and someone with great enthusiasm environments. I am very keen to raise this issue from the for the game of rugby, may I tell the hon. Gentleman viewpoint of a father of four children, three of whom that true rugby fans across the country will have enormous are now drivers. Like most parents, I had real concerns sympathy with the case he is making? The teams that do about my children’s safety in the critical period just well deserve the right to be promoted. after they passed their driving test. I have seen the effect 1339 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1340 that a road traffic accident can have: when one of my Let us consider the difference between the present teenage son’s great friends lost his life, it had an effect position and what would occur if graduated driver on the whole friendship group. I also speak as an licensing were introduced. Currently, there is no restriction observer at a local court where a young man was on a 17-year-old passing his or her test on one day and sentenced for causing by careless driving the death of on the next driving a gang of mates in a powerful car his friend who was in the passenger seat. with a 5 litre engine, capable of travelling at 150 mph. The first case showed me the effect of the loss of a There is a problem that needs to be addressed. Research young life on the friends of the person. My hon. Friend by Jones and Palmer into all accidents in Britain between the Member for Devizes (Claire Perry) spoke movingly 2000 and 2007 found that young people driving in about the effects of the loss of a young life. The second certain conditions were more prone to accidents. case showed me how the behaviour of a young driver, The key points are as follows: young drivers were late at night and when there was certainly an element of involved in around 10% of all crashes; crashes involving showing off, also caused the loss of a life. older drivers decreased by 25% over the period, whereas What is the extent of the problem? According to the those involving young drivers dropped by only 5%; a Department for Transport, one in five newly qualified quarter of young driver crashes occurred between 9 pm drivers, most of them under the age of 25, has a crash and 6 am; a quarter of young driver crashes occurred within six months of obtaining their licence. According when the young driver was carrying at least one other to the AA, a young driver is 10 times more likely to be passenger aged between 15 and 24; half of young driver involved in a serious collision than a more experienced crash casualties, and 70% of the fatalities, occurred driver. between 9 pm and 6 am and with at least one 15 to 24-year-old in the car; 50% of young driver fatalities With that in mind, I draw the attention of the House occurred either between 10 pm and 5 am or with at least to graduated driver licensing. Why is it necessary? A lot one 15 to 19-year-old in the car; and, perhaps most of research has been carried out by Dr Sarah Jones and strikingly, they found that fatal crashes involving older Professor Stephen Palmer of Cardiff university, and drivers decreased by 15%, while those involving young they have put together a detailed report on the potential drivers increased by 15%. The figures show that there is of graduated licensing to save lives. They draw attention a real problem when it comes to young drivers. to the driving conditions where risks are highest and note that they are exacerbated for new and young The Government have a position on this. I raised the drivers: driving late at night, driving with passengers of matter in the House during questions to the then Transport a similar age and driving after drinking alcohol or Secretary on 27 January 2011. I asked him for the taking drugs. Government’s view on graduated driver licensing. I understand that the Government are not in favour. He To save lives, those conditions need to be minimised, gave me two reasons for that. First, he said that other which is exactly what graduated driver licensing does. It countries that have graduated driver licensing reduces exposure to those conditions and builds on-road driving experience by providing an intermediate phase— “suffer worse safety records than the UK”.—[Official Report, 27 January 2011; Vol. 522, c. 437.] where there is a degree of supervision and control—between being a learner and holding a full licence. The duration That might be so, but I still think that the number of of the intermediate phase is a matter for consideration, fatalities among our young people means that the matter so I shall not suggest a firm figure; some supporters should be considered properly. Secondly, he said, in have proposed between two and two and a half years. defence of the existing situation, that introducing the system would reduce the mobility of young people and In the intermediate phase, a driver has complete have a negative effect on their participation in the permission to drive, but not at certain times of night labour market and in higher education. What proportion and not with passengers. A further factor that might be of young drivers are participating in the labour market introduced could be a restriction on the cubic capacity or higher education during the hours when graduated or horsepower of the engine of the car that new drivers driver licensing would impose a restriction, bearing in are allowed to drive. mind that we are taking about late at night? I cannot see I have already touched on alcohol consumption, which how that argument stands up in relation to a young would be zero, and on drug-driving. Drug taking is person driving with his friends at 2 o’clock in the more prevalent among young people; as a generalisation morning. it is probably safe to say that a greater proportion of In 2008 the Government conducted a review of the drug taking occurs in the evening, so the provisions of learner driver process, “Learning to Drive”, and considered the graduated driver licence would mean that the prospect graduated driver licensing. They concluded that the of young people driving after taking drugs would reduce. reform of driver training and testing is a more appropriate A consultation paper by the AA in 2008, “Learning to and effective method of dealing with the problem. The Drive,” said: Department for Transport said that graduated driver “The drug driving problem is not adequately quantified at licensing present, and it is likely that its greatest impact is among the “would bring extensive social and economic costs” young. If the drug driving problem is as great as some reports suggest, it could be a major reason for accident levels among With regard to costs, we know that there is economic young drivers. A recent AA Populus poll of 17,500 members value in saving a life. In 2003 the Health and Safety showed that 50% felt that drug driving was as big a problem as Executive formulated a cost-benefit analysis that put drink driving.” the cost of a life lost in a fatality at £1.3 million. Cardiff I am, therefore, pleased that the Government are aware university has carried out some research on the value of of the issue, and I welcome the legislation announced in preventing deaths in relation to two models of graduated the Queen’s Speech to create a specific offence of drug- driver licensing—either between 9 pm and 6 am or driving. between 10 pm and 5 am. Under the stricter model, it 1341 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1342

[Mark Pawsey] and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith), because she has one of Britain’s most important steel engineering plants in calculated savings at £247 million a year, and under the her constituency and is a doughty champion of it. That less strict model it calculated them at £162 million. plant is linked to a major one in Rotherham, and on Therefore, in addition to reducing the distress we have this issue we have been able to combine action over a already heard about today, there would be significant number of years. economic benefits from introducing graduated driver The issue has to be set in the broader context of licensing. today’s extraordinarily sad news from the Office for Elsewhere in the world, graduated driver licensing National Statistics, which reports that our economy is was first used in New Zealand in 1987 and has since again contracting. We are shrinking. We have that been implemented across the United States, Canada, extraordinary malady of the ever-shrinking British economy Australia and parts of Europe. The programmes used in under this Government. In the first quarter of this year each of those countries vary, and I am not at this stage it was down 0.3%, which is an increase in negative making a case for which system we should adopt, but growth on the first estimate of 0.2%, but within the principle of restricting new drivers remains the that overall figure we have some rather more worrying same in all cases. The research from Cardiff university statistics, which impact on the broader south Yorkshire shows that the impacts will vary, but the best result that manufacturing economy, including not only steel, but has been seen is in Ontario, where crash fatalities among engineering, construction and all the things that go into young people decreased by 76% over two years. “making” Britain, rather than the financial services or In conclusion, the number of young driver crashes is the huge amounts of money that the City makes. Indeed, clearly disproportionately high. The issue touches almost one of the huge problems with the current Government everybody: parents, relatives and friends of the young is that the Cabinet knows the south of France better people involved. Action can be taken. I question whether than it knows the north of England. the Government’s current position of looking for more According to the ONS, construction output declined training and testing will be sufficient. I firmly believe by 4.8% in the first three months of this year, after a that an approach that decreases the risks to which 0.2% decline in the fourth quarter last year. That is young drivers expose themselves will help reduce the absolutely catastrophic, and one of the biggest components number of young driver incidents. I urge the Government of any aspect of construction, from roads, to houses, to look again at the positive effects that a new system of office blocks, new schools and hospital wings, is steel, licensing could have in achieving what we all wish to so, when the construction industry declines by 5% under see: the young people of our country being safer on our nation’s current economic stewards, that signals our roads and fewer people having to go through the very bad news for steel. kind of experience that my son and his friends went There has been no growth at all in manufacturing. through. There are of course some pockets of growth, and, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Warley (Mr Spellar) 3.9 pm pointed out earlier today, the car industry is doing better, so I accept fully that the situation is uneven, but Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): It is a pleasure we are a United Kingdom Parliament, not a south of to follow the hon. Member for Rugby (Mark Pawsey), England Parliament or a Parliament just for the City, whose suggestion I entirely endorse. He revealed, though, and our policies have to help all of the country, not just two of the biggest problems that all hon. Members and, parts of it. indeed, Government Front Benchers, face: the “not invented here” syndrome; and the Whitehall expert who Debt is the enemy of any good stewardship of the knows best and will always find a reason why something nation, although I have to say that I have probably been cannot be done and should not be changed. in debt all my life: it is called a mortgage. But, providing I have been able to manage that debt and to pay the I always admired Gladstone, who brought in a tax for interest rates, I have not been crippled by it. When just six months. We should experiment, try the graduated William Pitt became Prime Minister in 1784, the average driver’s licence scheme for a year or two and see whether national income of Great Britain was £23 million and it produces good results. I have seen it work over a the national debt of Great Britain was £240 million. In number of years in France. After someone passes their other words, the national debt was 10 times the national driving test in that country, they have to drive around income. That did not faze Pitt, but it seems to faze his for a year with a large letter “A”on the back of their car, old Etonian successor, our current Prime Minister, who for “apprentice”. That is what it means in French. thinks that an infinitesimally smaller level of debt is The hon. Gentleman’s point about people not going something that has to bring the entire UK economy to a out late at night when they have taken drugs or had a juddering halt. I am not suggesting that we return to drink is extremely important. Fatalities in France are Pittite days of massive debt to national income ratios, much higher for lots of other reasons, such as bad road but we have to strike a balance, and we will certainly not management, speed limits and drink driving, but they tackle any of our debt if we do not swiftly move to are coming down fast. We have a good record, but each growth. life lost—particularly that of a young person—is a I want to turn to the steel industry. I accept that some terrible tragedy for the families concerned, so I wish Government Ministers, including the Secretary of State him all the very best with his campaign. for Business, Innovation and Skills, are interested in I wish to talk briefly about the steel industry and my steel and have come to the advanced manufacturing region of south Yorkshire, and it is an enormous pleasure plant in Rotherham, on the border with Sheffield, to see to do so in the company, on the Opposition Front the excellent work done there by Rolls-Royce, Boeing Bench, of my hon. Friend the Member for Penistone and other companies. I invite a Minister to come to a 1343 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1344 steel plant, either in my constituency or that of my hon. the whole, Ministers, however well-intentioned they are, Friend the Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge, are not across every detail of such decisions. Without it where they will be told about the extraordinarily being an intended consequence, if we allow the present international nature of the steel industry and about the structure of carbon reduction through price support fact that what goes into making steel entirely determines mechanisms to continue, we may face serious damage its profitability and the future sustainability of any part to our steel industry. of the industry. Secondly, there is the pledge to consult on simplifying The big problem that we face is the obsession with the carbon reduction commitment energy efficiency front-loading on to the steel industry the general problem scheme, or CRCEES as it is known in the trade, to of climate change. I am talking about steel, but I am not attempt to reduce the administrative burden on business. excluding other industries. I am sure that hon. Members The Government have said that they are ready to look with connections to the glass or ceramics industry, or to at replacing those revenues with an alternative other high-energy-using industries, would make the same environmental tax. However, they have not specified point on their behalf. There has been a culture, not how an environmental tax will be paid and which necessarily under this Government, of saying, “Heavy industries it will affect. We also had the statement on industry bad; anything else good.” Well, I am sorry, but feed-in tariffs earlier today. we are not going to move away into an economy of Last night, I had the most extraordinary exchange which steel does not remain an essential component with Mr Nigel Farage on LBC. His new term for the part. Steel is vital, sometimes in very small elements, Prime Minister is a “warmist”. I had never heard of whether it be in our cars, our mobile telephones or the warmism before, but in the lexicon of the UK Independence planes we travel in—modern steel, high-tech steel, flexible party, it is apparently used to denounce people who like steel. Steel is also a huge recycling industry. It is not renewable energy and wind turbines, and who think generally understood that steel production is based on that we are facing global warming. Mr Farage obviously gobbling up and reusing old, unused steel that would knows better that global warming is an EU conspiracy otherwise have to go into landfill or clutter up the to undermine Britain. He thinks that the louder he calls landscape. the Prime Minister a warmist, the more people will In this year’s Budget, our southern-oriented Chancellor flock to vote for UKIP. I do not know whether that is outlined policies that will have a detrimental effect on the case. the UK steel industry. He confirmed that the Government At the moment, only non-energy-intensive firms and will calculate the 2014-15 prices support rates, equivalent organisations are bound by the carbon reduction to £9.55 per tonne of carbon dioxide, in line with the commitment. We have to look at other ways in which we carbon price floor, using the methodology set out in the can support energy intensive industries, and the steel 2011 Budget. This has increased from the indicative rate industry in particular. It is the most extraordinary sight set last year of £7.28 per tonne. That is a response to the to see steel being melted in Rotherham. Scrap is poured dramatic fall in carbon prices seen last summer. EU into a giant metal pot and a red-hot electrode goes in at allowances reached record lows at the beginning of this about 2,000° or 3,000°. There is a huge explosion, upon year, so the support rate or tax applied in the UK needs which I have seen distinguished colleagues shake. It to go up to achieve the floor. That means that next year demonstrates the raw power of industry. In a sense, it is the rate will be nearly double that in 2014, which was a process that has not changed since the days of Vulcan— meant to stand at £4.94 per tonne but is now set much heat is applied to iron ore or scrap metal and out flows higher. molten steel—except that the process is magnified in I am sorry that this is quite complicated, technical temperature and size many times over. It is fantastically stuff to bring to the House. I am not trying to make a dramatic; sometimes tragically so, as accidents still happen. partisan point; indeed, I pay tribute to Ministers, who That is the raw nature of what has to be the core of our have always been willing to receive delegations of MPs economy, because however high-tech, Googley and from steel industry areas. Part of the problem is that Facebooky we want to make the British economy, and such a level of technical detail is impossible to get across however much we want to base it on the City and the in parliamentary questions. One has to dig into fairly financial services industry, it will still need houses, cars, technical steel technology and steel industry publications hospitals and metal manufacturing. to find this material, because it never features on the front page of any newspaper or business section. The third problem is the extraordinary discrepancy between the fuel costs in this country and those of our In response to the increase in the carbon price floor, major competitors. The most dramatic difference is BIS has allocated £250 million in compensation to with the United States, where shale gas is significantly cover the 2013-15 period. Given that our steel industry reducing the cost of energy. I have graphs here, but I do has a value of about £3 billion a year, £250 million will not really want to give more figures. The price of fuel not be sufficient to counteract the negative effect of the in the US is about 50% lower than that in the United carbon price floor. That might cause lasting damage to Kingdom. That is why I support a dash for gas, based the British steel industry. on shale gas. That could significantly reduce the UK’s I plead with the Government—the Department for dependence on imported energy sources. I am not Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department of against wind farms—how can one be?—but they will Energy and Climate Change—to rethink their policies. never provide the electricity that is needed to melt steel. They can, by all means, insist that we reduce CO2 Everybody wants to be able to press a switch and on emissions. However, they should not use methodologies comes the light, on comes the heating, on comes the hot and prices that are changing so rapidly that they will do shower, on comes the air conditioning or on comes damage when rigidly applied. Believe me, when civil whatever else, but that ain’t gonna happen from renewable servants want to apply something rigidly, they do. On sources. 1345 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1346

[Mr Denis MacShane] would hugely benefit manufacturing, particularly the steel industry. I urge Ministers to pay particular attention Finally, I want to consider the problem of electricity to the matter. prices. I have a chart illustrating the estimated prices in I would get on my knees to say that even if we have 2015. I cannot hold it up, because we cannot do PowerPoint much better and fairer electricity prices, we can make all stuff in the Chamber, but in short, the best estimates the products we want, but while we have a recession-focused show that the cost per megawatt-hour delivered in Germany Chancellor who seems to draw some weird pleasure will be about ¤50, and in the United Kingdom ¤70. In from the British economy shrinking, there will be no the United States it will be ¤35, in the Nordic countries money to buy those products and the firms of Rotherham ¤45 and in France a bit less than in Germany, maybe will face a very bleak future. That goes not just for our ¤48. Those are estimates, but we—by “we” I mean our huge steel industry but for every firm that needs a steel industry—pay higher tax on electricity than the decent level of demand in the economy, which is currently United States or our main European steel-making being denied the UK. competitors. I understand the desire to reduce our carbon output 3.30 pm and the Treasury’s perfectly reasonable desire to get Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I ended my speech what tax it can from whatever source it can. I know that in the Christmas recess debate by saying: my speech could be described as special pleading, but the comparators with most other countries show “I am amazed that the leaders of the Christian faith around the world, whether the Orthodox Church, the Anglican Church, that the British steel industry remains fundamentally through the Archbishop of Canterbury, or the Pope, have remained disadvantaged by the higher cost of electricity, which is silent. It is time that the Christian leaders spoke up for the people needed for melting steel. It cannot be done with a of the holy land.”—[Official Report, 20 December 2011; Vol. 537, Bunsen burner or by putting the gas cooker on, it needs c. 1292.] 2,000° C to 3,000° C-worth of electricity delivered fast Five months of silence has followed. Collectively—with and hard. certain significant exceptions—the Christian Church has abandoned not only the holy land but the indigenous David Mowat: I agree with the right hon. Gentleman Palestinian people. The Pope and the Archbishop of that every Member should spend some time looking at Canterbury might like to check precisely what the parable a blast furnace. The one that I saw was in Port Talbot. It of the Good Samaritan is about. is quite an emotional experience. Hunger strikes by hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli The right hon. Gentleman is making a case about prisons have gone barely noticed by the British media. high energy prices, and it is a fact that they destroy jobs One thing is certain: the holocaust of 70 years ago was and value in industries of the type that he is representing not the fault of the Palestinians. It seems, however, that today. However, I am not quite so clear about what his Europe’s collective guilt for what happened is represented solution is, given everybody’s apparent desire to have by the collective repression and punishment of the more windmills. Palestinians. The preamble to the UN charter states that the UN Mr MacShane: It is to invest in a mixture of energy was created, among other things, sources, and I would focus on nuclear. We simply need a “to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights…to establish wider national debate about what is important, including conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations maintaining a steel and manufacturing sector as part of arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be the broader economy. It is reducing in size and will maintained…to promote social progress and better standards of never generate millions of jobs again, but we need a life in larger freedom” debate about whether it is worth while, particularly in and the part of England that is getting less and less attention “to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another from this very southern-focused Government. The hon. as good neighbours”. Gentleman made the point that if Newcastle were knocked It specifically states that out of the rugby union premier league, rugby union “armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest” would become an entirely southern-based sport. I want more balance in our economy and our sport, much and refers to though I am delighted that Chelsea beat the Germans “the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all on Saturday. peoples”. Article 1, chapter 1 of the charter refers to the need to I will finish by quoting Karl-Ulrich Köhler, the managing director of Tata Steel here in the UK. He praised the “develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for Budget, saying: the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take…appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace”, “The Chancellor is rightly aiming to reward work”, and to the need to encourage but he said that it “respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all “did little to ease the additional unilateral energy costs that UK without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion”. industry must bear. The benefits to industry pale into insignificance against the costs imposed on them from existing energy and Mr MacShane: The hon. Gentleman is making an climate change regulations, which are rising alarmingly in the UK.” interesting speech, and I do not dissent from some of That is “Made in Britain” regulation. It has nothing to the points he makes. The puzzle is that in 1948 Israel do with the EU. I am going to sit down now, but I could was allowed to be created by the UN, so why was the make the case that the European model of manufacturing, Palestinian state not created then, with East Jerusalem steel and energy prices is much more intelligent and as its capital and including the west bank and Gaza? co-ordinated than ours. If we had the same model, it Why did Palestine not come into being at that time? 1347 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1348

Sir Bob Russell: I can answer that only by saying that practice on settlements…and this Government will continue to in the year of my birth, the state of Israel did not exist, act and vote on illegal settlements.”—[Official Report, 11 January but today, maps of the middle east show that it occupies 2012; Vol. 538, c. 178.] virtually the entirety of what used to be Palestine. I also raised these issues on 15 December at business questions. On 16 May, in a written question, I asked the Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): Does the Foreign Secretary hon. Gentleman believe that the state of Israel should “what representations he has made to the EU not to renew Israel’s exist? special trading status in view of its continued occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem in contravention of UN Resolutions”. Sir Bob Russell: My view is that those who reside in In response, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Israel and Palestine should live in peace together, regardless and Commonwealth Affairs, the hon. Member for North of faith, whether they are Christians, Muslims, Jewish East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), wrote: people or people of no faith. History is on my side and “We support closer ties between Israel and the international time will prove me right. community… The EU has been very clear that no progress can be made on upgrading the wider EU-Israel relationship until there is substantial progress towards a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): Vis-à-vis Israel and conflict. This is a position the UK supports.”—[Official Report, Palestine, does the hon. Gentleman believe in a two-state 16 May 2012; Vol. 545, c. 200W.] solution in the middle east? On 15 September, I asked about the illegal settlements, and on 28 February, in an oral question to the Foreign Sir Bob Russell: Sadly, the attitude of the state of Secretary, I raised for the first time the serious possibility Israel is such that the probability of a two-state solution of an Israeli armed attack on Iran. I asked the Foreign being achieved is moving rapidly towards zero. Secretary for a clear guarantee that the UK would not The UN declaration on the rights of indigenous support Israel, militarily or diplomatically, should such peoples, adopted on 13 September 2007, states an attack take place. He replied: “indigenous people should be free from discrimination of any “We are not calling for or advocating a military attack on Iran, kind”. and at this moment we advise others not to do so. But we also It also makes reference to believe that it is important to keep Iran under pressure and that no options are taken off the table.”—[Official Report, 28 February “the urgent need to respect…their rights to their lands, territories 2012; Vol. 541, c. 149.] and resources”. I have asked numerous other questions on human rights Sadly, there is one country with which this country, and the occupation. every EU country and the United States have strong Another interesting subject is how Israel ignores links but which practises policies of ethnic cleansing international law on the freedom of shipping in international and apartheid against its indigenous people. I refer to waters. I tabled a written question about that last month, the state of Israel. to which the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and On 11 September, the Israeli Cabinet decided to Commonwealth Affairs, the hon. Member for North pursue the plan to resolve the long-standing issues East Bedfordshire, replied: faced by the country’s 200,000 Arab Bedouin population “The most recent incident of which we are aware”— living in the southern Negev desert. The plan, known as the Prawer plan, will result in at least 30,000 people which suggests that there is more than one— losing their homes. The Bedouin are Israel’s indigenous “is that relating to the HS Beethoven, which was boarded by the people, as accepted by the UN special rapporteur on Israel Defence Force on 22 April 2012.”—[Official Report, indigenous peoples, but the Israeli Government refuse 30 April 2012; Vol. 543, c. 1350W.] to accept it. Israel wants to move tens of thousands of So there we have it: international law and United Nations Bedouin from their homes and villages into Government resolutions can, it seems, all be ignored by Israel without townships that are already overcrowded and have a any retribution or action by this country, the European large range of social and economic problems. Union or the United Nations. Last year, I had the privilege of visiting Palestine and I am grateful to Ted from Liverpool, who has sent me Israel, the west bank and East Jerusalem. I witnessed at some background information. He ends his message—the first hand those policies of ethnic cleansing and apartheid subject of which is “War War not Jaw Jaw is Israel’s against the Palestinian people in the occupied territories—a way”—with the words: separate matter from that of the Arab Bedouin. We have “End the Occupation, then there will be Peace.” heard today about the Arab spring, but I am referring He says: to the Arab winter. Palestinian children are being arrested, ill treated and, it is arguable, tortured. Some are being “Many of us worry that Israel will drag us into a war with Iran… We now learn”— detained in Israel in violation of article 76 of the fourth Geneva convention. the Foreign Secretary’s answer tended to confirm this— I have raised concerns about the Israel-Palestine issue “that Government Ministers are considering how we might be involved in the event of an Israeli strike and an Iranian response. on numerous occasions in the House, most recently America has already stated its own position in a Bill, HR 4133… yesterday at International Development questions, when Texan Representative Ron Paul, the only one to speak out against I again asked about ethnic cleansing and apartheid. On it, has said ‘...the objective is to provide Israel with the resources 11 January, I put my point directly to the Prime Minister. to attack Iran, if it chooses to do so, while tying the US and Israel In response, he said that the United Kingdom was so closely together that whatever Benjamin Netanyahu does, the US “will always be there”, as our president has so aptly put “a country that should stand up for clear human rights and clear it.’…the vote was 411 to 2 in favour” rights and wrongs in international relations. This Government have been very clear that we do not agree with the Israeli Government’s of the Bill. 1349 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1350

[Sir Bob Russell] I was in South Africa, where the minority white Government behaved abominably. I could not meet a Incidentally, just as a throwaway line, I am advised black friend in an hotel. I worked with the black trade that the Olympic games organisers have listed Israel as a unions there. I share many of the hon. Gentleman’s country in Europe. criticisms of Israel, but the last time I was there, I could Ted writes that recently in the other House, meet Arab Israeli parliamentarians and Arab supreme “Baroness Brinton spoke of an Israeli army order to demolish court judges, and I saw Arab women and their families 1,500 olive trees in Deir Istiya… the Foreign Office, whilst condemning swimming alongside Jews in the sea off Tel Aviv. The Israel’s abuse of human rights in its Human Rights & Democracy apartheid comparison is there for one reason only: an Report for 2011, merely remonstrates with Israel over its abuses apartheid state cannot exist; it has no right to exist. and at the same time rewards it with favoured nation treatment Those who call Israel— and trading agreements.” Eric of Ipswich tells me: Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. “we are well used to Israel ejecting Palestinians from their own With respect, the right hon. Gentleman spoke for homes, for demolition… It is also normal for Israel to destroy 20 minutes, and he knows full well that interventions Palestinian farms and land, to prevent the local population must be brief. A lot of Members are still waiting to feeding itself”. speak, and I will need to consider imposing a time limit In fact, I have witnessed that myself on the west bank, if speeches do not get a little shorter. where a priority for some of the illegal Israeli settlements is to stop up watercourses, depriving the indigenous Sir Bob Russell: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. population of water to grow crops, because the water is I am unable to comment on what the right hon. Gentleman needed by the settlers for their swimming pools. Eric has said, as I have no personal knowledge of the points continues: that he made. “in Yatta, Rateb al-Jabour…Israeli soldiers accompanied by policemen I shall conclude by reading part of early-day motion 9, and members of the Israeli civil administration raided the area which with heavy machinery and destroyed six tents housing over “calls on the UK Government not to support Israel in its continuing 30 people.” acts of breaches of international law and UN resolutions in The object of the Israeli demolition was respect of illegal action in international waters and in the illegal “to empty it of…local residents to expand the nearby” occupation of the West Bank and the annexation of East Jerusalem.” illegal settlement of Sosiya. Israeli forces recently Several hon. Members rose— “demolished an animal barn… south of Hebron,” and Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. I should like to expand “Israeli bulldozers demolished…a 600-square-meter chicken hut, on my previous comment. We need to arrive at the built 30 years ago, in…a village southwest of Ramallah”. wind-up speeches by 5.30 pm at the latest. If each Member In the other House, the Foreign Office Minister Lord who has indicated that they wish to speak takes Howell was challenged over the destruction of Palestinian approximately 10 minutes, they will all have the opportunity olive groves, to which, I am led to believe, he responded to participate. If that does not happen over the course by saying, “Well, there are two sides to an illegal invasion/ of the next couple of speeches, I shall have to resort to occupation,” which is an extraordinary statement. We imposing a time limit, but I am sure that I can trust have to ask the question put to me by Eric of Ipswich: all Members to watch the clock and make their points “How many more people have to die and suffer, before Israel is succinctly. made to obey international law?” He concludes: 3.48 pm “The one and only problem is the illegal occupation. Please use Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): Thank you, your position to put an end to the misery, require Israel to live in Madam Deputy Speaker. First, may I say that I entirely peace with its neighbours instead of attacking them all, and allow Palestinian farmers of olives and other crops and livestock, to agree with everything that the hon. Member for Colchester earn their living and feed their people.” (Sir Bob Russell) has said? My subject is completely different, however. In conclusion, I should like to draw the House’s attention to early-day motion 57, tabled by me, on the An historic event occurred on Tuesday this week. A Co-operative Group’s Israeli boycott. I hope that all freight train carrying full-scale lorry trailers from the will support it. Sadly, Tesco does not do so: it continues continent through the channel tunnel arrived at a freight to sell produce grown on land stolen from Palestinians trans-shipment terminal at Barking, on the north of the by Israeli settlers. However, the Co-operative Group is Thames and to the east of London, for the first time. banning all Israeli goods from the occupied Palestinian This was a simple demonstration of what should be the west bank. The motion future for the millions of tonnes of freight that are carried every year on our roads. They can and should be “calls on all other supermarket chains and suppliers to follow the excellent lead of the Co-operative Group; recalls that it was such carried by rail. The train that arrived at Barking could boycott policies which helped end apartheid in South Africa; and carry those lorry trailers no further, however, as the calls on the Government to make representations to the EU to loading gauge on Britain’s rail network is too small to urge that all member states issue similar boycott measures and to accommodate such traffic. We shall not see that massive end the special trading status which the EU has with Israel.” modal shift from road to rail until trailers on trains can be carried the length and breadth of our country. I Mr MacShane: Does the hon. Gentleman know the should point out that carbon dioxide emissions from German term “Kauft nicht bei Juden”? If he does not, heavy road freight are 12 times higher per tonne-mile he can look it up when he reads Hansard tomorrow. than those from rail. 1351 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1352

There is a scheme to build a dedicated or freight-priority there is a stretch of only a few miles for which HS2 and line from the channel tunnel to Glasgow, linking all our our freight route would need run side by side, and it major conurbations with each other and with the continent would cause no problems. of Europe and beyond. I have been involved with the This rail scheme is desperately needed, and I believe scheme for a decade or more, but I must point out that I that its time has come. It just needs a positive nod from have no pecuniary interest in it whatever. I work closely the Government. I emphasise that I have no pecuniary with the other members of the team, who include two interest—just a passionate belief that this scheme is railway engineers and Ken Russell of Russell Transport, vital for our country. the second-largest haulier in Scotland, which operates the Barking terminal. 3.52 pm The plan is to build a 400-mile line on unused track Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): I congratulate bed and under-utilised lines, with only 14 miles of new the Backbench Business Committee, of which I confess track route for the entire length. There will be a series of I am a member, on providing this opportunity for terminals—to the north-west of London, in the east debate. I have observed that some colleagues have used midlands and west midlands, in south Yorkshire, south it extremely well, particularly in the case of my hon. Lancashire and in Scotland. It will have an extension to Friend the Member for Devizes (Claire Perry), who the north-east and later to the south-west and south spoke so movingly. I congratulate her, too, on bringing Wales. It is designed to work with road hauliers so that the military wives choir to Portcullis House yesterday. they can tractor their trailers to their nearest terminal I wish to raise a number of points on the Whitsun and dispatch them by rail for transport to a terminal Adjournment. First, I have three early-day motions, near their final destination. In its early stages, it will, as which I urge colleagues to sign before we rise for the now, use the channel tunnel rail link—High Speed recess. The first congratulates West Ham United on 1—but a separate line through Kent is incorporated in being promoted to the premiership, despite some poor the final design. It will be built to a gauge to accommodate management and over-inflated ticket prices. The second double-stacked full-size containers. congratulates Chelsea on beating Bayern Munich. The A large-gauge rail freight network is already well third, with which I suspect Conservative Members might ahead on the continent of Europe with tunnels through be pleased, condemns the behaviour of some of the the Alps and a 28-mile tunnel through the Brenner pass. people attending the Police Federation conference. I There is also the Betuweroute, already built and running thought that their behaviour was disgraceful, particularly between Rotterdam and the Ruhr. If we do not build the way they tried to bully and intimidate the Home our new line, Britain will simply be left as a peripheral, Secretary. I thought that, for them, it was a public antiquated and inadequate provider of rail freight, with relations disaster. consequent damage to our economy—a withering branch I shall turn now to online newspaper comments. I am on the international railway tree. increasingly concerned with the whole system whereby Under our scheme, Scotch whisky could be delivered people can publish material in electronic newspaper by rail to Berlin, Rome and points east reliably, efficiently articles without supplying their names and addresses. and in an environmentally beneficial way. It would save This is totally unacceptable. There are swear words and thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions every year and expletives, but there seems to be no legislation to deal overcome the problem of road congestion and drivers’ with the problem. None of us really has the money to hours constraints that currently affect road haulage. fight cases through the courts, even if that were possible. I know that whenever an article is written about me Our team and I have met successive Transport in one local newspaper—which I do not send to it—the Ministers, and we are hopeful that it will not be long abuse is endless. It is water off a duck’s back for me, but before the Government give us the green light. We are for some people who are rather close to me it can be a assured that, with a nod from the Government, bank little bit offensive. I welcome the Defamation Bill, but I finance would be forthcoming very quickly. The scheme think that there should be much stricter controls. It is will be cheap to build and self-financing when up and absolutely gutless not to force those who wish to say running. We anticipate that it would take 5 million lorry abusive things online to leave their names and addresses. journeys off our roads every year, and take most of the freight traffic from the west coast and east coast Public anger has recently been directed at the high main lines, freeing up that capacity for more passenger pay received by private sector bosses, most notably trains. those in the big banks, but what regulation is there to deal with some public sector executives? In 2009, 31 council Based on HS1 costings, we calculate that the whole bosses earned more than the Prime Minister, which is route will be constructed for less than £6 billion—a crazy, and chief executives of public bodies can take fraction of HS2, if I may say so. Indeed, one of the rail home more than £250,000 a year. I am not satisfied that constructors suggested to us that it could do it for less there is proper scrutiny of public organisations, including than £4 billion. We have wide support. The supermarkets some in Essex such as the probation service and NHS are keen; Eurotunnel is enthusiastic; the rail constructors trusts. are interested; and AXA, the insurance giant, has said I find it less than acceptable that a Member of that it is interested in investing in the terminals—it Parliament should have to resort to the Freedom of currently owns the freehold of the Barking terminal. Information Act to confirm, after a number of months, Under the last Government, I led a team of all the that those who were consulted on the closure of Leigh supporters to meet the then Secretary of State for police station lived miles away, so effectively there was Transport, Geoff Hoon. It seemed that the only concern no consultation. It has taken me two years just to was that our line along the old great central route might confirm that the present chief constable of Essex was take up the route required for HS2. The fact is that chosen from a shortlist of one. That is outrageous. 1353 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1354

[Mr David Amess] We in Essex are very upmarket, so we talk about children, not kids, but two weeks ago the “kids count” Apparently the other candidates had withdrawn on the awards took place on the House of Commons Terrace, day. When I asked who had made the decision not to and it was a privilege to be there. I presented one of my re-advertise the position, I was told that the decision had constituents, Stephanie Migliorini, with the “kids count” been made in the first instance by Essex police authority. award for the most inspirational young person. It was a That says it all. In 30 years, Essex police authority has wonderful evening. Various celebs were present, including never engaged with me, as a Member of Parliament. As Tony Hadley, the still-great singer, and Darren Campbell, I have said, there needs to be much greater scrutiny. the still-great runner. Seventeen-year-old Stephanie has Anyone can get rid of Members of Parliament after— two older brothers with tremendous challenges, and she now—five years, but some public bodies seem to be a has looked after them magnificently. law unto themselves. I am proud to have been given a new book written by I must admit that one of my children had an unfortunate one of my constituents. Simon Sear has written the experience recently with a private clamping company. inspirational “Kencho: the Art of Happiness”—which, We are dealing with it through the small claims court, of course, we all chase. He is the husband of Juliet Sear and I am determined that we will win. To charge someone from the popular local bakery, Fancy Nancy. The book £480 and then intimidate and bully them is totally outlines a personal transformation programme, drawing unacceptable. I understand that the Protection of Freedoms on psychological tools and Simon’s personal experience, Act 2012 will outlaw wheel-clamping on private land, and its focus on happiness reinforces the social messages and I welcome that, but I think that private clamping of the current Government. I recommend it to all companies should be much more tightly regulated. colleagues as a good bedtime read. I was delighted that one of my hon. Friends mentioned Kelvin Hopkins: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? the comments made by the managing director of the International Monetary Fund only this week. Some Mr Amess: I think that I must accept your guidance, Opposition Members must be suffering from amnesia: Madam Deputy Speaker. Some of us have been here for 13 years we had a Labour Government. For 13 years since 1 pm, and I know that you are very keen to give that Government had an opportunity to transform our everyone a chance to speak. I apologise for not giving nation’s prospects, but, started off by Tony Blair and way on this occasion. then finished by the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), our country was left in I am dismayed that victims of the Vioxx disaster are a dreadful state. No wonder the managing director of still struggling to obtain compensation. Vioxx was the the IMF said she shivers to think what would have biggest drugs disaster in human history, killing more happened without the fiscal consolidation implemented than 100,000 people worldwide and leaving many more by our new Government. I hope they stand firm on our suffering horrific side effects. With that in mind, I find it current policy. unbelievable that victims are still fighting legal battles. Last Thursday, Southend was blessed with the arrival So far, the United States of America is the only country of a new cultural centre on the end of what is the longest in which a Vioxx settlement has been won. Attempts at pier in the world. It is the first new building to be constructed settlements have been made in Canada and Australia, on the pier since 2000—that is because, unfortunately, but we do not seem to be progressing too well in this we have had three fires over the last 50 years. The country. building weighs 170 tonnes and it was carried by boat I am also concerned about the impact of drugs for down the river Thames. I think it will be an icon for the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. All of us with eastern region, and I urge all Members to visit it. children know that the biggest challenge we face is Everyone is looking forward to the Olympics celebrations bringing them up, but I am very worried about something that will take place throughout the country. The arrival that has been brought to my attention by a constituent, of the Olympics torch in the south-west has been absolutely Mrs Stephanie Lister: the fact that children with behavioural marvellous, and I congratulate those who have made it disorders are being described as having ADHD. Very possible for 95% of the population to be involved. Of young children are often issued with powerful treatments course the highlight will be when the torch comes to such as Ritalin, and Mrs Lister wondered whether the Southend on 6 July. Mark Foster has been announced damage that they might cause had ever been considered. as one of the torch bearers, and the torch will be met by Children often complain of chest pains, vomiting and a choir of 2,000 people. It will be a wonderful occasion, even total memory loss as a result of taking medications and I am advised that there will also be some flash-mob for behavioural conditions. Such prescriptions provide dancing. big business. In 2010 the NHS spent £48 million on Next week, we will have the jubilee celebrations. In ADHD drugs. The number of prescriptions has increased fact, we have the jubilee party in Westminster Hall this steadily over the past decade, and is currently at about evening, and I know that many hon. Members will be the 750,000 mark. That is quite extraordinary. on the Terrace on Sunday 3 June. Southend has had I am very concerned about the political situation in 67 applications for street parties, so we are certainly the Maldives. The resignation of President Nasheed in going to celebrate 60 glorious years of the sovereign February caused great turmoil. Last week the Speaker reigning over us. I also just wish the House and all our of the Maldives Parliament came to see me. Its Parliament officials a happy Whitsun recess. is in deadlock, while the Speaker was barred from entering the state opening ceremony. He wisely chose not to 4.5 pm intervene with force. I urge Her Majesty’s Government David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): I will endeavour to do as much possible to help with the situation in the to speak succinctly on one issue. I rise as a Back Bencher, Maldives. and I am aware that many of us make suggestions to the 1355 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1356

Government about policies that usually have the and selling shares at differing rates and the equity within characteristic of costing money. I am delighted to say that, as the average pension fund churns every seven that the proposal I am going to outline will save the months. If we take churn charges into account, it is Government about £30 billion per annum. The case I nearer to 50%. wish to make is for the abolition of tax relief on pensions. Over the past decade, at a time in which pension funds If we were to get rid of that relief, it also would enable have been increasing in size, one would expect economies us, if we so wished, to increase the basic pension by of scale to have taken down the average pension percentage between 50% and 60%, and to reverse the tax raid that charge. In that decade, charges have risen because of the resulted from the previous Government’s changes to market failure. Significantly, a lot of academic research private pension arrangements. Private pension arrangements says that the difference between the pension fund industry in this country are a disaster. in this country and that of the US is about 100 basis The question might arise as to who would lose from points a year—1% a year in extra charges that are this proposal. They would not be the people who are almost certainly going on supernormal profits. That is saving for their retirement, because the industry with the money that the Government are providing through which they have saved has failed completely to enable pension tax relief. them to do that. I will develop that point a little further I am keen not to take too long, so I would like to later. As far as I am able to make out, the only significant leave my hon. Friend on the Front Bench with a figure losers from this proposal would be estate agents in for the savings, with a description of how I got to that Kensington and Chelsea, which is where the supernormal number. In broad terms, the fund industry in this country profits from the industry that is supposed to look after is worth £2.5 trillion a year. So, the funds under management our retirements are going. are £2.5 trillion and if we accept—it is pretty clear that In broad terms, there are two models for pensions. it is true—that 1% of that represents the supernormal One is the one we have, whereby tax relief is given, overcharging caused by the market failure that I have people are encouraged to save in their own right and described, which does not exist in other countries, there they then have their pots, which they can use at the end. is a supernormal profit of £25 billion to £30 billion a The other model is that used in most of the rest of year. Conveniently, that is pretty close to the amount of Europe, whereby the state has a much higher position in money that we give the industry in tax relief. I do not helping and the consequence is higher basic pension think that the industry expects it to continue, as it is as provision by the state. In general, I would prefer our astonished about it as many of the rest of us are. model, if it worked—it would be a model that I am It is not good enough for the Government to make more comfortable with. It is a market-based model that proposals for compulsion through auto-enrolment when encourages people to do the right thing and then have they are superimposing them on the rotten industry, more money in retirement. Unfortunately, it has not which continues to fail, rather than reforming it. The worked and is not working, and there is a real policy reform could take place through caps on charges, which issue to address for Governments of whatever type. the Government introduced for the stakeholder industry Let me give some evidence of the failure: approximately and will not do for this. The National Employment 50% of people have a poor view of the retirement Savings Trust, the Government’s own provision of auto- industry; one third of people in the private sector do enrolment fund management, could then be given a not save at all for their pensions; and another third who higher profile. Some of the restrictions on NEST should do save have an average pension pot in the order of not remain, either. £35,000, which will buy them a pension of about £1,500 I leave the Deputy Leader of the House with the per annum. The further evidence of failure in this area thought that my proposal offers £30 billion to £35 billion is that the Government, rather than reforming the current and I do not even want any commission. system, are introducing compulsion, because people will not save under the existing structures. 4.12 pm All this has happened because we have a market failure. As I say, I would prefer a market-based solution. Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): It is a We have a market that is too complex, in which there is pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Warrington no transparency and, most seriously, a massive asymmetry South (David Mowat), who has been very active in the of information between the suppliers of these financial Chamber this week. I am sure that he is active every products and the people buying them. Punters need to week, but he has been on his feet and successfully been demonstrate a massive degree of intellectual self-confidence called every day that I have been in the House, and I in challenging the people who are selling pensions, the have been in on each of the past four days. I congratulate fund managers and so on. That is not going to be fixed him on his activity. by better financial regulation, although the situation I am conscious of your admonition to be brief, could have been fixed with better advice—that is really Madam Deputy Speaker, so I shall try to rattle through what should have happened. The difficulty is that the a number of issues. It is a pleasure to see the Deputy advice industry of individual financial advisers was Leader of the House in his place and my hon. Friend entirely hijacked by the pension fund provision industry the Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela in terms of commission, trailing commission and all Smith) in hers and I look forward to their responses in that goes with that. As a result, independent advice has due course. not been available and that has compounded the issue. As an east London MP, it would be wholly wrong I want to say a couple of things about charges. The of me not to start my comments by referring to the Financial Services Authority estimates that 31% of private Olympics. Sometimes my classic cockney accent confuses pension pots go in charges. That does not include the people, but my constituency is in docklands and we are so-called churn charges, which are the cost of buying looking forward to the Olympics very much. My wife, 1357 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1358

[Jim Fitzpatrick] In today’s papers, there was a story about the lady who was, sadly, bitten by a dog and is suffering from Dr Sheila Fitzpatrick, and I attended a test event two rabies. I had a meeting this morning with the World weekends ago and the excitement at Stratford—at a test Society for the Protection of Animals, which is seeking event—was palpable. As we have all seen on the television support from the Departments for Environment, Food this week, the arrival of the Olympic torch has shown and Rural Affairs and for International Development. that excitement is building. Clearly, there will be much The WSPA has an initiative called “Red Collar” under to enjoy this summer and we wish successful for outcomes which it is immunising dogs in third-world countries for the British athletes and Olympic team. We hope that against rabies. Our citizen, who was bitten when she transport arrangements in London work as effectively was in a foreign country, might well have benefited from as they ought to and I am sure that under Peter Hendy, that programme, and I encourage DFID and DEFRA the chief executive of Transport for London, that will to support the WSPA’s “Red Collar” campaign. be the case. The main issue I want to raise is that of housing On the subject of TFL, we are desperate for another benefit. I supported Ken Livingstone in the mayoral river crossing—at least one. I know that the Government campaign, but I have to give credit to the Conservative and the Mayor of London are committed to two, and Mayor Boris Johnson for certain comments that he has we want to see them as quickly as possible. The area made in recent months and years. In October 2010, he east of Tower bridge is now lived in by almost half of told BBC London: London’s population and we have only four crossings. “The last thing we want to have in our city is a situation such as West of Tower bridge, there are 20-plus crossings. We Paris where the less well-off are pushed out to the suburbs”. need extra crossings on the Thames, or else east London will gridlock and the driver for this great capital city for He went on: the next generation or two will be stalled. “I’ll emphatically resist any attempt to recreate a London where the rich and poor cannot live together…We will not see and As a former Vice-Chamberlain of Her Majesty’s we will not accept any kind of Kosovo-style social cleansing of Household, I look forward to the diamond jubilee and London.” to the celebrations of that, which will be a portent of He concluded by saying: those that will follow during the Olympics. “On my watch, you are not going to see thousands of families I want to mention the ten-minute rule Bill proposed evicted from the place where they have been living and have put recently by the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) down roots.” on the labelling of food, particularly halal food, in relation to animal welfare. That debate was sidetracked This Tuesday morning, I had a meeting with Jobcentre and ended up being presented as an attack on the Plus officers from east London, as a result of which I Muslim and Jewish communities. My support for that have come here today to raise this issue. For two years Bill was based on animal welfare grounds. It has I have been going to the Table Office to bid in the draw subsequently been publicised that the percentage of to ask a question in Prime Minister’s questions, but I halal meat in the UK coming from animals that were have been spectacularly unsuccessful. I have bid again stunned is around 90%. The debate about meat labelling for our first week back in June and if I get a chance to in relation to animal welfare therefore ought not to be ask the Prime Minister a question, it will be about the about whether meat is halal or kosher but about whether housing benefit cap, which will result in the forced the animal was stunned or unstunned, because the vast eviction of hundreds of families from my constituency. majority of people want to buy food that is labelled Jobcentre Plus told me that there are 900 households in accurately and honestly, and animal welfare is a huge the constituency of Poplar and Limehouse whose benefits issue for many people. This is not an attack on Islam or exceed the cap that the coalition is bringing in by an on the Jewish community; it is about promoting the best average of £200 but that some exceed it by £800. Those animal welfare standards. I give credit to Mehdi Hasan people are getting letters this week and next week in for his very insightful article in the New Statesman, which they are basically being told that on 1 April next which clarified these issues and demonstrated that we year they are going to be evicted from their home. should be promoting this not as an issue of prejudice Nobody supports scroungers or benefit cheats. There but as an issue of animal welfare. are many hundreds of decent people in those families who have not been able to secure employment, through Let me address an issue of increasing significance in no fault of their own, and they are trying to do their east London—leaseholders’ rights. Whether leaseholders best. The members of those families who will be punished are former council or social landlord tenants who have are the children. That is not fair. exercised the right to buy or whether they are private tenants who have bought a leasehold property through Many Government Members are concerned about a mortgage, there can be a hike in service charges and the issue and London coalition MPs have raised it with insurance charges, and there is a gap in protection in the Government. I encourage them to continue to do so. relation to management companies, particularly disreputable If the plans go through, hundreds of families in my ones. I am talking about a lot of professional people in constituency and thousands more across inner London east London—lawyers, doctors and architects—who will be forcibly evicted. I cannot imagine what that will have bought very expensive properties and are then do for the future of the children. paying tens of thousands of pounds in parking charges, My last point is about Bangladesh, although I do not service charges and insurance charges. There is a gap in want to encroach on the Adjournment debate to be the protection available to people from those who have introduced at 6 o’clock by my hon. Friend the Member the freehold of land. Once someone signs a leasehold for Bradford South (Mr Sutcliffe). He will be raising the agreement, they are basically at the mercy of the freeholder abduction and disappearance of Mr Illias Ali, a senior into the future. This issue needs to be addressed. member of the Bangladesh Nationalist party. 1359 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1360

Between 20% and 25% of my constituents are Many Members will have heard of the Venerable Bede, Bangladeshi. The Labour party and the Government but they may be unaware of Imma, who was someone party in Bangladesh—the Awami League—have strong Bede wrote about. Imma was a thane in the service of connections, and I am a big supporter of the Awami the King of Northumbria. As the House will probably League Government. However, there are noises from realise, he gave his name to the town of Immingham. Bangladesh about civil society there. The USA Secretary Immingham, in partnership with the port of Grimsby, of State, Hillary Clinton, expressed concerns when she is by tonnage the largest port in the UK. It will celebrate visited Dhaka recently, and the Foreign Secretary has its centenary this year on 22 July, 100 years after the been raising the issues, and I have written to him, the official opening by His Majesty King George V.Prior to Bangladesh high commissioner and the Prime Minister the establishment of the modern port, Immingham had of Bangladesh about them. many maritime connections. Many of the pilgrim fathers As everyone knows, Bangladesh is one of the five set sail from the town, an event commemorated there by poorest countries in the world. Its population is twice a magnificent memorial. the size of Britain’s in a land mass two thirds the size of Since then, Immingham has grown from a village England. A quarter of the country is under water for a to a town of which the residents are rightly proud. third of the year. There are massive problems. Unfortunately, like many smaller towns, it has suffered Bangladesh is a young democracy. We are an old as a result of increasing centralisation by both public and democracy, but we still make mistakes. In Bangladesh, private sector organisations, and it is the public services some mistakes are made. When the Bangladesh Nationalist that have caused most concern. Northern Lincolnshire, party won the previous general election, Awami League as a whole, has a low-wage economy and towns such as Members boycotted Parliament for a year, and I criticised Immingham find it difficult to sustain many of the them for that. When the Awami League won the election, services that larger towns take for granted. Leisure BNP Members boycotted Parliament for a year and I centres, sports facilities and the like cannot be provided criticised them too. We need to support Bangladesh and profitably by the private sector and local authorities the Awami League Government and to give every assistance find it increasingly difficult to fund such projects. to make sure that the people who disappeared are It is essential that Immingham and similar towns are found, and that there is justice and transparency in civic not forgotten, so help and support for alternative provision society. Through the Department for International must be explored. Very small amounts of public funding Development, we also need to give support for the can attract other funding streams, as was the case with economy, which is growing at 6%—unlike the British the recently opened skate park. The consultation, funding economy, which shrank by 0.3% in the last quarter—so and local community leadership that came together to that Bangladesh continues to make progress. achieve the skate park are a model of how such projects I am grateful for the opportunity to raise these questions, can be achieved. All involved deserve praise and the and I look forward to the responses in due course. thanks of the local community. The arrival—soon, we hope—of a new Tesco store 4.22 pm and the associated regeneration of the shopping centre will provide a major boost to an area that has an Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): It is a pleasure extremely bright future if the new developments associated to follow the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse with the offshore renewable energy sector can be successfully (Jim Fitzpatrick). There have been some interesting, established in northern Lincolnshire. On that matter, I fascinating and moving contributions, although I have once again stress the urgent need for statutory agencies to take issue with my hon. Friend the Member for to work at the pace required by the commercial demands Southend West (Mr Amess). He said that the highlight of potential investors. Much has been done and I appreciate will be the Olympic torch going to Southend; in fact, the Government’s changes to the planning system, but time the highlight will be on 26 June when the torch arrives is of the essence if the UK is to attract the investment in Cleethorpes. that multinational companies could easily direct to our The right hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) continental neighbours. spoke about the high cost of energy to our high energy The Able UK development, which is just a couple of using industries. Many of them are along the Humber miles from Immingham, promises thousands of jobs. bank in my constituency, and many of my constituents The Government recognised that in establishing the work at the Tata steelworks in the neighbouring constituency largest enterprise zone in the country but, as I have said, of Scunthorpe. Energy costs are of considerable concern. speed is of the essence. Page 45 of the Budget’s Red Book The main focus of my contribution will be on the states that final decisions on the Able marine energy town of Immingham, but first I want to talk about park are needed within a year. It states: static caravans—an issue ably raised earlier by the hon. “the Government will reduce unnecessary cost and delay to Member for Argyll and Bute (Mr Reid). I remind developers by: setting up a Major Infrastructure and Environment Ministers that the imposition of VAT on those caravans Unit; streamlining guidance; setting clearer standards for evidence; will be extremely damaging for local economies such as and changing the culture of statutory bodies.” Cleethorpes. For many people, their caravan is a second home, but for others it is their first home. The caravans That is something that I hope will proceed apace. are occupied for up to 10 months a year, which extends Only a couple of weeks ago, the Government announced the season, providing jobs for those who are dependent additional funding for the preparatory work for the on seasonal work. The caravan sites are not just in much-needed upgrade of the A160, which provides Cleethorpes; there are many small sites in rural areas, access to the Able development and Immingham docks, such as Barton-upon-Humber and other locations in a clear indication, I hope, that construction work will my constituency. begin by 2015 at the latest. 1361 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1362

[Martin Vickers] It is very important that we ensure that manufacturing and engineering are promoted. In my constituency, Another plea is that much of Immingham, Habrough almost one in five employees are in manufacturing or and Stallingborough, which are major industrial areas, engineering, so it is a significant part of my constituency’s lack adequate broadband capacity, so urgent attention economic activity, and that is one reason why I held a is required to correct that, and I commend the work of festival for manufacturing and engineering back in April. One Voice Immingham in pushing forward with its The festival had several aims, one of which was to campaign to highlight that. While on matters digital, it highlight the success of existing firms and businesses, of would be remiss of me not to comment on the success which we have many, in my constituency. Recently, of the Channel 7 local community TV station, the only Advanced Insulation won the Queen’s award for enterprise, successful station remaining of the original stations and we should celebrate that. It is emblematic of the established about 10 years ago, which has been based in firms in my constituency, and a strong illustration of Immingham for much of that time. the kind of firm we need more of, not just in Stroud, but In conclusion, Immingham docks are an excellent throughout the country. Celebrating what we have is, and key driver of the local economy and, under the therefore, part of the process of shining a spotlight on management of John Fitzgerald, Simon Brett and their manufacturing and saying, “This is the sector where we management team, have continued to expand and play are doing well, and we are going to do even better.” an important role in the community. Like many of our The second objective of my festival was to engage ports, Immingham was begun by the railways, in this young people in manufacturing and engineering, and to case the Great Central Railway. During world war one say to them, “This is an opportunity—a place full of it was a submarine base, and for a time during world opportunities—for employment, your career and your war two, Lord Mountbatten used it as a shore base and progress.” During that week, we managed to engage the docks played host to HMS Kelly. His lordship almost 300 students directly in firms that support my stayed at one of the town’s most notable establishments, initiative to do exactly that. I noticed that the more the County hotel. engaged they became, the more interested they seemed In more recent years, the docks have developed to the to be in manufacturing and engineering. extent that one quarter of the tonnage of freight moved We in this country have to stop talking about the less in the UK by rail starts or finishes in Immingham, and attractive aspects of manufacturing and engineering last month it was my pleasure to be present when a and start pointing out that it is a modern, clean, interesting former Member of this House, Michael Portillo, travelled working environment where technology is at the core of to Immingham to name a locomotive, “The Port of successful firms that are making progress in adding Immingham”. I also commend his TV programme, to value, exporting and simply generating new ideas, and be shown next January, documenting a journey from that that is really good place to be. We must get that Portsmouth to Immingham. message across not only to the general populace but to Immingham, like all communities, has its share of young people in schools and colleges so that their social problems, but if some or all of the potential engagement with manufacturing and engineering is more developments come to pass it has a bright future. We intense and therefore more reflective of their own needs look forward to celebrating its centenary over the weekend and requirements. It is important that we put down a of 20 to 23 July. If any Cabinet Minister would like to marker for a continued thrust towards engagement attend, I am still looking for volunteers. between schools, colleges and businesses. I have mentioned just a few of the organisations and The third objective of my festival was to make sure that individuals who play their part in the community of we understand the opportunities for investment in business Immingham, and I place on the record my thanks to and in new ideas. We need to think about firms’ strategic them. Immingham has seen many ups and downs over planning in terms of how they develop their capital, the years, but it has a bright future, and I shall welcome ideas and technologies. We were able to draw on the any Member who pays the town a visit on its centenary. experiences of many firms in my constituency that are already doing that, including successful small and medium- 4.31 pm sized enterprises such as Renishaw, Delphi and Nampak. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): It is a great pleasure We need to create a culture that will turn the debate from to speak in this debate, partly because it comes after a one in which we say “We must rebalance the economy”— productive Session for the Government in terms of passing because we are already doing that—into one in which legislation, and partly because we are on the threshold we say, “We’ve got to focus on what is important in of an interesting year in terms of future legislation. terms of the real economy.” As Sir John Rose has noted, economic growth is all about growing something, digging I am also pleased that we have the opportunity to talk something up or making something, and our focus sensibly about economic growth, because that is one of must be on the latter. the key issues that underpin all our activities in this House, especially at this time. One or two Opposition There were several aspects that I covered in my festival, Members have today criticised the Government’s economic such as the role of banking and the need to be more policy, but in truth we have to address the deficit flexible in our attitudes towards it, not only in terms of problem, and that goes hand in hand with paving the banks being less high street-oriented and target-driven way for economic growth. The two have the same role but through firms thinking about different ways of and responsibility in providing economic recovery, so I seeking finance, attracting equity and planning their reiterate how important it is that we stick to our strategy financial strategies. of cutting the deficit and paving the way for rebalancing Supply chains have been mentioned a few times in the economy, something I shall talk about in the first this debate and in Business, Innovation and Skills questions, half of my speech. and that is not surprising, because they are very important. 1363 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1364

They are becoming increasingly complex and dependent how we can ensure that governors have the right skills on a work force who are flexible, adaptable, well trained and the right questions to ask of their head teachers and embrace all the manufacturing and engineering and principals—of course, governors are also pivotal in skills that are needed in an advanced economy. Airbus, further education. We must come up with a mechanism which is not far from my constituency, sucks in a huge that ensures that there is strategic leadership and amount of its materials and component parts from all accountability at a local level in our schools through our over the south-west, including my constituency. The governing bodies. Members can expect to hear much success of Airbus therefore has an immediate impact on more from me on that subject over the next few months. the people of my constituency. We must ensure that our supply chains are properly supported, that the infrastructure 4.44 pm is in place for them to work properly, and that there are Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): It is a opportunities for local firms to get connected to them. great pleasure to take part in this debate. I congratulate BIS is doing some useful work in that context, and I the hon. Member for Stroud (Neil Carmichael) on his applaud that. All those of us who are interested in the comments and particularly endorse his remark that the real economy need to be more vigorous in our exposition way in which the Government are handling the economy of what a supply chain is and how supply chains really is absolutely right. We have to reduce the huge deficit matter to our constituencies. that we inherited from the Labour party to increase On engineering, we need to bring together what is being growth and stabilise the economy. The International done across many Departments. We need to say that Monetary Fund endorsed that only this week, and it is engineering matters to the future of the British economy. essential that we keep to that path. Perhaps we need a chief engineering adviser, like we My hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Martin have a chief scientific adviser, to put the spotlight on Vickers) has left the Chamber, but he was right that the engineering, because it is a big subject. Making things is Government need to consider very carefully their policy a big subject, but the engineering aspect is especially of levying VAT on static caravans. The number of important. We must bring together all the component caravans bought will probably fall by about a third, parts of the world of engineering. I would like the affecting not only those manufacturing the caravans in Government to move in that direction. the north of England but the caravan sites down in my The right hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) constituency. If the Chancellor is looking for growth, he rightly spoke about energy, its cost and the hunger for it needs to be very careful about that policy. in industries such as steel and manufacturing. We have The hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse (Jim to think carefully about energy supply and the way in Fitzpatrick) has also left the Chamber; no, I see that he which we create energy. I am pleased that the Government is next to the Chair. I agree entirely with him about the are introducing an energy Bill to look at the market and slaughter of animals. We need to target the practice of the mechanisms, and at how we can attract the right animals not being stunned before being killed. We need infrastructure. clear labelling stating, “This animal was not stunned.” We need to think more carefully about energy and That would in time reduce the amount of meat needing electricity storage. We have too many peaks and troughs, to be labelled in that way. I have always said that animals and our energy system is too dependent on a grid that do not choose how they are brought into this world, loses energy. We can argue about how much energy is reared and slaughtered, and it is up to us to ensure that lost through the grid, but energy is lost. We can also their welfare is respected all the way through their lives. argue about the technologies that we use to create The House needs to revisit the matter, because we have energy, but we need to start talking about the storage of probably got it wrong at the moment. energy as well. There are some interesting ideas. Liquid I was not going to speak about the middle east and air, which has being advanced recently by the Institution Israel today, but comments made in the House earlier of Mechanical Engineers, is the kind of energy storage were so one-sided that I feel I need to put the record system that could be really useful. It is similar to existing straight. I believe that the state of Israel should exist. Its technologies, so it would not be a great leap. We need Iranian neighbours may be producing, or about to produce, to provide a market framework for such technologies. nuclear weapons, and Iran’s President has previously I hope that that will be proposed in the energy Bill. said that he would like to wipe Israel off the face of the I want to ram home my three points. First, manufacturing map. I suggest that we would take that seriously if we and engineering are imperative for economic growth lived in Israel, because nuclear weapons can do precisely and I am excited about them. Secondly, it is critical that that. We need to be careful about taking one side of the we have the right market framework to provide that argument in the middle east. boost and to put a spotlight on engineering. Thirdly, I would go further on the subject of democracy in the there must be links between schools, colleges and business. middle east. I very much welcome what is going on in I will change subjects briefly, because there is something Egypt and Libya, and eventually we need to see some else on my mind that deserves to be raised in this debate: democracy brought to Syria. However, I suggest that in school governance. I have set up the all-party parliamentary the past 40 or 50 years, the only beacon of democracy in group on education governance and leadership. We the middle east has been Israel. That needs to be made need to consider the accountability of schools as academies abundantly clear. become more numerous. There is a live debate about the My main reason for speaking this afternoon is that links between the Department for Education and our my constituency is rural, with a lot of farming and food schools. School governors have a role to play in that. production. My hon. Friend the Member for Stroud There are some 230,000 school governors, but there talked about manufacturing industry, which needs to be are also vacancies on governing bodies and there is an supported hugely and is of great benefit to this country, issue with recruitment. It is critical that we put this and the same is true of food production and processing, subject on the agenda. The Government must consider which have been a success story in the past few years. 1365 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1366

[Neil Parish] China of pigmeat and the fifth quarter—the meat we do not like to eat ourselves, but that the Chinese find For perhaps 20 years, it was considered that farming amazingly tasty. was not really necessary, that we could import the food There are green shoots in the economy in agriculture, that we needed and that future food security was not an food production and manufacturing. We must be more issue to consider. As food prices increase throughout positive about what is happening in the economy. We the world and we reach the birth of the seven billionth have problems, but if we carry on talking ourselves into person and more, we need to be absolutely certain ever greater gloom, we will not pick this economy up. about where our food will come from. We need to The Government have put in place the right policies. ensure that we have high-quality food produced to high For example, we have ensured that lower-paid workers welfare and food safety standards. This country’s farming get more money in their pockets by reducing their rate and food processing industries are doing an extremely of tax. We can also make it more cost effective for good job, and the UK can produce much more of its companies to provide employment. We need to consider food. We are currently reduced to probably not much the regulation of, and employment law regarding, small more than 60% self-sufficiency, and we can do much and micro-businesses, so that they can take on people. It better on many products. is nonsense for there to be so many laws and rules in Interestingly, agriculture’s contribution to the economy place that a small company or business finds it impossible as measured by gross value added increased by some to take on an extra worker. That needs to be dealt with. 77% to £8.8 billion between 2006 and 2011. The value My final point is one that many Members have of UK food and drink exports rose in 2011—for a made this afternoon. I am unashamedly royalist, and in seventh successive year—by 11% to more than £12 billion, the 60th year of Her Majesty the Queen’s reign, I must making the sector Britain’s fourth largest. The farming say that she has been an example to us all. She has and food sectors employ some 3.5 million people, and provided this country with a dedication to service that the total number employed directly in farming increased we have not seen in the past and which we are unlikely by 10,000 between 2010 and 2011. to see again. She is probably the greatest expert on the Farming also delivers for the British countryside and Commonwealth. We, as politicians, like to think we the environment. Seven million hectares of farmland in drive this world forward, but the number of Prime England and Wales are being managed under agri- Ministers the Queen has seen come and go is an example environment schemes. The schemes are good for the to us all. I add my congratulations to her on her environment and the countryside, but they are also 60th year on the throne. good for tourism. What do tourists come to see when 4.56 pm they travel through the Deputy Leader of the House’s constituency to get to Devon and Cornwall, which are Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): It is a great much prettier? The west country has great countryside pleasure to follow my third-floor Parliament street colleague and is a great environment, which draws in tourism, and hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton and Honiton which is of huge value. Were that countryside not (Neil Parish). It was a real education to listen to my managed as it is, we would not have as many tourists in hon. Friend the Member for Southend West (Mr Amess), Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, and the many parts of who amply and ably demonstrated that it is possible to the country where farming and the countryside are fit quite a lot into a short space of time. I am not at all important. surprised that wherever he goes he is greeted with The Government have introduced more apprenticeship flash-mob dancing. I hope that, as he moves around his schemes, and the farming and food sectors could be constituency over the jubilee weekend, he meets many important in producing the extra jobs that we need. We more flash-mob dancers. In the spirit of my hon. Friend, need growth. Employment throughout the economy I want to raise some subjects of concern to my constituents has increased, but there is much more to do, including and to pay tribute to some local organisations in Tamworth on youth unemployment. and the people who run them. In the past few days, Members might have received a On the future of food production, cattle and beef glossy letter from the Financial Services Compensation production in this country has declined by 30% in the Scheme extolling its virtues and claiming that it has past 20 years. In the US, cattle numbers are at their “helped millions and paid billions to consumers with nowhere lowest for 60 years—the herd in America stands at else to turn”. 29.9 million head. Even the cattle herd in Argentina has contracted by nearly 20%. As the world’s increasing That might come as a surprise to my constituent, Mr Bill population eats more food, we will need more food to Shackleford from Hopwas, who applied to the FSCS be produced. last November for restitution, having lost £32,000 in a failed investment vehicle called Greenfield International. In China in 1960, people ate on average 5 kg of meat Mr Shackleford is retired and not well off. About 240 other per year; this year, they will eat 50 kg. There are people in the west midlands also invested money in 1.2 billion people in China, so by my arithmetic, if they Greenfield and lost it, and I believe they have also applied eat 1 kg more of meat, we need 1.2 million tonnes more to the FSCS. I wrote to the FSCS on Mr Shackleford’s tonnes of it. An increase in production throughout the behalf, but after seven months, we have still heard world is therefore important. Global warming means nothing. It is still processing his compensation claim that it is essential that northern Europe and Britain and has now outsourced it to Capita. I will be grateful if produce our fair share of food. I am delighted that the the Deputy Leader of the House can advise me and my Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who constituents on how the FSCS may be encouraged to has responsibility for agriculture, is returning from China move a little faster and help more people to receive as we speak. He has done much to increase the trade to restitution. 1367 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1368

Another matter that, as Mr Speaker might say, has like to see in their constituencies. I pay tribute to those already been well ventilated in the House, but which I who have given up their time and money to make think needs further airing, is the exceptional hardship Community Café in Tamworth such a success. scheme for High Speed 2. It was set up in 2010 to help I will end simply by saying that June is going to be a people who were in particular hardship and whose bumper month in Tamworth. We have the jubilee weekend: homes were blighted by the prospect of HS2 to move I shall be spending time in Stonnall, Little Aston and home. Recognition is growing that the scheme is not fit Fazeley, where I shall be attending a big jubilee lunch, for purpose. along with other places around Tamworth. I am also Six of my constituents have applied to the EHS and looking forward to seeing the jubilee beacon being lit been turned down for arbitrary and bizarre reasons. atop our SnowDome. If that was not enough, at the end One constituent has been told that she was turned down of the month, on 30 June, the Olympic torch, which because she does not have a pressing health need, other hon. Members have mentioned, moves through despite the fact that she has a doctor’s certificate to say Tamworth—the high point of its progress around the that she has a pressing health need to live in a bungalow country before it arrives in London for the Olympics. I and not in a farmhouse. She has been told that she has shall be there to cheer on the townsfolk of Tamworth, not reduced the value of her property sufficiently, even who will be cheering on the torch. though she has reduced it by 20%. She has also been We have a wonderful sense of history in Tamworth. told that there is no proof that she is blighted by HS2, We have some wonderful facilities—the SnowDome, even though Green and Co., the local estate agent, has the castle, and the French and German markets. If any been told by potential buyers that the reason they are hon. Members, including you, Mr Deputy Speaker, are not buying her home is the prospect of HS2. passing through Staffordshire in June, drop into Tamworth I must say that the Secretary of State for Transport and bring your wallet with you. We will be pleased to has been helpful to me in this matter. I should also pay see you. tribute to my hon. Friends the Members for Lichfield (Michael Fabricant) and for Kenilworth and Southam Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I may bring (Jeremy Wright), who have taken an interest in these Mr Bob Stewart’s wallet with me. matters. However, I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House will use all his artistry and all his eloquence to 5.4 pm prevail upon the Secretary of State and the Chancellor—we Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): It is a real pleasure know that all power resides in the Treasury—to ensure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth that the enhanced hardship scheme, which is to replace (Christopher Pincher), who represents 3rd Battalion the the current scheme, recognises that people who have a Mercian Regiment. In the next few months, we are reasonable desire and need to move ought to be able to going to witness some spirited debates on what might move and to be helped if they cannot sell their homes. I be cut from the Army. They will be particularly important hope that they will consider a property bond scheme, to those Members who might lose regiments in their which is a fair, transparent and equitable way of ensuring own constituencies, so as a warm-up, I should like to that people can sell their homes and get the property explain my view of the regiments and the regimental market moving. system, and tell the House what they mean to me. I also want to pay tribute to an organisation in my We all know that the Army is designed to fight for us, constituency that helps soldiers. The Injured Soldiers if directed to do so by the Government. The way in Holiday Appeal does exactly what it says on the tin: it which it is organised, and its esprit de corps, are crucial helps soldiers who have been injured and their families determinants of how it works when it deploys. The to go for a holiday—away from the hospitals, the clinics Army is obviously a martial profession, and none of us and all the hullaballoo—to help them to readjust to present will have any doubts about what might be the their new circumstances. My constituent Paul Mason, ultimate requirement for our soldiers. Napoleon correctly whose son is a serving soldier, set up the charity. He has identified the morale of his soldiers as the crucial already done a great deal to help 3rd Battalion the ingredient of their success. He called morale “the sacred Mercian Regiment and Help for Heroes, and he has flame”, saying that it mattered more than anything else. now set up this new charity, which is commendable. I In that respect, he also insisted that trust that other Members will encourage their constituents with an interest in such matters to set up similar helpful “morale is to the physical as three is to one.” charities. In short, high morale can compensate for many other I also pay tribute to a growing organisation in my deficiencies, including numbers. constituency, Community Café. It was set up two years I saw that when I had the privilege of commanding ago by Lee Bates, one of our local councillors, with my regiment, 1st Battalion The Cheshire Regiment, in Steve Hodgetts, Lisa and Andy Powers, Bernard and Bosnia during 1992 and 1993. Often in conversation Carol Gee and others to span the generations and with the commanders of the various factions and armies, people’s backgrounds by providing a community café, I would be asked the same question: “How many men in a place called Wilnecote, where people could come do you have under your command?” Obviously, I would and have a drink, a chat and some food. The kids can not answer; instead, I would say something like, “Lots come as well—there is something there called a Wii, and lots,” but then I would ask them how many soldiers whatever one of those may be. The concept has grown they thought I had. The answer was invariably between throughout Tamworth. We now have a community café 3,000 and 4,000. In fact, I had 800. The point is that the in Belgrave fire station—our new, state-of-the-art fire soldiers of my regiment gave the impression that they station—and in Amington, and we have just set up were far more numerous than in fact they were. It was another café in the Torc vocational centre in Glascote. their esprit de corps, their morale and their regimental That is the sort of volunteering that all hon. Members pride that gave that impression. 1369 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1370

[Bob Stewart] exploded, another died shortly thereafter, a third lingered in agony for several hours, and the fourth was trapped Organisation and numbers are of course important by his legs on top of his dead friends. After four hours, to military success. The strategic defence and security the decision was made that he would have to have both review has determined that the Army is to be reduced in legs amputated where he lay trapped by concrete—the size, down to as few as 82,000 serving soldiers. Many threat of gangrene was growing and it might have killed definitions of an army suggest that 100,000 should be him regardless. I told the badly wounded Lance Corporal its minimum size, so what is the future for our Army? William Bell, whose brother was also serving and whose Some people have suggested that it might more correctly family went back generations in my regiment, that we be dubbed a defence force. I shudder at that thought. would have to cut his legs off. His incredible reply sums One thing is clear: we are going to have to cut down up what the regimental system is all about: “No legs Sir! some units from what the Army calls its teeth arms. One hell of a way to get out of the Pearson trophy Regiments, or parts of them, in the infantry and cavalry tomorrow, isn’t it?”The Pearson trophy was the regiment’s are going to be disbanded. All teeth arm units are weekly cross-country run. All ranks do it and it is formed into regiments, and we are likely to lose some universally loathed—especially by someone like me! historic and highly valued names. But that ruddy awful run was part of the regiment’s Quite rightly, the British Army’s regimental system is style and ethos. respected, and sometimes copied, worldwide, but what The strategic defence and security review has directed exactly is that much-rated regimental system? The term that the Army is to lose perhaps four or even more “regiment” started in Britain in the mid-17th century battalions from Army regiments. In the next weeks and when retinues that followed a certain leader were organised months, we in this House will be debating and arguing into some form of standing military force. Such regiments exactly which ones will be affected. Some have suggested were normally named after the colonel who commanded that no regimental cap badge will be lost. They argue them. For example, my own regiment, which is now that so-called large regiments—formed in the past by called 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment—the old pushing small regiments together into a new grouping—will Cheshires—was first formed in 1689 on the racecourse remain. That happened to my own regiment last time, at Chester. It was then called the Duke of Norfolk’s when the 1st Cheshires were amalgamated to become Regiment. Later it became the 22nd Regiment, after its 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment. The 2nd Mercians precedence in the order of battle, and later still it came from 1st Battalion the Worcestershire and Sherwood became properly linked to the county of Cheshire. A Foresters Regiment, while the 3rd Mercians were formed similar process happened to most of our great infantry from the 1st Battalion the Staffordshire Regiment—from regiments. the area of my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth. Under this regimental system, each regiment became All those battalions within those regimental groupings responsible for recruitment, training and administration. keep their own regimental histories and their own pride, It developed its own style, which in turn derived strength despite coming under the umbrella title of the Mercian and purpose from the regiment’s history and traditions. Regiment. It might seem easy to cut, say, the 3rd Mercians Even today, the colonel of each regiment still has the or indeed the 3rd Royal Anglians— right to select his officers. In the past, and sometimes today, it was usual for a soldier—and many officers, Sir Bob Russell: Rubbish! We should have kept them. too—to spend their entire careers within their own regiment. They frequently served with men they had Bob Stewart: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. known since birth. For example, at the time of the After all, the big regiment survives, does it not, whether Ballykelly bomb in 1982, I was commanding officer of it be the Royal Anglians or the Mercians? Two old A Company 1st Battalion the 22nd Cheshire Regiment regiments, however, would disappear by so doing. If the when six of my soldiers were killed, and over five days 3rd Mercians go, in the area represented by my hon. in mid-December 1982 I attended their funerals. All six Friend the Member for Tamworth, it will mean that the were buried within the borders of the county of Cheshire. Staffords are finally dead; and if we say goodbye to the Amazingly, at these funerals, several mothers put their 3rd Royal Anglians, in the area represented by my hon. arms around me, saying that they fully realised my Friend the Member for Colchester (Sir Bob Russell), it sorrow, too. It is because the regimental system is so will mean saying goodbye to the last relics of that emotive that it often seems like a family. historic and gallant regiment, the Essex Regiment. In fact, infantry battalions take great pride in using the words “the regimental family”. That is literally true, Sir Bob Russell: I regret to say that the 3rd Battalion, as when I was commander, many soldiers in my regiment Royal Anglian Regiment, the successor to the Essex were in the fourth, fifth or even sixth generation serving Regiment, disappeared a few years ago. The 3rd Battalion in their family regiment. That sense of family is vital in that we have today is a Territorial Army battalion. We battle. When they are very frightened, soldiers are often are very grateful that it is there, but it is not the Essex sustained by what they see as a greater fear—that of Regiment as it was. letting down their friends and their family. It gives them what I regard as another offshoot of the regimental Bob Stewart: I thank my hon. Friend for that correction, system—the so-called “black humour” so often found and I hope that he will forgive me for my slight inaccuracy. among our soldiers. The principle remains the same, As the incident commander at the time of the Ballykelly I know that what I am talking about may seem bomb in 1982, I was devastated to find four of my own parochial and somewhat petty to some people, and I lance corporals together in a crumpled heap under tons accept that it can look like that to those who do not of concrete. One had been killed immediately the bomb understand the regimental system; but to so many who 1371 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1372 have served, or whose family members have served, of the sudden and unexpected death from epilepsy of a such cuts will mean another very sad day for British 10-year-old child in her constituency. Her account of military history. The regimental system is a tremendous that tragic event moved us all. bulwark for frightened men in battle, and supports My right hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley others like Lance Corporal William Bell of A Company, (Ann Clwyd) is known for her expertise on international 1st Battalion The Cheshire Regiment, who was sustained issues. She spoke about the women’s rights records of and could even laugh at his predicament when he might many countries in the middle east. In what was an have been in total despair. Truly the regimental system excellent speech, she also outlined her continuing concern is a band of brothers, and I for one hope very much that about the torture, imprisonment and suppression in it will not be damaged further by what is about to Bahrain of those demanding democratic rights, and happen as a result of the SDSR. It is highly unlikely she talked about similar situations in other middle-east that, once gone, any regiment will live again. countries. There is a great deal of respect for my hon. Friend the 5.16 pm Member for Harrow West (Mr Thomas) for the work he Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): It is a pleasure does on business and industry. He talked about airport to join in this pre-recess debate at the end of a long day. development in the south-east, and the proposal for an You know, Mr Deputy Speaker, and my constituents airport in the Thames estuary. His constituency borders expect, that when I speak in the House it will be above Heathrow, so this issue is of great importance to him all on behalf of Gloucester, and that I will speak about and his constituents. He gave an excellent speech, in local issues in a national context. Today’s carrying of which he made it clear that the ongoing debate about a the Olympic torch across our city rivals the claims made Thames estuary airport is a distraction from the real earlier by my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth issues concerning aviation and its potential contribution (Christopher Pincher) as the most important part of its to economic growth in the UK. journey across our country. On this occasion, however, My hon. Friend the Member for Luton North (Kelvin I want to raise a wider issue, and to make a case which Hopkins) has long campaigned on issues relating to I hope will be, at the margin, in the interests of my freight and the railway system. He talked about the plan constituents and many others across the world. for a freight route from the south to the north of In 1976, Commonwealth day was established on the England. In his usual enthusiastic style, he pointed to second Monday of March. It is famously celebrated the logic in securing, in the medium or long term, a with a great service in Westminster Abbey, with the modal shift in our freight capacity away from the road flags of the 54 Commonwealth nations flying in Parliament network and on to the railways. square, and with a Commonwealth address by Her My hon. Friend the Member for Poplar and Limehouse Majesty the Queen. Here in Parliament, however, the (Jim Fitzpatrick) talked superbly about the potential occasion has not once been celebrated in the 38 years impact on London of the Government’s housing benefit since its establishment. I believe that—as the Parliament policy. He referred to the Mayor of London’s view that of the host country for the Commonwealth Secretariat, there is a real possibility that the poorest in London and the Royal Commonwealth Society and more than 100 other housing benefit claimants will be pushed out to the Commonwealth-branded organisations, and as a nation suburbs, in effect achieving a separation—a ghettoisation whose Government celebrates the Commonwealth through —of the poor and the better-off in our great capital the name of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office— city. we are missing a trick by not commemorating the Commonwealth on the second Monday of each March. My hon. Friend also talked about animal welfare. I have worked with him on animal welfare issues. In the However, I also believe that today we have an opportunity previous Government, he served as a Department for to correct that omission by saying that the Government Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister with agree with the Backbench Business Committee that a responsibility for animal welfare, and I can testify that debate should be held on the second Monday in March he was an excellent Minister. I worked with him on dog in 2013, and annually thereafter, on issues that relate to control in particular, which is an ongoing campaign. the Commonwealth. If that were agreed, the United Today, however, he talked about the labelling of meat to Kingdom branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary make it clear whether or not the animal was stunned. Association could submit the precedent to the Parliaments Leaving aside the religious issues, he made an excellent of all the Commonwealth nations for consideration at case for the labelling of meat and for clarity in respect their September meeting. This could become a new of animal welfare standards. tradition, and, above all, a new chance to focus on the values, challenges and opportunities that are shared My hon. Friend also talked about the Olympics, as among those 54 nations. I will therefore be delighted if did a number of other Members. It is a great event, and the Deputy Leader of the House gives us his thoughts there is mounting excitement. He mentioned the torch’s on the possibility of this happening, and on whether journey around the UK. The hon. Member for Southend the Government will support the commemoration of West (Mr Amess) rightly boasted about the Olympic Commonwealth day in this House with an annual debate torch being carried through his constituency. I will just on Commonwealth issues. put on the record the fact that the torch will be going through my constituency, when it will be carried in the great city of Sheffield by Lord Coe, who is a Sheffielder, 5.19 pm and we are incredibly proud of that. The hon. Gentleman, Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): with his usual charm, also put on the record West Ham We have had an excellent debate. First, I want to pay United’s promotion and Chelsea’s victory last Saturday tribute to the hon. Member for Devizes (Claire Perry), night. I wish to put on the record the promotion of the who gave a very eloquent and compassionate account great club Sheffield Wednesday to the championship 1373 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1374

[Angela Smith] coalition Government: the unemployment; the increase in the number of food banks; the pressures on and cuts this season; it is well on its way back to the premiership. to Sure Start, despite the fact that the Prime Minister I am sure that I will be standing here at the end of next says repeatedly that he understands the importance of season celebrating the promotion of Sheffield Wednesday investment in the very earliest years of children’s lives; to the premiership. and the increasing charges and pressures on adult social The hon. Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers) care services. The price we are paying for austerity is gave us a history lesson, informing us that Immingham’s unacceptable. What is it achieving? Nothing but a double- name comes from a thane from the kingdom of dip depression made in Downing street. Northumbria called Imma. I would like to inform the My right hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham House that Grimsby, the neighbour of Immingham, (Mr MacShane) nailed that issue when he pointed out was named after the legendary fisherman who features that today the ONS has once again downgraded the so strongly in the famous mediaeval poem “Havelok growth figures for the first quarter to minus 0.3%. He the Dane”. So it is now abundantly clear to the whole talked about the potential impact of the double-dip House that north Lincolnshire has been the centre of recession on the steel industry in his constituency, in the universe in terms of mediaeval folklore and history, mine and in all constituencies across the UK where steel and that is something of which the hon. Gentleman is manufacturing is dominant. Steel is obviously at the very proud. heart of most manufacturing processes—in construction, The hon. Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain in aerospace, you name it, steel is at the heart of our Stewart) was incredibly moving in his tribute to Alan manufacturing industry. My right hon. Friend talked Turing. He got this afternoon’s debate off to a superb about the lack of demand and about the pressures of start, and I echo his sentiments about Alan Turing. Not costs, particularly energy costs. We could feel the passion long ago, I watched an excellent Channel 4 documentary with which he spoke about the manufacturing process about the life, the achievements and the tragedy of Alan and steel, and as the product of many generations of Turing. It remains a stain on British justice that that steelworkers I must say that people probably need to man still stands convicted of crimes which, of course, have it in their blood to understand the passion and now no longer exist, and we need to find a way of excitement that can be generated by a big basket of clearing his name and marking what he achieved for scrap metal being fired up and converted into molten British history and for British industry and technology. steel. As my right hon. Friend said, it is one of the most impressive sights that anyone is ever likely to see in The hon. Member for Argyll and Bute (Mr Reid) was manufacturing. eloquent in his opposition to the caravan tax, and of I want to comment, too, on the northern hub. It was course I congratulate him on putting himself so firmly mentioned earlier and it relates to our position as an on the record on the matter. I am sure that his constituents economy and the Government’s handling of economic will carefully watch how he conducts himself on this and investment matters. Earlier, it was claimed that the issue in the House over the coming weeks and months. northern hub had been given the go-ahead. As I put on My hon. Friend the Member for Hyndburn (Graham the record earlier, it has not. Let me quote what the Jones), in a wide-ranging speech, talked about the Chancellor said in his Budget statement: importance of the aerospace and nuclear industries to British manufacturing and, in particular, to the north of “I confirm today that Network Rail will extend the northern England. He related that contribution to the importance hub”— of the supply chains in both those industries. He made not complete it, not give it the complete go-ahead, but particular mention of British Aerospace in the north-west, extend it— with its strong relationship with military manufacturing, “adding to the electrification of the trans-Pennine rail route by and of the great significance of the nuclear industry to upgrading the Hope Valley line between Manchester and the north-west, with Sellafield in Cumbria. I can only Sheffield”.—[Official Report, 21 March 2012; Vol. 542, c. 797.] echo his sentiments, given that both those industries are Network Rail has made it absolutely clear that that does also crucial to the economic future of south Yorkshire. not mean that the Hope Valley route is to be electrified People will not realise that steel manufacturing is heavily and it is not the green light for the northern hub. We involved here and is crucial to the aerospace industry. await that in the high level output specification statement, Most of the aircraft that fly over UK airspace probably which we hope will be made later in the summer. have a tiny bit of my constituency’s manufacturing Once again, the Chancellor gave the impression through capability within them, because components for landing his Budget speech that he was doing one thing when he gear and for the Rolls-Royce engine are made in my was doing another. He was slipping through, creating constituency. So I can only echo my hon. Friend’s the impression that he was doing more than he was. We comments. Sheffield has a great ambition to be part of had other examples in that Budget of measures that he the supply chain for the nuclear industry, but its ambitions would rather we did not know about: the granny tax, to develop that capacity were severely damaged—I make the caravan tax and the pasty tax. It was a desperate no apology for mentioning this once again—by the Budget built on desperate measures by a Government decision to cancel the £80 million loan to Sheffield who do not know how to deal with the fact that they Forgemasters, which would have helped to secure the have a double-dip recession on their hands that they development of that very important supply chain. have created and that they do not know how to climb My hon. Friend the Member for Hyndburn also put out of. The Government only know plan A, they do not on record the fact that there has been a 232% increase in recognise the importance of plan B and the electorate is unemployment in his constituency since 2010 and went becoming increasingly disenchanted with their economic on to describe the impact on his constituents of the record, as my hon. Friend the Member for Hyndburn continuing austerity programme set in place by the pointed out. 1375 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1376

I pay tribute to the speech made by my hon. Friend unequivocal apology for the treatment that Mr Turing the Member for West Ham (Lyn Brown). She spoke had received, which the then Prime Minister accepted movingly about breast cancer and its impact on women’s was horrifying and utterly unfair. I think we all believe lives. She pointed out that the previous Government’s that those successful prosecutions and convictions for investment has improved survival rates for women with what should not have been a crime would have been breast cancer, with eight out of 10 women still alive cruel and deeply inappropriate for anyone, but particularly after five years, but that we still have a long way to go. It for someone who had served the country so well. is important to have earlier detection and diagnosis and The hon. Gentleman knows that there are difficulties the increased and consistent use of advanced radiotherapy with providing a posthumous pardon and Lord Sharkey techniques across the country if we are to have the kind has raised this issue in the context of legislation in of NHS that the country really needs. The point that another place. We know that those particular offences my hon. Friend was making was that there is no sense are now to be disregarded for those who were convicted among Opposition Members that the health reforms and are still alive, but there is currently no mechanism delivered in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, which for doing that for others. However, discussions continue passed through the House only a few weeks ago, will and I hope that the hon. Gentleman will join Home help us to deliver the approach to health that we need, Office Ministers in looking at whether there is a way of with prevention of disease, early diagnosis and effective achieving that objective. early treatment when people fall ill. Nothing in the Act The hon. Member for Hyndburn (Graham Jones) will help to advance those very important agendas. The raised a number of issues. I thought he might have best way of reducing demand for expensive health care expressed a little more pleasure about the fact that a is to prevent ill health in the first place, but that legislation brand-new £1.6 billion contract had just gone to BAE will not deliver that approach to health in the UK. Systems. I would have thought that that was worth celebrating, but it seems not. He also raised other 5.36 pm matters that are properly for the local authorities in his The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of area. One of the things the Government are keen on is the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): Yet again, we to make sure that responsibility lies where it should—with have seen the value of these free Adjournment debates. locally elected members for the decisions they take. I I was very disappointed that we did not have one before have no idea whether Lancashire county council is the Easter recess and I am particularly pleased to have fulfilling its responsibilities, but if not, those elected to secured this one. I greatly welcome the hon. Member for the authority are answerable to their electors. That is Southend West (Mr Amess) to the Backbench Business the right way of doing things. Committee and even though he has not quite joined yet, I was a little surprised by what the hon. Gentleman he allowed the Committee to take the credit for this said about early years investment. The Government debate. Actually we put it on, because the Committee have actually invested a lot more money in early years. has not yet started its work this Session and I am glad We have built on the previous provision and I am that we have given Members this opportunity to raise pleased about that. important issues about their constituencies or more widely. The one thing I cannot let the hon. Gentleman get I want to correct what seems to be a widespread away with is his comment about rural broadband. He misapprehension among colleagues on both sides of the chose the wrong Minister when he said that rural broadband House about the Olympic torch. They seem to think did not matter, and that it was just faster internet that the highlight of its journey will be its visit to their shopping for millionaires. I am sorry, but it is not. If we constituency whereas the highlight has already passed, do not invest properly to allow every member of every this Tuesday, when it went to my constituency. It entered community in the country to have access to broadband, and went around Somerton—I was there—and then left we shall have failed. The hon. Gentleman is deeply my constituency. That was a highlight. But then the mistaken on this subject. Olympic torch relay organisers realised that my constituency The hon. Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry) talked was too good to leave and the torch came back into about development on the green belt in her constituency. Frome later on the same day, so we had another marvellous She knows the Government’s position; it is clearly set occasion. I know that all Members will welcome the out in the national planning policy framework. It might event when it happens in their constituency. be useful for her to have a conversation with the Minister Let me quickly go through hon. Members’ various of State, Department for Communities and Local contributions. I know that I cannot do justice to all the Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for speeches and answer all the questions that have been Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark). He is the Minister for raised, but I will make sure that hon. Members have a decentralisation, so he can explain exactly what Government proper reply from the relevant Department to any questions policy is and perhaps communicate that to local authorities that I cannot answer. in her area. I will happily arrange that meeting if We started with the hon. Member for Milton Keynes I possibly can. South (Iain Stewart), and I agree with the hon. Member The right hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith) that he raised a number of human rights issues—in Bahrain, made a moving and valuable contribution to the debate. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Burma and Syria. We should recognise the huge contribution that Alan She was joined by the hon. Member for Harrow West Turing made to our country’s future and our security (Mr Thomas) who talked about Sri Lanka and the hon. during the war. The centenary of his birth is an appropriate Member for Poplar and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick) time at which to do that. As the hon. Gentleman who spoke about Bangladesh. We must never forget mentioned, a posthumous pardon was considered in the importance of human rights or the influence that 2009, and as a result the then Prime Minister made an Britain can and should bring to bear in countries around 1377 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1378

[Mr David Heath] police officers, who are arresting officers, who must then transport people somewhere else and so cannot police the world. That is very much an emphasis both for the the streets. He talked about the proposal for an airport Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department in the Thames estuary. We await the consultation on the for International Development in everything we do in aviation industry and the consequences of that. I know those countries. that many people are not persuaded of the virtues of My hon. Friend the Member for Argyll and Bute such an airport. (Mr Reid) talked about the beauty of his constituency The hon. Gentleman also talked about something and pointed out that it attracts a lot of tourists. At one very close to my heart: London Welsh. I played against point, it sounded as though he was listing all the songs London Welsh a few times when I was with Saracens that have extolled the beauty of places in his constituency. and always enjoyed my visits to Old Deer park. I He made the very valuable point that many Government understand why they would be miffed at the idea that, if policies are supportive of small businesses, and he is they beat the Cornish Pirates—it is not necessarily the absolutely right about that. I would also refer to tourism. case that they will—they cannot then progress. The My hon. Friend raised what he saw as the difficulties rules are a matter for the Rugby Football Union, but it in correcting the anomalies in relation to static caravans. is important that, literally, there is a level playing field He knows that the Government have extended the between those in the premiership and those who aspire consultation period, and that in due course they will to be. I will draw his comments to the attention of the come forward with a view based on the consultation. Minister for Sport. There is nothing wrong with correcting anomalies, but Appropriately, we then moved on to my hon. Friend as we all know, sometimes when we correct them we the Member for Rugby (Mark Pawsey), who talked introduce new ones. We have to take all the evidence about graduated driver licensing. I am pleased that he and then come to a decision. recognises that the introduction of the drug-driving The hon. Member for West Ham (Lyn Brown) talked legislation will be an advance. He knows that he is yet to about breast cancer, and I agree with the hon. Member persuade the Department for Transport of his case, but for Penistone and Stocksbridge that she did so movingly. I know that he will be persistent. What we need is an It is pleasing that survival rates are now better, and if we evidence-based approach to whether graduated driver can reduce the level of mortality from all cancers, and licensing would succeed in reducing injuries and accidents, certainly from breast cancer, it will be a significant step particularly for young drivers, which is something the in the right direction. One of the keys to that is early whole House wishes to see. diagnosis. The hon. Lady talked about the extent to The right hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) which early diagnosis in the borough of Newham lags talked about steel, and I recognise and understand behind that in some other parts of the country, and that much of what he said. I just wish that he had not then worries me. One of the benefits of the new legislation is lapsed into caricaturing the positions of member of the that it brings local authorities who know their area well Government on that. My right hon. Friend the Secretary into the issue of public health and they may be more of State for Business, Innovation and Skills is made in responsive to the needs of local inhabitants than the Yorkshire and knows perfectly well what heavy industry health authorities, which were rather more remote. I is about. The right hon. Gentleman might have mentioned hope that will improve provision in her area. I also the fact that the blast furnace at Redcar steelworks, accept what she said about the new, less-invasive therapies which was closed under the previous Administration, that are available. That is something the National Institute has been reignited under this Government. That might for Health and Clinical Excellence must take on board; have made his contribution a little more balanced. that is why we have that independent advice for medics on the most appropriate types of treatment. My hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Sir Bob Russell) talked about Israel and Palestine, a cause he We heard a very moving contribution from my hon. has been so committed to for so long. He knows that Friend the Member for Devizes (Claire Perry), who the Government’s position is to support a two-state talked about her constituents, Mr and Mrs Burns. I am solution in which both Israel and Palestine can live in sure that all Members of the House will want to extend security and peace. That is what we need to achieve, and their sympathy to them and to Isabella for the tragic it is not assisted by illegal settlements or some of the loss of Charlie. Let us be clear that deaths from epilepsy activities he mentioned. are not common. With unexpected deaths, one of the problems is that it is often very hard to understand what The hon. Member for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins) signs and symptoms people should be looking for. seemed to advocate a very exciting scheme, and I hope Public awareness is critical, so I was pleased by what she that the business case stacks up, because a modal shift said about the charity that is working to extend public from road to rail for freight is extremely important. I do awareness about sudden death from epilepsy and that not why he singled out Scotch whisky as its main cargo, fact that nocturnal seizures are one of the signs that as there are probably other uses, but it was a useful people should look for. I think that she did a marvellous contribution. job in raising the issue today and hope that people will The hon. Member for Southend West (Mr Amess), hear what she has to say. I know that the Department of with the breadth of his contribution, gave his usual Health will do everything it can to back that up with bravura display on such occasions, from the art of information. happiness to the cultural centre of Essex, which I am The hon. Member for Harrow West (Mr Thomas) advised is certainly not an oxymoron under any talked about the custody suite in Harrow police station, circumstances. He ranged over online publications and and I understand his point about the loss of custody the pay of chief executives in the public sector, and he suites. One of the knock-on effects is that we lose the knows that the Government are very much bearing 1379 Whitsun Recess24 MAY 2012 Whitsun Recess 1380 down on the salaries that are within our control, but the The hon. Member for Stroud (Neil Carmichael) talked same should apply in particular to local authorities, about manufacturing and engineering and pointed out where there is concern. that they are not just oily-rag trades nowadays. It is so The hon. Gentleman talked also about his local police important to our future economic success that we attract authority’s lack of engagement with him, which as a the brightest and best to engineering and manufacturing, former chairman of a police authority I found very because of not just the initial product, but the supply surprising. He also referred to clamping, on which he chains that he mentioned, which affect my constituency knows we have introduced new legislation that will take as well in terms of aerospace, in particular, and avionics. effect this autumn. He welcomed the energy Bill and also the things that we The hon. Gentleman mentioned Vioxx, a matter that are doing to try to attract young people to the world of is still before the courts, and he talked about his constituent industry and bring them into it through the apprenticeships Mrs Stephanie Lister and the drugs, such as Ritalin, scheme and similar measures. that are used on young children. He will know that the I am glad that the hon. Gentleman talked about Deputy Prime Minister has launched a significant initiative school governance, and I look forward to hearing more to improve mental health facilities for young people and from him on this subject. We put an enormous amount to find better therapies for them. of work the way of governors, who have an enormous The hon. Gentleman also mentioned the Maldives, responsibility on their shoulders. All the help that we and his constituent Stephanie Migliorini and the award can give them represents money well spent in enabling that she won. As always, he covered a great deal of them to do their job in the best way possible as that is so ground. crucial to our schools and colleges across the country. The hon. Member for Warrington South (David Mowat) The hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Neil talked about changes to private sector pensions and Parish) tried to upset me by suggesting that people came up with a scheme that would save the Government, travel through my constituency only to get to his. Of he told us, millions and millions of pounds. Anything course, the better class of people do not—they stop in that saves the Government millions and millions of Somerset, as he well knows. I know where he comes pounds is something that we want to consider very from, and so I know where his heart really lies, but I carefully, and although I do not feel qualified to give an understand that he has to say these things because he is opinion, I shall ensure that somebody who knows the now in foreign parts in Devon. He talked about the subject much better than I do gives him a reasoned importance of agriculture and about agri-tourism. We response. used to dig for victory and then forgot how to, but we The hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse (Jim now have to remember again because food security is so Fitzpatrick) talked about the Olympics, which must be desperately important. a matter of huge excitement in his constituency, and I was fascinated by the community cafés mentioned the need for further Thames crossings. As someone by the hon. Member for Tamworth (Christopher Pincher) who has always lived in east London when in London, and by his injured soldiers holiday appeal. He raised I recognise what he said. two rather more negative matters regarding his constituents’ The hon. Gentleman talked about the sensitive issue inability to get satisfaction in claims on failed investments of animal slaughter, and we need to look further at it. and on blight by HS2. I will contact the Financial The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Secretary to the Treasury and the Secretary of State for Affairs is doing that to see how it can sensitively reconcile Transport and hope that we can resolve those outstanding animal welfare with religious practices. issues for him. The hon. Gentleman talked about leaseholder rights. The hon. Member for Beckenham (Bob Stewart) He also talked about rabies—and thank goodness it has talked about the regimental system and its importance not been a problem in this country for so long. If there to esprit de corps. I have always been very attached to are ways of reducing its incidence abroad so that we the idea of cap badge loyalty. I have some experience of maintain the safety of not just our citizens but others, this, not in the armed forces but in the police, where I that would be worth while. always felt that it was important to be able to identify The hon. Gentleman also discussed housing benefits, with the body in which one served. In Somerset, we and I understand his point. It is a concern that has been regret the fact that the Somerset Light Infantry is no expressed on both sides of the House, and we must get longer a regular Army regiment. I think the fact that we it right, so that we do not give huge amounts of money— have no Army footprint in my county has been detrimental well beyond what a household on normal earnings can to recruitment. The hon. Gentleman drew on his own possibly achieve—to people. Nevertheless we understand experience and his distinguished record, and I know that when we are talking about families, we are talking that he will be heard by Defence Ministers, who have about people. not yet reached their conclusions about the final structure The hon. Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers) and deployment of the Army but are working on that at talked about Immingham, and we learned a little about the moment. its early history, but he talked about its development Last but not least, the hon. Member for Gloucester plans, too. I had not really appreciated that Immingham (Richard Graham) talked about the importance of the and Grimsby are, as a complex, the largest port in the Commonwealth. I entirely agree. It is wonderful that UK, and that is a declaration of ignorance on my part, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are currently mounting but I did know that the area has enormous economic guard on Horse Guards parade; it is the first time that a and strategic importance, so the way in which we maintain non-military unit from another Commonwealth country its infrastructure—whether its development plans, road has done so. It is not in my gift to arrange a debate on connections, broadband or all the things that he Commonwealth day each year; that is in the hands of mentioned—is enormously important. the Backbench Business Committee. However, if he 1381 Whitsun Recess 24 MAY 2012 1382

[Mr David Heath] Ilias Ali Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House applies to the Committee and it thinks it a good idea, do now adjourn.—(Angela Watkinson.) the Leader of the House and I will do everything we can to assist. 6pm We have had an excellent debate in which Members Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South) (Lab): I am have managed to cover a huge range of subjects. I will delighted that Mr Speaker has given me the opportunity make sure that those whom I have not answered properly to raise this important subject, and that the hon. Member get replies from the Departments involved. I hope that for Bedford (Richard Fuller) and my hon. Friends the Members are able to use this short Whitsun recess Members for Poplar and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick) effectively in their constituencies, but also to celebrate, and for Luton South (Gavin Shuker) are here to discuss it. as several of them said, the jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. I have seen people’s enthusiasm for the Olympic I applied for this debate following a meeting in Bradford torch, and the amount of red, white and blue bunting with members of the Bangladeshi community. While around our constituencies at the moment is terrific. It they wanted to discuss the current political crisis in makes for a jollier place, and I welcome it. I wish you, Bangladesh, which I will come to shortly, their immediate Mr Deputy Speaker, and all the staff of the House a concern was for the safety of llias Ali, a former member pleasant short break, after which very brief period we of the Bangladeshi Parliament and a key activist in the will resume business as usual. main Opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist party. His family and friends are also concerned about his Question put and agreed to. disappearance. Resolved, Mr Ali disappeared with his driver, Ansar Ali, less That this House has considered matters to be raised before the than a month ago on 17 April. Unconfirmed eye-witness forthcoming adjournment. reports suggest that they were pulled from a car at gunpoint and forced into a black minibus. The disappearance of Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I wish all Members Mr Ilias Ali is not the first such incident in recent and staff a superb diamond jubilee. It is an historic, months in Bangladesh, but it has been the catalyst for once-in-a-lifetime occasion to celebrate the glorious widespread protests throughout the country, including 60 years of Her Majesty’s reign. a number of general strikes. During the disturbances and protests, there have been further reports of deaths and disappearances at the hands of the police and security services. Since winning independence from Pakistan in 1971, politics in Bangladesh has been marked by brief periods of democratic government, but all too often they have been ended by military intervention, followed by a period of military rule. Although economic and political corruption have been rife, Bangladesh’s economic growth rates have been among the highest in Asia, and significant progress has been made in education and health policy under former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia of the BNP and the current Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League. The political rivalry between the leaders of the two main political parties has dominated Bangladeshi politics since the 1970s. However, in 2007, following yet another state of emergency and the formation of a military-backed caretaker Government, both leaders found themselves under arrest on charges of corruption, along with more than 100 other politicians. Both leaders were subsequently freed by the High Court and allowed to lead their respective parties into the general election in December 2008. The Awami League and its coalition, under Sheikh Hasina, won a landslide victory in an election that international observers reported to be largely free and fair. Following that election, and the attempts to eradicate corruption and clean up politics, there was optimism that a period of political stability would see the emergence of a truly democratic and pluralist Bangladesh. However, the recent political turmoil has put paid to that optimism, and there is concern that it could lead to another suspension of democracy in Bangladesh. The anti-corruption organisation, Transparency International, recently warned that a “growing partisan political influence” was “eroding the capacity of the state to promote rule of law, justice, equality and basic human rights of the people”. 1383 Ilias Ali24 MAY 2012 Ilias Ali 1384

Although the disappearance of Ilias Ali has largely increasingly being linked with political abductions and, been the cause of the recent disturbances, it is unfortunately worse still, political assassinations. I hope that we can not an isolated incident. On 4 February, two student get to the bottom of that, because it is causing concern. activists, Al Mukaddas and Mohammed Waliullah, went I do not want to point the finger of blame, but the RAB missing. They have not been heard from since. On has been mentioned a number of times when people 2 April, two BNP activists, Iftekhar Ahmed Dinar and have raised the issue with me. Junaid Ahmed, were taken from their homes by plain- Tonight’s debate is about trying to find out what routes clothes police officers. Their whereabouts remain unknown. our Government can take. I know that it is difficult for Two days later, on 4 April, a prominent trade union them, but I ask the Minister to highlight what action activist from the garment industry, Aminul Islam, went they have taken so far to raise the matter with the missing. He was found dead a day later. Bangladeshi Government, what diplomatic pressure can be brought to bear and what further action our Government Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I have one question can take. for clarification. Is the hon. Gentleman suggesting that I particularly urge that political and diplomatic pressure the Bangladeshi Government are deeply involved in the be brought to bear to achieve the following. First, we kidnappings? need to establish the immediate whereabouts of Ilias Ali and Ansar Ali, in the hope that their safe return to their Mr Sutcliffe: I am not suggesting that. That is precisely families can bring some stability to the current crisis. the difficulty that exists in Bangladesh at the moment: We need to establish the whereabouts of the other there is no clarity about who is responsible, on one side activists who have disappeared, as identified by Amnesty or the other. I just want to highlight the fact that these International and Human Rights Watch. We need to try people are missing, whatever the circumstances. It is the to find a way to get a truly independent inquiry into the duty of the Government of Bangladesh to investigate recent deaths of protesters and an immediate end to the those issues. I hope that the Minister—I am delighted forced disappearance of political activists, and we need that he is here—will exert some pressure, or at least tell to help the Bangladeshi Government and others re-establish us what we can do, because we have a large Bangladeshi the rule of law and freedom of expression and respect population in the UK. I do not want to place blame on the independence of the judiciary. any particular body. It is estimated that there are 500,000 Bangladeshis living in the UK, and I know that the Minister will Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): I am grateful appreciate how concerned that community is about the to my hon. Friend for giving way, for securing the situation that is developing in the country. I hope that debate and for the measured tone in which he is conducting he can assure them that the UK will bring to bear it. This issue is one of concern to many of us who have a whatever pressure it can to ensure a peaceful and democratic large number of Bangladeshi constituents, but also to solution to the crisis. parliamentarians who had the honour of meeting Ilias Ali when he came here in August 2011. It is absolutely 6.8 pm right that it should be raised in this Chamber given the historical ties between the UK Parliament and Bangladesh. Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): I join the thanks to the hon. Member for Bradford South (Mr Sutcliffe) for securing the debate, and I thank him for his kindness in Mr Sutcliffe: I thank my hon. Friend, who is quite giving up time so that others may speak. right. I know that other colleagues met Mr Ali when he was here. He is right also to mention the links that there I met Ilias Ali for the first time six years ago, and I have been between this country and Bangladesh for last met him in Sylhet 14 days before his disappearance many years. We have supported it when it has been on 18 April. The hon. Gentleman talked about the through problems such as drought and floods. I hope larger political issues, but I would like to talk on more that that in difficult circumstances, that relationship of a personal level. I am greatly saddened by Ilias Ali’s will offer our Government an opportunity at least to disappearance and greatly frustrated by the Government press the Bangladeshi Government on the current issues. of Bangladesh’s inability to identify what has happened The huge Bangladeshi population in the UK and its to that Member of Parliament. Like many other Members, contribution to our society warrant our taking those I call on our Government to do as much as they can. issues seriously and doing whatever we can to highlight I wrote to the Prime Minister on 17 April and was them. grateful to receive his reply. He stated: Some of the Bradford-based business people and “There are a number of possible explanations for the disappearance of Mr Ali. Bangladesh law enforcement and security agencies entrepreneurs from the Bangladeshi community have have strenuously denied in court that they hold Mr Ali. This is said to me that they want to go back to Bangladesh and why we have called for a full investigation.” invest there, but feel that their ability to do that is being Like the hon. Member for Bradford South, I would like threatened. Surely that must be a concern. to hear from the Minister what progress has been made. I acknowledge that many colleagues have raised concerns When I met Ilias Ali, we talked about two things, the about the situation in Bangladesh, and the specific case first of which was his concern for the safety of others of Ilias Ali, with the Minister. My hon. Friend the involved in politics—it was the day on which one of the Member for Coventry South (Mr Cunningham) and the youth leaders in Sylhet for the Bangladesh Nationalist hon. Member for Bedford have both done so. party had disappeared, and Mr Ali was holding a press I do not want to get into giving out blame, but some conference. The second thing he talked about was his people are blaming the paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion idea for the future and the recognition that a new for the disappearances and killings. The RAB was formed generation of Bangladeshis wanted a Government who to tackle corruption and organised crime, but it is understood the true meaning of democracy and who 1385 Ilias Ali24 MAY 2012 Ilias Ali 1386

[Richard Fuller] In the recess debate only a few moments ago, we heard a number of colleagues say that Britain’s role in were prepared to support the growth of enterprise and helping Commonwealth countries to develop is significant. freedom in their country, to enable it to break out of the We need to ensure that we are there for them. Tonight’s cycle of poverty that marks much of its past. debate is significant. It demonstrates that we are interested In that spirit, I ask the Government to demand of in Bangladesh. Some 20% to 25% of my constituents’ Bangladesh the same standards of democracy that we families originate from Bangladesh. We want the British expect here, and not to assume that democracy can be Government to continue to play a positive and active held to a lower standard in other countries because that role. I am keen to hear from the Minister, because there might have happened in the past. Ilias Ali was not only is no disagreement on either side of the House. We want a Member of Parliament, but an incredibly important a safe, secure, democratic Bangladesh that has an enviable member of his party and a major hope for many Sylhetis, growth rate of between 6% and 8% a year. Its strategic both those whom he had represented and those in the place in the region makes it important to the international wider community. community. On the policy side, I urge the Minister please not to treat this situation as business as usual in our dealings Richard Fuller: The hon. Gentleman has made an with Bangladesh. Please will he keep this matter on his extremely important point. Subsequent to the disappearance board of importance and look at what our Government of Ilias Ali, there have been several hartals—national can do? I can only pray for the safe return of my friend; strikes—and business leaders in Bangladesh have called I hope the Minister can press for more urgent action. for the two parties to come together to stop them. Does he recognise the close correlation between promoting 6.11 pm democracy and human rights in Bangladesh, and maintaining its growth rate? Without the first, it will Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): It is a not achieve the second. pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Bedford (Richard Fuller). He, my hon. Friend the Member for Luton Jim Fitzpatrick: The hon. Gentleman makes a critical South (Gavin Shuker) and I are active members of the point. I hope that both the main political parties in all-party group on Bangladesh. I commend my hon. Bangladesh—there are many other parties, of course— Friend the Member for Bradford South (Mr Sutcliffe) understand that they cannot have economic growth and for securing this important debate. It is a great reassurance international respect without the democratic foundations to see the Minister in his place, and I am glad to see we all want entrenched there. I am sure that that is what him, because he has gained a solid reputation since his they want. My meetings with the Bangladeshi high appointment and helped me on several occasions. The commissioner—colleagues have had similar meetings— fact that he will reply for the Government in the debate demonstrated Bangladesh’s commitment to the objective gives us great reassurance on the importance of the of a free, fair, open and transparent democratic Bangladesh matter for them. moving forward economically. As we all know, it is one The matter has been raised with me by a number of of the five poorest countries in the world, has twice the organisations and constituents. Most recently, I had a population of Britain, is two-thirds the size of England meeting in the Devons road mosque in Bromley-by-Bow, and a chunk of it is under water a third of the year. The organised by Abdus Sardar, a former mayor of Tower challenges it faces are massive compared to our problems— Hamlets. More than 50 constituents of various Bangladeshi and we know how difficult our problems are. I am grateful political persuasions wanted to raise the matter of Ilias to the Minister for being here, we are keen to hear what Ali’s disappearance and the general political climate in he says and I am grateful for this opportunity to speak. Bangladesh. I yesterday had a meeting with Justice for All, at which some 20 people from various constituencies— leaders of their Bangladeshi communities—raised this 6.16 pm matter. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign I shall declare my interest: I am a supporter of and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): I thank the Bangladesh, as are all hon. Members who have spoken hon. Member for Bradford South (Mr Sutcliffe) not in the debate. However, questions are being asked. only for securing this important debate, but for how he When Secretary of State Clinton was in Bangladesh introduced it. I commend to any friend of Bangladesh recently, she raised the matter directly with Prime Minister the comments made by him, the hon. Member for Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. There is international concern Poplar and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick), my hon. Friend about what is seen as a deteriorating situation in Bangladesh. the Member for Bedford (Richard Fuller) and the hon. The Labour party has a closer association with the Member for Luton South (Gavin Shuker) for how they Awami League—we are sister organisations—but has characterised their support for Bangladesh—not partisan, great respect for the Bangladesh Nationalist party. I but based on a knowledge and affection for the country criticised both the Bangladesh Nationalist party and and a respect for their constituents of Bangladeshi the Awami League when they boycotted Parliament origin and how the latter feel about their own country. after losing elections, but Bangladesh is a young democracy. The way they put their concerns is a model for those We have a mature democracy, and we make mistakes. outside of how both sides of the House can deal with a Bangladesh has had democracy only since 1971, and it difficult issue, recognising its huge sensitivities. I hope makes mistakes. It is the British Government’s role to that I do not fail to live up to the way in which they set help, support, and give succour to, Bangladeshi democracy. out the case. There is support on international development and for The hon. Member for Bradford South described the infrastructure, and support from the Foreign Office is incident and the responses to it, and rightly set out the critical. difficult background. It is not an isolated incident, and 1387 Ilias Ali24 MAY 2012 Ilias Ali 1388 it is drawn not from a background of enormous political when other countries wish to investigate such matters, stability, but from difficult circumstances in which but the British Government have offered support in personalities often overshadow the issues that need to other situations. Under the circumstances, will he at be dealt with. Hon. Members were honest in not pointing least consider making that offer to the Prime Minister the finger of blame in a situation where the circumstances in Bangladesh when he is there? are still unknown. They recognised, however, that even though the circumstances are unknown, people need to Alistair Burt: I would be grateful if, in accordance know, because a healthy democracy and society need to with the trust that colleagues accorded me at the start of move away from a culture of disappearances and similar the debate, my hon. Friend left me to make a judgment incidents. The hon. Gentleman set out the matter very when I am there dealing with the authorities. It is clear clearly. to me—not only from the comments of colleagues in I shall first deal with the incident concerning Mr Ilias this debate, but from the letters I have received from a Ali and then say something about our relationship with number of Members of Parliament and the comments Bangladesh generally and what we hope to do for a made by members of the Bangladeshi community in the country that is special to the United Kingdom. I share United Kingdom—that there can be no doubt among the House’s concern about the disappearance of Mr Ali, the authorities there about the great concern aroused an organising secretary for the Bangladesh Nationalist not only by this case in itself, but by its context, given party and former MP for Sylhet, who has been missing other cases. That allows me, I think, to have a frank since 17 April. We understand that his abandoned car discussion with the authorities, as well as with representatives was discovered by police in the early hours of 18 April, close of all the political parties in Bangladesh, about the to his home in Dhaka. Mr Ali’s driver is also missing. issues; but for now, perhaps I might be given the opportunity Colleagues were interested to know what we have done. to make a judgment about more practical support when The British high commission in Dhaka has been in regular I am there. contact with members of the Bangladeshi Government Colleagues will know that, as has been mentioned, and the Bangladesh Nationalist party in the weeks since opposition parties responded to the disappearance of Mr Ali’s disappearance. In meetings with the Prime Mr Ali with a programme of public demonstrations Minister’s office and senior officials in the Ministry of and hartals, which are enforced general strikes. In associated Foreign Affairs, we have made representations to the violence, sadly, a number of people have died. Since Government of Bangladesh urging them to do all they then, some 33 members of the Bangladesh Nationalist can to locate Mr Ali and to investigate the circumstances party have been arrested for an alleged arson attack. of his disappearance. Hon. Members may be aware that There are accusations that the arrests were politically during a press conference on Wednesday 9 May, our motivated. Colleagues who have studied the situation in high commissioner to Bangladesh and ambassadors of Bangladesh over many years will recognise that a lot of eight other European countries called on the Bangladesh personal and historical baggage drives that country’s authorities to conduct thorough investigations into political discourse. We will not speculate about the disappearances, including that of Mr Ali. We do not identities of the victims and perpetrators in this series know who is responsible. That is why we have pressed of unfolding events. What I will say—I am reinforced in for the most rigorous inquiry. this by the comments that all colleagues have made—is At my request, FCO officials have provided me with a that we regard this form of politics as a problem. It is in list of more than 20 meetings and phone calls made in Bangladesh’s interests that its politics be practised primarily the last month in connection with this incident. In in Parliament, not in the streets. addition, I will be visiting Bangladesh in the near future. Hon. Members have rightly raised broader concerns about human rights in Bangladesh. We welcome the Richard Fuller: Before the Minister says what he may Bangladesh Government’s assurances that they are be doing and asking for when he goes to Bangladesh— committed to protecting human rights, and I recognise which I am pleased he is doing—can he tell the House that progress has been made across a range of social whether the Government have offered the Bangladesh development indicators. However, I note that reports, Government support from our police in investigating including from Bangladeshi human rights organisations, the disappearance of Mr Ilias Ali? If that has not continue to suggest high levels of disappearances, happened, will he offer that support, and if it has, can abductions, extra-judicial killings and torture. The Foreign he say what the Bangladesh Government’s response has Secretary himself raised our concerns when he met the been so far? Bangladesh Foreign Minister on 16 April. Such issues Alistair Burt: So far that request has not been made. are a standing item in our discussions with the Bangladesh This is a sovereign matter for the authorities of Bangladesh. Government. Should a request be made, we will give it every consideration, Improving human rights, democracy and the rule of but this is an important matter for the Bangladeshi law are also integral parts of the United Kingdom’s authorities to deal with themselves. I will be going to development assistance programme in Bangladesh, which Bangladesh in the quite near future. I fully intend to includes projects to support access to justice, to improve reinforce the concerns of the House and would be political participation, and to promote accountable and surprised if the authorities in Bangladesh had not been transparent government. To give one example, over the able to read this debate and colleagues’ comments by past five years we have supported the establishment of the time I visit. 20,000 community police forums, enabling access to more equal and fairer police services for 5 million Richard Fuller: I appreciate the Minister giving way a people. UK support over the next three years should second time. I would like to press him a little further. I increase access to community-led legal services from understand the difficulties with sovereign responsibilities 35% to 50%. 1389 Ilias Ali24 MAY 2012 Ilias Ali 1390

[Alistair Burt] were, too. If she is doing VSO work there, that is a very good deal for Bangladesh. I have no idea how flexible During my forthcoming visit to Bangladesh, I expect my programme will be, or where she might be, but we to meet the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and can discuss that later. I will certainly get a message to the Leader of the Opposition, to see some excellent Sheila, given the tremendous work that she does. UK-funded projects and to meet young people with Let me conclude by saying a little about democracy in high aspirations. That is the positive side of our relationship Bangladesh. It is essential that we do all we can to get with Bangladesh. I shall also take the opportunity of the balance right. We do not want to be compromised, my visit to raise the difficult subjects that have formed or compromising, in relation to high standards, but nor the core of our debate today. I plan to use my visit to do we want too much pressure to be placed on those better understand Bangladesh and to discuss with the who are struggling and seeking to do the very best they country’s political leaders what it would take to make can in the circumstances. To achieve a strong, stable, sustained progress on human rights and ensure that the prosperous and democratic Bangladesh, it will need country is on a path to free, fair and participatory independent and accountable institutions and a functioning elections by early 2014. Parliament at the centre of political debate. We strongly We have a strong, broad and long-standing relationship encourage all parties to engage in constructive politics, with Bangladesh, which is important to both countries. for the good of the citizens of Bangladesh. The British We were the first European country to recognise Government have consistently stated that it is for Bangladesh, and, as colleagues have already mentioned, Bangladesh to decide how to manage its national elections, some 500,000 people of Bangladeshi heritage live in the but it is essential that they are free, fair and peaceful. United Kingdom. We are also the largest cumulative This House, and Parliament, have a role to play. investor in Bangladesh. Given this close and multifaceted When I visit countries abroad, I am always struck by relationship, it is right that we should look at Bangladesh’s how much this House is looked up to in so many parts problems, a number of which have been highlighted in of the world and by how much visits by colleagues are today’s debate, and conclude that it is all the more valued. The opportunity for parliamentarians to speak important that we engage. to parliamentarians, and for candidates to speak to Colleagues have mentioned that Bangladesh is a young candidates, about what is expected and what can be democracy and that its standards need to be high. I done matters much more than statements from Ministers agree with both those statements. There is no doubt and the like. I am sure that we will have a role to play in that democracy is struggling there because of the country’s encouraging that democracy. historical baggage. It is therefore essential that we give The importance of the incident that has been highlighted our total support to those who are engaged in promoting today cannot be overestimated. The British Government democracy and working hard in the most difficult are making rigorous efforts to ensure that the best circumstances. possible investigation is carried out, and we will continue to do so. We will press the authorities to reveal as much Jim Fitzpatrick: The Minister announced that he is to as they possibly can about what they are doing. We visit Bangladesh soon. He might know that my wife, Dr recognise that all parties have a role to play in this, and Sheila Fitzpatrick, and I worked with Voluntary Service no fingers of blame can yet be pointed. I look forward Overseas in Bangladesh. If he has an hour to spend to reporting back to colleagues in due course, after with VSO when he is there, I am sure that he would be I have made my own visit. welcomed and shown the connections that VSO has Mr Deputy Speaker, I wish you the very best for this made between London and Dhaka. brief recess. Question put and agreed to. Alistair Burt: I hope I am not giving too much away by saying that, in the past, my legs have been treated by 6.29 pm the hon. Gentleman’s wife—and very well treated they House adjourned. 145WH 24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 146WH

In March 2010, there were 46,709 children on the Westminster Hall child protection register because they were thought to be at risk of abuse or neglect. Private law actions deal Thursday 24 May 2012 with the consequences of relationship breakdown. Public law actions are brought by local authorities for child protection purposes. Both types of case can involve [SANDRA OSBORNE in the Chair] highly contested views and a great deal of emotion that is difficult to channel in the courtroom and which often Family Courts makes the judicial procedures seem remote from, or inappropriate to, the circumstances being dealt with. [Relevant documents: Sixth Report from the Justice The Ministry’s judicial and court statistics tell us that in Committee, Session 2010-12, and the Government response, 2009 there were 163,000 court cases involving children, Cm 8189.] of which 137,000—I am rounding the figures—were Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting private law cases and approximately 26,000 were public be now adjourned.—(Mr Djanogly.) law cases. We received evidence about both kinds of case. 2.30 pm Throughout our inquiry, the Committee found it Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): It is a difficult to form a clear picture of trends and changes in pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Osborne. the family justice system because of flaws in the compilation of data. We recommended the creation of a robust Few though we are in number today—it is the last evidence base for the formation and scrutiny of policy. day of term and there is a debate under way in the main The Committee is concerned that major changes to the Chamber at the same time—we are here to consider the system are being undertaken when there have been such report that the Select Committee on Justice published gaps in the evidence base. I know that Ministers and the in June 2011, and to hear an update from the Minister, permanent secretary—we congratulate him on his who I am glad to see in his place. The Committee’s forthcoming appointment as head of the European report, “Operation of the Family Courts”, followed the Bank for Reconstruction and Development—have sought publication of the family justice review’s interim report to improve the quality of financial and outcome data in that rejected the introduction of a shared parenting the Ministry of Justice. This is a major issue in the presumption; proposed a legislative statement re-enforcing Ministry of Justice and it is being addressed, but we felt the importance of the child having a meaningful relationship that in this area, as in others, the evidence base was not with both parents; recommended a new statutory time there for some of the conclusions that were being drawn. limit of six months in care and supervision cases; and We asked the Government to report back to us, which proposed a fundamental restructuring of the family they did to some extent in their response to the Norgrove court system through the creation of a family justice review. Indeed, they commissioned work from one of service. our special advisers, Professor Judith Masson. However, The Justice Committee broadly welcomed the review’s this issue needs to be watched carefully and we will do approach, although we remained neutral on the creation so. of a family justice service, because at that stage the evidence of how it would be constructed was limited. On the underpinning principles, the Children Act The Norgrove review final report was published in 1989 introduced three principles: the child’s welfare November 2011, and the Government’s response to it shall be the court’s paramount consideration; parents was published in February 2012. All three—the Norgrove share not rights, but responsibilities; and in any proceedings review, the Justice Committee and the Government— in which any question with respect to the upbringing of considered a number of main themes: the underpinning a child arises, the court shall have regard to the general principles, including shared parenting if it is a relevant principle that any delay in determining the question is concept; the use and promotion of mediation; the Children likely to prejudice the welfare of the child. The evidence and Family Court Advisory and Support Service; the before the Committee showed that courts rarely deny family court system; the use of expert witnesses; and contact between child and parent. The majority of media access to family court hearings. I will deal with applications resulting in no contact are applications them in that order. that have been abandoned by the applicant parent. This is an emotive issue that has led to some intensive This is a timely debate, because on 9 May, the campaigning—some of which has been proper; some Government announced their intention to introduce a rather less commendable in its methods—on important children and families Bill in early 2013. There will be an issues. opportunity for the Committee to undertake pre-legislative scrutiny of draft clauses before the formal introduction of the Bill. If the state in the form of the judiciary of Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): I the court system is going to intervene in family relationships, congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on the contents or if the state in the form of the protection authorities is of the report. As a member of the Justice Committee, I going to do so, it must promote and protect children’s am aware of his wise counsel to all of us in the preparation safety and well-being. The family justice system considers of the report. Does he share my concern that the cases ranging from the separation of a couple where the concept of shared parenting is gaining traction in unresolved issues may be financial, to public law cases government, particularly as we have seen international that may involve physical, sexual or emotional child comparators—Australia is one such country—where it abuse. In the most serious cases, a child’s life may be at had been tried and failed abjectly? Its adoption would risk, as we know from some chilling cases in the past surely undermine the paramountcy principle to which few years. the right hon. Gentleman referred. 147WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 148WH

Sir Alan Beith: The right hon. Gentleman, who is an In Australia, the presumption caused confusion and extremely valued member of the Justice Committee, was misunderstood as mandating or entitling parents to anticipates what I am going to say. He is right to say shared care—it did not do that, but it was misunderstood that we looked at evidence from Australia and were very as doing so by quite a lot of people—and caused concerned by what it showed. To us it seemed obvious concern that the child’s interests were not considered to that a court would realise, without having to be told, the extent that they should be and were not paramount. that it is in the interest of the child, as far as possible, to In some cases, the presumption seemed to lead to maintain a relationship with both parents. Once some parents being less willing to negotiate and resolve arguments kind of shared parenting provision is embodied, we are over child contact outside the court. moving away from the principle that the court starts We concluded that the child’s well-being must be the with—that the welfare of the child is of paramount paramount aim and objective of the family courts and consideration. Paramountcy does not sit easily with the “best interests of the child” test should remain the additional presumptions or additional qualifications, sole test. The Norgrove review came to the same conclusions. and the Australian experience underlined that. Our Because different people interpret shared parenting report states: differently, legislating for it gives the impression of “The Panel itself admits that such a statement is not intended parental rights to a particular amount of time with a to change the law but believes it could ‘guide’ parents who are child and takes away the focus from the child’s well- splitting up. In our view it is obvious to the court that a child being—the child’s rights. deserves a loving, caring relationship with both his or her mother and father. A statement which might be taken to qualify the We disagreed with the proposal for the legislative principle that the best interests of the child must prevail could statement in the Norgrove review’s interim report, but give the impression of a change in the law and could cause paragraph 61 of the Government response says that confusion.” there We referred to the evidence from Australia that “should be a legislative statement of the importance of children having an ongoing relationship with both their parents…where “the ‘shared parenting’ approach had not only confused parties that is safe, and in the child’s best interests.” about how the “best interests of the child” test should operate, but can encourage a more litigious approach by parents in private The Government state that they are law cases. This is in direct opposition to the greater emphasis on “mindful of the lessons which must be learnt from the Australian mediation and out-of-court agreement…which both the Government experience” and the Family Justice Panel are pursuing.” and their stated aim is that that the The shared parenting presumption would be a dangerous “presumption of shared parenting will…enhance the prospect of road to go down. It would be a legal requirement for the an agreement between parents”. courts to consider making orders for children to spend The Government stated that the legislative statement equal or substantial and significant time with each will not disturb the “best interests of the child” test. It is parent, unless that is not in the child’s best interests or unclear to the Committee how this can be achieved. I reasonably practicable. Doing that would further extend remain concerned that the introduction of a statement the present profoundly unsatisfactory situation in which will lead to confusion and would take greater prominence a court tries to decide whether a child should be with than the current best-interests tests. one or other parent on the Friday night, or whether the child is free to make their own choice to go to scouts or We share the Government’s concern about early guides, or to a youth group in a different town from the intervention, which is another important issue, not only one they are being told to go to. That would become in relation to our specific work on family justice, but much worse if the shared parenting principle were much more generally, because the circumstances in applied. which children and young people become involved in offending behaviour can develop as a result of many The alternative gaining some traction in government, public and private law cases, so there is massive public as the right hon. Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd interest in trying to ensure that the right advice gets to (Mr Llwyd) said—it varies depending on which bit of the right people at the right time. Government you inquire of: that is not a statement about parties; it is a statement about individuals—is a We mentioned the signposting of advice and contact legislative statement enshrined in legislation, reinforcing opportunities and said: the importance of the child having a meaningful relationship “There is no point in referring parents to services which have with both parents, alongside the need to protect the no capacity to cope with additional demand. However, we know child from harm. However, that undermines the that resources are scarce and that it is unrealistic to make demands for widespread increased Government spending in the current paramountcy of the interests of the child. climate.” When we considered the Australian experience in We noted the Government’s ideas about the big society more detail, we found that it was mirrored by some bank, or Big Society Capital as it is now called, as evidence from home, which showed that the England “a potential source of capital for charities” and Wales court system does not always ensure that judges have relevant evidence in front of them relating and called on them to safety fears and violence towards a child or partner, “to confirm that such bodies which provide early intervention for or even relating to proceedings in another court, such as families which need assistance would…be eligible for such capital”. non-molestation orders or criminal proceedings, and That related to a previous Committee report on justice that judges may not give appropriate weight to such reinvestment, which made the case for more funding to evidence. Research shows that high levels of domestic be spent on early intervention, with eventual consequential violence exist in private law cases that reach court, and reductions in expensive prison places. We cannot go on it is in such cases that the legislative statement is likely as a society pouring money into an ever-expanding to have an impact. prison system. We would be much more likely to reduce 149WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 150WH crime if we used some of those resources at the stages return it, which is logical, because CAFCASS’s work is that we are talking about here, when family breakdown close to the courts and it ought to be an integral part of takes place. I think the Government agree with us in the family justice system, with a strong voice within that principle and I should like to hear that they are making system to champion children in the courts. However, I progress. am afraid that the history of CAFCASS is one of Courts are unsuited to resolving the kinds of highly inadequacy. It must continue to improve and be seen to emotive disputes that can arise in family cases and there improve by participants. are circumstances in which the authority of the court to I turn now to delays in case management in the resolve the dispute is rarely recognised by both parties. family court system. Delay, to a child, has massive Such cases are charged with emotion and mistrust. consequences. Two parties to a commercial dispute may Mediation is a better route to follow in a large proportion be inconvenienced by delay, but a child whose case waits of cases. There is clear evidence that mediation can be for months or years is losing crucial years of contact, effective, with a high proportion of parties reaching bonding and personal development—all the things that agreement or narrowing the issues in dispute. There will we take for granted, but which are completely disrupted always be a hard core of cases where mediation is not by delay. appropriate and provision must be maintained for these. Delay is endemic and rising. The average case took I welcome the Norgrove review recommendation that 53 weeks in 2010, although the Children Act target is mediators should meet the current requirements set by 12 weeks. The Norgrove review suggests that the average the Legal Services Commission. However, in the mediation case took 60 weeks. Witnesses suggested to the Committee process it is vital that the Government should ensure various causes of delay, including fixed and limited that the voice of the child is heard. The child is not a resources—not just financial resources, but sitting days commodity to be negotiated over, as in a property case, available to use courts for family court business, for but the person to whom the proceedings are most example, as Mr Justice Ryder mentioned—the slow important. We look to the Government to ensure that speed of CAFCASS reports, which the National Society mediators understand that and exercise that responsibility. for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children told us about, There is a history to our consideration of CAFCASS. along with insufficient numbers of experts of sufficient The severe but necessary criticisms of CAFCASS by quality. I shall return to the issue of experts. our predecessor Committee, as long ago as 2003, led to Other causes of delay were variations in the quality the resignation or removal of the entire board. In our of case management by the judiciary, to which Sir recent report, we called on the family justice review to Nicholas Wall referred, and a lack of trust between address directly the future structure of CAFCASS. I social workers, the judiciary, CAFCASS and the parties, welcome the recommendation that CAFCASS be made leading to repeated adjournments to seek further evidence, part of the proposed new family justice service. We said to which the Public Accounts Committee referred in its that that would be a first step, but only a first step; in report. Barnardo’s, commenting on public law cases, itself, it will not be enough: told us that the impact of delay on children’s ability to “It needs to be the first step in a series of reforms designed to form relationships was harmful and long-term: transform Cafcass into a less process-driven, more child-focused, and integral part of the family justice system.” “Two months of delay in making decisions in the best interest of a child equates to one per cent of childhood that cannot be We recognise that CAFCASS operates within a cash- restored”. limited system, but it has to be able to deliver a timely, consistent service to all children—regardless of changes The potential outcome of cases can be prejudiced. in the volume of cases, over which it does not have The opportunity to have an outcome that is in the best control. We welcomed CAFCASS’s recent progress in interests of the child is often lost by delay. By the end of reducing the number of unallocated cases. We shared the process, options that might have been available are the Public Accounts Committee’s concerns about no longer available, and are thought by the courts to be CAFCASS’s ability to sustain its progress when there no longer available, perhaps because of the time that was no sign of a future fall in the number of care has elapsed since the child has had contact with one of applications. We were concerned to ensure that CAFCASS the partners. That is a profoundly unsatisfactory state became refocused on the best interests of the child. of affairs. The Norgrove review recommended the There needs to be a safe minimum level of service introduction of a statutory six-month time limit for during this period of difficulty when there is an increased the completion of care cases, which I understand the number of cases. Government support. I welcome the intention, but will it happen? Is it enforceable? I would like to hear the We were concerned about the amount of time that Government’s thinking. CAFCASS officers spend with children, which we felt was too low—unacceptably low—in the longer term. A related topic is judicial continuity—the same judge. CAFCASS officers agree with us; they want spend Having the same judge manage and hear a case not only more time with children, and this should be facilitated. allows for effective case management and efficient use That is consistent with what the Government are trying of judicial time, but is an important signal to parties, to do about giving police officers and other professional above all to the children, that their case is being treated public servants time to do the job. with the respect that they deserve; they can establish The Government intend to transfer the sponsorship more clearly who the authority figure in the situation is. of CAFCASS from the Department for Education to We welcome the president of the family division’s the Ministry of Justice. That has been out of our terms recognition of the issue and his willingness to reconsider of reference for while; when our predecessor Committee how things are often dealt with at the moment. reported on it, it was a Lord Chancellor’s Department On litigants in person, the Ministry of Justice told us function, then it went off to the Department for Children, that the number of unrepresented litigants in the family Schools and Families. The Government now propose to courts was “significant”but it did not know how many—to 151WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 152WH

[Sir Alan Beith] review of the available support system. The courts will need to become more attuned to dealing with parties go back to the issue of data, which I mentioned earlier. representing themselves and to develop clearer procedures During the course of our inquiry, the Government and guidance. A heavy responsibility rests on the court consulted on and legislated on legal aid for family law system—not only the family courts—to facilitate that. cases, ending it except for those involving domestic I turn to the use of expert witnesses. A fairly commonly violence—in certain limited categories—or if mediation held view is that many cases have too many expert was to be facilitated. The Ministry estimated that at reports. We noted the Minister’s comments that greater least 210,000 cases would no longer be eligible for legal use could be made of non-expert witnesses, such as aid, such as cases in which the presence of legal aid on foster carers—although they have a distinct role and one side created an inequality between the parties, and can provide valuable information—but in some cases they may include cases that do not involve children. there is a genuine need for expertise. The Government believe that the removal of legal aid The Norgrove review recommended that expert evidence will force more litigants into alternative dispute resolution, should be used only when that information was not which some people will no doubt use—I certainly hope available and could not properly be made available from so—but it is inevitable that the number of litigants in the parties already involved. The review also recommended person will increase. It is self-evident that many parents making judges responsible for instructing expert witnesses, are unlikely to give up applications for contact, residence rather than legal advisers, in order to control the scope or maintenance simply because they have no access to of questions and, further, that agreed quality standards public funding. for experts in the family courts should be developed, with criteria including adherence to set time scales, Mr Llwyd: The point touched on by the right hon. membership of appropriate professional bodies and Gentleman was reinforced by Sir Nicholas Wall, the completion of specified court-focused training, peer president of the family division, who said that parents review and continuing professional development. I were not likely to pack up simply because they do not understand that the Government agree with those have legal aid. I did a full residence and contact case recommendations, and so do I; perhaps the Minister two years ago in which, at the last minute, the applicant can confirm how the Government will proceed. sacked his solicitors and appeared in person. The hearing was down for three days but lasted seven. That, I am On the access of the media to family court hearings, afraid, is a typical story and any reform of the family the witnesses who appeared before our Committee were courts not predicated on that very fact will be utterly unanimous in opposing implementation of the scheme unworkable. legislated for in part 2 of the Children, Schools and Finally, I apologise to the right hon. Gentleman, to Families Act 2010. There are clearly dangers to justice you, Mrs Osborne, and to both Front Benchers that I and to the perception of justice when courts operate in shall not be present at the conclusion of the debate, secret. The aim of ensuring that secrecy does not cause because I must leave shortly. I am pleased to have made injustice or the perception of injustice to children is a brief contribution. important, but the Act was not well thought through and went through Parliament in some haste, so there Sir Alan Beith: The right hon. Gentleman has already was a failure to take account of the views of children. I told me about the event he has this evening, which I speak as someone who wanted more openness in the understand that he must attend, so I fully accept his family courts. apology. He brings considerable court experience to our Research shows that a clear majority of children are proceedings, as is evident from his interventions. He is opposed to any details of their case being reported. right that in some cases the litigant in person is difficult Children fear being identified and bullied, and consider and does not fit easily with courts. The very fact that the details of their families and the ordeals that they that was someone who had legal advice and then sacked have undergone to be private. Children must not be the legal advisers illustrates the kind of problems with inhibited from giving vital information to family justice litigants in person often seen by the courts. professionals for fear of being reported by the media. I I fully recognise the difficulty, but we must ask to therefore support the decision not to proceed with that what extent the ordinary taxpayer, going about his or piece of legislation, but that does not preclude anonymous her life in an economical and sensible way, should fund judgments and must not be allowed to conceal from the legal proceedings of those who choose to do battle wider scrutiny the principles on which decisions are in the courts over separation, divorce and financial taken in the family courts or to cover up systemic settlement. The state must get involved if the interests failures on the part of public authorities. I welcome the of the children require it—that is part of what I am Government’s acknowledgment that the current legislation saying—but neither I nor, I think, the Committee as a is flawed, but the Ministry of Justice must try again. whole believe that we can write a blank cheque for a Those are some of the issues brought out in our system of legal representation that is not in practice the report, which are important as we proceed with the best way to resolve a large number of the cases. Legal reform of the family courts, consistent with the Secretary aid is necessary in some difficult cases, but I look on the of State’s broad objectives to make the courts serve situation as a non-lawyer and I see a lot of money being their customers properly. Our recommendations need spent to hire two people to argue for a long time over to be dealt with in order to have a family court system the affairs of a child who seems distant and removed that serves the most important customer best. from the proceedings. The most important customer of the family court The right hon. Gentleman is right that non-lawyers system is the child, who is either the subject of public accessing the family courts can find the process confusing, law proceedings and may be taken away from their frustrating and baffling, and we welcome the Government family—perhaps for a good reason, perhaps for a less 153WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 154WH compelling reason—or is in a family that is breaking up. them, because they are excluded from evidence sessions, The child’s complex interests and development may be and panels such as the family justice review take no profoundly affected and set back by wrong decisions account of them. and by slow and delaying processes in which they are not heard. Those are difficult challenges, but we must A group of adoptive parents who have encountered get them right—not only because we owe that to children, difficulties with the unresponsiveness of the system are but because the future health of our society depends on working with Justice for Families. They have a slightly getting them right. different problem, which has been reported recently in the Sunday Express by Ted Jerry, who is a very good journalist and specialises in this area. We must listen to 3pm the people who go through the system, as well as to John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): I was those who earn money to operate it. As I said, the Select pleased to hear my right hon. Friend’s speech, and to Committee report is more balanced than the family read his Committee’s report, but there are areas where justice review, which might as well not have been started. we are still getting things badly wrong, and perhaps the direction of Government policy is making things worse The integrity and scrutiny—and secrecy—of the system rather than better. I declare an interest. I am involved in are a key part of the matter. One assessment is that Justice for Families, which looks at public family law in about 1,000 children are adopted each year who should the English and Welsh jurisdiction, although people not be adopted. For example, a woman had 10 children from outside that jurisdiction also contact us. Parents taken away from her in one area, but had a child in are involved, not surprisingly, but we are also contacted another area, and when she was sent home a social by teenagers who are trapped in the care system and worker’s assessment was that there was no risk whatever. want to escape, but cannot find a way of doing so. She is doing quite well with that child, but why was the state spending £250,000 per child on having them adopted Recently, I worked with a number of care leavers to in one local authority area, when she went home with a form an organisation called Care Leavers Voice. People child in another local authority area. Other than the tend to think of care leavers as those in their teens or local authority being responsible for the decision making, 20s, but I am talking about professional people in their is the system sufficiently robust when something 40s and 50s. Having perhaps the best perspective of substantially different occurs? Is there any quality control what it is like to be a child in care, and having gone on to on decision making? Clearly, there is not. have a professional career and the confidence to speak out, they feel that their voice is not being heard. The Although the Family Proceedings (Amendment)(No. 2) family justice review was dreadful because it consisted Rules 2009 were generally good, the part relating to only of people who operated the system; no one on the journalists with a National Union of Journalists card in panel represented the people who went through the the court was futile because they were not allowed to system. report anything. Further, the reversal in 2010 of Clayton I hope that my right hon. Friend does not mind me v. Clayton was completely garbled and a mistake. However, being mildly critical. Although his Committee’s report that does not mean there is no merit in greater public is more balanced than the family justice review, it is not scrutiny, which is important in two areas. First, academic as balanced as the report of the Select Committee on scrutiny is key. We have had only one report so far, by Education, which took evidence from a much wider Professor Jane Ireland, who found that about two thirds range of people on the operation of the child protection of the psychologists’ reports that she encountered were system. Whichever way we look at the matter, it is rubbish: if the judge had relied on them, the decision necessary to listen to both sides—not just those who would have been unreliable and should have been challenged earn money from operating the system, but those who through the appellant system. We have only one report go through the system and have personal experience. A because they must be authorised, but there is no reason great difficulty with a secret system is that there may be why academic researchers should not have de facto, a bit of data about what is going on, but unless people anonymous access to expert evidence in the family courts. are like me and have seen lots of individual cases, they I was lucky to be drawn sixth in the private Member’s do not know precisely what is going on. Bills ballot, and one proposal in my Bill will be to allow I am also associated with the Grandparents’ Association, academic access to secret proceedings, so that in both which is very good, and has said that grandparents find the family courts and the Court of Protection, which is the system traumatic. I deal with grandparents who really a family court, expert evidence can be challenged. operate the system. If a grandparent wants to express The Daubert procedure in the US is used to appeal their voice directly to the judge in a case, that is a expert opinion to experts, and that is a good process. challenge. They can apply to be a party, but if they want Professor Ireland, with other professors, has recommended to use a lawyer to do so, they do not receive non-means- that for the UK. It would be one way of starting to get tested legal aid, and probably do not receive legal aid at some quality into the decision making based on expert all. It costs £5,000 to £10,000 just to try to be a party. opinion, but we are some distance away from that. My organisation and my contacts help people to be litigants in person so that the grandparent can go to A good example, published recently in the Daily court and talk to the judge. Grandparents will give Mail, is Lucy Allan. The same psychologist produced evidence about what is going on to whoever is interested two reports on her. One, without seeing her, was for the in listening to them, but if they are unable to speak local authority; in another, having seen her, she said directly to the forum where a decision is being made, completely contradictory things about the same person. they are excluded. Great-grandparents such as Phil In one she said, without seeing her, that the mother was Thompson are irate about how they and their families a great danger to her child; in the other, she said that the have been treated, but the system does not listen to mother was perfectly okay—that was because she was 155WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 156WH

[John Hemming] back in Parliament. She proposed that before anyone goes to court, the default position should be that if being paid to say that. Information from that psychologist parents split up they do not have to go to court to was used to make a life-changing decision, and that is establish a court order for residency. Delay is one of the an absolute scandal. difficulties—that is where the report is entirely right—and Academic access to expert reports should not be causes a problem. If we start with a default position subject to a complex and expensive approval process. It that places a duty on both parents to keep in contact should happen almost de facto. Our care system does with the child—except for in really exceptional not do well, and other countries’ care systems do far circumstances, which do occur from time to time—we better. Our system does not do well because of lack of would be in a much better situation than we are at the accountability—not just public accountability, but academic moment where people first have to apply for a court accountability. order. There is also merit in allowing retrospective review of One difficulty of mediation is that if people can get a the proceedings of family court cases. In one case, a better deal by waiting for the adversarial approach, why mother was deemed to be a bad mother because she fed would they bother with the mediation and take it seriously? her baby on demand, instead of in a routine, so the There must be something for parents to agree on during baby was adopted. We should be able to talk about that. mediation, and the recent work on encouraging mediation It is absurd that psychologists can reach conclusions by the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission about people and their merits as parents without even was important. It is a mistake always to separate issues seeing them. I see a hell of a lot of such cases, and they of finance and of the child in question. From the are not acceptable. Such things need to be considered parents’ point of view, those things are not separate and publicly, which fits with the evidence provided in the indeed are associated. Often, the mother gets residency family court report. This is not about identifying people; of the children and the father goes into a mood and it is about knowing what is going on and what is being says, “Well, I’m not going to pay if I don’t get contact”, done in our name. If we believe in parliamentary sovereignty and people get into a massive row. If we managed to we must know what is going on, even if we do not know bring those things together, that would be far better. precisely to whom it happened. That is important. We are trying to do something therapeutic and, There is a rule in Parliament that a Member cannot particularly in public family law—although it is the criticise a named judge without having tabled a motion same in private family law—we have the therapeutic in their name. There is, however, no rule to say that one objective of trying to do what is best for the child or cannot praise a named judge, so I wish to praise Nicholas children under the circumstances. That is not best handled Mostyn and recommend that people read the published through an adversarial family court system where everything judgment of A County Council v. M and F [2011] gets piled up and there are hundreds of sheets of paper. EWHC 1804 (Fam). We do not know who M and F are Anyone who has seen one of those cases will know the or which is the county council, but under the circumstances, absurd amount of paperwork involved, which often we do not need to know. By looking at that case, merely repeats things from other documents. That does however, we see the challenges faced by the judges when not help. dealing with expert evidence, particularly when that The report referred to the family group conferencing evidence is contradictory. The case I have mentioned approach, which is far better. We need to strengthen shows an excellent judgment that all judges should read case conferences so that the procedure is not abused by and consider because it goes into some really difficult the practitioners. The Webster/Hardingham case from issues. Norfolk is well known as a miscarriage of justice, but it I know of eight cases involving the issue of expert started out as an abuse of process and procedure in the evidence and vitamin D, and I am working with the case conference at Norfolk county council. If that abuse excellent solicitors Brendan Fleming in Birmingham to had been picked up at that point, three children would look at those. Again, the issue is scrutiny of expert probably not have been wrongfully adopted. It was a evidence. In the Wray case in London, Jayden Wray case where one of the family went off to Ireland—I sadly died from a mixture of shaken baby syndrome— think it was in about 2006. The case went to the Court SBS—and metaphyseal fractures as a consequence of of Appeal, which effectively accepted the likelihood vitamin D deficiency. In that case, it was proven that the that there had been a miscarriage of justice. triad of symptoms occurred not under the care of the We must analyse where decisions are taken. Although parents but at a later stage, and that is critical. There rubber-stamped by the courts, often decisions are taken have been many SBS cases, including that of Keran initially in the local authority during the case conference Henderson, which was a criminal case and is reasonably or adoption panel, or whatever. If we can improve the well known as it attracted quite a bit of publicity. It is decision-making process at that stage, and provide a an interesting area, but because these things have gone more therapeutic environment in which one can bring on in secret, we do not know about them. Recently, I the grandparents without them having to pay £5,000 or have put pressure on the Government to review those £10,000 to get along in the first instance, we can start cases that involve vitamin D deficiency. They have trying to work things out. That would be far better than avoided the question, but we will see where it goes in the the current system, which is dreadfully remote. future. One care leaver who is in his 40s told me that when he I encounter quite a bit of private law because public was a child in care, he used to try and find out who was law and private law can interrupt each other. My hon. taking the dreadful decisions that affected him. He Friend the Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole never could find that information, however, which is (Annette Brooke) spoke for the Liberal Democrats on one of the difficulties in the system. The people to this issue some time ago, and we are pleased to see her whom things are being done have no idea how the 157WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 158WH random decisions that affect them are being made. local authority.” When the CPS thinks that there is Early intervention is great, but we need to know what evidence in criminal proceedings, to support a verdict and how that is done, and ensure that it achieves positive beyond reasonable doubt, perhaps half the verdicts in things. A lot of this is an issue of detail, which is crucial. contested cases will be guilty, and half not guilty. In Let me turn to the Children and Family Court Advisory care proceedings there are different outcomes; a care and Support Service because I have some difficulty in order is sometimes given, or no order may be given, but public law proceedings with working out the added the local authority’s thesis is rejected in only about value of the guardian ad litem. A Gillick-competent 0.27% of cases, on, I think, the 2007 figures. That is a child should have a solicitor and the guardian should bit of an exaggeration, because other things can happen. fall away, although in practice that does not always The local authority can withdraw the application, as happen. I was pleased to see that Julia Brophy gave happens in many cases. If the local authority thinks evidence to the Committee. If we look at her work, things are going badly, it might withdraw. there is an argument for what happens in Ireland where We need, also, to consider section 38 of the Children an independent social worker report is commissioned, Act 1989. It does not require evidence so much as rather than having the entire panoply of the guardian reasonable grounds to believe that a child may be at operation. That raises a question about private family risk; given that once an interim care order is given, a law proceedings, in which I think it would not be a bad final care order is very likely, is that threshold acceptable? idea to do much the same. Should it not be changed to require an evidence test at We have got to the stage where CAFCASS is so some earlier stage? As to delay and its effect on children, over-worked that we are not getting a lot of continuity. the point is what happens if we have a system which, for Government policy is going the wrong way in trying to all that it matters, is much cheaper and much the same reduce the use of independent social workers; perhaps in outcomes as rubber-stamping what the local authority we should be getting rid of CAFCASS and using wants, which is what happens most of the time. That independent social reports instead. Given the cost of has an effect on the child. If, say, a newborn baby is CAFCASS, that would make the Treasury happy. One taken from the mother and put into foster care, that has difficulty with trying to speed up a machine for miscarriages a real impact. The work of Professor Michael Rutter is of justice—which is what the system is doing at the crucial in that area. He looked on the period between moment—is that although it makes it run faster, it does six and 18 months as the golden period for a baby. A not get any better, and there is great difficulty with that. large proportion of babies taken into care are taken We should be able to get better decisions taken at case into care well before then. If they get reactive attachment conference level, and not have to worry so much about disorder, as many of them do, it is not caused by bad everything being done on paper. parenting initially but by what the state does—simply on the basis of the timing. Judicial continuity is an interesting question. Someone told me recently about one person involved in a vitamin There is a long way to go. I congratulate the Committee D miscarriage of justice who was warned by her barrister on obtaining some representations from people affected that if she appealed to the Court of First Instance, that by the system, but for this debate I would emphasise would upset the judge in her case and he may not look that in future, the Government and Select Committees—and favourably on her in the future. There are questions I congratulate the Select Committee on Education—should, about whether judicial continuity undermines the appellant please, listen to the people to whom things are done, process. If someone’s barrister says that they should not and not just those who earn money doing things to appeal a case because the judge will be upset, and they people. then have to go back in front of the same person, that raises an issue. In fact an application was put to the 3.23 pm European Court of Human rights, about whether that prejudges a situation. Again, a difficulty is that we are Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): I am delighted trying to do therapeutic work, where continuity is crucial, to respond on behalf of the Opposition to this debate in a legalistic environment in which an attempt is being about the Justice Committee’s report on the operation made to work out whether what is being done is within of the family courts and the Government’s response to what has historically been called the margin of it—not least because I am doing so under your appreciation—or, these days, the procedural protections chairmanship, Mrs Osborne. I congratulate the Committee of the European Court of Human Rights. The idea of on the production of such a thorough and detailed the margin of appreciation seems to be coming back to response to what is clearly one of the most important a certain extent. As to what the courts should be trying areas of our legal system. to work out, my ideal solution would be akin to the I am sure that the right hon. Member for Dwyfor Swedish one, which is driven by a case-conference-type Meirionnydd (Mr Llwyd), who was here for a short mechanism—very much a therapeutic environment—which time, is a valuable member of the Committee. Having is subject to judicial review, rather than bunging a case spent several months working with him in Committee in front of the magistrates, who generally just rubber-stamp on what became the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment what the local authority says. of Offenders Act 2012, I know that he is assiduous and The point about rubber-stamping is important. There shows great integrity. Also, unusually on that Committee, are statistics on the outcomes of cases, and they almost his rhetoric matched his voting record, which was not always go the local authority’s way. We can take it two often the case for Government Back Benchers. ways: we can say, “Well, actually, social workers and I also thank the Chair of the Select Committee, the care professionals are so much better than the Crown right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Prosecution Service in their judgments that it is not Beith), for his speech, which, although made in his surprising that things almost always go the way of the usual gentle way, was still forensic. It raised a number of 159WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 160WH

[Mr Andy Slaughter] violence. Yetthey had to be dragged kicking and screaming through, I think, two lost votes and one tied vote in the issues, to which I am sure the Minister will respond. His House of Lords, during the passage of the Legal Aid, points about delay, shared parenting and the evidence Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, to base were all well made and are all substantial concerns. acknowledge properly a definition of domestic violence All I would say about the right hon. Gentleman’s that would give the protection of legal aid to those who comments on secrecy in the courts is that we were so badly need it, and to extend the evidential criteria. expecting some news about that today, with the introduction Eventually, there was substantial movement on that, of the Justice and Security Bill in the House of Lords. but there were still glaring omissions. Therefore there The right hon. Gentleman is right that the balance are clear cases where victims of domestic violence will between the protection of the interests of open justice not continue to benefit from legal aid, including in and those of participants is a fine one in all cases, private family law cases. including those in the family courts. It is a pity that the The Government are right to believe that mediation Government are struggling once again to bring forward is preferable, and keeping family law cases out of the legislation, even when it has been announced in the courts through an agreement between parents is always media the week before. to be encouraged. Yet for those people who cannot achieve that, and who need legal assistance, the 2012 I want to comment on another issue that the right Act again reduces their chance of receiving proper legal hon. Gentleman mentioned—restrictions on advice and representation. To complicate matters further, the increase the increase in the number of litigants in person. I in the number of litigants in person, the Government’s should say that I am grateful for briefings for the debate replacement of face-to-face services with telephone advice from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty and the dramatic decrease in counter hours—by two to Children, and Resolution, which also raised those thirds, in many cases—mean that the amount of support issues. First, however, I want to make some general available has decreased. comments. I have seen—in part of the Resolution brief for The importance of the review cannot be stated more today’s debate, I think—a letter from Her Majesty’s clearly than by citing one of the facts in it—that 36 Courts and Tribunals Service, dated 9 January. It advised children were killed in 2009-10 by their parents; and that the measures such as the curtailment of the counter that, between 1995 and 1999, in service and so on had been implemented without “80% of all homicides where the victim was an infant under the “any significant issues being raised by our court users”. age of one, the killer was a parent, and in ‘virtually all’ the remaining 20% the killer was a family member, friend or someone However, as Resolution points out, it has been informed who had care of the infant”. by many court users that phone calls and e-mails are “regularly” not answered. We have the Kafkaesque I am sure that everyone present today will be able to situation in which no longer having a service available name at least one high-profile example of a child tragically means that complaints and queries are not being registered killed by those who were supposed to be looking after and dealt with. For an individual already faced with the them. Furthermore, even when a child is not physically daunting prospect of representing themselves in legal harmed by their parents, a violent relationship between proceedings, that removal of a source of advice could parents has been found to have a significant long-term be the difference between a decision that benefits a child negative effect on the child’s emotional well-being. and one based on the inability of one side adequately to The courts therefore have a crucial role, not just in represent themselves. trying to ensure that a child has access to their parents I disagree a little with the comment by the right hon. on terms that are acceptable to both and also beneficial Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed that sometimes legal to the child, but, all too often, in ensuring that children aid can create an imbalance. That may be so in a in dangerous situations are given adequate care and minority of cases, but on the whole, the impecunious protection. It could not be more important to get this party—the party more in need of representation and matter right. The previous Government took great steps not able to afford it, who is often the mother—needs towards ensuring that the family courts were more access to legal aid so that both sides can be properly accessible and came to more informed decisions, and heard. that alternatives to the adversarial nature of court hearings were found. I practised for only a short time as a family lawyer, but I cannot think of any other area of law in which I We should also acknowledge that in some areas the practised where the intervention of advocates often Government are continuing in that vein, thanks largely resolved cases. Quite often the parties going to court to the Justice Committee’s report and the family justice would go not only as other litigants in person do, with review carried out by David Norgrove. Both identified an imperfect understanding of procedure and the law, weaknesses in the operation of the family courts, and but with a real animus against the other side and almost the Government’s willingness to consider at least some a willingness to continue the family argument through of the recommendations made in them, and the move the court process. In the vast majority of cases, the towards increased mediation and a more child-centric intervention of lawyers—sometimes at an early stage system, are to be commended. and sometimes at the door of the court—is a way of Unfortunately, however, as with so much to do with drawing up consent orders, of resolving matters that the Government, seemingly well meant policies have otherwise and in the future would have to go before the potentially severe consequences, and, as ever, there is a judge. catch. In their response to the Justice Committee’s One of the crucial points raised by both reports and report, the Government promised that legal aid would various others over the years is the importance of remain for cases where there was evidence of domestic limiting delays. A recent survey of Resolution’s members 161WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 162WH found that when one party is representing themselves, I shall deal first with the points made by my hon. cases usually take longer. Indeed, 48% of respondents Friend the Member for Birmingham, Yardley (John said that it can be more than twice as long as when both Hemming). He made a significant contribution on a parties have legal representation—a point borne out topic in which he has consistently shown significant anecdotally by the comments of the right hon. Member interest. To take up his concern about the FJR’s legitimacy, for Dwyfor Meirionnydd. I can tell him that it did have cross-party support, The removal of access to counter services cannot having been initiated by the previous Government and possibly improve that situation and will almost certainly continued by the current Government. David Norgrove lead to even longer delays. Further delays will be caused consulted very widely here and in other jurisdictions. by the fact that counter services will no longer be The Grandparents Association, which was the example available to check applications—a major issue, given that my hon. Friend gave, submitted evidence and that that incorrectly completed applications are often rejected was certainly considered. I simply cannot accept that by the courts. Aside from those delayed decisions, which the FJR was constrained in the evidence that it sought were described as “unacceptable” by the Government in or considered. their response to the family justice review, it is easy to see how that could also lead to a delay in identifying a John Hemming: My argument is that the panel itself child’s safeguarding issues. did not have someone from Families Need Fathers, the Grandparents Association, Justice for Families or any My colleagues and I have been approached by other of the organisations that represent those people representatives from a number of organisations with to whom things are done. concerns that mirror the Opposition’s fears on these issues—that one cannot hope to improve services while Mr Djanogly: My hon. Friend makes his point. He simultaneously taking an axe to budgets across the will appreciate that, on that basis, many hundreds of board. The Government can talk all they want about a organisations could have been included in the body. commitment to limiting delays and improving the service provided by family courts, but those improvements will Two key pieces of legislation will support our proposals not be found if the crucial background services, such as for system change. The children and families Bill, announced counter services, are removed. in the Queen’s speech, will help to deliver the Government’s commitment to supporting children and families by I will not repeat the many excellent points made by making it easier for parents to share caring responsibilities the Chair of the Select Committee; I am sure that the and by supporting some of the most vulnerable children, Minister heard them and will respond to them. I hope including those in care or whose parents have separated. that he will listen to the comments of the Select Committee and those that I and others with an interest in these John Hemming: I thank the Minister for giving way matters have made, and will feed them back into the again. Will the Government consider the proposal from Government’s ongoing development of their justice policy. my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Dorset and North The Opposition will not unnecessarily oppose anything Poole (Annette Brooke) of having a default position in that will genuinely improve the operation of our family the children and families Bill so that there is no need to courts, but the Government need to take notice of the go to court to establish a default position? many organisations that have expressed concerns that further delays will ensue as a consequence of the steps Mr Djanogly: I will come on to that. that they have taken and that those measures might be The Crime and Courts Bill, introduced on 10 May, counter-productive. The Government should be working contains provisions that will establish a single family to ensure that the family courts work for everyone, not court. That is a direct response to a recommendation just those who can find a resolution to their problems made by the family justice review. The creation of a before coming to court or those who have the means to single family court will simplify the court process and pay privately for legal advice. make it more accessible for families using the system. It will be more transparent and will facilitate the allocation of family law cases in the most effective and efficient 3.35 pm way. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice In the area of public law, we have already made a (Mr Jonathan Djanogly): There have been relatively few commitment to implement many of the review’s speakers this afternoon, but the speeches have been of a recommendations. Where the state intervenes to take very high quality. I congratulate the Justice Committee children into care, our overriding priority must be to and my right hon. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon- reduce significantly the unacceptable level of delay. Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) on securing the debate. I am That is why we intend to introduce a six-month time grateful to all right hon. and hon. Members for their limit for all bar exceptional cases. I can confirm to my valuable contributions. The Government recognise that right hon. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed it is simply unacceptable that some children wait more that that is a limit, not a goal. Where cases can be than a year for a decision to be made about their future completed more quickly, they should be. The time limit and that some parents can use the court process to will be a key part of the family justice provisions in the inflame further conflict with their former partners. The children and families Bill. hon. Member for Hammersmith (Mr Slaughter) referred, To answer my right hon. Friend, who mentioned time rightly, to the terrifying consequences that can arise. limit delays, the judge will have to give reasons for the That is why our programme of reform, underpinned by delay in open court. In that way, a picture of performance the findings of the Justice Committee’s report and the and weaknesses in particular parts of the country will family justice review, is so important. become apparent and will build up over time, which will 163WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 164WH

[Mr Djanogly] young child may have quite different needs from an older child, for example. If parents are in dispute about mean that action can be taken to address a particular child arrangements, and the matter requires a court problem in a particular area. There are a number of decision, it is right to focus on the child’s needs at that steps to support that. point. That is the current position and we intend to The Justice Committee and the family justice review, retain it. and my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Yardley, highlighted the need to cut the number of John Hemming: The point is not that we should have expert reports used in court proceedings. an unchangeable default position, but that we should start from a position whereby it is the duty of both John Hemming rose— parents when they separate to maintain contact with Mr Djanogly: Will my hon. Friend let me make some the child. The difficulty is that the current position headway, and then he can come back on what I say? often creates a de facto situation; basically, residence moves with the child and the legal process takes some Such reports take up precious time. I agree that they time to catch up, but in the meantime, in very traumatic should be used only where necessary to determine a circumstances, the relationship between the child and case and the courts should ensure that such evidence is one of the parents has decayed. It is not that the properly focused on the key questions that the court solution is inflexible, but that we start from a minimum needs to be answered. We already plan to change the position that could be varied. family procedure rules to bring that into effect. Expert evidence will of course continue to be important in some cases to ensure a fair and complete process. Where Mr Djanogly: I hear what my hon. Friend says, and I expert evidence is required, we are working to ensure am not entirely sure that it is incompatible with what I that it is of high quality and delivered promptly. said. I will take a further look at that. To go into more detail, because of the concern shown We must improve the quality of the submissions by my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Yardley, made to courts by local authorities. In many areas, we are introducing early changes to the court rules poor-quality or late submissions delay cases and lead to through secondary legislation. The main elements are too great a reliance on time-consuming expert reports. raising the threshold for the court to permit an expert to We will strip out bureaucracy and duplication. On care be instructed; requiring expert witness evidence to be planning, we will introduce legislation through the children necessary, rather than reasonably required; and in family and families Bill to make it explicit that the court proceedings concerning children, there will be a list of should focus only on issues essential to its deliberations. factors that the court must explicitly consider in deciding We will also remove the bureaucratic processes connected whether to permit an expert to be instructed. Those with the renewal of interim care orders and interim factors include the impact on the child of a delay and supervision orders. Where a case is already before the undergoing an assessment, the cost, and whether the courts, we will remove the need for an adoption panel to information could or should be provided by one of the consider whether a child should be placed for adoption. parties, such as the local authority. We will also require That work is supported by Her Majesty’s Courts the court to exercise better control over the questions and Tribunals Service, which has allocated a further put to the expert and require solicitors to undertake 4,000 sitting days to the county court exclusively for preparatory work earlier in the process to reduce delays family work, as my right hon. Friend the Member for in the experts beginning work. Berwick-upon-Tweed pointed out. That is an increase We recognise that minimum standards are necessary of 8,000 extra county court sitting days compared with for expert witnesses in the family court. We are working 2009-10 and a major increase in family court capacity. with the Department of Health, health regulators and That somewhat disproves what the hon. Member for the Family Justice Council to establish minimum standards Hammersmith said about Government cuts. We have that judges should expect from all expert witnesses. We not been cutting the service, but have been significantly are exploring how and whether we can implement the increasing the resources added to it. Her Majesty’s family justice review recommendation that meeting Courts and Tribunals Service has ring-fenced the family minimum standards should be a requirement for public allocation in the magistrates courts, ensuring that days funding. We will also consult key stakeholders on proposed intended for families are not lost on criminal hearings. minimum standards, which we hope to have in place All right hon. and hon. Members will agree that later this year. simply allocating more court days will not solve the John Hemming: I very much welcome the minimum long-term issues identified by the family justice review. standards for experts, which would be a good thing. I All the work will be underpinned by more robust data, am not one of those who has gone around saying that an issue highlighted by the Justice Committee last year, there are too many experts. I have not expressed any as my right hon. Friend pointed out. I agree that it is view on how many experts there should be. I have said key. Without figures, we can only reform by way of that independent social workers add value to cases. If anecdote based on single issues. That is not an adequate we want to save money, get rid of CAFCASS. position. With judicial support, Her Majesty’s Courts and Mr Djanogly: I will come on to CAFCASS in due Tribunals Service is rolling out a new management course. information tool. For the first time, it will track the care My hon. Friend said that a default residence contact case process from start to finish at court level. Although position would avoid the need for court orders. The it applies only to those cases entering the system from 1 problem with that is that it is a one-size-fits-all approach; April, it will provide important data about where delays it would not focus on what the child needs. A very are currently occurring in the system and why they have 165WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 166WH arisen. Importantly, the tool will drive changes in behaviour Sir Alan Beith: There have been quite intensive discussions by allowing local areas access to their own data, so that about this issue in government. In trying to use the law information can be used to identify performance barriers. as a signal, there is a danger that the courts will be obliged to take into account a further element of complexity John Hemming: That would be an excellent tool. Will when making a judgment. The signal that it gives some the tracking system track the release of the printed parents in dispute may be that there is another point on judgment to the parents, who often do not receive a which they can engage the court in order to keep the judgment on which they can appeal? case going. It is more likely to do that than to give a Mr Djanogly: I will come back to my hon. Friend on signal to parents about what they themselves should do. that point. We wish to see a stronger, clearer role for judges in Mr Djanogly: The right hon. Gentleman makes a fair setting a timetable for family cases and ensuring that point. This was what came up in Australia. The Government those cases are managed and completed in a timely and have looked carefully at the lessons of the Australian efficient manner. The judiciary are therefore key partners experience of legislating in this area, which was highlighted in all of this work. I have had a number of conversations by the family justice review. Direct comparisons with with Mr Justice Ryder, the judge in charge of modernisation, the experience in Australia are misleading; it is certainly about our reform plans. I am pleased to report that we not our intention to mirror the structure of the Australian are working closely with the judiciary, with full regard legislation or to create new layers of complexity in our to their judicial independence. For example, we have existing system. already established the Family Business Authority. It Contributors all mentioned the importance of early brings together the family judiciary and the administration intervention. I agree with my right hon. Friend that it is in a decision-making forum. The group takes a strategic an essential component in solving this issue. The look at the family jurisdiction and is well placed to Department for Work and Pensions, the Department support the modernisation of family justice. for Education and the Ministry of Justice are working On private law disputes, there were very few points of closely together on this so that a parent’s first port of difference between the Government and the family justice call will be an online hub that will provide practical review panel, but there was one on the issue of shared information and advice and will signpost appropriate parenting. The Justice Committee has taken a close services. interest in that, and the Under-Secretary of State for We have introduced measures to strengthen consideration Education, the hon. Member for East Worthing and of mediation and to explore how that can work alongside Shoreham (Tim Loughton), and I will give evidence parenting programmes and other interventions to help next month to the Committee on the Government’s parents focus on a child’s needs. I will say a bit more position. A ministerial working group has been looking about mediation later. In addition, we are working to at it and has met three times. We intend to consult develop parenting agreements as a tool to help parents shortly on options for legislation. agree arrangements that are child focused and practical. We need to send a clear message to parents that in the DfE is providing an early intervention grant worth absence of any welfare concerns both should be involved about £2 billion, which is flexible funding for local in their child’s upbringing. Without pre-empting the authorities to spend on their early intervention priorities consultation, I should like to make it clear that nothing from Sure Start through to crime prevention. The Justice we propose will undermine the existing principle that Committee will know about the Youth Justice Board the welfare of the child is the court’s paramount and the custody pathfinder projects, which give pilot consideration. Safety will remain an important factor. areas custody funding up front for the under-18s. That In answer to points raised by my right hon. Friend the will incentivise local authorities to intervene early before Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed and the right hon. young people become serial offenders. Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd (Mr Llwyd), our proposed amendment to the Children Act 1989 will Many other cases could be settled away from court. send a clear signal to separated parents that courts will Too many people go to court to resolve their private take into account the principle that both should continue disputes and fail to grasp the fact that the court is to be actively involved in their children’s lives. In doing required to focus on the child’s welfare needs. That may so, it will help to dispel the perception that there is an mean that neither parent is happy with the decisions inbuilt legal bias towards one parent. There is a real that are made. For many such parents, the family courts feeling among many people that that is the case, which are not the best way of settling disputes about a child’s results in a mistrust of the family justice system. future. Mediation can be quicker and cheaper, and can The proposed amendment will encourage more separated provide better outcomes, especially if compared with parents to resolve their disputes out of court and agree drawn-out court hearings. It is important that mediation care arrangements that fully involve both parents. An is considered at the earliest opportunity before positions obstructive parent seeking to frustrate contact between become entrenched. An amicable solution is better than the child and his or her other parent should not be able a litigious one. to use the court system to legitimise such activity without Referrals to mediation in publicly funded cases are good reason. up by nearly 12% since the introduction of the pre- application protocol last April. However, I remain concerned Sir Alan Beith rose— about the protocol’s effectiveness in privately funded Mr Djanogly: I will just finish this point. This change cases, and there is a need to tackle inconsistencies in is not about equality in the time that a child spends with approach across the courts. That is why we will make each parent after separation. Every family and every statutory changes to make it a prerequisite that anyone child’s circumstances are different and the courts will who wishes to begin court action must first attend a continue to make decisions on that basis. mediation information and assessment meeting to find 167WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 168WH

[Mr Djanogly] Recommendations include guidance to court staff on how to deal with unrepresented parties and information out about and consider mediation. We remain committed about pro bono assistance. We have also made funding to make public funding available for mediation through available to support this work, some of which is being legal aid for those who are eligible and expect to fund used to support the expansion of the Personal Support an additional £10 million for mediation services. Unit, a charity based in the Royal Courts of Justice, I should point out to the hon. Member for Hammersmith which provides volunteers to accompany people to court that the Government have no plans to stop making and to fund guidance produced by not-for profit available legal aid for children where they are a party to organisations specifically tailored to unrepresented parties. family proceedings. Various hon. Members mentioned We envisage the funds being used on online tools, litigants in person. We accept that the reforms will guides to the court process, including on video content, mean an increase in litigants in person. However, and other initiatives, and we are working with relevant unrepresented parties have always been a feature of the organisations such as the citizens advice bureau to that justice system—some because they cannot afford effect. These will all be in place before the legal aid representation and others because they choose not to be reforms take effect. These changes are radical and cannot represented. Paying for a lawyer, whether out of private happen overnight, nor can they happen in a family pockets or public funds, is not always necessary. Judges justice system that lacks leadership and coherence. make significant efforts to assist litigants in person, We agree with the family justice review and with my explaining procedures and what is expected of them. right hon. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed We estimate that about 40% of private law children’s that transferring CAFCASS to the Ministry of Justice cases involve one or more litigants in person. The will bring court social work closer to the courts and proportion in divorce cases is much higher than that. make it easier to improve the whole system’s performance. We will transfer the sponsorship of CAFCASS from Mr Slaughter: Will the Minister accept that replacing the Department for Education to the Ministry of Justice advocates with litigants in person can typically increase by the end of this spending review period. I should say the length of a case by up to 100%. If he does not accept that CAFCASS’s performance has improved significantly that there is robust evidence of that, should the Government in recent times, but I agree with him that moving not collect such evidence and make their assessment of CAFCASS will not be enough; integration of services what the changes will mean for the length and cost of a will be key. case? Crucially, we are already putting in place the governance arrangements that will drive those changes. We have Mr Djanogly: From a review of the literature, we established the Family Justice Board, which brings together know that sometimes these cases can take longer, but senior figures in the core organisations within the family not always. Sometimes they are actually quicker. The justice system. The board will give family justice national picture is complex. However, we expect fewer cases to leadership and visibility, and will be led by an independent come to court in future because there will be 10,000 extra chair and supported by a performance improvement family mediations, which will help offset any additional sub-group and a young people’s board. We are also burdens on the courts from dealing with litigants in establishing new local family justice boards to drive person. Overall, we do not expect a likely increase in momentum at a local level. The new national governance litigants in person to lead to significant additional arrangements will provide a more joined-up family burdens on the court. justice system and ensure consistency between national In recognising that there is an existing problem with strategy and local delivery. Together, the new structures litigants in person—no matter what happened in the will have a clear remit to focus relentlessly on system Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders performance. Bill—we are seeking to improve the system by introducing [MR JOE BENTON in the Chair] single family courts, which will provide one route into the system that people can understand; by changing In taking forward work to improve the system’s efficiency court processes so that they are easier and quicker to and effectiveness, we must not overlook the need to understand; by introducing a new child arrangement make it more responsive. We are considering how we order; by creating processes to deal with breach of can simplify processes further and provide practical order more quickly and effectively; by simplifying and information to help unrepresented parties navigate their streamlining the divorce process; and by improving the way through the system, as I described earlier. information made available to the public. In addition, My hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Yardley support for separated and separating parents will be mentioned CAFCASS and guardians, in the context of provided through new web and telephone services led the child’s voice being heard. We agree with the FJR’s by the Department for Work and Pensions, which will strong views on the centrality of children’s interests and provide trusted independent information suited to people’s endorse the panel’s proposals on listening to children’s needs. The web service will be commissioned in 2012 voices and ensuring that their wishes and feelings are and the telephone service in 2013. taken into account. We will put the child back at the Other practical steps include welcoming the Civil centre of the system. We take seriously our obligations Justice Council’s report on self-represented litigants to promote and implement the UN convention on the that was published late last year. It contained a number rights of the child, and throughout our proposed reforms, of practical and pragmatic recommendations, many of we will introduce practical measures to ensure that which are applicable to the family as well as the civil children’s voices are heard. The Family Justice Board courts. We are working with the CJC and the Family will have a key role to play in supporting children’s right Justice Council on how to take these matters forward. to have their voices heard, which is why one of its 169WH Family Courts24 MAY 2012 Family Courts 170WH sub-groups will be a young people’s board, building on not be rushed. Given the issues at stake, we will work to the benefits gained from the CAFCASS young people’s find ways to achieve greater transparency in the family board. courts. There has been considerable debate over the years The work that the Government are doing to implement about the opening up of family courts. Slightly different change in response to the Justice Committee’s report positions have been stated today by right hon. and hon. and the recommendations of the family justice review Members, whom I accept all care passionately that we represents a broad and ambitious programme of reform, get it right. Understandably, there are many different as I hope I have explained to some extent today. The views on the subject, and there is a balance to be struck programme that I have outlined shows our commitment between confidence and privacy on one hand and publicity to providing a modern family justice system where on the other. The challenge is balancing the need for delay is the exception rather than the norm; one in public scrutiny with the parties’ need for privacy. I which people are supported to resolve disputes themselves accept that the current position is unsatisfactory. as early as possible and away from the court if possible; one that is coherent and well led by the Family Justice The Government’s response to the Justice Committee’s Board, with buy-in from all partner agencies: in short, a report last year, as my right hon. Friend the Member for family justice system that children and families can Berwick-upon-Tweed restated today, accepted the trust and rely on. I know that all right hon. and hon. recommendation that the provisions in part 2 of the Members share that objective, and I am grateful to Children, Schools and Families Act 2010, which allow them for their contributions to this debate. for greater reporting by the media, should not be enacted. As the Committee recommended, one lesson learned Question put and agreed to. from the outcome of the last attempt to achieve transparency in the family courts is that a solution to 4.4 pm this important and contentious area of policy should Sitting adjourned.

75WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 76WS

qualifications; an orientation debate on public procurement; Written Ministerial adoption of conclusions on the digital single market and governance of the single market; general approaches Statements on alternative dispute and online dispute resolutions; and political agreement on the unified patent court. Three AOB points will be discussed: state aid reform, Thursday 24 May 2012 which will be information from the Commission; information from the Lithuanian delegation on the recent like-minded group meeting in Vilnius; and the work programme of the upcoming Cypriot presidency. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS The research substantive agenda items on 31 May will be: a partial general approach on the proposal for a Law Commission Review (Unfair Contract Terms) regulation establishing Horizon 2020; progress reports on the proposed regulation laying down the rules for participation and dissemination in Horizon 2020, the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Council decision establishing the specific programme Innovation and Skills (Norman Lamb): In preparation implementing Horizon 2020 and the Council regulation for a proposed overhaul of consumer rights, I have on the research and training programme of the European asked the Law Commission and Scottish Law Commission Atomic Energy Community complementing Horizon to review and update the recommendations they made 2020; progress reports on the proposed decision on the in 2005 on unfair terms in contracts and in particular to strategic innovation agenda for the European Institute reconsider their recommendations in relation to ancillary of Innovation and Technology and amending regulation and contingent charges in the light of recent court establishing the European Institute of Innovation and judgments. The terms of reference are as follows: Technology; and adoption of Council conclusions on to review and update the recommendations made by the two European innovation partnerships. Law Commissions in their 2005 report on unfair terms in The research AOB items will comprise: the state of contracts (Law Com No. 292; Scot Law Com No. 199) in so play from the strategic forum for international scientific far as they affect contracts made between businesses and and technological co-operation, including on an EU/MS- consumers: India strategic agenda on research and innovation; results in particular to examine article 4(2) of the Council directive of research-related presidency conferences and ministerial 93/13/EEC on unfair terms in consumer contracts on terms meetings; and work programme of the incoming Cypriot exempt from review in the light of recent case law; and presidency. following full consultation with relevant stakeholders, to advise BIS on how best to implement article 4(2), bearing in The Government’s objectives for the Council are: mind the following: To contribute to discussions on public procurement and a. the need to ensure that the UK meets its minimum mutual recognition of professional qualifications; harmonization obligations; Confirm agreement with Council conclusions on the digital b. the desirability of a single consumer regime to incorporate single market and governance of the single market; both the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations Agree to a partial general approach on COSME; 1999 and the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, without Agree to the general approaches for alternative and online reducing the existing level of consumer protection; and dispute resolution; c. the need for clarity. To ensure that details of the patent proposal deliver the most The Law Commissions aim to open consultation by effective arrangements for UK business and their representatives the end of July 2012 and publish their full advice by the who will use the unified patent court. We want to see a end of March 2013. I will inform Parliament on both Europe-wide patent system that brings real benefits for these occasions and place copies of the Law Commissions’ innovative businesses, consumers and the economy; consultation paper and final report in the House Library. Agree to a partial general approach on the regulation establishing Further details will also be available from the Law Horizon 2020; Commission website at http://lawcommission.justice.gov.uk/ Confirm agreement with Council conclusions on European innovation partnerships.

EU Competitiveness Council High Cost Credit

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Norman Lamb): The EU The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Competitiveness Council will take place in Brussels on Innovation and Skills (Norman Lamb): I have today 30 and 31 May 2012. I shall represent the UK on published a progress update which BIS has received internal market and industry issues on 30 May, and from the University of Bristol Personal Finance Research David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Centre into the impact of a variable cap on the total Science, will represent the UK on research issues on cost of high-cost credit. 31 May. The research team have completed a targeted review The internal market and industry substantive agenda of previous evidence and mapped the key findings items on 30 May will be: a partial general approach on a against the research objectives. Fieldwork on the business programme for the competitiveness of enterprises and survey has also been completed. This comprised qualitative small and medium-sized enterprises (COSME); an in-depth telephone interviews with representatives from orientation debate on mutual recognition of professional five high-cost lender trade associations and 24 lenders. 77WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 78WS

The topics covered in the trade association interviews My officials have continued discussions with the firefighter were: market size and trade association coverage; the unions and the Local Government Association over the concept of a cap on the total cost of credit; how a cap remaining details of the firefighters’ pension scheme. on the total cost of credit might be structured; the level The Government pay tribute to the importance of of a cap on the total cost of credit; profitability; problems the work undertaken by our fire and rescue service and said to be associated with these markets the bravery, dedication and professionalism of the men The topics covered in the lender interviews were: and women who work within it. The Government are background information about the business; loan product committed to providing public service pensions that are details; customers; risk assessment and management; sustainable, fair and effective. costs and profitability; capping the total cost of credit; Building on the proposals brought forward by Lord default charges Hutton, the proposed final agreement aims to strike a The consumer survey of 1,500 customers of payday balanced deal between public service workers and the loans, home credit and pawnbroking covered the following taxpayer. They will ensure that public service workers topics: general views and attitudes towards the high-cost continue to have access to good pensions, while taxpayers credit sector used; shopping around for the loan; repaying benefit from greater control over their costs. the loan; satisfaction and self-reported impacts; other Public sector pensions will remain among the very high-cost borrowing; financial circumstances and other best available—a guaranteed level and inflation proofed. borrowing; socio-demographic characteristics. This survey Only one in 10 private sector workers have access to is being supplemented by around 15 qualitative in-depth such schemes. interviews with consumers who have used high-cost I can now report to the House that discussions on the credit. design parameters for the firefighters’ pension scheme We expect to publish the final report of this research in England to be introduced in 2015 have been concluded. during the summer and use its findings to help us This sets out our final position on proposed scheme develop policy. design, which we are asking unions to take to their We are placing copies of the progress update in the Executives as the outcome of negotiations. Libraries of both Houses. The headline elements of the proposed final agreement are set out below. The Government intend to maintain TREASURY constructive dialogue with the firefighter unions and the Local Government Association as detailed work goes forward. Taxation of Unauthorised Unit Trusts There will be full statutory protections provided in the new scheme for the accrued rights of existing scheme The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David members: Gauke): HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are today all benefits accrued under final salary arrangements will be publishing a second consultation setting out detailed linked to the members’ final salary, in accordance with the proposals for changes to the taxation of unauthorised rules of the members’ current schemes, when they leave the unit trusts and their investors. reformed scheme; This follows an initial consultation document published full recognition of a members’ expectation to double accrual in June 2011 that set out options for change and asked for service accrued under the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme for stakeholders’ views. HMRC have also subsequently 1992 (“the 1992 scheme”), so that a member’s full continuous pensionable service upon retirement will be used to calculate met with interested parties. The initial consultation was an averaged accrual rate to be applied to service accrued issued following publication of the “Tackling Tax under the 1992 scheme; Avoidance” document at Budget 2011, which announced members to be able to access their 1992 scheme benefits a number of tax policy areas that would be subject to when they retire at that scheme’s “ordinary pension” age (i.e. consultation with the aim of preventing tax avoidance from age 50 with 25 or more years pensionable service), before it occurs to protect the Exchequer and increase subject to abatement rules for that scheme. Pensionable certainty for taxpayers. service for the purpose of calculating the ordinary pension The second consultation includes a summary of responses age will include any continuous pensionable service accrued to the first consultation. It asks for interested parties’ under both the 1992 scheme and the 2015 scheme; views on the new detailed proposals and their expected members of the 1992 scheme will continue to have access to an actuarially assessed commutation factor for benefits accrued impact by 20 August. HMRC welcome further direct under that scheme. engagement with interested parties on the proposals, in particular during the period of the consultation. The There also will be transitional statutory protections consultation will be available on the HMRC website. for qualifying, existing members: all active scheme members who, as of 1 April 2012, have 10 years or less to their current normal pension age will see no COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT change in when they can retire, nor any decrease in the amount of pension they receive at their current normal pension age. This protection will be achieved by the member Fire and Rescue Service remaining in their current scheme until they retire, which could be beyond 31 March 2022. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for there will be a further four years of tapered protection for Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): On scheme members. Members who are up to 14 years from their current normal pension age, as of 1 April 2012, will 9 February I reported to the House on the Heads of have limited protection so that on average for every month of Agreement on the firefighters’ pension scheme to be age they are beyond 10 years of their normal pension age, introduced in 2015, which set out the Government’s they gain about 53 days of protection. The last day of final position on the main elements of scheme design. protected service for any member will be 31 March 2022. 79WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 80WS

The core parameters of the new scheme are set out s. members transferring between public service schemes would below: be treated as having continuous active service; t. an employer contribution cap with a symmetrical buffer. a. a pension scheme design based on career average revalued earnings; The scheme actuary has confirmed that this scheme b. an accrual rate of 1/58.7th of pensionable earnings each design does not exceed the cost ceiling set by the year; Government on 2 November. Copies of the proposed final agreement and scheme actuary verification have c. there will be no cap on how much pension can be accrued; been deposited in the Library of the House. d. a revaluation rate of active members’ benefits in line with average weekly earnings; e. pensions in payment and deferred benefits to increase in CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT line with price index (currently CPI) f. member contribution rates in the 2015 scheme from 1 April Telecommunications Council 2015 will average 13.2%, equal to the expected average of contribution rates in the 1992 and 2006 schemes on the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, 31 March 2015. However, as announced by the Chief Secretary Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): The to the Treasury on 20 December 2011, the Government will Telecommunications Council will take place in Luxembourg review the impact of the proposed 2012-13 contribution on 8 June under the Danish presidency. The deputy UK changes, including the effect of membership opt-outs, before taking final decisions on how future increases will be delivered permanent representative, Andy Lebrecht, will represent in 2013-14 and 2014-15, and in the new scheme. Interested the UK at this Council. parties will have a full opportunity to provide evidence and The Council has two substantive items on the agenda their views to the Government as part of the review; that are both orientation debates (an exchange of views g. without prejudice to the outcome of that review, tariffs for steered by the questions from the presidency). The first the 2015 scheme are likely to provide for lower rates for new item covers the proposal for a directive of the European recruits, with some tiered progressive increases for middle, Parliament and of the Council amending directive 2003/ high, and higher income earners; 98/EC on re-use of public sector information (First h. flexible retirement from the scheme’s minimum pension Reading). Here we will say that the approach as set out age of 55, built around the scheme’s normal pension age of in the Commission’s proposal is broadly in line with 60, with members able to take their pension from the scheme’s existing UK initiatives and best practice and the UK minimum pension age, as follows: recognises the potential economic benefits that flow for all active members who are aged 57 or more at retirement, from the removal of barriers. We also believe that 2015 scheme benefits taken before normal pension age will opening up data can lead to greater transparency and be actuarially reduced with reference to the 2015 scheme’s normal pension age, rather than the deferred pension age; political and social engagement. We will also note, however, that it is important to ensure that excessive all other members will have their 2015 scheme benefits actuarially reduced on a cost neutral basis from the scheme’s burdens and costs are not placed on the public sector. deferred pension age. The second item covers the proposal for a regulation i. authority initiated early retirement for members of the of the European Parliament and the Council on guidelines 2015 scheme, from age 55, to be in accordance with the for trans-European telecommunications networks and arrangements set out in part 3, rule 6 of the new firefighters’ repealing decision no 1336/97/EC (First Reading). Here pension scheme 2006; we will say that we are broadly supportive of this j. the normal pension age will be subject to regular review. proposal. In particular, the UK agrees with the objective These reviews will consider the increasing state pension age of supporting projects that contribute towards meeting and any changes to it, alongside evidence from interested the EU targets for broadband roll-out and take-up parties, including unions and employers. It will consider if which are broadly consistent with our own approach the normal pension age of 60 remains relevant, taking and policy in this area. We are also supportive of a account of the economical, efficient and effective management number of the digital service infrastructure projects of the fire service, the changing profile of the workforce and the occupational demands of, and fitness standards for, covered by the proposals. I will also say that we are also firefighting roles; exploring the potential for the proposed use of innovative k. this regular review will be informed by research to be financial instruments (IFIs) for these projects, but would carried out, within the auspices of the Firefighters’ Pension support them only where these substitute, rather than Committee, which will monitor and collate scheme data and supplement spending in the EU budget. Finally, we will experience; also note that budgetary restraint is paramount, and l. late retirement factors for members retiring from active the UK is seeking reductions. service to be actuarially neutral from normal pension age; Any Other Business m. a deferred pension age equal to the individuals’ state There are only three items under AOB. We currently pension age; do not foresee the need to intervene on any of these n. an optional lump sum by commutation at a rate of £12 for items. The first item is an update from the presidency on every £1 per annum of pension foregone in accordance with the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament HM Revenue and Customs limits and regulations; and of the Council amending regulation (EC) No 717/2007 o. abatement in existing schemes to continue; on roaming on public mobile networks within the p. ill-health retirement benefits to be based on the arrangements Community. in the 2006 scheme; The next item on the agenda is a presentation by the q. all other ancillary benefits to be based on those contained Commission on a communication entitled “Trust and in the 2006 scheme; Confidence in electronic transactions in the internal r. members rejoining after a period of deferment of less than market”, which will be published on 4 June. fire years can link new service with previous service, as if Finally the Cypriot delegation will inform the Council they had always been an active member; of the priorities for their forthcoming presidency. 81WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 82WS

DEFENCE EDUCATION

Children Who Perform Defence Infrastructure Organisation

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): (Tim Loughton): Today I am launching a consultation In taking forward our work to develop a new operating on proposals to update the legislation to protect children model for defence in line with the changes recommended who take part in performances and related activities. in Lord Levene’s defence reform report, the Defence We want to increase the opportunities for children to Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) was established on take part in activities that they enjoy and can benefit 1 April 2011, bringing together all aspects of infrastructure from. The current legislation is nearly 50 years old. The asset management and facilities management under one rules are detailed and hard to relate to modern-day organisation. The two-year DIO transformation activities. This makes it difficult for parents and producers programme, initiated in April 2011, will determine over to understand what is required of them, and for local the next 12 months both the future operating model authorities to process approvals efficiently and consistently. and the most appropriate corporate structure for DIO We intend to get rid of unnecessary bureaucracy and to deliver best value for money and achieve maximum put in place an appropriate framework that helps keep operating cost savings. children safe while allowing them greater opportunity Earlier this year DIO undertook a soft market testing to have fun, to learn, and to explore and develop their exercise to explore prospective roles for the private talents. sector, test some of the commercial principles being This is a joint consultation with the Welsh Government. considered by DIO and understand likely levels of A copy of the consultation document “Safeguarding interests from industry in partnering with the DIO. The children: proposed changes to child performance legislation” output from this process indicated that industry has a has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. substantial interest in being involved in DIO’s transformation and confirmed that the involvement of a strategic business partner in DIO’s transformation School Funding should be pursued. To this end, DIO will now commence a procurement process to assess whether the involvement of a strategic business partner in its transformation The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): offers the best value for money solution for defence. In tackling the challenges we face on school building I The competition will shortly be announced through have been determined to use the capital funding at my an advertisement in the Official Journal of the European disposal to best effect, seeking value for money and Union. A successful conclusion of this procurement efficiency from every pound spent. Sebastian James’s will enable DIO to make a significant contribution to review of capital recommended a complete overhaul of the savings which the Department needs to make as set the system for allocating capital investment so that we out in the 2010 strategic defence and security review. can focus on the repair and refurbishment of schools in the greatest need alongside meeting the pressure for new, good school places. Over the past two years we have allocated £2.7 billion Service Complaints Commissioner to local authorities to support the provision of new (Fourth Annual Report) school places and £2.8 billion for the maintenance of the school estate to meet the needs of maintained schools and academies. Over the spending review period, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence total capital investment will be over £17 billion. (Mr Andrew Robathan): I am pleased to publish today In addition, last year I invited bids to a new programme the MOD’s formal response to the Service Complaints from schools in need of urgent repair. Some 587 schools Commissioner’s (SCC) fourth annual report on the applied for the programme on the basis of their condition fairness, effectiveness and efficiency of the service complaints need. Today I can confirm that 261 schools will be system. A copy will be placed in the Library of the rebuilt, or have their condition needs met through the House. priority school building programme (PSBP) and a copy The formal response sets out the work undertaken by of the list has been placed in the House Libraries. MOD and the services in 2011, and the further work Officials have today written to all schools who applied planned to review the service complaints process, including for the programme to confirm whether their application as part of that work consideration of recommendations has been successful. Work will begin immediately and made by the SCC in her 2010 and 2011 reports which the first schools will be open in 2014. fall within the scope of the review. I recognise that many of the schools that applied to MOD and the services are committed to ensuring the PSBP and have been unsuccessful will also have members of the armed forces and their families have a significant condition needs. Some of those will have complaints system which is fair, effective and efficient their needs addressed through the other funding we and is one in which they can have confidence. We have have made available for maintenance. Where that is not made good progress and will continue to learn from our the case, I will use the information from the national experiences of the process and identify where and how programme of surveys we are currently conducting to we can make further improvements to the manner in ensure that, subject to funds available in the next spending which we handle complaints. review period, those schools which need renovation will 83WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 84WS have their needs addressed as quickly as possible. By tape challenge ministerial star chamber had endorsed next autumn we will have details about the condition of the need for the GLA to continue to enforce protection every school in the country. Information on the condition for vulnerable workers, while requiring it to look at of all schools was last collated centrally in 2005. reducing burdens on compliant operators. The GLA I know that many schools will be disappointed not to has been further considered within the red tape challenge be included in the programme. We have had to take and I am today announcing the outcome of that process. difficult decisions in order to target spending on those The GLA has done a great deal of valuable work schools that are in the worst condition. In order to since it was formally constituted on 1 April 2005 with ensure that the process was robust and fair, a qualified cross-party support. Seven years on, it is a good time to surveyor has visited every school for which an eligible see where improvements can be made so that the authority application was received to verify the condition of the can become more focused on the worst excesses in the buildings. This was necessary to make sure the schools areas it regulates and work more closely with other being taken forward are those with the greatest overall agencies that tackle crime. I therefore propose to bring condition need. forward measures, including where necessary legislation, The condition need of some schools is so severe that subject to public consultation, which will: urgent action is necessary. I have decided to make a Ensure GLA targets suspected serious and organised crime limited amount of capital grant available to address the by working more closely with the Serious Organised Crime needs of the highest priority schools in the programme. Authority and other specialist law enforcement agencies; Some 42 schools—those in the very worst condition Ensure that evidence of worker exploitation by unlicensed and all special schools included within the programme—will gangmasters or licence holders will contribute effectively to be taken forward straight away using capital grant. It is continued successful investigation and prosecution of organised right that the condition needs of special schools—where crime groups and assist in the earlier identification of the some of our most vulnerable children are educated—are victims of human trafficking; met as quickly as possible. Reduce the burden on compliant labour providers and labour This limited capital funding has become available by users and focus forensically on gross abuse of workers by unscrupulous gangmasters—whose crimes include tax evasion, taking a more disciplined approach to managing my trafficking, health and safety negligence and other serious Department’s capital budgets. Savings have been made crimes; by driving down the cost of new schools, shortening Streamline the process for issuing licences and remove the procurement times and challenging contractors to look general requirement for an application inspection and associated for savings in all areas. These savings mean that more fee, aim to reduce fees and charges and extend the licensing schools will benefit from the programme. period from twelve months to two years or more for highly The PSBP will build on the progress we have already compliant businesses; made in delivering a more efficient, faster, less bureaucratic Remove from scope of the GLA, activities or sectors which approach to building schools. We are determined to are low risk, including: reduce the wasteful processes of the past. That is why apprenticeships; we have developed new baseline designs which will speed up the process and increase efficiencies and we forestry; are reducing the regulations and guidance governing cleaning contractors; school premises. This will encourage lower-cost build land agents; and processes to be designed-in from the start. voluntary workers. I have previously expressed my strong support for the Provide for those with exclusive rights to use the seashore for Government’s agenda on reforming the PFI model and shellfish cultivation to be able use their workers to grade and we are working closely with the Treasury to ensure the gather shellfish stock without needing to be licensed as a PSBP is aligned with this model in providing cost gangmaster. This measure would leave fully in scope of the effective and more transparent delivery of services. Schools Act activities such as the gathering of cockles from public will have greater flexibility with soft facilities management shellfish beds; services, such as cleaning, catering, security and some Introduce administrative fines and penalties for low-level grounds maintenance being managed and controlled by and technical minor offences, including a measure similar to schools themselves. a repayment order to achieve rapid reimbursement to an exploited worker of wages or other payment which has been In addition to targeting spending on those schools removed; which are in the worst condition, my priority in spending capital has been increasing the number of new school Adopt an approach in respect of a labour user who uses an unlicensed gangmaster proportionate to the circumstances places in order to correct previous failures to meet that of the offence, for example the financial advantage gained need. Since announcing the PSBP last July, the Government and whether or not there has been abuse of the workers; and has allocated £1.1 billion in additional funding to address Amend the structure of the board of the GLA and introduce the need for new school places. a smaller board to provide clear strategic leadership and direction to the GLA. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS These changes will free up resources within the GLA Gangmasters Licensing Authority (Red Tape Challenge) to provide for greater effort to be focused on identifying and eliminating criminality in those sectors and activities covered by the authority, such as food processing, where The Minister of State, Department for Environment, exploitation of the most vulnerable workers is known to Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): The Gangmasters exist. In addition it will remove an estimated 150 current Licensing Authority (GLA) has been considered under licence holders from the scope of the GLA, saving the employment theme of the Government’s red tape around £60,000 a year, and potentially reduce annual challenge. Last December, we announced that the red inspection charges from £300,000 a year to zero. 85WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 86WS

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE NATO SUMMIT,CHICAGO At the NATO Chicago summit on 20 and 21 May, the Afghanistan (Monthly Progress Report) international community demonstrated its enduring support to Afghanistan beyond the end of security transition. Plans were discussed for future funding of the ANSF The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth and NATO’s post-2014 role was agreed. This sent a Affairs (Mr William Hague): The UK is engaged in clear message to the Afghan people that we will not Afghanistan as part of a 50-nation coalition to prevent abandon them, and a clear message to the insurgency international terrorists, including al-Qaeda, from again that they cannot wait us out. We will provide fuller using Afghanistan as a base from which to operate, details in our May report. threatening our security and that of the region. On 13 May, the Afghan Government announced the The Government have committed itself to keeping areas to be included in tranche 3 of the transition Parliament informed about developments in Afghanistan process. This tranche includes Nahr-e-Saraj, which is in on a monthly basis. This 17th report covers progress in the area of UK operations. We will be reporting more April 2012. It reflects the combined assessment of the fully on the detail of the tranche 3 announcement in our Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of May report. Defence and the Department for International POLITICAL Development. OVERVIEW Reconciliation and Reintegration At the NATO joint Foreign and Defence Ministers Salahuddin Rabbani was appointed as the new chair meeting on 18 April, the UK announced a contribution of the High Peace Council on 14 April. We welcome of £70 million per annum to help fund the Afghan this and hope that it will bring fresh momentum towards national security force (ANSF) for a period after our an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan. The forces withdraw from their combat role at the end of Taliban’s suspension of talks over the proposed political 2014. Developing strong and capable Afghan security office in Qatar continued through April, but this does forces that will help foster enduring stability in the not alter our support for efforts to promote a political country is critical to our long-term strategy in Afghanistan. process to help bring peace and stability. Nationwide, Their continued viability is in our national interest and over 4,000 insurgents have now enrolled on the formal that of our partners. We must ensure that Afghanistan reintegration programme, which is closely supported by can never again be used as a safe haven for terrorist the UK. groups, such as al-Qaeda, to plan and launch attacks STRENGTHENING THE AFGHAN STATE against the UK and our allies. This contribution is aligned with international objectives for the Chicago RULE OF LAW summit and underlines our enduring commitment to a National stable and secure Afghanistan after 2014. G8 SUMMIT The Criminal Justice Task Force (CJTF) is an Afghan-led facility which provides a national detention, investigation, At the G8 summit on 18 May, Heads of State endorsed prosecution and judicial capability for the most serious the Tokyo conference process that will produce a blueprint narcotics cases. In April it convicted 27 individuals for for Afghanistan’s sustainable economic development narcotics offences including prison sentences of up to for the “Transformation Decade” (2015-2024). Heads 20 years. They also seized over 4 kgs of heroin, 633 kgs of State looked forward to making long-term commitments of opium, 186 kgs of morphine, 942 kgs of hashish and at Tokyo, and emphasised mutual accountability and about 100 litres of chemical precursor. governance improvements, building on the agreements reached at the Bonn conference last year. The G8 also April saw the finalisation of preparations for an agreed to support efforts to encourage private sector international police conference scheduled for May in investment in Afghanistan and the region, and to increase Kabul. The conference will start consultation on the regional integration and trade. role, structure and professionalisation of the Afghan We now look forward to the Tokyo conference in July national police, the reform of the Ministry of the Interior when the international community and the Government and the links between the police and the justice system. of Afghanistan must agree long-term mutual commitments Helmand for the transformation decade, with concrete pledges from donor partners for at least the period 2015-17. It is In April, the new chief judge for the province was vital that we and our international partners help to sworn in and started work in Lashkar Gah. Sixty-two provide continuity through to the point of transition judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers, police investigators and immediately beyond. and civil society members attended 10 days of training on tackling crime. The UK continues to provide support for Afghanistan’s development needs, including for women and girls. In Long-running friction between the Marjah district April the UK provided funding for 15 women’s governor (DG) and district community council (DCC) organisations working on improving access to justice, over claims of DG corruption led to the resignation of conflict resolution and peace building through the the DCC chairman after Governor Mangal rejected a Tawanmandi strengthening civil society programme which complaint that was without substantive proof. Fourteen the Secretary of State for International Development Nad-e Ali district community councillors were referred launched last year. UK support to the Zardozi project to the Attorney-General’s office for alleged misappropriation has also had a major impact, increasing the monthly of wheat seed donated by the Indian Government for incomes of women participating in the project by 123%. distribution to poor families. 87WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 88WS

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT The project will contribute to linking a key agricultural The UK continued to work with the Afghan Government area to the provincial capital, so that farmers have to prepare for the Tokyo development conference in better access to markets for their produce. July. Along with international partners, we are working Social Development to develop a “mutual accountability framework”, to be A total of 27 organisations—15 of them women’s endorsed at Tokyo, that will set out our joint commitments organisations—received funding in April from the UK’s to the people of Afghanistan up to transition in 2014 Tawanmandi programme for strengthening Afghan civil and beyond. The long-term peace and stability of society, which the Secretary of State for International Afghanistan will depend on continued financial support Development launched last year. These organisations from the international community to help meet security will now take forward a range of projects focusing on and development needs after international forces withdraw. improving justice, conflict resolution and peace building. For their part the Government of Afghanistan must In Helmand, the UK-funded Kartelagan comprehensive continue to make progress against the IMF programme health centre and Lashkar Gah medical training centre benchmarks, as well as other vital economic and governance were officially handed over to the Department of Public reforms to ensure that our support delivers lasting Health and training materials were delivered to enable results. courses to begin. The contract was also signed for the The UK-funded forensic audit looking at the Kabul construction of the UK funded Qaleh Bost basic health bank fraud was completed in April. The auditors delivered centre, which is due for completion in 2013. These a final report to the Ministry of Finance and the projects will help to boost the Afghan Government’s Central Bank of Afghanistan. President Karzai capacity to offer reliable and sustainable health services subsequently issued a decree stating that Kabul bank to local people in Helmand. debtors who do not repay their loans by 4 June will be COUNTER NARCOTICS prosecuted before a special court. The forensic audit report will provide evidence for such prosecutions. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its 2012 opium risk assessment survey on 17 April. Economic Development The report predicts likely opium cultivation levels in UK assistance to the Ministry of Mines helped the Afghanistan this year. The report predicted that there is Ministry to develop a new minerals law, which will help unlikely to be an increase in poppy cultivation in Helmand ensure the people of Afghanistan benefit from the or Kandahar and that Kandahar may see a further country’s mineral wealth. The law addresses ownership decrease in cultivation. The provinces together produce of land and mining rights, including tenure and the vast majority of Afghanistan’s opium. The report transferability. This is important for private investment. predicts a more mixed picture in other parts of the It also clarifies the role of the Government, reinforcing country. Actual cultivation levels in 2012 will not be transparent licensing processes for mining activity and known until UNODC publishes its annual opium survey making provisions for adequate environmental protection. later this year. The Ministry is currently consulting on the final draft Eradication of opium poppy continues. By 23 April of the law and expects to take it to their Cabinet in early 6,257 hectares had been eradicated compared with 2,243 June. hectares at the same point in 2011. In Helmand, where UK support to the Zardozi project, which seeks to eradication concluded on 26 April, UNODC figures increase income opportunities for women producers indicate almost 4,000 hectares of poppy have been and entrepreneurs, has had a major impact. The monthly eradicated since operations began on 6 March 2012, an income of women joining the project towards the end of increase of over 50% on 2011. 2011 was Afs 446 (US $ 9.49). Since then, average SECURITY monthly income has grown to Afs 994 (US $21.15), an increase of 123%. AFGHAN NATIONAL SECURITY FORCES (ANSF) GROWTH AND CAPABILITY The UK funded Helmand growth programme was revised in April. This included shifting some activities On 18 April the Defence Secretary announced that to the national level ahead of security transition in from 2015 the UK will provide £70 million a year to 2014. The revised programme also focuses more on help fund the ANSF in the years after our combat role building the capacity of local institutions, such as the ends. This funding will be kept under review and will Afghan Investment Support Agency and Helmand Business contribute to a wider $4.1 billion fund that is being Association, to ensure they can support implementation raised by the Afghans and the wider international of the new Bost agricultural business park. When complete, community. The majority of contributions are expected the park will provide a base for local business development. to be announced in the coming weeks. The UK’s contribution will be provided in addition to our lead Research into how the Government and donors can supporting role at the Afghan National Army Officer help add value to the production and sale of agricultural Academy. produce in Helmand continued with a successful meeting on the dairy sector. This brought together dairy producers Table One: ANSF Growth to 30 April 2012 and retailers in Lashkar Gah. The second round of Target Actual meetings with nomadic Kuchi farmers identified grazing Objective Strength Strength (30 November (30 April (30 April April Target patterns, vaccinations and artificial insemination to improve 2012) 2012) 2012) Met breeding as possible areas for interventions. This work will help to boost farmers’ incomes in a province where ANA: 195,000 181,617 197,189 Yes agriculture is the backbone of the economy. ANP: 157,000 149,237 149,208 No ANA 29,644 28,377 24,965 No The contract for construction of the Marjah Five Officers: Ways Junction bridge in Helmand has been awarded. 89WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 90WS

Table One: ANSF Growth to 30 April 2012 evidence of campaign progress and affect perceptions Target Actual of security among the Afghan population and the Objective Strength Strength international community. (30 November (30 April (30 April April Target 2012) 2012) 2012) Met Although the Afghan National Directorate of Security ANA 72,123 65,355 53,857 No has successfully disrupted a number of threats to Kabul NCOS: in recent months, the fact that these attacks were able to happen is nevertheless damaging and has contributed Table Two: ANSF Attrition Rates to speculation of an intelligence failure. Continuing Target Monthly Actual Monthly April Target improvements to ANSF capacity and particularly Attrition Attrition Met intelligence capability should improve the situation but will not guarantee that all attacks on the capital can be ANA: 1.4% 1.6% No prevented. ANP: 1.4% 1.3% Yes Uniformed 1.4% 1.3% Yes The 15 and 16 April attacks should be viewed in Police context. Kabul, as capital city, is home to 20% of the Border 1.4% 0.9% Yes population, has a large number of high-profile targets Police and has a symbolic significance for the insurgents. But National 1.4% 2.0% No it experiences less than 1% of all violent incidents. This Civil Order gap in high-profile attacks was the longest since 2009. Police While the attacks had only a minimal tactical impact, VIOLENCE LEVELS they illustrate the insurgents’ intent to conduct a campaign Now that spring has arrived, insurgent activity across of violence in Afghanistan and remind us that there is Afghanistan has continued to increase. This is in line still a job to do. As the insurgents attempt to regain the with historic and seasonal norms. While violent incidents campaign momentum over the summer months, it is in April were comparable with April 2011 levels, it is likely that they will continue to attempt to carry out significant that year-to-date figures remain lower than similar attacks to sustain their relevance. The ANSF, in 2011. These trends remind us that there is still work supported by ISAF, are prepared for this, but we must to be done, but also reflect the high tempo of operations expect further challenges ahead. in the country as the Afghans, supported by ISAF, continue to exert pressure on the insurgency. 1Excluding the sectarian Ashura attacks in December 2011. Regional Command (South West), which includes Task Force Helmand in the UK’s area of operations, TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY saw a steady increase in insurgent activity in the first Transfer of authority from 20 Armoured Brigade to half of April. However, in the second half of the month 12 Mechanised Brigade took place on 20 April officially enemy activity decreased due to the onset of the poppy marking the end of Herrick 15. harvest. This temporary lull in activity is expected to last into UK FORCE LEVELS early May, after which point we can expect to see a gradual increase in violent incidents, with activity peaking On 26 April in a statement to the House, the Defence during the summer months. Secretary explained how the UK would reduce its conventional force levels in Afghanistan by 500 to 9,000 In Helmand province, insurgents conducted an attack by the end of the year. This follows a commitment on the Musa Qal’eh District Police headquarters on made by the Prime Minister in July 2011. The majority 11 April. The attack resulted in the deaths of nine of the 500 will be made up of combat troops, reflecting members of the ANSF and injured the district chief of the increasing capability of the ANSF. This reduction police. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks in our force levels is consistent with the transition and assassination attempts on Government and security process and the decisions have been made using military officials across Afghanistan and illustrated insurgent advice. intent to target those who most threaten their campaign. KABUL ATTACKS Table Three: Security Incidents After a break of 168 days1 the insurgency finally Change from Comparison succeeded in their efforts to launch a high-profile attack Type of March with April in the Afghan capital. On 15 April, insurgents carried incident Definition 2012 2011 out co-ordinated attacks against a number of high-profile targets within the city including the British embassy. Security Enemy action and Rise in No incidents explosive hazards, both attacks significant Additional and associated complex attacks took place executed attacks and change simultaneously elsewhere in Afghanistan. The ANSF “potential” attacks (e.g. responded quickly and efficiently to the attacks with an IED found and only limited assistance from International Security cleared) Assistance Force (ISAF). Their performance demonstrated Enemy Attacks executed by Rise in No their increasing professionalism and showed improvements initiated insurgents (This does not attacks significant in their capability since the last insurgent “spectacular” attacks include “potential” change attacks) attacks in Kabul in September 2011. Complex Attacks conducted by Rise in Fall in Tactically the attacks, which were claimed by the attacks multiple hostile elements attacks attacks Taliban, were not successful and did not demonstrate a employing at least two new or improved level of insurgent capability.High-profile, distinct classes of weapon “spectacular” attacks are deliberately targeted to distort 91WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 92WS

Table Four: International Contributions to ISAF necessary support resulting in real improvements to Country Contribution % of Total their lives, including basic services, employment, security, good governance, and political inclusion. The group US 90,000 69.8% welcomed the agreement by the kingdom of Saudi UK 9,500 7.4% Arabia to host a donor meeting in Riyadh at the end of Germany 4,900 3.5% June. The Friends decided to meet again in September Italy 3,816 3.0% in New York. France 3,308 2.6% Poland 2,457 2.0% Romania 1,843 1.5% Australia 1,550 1.2% General Affairs Council Spain 1,481 1.2% Turkey 1,327 1.0% Others (38 nations) 8779 6.8% The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I will Current Total 128,961 100.00% attend the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 29 May. Above numbers are indicative of troop contributions as at 18 April The focus of the meeting of the General Affairs 2012, actual numbers fluctuate daily. Source: ISAF Council, which will be chaired by the Danish EU presidency, will once again be the multi-annual financial framework (MFF). The other items on the agenda are preparation Friends of Yemen Ministerial Meeting for the European Council of 29-30 June 2012, the G20 summit in Mexico (18-19 June, Los Cabos) and, at our request, a discussion of Croatia’s progress in the accession The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign process following the recent publication of the Commission’s and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): I am pleased monitoring report. to inform the House that on 23 May in Riyadh, I On the MFF, there will be an orientation debate in co-chaired, with my right hon. Friend the Minister of which the Danish presidency would like Ministers to State for International Development, a successful meeting address the key issues in negotiations. For the first time, of the Friends of Yemen. This was the first meeting at the discussion will be held on the basis of a negotiating ministerial level for nearly two years. It confirmed the box that covers all parts of the negotiation: all areas of strong political commitment of the international community spending, all headings, horizontal aspects of the financial to support Yemen through its process of transition, framework (such as what should be kept on, or taken leading to elections in 2014. Key announcements were off the budget) and the system of own resources, including also made on humanitarian aid to Yemen and the date the UK rebate and other correction mechanisms. of a Yemen donor conference. As with previous meetings of the General Affairs Monday’s appalling terrorist attack in central Sana’a Council, my overriding objective for the discussions on underlines the security challenges and instability facing the MFF will be for the negotiating box to reflect a President Hadi and his Government as they seek to restrained EU budget, limited to a real-terms freeze. I rebuild Yemen following last year’s political upheavals will defend the UK rebate and press for the language on and years of under-development. Friends expressed new own resources to be removed from the negotiating their condolences to victims and their families and box. reaffirmed our commitment to helping Yemen tackle On the June European Council preparation, the General the shared threat of insecurity and violent extremism. Affairs Council will have a short discussion on the Supporting political and economic reform and tackling agenda set out by President Van Rompuy which currently Yemen’s deepening humanitarian crisis requires equal covers economic policy (specifically growth), the MFF determination and will be vital to Yemen’s long-term and justice and home affairs (specifically Schengen, stability and security. This meeting was an opportunity asylum policy and the abuse of the free movement to take stock of Yemen’s achievements to date, reaffirm directive). our support, review Yemen’s transition plans, and plan Finally, the Council discussion and conclusions on for concrete forms of assistance and future action. the Commission’s interim report on Croatia’s continued Yemen has made significant progress in implementing progress towards accession provides an opportunity for the initiative brokered the Gulf Co-operation Council, the EU, and the UK, to maintain political focus on the not least the inauguration of its first new Head of State pre-accession monitoring process and the importance in 33 years. We have also seen the forming of a power- of Croatia delivering against all of their commitments sharing Government, the beginning of a process of ahead of accession. Croatia has already responded with national dialogue, and plans for Yemeni-led military a detailed action plan to follow up the report’s and economic restructuring. recommendations. The deepening humanitarian situation was rightly high on the agenda and we expressed a clear commitment HOME DEPARTMENT to addressing acute need in Yemen. The UK announced an additional £28 million of aid towards the UN G6 Meeting humanitarian appeal, which will provide emergency food to up to 250,000 people, life-saving nutrition for 150,000 children and safe water to 68,000 people affected The Secretary of State for the Home Department by conflict. And collectively over £2.5 billion of economic (Mrs Theresa May): The informal G6 group of Ministers assistance was announced. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of the Interior from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, pledged almost £2 billion. It is important that the group Italy, and Poland held its most recent meeting in Munich, now meets the expectations of Yemenis by providing Germany on 17 and 18 May 2012. 93WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 94WS

The meeting was divided into three working sessions The Government are currently considering the findings over one day, with a dinner the previous evening. It was of this report. chaired by the German Minister for the Interior, Hans-Peter The document will be available on both the official Friedrich, and I represented the UK. The other participating documents and IPCC websites and copies will be available states were represented by: Manuel Valls (France), Anna- from the Vote Office. Maria Cancellieri (Italy), Jacek Cichocki (Poland) and Jorge Fernández Diaz (Spain). The US Attorney-General, Eric Holder and the Secretary for Homeland Security, JUSTICE Janet Napolitano, attended as guests for the final session. Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders The first working session was on north Africa and Act 2012 Syria. Ministers considered the need to work with new Governments in the area to build stability and tackle the risk of terrorism and illegal migration. I emphasised The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice the importance of working with countries in sub-Saharan (Mr Jonathan Djanogly): The Legal Aid, Sentencing Africa, and with Turkey, as well as those in the immediate and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 received Royal region. I also urged continued support for the Annan Assent on 1 May 2012. The Government have already plan on Syria, while noting that the Syrian Government announced that the provisions in part 2 relating to civil were not presently complying with their obligations, litigation funding and costs will come into force in April and highlighting the need for the opposition to refrain 2013. However, there are two exceptions to that. from violence and distance themselves from terrorist First, the provisions in relation to sections 44 and 46 elements. (recoverable success fees and insurance premiums) will The second session focused on the European not come into effect in relation to mesothelioma claims Commission’s recent draft directive laying down data until a review has been undertaken and published in protection rules for the police and judicial authorities. accordance with section 48. The Ministry of Justice will Ministers questioned the need for the directive and set out further details of the timing and contents of the called for more flexibility in it. They were particularly review in due course. concerned about proposals that would govern the processing Secondly, the provisions in relation to sections 44 and of data within individual member states, and with the 46 will not come into effect until April 2015 in respect of proposed requirement to renegotiate existing agreements insolvency proceedings. Insolvency cases bring substantial for the sharing of data with countries outside the EU. I revenue to the taxpayer, as well as to other creditors, supported these concerns, arguing that member states and encourage good business practice which can be should seek fully to implement the existing data protection seen as an important part of the growth agenda with framework decision. wider benefits for the economy. These features merit a delayed implementation to allow time for those involved The third session covered the movement of terrorist to adjust and implement such alternative arrangements networks across borders, both within the EU and more as they consider will allow these cases to continue to be widely (e.g. to training camps in Africa or Asia). Member pursued. Success fees and insurance premiums will therefore states, and the US representatives, emphasised the remain recoverable beyond April 2013 in respect of importance of exchanging information on suspicious these two classes of case only (in addition to insurance movements effectively, adding that data protection rules, premiums in respect of expert reports in clinical negligence while important, need to recognise the day-to-day reality cases provided for by section 46 of the Act), although of law enforcement work. I stressed the need to identify the fixed recoverable success fees in respect of employer’s suspicious patterns of movement, and the important liability disease claims in section V of part 45 of the contribution that the provision of passenger name records civil procedure rules will continue to apply in respect of can make to this. mesothelioma proceedings for the time being. The US representatives explained that their electronic The Government have asked the Civil Justice Council system for travel authorisation (ESTA) had, in their for further advice in relation to detailed aspects of view, been a great success, enabling them to detect a implementation by the end of June in relation to qualified number of potential terrorists seeking to travel to the “one way costs shifting” (QOCS). USA. They also expressed their appreciation for the The Ministry of Justice will also continue to engage recent approval of the new agreement on passenger with key stakeholders and the senior judiciary and will name records between the EU and the USA. announce further details of the policy position by the I also held separate bilateral meetings with other summer recess. Changes to the civil procedure rules (CPR) heads of delegations. will be considered by the CPR Committee in the autumn, The next meeting of the G6 is expected to be held in in order for the necessary changes to come into effect the UK in November. for April 2013. Updates are provided on the judiciary website at: http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications- and-reports/review-of-civil-litigation-costs Report on Corruption in the Police Service in England and Wales TRANSPORT

Infrastructure (Roads) The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May): Today I am laying before the House and publishing the second report by the Independent The Secretary of State for Transport (Justine Greening): Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) on their experience As part of the spending review settlement in October of police corruption. 2010, the then Secretary of State agreed to commission 95WS Written Ministerial Statements24 MAY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 96WS an independent review to examine whether Government Work towards smarter financial relationships with Government. have the right approach to operating, maintaining and We are not accepting in full Alan’s recommendation about enhancing the strategic road network. Alan Cook, the funding certainty and ending annuality, but we do propose non-executive chairman of the Highways Agency, led to work closely with the Highways Agency and HM Treasury to consider the evidence for embedding greater certainty and this review and his report “A Fresh Start for the Strategic flexibility into the funding regime of the strategic road Road Network” was published in November 2011. I am network. This will help to inform any future decisions we very grateful to Alan for his work on the study, and to may make on changes to the funding regime in any operating the many stakeholders who offered advice and supported or ownership model for the network. this process. In advance of the conclusions of the feasibility study Today I am publishing my response to this review. I on ownership models, this immediate programme of am also publishing the terms of reference for the study work will deliver real progress towards a better performing which the Prime Minister has asked my Department strategic road network, with a clear strategic purpose, and HM Treasury to carry out, into the feasibility of transparent expectations on performance, locally grounded new ownership and financing models for the strategic investments plans, and a real consumer-focused culture. road network. This will build on the evidence provided My response and the feasibility terms of reference in Alan Cook’s report on the efficiency savings which can be found on the Department for Transport website: have been made in the regulated utilities, and will test www.dft.gov.uk and electronic copies have been lodged whether similar savings can be made through a different with the House Library. structure for managing the road network. The study Local Sustainable Transport Fund will develop options for bringing more private sector involvement into the strategic road network, generating increased investment and driving further efficiencies in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport the network. (Norman Baker): I am pleased to announce today that the Department is awarding a further £112.941 million Nevertheless, we do not need to wait for the conclusions to support authorities in delivering local economic growth of the feasibility study before making progress on a while cutting carbon emissions from transport. specific set of reforms as recommended by Alan Cook, which are both worth while in their own right and On 24 February 2012, the Department received 53 bids essential precursors to any future structural reform. to tranche 2 of the local sustainable transport fund from 48 lead authorities. My announcement today constitutes the first stage in Proposals were assessed against the criteria as published an ambitious integrated programme for reforming the in the “Guidance on the Application Process”, which road network to ensure that ultimately we deliver a was published on 19 January 2011. Successful proposals more effective and efficient strategic road network, which were those judged to perform well against the twin enhances the experience of motorists and puts the road objectives of supporting the local economy and facilitating users and communities which rely on this network at its economic development, while reducing carbon emissions. very heart. They were also scored on their potential to deliver I have carefully considered Alan’s recommendations wider social and economic benefits, to improve safety, and solutions and my response sets out how the to bring about improvements to air quality, or to promote Government intend to take these forward in parallel increased levels of physical activity. with the feasibility study. I am accepting, in detail or in Proposals were required to demonstrate financial principle, many of the actions which Alan recommends sustainability with benefits enduring beyond the life of that I or the board of the Highways Agency should the fund, to incorporate a credible delivery plan, and to take. At this stage, the area where I am not progressing include a commitment to make a local contribution Alan’s recommendation is on the question of changing towards the overall costs. the status of the agency within the public sector. I do In line with the published guidance, an assessment of not propose to make decisions on the agency’s status value for money was undertaken. The Department is ahead of the feasibility study concluding and the confident that the overall package of proposals approved Government taking decisions on the future reform of in this second round represents high value for money. the roads network. I have decided to announce funding for 30 proposals In my response to Alan’s report, I set out a programme in this round today, with a further announcement regarding of work to transform the agency into a best-in-class the status of 18 more bids to be made soon. Twenty-six executive agency by: proposals will be funded in full and a further four Delivering a long-term strategy and setting an outcome proposals will be funded in part. The list of decisions performance specification for the strategic road network, made today regarding tranche 2 bids is attached. providing far greater clarity about what Government wants, On 20 December 2011, the Department received as well as a basis for consistent and transparent challenge to 13 business cases for larger projects (requiring up to the Highways Agency to deliver against this specification. £50 million funding from DFT). I intend to announce Championing the road user. I am determined to ensure that by the end of June which of those authorities have been the voice of the user is listened to and championed. I will be successful. bringing a stronger “consumer focus” to the concerns of users and to respond to those through the setting of the I am very pleased that all eligible local authorities performance specification. across England have applied for funding to the local sustainable transport fund, either as a lead bidder, or as A much smarter approach to planning through the production of route-based strategies. These documents will set out investment a partner authority to a large project. The fund has plans to inform our decisions for the next spending review been well received by local government and I am confident and will support much greater participation in planning for that it will be effective in addressing the two key objectives the network from local and regional stakeholders. of creating growth and cutting carbon.

13P Petitions24 MAY 2012 Petitions 14P

Declares that the Petitioners believe that levying Petition VAT on static holiday caravans would cost thousands of jobs in caravan manufacturing, from their suppliers, Thursday 24 May 2012 and in the wider UK holiday industry; and notes that the Petitioners believe that such a levy would lose revenue for the Government. PRESENTED PETITION The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Petition presented to the House but not read on the Floor Commons urges the Government to reverse its decision to levy VAT on static caravans. VAT on Static Caravans And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Sir Alan The Petition of residents of the Berwick upon Tweed Beith .] constituency, [P001095]

779W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 780W Written Answers to Meetings Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Questions Ireland on what dates (a) he, (b) Ministers and (c) senior officials in his Department have met representatives of (i) the Institute for Public Policy Research, (ii) the Thursday 24 May 2012 Taxpayers’ Alliance, (iii) the Institute of Economic Affairs, (iv) ResPublica, (v) the Centre for Social Justice and (vi) Policy Exchange; and if he will publish the PRIME MINISTER minutes and agendas of these meetings. [108965] Written Questions: Government Responses Mr Paterson: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the information published on the departmental website on Mr Winnick: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to meetings with external organisations. Information for the answer of 17 May 2012, Official Report, column senior officials other than the Director General is not 246W, on Rebekah Brooks, if he will provide the held centrally. information requested in the question. [109271]

The Prime Minister: I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave on 17 May 2012, Official Report, ATTORNEY-GENERAL column 246W. Complaints

Mr Thomas: To ask the Attorney-General how many SCOTLAND complaints about the work of the Law Officers’ Departments and their public bodies were received in Meetings (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [108957] Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what dates (a) he, (b) Ministers and (c) senior The Attorney-General: The information on the number officials in his Department have met representatives of of formal complaints recorded centrally by the Law (i) the Institute for Public Policy Research, (ii) the Officers’ Departments is contained in the following Taxpayers’ Alliance, (iii) the Institute of Economic table. Affairs, (iv) ResPublica, (v) the Centre for Social Justice and (vi) Policy Exchange; and if he will publish the Department 2010-11 2011-12 minutes and agendas of these meetings. [108964] Crown Prosecution Service 1,873 1,377 David Mundell: There have been no such meetings Serious Fraud Office 14 10 with these organisations. Treasury Solicitor’s Department 50 52 HM Crown Prosecution Service 00 Inspectorate

WALES As part of the Law Officers’ superintendence role the Attorney-General’s Office (AGO) also handles formal Meetings complaints about the Law Officers’ Departments. In 2010 the AGO received 31 such complaints, a further Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 27 were received during 2011, and four have been received on what dates (a) she, (b) Ministers and (c) senior to date in 2012. officials in her Department have met representatives of The AGO also receives a small number of complaints (i) the Institute for Public Policy Research, (ii) the each year regarding its own work but currently keeps no Taxpayers’ Alliance, (iii) the Institute of Economic central record. Affairs, (iv) ResPublica, (v) the Centre for Social Justice and (vi) Policy Exchange; and if she will publish the Lost Property minutes and agendas of these meetings. [108961] Mr Thomas: To ask the Attorney-General how many Mrs Gillan: No such meetings have taken place. items of equipment valued at £10,000 or more the Law Officers’ Departments lost in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [108939] NORTHERN IRELAND The Solicitor-General: None. EU Peace Programme Meetings

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Attorney-General on what Northern Ireland what the outcome was of his bid for dates (a) he, (b) Ministers and (c) senior officials in future funding for the next round of the EU Peace the Law Officers’ Departments have met representatives Programme; and if he will make a statement. [108260] of (i) the Institute for Public Policy Research, (ii) the Taxpayers’ Alliance, (iii) the Institute of Economic Mr Paterson: Negotiations on a future PEACE IV Affairs, (iv) ResPublica, (v) the Centre for Social Justice funding programme will need to be taken forward in and (vi) Policy Exchange; and if he will publish the Brussels in the context of EU budget negotiations. minutes and agendas of these meetings. [108979] 781W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 782W

The Attorney-General: I have met with the Centre for would incur disproportionate costs to compile list of all Social Justice once and Policy Exchange on two occasions. meetings between Ministers and officials in the department The Solicitor-General has met with representatives of and the individuals and organisations listed and to Policy Exchange on one occasion. Agendas or minutes crosscheck the issues raised by stakeholders at those for these meetings are not available. meetings. The Director of Public Prosecutions and the CPS’ Information on ministerial meetings with external Director of Strategy and Policy have both held discussions organisations is published quarterly and can be found with a representative from Policy Exchange to discuss at: research on the role of prosecutors being currently http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/ministerial-transparency/ undertaken by Policy Exchange. No agendas or minutes #meetings have been kept by the CPS. The Government will publish a consultation on its No member of the Treasury Solicitor’s Department draft aviation policy framework and a call for evidence (TSol) has met representatives of the Institute for Public on options for maintaining the UK’s hub connectivity Policy Research, the Institute of Economic Affairs, later this summer. ResPublica, the Centre for Social Justice or the Policy Exchange. Carnforth Station TSol organised and hosted Continuous Professional Development events at which the Taxpayers’ Alliance David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for gave a presentation on public finances and efficiencies. Transport whether she has any plans to upgrade the These events were led by the then Corporate Services platforms at Carnforth station. [109309] Director of TSol, and were primarily attended by finance staff from TSol and other Government Departments. Mrs Villiers: There are no current plans to upgrade No senior officials from the Serious Fraud Office or the platforms at Carnforth station. HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate have met with representatives of any of the organisations listed Dartford-Thurrock Crossing since May 2010. Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much her Department spent on improving WOMEN AND EQUALITIES infrastructure at the Dartford crossing in each year since 31 March 2002. [108550] Correspondence Mike Penning: The Highways Agency produces an Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for Women and account for the Dartford Crossing on an annual basis, Equalities how many letters to Ministers in the Government which includes details of improvement expenditure. Equalities Office were (a) not answered, (b) not answered Copies of the accounts are available in the House of within six months and (c) not answered within three Commons Library and on the Highways Agency website— months in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; how many such the latest covering the year ending 31 March 2011. letters were from hon. Members; and if she will make a The annual account for the year ending 31 March statement. [109441] 2012 is currently being prepared and should be available Lynne Featherstone: As of 1 April 2011, the Government early in 2013. Equalities Office has been part of the Home Office and Prior to 1 April 2003, expenditure would be shown in is no longer a separate Government Department. The the annual accounts of the Concessionaire at that time, information requested will be provided by the Minister Dartford River Crossing Limited, who built the QEII for Immigration, the hon. Member for Ashford (Damian Bridge and then operated the entire crossing from 1991. Green), in response to your question to the Secretary of Copies of these accounts, if still available, may be State for the Home Department. obtained through Companies House.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency TRANSPORT Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Airports: Thames Estuary Transport when she expects the result of the consultation into the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s proposed Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport closure of local offices to be published. [109020] what discussions (a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have had with (i) ministerial colleagues, (ii) Mike Penning: The consultation on Transforming the Mayor of London, (iii) civil engineering companies, DVLA Services closed on 20 March 2012. The responses (iv) the National Air Traffic Control Service and (v) are currently being analysed. A summary of responses airline companies on a possible airport in the Thames and an announcement of future plans will be published estuary; and if she will make a statement. [106973] as soon as possible after the evaluation is complete.

Mrs Villiers: Officials and Ministers at the Department Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for for Transport have regular meetings with stakeholders Transport if she will publish the feasibility study into at which a range of aviation issues are raised. The the centralising of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing specific information requested is not readily available. It Agency’s enforcement services in Swansea. [109021] 783W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 784W

Mike Penning: The feasibility of centralising enforcement Mrs Villiers: Studies by the former East of England services has been investigated as part of the ongoing Development Agency and others have estimated the work around transforming DVLA services. This potential economic benefits of improvements to the information is not contained in a specific document. East Anglian Mainline. The impacts of the proposals are being analysed and We will consider this route as part of our preparation will be published in an impact assessment, alongside the for the High Level Output Specification (HLOS), setting summary of responses to the recent consultation. out what we expect the rail industry to deliver in the period between 2014 and 2019 (CP5). This will take Driving Offences: Insurance account of the needs of the railway as a whole, and our current fiscal position. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for The HLOS will be published by end July 2012. Transport what steps her Department plans to take to reduce the number of people driving without insurance. Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for [108983] Transport how much funding her Department provided for East Anglian mainline rail infrastructure in (a) Mike Penning: The steps the Department is taking to 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011. [109594] reduce uninsured driving include: (a) Enforcing action against offenders who keep a vehicle Mrs Villiers: This is an operational matter for Network without insurance, known as the continuous insurance enforcement Rail. scheme (CIE). This has been enforced since last June; (b) Tackling fraud by working with the insurance industry to Motor Vehicles: Crime Prevention allow them access to DVLA driver details on penalty points and disqualifications. Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport The Government is also concerned that the rising what assessment she has made of the (a) effectiveness cost of insurance may tempt motorists to drive while and (b) proportionality of extending anti-tampering uninsured and is working closely with the insurance measures to all powered two-wheeled vehicles. [109249] industry on measures which will help reduce premiums. The Prime Minister held a summit with industry leaders Mike Penning: The Department’s impact assessment in February and there was a follow up summit in May. could not find evidence to support anti-tampering measures on unrestricted motorcycles and on this basis the Driving: Eyesight Government has opposed proposals to extend anti- tampering measures to unrestricted motorcycles. Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for However, a Commission sponsored study is underway Transport what steps her Department is taking to which may provide evidence on the scale of tampering, ensure drivers with visual problems report these to the its influence on accidents in the EU, and the effectiveness Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. [108709] of new regulations. The Department will consider the results of this study when they are published. Mike Penning: Information about the standard of vision for safe driving is included in the Highway Code Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties and driver licensing forms and leaflets. Regular headline prompts about eyesight and driving appear on the David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for driving related pages of DirectGov. Transport how many registered vehicle owners pay their The law requires drivers to declare if eyesight problems vehicle road fund licence (a) six-monthly and (b) annually; are present. Failure to notify, or making a false declaration and how much revenue is generated for the Driver and to DVLA, is an offence and can invalidate motor insurance. Vehicle Licensing Agency by people paying the increased cost of six-monthly licences. [108613] Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps her Department is taking to publicise the Mike Penning: The following table shows the volume risks involved in driving with poor eyesight. [108710] of six and 12-month licences issued in financial year 2011-12: Mike Penning: Information about the standard of vision for safe driving is included in the Highway Code 6 month 12 month and driver licensing forms and leaflets. Regular headline prompts about eyesight and driving appear on the Issued 20,585,767 25,501,639 driving related pages of DirectGov. Refunds 861,884 1,745,790 Net 19,723,883 23,755,849 East Anglia Main Line DVLA do not hold information on how much additional revenue was generated by people paying for six monthly Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for licences. Transport (1) what assessment her Department has made of the potential economic benefits of improving Motor Vehicles: Insurance rail links along the East Anglian mainline; [109527] (2) what recent assessment her Department has made Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for of progress in the upgrading of the East Anglian Transport what her Department’s most recent estimate mainline railway into and out of London. [109781] is of the number of cars without insurance. [108841] 785W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 786W

Mike Penning: The insurance industry estimate about Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for 1.2 million vehicles are not insured. For comparison, Transport whether she has any plans to review the the industry estimate in 2005 was 2 million. operations of private parking operators; and when any such review will take place. [108838] Operation StepChange Norman Baker: We have already reviewed the operations of private parking operators, hence the legislation going Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for through which will make it an offence in England and Transport what the cost to her Department is of Wales for such companies to clamp or tow a vehicle Operation StepChange; and what assessment she has without lawful authority. We reserve the right to make made of its (a) effectiveness and (b) value for money. further changes if problems arise. [109210] Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Villiers: Operation StepChange is a cross-Whitehall Transport whether her Department provides guidance initiative to change the way civil servants travel during to private parking operators on (a) signage, (b) the London 2012 games, to ensure the business of conduct of operatives and (c) wording of penalties Government continues and reduce our impact on the notices and letters. [108839] transport network when it will be extremely busy. During a trial week in February, the Department Norman Baker: The Department does not issue guidance changed 71% of staff commuting trips, and reduced to private parking operators. Guidance is contained in business trips by 36%. Research following the trial the industry code of practice—the British Parking demonstrated it was effective at giving staff the opportunity Association’s Approved Operator Scheme. to test out plans and new ways of working in advance, which will ensure productivity is maintained during the Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for games. Transport what recent representations she has received In addition to a small amount of staff resource, there on the enforcement by private parking operators of was a cost to the Department of £1,314.60 as part of parking penalties on private land. [109061] research to evaluate the effectiveness of the trial. We have assessed that this represents value for money given Norman Baker: The Department receives regular the benefits of maintaining business continuity, relieving correspondence on parking issues and is aware of the pressure on the transport network and supporting businesses concerns about the activities of some private parking in preparing for the games. By encouraging staff to companies. That is why it is taking action to ban wheel- work more flexibly we anticipate there will also be clamping and vehicle removal without lawful authority longer-term resilience and productivity benefits, and a in England and Wales, and is actively working with the reduction in business travel costs. parking sector to improve its regulation and establish an independent appeals service. The British Parking Parking Association’s Code of Practice includes guidance on parking charges. Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Railways: Electrification Transport whether she has any plans to bring forward proposals to regulate the operations of private parking Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport operators. [108837] what consideration she has given to continuing rail electrification from Sheffield to Leeds for the purposes Norman Baker: From 1 October 2012 the Protection of improving resilience and flexibility for the rail of Freedoms Act will make it an offence in England and network. [109141] Wales for private parking companies to clamp or tow a vehicle without lawful authority. Mrs Villiers: Network Rail considered electrification From this date, private parking companies will rely between Sheffield and Leeds in its Network Route on ticketing and will only be able to pursue motorists Utilisation Strategy: Electrification and Initial Industry for an unpaid parking charge if they have the vehicle Plan. keeper’s contact details. The DVLA will only provide these details to companies that are members of a Railways: Standards Government Accredited Trade Association. To retain membership the company must abide by a code of Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for practice and conduct itself professionally. Transport if she will release the right time data for train The Government works with the parking sector to service punctuality for each train operator on each regularly review the position, including the potential to franchise for each of the last 10 years. [107689] strengthen it. To this end the British Parking Association is currently revising its code of practice (the Approved Norman Baker [holding answer 17 May 2012]: The Operator Scheme). In addition to coincide with the Government has been working for some time with the introduction of the Protection of Freedoms Act, the Office of Rail Regulation and the rail industry, in line Government has asked the industry to establish and with commitments made in the Command Paper fund a fully independent appeals service covering all ‘Reforming our Railways: Putting the Customer First’, tickets issued by private parking companies with access on a range of measures to improve the availability of to DVLA data. The appeals body will be a free service data about the railway, including the performance of to motorists. rail services. We intend to make an announcement in 787W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 788W due course about various ways in which we will be road to rail and water where the cost is higher than road delivering more transparency about our railways than and where there are environmental benefits to be gained. was the case under the previous Government. Grants towards the operating costs of running rail and water freight services are provided through the Rescue Services: Northern Ireland Mode Shift Revenue Support and Waterborne Freight Grant schemes. Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department has also endorsed the Freight Transport Transport what recent discussions she has had with UK Association’s Mode Shift Centre, which provides objective search and rescue on the creation of a permanent information to companies considering the use of rail or search and rescue helicopter base in Northern Ireland. water transport for their operations. [109326] Visual Impairment Mike Penning: DFT is procuring a UK wide search and rescue helicopter service. The UK SAR procurement Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport has mandated the geographical location of only one in how many road traffic accidents previously unreported UK base, at Lee on the Solent. The location of the visual problems have been found to be a contributing remaining nine bases will be the subject of bids and factor. [108711] subsequent evaluation, and any basing solution proposed by bidders must be able to be able to meet the key user Mike Penning: The DFT publication “Reported Road requirements for the service. Casualties in Great Britain: annual report 2010” shows the number and proportion of reported personal injury Shipping road accidents which had “Uncorrected, defective eyesight” recorded as a contributory factor, in Great Britain in Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010. The relevant statistics can be found using the Transport if she will convene a working group to assess following link: the monitoring and enforcement of the Equality Act http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/tables/ras50001/ 2010 (Work on Ships and Hovercraft) Regulations Note that contributory factors are reported only for 2011. [109480] injury road accidents where a police officer attended the scene and reported at least one contributory factor. Mike Penning: A review of the operation and effect of These factors are largely subjective, reflecting the attending the regulations will be undertaken after five years in the officer’s opinion at the time of reporting. It is recognised usual way. To inform that review, I intend to convene a that subsequent inquires could lead to the reporting working group next year. I envisage the working group officer changing their opinion. looking at the impact and the enforcement of the regulations in particular and it is possible that it could look into ways in which awareness of the regulations could be developed. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Transport: Exports Complaints

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for with reference to British Chambers of Commerce Communities and Local Government how many complaints recommendations in the Exporting is Good for Britain about the work of his Department and each of its and Transport Connections Support Trade report, if agencies and non-departmental public bodies were received she will produce a comprehensive aviation strategy for in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a the UK. [107715] statement. [108942]

Mrs Villiers: We intend to consult in the summer on a Robert Neill: Data relating to complaints received are draft sustainable framework for UK aviation. Alongside not held centrally in DCLG. The majority of complaints this we intend to publish a call for evidence on maintaining go directly to the relevant division or arm’s length body effective UK hub airport connectivity. The Government and there is no central reporting mechanism. aims to adopt the final Aviation Policy Framework next However, we can say that in 2010-11 the Parliamentary spring. and Health Services Ombudsman received 137 complaints relating to DCLG and its arm’s length bodies. Of these, Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport they intervened in only one case, and did not formally with reference to British Chambers of Commerce’s investigate any. In 2009-10 the Parliamentary and Health Exporting is Good for Britain and Transport Connections Services Ombudsman received 150 complaints and Support Trade survey, if she will put in place incentives investigated one complaint, which was not upheld. Their to use rail and sea transport considered important to figures for 2011-12 are not yet available. British exporters. [107716] Councillors: Disability Mike Penning: The Government is committed to maintaining a dynamic, sustainable transport system Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State that supports UK economic growth and competitiveness. for Communities and Local Government how many The Department for Transport already provides people with disabilities were elected as councillors in incentives to encourage the transfer of freight from each year since 2002. [108666] 789W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 790W

Andrew Stunell [holding answer 23 May 2012]: The HOME DEPARTMENT Department for Communities and Local Government does not collect this information. Anti-slavery Day The most comprehensive snapshot of local authority councillors and equality information relating to disability Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for the is held by the Local Government Association which Home Department what plans her Department has to represents local authorities in England and Wales and mark Anti-Slavery Day in October 2012. [109729] has responsibility to support, promote and improve local government. Damian Green: The Government will announce their The data held by the Local Government Association plans in due course. are taken from the most recent National Census of Local Authority Councillors in England 2010 but does Asylum: Democratic Republic of Congo not provide a complete picture as it excludes parish councillors and does not represent a 100% response Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for rate. the Home Department what recent assessment she has The Local Government Association website: made of the level of risk in returning failed asylum http://www.local.gov.uk/web/guest/local-government- seekers to the Democratic Republic of Congo. [109218] intelligence/-/journal_content/56/10171/100325/ARTICLE- TEMPLATE Damian Green: The UK Border Agency’s Country of Origin Information Service (COIS) monitors the human has analysis of data relating to local authority councillors rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo from the 2010 Census including information relating to (DRC), including the safety of removals. The DRC the number of councillors that reported that they had a Country of Origin Information (COI) Report, which long-term illness, health problem or disability that limited includes a section on returns, was published in March the daily activities or work they could do. and can be found on the Home Office website at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/guidance/coi/ Diamond Jubilee 2012 The DRC Operational Guidance Note (OGN) includes guidance to UK Border Agency case owners on returns. This was published in May and can be found also on the Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Office website at: Communities and Local Government with reference to http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/guidance/ the answer of 1 May 2012, Official Report, columns csap/ 1425-6W, on the Diamond Jubilee 2012: religion, how The UK Border Agency’s returns policy to the DRC his Department is facilitating A Year of Service; what is kept under constant review and decisions are taken in funding or other support he has allocated to encourage the light of prevailing circumstances. Returns are only groups from all faiths to participate; and if he will make enforced when it is safe to do so and when the Agency a statement. [109590] and the courts are satisfied that the individual has no international protection needs. Andrew Stunell: My Department is facilitating A Yearof Service by chairing and hosting both the Steering Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Group for the programme and a Reference Group the Home Department what recent discussions she has including individuals from a wide range of faith had with her European counterparts on returning communities who are working to promote the programme asylum seekers to the Democratic Republic of Congo. within their respective communities. The latter group [109219] allows communities to share experience and helps ensure strong multi faith involvement in volunteering activities. Damian Green: The UK Border Agency has had no discussions with European counterparts about returned My Department and the Cabinet Office have allocated failed asylum seekers to the Democratic Republic of funds totalling £65,000 for the central administration of Congo. the programme. We believe that faith communities are recognising the opportunities that A Year of Service However, the Agency has sent a number of written offers and are rising to the challenge. questions on the subject to member states of the Intergovernmental Conference on migration, asylum and refugees, which includes 12 European states. A full Written Questions: Government Responses fist of its member states can be found on the IGC website: http://www.igc.ch/ Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to Asylum: Young People respond to Question 108000 tabled by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton North East on 14 May 2012 for answer on 17 May 2012. [109363] Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will consider the proposal of the Immigration Law Practitioner’s Association to establish Robert Neill: Question 108000 was answered on 21 regional expert age assessment centres made in its 2007 May 2012, Official Report, columns 393-94W. report When Is a Child Not a Child. [106407] 791W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 792W

Damian Green: Currently, age assessments are carried only enforced when it is safe to do so and when the out by local authorities using a Merton-compliant process. agency and the courts are satisfied that the individual The UK Border Agency’s focus is on establishing whether has no international protection needs. the techniques and processes used for carrying out age assessments can be improved. The agency intends to Detention Centres: Children address these issues before it considers the arrangements for the location of age assessments. In light of this the Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for agency has no current plans to adopt the proposal from the Home Department what progress she has made in the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association. ending the detention of unaccompanied children for immigration purposes. [109235] British Nationality: Northern Ireland Damian Green: Children who are unaccompanied are Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State detained only in exceptional circumstances. At the border for the Home Department what consideration she has we may need to hold individuals while inquiries are given to using a local authority in Northern Ireland to made to decide whether they can be admitted to the provide the National Checking Service. [109221] country or until the next available return flight if they are refused entry. Those unaccompanied children who Damian Green: The Nationality Checking Service fall into this category may also need to be held until (NCS) is provided under the Local Government Act alternative accommodation is arranged, usually through 2000 (“well being” powers). This Act does not extend to Children’s Services. Not being able to hold children Northern Ireland, and therefore local authorities are would prevent us from fulfilling our legal duty of care unable to provide NCS there. by releasing unaccompanied children before social workers arrived to support them, placing them at greater risk. It Burglary could also weaken border security by allowing people into the country who have no right to be here. We are Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the constantly looking at ways in which the time spent Home Department how much her Department spent being held in this way can be reduced by improving on measures to reduce numbers of burglaries in each of decisions and the response times from other agencies. the last two years; and what plans she has for such We are also seeking to identify improvements to the spending in each of the next three years. [108501] ways in which young people’s ages are assessed.

James Brokenshire: The majority of Home Office Human Trafficking Ministerial Group funding for crime reduction and policing is provided through the unring-fenced Police Main Grant. How Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for the this funding is used is decided by individual police Home Department what matters were discussed at the authorities (and from November 2012 Police and Crime Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group on Human Commissioners) and their chief constables. It is therefore Trafficking’s latest meeting; and who attended the meeting. not possible to identify the amount spent specifically on [109466] reducing burglary in each of the last two years or the amount which will be spent on reducing burglary in Damian Green: The Group discussed human trafficking each of the next three years. and the Olympics, its role as National Rapporteur and In the past year, the Home Office has also provided assessments of trends in human trafficking. A list of crime reduction and policing funding to a range of Members and attendees for this meeting is provided as partners, including the voluntary sector but it is not follows: possible to identify the amounts specifically spent on Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group (IDMG) on Human measures to reduce burglaries. Trafficking ministerial-level meeting attendees and non- In 2013-14, Police and Crime Commissioners will attending Members; 17 April 2012 receive funding from the new Community Safety Fund Attendees: (CSF). They will be able to use the CSF to commission Damian Green MP, Minister for Immigration (Chair) services that help tackle drugs and crime including burglary in their force area. The level and allocations of Tim Loughton MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families the CSF in 2013-14 have yet to be decided. Jeremy Browne MP, Minister of State, FCO Deportation: Sri Lanka Crispin Blunt MP, Minister for Justice Baroness Hanham MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the for Communities Home Department whether she plans to review the David Jones MP, Wales Office implications for her policy on deportations to Sri Lanka David Ford MLA, Northern Ireland Executive of the death of Easwarathasan Kietheeswaran; and if Apologies: she will make a statement. [109299] Lynne Featherstone MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equalities and Criminal Information Damian Green: We do not comment on individual Stephen O’Brien, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for cases. International Development1 The UK Border Agency’s returns policy to Sri Lanka Anne Milton MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for is kept constantly under review and decisions are taken Public Health1 in the light of prevailing circumstances. Returns are Chris Grayling MP, Minister for Employment1 793W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 794W

Kenny MacAskill MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Scottish access to housing and the housing market, and from Executive1 Christian Dustmann and Tommaso Frattini on the David Mundell MP, Scotland Office1 impact of migration on the provision of UK public Carl Sargeant AM, Welsh Assembly Government services. The MAC’S report and accompanying research Edward Gamier QC MP, Solicitor General1 are available on the Home Office website at: 1 Indicates official level deputies present at the meeting. www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk Immigration: South East The Home Office is currently undertaking research to build a picture of the local impacts of non-EEA migration to the UK. The resulting data will enable an assessment Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for of the impact of migration on public services, such as the Home Department what assessment she has made social housing, at the regional level. The research will of the effect of the current level of immigration (1) on report in 2013. local public services in the South East; [109411] (2) on social housing in London and the South East. Manpower [109412] Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Damian Green: No assessment has been made of the Home Department how many full-time equivalent impacts of migration at the regional level. The independent employees have (a) left and (b) been recruited to her Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published an Department in the last two years. [108173] analysis of the impacts of migration on 10 January 2012. This covered UK labour market, public service Damian Green: The numbers of full-time equivalent and social impacts and was informed by research (FTE) employees who have left and been recruited to commissioned by the Committee from the London the Home Office between 1 April 2010 and 31 March School of Economics on the impact of migration on 2012 are included in Table 1.

Table 1: Number of employees (FTE) who have (a) left or (b) been recruited to the Home Office (1 April 2010 to 31 March 2012) (a) Number of Leavers (FTE)1 (b) Number of Recruits (FTE)2 Number of employees Number of existing civil servants Number of employees leaving transferring to Other Number of new recruits to the transferring into the Home Financial year the civil service Government civil service Office

2010-11 1,767 132 353 35,316 2011-12 1,997 4297 153 5399 Grand total 3,764 429 506 5,715 1 Leavers include employees leaving the civil service or those transferring to other Government Departments. 2 Recruits include employees new to the civil service or existing civil servants transferring in from other Government Departments. 3 4,603 ex-HMRC customs and detection employees joined the Department as part of a machinery of government change on 1 April 2010. 4 110 Payroll Services employees moved to Ministry of Justice as part of a machinery of government change on 1 April 2011. 5 88 Government Equalities Office employees and 42 National Fraud Authority employees joined the Department as part of machinery of government changeson 1 April 2011. Extract Dates: 1. Data for 2010-11 (covering 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2012) extracted on 1 April 2011. 2. Data for 2011-12 (covering 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012) extracted on 1 April 2012. Methodology: Office for National Statistics standards for workforce reporting and include paid civil servants only. FTE figures are subject to rounding +/- 1. Source: Data View—the Department’s source of Office for National Statistics (ONS) compliant corporate Human Resources data

Meetings Publications

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Department on what dates (a) she, (b) Ministers the Home Department how many publications have and (c) senior officials in her Department have met been issued by her Department since May 2010. [109823] representatives of (i) the Institute for Public Policy Research, (ii) the Taxpayers’ Alliance, (iii) the Institute Damian Green: The Home Office has produced a of Economic Affairs, (iv) ResPublica, (v) the Centre for total of 74 printed publications in the period April 2010 Social Justice and (vi) Policy Exchange; and if she will to April 2012. publish the minutes and agendas of these meetings. [108968] Stalking: Risk Assessment

Damian Green: Home Office Ministers have meetings Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for the with a wide variety of national and international partners, Home Department how many people have been trained as well as organisations and individuals in the public by her Department in the use of the stalking risk and private sectors, as part of the process of policy assessment tool; and if she will publish a list of people development and delivery. As was the case with previous trained in the use of the stalking risk assessment tool administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to for use by police and probation services. [108847] provide details of all such meetings. Information for meetings attended by senior officials Lynne Featherstone: The stalking risk profile is a is not collated centrally. structured tool to assess the risks that victims of stalking 795W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 796W may face. The Government does not hold information WORK AND PENSIONS on how many individuals have been trained in the use of this tool, which is a commercial product. Atos Healthcare

Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for the Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Department what her policy is on fees charged Work and Pensions when he expects to begin the review to police services who wish to contact an individual of his Department’s contract with Atos for the work who has been trained in the stalking risk assessment capability assessment; and what aims his Department tool. [108848] will have for that review. [109215]

Lynne Featherstone: It is for each police force to Chris Grayling: The review of our contract with Atos determine how its budget is spent. is a continual process so that improvement and necessary change can be properly managed. The Department is Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for the currently looking at simplifying the management of the Home Department what training her Department provides contract and to ensure continued fitness for purpose. to individuals who wish to become competent in the The contract is due to expire in August 2015 and the delivery of the stalking risk assessment tool. [108849] Department plan to commence consideration of future requirements and strategy within the next 18 months. Lynne Featherstone: The Home Office does not provide Children: Maintenance training on any stalking risk assessment tool. We understand that the majority of police forces currently use the domestic abuse, stalking and honour based violence Mr Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (DASH) model (2009), developed by the Association of and Pensions whether gross or net income is used to Chief Police Officers and made available to all police calculate the amount of child maintenance payable. services in England and Wales from March 2009. However, [108630] it is for individual police forces to decide which risk assessment models to use and what training their officers Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement and staff receive. Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner to write to the hon. Member with the information Theft: Metals requested and I have seen the response. Letter from Noel Shanahan: Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Home Department if she will make stolen metal an Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary assigned matter for the UK Border Force. [107953] of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner. Miss Chloe Smith: I have been asked to reply on You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, behalf of the Treasury. whether gross or net income is used to calculate the amount of child maintenance payable. [108630] Border Force work closely with SOCA and police Under the 2003 child maintenance scheme, a parent’s maintenance forces to help combat crime at the border. Where there liability is based on a percentage of their net weekly income is reason to suspect that goods for export may be stolen, depending on the number of children a parent is liable to maintain. Border Force officers can stop the goods leaving and Deductions are made from their gross earnings to account for refer the matter to the police for them to take any income tax, National Insurance Contributions and pension necessary further action. contributions and the resulting net weekly income is the basis for their child maintenance calculation. UK Border Agency Under the new scheme, to be launched later this year, maintenance calculations will be based on a non-resident parent’s gross taxable income which has been supplied to HM Revenue & Customs Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the (HMRC), usually via a Pay As You Earn (PAYE, for employed Home Department what the (a) budget and (b) people) or self-assessment return (mainly for self-employed people and those with complex tax affairs). This will result in quicker outturn was of the UK Border Agency in respect of IT calculations which are based on more reliable income information. expenditure in (i) 2011 and (ii) 2012. [108500] Cases will be subject to an annual review to ensure calculations are kept up to date, using, where possible, income information for Damian Green: The UK Border Agency’s operational the non-resident parent’s latest available tax-year. IT costs, including those for Border Force, are set out in The maintenance calculation will be based on taxable “earned the following table. These costs do not include expenditure income”, as this is the only income type which is included in both on IT related projects. returns. Taxable earned income includes income from employment or from occupational or personal pension schemes. £ million For self-employed non-resident parents, it will be their total taxable profits. We did consider whether the maintenance calculation Full year Full year Full year should be based on a broader definition of income which would budget outturn variance capture all of the income types HMRC could provide. We decided 2010-11 UKBA 112.2 113.1 0.9 against this because it would introduce differential treatment of operational IT costs non-resident parents: self-assessed taxpayers would have all of 2011-12 UKBA 105.3 96.3 (9.0) their taxable income brought to account; PAYE only taxpayers operational IT costs would not, because we would not necessarily have details of their income from savings and investment, property etc. 797W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 798W

Parents with care, however, will be able to make an application Chris Grayling: The Office for Nuclear Regulation for a Variation if they believe the non-resident parent has significant (ONR) carries out inspections in line with its planned taxable “unearned income”, such as income from property, savings inspection programme. The ONR site inspector visited and investments. This includes dividends which legally are a type Hunterston B on 21 May 2012 to undertake safety of investment income, being a return on a share holding rather than remuneration for work done. inspections and engage in discussions with EDF Energy. Prior to that, ONR inspections took place at Hunterston Further details are available in the consultation on the calculation regulations for the new scheme, which closed in February please B on 19 to 22 March 2012. Inspections by ONR fire see: safety specialist inspectors have also taken place in the http://www.childmaintenance.org/en/pdf/Maintenance- first quarter of 2012. Calculation-Regulations-2012-Technical-Consultation.pdf EDF Energy, as the nuclear site licence holder, is responsible for safety compliance at Hunterston B. Disability Living Allowance: Airdrie EDF Energy is therefore the key contact for ONR in discussions relating to safety regulations. ONR has had no discussions with Balfour Beatty. Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total amount of disability living allowance payments was to residents in Airdrie and Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Shotts constituency in April 2012; and what estimate Work and Pensions how many complaints the Office has been made of the amount to be paid in disability for Nuclear Regulation received in relation to safety at living allowance and personal independence payments the Hunterston B nuclear power plant in (a) 2010, (b) in April 2013. [106896] 2011 and (c) 2012 to date. [109405]

Maria Miller: Expenditure is not available at Chris Grayling: The Office for Nuclear Regulation parliamentary constituency level by month, only for has received one complaint in relation to safety at the complete financial years. The most recent data available Hunterston B on 20 February 2012. is 2010-11. Disability living allowance expenditure in Airdrie Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Shotts in 2010-11 was £30.3 million1. and Pensions how many safety investigations were carried out by the Office for Nuclear Regulation at Hunterston DWP does not produce forecasts of benefit expenditure B nuclear power plant in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) below Great Britain level. Because new claims to personal 2012 to date. [109406] independence payment for people living in Airdrie and Shotts constituency will only start to be taken from Chris Grayling: The Office for Nuclear Regulation June 2013, and existing disability living allowance recipients (ONR) carries out site inspections in line with its planned will only begin to be reassessed from October 2013, inspection programme. While carrying out this planned there will be no personal independence payment expenditure inspection programme ONR will investigate safety issues in Airdrie and Shotts in April 2013. when they are identified. These are known as reactive Further benefit expenditure data by country, region, inspections. The number of planned and reactive inspections local authority and parliamentary constituency to 2010-11 were: can be found here: 2010: 24 planned inspections and seven reactive; http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/index.php ?page=expenditure 2011: 46 planned inspections and 16 reactive; and 1 Source: 2012: nine planned inspections and seven reactive. DWP Statistical and Accounting Data. Intellectual Property Employment and Support Allowance

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average wait was between Work and Pensions whether his Department has a role a request for a reconsideration before appeal of an in development of policy on intellectual property. employment and support allowance eligibility decision [109360] and the completion of that reconsideration in the most recent period for which figures are available. [109214] Chris Grayling: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to PQ 101249 on 27 March 2012, Official Report, Chris Grayling: These statistics have not previously column 1043W. been published as official statistics. We will consider whether to include the statistics requested in part of an Job Creation upcoming statistics release in line with the code of practice on Official Statistics. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time Hunterston B Power Station jobs equivalent to 24 working hours or fewer each week have been created in (i) the UK, (ii) Scotland and (iii) Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work each Scottish constituency in each month since May and Pensions when the Office for Nuclear Regulation 2010. [109201] last met (a) EDF Energy and (b) Balfour Beatty to discuss safety regulations at the Hunterston B nuclear Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the power plant. [109404] Cabinet Office. 799W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 800W

The information requested fails within the responsibility (3) will enrol in the National Employment Savings of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority Trust within (a) one year and (b) five years of its to reply. implementation. [108448] Letter from Stephen Penneck: Steve Webb: The information is not available in the As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question how format requested. many (a) full-time and (b) part-time jobs with the equivalent of The latest published participation estimates are in the 24 hours or less being worked each week have been created in (i) impact assessments accompanying the Pensions Act the UK, (ii) Scotland and (iii) each Scottish constituency in each 2011—Annex B: Workplace Pension Reform month since May 2010. (109201) http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pensions-bill-2011-ia- Estimates of new jobs created are not available. Information is annexb.pdf, Annexe G available for net changes in level, which reflects both jobs lost and people who have been recruited into existing jobs that were Around 9 to 10 million people are expected to be vacant. Consequently this does not give any useful information eligible for automatic enrolment into a workplace pension regarding the actual level of new job creation. scheme. Of these, we estimate that between 4 and 6 million will be automatically enrolled in NEST and, National Employment Savings Trust Scheme after accounting for people who opt out, that this will result in 2 to 5 million people saving in the NEST scheme. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for This includes around 0.5 million who were previously Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of saving in existing forms of workplace pension scheme the likely effects of the ban on transferring current and 2 to 4 million newly saving in NEST. We estimate pensions into the National Employment Savings Trust that between 1 and 2 million employees will opt-out on the projected take-up of the scheme. [107906] from NEST. The figures are presented as broad ranges because Steve Webb: NEST was established to support the there is inherent uncertainty around the participation introduction of automatic enrolment into workplace estimates. pensions by offering a simple, low-cost pension scheme to individuals on low to moderate earnings and employers Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for that the existing pensions industry does not serve well. Work and Pensions whether he has undertaken an Individuals join NEST through an employer choosing impact assessment of the effect of the implementation to use the scheme to fulfil their automatic enrolment of the National Employment Savings Trust on independent duties. DWP currently estimate that between two and 5 pension (a) providers and (b) advisers. [108669] million people will be members of NEST by the end of the implementation of automatic enrolment. Assumptions Steve Webb: A full competition assessment of the on the likely take up of automatic enrolment are reviewed impact of reforms on the pensions industry is set out in on a regular basis, including the estimated membership the Workplace Pension Reform Regulations—Impact of NEST. Assessment, Department for Work and Pensions, January The restrictions on transfers into and out of NEST 2010. Chapter 5: Impact on Pension Industry are intended to ensure NEST is focussed on its target http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wpr-ia.pdf market; to minimise market turbulence during the The Department carried out research with pension implementation of the reforms; and to encourage continuity providers and advisors in 2008 and 2011 to assess the of savings among NEST members, who can continue to likely impact of the workplace pension reforms and contribute to the scheme even when no longer employed. NEST on the industry: The Pensions Act 2008 requires the Secretary of State Likely industry responses to the workplace pension reforms: to review the effect of these restrictions in 2017. Qualitative research with pension providers and intermediaries In its recent inquiry into automatic enrolment in (2011) workplace pensions and NEST, the Work and Pensions http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2011-2012/ Select Committee recommended that the Government rrep753.pdf remove transfer restrictions on NEST, if State Aid rules Pensions industry responses to the workplace pension reforms: allow this. We continue to reflect on the points made by Qualitative research with pension providers and intermediaries the Committee, alongside responses to our recent (2008) consultation on improving transfers and dealing with http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2009-2010/ small pension pots across the pensions industry. That rrep592.pdf consultation closed on 23 March 2012 and we intend to publish a response in the summer. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) which pension providers were Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for consulted as part of the review of the National Employment Work and Pensions how many people he estimates (1) Savings Trust; [108882] are likely to opt in to the National Employment (2) whether any compulsory pension schemes in Savings Trust instead of choosing an independent other countries were considered under the review of the pension service within (a) one year and (b) five years National Employment Savings Trust; [108883] of its implementation; [108446] (3) which (a) employers’ groups, (b) trade associations (2) will be automatically covered by the National and (c) business champions were consulted as part of Employment Savings Trust within (a) one year and the review of the National Employment Savings Trust. (b) five years of its implementation; [108447] [108884] 801W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 802W

Steve Webb: In June 2010, the coalition Government In October 2010 the coalition Government published commissioned the independent ″Making Automatic the outcome of the independent ″Making Automatic Enrolment Work″ review to consider whether the automatic Enrolment Work″ review. The review considered the enrolment work reform package struck the right balance impact of the reforms on smaller employers. Copies of between costs, benefits and risk for individuals, for the review team’s report (“Making automatic enrolment employers and for the tax payer, and whether the National work: a review for the Department for Work and Employment Savings Trust (NEST) was necessary to Pensions”—Cm 7954) are available in the House Library. support the successful delivery of automatic enrolment. Analysis of the impact of minimum employer The review team’s report (“Making automatic enrolment contributions on micro employers is also contained in work: a review for the Department for Work and the impact assessments which accompanied the Workplace Pensions”—Cm 7954) was published in October 2010 Pension Reform Regulations 2010 and copies are available in the House Library. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wpr-ia.pdf and the Pensions Act 2011 Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pensions-bill-2011-ia-annexb.pdf Work and Pensions if he will review the annual limit on contributions within the National Employment Savings We remain committed to including micro-businesses Trust to encourage wider participation. [108885] within the automatic enrolment programme but in the light of current economic circumstances we have amended Steve Webb: The Pensions Act 2008 requires the the employer staging profile to give micro businesses Secretary of State to review the annual limit on more time to prepare. contributions in 2017. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for In October 2010, the coalition Government published Work and Pensions whether he has assessed the potential ″ the outcome of the independent Making Automatic effects of inflation on the likely level of pensions to be ″ Enrolment Work review. One of the recommendations drawn under the National Employment Savings Trust. made by the review was that the National Employment [109349] Savings Trust (NEST) annual contributions limit be removed in 2017, once the reforms had been implemented. Steve Webb: The National Employment Savings Trust In its recent inquiry into automatic enrolment in (NEST) is the responsibility of the trustee. Like any workplace pensions and NEST, the Work and Pensions trustee, it will take into account a range of factors in Select Committee recommended that the Government determining its investment strategy. remove the annual contribution limit if state aid rules NEST’s statement of investment principles, states allow this. that its investment objective is to target investment We continue to reflect on the points made by the returns in excess of inflation after all charges over the Committee. long-term. http://www.nestpensions.org.uk/schemeweb/NestWeb/public/ Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for aboutUs/contents/principles.html Work and Pensions what research his Department has Levels of pensions that individuals draw from any undertaken on the effect of compulsory minimum qualifying defined contribution pension scheme will be contributions for micro-enterprises as part of the National dependent on a variety of factors such as the amount Employment Savings Trust. [108886] contributed, the length of time saved, the investment strategy and performance, whether an annuity or different Steve Webb: The Department has undertaken a product is purchased at retirement, and whether an programme of research and analysis to inform the annuity with inflation protection is chosen. development of the workplace pension reforms. The following published reports look at the effects of compulsory Personal Pensions minimum contributions on micro-employers: Employers’ attitudes and likely reactions to the workplace Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State pension reforms, 2009: for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2009-2010/ address the decline in the amounts saved in personal rrep683.pdf pensions in the last three years. [109223] Understanding small employers responses to the reforms (2009): Steve Webb: Automatic enrolment into a workplace http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2009-2010/ rrep617.pdf pension scheme, with a minimum employer contribution, is designed to address the problem of pensions undersaving Employers’ attitudes and likely reactions to the workplace pension reforms 2007 and reverse the decline in scheme membership. http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2007-2008/ In addition, the Government has announced that we rrep546.pdf will reform the state pensions system to introduce a Understanding employers’ likely responses to the workplace single tier pension for future pensioners. pension reforms 2007: report of a qualitative study: These reforms will usher in a simpler and fairer http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2007-2008/ system that reduces the need for means testing and rrep547.pdf better supports saving for retirement. We will provide Employer attitudes to personal accounts: Report of a quantitative further detail in a White Paper in the spring. survey (2006) Saving in a personal pension outside the workplace is http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2005-2006/ a voluntary endeavour on the part of individuals and rrep397.pdf the level of savings will reflect individual circumstances 803W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 804W and preferences. Government encourages pension saving It is important to note that the estimates were produced (both in workplace and personal pensions) through the before the additional easements announced on 1 February provision of tax relief on pension contributions, which which included the exemption of households who were provides an incentive to save. in receipt of the support component of employment and support allowance and a nine-month grace period Social Security Benefits for claimants who were in work for 52 weeks or more before the start of their claim. This means that these figures are subject to change. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if his Department will take steps to Trade Unions send benefit claimants a simple printed summary of their benefit entitlements, indicating how much they Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work would lose as a result of the benefit cap; and if he will and Pensions how many trade union representatives in make a statement. [109217] (a) his Department and (b) each of its non-departmental bodies have faced disciplinary action for abusing paid Chris Grayling: There are no plans to write to claimants facility time or public resources in each of the last five with information about the possible financial impact years. [107366] for the household as their circumstances could change before the cap is implemented in April 2013. Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions An online calculator will shortly be made available and its non-departmental public bodies collates information for claimants to use to assess the potential impact of the centrally on disciplinary cases but these data do not cap, based on their current circumstances. Claimants separately record cases involving TU representatives. will need to have details of their benefit award available This could be provided only at disproportionate cost. to use the calculator effectively. Details of benefit award are notified to a claimant Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work when their claim is made and/or there has been a and Pensions how many meetings have taken place change in circumstances or rates. Claimants can also between (a) his Department and (b) each of its non- contact the Benefit Delivery Centre to obtain full details departmental bodies and trade union representatives should they require them. utilising paid facility time in each of the last five years to discuss (i) collective bargaining, (ii) redundancies, (iii) negotiations relating to employment, pay and conditions Social Security Benefits: Disability and (iv) other trade union and industrial relations duties; and what the dates and times were of each meeting. Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for [107367] Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of registered wheelchair users who (a) are Chris Grayling: I am unable to provide a full answer currently entitled to higher rate disability living allowance to your question as this information is not held centrally and (b) will be eligible for the higher rate of personal by my Department or non-departmental bodies with independence payments from April 2013. [109423] the exception of the Independent Living Fund whose information is as follows: Maria Miller: This information is not available as we Independent Living Fund do not collect details of DLA recipients who may be registered wheelchair users. Meetings to discuss collective bargaining: 22 February 2007 at 2.00 pm Social Security Benefits: Scotland 10 May 2007 at 10.30 am 18 June 2007 at 10.00 am Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State 13 September 2007 at 10.00 am for Work and Pensions what his latest estimate is of the 31 January 2008 at 10.00 am number of claimants in Kilmarnock and Loudoun 1 May 2008 at 10.30 am constituency who will be affected by the benefits cap. 8 October 2008 at 10.30 am [109224] 22 January 2009 at 11.00 am 5 March 2009 at 10.30 am Chris Grayling: The information is not available for Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency. 1 October 2009 at 10.30 am 5 November 2009 at 10.00 am On 23 January 2012 the Department published an updated impact assessment for the household benefit 3 December 2009 at 10.00 am cap, which estimated that in Great Britain 67,000 households 11 February 2010 at 2.00 pm would be affected by the cap, in the first year of its 7 April 2011 at 2.00 pm implementation (the financial year 2013-14). This assumes 25 May 2010 at2.00 pm that the situation of these households will go unchanged, 20 July 2010 at 2.00 pm and they will not take any steps to either work enough 21 September 2010 at 2.00 pm hours to qualify for working tax credit, renegotiate their 9 November 2010 at 10.00 am rent in situ, or find alternative accommodation. In all cases the Department is working to support households 16 November 2010 at 2.00 pm through-this transition, using existing provision through 10 March 2011 at 2.00 pm Jobcentre Plus and the work programme to move as 5 May 2011 at 2.00 pm many into work as possible. 22 September 2011 at 2.00 pm 805W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 806W

20 October 2011 at 2.00 pm Visual Impairment 23 November 2011 at 11.00 am 21 December 2011 at 10.30 am Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for 15 March 2012 at 10.45 am Work and Pensions how many registered blind people are employed by his Department. [109422] Meetings to discuss redundancies: 8 November 2010 at 10.00 am-12.10 pm Chris Grayling: The Department does not hold 6 December 2010 at 2.30 pm-4.10 pm information on how many of its employees are registered 7 January 2011 at 10.30 am-12.55 pm blind. 1 February 2011 at 1.30 pm-3.20 pm The Department can confirm that there are 61 employees 26 April 2011 at 1.00 pm-2.00 pm registered as users of JAWS software (see note). All of these employees are either blind or have a significant Total five meetings visual impairment. Meetings to discuss negotiations relating to employment, Out of those employees who have chosen to indicate pay and conditions: their disability status to the Department, 6.5% have 19 September 2009 at 10.00 am declared that they are disabled. 11 February 2010 at 10.00am Note: 23 February 2010 at 1.00 pm JAWS software—JAWS (Job Access With Speech), is a screen reader suitable for visually impaired people. JAWS reads the 25 February 2010 at 12.00 pm contents of the screen, either as speech output or via a refreshable 9 November 2010 at 10.00 am Braille display it works with most standard software applications 11 November 2010 at 2.00 pm such as Windows based programs and can be customised via its own scripting language to provide a bespoke solution for individuals. 11 July 2011 at 11.00 am 26 July 2011 at 11.30 am Work Capability Assessment Meetings to discuss other trade union and industrial relations duties: Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for No records held. Work and Pensions when he intends to commence the gold standard review of the (a) new mental health Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work descriptors and (b) new fluctuating conditions descriptors and Pensions on how many occasions trade union in the work capability assessment. [109216] representatives from (a) his Department and (b) each of the non-departmental public bodies have utilised Chris Grayling: We have been working to develop paid facility time to represent an employee at a meeting proposals for the evidence-based review since the publication or other industrial relations matter in each of the last of Professor Harrington’s second independent review five years. [107368] of the WCA. Departmental officials have been considering the best Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions way to evaluate the proposed descriptors, and have been and its non-departmental public bodies do not hold this and continue to discuss these with the charities. information centrally and it could be provided only at Our aim is to carry out the evidence-based review for disproportionate cost. both the mental, intellectual and cognitive descriptors and the fluctuating conditions descriptors which have Universal Credit been proposed by the charities at the same time.

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of claimants he expects to use the online system for claiming universal FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE credit. [109369] Carbon Emissions Chris Grayling: We expect the proportion of claimants who use the online system, to be in line with published Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Cabinet Office guidelines of 80% from 2017 onwards. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his Department’s Initial take-up is expected to be lower and build towards total level of carbon emissions was between (a) 1 April the target. 2010 and 1 April 2011 and (b) 2 April 2011 and 1 April 2012. [108565] Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s number of people claiming benefits and who may be (FCO) carbon emissions in the period 1 April 2010 to eligible to claim universal credit who do not have access 31 March 2011, from sources within the scope of the to the internet in their homes. [109370] Greener Government Commitments (GGC), were 19,542 tCO2. Chris Grayling: DWP is working to develop data on The FCO’s carbon emissions in the period 1 April home internet access that includes all access channels, 2011 to 31 March 2012, from sources within the scope however we do not currently hold this information. of the GGC, were 17,039 tC02, a 13% decrease. 807W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 808W

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Gibraltar: Spain Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures his Department introduced to reduce its carbon emissions Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [108566] and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on delays for cross border travel between Spain and Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Gibraltar in recent days; and what assessment he has (FCO) implemented the following carbon reduction made of the reasons for such delays. [109416] measures in: (a) 2010 Mr Lidington: We are concerned by the disruption to Converted some Hanslope Park boilers to run off zero carbon cross border travel between Spain and Gibraltar which non-food crop bio-fuel is the result of detailed scrutiny by the Spanish authorities Activated power-saving settings on desk tops of vehicles leaving Gibraltar. We are aware that there Reduced office heating temperature by two degrees Centigrade have been delays of up to three hours for those crossing Decommissioned two energy inefficient pre-fabricated buildings the border. We continue to receive daily updates from the Governor of Gibraltar’s Office and are discussing Installed voltage regulation equipment at Hanslope Park and the situation with the Spanish Government. It is in the in the Old Admiralty Building interests of communities on both sides of the border Replaced some official cars with hybrid electric cars that the border functions efficiently. Purchased aerodynamic trailers for the lorry fleet (b) 2011 Conducted a staff energy awareness/switch off campaign Israel Installed voltage regulation equipment in King Charles Street Head Quarters Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Converted most remaining Hanslope Park boilers to run off Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has bio-fuel to extend the UK’s labelling guidelines to all produce Installed variable speed drives/inverters in our King Charles from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian Street building territories. [108724] Insulated plant pipe-work in our King Charles Street building (c) 2012 Mr Paice: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Conducted a staff energy awareness/switch off campaign Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Installed further voltage regulation equipment in King Charles The DEFRA labelling guidelines to which the hon. Street Member refers do already apply to all imports into the United Kingdom of fresh produce, food and drink Installed further variable speed drives/invertors in King Charles Street originating in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Installed more energy efficient lighting in King Charles Street and at Hanslope Park Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Ethiopia discussions has he had with Israeli authorities on the arrest and detention of Palestinian children. [109040]

Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Alistair Burt: We welcomed Israel’s decision of 4 and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department October 2011 to raise the age of legal majority for has set any benchmarks to assess the Ethiopian Palestinian children in the Israeli military justice system, Government’s respect for human rights (a) in the Gambella a step we had advocated. I raised the implementation of region and (b) under its villagisation programme. this decision with the Israeli ambassador to London on [108397] 23 February. We continue to call on the Israeli authorities to Mr Bellingham: The UK takes allegations of human comply with their obligations under international law, rights abuses extremely seriously. The UK has led multi- including in their policies on detention and the treatment agency missions, independent from the Ethiopian of Palestinian prisoners. We also continue to lobby the government, to Gambella and the Somalia region, two Israeli authorities for further improvements, including a of the four regions affected by the villagisation programme. reduction in the number of arrests that occur at night, The missions found no evidence of systematic or widespread an end to shackling and the introduction of audio-visual human rights abuses. We have raised concerns with the recording of interrogations. Government of Ethiopia that resettlement has been poorly planned, and that destination sites often do not We discuss Israel’s policies on arrest and detention have facilities such as schools and health centres in regularly, most recently in the past month with the place before people move. While we have not set any Israeli Ministry for Foreign Affairs, National Security formal benchmarks, the UK will continue to monitor Council, Israeli Prison Service and office of the closely the situation in Gambella and other regions Co-ordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. affected by the villagisation programme and will use a common methodology for these assessments. We will Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State also maintain our ongoing dialogue with the Ethiopian for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will support Government over the implementation of the commune the position of Defence for Children International on programme. the detention of Palestinian children by Israel. [109041] 809W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 810W

Alistair Burt: The British Government supports the Records of all meetings attended by the FCO’s senior valuable work done by Defence for Children International officials both in the UK and in our network of diplomatic in highlighting the issues of detention of Palestinian posts overseas are not held centrally and cannot be children. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has searched without incurring disproportionate cost. been pleased to provided funding for the work of Defence for Children International in the recent past. Redundancy We have also funded a report by leading UK and international lawyers on child detainees, including how Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for far Israeli military law complies with international standards Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of his in respect of child detentions. Together with several Department’s employees have been made redundant in stakeholders, Defence for Children International is the last two years. [108068] co-operating in the production of the report, which is expected imminently. Mr Bellingham: In the last two years one employee Lost Property has been made redundant. A total of 221 staff have left the Foreign and Commonwealth Office under various Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign voluntary exit schemes launched within the last two and Commonwealth Affairs how many items of equipment financial years. valued at £10,000 or more his Department lost in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [108928] EDUCATION Mr Lidington: I refer the hon. Member to my response of 22 March 2012, Official Report, column 793W. Academies: Primary Education Manpower Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Education (1) what school performance criteria over and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many full-time how many years are taken into account when deciding equivalent employees his Department employed in May whether an official in his Department initiates contact 2010; and how many it employed in the latest period for with a primary school to discuss possible conversion to which figures are available; [108154] academy status; [108802] (2) how many full-time equivalent employees have (2) in how many cases his Department has (a) initiated (a) left and (b) been recruited to his Department in the contact with primary schools regarding possible conversion last two years. [108170] to academy status and (b) recommended a solution Mr Bellingham: In May 2010 the Foreign and other than academy status following such an approach. Commonwealth Office (FCO) had around 5,000 UK [108803] based staff. Since then nearly 500 staff have joined the Department and over 900 have left, reducing overall Mr Gibb: The Department analyses a range of strength to just under 4,600, a reduction of over 400. It performance information, including national curriculum is not possible to give more precise figures as the basis test results from at least the last five years and Ofsted on which we report staff numbers has changed since inspection reports, to identify primary schools that are 2010. underperforming. Discussions with local authorities provide further local intelligence about the performance and Since 2010 the FCO has complied with the civil capacity of primary schools in the area. service recruitment freeze, among other things, sourcing staff from other Government Departments. Departmental officials have initiated conversations with primary schools that have been identified in this Meetings way. In most cases, contact is made via the local authority and they remain involved in conversations to agree the Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign most appropriate route to academy status to secure and Commonwealth Affairs on what dates (a) he, (b) improvement at the school. Ministers and (c) senior officials in his Department When an academy solution is agreed for a primary have met representatives of (i) the Institute for Public school, the name of the school will be added to the Policy Research, (ii) the Taxpayers’ Alliance, (iii) the Department’s published list of sponsored academies in Institute of Economic Affairs, (iv) ResPublica, (v) the development. This is available on the Department’s Centre for Social Justice and (vi) Policy Exchange; and website at: if he will publish the minutes and agendas of these http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/ meetings. [108970] typesofschools/academies/b00208569/open-academies/ sponsored-academies Mr Lidington: As part of HM Government’s commitment to transparency, each Government Department publishes on a quarterly basis information Children’s Commissioner for England on hospitality, gifts, meeting and overseas travel for Ministers’, Special Advisers’ and the Permanent Under- Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Secretary. Information for Foreign and Commonwealth Education (1) what assessment he has made of the Office (FCO) meetings can be found at: effectiveness of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner’s http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents/ objective to promote awareness of the views and interests transparency-and-data1/hospitality/ of children in England; [109132] 811W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 812W

(2) on what basis John Dunford was selected to We do not however believe that emergency life support conduct a review of the work of the Office of the skills should be formally prescribed in the national Children’s Commissioner; [109133] curriculum. (3) how much John Dunford was paid to conduct a The national curriculum should only specify the core review of the work of the Office of the Children’s content of key subjects, leaving teachers greater flexibility Commissioner; [109134] to use their professional judgment to decide the wider (4) whether Ministers in his Department have had school curricula that best meet the needs of their pupils. any recent meetings with the Office of the Children’s Literacy Commissioner; [109139] (5) what the total cost was of John Dunford’s review Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Education of the work of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner. what steps he is taking to improve the accuracy of the [109267] grammar, punctuation and spelling of schoolchildren. [107029] Sarah Teather [holding answer 23 May 2012]: John Dunford was chosen to lead the independent review of Mr Gibb: The Government is taking a number of the Children’s Commissioner due to his extensive leadership steps to improve the accuracy of grammar, punctuation experience within education and children’s services and spelling. Mastering these basic skills is a vital part (including 12 years as General Secretary of the Association of all pupils’ education. of School and College Leaders). At the same time, his A new Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling test at limited association with the children’s rights sector Key Stage 2 will be introduced in 2013. The new test meant he was able to approach the task without any will place an increased focus on this area and encourage preconceptions about its outcome. He was paid just good teaching. We are also recognising the importance under £26,000 to complete the review, including expenses. of grammar, punctuation and spelling across subjects The total cost of the review was just over £38,000. by reintroducing specific marks in GCSEs with a significant proportion of written assessment. In his report, John Dunford recognised that the Children’s Commissioner had had a significant impact on the lives In addition, strengthening the approach to these essential of some children and young people, but that overall the skills will be a priority within the new National Curriculum, impact had been disappointing. He attributed this in which we expect to consult on before the summer. part to the limitations of the existing legislation. That is Schools: Sanitation why the Government has set out its intention to legislate to reform the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education along the lines that John Dunford recommended. what recent assessment has been made of the standard The Children’s Commissioner met the Secretary of of school toilet facilities; and whether any assessment State for Education for an ad hoc meeting in November has been made of any relationship to the incidence of 2011. In addition, I meet the Children’s Commissioner continence problems in young people. [108869] approximately every six months for a general stock take. The Commissioner meets other Ministers from Mr Gibb [holding answer 22 May 2012]: The DFE (and across Government) in connection with specific Department has not made an assessment of the standard investigations and inquiries that the Commissioner is of school toilet facilities, but is aware of a number of undertaking. For example, in the last six months, she studies in this area. These were referred to by several has met: the Minister for Schools, the hon. Member for respondents to the recent consultation on the proposed Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb), to discuss new School Premises Regulations. the Commissioner’s inquiry into school exclusions; and The Department has not made an assessment of any the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children possible relationship between school toilet standards and Families, the hon. Member for East Worthing and and continence problems in young people, but has Shoreham (Tim Loughton), to discuss the inquiry into received details of studies carried out by other bodies. child sexual exploitation by groups and gangs. These were included in responses to the consultation and are currently being analysed. First Aid: Curriculum Secondary Education: Birmingham

Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the merits Education how many vacant secondary school places of making the teaching of emergency life support skills there were in (a) Birmingham, Ladywood constituency a formal part of the national curriculum. [107006] and (b) Birmingham City Council in each of the last five years for which information is available. [109125]

Mr Gibb: The non-statutory programmes of study Mr Gibb: The Department collects information from for Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) each local authority on the number of unfilled places in education currently include provision for the teaching maintained secondary schools (except special schools) of emergency life support skills. via an annual survey. The following table shows the As part of the current PSHE education review we are number of unfilled places in maintained secondary considering whether any non-statutory elements of the schools in Birmingham between 2007 and 2011, which subject should become a statutory requirement within is the most recent data available. The number of unfilled the basic curriculum, as sex education is now. We intend places are reported at local authority level and not to publish the review outcomes later this year. broken down by constituency. 813W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 814W

Unfilled places in maintained secondary schools (figures for 2010 and Table A: Rates of leaving and QTS achievement for all ITT trainees 2011 include unfilled places in academies): Birmingham (including those on the Teach First programme) in their final year Total from 2005/06 to 2009/10 in England Left course 20071 3,107 Total number of before end QTS attained 20081 3,543 trainees (percentage) (percentage) 20091 3,823 2005/06 38,190 5 87 20102 4,026 2006/07 39,190 4 87 20112 4,827 2007/08 37,450 4 88 1 Number of places relate to the position as at January. 2008/09 37,590 4 88 2 Number of places relate to the position as at May. Source: 2009/10 38,970 4 89 Surplus Places Survey and School Capacity Collection Table B: Rates of leaving and QTS achievement for Teach First programme trainees in their final year from 2005/06 to 2009/10 in Teachers: Pensions England Left course Total number of before end QTS attained trainees (percentage) (percentage) Sir Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what guidance he (a) has issued and (b) 2005/06 160 6 93 plans to issue to education authorities on (i) the time 2006/07 210 1—97 period to be used for the conversion of Local Government 2007/08 290 1—96 Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds in the case of schools 2008/09 380 3 95 seeking conversion to academy status, (ii) variations in 2009/10 470 5 95 calculation criteria and time periods which are used by 1 Indicates suppression due to small numbers. local authorities and (iii) the process to be followed by Notes: local authorities to ensure that schools converting to 1 Total trainee figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and percentages academies are able to enter pooling arrangements for are rounded to the nearest 1%. 2 The Teach First programme is considered to be a type of ITT. LGPS. [108278] Consequently, trainees on this programme are included in both tables. 3 Percentages do not sum to 100% as other outcomes are possible, such as trainees being withheld QTS and not yet completing their Mr Gibb [holding answer 21 May 2012]: In December course. 2011, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Source: Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Teaching Agency Performance Profiles Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), and the Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), issued a joint letter to local government leaders, chief executives, and LGPS ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE administering authorities recommending that where an Academy wishes to be pooled with the local authority, Carbon Emissions: Housing the administering authority positively considers this. Guidance for practitioners was promised in the joint Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for letter and the first edition was issued on 29 February. Energy and Climate Change how many dwellings have This guidance will be expanded to include more detailed been treated under the carbon emissions reduction target information about the pooling process in the second to date. [109804] edition, to be published by the end of the month. Further guidance will be developed as necessary. Gregory Barker: Latest available data1 show that, as of 30 September 2011, over 3.1 million dwellings in Great Britain had received professionally installed loft Teachers: Training insulation, cavity wall insulation, or both under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) since April 2008. This does not include dwellings treated with solid Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for wall insulation, DIY loft insulation or any of the non- Education what recent estimate he has made of the insulation measures delivered under CERT. drop-out rate for (a) initial teacher training and (b) the 1 Teach First programme. [109140] Energy Saving Trust statistical release: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Publications2/Housing- professionals/HEED-PDFs/HEED-publications-for-UK/ Mr Gibb [holding answer 23 May 2012]: The proportion CERT-Summary-Report-Q14-by-English-Region-Scotland- of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) trainees who leave Wales their course at any point within their training is not collected centrally. Energy: Prices Complete data are collected for the numbers of trainees in England who leave their course during their final Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for year. The following tables show these proportions for Energy and Climate Change what proportion of pensioner academic years 2005/06 to 2009/10 for all ITT routes households in receipt of the one-off £120 discount from and the Teach First programme. The proportion of energy companies received that discount on a discretionary trainees who were awarded Qualified Teacher Status basis in the latest period for which figures are available. (QTS) in each year is also provided. [108742] 815W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 816W

Gregory Barker: We expect that in excess of 660,000 tax revenues would need to be considered very carefully low income pensioners will have received a £120 discount with regard to the Government’s wider priority of reducing on their electricity bills from energy suppliers as part of the deficit. the warm home discount scheme (core group) in winter 2011-12. The application of the core group discount is Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for not discretionary. Energy suppliers are required to apply Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the oral answer this discount through the Warm Home Discount of 17 May 2012, Official Report, column 675, on the Regulations 2011. Green Deal, when he plans to publish the proposed Final numbers for the whole scheme will be available secondary legislation for the Green Deal. [109721] later in autumn 2012 when the compliance phase has been undertaken. Gregory Barker: We expect to publish the secondary legislation for the Green Deal in June 2012. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department Hunterston B Power Station has made of the number of pensioners in receipt of the one-off £120 discount from energy companies under Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for the Warm Front Discount Scheme in (a) 2009-10 and Energy and Climate Change when he last met the Office (b) 2010-11. [108743] for Nuclear Regulation to discuss safety regulations at the Hunterston B nuclear power plant. [109379] Gregory Barker: The warm home discount commenced in April 2011. The first discounts were credited to Charles Hendry: My officials and I have met with accounts in winter 2011-12. Energy suppliers were informed Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) staff on a number of nearly 600,000 pensioners to be credited with an of occasions; however, these meetings do not concern automatic discount. Additionally, over 60,000 pensioners issues at individual sites, such as Hunterston B, as these who were not automatically matched through the scheme are a matter for the ONR as the independent nuclear claimed via the dedicated Government call centre. The safety regulator. final number of pensioners who received a discount will be known following the compliance phase of the scheme. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for In 2010-11 there was a pilot data matching scheme Energy and Climate Change whether he has received called the Energy Rebate Scheme. This was funded any representations from Michael Russell MSP in relation through Government’s 2008-11 voluntary agreement to fire safety at Hunterston B power station. [109407] with energy suppliers. As a result of the pilot, just over 200,000 pensioners were provided with a one-off £80 Charles Hendry: Michael Russell MSP wrote to the electricity bill rebate. Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Green Deal Scheme Davey) on behalf of his constituent on 29 February 2012. On 4 April 2012, the Minister of State for Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Employment my right hon. Friend the Member for for Energy and Climate Change what timetable he has Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling) wrote to Michael set for implementation of the Green Deal. [109038] Russell MSP addressing his constituent’s concerns about fire safety at Hunterston B Power Station and Sizewell B Power Station. Gregory Barker: The timetable for implementing the Green Deal remains on track and we will be bringing our regulations to the House shortly. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has received any representations from the Scottish Government on Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State fire safety at Hunterston B power station. [109408] for Energy and Climate Change what the cost has been of advertising and promotion of the Green Deal. [109039] Charles Hendry: No.

Gregory Barker: No money has been spent on advertising Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs and promoting the Green Deal to consumers. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has made of the effect on renewable energy installation given to the potential contribution of employer- companies of changes to feed-in tariffs due to come supported employee benefits to the Green Deal by into force in 2012. [108284] providing for green home improvements through salary sacrifice. [109350] Gregory Barker: We want to put the feed-in tariffs (FITs) scheme on a sustainable footing by rebalancing Gregory Barker: We continue to explore a number of the tariffs on the basis of evidence of reduced costs. We different demand levers to encourage uptake of the will shortly be announcing our decisions on a degression Green Deal, focusing on delivering good value for policy which will provide the certainty the industry money from the £200 million allocated to drive early needs and help build a long term future for the UK take-up. Any proposals that would result in foregone solar industry. 817W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 818W

Since September 2011, 1,669 new renewable energy Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and installation companies have been registered as MCS Climate Change (DECC) does not hold details of the accredited installers, bringing the total to 4,891 MCS previous employment of its staff on a central database. registered installers. Searching individual records to find this information would incur disproportionate costs. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made Warm Front Scheme of the number of renewable energy installation companies affected by changes to feed-in tariffs since September Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011. [108285] Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the oral answer of 17 May 2012, Official Report, column 1686, on Gregory Barker: Since September 2011, 1,611 new energy efficiency, what the evidential basis is for the PV installation companies have been registered as MCS statement that Opposition hon. Members said that accredited installers, bringing the total to 4,221 MCS Warm Front had closed last winter and was no longer registered installers. available. [109857]

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: Anecdotally a misleading impression Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the oral answer was given by commentators regarding the closure of Official Report, of 17 May 2012, column 672, on feed-in Warm Front in December 2010. At that time, the tariffs, when the orders for the next reduction in tariff Government announced a temporary closure of Warm level would need to be laid for them to have effect by 1 Front owing to the full use of the available budget for July 2012. [109717] the financial year 2010-11. The Scheme reopened in April 2011 and funding continues to be available. Gregory Barker: The tariffs payable under the Feed-in Tariffs scheme are set within the Standard Conditions of Electricity Supply Licences. Warm Home Discount Scheme As required by the Energy Act 2008, draft modifications to those licence conditions were laid in Parliament on Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for 24 May 2012 with the intention that they will come into Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department effect on 1 August 2012 and reduce tariffs for solar has taken to monitor the application of the warm photovoltaic installations which become eligible for feed-in homes discount scheme [108756] tariffs from that date. The latest date for laying the changes before Parliament so as to take effect on 1 Gregory Barker: Energy suppliers participating the August would have been 15 June 2012. warm home discount scheme are required to report on their spending under the scheme after the end of each Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for scheme year to Ofgem who have a statutory duty to Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the oral answer monitor suppliers’ compliance with the scheme regulations. of 17 May 2012, Official Report, column 672, on feed-in Ofgem will provide an annual report to the Secretary of tariffs, what the start date for the next tariff reduction State for Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. will be. [109718] Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), once the necessary compliance and audit checks have been Gregory Barker: The date for the next reduction of completed. the tariffs for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations will be 1 August 2012. This was set out in the response to the Wind Power consultation on the solar PV tariffs and cost control mechanism which was published on 24 May 2012. Nigel Adams: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether it remains his policy to RenewableUK have 13GW of onshore wind capacity by 2020. [108746]

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State Charles Hendry: Yes. Our policy remains as set out in for Energy and Climate Change whether any staff of the Renewable Energy Roadmap1 which includes a projected his Department have previously worked for Renewable central scenario of up to 13GW total installed capacity UK. [109784] of onshore wind by 2020. We consider that onshore wind is essential to delivering UK security of supply Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and and other goals. We are determined to do this in ways Climate Change (DECC) does not hold details of the that offer maximum value for money for consumer previous employment of its staff on a central database. spend and put the least possible pressures on energy Searching individual records to find this information bills. would incur disproportionate costs. The Government’s planning and other reforms give communities a real say and stake in shaping the development Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State of their local areas. As I have already said, we believe for Energy and Climate Change whether any former that 13GW onshore wind by 2020 is manageable given directors of Renewable UK have been employed by his that 5GW is already up and running, 6GW is consented Department as consultants or advisers in the last five and there is a further 7GW in the planning system. Not years; how much any such consultants were paid; and everything consented will be built, and not everything when they were employed. [109785] in the planning system deserves to be consented, so there 819W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 820W will be new project proposals to come, but the investment derive a breakdown by employment size band from BRES. The the country needs in this technology is already largely table below contains the latest statistics available, which show the on the table. number of employees in Newton Abbot and the South West for 2010. 1 The UK’s Renewable Energy Roadmap was published by DECC in July 2011 and can be viewed at: Area 2010 http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/meeting-energy- demand/renewable-energy/2167-uk-renewable-energy- South West 2,257,200 roadmap.pdf Newton Abbot 127,000 1 These figures exclude farm agriculture (SIC class 0100) have been Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for excluded. Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on the proposed wind power interconnector between the UK Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Minister for the and Denmark. [108749] Cabinet Office how many businesses in (a) Newton Charles Hendry: The Government support greater Abbot constituency, (b) the South West and (c) England interconnection, as this should promote the integration employed fewer than five people in the latest period for of renewable energy sources, contribute to security of which figures are available. [107007] supply and help bring more competition to EU energy markets. Interconnection between countries with high Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the ambitions for offshore wind, such as the UK and Denmark, responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have could in time form part of a more integrated offshore asked the Authority to reply. grid in the North Sea. We and nine other countries are investigating the potential for such a grid in the North Letter from Stephen Penneck dated 14 May 2012: Sea Offshore Countries’ Grid Initiative. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many businesses in (a) Newton Abbot constituency, (b) the South West and (c) England employed fewer than five CABINET OFFICE people in the latest period for which figures are available. [107007] Big Society Capital Annual statistics on the number of enterprises are available from the ONS release UK Business: Activity, Size and Location at www.statistics.gov.uk. The table below contains the latest statistics Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet available, which show the number of enterprises in England, Office how many loans he expects Big Society Capital South West and Newton Abbot by employee size band of 0 - 4. to make in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15; what the estimated monetary value is of such loans; Employee Size 0-4 and if he will make a statement. [108822] England 1,627,495 Mr Hurd: Big Society Capital (BSC), which is an South West 154,745 independent organisation, acts as a wholesale investor Newton Abbot 2,195 for social investment. It provides finance to specialist Note: funds and intermediaries who then provide finance and The above figures have been rounded to the nearest five, to avoid disclosure. other support to social sector organisations. BSC will make investments and provide support to the social investment market on the basis of future Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Minister for the needs and demands. Cabinet Office if he will estimate the number of (a) micro, (b) small and (c) medium-sized businesses in (i) Business Newton Abbot constituency and (ii) the south-west in the latest period for which figures are available. [107008] Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people were employed in the (a) micro, (b) small and (c) medium-sized business Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the sector in (i) Newton Abbot constituency and (ii) the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have South West in the latest period for which figures are asked the authority to reply. available. [107005] Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated 14 May 2012: Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asking what recent estimate has been made of the number of (a) asked the Authority to reply. micro, (b) small and (c) medium-sized businesses in (i) Newton Letter from Stephen Penneck dated 15 May 2012: Abbot constituency and (ii) the South West in the latest period for which figures are available. [107008] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question Annual statistics on the number of enterprises are available asking how many people were employed in the (a) micro, (b) small from the ONS release UK Business: Activity, Size and Location and (c) medium-sized business sector in (i) Newton Abbot constituency at: and (ii) the South West in the latest period for which figures are available. [107005] www.statistics.gov.uk Annual statistics on the number of employees are available The following table contains the latest statistics available that from the ONS release Business Register Employment Survey show the number of enterprises in the South West and Newton (BRES) at www.statistics.gov.uk. However, it is not possible to Abbot by employee size band. 821W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 822W

Count of enterprises in the South West and Newton Abbot by Letter from Sam Younger, dated 23 May 2012: employee size bands for 2011 I have been asked to reply to your Written Parliamentary 0-9 10-49 50-249 Question with reference to the Answer of 17 October 2011, (micro) (small) (medium) Total Official Report, column 720W,on Charity Commission: Manpower, South 176,610 16,700 2.680 195,990 how many staff at the Charity Commission were employed to West investigate complaints against UK registered charities in 2011-12; how many will be employed to do so in 2012-13. [109485] Newton 2,540 285 50 2,875 Abbot The Charity Commission is the regulator of charities in England Note: and Wales. Charities in Scotland and Northern Ireland are regulated The above figures have been rounded to the nearest five, to avoid by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and the disclosure. Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) respectively. Charity Commission The numbers of the staff investigating complaints in 2011-12 and 2012-13 are 29 in the Investigations and Enforcement team and 61 in the four Operations teams. At any one time, not all of Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet these staff will be investigating complaints and some will also be Office how many investigations into the activities of undertaking other regulatory tasks such as providing advice, UK-registered charities were launched by the Charity consents and permissions. Commission in 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. The Commission regularly reviews its staffing requirements [109424] but at this stage estimated numbers of staff for2013-14 are the same as for this financial year. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Efficiency and Reform Group responsibility of the Charity Commission. I have asked the Commission’s chief executive to reply. Rachel Reeves: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Letter from Sam Younger dated 23 May 2012: Office what the cost to the public purse was of the I have been asked to reply to your Written Parliamentary Reward, Efficiency and Reform Group in (a) 2010-11 Question on how many investigations into the activities of (b) UK-registered charities were launched by the Charity Commission and 2011-12; and what estimate he has made of the in 2011-12; and if he will make a statement [109424]. cost of the Group in (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15. [109426] The Charity Commission is the regulator of charities in England and Wales. Charities in Scotland and Northern Ireland are regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and the Mr Maude: There is no Reward, Efficiency and Reform Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) respectively. Group within my Department. The Commission’s current approach to dealing with regulatory However, to address the record deficit which this concerns is set out and explained in our new Risk Framework, Government inherited in May 2010 my Department available on our website: formed an Efficiency and Reform Group. http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Our_regulatory_ activity/ Since May 2010 the Group has helped Departments Our_approach/Risk_framework.aspx make billions of pounds of cash savings which have If something goes wrong in a charity, we expect the trustees to been corroborated by auditors including the NAO. While take responsibility for putting things right. Where there are serious concerns of abuse in a charity, we may investigate and the Group saved the taxpayer £3.75 billion in 2010-11, open a statutory inquiry. This is likely to be in the most cases the savings for 2011-12 are anticipated to be even higher where the regulatory issue is in itself serious and there is evidence and around £5 billion. During this period the core cost or strong suspicion of mismanagement or misconduct in a charity. of running the Group fell by 38%, demonstrating that Where we open a statutory inquiry, we may make use of our this Group is leading by example. formal investigatory powers, for instance to obtain documents, My Department’s budgets are published and updated freeze bank accounts and remove trustees. Serious concerns about charities that are not dealt with in statutory inquiries are handled through the parliamentary estimates process. as regulatory cases within our Operations teams. Hay Group In the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012, we opened 12 statutory inquires. We also completed nine statutory inquiries and 76 other investigations, dealt with as regulatory compliance Rachel Reeves: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet cases. Office what contracts his Department has with Hay Each year we report on our regulatory and compliance work Group; and what the value of each such contract is. through the publication Back on Track, available on our website. [109403] This sets out headline performance figures for this area as well as themes and lessons for other charities and the wider sector. Back Mr Maude: My Department has one contact with on Track for 2011-12 will be published in early Autumn. Hay Group which was initially let in January 2010 for Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet the value of £159,000 (excluding VAT) over three years. Office with reference to the answer of 17 October 2011, Manpower Official Report, column 720W,on the Charity Commission: manpower, how many staff at the Charity Commission were employed to investigate complaints against UK Mr Redwood: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet registered charities in 2011-12; how many will be employed Office (1) how many full-time equivalent employees to do so in 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. have (a) left and (b) been recruited to his Department [109485] in the last two years; [108182] (2) how many full-time equivalent employees his Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Department employed in May 2010; and how many it responsibility of the Charity Commission. I have asked employed in the latest period for which figures are the Commission’s chief executive to reply. available. [108152] 823W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 824W

Mr Maude: In May 2010, the Cabinet Office employed Government to learn and share lessons from the front 1,305 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff. line as to how to encourage mutuals on an ongoing As a result of machinery of government changes my basis. Department has taken over various new functions from Unemployment other Government Departments. Since May 2010, the Office of Government Commerce, Central Office of Information, National School of Government, Government Mr Bain: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office Property Unit, Constitution Group, Boundary Commission how many people aged (a) 25 years and over and (b) for England, Government Digital Service and the 16 to 24 years had been unemployed for more than a Government Procurement Service all joined the Cabinet year in May (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012 in (A) the Office, along with 1,915 FTE staff. UK, (B) Scotland and (C) each Scottish constituency. [109257] New functions within my Department are also running with a smaller headcount. Since its creation in June Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the 2010 the Efficiency and Reform Group’s headcount has responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have reduced by 27%. asked the authority to reply. At 31 March 2012 my Department employed 2,451 Letter from Stephen Penneck: FTE staff—this represents a net reduction of 769 over As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have the May 2010 figure and the headcount who joined as a been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how result of machinery of government changes. The closure many people aged (a) 25 and over and (b) 16-24 were unemployed of the National School of Government and COI in for more than a year in May (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012 in (A) March 2012 will result in further headcount reductions the UK, (B) Scotland and (C) each Scottish constituency. (109257) in due course. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles unemployment statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey Public Sector (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. Estimates of unemployment for the requested age group are not available for parliamentary constituencies. Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) how many new public sector mutuals were Table 1 shows the number of people aged 25 and over and 16 to 24 years who were unemployed and resident in Scotland and the created or spun-off by his Department in (a) 2010-11 United Kingdom for the 12 month periods ending September and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement; 2010 and September 2011 from the APS, the most recent periods [108908] for which figures are available. Data for 2012 is not yet available. (2) how the funding for the Mutual Support Programme As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject has been spent to date; which organisations have received to a margin of uncertainty. funding; how much they received; what results they are National and local area estimates for many labour market required to achieve; and if he will make a statement. statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant [108999] count are available on the NOMIS website at: http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Mr Maude: MyCSP, which administers the Civil Service Table 1: Number of people unemployed for over 12 months Pension Scheme, launched in April 2012 as a pathfinder Thousand mutual joint venture spinning out from Cabinet Office. 12 months ending The Cabinet Office’s role in the creation of mutuals September 2010 September 2011 across the wider public sector is to provide a comprehensive 25 and 16 to 24 25 and 16 to 24 programme of support: over years over years In December 2011, we launched the £10 million Mutuals Scotland 42 18 **46 ***21 Support Programme, comprising a website, dedicated hotline and the funds. United 524 202 *585 *233 Kingdom Rather than handing out money the Mutuals Support Programme Guide to Quality: procures suppliers to deliver the support needed for organisations The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, interested in spinning out into a mutual. This way tools and the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely learning can be shared for the benefit of others wishing to spin to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 out of the public sector. with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within A contract for support is agreed, on the basis of the range 180-220. CVs are not produced for earlier periods. meeting stated criteria, and published on Contracts Key: *0≤ CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise Finder: ** 5 ≤ CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered http://www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/ reasonably precise ≤ Information on the programme will be published *** 10 CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered acceptable shortly on the Mutuals Information Service: **** CV ≥ 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too http://mutuals.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ unreliable for practical purposes CV = Coefficient of Variation Source: In 2010-11 the coalition Government announced a Annual Population Survey and Annual Labour Force Survey Mutual Pathfinder Programme of 21 projects, eight of which have already spun out, with a further series of Mr Bain: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office launches due this year. what estimate he has made of (a) the number of Through this work, Cabinet Office is driving the people currently in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance and creation of new mutuals led by entrepreneurial public unemployed using International Labour Organisation sector staff who want to take control of their services. definitions who are looking for full-time work and (b) These projects are playing a vital role in enabling people who are either unemployed, employed or in 825W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 826W self-employment are seeking full-time employment in Table 2: Number of people who were unemployed, employed or in self- (i) the UK, (ii) Scotland and (iii) each Scottish employment seeking full-time employment, October 2010 to September 2011 constituency. [109258] Number (thousand)

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the UK *3,387 Guide to Quality: responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, asked the authority to reply. the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2012: to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I the range 180-220. have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Key: how many people (a) currently in receipt of jobseekers’ allowance *0≤ CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise and unemployed using International Labour Organisation definitions ** 5 ≤ CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered are looking for full-time work and (b) whether unemployed, reasonably precise ≤ employed or in self-employment are seeking full-time employment *** 10 CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered acceptable in (i) the UK, (ii) Scotland and (iii) each Scottish constituency. ≥ (109258) **** CV 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles labour Source: market statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Annual Population Survey Survey (APS). However, due to the size of the samples involved the requested estimates for Scottish Constituencies are not available. The estimates of the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Allowance (JSA) from APS are generally lower than the official measure published by ONS. However, APS is the only source that gives information on claimants of JSA, employment status and Electoral Register the nature of work sought. Table 1 shows the number of people who reported themselves Chris Evans: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what as claiming JSA and who were ILO unemployed and seeking his most recent estimate is of the number of full-time employment, from the October 2010 to September 2011 unregistered voters. [109525] APS. Table 2 shows the number of people who were unemployed, Mr Harper: The Government funded research by the employed or self-employed seeking full-time employment from Electoral Commission to understand the state of the the October to September 2011 APS. These estimates include register within the existing system. This was the first those who are currently in full-time employment and would like a report of its kind in over a decade. different full-time job. As at December 2010, the Electoral Commission As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject estimated that the register was 85-87% complete, which to a margin of uncertainty. A guide to the quality of the estimates would mean that there are 6 million people missing has been provided. from the register. This compares to a previous completeness National and local area estimates for many labour market figure in 2000 of 91-92% or 3.9 million people missing statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant from the register. count are available on the NOMIS website a: The estimates are based on research undertake on the http://www.nomisweb.co.uk April 2011 registers, which found that at April 2011 the Table 1: Number of people claiming jobseeker’s allowance and ILO electoral registers in Great Britain are estimated to be unemployed seeking full-time employment, October 2010 to September 82% complete and 85% accurate. This equates to 8.5 million 2011 people missing from the register. However, the April Number (thousand) 2011 figures are not directly comparable with the previous 2000 figures, since the 2000 figures were based on the Scotland *85 December register (which is generally more complete UK *883 and accurate as it is compiled directly after the annual Guide to Quality: canvass of electors). The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely This report showed that more than ever it is important to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 that we modernise the electoral registration system, and with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within that is what we are planning to do as part of the move to the range 180-220. individual electoral registration. We are actively exploring Key: *0≤ CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise ways in which we can make it as convenient and secure ** 5 ≤ CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered as possible for citizens to register to vote, for example reasonably precise by enabling new channels such as online registration. *** 10 ≤ CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered We are also taking steps to maximise registration among acceptable under-registered groups. **** CV ≤ 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes Increasing registration is not solely the responsibility Source: of Government. Electoral registration officers appointed Annual Population Survey by but independent of local authorities have a duty to Table 2: Number of people who were unemployed, employed or in self- encourage participation in the electoral process and the employment seeking full-time employment, October 2010 to September 2011 Electoral Commission promotes public awareness of registration. Parliamentarians and elected officials from Number (thousand) each of the political parties must also provide people Scotland *280 with compelling reasons to register and participate. 827W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 828W

Lobbying: Regulation DEFENCE

Ms Abbott: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he plans to bring forward further proposals for Afghanistan and Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations the regulation of political lobbyists in the next two years. [109242] Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many serving soldiers have sustained Mr Harper: The Government’s consultation on injuries while on active service in (a) Iraq and (b) ‘Introducing a Statutory Register of Lobbyists’ closed on Afghanistan. [108988] 20 April 2012. The Government received a wide range of responses and will publish its formal response—providing a summary of responses received and setting out the Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) regularly next steps—before the House rises for summer recess. publishes casualty statistics on its website at: This will then be followed by a White Paper and draft www.mod.uk legislation which sets out the Government’s detailed The following table summarises the figures for operations proposals, later in the Session. in Iraq and Afghanistan:

Casualties (excluding natural causes) Field hospital admissions (from 1 March 2006) Disease or non-battle injury Operational theatre Very seriously injured (VSI) Seriously injured (SI) Wounded in action (DNBI)

Iraq1 73 149 315 3,283 Afghanistan2 279 283 1,894 3,883 1 1 January 2003 to 31 July 2009 2 7 October 2001 to 30 April 2012

The personnel listed as very seriously injured or Capability Notice under the terms of the 2009 Terms of seriously injured may also appear in the UK field hospital Business Agreement; [106728] admissions. (2) on how many occasions his Department has been served a Key Industrial Capability notice by BAE Armed Forces: Health Services Systems under the terms of the 2009 Terms of Business Agreement; and what the cost was to the public purse. Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for [106729] Defence what the original (a) budget and (b) timescale was for the Army Recovery Capability project; and Peter Luff: The Terms of Business Agreement between what project performance evaluation his Department the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and BAE Systems has undertaken of the project. [108799] Surface Ships, part of BAE Systems Maritime—Naval Ships (BAES MNS), requires the company to notify the Mr Robathan: At the launch of the Army Recovery Department, at the earliest time practicable of an impending Capability (ARC) in February 2010, the Ministry of work load shortfall. Defence committed to investing approximately £30 million The MOD and the company maintain a continuous over four years to the delivery of the capability. dialogue on the current and future warship-building The original estimated time scale for full operating and support work load, which has so far minimised the capability was 1 April 2012. However, as a result of need to activate the formal process. To date, there has delivering much broader improvements to our care of been one occasion when BAES MNS served the MOD all wounded, injured and sick across the Army, it is now with a Key Industrial Capability (KIC) Trigger Event estimated that full operating capability will be achieved Notice. This event related to a shortfall in ship support by 1 April 2013. In line with this enhanced capability, work load. the MOD contribution to the ARC has increased to The company has served one payment notice resulting approximately £162 million over the next 10 years. from this KIC Trigger Event. This claim for payment, Project performance of the ARC is monitored through relating to the same shortfall in surface ship support a number of governance structures reporting up to the work load, is currently being assessed by the Department. Defence Recovery Steering Group, which includes key As such, no payment has been made in respect of this stakeholders from across Defence and Charitable Partner notice. Organisations. The steering group considers all aspects of the project development as well as current operations Bomb Disposal within the recovery pathway. A formal post-project evaluation will be completed in summer 2013, three Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for months after achievement of full operating capability. Defence (1) on how many occasions ammunition technical officers were called to viable explosive devices in (a) BAE Systems 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, (d) 2011 and (e) 2012; [109388] Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what the average response time was to bomb Defence (1) on how many occasions BAE Systems has incidents by ammunition technical officers in (a) 2009, written to his Department to notify it of an (a) Key (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) 2012; and if he will make a Industrial Capability Trigger Event and (b) Key Industrial statement. [109419] 829W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 830W

Nick Harvey: The number of call-outs by ammunition I meet regularly with the Secretary of State for Northern technical officers to viable explosive devices across the Ireland to discuss various issues related to terrorism in United Kingdom is shown in the following table. Viable Northern Ireland. These discussions include the deployment devices are defined as those which contain the relevant of Ammunition Technical Officers. components and are built in a manner which suggests that they would have successfully detonated prior to Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Explosive Ordnance Device team action. The figures Defence (1) what recent assessment he has made of the are rounded to the nearest 10. speed and coverage of response to bomb incidents by ammunition technical officers in Northern Ireland; and Number1 if he will make a statement; [109418]

2008 50 (2) how many times ammunition technical officers 2009 60 were called out in Northern Ireland in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, (d) 2011 and (e) 2012 to date; and if he 2010 50 will make a statement; [109420] 2011 120 2012 (at 21 May) 30 (3) how many ammunition technical officers were 1 This table does not show the total number of call-outs by ammunition deployed in Northern Ireland in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, technical officers—just those to viable devices. (c) 2011 and (d) 2012; how many he expects to be deployed in Northern Ireland in (i) 2013, (ii) 2014 and Average response times are not held centrally and (iii) 2015; and if he will make a statement. [109421] could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Nick Harvey: Response times to bomb incidents in Northern Ireland are not held centrally and could be Bomb Disposal: Northern Ireland provided only at disproportionate cost. However the Explosive Ordnance Device teams in Northern Ireland Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for have responded with great professionalism over the Defence if he will publish any memorandum of years to all requests for assistance. We will continue to understanding he has agreed with the Secretary of State support the Police Service of Northern Ireland in the for Northern Ireland on (a) resourcing and (b) deployment most operationally effective way using the defence and of the Army Bomb Disposal Team in Northern Ireland. police estate as necessary. [108843] The number of incidents to which Ammunition Technical Officers were called in Northern Ireland is shown in the Nick Harvey: There is no memorandum of understanding following table. The figures represent the total number between the Ministry of Defence and the Secretary of of times officers were called out and are rounded to the State for Northern Ireland on resourcing and deployment nearest 10. of the Army bomb disposal team in Northern Ireland. The armed forces provide specific niche Explosive Ordnance Number Disposal capabilities to the Police Service of Northern 2008 360 Ireland (PSNI) in support of the UK Government’s 2009 500 aim to reduce the risk from terrorism. This support is 2010 490 provided above and beyond normal UK military aid to 2011 450 the civil authorities arrangements and is provided free of charge to the PSNI. 2012 (at 21 May) 160 I am withholding the numbers of Ammunition Technical Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Officers deployed in Northern Ireland as its disclosure Defence what funding he allocated to the Army Bomb would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, Disposal Team in Northern Ireland in (a) 2009-10, (b) effectiveness or security of the armed forces. 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12; and what funding he plans to allocate in (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15. Defence Equipment: Scotland [108844] Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick Harvey: This information is not held in the Defence how many (a) Rangeless Airborne Instrumented format requested. However, sufficient funding will be Debriefing Systems, (b) National Communication Radio made available to ensure all standing commitments in Systems, (c) Transportable Communications Containers Northern Ireland can be met. and (d) Phoenix Unmanned Air Vehicles (i) of each equipment type and (ii) in each location are permanently based in Scotland. [109079] Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Secretary Peter Luff: The number of Rangeless Airborne of State for Northern Ireland on the deployment of Instrumented Debriefing Systems (RAIDS) permanently ammunition technical officers in Northern Ireland; and based in Scotland and their locations are provided in if he will make a statement. [109417] the following table:

Nick Harvey: Explosive Ordnance Disposal in Northern Description Location Number Ireland is provided by the armed forces to the Police RAIDS pods RAF Lossiemouth 25 Service of Northern Ireland in support of the UK RAIDS pods RAF Leuchars 23 Government’s aim to reduce the risk from terrorism. 831W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 832W

confidentiality as well as the requirement to protect the Description Location Number MOD’s position in future negotiations. RAIDS Debrief RAF Lossiemouth 3 Further assurance will be provided by the NAO audit Stations of the equipment programme, the results of which will RAIDS Debrief RAF Leuchars 2 be published and for which the NAO will have access to Stations confidential, detailed information on the equipment plan. Information relating to the number and locations of National Communication Radio Systems and Transportable Communication Containers is being withheld for the Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for purpose of safeguarding national security. Defence with reference to his Department’s press notice of 14 May 2012, which programmes make up The Phoenix Unmanned Air Vehicle is no longer in the committed core equipment programme that service. amounts to £160 billion; and what the (a) length of the programme’s life cycle and (b) cost over the duration Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for of the programme’s life cycle is for each programme. Defence (1) how many (a) High Mobility Maintenance [109468] Trailers, (b) HIPPO Beach Recovery Vehicles, (c) Armoured Repair and Recover Vehicles (d) Bulldozers, Peter Luff: The Core Equipment Programme is worth (e) Mobile Crane Ton Vehicles and (f) Reconnaissance around £152 billion over the next decade, including a Vehicles (i) of each equipment type and (ii) in each contingency of around £4 billion. An additional £8 location are permanently based in Scotland; [109080] billion is held as unallocated provision. The core equipment (2) how many (a) Mineplough Trucks, (b) Combat programme, together with the £8 billion of unallocated Engineer Tractors, (c) Dump Trucks, (d) Wheeled provision, will fund the capabilities that we require to Earthmoving Equipment and (e) Vehicle Launched deliver Future Force 2020 as set out in the strategic Tracked Scatterable Mine Systems are permanently based defence and security review. These include all of the in Scotland (i) of each equipment type and (ii) in each capabilities announced by the Secretary of State for location. [109081] Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), in his statement of 14 Peter Luff: The only vehicles listed in the questions May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-64, as well as that are permanently based in Scotland are reconnaissance those announced by the then Secretary of State for vehicles. There are eight tracked reconnaissance vehicles Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North with four based at Ayr and four based at Fife. There is Somerset (Dr Fox), on 18 July 2011, Official Report, also one wheeled reconnaissance vehicle, based at columns 66-70WS. Midlothian. Details of major programmes’ through-life cost and The combat engineer tractors and the vehicle launched timescales are released in the annual Major Projects tracked scatterable mine system both left service in Report. We also intend to publish a summary of the 2007. Equipment Programme which is expected to include more detail than has previously been made public. Defence: Procurement However some elements of the defence budget are security-sensitive and others are commercially sensitive. As such, it would not be appropriate to provide full Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for details of every project in the core programme. Defence when he expects the National Audit Office to review his Department’s equipment plan; and when he Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for expects to publish this review. [109374] Defence pursuant to the oral statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, column 263, on Defence budget Peter Luff: We are already working closely with the and transformation, what level of risk is built in to each National Audit Office (NAO) on the detail of their equipment programme budgeted for. [109483] review of the equipment plan. I expect that the review will be published in the autumn but this is primarily a Peter Luff: All projects within the Ministry of Defence’s matter for the NAO to determine. equipment programmes are subject to a comprehensive risk assessment prior to approval. The approved budget Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for represents the most likely outturn, once risk is taken Defence pursuant to the oral statement of 14 May into account. 2012, Official Report, column 264, on defence budget and transformation, if he will ensure that the summary In addition, for the first time, the equipment programme of the equipment plan he plans to publish includes contains a contingency provision worth around £4 billion per-programme costs. [109463] over the next decade. This provision will ensure that we are better able to manage risks within major projects Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence already publishes without incurring knock-on effects on the wider programme. detailed information on the cost of its major equipment procurement programmes through the National Audit Hovercraft Office’s (NAO) annual Major Projects Report. The published summary of the equipment programme Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for is expected to include more detail than has previously Defence how many (a) Griffon 2000TD and (b) Griffon been made public, but will take due account of the 2400TD hovercraft are in service at each location; and if requirement to protect both security and commercial he will estimate their unit cost. [109084] 833W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 834W

Peter Luff: The only Ministry of Defence unit that Mr Vaizey: Fixed and wireless broadband technologies has Griffon 2400TD Hovercraft is 539 Assault Squadron are eligible for public funding from Broadband Delivery Royal Marines, which has four of these craft. Three are UK, subject to the requirements of the EU state aid currently held at the unit at Royal Marines Turnchapel rules. in Plymouth and one is at Griffon Hoverworks in Southampton for maintenance. The 2000TD are no Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for longer in service with the MOD. I am withholding the Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether funding information about costs as its disclosure would prejudice for rural broadband from BDUK and Worcestershire commercial interests. county council is subject to the rules on state aid. Iraq [109382]

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Vaizey: All public subsidy for broadband projects, Defence how many pieces of Iraqi military equipment including from BDUK and Worcestershire county council, were destroyed using depleted uranium ammunition by will be subject to the rules on state aid. Coalition forces in the 2003 Iraq war; and how many of these (a) have been made inaccessible to civilians and Broadband: Rural Areas (b) remain in urban areas. [107733] Nick Harvey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I Sir Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for gave on 27 March 2012, Official Report, column 1053W. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much of the There is no record of the quantity of Iraqi military original funding for the Rural Community Broadband equipment destroyed using depleted uranium (DU) Fund (RCBF) will be allocated through round 1; whether ammunition by UK armed forces. This is because there any remaining funds from round 1 will be carried over is no requirement for, and no central records are held of, to be allocated under round 2; and whether any additional military equipment destroyed by UK armed forces beyond funds will be added to the RCBF for allocation under that for necessary operational analysis. round 2. [109100] In the UK area of operations, the practice was for destroyed, broken down and abandoned equipment to Mr Vaizey: The £20 million Rural Community be secured at the Al Basrah International and Shaibah Broadband Fund, jointly funded by BDUK and DEFRA, airfields. Control of this equipment and of any that enables the funding of superfast broadband projects in may remain elsewhere is the responsibility of the the most hard to reach areas in England. Although the Government of Iraq. Details relating to other coalition fund is competitive, no money has specifically been forces are matters for them alone. allocated to each round under the fund and no funds have yet been committed to projects. Our own reports and scientific consensus conclude that DU intakes are only likely to be a concern for people For each round, applicants are invited to submit an in or on vehicles at the time they are struck by DU Expression of Interest to ensure that their project broadly munitions or for those who enter immediately afterwards. meets with the criteria of the Fund. Successful applicants are then invited to submit a more detailed full application Type 26 Frigates and business plan upon which funding decisions will be made. 39 Expressions of Interest were received in response Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for to the first round, of which 16 were endorsed with Defence pursuant to his oral answer of 14 May 2012, conditions at the end of March to proceed to the full Official Report, column 272, whether the proposal for application stage. The endorsed Expressions of Interest 19 frigates and destroyers includes a programme for the had a cumulative grant value of just under £5 million. construction of 13 Type-26 frigates; in what year each No funding will be committed to a project until a full Type-26 frigate is scheduled to enter service; and where application has been received, appraised, and approved. the Type-26 frigates will be base-ported. [108362] Money allocated under the fund remains at £20 million. Peter Luff: I can confirm that the Ministry of Defence’s current planning assumption is for the construction of Communication 13 Type 26 Global Combat Ships (GCS). The Type 26 GCS programme is in its Assessment Phase, with the Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for results of this phase expected by the middle of this Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he expects decade. As usual with equipment projects, the In Service to publish his Department’s Communications Green Date will not be set until the Main Gate investment Paper. [109353] decision has been taken. No decision has been made on the base porting of the Type 26 GCS. Mr Vaizey: No decisions on the timing of the Green Paper have been made. The Communications Review CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT remains on course and, subject to the legislative programme, the Government hope to introduce new legislation before Broadband the end of this Parliament. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether the (a) Digital Broadcasting Rural Community Broadband Fund and (b) Broadband Delivery UK superfast broadband fund may be used to Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State fund broadband networks based on wireless as well as for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will have wired technologies. [109352] discussions with Digital UK on including in the 835W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 836W awareness campaign for digital switchover in Northern worm and others. The community directed intervention Ireland additional televisions in the homes of elderly approach used in tackling many of the neglected tropical people. [109222] diseases, including onchocerciasis, can increase the community’s awareness of public health issues including Mr Vaizey: Digital UK’s awareness campaign highlights water and sanitation. the need to make provisions for main and additional Cost savings on integrated programmes have been televisions in the home in preparation for switchover. estimated at 26-47% compared to non-integrated The Help Scheme has contacted everyone eligible under programmes and the benefits of adding WaSH interventions the Scheme, which includes people aged 75 and over, to will be considerable both in all our neglected tropical offer practical support in advance of switchover in disease programmes. Northern Ireland. Members: Correspondence Overseas Aid

Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Olympics, Media and Sport when he plans to respond International Development what programmes or projects to the letters from the hon. Member for Basildon and his Department is funding to strengthen the capacity of Billericay of 12 March and 19 April 2012 regarding a public sector audit, revenue collection or financial constituent, Mrs M Lee. [109227] managements systems in developing countries; what countries are supported; what the goals are of each John Penrose: The Department has no record of project; how much funding his Department has provided receiving the letters referred to. Copies of the letters in each case; what the start and end date is in each case; have been requested from the office of my hon. Friend and what contractors or other bodies are providing the Member for Basildon and Billericay. assistance. [108633]

Public Sector Mr O’Brien: Most of the DFID’s country offices are involved in helping to strengthen some aspect of public Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for financial management. Larger projects include those in Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many new Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ghana and Nigeria. In Rwanda public sector mutuals were created or spun-off by his and Sierra Leone we have projects specifically supporting Department in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he the supreme audit institution. The countries which we will make a statement. [108910] are helping with revenue include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, various states in India, John Penrose: No new public sector mutuals have Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, been created or spun-off by the Department for Culture, Tanzania and Zambia. Media and Sport in 2010-11 or 2011-12. As part of its evidence paper to the International Development Committee for its inquiry into Tax in Developing Countries, DFID prepared an analysis of INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT tax related project spending over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11. A schedule listing projects which are still in Developing Countries: Water progress will be placed in the Library. It shows for each the benefitting country, overall project goal, overall Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for budget and percentage that relates to tax and the spend International Development if he will assess the likely to date. Information on the contractors or other bodies outcomes of integrating efforts on clean water and involved in providing the assistance is also given. Some sanitation with efforts to tackle (a) trachoma and (b) funding is, in whole or in part, financial aid, which is onchocerciasis and (c) other neglected tropical diseases; funding paid to the recipient government. The contractor if he will make it his policy that the implementation of information relates only to the non-financial aid element his Department’s commitment on water and sanitation of the project. This means it concerns the main is integrated with efforts to tackle neglected tropical organisations contracted by DFID, rather than diseases; and if he will make a statement. [108863] organisations which may be contracted by the recipient government. Mr O’Brien: The UK has prioritised funding of It has not been possible to provide similar information neglected tropical diseases. This includes funding for a for projects relating to public audit and other aspects of joint mapping of trachoma and other neglected tropical public financial management, as to do so would incur diseases in relation to the availability of water, sanitation excessive staff time and therefore cost. and hygiene (WaSH) in the affected countries. Following on from the mapping, we will also be funding a Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for comprehensive approach to tackling the global problem International Development how much his Department of blinding trachoma, which includes facial cleanliness gave to (a) India, (b) Pakistan and (c) Saint Vincent and environmental improvements. A recent review and the Grenadines in 2011; whether any such funding supported by DFID showed that ending open defecation had a designated purpose; and what those purposes is one of the most efficient ways to reduce trachoma were. [109270] transmission. Water and sanitation is not only integrated into our trachoma programmes, improvements in water Mr Andrew Mitchell: In 2010-11, the Department for and sanitation also have an impact in reducing transmission International Development (DFID) gave no bilateral of schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted-helminths, guinea aid to St Vincent and the Grenadines. 837W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 838W

UK aid to Pakistan is focused on ensuring stability various stakeholders in August and September 2010 and prosperity for Pakistan and the region. In 2010-11 and consulted key interested parties, including the police, DFID invested £203 million to help Pakistan. We are on the proposed framework agreement as part of the on track to: get 4 million children into school; help over procurement process and received a wide range of views 1.2 million people—more than half of these Women— in response. Now that the framework agreement has access credit; support 500,000 couples to access family been implemented the Ministry continues to receive, planning; and provide practical job training to tens of consider and respond to correspondence from interested thousands of people. parties and groups. In India, where we are walking the last mile, DFID In accordance with our obligations under the Equality invested £279 million of aid and support. We are on Act 2010 the Department and Ministers had due regard track to: give 3 million poor people (2.1 million of them to the public sector equality duty before making changes women) access to credit, insurance and savings; help to interpretation services and published a full equality over 400,000 mothers deliver babies more safely; reach impact assessment. Following this, the Ministry has not 3.9 million children with nutrition programmes; and received any requests for meetings with ethnic minority support over 800,000 children to enrol in secondary school groups. and 1.5 million children to enrol in primary school. Criminal Injuries Compensation Our programme is now concentrated in three of the power states; up to half now focus on the role of the private sector in poverty alleviation. Ben Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many awards under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme were reduced on the basis of applicants’ unspent criminal convictions in (a) 2008-09, JUSTICE (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12. [109262] Alternatives to Prison: Greater Manchester Mr Djanogly: The figures are given in the following table. The current (2008) compensation scheme says claims Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for officers must refuse or reduce compensation where the Justice when he expects to publish an evaluation of the applicant has unspent convictions unless there are Manchester Intensive Alternative to Custody project. exceptional reasons not to do so. However, there are [109293] cases still being considered under previous schemes that didn’t make such reductions compulsory. The number Mr Blunt: I refer the right hon. Member to the of awards paid to those with unspent convictions is answer I gave the right hon. Member for Tottenham therefore likely to be higher. (Mr Lammy) on 16 May 2012, Official Report, column 173W. Financial year Number of awards reduced

Children: Protection 2008-09 1,952 2009-10 2,837 Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if 2010-11 3,604 he will assess and respond to Action for Children’s 2011-12 2,775 report entitled Keeping children safe: The case for reforming the law on child neglect; and if he will make Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice a statement. [109037] how many of those injured in the 7 July 2005 London bombings are awaiting a final settlement from the Criminal Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice has noted the Injuries Compensation Board; what the reasons are for content of the report. There are no present plans to the time taken to make a final settlement; and if he will amend the law in this area. make a statement. [109286] To supplement this information, I refer the hon. Member to the written answer given by the Under-Secretary Mr Djanogly: The Criminal Injuries Compensation of State for Education, my hon. Friend the Member for Authority (CICA) is still investigating one case, which East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton), on 23 they first received last year. This claim was originally May 2012, Official Report, column 740W. refused as being out of time, but the Tribunal Service has determined that the two year time limit for making Courts: Translation Services a claim should be waived. Three other applicants have outstanding appeals with the Tribunals Service having Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State disagreed with CICA’s assessment of how much for Justice (1) what meetings he has had with representatives compensation should be paid. These cases have not of court interpreters on changes to funding of interpretation been finalised due to difficulties in getting definitive services; [109366] medical prognoses and proof of other resultant losses. (2) what meetings he has had with representatives of CICA have paid all three people interim awards. (a) ethnic minorities and (b) the police on changes to funding for court interpreters. [109367] Meetings

Mr Blunt: The Secretary of State for Justice has not Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice met with representative interpreter groups however the on what dates (a) he, (b) Ministers and (c) senior Ministry sought interpreters’ views on the industry officials in his Department have met representatives of during a series of four road shows during late 2009; met (i) the Institute for Public Policy Research, (ii) the 839W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 840W

Taxpayers’ Alliance, (iii) the Institute of Economic TREASURY Affairs, (iv) ResPublica, (v) the Centre for Social Justice and (vi) Policy Exchange; and if he will publish the minutes and agendas of these meetings. [108966] Banks

Mr Kenneth Clarke: Ministry of Justice Ministers Steve Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer hold meetings with a wide variety of stakeholders as what recent assessment he has made of the potential part of the process of policy development and delivery. risks to the investments made from the public purse in It is not the Government’s practice to provide all details financial institutions. [109702] of such meetings. However, the Ministry of Justice publishes quarterly Mr Hoban: As set out in HM Treasury’s latest set of meetings between Ministers and external organisations published accounts, a total of £124 billion of cash had as well as meetings between permanent secretaries and been invested in financial interventions up to March external organisations. This can be found at: 2011. The scale of support has already started to decrease http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/corporate-reports rapidly and is expected to continue to do so. The next return is due to be published soon. The final cost to the taxpayer will only be known once all of the interventions have been exited. However, The Ministry of Justice does not centrally record the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) published meetings attended by senior officials in the department. an updated estimate of the direct fiscal cost of financial To collate this information would exceed the cost limit sector interventions as part of its March 2012 Economic for answering parliamentary questions. and Fiscal Outlook, estimating the eventual loss to the taxpayer to be £14.3 billion. Proceeds of Crime

British Sky Broadcasting: News Corporation Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 14 May 2012, Official Report, column 13W, on electronic tagging; for what Mr Winnick: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer reasons detailed assessment of the Community what discussions he had regarding the bid by News Cashback Scheme was not undertaken. [109104] Corporation for BSkyB at the meeting with Rebekah Brooks on 13 December 2010; and if he will make a statement. [107882] Mr Blunt: “Community Cashback” was a one-off scheme launched by the previous Administration in June 2009 to distribute recovered criminal assets to Miss Chloe Smith [holding answer 17 May 2012]: local areas to be reinvested for the benefit of their Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a communities during the financial year 2009-10. wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development In 2010 this Government took the decision not to run and delivery. any further rounds of Community Cashback funding, The Treasury publishes a list of ministerial meetings and has no plans to commit resources to evaluating a with external organisations, available at: scheme which we have no plans to repeat. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/minister_hospitality.htm We plan to raise up to an additional £50 million from offenders through extending the Victim Surcharge and other financial penalties, on top of the £66 million that Child Tax Credit central Government already spends on victim’s services. It is intended that this additional funding will be used for services which help to support victims of crime. Helen Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people in Warrington North constituency are in receipt of the disability element of child tax Young Offenders: Greater Manchester credit; [106703] (2) how many people in Warrington North constituency Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for are in receipt of the severe disability element of child Justice what assessment he has made of the reasons for tax credit. [106704] the reduction in the number of young adults from Manchester held in young offender institutions since Mr Gauke [holding answer 14 May 2012]: The May 2009; and if he will make a statement. [109292] information is as follows: Number of in-work families receiving the disabled child element of Mr Blunt: The Government welcomes the reduction Child Tax Credit in Warrington North as at 1 April 2012 in the number of young adults from Manchester that Number (thousand) are being held in young offender institutions. Across the country we are working to achieve improved outcomes Disabled child element 0.2 for all young adults through a range of policies and operational practice developments currently being taken The number of families receiving the severely disabled forward. This includes diversion away from custody, child element in Warrington North is not available, and where appropriate, and tough and coordinated rehabilitation no estimates for out-of-work families receiving the disabled activity requiring offenders to face and tackle the problems child elements are available as out-of-work statistics which cause their offending. include households administered by DWP. 841W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 842W

Civil Servants: Pay The document ‘Overview of tax legislation and rates’, published alongside Budget 2012, collects together in Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer one place the TIINs for tax measures which will be what estimate he has made of the number of senior staff legislated for in Finance Bill 2012. This document can in each (a) government department, (b) executive agency be found online at: and (c) non-departmental public body who are paid by http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2012/ootlar.htm means of payments to a limited company in lieu of a salary; and if he will make a statement. [109291] Financial Services

Danny Alexander: On 23 May, I announced the findings John Glen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the “Review of the tax arrangements of public sector (1) what assessment he has made of the effect of the appointees”. This set out the extent of senior off payroll Retail Distribution Review on the transparency of costs engagements across Government—including those paid via and the level of overall charges for investment products; personal service companies—and made recommendations [108830] to ensure that, in future Government employers are able (2) what assessment he had made of the effect of to assure themselves that their senior off payroll staff excluding dealing costs, platform charges, and initial are meeting their tax obligations. charges from the (a) total expense ratio and (b) ongoing This review, and links to the data provided by charge; [108832] Departments to the review are available on the Treasury, (3) what discussions he has had with the FSA on website at: measures designed to tackle hidden costs and charges www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/tax_pay_appointees_review.htm for savings, private pensions and investment products. [108833] Complaints Mr Hoban: The FSA’s Retail Distribution Review is Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer examining the transparency and fairness of fees and how many complaints about the work of his Department charges across the financial advice landscape and will and each of its agencies and non-departmental public move the industry towards a transparent distribution bodies were received in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and charge. Firms that provide advice will be paid by charges if he will make a statement. [108951] that are set out up-front and agreed with their clients, rather than by commissions set by product providers to Miss Chloe Smith: The number of complaints received secure distribution of their products. The cost of advice by the Treasury including its agencies and non-departmental will be listed separately from any platform costs and the public bodies was as follows: costs associated with fund management. (a) one in 2010-11; and The FSA has consulted extensively on the RDR since (b) 382 in 2011-12. 2006 and, in accordance with the Financial Services 381 of the complaints in 2011-12 refer to the work of and Markets Act 2000, has published cost-benefit analyses the Equitable Life Payments Scheme. This represents of the proposals. These are available on the FSA’s less than 0.2% of all payments made to policyholders as website: at 31 March 2012. The remaining two complaints (in http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/About/What/rdr/index.shtml 2010-11 and 2011-12) refer to the work of the Office of The Chancellor of the Exchequer has regular meetings Tax Simplification. with the FSA at which a range of issues are discussed. Disadvantaged Income Tax

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to commission an Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of independent assessment of the effect of the 2012 and low earners who will not pay income tax in 2012-13 as a future budgets on the most vulnerable in society. result of the measures he proposes to introduce. [108989] [109368] Mr Gauke: The 2011 Budget announced a £630 cash Miss Chloe Smith: The Treasury is responsible for increase in the personal allowance for under 65s to taking due regard of the equalities impact of the Budget. £8,105 in 2012-13 (£240 above expected RPI indexation), In line with its statutory obligations, HM Treasury with an equivalent reduction in the basic rate limit to considers the impact of policy measures on groups with leave the higher rate threshold unchanged. protected characteristics as part of the policy development As a result of these measures, the Government estimated process and has taken unprecedented steps to increase that in 2012-13 260,000 of the lowest income taxpayers transparency and enable effective scrutiny of policy will be removed from tax altogether. Information at making by publishing detailed distributional analysis of Government office region is provided in the following the impact of its reforms on households. table: In addition, and consistent with steps taken by the Government to increase transparency and enable the Number taken out of income tax effective scrutiny of policy making, the Treasury publishes, Government office region (thousand) jointly with HMRC, tax information and impact notes North East 10 (TIINs) for individual tax measures. These TIINs set North West and Merseyside 28 out the expected impacts of individual measures, including Yorkshire and the Humber 26 the impacts on individuals and households. 843W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 844W

Miss Chloe Smith: No items of equipment valued at Number taken out of income tax Government office region (thousand) £10,000 or more have been reported as being lost from the Treasury in 2010-11 or 2011-12. East Midlands 18 West Midlands 25 Manpower East of England 25 London 30 South East 32 Mr Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the South West 24 Exchequer how many full-time equivalent employees Wales 10 have (a) left and (b) been recruited to his Department Scotland 21 in the last two years. [108171] Northern Ireland 9 Address abroad / unknown 3 Miss Chloe Smith: The following table shows HM All 260 Treasury’s full-time equivalent (FTE) leavers and joiners (excluding students) from 1 April 2010 to 31 March These estimates are based on the 2007-08 Survey of 2012. The figures exclude departmental staff who are Personal Incomes, projected to 2012-13 using economic not on the payroll owing to loans, secondments and assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget special leave. Responsibility’s March 2011 economic and fiscal outlook. Reliable estimates are not available at parliamentary HM Treasury April 2010 to March 2012 constituency level, due to greater uncertainties in projections Joiners 465 for small geographical areas and small sample sizes. Permanent leavers 574 The 2012 Budget announced a £1,100 cash increase in the personal allowance for under 65s to £9,205 in Joiners include new recruits to the civil service (including 2013-14, £850 above expected RPI indexation, and those through the civil service fast streams); people representing the largest increase in the level of the transferring from other Government Departments; and personal allowance in both cash and real terms for the loans in from other Government Departments. last 30 years. The Government is committed to supporting Permanent leavers include people at the end of loans lower and middle income earners by raising the personal or secondments; resignations; permanent transfers; end allowance to £10,000, and removing the lowest income of fixed term contracts; retirement; and voluntary early individuals out of income tax. Decisions on future severance. changes in the personal allowance will be taken as part of the annual Budget process in the context of the wider Meetings public finances. Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Chancellor of the on what dates (a) he, (b) Ministers and (c) senior Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the officials in his Department have met representatives of number of workers in (a) Pendle, (b) Lancashire and (i) the Institute for Public Policy Research, (ii) the (c) the north-west who will be affected by the increase Taxpayers’ Alliance, (iii) the Institute of Economic in the personal allowance. [109066] Affairs, (iv) the Child Poverty Action Group, (v) ResPublica, (vi) the Centre for Social Justice and (vii) Mr Gauke: The 2012 Budget announced a £1,100 Policy Exchange; and if he will publish the minutes and cash increase in the personal, allowance for under 65s to agendas of these meetings. [108962] £9,205 in 2013-14, £850 above expected RPI indexation, and representing the largest increase in the level of the Miss Chloe Smith: Treasury Ministers and officials personal allowance in both cash and real terms for the have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in last 30 years. the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As a result of this change, the Government estimates Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings that in the north-west and Merseyside, 2.57 million with external organisations on departmental business taxpayers in total will benefit, 95 thousand will be taken are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: out of tax altogether and 149,000 taxpayers with income above £41,450 will pay more. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/minister_hospitality.htm Details of officials’ meetings with external organisations These estimates are based on the 2009-10 Survey of are not held centrally and it would entail disproportionate Personal Incomes, projected to 2013-14 using economic cost to collate this information. assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March 2012 economic and fiscal outlook. Operating Costs Reliable estimates are not available at the local authority and parliamentary constituency levels due to greater Mr Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the uncertainties in making projections for small geographical Exchequer how much was spent on the administration areas. of his Department in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. [109845] Lost Property Miss Chloe Smith: Details of spending on administration Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer costs in 2009-10 and 2010-11 are shown in the Treasury’s how many items of equipment valued at £10,000 or annual report and accounts for 2010-11, available online more his Department lost in (a) 2010-11 and (b) at: 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [108936] www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/dep_perf_reports_index.htm 845W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 846W

Details of 2011-12 administration spending will be the activities the Fund supported. These papers are shown in the 2011 -12 annual report and accounts available on the HM Treasury website: which will published before the summer recess. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/fin_consumer_fininclusion _taskforce_research.htm Personal Savings Public Sector John Glen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to increase consumer confidence Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many new public sector mutuals were created or in savings for retirement. [108831] spun-off by his Department in (a) 2010-11 and (b) Mr Hoban: The Government has taken a number of 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [108918] steps to give consumers confidence in saving for retirement, including: promoting choice by removing the effective Miss Chloe Smith: None. requirement to annuitise at age 75; introducing automatic Revenue and Customs enrolment of eligible employees into a minimum quality workplace pension scheme from October 2012; and working with industry and consumer groups to establish Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the a ’default’ open market option. Exchequer what estimate he has made of the revenue which will accrue to HM Revenue and Customs from The Government has also taken steps to give consumers the costs incurred by callers to the HM Revenue and confidence in the wider savings market by introducing a Customs helplines. [109358] Junior ISA; introducing the Money Advice Service; announcing at Budget 2012 that the Government will work with industry to improve competitiveness and Mr Gauke: I would refer the hon. Member to the transparency in the ISA market; and indexing ISA answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for contribution limits to inflation. The Government has Shipley (Philip Davies) on 6 July 2011, Official Report, also asked an independent Steering Group to devise a column 185W,and to the answer that I gave to her on 17 suite of simple financial products which are straightforward May 2012, Official Report, column 301W. and easy to understand. Royal Bank of Scotland The Government is also setting up the new Financial Conduct Authority as a single, dedicated conduct regulator Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Chancellor of the that will intervene more proactively and decisively to Exchequer whether he has made representations to the police the conduct of financial services firms, prevent Royal Bank of Scotland on reviewing its financial consumer detriment, and secure better outcomes for complaints procedures for small and medium-sized consumers. The FCA will also be a more open and enterprises. [109225] transparent organisation so that consumers can see what the regulator is doing to ensure that markets Mr Hoban: The Chancellor of the Exchequer meets function well, and hold it to account. senior members of UK banking institutions on a range of issues. It is not the Government’s practice to provide Public Expenditure details of all such meetings and discussions. The Government’s shareholding in the Royal Bank Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer of Scotland is managed on a commercial and arm’s what activities the (a) Financial Inclusion Fund and length basis by UK Financial Investments Ltd (UKFI), (b) Growth Fund have supported in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) a company which is wholly owned by the Government. 2011-12; what the monetary value was of each project; UKFI’s role is to manage the investment not to manage and if he will make a statement. [108814] the bank—the bank retains its own independent board and management team to manage itself commercially Mr Hoban: “Financial inclusion: an action plan for without interference from shareholders. 2008 to 2011” announced how the £130 million funding for the Financial Inclusion Fund would be spent and is Tax Allowances: Pensions available on the HM Treasury website: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ Mr Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer financialinclusion_actionplan 061207.pdf what the cost was of tax relief on employee and employer Total allocations for projects from the Fund in 2010-11 contributions to personal pension schemes in each of were set at £43.547 million. The Financial Inclusion the last 30 years; how many employees in each tax band Fund was closed on 31 March 2011. made contributions to a personal pension in each year; The Financial Inclusion Growth Fund was a project and what the average costs were. [108103] funded by the Financial Inclusion Fund which was delivered by the Department of Work and Pensions. In Mr Hoban: Estimates of the tax cost of personal the period 2008 to 2011, the project received £38 million pensions since 2001-02 can be found in Table PEN6 on from the Financial Inclusion Fund and a further £18.75 the HMRC website at the following link: million investment from the Department of Work and http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/pensions/pen6.xls Pensions in 2009. The available information for prior years was published The Financial Inclusion Taskforce commissioned and by HMRC in Inland Revenue Statistics, most recently in published evaluations of the Financial Inclusion Growth Table 7.7, copies of which are available in the House of Fund in December 2010 and April 2011 which detail Commons Library. 847W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 848W

Published estimates are not available regarding the Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer numbers of employees in each tax band making (1) what assessment he has made of the effect of charging contributions to a personal pension scheme or of the VAT on freshly baked goods on pound bakeries in the corresponding average tax costs. north of England and their employees; [109207] Tax Avoidance (2) when his Department plans to report on its consultation on the effects of charging VAT on freshly baked goods; [109208] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to (3) what estimate he has made of the cost to bakeries minimise tax avoidance. [108878] of changing their tills in order to respond to the proposals in the budget to charge VAT on freshly baked Mr Gauke: The Government are committed to tackling goods. [109209] tax avoidance and has demonstrated that they will act swiftly to change the law to protect the public finances Mr Gauke: The impacts are set out in Annex B—Table and maintain fairness in the tax system. of Impact for Individual Measures—of the HM Revenue Anti-avoidance measures announced in the 2012 Budget and Customs consultation document ‘VAT: Addressing will yield over £1 billion and protect over £10 billion in borderline anomalies’, published in Budget 2012: future revenues over the next five years, including a http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2012/vat-con-4801.pdf package of measures to tackle stamp duty land tax The consultation closed on 18 May. HM Revenue (SDLT) avoidance. The Budget also announced a and Customs is now analysing the responses and a consultation on a general anti-abuse rule in summer response document will be published before legislation 2012 with a view to bringing forward legislation in is laid before Parliament in the summer. Finance Bill 2013. The Government’s commitment has been underlined VAT: Listed Buildings by their reinvestment of £917 million in HMRC, which will enable it to better tackle tax avoidance, evasion and Caroline Flint: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer organised crime over the spending review period. This (1) if he will provide grants to charities and community investment will transform HMRC’s compliance activities organisations based in listed buildings to compensate across the board and bring in additional revenues of £7 them for the extra expenditure they will incur under his billion a year by 2014-15 on top of the £13 billion proposals to charge VAT on alterations to such buildings; additional revenues to which HMRC is already committed. [108806] VAT (2) if he will develop plans to provide support for (a) community organisations and (b) charities based in listed buildings which will be required to pay 20% VAT Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on alterations to their buildings. [109703] what assessment he has made of the likely cost to the Exchequer of his proposals on VAT levied on private Mr Gauke: Charities which own listed places of worship universities; and if he will make a statement. [106750] will receive such compensation for them. Listed places Mr Gauke [holding answer 14 May 2012]: No estimate of worship were already eligible for grants towards the has been made. VAT cost of repairs and maintenance through the Listed Places of Worship grant scheme. It is logical to extend Caroline Flint: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer this grant scheme to alterations, when the VAT treatment what assessment he has made of the effect of his proposals of alterations and repairs is put on the same footing. to charge VAT on alterations to listed buildings on the ability of churches and community organisations to install energy efficiency measures. [108805] ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Mr Gauke: No specific assessment has been made. After the VAT change on alterations to listed buildings Agriculture comes into effect, the scope of the Listed Places of Worship Grant scheme will be extended so that it covers Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for alterations as well as repairs, and the funding for this Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her scheme will be increased by £30 million a year. The Department is taking to protect and promote the Government is working with the Church of England, agricultural industry in the West Midlands. [108411] other faith groups and heritage organisations on the design of the scheme. Richard Benyon: The Rural Development Programme for England (2007-13) is a socio-economic investment Mrs Moon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer programme offering a range of nationally available what representations he has received on the removal of products to protect and promote the agricultural industry the VAT exemption for the sale of holiday homes; and across England, in response to the priorities identified if he will make a statement. [109024] in the Rural Economy Growth Review, including: Mr Gauke: Since the Budget the Chancellor of the Up to £20 million for the Farm and Forestry Improvement Scheme—providing small grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 Exchequer has been holding a consultation on a range to enable the development of farm, forestry, and horticulture of VAT anomalies, including static holiday caravans. businesses. To date, DEFRA has received circa 200 applications The consultation concluded on 1.8th May. We will set from businesses in the West Midlands (second highest of any out our response to the consultation in due course. region), approving 175. 849W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 850W

Up to £60 million for the Rural Economy Grant—providing of voluntary approaches and the wider provision of large grants of over £25,000 up to circa £1 million (no set upper advice and incentives to farmers following commitments cap) to enable the transformational change in the economic in the 2011 Natural Environment White Paper. performance of farm, forestry, tourism, and agri-food businesses. In the first application window, DEFRA has received 168 outline Animal Feed applications from businesses in the West Midlands (again the second highest of any region). Up to £20 million for a Skills and Knowledge Transfer Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State programme—training providers are currently being procured, for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will with the programme due to commence in the autumn 2012. commission research to consider the opportunities and However, through an existing West Midlands land skills training risks arising from using food waste to feed livestock. programme 7,000 beneficiaries have attended over 8,000 training [108515] days in the last three years. Up to £20 million Rural Community Broadband Fund (funded Mr Paice: DEFRA is currently conducting a review jointly by DEFRA and DCMS)—providing grant support to on the benefits and risks of using food waste in animal enable communities (including the agricultural industry) to access feed (Project FO0218). We anticipate the review concluding superfast broadband in hard to reach locations. To date four at the end of 2012. Expressions of Interest applications received from communities in the West Midlands have been selected to progress to the next Bees application stage. Mr Kennedy: To ask the Secretary of State for Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consideration for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has given to the effects of neonicotinoids her Department is taking to promote the benefits of on bee populations; and what assessment she has made new farming practices to farmers. [108514] of the effectiveness of current regulations on neonicotinoids in preserving the size of bee populations. [108648] Mr Paice: DEFRA works with several organisations, including the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Richard Benyon: Bee health is influenced by a number Board (ADHB), on projects which help farmers to of factors, particularly pests and pathogens, environmental transfer new farming research into practical solutions. impacts, nutrition, the weather and, in the case of Most DEFRA funded research includes knowledge transfer honey bees, bee husbandry. All pesticides are subject to arrangements to encourage the uptake of findings. This a risk assessment, which includes effects on bees, and includes demonstration activities, eg through East Malling are not authorised if risks are found to be unacceptable. Research, Stockbridge, Warwick HRI and other Government scientists also rigorously assess published horticultural institutes with the aim of improving farm research reports on neonicotinoid insecticides with an productivity through reduced diseases, and reduced and/or open mind. We continue to consider the implications of better targeted water and pesticide usage. all new published information, including two new studies (Henry et al and Whitehorn et al) published on 29 March, The Rural Development Programme England (RDPE) and have sought the views of the independent expert socio-economic investment Programme is in the process Advisory Committee on Pesticides. We are also carrying of setting up a new Skills and Knowledge Transfer out further research of our own. The Government will framework which will channel up to £20 million into a not hesitate to take action if the available evidence flexible and locally targetable skills training programme shows the need. to be launched in the autumn of 2012. This framework will promote the benefits of new farming practices The regulatory system for pesticides is comprehensive through targeting the business management skills, and is constantly updated to ensure that it continues to knowledge transfer, innovation and technical skills; animal protect people and the environment. For bees, new data health and welfare; and resource use efficiency. These requirements will explicitly include studies to address activities have been developed with industry input and the possible risks to bee behaviour, colony survival and aim to support the needs of the sector moving forward. development and to consider possible sub-lethal effects. RDPE funding has also supported over 40 demonstration The independent European Food Safety Authority has or “Monitor Farms” across England to demonstrate just produced a scientific opinion on the EU bee regulatory how effective use of best practice, health planning and risk assessment and will produce a new guidance document research developments can reduce costs and improve on the bee risk assessment for member states to follow performance. in authorising pesticide products. UK officials are closely involved in these developments. Since 1 January 2012, the new Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides advice on nutrient management and Biofuels: Pollution competitiveness, including new farming practices and research outputs. The new service is delivered by AEA Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Technology plc in active partnership with industry-related Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she bodies, such as AHDB and ADAS, taking advantage has to measure the (a) mortality and (b) morbidity of wherever possible of existing activities and engagement people living within a radius of (i) 0.5 miles and (ii) one with farmers. mile of biomass power stations compared with control DEFRA also supports several voluntary approaches samples. [108214] to promote the uptake of new practices (eg the Pesticides Voluntary Initiative, Campaign for the Farmed Richard Benyon: Biomass power plants with capacities Environment, and industry’s Greenhouse Gas Action above 20 MW or regulated under the waste incineration Plan). DEFRA is currently reviewing the effectiveness directive are subject to stringent emission controls in 851W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 852W their permits. We have also published our intention to Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State include emission limits for particulate matter and oxides for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what role her of nitrogen as eligibility criteria for the renewable heat Department plays in directing where and how research incentive for biomass power plants with capacities less into food production is conducted. [108520] than 20 MW. DEFRA has no plans to measure the mortality or Mr Paice: DEFRA works with other Government morbidity of people living within a radius of half or bodies, research councils, industry and the third sector one mile of biomass power stations. through several initiatives to direct and co-ordinate research into food production. This includes: Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control The development and implementation of the Government Chief Scientist’s UK Food Research and Innovation Strategy. Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for The Food Research Partnership, which aims to strengthen and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what clinical co-ordinate multi-disciplinary research on food and farming, trials her Department is supporting to investigate future directing infrastructure, skills, training and translation of research vaccine resistance in badgers. [108744] into practice. The Global Food Security Research Programme, which promotes Mr Paice: DEFRA is not supporting any clinical collaboration in research funding on food sustainability, security trials to investigate future vaccine resistance in badgers. and nutrition in light of a growing global population. The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) led Sustainable Agri-Food Our badger vaccines research programme is now Innovation Platform (SAF IP), which funds industry-led collaborative focused on the development of an effective and affordable research between research organisations and industry. DEFRA is oral vaccine, which would be more practical to deploy also working closely with the TSB on the Detection and Identification than the current injectable vaccine. This is still at the of Infectious Agents Innovation Platform to deliver research research stage and is being conducted in collaboration needs. with researchers in the Republic of Ireland and New At EU and international level, DEFRA is engaged in a number Zealand. In parallel, research at the AHVLA and Fera of initiatives to coordinate research on agriculture production is ongoing looking at the most suitable bait for the oral such as ERA NETs, to co-fund research, and leverage funding vaccine and evaluating strategies for deployment. Compared through the Framework 7 programme.(FP7). to an injectable vaccine, an oral vaccine is technically more difficult to formulate and we cannot say with any Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for certainty if and when an oral badger vaccine might be Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate available for use in the field. the carbon footprint of the UK food chain. [108525]

Food Supply Mr Paice: According to the most recently published data, the carbon footprint of the UK food chain is an Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State estimated 183 million tonnes CO2 equivalent in 2009. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) when she Source: expects to publish her proposals for the Government’s Food Statistics Pocketbook 2011 and DEFRA UK’s Carbon Green Food Project; [108517] Footprint 1990-2009: (2) if she will take steps to ensure the Government’s http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/environment/green-economy/ Green Food Project covers all aspects of food scptb01-ems/ sustainability; [108518] (3) if she will take steps to ensure the Green Good Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Project takes into account health, environmental, social for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps and economic consequences arising from the way food her Department is taking to promote innovative local is produced, sold and disposed of in the UK. [108531] food initiatives. [108529]

Mr Paice: The Green Food Project is a joint initiative Mr Paice: The marketing of regional and local food between the food and farming industry, environmental can bring benefits to both producers and consumers and consumer organisations and Government. alike and we want to encourage innovation in the sector. A steering group of senior representatives from these Recently, DEFRA and the Technology Strategy Board organisations was set up to oversee and determine the held an innovation summit to increase awareness of the direction of the project’s work. Throughout the discussions innovation support mechanisms which are available to they have debated a number of food sustainability, the food micro, small and medium-sized businesses and social, economic, environmental and health related issues. we launched a competition for SMEs to develop new techniques. The initial findings of the project will be published in July 2012. DEFRA support for local food chain initiatives in England has come mainly from the Rural Development Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Programme for England (RDPE). This funding has Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her supported initiatives including, support for local food Department spent on research into food production in marketing linked to tourism activity, individual food the last year for which figures are available. [108519] producers and retail outlets, food hubs and farmers’ markets. Support will continue to be available through Mr Paice: DEFRA spent approximately £28 million the new RDPE nationally consistent schemes. on food and farming research in 2011-12 and £30 Last September, we published the Social Enterprise million on animal health and welfare in the agricultural Action Research (SEAR) Report on Community Food sector. Enterprises. This report (co-funded by DEFRA and the 853W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 854W

Cabinet Office) confirmed that across the country there Mr Paice: DEFRA has funded life-cycle research to are a range of local food groups of different sizes and quantify the impacts of agricultural commodities, compare membership emerging, often bringing together growers, the environmental impacts of different production systems, processors and small food businesses. We welcome the assess GHG emissions from post-farm gate stages in the development of these groups and the many benefits food chain and sustainability impacts of changes towards they can bring to producers and the local community, healthier diets. DEFRA has also funded a review of particularly to support local growth, but recognise that evidence on the impacts of the food chain, which reviewed with the recent changes to the regional tier and closure the Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) data available. of RDAs, it is for local communities and local economic partnerships to decide where and how initiatives of this Food: Sustainable Development nature develop. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether (a) she, she has made of her Department’s capability to undertake (b) her Ministers and (c) officials in her Department research into sustainable food production practices. have had any recent discussions on local food initiatives [108521] with counterparts at the Department for Communities and Local Government. [108530] Mr Paice: DEFRA commissions research from its own agencies such as the Food and Environment Research Mr Paice: Ministers are frequently in discussion with Agency (FERA) and Animal Health, Veterinary colleagues at the Department of Communities and Local Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) and external contractors. Government (DCLG) regarding a range of issues, including Priority evidence needs around sustainable food production local food initiatives, particularly in the context of the practices are identified in dialogue between DEFRA’s Food Growing in Schools Task Force. In addition DEFRA agencies, evidence specialists and policy teams. officials have also had discussions within the last year with their DCLG counterparts on a number of local Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State food related initiatives including the “Communities for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will Orchards: How to Guide” which DEFRA contributed estimate the amount spent by the private sector on to and on retail markets including those which sell local sustainable food production practices in the last year food. for which figures are available. [108522]

Food: Prices Mr Paice: It is not possible to give a single estimate for money spent by the private sector on “sustainable food Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for production practices”, because levels of sustainability will Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate vary across the food and farming sectors. However we she has made of the number of foodbanks which have do collect some information about private sector investment, been established in (a) the UK and (b) Scotland in the which gives an indication of levels of expenditure. last year. [109086] For example total capital expenditure by UK farmers and food and drink manufacturers is given in the following Mr Paice: The Government has made no estimate of table. the number of foodbanks in the UK and Scotland. Capital expenditure 2010 (£ billion) Food: Production Farming1 2.2 2 Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Food Manufacturers 1.97 2 for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she Drink manufacturers 0.56 has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State Sources: 1 DEFRA, Agriculture in the UK, excludes livestock. for Business, Innovation and Skills on steps to increase 2 ONS Annual Business Survey university and college-based research into sustainable food production practices. [108512] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much Mr Paice: DEFRA is working with other Departments, her Department spent on skills training to assist in including Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), to take sustainable food production methods in the last year forward the recommendations of the Taylor review, for which figures are available. [108524] which encourages greater collaboration between the public and private sector in funding research, reinvigorating Mr Paice: The Government works with the industry applied research in agricultural science and ensuring through forums such as the Agri Skills Forum which brings more effective knowledge transfer takes place. together organisations with an interest in the development of rural and farming skills. We offer support for skills Food: Recycling and training through individual initiatives, for example: The Rural Development Programme for England provides grant funding for skills and training. In 2011 the programme Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State provided c£14 million of investment in skills and training for the for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her agriculture and forestry sectors of which a significant part will Department has undertaken any recent research into have supported sustainable food production methods skills and the life-cycle impacts of food. [108513] training. 855W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 856W

The Farming Advice Service provides information on nutrient Richard Benyon: Proposals to prohibit the sale of five management, competitiveness and climate change adaption and highly invasive plant species are currently being reviewed mitigation which give details to improve sustainable food production through the Government’s rigorous regulatory approvals methods. process. These species are already listed in schedule 9 to The Government provides a grant for the National Federation the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which is a of Young Farmer’s Clubs which is used for training and skills pre-condition for the use of powers to prohibit sale. An development. announcement will be made in due course. The food and farming industry takes the lead in investing in skills development, working with the network Rural Areas: Northumberland of Sector Skills Councils.

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Foodand Rural Affairs what recent discussions Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is she has had with (a) the Technology Strategy Board taking to encourage growth and competitiveness in and (b) the Agriculture and Horticulture Development rural farms and businesses in Northumberland. [108143] Board on research into sustainable food production practices. [108528] Richard Benyon: DEFRA works across Government ensuring measures designed to support economic growth Mr Paice: DEFRA works closely with the Technology are having proportionate and positive impacts in rural Strategy Board (TSB) as a major funder of the Sustainable areas. Agriculture and Food Innovation Platform to develop On 29 November 2011, the Government announced research calls. This includes recent calls on innovation a strong package of new measures, designed to stimulate in crop protection, sustainable protein, sustainable food sustainable growth in the rural economy and help businesses production, and food processing and manufacturing reach their full potential. The results of this include the efficiency. DEFRA and the TSB also recently held an establishment of five Rural Growth Networks in 2012-13 innovation summit to increase awareness of innovation (including one in Durham and Northumberland), and support mechanisms available to the agri-food industry. the targeting of £100 million of Rural Development DEFRA liaises regularly with the Agriculture and Programme for England funding at meeting rural economy Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) on research growth review priorities. relevant to sustainable food production. Specific activities Broadband connectivity is also vital for economic include discussions at relevant DEFRA and AHDB-sector prosperity and the Government has invested £530 million research steering committees and at individual project to support the roll out of broadband across all rural level. areas. Through the £20 million Rural Community Broadband Fund, the Government is also providing Origin Marking grant support to enable communities (including businesses) to access superfast broadband in hard to reach locations. Mr Bradshaw: Toask the Secretary of State for Environment, £150 million is also being invested in the UK to Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had improve mobile phone coverage. with her EU counterparts on extending the UK’s labelling guidelines across the EU as a whole. [108725] Water Abstraction Mr Paice: Most labelling guidelines published by Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for DEFRA (covering such topics as “sell-by” and “display- Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans until” dates) are purely intended for use within the to bring forward proposals for a new programme for United Kingdom, since discussions within the EU on the abstraction of water regime. [109266] these matters take place within the framework of the Food Information Regulation. The only exception is the Richard Benyon: Reforming the water abstraction United Kingdom’s voluntary labelling guidance for fresh regime is a complex process, which will involve changing produce, food and drink originating from the Occupied around 30,000 licences. We are working closely with Palestinian Territories. Discussions have taken place abstractors and other stakeholders to develop detailed about that guidance within the context of the Mashreq/ proposals for reform. We plan to consult on these Mahgreb European Council Working Group, during proposals in late 2013, and then legislate for change which the initiative taken by the United Kingdom provoked early in the next Parliament. Implementation of reform widespread interest. The European External Action in a phased way would begin soon after that, though it Service has called on all EU member states, as well as may take until the late 2020s to complete. the European Commission, to take appropriate steps in relation to labelling advice, and we have made it clear that the United Kingdom would be ready to provide, on request, further information about our own scheme. HEALTH Plants: Disease Control Blood: Donors Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for any plans to bring forward proposals to amend Schedule Health (1) how much his Department spent on 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to ban the advertising to encourage people to donate blood in (a) sale of certain invasive non-native plant species. [109189] 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; [109203] 857W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 858W

(2) how much has been allocated to the NHS Blood Mr Simon Burns: The following table shows how and Transplant’s Team Give Blood campaign. [109204] many complaints about the work of the Department and each of its agencies and non-departmental public Anne Milton: In 2010-11, NHS Blood and Transplant bodies were received in 2010-11 and 2011-12. (NHSBT), an arm’s-length body of the Department, These figures are for financial years (April-March): spent £2.4 million on advertising to encourage people to donate blood; in 2011-12, NHSBT spent £2.3 million How many How many on advertising. complaints were complaints were During 2012, NHSBT needs to increase blood stocks Department, agency or received in 2010- received in 2011- arm’s length body 11? 12? by 30% in preparation for the additional bank holiday and the Olympic games period, as donors are less likely Department of Health 31 21 to donate during this time. The Team Give Blood Alcohol Education and 00 campaign forms part of NHSBT’s wider campaign this Research Council year to encourage existing donors to donate regularly, Appointments 17 19 and to attract new donors. By the end of the Paralympics, Commission NHSBT expects to have spent £1.56 million on advertising Care Quality 1 but to still keep within its annual general advertising Commission : budget of £2.4 million for 2012-13 through effective —Stage 1 207 548 management of this higher level of blood stocks. —Stage 2 51 47 Council for Healthcare 65 Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for Regulatory Excellence Health how many people donated blood in England in General Social Care 143 116 Council (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [109205] Health Protection Agency 22 20 Human Fertilisation’ and 11 Anne Milton: In 2010-11, 1.07 million people donated Embryology Authority blood at least once at a session held, by NHS Blood and Human Tissue Authority 1 1 Transplant in England; in 2011-12, it was 1.05 million Medicines and Healthcare 45 people. In each year, just under 2 million donations products Regulatory were collected. Agency2 Care Homes Monitor 4 1 1 Complaints about the Care Quality Commission are handled in two stages. Stage one is a local resolution stage managed within each Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State individual directorate. If the complainant remains unhappy, they can for Health what assessment his Department has made request a more formal stage two review. This stage is managed by a of the effect of changes to local government budgets on central national complaints team. The number of stage one the cost of placing each patient into care provided by complaints was not captured centrally until April 2010. 2 Denotes executive agency. an independent care provider. [109365] Dementia Paul Burstow: Commissioning of adult social care services is devolved to local authorities, and it is for each local authority to negotiate and agree the fees paid Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for to individual providers, reflecting local circumstances. Health how many patients received treatment from the In setting these fee levels, local authorities should have NHS for dementia in each year since 1997. [108875] due regard to the actual costs of providing care. The Department does not set or recommend rates at Paul Burstow: Data on out-patient activity for dementia which local authorities contract with providers of care, are not routinely collected. However, in September 2011, and has therefore made no assessment of the cost of the NHS Information Centre published the results of placing individual care users with independent providers. an audit of memory services for dementia which showed that 951 people per primary care trust on average accessed In the most recent spending review, the Government memory services in 2010-11, compared to 605 in 2008-09. recognised the pressures on the adult social care system within a challenging settlement for local government, Information on in-patient admissions for dementia is and took the decision to prioritise adult social care by shown in the following table: allocating an additional £7.2 billion to the system over Count of finished admission episodes1 (FAEs) with a primary the four years to 2014-15 to support local authorities in diagnosis2 of dementia by year from 1997-98 to 2010-11 delivering social care. When combined with a rigorous FAEs local authority focus on efficiency, this additional £7.2 1997-98 29,925 billion means that there is funding available to protect 1998-99 29,998 people’s access to care and deliver new approaches to 1999-2000 27,940 improve quality and outcomes. 2000-01 25,178 Complaints 2001-02 25,021 2002-03 25,210 Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2003-04 24,101 how many complaints about the work of his Department 2004-05 22,741 and each of its agencies and non-departmental public 2005-06 21,218 bodies were received in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; 2006-07 19,513. and if he will make a statement. [108947] 2007-08 18,088 859W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 860W

Count of finished admission episodes1 (FAEs) with a primary Anne Milton: Departmental officials are currently diagnosis2 of dementia by year from 1997-98 to 2010-11 incorporating the latest drafting comments from attendees FAEs at the round table meeting, and we plan to circulate the 2008-09 17,536 documents containing agreed decisions shortly. We have 2009-10 17,614 no plans to invite hon. Members to meetings of the 2010-11 17,275 round table which is designed to bring together healthcare professionals and service users. I have therefore met the Notes: 1. Finished admission episodes hon. Member on a number of occasions so that he can A finished, admission episode (FAE) is the first period of in-patient contribute his views on this issue. care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Genito-urinary Medicine Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year. 2. Primary diagnosis Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 20 (14 from 2002-03 to (1) what guidance Public Health England plans to issue 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital to support local authorities in commissioning open Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why access sexual health services; [109245] the patient was admitted to hospital. 3. Data quality (2) what steps he has taken to ensure that open HES are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and access sexual health services will be (a) commissioned primary care trusts in England and from some independent sector and (b) paid for by local authorities. [109246] organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid Anne Milton: Secondary legislation will require local data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. While this brings about authorities to commission confidential, open-access testing improvement over time, some shortcomings remain. and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and 4. Assessing growth through time confidential open-access contraception services. HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements The sexual health policy document currently in in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements development will signpost to existing guidance including in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) clinical guidelines and standards developed by professional and changes in NHS practice. For example, apparent reductions in bodies and organisations such as the National Institute activity may be due to a number of procedures which may now be for Health and Clinical Excellence. Local authorities undertaken in out-patient settings and so no longer include in admitted patient HES data. will be able to use this guidance to help them to commission Source: high quality sexual health services. Public Health England Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information will also work with local authorities to determine what Centre other support they may find useful. Drugs: Misuse Local authorities will use the ring-fenced public health grant they will receive to pay for the sexual health Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for services they will commission. Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of the illegal use of controlled substances in (a) Health Services England, (b) the North East and (c) Teesside in the latest period for which figures are available. [109130] Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he plans to take to encourage the Anne Milton: The cost of meeting the health needs in engagement of (a) speech and language therapists and England and Wales arising from the use of Class A (b) other allied health professionals with clinical senates drugs was £488 million in 2003-04, as estimated in and networks; [109142] “Measuring different aspects of problem drug use: methodological developments, Home Office Online Report (2) what estimate he has made of the number of 16/06”. Separate figures for England, or regions within clinical (a) senates and (b) networks likely to be England, are not available. established in England in the next 12 months. [109143] Additionally, Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Anne Milton: To date, over 800 stakeholders have Study, published in December 2009, assessed the outcomes, contributed to work being taken forward by the NHS costs and benefits of drug treatment in England and Commissioning Board Authority (NHS CBA) on the estimated that in the absence of treatment the average development of clinical senates and clinical networks. annual cost to health and social care services would be These include patients, clinicians, commissioners, providers, £4,543 per person, structured treatment reduces this Royal Colleges and academics. cost by 31% (£3,120). Allied health professionals, including speech and language Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health therapists, play a vital role in the health service and will with reference to the answer of 26 March 2012, Official make an important contribution to clinical senates and Report, column 987W, on drugs: misuse, what progress networks in the new health system. The Department’s has been made against each action point of the round Chief Health Professions Officer meets regularly with table meeting on addiction to medicines; when the leaders from the relevant professional bodies and has action points of 15 March and the draft consensus ensured they are kept up to date with the development statement will be circulated more widely; when the of proposals for clinical senates and networks. In addition, round table will be reconvened; and whether the All the NHS CBA’s Clinical Transitions Director has met Party Parliamentary Group on Involuntary Tranquilliser with the National Allied Health Professional Advisory Addiction will be included as a stakeholder at that Board, which advises on matters relating to education, reconvened meeting. [109260] training and other workforce issues, to discuss clinical 861W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 862W senates and networks. The Department is also working Mr Simon Burns: The classification of products as with the professional bodies and strategic health authority medicines is made on a case-by-case basis by the Medicines allied health professionals leads to develop a database and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of clinical experts from each profession working in the under the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing major clinical/disease areas to help inform the future Authorisations etc) Regulations 1994 as amended. The membership of clinical senates and networks. definition of the term “medicinal product” was not There are likely to be 14-16 clinical senates established changed by the introduction of the traditional herbal in the new health system, reflecting major patient flows medicinal products directive (THMPD). through the system. They will cover the whole of England The MHRA will take all relevant information into and will help clinical commissioning groups, health and account when assessing the status of a product. The wellbeing boards and the NHS Commissioning Board MHRA has not carried out any research into the use of to make the best decisions about health care for the milk thistle in fruit smoothies, Vietnamese chicken soup, populations they represent by providing strategic advice cereals and porridge. The MHRA seeks voluntary and leadership. compliance with medicines legislation wherever possible The NHS CBA will publish its recommendations for and companies can ask for a review of any provisional clinical networks in the new health system shortly. determination that a product is a medicine. The MHRA is committed to effective, proportionate Hepatitis implementation of the European directive on traditional herbal medicines which can best ensure its benefits for Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health consumers and for companies compliant with the legislation. if he will take steps to ensure that NHS funding of new A search of the Department’s ministerial correspondence Hepatitis C treatments is established within 90 days of database has identified 10 items of correspondence any NICE technology appraisal which recommends received since 1 May 2010 from Insight Public Affairs. such funding. [108874] This figure relates to correspondence addressed to departmental Ministers and received by the Department’s Mr Simon Burns: Primary care trusts are legally central correspondence unit only. It does not include obliged to fund drugs and treatments recommended in correspondence addressed directly to officials as this National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence information is not collated centrally. The MHRA has technology appraisal guidance, within three months of not had any meetings with Insight Public Affairs on the guidance being published, unless the requirement is THMPD but has received four Freedom of Information waived in a specific case. requests from them. Officials intend to place copies of Herbal Medicine the correspondence in the Library at a later date subject to written consent being received from concerned parties, who have been contacted in line with the requirements Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Health (1) whether the introduction of the traditional Act 2000. herbal medicinal products directive changes the status of any herbal or botanical product previously or currently on the market as a botanical food supplement under the terms of the food supplements directive; and Hospitals: Greater London if he will make a statement; [108144] (2) what research into food use for botanical Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health ingredients the Medicines and Healthcare products how many operations were cancelled by (a) North West Regulatory Agency undertakes prior to determining London Hospitals Trust, (b) Hillingdon Hospital, (c) whether such a use exists; whether such research has St Mary’s Hospital Paddington and (d) Chelsea and recently been undertaken by the agency into the use of Westminster Hospital on or after the day of admission milk thistle; and what consideration it gave to the use in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; how many out-patient of milk thistle in fruit smoothies, Vietnamese chicken appointments were cancelled by each hospital in each soup, cereals and porridge in any such research; year; and if he will make a statement. [109395] [108145] (3) for what reasons the Medicines and Healthcare Mr Simon Burns: This information is not held in the products Regulatory Agency is requiring the removal format requested. Information is available at trust level. from the market place of botanical food supplements Number of cancelled operations for non clinical reasons which have no record of harm; [108146] Cancelled Operations (4) what assessment he has made of the extent to Hospital Provider 2010-11 2011-12 which the approach to the interpretation of the North West London Hospitals NHS 447 477 provisions of the traditional herbal medicinal products Trust directive of the Medicines and Healthcare products The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS 161 148 Regulatory Agency contributes to the Government’s Foundation Trust deregulation objectives; [108147] Imperial College Healthcare NHS 642 672 Trust (5) what (a) meetings and (b) correspondence (i) Chelsea and Westminster Hospital 91 88 Ministers and (ii) officials in (A) his Department and NHS (B) the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Note: Agency have had with Insight Public Affairs; and if he A last minute cancellation is one that occurs on the day the patient was due to arrive, after they have arrived in hospital or on the day of their operation. will place in the Library a copy of each meeting report Source: and item of correspondence. [108148] Department of Health, Knowledge and Intelligence 863W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 864W

Number of outpatient hospital appointments and cancellations 2010-11 and Anne Milton: United Kingdom citizens can access April to January 2011-12 (provisional data) treatment abroad funded by the national health service All Appointments Hospital cancellations in four ways: Hospital Provider 2010-11 2011-12 2010-11 2011-12 by obtaining an E112, replaced by the S2 in May 2010, which North West London 446,986 360,155 0 0 allows one European economic area (EEA) country to send a Hospitals NHS Trust patient to another EEA country for elective treatment; The Hillingdon Hospitals 336,169 279,539 0 0 using the provisions of article 56 of the European treaty to NHS Foundation Trust access treatment in another European country and be retrospectively Imperial College 1,230,773 1,043,301 131,371 110,961 reimbursed by a primary care trust; Healthcare NHS Trust by making an individual funding request to their primary care Chelsea and Westminster 543,829 518,497 0 0 Hospital NHS Foundation trust which enables a patient to receive treatment in any country, Trust including those outside the EEA; and Notes: using the European Health Insurance Card to access emergency 1. Appointments and cancellations treatment while on a temporary visit to another EEA member state. These are counts of appointments and not patients as the same patient may have more than one appointment in a year. It should be noted that Of these categories, the Department only holds figures cancellation information is not collected on a mandatory basis and therefore for the number of E112s and S2s issued to NHS entitled zero values may indicate that a provider does not collect this information. 2. Hospital provider patients in another EEA country, as shown in the Hospital providers can also include treatment centres. Normally, if data are following table: tabulated by health care provider, the figure for an NHS trust gives the activity of all the sites as one aggregated figure. Total number of E112s/S2s issued 3. Outpatient Data Quality Outpatient Hospital Episode Statistics data were collected for the first time in 2003-04 and data quality, particularly for clinical information, remains poor. It 2005 363 is not mandatory to code procedures on outpatient records and only around 2006 419 2% of records have completed clinical codes. We have no reliable existing data 2007 552 source to validate these data against, as Department of Health aggregate returns have never collected clinical codes; it is not clear how representative 2008 1,153 the figures are. The data represent a sample of outpatient attendances. 2009 1,377 Statistical estimates.(such as median and 90th percentile waiting times for 2010 1,212 main operations) must be regarded as potentially unreliable until it is possible to assess the quality of local coding. 2011 1,208 Source: 2012 to 18 May 523 Hospital Episode Statistics, Health and Social Care Information Centre Full total 6,807

Lost Property Mental Illness: Drugs Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for how many items of equipment valued at £10,000 or Health what steps he has put in place to ensure coordination more his Department lost in (a) 2010-11 and (b) of commissioning of services for people with multiple 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [108929] diagnoses who require treatment for mental ill-health commissioned by GP consortia and drug treatment Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not lost any services commissioned by a local authority; and if he single items of equipment valued at £10,000 or more in will make a statement. [108852] either 2010-11 or 2011-12. Paul Burstow: Clinical commissioning groups will Medical Treatments work with elected councillors, local authority commissioners and representatives of patients and the public through Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health health and wellbeing boards to develop a comprehensive pursuant to the answer of 16 May 2012, Official Report, analysis of health and social care needs in each local column 154W,on pain: mental illness, if he will commission area through Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs), further research into the efficacy of mindfulness-based and to translate these into action through Joint Health therapies in the treatment of chronic pain and associated and Wellbeing Strategies and their own commissioning depression. [108865] plans. Health and wellbeing boards will promote joined up commissioning that will support integrated provision Paul Burstow: The Department has no plans to of services across the local health and social care system. specifically commission research into the efficacy of This should mean that people who need both mental mindfulness-based therapies in the treatment of chronic health and drug treatment services experience services pain and associated depression. However, the Department’s that are better joined up and better meet their needs as National Institute for Health Research welcomes funding individuals. applications for research into any aspect of human The implementation framework for ‘No health without health, including mindfulness-based therapies. These mental health’ will set out what local organisations can applications are subject to peer review and-judged in do, both individually and in partnership, to better meet open competition, with awards being made on the basis the needs of people with mental health problems, including of the scientific quality of the proposals made. people with complex needs and dual diagnosis.

Medical Treatments Abroad Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent estimate he has made of the number Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for of people in the Brighton and Hove area who suffer Health how many NHS patients have sought treatment from multiple diagnoses of mental ill-health and drug abroad that was paid for by the NHS since 2005. [108876] dependency; and if he will make a statement. [108853] 865W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 866W

Anne Milton: Mental health problems are common Mr Simon Burns: There are existing legal duties on among drug misusers. One research study1 found that manufacturers and distributors of medicines to ensure up to 70% of the drug treatment population have common appropriate and continued supplies to pharmacies within mental health problems such as anxiety disorders. the limits of their responsibilities, so that the needs of 1 Weaver T, Stimson G, Tyrer P, Barnes T and Renton A (2004) patients are met. The Medicines and Healthcare products What are the implications for clinical management and service Regulatory Agency is currently reviewing the public development of prevalent comorbidity in UK mental health and service obligations introduced by other European member substance misuse treatment populations? Drugs: Education, Prevention states. The Government is cautious about increasing the and Policy 11, 329-348 regulatory burden on the supply chain. Although there has been no specific estimate of the number of people in the Brighton and Hove area with a dual diagnosis of mental ill-health and drug dependency, Plastic Surgery: Death the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) records that out of a total of 1,513 adults in Brighton and Hove who received structured drug treatment Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health during 2010-11, there were 133 in who were recorded as how many people died as a result of cosmetic surgery receiving care from mental health services for reasons in each of the last five years. [109243] other than substance misuse. It is important to note that: Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the this is not a population estimate; Cabinet Office. that the mental health care tends to be treatment for more The information requested falls within the responsibility serious mental health problems, and may not include people of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority suffering from all types of depression, and anxiety; and to reply. because the NDTMS collects information on people receiving Letter from Stephen Penneck: structured drug treatment, its data do not include those who are not attending any mental health or drug treatment service, those As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have who are drug dependent but are receiving their mental health care been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many in a general practitioner setting and those who are attending people have died as a result of cosmetic surgery in each of the last mental health services but do not want or need structured drug five years. (109243) treatment. It is not possible to provide an estimate of how many people have died as a result of cosmetic surgery from routine death National Childbirth Trust: Training registration data. Cause of death information provided at death registration is obtained from the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and classified according to the International Classification Steve Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Health of Diseases (ICD). The ICD identifies causes related to “misadventures what steps he is taking to encourage students to train to to patients during medical and surgical care”and “surgical operations become National Childbirth Trust practitioners. and medical procedures that cause abnormal reactions” but does [109193] not provide the level of detail required to identify procedures related to cosmetic surgery. Anne Milton: This scheme is an initiative of the The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each National Childbirth Trust (NCT). We understand the year by sex, age, cause, marital status and place of death are NCT are working with the University of Worcester to published annually and are available here: provide accredited training for those wanting to support www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all-releases.html? parents in transition to parenthood. definition=tcm%3A77-27475 The Department with a range of partners has developed a set of resources, based on the most recent evidence, called ‘Preparing for Birth and Beyond’, to be used by Postnatal Depression those delivering antenatal education to community groups. We understand that the NCT are using these resources Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for in their work with parents-to-be and new mothers and Health what steps he is taking to improve the quality of fathers. data on the number of women diagnosed with post-natal depression. [109206] NHS: Pay Anne Milton: We do not hold data on the number of Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for women suffering from postnatal depression centrally. Health how many NHS staff earn salaries in excess of (a) £30,000, (b) £50,000, (c) £100,000 and (d) Postnatal depression encompasses a range of diagnoses £150,000. [108877] from anxiety and depression to the more severe puerperal psychosis, with symptoms occurring a few weeks or Mr Simon Burns: Information is not held centrally on months after birth. Postnatal depression may be diagnosed the salaries of national health service staff. by different health professionals such as midwives, health visitors or general practitioners seeing women in different Patients settings and using different information systems. The issue of improving links between maternity and Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State mental health information collections to enable better for Health whether his Department has considered the analysis has been considered by the. NHS Health and merits of introducing a Patients Service Obligation. Social Care Information Centre. Recommendations for [109058] improvement will be developed during 2012-13. 867W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 868W

Prescription Drugs Rape: Drugs

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from NHS trusts what steps the NHS has taken to ensure hospitals have and hospitals on prescription drugs shortages since early evidence kits to allow them to administer tests for January 2012. [109034] the presence of date-rape drugs; and if he will make a statement. [109285]

Mr Simon Burns: The Department received a total of Anne Milton: The collection of evidence that can be 27 representations from national health service trusts in used in criminal proceedings is the responsibility of the England (including hospitals) on medicines supply issues police. Early evidence kits are designed for the collection in the period 1 January 2012 to 18 May 2012. These of samples to capture evidence following an allegation form part of the routine work that the Department of sexual assault and, as such, are standard issue for undertakes on mitigating and resolving shortages related police and forensic physicians, rather than accident and to manufacturing issues. These figures are approximate, emergency (A&E) departments. Where someone has representing minimum figures received by the Department. been assaulted and presents to an A&E department, they may be referred or taken to a Sexual Assault Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Referral Centre (SARCs), many of which are located in Health (1) when he last met representatives of (a) hospitals. All SARCs are able to carry out a detailed patients groups, (b) pharmaceutical companies, (c) forensic medical examination and to provide holistic community pharmacy representatives, (d) dispensing treatment for the victim in the immediate aftermath of doctors and (e) GPs to discuss shortages of medicines sexual assault. Alternatively, a forensic physician provided at pharmacies; [109054] by the police can attend the A&E department to take (2) whether he has met patients who have been initial samples. Guidance has been issued by the Faculty affected by shortages of medicines at local pharmacies; of Forensic and Legal Medicine on the provision of [109055] samples for forensic use, and on testing for drugs. (3) when he last discussed shortages of medicines at Testing for the presence of drugs requires a urine local pharmacies with the Pharmaceutical Services sample which any A&E department can collect if necessary Negotiating Committee; [109056] and would not require the use of an early evidence kit. Hair can also be sampled up to one month later, depending (4) whether he has discussed shortages of medicines on the drug used. at local pharmacies with Ministers in the devolved administrations; [109059] (5) what recent discussions (a) he and (b) officials in his Department have had with their EU counterparts CHURCH COMMISSIONERS on the export of medicines from the UK. [109060] Churches: West Midlands

Mr Simon Burns: Ministers regularly meet with interested Karen Lumley: To ask the hon. Member for Banbury, parties and discuss medicines supply issues when they representing the Church Commissioners, how many are raised. Officials regularly meet with interested parties churches were closed in (a) Redditch and (b) the west to explicitly discuss medicines supply issues. midlands in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12. [108412]

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Tony Baldry: No Church of England churches in for Health how many hours his Department has spent Redditch have closed under the Pastoral Measure 1983 assessing shortages of medicines at local pharmacies from 2009 to date, although the Commissioners recently since May 2010. [109057] concluded that a draft scheme providing for the closure for regular public worship of Redditch St George should Mr Simon Burns: Departmental officials routinely be allowed to proceed. assess shortages of medicines as part of their day to day In terms of the west midlands—for these purposes work in managing and mitigating medicines supply the dioceses of Hereford, Worcester, Lichfield, Birmingham issues. and Coventry—schemes have been made to close four churches in this period, although one is yet to be brought into effect. Public Sector The four schemes made for closures of churches in the west midlands were for Welsh Bicknor St Margaret and Brampton Abbotts St Michael and All Angels Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (both in Hereford); Rugby St Matthew (Coventry) and how many new public sector mutuals were created or Droitwich Spa St Mary (Worcester). The latter scheme, spun-off by his Department in (a) 2010-11 and (b) involving a cemetery chapel not used for over 30 years, 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [108913] has not yet been brought into effect.

Mr Simon Burns: Of the 40 Right to Request spin-outs Theft: Metals that are currently operating as social enterprises to deliver and expand their services in new and innovative Michael Dugher: To ask the hon. Member for Banbury, ways, 16 went live in 2010-11 and 24 went live in representing the Church Commissioners, what the cost 2011-12. was of metal theft from Church of England property in 869W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 870W

(a) Barnsley East constituency, (b) Barnsley metropolitan Mr Willetts: The Technology Strategy Board has borough and (c) South Yorkshire in (i) 2010 and (ii) announced the seven Catapult centres that are to be 2011. [107908] established. The High Value Manufacturing Catapult opened for business in October 2011 and the other six Tony Baldry: The insurance cover available from centres in the areas of Cell Therapy, Offshore Renewable Ecclesiastical Insurance who insure the majority of Energy, Satellite Applications, Connected Digital Economy, churches in England has changed over the years in Transport and Future Cities are being developed and question, so a true year-on-year comparison of cost is will all become operational during 2012-13. difficult to make. (a) Figures are also not available specifically for the Barnsley East constituency. Adult Education: Dyslexia (b) The figures for the Barnsley metropolitan borough are as follows: Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Claims Value of claims (£) Department is taking to provide support for dyslexic students in adult education. [109532] 2010 7 7,000 2011 8 22,000 Mr Hayes: The Government funds basic English and (c) In the wider area of South Yorkshire the figures maths courses for adults from entry level up to and are as follows: including level 2. Each learner is expected to be given a diagnostic assessment of their learning needs which will Claims Value of claims (£) inform a personalised learning plan. This will include identifying any specific learning difficulties including 2010 127 257,000 dyslexia and providing the necessary support. 2011 135 237,000 Further education providers also receive additional learning support funding which can be used to meet the costs of providing additional support to learners with learning difficulties. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Recession Apprentices 14. Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department Duncan Hames: To ask the Secretary of State for is taking in response to the economy entering recession; Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of and if he will make a statement. [109162] apprenticeships terminated within 12 months in each of the last two years; and of those, how many apprentices Mr Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation left their placement for permanent employment. and Skills is driving forward the structural reforms that [109220] will help deliver the Government’s economic ambitions. There is still much to do. Mr Hayes: Apprenticeships are of varying durations The figures show inflation is down, exports are up, and we have taken ’termination’ in this case to mean public borrowing is forecast, by the OBR, to fall this leaving the apprenticeship early due to redundancy. year and employment is up. The Learner Satisfaction Survey (2009) asked about reasons for leaving early. Fewer than 5% said they left Cities due to redundancy. Accurate information on the reasons for non-completion 18. Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for is not currently available in administrative data (the Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Individualised Learner Record). to promote economic growth in cities; and if he will Note that apprenticeships are not ’placements’ but make a statement. [109167] jobs and the majority of these are permanent contracts. The Learner Satisfaction Survey shows that 17% of Greg Clark: The Government is devolving power to those who left the apprenticeship early said they did so cities through the city deal process, giving new freedoms to change jobs. to cities to take bold and innovative approaches towards promoting economic growth at the local level. The In terms of what monitoring is in place for completed Government has already announced radical deals devolving apprentices the Department (with NAS) undertakes powers to Manchester and Liverpool. We are finalising surveys which ask about their employment outcomes negotiations with the remaining core cities, and deals after completion. The most recent (published May 2012) are due to be announced in the next few weeks. shows 89% in employment and 3% in education or training. Catapult Centres We are also able to track apprentices through our matched datasets to look at wage and employment 19. Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for outcomes. This dataset is still quite new but has the Business, Innovation and Skills what progress he has potential to greatly enhance our knowledge of such made on the roll-out of catapult centres. [109168] outcomes. 871W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 872W

Apprentices: South West Business: Government Assistance

Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) Newton Abbot constituency, (b) the South Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department West and (c) England employed at least one apprentice is taking (1) to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in the latest period for which figures are available. to grow; [109316] [107009] (2) to encourage the creation of new small and medium-sized enterprises. [109318] Mr Hayes: Information is not available on the number of businesses employing apprentices at the constituency level. In the South West there were 21,350 workplaces Mr Prisk: We want to make the UK the best place in with at least one apprentice in-learning in the 2010/11 the world to start and grow a business, and for the next academic year. The total figure for England was 177,310 decade to be the most entrepreneurial and dynamic in workplaces. The number of employers is recorded at the Britain’s history. That is why, in January, my right hon. site (workplace) level, which means some large organisations Friend the Prime Minister launched “Business in You”, can be counted more than once. a major year-long campaign, to inspire people to realise their business ambitions and to highlight the range of support Information on the number of apprenticeship starts available for start-ups and growing businesses. is published in a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). The latest SFR was published on 29 March 2012: We recognise that these are challenging times for new http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ and existing businesses and we have introduced a range statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current of measures to encourage people to set up their own business Further breakdowns are available in SFR supplementary and support to help businesses survive and grow. tables: Encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_supplementary_tables/ We are supporting a number of measures aimed at inspiring young people to think about setting up their own business, including: Business Supporting every school to develop and run its own business through “the Enterprise Village” Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has www.enterprisevillage.org.uk made of the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Supporting the Premier League in developing a Premier League Small Business Group on Breaking Down the Barriers Enterprise Academy model, enabling football clubs to foster to Entrepreneurship; and whether he plans to implement enterprise among young people and principally in deprived areas. the recommendations of the report relating to his Supporting the Inspiring the Future initiative Department. [108335] www.inspiringthefuture.org Mr Prisk: I would like to thank the All-Party which aims to get 100,000 people to volunteer to go into schools Parliamentary Small Business Group for their report to talk about their jobs and careers. that we have only recently received. We will look carefully Supporting Speakers for Schools at their recommendations. http://www.speakers4schools.org/ Business: Billing which aims to have 1,000 speakers who can address the topical issues of the day. Supporting the development of Tenner (a programme providing Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, school children with £10 to fund a business idea and to grow their Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is money). taking to promote best payment practices with small and medium-sized enterprise representative bodies; and Supporting the creation of student-led enterprise societies and ensuring their support is accessible to all students in further if he will make a statement. [109198] education and higher education by 2015. Mr Prisk: This Department supports and promotes Ensuring individuals and small and medium-sized the Institute of Credit Management’s Managing Cashflow enterprises (SMEs) can access the support and advice guides, which contain helpful advice on payment terms they need to start and grow their business and invoicing for small businesses and have attracted We have transformed the way that we enable people over 300,000 downloads. I have also convened a prompt to access the information, guidance and advice they payment working group, which is exploring measures to need to start and grow a business. We have put in place a help small and medium sized businesses invoice customers range of services including; promptly and accurately, promote good practice among the small business community and encourage better An improved www.businesslink.gov.uk website including My New Business, a comprehensive start-up service, and a new Growth relationships between small businesses and their large and Improvement Service. customers. This working group will meet again in the summer. We are at present taking forward a body of A Business Link helpline which will support those who are work both with this group and the members of the unable to access the internet. Small Business Economic Forum; actions and proposals A mentoring portal www.mentorsme.co.uk providing an easy arising from this work will be published in due course. route to find experienced business mentors. 873W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 874W

Ensuring businesses can access the finance they need Gateway to Global Growth offers experienced SME exporters the opportunity to increase their exporting skills and awareness of Ensuring the flow of credit to viable SMEs is essential what is on offer from UKTI and private sector suppliers. The aim for supporting growth and is a core priority for this is to help them enter more difficult markets or expand in existing Government. Government has: ones. Introduced a new National Loan Guarantee Scheme: up to Market Visit Support provides assistance to new to export £20 billion of guarantees for bank funding will be available over and/or new to market SMEs visiting overseas markets, individually two years allowing banks to offer lower cost lending to SMEs. or in groups as part of their trade development process. Increased the funds available to invest through the Business Budget 2012 set out an ambition to more than double annual Finance Partnership (BFP) to £1.2 billion. Government has invited UK exports to £1 trillion by 2020 through additional measures the first round of proposals to help businesses access non-bank including expanding the overseas role of UK Export Finance to finance through the BFP, and will allocate £100 million of the enable it to develop finance packages that could help UK exporters BFP to invest through non-traditional lending channels. secure opportunities identified through UKTI’s High Value Opportunities programme; helping secure temporary private sector Announced the continuation of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee office space overseas for new UK exporters in high growth (EFG) scheme until 2014/15, providing, subject to demand, over countries where such services are difficult to obtain; and continuing £2 billion in total over the next four years. to increase UK Export Finance’s regional presence in the UK to Announced continuation of the Government’s Enterprise Capital support SMEs seeking trade finance. Funds programme, increasing our commitment by £200 million Measures to encourage entrepreneurship in specific over the next four years, providing for more than £300 million of groups: venture capital investment to address the equity gap for early stage innovative SMEs. Introduced 24 Enterprise Zones across England to generate businesses and jobs, helping to rebalance the economy. Benefits to Announced a new £10 million Startup Loans scheme to provide business include a simplified planning regime, a business rate start-up finance for 18 to 24-year-olds looking to start their own discount worth up to £275,000 over a five year period, priorities business due to be launched later this month. and Government support to ensure that super-fast broadband is rolled out throughout the zones. Encouraged Business Angel investment through a new £50 million Business Angel Co-Investment Fund. Be the Boss—a £5 million fund to allow the Royal British Legion to help ex- service personnel to set up and grow businesses Welcomed the report of the industry review of non-bank by reducing the costs and barriers associated with self-employment lending chaired by Tim Breedon and will take forward its and start-ups, including mentoring support. recommendations over the course of this year, including: considering how to simplify access to Government support for smaller businesses; Working with social landlords to remove red tape and encourage encouraging prompt payment by larger firms; and supporting more tenants to start up businesses. industry work to remove barriers to alternative sources of finance. Introduced a Regional Growth Fund, a £2.4 billion fund Business: Regulation operating across England from 2011 to 2015. It supports projects and programmes that lever private sector investment creating Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, economic growth and sustainable employment. Innovation and Skills what steps he has taken to reduce Ensuring that regulation supports business growth the burden of regulation on (a) small and medium-sized (b) [109169] Introduced a ’one-in, one-out’ rule whereby no new regulations and other businesses. which impose costs on businesses can be brought in without regulation of an equivalent value being removed. Mr Prisk: The Government has a comprehensive Introduced a three-year moratorium on new domestic regulation approach to cutting the burden of red tape. We have: affecting micro businesses and genuine start-ups. capped the cost of new regulation; Introduced the Red Tape Challenge to tackle the stock of identified hundreds of existing regulations to be scrapped; and regulation via a comprehensive thematic review which aims to introduced a moratorium from regulation for all micro businesses. identify regulations that could be removed, simplified or done in a different way. By the end of December 2011 we had scrapped or simplified over 600 regulations. Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department Reformed the way in which regulations are implemented, is taking to reduce the administrative burden on small including a review of regulators to ensure enforcement arrangements and medium-sized enterprises; and whether his Department are appropriate and proportionate. Government will also launch sector-based reviews of regulation to ensure it is enforced at the plans to take any further steps to reduce such burdens. lowest possible cost to business. [109317] Announced significant deregulation of employment law in order to reduce barriers to businesses taking on new staff. Mr Prisk: This Government has taken specific and concrete steps to reduce the administrative burden on Encouraging exporting SMEs small and medium sized enterprises: Export markets are vital for growth. We have taken a We have already saved small and medium-sized enterprises number of measures to support exporting, including: £388 million by not extending the right to request time to train to businesses with fewer than 250 employees; Government will spend £35 million to double, from 25,000 to 50,000, the number of SMEs that UK Trade and Investment The display ban on tobacco, which applies to supermarkets (UKTI) supports a year by 2015. Many components of the UKTI and very large stores from April 2012, will not apply to smaller product are aimed at SMEs: tobacco retailers until April 2015; Passport to Export is a trade development programme offering We are phasing implementation of pensions auto enrolment, new and inexperienced exporters help and support to build the so that small business will not need to comply until June 2015; capability to start exporting proactively and make their first visit We have achieved agreement in Brussels exempting up to to an export market. Launched in 2001, it has helped around 1.4 million UK small businesses from certain EU accounting 14,000 SMEs as of January 2012. rules. 875W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 876W

More widely, the Government introduced a three Turning computers and monitors off properly during prolonged year moratorium on new domestic regulation for micro- absences. businesses and start-ups from 1 April 2011 in order to An internal communications campaign run jointly by Estates support growth and establish a period of increased and Internal Communications teams, which ran poster campaigns, regulatory stability for the smallest businesses. intranet stories, off and online suggestion boxes and foyer displays. To help reduce the burden of new business regulation (b) In March 2011 BIS vacated Kingsgate House a we have introduced the One-in, One-out rule, so that if year before the lease expiry and all non-essential plant a Department wants to introduce a new rule which was switched off with the building mothballed as far as generates costs for business, they must first identify a possible. corresponding cut in regulation elsewhere with the same The measures which were introduced in 2010 were value. maintained and replicated. This included the partial We are running the Red Tape Challenge, a process for shutdown of 1 Victoria street during the Christmas scrapping and simplifying existing regulations that are period with heating only provided to the ‘spur’ of the obsolete. building. Finally, we recently launched Focus on Enforcement, (c) In 2012, BIS are continuing to monitor energy to improve the impact on business of how regulations consumption and limit plant running times to reduce are enforced. consumption. We will continue to use the One-in, One-out rule to Projects that are taking place which have an energy stem the tide of burdens flowing from domestic regulation, reduction component to them include replacing cooling and different themes continue to come in to the spotlight plant in two buildings with more efficient chillers and a under the Red Tape Challenge, along with ongoing lift refurbishment project. A toilet refurbishment project review of regulators as part of Focus on Enforcement. is currently out to tender and the specification has stipulated low voltage lighting and hand dryers. Carbon Emissions Careers Advice: Postgraduate Education Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his Department’s Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for total level of carbon emissions was between (a) 1 April Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking 2010 and 1 April 2011 and (b) 2 April 2011 and 1 April to ensure that tailored careers advice is available to (a) 2012. [108575] undergraduate students considering postgraduate study, (b) people in work considering postgraduate study and Norman Lamb: The information requested is as follows: (c) people undertaking postgraduate study. [109127] (a) BIS’ carbon emissions from its office estate for financial year 2010/11 were 6,534.59 tonnes. Mr Hayes: High quality information, and independent, (b) BIS’ carbon emissions from its office estate for financial professional advice and guidance for those who need it year 2011/12 were 3,991.5 tonnes. This represents a 38.92% reduction most, are a vital part of an efficient labour market in emissions compared to 2010/11. This significant reduction can which drives growth. The National Careers Service be attributed in large part (2,446.53 tonnes) to the vacation of provides such information and advice so that people Kingsgate House in March 2011. can make learning and career choices which are well informed and reflect their own circumstances. Universities Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for also have their own university careers services which are Business, Innovation and Skills what measures his particularly well placed to offer careers advice to individuals Department introduced to reduce its carbon emissions considering postgraduate courses of study. in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [108576] Conditions of Employment Norman Lamb: The Greening Government Commitments which were announced in 2010 have set Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State the target to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2014/15 for Business, Innovation and Skills whether representatives from a 2009/10 baseline. To meet this target and to from (a) trades unions and (b) employers were consulted reduce BIS’ resource consumption and related operational in the development of the Beecroft Report. [109364] costs a number of measures have been introduced. (a) In May 2010 David Cameron announced the Norman Lamb: This is a matter for Mr Adrian Beecroft 10% carbon reduction campaign, to be achieved within and not for the Government. The report was produced a year. BIS participated in this by carrying out a variety independently by Mr Beecroft whom we expect would of measures: have spoken to a range of interested parties in preparing Expediting site rationalisation process. the report. The analysis and recommendations in the Installed voltage reduction equipment. report are his own and do not represent the views of the Aligned operating temperatures with best practice for the Government. public sector and adjusted set points on heating and cooling. Implementing an “optimal core hours window” for heating Construction: Billing and cooling. Revising server room cooling temperatures. Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Eliminating unnecessary or redundant internal and external Innovation and Skills what arrangements are in place lighting. for sub-contractors to report incomplete payments made Installed timers on lifts and shut off six lifts at the weekend by contractors in the construction sector; how complaints and evenings. are arbitrated; and if he will make a statement. [109196] 877W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 878W

Mr Prisk: The Government has taken a number of http://archive.unctad.org/templates/webflyer.asp?docid measures to improve cash flow in the construction =14229&intitemID=5763&lang=1&mode=downloads industry. These include: This figure informed the Hargreaves Review of Intellectual improving the Construction Act to increase access to adjudication Property and Growth. (a quick 28 day dispute resolution process), improving Estimates of export licence income, including copyright, communication of what is to be paid and remove unnecessary are included in ONS surveys of International Trade in bureaucracy and red tape. Services, which is summarised in United Kingdom Balance making it a contractual requirement that payment reaches the of Payments—The Pink Book at: third tier of the supply chain within 30 days on Government construction projects; http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bop/united-kingdom-balance- of-payments/2011/tsd-pink-book-2011-time-series.html increasing the use of project bank accounts. More generally BIS supports the Institute of Credit IPO is working with ONS to improve estimates of Management’s Prompt Payment Code and Cash Flow copyright investment and income in UK national accounts. Management Guides. The public sector seeks to set an example in this with a commitment that central Exports: North West Departments pay 80% of invoices within five days. People working on public sector contracts can report Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for cases of non-payment to the Efficiency Reform Group Business, Innovation and Skills what the value was of in the Cabinet Office. exports to (a) European economic area (EEA) and (b) non-EEA countries from (i) the North West and (ii) Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Pendle in 2011. [109295] Business, Innovation and Skills which representatives of the construction sector he has met to discuss Mr Prisk: HMRC publish regional trade in goods payment practices in the last six months; and if he will data on the UKTradeinfo website. make a statement. [109197] (i) In 2011 exports of goods from the North West Mr Prisk: I regularly meet many organisations, including region to (a) EEA countries was £13.6 million, while those in the construction sector, to discuss a wide range exports to (b) non-EEA countries was £12.5 million. of issues. It is not possible to calculate a value for Pendle as data is only published at a regional level. EU Internal Trade Food: Prices Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for recommendations of the British Chamber of Commerce’s Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the report, Exporting is Good for Britain but Market Barriers Answer of 23 April 2012, Official Report, column Stifle Opportunities, if he will press for the full 738W, on labelling: food, what assessment he has made implementation of the European Single Market. of the ability of customers to compare the price of [108851] food items which are priced differently when provided for sale loose and packaged; and what steps he plans to Norman Lamb: Yes. The UK has been at the forefront take to provide clearer pricing information. [108747] of calls for the full implementation of the various EU directives which enhance the single market. The EU Norman Lamb: The Department has made no assessment Commission are due to launch a further range of measures of the ability of customers to compare the price of food to achieve this aim and we have been engaging with items which are priced differently when provided for them and other member states to ensure that the proposals sale loose and/or packaged. actually address the problems, particularly in the areas of services and improving the governance of the single The Price Marking Order 2004 requires the selling market to ensure member states live up to their price and, where appropriate, the unit price of products commitments. to be clearly displayed. The unit price is required for products sold loose from bulk and also for goods pre-packed in a constant quantity. Pre-packaged products are required Exports: Copyright by weights and measures legislation to be marked by weight or volume. The Department has no plans at this Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for stage to require clearer pricing information. Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Any evidence of breach of this legislation should be made of the (a) size and (b) importance of copyright brought to the attention of the relevant local authority licensing to the UK’s exports. [107907] trading standards service. Norman Lamb: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has not made its own assessment of the size Foreign Investment in UK: Pakistan and importance of copyright licensing to the UK’s exports. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for The United Nations Conference on Trade and Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Development (UNCTAD) Creative Economy Report made of the level of foreign direct investment in the 2010 shows that in 2008 the UK exported nearly $20 UK from Pakistani investors in each of the last five billion in creative goods years. [108986] 879W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 880W

Mr Prisk: Estimates of foreign direct investment in Lost Property the UK are produced by the Office for National Statistics. Data for the last five years in shown below. Data for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, 2011 is due for publication in February 2013. Innovation and Skills how many items of equipment Investment from Pakistan in the UK, 2006-10 valued at £10,000 or more his Department lost in (a) £ million 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 [108920]

FDI flows 9 4 0 n/a 0 Norman Lamb: No items of equipment valued at FDI stocks 84 97 n/a n/a 91 £10,000 or more were lost by the Department in (a) FDI earnings 12 5 0 n/a 0 2010-11 or (b) 2011-12. n/a = Not available Source: Meetings BIS analysis of ONS data Four Seasons Health Care Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on what dates (a) he, (b) Ministers and (c) senior officials in his Department have met Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, representatives of (i) the Institute for Public Policy Innovation and Skills whether his Department had any Research, (ii) the Taxpayers’ Alliance, (iii) the Institute communication with Terra Firma representatives about of Economic Affairs, (iv) ResPublica, (v) the Centre for the company’s short and long-term plans for the care Social Justice and (vi) Policy Exchange; and if he will and nursing home group, Four Seasons, prior to its publish the minutes and agendas of these meetings. recent takeover of Four Seasons; and if he will make a [108978] statement. [108415] Norman Lamb: Information about Ministers’ meetings Norman Lamb: The Department for Business, Innovation is now published quarterly and can be accessed via the and Skills received correspondence from Terra Firma following link. Details of meetings which occurred prior following its takeover of Four Seasons Healthcare. to publication in October 2009 and meetings with officials, Responsibility for the regulation and oversight of the which are not recorded centrally, could be produced residential care sector rests with the Secretary of State only at disproportionate cost. for Health, the right hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley). I refer the hon. Member http://www.bis.gov.uk/transparency/staff to the reply given to him on 21 May 2012, Official Offshore Industry: Trade Unions Report, column 460W,by the Minister of State, Department of Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Cheam (Paul Burstow). Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of Officials in the Shareholder Executive have been providing the effect on (a) trade union membership levels and (b) professional advice to the Department of Health to trade union organising in the offshore energy sector of assist it in its work. the practical difficulties for trade unions of gaining access to workplaces on offshore installations. [108817] Intellectual Property and Growth Review Norman Lamb: I have made no such assessment and Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, am not aware of any evidence that one is necessary. Innovation and Skills what timetable he has set for the Regional officers for both UNITE and RMT trade introduction of legislative proposals resulting from the unions are located in Aberdeen and have easy access to consultation on the Hargreaves Review of Intellectual the offshore workforce via the heliport in Aberdeen Property (HRoIP); whether these will be in the form of through which the majority of offshore workers will primary or secondary legislation; whether Option 5 in pass during the course of a fortnight. In addition, most the consultation document on the HRoIP relating to offshore installations will have shop steward representation educational exceptions is still under consideration by and there are also good email facilities on platforms. his Department; if he will publish (a) the responses to the consultation and (b) the results of the research his Overseas Trade: BRIC Countries Department has undertaken on the costs and benefits of the various options in the consultation; what assessment Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, he has made of the merits of undertaking consultation Innovation and Skills with reference to the with collecting societies prior to the consultation on the recommendations of the British Chamber of Commerce’s HRoIP; and if he will make a statement. [107943] report, Exporting is Good for Britain but Market Barriers Stifle Opportunities, if he will take steps to assist small Norman Lamb: The Government responded to the and medium-sized businesses to access markets in Brazil, Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property and Growth Russia, India and China. [108850] in August 2011, and committed to bringing forward proposals for the opening up of the UK’s copyright Mr Prisk: UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) focuses exceptions regime. The Government then ran a consultation on 20 high growth and emerging markets, including on copyright from 14 December 2011 to 21 March Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). UK exports to 2012. The collecting societies were active participants in these markets have been growing particularly strongly. that process. The Government is currently considering Over the past year, for instance, UK goods exports to responses and the way forward. India grew by 31% and to China by 15%. 881W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 882W

UKTI is encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises In 2009 2.3% of UK exports of goods were to China. (SMEs) to increase exports to these markets by: Raising awareness among UK businesses of these markets £ million through a series of outreach events like “Doing Business in Asia” UK exports and “Journey through Latin America”. Set-piece activities focused to: 2011 2010 2009 on the last and the next hosts of the Olympic games (i.e. China and Brazil) will take place at the British Business Embassy during China 8,773 7,225 5,129 the Olympic games. World 295,629 263,905 226,323 Communicating to SMEs the specific business opportunities in Source: BRIC markets via the UKTI website, and through UKTI’s network BIS Analysis of HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics of teams in the UK and in the BRIC markets. Overseas Trade: Libya Campaigning for better access for UK companies in these markets, including engaging in Government to Government trade dialogues and backing plans for ambitious EU free trade agreements. Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for UK trade dialogues with BRIC markets are attended by the Business, Innovation and Skills which companies were Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right represented on the UK Trade and Investment Defence hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable) and take and Security Organisation mission to Libya from 29 place annually. April to 3 May 2012; and if he will make a statement. Ensuring there are targeted services and advice available for [108719] businesses considering these markets. The UKTI website provides free-of-charge guidance for doing business in the BRIC markets. Mr Prisk: The companies which participated in UK The guidance includes a comprehensive guide on doing business, sectoral briefings, case studies, information on business risk and Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation’s regular updates on the political and economic situation in the trade mission to Libya from 29 April to 3 May were BRIC markets. On top of this free advice, UKTI also provides BAE Systems, CAE, GD(UK), KBR, NATS, 3SDL, paid services tailored to the individual needs of UK businesses. Selex Galileo, and Surrey Satellite Technology. Overseas Trade: China Patents

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of Business, Innovation and Skills how many patents were exports were to China in each of the last three years. issued in each sector in each of the last 10 years for [109467] which figures are available. [108890]

Mr Prisk: Data on exports of goods from the UK to Norman Lamb [holding answer 22 May 2012]: The China is available from the UKTradeinfo website. Data following two tables give the number of UK patents (a) is shown in the following table. applied for at the Intellectual Property Office and (b) In 2011 3.0% of UK exports of goods were to China. granted by the Intellectual Property Office for the calendar In 2010 2.7% of UK exports of goods were to China. years 2002-11 by technical area.

(a) Number of UK national published patent applications by technical area 2002-11 Technical area 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Agriculture; animal 223 173 186 231 200 179 214 175 149 213 husbandry; forestry; fishing Foodstuffs; tobacco 89 89 95 77 77 74 60 62 66 64 Apparel; footwear; 638 630 717 763 742 648 726 700 643 627 jewellery; furniture; household articles Health; surgery; 831 845 813 844 789 854 805 763 687 757 amusement Medical, dental or toilet 131 134 133 132 107 136 147 138 124 127 preparations Separating; cleaning; 261 268 294 265 277 244 283 297 267 218 crushing; coating Metal-working; 201 145 147 142 146 147 146 135 109 111 machine tools Hand tools; shaping; 312 349 371 342 405 324 297 281 269 300 layered products Printing; bookbinding; 193 190 171 176 142 166 133 113 90 81 writing; decorating Vehicles; transporting; 830 1,228 1,243 1,167 1,175 1,127 1,054 977 1,013 1,052 conveying; packing; containers Micro-structural 532723669975 technology; nano- technology Inorganic chemistry; 97 96 109 100 92 94 91 73 81 77 glass; fertilisers Organic chemistry; 203 176 130 138 115 135 117 119 118 85 biocides 883W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 884W

(a) Number of UK national published patent applications by technical area 2002-11 Technical area 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Macromolecular 83 65 78 63 66 87 92 57 57 45 compounds Dyes; paints; oils; fats; 151 152 155 157 133 153 142 146 112 110 petroleum; detergents Microbiology; alcoholic 112 94 94 78 77 98 79 82 100 64 beverages; sugar; skins Metallurgy; electrolysis; 79 95 82 73 76 91 59 69 76 54 crystal growth Textiles; sewing; ropes 119 96 73 61 68 73 45 52 67 57 Paper 20 29 22 14 13 10 11 8 11 10 Building; civil 817 657 788 689 716 802 721 721 645 631 engineering; locks Earth or rock drilling; 423 469 610 537 500 521 408 459 429 473 mining Engines; pumps; 369 405 433 343 360 363 400 424 431 502 hydraulics; pneumatics Engineering elements; 565 556 505 471 490 422 436 423 387 422 storing gases; pipe-lines Lighting; heating; 292 283 260 289 223 243 266 332 309 290 cooling; drying; heat- exchange Weapons; ammunition; 66 42 42 30 54 76 60 66 52 67 blasting; explosives Measuring; testing; 1,036 987 1,027 936 993 1,033 854 825 832 832 optics; photography Controlling; computing; 1,690 1,773 1,663 1,456 1,343 1,220 1,216 1,120 989 1,017 timing; checking; signalling Educating; advertising; 393 381 346 371 310 311 241 216 210 177 music; recording Nucleonics 9 117979153105 Electric elements; 1,014 1,038 1,012 872 908 971 844 766 792 737 electric power Electronic circuitry; 1,780 1,626 1,385 1,307 1,236 1,255 1,090 959 890 832 telecommunications Others(unclassified) 3000000001 Total 13,562 13,089 12,993 12,136 11,846 11,872 11,061 10,570 10,022 10,043

(b) Number of UK national patents granted by technical area 2002-11 Technical area 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Agriculture; animal 101 157 138 112 112 60 63 67 89 84 husbandry; forestry; fishing Foodstuffs; tobacco 65 53 54 78 52 41 19 19 27 47 Apparel; footwear; 351 381 414 477 366 314 298 271 300 361 jewellery; furniture; household articles Health; surgery; 418 493 624 517 384 335 342 355 314 480 amusement Medical, dental or toilet 51 48 116 74 52 54 61 61 76 79 preparations Separating; cleaning; 170 244 193 218 176 144 125 114 157 192 crushing; coating Metal-working; machine 118 175 146 128 115 67 81 66 80 90 tools Hand tools; shaping; 236 275 264 256 228 167 138 143 168 170 layered products Printing; bookbinding; 153 161 161 151 109 92 82 70 50 41 writing; decorating Vehicles; transporting; 712 875 975 879 732 618 585 444 409 689 conveying; packing; containers Micro-structural 3521142126410 technology; nano- technology Inorganic chemistry; glass; 75 89 63 85 65 43 32 46 44 55 fertilisers Organic chemistry; 72 110 167 85 43 48 42 66 73 79 biocides Macromolecular 57 69 80 53 23 31 46 41 62 41 compounds Dyes; paints; oils; fats; 116 132 118 116 79 75 66 106 94 99 petroleum; detergents 885W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 886W

(b) Number of UK national patents granted by technical area 2002-11 Technical area 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Microbiology; alcoholic 44 46 84 61 46 33 42 29 46 55 beverages; sugar; skins Metallurgy; electrolysis; 68 105 84 82 51 45 31 19 35 58 crystal growth Textiles; sewing; ropes 79 79 67 78 44 16 12 31 49 32 Paper 141623199112444 Building; civil engineering; 569 597 508 561 466 307 285 322 335 410 locks Earth or rock drilling; 364 514 393 535 551 367 341 311 387 498 mining Engines; pumps; 285 282 373 311 235 150 159 184 214 320 hydraulics; pneumatics Engineering elements; 544 450 556 430 338 234 245 229 253 325 storing gases; pipelines Lighting; heating; cooling; 167 163 155 236 143 101 102 141 127 156 drying; heat-exchange Weapons; ammunition; 44 53 56 32 18 44 42 23 28 57 blasting; explosives Measuring; testing; optics; 778 806 759 840 732 555 510 610 602 656 photography Controlling; computing; 631 928 121 4 129 9 838 534 450 425 457 664 timing; checking; signalling Educating; advertising; 264 297 275 280 198 197 139 115 104 140 music; recording Nucleonics 6 11 14 6666433 Electric elements; electric 805 798 831 937 673 536 460 489 401 635 power Electronic circuitry; 978 135 3 163 5 121 9 102 1 704 552 617 602 643 telecommunications Others(unclassified) 3000000000 Total 8,690 9,761 10,541 10,159 7,907 5,930 5,360 5,428 5,594 7,173

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, 166 higher education institutions in the UK1, of which Innovation and Skills how many patents were registered 87 have had UK patent applications published since in each region of the UK in each of the last 10 years for 2002. As regards patents granted by the Intellectual which figures are available; and what proportion of Property Office, table (a) gives the number of UK such patents were registered by universities. [108891] national patents granted for each UK region for the calendar years 2002-11. Table (b) shows the number of Norman Lamb [holding answer 22 May 2012]: Global UK national patents granted held by universities by data on the numbers of patents granted by UK region region for those years. or by universities are not readily accessible. There are

(a) Number of UK national patents granted by region 2002 to 2011 Region 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

East Midlands 167 180 194 174 128 96 109 114 111 155 East of England 359 420 492 484 371 284 272 302 288 409 London 521 561 645 570 524 316 361 292 382 401 North West 252 326 274 312 254 187 167 192 201 246 Northern 25 13 18 32 13 11 10 11 7 16 Ireland NorthEast52545164823332374170 Scotland 163 183 162 179 138 130 117 127 169 207 South East 611 799 820 822 607 428 411 421 472 591 South West 327 355 350 390 344 207 212 209 244 363 Wales 130 117 116 147 88 62 60 67 66 82 West Midlands 419 360 332 287 234 149 159 167 163 216 Yorkshire 177 172 216 200 150 125 132 146 141 175 Unknown1 107 106 110 90 45 30 28 33 38 61 Total 3,310 3,646 3,780 3,751 2,978 2,058 2,070 2,118 2,323 2,992 1 Data not available at point of capture. (b) Number of UK national patents granted by universities by region 2002 to 2011 Region 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

East Midlands 2323232736 East of England 2034292243 London 4 5 12 68139106 887W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 888W

(b) Number of UK national patents granted by universities by region 2002 to 2011 Region 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

NorthWest2234020158 NorthernIreland2001000000 NorthEast2220311200 Scotland511810856337 South East 4 9 14 68648129 South West 4160010641 Wales 1421202133 West Midlands 1455432374 Yorkshire 4 7 11 14 5 12 10 4 6 8 Total 33486854424332465755

1 http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php/component/option.com_hei obtained by UK universities in other countries or through contacts/ltemid.87 routes other than direct to the Intellectual Property Patents: Higher Education Office. There are 166 higher education institutions in the UK1, of which 87 have had UK patent applications published since 2002. The following two tables show the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for numbers of (a) published patent applications and (b) Business, Innovation and Skills how many patents were granted patents which the Intellectual Property Office registered by each university in the UK in each of the has processed for UK universities for each of the calendar last 10 years for which figures are available. [108888] years 2002-11. Norman Lamb [holding answer 22 May 2012]: Global 1 Note: data on the numbers of patents obtained by universities http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php/component/ are not readily accessible, especially in relation to those option,com_heicontacts/ltemid,87

(a) Published patent applications filed by universities between 2002-11 Higher Education Rank Institution 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total

1 The University of 765916612614788 Sheffield 2 The University of 21271013143447 Cambridge 2 The University of Oxford 665824248247 (Isis Innovations) 2 The University of 446568332647 Southampton 5 Sheffield Hallam —210573175343 University 6 Imperial College (Imperial 11424142—3536 Innovations) 7 King’s College London — —7275252—30 8 Cardiff University 2252 9223229 9 The University of Dundee 172134431127 10CranfieldUniversity3 1241512726 10 De Montfort University 1 1 — — 3 1 10 5 — 5 26 10 The University of 2154613—1326 Warwick 13 The University of Surrey 225314—13425 14 The University of Bristol 6541212—2—23 15 The University of 1 3321217222 Manchester 16 The University of —11424221421 Edinburgh 16 The University of —1——2—334821 Lancaster 18 The University of 9411—2——3—20 Glasgow 18 University College 74322——11—20 London 20 The University of ——2222216219 Nottingham 21 Brunei University 4 — 1 1 —1231518 22 Loughborough University 2131—2—12315 22 The University of Hull 1 4 1 —32121—15 22 The University of —————2723115 Plymouth 889W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 890W

(a) Published patent applications filed by universities between 2002-11 Higher Education Rank Institution 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total

25 The University of —1—1—1135214 Aberdeen 25 The University of Bolton —————1425214 25 University of Durham — —1316111—14 28 The University of York 1 6 — 2 — 3 1——— 13 29 The University of Leeds 2 — 1 —1132—212 29 The University of 1——2—1231212 Newcastle-upon-Tyne 29 The University of ——1—2351——12 Wolverhampton 32 The City University — 1 — — 1 3 —12311 32 The University of Kent — — —233—21—11 32 The University of Sussex — — — 6 —112——11 35 Bangor University — — 1 1———11510 35 London South Bank ————— 3 2— 2 2 10 University 35 The University of ——122211——10 Bradford 35 The University of Exeter 1————— 3— 3 2 10 35 The University of ——2——111—510 Greenwich 35 The University of 1—21——12—310 Strathclyde 41 The Nottingham Trent 2——— 1—114—9 University 41 The University of St. 3 2 1— 2—— 1—— 9 Andrews 43 Coventry University 1 1 — 1 1 1 3 — — 8 43 Edinburgh Napier 1——1—1113—8 University 43 The Open University 2 — 1 — — 3 1 1 — 8 43 The University of Salford 1——————— 1 6 8 43 University of Glamorgan —————1313—8 43 University of 1112 2——— 1 8 Hertfordshire 49 Bournemouth University 3 — 1——— 1— 1 1 7 49 Heriot-Watt University 1 3 1——— 1—— 1 7 49 The Manchester 1— 1—— 1— 2— 2 7 Metropolitan University 49 The University of ——— 2 1———— 4 7 Leicester 53 Aston University — — —121—2——6 53 Queen Mary and Westfield 2—— 1 1———— 2 6 College 53RoyalCollegeofArt1 2 1————— 1 1 6 53 The University of Bath 1 — 1 — —111—16 53 The University of East —1——21—2——6 Anglia 53 The University of 2——— 2 1 1——— 6 Northumbria at Newcastle 59 Glasgow School of Art — 1 2 — 2————— 5 59 Liverpool John Moores —— 2— 1—— 1— 1 5 University 59 Royal Holloway and — 1— 2 1 1———— 5 Bedford New College 59 The Queen’s University of — 1— 1—— 2—— 1 5 Belfast 59 The University of 1——— 1—— 3—— 5 Liverpool 59 The University of Reading — — — 1 — 1 — — 2 1 5 59 The University of ————— 4—— 1— 5 Westminster 66 Oxford Brookes University 1———— 2—— 1— 4 66 The University of 1— 1— 1———— 1 4 Birmingham 68 Anglia Ruskin University — — 2 — — 1———— 3 68 Staffordshire University — 1 — 1———— 1— 3 68 Teesside University ————— 1— 2—— 3 891W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 892W

(a) Published patent applications filed by universities between 2002-11 Higher Education Rank Institution 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total

68 The Robert Gordon — 1 1—— 1———— 3 University 68 The University of —————— 1— 2— 3 Brighton 68 The University of ————— 1—— 1 1 3 Huddersfield 74 London Metropolitan ———————— 2— 2 University 74 Middlesex University ——————— 1 1— 2 74 The Royal Veterinary ——————— 2—— 2 College 74 The University of Keele ————— 1— 1—— 2 74 University of Abertay ———————— 1 1 2 Dundee 74 University of the West of — 1—— 1————— 2 England, Bristol 74 University of Wales —————— 1— 1— 2 Institute Cardiff 81 Aberystwyth University — — — 1—————— 1 81 Birkbeck College ————— 1———— 1 81 Canterbury Christ Church ———— 1————— — University 81 The University of Central 1————————— — Lancashire 81 The University of ——————— 1—— — Northampton 81 The University of ————————— 1 — Portsmouth 81 University of The Arts ———— 1————— — London

(b) UK national patents granted to universities 2002-11 Higher Education Rank Institution 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total

1 The University of 2235—2522124 Sheffield 2 The University of ——3218224123 Cambridge 3 The University of —32532212222 Warwick 4 Sheffield Hallam ——3416— 2420 University 4 The University of 125—12232220 Southampton 6 CranfieldUniversity253—11—11317 6 The University of Oxford —12321—24217 {Isis Innovations) 8 King’s College London — — — 2 2 — —36215 9 Cardiff University —3212——— 2 3 14 9 De Montfort University — 2——— 1—51414 9 University College — 3 6— 3——— 1 14 London 12 The University of Dundee 1 — —421—11—12 12 The University of — 8 1 1—————— 12 Glasgow 14 Imperial College (Imperial 3— 1 2 1——— 2— 11 Innovations) 15 The University of 1——1222—1—10 Edinburgh 15 The University of —123———12—10 Manchester 15 The University of ——————— 5 4— 10 Plymouth 15 The University of Surrey — 1 —1321—2 10 15 The University of York 1211122——— 10 20 The University of 1——122—2—19 Nottingham 20 The University of St. 1221—11—1—9 Andrews 22 The University of Hull — —121—1—128 893W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 894W

(b) UK national patents granted to universities 2002-11 Higher Education Rank Institution 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total

23 The University of Bristol 4 1 1——————— 7 23 The University of ————— 1—— 3 2 7 Wolverhampton 23 University of Durham 2 1 3————— 7 26 The University of 1— 1— 2——— 1— 6 Bradford 26 The University of Leeds — 1 — 1 — 1 2——— 6 26 The University of ——— 1 1—— 2— 2 6 Strathclyde 29 Brunei University — 2 2———— 1—— 5 29 Loughborough University — — — 2———— 1 1 5 29 The Open University — — — 1———— 1 2 5 29 The University of Bolton 1 1——————— 3 5 29 The University of ——— 1— 1—— 1 2 5 Lancaster 34 Coventry University 1 1 — — 1————— 4 34 Edinburgh Napier 2 1———————— 4 University 34 Heriot-Watt University — — 2 1————— 1 4 34 The Manchester ———————— 2 1 4 Metropolitan University 34 The Nottingham Trent 1 1—————— 1— 4 University 34 The University of ——— 1—— 1—— 1 4 Aberdeen 34 The University of East — 2———————— 4 London 34 The University of — 1———— 1 1—— 4 Newcastle-upon-Tyne 34 The University of Sussex — — — 1 1——— 1— 4 34 University of 1—— 1 1————— 4 Hertfordshire 44 Bournemouth University — — 3——————— 3 44 Glasgow School of Art ———— 2————— 3 44RoyalCollegeofArt—— 2 1—————— 3 44 Royal Holloway and ———— 1—— 1—— 3 Bedford New College 44 The City University — — 1———— 1 1— 3 44 The Queen’s University of 2—— 1—————— 3 Belfast 44 The University of —— 2———— 1—— 3 Birmingham 44 The University of East 1———————— 2 3 Anglia 52 Aston University — — 1 1—————— 2 52 London South Bank 1—— 1—————— 2 University 52 The Robert Gordon —— 1— 1————— 2 University 52 The University of ———— 1—— 1—— 2 Greenwich 52 The University of Keele ———————— 2— 2 52 The University of — 1 1——————— 2 Northumbria at Newcastle 52 The University of —— 2——————— 2 Portsmouth 52 The University of Reading 1——————— 1— 2 52 University of Glamorgan ——————— 1 1— 2 61 Aberystwyth University 1————————— — 61 Anglia Ruskin University — — — 1—————— — 61 Bangor University —————— 1——— — 61 Birkbeck College —————— 1——— — 61 Canterbury Christ Church ——————— 1—— — University 61 Liverpool John Moores ————— 1———— — University 61 London Metropolitan ————————— 1 — University 61 Middlesex University ——————— 1—— — 895W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 896W

(b) UK national patents granted to universities 2002-11 Higher Education Rank Institution 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total

61 Oxford Brookes University ——————— 1—— — 61 Queen Mary and Westfield ————————— 1 — College 61 Swansea University — 1———————— — 61 The University of Bath — — 1——————— — 61 The University of Central 1————————— — Lancashire 61 The University of Exeter — — 1——————— — 61 The University of ————————— 1 — Huddersfield 61 The University of Kent —————— 1——— — 61 The University of —————— 1——— — Leicester 61 The University of Salford ————————— 1 — 61 The University of —————— 1——— — Westminster 61 University of The Arts ——————— 1—— — London 61 University of the West of ————— 1———— — England, Bristol

Public Expenditure employed by Ufl to manage UK Online Centres. Following a tendering process undertaken by the Skills Funding Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Agency, the foundation was appointed as the managing Business, Innovation and Skills if he will publish a agent for the UK Online Centres with effect from 1 statement of his Department’s expenditure in each of December 2011. the last 36 months; and what steps his Department In addition a number of further education colleges, takes to avoid an annual underspend. [108621] as private sector organisations delivering public services, are exploring mutualisation within projects supported Norman Lamb: Since May 2010, the Department has through the Cabinet Office Mutual Pathfinder Programme. published details of its monthly expenditure on its The Community Learning Trust Pilots prospectus also website at: included mutuals operating as social enterprises as a http://www.bis.gov.uk/transparency/financial potential operating model for pilot trusts. In addition, the Department publishes quarterly data summaries to provide a snapshot on how the Department Regional Growth Fund is spending its budget, the results it has achieved and how it is deploying its workforce. These can be found at: Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.bis.gov.uk/transparency/quarterly-data-summary Business, Innovation and Skills what the likely net cost Over the past two years the Department has taken will be of each additional job generated by rounds 1 significant steps to strengthen its financial management and 2 of the Regional Growth Fund; and what the and to best position it to deliver our spending review average cost was of an additional job created by a funding and reform challenges. In order to manage our regional development agency in England between 2002 finances we have implemented improved governance, and 2007. [109145] which helps the Department to avoid overspends and underspends. The improved governance includes the Mr Prisk [holding answer 23 May 2012]: The net introduction of additional budget controls, a formal cost per job for the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) was mid year review, enhanced financial forecasting and £32,000 in round 1 and £34,000 in round 2. As set out in volatility analysis, improved financial guidance, financial the NAO Regional Growth Fund report published on forecasting performance objectives and automated 11 May, the detailed appraisal process is in line with administration tools. HM Treasury’s Green Book and reflects good practice. As set out in the NAO Regional Growth Fund report, Public Sector the average cost per net additional job generated by Regional Development Agencies occurring as a result Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, of spend between 2002 and 2007 is £28,000, with wide Innovation and Skills how many new public sector variation between schemes. mutuals were created or spun-off by his Department in It is important to note that the NAO report sets out (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a that it is difficult to benchmark RGF cost per net statement. [108820] additional job against the cost per net additional job of similar previous programmes because evaluations do Norman Lamb: The Department for Business Innovation not contain strictly comparable information. However, and Skills is committed to supporting the creation and the report stated that based on the information available, growth of public service mutuals. the RGF cost per net additional job is similar to the Online Centres Foundation was established in 2011-12 cost per net additional job achieved by programmes as a mutual, staff owned company, by staff previously with comparable objectives. 897W Written Answers24 MAY 2012 Written Answers 898W

Comparing the impact of the RGF with the impact for the sales of local newspapers, including the effects of of the RDAs is difficult for a number of reasons. The delivery charges and wholesaler and publisher control RDA schemes and the RGF schemes occurred during of the supply chain. very different points in the economic cycle and the remit The OFT announced on 1 March 2012 that, following of each was very different, with the remit of the RDAs a consultation with interested parties, it will not be being much wider. Furthermore, as there are some carrying out an update review of the newspaper and differences in the approaches taken to assess net benefit magazine distribution sector, primarily on the grounds it is also worth comparing RGF and RDA spend in that consumers would not be likely to benefit significantly terms of gross impact: as a result of such a review. This assessment was confined Over the period 2002/03 to 2006/07 the RDAs invested £8.7 to national newspaper and magazine distribution, and billion of public funds which leveraged £5.7 billion of private did not consider the supply of local newspapers to sector funding and created or safeguarded 502,281 jobs. retailers. Over the period 2011/12 to 2013/14 RGF is expected to invest Should you consider that the issue you raise gives rise £1.4 billion of public funds which will leverage £7.7 billion of private sector funding and create or safeguard approximately to competition concerns, you may wish to raise this 330,000 gross jobs. with the OFT directly. South America Phil Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the National Audit Office’s May 2012 report Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for on the Regional Growth Fund in respect of providing Business, Innovation and Skills how many delegations effective support to business; and if he will make a UK Trade and Investment has organised to (a) Brazil statement. [109147] and (b) South America since May 2010; and how many companies from (i) the North East and (ii) the Mr Prisk: The National Audit Office (NAO) report UK have participated. [109357] identified that the Government chose the right projects for funding that offered better returns, in the right Mr Prisk: United Kingdom Trade and Investment places, and that the fund should create or safeguard has organised 49 trade missions to Brazil and an additional around 328,000 jobs. 35 missions to South America since May 2010. The NAO highlighted there was no bias in project In total, 668 companies participated in these missions selection, and the right investment decisions were made of which 16 companies were from the North East. based on robust analysis. The fund levers in approximately Student Numbers £6 of private money for every £1 of public money invested. Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for made of the effect on the demographics of the student Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has population of the introduction of the core and margin made of the National Audit Office’s May 2012 report model. [109185] on the Regional Growth Fund in respect of providing effective support to business; and if he will make a Mr Willetts: The Department published an impact statement. [109163] assessment and equality impact assessment on the proposals in the Higher Education White Paper in June 2011. Mr Prisk: The NAO report identified that the These are available at: Government chose the right projects for funding that offered better returns, in the right places, and that the http://discuss.bis.gov.uk/hereform/all-documents/ fund should create or safeguard around 328,000 jobs. We do not anticipate any significant impact on the The NAO highlighted there was no bias in project demographics of the student population arising from selection, and the right investment decisions were made the core and margin policy. based on robust analysis. The fund levers in approximately We will monitor the impact of these changes through £6 of private money for every £1 of public money the Higher Education Funding Council for England. invested. Students: Loans Retail Trade: Newspaper Press Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Business, Innovation and Skills on what date he plans Innovation and Skills if he will make an assessment of to publish the equality impact assessment for his 24+ recent trends in the margins that small retailers receive Advanced Learner Loans. [109402] for the sales of local newspapers, including the effects of delivery charges and wholesaler and publisher control Mr Hayes: The Equality Impact Assessment for 24+ of the supply chain. [108636] Advanced Learning loans will be published alongside the overall Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) for Norman Lamb: There are currently no plans to assess FE loans, publication of which is anticipated following recent trends in the margins that small retailers receive clearance by the Regulatory Reform Committee. 15MC Ministerial Corrections24 MAY 2012 Ministerial Corrections 16MC

she is also aware of the extra investment that we are Ministerial Correction now putting in, particularly for early years—for children even before they go to school. We know from the Thursday 24 May 2012 evidence that that makes the most dramatic difference for subsequent social mobility. As of April next year, 40% of all two-year-olds in this country, including all two-year-olds from the most disadvantaged families, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER will receive for the first time 15 hours of free pre-school support. Topical Questions [Official Report, 22 May 2012, Vol. 545, c. 980.] The following is the answer given by the Deputy Prime Letter of correction from Nick Clegg: Minister, the right hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr Clegg), to a question from the hon. Member for An error has been identified in the oral answer given Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) during Deputy Prime on 22 May 2012 to the hon. Member for Edinburgh Minister Question Time on 22 May 2012. East (Sheila Gilmore). The correct answer should have been: T12. [108486] Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): The Deputy Prime Minister has been quoted in the The Deputy Prime Minister: As I hope the hon. Lady media as saying, rightly in my opinion, that social knows, we have protected the money for Sure Start, but mobility will take a long time to change, so why, on there is, I acknowledge, greater discretion for local coming to power in May 2010, did he agree to the authorities to decide how to use it. I am aware of reduction or elimination of measures such as the 10 outright closures of Sure Start centres across the education maintenance allowance and Sure Start long country, and of course it is important to know why before their long-term effects could be judged? local authorities have taken those decisions. I hope that she is also aware of the extra investment that we are The Deputy Prime Minister: As I hope the hon. Lady now putting in, particularly for early years—for children knows, we have protected the money for Sure Start, but even before they go to school. We know from the there is, I acknowledge, greater discretion for local evidence that that makes the most dramatic difference authorities to decide how to use it. I am aware of for subsequent social mobility. As of 2014, 40% of all 10 outright closures of Sure Start centres across the two-year-olds in this country, including all two-year-olds country, and of course it is important to know why from the most disadvantaged families, will receive for local authorities have taken those decisions. I hope that the first time 15 hours of free pre-school support.

ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 24 May 2012

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 1264 BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Adult Training and Employment ...... 1270 Higher Education (Economic Growth) ...... 1277 Apprentices...... 1272 Mentoring...... 1269 Business Community ...... 1271 Motor Industry...... 1267 Business Confidence ...... 1266 Post Office Network...... 1268 Business Growth ...... 1273 Regulation ...... 1264 Caravans (Hull)...... 1274 Russell Group ...... 1275 Energy Pricing ...... 1278 Topical Questions ...... 1279 Exports (Far East) ...... 1276 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Thursday 24 May 2012

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 75WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL EU Competitiveness Council ...... 75WS AFFAIRS...... 83WS High Cost Credit...... 76WS Gangmasters Licensing Authority (Red Tape Law Commission Review (Unfair Contract Challenge)...... 83WS Terms)...... 75WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 85WS Afghanistan (Monthly Progress Report) ...... 85WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 77WS Friends of Yemen Ministerial Meeting...... 91WS Fire and Rescue Service ...... 77WS General Affairs Council ...... 92WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 92WS CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 80WS G6 Meeting...... 92WS Telecommunications Council ...... 80WS Report on Corruption in the Police Service in England and Wales ...... 93WS

DEFENCE...... 81WS JUSTICE...... 94WS Defence Infrastructure Organisation...... 81WS Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Service Complaints Commissioner (Fourth Offenders Act 2012 ...... 94WS Annual Report)...... 81WS TRANSPORT ...... 94WS Infrastructure (Roads)...... 94WS Local Sustainable Transport Fund...... 96WS EDUCATION...... 82WS Children Who Perform...... 82WS TREASURY ...... 77WS School Funding...... 82WS Taxation of Unauthorised Unit Trusts...... 77WS PETITION

Thursday 24 May 2012

Col. No. Col. No. PRESENTED PETITION ...... 13P VAT on Static Caravans...... 13P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 24 May 2012

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 780W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Complaints ...... 780W Business: Billing...... 871W Lost Property...... 780W Business: Government Assistance ...... 872W Meetings ...... 780W Business: Regulation ...... 874W Carbon Emissions...... 875W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 869W Careers Advice: Postgraduate Education ...... 876W Adult Education: Dyslexia...... 870W Catapult Centres ...... 869W Apprentices...... 870W Cities...... 869W Apprentices: South West ...... 871W Conditions of Employment...... 876W Business ...... 871W Construction: Billing...... 876W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued EDUCATION—continued EU Internal Trade...... 877W Children’s Commissioner for England ...... 810W Exports: Copyright ...... 877W First Aid: Curriculum ...... 811W Exports: North West...... 878W Literacy...... 812W Food: Prices ...... 878W Schools: Sanitation ...... 812W Foreign Investment in UK: Pakistan...... 878W Secondary Education: Birmingham ...... 812W Four Seasons Health Care...... 879W Teachers: Pensions ...... 813W Intellectual Property and Growth Review ...... 879W Teachers: Training...... 813W Lost Property...... 880W Meetings ...... 880W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 814W Offshore Industry: Trade Unions ...... 880W Carbon Emissions: Housing...... 814W Overseas Trade: BRIC Countries ...... 880W Energy: Prices ...... 814W Overseas Trade: China ...... 881W Green Deal Scheme...... 815W Overseas Trade: Libya...... 882W Hunterston B Power Station ...... 816W Patents ...... 882W Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs...... 816W Patents: Higher Education ...... 887W RenewableUK...... 817W Public Expenditure...... 895W Warm Front Scheme ...... 818W Public Sector...... 895W Warm Home Discount Scheme ...... 818W Recession ...... 869W Wind Power ...... 818W Regional Growth Fund ...... 896W Retail Trade: Newspaper Press...... 897W South America...... 898W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Student Numbers...... 898W AFFAIRS...... 848W Students: Loans ...... 898W Agriculture...... 848W Animal Feed ...... 850W CABINET OFFICE...... 819W Bees...... 850W Big Society Capital ...... 819W Biofuels: Pollution...... 850W Business ...... 819W Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control...... 851W Charity Commission ...... 821W Food: Prices ...... 853W Efficiency and Reform Group ...... 822W Food: Production...... 853W Hay Group...... 822W Food: Recycling ...... 853W Manpower...... 822W Food Supply...... 851W Public Sector...... 823W Food: Sustainable Development...... 854W Unemployment ...... 824W Origin Marking...... 855W Plants: Disease Control...... 855W CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 868W Rural Areas: Northumberland ...... 856W Churches: West Midlands ...... 868W Water Abstraction...... 856W Theft: Metals ...... 868W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE .... 806W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 788W Carbon Emissions...... 806W Complaints ...... 788W Ethiopia ...... 807W Councillors: Disability ...... 788W Gibraltar: Spain ...... 808W Diamond Jubilee 2012...... 789W Israel...... 808W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 789W Lost Property...... 809W Manpower...... 809W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 833W Meetings ...... 809W Broadband ...... 833W Redundancy...... 810W Broadband: Rural Areas ...... 834W Communication ...... 834W HEALTH...... 856W Digital Broadcasting ...... 834W Blood: Donors ...... 856W Members: Correspondence ...... 835W Care Homes ...... 857W Public Sector...... 835W Complaints ...... 857W Dementia ...... 858W DEFENCE...... 828W Drugs: Misuse...... 859W Afghanistan and Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations.... 828W Genito-urinary Medicine ...... 860W Armed Forces: Health Services ...... 827W Health Services ...... 860W BAE Systems ...... 827W Hepatitis ...... 861W Bomb Disposal ...... 828W Herbal Medicine ...... 861W Bomb Disposal: Northern Ireland ...... 829W Hospitals: Greater London ...... 862W Defence Equipment: Scotland...... 830W Lost Property...... 863W Defence: Procurement...... 831W Medical Treatments...... 863W Hovercraft...... 832W Medical Treatments Abroad...... 863W Iraq...... 833W Mental Illness: Drugs...... 864W Type 26 Frigates...... 833W National Childbirth Trust: Training...... 865W NHS: Pay...... 865W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 826W Patients ...... 865W Electoral Register...... 826W Plastic Surgery: Death...... 866W Lobbying: Regulation ...... 827W Postnatal Depression...... 866W Prescription Drugs...... 867W EDUCATION...... 810W Public Sector...... 867W Academies: Primary Education ...... 810W Rape: Drugs...... 868W Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT...... 790W TRANSPORT—continued Anti-slavery Day ...... 790W Railways: Electrification ...... 786W Asylum: Democratic Republic of Congo ...... 790W Railways: Standards...... 786W Asylum: Young People...... 790W Rescue Services: Northern Ireland ...... 787W British Nationality: Northern Ireland ...... 791W Shipping...... 787W Burglary...... 791W Transport: Exports...... 787W Deportation: Sri Lanka...... 791W Visual Impairment ...... 788W Detention Centres: Children ...... 792W Human Trafficking Ministerial Group...... 792W TREASURY ...... 840W Immigration: South East...... 793W Banks...... 840W Manpower...... 794W British Sky Broadcasting: News Corporation...... 840W Meetings ...... 793W Child Tax Credit ...... 840W Publications ...... 794W Civil Servants: Pay ...... 841W Stalking: Risk Assessment ...... 794W Complaints ...... 841W Theft: Metals ...... 795W Disadvantaged ...... 841W UK Border Agency ...... 795W Financial Services ...... 842W Income Tax ...... 842W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 835W Lost Property...... 843W Developing Countries: Water...... 835W Manpower...... 844W Overseas Aid...... 836W Meetings ...... 844W Operating Costs ...... 844W JUSTICE...... 837W Personal Savings ...... 845W Alternatives to Prison: Greater Manchester ...... 837W Public Expenditure...... 845W Children: Protection...... 837W Public Sector...... 846W Courts: Translation Services...... 837W Revenue and Customs...... 846W Criminal Injuries Compensation ...... 838W Royal Bank of Scotland ...... 846W Meetings ...... 838W Tax Allowances: Pensions ...... 846W Proceeds of Crime...... 839W Tax Avoidance ...... 847W Young Offenders: Greater Manchester...... 839W VAT ...... 847W VAT: Listed Buildings ...... 848W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 779W EU Peace Programme ...... 779W WALES...... 779W Meetings ...... 780W Meetings ...... 779W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES ...... 781W PRIME MINISTER...... 779W Correspondence ...... 781W Written Questions: Government Responses...... 779W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 796W SCOTLAND...... 779W Atos Healthcare...... 796W Meetings ...... 779W Children: Maintenance ...... 796W Disability Living Allowance: Airdrie...... 797W TRANSPORT ...... 781W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 797W Airports: Thames Estuary ...... 781W Hunterston B Power Station ...... 797W Carnforth Station...... 782W Intellectual Property ...... 798W Dartford-Thurrock Crossing...... 782W Job Creation...... 798W Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency...... 782W National Employment Savings Trust Scheme...... 799W Driving: Eyesight ...... 783W Personal Pensions ...... 802W Driving Offences: Insurance...... 783W Social Security Benefits...... 803W East Anglia Main Line...... 783W Social Security Benefits: Disability...... 803W Motor Vehicles: Crime Prevention ...... 784W Social Security Benefits: Scotland ...... 803W Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties...... 784W Trade Unions ...... 804W Motor Vehicles: Insurance ...... 784W Universal Credit...... 805W Operation StepChange...... 785W Visual Impairment ...... 806W Parking ...... 785W Work Capability Assessment...... 806W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Thursday 24 May 2012

Col. No. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 15MC Topical Questions ...... 15MC 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 Thursday 31 May 2012

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CONTENTS

Thursday 24 May 2012

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1264] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

Business of the House [Col. 1285] Statement—(Sir George Young)

Feed-in Tariffs Scheme [Col. 1303] Statement—(Gregory Barker)

Whitsun Recess [Col. 1312] General debate

Ilias Ali [Col. 1382] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Family Courts [Col. 145WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 75WS]

Petition [Col. 13P] Presented Petition

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 779W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 15MC]