Thursday Volume 571 28 November 2013 No. 84

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 28 November 2013

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2013 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 385 28 NOVEMBER 2013 386

industrial strategies. This country is arguing for the House of Commons most ambitious 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target of any EU member state. It is just not true that investors Thursday 28 November 2013 think that this Government are not committed to this issue.

The House met at half-past Nine o’clock Chi Onwurah: This Government talk loudly, and at times obscenely, about the costs of decarbonisation, but they say little about the benefits, such as the potential PRAYERS for green jobs on Tyneside, which leads the world in clean power. If the delay is not causing the lack of investment, why has investment in clean energy fallen [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] by billions of pounds since this Government came to power? And what is the Secretary of State going to do to bring more green jobs to Tyneside? Oral Answers to Questions Mr Davey: The hon. Lady should not talk down the sector or her own area. She ought to know, because we have debated the matter at the Dispatch Box, that ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE £31 billion has been invested in renewable electricity since 2010. We have doubled the amount of renewable electricity generation since we came to power. The Secretary of State was asked— Karl Turner: Does the Secretary of State agree that Decarbonisation setting a decarbonisation target for 2030 would greatly assist the much needed investment in Hull by Siemens? 1. Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): If he Or does he agree with the Prime Minister that this is all will set a target to decarbonise the power sector by just “green crap”? 2030. [901298] Mr Davey: The whole Government, working with 9. Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): colleagues like the hon. Gentleman, are doing our very If he will set a target to decarbonise the power sector best to ensure that we get that supply chain investment by 2030. [R] [901307] in the UK for our green sector. He knows that we are working with him and other hon. Members from Hull 11. Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab): If to do just that. he will set a target to decarbonise the power sector by David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): The Secretary 2030. [901314] of State will be aware that the UK now has among the The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change lowest emissions per capita and per unit of GDP in (Mr Edward Davey): I agree that there should be a Europe. For example, they are 25% lower than those of power sector decarbonisation target for 2030. That is Germany, which has just embarked on a programme why the Government are legislating so that a of building coal power stations. Is there anything more decarbonisation target range can be set in 2016, once we can do to help our European partners have any kind the fifth carbon budget has been set. When that target of meaningful targets? has been set, we believe it will be the world’s first such Mr Davey: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his legally binding decarbonisation target. question. We are working with all our EU partners to raise ambition in the EU. This Government have proposed Joan Walley: I am interested to hear that the Secretary that we should have an EU target of a 40% reduction in of State agrees with me. We have all-party support for domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and be the Climate Change Act 2008, a recommendation from prepared to go up to 50% if we can get a global deal in the Committee on Climate Change that the target for 2015. We are leading the way in Europe on ambition. clean power should be set now, rather than later, and a Bill going through Parliament that could get rid of all Sir Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): My right hon. the uncertainty. By delaying this decision until 2016, is Friend will have noted that progress towards the he not simply creating greater investor uncertainty, decarbonisation goal was interrupted this week by the risking green jobs and kowtowing to the Chancellor? withdrawal of the Atlantic Array offshore wind project off the north Devon coast. Is he concerned that if that Mr Davey: I should like to pay tribute to the hon. were to be followed by other decisions by utility companies Lady, now that she has told people that she will not be to withdraw from such schemes, we could lose control standing at the next election. She has been a doughty of those critical national infrastructure decisions? Is he champion of green issues in the House. However, I do content with a situation in which the big six and foreign not believe that this short delay of two years will have utilities effectively have a veto over those critical investment the impact that she describes. She should remember decisions? that we have the EU 2020 targets for energy efficiency, renewables and emissions; the Climate Change Act, Mr Davey: I do not see it quite as my hon. Friend with the carbon budgets running up to 2027; and the does. We were initially disappointed when the decision Energy Bill which provides the most secure framework, on the Atlantic Array was announced, but when we the levy control framework going up to 2020, and learned that it was for technical reasons and that the 387 Oral Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 388 further analysis of the seabed that was needed would although the headline increase announced by the company have increased the cost, we understood why it had been is high enough, they are being quoted sometimes twice taken. My hon. Friend should be reassured, because the that increase in their electricity prices. Is there anything number of applications that we have received for final he can do to press Ofgem as to why there is such a huge investment decision-enabling contracts for difference—the increase in this tariff? “go early” CFDs—has far exceeded our expectations. I believe that there will be some good news on offshore Michael Fallon: I shall certainly do that. When Ofgem wind shortly. last looked at this tariff, it thought that the price was reasonable compared with some other time-of-use tariffs Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab): As has been offered by other suppliers, such as Economy 7. However, said, RWE pulled the plug on the 240 turbine, 1.2 GW I am very happy to take the matter up again with wind farm in the Bristol channel this week, saying that Ofgem. it was not the right time to invest, although I accept that it also cited some technical reasons. That is the pattern with this Government: investment has gone down from Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) £7.2 billion in 2009 to a point where it is expected to be (LD): In taking the issue up with Ofgem, the Minister £1.9 billion this year. Nearly four of the five projects needs to emphasise just how trapped these people feel. coming on line since 2010 were started under Labour. They feel that they cannot shop around and they want Does the Secretary of State accept that his refusal to to be completely reassured that they are getting the adopt a 2030 power generation decarbonisation target fairest deal possible. In the long run, will he examine now is scaring away investment, damaging green jobs whether it would be worth accelerating and prioritising and jeopardising our future energy security? the roll-out of smart meters for these customers to make it easier for them to switch? Mr Davey: That, of course, is absolutely not the case. If anything is damaging green jobs, it is the Leader of Michael Fallon: As I have said, it is not satisfactory the Opposition and his irresponsible position on freezing that dynamic teleswitched meter customers have a choice energy prices. That has had a damaging effect on investment, of fewer suppliers than other customers, although there and the right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline are technical reasons for that. I am happy to take this Flint) knows it. We have a very good record in this area, matter up again with Ofgem to see what we can do to and I am looking forward to making more announcements make it easier for such customers to switch. of more investment.

Switching Suppliers Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): A number of my constituents who have switched recently have been hit 2. Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): What by significant charges—in one case, thousands of pounds. assessment he has made of the process involved when a Given that switching is the Government’s main policy Scottish and Southern Energy customer on its “Total on energy, what can they do to ensure that mistakes are Heating, Total Control” tariff tries to switch to another not being made by energy companies and that there is a electricity supplier. [901299] fair deal for all customers who switch?

The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Michael Fallon: If the charges are at that level, it is Climate Change (Michael Fallon): The ability to switch clearly unacceptable. We will look at this with Ofgem supplier is a key driver of a competitive market, and it is to make sure that everybody is entitled to a choice— important that we address areas where this is difficulty. everybody is entitled to switch—and if there are particular I therefore welcome the opportunity to discuss with my difficulties with dynamic teleswitched meters, they need hon. Friend the particular difficulties faced by customers to be looked at. on the “Total Heating, Total Control” tariff.

Mr Reid: The Government are right to encourage Green Levies people to switch their supplier to get a better deal. However, consumers on SSE’s “Total Heating, Total Control” tariff find in practice that they cannot switch 3. Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): because wiring and meters need to be changed and What representations he has received on the level of other suppliers simply do not want to know. What can green levies; and if he will make a statement. [901300] my right hon. Friend do to make it easier for these consumers to switch? The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Mr Edward Davey): I have had a number of representations Michael Fallon: My hon. Friend is right to say that on the level of green levies, and the Government expect customers who have dynamic teleswitched meters inevitably to make a statement on the conclusions of our current have a narrower choice of supplier. It is therefore all the review shortly. more important that Ofgem ensures that the tariffs they are on are kept reasonable. I would like to discuss further with him how we might help those particular Miss McIntosh: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend customers to switch more easily. for that reply. There is concern not only about the increase of the green levies, but about a lack of choice Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP): Following on from in where the green levies go. Is it feasible that on a what the Minister just said, one reason why people want household energy bill there could be a box for people to to switch from this tariff is that they are finding that tick to show their preferred renewable to support? 389 Oral Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 390

Mr Davey: We certainly want to ensure that we are Mr Davey: I cannot, of course, guarantee that. Should doing everything to help consumers; that is why we are Scotland decide to vote for independence, there would having this review. The hon. Lady’s proposal might have to be a negotiation. We cannot prejudge that create a little more uncertainty than we are trying to negotiation, not least because despite the publication by achieve and we need certainty for the investment. the Scottish Executive this week, there was a lack of detail on some key elements. The hon. Gentleman is Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Will right to point out to the House and the country that if the Secretary of State stand up to the Conservatives on Scotland votes for independence and there can be no this? There is no doubt that the Conservatives are using guarantee of support for renewables in Scotland from the green levy as a fig leaf. The fact is that we need an English, Welsh and Northern Irish consumers, Scottish intelligent policy that delivers great environmental change consumers and industry could see price rises. in our country; he should not let the Tories defer that. Energy Efficiency Mr Davey: My colleagues and I will stand together. On the green levy review, we need to do all we can to 4. Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): What help consumers with energy bills and I should have recent assessment he has made of the contribution of thought that the Opposition supported that, but I have energy efficiency to reducing energy costs. [901301] made it clear that we will not do that on the backs of the fuel poor—we will keep our support for them in the The Minister of State, Department of Energy and levy—and that we will ensure that there is investment in Climate Change (Gregory Barker): Since 2010, more renewable energy. than 4.8 million insulation measures have been installed through Government schemes. For the average home, Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): Will the Secretary of State installing such measures can typically save between ensure that in any review of the green levies measures £25 and £270 on an annual energy bill. are taken to protect the fuel poor, particularly those in rural Somerset? Caroline Lucas: This week, we have heard that excess winter deaths are up 29% on last year, with up to Mr Davey: The House will be pleased to know that 31,000 excess winter deaths. That should be a national the social and green levies protect everybody, whether scandal. Why, in that context, have the Government they are in rural Somerset or anywhere else in the abolished the duty to eliminate fuel poverty, why will he country. On a number of occasions, I have made clear in not agree to amend the Energy Bill to include mandatory this House and elsewhere my commitment to maintain minimum energy efficiency standards for the homes of the support for the fuel poor. low-income households, and will they reverse their opposition to a binding EU 2030 energy efficiency Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Why is the Secretary target? of State persisting with the carbon price floor tax, which is unilaterally damaging core foundation industries Gregory Barker: I share the hon. Lady’s concerns such as steel and chemicals, when even his predecessor about the winter deaths, but one has to say, being very says it has no green benefit and is simply about lining objective about it, that there was a clear link between the Chancellor’s pocket? influenza and those deaths in the last period looked at. We cannot be complacent about the impact of cold Mr Davey: The Chancellor introduced the carbon homes. That is why we have a national energy efficiency price floor at the beginning of this Parliament and strategy—we are the first Government ever to have such confirmed the rates in the Budget this year. The purpose a strategy—and why we have an ambitious public and is to send a clear incentive message to people investing market-based programme to roll out energy efficiency in low carbon, which I believe the hon. Gentleman across the housing stock. supports. I also hope that he supports the compensation package this Government have put together to help Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): If we really energy-intensive industries, to support them and to help want to target help with energy bills on those who need them defray those costs. it most, why do we not insist through building standards that all new build social housing has solar panels on the Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ roof? Co-op): One element of the levies applied to consumer bills funds the renewables obligation certificate payments, Gregory Barker: I am not unsympathetic to that idea, as the Secretary of State knows. He will also be aware but the responsibility for building standards rests with that a third of those payments go to generators in the Department for Communities and Local Government. Scotland, but, with 8.4% of the consumer base, they are We have zero-carbon homes, but the key challenge for funded by bill payers across Britain. When Infinis, a this country is the existing housing stock in which the Scottish-based renewables generator, published its flotation vast majority of people live now and in which they will prospectus a couple of weeks ago, it cited the outcome live for decades to come. The real challenge for us is not of separation as one of its key risks. On Monday, the to build relatively few great homes but to retrofit the nationalists in Edinburgh published their plan for Scotland entire housing stock, to the benefit of everyone. to separate from the rest of the UK, asserting that “shared support for renewables and capital costs of transmission Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) (Lab/Co-op): among consumers in Scotland and the rest of the UK” Following that answer and speculation in the press would continue. Can the Secretary of State guarantee today, does the Minister accept that cutting the energy that that will definitively be the case? company obligation by extending the deadline for 391 Oral Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 392 companies to meet it would punish the companies that investing in this new market, and more than 100,000 consumers have so far sought to meet the obligation, cause serious have begun the green deal improvement journey to job losses in the insulation industry and, most important, make their homes more efficient. leave vulnerable people who have been promised that they will have that work done sitting in the cold this Mr Amess: As the promoter of the Warm Homes and Christmas? Energy Conservation Act 2000, may I ask my right hon. Friend to join me in commending National Energy Gregory Barker: I cannot prejudge any announcement Action for its efforts to encourage people to be energy that will be coming shortly, but it is clear to all of us efficient and help to eliminate fuel poverty? that Labour stands for what is effectively a green poll tax. It is right behind regressive levies on bills; it has no Gregory Barker: I certainly commend the NEA. I was interest in driving value for money. The coalition is delighted to attend its annual reception on Tuesday. I standing up not just for green values but for green value also commend my hon. Friend, whose record on fighting for money. Unlike the shadow Secretary of State, we fuel poverty is second to none in the House. He has long recognise that £112 on bills matters to hard-working been a champion of the fuel poor. We continue to work families, and if we can get better value from green hand in hand with the NEA, developing the energy measures we will extract it. Only the coalition will saving network. The Department has provided £900,000 ensure that we get good value as well as meeting our to fund the creation of the network and the NEA is green targets. developing and delivering training to 500 energy advisers, and that is in addition to the community action awards Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): Question on which we are also working with the NEA. No. 5, Mr Speaker. Wayne David: Earlier in the year the Minister said The Minister of State, Department of Energy and that he would have sleepless nights if his target of Climate Change (Gregory Barker): With permission, I 10,000 people signing up to the green deal before the will answer this question and questions 5, 9, 13, 18, 20, end of the year was not met. We are almost at the end of and 21 together. the year; is he preparing for a period of prolonged insomnia? Mr Speaker: Order. The Minister is a little confused. I will try to rescue him. We have been advised of the Gregory Barker: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely desire of the Government to link questions 5, 6, 12, right; I did anticipate around 10,000. The number of 13 and 14, and I am sure that that is what the right hon. people taking up finance so far has been significantly Gentleman really has in mind. I should say for the lower—about 1,200 as of last month. However, the benefit of the House that the reason why we cannot extraordinary thing is that over 100,000 homes have group questions 18, 20 and 21 is that they do not exist. had green deal assessments, and the compelling response has been that over 80% of the people who have had a Gregory Barker: I apologise, Mr Speaker, and stand green deal assessment are installing measures. If consumers corrected. like the green deal and the products and if they are installing the measures, the fact that they are not yet 5. Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): What using the finance does not worry me. I am delighted steps he is taking to ensure the UK leads the way in that over 100,000 green deal measures are being installed in people’s homes. It is fantastic news. energy efficiency. [R] [901302] Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op): Joyner PA in my 6. Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): What steps he is constituency has been providing wall insulation to people taking to help households improve their energy in Islwyn for over 30 years, making homes energy-efficient. efficiency. [901303] When I visited the company last Friday, I was told that applying for Government green schemes is slow and 12. Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op): What steps he bureaucratic. What are the Government doing to address is taking to help households improve their energy that? efficiency. [901315] Gregory Barker: I am not sure which particular schemes 13. Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): What the hon. Gentleman is referring to, but if he would like steps he is taking to help households improve their to write to me, I would be happy to address his queries energy efficiency. [901317] or concerns in detail. I take on board what he says about bureaucracy. That is why we have got rid of the 14. Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): What steps community energy saving programme, which we inherited he is taking to help households improve their energy from the previous Government and which was incredibly efficiency. [901318] bureaucratic. That is why we are looking to make the energy company obligation and the green deal less The Minister of State, Department of Energy and bureaucratic and as easy to understand for the consumer Climate Change (Gregory Barker): Driving household as possible. We will continue to iterate both schemes to energy efficiency take-up to help consumers control make them as consumer-friendly as possible. their energy bills is at the heart of our approach, and with policies such as the green deal we have established Grahame M. Morris: May I draw the Minister’s attention the conditions to grow energy efficiency markets in to a Lords amendment to the Energy Bill, which we will Great Britain. Thousands of innovative businesses are consider next Wednesday, regarding measures to tackle 393 Oral Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 394 fuel poverty and using the energy efficiency certificates Energy Costs as a means of targeting help at the poorest households? Will he give some consideration to accepting that, or a 7. Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): What steps he is form of it, as a way of targeting help at the poorest? taking to help consumers reduce energy bills. [901304]

Gregory Barker: The Energy Bill is on course for The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Royal Assent and it is very important that it does not (Mr Edward Davey): The Government are providing get held up. It has been considered in both Houses. It is help to consumers with energy bills in three basic ways: absolutely imperative for unlocking investment that we through direct financial support, with energy efficiency proceed with passing the Bill as a matter of urgency, so initiatives, and by boosting competition. In 2012-13, we remain committed to that. I am always looking for with the winter fuel payment, with the warm home new ideas on energy efficiency, but I think that we have discount, and with cold weather payments, the Government in place the most robust framework and the most spent over £2.5 billion on direct subsidies to reduce ambitious strategy that any Government have had, but bills. With the energy company obligation and the green we continue to look to improve that. deal, we are helping consumers to reduce bills permanently. Along with Ofgem, our policies in the retail and wholesale Ian Murray: Despite the Minister having slight problems markets are intensifying competition to help consumers with the question numbers, we know that he is exceptionally reduce their bills this winter and every winter. numerate, so can he tell the House how many households have actually had work done, according to his Department, Karen Lumley: Does my right hon. Friend agree that under the green deal? what the people of Redditch want are fair and firm energy policies, in the realisation that no Government Gregory Barker: There were 1,173 plans in the system, can fix international oil and gas prices, despite what as of October, and 594 are having measures installed they are being told locally by the Opposition? and 219 at the end of October—[Interruption.] Mr Davey: The hon. Lady is absolutely right. It is a Mr Speaker: Order. Afford the Minister a courteous complete con to pretend that fixing prices is going to hearing. Let us hear the rest of his answer. help with bills, because no Government proposing or implementing that could fix the prices before or after Gregory Barker: Opposition Members might have the freeze period. The price freeze offered by the Opposition had a bit too much Red Bull this morning. is not just a con but would not work. The figure was 219 at the end of October, but that is the number of measures installed using finance. The Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): Small businesses are really exciting thing is that tens of thousands of green important customers, and many have had huge energy deal measures have been installed, with people using the price rises. They do not have the opportunity to switch cash-back or their own money. So compelling is the easily; they do not even have a comparison website in green deal that people want all the savings now. If order to look at what at other companies are offering. people want to take all the savings now by recognising What are the Government going to do about this? Will that green deal measures are a great investment, that is a they look seriously at helping small businesses with very good thing. We will continue to improve the finance poor margins, many of which are going under because offer, but the green deal is up and running and it is a they cannot afford energy costs? long-term programme. Mr Davey: The hon. Gentleman raises an important Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Earlier this month point. We have been working very hard on this with No. I was fortunate to hear a presentation to the Transcoco— 10 and with small business organisations and looking at Transition Community Corsham—group in Corsham the real issues—for example, the automatic roll-overs by an early adopter of the green deal. Although he was that cause so many problems. We are gaining agreements satisfied with the payback period on his green deal loan, with the industry to stamp out these bad practices and what was striking from his presentation was that the to help small businesses. assessment revealed some pretty fundamental flaws in his home’s energy insulation, despite the fact that it was Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): A built less than 10 years ago. Will the Minister speak quarter of our energy needs were once met by nuclear with colleagues in the Department for Communities power, but that is no longer the case because six of the and Local Government about the enforcement of the reactors that closed down under Labour Governments existing building standards on new housing developments, were not replaced. Does the Secretary of State agree because the failure to do that is costing ordinary people that it would be fair to say that energy bills are tougher a lot in their bills? to control because we are now over-reliant on imported fuel sources in order to make sure that our generators Gregory Barker: The hon. Gentleman is right. For are fuelled? 13 years, under the previous Government, there was lamentable enforcement of building standards. In fact, Mr Davey: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The none of us can think of a single case that was prosecuted. main reason people’s fuel bills have gone up over the He makes a very valid point. I will talk with my right past few years is that there has been a huge increase in hon. and hon. Friends in DCLG to see what more we wholesale gas prices, which accounts for 60% of the can do to ensure that standards are adhered to. increase in people’s bills. We are becoming more dependent 395 Oral Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 396 on imports of gas, and that is partly to do with the fact Green Policies that the previous Government failed to make the essential investments that this country needs. 8. Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): What recent assessment he has made of the Government’s progress Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): I know that the on implementing green policies. [901305] Secretary of State will share the whole House’s concern about the number of excess winter deaths last year, and it is revealing that 80% were among the over-75s. On The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 12 January 2012, Labour tabled a motion calling for the (Mr Edward Davey): There has been huge progress in energy companies to put all those over 75 on the cheapest this area. In the Energy Bill, we are building the world’s tariff, but sadly the Government opposed it. Given that first ever low-carbon electricity market and have already the evidence clearly shows that the over-75s are least seen renewable electricity generation double. To date, likely to be on the lowest tariff, most likely to live in the UK Green Investment Bank has committed £740 million poorly insulated properties and most vulnerable to the of public money to projects in a range of green sectors, cold weather, will he reconsider and make the energy including waste, offshore wind and energy efficiency, companies put all those over 75 on the cheapest tariff in helping to mobilise an additional £1.9 billion of finance time for winter? from the private sector. From the largest investment in the railways since Victorian times to our leadership on Mr Davey: Of course the excess winter deaths figures climate change in Europe and the world, our record in are disturbing. I think that every Member and every this area is a vast improvement on the past. party in this House is committed to tackling this, not least because it is a problem that every Government Kevin Brennan: According to EUROSTAT, we were have faced. The solution lies in a combination of policies— one of only four countries in the EU 27 whose carbon health policies, social care policies, housing policies and emissions went up in 2012. They went up by 3.9%. That energy policies. That is why our fuel poverty strategy, cannot be right, can it, if this is the greenest Government which we will publish early in the new year, is a cross- ever? Is the Secretary of State’s new slogan, “Vote Government attempt to make sure that we are tackling yellow, go blue”? the real problem. I am afraid that once again the right hon. Lady is offering a simplistic solution, and she Mr Davey: If the hon. Gentleman looks at our work forgets that this Government have already acted with over this Parliament, he will see that we have been Ofgem to make sure that everyone is put on the lowest reducing carbon emissions. It is true that last year there available tariff. was a small increase, because we have been burning more coal than anyone expected. As a result of shale Caroline Flint: To be very clear, our policy is about gas, the United States has been exporting its coal. That putting all those over 75 on to the cheapest tariff is why this Government are working so hard to reform regardless of how they pay and regardless of whether the EU emissions trading scheme, to make sure that we they are online, which is one of the factors preventing send signals so that the same amount of coal is not them from getting the cheapest tariff. The Secretary of burned in future. State’s policy does not affect 90% of people and will still leave those over 75 who are not online and do not pay by direct debit paying more than other people. I remind Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): In order to be able to him that in his own constituency nearly 8,000 people both maintain the hundreds of thousands of green jobs over 75 would save up to £200 as a result of our policy. in this country and to secure hundreds of thousands For those people, and for 4 million like them around the more, the Government need to reassure the renewables country, why will he not make the energy companies put sector and major investors through consistent messaging them on the cheapest tariff and refocus the ECO budget and certainty. Is my right hon. Friend able to reassure on those living in fuel poverty? me that such messaging is certain and secure not only in his Department, but across all levels of other Government Departments, including the Prime Minister? Mr Davey: Because we are doing more for the elderly. This Government brought in the warm home discount, which is taking £135 off the bills of the poorest pensioners. Mr Davey: It is interesting that when the Energy Bill That is real action, taking money directly off their bills. received its Third Reading in this House, only eight We will certainly take no lectures from the right hon. Members voted against it. All the Front Benchers of all Lady. parties bar one—and that party has only one Member— voted for the Bill. I think that sent a sign, not just from Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): My right hon. Friend the Government, but from this whole House and across will be aware that consumers pay £60 extra on their the British political system that this country supports energy bills because of VAT rates. Will he seek to investment in renewables. renegotiate our VAT with the European Union so that we can get control over it and cut our energy bills? Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ Co-op): The Minister of State, Department of Energy Mr Davey: My hon. Friend gives me too much credit, and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Bexhill because I am not in charge of VAT. I am sure my right and Battle (Gregory Barker) talked earlier about good hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will listen value for green money, but the green deal has been a to what my hon. Friend says, but he sets even the complete failure. What is the Secretary of State’s assessment Chancellor a tall order by wanting him to renegotiate of the enormous amount of money spent on this complex, the sixth VAT directive. bureaucratic project that has delivered no results? 397 Oral Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 398

Mr Davey: A scheme that has already led to 100,000 David Rutley: I congratulate my right hon. Friend on assessments and a huge number of very good satisfaction agreeing terms for the first new nuclear power station ratings from people acting on those surveys is a success. since 1995, which is in marked contrast to the previous When the Labour party talks down the green deal, let us Government’s failure to replace ageing power stations. remember what it is doing: it is talking down reductions Will he tell the House what other steps the Government in carbon emissions and action on fuel poverty. It are taking to find additional sites further to secure and should be ashamed. improve UK energy security?

Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): Does the Secretary Michael Fallon: It is very telling that in the year that of State agree that one of this Government’s many Hinkley Point will come on stream—2023—eight of the achievements has been to create an economic framework nine existing plants will be off the system, unless their for innovative firms to start developing new ways in lives are extended, which shows the legacy of under- technology to improve our green performance so that investment that we have to face. There are now proposals our green economy is alive and well, generating jobs for 12 reactors in total, spread over five different sites. and producing good results on CO2 reduction? Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): A quarter of our Mr Davey: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is power supply will go off line in the next decade, so why not just my Department that has been involved in is investment in new, clean energy infrastructure on investing in research and development and technological course for a new low? innovation, vital though that is in our area. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation Michael Fallon: Since this Government came to office, and Skills has ensured investment in ultra-low emission five new gas plants have come on to the system and vehicles. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for another is being built at Manchester, while two large Transport is investing in the railways in a way that has wind farms opened this year and four more are under not happened since the Victorians. We have a very construction, and we have agreed terms, as we have proud record of investment, both in infrastructure and heard, for the first new nuclear station in a generation. in innovation and technical development. All that investment would be put at risk by the threat of price controls from a future socialist Government. Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ Sellafield Co-op): RenewableUK published a report today on offshore wind. It recognises what the Government have done, but it also warns: 15. Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): “Industry is facing a hiatus in confidence that the large scale Whether the Government overruled the Nuclear economic rewards associated with sustained high delivery levels Decommissioning Authority on the decision to extend will be achieved.” the contract with Nuclear Management Partners to run We have heard warnings about the Atlantic array and Sellafield; and if he will publish all the relevant there are signs elsewhere that offshore wind might not documents. [901320] get the increase in deployment that was hoped for and expected. May I ask the Secretary of State not to be The Minister of State, Department of Energy and complacent about the issue and recognise the real problem Climate Change (Michael Fallon): The contract review faced by the industry? process and the decision to renew were the responsibility of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Given the Mr Davey: I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am importance of Sellafield, Ministers were kept fully informed, certainly not complacent, but I am aware of major and we endorsed the decision to extend the contract, investments that we believe will go forward, and that which gives Sellafield the opportunity to build on the will reassure the industry and the supply chain. We progress made so far. already have the world’s largest deployment of offshore wind, and we are already recognised by Ernst and Katy Clark: I thank the Minister for that answer. Will Young as the top place in the world in which to invest in he publish the documents in relation to this decision? offshore wind. With the Energy Bill going through the Will he agree to meet me and any other interested MPs House with cross-party support, that gives a real signal to discuss the Government’s relationship with the Nuclear to investors in offshore wind. Decommissioning Authority, given some of the decisions that will be taken over the coming period? Energy Security Michael Fallon: I am always happy to meet any colleagues from the House, and I am certainly happy to 10. David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): What recent meet the hon. Lady and other hon. Members to discuss assessment he has made of the UK’s energy security. the performance of the company at Sellafield. I think [901311] that she is referring to the KPMG report, which was commissioned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, The Minister of State, Department of Energy and and its use and disclosure—whether or not it should be Climate Change (Michael Fallon): We published the published—is the responsibility of the authority. annual “Statutory Security of Supply” report last month. National Grid is preparing stronger balancing measures Rural Energy Costs for the short term. We plan to run a capacity market auction next year for the medium term. Beyond that, we 16. Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): are incentivising new infrastructure, including new nuclear, What steps he is taking to reduce energy costs for through the Energy Bill. residents in rural areas. [901322] 399 Oral Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 400

The Minister of State, Department of Energy and attended the global climate change talks in Warsaw, Climate Change (Michael Fallon): The Government have where a good agreement was reached that put in place worked with industry to co-ordinate the “Buy oil early” the foundations for the critical talks in Paris in 2015 and campaign, which I launched in September, and to provide established a work programme to prepare for them. guidance on setting up or joining oil-buying groups. We also provide assistance to the most vulnerable consumers Paul Maynard: The Secretary of State will be aware via the warm home discount, winter fuel payments and that we will shortly lose more than 12 GW of generating cold weather payments. capacity at oil and gas-fired power stations due to EU directives. What consideration has he given to placing Mr Heath: Will the Minister bear in mind that those those power stations in our strategic national energy of us who live in the countryside very often live in old reserve, in order that we can retain them for when we houses with solid or rubble-built walls, and very often in most need them in the coming years? areas of water incursion? We cannot benefit from dual fuel tariffs, and we often rely on liquefied petroleum gas Mr Davey: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that or fuel oil, which is cripplingly expensive. May I just question. However, power stations that have opted out remind him that people in rural areas have no ambition under the large combustion plant directive must close to be cold, damp and forgotten? by the end of 2015. The directive provides no derogation from that requirement. As a safeguard against the risk Michael Fallon: I assure my hon. Friend that those of low capacity, National Grid has consulted on a new people have certainly not been forgotten. We have system of balancing services to procure additional capacity particularly addressed the issue of off-grid customers in the winters of 2014-15 and 2015-16 if it is needed. through publicising the adoption of a code of conduct so that petroleum suppliers treat their customers fairly. Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): My hon. Friend Ofgem is considering whether heating oil is properly the Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) asked an covered by its consumer protection measures. We are important question about the impact of the carbon working with the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group to price floor on energy-intensive industries. Those industries improve the information available on vulnerable customers are concerned that they are not getting the compensation so that all the different agencies better understand that the Secretary of States suggests they are getting. where those customers live. May I ask the Secretary of State about the carbon price floor again? Who does he agree with—his deputy, the Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I thank the Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Minister for his comments. Is he aware that there are Change, the right hon. Member for Sevenoaks (Michael constituencies such as mine that are regarded as urban Fallon), who said that it was an “absurd” waste of areas, but that contain substantial rural areas? The money and “assisted suicide” for British manufacturers, people in those rural areas are sometimes overlooked in or his Liberal Democrat predecessor Chris Huhne, who this regard. said, “We do not need it to drive decarbonisation… It was a Michael Fallon: I understand that. My hon. Friend is straightforward revenue-raising measure by the Tories”? a great champion of his constituents, whether urban or rural. There are off-grid consumers in suburban and Mr Davey: The idea that energy-intensive industries more urban areas. We treat all consumers equally. I are not getting some of the support is not true. Payments encourage him to look at the guide to keeping warm under the scheme of compensation for the indirect costs this winter that the Secretary of State has sent to all of the EU emissions trading system are being made. It Members on how we can best promote such matters in is true that the proposals for compensation for the our constituency. carbon price floor are still going through the state aid Topical Questions process. However, we have a scheme that will come out and people will get those payments. T1. [901323] Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con): If he will make a statement on his T2. [901324] Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) departmental responsibilities. (Con): Will the Secretary of State reassure the House that neither he nor his Department would seek to block The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change the production of any Government report on the (Mr Edward Davey): I recently published the annual impact of energy infrastructure and specifically the energy statement, which focuses on security of supply planned Department for Environment, Food and Rural and on competition in energy markets. Since then, I Affairs report on the correlation between onshore wind have focused on driving forward our ambitious agenda and residential property values? for more competition. For example, I held a recent round table with industry leaders and consumer groups Mr Davey: No, we do not block reports. We work to consider the practical steps that we need to take to with colleagues across Government. We are working deliver faster and easier switching for consumers. There with our friends in DEFRA to produce a report on the have been significant new investments in renewable area that my hon. Friend mentions. energy and I expect to make further announcements on that shortly. T3. [901325] Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) Finally, the Minister of State, Department of Energy (Lab): Does the Secretary of State accept that the and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member recent comments on rolling back green levies have for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker) and I recently caused serious concerns to companies such as Siemens? 401 Oral Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 402

Exactly what will he do to ensure that the investment in T8. [901331] Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) Hull is not jeopardised by the mixed messages from (Lab): The number of excess winter deaths more than Government? doubled in Ayrshire and Arran last year. Earlier the Minister referred to influenza, but my constituents are Mr Davey: I reassure the hon. Lady that I have made increasingly coming to tell me that they have to choose it clear that the review of green levies does not cover between eating and heating, particularly those in renewables obligation certificates, feed-in tariffs or contracts receipt of benefit cuts, sanctions and other difficult for difference. That should be a great reassurance to financial circumstances. Does the Minister accept that Siemens. I hope that she will take that message back to the cost of energy is a major factor in people turning her constituency. I look forward to meeting her and her off their heating and in that increase in deaths? colleagues shortly to discuss the important investment in Hull by Siemens. Gregory Barker: We absolutely get the importance of ensuring that people are able to afford the energy they need. Nobody should have to make a choice between heating T4. [901326] Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): A and eating, and anybody concerned about that should great deal of information is available to help our call the energy saving advice service on 0300 123 1234. constituents save money on their energy bills by As we are so concerned about the cost of energy, the switching, fixing or insulating their homes, but it can be Government are determined to do their part to ensure a challenge to ensure that the right information reaches that bills are kept as low as possible. That is why we are those who need it most. Will the Minister commend looking at the regressive levies that Labour put on local business Worcester Bosch for sponsoring a free energy bills. information pack for my constituents in Worcester? T6. [901329] Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Nine out of 10 consumers agree they could get a better Climate Change (Gregory Barker): I certainly commend deal on their gas and electricity supply if switching not only Worcester Bosch but the work my hon. Friend could be speeded up, and a third of people would be does in his constituency with the public and the fuel-poor, more likely to change providers if the process were and particularly in getting that information to them. quicker and simpler. What is the Minister doing to Last month, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State force energy companies to reduce the time it takes to wrote to all Members of the House and asked them to switch providers, and when can my constituents in share with their constituents a guide developed by our Cannock Chase expect to see the new rules in place? Department, in conjunction with charities such as Age UK and National Energy Action, which explains how Mr Davey: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that householders can cut their energy bills and where they question, and he will know that in the annual energy can go for help this winter. There is help on offer. statement I challenged the industry to come forward with proposals on how the process could be speeded up T7. [901330] Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP): This without compromising quality of services or consumer morning it has been reported that in looking at rights, or putting up consumer bills. The industry has the costs of energy, the Government are considering started to put forward proposals. I met industry changing the cost of transmission. Will they take the representatives early in November and was encouraged opportunity finally to get rid of the discriminatory by the discussion, and I hope to make some announcements locational system for transmission and distribution in the new year. costs that raises prices in the north of Scotland? Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): Coal generates up to The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation 50% of electricity in the UK, but sadly most of that and Skills (Michael Fallon): National Grid has been coal is imported—there has been a 37% increase in the looking at the balance in cost between north and south, past year. What are the Government prepared to do to but a lot of energy is generated in Scotland, not least in secure the future of the British deep-mining coal industry? renewables, and Scotland has an interest in ensuring that that energy is transmitted to England. Michael Fallon: My Department played a role in ensuring that UK Coal Operations survived this year, following the serious fire at the Daw Mill colliery, and T5. [901328] Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): helped preserve 2,000 jobs at Killingworth and Thoresby. Will the Government continue to encourage people to We continue to work with the UK Coal Forum and switch energy suppliers if they feel they are being other bodies to ensure that the place of coal is properly ripped off, as I was by British Gas and E.ON UK? I recognised in our energy mix. have switched to M&S Energy, and saved two thirds on my bill. T9. [901332] Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): What assessment has my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made of Gregory Barker: I commend my hon. Friend; he is the implications for fuel poverty if the suggestion by the clearly one of the biggest switchers in town—but I think Free Enterprise Group of Conservative MPs to upgrade we always knew that. I would encourage everyone to VAT on fuel to 15% is implemented? follow his example, check their bills, and see whether they can move to a better deal. That is why we are giving Mr Davey: For the sake of clarity, let me say that the statutory backing in the Energy Bill to Ofgem’s retail Government have no plans to change the rate of VAT market reforms which will make it easier for all consumers applied to domestic energy. Any such policy would to follow my hon. Friend’s example, compare tariffs, certainly put up energy prices and risk a very negative and get a much better deal. impact on the fuel-poor. 403 Oral Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 404

Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): At 9 o’clock Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): History this morning, npower announced that 1,460 jobs are to was made at the UN climate talks last week—not, be outsourced to India, and in addition that there will unfortunately, by an unprecedented breakthrough in be 550 job losses in Stoke-on-Trent. Does the Secretary negotiations, but by the unprecedented walk-out by 800 of State agree that that is the last straw, given the totally civil society groups and trade unions. What assessment irresponsible behaviour of the energy companies? What has the Secretary of State made of their concerns that will he and his colleagues consider doing in order to the talks are being unduly influenced by the fossil fuel provide jobs in Stoke-on-Trent, which the Government industry? Does he agree that, if that is the case, it is have so far failed to do? We do not have a local unfortunate, because it does not give the talks a fighting enterprise zone. We need a joined-up approach from chance of delivering what science and equity demand? this Government. Mr Davey: I met the NGOs before they walked out. I Mr Davey: The hon. Lady is right to raise that matter. explained the progress we were making in the talks, and The announcement is obviously very worrying for all after they walked out, we made further progress. No the people involved, not just in her constituency, but in one expected the Warsaw climate change talks to be a other parts of the country. We will work across the breakthrough. They were an important building block— Government to see what we can do to help the people a foundation—for Lima next year and for Paris and the affected. critical talks in 2015. I have laid a written ministerial Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): Following statement on the Warsaw talks. the publication of the Atkins report, will the Secretary of State publish a plan to implement its recommendations? Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Parish councillors The local enterprise partnership and I would like the near Melksham in my constituency are looking forward deep geothermal demonstrator site in Cornwall to be to the community dividend on offer from developers expedited. who propose new solar power farms in the area. When will we have more clarity on such arrangements and Mr Davey: The hon. Lady knows that we are considering when will the Government publish their community the Atkins report and that we must make choices on energy strategy? which renewable electricity supplies we can back. I hope she will be pleased that, through the renewable heat Gregory Barker: My hon. Friend will not have long to incentive, we are supporting geothermal heat, which wait before we publish the community energy strategy. will be a big boost for the industry. That might not be as This Government are gripping the potential of community welcome to her constituents in the case she raises, but strategy. No previous Government have recognised the we want to back geothermal heat. potential of communities to take control of energy. Thanks to innovation and new technologies, and the Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East financial support we are putting in place, community Cleveland) (Lab): Further to the question from my hon. energy has an exciting future, solar included. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent North (Joan Walley), 560 workers at the npower call centre in Thornaby, where many of my constituents work, will be affected Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): Distribution and by npower’s announcement to remove 1,400 jobs from grid transmission costs account for between 20% and the UK and send them to India—that is what it has 25% of energy bills. Areas such as mine, which produce informed the public. What communications have the an awful lot of electricity, pay even more for their Secretary of State and the Department had with npower electricity. When will the Government review the since April? The Government will be aware that its transmission system so that we can have a level playing review of call centres has been going on since then. field across the country and National Grid can act in the national interest? Mr Davey: We have not had specific discussions on the proposal announced today, so I am afraid I cannot Michael Fallon: Ofgem and National Grid have been give the hon. Gentleman any background detail. However, looking at transmission costs between north, south and as I have told the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent different parts of the country. They are looking specifically North (Joan Walley), we will work across the Government, at the distribution costs of local distribution operators particularly with the Department for Business, Innovation to ensure that they are kept as low as is reasonably and Skills, to do what we can to help the people affected possible. by the announcement. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Work starts Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): What does this week on the installation of nine super-efficient the Secretary of State say to my constituents in the rural General Electric wind turbines at the Burton Wold part of Wellingborough who duly elect councillors, but wind farm extension, which will generate 14 MW of when planning applications for wind farms come forward, green electricity and power 11,000 homes. Will the councillors and my constituents are against those plans Secretary of State congratulate First Renewable on its yet they are overturned by a planning inspector? My £45 million investment in the Kettering economy? constituents think that democracy is not working. Mr Davey: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his Mr Davey: We understand people’s concerns not just question. We are seeing major investment in all sorts of about onshore wind but about other forms of energy renewables, including onshore wind and the farm to production, such as shale and so on. We need to ensure which he has referred. I very much support his call and that the planning system is responsive. The hon. Gentleman congratulate the companies involved. knows that what he has said could be applied to many 405 Oral Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Oral Answers 406 other developments outside energy. It is often the case Mr Speaker: Let us have the remaining two questions that the unpopular development of housing or a with extreme brevity. supermarket gets overturned by the Planning Inspectorate. Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): I know the Secretary of Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): The Secretary of State State will want to commend the work of the Somerset admitted, in answer to my right hon. Friend the Member Community Foundation. Under its “Surviving Winter” for Don Valley (Caroline Flint), that due to Government appeal, people can redistribute their winter fuel allowance, incompetence no money has been paid to energy-intensive if they do not need some or all of it, to those who need industries in mitigation for the carbon floor tax. However, money to heat their homes. Will the Secretary of State— he did say that money is being spent on the European [Interruption.] Will the Secretary of State have further Union emissions trading scheme. In answer to a discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions parliamentary question, the Minister of State, the right to ensure that notice of that is included in the letter that hon. Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon) told me: goes out to everybody? “£16 million has been paid to 17 companies.”—[Official Report, 5 November 2013; Vol. 570, c. 142W.] Mr Speaker: As the House knows, I am a perennial When I asked him to name those companies, he wrote: optimist. “We are still assessing applications.”—[Official Report, 18 November 2013; Vol. 570, c. 663W.] Mr Davey: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question. How can money have been paid out when applications I will certainly bring her point to the attention of the are still being assessed? Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

Michael Fallon: More than 60 applications have been Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Why has the UK received and we have paid out on more than 20 of them. fallen to seventh in the world for investment in clean We have done that in the past few weeks. We are energy since the Government came to power? processing the others as quickly as possible. The scheme that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State referred Mr Davey: I do not recognise the hon. Gentleman’s to was the carbon price floor compensation scheme, for figures. A recent Ernst and Young survey had the UK which we are still awaiting approval under state aid as the fourth most attractive place in the world to invest rules from Brussels. in renewable energy. 407 28 NOVEMBER 2013 Tobacco Packaging 408

Tobacco Packaging Luciana Berger: We have seen plenty of U-turns over the past three years, but only a Government as shambolic as this one could U-turn on a U-turn. It is not so much 10.33 am that they have lost their way on public health—they are running around in circles. Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op) Will the Minister answer a straight question: does she (Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State for support standardised packaging for cigarettes—yes or Health if he will make a statement on the Government’s no? In the week running up to this being debated in the policy on standardised packaging of tobacco products. other place, does she honestly expect us to believe that this has nothing to do with the fact that the Government The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health are on the brink of a humiliating defeat? (Jane Ellison): In accordance with the notice I gave the The Minister says that we need another review, but House yesterday afternoon, this morning I made a the Government have already had a review and the written statement announcing that Sir Cyril Chantler evidence is clear for all to see. Did that not already find will carry out an independent review of the evidence on that standardised packaging made cigarettes less attractive the impact of standardised tobacco packaging on public to young people and health warnings more effective, health. and did it not refute the utter falsehood that some brands are safer than others? All the royal colleges and Tobacco use, especially among children, remains one health experts are united behind the case for standardised of our most significant public health challenges. Each packaging—I commend everyone who has campaigned year in England more than 300,000 children under the for this measure—but is it not the case that if the age of 16 try smoking for the first time. Most adults lobbying Bill goes through in its current form, it will who smoke started before they were 18 years of age. As prevent charities such as Cancer Research UK from a result, we must do all we can to stop young people ever raising such issues in an election year? from taking up smoking in the first place, if we are to Is not the Prime Minister more interested in listening reduce smoking rates. to Lynton Crosby and the vested interests of big tobacco than cancer charities and health experts? What further We have listened to the strong views expressed on evidence does the Minister need? What do Ministers both sides of the House, including when we debated know now that they did not already know when they standardised packaging in a Back-Bench business debate U-turned on this before the summer recess? Why are the earlier this month, to which I responded. Many Members Government delaying this still further? Some 79,230 children then told me that the evidence base for standardised will have taken up smoking in the 139 days since the packaging continued to grow and urged the Government Government U-turned on standardised packaging in to take action. Similarly strong views have been expressed July, and about 70,000 more will have had their first in the other place. As a result, I believe the time is right cigarette by the time the review reports next March. We to seek an independent view on whether the introduction should be legislating now, not delaying. of standardised packaging would be likely to have an effect on public health. In particular, I want to know the likely impact on young people. Jane Ellison: I thought that was a rather disappointing and naive response. This is a complex area of public health policy, and it is important to follow a clear I have asked Sir Cyril to undertake a focused review, process and to follow the evidence. The hon. Lady reporting in March next year. It will be entirely independent, might not believe me, but perhaps she will believe the with an independent secretariat, and he is free to draw right hon. Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham), who in evidence from whatever sources he considers necessary November 2009, when he was Health Secretary, wrote: and appropriate. It will be up to him to determine how he undertakes the review, and he will set that out in “we would need…convincing evidence showing the health benefits more detail in due course. As the House will know, Sir of this policy before it would be acceptable”. Cyril has confirmed that he has no links with the tobacco industry. The review is not a public consultation. Hon. Members: We have got that evidence. The Government ran a full public consultation in 2012 and the responses will be available in full for the review. Mr Speaker: Order. I gently say to the House that the To maximise transparency, the Department will also Minister is among the most courteous of Ministers, and publish the substantive responses received as soon as in fairness she deserves also to be treated with courtesy. possible. There are strong views, but let us hear the Minister.

The Government will also take advantage of the Jane Ellison: The Government have held a consultation, opportunity offered in another place by tabling an but we have not had a review before. We said in July that amendment to the Children and Families Bill to provide we would pause to consider the emerging evidence base, for a regulation-making power. If, on receiving Sir Cyril’s and that is exactly what we have done. I am happy to review, the Government decide to proceed, that will account for my actions, but it appears that I am being allow standardised tobacco packaging to be introduced asked to account for the cynicism of the Opposition, without delay. The Government have been consistent in too. This weekend sees the anniversary of the passing of their desire to take an evidence-based approach to the legislation in Australia, and new evidence is emerging public health, and we will introduce standardised tobacco rapidly, as was pointed out in the very good Back-Bench packaging if, following the review and consideration of business debate to which I responded earlier this month, the wider issues raised, we are satisfied that there are as well as in the other place, so this is the right time to sufficient grounds to proceed. do this. 409 Tobacco Packaging28 NOVEMBER 2013 Tobacco Packaging 410

Of course we have listened to what Members of the receive Sir Cyril’s review. I have looked at the draft other place have said. They rightly take extremely seriously schedule, and if the Government were minded to go such an important public health issue as stopping children forward with this policy, I see no reason why it could from smoking, but we have to proceed in a measured, not be put through before the end of this Parliament. step-by-step way to ensure that, if and when a decision is made, it will be robust and will deal with all the Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab): As chair of the inevitable challenges that might come its way. all-party group on heart disease, I pay tribute to the work of the British Heart Foundation, Cancer UK, Several hon. Members rose— ASH and other campaigning organisations that have helped to bring about this U-turn. My hon. Friend the Mr Speaker: Order. We are dealing with an extremely Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger) important matter, which I judge as urgent, but we have specifically mentioned the impact on such charities if business questions and two ministerial statements to the lobbying Bill goes through—they will be neutered follow, so the model is what might be called “the Gibraltar and silenced in the run-up to the general election. What model” of Mr Nigel Evans, whereby a good exchange lessons should be learned from this? was had, but it was a brief one. I will not be able to accommodate everybody who wants to speak. Jane Ellison: The hon. Gentleman refers to another Bill, rather than the issue we are discussing now. I have Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Idiotic, nanny state heard none of those concerns from the charities he proposals such as the plain packaging of tobacco are mentioned, which I understand have warmly welcomed what we expect from the Labour party. What we expect today’s announcement. from Conservative Ministers is for them to believe in individual freedom and individual responsibility, and to Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): I, for stand up to the health zealots and nanny state brigade one, very much congratulate the Minister on this welcome who, if they could, would ban everything and have news. As she well knows, the all-party group on cancer everything in plain packaging. Will the Minister commit has been one of many that have argued for added to sticking to those Conservative principles and to urgency on this issue. The Government have listened ignoring the nanny state brigade of Labour Members? and responded, which is a sign of strength, not weakness. To follow up a previous question, will the Minister give Jane Ellison: I know my hon. Friend feels strongly an assurance that the regulations will be in place before about this issue, but nobody is banning anything. Were the end of this Parliament, because if the recommendations the Government to proceed following receipt of the are in favour of introducing standardised packaging, review, the proposal would be about packaging, not the they will need to be implemented quickly? ability to purchase tobacco. All the sorts of points that my hon. Friend has often articulated were well made Jane Ellison: That is certainly the objective of the during the consultation, which, as he knows, received timetable that has been drafted, once the Government an enormous response, and all the responses will be have received the review and made a decision. I see no made available to Sir Cyril. reason why what my hon. Friend suggests could not be the case. Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): Some 190 health organisations recognise that plain packaging will Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): The Minister cut smoking, particularly among the young, and have said that she had not held a review, but had carried out urged action. Is this not just a further delay while the a consultation. Is that not just a pathetic excuse for Government get their house in order so that they know inaction, and does she not accept that for every day she how and when to introduce the legislation that is so delays this policy, another 570 children start smoking? urgently needed? Jane Ellison: We have had a consultation and now we Jane Ellison: The hon. Lady is right to say that many are having a short review of the emerging evidence base. charities feel strongly about this issue and I was pleased I think that that is sensible. We want to make good that the chief executive for Action on Smoking and policy that is robust, and this is the right way to do it. Health said this morning: “This decision is a victory for public health, for common sense Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): I congratulate and for future generations”. the Minister on listening to the arguments and acting far more quickly than any Opposition Member did in Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): Smoking is 13 years. Will she assure us that the House will have the a childhood addiction, not an adult choice. The opportunity to vote in favour of standardised packaging announcement is welcome, in that it moves us in the so that we can demonstrate our cross-party support for right direction, but if the review should recommend this much-needed health measure? what is, in my judgment, a much-needed change when it is published in March, just how quickly would the Jane Ellison: At present, we are strongly minded to Government be able to bring in the necessary regulations? introduce regulations under the affirmative procedure.

Jane Ellison: My right hon. Friend is right that we Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): I, would need to be able to act quickly if, following the too, welcome the Government’s U-turn. I am sure that recommendation, we decided to proceed. The power to the Minister has been following attentively the progress make regulations is being proposed in the other place made on this issue by the Scottish National party exactly so that we may move quickly at the point we Government, who have been able to make that progress 411 Tobacco Packaging28 NOVEMBER 2013 Tobacco Packaging 412

[Pete Wishart] Jane Ellison: I could not have made myself plainer during my first session of Health questions and when I because Lynton Crosby’s remit does not extend north responded to the Back-Bench debate. The policy is of the border. Will she commend the SNP Government under active consideration, and it was under active for taking the lead and work closely with Scottish consideration before—this is evidence of that. Ministers to secure the best possible outcome for everyone on these islands? Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): Will my hon. Friend confirm that Sir Cyril is not only independent of Jane Ellison: I repeat that the Government are proceeding big tobacco, but independent of the health lobby? along the track that they laid out in the summer. We know that the Scottish Government have expressed Jane Ellison: One of the reasons we asked a distinguished clear views, and we will be working closely with all the paediatrician to conduct the review, rather than someone devolved Administrations. from a public health background, was that he would be able to bring a fresh mind to it. Sir Cyril will set his own Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): I welcome the statement terms, which he will announce in the next few weeks. and trust that we will see a Conservative-led Government introduce standardised packaging. When that happens, Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Does the Minister will the Minister take the opportunity to step up health appreciate that one of the reasons for the scepticism education on this subject? among Opposition Members is that in the summer last year, either there was a U-turn or the policy was still Jane Ellison: My hon. Friend is right to remind us all under review. Why was an independent review not requested that, even if the Government decide to implement the then? If that had happened, it would have been completed policy at the end of the review, there will still be many by now, and we could have gone ahead. other things to be done in relation to this important issue. Major public health campaigns will proceed as they have been doing under Governments of all colours. Jane Ellison: As Members on both sides of the House reminded me forcefully during the Back-Bench debate earlier this month, new evidence has recently emerged, Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ and we are also coming up to the anniversary of the Co-op): My hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend legislation being passed in Australia, so this is the right (Mrs Moon) pointed out that 190 health organisations time to do this. were in favour of standardised packaging. While I appreciate that there may be tensions within the Government, the hon. Lady is Minister for public health. Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Will the Minister Will she tell us whether any health organisation is reassure me that this will not be the thin end of the opposed to plain packaging? wedge, and that the Government will not look for evidence to support the contention that selling children Jane Ellison: We have asked Sir Cyril to conduct an sweets in brightly coloured packets contributes to childhood independent review and to weigh all the different evidence. obesity and, as a result, seek to ban such packaging? I do not wish to seem to pre-empt the review, because it is important that it is independent, but I will say that I Jane Ellison: That is a slightly different topic. I know am not aware of any health organisations that are not in that my hon. Friend feels strongly about these issues, favour of plain packaging. Indeed, as the hon. Lady can and he will know that, through the Government’s imagine, such organisations have expressed the opposite responsibility deal, we are working in voluntary partnership view to me with considerable strength. with business to make good progress on public health issues relating to obesity. Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) (Con): Will the Minister remind the House of all the Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): Now that investment that the Government have already made in the Government have started to make this U-turn on anti-smoking strategies so that no one smokes out of standard packaging, will they also back the amendment ignorance? Does she agree that the main responsibility in the other place that would ban smoking in cars when for children’s smoking habits lies with their parents? children are present?

Jane Ellison: Of course we want parents to set a good Jane Ellison: We are not persuaded that legislation is example to their children and to try to prevent them the right way forward on that matter. There is still a lot from starting to smoke. The important public health of room for education, and I am sure that the hon. measures to which my hon. Friend has referred are Gentleman would like to believe, as I do, that when proceeding but, sadly, a great many children start smoking parents are made aware of the dangers of smoking in at a very young age. cars when children are present, they will wish to desist from doing so. Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): This is just a cynical ploy to get beyond the humiliating defeat that the Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): I welcome the Minister’s Government face in the House of Lords. Notwithstanding statement. In September, I visited the Cancer Research what has been said by the Minister’s hon. Friends, no UK centre in Southampton to meet my constituent, decision has been made to introduce plain packaging. Tim Underwood, who leads the oesophageal cancer Who does she think will win this war of attrition for the team there. I suspect that the team will be pleased to ear of the Prime Minister: Lynton Crosby, or both hear today’s announcement. Will she assure us that, Houses of Parliament? whatever happens at the end of this process, it will 413 Tobacco Packaging28 NOVEMBER 2013 Tobacco Packaging 414 remain the Government’s intention resolutely to prevent Jane Ellison: That point came up during the consultation. young people from picking up this habit that kills in the To be clear, the review that we have asked Sir Cyril to first place? undertake will cover the public health aspects of the policy. It will then be for Ministers to decide how to Jane Ellison: Preventing children from smoking is a take forward the findings of the review and to make major priority for the Department of Health and for policy. The points that my hon. Friend and others have the Government, and my hon. Friend is absolutely right made will be borne in mind at that time. to suggest that, irrespective of this piece of policy— important though it has the potential to be—the John Pugh (Southport) (LD): The Minister says that Government are committed to spending significant amounts this is a complex matter, but I am a bit puzzled. What on public health campaigns and all the other mechanisms exactly is the downside of plain packaging, apart from available to us to prevent children from smoking. fewer fags being sold?

Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): The Minister Philip Davies: A left-wing, nanny state wallah like keeps mentioning the evidence, but the evidence from you would not understand. Australia is overwhelmingly in favour of plain packaging for cigarettes, so why on earth is she waiting? She should bring in plain packaging now to save children Jane Ellison: The hon. Member for Southport (John from taking up smoking in the first place. Pugh) may be aware that there has been a challenge to the policy in Australia, so it is important to proceed in a Jane Ellison: The hon. Gentleman refers to the evidence, measured and evidence-based way. as have other Members. That is exactly why we have asked someone who, with all due respect, is far more Mr Speaker: The sedentary remarks of the hon. expert than he is or I am to look at the evidence and Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) are almost as report to the Government swiftly. That will be a productive entertaining as those he makes when he is on his feet. way forward. It will ensure that, however the Government decide to proceed, we do so in a way that is robust. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I sometimes feel sorry for the Government. We have an excellent Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): Does my hon. Friend Minister at the Dispatch Box who is listening to Parliament agree with the EU majority decision that e-cigarettes and asking for an independent report, yet she gets should not come under the same regulations as medicines? Members of Parliament complaining about that. That Does she agree that they should be subject to the same is ridiculous. I think I understood her to say that if marketing controls as cigarettes, whether that involves regulation is to be introduced, that will be done by plain packaging or not? statutory instrument. I hope that the Government are not going to proceed in that way, because we can only Jane Ellison: The hon. Lady will know that that is the reject or approve a statutory instrument—we cannot subject of negotiations, so I hope that she will forgive amend it. Will she think again on that point? me if I do not comment on it further at this point. Jane Ellison: I thank my hon. Friend for his support. Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): Far from The exact technicalities are still under review. As I said, doing nothing in 13 years, the Labour Government we are strongly minded to use the affirmative procedure, legislated to ban smoking in public places. We said that but that matter is not completely resolved. Of course, we would need convincing evidence on plain packaging, we do have a little time, because we expect the review to and this Government’s own consultation has now provided report in March 2014. that convincing evidence. What further evidence does the Minister think the review will uncover? Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What steps Jane Ellison: As I have said, I am not going to are being undertaken with other Departments to enforce pre-empt the findings of the independent review, and I against the illegal sale of tobacco products to young am sure that Members understand why it is important people? not to do so. It will be good to have a review of the evidence, and I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will Jane Ellison: My hon. Friend is right to draw attention share my confidence that the review will be extremely to the issue. He may or may not know that when I worth while and useful. responded to a recent Adjournment debate that was secured by the hon. Member for Solihull (Lorely Burt), Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I confess that I enjoyed we discussed that point, and I invited trading standards a Henri Wintermans Café Crème after breakfast this officers to submit evidence on the enforceability of just morning on the way to work. Does my hon. Friend those sorts of measures. I will be interested to hear from agree that there are many lawful smokers who want to Members and others about how they think those might be sure what they are buying? Has she made any assessment work. of the effect that plain packaging could have on the black market by making it easier to smuggle counterfeit Mr Speaker: I thank the Minister, in particular, and cigarettes? colleagues for being so succinct. 415 28 NOVEMBER 2013 Business of the House 416

Business of the House work restrictions for Romanians and Bulgarians will end? Much of the Government’s plan could be implemented using secondary legislation. Given that we have 13 days 10.56 am of parliamentary time remaining before the Christmas Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): Will the Leader of recess, it is clear that we could work together to get the House give us the business for next week? some of these sensible changes in place. So will he agree to work with us to get this done in time? The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew Despite stuffing the other place with 158 new coalition Lansley): The business for next week will be as follows: peers since the election, on Tuesday the Government lost yet another key vote on the licensing of bankers. MONDAY 2DECEMBER—Second Reading of the Mesothelioma Bill [Lords], followed by a debate on Will the Leader of the House tell us whether the motions relating to Backbench Business (Amendment Government will now accept that important amendment of Standing Orders) and Select Committee statements. and keep it in the Bill? The Financial Services (Banking Reform) Bill has provided yet another lesson in how not TUESDAY 3DECEMBER—Opposition day [14th allotted to legislate. After ignoring our request to delay the Bill day]. There will be a debate on “Cyber Bullying”, until after the publication of the report of the Parliamentary followed by a debate entitled “Persecution of Christians Commission on Banking Standards, the Government in the 21st Century”. Both debates will arise on a presented this place with a shell of a Bill, which has now motion in the name of the Democratic Unionist party. grown fivefold in the other place. That makes it a very WEDNESDAY 4DECEMBER—Consideration of Lords different piece of legislation from the one that we scrutinised amendments to the Energy Bill, followed by Opposition in this place, and it is a disgrace that the Government day [unallotted half day]. There will be a debate on have developed a Bill of such importance in the unelected business rates. The debate will arise on a motion in the Chamber while treating this place with contempt. Will name of the official Opposition. the Leader of the House give his assurance that when THURSDAY 5DECEMBER—My right hon. Friend the the Bill returns, we will have more than sufficient time Chancellor of the Exchequer will deliver his autumn to debate properly the vast amounts of it that are new? statement, which will be followed by a general debate on In a week of spectacular U-turns, perhaps the modern-day slavery. The subject for this debate was Chancellor’s damascene conversion on payday loans determined by the Backbench Business Committee. was the most surprising. After all, the Government had FRIDAY 6DECEMBER—The House will not be sitting. voted three times against a cap. Will the Leader of the The provisional business for the week commencing House confirm that it was the prospect of yet another 9 December will include: defeat on the banking Bill that changed the Chancellor’s mind? It seems that the Chancellor is developing a MONDAY 9DECEMBER—Second Reading of the proclivity for ideological flexibility. Perhaps it is just a Intellectual Property Bill [Lords], followed by business public relations strategy to say one thing and then do to be nominated by the Backbench Business Committee. another. After all, he said he would stop tax evasion but TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER—Remaining stages of the he refused to close the giant eurobond loophole. He National Insurance Contributions Bill. attacked unacceptable City bonuses and then went to WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER—Motion to approve a Ways Brussels to fight for them. He promised to cut borrowing, and Means resolution relating to the Financial Services but he has borrowed more in three years than Labour (Banking Reform) Bill, followed by a motion to approve did in 13. He said that we are all in it together, but prices a money resolution relating to the Financial Services have risen faster than wages in 40 of the 41 months (Banking Reform) Bill, followed by consideration of since he has been Chancellor. Will the Leader of the Lords amendments to the Financial Services (Banking House now give us a debate in Government time on the Reform) Bill. widening gap between this Government’s rhetoric and the reality? THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER—Business to be nominated by the Backbench Business Committee. We are all eagerly awaiting next Thursday when two FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER—The House will not be sitting. parliamentary Titans can tussle over the key issues of the day—and that is just the business statement. I know Ms Eagle: I thank the Leader of the House for that colleagues will be keen to ensure that they are in the announcing next week’s business. May I also take the Chamber to hear the unfailingly witty ripostes of the opportunity to congratulate colleagues who have Leader of the House. Will he confirm which will come participated in Movember this month? I applaud their first next Thursday, the autumn statement or the business efforts and labours for an important cause, although I statement? must admit that I find some of them a bit disconcerting. This week has revealed that we have a Chancellor Some of them even remind me that this Government who thinks it is Marxist to intervene in energy prices, are trying to take us back to Victorian times. but positively Thatcherite to intervene in the payday Yesterday, the Government proposed some very sensible lending market. We have a sports Minister who appears measures to toughen rules for European Union migrants, to know nothing about sport, and a Health Minister including banning out-of-work benefits and quadrupling who did not know how to access a walk-in centre. fines for bosses not paying the minimum wage. Given It is no wonder that coalition tensions have been that Labour proposed some of these changes eight rising, and that is only in the Tory party. Apparently months ago, will the Leader of the House tell us why it 25 Conservative modernisers have been to visit the has taken the Government so long to announce any Prime Minister to warn him of a split if he abandons action? Will he confirm that none of the Government’s green levies. The Leader of the House must be wondering proposed changes will be in place by 1 January, when where it all went wrong for the Prime Minister and his 417 Business of the House28 NOVEMBER 2013 Business of the House 418 modernisation project. The Prime Minister promised a into the Bill in the House of Lords. That is perfectly big society and delivered the politics of division and reasonable and as the hon. Lady and the House will fear, and now his self-styled successor, the Mayor of have gathered, we anticipate a full day’s debate on London, thinks greed is good and that some people are Lords amendments when the Bill returns to the House. too stupid to be equal. The hon. Lady also asked for a debate on the rhetoric Today’s news that the Prime Minister is U-turning on and reality of the Chancellor’s policies. I would welcome his U-turn on plain packaging for cigarettes says it all. such a debate as it would give us an opportunity to He is a Prime Minister running round and round in contrast not just rhetoric and reality but the rhetoric of circles. the Labour party and the reality of Labour in office. Yesterday, Labour tried to talk about the economic Mr Lansley: I am grateful to the shadow Leader of policy of this Government but throughout the debate the House for her response, and I join her in congratulating Labour Members failed to recognise or acknowledge Members who have been participants in Movember. We the mistakes their party had made. The facts are simple shall, in some cases, regret the passing of their facial and straightforward; for example, under a Labour adornments. I suspect that not many of them will be Government there was a 7.2% reduction in the GDP of persuaded to keep them on a permanent basis, but it is this country during the deepest recession we have seen all in an important cause. I am sure that, across the in the past 100 years, which led to unprecedented deficits House, we feel very strongly about the importance of in this country. That was the consequence of a Labour supporting them in their endeavours to promote research Government. As for the rhetoric and reality of the into prostate and testicular cancers. We have made Chancellor’s policies, I look forward to hearing him considerable progress, but there is much more to be make the autumn statement next Thursday and set out done. I know that prostate cancer is the most common how this coalition Government are making tremendous cancer affecting men and if we can secure investment in progress—not least by assisting people in this country research and treatment such as that characterised by through more jobs, reduced taxation, controls on fuel successful breast cancer campaigns, men—and, I suspect, duties, a council tax freeze available to councils through women—in this country and beyond will attach considerable the whole of this Parliament, and the largest increases importance to that. in the state pension we have ever seen—in helping The hon. Lady asked about migration and I heard the families with the cost of living, which the Opposition Home Secretary answer her questions yesterday in would signally have been unable to do had they continued the course of a rather comprehensive statement of what to borrow and spend in the way that they did in the the Government are doing. Considering that that statement past. It has always been the same old Labour: spend, was the answer to an urgent question asked by the borrow and see the economy of this country collapse. shadow Home Secretary, it turned out to be an own goal. The Home Secretary made it very clear that we Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): May will put a bar on migrants claiming out-of-work benefits we have an urgent debate on the variability in the diesel for the first three months, stop welfare payments after and petrol prices that our constituents are often forced six months unless a claimant has a genuine chance of a to pay? Prices in Leighton Buzzard are often 5p to 6p a job, stop migrant jobseekers claiming housing benefit litre more than those in surrounding areas. Tesco, for to subsidise accommodation costs, and introduce further example, charges considerably less in Milton Keynes measures on the minimum wage. She also made clear—I and Dunstable than in Leighton Buzzard. Does the heard her do it—those measures which would be in Leader of the House think there is an onus on companies place by January. such as Tesco and Morrisons to treat all their customers The shadow Leader of the House asked for a debate fairly? on banking reform. I announced that the House would consider Lords amendments to the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Bill. We did not send a shell of a Bill Mr Lansley: I understand the point that my hon. to the other place—far from it. It was an important Friend makes because his constituency and mine are measure that ring-fenced everyday banking from investment not far apart. I quite often note the difference in prices banking, ensuring that banks are never again too big to as I go around the country. Of course, that is happening fail. It reformed the failed tripartite system that we for a simple reason—there are different markets in inherited from the Opposition. It is staggering that they different parts of the country. So I have noticed in the are now trying to engage in procedural politics on the past that if one is buying petrol in the Wirral close to Bill. We, as a Government, are having to put in place a where it is refined it might be a little cheaper than in banking regulatory system that will not allow the appalling Cambridgeshire. But the truth is that, wherever people mess we inherited from the previous Government to are buying petrol or diesel, they are buying it 13p a litre occur again as that failed this country and beyond in a cheaper than would have been the case if the fuel duty major way. escalator introduced by the Labour party was still in place. That is £7 for an average fill-up. We quite rightly established the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards and the Bill responded directly to it. We gave the commission an opportunity Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): May we to consider the measures in the Bill as part of the have a debate on the appalling employment practices of scrutiny of it before its introduction and the commission Amazon, which were demonstrated on “Panorama”, so produced a second report. It was never in anybody’s that the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and interest for the Bill not to be completed during this Skills can set out what action he intends to take to stop Session and so we used a mechanism whereby the those practices and stop Britain slipping into some second report was reflected in measures incorporated form of sweatshop economy? 419 Business of the House28 NOVEMBER 2013 Business of the House 420

Mr Lansley: I cannot promise a debate, but if the the latest data on the gender pay gap, but will do so in hon. Gentleman is in his place he will have an opportunity December. We share the view that, while the gap may to raise those issues with my right hon. and hon. Friends have reduced, we have not achieved what we need to in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills achieve. It may be something on which he and others, in next Thursday when they respond to questions. None of the light of the latest data, may wish to seek a debate us in the House believes that we have or should have a from the Backbench Business Committee. sweatshop economy. That is why over many years we have instituted employment protection measures, including Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): May we have a minimum wage. It is important that it is enforced. It is a debate in Government time on the situation facing also important that we create jobs, and in this economy people living in the private rented sector, many of since the general election we have created 1.4 million whom have six-month tenancies, great difficulty getting private sector jobs. That should never be forgotten. repairs done and the danger that the tenancy will be ended if they complain to the landlord? In particular, Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): May we have a debate those living in central London, where benefit levels do about Somerset county council’s rush to axe children’s not meet the excessive rent levels, can then be forced to centres when it has done a skewed consultation, questions move out, leading to a social cleansing of whole swathes were loaded, and the staff have been gagged? Its report of our communities. It is a serious issue facing a lot of shows that it does not even know how many children people, so it should be dealt with by the Government, are affected, and the only failings in the Ofsted report not on a Back-Bench business day. for the two children’s centres that I have seen were caused by the council’s failings to resource them. Last Mr Lansley: I agree that those are important issues, week the council agreed that it would have a four to and I know that we will continue to have opportunities six-week period of further consultation with parents to debate them. Many issues that are for the Government and children, and yesterday it suddenly announced that to respond to are debated in time granted by the Backbench it would make the decision today. It is absolutely not Business Committee. I do not subscribe to the view, and fair on the children or parents. neither does the House, that Government time is allocated to discuss things that are the Government’s responsibility Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend will recall that there are and Back-Bench business time is allocated to discuss statutory requirements about the character of a consultation things that are not. On the contrary, Back-Bench business relating to local authority proposals to reconfigure children’s time is available, as indeed is Opposition time, so that services. I am not in a position to comment directly on Members can raise issues that are predominantly for the the circumstances that my hon. Friend describes, but I Government to respond to. will ask my right hon. and hon. Friends at the Department for Education to respond to what she has said. Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) (Con): On Wednesday that well-known press organ the Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Across Plymouth Herald reported that the Secretary of State the House, we all believe in supporting social impact for Transport had said that he would look closely at enterprises and social innovation. May we have a quick improving the rail and road links to Plymouth following debate—I know that it would have to be very urgent—about the closure of Plymouth airport a couple of years ago. the barriers to crowdfunding that are coming through Specifically to deliver growth, I have been campaigning from the Financial Conduct Authority? Can we do for the A303 to be dualled, for trains to get into Plymouth something quickly to keep alive the ability of people to by 9 am, rather than 11.17 am, and for more train invest in local enterprises in their community? journeys to and from London. After repeated failed requests for a debate, will my right hon. Friend support Mr Lansley: I am interested in the point that the hon. my calls for a debate on this important matter, or at the Gentleman makes. I will ask my right hon. and hon. very least may we have a statement from the Secretary Friends in the Treasury or perhaps my right hon. Friend of State? the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, who has responsibility as the Minister for civil Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who society, to respond to that point. The hon. Gentleman raises an issue that is important not only to his constituents, and other hon. Members across the House who share but to those of other Members in that travel corridor in enthusiasm for social enterprises may wish to bring the the south-west. Given that wider interest, he might find subject before the Backbench Business Committee, which that there is a wider constituency of Members who has opportunities for debates not only here but in might be able to seek a debate. I certainly encourage Westminster Hall. him in that regard. He knows that our right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport was with him in his Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): May we have a constituency over the summer to discuss those issues. I debate on equal pay for women? Does the Leader of the will of course ask him to respond further, but it is very House agree that in the 21st century it is unacceptable much in the minds of Ministers, not least because they that far too many women in the private sector are paid have a feasibility study looking at some of the most less than men despite doing the same job? notorious hot spots on roads across the country, including the A303, the A30 and the A358 in that travel corridor. Mr Lansley: I cannot promise an immediate debate, but I know that my hon. Friend and other hon. Members Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): The Secretary of State might seek to have a debate in due course. My for Work and Pensions is presiding over increasing recollection—I may be incorrect—is that the Office for chaos in his Department, with a black hole existing National Statistics, for technical reasons, has not published where the independent living fund used to be, and there 421 Business of the House28 NOVEMBER 2013 Business of the House 422 are still questions about interference with the Public right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe in reply to a Accounts Committee. Will the Leader of the House debate initiated by my hon. Friend the Member for Mid arrange for him to come here and speak for himself? Derbyshire (Pauline Latham) on 11 June.

Mr Lansley: I seem to remember that the Secretary of Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): State was here last week—on Monday, I think—to The most recently published unemployment data show answer questions and speak for himself and for the that the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency is Government, and I am delighted to say that when he among the top 1% in the country for falling long-term does so he contrasts the situation in which we are unemployment. May we have a debate about the progress creating jobs with the one under Labour in which jobs that has been made in getting people back to work, were not being created. He contrasts the situation in particularly the long-term unemployed? which every time people move off benefits and into work, work pays, which was not the case under Labour, Mr Lansley: The more we can show, particularly to ensuring that there is serious benefit associated with those who are long-term unemployed, the benefits of working. He also talks about the fact that we have the Work programme, the better it is. We have record effective systems, including under the Work programme, numbers of vacancies. While we have seen a modest that are delivering effective routes back into work for reduction in the number of long-term unemployed, we the long-term unemployed. want that number to come down further, and the Work programme has been increasingly successful in achieving Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Has my hon. Friend that. According to industry figures, 383,000 people have seen my early-day motion 784 on fuel duty? started work, and we have reached the point where 168,000 have found lasting work for more than six [That this House welcomes the Government’s actions months. That represents tremendous progress so far, cutting fuel duty in 2011 and the freeze in fuel duty until but we want to achieve more. the end of the present Parliament announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer; and urges the Government, Several hon. Members rose— if the economic conditions allow, to continue to cut costs for hard-pressed motorists and to consider a further fuel duty cut.] Mr Speaker: Order. May I remind colleagues about the pressure of time? If people could avoid preamble May we have a debate on fuel duty, given that in and launch straight into their question, and I know we yesterday’s debate on the cost of living the Opposition will have pithy replies from the Leader of the House, forgot to mention that they increased fuel duty 12 times then we will make good progress, but we must move on. and that our Government have frozen it in the lifetime of this Parliament? Will my right hon. Friend urge the Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) Chancellor to go even further and cut fuel duty in the (Lab): Given that £1.5 million-worth of donations from forthcoming Budget? private health care companies resulted in £1.5 billion-worth of NHS contracts for those companies, and that the Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend and private supper arrangements with the Tory party have have seen his early-day motion. I thoroughly endorse resulted in donations of £1.5 million to the Conservatives, the congratulations that the Financial Secretary offered may we have a statement from the Leader of the House him in yesterday’s debate in recognition of his campaigning. on who these anonymous donors are and what exactly Of course, matters relating to the future of fuel duty are has been paid for? for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but he has made it clear that by the end of this Parliament, as a consequence Mr Lansley: I am afraid that the hon. Lady is completely of the decisions he has already announced, motorists wrong in all her assertions. For 20 years in the Conservative will be paying 20p per litre less on petrol and diesel duty party it has been clear that we do not take anonymous than would have been the case under Labour’s fuel duty donations and we do not take donations to which escalator. strings are attached. It is absolutely not true to say that donations lead to contracts in the NHS. Those contracts Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab): Last week people are administered independently and fairly, and relationships in Rochdale commemorated the Holodomor famine with Ministers before they came into office and while that occurred in Ukraine, killing 7 million people in one they are in office have absolutely no bearing on that. of the most horrifying episodes in European history. Indeed, the number of private sector contracts in the Does the Leader of the House agree that it would be NHS has not increased overall since the election. fitting on this 80th anniversary to debate recognition of the Holodomor as genocide? Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): On a recent visit to the Jobcentre Plus that serves my Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman and the House will constituency, I was told that the long-term unemployed know that the Holodomor was an horrific man-made are now finding jobs and, equally importantly, keeping disaster of unimaginable scale. We recognise the appalling them. May we therefore have a debate on the success of human tragedy that occurred and its importance in the the Work programme in getting the long-term history of Ukraine and Europe. The Government pay unemployed—a group abandoned by Labour—into long- tribute to the people who continue to work to keep alive term, sustainable employment? the memory of all those who perished in the Holodomor. There is a complex debate about this, as the hon. Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend is right. The Work Gentleman will recall. For an explanation of that, I programme is the largest welfare-to-work programme would, if I may, direct Members to the speech by my since the 1930s. What he describes in his constituency is 423 Business of the House28 NOVEMBER 2013 Business of the House 424

[Mr Lansley] a conclusion, or do not have the guts to take responsibility for the decision they want to take, perhaps they should very important; it replaced a patchwork of poorly not be Ministers. performing and expensive schemes under the Labour Government. We expect 2.5 million people to be supported Mr Lansley: In the context of the urgent question, over five years. What we saw under Labour, as we have which I thought the Under-Secretary of State for Health, seen under every Labour Government, is an increase in my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Jane Ellison) unemployment. Under this coalition Government we answered superbly, what was announced was a review, are seeing a substantial reduction in unemployment but, as she made clear, the decision that will be made in and, even more importantly, a record level of employment. the spring will be made by Ministers.

Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): On Monday Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): When I made the Government accepted the position of Labour Front a plea yesterday for disabled people to be exempt from Benchers on capping high-cost credit, ahead of certain the bedroom tax, the Prime Minister said: defeat in the other place. Yesterday the Government “Obviously, what we have done is to exempt disabled people accepted many of the proposals of the shadow Home who need an extra room.”—[Official Report, 27 November 2013; Secretary, my right hon. Friend the Member for Vol. 571, c. 254.] Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper), That is not only a direct contradiction of previously in order to take the wind out of a Government Back-Bench stated policy, it is at complete odds with what is happening rebellion. Today the Government seem to have U-turned in the real world. Can we have a statement from a on tobacco plain packaging, again ahead of certain Minister from the Department for Work and Pensions defeat in the other place. Will the Leader of the House either to correct the Prime Minister’s erroneous statement arrange a debate in this House on why the Government or, alternatively, to confirm that disabled people will seem to have run out of ideas? indeed be exempt from this vicious and nasty bedroom tax that they should never have suffered in the first Mr Lansley: All the hon. Gentleman is asserting is place? that what the Government are doing is supported by the Opposition. Frankly, I am pleased about that. Mr Lansley: The Prime Minister was absolutely right to say yesterday that those disabled people who need an Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): May we have a additional room for overnight carers will not have the debate on the future of independent petrol retailers and spare room subsidy removed in respect of that room. the important role they play in our local infrastructure That has always been the case and the Prime Minister and in delivering security of supply, especially in our has made that clear on a number of occasions. rural areas? Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) Mr Lansley: I cannot promise a debate, but I think (Con): Will the Leader of the House make time for a one would be useful, because what my hon. Friend says debate on the Standards Committee report on my hon. is true, especially in more rural areas. There has, of Friend the Member for South Suffolk (Mr Yeo), so that course, been some notable erosion of the number of we can seek an apology from The Sunday Times? independent petrol retailers. The situation is very difficult and I hope they will hear what my hon. Friend has said Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that as some encouragement to them that we recognise the question. Indeed, I think the House will be grateful to contribution they make in rural communities. the Standards Committee and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards for an exceptionally thorough Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): The report. Having read it, I looked last weekend for any Leader of the House will recall the tragic deaths of recognition in The Sunday Times of its findings, but baby Daniel in Coventry and of baby P. Would it not be found none. I rather regret that. If the press is rightly fitting to have some form of national memorial or new quick to criticise, it should equally be ready to admit proposals for dealing with child abuse, given the cutbacks when it has got it wrong. to local authority budgets? Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): Mr Lansley: I do remember, as will other Members, Can we have a debate about the cost of Government those tragic events and others like them. Personally, I hospitality, particularly when this week Scottish celebrities think that the most important memorial we can achieve are tripping over themselves to snub the Prime Minister’s is to ensure that our child protection and safeguarding lavish St Andrew’s day union bash? We learned this arrangements are as effective as we can possibly make morning that even the Prime Minister has decided to them. We know we are not there yet. We have made snub his own event. Does the Leader of the House have progress, but we have much more to do to make that any idea who is actually going to attend? happen. I hope we can achieve that so that children can be genuinely safe wherever they are in the country. Mr Lansley: I have to confess that I have no idea who will attend it. Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Following on from the urgent question, may we have a debate on Government Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): My Prime inquiries into decision making? Surely it cannot be right Minister (Replacement) Bill is due to have its Second to farm out important decisions to unelected and Reading tomorrow. It provides for a line of succession if unaccountable people. If Ministers are not capable of the Prime Minister is killed or incapacitated. My apologies working out the evidence for themselves and coming to to you, Mr Speaker: I had listed you as third in line to 425 Business of the House28 NOVEMBER 2013 Business of the House 426 succeed the Prime Minister, but unfortunately the powers sale of rugby union world cup tickets? The protection that be have said that the House could not contemplate of Olympic tickets from resale helped to prevent ticket that. Will the Leader of the House ensure that the first touting. Can we make the rugby world cup a party for item of business tomorrow is concluded very early and ordinary people, not just for the rich who can afford that no filibustering prevents my Bill from being debated? tickets? Before he answers, I can let him know that, for his information, he is 20th on the list to succeed. Mr Lansley: As I have said, I am happy to consult my hon. Friends at the Department for Culture, Media and Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, because Sport about their response on that issue. I was not aware of that possibility under the Bill. It ever so slightly changes my perception of it, but I fear that I Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): The Leader of the am still not entirely in favour of it, not least because it House will be aware of the great concern about lifting impinges on Her Majesty’s prerogatives under the restrictions on Romanians and Bulgarians coming here constitution. after 1 January. Will he bring back the Immigration Bill I am sure I am right in telling my hon. Friend that on Report so that the House has a chance to consider there is no prospect of filibustering in this House. It is a my new clause to extend those restrictions? term of usage, but it is not in order to filibuster, and the Chair would not contemplate anything disorderly happening Mr Lansley: The House will be aware that I of course in the House. announce future business every week, and the Immigration Bill will be part of a future business statement. My hon. Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): May we have a statement Friend was in his place yesterday to listen to the Home from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Secretary, and he and Members from across the House Sport to explain why the Government have refused to will have heard about a substantial package of robust designate the rugby union world cup in 2015 as an event measures that should make a significant difference. In of national significance, as was done by the previous the light of figures on migration from within the European Government for the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012, Union, it is terrifically important to make it clear that so that tickets cannot be sold on the secondary ticketing although we value the brightest and best coming here to market and hoovered up by touts, many of whom are study and work, as is absolutely right, we and other involved in organised criminal gangs and in exploiting countries—Germany, France and the like—do not want genuine rugby fans? that to turn into an ability for people to come to this country or other countries across the European Union Mr Lansley: If I may, I will talk to my hon. Friends at for the purpose of accessing benefits. the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It might be simpler for them not to make a statement, but to Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): Will the Leader respond to the hon. Gentleman in his capacity as a of the House ask the Chancellor to come here and shadow Minister— make a statement on intervention in failing markets, because he seems to be all over the shop? He has rightly Clive Efford: We would all like to hear. given in to a cap on the cost of credit, but he will not listen on a freeze on energy bills. Mr Lansley: Those Ministers may even want to put a copy of that reply in the Library of the House. Mr Lansley: The Chancellor will be here next Thursday. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): In April, the amount that someone can earn before paying income Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): Across London tax—the personal allowance—will rise to £10,000. Together and the south-east, we have the scandal of accommodation with cumulative changes made since the coalition being erected in gardens and landlords charging exorbitant Government came to office, that will cut an individual’s rents from people who are not paying council tax but income tax bill by £700 on average and take 3 million of are receiving benefits. May we have an urgent debate in our poorest people out of income tax altogether, including Government time on beds in sheds, so that we can 4,025 people in the Kettering constituency. May we examine that problem in detail and get some action? have a debate in Government time on personal income tax liability and the changes made since this Government Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend raises an interesting came to power? point. Not least because I would like to hear more about the matter, I will ask my right hon. and hon. Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes an important Friends at the Department for Communities and Local point, of which people in his constituency will take Government to reply to him and to allow me to see that positive note. Other constituencies have similar figures, reply. My hon. Friend and other hon. Members may and those changes in taxation are one reason why want to take further steps to secure a debate on the household disposable incomes are rising, which is important matter, for instance on the Adjournment. for people in tough times. On the opportunity to consider that further, I can say that it may well arise during Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): Mr and Mrs Lloyd questions following the Chancellor’s autumn statement live in Little Addington in my constituency. They have next Thursday. been flooded twice because of a burst water main. Anglian Water accepts that the water main needs to be Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): To follow on replaced, but it will not do the work until late in 2014. from the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member In the meantime, it has reduced the water pressure and for Eltham (Clive Efford), may we have a debate on the people in the village cannot even have a proper shower. 427 Business of the House28 NOVEMBER 2013 Business of the House 428

[Andy Sawford] Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Before the last election, the Prime Minister promised to lead the “greenest What advice can the Leader of the House give me on government ever”. Now, he is ordering his officials to how we can hold Anglian Water to account and get it to get rid of the “green crap”. May we have a debate on change its mind and fix the problem? what the Prime Minister means by “green crap”?

Mr Lansley: Two things can be done. I will take it on Mr Lansley: I suspect that the hon. Gentleman was in myself to raise the issue with my right hon. and hon. his place for Energy and Climate Change questions, so Friends at the Department for Environment, Food and he will have had an opportunity to hear from the Rural Affairs to secure a response from the Government. Secretary of State that, through our policies, this Separately, the hon. Gentleman can speak to Anglian Government are achieving greater energy efficiency and Water, as I have done myself. I have made it clear that I carbon reduction than any of our predecessors. have supported its bids to the water regulator for a price control, which incorporates a commitment to investment, but equally that I will hold it to its commitment to make Mr Speaker: I think that the hon. Member for Sefton that investment, for instance to tackle the impact of Central (Bill Esterson) was quoting. In those circumstances, sewerage issues on households. He may have similar the use of such a word is perfectly orderly, but I would measures that he wants to raise with the company in not want colleagues to think that it is to be encouraged that way. ordinarily, for it is not.

Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): Tomorrow, the all-party group on malaria and neglected tropical diseases, which Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): Given the Spanish I chair, will publish its report on the neglected tropical Prime Minister’s comment that a separate Scotland diseases that affect 1.4 billion of the poorest people on would be outside the European Union as well as outside earth. May we have a debate about the excellent research the United Kingdom, may we have a debate on the that is carried out into those diseases in UK institutions possibility of a Scotland that is in not-so-splendid such as the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the isolation? London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Imperial college and many others? The UK is a world Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman will be aware that leader in such research. Members of this House may well seek a debate on Scotland’s future in the United Kingdom. It is perfectly Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend is right that we are a proper for them to go to the Backbench Business Committee leader in research into tropical diseases and into treatments to seek such a debate. It is instructive that in the space for and responses to them. Increasingly, with this of two days, one of the central points in the document Government’s commitment to dedicating 0.7% of our that the Scottish Government supposed would be the gross national income to overseas aid, we are also a answer to all the questions has turned out to be based leader in combating those diseases across the world. on false assumptions. 429 28 NOVEMBER 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 430

Sexual Violence in Conflict protection of civilians against sexual violence in conflict. Furthermore, all 137 countries have agreed to support the development of a new international protocol on the 11.39 am investigation and documentation of sexual violence in The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth conflict that we have proposed. Those are groundbreaking Affairs (Mr William Hague): With permission, Mr Speaker, commitments to erode impunity and support victims. I will update the House on the Government’s initiative This month, our attendance at the Commonwealth on preventing sexual violence in conflict. This issue is Heads of Government meeting in Sri Lanka ensured not about politics but about our common humanity; it that the final communiqué contained the first ever is not enough to be united in condemnation of it, unless commitment by all 53 members states to prevent and we are united in action against it. respond to sexual violence. It was only when the true horror of slavery came to We are underpinning that diplomatic campaign with light in the 18th century that our nation acted against it. practical action. Over the past six months we have In our time we have come to understand the true horror worked with leaders in 14 countries who are champions of war zone sexual violence in Bosnia, Rwanda, Colombia, of this initiative in their regions: the Presidents of Somalia and many other nations, including Syria. I will Liberia, Malawi, Senegal and Tanzania, the Prime Minister never forget meeting young women in a hospital in of East Timor, and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Goma who were so damaged by rape that they required Croatia, Denmark, Guatemala, Jordan, Mexico, South surgery; the women in a refugee camp who said they Korea, the UAE and Indonesia. I thank them all for were being “raped like animals”; male survivors in their leadership. Sarajevo, who 20 years on still live lives shattered by We have drawn up the new draft protocol with experts trauma; or women in refugee camps in Darfur who were from all over the world, and it sets out ideal international raped collecting firewood. What they all had in common standards for documenting and investigating sexual was that, unjustly, they bore the stigma, shame and violence in conflict zones. Its purpose is to increase the loneliness, while their attackers walked free and unpunished. number of prosecutions worldwide, by ensuring that the This is rape used as a tactic or weapon of war, to strongest evidence and information are collected, and terrorise, humiliate and ethnically cleanse. It destroys that survivors receive proper support. Since April we lives, fuels conflict, creates refugees, and is often a tragic have deployed our team of experts to the Syrian borders, link in a chain of human rights abuses from sexual the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bosnia and slavery to forced marriage and human trafficking. Sexual Herzegovina, and Kosovo, where they have trained violence affects men and boys as well as women and health professionals and human rights defenders in girls. It undermines reconciliation, and traps survivors documenting crimes, investigating standards, and collecting in conflict, poverty and insecurity. Preventing it is a and storing forensic evidence. moral cause for our generation. In Mali, we are deploying experts with the EU training Our goal must be to end the use of rape as a weapon mission. They have trained two battalions of soldiers so of war, no longer treating it as an inevitable consequence far in international humanitarian and human rights of conflict but as a crime that can be stopped. We need law, in a country where men in uniform have often been to put perpetrators behind bars and restore dignity to accused of carrying out some of the worst rapes. We are the survivors, who are often rejected by their families, giving new support to the UN, and have provided suffer illness, lack proper housing, are not employed, £1 million to support the work of the special representative have no access to education, and struggle to survive. on sexual violence in conflict, Zainab Bangura, to whom Ending war zone rape is the aim of the initiative I I pay tribute for her inspiring work. We will second an launched 18 months ago with Angelina Jolie, the special expert to her team in 2014. envoy of the High Commissioner for Refugees. I pay The Department for International Development is tribute to her for helping us galvanise world opinion. playing a vital part. It has agreed a new approach to In April, during our presidency, the G8 adopted an protecting women and girls in emergency situations historic declaration that promised to eradicate sexual with the UN and civil society, and launched a new violence in conflict. In June, I chaired a meeting of the £25 million research and innovation fund to help address United Nations Security Council that unanimously adopted violence against women in conflict settings. resolution 2106—its first resolution on sexual violence All that represents significant progress—action begun in three years. It was co-sponsored by an unprecedented by eight nations has become global; we have driven the 46 nations and strengthened the UN’s capabilities. In need to end war zone sexual violence up the world’s September, during and after the UN General Assembly, agenda; and we have generated a new willingness from we put forward a new declaration of commitment to Governments around the world to take a stand on the end sexual violence in conflict. That has been endorsed issue—but it is only a beginning. We will not succeed by 137 countries—more than two thirds of all members until we shatter the culture of impunity, make a real of the United Nations. difference to the lives of survivors and stop such crimes At our behest, those countries have promised not to happening. Therefore, while we continue our diplomacy enter into or support peace agreements that give amnesty and practical work, lobbying more countries to join us for rape. Suspects can be arrested in any of those and urging those who have done so to fulfil their countries, all of which have now recognised rape and promises, we want to achieve another step change in serious sexual violence as grave breaches of the Geneva global awareness and readiness to act. We need to bring conventions, so that the principle of universal jurisdiction together in one place all the people who are driving applies. They will support new global efforts to give aid forward the initiative, to open the eyes of many others and justice to survivors, and for the first time every UN and to ensure that commitments to practical actions are peacekeeping mission will automatically include the fulfilled. 431 Sexual Violence in Conflict28 NOVEMBER 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 432

[Mr William Hague] Our country is putting new effort, new single-minded focus, new resources and new political will into advancing As the next stage in the campaign, I have decided to the rights of women and girls, and ending war zone rape convene a global summit in London from 11 to 13 June worldwide. In 2014, we will intensify that work in every next year, co-chaired by me and UNHCR Special Envoy respect, drawing on the united support of this House of Jolie. We will invite the states that have endorsed the Commons, the work of Members from all parties, the declaration, and legal, military, civil society and excellence of our diplomats and aid workers, and the humanitarian representatives from around the world. strength of our alliances. Working to end sexual violence We will open up the summit to civil society and members in conflict is part of the attainment of full rights for all of the public. There will be a large fringe throughout women everywhere, and in the strong tradition of this the summit, enabling events on conflict prevention, country’s championing of human rights and freedom. women’s rights, international justice, and business and human rights. We will run simultaneous events in our embassies and high commissions on every continent, so 11.49 am that this is not only a summit in London, but an Mr Douglas Alexander (Paisley and Renfrewshire international global event that continues around the South) (Lab): I thank the Foreign Secretary for his clock throughout the duration of the summit. We intend statement and for advance sight of it. it to be the largest summit ever staged on sexual violence The Foreign Secretary is right to say that condemnation in conflict. is simply not enough and that action is required against We want to bring the world to a point of no return, these abhorrent and heinous crimes. When this matter creating irreversible momentum towards ending war was last debated in this House, I put on record the zone rape and sexual violence worldwide. We will ask all Opposition’s support for the Government’s preventing the countries present to make real practical commitments. sexual violence initiative, and I paid tribute to the We will ask them to revise their military doctrines and Foreign Secretary’s considerable and personal efforts in training, and their training and operations on peacekeeping this area. I am happy to do so again today. Indeed, I missions. We will ask them to commit new support for welcome the steps that have been taken since that debate local and grassroots organisations and human rights in March, including by the Foreign Secretary himself, to defenders. We will encourage groups of nations to form help maintain and to raise the profile of this issue on new partnerships to support conflict-affected countries, the international stage. In particular, I welcome the to make the matter a priority in their Foreign Ministries, decision to host a global summit in London next year, and to set up teams of experts, as we have done. In co-chaired by the United Nations High Commissioner addition, we will launch the new international protocol for Refugees Special Envoy Jolie. and ask all countries to ensure its implementation. We The Foreign Secretary did not make reference to the will work ahead of the summit to secure even wider work of campaigning organisations like Amnesty endorsement of the UN declaration and the participation International, Human Rights Watch, Saferworld and of all the world’s major powers, and we will seek ideas others. I hope and trust that that was an inadvertent from civil society, other Governments, UN agencies, oversight, but I am sure he will join me in welcoming and regional and multilateral organisations, to build the their vital contribution to help advance this cause in momentum. recent months and over many years. Their work has The campaign aims to ensure that sexual violence can been indispensible in placing this issue firmly on the no longer be a feature of conflict in the 21st century, but international agenda, so will he assure the House of our ultimate objective must be to eradicate all forms of their active and engaged participation in the summit to violence against women and girls, in all societies. There be held in London next year? is no greater strategic prize for this century than the Sexual violence in conflict is today all too prevalent attainment of full social, economic and political rights across the world. The perpetrators are rarely held to for all women everywhere, and their full participation in account for their crimes, as we have just heard. Indeed, their societies. We will not secure that unless we change UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the issue as global attitudes to women, root out discrimination and violence against them wherever it is found, including in “the most pervasive violation of human rights across the globe”. our own countries, and show the political will to make The Foreign Secretary is therefore right when he says women’s participation in peace building and conflict that this is the time for the international community to resolution world wide a reality, including at the Geneva step up its efforts to respond to these continuing and peace conference on Syria. pervasive crimes. Our work on the initiative stretches across the When the Foreign Secretary last addressed this House Government. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on the matter back in March, he set out a number of has asked immigration officials to look at how to improve measures that the Government were introducing to try guidance and training on gender-based asylum claims, to tackle this issue globally. I would like to ask a series and she is introducing a modem slavery Bill to give of questions about their subsequent implementation. authorities the powers to investigate and prosecute human First, sexual violence as a tool of war remains one of traffickers. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State the least prosecuted crimes, and I welcome the Foreign for International Development has made the protection Secretary’s focus on that work today. Will he set out for and empowerment of girls and women a priority. By the House how many UK personnel have been deployed 2015, the UK will have helped millions more girls and in post-conflict areas, as part of the UK team of experts, women to get access to education, financial services, to help improve local accountability structures since the jobs and land rights, and our new £35 million programme initiative was first launched? Will he set out what discussions aims to reduce the practice of female genital mutilation he has had with international partners on contributing by 30% in at least 10 countries in the next five years. their skilled and experienced staff to an international 433 Sexual Violence in Conflict28 NOVEMBER 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 434 team of experts that can be deployed more widely? I The right hon. Gentleman is right that this is the welcomed the UK’s commitment to increase funding to least-prosecuted crime. That, of course, is what we are the UN Secretary-General’s special representative on trying to change: shattering the culture of impunity is sexual violence in conflict. Will the Foreign Secretary our central objective. We want to break into that and update the House on whether other countries have show that prosecutions can take place. We have more followed the UK’s lead in increasing funding for this than 70 people—doctors, lawyers, forensic experts, experts office? in gender-based violence—in our very impressive team of experts. They have deployed in much smaller numbers— The Foreign Secretary covered some specific countries they have other jobs in their areas of expertise—to of concern. Despite our well rehearsed disagreement various countries, some of which I listed in my statement. with the Government on the Prime Minister’s attendance For example, we have deployed a team to Libya to at the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit assess how best to engage with civil society and women’s last month, I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s efforts to organisations there, while the basic infantry training we raise the issue of preventing sexual violence on the provide to Libyan troops will incorporate a sexual agenda while he was there. During his visit, he emphasised violence element. As I mentioned, we are doing the that the UK was ready to offer more assistance and same in Mali. co-operation to the Sri Lankan Government to tackle this issue. What response has he received from the Sri The right hon. Gentleman asked about Burma. We Lankan Government since the Commonwealth Heads are providing support to legal assistance centres in of Government meeting to those offers and how he Burmese refugee camps in Thailand and to trauma care plans to take this work forward? camps in Kachin state, both of which deal with rape cases. Our embassy in Rangoon is currently considering In response to a written question in October, the how we can do more in Burma, and we are also promoting Government confirmed that Burma has now been added legal reforms that address and deter sexual violence. to the list of countries, despite being omitted from the We have done a lot of work on the Syrian borders, original list. Will the Foreign Secretary explain the supporting the collection of evidence of human rights reason for not including Burma as part of the initiative violations and abuses, including of sexual violence. when it was first launched? We have trained more than 300 Syrian journalists and The Foreign Secretary spoke about the work that is activists in documenting and exposing human rights being done today by the UK’s team of experts on the abuses, including crimes of sexual violence. These are Syrian borders. Can he provide any more details about examples of the support our team of experts are providing. the nature of the work, and whether there are plans for The right hon. Gentleman asked about funds for the support to be given to those in need in Syria itself? Will special representative. We have been the most generous he also say whether he raised this issue with the Syrian of countries in recent years, but other countries have National Coalition when it was in London last month? given additional funding—not many of them on the same scale as us, but I continue to encourage them to do The Government have taken important steps to help more. to raise this issue on the international stage and we pay On Sri Lanka, yes we secured the commitment in the generous tribute to their efforts to do so. Where they Commonwealth communiqué, which I have to point continue to pursue steps to help tackle this pervasive out we could not have done had we not been there. and deplorable abuse of human rights, they can rest While I was in Sri Lanka, I also gave a public speech on assured that they will have the support of this side of preventing sexual violence in conflict that was widely the House in their endeavours. reported in the Sri Lankan media—on the television and across the newspapers—so I think we drew the attention of a far wider audience in Sri Lanka to this Mr Hague: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his subject. I discussed with the Foreign Minister of Sri support for this initiative and our work on it in recent Lanka specific support for our initiative, and we await months. It is one of those subjects on which cross-party their reply on whether they will support it. Of course, support, pursued consistently by all of us, is very important there are aspects that the Sri Lankan Government will and helps to make a big impact on the rest of the world. find difficult to sign up to, which is why it is important I know that feelings on this will be appropriately strong to put it to them and to continue putting it to them. We among all political parties in the House. can only do that, however, if we meet them, which we The right hon. Gentleman asked about the campaigning would not have done had we followed the right hon. organisations. I mentioned that I envisaged the summit Gentleman’s advice. giving a big role to civil society, and that certainly That, however, is our one disagreement. Otherwise, includes all the organisations he mentioned. I have of course, there is strong cross-party unity on this issue, often stressed how our efforts build on the good work and I look forward to Opposition Members as well as done at the UN and by non-governmental organisations Government Members playing a big role at next June’s around the world. I am pleased to say that many of global summit. those NGOs sit on the PSVI steering board that I have established, so they advise me directly on the development Several hon. Members rose— of this initiative. This afternoon, I will also be meeting organisations like Amnesty—it sits on our human rights Mr Speaker: Order. Although, untypically, few Members advisory group, which also discusses these subjects. are seeking to catch my eye on this statement, I remind NGOs and other campaigning groups are thus fully the House that there is a statement by the Secretary of involved in this initiative, and I value their support State for International Development to follow, and enormously. thereafter, under the auspices of the Backbench Business 435 Sexual Violence in Conflict28 NOVEMBER 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 436

[Mr Speaker] forces. Given that we will contribute substantially to those security forces financially after the end of the Committee, two debates, the first of which, in particular, 2014, we will continue to pursue this issue; it should be is heavily subscribed. As a consequence, there is a in their training. premium upon brevity from Back Benchers and Front Benchers alike, first to be exemplified by Mr Alistair Sir Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): May I commend Burt. the Foreign Secretary on his personal commitment to this important work and welcome the international Alistair Burt (North East Bedfordshire) (Con): Thank response to the Government’s initiative? It is certainly a you, Mr Speaker. This is the second time you have good start. The Foreign Secretary rightly described a caught me like this; I will do my best. comprehensive approach to this subject and spoke about Yesterday I had the privilege of chairing a meeting the work of the Home Office and DFID. Will he at Portcullis House, which was attended by a number of confirm that the Ministry of Defence is also completely Members. It was organised by the National Alliance of committed to this—both in principle and in practice? Women’s Organisations and the Centre for Global Justice Our military personnel do good work in training foreign to discuss the issues raised by today’s statement. People troops in various parts of the world. Is this agenda now were full of praise for what has been a quite extraordinary firmly embedded in their programmes? and exceptional personal effort by my right hon. Friend to bring this matter forward. I do not think anyone Mr Hague: My right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary should minimise that. The same groups will be very is very supportive of this work. I will ask the Ministry interested in next year’s meeting. of Defence to play its part—along with other Government I would like to raise the difficult subject of abortion. Departments, which I know will be keen to do so—in Is my right hon. Friend convinced that there is now a the global summit next year. One of our objectives is to complete international consensus and that, although build into the work of militaries around the world the there are different attitudes to abortion, there is no importance of this issue. That is what we are trying to restriction on providing aid and support for full medical do with the various training missions I mentioned. Our access to all treatment, including the right to abortion MOD has a lot to offer—it can contribute a lot in that services, needed by women who have been the victims of regard—and we will discuss further how it can best rape in conflict, or is it still the case that some countries continue to do so. hang back on their aid and support or make them conditional? Will my right hon. Friend raise this issue Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): As chair of the with the countries where that might be the case? all-party group on human rights, I know it has done a considerable amount of work over the years in hosting Mr Hague: I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend women who are the victims of rape. The Foreign Secretary for the support he has consistently given to this initiative. should add this one to his list. I have encountered We will make sure that the organisations he mentioned victims of rape in many countries of the world, including will be fully involved in the global summit and in all our in Rwanda, Iraq and East Timor, and in East Timor, in continuing work next year. particular, there has been no follow-up to the rapes that were committed by Indonesian forces against many of The position of the UK Government on the issue he its citizens. raises is that safe abortion reduces recourse to unsafe abortion and thus saves lives, although we do not consider May I also ask the Foreign Office itself to be more that there is any general right to abortion under international sensitive towards victims of rape who approach the humanitarian or human rights law. Women and adolescent consular services? Such victims have been treated with girls, however, must have the right to make their own considerable insensitivity in the past. I think that the decisions about their sexual and reproductive health Foreign Secretary will know of the specific case to and well-being. The July practice paper from the which I am alluding. Department for International Development clearly outlines the UK policy position on safe and unsafe abortion in Mr Hague: The right hon. Lady is well aware of the developing countries. There are, of course, some countries importance of this issue because of all the work that she holding back on this issue, but we will continue to does. I hope that she will be heavily involved in all the encourage them to adopt the same approach as us. work that we do next year, both personally and through the all-party parliamentary group. There are difficult Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab): I issues for many countries to face in this regard, and we spoke to some Afghanistan MPs this week and was are trying to ensure that they face those issues by quite concerned when they said that, because of the involving their leaders in what we are doing. That is Afghan culture, women there could not achieve equal continuing work. opportunities. What training is being given to the Afghan It is very important for the Foreign Office to be army so that, particularly post-2014, it sees it as part of sensitive to these issues in its consular work. The right its role to protect women from sexual and other forms hon. Lady will have seen the publicity about one particular of violence? case this week. The Foreign Office has apologised unreservedly for what happened, and, having looked Mr Hague: As the hon. Lady knows, this is part of an into the case, I am satisfied that it is not representative immense subject. We regularly raise with the Afghan of the normal work of the consular service, including Government the issue of the rights of women and girls its work in Cairo, where the incident took place. Our in Afghanistan in the future. We certainly try to build consular staff have been dealing with an average of five this into our mentoring of the Afghan national security rapes and up to 25 sexual assaults a year, and the 437 Sexual Violence in Conflict28 NOVEMBER 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 438 problems that arose in that case have not been apparent the point made by my right hon. Friend the Member for in others. Nevertheless, we will hold ourselves to high North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt) about the need standards. for women to have access to full reproductive rights, and to be able to look after their bodies in the way that Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): I they feel that they should be looking after them? That congratulate my right hon. Friend on his leadership and issue really needs to be raised at the conference in June. progress on preventing sexual violence in conflict. It was excellent to hear about the global summit that will Mr Hague: Absolutely. My hon. Friend knows from take place next June, which I think will give hope to her work that the DRC is one of the countries most women throughout the world. Can my right hon. Friend affected by these issues in the world, but I am pleased to confirm that the Government have a cross-departmental say that its Government are supportive of this initiative. taskforce to deal with this issue? I note that both the They are involved in it, and I have met some of their Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for International Ministers on my own visits to the DRC. She is right to Development are present, and I know that they consider suggest that, because the conference will involve a it to be a top priority.It would be good for all Departments considerable fringe that will address a wide range of to work together, and to make it clear once and for all issues as well as agreeing our protocol on sexual violence that sexual violence should not be tolerated. in conflict, there will be scope for addressing fully the issues that she has raised. Mr Hague: There is a living, breathing demonstration of the cross-Government work that is being done, in Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) the form of not only Foreign Office Ministers but the (Lab): I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s announcement Secretaries of State for the Home Department and the on the summit next year, but we need to get our own Department for International Development. Their work house in order as well, given that two women die each on the wider agenda is crucial. The Foreign Office leads week as a result of domestic violence here. It is good to the work on the initiative to deal with sexual violence in see the Home Secretary sitting next to the Foreign conflict, but I have already told the House how helpful Secretary in the Chamber today. May I press the Foreign the work of the other Departments is. There is also an Secretary further on the answer that he gave to my hon. inter-ministerial group on violence against women and Friend the Member for City of Durham (Roberta girls, which is overseen by my right hon. Friend the Blackman-Woods) on protection for women in Home Secretary. So the broad answer to my hon. Friend’s Afghanistan? Will he tell us what protection is being question is yes. given to women human rights defenders there?

Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I Mr Hague: There is already training in human rights welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement, but may for the Afghan forces, but no one should disguise the I press him on just one aspect of it? I think that we can fact that this is going to be an immense challenge over be a little complacent about much of this violence, the next few years. That is why the hon. Lady and others whether it takes place in conflict zones or here in our are raising these issues. We raise the matter regularly own communities—and disturbing evidence emerged with Afghan Ministries and I have said that we need to this week about rapes of girls in London dens. Is not the build it into the support that we give to the Afghan real problem the fact that people in our own communities national security forces. My right hon. Friend the Secretary as well as in foreign communities do not believe in equal of State for International Development has also allocated rights for women, and do not think that women are a substantial amount of development aid for Afghanistan equal? We must stop avoiding that problem and deal after 2014. We will ensure that the importance of these with it here, as well as dealing with it in other countries. issues runs through all of that, but this will be one of the biggest challenges in the world, and the hon. Lady is Mr Hague: I agree, and I hope that none of us will be right to raise it. complacent. What is happening in some societies—not necessarily in conflict—is going backwards at the moment. Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right about what lies (Con): The cultural attitude towards rape victims in at the root of the problem, and that is why, in my some countries, and the rejection of them, means that statement, I set this initiative in the context of a broader their suffering can be lifelong. In the Foreign Secretary’s effort. We are seeking to prevent sexual violence in discussions with the countries participating in the conflict, but changing the entire global attitude to that— international protocol, has he detected any real which is what we are setting out to do—would have a understanding of that fact, or any real determination to beneficial effect on attitudes to women in many other address those cultural attitudes? situations and in many societies. I must emphasise again the importance of ensuring that all our own domestic Mr Hague: My hon. Friend is quite right. One of the conduct and policies also push in that direction. most haunting and disturbing aspects of this whole thing is the fact that the people affected go on to be Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): I lifelong victims as a result of the stigma, the shame and congratulate the Foreign Secretary on his announcement, the isolation from their families. We have to turn that and congratulate Ministers on all the work that they are around by changing the global attitudes to these subjects, doing. I should also draw attention to my declaration in so that it is the perpetrators who suffer the shame and the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. stigma. That is our objective. I have seen a recognition I have visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo of the need to do that among the leadership in many of and Jordan, where I was able to speak to women in the countries that have experienced these terrible crimes. refugee camps. May I remind the Foreign Secretary of We need to see the full implementation of the protocol 439 Sexual Violence in Conflict28 NOVEMBER 2013 Sexual Violence in Conflict 440

[Mr Hague] standards on the investigation and documentation of such crimes, so that evidence can more easily be used that we will arrive at together, and the fulfilment of the across the world. Setting such standards will raise the commitments in the declaration that those countries standard of documentation and records, and the ability have signed. Our main objective over the next few years to investigate these crimes, in many countries. So, yes—the will be to change the situation on the ground. hon. Lady’s point is absolutely taken on board. Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): I have Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): I praise the listened carefully to the Foreign Secretary’s remarks on personal commitment, energy and dedication of the Burma. He will know of the reports of sexual violence Foreign Secretary in pursuing this really important against the Rohingya minority in Rakhine and against issue. I also applaud the cross-departmental working other minorities in Kachin state. In the light of those between the Foreign Office, the Home Office and the reports, there is scepticism about the depth of the Department for International Development; it shows regime’s commitment to the initiative. What assurances this Government working at their very best. In which has he sought from the regime, and what role does he countries and regions does my right hon. Friend expect envisage it playing at the summit next year? to see the most progress over the next five to 10 years? Mr Hague: That scepticism is understandable. This will require a big change in attitudes and increased Mr Hague: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his priority to be given to this issue in Burma. We have remarks. We hope that the biggest progress will be seen raised the matter with the Burmese Government, but in those countries that have experienced the most serious we will need to go on doing so, because the scale of the problems over the past few decades. We have seen those problem is substantial, including in the areas that the problems in Europe, in Bosnia and Kosovo, as well as in hon. Gentleman mentions. I cannot give any categorical Africa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, assurances that the Burmese Government will do the Liberia and Rwanda. We have also seen them in south right thing, but I can assure him that they will receive America, in Colombia. Hon. Members have also referred very strong encouragement from Her Majesty’s Government to the problems in Burma. Most of the continents of to do so. the world contain countries in which we want to see big progress being made on tackling these issues. As I have Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): The said, it is encouraging that, in most cases, the Governments whole House has rightly paid tribute to the Foreign of those countries are now signed up to our declaration Secretary’s remarkable personal leadership in this area. and our initiative. That means that there is a possibility I want to ask him about prosecutions. It is hard enough of making real progress. to get convictions for rape in peacetime in the UK, let alone elsewhere after the fog of war. Have there been any successful prosecutions? What would the Foreign Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab): A lot of sexual Secretary consider to be a good result in this context? violence is occurring in Sri Lanka, and it has been going on for some time. Is the Foreign Secretary really comfortable Mr Hague: There have been very few. For instance, with President Rajapaksa playing such a leading role in there have been just a handful of convictions in Bosnia the Commonwealth at the moment? following the many thousands of rape cases. In any of the conflicts in recent times, only a tiny percentage of Mr Hague: I am comfortable that it was right to raise rape cases have resulted in a conviction—too few to all these issues in Sri Lanka. As I mentioned as gently as make any difference to the culture of impunity. There I could earlier, we could not have done that had we not are one or two important international prosecutions been there. [Interruption.] It is apparently now the proceeding at the moment, but we will be able to judge policy of the Opposition that we should have been their impact only when they have been concluded. there. My hon. Friend asked what would constitute success. Success would be a sufficient number of prosecutions to Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): No, it is not. change attitudes. Of course, that will take a long time to build up, but we will be making progress once military Mr Hague: So there is a little redefinition, but that is commanders know that when they issue such orders, allowed. So we have made an impact on this issue in Sri justice will have a long reach and a long memory and Lanka that we could not have made otherwise, particularly there is a high chance that it will catch up with them. in the speech—[Interruption.] The hon. Gentleman Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): In says that I am misrepresenting the position, but we order to secure prosecutions, there must be proper understood the Opposition to be saying that we should investigation. We have a lot of experience in our police not go to Sri Lanka. If we had not been to Sri Lanka, forces in this country, where huge strides have been we would not have been able to do anything of this: to made in treating victims properly and in running secure the communiqué; to make a speech on sexual investigations. Is that experience being drawn on by the violence to raise the issue with the Sri Lankan Government expert panel? and to have coverage all over the Sri Lankan media. So Opposition Members can shake their heads or stick Mr Hague: Yes, that expertise is present in our team them in the sand, but the effect is the same. The answer of experts. They are focusing on advising organisations is that I am comfortable that we did the right thing to and Governments in other countries on the documentation raise this issue in a big way in Sri Lanka. of these crimes, and on the use of forensics. The protocol that we want to agree next year will set out international Mr Speaker: I thank the Foreign Secretary and colleagues. 441 28 NOVEMBER 2013 Typhoon Haiyan 442

Typhoon Haiyan del Rosario and other members of the Philippines Government, and I gave our commitment that the UK would continue to support their Government as they 12.20 pm begin reconstruction and seek further to improve The Secretary of State for International Development preparedness against future disasters. There is much (Justine Greening): With permission, Mr Speaker, I that the international community can do in support of would like to update the House on the United Kingdom’s that goal, and I have already agreed to dedicate £5 million response to Typhoon Haiyan. Three weeks after Typhoon from a regional programme to strengthening the resilience Haiyan made landfall in the Philippines, its full effect is of four Filipino cities to natural disasters. becoming clear. The impact has been devastating. As of While in Manila, I met the United Nations, the Asian today, the UN reports that more than 14 million people Development Bank, the World Bank, other donors and have been affected, with 3.5 million displaced. The NGOs. I heard about their experience of the response official death toll stands at 5,500. so far and discussed with them plans for the longer-term I visited the Philippines last weekend. The devastation recovery and reconstruction effort. The Government of the typhoon has wreaked was clearly evident as I arrived the Philippines have been clear that they will be leading in Tacloban in a RAF C-130 that was carrying a cargo the reconstruction effort, and the UK will support that of UK supplies. Many of the outer parts of the town work. I raised my serious concerns about the particular have been flattened and debris from the typhoon litters vulnerability of women and girls suffering deprivation, the streets, but aid is now getting through at scale. In a lack of protection and the threat of abuse and trafficking. Tacloban, clearance work is well under way and I hosted a high-level meeting on this issue with many reconstruction efforts were evident throughout the town, heads of UN agencies in London on 13 November, with small businesses getting going again and activity when a commitment was made to ensure that protection on the streets. The Philippines Health Secretary told me was a core element of the response. We are working that 90% of health facilities in the affected areas are with the Philippines Government, the UN and NGO now operational, although many had suffered damage, partners to ensure that this important issue is prioritised, but there is still huge need, particularly in the outlying and I have deployed UK specialists in this field to the islands and more remote areas. I heard from non- Philippines to help to ensure that the risks that women governmental organisations that only 20% to 30% of and girls face are fully addressed. those people in need of shelter kits had so far received The Government of the Philippines expressed their them. heartfelt thanks to the UK Government and the British Through our rapid response facility, the UK was one public for their response to the typhoon. We should be of the first donors to get relief to the worst-affected proud of the generosity of the public, including that of areas. The UK has so far committed more than £50 million the Filipino community living in the UK, and of our of support, which is helping to get shelter, clean water medics and military personnel, and Department for and emergency supplies to up to 800,000 people. Our International Development and consular staff, who have logistical support has helped to transform the relief worked tirelessly over recent days in the humanitarian effort. Aircraft handling equipment provided by the UK effort. In addition, we should be proud of the efforts of to unload supplies from planes has doubled the airport UK NGOs in delivering so much so quickly. This capacity at Cebu. The UK has also extended the reach response—the public’s response—truly represents the of our overall humanitarian response through the best of Great Britain. Our thoughts continue to be with deployment of the Royal Air Force, HMS Daring and the people of the Philippines, particularly those who now HMS Illustrious. That military support has been have lost loved ones. The dire humanitarian situation crucial in delivering relief to more remote islands, including and the ongoing recovery effort deserve the continued the provision of emergency medical assistance through attention and support of this Government, and I commit the UK international emergency trauma team. I pay my Department to leading that effort. I commend the tribute to the outstanding servicemen and women of statement to the House. the RAF and Royal Navy for their tireless efforts to help those hit by Typhoon Haiyan, and to the NHS 12.25 pm personnel who are working to take care of those injured and in need of medical assistance. Mr Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire) (Lab): I thank the Secretary of State for her statement and for advance I believe that the cross-Government nature of our sight of it. It is three weeks since Typhoon Haiyan, and effort, involving the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign our thoughts remain with those who have lost loved and Commonwealth Office and a range of home ones, those still searching for bodies and those seeking Departments, has hugely enhanced our effectiveness, to rebuild their homes, lives and businesses. I will be allowing us to combine a range of assets that is greater travelling to the area this weekend. The situation on the than any other country’s response. The British public ground remains desperate, but it is now clear that this have shown, and continue to show, overwhelming generosity was one of the strongest typhoons ever to make landfall in response to this crisis, with contributions to the and that many of the communities closest to the shore Disasters Emergency Committee appeal now standing were ill-equipped and too poorly constructed to deal at £65 million. It is an incredible display of support to with the brute force of the barrage. Typhoon Haiyan help to maintain the momentum of the relief effort, has obliterated whole towns, destroyed communities getting lifesaving supplies to those who need them and shattered lives. Although many will rightly ask most. questions about climate change, this is also a story It is clear that the people of the Philippines face a about poverty. The poorest and most vulnerable were long road to recovery in the wake of this disaster. hit hardest, the worst quality homes were those most During my visit to the Philippines, I met Foreign Minister likely to collapse, and families living in some of the 443 Typhoon Haiyan28 NOVEMBER 2013 Typhoon Haiyan 444

[Mr Jim Murphy] of the Government regarding renewed scepticism about taking action on climate change. Will the Secretary of poorest provinces in the Philippines are now left with State put it on record that she is determined to take no homes, no assets and no savings to fall back on. I renewed action on climate change, which is one of the would also like to join in the praise of our aid charities most pressing developmental and poverty reduction operating there, of DFID staff and Ministers, and of priorities for the Government, I am sure, and certainly the members of our armed forces who will now, for the Opposition? unexpectedly, be separated from their families over Typhoon Haiyan is not just a disaster today, but an Christmas. echo of our future tomorrow. The Philippines will continue Another thing is clear regarding this tragedy: the to need our support long after our shock has subdued. British public should never be underestimated. Their As the Government set out their plans in the coming generosity, through their emotional concern and financial months, we will rightly scrutinise them, but we will contribution, is a further brilliant reminder that we are instinctively support them. not and never will be a nation that looks the other way. The Disasters Emergency Committee public appeal has Justine Greening: Disappointingly, the right hon. now topped £65 million. Let us think about that. It is Gentleman has shown that the tone of the relationship £1 for every person in our country, or an astonishing can be set by his side as well as by ours. average of more than £3 million every day since the The right hon. Gentleman asked what we have delivered. disaster struck, and all that at a time when many at The UK has delivered support to around 800,000 victims home are struggling. The appeal started on the same of Typhoon Haiyan, which has included 12 flights. Two weekend as the separate Children in Need appeal to RAF C-17s have landed in Cebu in so far, with a third support families in the UK which, too, broke new rotation planned. We have also delivered more than records. 17,000 shelter kits, 38,000 tarpaulins, 16,000 hygiene So absolute was the destruction that the UN compared kits and 1,500 tents, as well as water and sanitary the scene on the ground in Leyte island to the devastation equipment, buckets, jerry cans, 4x4 vehicles and JCBs. of the Boxing day tsunami of 2004. Although the We have provided heavy-lifting equipment at the request destruction was similar in nature, we can at least be of the World Food Programme to help to load and thankful that it was different in scale. Yet lessons, of unload aid at Cebu airport, and also debris and road- course, must be learned by the international community clearing equipment to unblock roads so that we can get about its response to that previous tsunami. aid through. As everyone is aware, we also sent over Let me now deal with some specific questions. The HMS Daring, which has now been relieved by HMS Department has not yet briefed the Opposition and, Illustrious, which enabled medics and supplies to get to because of that, the time available today does not allow isolated and devastated communities. We have also had me to ask the full list of questions that I still have. As a an RAF C-130 plane in the region shuttling supplies former Secretary of State, I have always held the view between Cebu airport and the people who need them in that the political relationship between the two Front Tacloban, for example. Benches is largely set from the Government Dispatch The Government have carried out significant work Box. I hope that I am not going to have to adjust, on on disaster preparedness. Through the UN, we are this or any other issue, to the fact that even my request involved in the work of Political Champions for Disaster for a telephone conversation with the Secretary of State Resilience, which works with the Government in Haiti. was refused—[Interruption.] It is not weak; it is a fact. I have invited the Philippines Government to become Will the Secretary of State say what assessment she involved so that they can be better prepared for disasters has made of how the response to Typhoon Haiyan has and better able to respond to them. been informed by the experience of the relief efforts The right hon. Gentleman asked what we were specifically following the tsunami? How much UK aid has been doing in the Philippines. As I said in my statement, we delivered and what materials have been sent? What is have earmarked £5 million for four main cities in the the plan to help the Philippines Government to ensure Philippines that can benefit from better disaster that all donations that arrive in the country are of use in preparedness. In 2010, the Philippines Government passed that country? The previous Government published plans a law setting out a framework for them better to respond to ensure that 10% of all disaster relief was directed to disasters. As I am sure the House is aware, that part towards work designed to ensure better preparedness of the world is particularly prone to natural disasters. for future disasters. Will the Secretary of State update The challenge they faced was simply the scale of the the House on the progress and delivery of that approach? typhoon, which was possibly the largest ever to make The United Nations has said that rehabilitation costs landfall. We will work to help them to improve their will be more expensive for Haiyan than was the case ability to withstand such disasters. Part of that will following the tsunami. With officials on the ground involve looking at how buildings are constructed and warning that it may take as long as 10 years to rebuild, helping local government to improve its capacity to it is vital that we get this right. What assessment has the work with communities and evacuate people. Secretary of State made of the Philippines’ capacity to The right hon. Gentleman asked me about my assessment return to growth in the coming years and of the impact of the Philippines Government’s capacity to deliver the of this disaster on the regional economy? I want to reconstruction effort that is needed. They are today and conclude on climate change. It is neither wise nor accurate tomorrow looking at the initial needs assessment on to attribute any specific weather event to climate change, infrastructure. I have spoken to the World Bank and the but we do know that climate change is real. Due to the Asian Development Bank, which are likely to mobilise nature of what we are discussing today, I shall make this some of the financing that is needed for the reconstruction observation gently: there are worrying noises from parts effort. There is a general willingness on the part of the 445 Typhoon Haiyan28 NOVEMBER 2013 Typhoon Haiyan 446

Philippines Government to drive forward the work and of the people of South Derbyshire who have written to on the part of the international community to support me—this is reflected in what has been said by Government that effort over the coming months and years. Indeed, it and Opposition Members—may I say that the great is already projected that UN work will take place over contributions made by the public have been astonishing? the next 12 months as a minimum. I put it on record that it is not just a matter of the The Government have always made it clear that we Government doing something, because the people are want an international agreement on climate change—it doing something, too. is vital that that is tackled. The right hon. Gentleman should remember that it was the Conservative party in Justine Greening: My hon. Friend is right. People’s opposition that proposed a climate change Act and his generosity is staggering. Some £65 million—that amount Government ultimately took the idea on board. I assure is rising—has been delivered to the Philippines appeal. him that we remain resolute in prioritising tackling We can be really proud of the way in which our country climate change, as he will see over the coming months. has responded to the crisis. When I met the Philippines Government over the weekend, their thanks to us were Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): We are increasingly heartfelt. They were really staggered by the response seeing disasters occurring around the coast and in island from our country, which they will remember for a long states. We have also seen the enormous role that HMS time. In the meantime, we will continue to play our role Illustrious has played. Will my right hon. Friend consider as one of the leading nations providing humanitarian whether, when Illustrious retires, we might convert it support in their time of need. into Her Majesty’s relief ship, which could be based somewhere such as Gibraltar? Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): What discussions has the Secretary of State had with Justine Greening: That is an interesting suggestion. It her colleagues in the Home Office about trafficked might prove to be an expensive way of ensuring that we people, particularly women and children, who might try can reach people quickly, but we are always open to to get entry into the UK? What measures are being put ideas. I should say that the medical team on Illustrious in place to deal with that? has already treated two children with infected wounds who unfortunately needed to have limbs amputated. Justine Greening: I am interested in working more That saved their lives, so we can see how our Royal closely with the Home Office on trafficking. It is a key Navy provides support to people who are in desperate area with an international aspect in which we can up need, and we should be proud of the work that it is our game as part of the solution. We were concerned by doing. what we came across in the Philippines. One fact that has been less discussed is the significant displacement of John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab): I am people. Many of them turn up in Manila and although glad that my right hon. Friend the Member for East they might perhaps get initial support for the first few Renfrewshire (Mr Murphy) will be going to the Philippines days they are there, it is easy for them to become lost this weekend to see the situation for himself. Perhaps he after that. They are at serious risk, particularly women, will find out how far the Secretary of State’s £5 million girls and children, of becoming involved in all sorts of will stretch in helping those four cities to prepare to situations, including trafficking, over the coming weeks defend themselves in the future. The most shocking fact and months. That was why I issued my call to action a in the Secretary of State’s statement was that, three couple of weeks ago to raise international awareness of weeks on, three quarters of the people who need shelter the issue, at an event attended by the former Foreign do not yet have it. Will she tell the House what she is Secretary, David Miliband. On the practical side of doing to overcome that disastrous situation? things, I sent over two of our experts from DFID to work across the UN effort and ensure that we are doing Justine Greening: I mentioned that fact in my statement all we can to co-ordinate and prioritise the protection of because it is shocking and sets out the scale of the women and girls through the crisis. challenge facing us. The typhoon hit a country that has a lot of disparate communities on outlying islands. One Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I thank my right hon. of the reasons why we sent out Daring and Illustrious Friend for her statement. I am proud of the contribution was to get to those western islands in the Philippines we are making both as a Government and as a people to that would otherwise not be reached. Obviously, there the Philippines. Will my right hon. Friend pay tribute to has been significant focus on Tacloban, but less focus the Harlow Filipino community, who held a special on the area to the west of Tacloban. A lot of work is fundraiser last Thursday night following the tragic death under way. I flagged up the issue of shelter because it is of the Harlow Princess Alexandra hospital nurse, Jeffrey one of the main things on which we are working with Ducusin, and his son Jairo? Will she express condolences the UN. We have sent significant numbers of shelter kits to the family and visit the Filipino community in Harlow and six flights will be going out to the region this week. sometime in the future to give them support at this The very generous response of the UK public to the difficult time? DEC appeal will mean that our leading NGOs will also have the resources to provide the critical shelter about Justine Greening: I express my deep condolences to which the right hon. Gentleman talks. the family and to all those people who have lost loved ones in the crisis. I would be happy to meet the Filipino Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): I community and I had the chance to meet some of them congratulate the Secretary of State on her announcement a couple of Fridays ago when we had a special mass at and the hard work that is being undertaken. On behalf Westminster cathedral. I have been in close contact with 447 Typhoon Haiyan28 NOVEMBER 2013 Typhoon Haiyan 448

[Justine Greening] people have the choice—and are pressed when they are given the option—to sign up for gift aid. In my former the Philippine ambassador to London since the crisis role in the Treasury, I did a lot of work to ensure that it hit and I saw him this weekend in the Philippines. I became easier for people to get gift aid, whether in the would be happy to meet my hon. Friend’s local community. workplace or elsewhere, and I am very happy to follow up her point with the Treasury. Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Others on both sides of the House have emphasised how the UK and Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): As the British people have shown great generosity to help we have heard, there has been a tremendous amount of out in the Philippines, but what discussions has she had support from the British people for those affected by with her international counterparts to ensure that all the typhoon in the Philippines and the UK Government nations pull their weight and help out? have also given £50 million. How confident is the Secretary of State that that money will reach the 800,000 people Justine Greening: Those discussions are now well who need it as quickly and effectively as possible? under way. I spoke yesterday with Baroness Valerie Amos, who leads the UN humanitarian effort. It is clear Justine Greening: We launched the rapid response to me that although the UK can play and is playing a facility, which meant that over that weekend we were leading role in responding to the crisis, it is important able to start working with huge NGOs as well as smaller that other countries continue to play their role. We have ones to get aid out to the people who needed it. We are seen massive generosity from across the international using trusted NGOs, we have due diligence and I am community, but there will be a further UN flash appeal satisfied and confident that we will ensure that the in December. I encourage the whole international investment that goes in, whether from the British public community to respond to that flash appeal positively so or the Government, reaches the people it is intended to that we can ensure that we keep the humanitarian effort reach. going. Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab/Co-op): Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Mountainside Has the Secretary of State had the opportunity to mobile signal enabled my constituents Marcus and Ellen review our immediate response to the disaster to ensure to determine that a family of seven of their relations that the right sort of support was prioritised, given the survived the storm on the island of Samar, but none of unfortunate reports of aid sitting on the tarmac? the homes in the community of Bakhaw withstood the storm. They report that today still no aid workers or representatives of the Philippine Government have been Justine Greening: Lessons can be learned from every to the island to bring help and assistance. Is the Secretary single humanitarian or disaster response. For example, of State satisfied that there is no unnecessary delay in this was the first time we had used our NHS emergency the distribution of aid by the Philippine Government? trauma list of NHS professionals, so we will absolutely ensure that we learn the lessons. One reason we sent the Justine Greening: The nature of the storm and the loaders and rubble and debris clearing equipment was part of the Philippines it hit—the middle third of the that we found that planes could land in the nearby country—have made it incredibly challenging to get to airport, whether that was Cebu or Tacloban, but there all the communities people have wanted to reach. I were then two problems. Either they could get supplies know that when the UN first arrived at Tacloban airport off the plane but not down roads as they were not clear, immediately after the storm had hit, it was initially or the supplies were so huge that there was no equipment impossible even to get into Tacloban, just 10 km down to get them off the planes as that had been damaged by the road, because of the debris. Even on the mainland, the typhoon. My Department sourced from the Netherlands reaching people was challenging. One reason we have a massive piece of equipment that could clear the sent our Royal Navy vessels is to reach such communities biggest loads off planes. We got it from the Netherlands and the Illustrious significantly steps up the capacity to Tacloban and Cebu airports to double the capacity beyond that which the Daring was able to provide to of what we could offload from planes. The hon. Lady is reach more of those islands. As the hon. Gentleman absolutely right: this was a big logistical effort and as we sets out, it is a continued challenge to reach those encountered various bottlenecks they had to be removed. communities and to ensure that the supply lines that will support them over the coming weeks remain open Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): I, and are established in the first place. too, thank the Secretary of State for her statement. She highlighted that NHS personnel and staff are doing Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab): There has quite a lot of work in the Philippines. Will she elaborate been much rightful praise for the work of the British on the expertise that they are bringing and the good public in donating to the appeal, but it has involved a work they are doing on the ground? younger generation of donors, some perhaps donating for the first time, most of whom will have donated by Justine Greening: I had the chance to meet some of text. Is the Secretary of State satisfied that we are doing those fantastic people and one was from my local enough to ensure that donations made by text receive hospital, St George’s in Tooting. There were surgeons, gift aid so that more can go towards this important anaesthetists and doctors who were working alongside appeal? other international medics, such as those from AusAID, to provide support. Some of the stories of what they Justine Greening: I take the hon. Lady’s point on have done are phenomenal, particularly those about board. There are established processes to ensure that dealing with the initial casualties who came in following gift aid happens when it is meant to happen and that the typhoon. They have latterly been dealing with some 449 Typhoon Haiyan28 NOVEMBER 2013 Typhoon Haiyan 450 of the broader issues, such as the fact that shelter is outstanding, and it is a tribute to the generosity and limited, which means that we are starting to see challenges selflessness of people in this country that they respond with pneumonia in children. The work those people are so generously. doing is evolving over time. Our support is now principally being delivered through HMS Illustrious and health Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ care is being provided by the NHS people on board. Co-op): How much of the initial £30 million that she announced in response to the UN’s $300 million appeal Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland has gone through the UN and how much has been West) (Lab): Following on from the answer to my hon. allocated through other routes, and which routes? Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson) about the measures being taken by Justine Greening: About £23 million of the £30 million DFID to protect vulnerable women and girls from went to the UN flash appeal. A further £6 million or so being exploited and trafficked, can the Secretary of went to the Red Cross movement in one form or another. State tell us which NGOs she is working with in the In addition, we had set aside £8 million for the initial Philippines so that the great British public, who have response through the rapid response facility. We spent already been so generous and who may want to donate £2 million on getting equipment and supplies out there. directly to those NGOs or even offer time and expertise So we are now at just over £50 million. A UN flash to help those women, girls and families rebuild their appeal will be coming out in the next couple of weeks, lives, can do so? once the latest needs assessment has been done. The Prime Minister made it clear to the president of Justine Greening: We are working with so many that the Philippines the weekend the storm hit that we would it is difficult to give a complete list. Save the Children, continue to look at what more we can do as a country to Plan International, Christian Aid—a range of fantastic help his country respond to this crisis. NGOs are now involved in the effort. One of the things that we are rapidly setting up is women-friendly and Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD): I pay tribute to the child-friendly spaces so that women and children at risk Secretary of State and her Department. She has responded have safe spaces to go to. I heard reports today when I outstandingly to this crisis. Like many colleagues, I pay spoke with our DFID team on the ground of children tribute to the British public. In Eastbourne alone the being offered for sex trade sale to aid workers in Tacloban, response has literally bowled me over. More than £5,000 which of course is absolutely disgusting and unacceptable. has been raised on an Eastbourne typhoon appeal It is why we are right and working so hard to minimise JustGiving site. Ocklynge school raised £1,600. The the risks to vulnerable people. Rotary raised £1,500. The list goes on. It is absolutely fantastic. Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): I thank the I grew up in Africa and I know that after very heavy Secretary of State for co-ordinating so successfully the floods, or in this case a typhoon, waterborne diseases fast and wide-ranging response of our Government to are a real threat. I would appreciate it if the Secretary of this enormous disaster, which is especially sad for those State gave some detail about what vaccines have been of us who have lived in the Philippines and travelled in provided. Is there a recognition that this could be a real this part of the Visayas. I also share the feelings expressed issue? by several hon. Members about the generosity of the British people to the tragedy. I highlight the response in Justine Greening: Picking up on my hon. Friend’s my constituency led by Raymond Padilla in the first point, I pay tribute to the officials in my Department, Gloucestershire Filipino Association, the headmaster who have been working around the clock since the crisis and staff of St Peter’s high school, including Dan began both in the Philippines—we had people who Hudson, who has organised a 24-hour basketball session went out there that very weekend—and the whole team this weekend, both the Anglican and Catholic Churches, back in Whitehall, who have been co-ordinating with Gloucester Rotary and many others, including the the Philippine team. These are people who literally drop Philippine Community Fund, which was founded by everything and head over to a place to be part of the my constituent Jane Walker. Does my right hon. Friend humanitarian support at the drop of a hat. We should agree that, as the emphasis in due course moves from pay tribute to their creativity, their effort and their saving lives to rebuilding communities, there will be an relentless good humour in dealing with a challenging opportunity for DFID to highlight specific needs for situation. They are flying the flag for our country and goods or equipment to which our wide-ranging civic working alongside our fantastic MOD and NHS colleagues society organisations could respond? to deliver a cross-government response. My hon. Friend is right to raise the generosity of the Justine Greening: My hon. Friend makes an excellent British public and I am delighted to hear that his own point. Although the focus has initially been on providing community have been so generous. life-saving support, going forward that will gradually evolve into the reconstruction effort, including people’s Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ longer and medium-term needs. The Government of Co-op): The hon. Member for Gloucester (Richard the Philippines are working on shaping what that response Graham) rightly raised the importance of the reconstruction needs to be, and the UN is there to support them. I shall phase. I know from previous disasters that, whereas the be interested to hear from my hon. Friend what he international community has responded generously and thinks his local community could do. I pay tribute to quickly to the immediate disaster, it is sometimes difficult them for all the work they have already done. It is to get a full response to international appeals such as 451 Typhoon Haiyan28 NOVEMBER 2013 Typhoon Haiyan 452

[Mark Lazarowicz] appeal. It shows that this is the sort of international aid that everyone can support. The United Kingdom was that from the UN. What is the Secretary of State doing already one of the world’s most generous donor nations, to focus attention within the UN and EU on preparing and the contributions from the NHS, the Royal Navy for the fundraising for the reconstruction phase? and other parts of Her Majesty’s armed forces will not have come cheap. How are those contributions counted Justine Greening: It is one of the reasons why I met against DFID’s aid target, and how are those costs with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank reimbursed to both the Ministry of Defence and the when I was in Manila over the weekend. The effort on national health service? setting out the infrastructure and longer-term reconstruction need is rightly being led by the Government of the Philippines. It will cover a number of areas, including Justine Greening: I hope that I can provide my hon. housing, building and building standards, water and Friend with some assurance. Where International drainage and community resilience. Over the coming Development spend and effort takes place in other days and weeks we will have a clearer sense of the Departments, it is classified as official development Philippine Government’s assessment of future need. assistance and is part of the UK’s 0.7% commitment, That will feed into a World Bank or Asian Development which this year for the first time this Government are Bank trust fund of some sort, and the UK stands ready reaching. Part of our just over £50 million response is to be supportive of that approach. the money that we have spent sending HMS Daring and HMS Illustrious. We will fund the marginal costs that Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): I congratulate the MOD has incurred to get those vessels into the area my right hon. Friend on her personal energy and and do the work that they have done, which I think is commitment in co-ordinating the UK aid effort, alongside quite right. her excellent Minister of State. Does she recognise the welcome but late response of the Chinese Government Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): My question builds in increasing its aid and sending a hospital ship. Will on that asked by my hon. Friend the Member for The she put it on record that the Chinese Government Wrekin (Mark Pritchard), while the British public have should not ruin that by politicising its aid and relief been responding generously to the appeals for the victims effort? of Typhoon Haiyan, China has been seeking to extend its air right, raising concerns in the Philippines about its Justine Greening: I agree. I do not think that humanitarian claim over the Spratly Islands. As the Prime Minister is effort should be politicised. It is about helping the shortly to visit China, will my right hon. Friend the people who have been put in so much need by the Secretary of State put a note in his bag outlining the typhoon that hit, and getting support to them. That United Kingdom’s outstanding and selfless response to surely has to be the most important thing. I hope that the tragedy as an example of how China should respond all countries, including China, will respond positively in future? and generously to the next UN flash appeal. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): People in Justine Greening: My hon. Friend makes his point Kettering and across the country have been incredibly clearly. I am sure that is something the Prime Minister generous in contributing £65 million to the financial will take on board when he visits China shortly. 453 28 NOVEMBER 2013 454 Point of Order Backbench Business Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I seek your guidance European Scrutiny Committee Report and advice on an exchange that took place earlier today on the spare room subsidy/bedroom tax. I mentioned 1.2 pm the need for clarification, given that the Prime Minister told me yesterday: Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I beg to move, “Obviously, what we have done is to exempt disabled people That this House has considered the publication of the Twenty- who need an extra room.”—[Official Report, 27 November 2013; fourth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee, on Reforming Vol. 571, c. 254.] the European Scrutiny System in the House of Commons, HC 109-I. When I raised the matter with the Leader of the House The European Scrutiny Committee’s unanimous report earlier, he said, “The Prime Minister yesterday was is the most radical since the passing of the European absolutely right to say that those disabled people who Communities Act 1972. It raises fundamental questions need an additional room for overnight carers will not about the operation of the Act, which are of great have the spare room subsidy removed in respect to that significance to the public and the electors, who have to room.” My concern is that additional words have been obey the laws made under and by virtue of it, and the attributed to the Prime Minister. Words have been scrutiny of the European legislation that flows from it. I added that he simply did not say. I am not suggesting propose to make a short statement without interventions that the Leader of the House would deliberately in order to set out the basic issues. I will then give way misrepresent what was said or mislead the House in any on specific questions as they arise. way, but I think that inadvertently that is the outcome Emphasising the supremacy of the Westminster of the words he attributed to the Prime Minister. I seek Parliament on behalf of the electors, the Committee your advice on how that might be reconciled— makes proposals relating to a veto to be deployed at national level and asks the Government to respond to Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I our conclusion that parallel provision should be made think that I have the gist of it. Every individual Member to enable the House of Commons to disapply existing is responsible for what they say in the House. If a European legislation. We specifically state that Member feels that they need to correct the record in any “there should be a mechanism whereby the House of Commons way whatsoever, there is a route open to them, but it is can decide that a particular EU legislative proposal should not not currently a matter for the Chair. If there are no apply to the United Kingdom” further points of order, we will move on. [Interruption.] and that It would be handy if any private conversations about “if such a Motion was passed the UK Government would be the record took place outside the Chamber, not across expected to express opposition to the proposal in the strongest the Dispatch Box from a sedentary position. possible terms, including voting against it.” A further conclusion of the Committee is that parallel provision should be made to enable a decision of the House of Commons to disapply parts of the existing acquis communautaire, the body of European law that exists under the treaties. The Committee proposes greater involvement in European legislation by departmental Select Committees, as a whole and individually, including the appointment of a Member of Parliament as a specialist reporter on each and every Committee as a means of focusing the Committees on the enormous body of law constantly arising in relation to policy making and law making within their individual purview. We state that there should be permanent chairs and members of newly created European document debate committees that replace the European Standing Committees. We also propose the reintroduction of EU oral questions on the Floor of the House. We propose that there should be greater accountability of Ministers, specifically in relation to the problems that arise concerning the activities of United Kingdom representatives in Brussels, including their interaction with the Committee of Permanent Representatives who represent the European Union institutions as a whole, because we believe that there is a significant gap in accountability in that context. We also propose measures to improve debates on the Floor of the House. There is another concern and it relates to the treatment of European matters in the media, particularly television and broadcasting. We note the importance of providing balanced and informed media coverage on the EU in 455 European Scrutiny Committee Report28 NOVEMBER 2013 European Scrutiny Committee Report 456

[Mr William Cash] Mr Cash: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s contribution to this discussion. In our report we reject the proposals general, and the scrutiny process in particular, and from the Minister for Europe and the Foreign Secretary criticise the chairman of the BBC Trust for refusing to regarding a collective red card with a threshold. We give oral evidence to the Committee. For example, this believe that if the principle of veto is to be accepted, morning the “Today” programme dealt with a whole because it does not apply in the national interest, that range of matters of enormous immediate interest, including should be a unilateral decision taken by an individual tobacco packaging and green levies. There is a stack of Parliament. The 1972 Act is based on the White Paper stuff that comes up continuously, but there was no of 1971. That document, which created all the consequences mention whatsoever of the EU basis on which those that flowed from the Act, specifically stated that the matters are dealt with. veto must be retained in the national interest, not only With regard to what is going on in the European for the sake of the individual nation states—the United Union as a whole—the report refers to this—the body Kingdom, in particular—but because to do otherwise under the treaties that represents the national Chairmen would endanger the very fabric of the Community. It of each of the 28 member states with responsibility for recognised that imposing a compression chamber on European scrutiny meets about once every eight weeks. the whole of the European Union would lead to the There has been an increasing awareness over the past kinds of problems that have recently emerged with the year, in the light of increasing European integration, charter of fundamental rights, immigration questions demands for political union and so on, of the need for and the rest. democratic legitimacy in national Parliaments. When the Prime Minister said in his Bloomberg speech, in Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): I relation to his fourth principle, that the national Parliaments congratulate my hon. Friend on this report and on the are the root of our democracy, I am sure that he spoke work of his Committee. Apart from what was suggested for the whole of this House. It is vital that our Parliament in the treaties in the early ’70s, we need better scrutiny gives effect to that principle. not only because the organisation now called the EU has fundamentally changed since we first joined it, or because there has been a salami-slicing of our sovereignty Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): My hon. under Governments of all parties in the past, but because Friend is making a powerful statement. Will he confirm the British electorate expect us to be scrutinising EU that this was a unanimous and cross-party report? I legislation in this place, as the proposals suggest? note that the Leader of the House, the Deputy Leader of the House, the Minister for Europe and the Chief Mr Cash: Indeed. These very radical proposals on Whip are all here. Can we take that as an indication that changing Standing Orders and the whole mechanism they are keen to implement these recommendations at and process would greatly improve our scrutiny. I am the earliest moment? grateful to my hon. Friend for his contribution.

Mr Cash: I would be extremely interested to know Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): The British why they would not be interested in supporting the public not only expect us to scrutinise EU legislation in Committee’s proposals, particularly the basis on which this place but want to see us doing it. Does my hon. they are derived, which is that we are putting our Friend find it extraordinary that the chairman of the national Parliament at the heart of the process, because BBC Trust should refuse to appear before his Committee? that is the basis on which Members of this House are Does that not send a very bad signal to all the other elected by the people we have the honour of representing. Select Committees of this House, and what can we, as the House of Commons, do about it? Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): It is remarkable that this is a unanimous report. Indeed, Mr Cash: This is all covered in the report—we make it is supported by the hon. Member for Linlithgow and extensive reference to it and include the correspondence East Falkirk (Michael Connarty), the previous Chairman that was exchanged between the chairman of the BBC of the Committee. It comes up with a radical but Trust and me, as Chairman of the Committee. I think soundly based proposal that most people would conclude that his not appearing voluntarily before the Committee to give evidence was “whereby the House of Commons can decide that a particular really quite disgraceful. EU legislative proposal should not apply to the United Kingdom” even it is voted through by the Council of Ministers Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): I congratulate under qualified majority voting. It also suggests that the Committee on achieving such cross-party consensus “parallel provision…to disapply…the acquis” on many of its proposals, including better scrutiny by departmental Select Committees. Does the hon. Gentleman communautaire should be made available to the House agree that improved media coverage of European politics of Commons. That is based on Professor Damian by all public service broadcasters, not just the BBC, Chalmers’ analysis regarding the creation of a form of would help to inform the European debate whichever unilateral red card of national Parliaments that is, in side one takes? turn, based on the EU treaties themselves, which “shall respect the essential State functions” Mr Cash: I entirely agree—that is absolutely the case. of member states. I commend the report and congratulate It does not follow that anyone has a complete monopoly my hon. Friend on it. He highlights something of a of wisdom in relation to these issues; what matters is scandal in this House in that we do not scrutinise that we have a proper and informed debate based on European legislation in this way already. central principles. The principle of the supremacy of 457 European Scrutiny Committee Report28 NOVEMBER 2013 European Scrutiny Committee Report 458 this Parliament is so fundamental that there cannot be to be made in order to amend it. This is part of what any dispute about it. A central element of that principle could be a disapplication provision or a “notwithstanding” and of our decision making is that the United Kingdom arrangement to ensure that legislation fitted in with electorate should not have imposed on them legislation what the British people wanted. that is not in the national interest and that they do not want. Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab) rose—

Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): I Mr Cash: I give way to my hon. Friend. certainly welcome some of these findings. My hon. Kelvin Hopkins: I think we are personal friends but Friend is aware that I conducted my own study into this perhaps not friends in the political sense. and became very conscious of the fact that we do not scrutinise EU legislation as well as other European I am most grateful for this opportunity to say a few countries. We are good at complaining about it but we words. I strongly support the report and endorse everything are not engaging upstream in implementing this legislation that the Chairman of the Committee has said. It is an or even preventing some of it. Will he expand on his excellent report that goes a long way towards satisfying proposed so-called European document debate committees? what I think Members across the House have wanted I would be pleased if European Committees A, B and C for a long time. Does he agree that one component of were replaced, because they have not done a good job. I our system that really does work is the European Scrutiny also agree that there should be more time for us to Committee itself, with the Clerk, the legal advisers and question the Minister for Europe on the Floor of the the Clerk advisers doing an absolutely first-class job? House. That kind of scrutiny, which we undertake every week, is a fundamental part of what we do. Mr Cash: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. There was Mr Cash: The hon. Gentleman—as he prefers to be a time when membership of these Committees was called in this context—is completely right that we are permanent, which meant that they had people who extremely well served by the Clerks of and advisers and really knew and understood the context in which these legal advisers to our Committee and, through that matters were being debated. They were not just shoved service, so is the House. I simply cannot believe that we on them by the Whips at short notice to sit there writing could have a better service. correspondence, or whatever; they took an enormously coherent interest in those matters. The idea of having Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): Does my permanent Chairs and permanent members of the hon. Friend agree that in order for the Committee to do Committee, in parallel with the arrangements for specialist its job it needs to be told what is going on, and that the MP rapporteurs—or reporters, as we call them—to Government should pay heed to the distinguished academic serve on the departmental Select Committees, is to opinion we received, which said that limité documents create an integrated approach so that the whole House should be made available to the Committee—apparently is properly informed at every policy level and can therefore that happens in other European Parliaments—so that it ask the right questions of departmental Ministers on can report on them to the House? the Floor of the House and in public Committee sittings. Mr Cash: As my hon. Friend knows, we deal with Mr Jenkin: At the risk of testing the patience of the that issue in the report. A limité document is one that is House, I note that, as my hon. Friend will be aware, my heavily restricted as a matter of confidentiality. We hon. Friend the Member for Amber Valley (Nigel Mills) believe very strongly that, given that other member has tabled a new clause to the Immigration Bill that states appear to get these documents and can make touches on these matters in relation to the lifting of them public, so should we. It is monstrous that Committees restrictions on Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants should be gagged on matters of great public interest coming into this country under the EU free movement and importance by imposing a limité tag on them. of people provisions. Is it appropriate on this occasion On the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for me to draw my hon. Friend the Member for Stone for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood)—this is my very (Mr Cash) into any thoughts about how these principles last point—there is at the back of the report a complete might apply to a new clause to the Bill that would be analysis of all the scrutiny systems of all 28 member effective in upholding the sovereignty of this House? states in comparison with ours, so that people can form a judgment about the effectiveness of European Union Mr Cash rose— scrutiny as a whole. Obviously, if the scrutiny system of some member states is wanting, one might have reasonable Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. grounds to worry, when it goes through the majority Given that the time limit on this debate is 20 minutes, of voting system, that not all the arguments have been which there is only about one minute to go, I am sure taken into account. that the hon. Gentleman will not want to be drawn off I am glad to have had this opportunity to speak and I his subject and into the wider debate. am deeply grateful to all the members of my Committee for all the hard work they have put in. They agreed Mr Cash: I am certainly prepared to say that important unanimously and I look forward to the Government’s questions of principle arise about the existence of European response. legislation, as it stands, and what changes would need Question put and agreed to. 459 28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 460

Small Businesses Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): On the issue of late payment, my hon. Friend may be aware Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Before I that the court system can make judgments on small call the mover of the motion, a large number of Members business interest rates whereby a punitive rate of interest want to speak in this afternoon’s debates, so in this first is paid by a large business to a smaller one if it fails to debate there will be a six-minute limit on all contributions pay. Would she welcome the introduction of such a after the mover has spoken. I am sure that Anne Marie provision to other small business contracts? Morris will bear that in mind as she opens the debate. Anne Marie Morris: I would indeed. That is a very sensible suggestion and I am sure the current review will 1.22 pm look at it. Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): I beg to When people start up a small business, they are move, concerned about mortgaging their house and having to give personal guarantees. Can we not separate the liability That this House encourages the Government to consider what further measures can be taken to encourage small business to of the business from the home and secure it instead on flourish and prosper, including reducing the burden of red tape, the business asset? We could do that if we introduced addressing the complex tax structure, improving access to finance limited liability for sole traders and reintroduced the and gaining support from local government. potential for banks to take a fixed charge over book May I open by thanking the Backbench Business debts. Committee for allowing this debate in the first place? I The Government have welcomed the plethora of new am delighted to see here so many Members who want to so-called challenger banks and new alternative lenders, contribute on this very important issue. but let us be clear that they need more support. We need Small businesses drive our economy. They are what to look at the right sort of light-touch regulation in create growth. Two thirds of new employment this year order to make them safe funding institutions in the has been driven by the small and medium-sized enterprise fabric of our society. More importantly, the Government community, not by the big boys. I believe we need a need to ensure better communication, because businesses strategy across all Government Departments that supports do not know what is out there or how to assess it. that and recognises the importance of small businesses We also need to address the issues of European and vaunts them. We need a strategy and a culture Union regulation, because the micro moratorium addressed change. We need to show national pride—writ large—and only domestic regulation. The EU red tape taskforce to say that small businesses are key and matter and that has identified 30 areas to be addressed, which is welcome, we as a Government support them. but more needs to be done. I would ask the UK better The Government have a good record, but their proposals regulation taskforce to look not just at what we can do and measures tend to look at the SME community as to encourage EU initiatives, but at how we make regulations a whole. Given that that can refer to businesses with in this country. My understanding is that most of the 250 employees and a turnover of £50 million, the review looks at whether a piece of legislation will be Government would be advised to look at segmenting burdensome for the SME community as a whole, without the market and prioritising some of their support and really addressing the issue of very small start-up businesses. funding for some of our very smallest businesses. The Treasury has been good. It has introduced small The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills business rate relief and extended it, and I hope it will be has a great record. It introduced the micro moratorium extended further in the Budget. It has reduced corporation on new legislation for three years. It also introduced the tax: we are ever closer to 20% all around. Perhaps most red tape challenge. Indeed, 6,000 regulations are up for valuable is the national insurance employers’ allowance, review, with 3,000 of them to be cut or significantly meaning £2,000 off the employer’s contribution. That is amended. The Department has changed employment good news. legislation so that, when there is a problem and there Again, however, more needs to be done. Business needs to be a parting of the ways between employers rates are one of the biggest challenges. They need to be and employee, the situation is now much easier and seen as fair and transparent. A firm with a business on effective for both sides. The Department has also sensibly the high street that is not the main footfall area of the challenged health and safety. A non-high-risk business town still pays high rates, and yet the rates for an now has to be shown to have been negligent, rather than out-of-town retailer covering the same amount of square face a strict liability test, before it can be taken to court. feet seems disproportionately low. The burdensome reporting and assessment that used to take place have also been removed from those low-risk Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): My hon. Friend businesses. is making an excellent and powerful speech. On business rate reform, I am sure she has heard, as I have, from On access to finance—something that so many of local businesses that feel they would struggle without our businesses call for—the Government have introduced the extension of the small business rate relief that the the funding for lending scheme, which has gone well. Government have already given them. My hon. Friend StartUp loans have also been extended and the enterprise has already said that she wants it to be extended, but finance guarantee scheme has been very helpful. does she agree that there needs to be more fundamental We cannot, however, rest on our laurels. The Department reform of the business rate system to support our small needs to address some key issues. First, on late payment, businesses? I know that the Government are reviewing the prompt payment code, but I think that something needs to be Anne Marie Morris: I entirely agree with my hon. included in the accounts so that company auditors can Friend that there needs to be root-and-branch reform. report on, and make clear, businesses’ record on them. The whole way in which rateable value is calculated is a 461 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 462 mystery. The rulebook has got a bit like the tax code. all-party group on micro-businesses has found that Why are some pubs assessed on turnover, while others almost half of the businesses offering the Work programme are assessed on freehold or rental value? That is arcane did not have an adequate skill base to enable people to and requires a thorough overall. go back into work as self-employed individuals. The DWP could consider what it might do to help late Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): Does returners. Organisations such as PRIME—the Prince’s my hon. Friend agree that in London, where my Initiative for Mature Enterprise—help them to return constituency is, small businesses are penalised because to work, but there is very little else, although that matter the higher rateable values there mean that rates are is important. extortionate? Let us not forget the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It has done some great things for businesses. Anne Marie Morris: My hon. Friend makes a valuable High-speed broadband is absolutely critical, and the point. fact that there are now broadband connection vouchers The next area that should be addressed is the VAT for small businesses in 22 cities is very welcome. However, cliff: if a business’s turnover reaches £79,000, it is suddenly more is needed, because rural areas are really suffering. hit by having to find VAT. It will hardly want to increase prices to its customers by 20% overnight. We could have Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): My hon. Friend is a ratchet mechanism or go to the EU, which would be setting out measures that will enable small businesses to perfectly possible. I urge the Government to do so, grow. Let us not forget that every big business was once because we need a derogation. a small business, and, taken together, such measures should provide an incentive for businesses to get bigger. The Government, but particularly the Treasury, should consider the removal of class 2 national insurance contributions. The self-employed have to pay two classes Anne Marie Morris: That is absolutely right. of contributions, and they find that incredibly confusing. We need to spread the broadband initiative and encourage We have a great record on corporation tax, but could we Ministers—sooner rather than later—to look at the 4G not do more, including by looking at a new, simplified market. One of biggest concerns of small businesses is flat tax for the smallest businesses? that they cannot get mobile reception, which is critical to them. We should talk not only about BIS and the Treasury, but the Department for Education, because education I ask the Department for Communities and Local is critical to our having a true and sustainable supply of Government to work with the LEPs and get them to new small businesses. The Government’s introduction engage better with the smallest of businesses. Please of financial education is a fantastic first step, but that is could it also look at procurement? Although central only one piece of the enterprise skill set that an entrepreneur Government have done a good job in trying to meet needs. their obligation of giving 25% of contracts to SMEs, the picture in local government is rather less rosy. It is great that apprenticeship schemes have grown under this Government, with 858,000 individuals The Department of Energy and Climate Change also participating in those schemes this year, but we need has a part to play. The £90 million scheme for clean-tech more. We need enterprise education for six to 60-year-olds. entrepreneurs is a very good step. There is a green deal The World Economic Forum has recommended that specifically for small businesses, with a pay-as-you-save there should be enterprise education in every country scheme. However, more needs to be done, including throughout the period of education. I suggest that we help with switching suppliers. Businesses currently find ask Ofsted, which looks at community engagement to themselves moved automatically on to new contracts on measure what schools do, to consider not only that disadvantageous terms. point but business engagement as well. What more could UK Trade & Investment and the In relation to funding in the tertiary sector, we should Foreign Office do? UKTI has done a really good job, also look at whether institutions are offering enterprise but it needs to do more to help the smallest businesses, education, which I believe should be available whatever and there is a call for greater support at embassy level. discipline students are reading. Although I applaud Let us not forget the Department for Environment, Lord Young’s comments about business schools taking Food and Rural Affairs, which after all represents a a lead, we should remember that they are not the only fifth of our economy in the form of rural businesses. such place. There is a role for universities to work much more closely with local enterprise partnerships, a point Mr Simon Burns (Chelmsford) (Con): Does my hon. to which I shall return. Friend agree that, with the emphasis that the Government, driven by the Treasury, have placed on our embassies in John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con): Does my hon. Friend the past three and a half years, UKTI is doing a agree that in many cases it would be beneficial for fantastic job around the world through taking delegations, universities to be represented on LEP boards? aided by Ministers, to push British exports? It is meeting with considerable success, because it has beefed up the Anne Marie Morris: That is an excellent idea. quality and quantity of the people representing British The Department for Work and Pensions also has a industry and the Government around the world. role to play. It has done some good things—it has delayed auto-enrolment for pensions, and we heard this Anne Marie Morris: I agree entirely. morning that there may be a cap on pension charges—but To return to DEFRA’s key role, a grant of £60 million the Work programme needs to offer the potential for has been set aside for the rural economy to enable proper self-employment. Research undertaken by the businesses to look at opportunities in tourism and 463 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 464

[Anne Marie Morris] Germany, the Sparkassen, were able to keep lending to support SMEs during the recession, lending by institutions micro-enterprise. However, the Commission for Rural in this country, such as the Royal Bank of Scotland, Communities has said that the Government need to shamefully fell to spectacularly low levels, which had a consider future-proofing such businesses, particularly huge and disproportionate impact on the SME sector. in relation to their peculiar needs for access to finance. In the coming weeks, we will celebrate the contribution Finally, because I am conscious that many hon. Members that small business makes to our local economies and want to speak, I call on the Cabinet Office to come up the national economy. We will celebrate the fact that with a good definition of a small business. There has there are 4.9 million businesses in this country employing been a review in Europe, in relation to the Small Business 24.3 million people. However, we must be aware of the Act for Europe, on how businesses are defined. It seems need to take firm action on business rates, the need to to me that European definitions have not been adopted expand the range of financial institutions that are able across the UK. I am far from convinced that those to lend to SMEs, and the need to do much more on definitions are right, but the term “SME” means very skills, and research and development. little to the average householder. Let us get a definition that is meaningful and relevant to the UK economy. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): Will the hon. Gentleman also celebrate the excellent, detailed, David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP): The hon. Lady cross-departmental work that the Government have is certainly giving a very fiery and passionate speech, done to support British businesses—big, small and which is very welcome in this House. She mentioned medium—and to get the economy in a position to turn personal guarantees. We have seen reports in the press a corner and move into accelerated growth? of the antics of banks in forcing companies into liquidation so that they can avail themselves of their assets. When Mr Bain: I certainly will not celebrate the three years someone gives personal guarantees and then goes out of in which we have had very little growth, which had a business through no fault of their own, a stigma is huge impact on SMEs. With respect to the hon. Gentleman, attached to them in this country, though not in other I want to speak about the positive issues on which we countries, and we need to get round that stigma. It might find more cross-party agreement in this debate. would be an excellent idea for the banks to look at that. I refer hon. Members to the excellent report that Santander and Dods published recently in the House. It Anne Marie Morris: The hon. Gentleman makes a contains key recommendations that the Government good point, which we should certainly consider. should attend to quickly. It shows that 285 separate The Cabinet Office and BIS can lead the charge to schemes are available to SMEs which, in the view of the celebrate small businesses and to get behind a joined-up report’s writers, is far too many. It sets out the good strategy across all Departments, including by being recommendation, which the Government could implement clear what we mean by small businesses. In particular, straight away, of developing a single portal through let us all get behind small business Saturday on 7 December, which SMEs can have contact with central Government. to say, “We in this House support small businesses. We The report found that only 29% of SMEs were aware of are there for you.” the existence of the funding for lending scheme and that 28% of businesses thought that access to finance would be the biggest impediment to growth in the next few 1.38 pm years. Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab) rose— Shockingly, the report revealed that only 12% of students in our colleges and universities would make Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Follow that! working for an SME their first choice on graduation. That is a real concern, given that the vast majority of Mr Bain: Indeed; it is a great pleasure to follow the job creation in the coming years is likely to come from tremendous speech by the hon. Member for Newton the SME sector, and it shows that there is much more Abbot (Anne Marie Morris). I thank her and the that the Government, SMEs, colleges, universities and Backbench Business Committee for scheduling the debate. schools need to do to promote founding and working in I represent a constituency that has one of the largest small businesses as good career paths. problems of family poverty and long-term unemployment As a country, we need to do far more work on skills. in this country, but it also has some rapidly expanding Only yesterday, the Minister illustrated in a written SMEs. I have been in contact this week with Gaia-Wind, answer to me the growing gap in early rates of pay which is the fastest growing private company in Scotland between those who have level 4 skills and those without and the eighth fastest growing SME anywhere in the any qualifications at all. That hourly pay gap of £8.84 has UK, to hear its exciting plans for expansion. It also, widened by a tenth in the past six years alone. SMEs, however, shows us some of the particular needs of the Government and local authorities need to do a huge participants in the green economy and the problems amount to improve in-work training so that people can that they face. see wage progression in a job, and so that a job in a There is a lack of investment in our economy. We small or medium-sized enterprise can become a career discovered yesterday that investment by businesses has with long-term prospects. been largely flat over the past year. In fact, business We need to improve the shockingly low rates of investment contributed only 0.1 percentage points to research and development in this country. In public and the 0.8% of GDP growth in the third quarter. We also private sector research and development, we lag way know that access to finance is a huge problem for the behind our main competitors in the EU and many of SME sector. Although the small regional banks in the emerging markets. The Government must do much 465 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 466 more to boost the innovation that comes from the many comprehensive list, and I am sure that she would join millions of small businesses throughout the country, me in congratulating the Minister for the Cabinet Office such as Gaia-Wind in my constituency. and Paymaster General on his work to give 25% of As a matter of urgency, we need to improve access to Government business to small and medium-sized capital. When I speak to SMEs in my constituency, they enterprises. Surprisingly, it is often forgotten that the make it clear that they are willing and able to take on Government buy large quantities of goods and services more staff, and that they want to create more demand on behalf of taxpayers, and there is no reason why across our country. However, the banking system is small and medium-sized businesses should not take simply not working for SMEs. We need new players to pride of place in that marketplace. come into the banking system and regional banks that focus on the needs of the economies in Scotland, Wales, Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con): Does my hon. Northern Ireland and the different regions of England. Friend agree that small businesses find it difficult to deal with Government agencies because they are presented Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): Does my hon. with a bewildering array of things such as pre-qualification Friend agree that if that is to work, the regional banks questionnaires? Small and micro-businesses do not have in all parts of the UK, including Wales, need to be a huge army of staff to deal with such nonsense, which driven by entrepreneurial zeal, rather than a civil service increases costs not only for business, but for the ethos? Government, because they could have bought what they needed cheaper from a small business in the first Mr Bain: My hon. Friend raises the important point place. that we need a culture of long-term investment, as has happened over the past few decades in Germany, where Chloe Smith: My hon. Friend could not have made a there has been strong support for SMEs from the better intervention because I was pleased to be able to Government and the financial institutions. We need to contribute to solving that exact problem when I was a see more of that in this country and it would be best Cabinet Office Minister. delivered through a system of regional banks that provide Given a few tools, we can all do much more in our support to business on a dedicated, local basis. constituencies, and Lord Young is continuing to work on that issue in association with my hon. Friend the Finally, in this most significant of weeks for Scotland, Minister for Skills and Enterprise. We must encourage I must say that it is critical that the SME community small and medium-sized firms to use Contracts Finder, speaks out on the question of Scotland’s continued on which they will find a clear record of all available membership of the United Kingdom. It would be disastrous Government contracts. We should urge local authorities for Scotland’s trade with the rest of the UK and disastrous and others to put their contracts on that portal to allow for exporters if Scotland were forced out of the United the operation of a comprehensive marketplace. Kingdom. It is important that all of us in the House encourage business to speak out on the need to keep the We should also encourage constituency businesses to Union together. use the mystery shopper scheme that the Cabinet Office has introduced, which will help to solve the problem I am incredibly supportive of small businesses in my raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Newton constituency, and I look forward to hearing a positive Abbot. When small businesses that seek simply to get debate among Members on both sides of the House. on and do business encounter poor practice or communication from the public sector, they need a way 1.46 pm to solve the problem. The mystery shopper scheme does exactly that, and also gives us a chance to do more to Chloe Smith (Norwich North) (Con): I think that this encourage public authorities—whether local government, is my first opportunity to congratulate you on taking health, police or fire services, or any similar service—to the Chair, Madam Deputy Speaker. I also congratulate do more to make their procurement SME-friendly. my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot (Anne Marie Morris) on securing the debate and all those who Small firms can encounter many problems such as supported her at the Backbench Business Committee. the prevalence of pre-qualification questionnaires and To pick up on just one of the points that she made, I late payment. A care company in my constituency deals agree about the difficulties that are presented by the with customers who are particularly vulnerable, and VAT threshold, which I saw recently in the case of a tragic havoc can be wrought if a health body makes a meals on wheels business that serves my constituents. It late payment to such a company. The motion rightly is just about to hit the threshold, but its customers are calls on local government to do its part, and I suggest ill-equipped to deal with a hike in prices. that better procurement forms an important part of that. Like my hon. Friend, I look forward to celebrating small business Saturday in my constituency. I also look Mark Pawsey: My hon. Friend mentioned pre- forward to a discussion that will take place shortly at qualification questionnaires. Once a small business has Norwich business school, whose advisory board I sit managed to jump through the hoops demanded by one on, about how such business schools can be anchor authority, should not that be good enough for another institutions for the small firms in their surrounding authority? Perhaps we should have some form of area. qualification certificate. In the report, “Growing YourBusiness”, Lord Young of Graffham drew out just how much more there is to Chloe Smith: That is my view. To the best of my do to open up public procurement to small and medium- knowledge, the Government are bringing forward proposals sized firms. My hon. Friend the Member for Newton to put in place exactly that, which I support wholeheartedly, Abbot mentioned the Cabinet Office at the end of her having started that work some months ago. 467 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 468

[Chloe Smith] than 99% of all businesses. Ultimately, a sustained recovery will be built on their backs, as has been said, and that The motion refers to red tape, but again there is no must be recognised. way to solve that problem except through a methodical A whole range of different factors affect the success approach. I applaud the opening provided by the mystery and even the viability of small businesses, including shopper service to which I referred as it allows us to be access to finance, the high costs of business rates and methodical by making a list of things that have gone energy bills, but I will focus my remarks specifically on wrong and solving them one by one. That is the only late payments. Hon. Members may know that for the approach that will work for regulatory problems. We past two and a half years I have run a campaign on late must hear from small firms that regulations have served payments. It started as a small, local issue after a ill, and then we can go about solving the problems. I haulier came to one of my surgeries and said that he always say as a constituency MP that I cannot attempt was going to go out of business because of late payments. to help a constituent to solve something if I do not The average term he was being given was 30 days, but he know the detail of what the problem is. was often not being paid for 90 days. That is a common Like many others, I am sure, I encourage firms to use story that I wanted to look into in more detail. the red tape challenge that the Government have rightly I tried to discover the scale of the problem and it was set up, and I welcome the results of the initiative so far. striking that so few businesses would come forward and To date, more than 3,500 regulations have been identified describe what they were experiencing. That was until for reform, saving businesses more than £215 million one brave local couple, who started a plumbing business per year. That is worth doing, and I am sure that the 35 years ago, came to me and said that their business Minister will update the House about how we can was going under—as indeed it did with debts of more extend that approach to European regulatory burdens. than £150,000 due specifically to late payment. On behalf of my constituency businesses, I care very much about that issue. In the remaining two minutes available, I will conclude Mark Pawsey: Is the hon. Lady confusing late payments by talking about recruitment, which is crucial for small with customers who refuse or do not have the means to and medium-sized firms. Of course we all want such pay? Those are totally separate issues and if a business businesses to become larger firms, if that is their ambition, wants to avoid the problem of late payment, it can but to do so they need great people to become their refuse to supply goods to the customer until the account employees. I run a large campaign in my constituency has been paid. called Norwich for Jobs, which does what it says on the tin. It seeks to create more jobs in Norwich, especially Debbie Abrahams: I thank the hon. Gentleman for for those aged 18 to 24, and we aim to halve youth his intervention, if slightly patronising. I have gone into unemployment in Norwich in two years. I am pleased the issue in quite a bit of detail, and it was a specific that local firms have responded to the call and that point about late payments. more than 800 jobs and apprenticeships have been Let me give a bit of background to this case. As I pledged to the campaign. Although the campaign has said, the story of Ann and Harry Long is far from been going for only 10 months, 400 young people have unique and is a particular problem for small and micro- been helped into work so far. I want to ensure that small businesses that do not have the cash-flow buffers of firms have pride of place in that campaign. I will soon larger companies. I have a particularly a high level of run an event with the Federation of Small Businesses micro-companies in my constituency—more than 85% and a sister campaign called Swarm. We will consider of companies have fewer than 10 employees—and a how to encourage small businesses into such operations, number have gone into administration, primarily as and help them to find the talent they need among local a result of late payments. young people. That not only helps the community and Nationally, we know from Bacs that more than young people, but places small businesses in control of £31 billion is owed to small businesses, and more than their recruitment. half—58%—of the country’s 1.7 million SMEs say that I hail the £2,000 reduction in national insurance that large companies choose when they pay. In 2011, only is coming forward in the shape of the enterprise allowance, £24 billion was owed, so the problem is increasing. If we which will be important for cutting small firms’ jobs tax compare what is owed in late payments to the amounts from Easter next year. I also note the success of start-up being lent by high street banks, which last year was loans. So far there have been about 30 of them in £56 billion, we sense the scale of the problem. Norwich, and 10,000 nationally, which is to be welcomed as it is all to the good of small businesses. According to Bacs data, the average SME is owed £31,000 at any one time and waits an average of eight 1.55 pm working weeks for payment, which is nearly double the Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) contract terms. I am particularly concerned about the (Lab): It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for gaping north-south divide. Small businesses in the north Norwich North (Chloe Smith) and to co-sponsor this say that they are owed an average of £39,000, which is debate, and I congratulate the hon. Member for Newton almost double the £23,000 owed to the average southern Abbot (Anne Marie Morris) on securing it. I am pleased business. to speak in this debate, which considers how we can The 2012 small business survey reported that 55% of overcome the issues facing small businesses. Small SMEs, 53% of small businesses and 46% of micro- businesses, which in my definition are those with fewer businesses say that large companies are not paying their than 50 employees, are the powerhouse of the economy. bills on time. The most recent Federation of Small They contribute 46% of the UK’s income in the private Businesses survey suggests an even worse picture. Seventy- sector—a massive £l,558 billion—and constitute more three per cent. of businesses say that they were paid late 469 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 470 in the past 12 months, and one in five say that half of all ideas could make a difference. We heard the numbers invoices are paid late. Interestingly, 70% say that the from the hon. Member for Oldham East and Saddleworth problem has got worse in the past 12 months and that (Debbie Abrahams)—of the 4.9 million private sector the private sector is the biggest culprit. businesses in the UK, 99% are SMEs, which employ Research by the Forum of Private Business last year more than 14.4 million people. The debate matters to all indicated that late payment is having a significant impact hon. Members’ constituencies and every sector. on businesses development, productivity and growth. We should recognise that, in the past three years, Access to, and the cost of, finance, and credit trade 400,000 more businesses were created. I congratulate insurance, were cited as problems linked to late payment. the Government and the Minister on the work he has Late payments have a knock-on effect, leaving many done in enabling that to happen. In my constituency in small businesses in a vicious cycle of late payment. The the past two years, 825 new businesses were set up. It is FPB’s economy watch panel indicates that 42% of SMEs one of the top 10 places in the UK to set up a new believe that late payments were not seen as important. business. The Government’s initiatives to help small As we have heard, the impact of late payment can be businesses have made a difference. disastrous. It is estimated that, during the 2008 recession, Locally in my constituency, whether in Chiswick, 4,000 businesses failed as a direct result of late payments. Brentford, Isleworth, Osterley or Hounslow, I meet my No official data have been collected, but the situation businesses, large and small, regularly, because I believe needs to be monitored. There is growing evidence that it is important to hear of their success and of the late payments to SMEs are hurting our economic recovery. challenges they face. I have worked with them and the Office for National Statistics data show that SMEs local council to enable 30-minute free parking in the local make up to 98% of the total number of organisations, town centres across my borough—the businesses have providing 59% of all private sector jobs and 45% of all asked for it. employment, and generating 46% of the UK’s income. What is being done to tackle the problem of late Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): May I offer payments? The previous Government introduced the my hon. Friend a practical example from North Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, Lincolnshire council of the success of exactly that free but it was not used, because companies feared being parking policy? When we scrapped Labour’s parking blacklisted. The prompt payment code, a tool introduced charges and introduced two hours’ free parking for by the Institute of Credit Management, committed businesses, local businesses reported a big increase in signatories to pay suppliers on time under the terms trade in our town centres, even at a time of difficult agreed without attempting to change payment terms economic circumstances. We are extending that support retrospectively, enabling every level of the supply chain further by providing free wi-fi in our town centres, to meet the terms. However, the code has had mixed which she might want to consider. effects. First, there is a very poor take-up by FTSE 100 companies. Mary Macleod: That is an absolutely brilliant example— that is something I would like to do to support my local Mr Bain: My hon. Friend makes a powerful argument. businesses in west London. What does she make of the National Audit Office recommendation that Government Departments need I meet my Chiswick traders regularly. Last time, we to work more closely together, and that the Department met in Club Workspace, which I recommend to hon. for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Treasury Members. It is a much more creative and innovative way need to work harder to support small businesses in the of allowing entrepreneurs to have the space to work. It way she indicates? is not as rigid and long-term as things used to be, but more flexible and modern. It is very effective. Debbie Abrahams: My hon. Friend makes a good I have also done apprenticeships seminars to encourage point. We need to encourage that. small businesses to take on apprentices. I met Mumpreneur, People are abusing the prompt payment code. They Athena and other groups that support small businesses. are either signing up and changing their terms, or Naturally, we are supporting small business Saturday. changing their terms prior to signing. Most recently, the We will be doing lots of things during the day for it. It EU late payment directive stipulated that public authority- has galvanised my local businesses to work together. to-business invoices must be paid in 30 days, and that Between them, they came up with all sorts of things to business-to-business invoices should be paid in 60 days. do, which was brilliant to see. I have also run workshops However, there have been problems with the transposition on women and enterprise, because I believe we do not into UK law. Section 7 of the directive has not been have enough female entrepreneurs, which I will address taken up and independent organisations will be unable in a moment. to use it to help small businesses. I wanted to mention to the Minister some of the Another development last year was the introduction issues that have been raised with me locally, including of the small chain finance scheme. That is another business rates, to which I will return, access to funding, difficult problem. legislation, red tape and parking. Where do businesses go to find help? More clarity and simplicity on helping 2.4 pm small businesses would be useful. Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): I I have a role in helping the Minister as a small congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Newton business ambassador for London. Only yesterday, I Abbot (Anne Marie Morris) on introducing this extremely went to the meeting of the London enterprise panel’s important debate on small businesses. Some of the facts SME working group. It had four key priorities—finance and ideas that have been discussed are important. Those and equity; the availability of work space; trade and 471 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 472

[Mary Macleod] The Government have done much and there is probably more that all of us as hon. Members can do to support exports; and business support—but added another at the small business community. I look forward to the meeting: the skills shortage. The suggestions that encouraging more and more businesses in the months hon. Members have made to do more in schools, colleges and years to come. and universities are important. Strangely enough, in Prime Minister’s questions this week, I asked him how 2.12 pm we can create enterprise and business champions in each of our secondary schools—we could arguably do Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab): It is a pleasure to so before that, but perhaps we should start with secondary follow the hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth schools—to foster and inspire the next generation of (Mary Macleod). I share many of her concerns about entrepreneurs. We want young people to think of business rates and agree with some of the solutions she entrepreneurship as an option when they finish school, proposes. I thank the hon. Member for Newton Abbot college or university. There are special financial packages (Anne Marie Morris), who has done an excellent job in for them. securing the debate. It is important that it is taking Last week, I asked the Prime Minister about business place before the autumn statement, so I thank the rates—I was fortunate enough to have questions at Backbench Business Committee for helping to make Prime Minister’s questions two weeks in a row. I am that happen. Before I begin my comments proper, let me glad to say that he has agreed to meet me next week to declare an interest. On small business Saturday, my wife discuss reform of business rates. and I will be opening a small business of our own: Danczuk’s Delicatessen in Rochdale. I encourage all hon. Members to visit and spend their hard-earned Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab): I support the hon. money. Lady in her concerns about business rates. Does she support the Labour leader’s proposals to freeze and Huw Irranca-Davies: I am aware of the opening of then reduce business rates for smaller businesses? this fantastic new deli. I am sure my hon. Friend will be stocking exotic produce, but will he be making an effort Mary Macleod: I want reform of business rates and to stock local produce—the food that makes his area for them to be looked at very differently. In London, special? businesses are treated unfairly and we want fair taxation. The turnover of many small independent shops in my Simon Danczuk: We will stock a variety of local constituency is not as high as one might expect in produce. There will be some continental produce, but London, so they are penalised by the high business rates there will be traditional Lancashire produce too. It will in London. They also question what they get in return be well worth a visit and opens a week on Saturday. for business rates. That could be clearer—police, fire or The first thing to say in a debate about small businesses other services. All they know is that the £27 billion is what a great contribution they make not just to our raised from business rates is spread across the country. economy, but to our culture, our communities and the I favour a localised approach, so that we are able to way we live our lives. As the hon. Member for Newton reinvest in our local areas. Abbot said, we need to spend more time celebrating the The Government have done a lot for local businesses. work of smaller businesses and the people who run One of the big measures, which was mentioned by my them. It is these business people who are the backbone hon. Friend the Member for Norwich North (Chloe of our economy. They create the vast majority of jobs, Smith), was to remove £2,000 from national insurance and export their goods and products across the world. bills. Other measures include: business mentors, £50 million- They are at the heart of innovation, which is often worth of £10,000 start-up loans and cutting red tape. copied by larger businesses, and drive growth throughout The Prime Minister visited my constituency three years the United Kingdom. They also carry the burden of worry ago to meet Octink, another great local business in my and stress of managing risk every day of the week. We patch, to consider how we can simplify employment need to do more to celebrate what they do. legislation—another important issue for small businesses. Small businesses are vital to our economy, but they There are three key points in particular that I would like are also vital to our society: they are one of the most the Minister to consider. First, there should be enterprise powerful forces for social mobility. Academics and education in schools. Businesses and entrepreneurs should politicians often talk about the importance of education be encouraged to allow students and pupils to do work with regard to social mobility. That is important, but by experience in their businesses, and perhaps all hon. starting and growing businesses people can thrive and Members can help to facilitate that with their local prosper. They are vital in encouraging and establishing schools. Secondly, we have already discussed business social mobility. rates and I will be talking to the Prime Minister about that next week. Thirdly, returning to women and enterprise, Mark Pawsey: Was the hon. Gentleman as struck as I if women were setting up businesses at the same rate as was by the assertion at a recent breakfast meeting that women in the US, we would have 600,000 more businesses. the top entrepreneurs were those people who had not That would add £42 billion to the economy—a huge been to university, did not have degrees and had had to amount. I run workshops in my constituency, with the work from the bottom up? support of StartUp Britain and the chamber of commerce, to encourage women to think about setting up businesses. Simon Danczuk: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that We have fabulous businesses, such as Shavata and My comment, because that is exactly the point I am making Plumber from Chiswick, and inspiring women who about social mobility and supporting entrepreneurialism have done it for themselves and are successful. and the growth of small businesses. 473 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 474

Let me tell hon. Members about one of my constituents. “addressing the complex tax structure”. Ian lives on the Falinge estate in Rochdale, which has I will follow the last two speakers and confine my achieved notoriety for having the highest number of contribution to business rates. Indeed, what I am about benefit claimants in the country. Like others there, Ian to say could easily have been said in the Westminster was unemployed. He was determined to get out of that Hall debate under way at this very moment on retail situation, so he decided to start his own business. He and the high street. cashed in his pension and set up his own fish and chip I note the pledge from the hon. Member for Rochdale shop. He learned the ropes by working for free in (Simon Danczuk) that Labour would freeze and then another nearby chippy and then set up his own shop in reduce business rates, but for 13 years it went nowhere the town centre. I used to pop in and have a chat with near it. In fact, it went in the opposite direction, as I will him every now and again. He was making a good fist of make clear in a minute. We now know, however, that it and there were always plenty of customers coming Rochdale is the home not only of the Co-op, but of through the door. In his first year, he won an award at Danczuk’s Delicatessen. We await the growth of that the town’s annual business awards. Despite all that organisation in the same way as the co-op movement success, Ian was forced recently to close his shop simply— has grown over the past 160 years or so. I do not exaggerate—because of business rates. He was I want to suggest something that I first proposed long paying double in business rates what he was paying in before I became a Member of this House: the abolition rent, and that was not sustainable. of business rates for neighbourhood community and Ian’s case is a tragedy for him and for social mobility. village shops, post offices, community stores, pubs and It demonstrates that unrealistic business rates are damaging things like that. The way to make that fiscally neutral, our economy and our society. The Government need to which the Treasury would require, would be to put a do more on business rates and should have gone ahead charge on out-of-town car parks. That is exactly what with the revaluation. Hon. Members will not be surprised the Labour Government proposed in 1997-98, before to hear that I support the Labour leader’s proposals to they were clobbered by the Tescos of this world, which freeze and then reduce business rates for smaller businesses in those days had the sort of power over the Labour in particular. Business rates are not the only issue, Government that the trade unions today have over Her however. Let me provide another example: banking. Majesty’s Opposition. Hanson Springs, a very successful family business in Generally speaking, business rates are assessed under my constituency, was in 2009 dragged by RBS into what two headings: the net internal area or the gross internal we now know to be the Global Restructuring Group area. The NIA is used for small and medium-sized scandal. Let me briefly explain. RBS in my opinion shops and businesses in town centres and neighbourhood deliberately undervalued a property it had a loan against communities, while the GIA is used for industrial properties, and used that as an opportunity to push Hanson Springs such as warehouses, factories and distribution centres, into its Global Restructuring Group. At the first meeting but now also supermarkets and large stores, mostly out with GRG, Hanson Springs was introduced to a solicitor of town. In that respect, the same principle should who had been brought along to discuss taking an equity apply to the treatment of supermarkets as applies to stake in this family business. GRG then forced a business neighbourhood stores. review with Zolfo Cooper on to it at a cost of £20,000. Its What makes it even worse, as I am advised, is that the GRG manager had previously worked for Zolfo Cooper—I valuation office instructs surveyors when evaluating am sure that was a coincidence. Hanson Springs was rates not to make an addition for customer car parking. then given three options, none of which was acceptable. The average rateable value for small and medium-sized As the family pointed out to me, if the business had not shops in Colchester town centre is about £225 per been cash-flow rich and if they had not had the personal square metre, whereas the average rateable value for resolve, the company would have been forced to close. supermarkets and other large out-of-town store premises Hanson Springs is now 50 years old—we have moved is about £40 per square metre, so we are nowhere near a on four years. It turns over £20 million each year, employs level playing field. The NIA system is assessed, in part, 180 people, exports 85% of what it produces, and since on benefits—shop windows, for example. To make it the problems with RBS, has paid in excess of £l million fair, supermarkets should be assessed on their benefits, in corporation tax. If RBS had had its way, we would which include free customer car parking and the other have lost hundreds of jobs and the money from taxation, bits and pieces that go with it. and we would have had people claiming benefits and yet The two systems are obviously extremely unfair and more manufacturing moving abroad. Hanson Springs is biased against shopkeepers in town centres, neighbourhood a perfect example of business at its best. It is a great communities and villages. I am grateful to Mr Ian Berry, example of a family pulling together to create something a retired gentleman with an interest in the unfairness of great and is probably a perfect example of social mobility, rating values for small businesses. On behalf of him and but look how it nearly all went badly wrong because of just about every small shopkeeper in the country, I wish RBS’s behaviour. Ultimately, it is down to us politicians to put the following questions to the Government. Is it to intervene and set up the right regulatory process to fair that shops in Colchester and other town centres ensure that banks treat our businesses better. have a rateable value five and a half times that of the Smaller businesses are exceptionally fragile entities. It out-of-town giants? Is it fair that shops with parking is our responsibility not to take them for granted and spaces in Colchester town centre are assessed at £500 our duty to remember that these businesses are the per parking space, when those out of town are not? I am lifeblood of our country. advised that one shop on Colchester high street is rated at £213 per square metre, whereas Amazon, which is in 2.21 pm direct competition and which, incidentally, pays very Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): The motion is little corporation tax, is rated at only £39 per square entitled, “Issues facing small businesses”, and talks about metre on its premises in Peterborough. 475 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 476

[Sir Bob Russell] said that there is a potential funding gap of some £22 billion in the finance available to small businesses Let us have a level playing field. The last Government between now and 2017. Would it not help small businesses rightly referred to sustainable communities, and the in his constituency and mine if the Government did coalition Government have rightly referred to localism, something with the banks to help plug that gap? so let us have some fairness. One way of having fairness would be to put a levy on out-of-town car parks and Huw Irranca-Davies: My hon. Friend makes a valid abolish business rates for small shops, community stores point. There has to be cross-party agreement to take and public houses. this forward and to ensure that finance is available. Let me mention one stark figure. Even though there 2.26 pm are signs of optimism in some parts and some sectors of Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): I welcome this the Welsh economy, a recent survey of members of the debate and compliment the hon. Member for Newton Federation of Small Businesses in Wales showed 55% of Abbot (Anne Marie Morris) and the other Members them reporting that credit was unaffordable, while 65% who secured it through the Backbench Business Committee. said it was not only unaffordable but completely inaccessible. I want to begin by putting a human face on this The idea that these businesses can grow by getting debate. Several people have talked about the definition affordable and accessible lending is simply not happening, of small businesses. For me, that definition could include which is a tragedy. Worgan’s in Llanharry, a small, family-run enterprise that started as a small gift shop selling various things Simon Danczuk: Is my hon. Friend aware that some for the local community, but which extended by opening small businesses are afraid of approaching their banks a café in the next-door premises and then a mobile chip about credit or getting an extension of their overdraft shop. The definition could also include the former Sony because they fear that the banks will rein things in and site in Bridgend. Sony went through a difficult time make it even more difficult for them? when the market for cathode ray tube televisions completely fell apart—when flat-screen televisions came in, those Huw Irranca-Davies: Yes, indeed. There is a big argument jobs quickly went abroad—but the management retained not only for more localisation of the traditional banks, the skilled work force and rebuilt the business on the but for the regional bank model that Labour Members basis of high-end engineering and their massive expertise support. When I made the point earlier that that model in design, engineering and manufacturing. Working should not be bureaucratic and civil service-driven, I alongside other companies, it has built itself back up was speaking from experience based not only within and now has 500 employees onsite, 150 of whom work this country but in other European countries. That in 28 incubation companies—small companies, built up model works best where it is very locally focused and with the assistance of Sony expertise, working in digital entrepreneurial, with managers of the account streams media, graphics, television and many areas, and supported fully understanding the businesses with which they deal. as they grow from micro-businesses into small businesses Access to finance is indeed a big issue. and, we hope, into the giants of tomorrow. I will not go over business rates again, as others have The definition of small business could also include done so, but it is a real issue. I believe that the proposal Ferrier’s, a local estate agent on Commercial street, in from Opposition Front Benchers to freeze and then Maesteg, where my office is based. It was established in reduce them is a good one. As to Ministers saying we 1918—by coincidence, that was the same year Labour first never did it, I simply say that the proposal is there on won the seat of Ogmore, so I hope we will both shortly the table for them to support if they want to support it. be celebrating our 100th anniversary—and it has extended to open other outlets in Kenfig Hill and elsewhere. There I turn my attention to one area about which I have is a wide range of businesses. I think of Cwm Tawel particular knowledge and concerns. I refer to supporting Yurts, a tourism enterprise in a beautiful little valley small businesses where the potential for employment around Betws, and of the Food Box. Then there are two growth is the biggest—namely, through the application brothers on the Maesteg industrial estate who left my of green technologies, such as solar power or insulation state comprehensive school, one going on to study applied for greater energy efficiency in homes, and so forth. I sciences, the other, following a different path, management. was intimately involved in the incubation phase of the They came back together and established a 3D engineering Energy Bill that the Government brought forward, and company that did all the things expected from 3D engineering, I pointed out some of its potential pitfalls. If it had but which has also now extended into life sciences. It succeeded, however, particularly the green deal with the applies 3D engineering to the life sciences, uses 3D associated energy company obligation, it could have modelling in the development of things such as heart provided massive incentives for tens of thousands of valves that grow organically within the body and it small businesses. I am talking about all those people supplies tiny parts that help the space station run. who have been installing loft insulation for years and those who have switched to installing solar panels with In talking about the 99% of small and medium-sized the feed-in tariffs. They could have had a new opportunity businesses, we recognise that they are diverse, which to take on apprentices, perhaps young people in my gives them some resilience; that they are fragile, as my area who cannot find jobs. The green deal work could hon. Friend the Member for Rochdale (Simon Danczuk) have produced a massive expansion of the sector. said; and that they need the right support structures in place to assist them to thrive and grow. We had to highlight the problems, however. We noted that the finances did not seem to work and that it might Mr Bain: We have a burgeoning life sciences sector not be possible to sell the green deal to people. Consumers in Glasgow, too. Does my hon. Friend agree that the are pretty intelligent people who, as they look at it, will National Audit Office made a powerful point when it run a mile. We said, too, that there were rogues out there 477 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 478 who would blacken the reputation of the green deal bespoke, hand-made, high-fashion umbrellas, showing before it even took off and, with deep regret, I have to how small businesses can succeed by using social media say that that has now come true. The Minister put to market their enterprises. forward an aspirational target of 10,000 installations If it rains all the time in Wales, it does in Darwen, linked to the green deal. That would have provided one too, where there is business called Minerva Craft, which of the biggest employment boosts in the small business has moved from Blackburn market into a large industrial sector right across the country and in every single unit, with both retail and internet sales based in the community—rural, urban or whatever. Out of that same site. DHJ Weisters is a weaving firm in my constituency 10,000, we now know that there have been just over making ties and bridal fabrics, showing that small businesses 200 installations. It does not matter how many installations that invest in their work force, their machinery and their were in the plans; they have not taken place. premises can keep manufacturing onshore, rather than We are looking to find agreement on areas that having to send it offshore. require better support—through access to finance, for The business community in my area has grown during example. We might have different solutions—how best the last three years, and this has been the real driver to enhance access to finance, to reform business rates of the transformative change that we have seen in and so forth—but a proposal that would make a material unemployment. Rossendale and Darwen has the lowest difference tomorrow, if we got it right, is dealing with unemployment rate since 2010. It is half the national cold homes and businesses that have runaway energy average, despite it arguably being in a deprived part of costs. That means getting energy-efficiency right and east Lancashire. Our unemployment rate has come getting the energy installations right. We are failing— down by 20% in the last year alone, showing that small miserably—and companies are shutting their doors on businesses growing and succeeding can transform the the scheme. It is a tragedy. I am sure that the Government local labour market. have all the best will in the world to turn this around, Small businesses continue to face challenges. In but we see no sign of them putting measures in place to Rossendale and Darwen, the biggest one relates to the achieve that. skills gap. Since 2010, we have seen over 4,000 people There has been considerable agreement in today’s start apprenticeships in my constituency, while we have debate about the importance of small businesses. Some run two “100 in 100” campaigns this year. Working will choose to stay small, but many will grow and grow, with local business, we recruited 200 new apprentices in and they will thrive. Tata Steel and Ford in south Wales 100 days. We are an area predominately concerned with have a huge impact on the local economy, but they are manufacturing, so many of these apprenticeships were dwarfed by the impact of all the small and medium-sized highly technical and skilled engineering apprenticeships. businesses that need our support. Many were also in the high-level service sector, with apprentices taken on in accountancy and hairdressing. 2.35 pm One apprenticeship was even based in my office with a Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): I training caseworker. That shows how important small congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Newton businesses are to our economy. Small accountancy firms Abbot (Anne Marie Morris) on securing this important such as Hindle and Jepson have opened to support the debate. Before I go on to talk about the challenges that new, expanded business community. businesses face—I am sure we would all recognise them Business rates remain a threat to the future prosperity from our constituencies—I would like to celebrate some of businesses, but it important to say how much I of the successes of small businesses, particularly those welcome what the Government have already done. The in east Lancashire. automatic exemption of small firms from business rates Moving from having a salary paid by someone else to has helped 330,000 businesses, which not only pay no going into a business where individuals are responsible rates, but no longer have to engage in the time-consuming for paying their own salary every month is a huge risk. task of filling in highly complex forms. I welcome all that I pay tribute to all the people throughout the country has been done to support small businesses through who have set up new businesses, often risking their business rate relief, but I urge my hon. Friend the Minister home, their savings and everything they own to realise to think about what more could be done in that regard. the dream of owning their own small business. I should like the Government to consider introducing I would like to celebrate the success of some businesses a fractional payment option, enabling businesses to pay in my own constituency. Riley’s the Butchers is one of their rates weekly or monthly. I should also like the them. We often say that butchers cannot succeed in the Minister to tell us what information he has about the current environment when they have to compete against use by local authorities of the business rate flexibility supermarkets. This is a small, family-run butchers that that enables them to give businesses in their areas a 25% is beating the supermarkets at their own game with a discount. If he had still been in the Chamber, I would fantastic product and a personal bespoke service to have asked the hon. Member for Rochdale (Simon everyone who shops there. We also have businesses such Danczuk) whether his local council had offered that as Parrock Lumb Cottages, which develops local tourism, discount to the business that he mentioned. In April, but not at the expense of our environment. Environmental there will be a further big boost for businesses when the concern lies at the heart of this firm’s economic growth, employment allowance is introduced. We are reducing showing that economic growth and environmental concern every business’s jobs tax by £2,000, which means that a do not necessarily have to come at the expense of each third of employers will pay no jobs tax at all. other. Each of these firms is a small business; each is Small business Saturday is hugely important, and it is unique; and each is succeeding in the Rossendale valley, great to see the television advertisements supporting it. the home of enterprise. If anyone is tempted to visit I shall be working at Gilly’s sandwich stall in Darwen either of those businesses, I would recommend it, but market, so if any Members want to come and do their not without stopping at Love Umbrellas, which makes Christmas shopping early, I should like to see them. 479 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 480

2.41 pm who has a very small investment in Capital Credit Union, I am glad that it is at the forefront of that project. It is Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ important to point out that the European regional Co-op): I am pleased to have an opportunity to speak. I development fund is also providing support, given the congratulate the hon. Member for Newton Abbot (Anne rather negative comments about Europe that we hear Marie Morris) and her colleagues on persuading the from certain Members in the House. Backbench Business Committee to grant the debate. Small businesses play a major role in all our constituencies Mr Bain: In Edinburgh, as in Glasgow, there are —mine is certainly no exception. They are important to many small exporting companies. Does my hon. Friend the economy not just in their own right, but because agree that the Government should be doing much more they provide vital underpinning for many larger businesses to establish a more proactive relationship with such in other economic sectors. They also play a vital role in companies through UK Trade & Investment? I had to maintaining healthy local communities through, for draw the attention of a company I visited recently to the instance, their presence in shopping centres. services provided by UKTI. Would not such action by the Government benefit small exporters in Edinburgh It is understandable that Members want to be positive as well as those in my constituency? in such a debate. Most of what I say will certainly be positive, and Government Members will obviously Mark Lazarowicz: It would obviously benefit businesses want to highlight what they see as the Government’s in constituencies throughout the United Kingdom. achievements. However, we should not forget the mixed Another initiative undertaken by the city council is experience that many small businesses have had over the the Edinburgh guarantee, which brings together local past few years. Many have survived, and are surviving government, businesses, colleges, the voluntary sector now, only with great difficulty. According to the Forum and national programmes at Scottish, UK and European of Private Business—we will all have received its briefing levels to create opportunities for our young people. yesterday—94% of small businesses are reporting increases Since its establishment just over two years ago, it has in cost pressures, and many small business proprietors generated more than 1,000 job, apprenticeship and have managed to survive only by cutting their own internship opportunities for school leavers. Many small wages and those of their staff. Small businesses are not businesses have been closely involved in the project, and in any way exempt from the cost of living crisis that is I congratulate the council on what it has achieved. affecting so many of our communities and constituents. However, if councils are to provide all the support for As I have said, however, I want to be positive and to small businesses that they ought to be able to provide, focus on what can be done to strengthen and support they need to have the powers that would enable them to small businesses, which I have discussed with representatives do that to the full. Local government powers in Scotland of various small businesses in my area. Several hon. are obviously the responsibility of the Scottish rather Members have talked about the need for more sympathetic than the United Kingdom Government, but the fact treatment by the banks. I do not have time to repeat the remains that local authorities can perform an important horror stories that we have all heard, but some of my task in supporting small business. Those that are already constituents have reported awful experiences with RBS’s doing a good job should be congratulated, while those global restructuring group. I hope that the Minister will that are not should learn from them. be able to update the House on what his Department is Although I want to be positive, I should add that we doing in response to the allegations about that organisation. must not ignore the real pressures on small businesses. Even if we leave aside some of the more dramatic Cost pressure is an important factor that needs to be examples, it is clear that businesses need more sympathetic addressed. During Energy and Climate Change questions, treatment by banks. The banks should recognise the the Government once again refused to accept the merits difficulties that have been caused by branch closures, of Labour’s proposal for an energy price freeze, which and, of course, there needs to be more competition and would be of real benefit to small businesses as well as choice in banking. Labour has made some important householders. It is disappointing that the Government proposals in that context. still refuse to accept the strength of our argument, but Other organisations, and indeed areas of government, in a world of Government U-turns, who knows what can also provide funds and other support for small their policy may be next week? business, and Edinburgh city council has taken a number of important steps in that regard. It has provided the 2.48 pm Creative Exchange, an incubator space that opened Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): It is a real recently in Leith to provide affordable work space for pleasure to have the opportunity to speak now, which is up to 80 staff. A further example is the council’s procurement in no small part because I am due in Westminster Hall policy, which covers a £20 million information technology at 3 o’clock to lead a debate on retail and the high tender. The council wants at least 25% of the work to go street. I shall therefore be relatively brief. I pay tribute to small businesses; the present contract is held by a to my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot single large company. (Anne Marie Morris) not only for securing this debate, Small business lending is also important. I was pleased but for delivering a speech in which she was characteristically to learn about discussions between the council and passionate about business. It is a credit to her campaign Capital Credit Union about the possibility of the union that so many Members on both sides of the House have contributing an extra £1.3 million to the East of Scotland come to support today’s important debate. Investment Fund, which could provide loans for small I am passionate about this subject. At school, I was businesses. The credit union is able to do that because of for ever wheeling and dealing. If anyone needed anything, changes to corporate lending rules that allow community- I was the man to speak to. Shortly after graduating, I based mutuals to offer loans to businesses. As someone set up my own printing and marketing company, which 481 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 482 employed local people in my constituency. I sold it as support seems to vanish as soon as a business makes a soon as I got elected, however; it is a busy lark being an profit. I also welcome the extension of small business MP. I was incredibly proud to be given the opportunity rate relief. to be a small business ambassador and, obviously, to work with the fantastic Minister for Skills and Enterprise, Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The hon. Gentleman as well as the inspirational Karren Brady, which certainly talks about corporation tax. Will he tell the House the impressed my wife, who very much liked her book. rate of corporation tax when Labour came to power in I want to talk about some of the positive things the 1997, and what it was when we left office in 2010? Government have done. We can all celebrate the fact Justin Tomlinson: I can tell the hon. Gentleman that, that there are more than 400,000 new businesses, which by 2015, we will have the lowest corporation tax market have helped to create 1.4 million new jobs. The new in the G8. That is what businesses are talking about, employment allowance, which comes in on 1 January, is and I very much hope that the hon. Gentleman will join a welcome measure from the Government that will help us in supporting that aim. to push that even further forward. We can celebrate the fact that we now have an extra 500,000 apprenticeships. Many Members have highlighted the need to look at The start-up loans scheme has celebrated its 10,000th business rates. Greater minds than mine will solve the loan, with its loans totalling £50 million. Crucially, that dilemma, but it is important to recognise that the world scheme has allowed those 10,000 firms to take on a is changing. My hon. Friend the Member for Colchester further 10,000 people, so for each new firm, an additional (Sir Bob Russell) mentioned Amazon’s advantages over job has been created, which is fantastic. The red tape a traditional high street retailer because of the business challenge is also brilliant, not least because we have rates that it pays. We must recognise that the world is asked businesses to suggest which pieces of red tape changing and take that into account if we are to achieve need to be removed. a fair business rates system. The 27,000 business mentors are also crucial—I will come back to that subject in a Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): My hon. moment—and the enterprise zones and the regional Friend is making very good points, and I would also growth fund are kick-starting growth in key areas, like to congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for which is most welcome. Newton Abbot (Anne Marie Morris) on securing the Staying with the good things, I know that the Minister debate. Many small businesses and micro-businesses is particularly excited about the request that I am about believe that they get by despite the actions of the to make—it is one that I make repeatedly—and that he Government, rather than because of them, so all the things is absolutely going to deliver on it. We as a Government that we are doing to roll back red tape are absolutely are doing many good things, but business people are by right. Small businesses are creating jobs, but they want their nature extremely busy and, all too often, these to be loved, especially by the Government. Over the good schemes simply pass them by. However, the one years they have not felt loved, and that is what I am thing that they cannot avoid is their bills, and every year looking to the Minister and the Government to deliver. they are sent a business rates bill. Even if they have nothing to pay, they are sent a bill telling them how Justin Tomlinson: I very much love businesses, so much they would have had to pay but for the fact that I will send some love to my hon. Friend’s constituency. the Government are allowing them not to do so. We should be communicating all the Government’s schemes It is great that businesses are suggesting the areas of through that mailer. The taxpayer has already paid for red tape that need to be looked at, because they are very the mail, so let us include with it information on all the much at the coal face. Removing two regulations for things that we are encouraging businesses to sign up for, every one introduced is a real challenge, but the initiative and particularly on the advantages of taking on apprentices has certainly been welcomed by businesses in my and of working with UKTI to develop exports. constituency. I want briefly to focus on championing young Several Members have talked about opening up local entrepreneurs. I was the only one of the 350 students on authority procurement, which is worth about £4.4 billion my business degree course who went on to set up their a year, and the Government have the commendable aim own business. We all arrived at university keen to do of getting SME participation in that to about 25%. My just that, but we had entrepreneurial flair and risk-taking hon. Friend the Member for High Peak (Andrew Bingham), talked out of us. I obviously was not paying enough who has had to leave the Chamber, has got hold of attention, because I ended up running my own business. some of the forms that small businesses have to fill in The Government help to fund an organisation called when bidding for such contracts. I know that, when the National Association of College and University I ran a business, it simply was not worth the hassle. Entrepreneurs, which encourages young people to take I also very much welcome the increase in the annual up practical, real-life opportunities for running a business. investment allowance from £25,000 to £250,000. One I have met a number of the young people who have problem that we identified was the fact that, for the first taken advantage of those opportunities and who are time in living memory, businesses had more money in now going on to be part of the next generation of their current accounts than they were choosing to borrow, wealth generators. because they were worried about uncertainty in the We need to look at what happens in business degrees. market. Increasing the allowance is a brilliant way to Along with all my fellow students, I was given a placement encourage businesses to start unlocking some of that job in the corporate environment, rather than having money, which will drive forward growth. the opportunity to test running my own business. We Cutting corporation tax always brings a cheer from could use spare space at a university to run a retail Members on this side of the House. Although Labour business—that is very apt, given my forthcoming says that it supports business, it is telling that that Westminster Hall debate. We could also consider whether 483 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 484

[Justin Tomlinson] first was that they were drowning in red tape and regulation. The second was that they had to deal with part of a placement year could be spent running a an excessive burden of taxation. The third was that they business, as that might allow us to encourage a few faced issues relating to access to finance. Many Government more of those potential young entrepreneurs to take the Members have already pointed out areas where the step towards that. Government have made a real effort to address all three We can also do a lot more for people before they go issues: the red tape challenge; the one-in, two-out policy; to university. For people who want to go to university, cutting back on the regulations that micro-businesses the UCAS system is in place—the conveyor belt is there. have to deal with; the upcoming deregulation Bill—perhaps People choose their course and, if they get their grades, the Minister will give us an update on that; the reduction they head off to university. If people want to be an in the headline corporation tax rate; extended small apprentice, they can look at the fantastic websites available, business rate relief; the funding for lending scheme; the see what type of thing they would like to be an apprentice enterprise finance guarantee scheme; and a plethora of in, and go forward to the interviews. However, if someone schemes to get debt and equity provision for start-ups wants to start their own business, it is pretty much up and growing businesses, which are on the Department to them to work out how to do that, so we need to do a for Business, Innovation and Skills website and are now lot more to get those 20,000 business mentors to young starting to be delivered through the British Business people. Bank. Of course the one scheme that the Government We have to celebrate schemes such as the Young have not been responsible for, which perhaps the shadow Enterprise challenge, but we need to ensure that they Minister could tell us about, is the Co-op bank soft are not just a one-off opportunity for enjoyment. I took loans scheme, which has been available to only a restricted part when I was at school—we worked for a week, made number of people. quite a bit of money and really enjoyed it. I recently did A friend of mine who works in business and is not something with Swindon college students whereby we particularly partisan politically has acknowledged that got stalls in the local market—a tough trading environment. the Government have made a huge effort in cutting red Seven teams were each given £10 of seed money, and all tape. However, as he says, perhaps the time has come the money raised on the day went to charity. We raised not just to take an axe to red tape, but to take a about £800 for the Prospect hospice, but the crucial bit chainsaw to unnecessary red tape and regulation. I am was that we did not have mentors just at the beginning; pleased that we have gone from one-in, one-out to we had them at the end. one-in, two-out, but why not one-in, three-out or none-in, One lady called Jessica ran a cake stall. Millions of four-out? One reason for not doing that is that the people think about running such a stall, but she realised Government are constrained by EU regulation. I welcome that the market had an older customer base, so she set what the Prime Minister said following the proposals up a 1950s-themed cake stall. She made more than made by his business taskforce on cutting back EU £100 on the day. She realised that she had the customer regulation. I understand that yesterday the Leader of service ability, the skills and the innovation to set up her the Opposition referred to a tweet containing “#greencrap”. own business, and now that she has finished at college, I have just started tweeting, and am thinking about she has set up the Little Lemon & Poppy Bakery. We tweeting after this debate with #EUredtapecrap, because made sure that mentors were in place to help to guide of the enormous amount of EU regulation that is holding her after she used her initial burst of enthusiasm and back our businesses. The issue of increasing competitiveness went on to do that. I ask the Minister to do all that he is felt not just in the UK but by Governments in Berlin, can to encourage young people. They have the energy Stockholm, Amsterdam and perhaps even Paris. and the enthusiasm, so let us make sure they are a key If Opposition Members really care about business, part of that next generation of wealth generators. they should back the European Union (Referendum) Bill. I hope they will turn up tomorrow to support it, Several hon. Members rose— because that is the best way of delivering change in the EU and ensuring that we get rid of some of this Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I regulation. have to inform the House that we have another debate In the remaining two minutes, I have two quick this afternoon and we are running out of time. The points. One relates to simplifying the tax system overall Minister and the shadow Minister need to be on their through the merger or the simplification of income tax feet by 25 past 3. I am going to set a time limit of five and national insurance, and the second is about closing minutes and I ask the remaining Members to make sure the equity funding gap. they share that fairly among themselves. If they do not In the 2011 Budget, the Chancellor talked about do so, somebody will not get to speak. In other words, if merging national insurance and income tax. A consultation there are lots of interventions, somebody will fall off was held, and the decision was made not to take the the end of today’s speaking list. idea forward. None the less, the idea is totemic. I know 2.57 pm that it is difficult and that there are anomalies, but we should consider merging those two taxes. The reality is Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con): I, too, congratulate that national insurance is just another tax. People should my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot (Anne understand that the tax they are paying is not 20% as a Marie Morris) on securing this debate. She is a huge basic rate taxpayer but 32%. If they saw that on their champion of small and micro-businesses, and more pay slips and in their annual tax statements, they would power to her elbow. realise that we are all paying a bit too much tax. They Before the last election many of us were going around would end up preferring parties that propose cutting meeting small businesses in our constituencies, and taxes rather than raising them. Perhaps we will hear businesses in Reading were telling me three things. The something on that from the Minister. 485 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 486

My final point is to do with equity finance. The the role that local government must play in supporting start-up loan scheme is brilliant. It is a flagship scheme and encouraging small businesses to flourish and succeed that has worked really well; it is simple and is able in their area. to get lending out very quickly. It would be great to see Local councils, local councillors and officers can a British equity funding scheme, which would also make a substantial difference in a number of key areas. help to deploy capital quickly across many areas of The obvious one is planning, where the local plan can business. be made as business-friendly as possible. The administration I am running out of time, so I shall stop at that point. process should be as efficient as it can be and issues for I acknowledge that the Government do a huge amount, small businesses should be highlighted early so that but there is still some way for them to go. I am sure that they do not incur unnecessary costs. The second such the Minister will tell us of his plans. area is property ownership. Local councils are often property owners; for example Carlisle city council, believe 3.2 pm it or not, has about £100 million worth of commercial John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con): I congratulate my property. It can make a difference by using that to good hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot (Anne effect. The third area, as has been highlighted, is Marie Morris) on securing this debate. She was absolutely procurement. It is not necessarily the big contracts that right to highlight the importance of small businesses to matter; the small ones can make a real difference to the success not just of our national economy but of small businesses. Local enterprise partnerships are also local economies up and down the country. Clearly, we important. Councils have a role and are often on the all support small businesses and we all want to see them boards, and LEPs need to be pro-business and to help succeed. Indeed all large businesses were once small develop policies that support small businesses in flourishing. ones, and the big businesses of tomorrow are the start-ups There are two other key points. We need small business and small businesses of today. support and engagement with those local professionals However, it is all very well to talk about support, but who can help businesses: surveyors, accountants, bankers there needs to be practical advice and policies in place and lawyers. Indeed, we should encourage relationships that give start-ups, sole traders and small businesses the with the local chamber of commerce or the Federation full support that they need to prosper and succeed. of Small Businesses, with encouragement on business Most businesses in this country are small. The vast plans, finance, employment and other such matters that majority of those people employed in the private sector will help businesses to succeed. work for small businesses. In many respects it is the Most importantly, local government can provide owners and workers in those enterprises who are the leadership. It can give local small businesses a sense that unsung heroes of our economy. the council supports and will support them and that Let me take, for example, a small business in my there is a vision and a sense of direction for the area of constituency of Carlisle, with, say, five employees. That which the businesses are a part. business pays business rates, which helps the local and I want to highlight that the responsibility to engage national economy, employer’s national insurance and with and support small business from a government corporation tax. It will collect VAT, and it may well pay point of view does not lie merely with central Government; VAT itself. It makes a huge contribution to the national it is important that local government plays its part. economy. It also conducts business with other local enterprises, helping to create a more economically active 3.7 pm local economy. In addition, it provides employment to Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): I, too, congratulate my five families, providing them with a standard of living hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot (Anne and supporting their lifestyles. There is also often a Marie Morris) on introducing the debate. I particularly wider benefit to the community. The business owner appreciate her work on the definition of “small business”. may well live in the area, contributing socially to the The Government’s definition of small business is one community through membership of other organisations. that employs 250 employees or turns over £50 million. They are often on school boards, local charities and That is a pretty substantial business and I applaud how sports clubs. she has raised the profile of what we would probably My principal contribution to this debate relates to call micro-businesses. I suspect that most of the debate the role that local government should play in supporting has been about micro-businesses rather than small small businesses. We should remember that the vast businesses. majority of business people will have absolutely nothing I ran a micro-business, a business I started from to do with central Government or Government scratch in 1982, so I know about the pressure of ensuring Departments such as BIS and, with the greatest respect that there is enough money in the bank account to meet to the Minister, will probably never come in contact the monthly salary bill. I am therefore delighted that the with a Minister. The most important people in government Government have recognised the importance of small with whom business people are likely to come into businesses and the number of such businesses that have contact will probably be from the local council, a local been created. Along with other Members, I champion councillor or perhaps an MP. the small businesses in my constituency that are raising I accept that much is made of the contribution, their profile through small business Saturday. I shall involvement and policy decisions of central Government. visit four new businesses that have been formed in the Central Government clearly have a significant if not past year and opened in the past four months. I am central role to play. They set the general environment looking forward to seeing what they are doing. in which business can or should flourish and create I made the point in an intervention that every big a framework within which business will function. business started out as a small business. Big businesses Nevertheless, we should not and must not underestimate are often large employers, but if we want to provide 487 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 488

[Mark Pawsey] 3.12 pm employment for all our citizens, we need to consider Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): I congratulate how to encourage small businesses to grow. In my my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot (Anne constituency, there are more small businesses than people Marie Morris) and other hon. Members on securing the looking for work and I suspect that that applies across debate. the country. If every small business was encouraged Before I came into politics, I used to wholesale fruit to take on one additional member of staff, there would and veg. It was a family firm, which my father started be no one looking for work. That hit me quite hard and grew to a decent size. Then I had all the disputes when I met a successful one-man band who was telling that every son taking over a family firm has with their me how busy he was and that he was running around father, when they tell their sons that they are not doing like a nutcase trying to keep all his customers happy. it right, but we managed to sneak up the turnover of I said, “That’s great isn’t it? No doubt you’ll be this fruit and veg business, working nights in New expanding and taking on somebody else in the Covent Garden, to £7 million a year employing 17 people. business.” He said, “No, I don’t want any of that We did it in spite of rather than because of the Government. trouble headache and hassle. I would much rather stick Some of my points will be based on those old experiences, as I am.” We need to change that perception, so it is which small businesses in my constituency tell me they important for us to consider some of the obstacles that still face. hold people back. One of the best parts of our jobs as Members of One of that small business man’s biggest concerns Parliament is going to see small businesses and people was employment legislation. I understand the concerns taking risks to do good things and start employment in of Opposition Members that there should be a fair our constituencies. My constituency, like that of every relationship between employer and employee, but in a other Member who has spoken, is full of amazing and micro-business the employer and employee get to know surprising small businesses. I have a company called each other pretty well. They often work side by side in Bambino Mio, one of the largest companies dealing in manufacturing the goods or delivering the service. I reusable nappies. It started 15 years ago and now exports would argue that many smaller businesses may not need to almost 70 countries across the world. Another company the employment protection measures that larger companies is Daisy Roots. Many Members with children and in need of more formal arrangements require. grandchildren will have bought a pair of Daisy Roots The move from one year to two before an employee shoes without knowing about it. EllaPure is a company can bring a case in an employment tribunal is a step in direct selling all-natural skincare products. It was started the right direction, but we could look at one or two by an 18-year-old lad two or three years ago, whom the other areas such as parental leave rules. Transferable shadow Minister met at a lunch with me not so long parental leave disproportionately disadvantages small ago. He is a very impressive individual. Those three businesses, which may lose a key member of staff, often businesses all come from one small village, Brixworth. at pretty short notice. We could consider making some I know that the Government have done lots of good exemptions for micro-businesses or those with a turnover stuff. I am delighted to be behind a Government who of less than £5 million or fewer than 25 staff. have created 1.4 million new private sector jobs since I am also concerned about access to suitable business 2010, who are cutting national insurance, benefiting premises as we move out of the recession. Jones Lang every firm by £2,000 next year, and who have allowed LaSalle reported in March that there was little speculative people to start 400,000 new British businesses. One of industrial property development taking place. I am the things we do really well in this country is enable worried that accommodation will not be available. My companies to set up quickly. It is a very simple process, business started in very low-cost old buildings. Such which takes away a lot of the confusion. We have a very buildings have now in many cases been demolished to good scheme for enterprise zones. Neighbouring my avoid vacant business rates. I am bothered that access to constituency is Northampton, where the Northampton the internet has encouraged lots of fledgling small Waterside enterprise zone’s plans to change the face of businesses to start, often in niche markets, operating the town for the better can already been seen. from home, perhaps in a residential area, and as they However, there are many issues that affect micro and grow they will need small units, which we do not have. small businesses. My hon. Friend the Member for Rugby Developers have not been providing small units. It is (Mark Pawsey) talked about employing people. Businesses much easier for a developer to provide one unit of take a massive risk when they start employing people. 50,000 square feet than 10 units of 5,000 square feet, Perhaps some Members had never done that before and we need to address that problem. taking people on in their offices here. Any Member who Lastly, I would like to deal with an issue that is not has had a dispute with an employee will understand for Government but is about a culture change. As a how difficult it must be for a small business, which salesmen in my business, I would like to see more might have only one or two employees, when a relationship appreciation for salesmen. They are the people who end with an employee does not work and the risk that such the manufacturing process; the services would not get employment involves. delivered were it not for the salesman persuading the Many small businesses complain about bureaucracy. customer to buy them. Salesmen have an unfortunate I think we are doing reasonably well on that. Perhaps reputation, and I would like to see some credit given to we could do more, but the thing that I think we could the profession, with proper recognition and status. Their do better is to open up procurement in the public sector. skills are invaluable, especially in export markets where I am sure that the Minister will tell me that we have got not only our small businesses but the country as a whole rid of a whole tranche of things and that businesses no prosper if the salesmen do well. longer need to provide three years’ worth of audited 489 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 490 accounts before being able to bid for Government work. the BBA that it would increase its publicity on access to That might have been the policy change and what we the appeals system, because if a business is refused a are trying to implement, but a small business in my loan there is an appeals system. constituency called Mapcite, based in my village, was The BBA announced with some pride that in the first told that only a couple of weeks ago by the Department two years of the appeals process run by the banks, a with which it was trying to deal. Then there are issues satisfactory lending agreement was found in 40% of relating to rural broadband, which we are sorting out cases where the decline of a loan to a business was but which we need to get right. Rural broadband is appealed against. This was said to be a cause for ultra-important. congratulations. Let me point out that in any appeals system, an approval rating of 40% suggests that there is Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): I am grateful to my a problem with that system. Will Treasury Ministers hon. Friend for giving way, not least because it allows inform me of the distribution of that 40% appeal rate me to wish him all the best of luck for his special day. between different banks? Which banks succeeded in He said that he started working in his family business. getting it right and which failed to do so? Will the Will he also herald the value that family businesses Chancellor of the Exchequer consider requiring banks provide in our economy and, in particular, the work of to notify in writing all small businesses whose loan the Institute for Family Business? application is declined that they have a right of appeal, Chris Heaton-Harris: Yes is the simple answer to my because this was not known to many of the businesses hon. Friend. I have noted the time, Madam Deputy in my constituency that had had such a refusal? Speaker, and promise to finish on time. I have to say to the Minister that the answer I received We need to be positive about entrepreneurship in on 30 October was rather bland and unhelpful. It was, this country. We have a very good reputation across in essence, a reprint of the BBA’s press release, and it the globe. Amway, one of the biggest direct sellers in added no further information. I want to see whether he the United Kingdom, has 40,000 small businesses can improve on that, either in what he says today or by working for it. It did a big survey of people’s attitudes reference to his Treasury colleagues as to what they to becoming entrepreneurs, and we did not have a bad might supply to the House subsequently. The answer rate, because 77% of people thought that we have a did not explain or offer any view on whether a 40% positive atmosphere in which to build entrepreneurship. overturning rate for the appeals system was a sign of However, factors that worked against coming into business success or failure. It was also entirely silent about whether included fear of failure, which is a big deal. It is a there was to be any requirement on banks to follow psychological barrier that a person has to get over when through refusals of loans with better information for they start a small business. Public funding and start-up companies on how to appeal. loans are pretty indispensible in helping to get over the In the past three years, we have done excellent work fear of failure, because people know they have something that has paid real dividends, but local businesses in my behind them when they start in addition to their brilliant constituency still have a fundamental problem in getting idea. the access to finance to which they are entitled. One of I will be celebrating small business Saturday at the the ironies is that one of those companies, which was iCon centre in Daventry, where there will be a huge refused a loan of £12,000 for business development, was networking event for small businesses in my constituency. subsequently offered—by the same bank—an unsecured I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Newton loan of £16,000 to purchase a car. That emphasises the Abbot once again on securing the debate. problems that the system still faces.

3.17 pm 3.22 pm Sir Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove) (LD): Thank you, Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): It is a tremendous Madam Deputy Speaker, for finding time to fit me in. I pleasure to speak in what has been an excellent debate. congratulate the hon. Member for Newton Abbot (Anne I congratulate the hon. Member for Newton Abbot Marie Morris) on securing the debate. We have heard (Anne Marie Morris) on securing it. She speaks about some very good contributions indeed. In the short time small businesses with passion, dedication, enthusiasm available, I want to focus on the part of the motion that and considerable vim, which I can inform the House, refers to encouraging the Government to improve access having been at the National Association of Commercial to finance. The Government have certainly done some Finance Brokers dinner with her on Tuesday, is also the very good things in the past three years. They have way she dances. worked nationally and locally, and I refer in particular We have heard a tremendous amount about the to the work UK Trade & Investment has done in my importance of small businesses. As the challengers of constituency, the work of GrowthAccelerator and the tired orthodoxies and the drivers of social mobility, success of the apprenticeship scheme. small businesses share one nation Labour’s values I will focus briefly on access to finance from banks completely. It is a path that several of us have followed, for my local businesses. Twelve months ago I secured an as reflected in the debate. I worked in the private sector Adjournment debate on that topic, bringing to the for my entire life and was running a small business when House the cases of four businesses in my constituency I became a Member of Parliament. From my perspective and the difficulty they have had in gaining access to and, clearly, that of hon. Members across the House, finance from four different banks. As a consequence, I there are few more important questions for us to consider took a deputation of local businesses to see the banking than how we support small firms, which we all know are Minister. We met the British Bankers Association and the engines of growth, the biggest employers of the had a representative of the Federation of Small Businesses long-term unemployed, and key drivers of economic with us. That discussion produced an assurance from recovery. 491 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 492

[Toby Perkins] The hon. Member for Rugby (Mark Pawsey), whom I usually regard as a sound voice on the issue of small It is important that we listen to what the voices of business, said that if someone is paid late they should business are saying. On Monday, I was in Harlow in refuse to supply the company, but that does not recognise Essex with the local chamber of commerce, meeting the difference in the relationship between a powerful small businesses there and listening to their priorities. customer and a struggling supplier. Every year, 2,000 Another organisation right at the forefront of the fight businesses go under simply because they are not paid to support small firms is the Federation of Small Businesses, money that is owed to them, so I think he was wrong which does a tremendous job. A report in the Leicester about that. My hon. Friend is right to say that we need Mercury this week highlighted how a delegation from the Government to be at the forefront of not just the east midlands, led by David Nicholls, chairman of encouraging people to pay on time, but ensuring that the Leicestershire branch of the FSB, got the chance to that culture change passes right down the public sector lobby the Chancellor on the issues that he should address procurement chain to second and third-tier suppliers. in his forthcoming autumn statement. What did the My hon. Friend the Member for Rochdale (Simon delegation choose to highlight? Interestingly, the Leicester Danczuk) made a lengthy advertisement—I sense it was Mercury tells us that they demanded action on energy somewhat to his embarrassment—for Danczuk’s deli. prices, a reduction in businesses rates, and the Government Numerous Members wanted to know about the excellent taking responsibility for setting up a business bank—very wares he will be providing. He has been in business wise indeed. before and it is great that he and his wife are opening a I pay tribute to the hon. Lady for securing the debate, delicatessen in the centre of Rochdale and that he is but think she may have done so with a slightly heavy putting his money where his mouth is. heart, because when it comes to the main issues being The hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Mary raised by small businesses, it is Labour that is leading Macleod), my hon. Friend the Member for Rochdale the way. I want to reflect on some of the contributions and the hon. Member for Colchester (Sir Bob Russell) to this balanced debate that have demonstrated that. spoke, among many others, about the tremendous In her excellent speech, the hon. Lady talked about difficulties caused by the increase in business rates, the need for a culture change that recognises the importance which I shall return to. of small business across Government. We could not My hon. Friend the Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca- agree more. My right hon. Friend the Member for Davies) promoted the value of local innovative firms Doncaster North (Edward Miliband) made making and also focused on access to finance. The hon. Member Labour the party of small business a priority in his first for Rossendale and Darwen (Jake Berry) is not in his conference speech and he has talked about it many place. [Interruption.] I see that he has moved—I do not times since. There are some good Government schemes know how I managed to miss that moustache. He out there but, as the hon. Lady said, many businesses encapsulated the bravery and pioneering spirit required do not know about them. The signposting is weak, and to set up a business and he was right to say that it she was right to say that. doesn’t half set the pulses racing. At such moments, My hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow North East people realise what colour adrenaline is. (Mr Bain) discussed the lessons we can learn from the Sparkassen in Germany. He was right to say that, under My hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh North the German system and at the height of the banking and Leith (Mark Lazarowicz) was entirely right to say crisis, they lent more to small businesses, not fewer, that small businesses are undergoing a cost of living as happened here. He was also right to focus on the crisis, which I will reflect on in a moment. important issue of the number of businesses claiming The hon. Member for North Swindon (Justin Tomlinson) that access to finance is still their No. 1 priority, a theme said that Labour always liked to increase corporation that the right hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Sir Andrew tax. If he was still here, he would be surprised to Stunell) returned to a few moments ago. discover that corporation tax was actually 3% less after The hon. Members for Norwich North (Chloe Smith) 13 years of Labour Government. Perhaps he should and for High Peak (Andrew Bingham) were right to talk to the former Prime Minister about that. focus on the difficulty faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in getting on to Government procurement The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): lists. It has been an issue for many years and clearly Will the hon. Gentleman confirm whether it is still there is a long way to go. Labour’s policy to increase corporation tax? My hon. Friend the Member for Oldham East and Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams) also spoke. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. Before the shadow Minister answers the Minister, will Debbie Abrahams: My hon. Friend is making a powerful they please remember that I will stop the debate at speech. He will be aware that earlier this year I chaired 3.45 pm? If the Minister is still on his feet at that point, an all-party inquiry into late payments. The key finding he will lose the time, because we will have to start the was that late payment is a cultural issue that needs to be next debate. seen as just as toxic as tax evasion. Does he agree that we need to push the Government to make progress Toby Perkins: Our policy is well known, but I will go towards ensuring there is a cultural change so that late through it at length in a moment. payment is unacceptable? The hon. Member for Reading West (Alok Sharma) Toby Perkins: I certainly do. I was in the process of spoke for only five minutes, but he was wrong about just paying tribute to the work my hon. Friend has done on about everything he said. I will give two examples. He that issue. She is absolutely right. said that businesses want an EU referendum, but very 493 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 494 few businesses are telling me that. He extolled the Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): virtues of the arbitrary one-in, two-out red tape challenge Does the Minister agree that one great virtue of small and seemed to think that the Government have a good businesses is that they are embedded in their local record on red tape, but he was unable to name any of communities and are often loyal to them, unlike npower their innovations that have made a difference. in my constituency, which has just offshored 400 jobs? The hon. Member for Rugby made an incredibly Will he use the power of his Department to work with significant point about the importance of sales skills. I local authorities, the LEP and the chamber of commerce am sure he will be delighted to know that the Labour to do its best to mitigate that loss? party is undertaking a large programme—headed by Kate Walsh, formerly of “The Apprentice”—on the Matthew Hancock: The Department is of course importance of sales skills, and we will report on its work doing what it can to mitigate the impact of that decision. shortly. The hon. Gentleman is quite right, as is my hon. Friend The hon. Member for Carlisle (John Stevenson) focused the Member for Carlisle (John Stevenson), who spoke broadly on the importance of small firms. The hon. passionately about the impact of small businesses, which Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris) was absolutely are embedded in their local communities through jobs correct to say that the UK is right at the forefront of and their contributions to local and national life, as well those places where it is easiest to set up a small business. as the role of local authorities in planning, property The World Bank said that Britain was the fourth easiest and procurement. place to set up a business in 2010. There have been some fantastic contributions to the I do not want to focus on the Government’s failures, debate. My hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and but on the successful moves that a future Labour Isleworth (Mary Macleod), as well as recounting the Government will make. We are considering the future various questions that she has asked at Prime Minister’s of vital small firms, and Labour has the answers to their questions in the recent past, spoke about drilling enterprise questions. The cost of living crisis for small firms is through our education system, which I strongly support. taking many of them to the brink, but Labour’s pledge My hon. Friend the Member for North Swindon (Justin to freeze energy prices until 2017 would save the average Tomlinson) also made that argument. Every time I British small business £5,000. Hon. Members will be speak to him, he seems to have another idea about how shocked to learn that business rates have risen by £1,500 we can get more content about enterprise into the a year on average under this Government, and that they education system. face a further hike in April 2014. Many Members raised the issue of red tape, not least my hon. Friend the Member for Reading West (Alok To answer the Minister’s question, Labour proposes Sharma), who spoke about the impact of EU red tape. not to take forward the Government’s planned 1% Members across this House must recognise that problem. corporation tax cut for 80,000 large firms, but instead It is wrongly dismissed by some, but it is an important to use all the money to cut the business rate bills of issue that we need to address. We are doing so through 1.5 million small firms. In a week of U-turns, it would the Prime Minister’s challenge to the EU. The taskforce be incredibly— of six business leaders who are looking at reforming EU regulations is putting the voice of business at the heart Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. I am sorry, but the of the debate. It has made 30 recommendations on how hon. Gentleman has now had 10 minutes. This is a to remove or improve the most burdensome EU rules. Back-Bench debate, and it will be followed by another We are working with business to encourage the EU to Back-Bench debate. I want him to conclude in his take up those recommendations over the next year. current sentence, so that I can call the Minister, who will also have 10 minutes. My hon. Friends the Members for Rugby (Mark Pawsey) and for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris) raised the issue of regulations on employers, especially with Toby Perkins: I will, Madam Deputy Speaker. On a regard to micro-businesses. We have made progress by range of issues from micro-business support to the need ensuring that employees cannot go to a tribunal until for Government to provide the necessary skills, small they have been employed for two years and by introducing businesses are saying that the Government have more fees for tribunals. We need to keep this area under work to do. Labour is responding to that call from small constant review because, fundamentally, what we must businesses, and our message to them is, “We know how do is make it easier to employ people and create jobs. vital you are, and we are right behind you.” That is what growing small businesses is all about. It is a great pleasure to see you take the Chair, 3.32 pm Madam Deputy Speaker. This is the first time that The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): I have been in a debate that you have chaired. This Government are passionate, as am I, about supporting My hon. Friend the Member for Norwich North small business. I grew up in one, and I hope that I not (Chloe Smith) was here earlier, but apologised that she only listen to and speak for small business across had an engagement with some small businesses. I pay Government, but understand what life is like in one, as tribute to the work that she did to open up procurement do so many hon. Members who have spoken. The to small businesses. However, as my hon. Friend the debate has reflected the strength of feeling across the Member for Daventry said, what we are doing in that House in support of small businesses, which we should area is not complete. There is much more to do to do more to encourage and for which we should do more improve the formal rules and to ensure that they are to make life easier. Why are we so passionate? Because, seen, exercised and stuck to not only across central at root, small businesses are the ultimate fount of prosperity Government, but throughout the public sector, including and jobs in our country. in local authorities. The Department for Business, 495 Small Businesses28 NOVEMBER 2013 Small Businesses 496

[Matthew Hancock] run a small business and be an MP at the same time will continue because of the wealth of insight it brings to Innovation and Skills has just reached the target of people in this place. sending 25% of its invoices to small businesses. That There were good speeches from Opposition Members, target applies to the whole of central Government and and it was a pity there were so few of them, given that all other Departments are working towards it. support from the Government Benches was very powerful. Many hon. Members raised the issues of access to The hon. Member for Colchester (Sir Bob Russell) and finance and late payment, not least the hon. Member my hon. Friend the Member for Rossendale and Darwen for Oldham East and Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams). (Jake Berry) raised the important issue of business The Government pay more than 85% of undisputed rates. I am glad that one of the first things this Government invoices within five days. That is a big change and an did was stop the extension of business rates proposed impressive feat. by the previous Government because that would have been a great mistake. In fact, we have extended business Debbie Abrahams: Will the Minister confirm whether rate relief every year, but I have no doubt that had the that includes suppliers in all tiers? I think that he is previous Government remained in office, they would referring just to tier 1 suppliers. have put up and extended business rates because that is what they were planning. Matthew Hancock: I was coming on to exactly that point. That figure refers to tier 1 and there is much Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): Does the Minister more to do to drill prompt payments through the supply agree that one of the key things for helping small chain. We must spread that culture across the private businesses is encouraging them to reinvest? The Government sector as well. I will reflect on the hon. Lady’s point that have done a lot in extending the capital allowance we should make late payment just as culturally negative scheme, but will he consider extending it beyond as tax avoidance and evasion. We will be launching a 1 January 2015? consultation on late payment shortly. The right hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Sir Andrew Matthew Hancock: Yes, I will, and I conclude by Stunell) raised the issue of the banking appeals system. saying that Members across the House—especially I do not want to pre-empt what my right hon. Friend Government Members—argued passionately in favour the Chancellor will say in the autumn statement in a of small businesses, the values they bring, the hard week’s time, so I recommend that the right hon. Gentleman work but the payback, and the benefits in terms of jobs attends the House on that day. and prosperity for their communities. None more so than my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot Opposition Members raised various issues and spoke who initiated the debate, and I pay tribute to all her from different perspectives. The important issue of GRG work. If I have not addressed any point on the long list and the treatment of small companies that have got into of issues she raised, I will write to her with a detailed difficulties with the banks was raised. The Financial response on each and every one. She is a great credit to Conduct Authority is looking into the report that was herself and to small businesses that need such passionate published this week and RBS has appointed Clifford support, and I know they are thrilled to have her at their Chance to go through the cases that were raised in detail. side. The hon. Member for Glasgow North East (Mr Bain), in typically ebullient fashion, called for firm action and better communication of what we are doing. I certainly 3.42 pm agree with him about firm action. That is what I hope to Anne Marie Morris: This has been an incredible, achieve. energetic debate and I pay tribute to and thank my On better communication, we have launched the Business fellow sponsors and all those who have contributed is Great campaign, which Members may see on billboards with great knowledge, passion and understanding. Let and social media across the country, and the Great the nation be in no doubt: this House supports small Business website brings together in one place the different businesses in all their different guises, and they are key things the Government and private sector are doing to growth and social mobility. I hope the Minister to support small businesses. It is a single portal— realises that more than 100 ideas have been raised greatbusiness.gov.uk—and worth exploring. today, so if he takes them all up it will be quite a long The hon. Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies) letter. I hope that the Minister and the Chancellor will mentioned access to finance, and particularly green demonstrate that they are listening in the autumn statement measures. Although the Government have reduced the and indeed the Budget, but let us conclude this debate subsidy from energy bill payers and taxpayers to sponsor by celebrating small businesses and telling them, “We solar, by ensuring that the scheme was proportionate love you, and we will show that on small business but still affordable, more than 1 million people are now Saturday on 7 December.” living with solar panels on their roofs. The hon. Member Question put and agreed to. for Rochdale (Simon Danczuk) spoke passionately about Resolved, starting his own business with his wife. I hope he gets That this House encourages the Government to consider what the chance to have a word with the Leader of the further measures can be taken to encourage small business to Opposition, who says he wants to ban Members from flourish and prosper, including reducing the burden of red tape, engaging in any outside employment, including a small addressing the complex tax structure, improving access to finance business. I strongly hope that the idea that someone can and gaining support from local government. 497 28 NOVEMBER 2013 G8 Summit on Dementia 498

G8 Summit on Dementia Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and of the important work of the Medical Research Council prion unit, which could lead to exciting new possibilities for the treatment 3.43 pm and diagnosis of people with all sorts of dementia. Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): I beg Does she agree that it is important to maintain such to move, research programmes? That this House has considered the G8 summit on dementia. It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Madam Tracey Crouch: I agree entirely with the hon. Gentleman, Deputy Speaker; this is the first opportunity I have had and I will hear more later of the initiatives his Committee to give you my warm congratulations on your election. is examining. The importance of research is very much the basis of my speech. I am incredibly grateful for the support of the right hon. Members for Salford and Eccles (Hazel Blears) Hon. Members may talk about many aspects of and for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow), and others, dementia, but I shall address four, the first of which is for helping to secure this debate. I thank the Backbench investment. The statistics are gloomy, but there is a Business Committee for allowing Members time to good-news story underlying the negative numbers: people contribute—albeit briefly—to a debate on what many are living longer and people can live well with dementia. believe is one of the most important issues facing our We need to capitalise on best practice and ensure that health and social care system in the future. I shall keep we maximise people’s ability to maintain long-term my opening comments as brief as possible, as I know well-being, despite their debilitating condition. Although that others wish to speak, but it is important to congratulate we do not have a cure for dementia, we have come on the Prime Minister on using the opportunity of hosting leaps and bounds in recent years. A cure is hopefully no the G8 summit on 11 December to focus on international longer a lifetime away, but to ensure that we make that efforts to prevent, delay and effectively treat dementia. cure happen, we need to take action. The debate will allow parliamentarians an opportunity Dementia costs the UK economy £23 billion a year, to shape discussions at the summit, following on from which is more than cancer, stroke or heart disease, wider and commendable consultation with the public. but the annual research spend on dementia is about Collaboration, which is at the heart of the conference, is £51 million. The research spend on cancer is £521 million the basis of my contribution to the debate. —10 times more—yet dementia costs society much Before addressing the specifics, it is important to set more than cancer annually. I therefore welcome the out the global perspective. Dementia affects more than increase in investment in dementia research through the 35 million people worldwide and is now considered to Government’s themed initiatives, which has resulted in be one of the greatest global health challenges of our Government investment more than doubling over four time. It is estimated that, by 2050, more than 150 million years. However, the investment comes from a low base people will suffer from dementia. and represents less than 1% of the overall science budget. Hon. Members will have seen the devastating human cost of dementia if not in their families, then in their Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con): I congratulate constituencies. We know of the suffering of those with my hon. Friend on securing this important debate. It is the condition and those who become carers for their widely believed—it has recently been widely reported in loved ones. However, we perhaps do not so obviously scientific journals, including by scientists who will take see the huge economic effects of dementia, the worldwide part in the G8 meeting—that up to half of all Alzheimer’s cost of which is estimated to be about £400 billion, cases can be attributed to modifiable and therefore which is the equivalent of 1% of world gross domestic preventable risk factors. If that is the case, and there product. Without urgent action, that figure will increase seems to a general consensus along those lines, does she in line with the number of people who are anticipated share my disappointment that, as far as I can see, none to get dementia, which is why global collaboration is of the additional £22 million allocated for dementia essential. The more we can do together globally, the research has been spent on prevention research? better the outcomes we can secure nationally. Tracey Crouch: I am sure that the Minister will have Mr Simon Burns (Chelmsford) (Con): My hon. Friend heard the good point that my hon. Friend makes. I makes an extremely important point. Does she accept, would like to concentrate on the fact that there has been however, that it is equally important to do more on an increase in investment for research. There are various seeking diagnoses? About 350,000 people in this country reasons why we need research, and I am sure the Minister are undiagnosed and go without the help and support will address my hon. Friend’s comments in his response. that those who have been diagnosed receive. Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): The hon. Lady Tracey Crouch: I agree entirely with my hon. Friend. rightly talks about the low investment base from which The all-party group on dementia recently produced a we are starting on dementia research and prevention. report on diagnosis. Shockingly, only about 42% of One way to make limited resources go further is to people get diagnosed, which leaves a massive diagnosis co-ordinate properly and better across the regions and gap. The earlier people are diagnosed, the better their nations of the UK. There is good work going on in treatment and pathways. Wales, but that is also from a low base.

Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): I Tracey Crouch: I agree entirely with the hon. Gentleman. congratulate the hon. Lady on introducing the debate. We need greater co-operation and collaboration across I hope she will hear later some of the evidence that the the world, and if that is needed across the world, we Science and Technology Committee has taken on variant certainly need it at home. 499 G8 Summit on Dementia28 NOVEMBER 2013 G8 Summit on Dementia 500

[Tracey Crouch] is promoting telecare as a means of supporting people with dementia, and there are lots of non-clinical treatments We should recognise that the USA is committed to that could be further researched, such as the benefits of spending $550 million on dementia research, which is a pets and petting animals for people with dementia, reflection of the importance of the condition to its memory rooms and memory boxes. I have even heard of society. To be frank, however, the combined investment amazing innovative products such as wristbands that by the USA and the UK is small fry compared with the monitor someone’s usual actions so that they will detect investment in research by the pharmaceutical industry. if they have a fall. We need to consider all those things Any collaboration needs to include the global pharma in the whole pod of research. leaders to ensure that they are financing research, bringing We should not forget to consider support for carers. together their world-leading scientists and helping to Family carers of people with dementia save the economy achieve the breakthrough in the prevention and treatment £7 billion a year, but evidence shows that they struggle of dementia that we all want. One of the most important to do that, which can lead to avoidable crises in care, outcomes I would like from the G8 summit is a long-term hospital admissions or early entry into care homes, all commitment to double investment in research to provide of which are very costly. The Dementia Action Alliance’s stable and predictable funding so that we can get closer “Carers Call to Action” campaign, which I support, is to finding a cure and improved care. calling for timely and tailored support for carers, whom I am sure we all agree are an important cog in the wheel Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): Does the of treating and providing for those with dementia. hon. Lady agree that part of the problem is the fact that we use the term “dementia” as if it is just one thing? On best practice, it is important that international There are many dementias and we must not focus just collaboration includes the beneficial sharing of successes on Alzheimer’s. We must be aware of frontotemporal and failures. In utilising our resources, it is important dementias, which affect younger people in particular, that we do not duplicate unsuccessful investments and and ensure there is funding for research into that. that we champion successful and effective progress. The summit should therefore ensure that all publicly funded Tracey Crouch: I agree entirely. This is something that dementia research data and results are made available, blights many conditions, including cancer. We talk about thereby allowing common factors in national research cancer investment, but there is little or no research responses to be shared. funding for some cancers. Mesothelioma is a classic example, about which there is a debate on Monday. Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet) (Con): Before my hon. Friend moves deeply into the main subject of the It is essential that research focuses on investment in debate, which is the G8 summit, does she agree that we infrastructure. Training and development for researchers need much greater public understanding of, and support is also crucial if we are to see swifter progress towards for, those who are caring for people with dementia and treatments and cures for dementia. However, it remains those with the condition, which can strike not just hard for an academic with a good idea to spin that off elderly people, but younger people? Some of us remember to a company, especially compared with the situation in a former and much-loved Member of this House who, America. The Government must do more to promote while still an MP, suffered from the disease. This is the commercialisation of research as these companies something that we have to ram home to people. become a vital part of the ecosystem. Large companies and academia can then be partnered in the innovative Tracey Crouch: I agree entirely with my hon. Friend. collaborations that the Government seek. It is important to note that society has made much Research on the provision of care is equally important. progress in the past 20 years and that dementia is not Four out of five people with dementia live at home. We the taboo subject it perhaps used to be. We have changed want to keep it that way and to ensure that they can live how we think about it and now treat people with there safely for as long as possible. Research comes in dementia much better, but we still need to get away from many different forms, including the identification of the idea of saying, “Nan’s gone a bit dotty.” We have to what works. We know that dementia costs the UK understand that something can be done about dementia £23 billion, but arguably that money is not being spent and that proper care pathways exist to ensure that properly or efficiently. Prevention is key. Avoiding people can live well with it, and we have to support unnecessary hospital admissions is vital to ensuring carers as best we can. that funding is used effectively and, more importantly, On the G8 summit, I turn to my final but no less makes a huge improvement in quality of life. Researching important point: long-term strategies. The Prime Minister’s best practice in care is essential. An economic case challenge on dementia for England has provided a developed by the Alzheimer’s Society estimated that if welcome focus on the treatment and care of people just 5% of admissions to residential care were delayed living with dementia and the search for a cure, but there for one year as a result of dementia-friendly communities, is a danger that the focus will be lost, especially as the there would be a net saving of £55 million a year across initiative is not UK-wide but covers only England. England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Many countries have dementia strategies or brain bank There needs to be a change in the language we use initiatives, and the UK needs a new long-term strategy, when we talk about care. If we talk about weekly art because the current one is due to expire in 2014. I would lessons that are provided to help to improve cognitive be grateful if—not today but soon—the Minister could function as therapy, rather than an activity, we could outline his plans to evaluate the national dementia hope to see a change in attitude towards research and strategy for England and tell the House when he will investment in this area. Many good ideas are having a commit to a new strategy following the current strategy’s positive impact in local communities. For example, expiration next year. Notably, the US has a dementia Medway council, which covers part of my constituency, strategy in place until 2025, which means that we could 501 G8 Summit on Dementia28 NOVEMBER 2013 G8 Summit on Dementia 502 be left in the embarrassing situation of the UK Government was devastated. When she went into shops, she might be leading the G8 in a discussion on dementia without a a little confused over her change or what she needed to national long-term commitment comparable with that order, and the shops—and sometimes the customers— of many of their international partners. would be irritated with her, tutting and asking her to In conclusion, it is fantastic that the UK Government, hurry up. She took to wearing a badge, which she under the Prime Minister’s personal commitment, are designed herself, saying “I have got Alzheimer’s; please using the G8 summit to champion a more collaborative be patient with me”. She should not need to do that. approach to preventing, treating and curing dementia, Nowadays there is a scheme—I think it is called the but it is essential that the legacy of this summit goes purple angel scheme, and Joy is promoting it—so that further than the G8 and that the declaration and people can wear a purple angel on their T-shirts as a communiqué of the summit makes firm long-term means of raising awareness in every single part of our commitments to the doubling of research funding, to community. sharing best practice, and to delivering an international In Salford, we have worked on this agenda for a ongoing collaboration on defeating this devastating disease, number of years. We have just formed our dementia which affects so many people and their families. action alliance, with 30 organisations now committed to action plans to make us, I hope, the first dementia-friendly Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. community in Greater Manchester. As well as health, Several hon. Members have indicated that they wish to education and housing bodies, we have the Lowry arts speak, but we have only one hour remaining, so I shall centre and our shopping centres included in the scheme. impose a limit of six minutes on Back-Bench speeches. I think we have the first private-hire taxi firm in the country to be involved in this, Mainline Sevens taxis. It 3.59 pm has trained 400 drivers and has an account system so that people with dementia do not have to fiddle with Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): It is a great their money when they get in a taxi. All those groups pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Chatham and are now dementia aware. That shows the really practical Aylesford (Tracey Crouch), my colleague on the all-party things that can be done. group. It is also a great pleasure to see you in the Chair, Madam Deputy Speaker. This is my first opportunity On the research side, I am delighted to say that to contribute to a debate under your chairmanship, and tomorrow, Salford university will launch the Salford I would like to congratulate you on your election. Institute for Dementia, bringing together the faculty of While I am handing out congratulations, I would like health and social care with departments dealing with to congratulate the Prime Minister, too, on the personal the built environment, computers, IT, arts and media— commitment he has shown on dementia. [Interruption.] showing the multidisciplinary approach that will apply. Credit where it is due. Those who have the presidency of That group will draw together and disseminate research the G8 have an opportunity to name a subject around on living well with dementia. I think this is a fabulous which they would like to mobilise the international academic development. community. In playing his card at the G8, the Prime Minister has chosen dementia. I commend him for Mrs Moon: I cannot say how much I admire my right taking that action. I believe that international collaboration hon. Friend’s championing of this cause. When it comes will be the way to achieve the next big leap forward, to universities, there are examples of research that have particularly on the research agenda. I support what the focused on ideas for prevention. We heard yesterday Prime Minister said at Prime Minister’s questions from Professor A. David Smith from Oxford about the yesterday—that this issue is not a matter only for world vitamin B6 and B12 levels as a means of achieving this. leaders, important though they are; it is a matter for Currently, it is not possible within the health service to every single person in the community, whether they be a have a test of homocysteine levels that would help to world leader, a health Minister or an ordinary citizen. identify the problem. Could we not put that prevention Everybody has a role to play. in place; should we not be doing that now? I shall start with the people who have dementia, along with their families and their carers. When we Hazel Blears: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. promote policy, do collaboration or talk about international I was horrified to learn yesterday that only 0.1% of research, we must constantly remind ourselves that the research on dementia is spent on prevention. In every people with the disease and their carers and families are other area of public policy, such as education and social usually the most expert people in the system. Therefore, mobility, we are aware of the importance of investing in the services that we provide, the quality of care and the prevention, but in this area there is virtually no grant innovations we develop have to be shaped and guided support, and that must change. I understand that in by those people. We must empower them to make their Norway and Sweden, tests for dementia are the norm. voices heard in this debate. When we bring together our They are cheap once the investment has been made in creativity, our imagination and the huge brain power in the equipment, and the vitamin B12 research looks the research community, we must always bring to this extremely promising. I hope that when the Minister issue, too, our own humanity. We must remember that responds he will say that that is something that our own people with dementia are valuable and loved human national health service should take up. beings. If we can keep that at the forefront of our minds, we will make progress and be doing absolutely Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) the right thing. (Con): Is the right hon. Lady aware of the excellent During Question Time yesterday I mentioned a lady work that is being done in Plymouth, not just at the called Joy Watson. I met her a little while ago. She is university but, much more important, by the local authority only 55, but she has early-onset dementia. Her family and the Royal Navy at Devonport? They are taking a 503 G8 Summit on Dementia28 NOVEMBER 2013 G8 Summit on Dementia 504

[Oliver Colvile] perhaps, meet some of the people in Salford who are taking a whole systems approach that I think will prove lead by ensuring that all their employees are aware of helpful. the dementia issue, and that, if they need time off, they Let me end by saying that we owe a duty to every can have it in order to look after their relatives. single one of the people who have dementia or are caring for people with the condition. It is the worst Hazel Blears: I am delighted that the hon. Gentleman thing in the world to lose the person with whom you has mentioned Plymouth, because it is one of the once had a connection. We have an absolute duty to do pioneers in this area. Plymouth, Torquay, Bradford and whatever we can, here in the House and in our communities, other towns all over the country want to ensure that to give those people support and help. dementia is not something shocking that we do not know how to deal with, and that everyone is dementia- 3.59 pm friendly and aware. They are tackling the stigma, which is a huge issue. People do not like to talk about the fact Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): It is a pleasure that their families and friends are afflicted with this to follow the right hon. Member for Salford and Eccles disease. (Hazel Blears), who has spoken so well and done so much work on this subject along with her colleagues, The search for a cure is essential. No one wants to my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford have dementia, and everyone wants to be able to cure it. (Tracey Crouch) and the right hon. Member for Sutton However, at the G8 I want just as much importance and Cheam (Paul Burstow). All three major parties now to be ascribed to research on the quality of care. The have at least one significant dementia champion to raise Evington initiative, which is backed by a number of this important issue. I know that the Minister will enjoy business leaders including Terry Leahy—who used to responding to the debate, because he has covered a chair Tesco—and Sir Marc Bolland are putting their number of debates on the subject before. Much has weight behind that initiative. They are asking two questions. been said on dementia, and much action has been First, how can we change the system so that it is driven taken. The right hon. Lady was right to mention the by users and carers rather than simply by clinicians Prime Minister’s initiative and his championing of this and producers? Secondly, how can we establish a issue. Many people are suffering as a result of dementia, good, rigorous evidence base in relation to therapeutic not only those suffering directly from the disease, and interventions, quality and consistency of care and tackling there is still no cure, so it remains a significant challenge stigma, so that clinical commissioning groups can be for science and society. confident that the services they are commissioning actually work? I have just a few points to add to what has already been said. The Minister will recall that I led a debate I think that the research is very exciting, but we are recently in Westminster Hall on what was being done not likely to find a cure for 10, 15 or 20 years, and in the about dementia in Gloucestershire and on the ways in meantime 800,000 people are living with dementia. At which I believed we had adopted best practice. However, present, there is virtually no evidence base relating to a critical question is: do we really know what best the quality of care. “Singing for the brain” is fantastic, practice is? How do we measure the quality of what is but does it work, and if so, why does it work? Then being done in our local hospitals and care services? there are the arts, the drama, and all the memory work How do we measure the contribution of organisations that goes on. We need that rigorous evidence base, so such as the Barnwood Trust, a mental health charity that the commissioners can take the right packages off specialising in these conditions which we are lucky the shelf. enough to have in our area? As the right hon. Lady said, it would be useful if the Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) Minister could share his thoughts on a guide to best (Lab): Will my hon. Friend give way? practice, not only for commissioners—although I agree that that is important—but for MPs. Representatives of Hazel Blears: I am afraid that I do not have enough the Gloucestershire family of NHS services recently time. told me in a meeting that they had received an award for the care and services they provided for old people in We also need research on prevention. The Alzheimer’s general and for dementia sufferers in particular. That Society is working on a system that helps care home was terrific news—I am always delighted when people staff to reduce the use of anti-psychotic drugs by intervening win an award—but it would be useful to know what we in other ways to deal with people’s behaviour. That are doing best, and what is being done better in different system is being rolled out in 150 care homes, and has areas, so that we can have a nice, easy frame of reference. reduced the use of anti-psychotic drugs by 50%. It is People could then see whether their area offered a saving money, and it is making a huge difference. The four-star or a five-star dementia service, for example, G8 presents us with a fabulous opportunity to press for and we could assess how we might attain a higher further research. I do not want it to be a one-off: I hope standard if we did certain things differently. that there will be another summit of this kind next year. I also hope that work will continue between now and Debbie Abrahams: Is the hon. Gentleman suggesting the next summit. This issue is not going away—it will be that, in addition to building up the evidence base through with us for a long, long time—and it would be fabulous randomised controlled trials that establish a causal if we could secure that international collaboration. relationship between therapies and outcomes, some kind I invite the Minister to visit our university institute of action-based research would be appropriate? Such after we have launched it tomorrow, so that he can research could be carried out and interventions could observe the fabulous work that is being done there and, be offered and evaluated while providing the service at 505 G8 Summit on Dementia28 NOVEMBER 2013 G8 Summit on Dementia 506 the same time. It would be a case of learning as we went One of the most high-profile projects—the Prime along. Does he agree that we need different approaches Minister might like to bring it to the attention of G8 because of the scale of the issue that we are facing? colleagues—is the National Museums Liverpool House of Memories project, which now has a staggering Richard Graham: I think I agree with the hon. Lady. 1,000 participants. Since I spoke on the issue earlier in Different things need to be tried. Singing and music the year, the team, led by David Fleming, has developed were mentioned earlier. In my mother’s case, they were its innovative approach even further, branching out into the last things she was able to relate to and enjoy before the housing sector, in partnership with local registered Alzheimer’s closed over her. So I agree that different social landlords. In total, four north-west housing providers things are always worth trying, and that is where the have joined together to fund a re-modelled initiative charities can play a role as well. which has taken the House of Memories project—using My first question to the Minister is: could we have art, dance, music and creativity—to 600 homes. That is star ratings for dementia services and, if so, how would set to be further expanded next year. I am pleased to we identify and measure best practice? My second point report that the ambition of the House of Memories relates to how we are using the Prime Minister’s initiative team knows no bounds. Despite our year of dementia to get dementia on to the G8 summit agenda for the finishing in just a few short weeks, the team already first time. We should work with other countries on this. has an even more ambitious plan for 2014 to help A number of us have received briefings suggesting dementia patients. that the United States and France, among others, are I made it clear in January that I did not see any also doing great things in dementia research. Should we reason why the project running in Liverpool could not not all be able to share our findings? Perhaps we could be extended across every region of the UK, so it is have what is known as a global inter-operative data particularly pleasing to be informed that the Minister’s sharing base, so that all the work being done by Department has confirmed that £135,000 will be awarded organisations such as Alzheimer’s Research UK could to take the House of Memories project to the midlands be shared, rather than being duplicated. Effort could region in March next year, and I thank him for that. As then be spent on taking research forward, rather than if that were not enough, the team are even developing replicating it. an app for iPhones and iPads on behalf of, and working The aim of trying to join up what organisations with, dementia sufferers, which will also be launched around the world are doing is a key reason for the Prime next spring. Minister getting this topic on to the G8 summit agenda, The House of Memories is by no means the only and I hope that the result will be an international plan successful project operational in Liverpool, so I make involving more pooling of thinking, research and ideas. no apologies for bringing a number of other local I sense that science is beginning to feel more confident initiatives to the attention of the House. The unique about finding solutions to this ghastly disease, and if Sedgemoor specialist dementia support centre was opened the G8 summit can give an enormous turbo-boost to in Norris Green, on the border of my constituency, in pooling research and getting closer to finding solutions, May, at a cost of £1.2 million. The centre features a the actions of the Prime Minister and the Government high-tech, interactive 4D theatre, where people can will have been worth while, not only for the 800,000 people immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and even the in this country who have dementia today but for the smells of the past, through old videos, cinema footage, many millions who will suffer in the future. photographs, music and even relevant scents, which trigger reaction and stimulate conversation. 4.14 pm There have been more highlights of Liverpool’s year Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): In my of dementia. Everton in the Community, the community first speech in this House this year—I believe it was on arm of Everton football club, is performing reminiscence 10 January when we debated dementia and mental work with Mersey Care. My right hon. Friend the health—I discussed my mother’s case. The debate was Member for Salford and Eccles (Hazel Blears) mentioned filled with passionate contributions from Members across universities, and Liverpool Hope university is providing the House, although I was particularly moved by the a dementia centre of excellence, which is a physical personal accounts from my hon. Friends the Members location where members of the public, clinical services, for Bridgend (Mrs Moon) and for Oldham East and charities, businesses and third sector organisations get Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams). the chance to meet and share expertise. I also spoke of my pride that a decade after my I pay particular tribute to the React service in Liverpool, mother’s passing the city of Liverpool earmarked 2013 the personal care services, community support service as the year in which it would focus efforts on dementia and external day services. I also praise Age UK Liverpool, awareness and promote innovative approaches initiated Telecare, Livability and CEDAS for the work they do. by organisations in our city. Our work complements the Discussions are at an advanced stage to refresh the findings of the report from the G8 summit on dementia. city’s joint strategy for dementia and ensure that the Right across the Liverpool city region, our health care dementia alliance is developed and fully operational providers, arts organisations and academic institutions for 2014. have embraced a collaborative approach to increase I urge the Minister to spend time with me, if he is awareness of dementia, early diagnosis and patient-friendly going to Salford, to see first hand the differences that treatment, with the mission being to make dementia we are making on Merseyside. The G8 summit on everybody’s business. I stand in this House proud and dementia gives us the opportunity to push for more confident that Liverpool is well on its way towards research into a whole host of dementias, and highlights creating dementia-friendly environments in workplaces, the innovative approaches to tackle the condition—and public areas and communities. in that Liverpool leads the way. 507 G8 Summit on Dementia28 NOVEMBER 2013 G8 Summit on Dementia 508

4.20 pm As I have said, the number of people with dementia in 2050 will rise to 115 million, but the number of Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): It is a great people who will develop dementia worldwide between privilege to take part in this debate and to be presided now and then is estimated to be 600 million, which is over by you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for the first time. roughly one new case every four seconds. In the UK, the I congratulate the hon. Member for Chatham and Aylesford national dementia strategy, which, as we have heard, (Tracey Crouch) and the right hon. Member for Salford runs out next year, and the Prime Minister’s dementia and Eccles (Hazel Blears) on their tenacious pursuit of challenge, on which I had the privilege of working when these issues and on ensuring that we have had two I was care Minister, recognise the challenge posed by Back-Bench business debates on the subject in less than dementia, that dementia is not a normal part of ageing a year. That gives notice of the fact that this is an issue and that concerted action is required. about which the House and its Members feel passionately and to which they want more attention paid. The G8 summit requires a focus that is not just Last Thursday, I took part in a local dementia forum about the developed world’s research spend; it must in my constituency, which was organised by the Sutton also understand the impact of dementia elsewhere in Alzheimer’s Society. It brought together a range of the world. organisations to listen to and engage with people who are experiencing dementia—either as carers or as sufferers Oliver Colvile: Is my right hon. Friend aware of the who have the diagnosis and are living with its consequences. stigma of dementia in black and ethnic minority That was an incredibly powerful experience. At the communities? I recently took part in an inquiry in which heart of this issue is how we ensure that people have a it became apparent that that is an issue. good life and maintain good relationships, because dementia can rob them of that. We need to think about how we can ensure that people, whether they be a Paul Burstow: The hon. Gentleman’s point is spot on professional, a carer or someone who is working in and leads me on to my next point about an example of another part of the public or private services, understand research in India. It is estimated that in 2010 there were and are aware of the issues about dementia. We need to 3.7 million people with dementia in India, which will build a community that is more friendly towards those rise to more than 14 million by 2050. Approximately who suffer from dementia. Good communication is at half those people will be over 75 and almost 2 million the heart of that. The one message that all of us who will be over 90. There is a serious lack of awareness were speakers at the event got from both the carers and about the issues in low and middle-income countries, the people with dementia was to slow down. We were especially those in Africa. Almost three quarters of gabbling and talking at great pace, because we were people with dementia will live in those countries and trying to get across too much in too little time. With just that is why I want to ensure that the Minister, as he over three minutes left, I will not manage to achieve that feeds back into the process of preparing for the summit, requirement now. will make sure that such issues are on the table. I want to take a slightly different tack from the contributions we have heard so far and argue that the Hazel Blears: The hon. Gentleman is bringing a new G8 summit on dementia needs to address the impact perspective to the debate and he has made me think dementia will have on the development of low and about the commitments made on AIDS and HIV. We middle-income nations across the planet. As Dr Margaret need only think how ambitious the world was in tackling Chan, the director-general of the World Health HIV at a time when many of us thought that it was an Organisation, says: irresolvable problem. The promises on retroviral drugs “The need for long-term care for people with dementia strains were hugely ambitious and the progress we have made health and social care systems, and budgets. The catastrophic cost has been tremendous. Will he join me in urging the of care drives millions of households below the poverty line. The Minister and Prime Minister to be just as ambition on overwhelming number of people whose lives are altered by dementia, this agenda as we were on HIV/AIDS? combined with the staggering economic burden on families and nations, makes dementia a public health priority.” That is why having a G8 summit on it is correct. Paul Burstow: As a number of us have made clear, the global scale of the challenge is such that it requires We are living through an extraordinary time in human the galvanisation of a global response. The summit is a history. A revolution is taking place on this planet, unique opportunity to do that, but it must have the which is remaking societies, the state and so much that reach and ambition that the right hon. Lady is talking we have taken for granted. It is really a revolution in about. It could take as its model the successful work terms of human survival. We are living longer, which is that has been done so far on HIV. something that we should celebrate. It is a triumph of human ingenuity that is all too often portrayed as some Although epidemiologists often say that the figures sort of disaster. It is not a disaster, but something that I am citing are undercounted, the disease is none the we should celebrate. less regarded as the second-most burdensome chronic Let me put some numbers into my argument. In 2010 disease and, among all those with chronic non- it was estimated that, across the world, 35.6 million communicable diseases, accounts for almost 12% of people had Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. years lived with disability. That number will increase to 66 million by 2015 and to In most developing countries, the problem with dementia 115 million by 2050. The majority of that increase will is hidden. I have mentioned India, and the “Dementia not fall in the developed world; it will be in low and India Report 2010” was published by the Alzheimer’s middle-income countries where more than 70% of people and Related Disorders Society of India, helped partly with dementia will be living by 2050. by funding from the UK Alzheimer’s Society. It has 509 G8 Summit on Dementia28 NOVEMBER 2013 G8 Summit on Dementia 510 provided invaluable insight into the prevalence of the In Wales more than 45,000 people now have dementia, disease and ways in which India can respond to the and that figure is forecast to increase to almost 60,000 challenge. by 2021. Hon. Members may be interested to know that Let me ask the Minister a couple of questions. The in Wales only 38.5% have received formal diagnosis of first is about the research spend. The hon. Member for their condition. That is lower than in other parts of the Chatham and Aylesford asked about the ambition of UK, which is interesting. There is good work going on doubling that spend every five years, but it is not good within Wales. The Welsh Government published back enough for just our Government to do that. We need in 2011 the national dementia vision for Wales, setting other Governments to agree to the same thing at the G8 out their commitment to supporting research. The Welsh summit. We need to know how much is being spent in Government have also pledged to support research in the G8 on such things. There is no published figure—that dementia cause, cure and care. They offer funding is extraordinary—and when I tried to find a figure for opportunities to researchers who want to undertake the debate, I could not. We need a baseline to know research into dementia. whether we are making progress. In the light of my intervention on the Minister’s This country’s leadership on such issues will be in speech, what is he doing to ensure that knowledge is doubt if we do not hear soon that the Government disseminated well not only internationally but in Wales intend to have a new dementia strategy. I hope that the and England and other regions of the UK, that best Minister will be able to give us some indication of when practice is shared, and that research collaboration is that will take place. Finally, in having such an ambition streamlined properly? What is being done to co-ordinate on research, we need to learn from the journey that at a government level in different parts of the UK work cancer has gone on. Cancer research has for many years on dementia priorities? It would be a tragedy in times had ambition, reach and strategy. We have an Institute of stretched spending if there was duplication and a of Cancer Research and it is time this country had the waste of effort all the way from social care through to same for dementia. That could deliver such a big prize research and so on. Let us make sure that it is all lined for all our citizens. up in the right way. That is what the G8 summit can do on the international agenda as well. 4.29 pm Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): I am delighted Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): I understand to speak in this debate on behalf of many of my that around the world some $40 billion has been spent constituents from all areas who have asked me to attend, on dementia research, but all the drug trials have failed. listen and contribute. I will focus in particular on Wales The emphasis surely should be far more on prevention. and Wales and the G8, as well as on the importance of Professor Smith, who was mentioned earlier, maintains collaboration, but I want to thank the hon. Member for that Alzheimer’s could be cut by a quarter. If he is right Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch), my right hon. on that subject, that would mean massive savings on Friend the Member for Salford and Eccles (Hazel Blears), health care costs in Wales and across the rest of the the right hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul country. Burstow) and others, including my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram), not Huw Irranca-Davies: The hon. Gentleman makes a only for securing the debate but for championing the good point, which was also touched on by my right cause continually over a number of years. I also join hon. Friend the Member for Salford and Eccles. It is a them in praising the Prime Minister for putting this startling fact that 0.1% of funding goes into prevention. front and centre of the G8 summit. It is a worthy Surely there has to be greater emphasis on that, because ambition, but as the right hon. Member for Sutton and the outcomes of prevention are so beneficial. Cheam set out, doing so has raised aspirations over what will be delivered. I sometimes feel for the Minister I am sure that the Minister is aware of what is going because he repeatedly faces people saying that we must on in Wales. The Welsh Government’s National Institute do more on treatment, care, prevention and research on for Social Care and Health Research funds and manages many conditions, but putting dementia four square at the research activity in Wales. The total spend last year the head of the Government’s ambitions for the G8 was £75.7 million, of which £3.54 million was spent on summit shows that there is a level of desire for some real biomedical research project funding. Just over 15% of outcomes, not least of which should be long-term strategy the budget was awarded to researchers working on and the co-ordination of spending internationally to projects directly relevant to neurology research, including make the most of it and see what more can be put into mental health. The same organisation awarded the Wales the pot. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. dementias and neurodegenerative diseases research network Right hon. and hon. Members have mentioned the £743,000 over five years for its research. It is about ambition. My right hon. Friend the Member for Salford knowing what is going on not only in Wales and different and Eccles spoke about turning the spotlight on to parts of the UK, but internationally so that we can AIDS and HIV in the 1980s and 1990s, which really did co-ordinate and make the optimum use of regional, make an unprecedented step change because there was national and international spend on prevention, care, an international focus on treatment and care. Massive treatment and research. interventions were made in previous decades on cancer My final point—it is probably one for another debate—is treatment, and they had the same effect. There is a that we cannot divorce the strategic matters from the desire across the international community, especially operational ones, and that means looking at the huge given the opportunity provided by the G8, to have that stretch in social care. There are real and intense pressures same impetus. It is not simply an issue of spending; it is on social care, and not just on resourcing, but on an issue of real focus and relentless drive on everything staffing, staffing expertise and the necessary reform of from prevention to treatment, care and research. long-term social care funding. That is probably a subject 511 G8 Summit on Dementia28 NOVEMBER 2013 G8 Summit on Dementia 512

[Huw Irranca-Davies] Sarah Newton rose— for another day, but the reality is that there are pressures Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. on the ground affecting many people with different Hon. Members ought to note that if they wish to hear types of dementia and their families. There is real anxiety. what the Minister and the Opposition Front-Bench spokesman have to say about the debate, they should Hazel Blears: I appreciate that the debate is about the not take any further interventions. G8, but does my hon. Friend share my concern that the integrated transformation fund, the £3.8 billion that is Sarah Newton: I am a member of the Science and supposed to relieve some of those pressures, brings Technology Committee, and I am delighted that my together resources that are already being spent by local Chairman, the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and government and the NHS, so it is not actually new Neston (Andrew Miller), is here and has intervened. I funding? Perhaps the Minister will address that when he would like to draw the Minister’s attention to some responds to the debate. excellent work that our Committee has been doing this year. I think that some of the reports we have published Huw Irranca-Davies: I share that concern and hope will help him to prepare for the summit. We undertook that the Minister will turn his attention to it briefly. It is a very good investigation into clinical trials and also a major concern for the organisations and individuals produced a report called “Bridging the valley of death”. out there. Both reports highlighted a very significant issue facing In conclusion, I commend the Prime Minister for research, not only in the UK but globally. taking this initiative forward with the G8. It is a golden As Members will know, we have an absolutely world-class opportunity. Let us not miss it. Let us reach our ambition science base in our country. The main challenge facing and our aspiration. it is to overcome regulatory environments, many of which are international, to enable it to take its first-class 4.37 pm research across the valley of death and into the development Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): I, too, of ways of diagnosing dementia and therapies for treating congratulate the hon. Members who secured the debate it. It is very important to learn the lessons from our very on their relentless tenacity, because they always provide extensive inquiries to enable more of this research to be us with opportunities to talk about this incredibly important commercially developed in order to find its way into the issue. I do not think that it is an exaggeration to say that marketplace. it is one of the largest public health challenges facing the world in the 21st century. Andrew Miller: Does the hon. Lady agree that it Although I would love to take a few minutes to would be helpful if the Minister could revisit the celebrate the work I have seen in my constituency, with Government’s response to our inquiry on clinical trials, constituents responding so positively to the Prime Minister’s because we could then be a world leader and show real challenge to come together as a community of health leadership at the summit? professionals, voluntary sector organisations and businesses Sarah Newton: Only yesterday, we took evidence from to make it a very friendly place to live in, and to Professor Collinge from University College London celebrate many of the improvements in the local NHS and Professor Ironside from Edinburgh, who are leaders and care sector, I want to draw us back, because I will in the field of degenerative brain disease. They provided probably be the last Back-Bench Member to speak, to us with even more compelling evidence of the increasing the particular challenges and opportunities that the G8 difficulties of getting from the research stage to being summit presents. I will recap on the aims of the summit, able to secure enough commitment from the pharmaceutical because it is very much about the research. They are to industry and other bodies that fund research into developing identify and agree new international approaches to the science into diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. dementia research; to help break down barriers within They reported that the pharmaceutical industry, which and between companies, researchers and clinicians; and is a massive investor in research and its outcomes, is to secure the type of collaboration and co-operation getting far more risk-averse and, as a result, is putting that he been mentioned so far. many more burdens on to the research of scientists in I will focus on what more we can do on the science. universities—burdens that they are not really capable of The Government have committed to spending a lot taking on board. The G8’s focus on getting the companies more money, and we have heard about other countries and clinicians, as well as researchers, around the table to committing considerable sums of money to research, look at the pathways from the science into scaleable, but, as in so many other areas, it is about more than just commercialised solutions is vitally important. the money. It will be vital at the summit to listen to the expert evidence that will be considered from clinicians, It is important that we do this not only in our own the pharmaceutical industry and researchers and to country but internationally, because most of the regulations look at what the barriers are to better and more effective are international. Where there is not international use of the funds available for the prevention, diagnosis agreement, that in itself becomes a barrier to research and treatment of dementia. and its commercialisation. The work done at the G8 will enable there to be much larger markets, meaning Steve Rotheram: The hon. Lady is of course absolutely that very many more people will be helped and that right that the science is the most important part of this, money will flow into the research and make it more but, as I mentioned, there are also non-pharmaceutical widely available. interventions that are equally important to people who The transcripts from our findings yesterday will be are suffering until, I hope, we can find the cure that we available in a couple of days’ time. That should give the would all like to see. Minister a good opportunity to look at the evidence we 513 G8 Summit on Dementia28 NOVEMBER 2013 G8 Summit on Dementia 514 were given by those very eminent researchers, who are I want to focus my brief comments on the crucial undertaking research into prions, as well as looking matter of the quality of dementia care because, for my into developments on variant CJD, which is a form of constituents and for people in my family and my friends’ dementia, and how that links to other types of dementia families, the quality of care they receive, and the problems such as Alzheimer’s. We need that sort of joining up they have with it, represent the biggest challenge. People across the process to enable diagnostic and preventive with dementia and their family carers are clear about procedures, and therapies, to be developed. All the what makes good dementia care. They want joined-up various scientists— services and support so that they do not have to battle different parts of the system. They want care that is Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. The hon. Lady heard personalised to their individual needs. The vast majority me say that if Members wished to hear the Minister and of people with dementia want to stay living independently the Opposition Front-Bench spokesman there should in their own homes for as long as possible, and families be no further interventions. She took a further intervention want to help to look after their loved ones as long as and she will have to conclude very quickly. they get the right help and support. Sarah Newton: My last point is to urge the Minister Like many hon. Members, I have seen lots of inspiring to look to ensure at the G8 that the various scientists examples of people working to improve care for people and the various disciplines work together. with dementia: day centres that provide stimulating activities such as gardening, cooking, singing and music; 4.44 pm care homes that understand that they have to ask the families of people with severe dementia what kind of Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): I welcome you to care and support they need, because those people’s the Chair, Madam Deputy Speaker, as this is the first memory has been taken from them; hospitals that involve time I have spoken since you were elected. I also warmly families by asking them what food and activities their congratulate the hon. Member for Chatham and Aylesford relative wants and needs; and, crucially, higher education (Tracey Crouch), my right hon. Friend the Member for institutions such as the university of Worcester, which I Salford and Eccles (Hazel Blears) and the right hon. recently visited and is transforming staff training by Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow) on getting patients to interview people who want to be securing this really important debate. I am sorry that student nurses, and then to develop and actually give some Members have not had more of a chance to the course, because how can NHS and social care staff speak, because I know that they feel passionately about know what dementia patients really need if they have the subject. not been trained in the first place? Like other hon. Members, I welcome the G8 summit on dementia. It is important to be hosting the first Our loved ones will not get the quality of care we all summit dedicated to dementia when countries are facing want for them within a malnourished and depleted so many other issues. It is also right because the ageing social care system. In fact, I think that the growing population, which includes an increasing number of crisis in social care is the biggest threat to people people with dementia, is one of the biggest immediate suffering from dementia and the largest challenge we and long-term challenges facing both this country face. Council budgets have been under pressure for and the world. Dementia already affects more than many years, but almost £2 billion has been cut from 800,000 people in the UK and that figure is set to rise local authority budgets for older people’s social care to 2 million by 2050. It is estimated that more than since the Government came to power. Fewer people are 115 million people worldwide will be living with dementia getting the up-front care that they need to stay living at in 40 years’ time. home. Home care visits have been shortened to barely 15 minutes, which is not enough time to get a vulnerable Anyone whose family has experience of dementia will person with dementia up, washed, dressed and fed. know how devastating the condition can be. It is therefore right that the G8 summit and the Prime Minister’s Care workers do an incredibly important job, but dementia challenge seek to boost national and international they are struggling. They are not paid even the minimum efforts on clinical research. Developing effective drugs wage, let alone the living wage, and they are employed and treatments is essential if we are to offer hope to on zero-hours contracts. That is bad not just for people people that something can be done about this terrible with dementia, but for taxpayers, because if those with disease. dementia do not get the help and care they need so that If we are going to address the challenge of dementia, they can live at home, they end up in residential or we must face up to the equally important challenge of hospital care, which costs taxpayers more. improving the quality of dementia care. We need to I want to ask about the Government’s plans because ensure that we do not neglect research into the support it is important that we are clear about them. I am sure and services that aim to prevent the onset of dementia that the Minister will talk about their plan to integrate in the first place, which was something that many hon. services, but I want to echo a point made by my right Members spoke about. Although there is no certain hon. Friend the Member for Salford and Eccles. The way to prevent dementia, we know that a healthy lifestyle integration transformation fund is not new money, but can lower people’s risk of getting not only dementia, existing resources of £1.9 billion from clinical commission but lots of other diseases, when they get older. Eating groups, with the rest coming from existing local council well, exercising regularly and stopping smoking may budgets. I think that £3.8 billion is a really unambitious not grab the headlines in the same way as discovering a amount of funding in the context of a total NHS and new job, nor attract research funding from institutions social care budget of £120 billion. We need the far and companies, but ultimately they will be key to meeting bigger and bolder response of the full integration of the dementia challenge in the future. I hope that we will NHS and social care budgets if we are to meet the one day have a G8 summit on precisely those issues. challenge of our ageing population and dementia. 515 G8 Summit on Dementia28 NOVEMBER 2013 G8 Summit on Dementia 516

[Liz Kendall] emotional and practical burden. We cannot ignore the pressure on our health and care system. Incidentally, The G8 summit and the Prime Minister’s dementia the £3.8 billion fund that has been mentioned comes challenge are welcome—they build on the previous from both the health system and care systems. The Government’s approach—but the challenge needs to intention is to consolidate resources as effectively as focus on improving the quality of care and research into possible. Our approach represents a clear shift from prevention. I echo the important point made by hon. repair to prevention, and all hon. Members who spoke Members about the need for a commitment to renew recognised the importance of focusing on prevention. the previous Government’s national dementia challenge, The shadow Minister says that she wants more ambition. which expires at the end of next year, and the Prime When I met adult social care directors, I was struck by Minister’s dementia challenge, which ends in 2015. I how many were considering pooling the whole of their hope that the Minister will give such a commitment so budgets—[Interruption.] I do not know whether the that we can have the long-term strategy across all areas shadow Minister can hear what I am saying with the that we desperately need. hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) sitting by 4.52 pm her side, but my point is that there is a great deal of ambition out there. The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman Lamb): It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Madam Dementia is a major priority for the Government. Deputy Speaker, and I offer you my congratulations on The Prime Minister launched his challenge last year your election, as other hon. Members have. and he is now getting the G8 to focus on the condition. As part of our G8 presidency, the UK is hosting a I find myself in a bit of an invidious situation, summit on 11 December that will bring together health because it will be impossible for me to do justice to this and science Ministers, the OECD, the World Health very impressive debate in which hon. Members on both Organisation, expert researchers, pharmaceutical leaders sides of the House made impassioned and effective and representatives of civil society. speeches. However, I undertake to write to them to ensure that I pick up all their points. I congratulate the There are short, medium and long-term priorities for hon. Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch) dealing with dementia, and the first priority is to prevent on her excellent introduction to the debate, as well as on it, as hon. Members have said. The hon. Member for securing it in the first place. Richmond Park (Zac Goldsmith) intervened to make a point about the importance of understanding risk factors. I have a few scatter-gun points. I would be absolutely There is much more that we can do to prevent dementia delighted to go to Salford. I think that I am already in the first place, so gaining that understanding is committed to going to see the fantastic House of Memories critical. in Liverpool, so it would be good to spend time in Salford with the right hon. Member for Salford and The second priority is to delay the onset of symptoms Eccles (Hazel Blears) and in Liverpool with the hon. and to maintain cognitive function. The third is to Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram). I was improve care and support for people who are affected interested to hear about the Science and Technology by dementia and their carers. The hon. Member for Committee’s impressive work and conclusions, which I Chatham and Aylesford made that point strongly and clearly need to look at in more detail. spoke about the value of telecare in helping people to It is good to have real consensus in the House about remain independent. With first-class care and medical the challenge that we face and what we need to do. treatment, someone with dementia can still find purpose There has rightly been praise from both sides for the and pleasure in life, as can their loved ones, which is Prime Minister’s identification of dementia as something very important. that deserves his particular attention and as a matter Research and innovation are critical, so I am pleased for a summit this December during our presidency of that biopharmaceuticals and other industries will be the G8. The summit will elevate the whole issue to the represented at the G8 summit. We need to explore how global stage in just the right way. we can align our research priorities and stimulate innovation The right hon. Member for Salford and Eccles was in all sectors. By the end of the summit, I hope that we absolutely right to say that, in everything we do, people will have reached two agreements: a declaration that with dementia and their families ought to be absolutely demonstrates the extent of our shared commitment and first and foremost in our minds. It is critical to listen to a communiqué that outlines a plan for global action. them and to ensure that we act on their needs. We want to ensure that there is a legacy and that work continues beyond the summit. This must be the start, Someone around the world is diagnosed with dementia not the end. We are working with the WHO, the OECD every four seconds. More than 35 million people have it, and other partners to develop the plan. and as people live longer than ever, that number is set to double every 20 years. Some 58% of those people live in The summit is an enormous opportunity to pool global low and middle-income countries, and the proportion is resources and bring them to bear on the extraordinary projected to rise to 71% by 2050. My right hon. Friend challenge that we face. Together, I think that we can the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow) was make a real difference. absolutely right to identify the challenge in the developing world. The right hon. Member for Salford and Eccles 4.58 pm was right that dementia needs to be seen as something Tracey Crouch: We have had a fantastic debate, but that requires real ambition on the same scale as that on I would expect nothing less, given that this is the second HIV/AIDS. debate that we have had on dementia in the Chamber. Especially during the later stages of dementia, when Members’ contributions on the subject, which is important people’s behaviour can be challenging and extraordinarily to our constituents, are always incredibly passionate distressing for their loved ones, families face a huge and varied. 517 G8 Summit on Dementia 28 NOVEMBER 2013 518

The right hon. Member for Salford and Eccles (Hazel Mix 96 (Digital Radio Switchover) Blears) put it much better than I could by saying that we Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House must always remember that there is a person at the do now adjourn.—(Claire Perry.) centre of the debate. When we talk about global economic figures, we are talking about how we can best help somebody who is suffering from this debilitating, devastating 5pm disease and their family who are there to support them. Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): The Minister has heard the passion of the Members I am grateful, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to raise who spoke today. They have demonstrated how important the subject of what is in fact our local radio station, this issue is to our constituents, communities and society. Mix 96, and the digital switchover. As a Bucks Member They have also set out the economic factors. He should of Parliament it is good to have the opportunity to raise go back to his Department and think carefully about with a colleague such as you an issue that is not HS2, how the UK should take forward its dementia strategy, but concerns a successful local business that provides which is still not forthcoming beyond 2014. We must be news and information, supports local charities, promotes clear that being a global leader on this issue is about not local businesses, advertises job vacancies, and even lists only holding a G8 summit, but practising what we are school closures during the winter—oh, and before I forget, saying back at home. The Prime Minister has the support it also plays great music. of the House in taking this matter to the G8 summit and we all wish him well as he does so. Mix 96 approached me because it is concerned about the switchover. We all know that small local stations, Question put and agreed to. whether licensed by Ofcom as commercial or community Resolved, stations, lie at the heart of communities up and down That this House has considered the G8 summit on dementia. the country and hold a special place in the hearts of millions of consumers. However, local radio cannot stand apart from consumer trends. It is worth remembering that, although levels of music listening have never been greater, a large proportion of the listening done by those consumers who are most attractive to advertisers is not done through radio—whether BBC, commercial, analogue or digital— but is instead selected from thousands of people’s own MP3 tracks, or from an even bigger library ready to stream courtesy of programmes such as Spotify. There is no doubt that the market is changing, and although radio still plays a central role in that, and indeed remains the most personal of media, in some cases people are moving from analogue to digital—whether or not to digital audio broadcasting—to listening online or through smartphone apps. Understandably, that has left small local stations such as Mix 96 feeling worried.

Mr Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk) (Con): I am delighted that my right hon. Friend has secured this debate. Is she aware of the local radio station, KLFM, in my constituency that has been doing a phenomenal job? It is the local radio station to listen to across my constituency in factories and places of work. Does she agree that these changes should be consumer-led, and that there should be an independent analysis of the cost?

Mrs Gillan: My hon. Friend makes a pertinent point, and I will come to that later in my speech. I am glad to welcome the Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington) to the Front Bench. His constituency is within the footprint of Mix 96 and he is keen to support this debate. For a national station, the cost of broadcasting in DAB need not be very different from broadcasting in analogue. For a small local station, however, with a single FM transmitter, the cost of broadcasting on a local DAB multiplex with half a dozen transmitters could well be unaffordable, especially while it is still also paying to broadcast on FM. If small stations made that leap to DAB, they would invariably find that they were paying for coverage far greater than they had on FM, whether they wanted it or not. DAB is fundamentally 519 Mix 96 (Digital Radio Switchover)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mix 96 (Digital Radio Switchover) 520

[Mrs Gillan] opportunities presented by the debate. It is a shame that more of our colleagues cannot take advantage of it, the wrong platform for genuinely local radio stations but, sadly, such debates come at the end of the day in such as Mix 96, which is a hugely popular and commercially the House. The fact that it is taking place at drive time successful station. The geographical areas that DAB because we finish so early on a Thursday is a happy multiplexes cover are significantly greater—often two occurrence. to 10 times greater—than those areas covered by many local FM-operated stations. Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland West) (Lab): The right hon. Lady mentions drive time. Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): Sun FM in Sunderland, my local radio station, gives I would be grateful if I could join the queue to plug a out the best traffic and travel news. Local stations local radio station. Splash FM serves the Worthing part provide another service during bad weather: they let us of the coastal area, and the point my right hon. Friend know whether our schools will be open or closed. That has made about increasing geographical coverage would information will be unavailable from national radio mean that it would pay a lot of money to broadcast to stations. the sea, or perhaps to France. That is of no benefit to my constituents or local people who want the excellent Mrs Gillan: I agree entirely with the hon. Lady. We local news and entertainment that local radio stations are coming up to the winter months. That service is such as Splash FM provide. invaluable. As my right hon. Friend the Member for Mrs Gillan: I am glad my hon. Friend had the Aylesbury will attest, for parents taking children to opportunity to intervene, and I hope that several other schools in Buckinghamshire, knowing when schools are colleagues will do so because they feel so passionately open or closed is an essential service. about the issue. Sadly, I am old enough to remember Radio Caroline, when broadcasting to the sea was an Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con): I do not wish to important part of building the culture of listening to buck the trend. My local radio station, High Peak the radio. We take my hon. Friend’s point, however, Radio, is vital for such information, particularly as because from the perspective of Splash FM, that money winter approaches. We do not have a digital signal in would effectively be wasted. the High Peak—I could go on at great length about that As hon. Members know, the role played by local to the Minister. If people move to DAB, FM will be radio stations is a considerable one. As things stand, the forgotten. It will still be there, but people will have their Government are forcing many of them to change their radios on DAB and not flick back to FM to listen to editorial areas out of all recognition. It strikes me that their local station, and local stations will be starved out, forcing a breaking of that editorial link between the because radios do not have remote controls for channel local community and its radio station flies in the face of flicking like televisions do. the Government’s localism and big society agenda. Mrs Gillan: My hon. Friend makes a good point. The Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): I congratulate my Minister should take on board the fact that, so far, hon. Friend on introducing this important debate. As DAB has not been designed with small stations and she rightly says, independent radio stations such as Minster their communities in mind. FM play an important role in our local communities. We need that platform to allow local community radio Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): I am not stations to continue, because it must be about listener sure whether my right hon. Friend can pick up MKFM choice. in her part of Buckinghamshire. Despite its name, it broadcasts on DAB. It is an excellent local community Mrs Gillan: I agree entirely with my hon. Friend. station that aspires to broadcast on FM. I hope that the That an Adjournment debate at 5 o’clock on a Thursday Minister is able to give some clarity on the timetable for afternoon has attracted so many hon. Members, when, digital switchover, so that stations such as MKFM can to be fair, most of our colleagues will be in their cars plan for the future with certainty. listening to their radio stations, is a measure of how popular such stations are. Mrs Gillan: I was pleased that, early this year, the Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): My hon. Minister provided certainty to some small stations by Friend is making an excellent case. She is right that listing those that would be permitted to stay on FM. many of our colleagues would like to be here to contribute That removes any requirement for those stations to pay but cannot because they are driving to their constituencies. to broadcast on FM and DAB, but a cost-effective Does she agree that it would be great if the Minister digital solution for small stations still needs to be identified. could agree to meet a wider group of colleagues who Otherwise, the stations hon. Members have mentioned would like to stick up for stations such as— could face extinction, because advertisers might, at some point, believe that it is not worth paying to reach The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, those who continue to listen to FM stations. Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): Name your station! Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): I Sarah Newton: Pirate FM. congratulate my right hon. Friend on securing the debate. Given the size of my constituency, I have two local Mrs Gillan: The Minister’s sedentary intervention to radio stations to plug: The Bay covers Morecambe bay challenge my hon. Friend to name her station means and Radio Wave in Fleetwood covers the Fylde coast. that he is not entirely unaware of the commercial What happened to the Conservative principle of 521 Mix 96 (Digital Radio Switchover)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mix 96 (Digital Radio Switchover) 522 gradualism? Why this sudden move when, as I understand widespread problem and will respond with positive it, only 15% of radios are digital and the market has news for Splash FM, Minster FM, KLFM, Sun FM, gone down recently? Pirate FM, High Peak Radio, MKFM, The Bay, Radio Wave—I hope I have not missed anybody’s radio station— Mrs Gillan: We can always prove everything with and our very own Mix 96 and all their loyal listeners, statistics, but that statistic—that the rate of purchase of our constituents and all my colleagues who have come digital radios has decreased—was certainly put to me here today to represent similar views from around the and there is no doubt about that. At the same time, I country. I look forward to hearing what the Minister want to acknowledge how advanced the good companies has to say. are that provide digital technology services: I think that there are British components in 45% of digital broadcasting 5.14 pm devices around the world. However, the hon. Gentleman The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, is right. Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): I am grateful for Even while FM remains commercially viable, there is the chance to respond to my right hon. Friend the a worrying lack of certainty from Ofcom on how long Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan). It those stations’ analogue licences would last. It is widely is good to see you in the Chair, Mr Speaker, given your expected that the Minister will soon confirm—I have no strong interest in Mix 96, and as we are debating a idea whether he will—the switchover to digital radio, digital subject, I hope you will not take it amiss if I say but he needs to address seriously the concerns of our how brilliant your speech was yesterday to the Hansard local stations. Although they will not be required to Society in your approach to digital politics in the upgrade from FM to DAB, they need a cost-effective 21st century. I also welcome to the Front Bench the option to do so when the time is right for them. Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member A private company, with the blessing of Ofcom, ran a for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), who also represents Mix 96. recent trial on a proposed DAB solution for small Sadly, he must remain silent, but I suspect, were he able stations, but that did not provide a proven solution for to speak, he would echo many of the views of my right local broadcasters such as Mix 96. I hope, therefore, hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham. that the Minister is not going to rely on that example to I thank others who have contributed: my hon. Friend bolster his case. Perhaps he could encourage Ofcom to the Member for York Outer (Julian Sturdy),representing fund further trials as soon as possible, as I understand Minster FM; my hon. Friend the Member for North that there are frequency, software, regulatory and signal West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), representing KLFM; delivery issues that make the solution from that trial a my hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and poor and inadequate replacement. Shoreham (Tim Loughton), representing Splash FM; The Minister should ask Ofcom to provide small my hon. Friend the Member for Truro and Falmouth stations with greater certainty regarding the duration of (Sarah Newton), representing Pirate FM; the hon. Member their FM licences. If the Minister can assuage the for Washington and Sunderland West (Mrs Hodgson), concerns of small stations such as Mix 96 and say that representing Sun FM; my hon. Friend the Member for there will be a cost-effective place for them in radio’s High Peak (Andrew Bingham), representing High Peak digital future, he can provide the certainty on digital radio; my hon. Friend the Member for Milton Keynes radio switchover that the industry as a whole is looking South (Iain Stewart), representing MKFM; and my for. It is important that the transition to digital is, as my hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Eric Ollerenshaw), representing The Bay and Radio (Tim Loughton) said, consumer-led and carefully managed. Wave; and me, representing Jack FM. If it is mishandled by his Department, he will incur the I am delighted to be here talking about this subject. anger of consumers who will suddenly find that they Whenever we debate local newspapers, hon. Members will have to find hundreds of pounds to upgrade their get a chance to plug theirs, and I suspect that this car radios and household sets simply to listen to the debate will be played on local radio stations up and radio. down the land. I think, however, that my right hon. Two out of three radios purchased in the UK today Friend slightly missed a trick. I thought she was going are not DAB and less than 10% of vehicles have a DAB to suggest that we scrap High Speed 2 and spend all the radio. As 21% of radio listening happens in cars, and, as money on rolling out digital radio, but I am pleased— it stands, DAB is not available even on smartphones or Mrs Gillan rose— mobile phones in the UK, a lot of people would be affected by the plans as presently proposed. As it is, I Mr Vaizey: Wait, the joke’s coming. I am pleased that understand that the Minister receives more complaints I am not the Minister for HS2, because I found my right about DAB radio than anything else, while the existing hon. Friend’s argument on digital radio so persuasive FM radio transmission system achieves 99% UK population that were I that Minister, I would probably collapse in coverage and is both robust and cost effective. I understand the face of this Adjournment debate. that there is no proposed alternative use for the FM radio spectrum. There is, therefore, no digital dividend Mrs Gillan: I encourage the Minister for Europe, to be gained by the Government. I hope the Minister my right hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury will address that point. (Mr Lidington), not to remain silent on the subject of I want to make it clear that this is not about cancelling HS2, but to inform the Minister of our views in the digital programme for radio; it is about finding a Buckinghamshire about that particular project. solution that protects and accommodates our small Nevertheless, I thank my hon. Friend for his courtesy local radio stations. Many more points could be made, and for taking this matter very seriously, because these but I hope that the Minister now has the flavour of a radio stations are close to all our hearts. 523 Mix 96 (Digital Radio Switchover)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mix 96 (Digital Radio Switchover) 524

Mr Vaizey: And let me continue in that vein by Andrew Bingham: As chairman of the all-party group mentioning another silent hon. Friend, our Whip, who on commercial radio, I am greatly interested in this represents Spike FM. debate and to hear about digital radio being extended to all the good burghers of Europe, but I would like to Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): Spire FM. make a plea to have it in High Peak, which has very little in the way of a digital radio signal at all. Mr Vaizey: I am so sorry. Her writing is appalling, Mr Speaker. Mr Vaizey: That brings me neatly on to my next point. I am due to make a major speech about the Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): The future of digital radio in the middle of December, when Minister briefly mentioned local newspapers, and I I hope to address particular concerns about coverage. would like to add that KMFM, run by the Kent Messenger Let me repeat, however, that when it comes to the Group, is incredibly concerned about these proposals, timetable and the setting of dates, we have always been not least with its relationships with advertisers and clear that these will be led by the radio listener. There commercial interests being as difficult as they are. will be no switchover until the majority of listening is digital. It is clear that we are not there yet, and it will Mr Vaizey: The point is taken. certainly not happen within the time frame that concerns I take this issue very seriously, being a passionate my right hon. Friend. While good progress has been radio listener myself. We have 1 billion hours of radio made, with the number of adults with access to a DAB listening a week, and it was clear to me when I became digital radio up 10% year on year and places like Minister that people took their radio listening very London reaching 40%, we need to make more progress. seriously; they are passionate about it. The last Government Let me deal with what my right hon. Friend said left us with an intent to get to radio switchover, but no about Mix 96 and what other hon. Members have said plan to reach it. The key criterion was that digital about their own local commercial and community stations. radio’s share of the listening figures should be at least I am a huge fan of local commercial and community 50% before we set out the timetable for switchover. I radio. In fact, community radio was brought into being made it clear in my first speech on this subject as by the last Government; I think it has been a massive Minister that I would be led by the consumer, and that success story, as are independent local radio stations. is what I mean when I say I agree with the critique of Ofcom’s research shows that local radio still holds value digital radio by my right hon. Friend the Member for for listeners: it is important and valued. Although some Chesham and Amersham. I will do nothing on switchover measures have allowed greater networking between local unless I am bringing radio listeners with me. radio stations, we still require local programming both To get to a stage where we can consider switchover, at peak time and outside it. Mix 96 is part of the larger we have put together a digital radio action plan, ably led radio group. In fact, it is listed as one of the100 best by Digital Radio UK and its superb chief executive, companies to work for by The Sunday Times. Its concerns Ford Ennals, and his team, including, in particular, Jane are well known to us, and they come not just from Ostler and Laurence Harrison. Substantial progress has UKRD, but from UTV and others. been made. I note what my right hon. Friend said about As for securing a digital future for local commercial wanting not to scrap digital radio, but to support its and community stations, let me first make it clear that roll-out, while also securing a future for local radio we have never said that we require small stations to go stations. I will come to local radio in a moment, but first over to digital. We have always said that if and when I will update her on our progress. there is a switchover, we would maintain their presence We have taken local radio coverage, be it for local on FM. It is also true that FM can work in tandem with BBC stations or commercial stations, to about 72% and DAB, as AM has with FM for many years. Many of the national coverage—effectively BBC radio stations 1 to manufacturers of DAB radios have agreed a minimum 5—up to 94%, and this year we launched commercial specification, which includes FM. However, I take on radio digital services in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, board the point—I think it was made by my hon. roughly half of all new cars, which are vital to this, have Friend the Member for High Peak (Andrew Bingham), digital installed as standard, and in the last year almost who talked about remote-controlled radios—that even 900,000 cars sold had digital radio in them. where we have an FM-DAB station, switching between This is a good news story for the UK economy, too. FM and DAB can be complicated. We are going to see We account for about 50% of the global digital radio more sets that switch seamlessly as the FM and DAB market. That means real opportunities for British businesses buttons are pressed, but that does not mean that we do such as Roberts, Revo and Pure—in Kings Langley, not not have to look for a potential solution for local far from my right hon. Friend’s constituency. commercial radio to get on to DAB at a cost it can It is worth pointing out that we are not alone, and the afford. Minister for Europe will take an interest in what I have Mrs Hodgson: The Minister mentioned that about to say. Norway and Denmark have already set dates for 50% of new cars have DAB digital radios fitted as switchover—2017 and 2019 respectively—and there has standard. Is he aware, however, that the figure for cars been more progress following the launch of national currently on the road is only about 5%? Irrespective of digital services in Germany in 2011 and the Netherlands whether the facility for switching between DAB and this year, which has a target switchover date of 2023. FM happens, it would not help any of the cars currently Other European markets, including Italy, France, Poland, on the road. Sweden, Austria and the Czech Republic are also looking into it. Digital radio is now reaching the Asia Pacific Mr Vaizey: I totally understand the hon. Lady’s point. region, where Australia is taking a lead and DAB First, as the timetable moves towards full coverage of penetration has already reached 16%. digital radio, we will see what is known as the car park 525 Mix 96 (Digital Radio Switchover)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mix 96 (Digital Radio Switchover) 526 being refreshed over a number of years. It is also the who run local commercial stations are almost running a case that the ability to convert an FM radio in a car community service. I met a man who runs one of those with a digital converter is becoming much easier and stations in Manchester, and he said that he found it cheaper. Technology will have a solution, but I take her tough going. I recently visited a community radio station point. in Swindon, which is supported by hundreds of volunteers Let me say something about the business of transferring and which makes a huge and vital contribution to the community and local commercial radio to DAB. I said community there. I give equal weight to community to my officials, and to Ofcom, that I wanted to find a radio and local commercial radio in my search for a cost-effective route to digital broadcasting for our local solution.The key is the FM antenna, which those radio stations. Ofcom has made progress—to which my right stations will have because they broadcast on FM, along hon. Friend alluded, although she rightly pointed out with the ability to use software to convert it to a digital that this was an early initiative and that more work antenna. needed to be done. It has developed a new approach to I have taken the debate at a gallop because I was not small-scale, low-power digital transmission, using open- sure whether I would have enough time both to get my source software which makes it possible to get on to the jokes in and to respond to the points made by my right local multiplex using an existing FM antenna. That hon. Friend. Let me now take up the offer from my hon. approach was developed initially by Rashid Mustapha, Friend the Member for Truro and Falmouth. If the an engineer working at Ofcom, and it must be a brilliant meeting that she proposes will be as good-natured and solution, because I do not normally have an opportunity well informed as this debate, I relish the prospect. We to name people who work at Ofcom during a debate. It might even find time to meet—along with Members in has been tested in Brighton with the support of Daniel all parts of the House, I should add—on a Friday, when Nathan of Juice FM. The initial results are promising, the House is debating European matters. and I hope that smaller stations that are enthusiastic I am a fan of digital radio, and I think that it is the about digital will get behind the work. future, but my criteria have always been about coverage. We want digital radio to have the same coverage as FM. Mrs Gillan: As the Minister knows, we now use new This is about the consumer, otherwise known as the technology even in the Chamber. I have just received a radio listener. I want to bring the listeners with us, so tweet which says: that they will effectively have converted themselves to “Please mention community radio who have no chance of digital radio. That means cheap digital radios, which affording digital transmission costs…never mind the listener.” are now on the market. It means cheap car conversions, Perhaps the Minister could take up that point. which are becoming cheaper all the time. It means digital radios being fitted as standard in new cars. It Mr Vaizey: This is almost unheard of, but I have left means good content, like that of Radio 6 Music, the my mobile phone in my office, so I have not been able to first digital radio station to reach more than 1 million keep up with those who have been tweeting on the listeners. Those are our criteria. debate. However, I advise the tweeter who tweeted to We will not be pushed into a switchover date; we will use a piece of old technology called the ear to listen to not get ahead of the radio listener; and we will continue whatIhavetosay. to listen to well-informed, passionate colleagues such as I have already mentioned community radio about my right hon. Friend, to whom I am grateful for calling eight times today. I have said again and again that I am this excellent debate. a fan of both community and local independent commercial Question put and agreed to. radio. It is incredibly difficult to run a successful local independent radio station. The people who run them 5.29 pm are not rolling in money, or printing money; even those House adjourned.

139WH 28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mental Health (Police Procedures) 140WH

and she is lousy at keeping appointments. She does not Westminster Hall drink alcohol, except when she is in mental health crisis, and when she does, she turns into a violent and abusive Thursday 28 November 2013 person. Local mental health services concede that she needs a specialist placement, but they cannot find one. In the past five years, police have been called to 130 incidents [MR GRAHAM BRADY in the Chair] and attended court to give evidence for 81 offences, resulting in 18 terms of imprisonment. The gaps between her prison sentences are becoming briefer—days, not BACKBENCH BUSINESS weeks—and her self-harming and suicide attempts are escalating. The cost to that young girl, her family, the Mental Health (Police Procedures) police, the courts, the probation service and the Prison Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting Service is huge. I am told that it approaches £1 million, be now adjourned.—(Anne Milton.) all for one young girl. When the Minister sums up, I hope he will address 1.30 pm this critical question: how much longer will we expect our police services to process vulnerable people through Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): I look forward the criminal justice system due to mental health, to this debate under your excellent chairmanship, Mr Brady. underfunding and failures? I thank the Backbench Business Committee for finding the time for this debate on a most important subject and Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I congratulate my I am pleased to see the interest shown by the turnout hon. Friend, the hon. Member for Halesowen and here today. Rowley Regis (James Morris) and the right hon. Member The poor quality of life and of the services available for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow) on securing this to people struggling to live with mental ill health has debate. My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that, as been the subject of previous debates in the House. This a result of the work done by her and others, the Select debate relates to police involvement with people with Committee on Home Affairs will be looking into this mental ill health, particularly during times of mental issue, with a possible report next summer. health crisis. Mental health crisis, as defined by the Will my hon. Friend comment on the study by Royal College of Psychiatrists, is Nottingham university, published in May this year, “when the mind is at melting point”. which shows that 56% of custody officers suffer from It may involve an immediate risk of self-harm or suicide, depression and anxiety? It is not just the victims of extreme anxiety, panic attacks or a psychotic episode. crime, but the officers themselves. Is it not right that the How we treat the most vulnerable in society lies at the new College of Policing should carefully consider the heart of our values. We made a decision not to hide issue of training? away the sick and disabled, as we had hidden them away in the past in asylums and institutions, but we still have Mrs Moon: As always, my right hon. Friend makes a long way to go in granting them equal status in society excellent information available to the House. I am delighted and equal access to justice. to hear of the study to be made next year by his The Mind report “At risk, yet dismissed” shows that Committee, which is highly regarded across the House. those who suffer from mental ill health are three times He is right to focus on mental ill health among police. It more likely to be victims of crime. Shockingly, 50% of is little surprise, given the amount and range of incidents people with some form of mental ill health have experienced with which we require them to deal. That is why we a crime in the past year, and severely ill women with must ensure that the police are called to attend only mental ill health are 10 times more likely to have been incidents that they can deal with and that they have the assaulted. Crimes are less likely to be reported and skills and capability to manage, so they do not go home prosecuted, because people with mental ill health fear at the end of their shift feeling guilty and bereft about being dismissed or disbelieved. Sadly, the evidence shows an incident that they may perceive they dealt with badly. that more often than not they are. How does the Minister My right hon. Friend made a most helpful intervention, plan to improve police understanding of mental ill and I thank him. health and ensure more accurate recording of such The Centre for Mental Health states that police are crimes, and will he give a commitment to greater the first point of contact for a person in mental health investigation and prosecution for such offences? crisis and that up to 15% of police incidents have a Another reason for not reporting is fear of police mental health dimension. Other people have told me powers in relation to mental ill health. Too often, between that mental health interventions occupy up to 30% of 5 pm and 9 am during the week, at weekends and on police time. The Royal College of Psychiatrists recognises bank holidays, police officers are the only first responders that in some areas police cells are the routine place of available in a mental health crisis, despite the fact that safety, under section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983, they lack the medical knowledge, skills and training to when a mental health crisis requires urgent assessment resolve and manage the crisis. They respond not because and management. Many of those detained come from there is a real and immediate threat to members of the socially deprived backgrounds, and some black and public, but because mental health services are understaffed, minority ethnic groups are over-represented. under-resourced and overstretched, and lack facilities. The Royal College reports considerable geographic For example, Miss P, who is 23 and a size 8, is a sweet, variation in the use of police cells. During 2012-13, five loving young girl who has suffered mental ill health for police areas recorded more than 500 uses of police-based most of her life. She finds it difficult to build relationships section 136 places of safety, while four areas recorded 141WH Mental Health (Police Procedures)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mental Health (Police Procedures) 142WH

[Mrs Moon] Places of safety in bridewells remove police staff from the front line, as they supervise and monitor 10 or fewer uses, and one had zero. The difference was vulnerable, at-risk individuals and arrange mental health that the latter areas had better health-based services assessments. The Health and Social Care Information and facilities. Will the Minister undertake to talk with Centre found that, even where a place of safety was the Department of Health about the urgent need for health based, in 74% of cases transportation was provided commissioning boards to provide an adequate number by police, not the ambulance service. The police were of staffed health-based places of safety in every part of providing an ambulance/taxi service. the country? At present, 36% of all places of safety More than 40,500 patients absconded from mental under section 136 are thought to involve police custody. health units in the past five years. Again, police officers In 2011-12, an estimated 8,000 to 11,000 orders were are expected to find and return these individuals, even made, with 347 involving under-18s. Will the Minister when they pose no risk to wider society. Then there are ensure that accurate figures on how often and in what calls to respond to understaffed mental health units circumstances police officers are called to deal with where a patient’s behaviour is deemed to be unmanageable. mental health crises are available, so that we can get a These are not tasks for police officers. To quote the clear picture of the problem? Police Federation: People held by police under section 136 are, as I have “Police officers should not be called to mental health premises said, the most acutely vulnerable. One study found that to assist in the restraint of aggressive/violent patients. Mental in 81% of cases involving police-based places of safety, health professionals are trained in the control and restraint of the person was self-harming or suicidal. The Independent mentally ill patients and have powers to sedate them, whereas Police Complaints Commission found that 35% of deaths police officers are trained to subdue, restrain and arrest violent in police custody involve people with mental ill health. people.” Alarming reports from Inquest show that a number of Inquest, Mind and others have highlighted the risks of those deaths are linked to police restraint techniques, police restraint, as opposed to mental health restraint and that 65 people took their lives within two days of techniques. I welcome the Royal College of Nursing leaving a police place of safety. Between 20% and study into restraint techniques. I also welcome the nine 30% of people held on section 136 detentions in police pilot street triage schemes operating across the 43 police cells were subsequently sectioned. forces where mental health nurses are either available The impact on time and costs associated with police with police officers responding or available to consult. engagement in mental ill health has never been calculated The schemes are making a huge difference, but we accurately, but it is clear that, in a variety of ways, cannot wait until 2015 for them to be assessed and health service costs are being passed to the police services. reviewed before we put them in place across the public It is common for police officers taking people in mental sphere. health crisis to accident and emergency or medical-based We need suitably staffed hospital places of safety in places of safety for an assessment to be told, “There’s all areas, catering for all age groups and available 24 hours no bed available”, “The person is too drunk”, “They a day, so that police stations are used only in exceptional are under the influence of drugs”, “They are aggressive”, circumstances. We also need section 136 to be used less “They are a child”, or, “They have a learning disability”, by better, improved mental health services generally— all of which condemn that person in crisis to a night in however, I want to focus on removing the police from police custody. How much longer can we allow these the equation. We need accurate data—a point I have informal exclusion criteria around drugs, alcohol, already raised with the Minister—on the use of section aggression, children and learning disabilities to continue? 136 in the police service. The report from the independent commission on mental health and policing states: Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): My hon. Friend “We need to ensure the culture within policing is one that is making all the points that are in my notes—although recognises their role in supporting people in crisis and their I was intending not to speak in the debate, but merely to responsibilities under the Mental Health Act.” intervene. That is exactly what local police officers have There needs to be a higher level of training and awareness said to me. They feel uncomfortable about the police for police officers. The online training that is currently having to perform that role and becoming the place of available is just not good enough. Some forces have safety of last resort. Several parents of adult sons who teamed up with community groups, local health trusts can be difficult and dangerous have come to me. They and universities, working with mental health patients, are reluctant to call for help when they feel that they are to improve their operation. Best practice from these under threat or that their son may threaten other people, groups needs to be shared and expanded. because they do not want them to be in the police system—they do not want to criminalise them— The Association of Chief Police Officers lead on but they know that there is nowhere else they can refer mental health says: them to. “There should be a reduction from 72 to 24 hour detention time…for a” Mrs Moon: I thank my hon. Friend for her intervention. section 136 She makes an excellent case for ensuring that crisis “assessment to take place when a police place of safety is utilised… intervention teams are available with the skills and 72 hours should remain for health based” capability to understand and manage mental health problems. These are not the skills that we provide our assessment. The 24-hour period would police officers with; this is the skills base that we provide “reflect the detention time limits in the Police and Criminal our mental health nursing professionals with, which is Evidence Act 1984…To support this, a statutory time limit for why specialist crisis teams in mental health services assessments to be undertaken by all health professionals” must be expanded and made generally available. for those 143WH Mental Health (Police Procedures)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mental Health (Police Procedures) 144WH

“in police custody should be put in place. The Pace clock should 1.49 pm be stopped for 4 hours while assessments are carried out where there are criminal offences to be faced”, James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): It is a great pleasure to speak in this important debate so that police are not restricted in the time that they under your chairmanship, Mr Brady. have to cross-examine someone. I am confident that I reflect the feeling in this Chamber and the wider House I thank the Backbench Business Committee, the hon. today. No one would be turned away from an A and E Member for Bridgend (Mrs Moon) and my right hon. department if they had had a stroke, broken a limb, if Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow). they had had alcohol or were aggressive. We cannot let The three of us came together to secure this debate. I mental health services operate to different criteria. also speak in my capacity as chairman of the all-party group on mental health. I want briefly to focus on what is a growing area. We As the hon. Member for Bridgend said, the police are need to be sure that we have clear guidance and responses often on the front line in dealing with people who are in place for the 800,000 people in the UK diagnosed suffering a mental health crisis. As she mentioned, it is with dementia. A 91-year-old man suffering with psychotic estimated that up to 40% of police activity is related to dementia was living at home with the support of his mental health issues. In my region of the west midlands, family and the mental health team. One evening, a West Midlands police estimates that 20% of all incidents neighbour called the family to say he was wandering the that it deals with involve individuals with mental health street looking for his wife, who had died six years problems. previously. His son went immediately to his father and at around 9 pm called the out-of-hours health service Police officers are often asked to deal with complex for advice. The doctor took the details and asked whether and challenging situations on the ground. As the hon. the son wanted to bring his father to the hospital or Lady pointed out, they have specific powers under whether he wanted the doctor to visit the house, but the section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983, and it might son said, “No, it’s okay. I’m on top of things. Dad’s be worth dwelling on that section’s specific wording: okay. I’ve given him a cup of tea and he’s heading for “If a constable finds in a place to which the public have access bed.” By 11.30 pm the gentleman was in bed, fast asleep a person who appears to him to be suffering from mental disorder and his son went home. and to be in immediate need of care or control, the constable may, if he thinks it necessary to do so in the interests of that person or At 2.30 am, the family had another call from the for the protection of other persons, remove that person to a place neighbour, saying, “The police are breaking into your of safety within the meaning of section 135 above.” dad’s house.” Why? Because the out-of-hours doctor The latest figures show that some 21,814 people were decided to watch his back and had sent an ambulance, detained using section 136 powers last year. As the but it did not arrive till three hours after he called it. Royal College of Psychiatrists has pointed out—the The man was fast asleep and the ambulance crew felt hon. Lady mentioned this—far too many of those they had to get a response, so they called out the police. individuals are still detained in police custody suites. The police climbed on to the ledge over the front door, The Royal College of Psychiatrists talks about 36% of looked in and saw the man in bed, fast asleep and said, those people being detained in police cells, which are “He’s fast asleep”. The ambulance crew said, “No, we essentially a proxy for a health care place of safety. must see him.” The police broke in, terrifying the man, There were 15 deaths in police custody last year, of who was greatly distressed—as can be imagined—so which seven could be attributed to, or were related to, they took him to A and E, because they could not specific mental health concerns. A number of the deaths handle the situation. That is an appalling situation. The followed the use of the police’s section 136 powers. A family tried ringing the ambulance service and the number of the deaths are currently being investigated. police, saying, “Leave him alone. He’s fine,” but they Section 136 is part of the 1983 Act, which built on the carried on. He was highly distressed when he got to the Mental Health Act 1959. In 1959, there were still a hospital, and thought he had done something wrong considerable number of asylums in Britain; the whole and felt that he was the criminal. This was an appalling complexion of our approach to mental health care was case. completely different from today’s. Thankfully, we do not There are good ideas and good practice for when have asylums and we are making huge efforts to treat people are missing, for example, or have wandered, people in appropriate settings and in the community. including using taxi drivers, Citizens Advice and The reason for section 136 is essentially to give the neighbourhood watch to look out for individuals. Police police powers when someone has absconded from an officers need clear guidance on how not to exacerbate a asylum-based setting. There is a strong argument, which situation by going in, in uniform, and frightening people I put to the Minister, that we should consider reviewing who are wandering. the section 136 power in the context of how we approach We have lost 15,000 police officers in the last three the treatment of crisis care in mental-health settings in years. The police must prioritise tackling crime, ensuring the 21st century. I am not saying that the police should public safety and upholding the law. It is not the task of not have the power, in certain circumstances, to detain police services to fill gaps in an overstretched mental people, but we should have a full review of how that health service. We need to consider how to respond to power is used. the most vulnerable in society. The police must build The relationship raises a number of important issues, their partnerships with agencies and organisations best not just about how the police are using the power but equipped to provide appropriate help and support. I about how they interact with the health service when look forward to colleagues’ contributions to the debate, dealing with people detained under section 136. As to the Minister’s and the shadow Minister’s responses, the hon. Lady said, we should work towards ensuring and to improved quality of services for those in mental that places of safety are located in appropriate health health crisis. care settings. 145WH Mental Health (Police Procedures)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mental Health (Police Procedures) 146WH

[James Morris] There is a broader point on our approach to mental health crisis care in general. This is ongoing work about As the hon. Lady also said, we must ensure that the which many Members are concerned, but we must police have adequate training to deal with the often ensure that there is better integration between the health difficult and challenging situations that they face. However service, the police and local crisis care teams, often with we reform the system, there will always be circumstances the involvement of social services. I understand that the in which the police have to deal with people suffering Government are working on a crisis care concordat, from severe mental anguish and difficulty. The police which will outline the roles and responsibilities of all need the appropriate intensive training necessary to agencies in relation to crisis care. One way of reducing deal with such difficult and challenging circumstances, the police’s use of section 136 is to ensure that we have a but it is also true that other agencies and public bodies, coherent and integrated approach to dealing with mental such as the national health service and the ambulance health crisis care in Britain. We need to tackle the service, have a responsibility to work with the police. We problem head on. The Royal College of Psychiatrists must ensure that all those agencies are working in has said that we alignment. “need to focus on reducing the need for section 136 by ensuring In the west midlands, for example, West Midlands that patients, their families have ready access to appropriate and police has developed a good working relationship with timely crisis care.” the West Midlands ambulance service such that, when I want to dwell for a moment on the role of police West Midlands police is dealing with people suffering and crime commissioners. Although they have come in from severe mental issues under section 136, an ambulance, for some criticism, some incredibly good work has been rather than a police car, should take that person to a done on this issue by PCCs over the past few months. In place of safety, thereby not creating the context of Staffordshire, the PCC has been able to take a strategic criminalisation. There is a good working relationship in view of the relationship between the police and local my area, but I know there are many examples across the health services and has put in place processes to start country of where that is not the case and of where there tackling the problems. are barriers that prevent such important co-ordinated working, which supports people who are suffering from We need suitably staffed hospital-based places of severe mental health crisis. safety. That is an absolutely critical and crucial part of Michael Brown is a particularly interesting police the picture. A police station should be used in exceptional inspector in the west midlands; he tweets under the circumstances only.I ask the Minister to consider reviewing name MentalHealthCop. He has been writing on his the section 136 powers and updating the definition of award-winning blog about some of the police’s difficulties an appropriate place of safety, which is set out in the when interacting with the national health service and 1983 Act. about some of the blockages in the system. As the hon. I want to mention a particular case that is tangentially Lady pointed out, one of those difficulties is often the related to today’s debate and illustrates the importance reluctance of local NHS staff, particularly in A and E, of all agencies—police, probation, social services and to play a role in the section 136 pathway, if I may use prisons—in dealing with mental health. Members may that phrase. Staff are reluctant to take responsibility, remember the tragic case of Christina Edkins, who was and there are often confused lines of responsibility brutally killed on her way to school from Birmingham between the police and the NHS about who will take to Halesowen earlier this year. It was a particularly responsibility for the care of an individual. tragic and brutal killing, which shocked the whole The hon. Lady alluded to the assumption in certain community in my constituency. parts of the NHS that the most clinically complex It turns out that the killer, Phillip Simelane, who had patients, who are often suffering from a mental health been in prison several times and had a history of disturbed problem related to the overuse of drugs and alcohol, and violent behaviour, had been given a psychiatric should somehow be left in a police cell until they sober assessment in prison. That assessment had raised some up or recover. That situation is not acceptable in any serious issues about his mental condition, but, following circumstances—no one suffering from a complex mental a breakdown in the process, when Simelane was released health condition should normally be placed in police from prison he somehow got lost in the system. The cells. relationship between mental health services—I think it Police cells are simply not the right environment for was the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS such people to end up in. I am not saying that there are Foundation Trust—police, probation and social services no circumstances in which such a person should be held was not close enough and Simelane was lost to the in police cells—there may be particular circumstances system. That loss resulted in an absolute tragedy for a in which they should—but we should move to a situation totally innocent young girl on her way to school. in which we do not, in a civilised and compassionate society, house people in police cells when they are I raise that case in the context of this debate only suffering some of the most desperate moments in because the importance of all those who deal with their life. people with severe mental heath issues can be seen in the story. The consequences of failure can be devastating Like the hon. Lady, I welcome the street triage pilots for individuals and families. Each agency has an absolute that the Government have been running across the responsibility to ensure that we avoid such tragedies, country. Police and community psychiatric nurses are which can have a devastating impact on communities. working together to resolve issues on the ground, and I look forward to the Minister’s view on how those pilots have been working and when we can expect a coherent Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) evaluation of their success. We need to move quickly to (Con): Does my hon. Friend recognise that this is about roll out those pilots across the country. not only the police and the national health service, but 147WH Mental Health (Police Procedures)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mental Health (Police Procedures) 148WH the courts? Better training must be available to the numbers we lock up in police cells must be among the courts, so that they are better able to deal with such starkest measures of progress. Today’s debate is about issues. the role of the police service in addressing the needs of people with mental health problems. The police cannot James Morris: My hon. Friend makes a good point. completely be removed from the equation and do have a Mental health training and awareness need to exist role to play. throughout the criminal justice system, because, although One in four of us will experience a mental health I am not going to discuss this in my speech, I think that problem at any one time. We are talking about something victims of crime have disproportionate levels of mental commonplace, but often hidden in plain sight in our health problems and other issues. society. That is why Victor Adebowale, in his report for In a compassionate and civilised society, we owe it to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Bernard the most vulnerable and those suffering from acute Hogan-Howe, was right to say that mental health issues mental distress, anguish and confusion, who get picked are a part of the core business of policing. The current up by the police and are subject to section 136, to treat situation is not properly serving that purpose. them with the dignity they deserve at a time when they The issue is not peripheral. Rates of mental health may be experiencing some of the most difficult situations conditions among offenders range from 50% to 90%. of their lives. It is incumbent on the police, mental There is no escaping the fact that the police, often as health services, social workers and the Government to first responders, are and will continue to deal with be responsible for ensuring that we achieve that goal of people suffering from mental health problems. In London, health-based places of safety where people can be treated according to estimates by the mental health unit of the in a compassionate and civilised way and can get back Metropolitan police, 15% to 25% of police activity is on a path to recovery. It is incumbent on us all to work related to mental health issues. Some estimates put the together, both in government and in local communities, level much higher—40% has been cited in the debate to ensure that that happens. already. Either way, that amounts, in London alone, to more than 600,000 calls a year related to mental health Several hon. Members rose— difficulties. It is important to stress that people with mental Mr Graham Brady (in the Chair): Order. I want to health problems are much more likely to be the victims, move to the winding-up speeches at about 25 minutes rather than the perpetrators, of crime. That fact all too to 3. I am not putting a time limit on speeches, but I am often gets glossed over in how our media report such flagging that up. things. The impact of crime on people with mental health problems can be far more profound, with deeper 2.6 pm consequences, than for those with greater resilience. That is often not reflected fairly or appropriately in how Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): I will keep such matters are reported. that in mind, Mr Brady. I thank the Backbench Business In October, Victim Support and the mental health Committee for enabling us to have this debate and for charity Mind published their study of the victimisation rescheduling it so quickly. I congratulate both the hon. of people with mental health problems—“At risk, yet Member for Bridgend (Mrs Moon) on starting the dismissed”—and it challenges many of the popular debate and setting out many of the issues so well and misconceptions. Some of the facts from that report have my hon. Friend the Member for Halesowen and Rowley already been referred to, but the ones that stand out for Regis (James Morris) on outlining so much of the me are the facts that women with severe mental illness important ground in this area. are 10 times more likely to be assaulted and that almost My hon. Friend referred to the blogger Michael half of people suffering from a severe mental illness Brown, who tweets under the name MentalHealthCop were victims of a crime in the past year. The impact of and rightly won the Mind digital media award last year. such crimes on the victim is huge. He probably deserved to win it again this year as he As the Chair of the Select Committee on Home continues through his blog to inform and educate not Affairs, the right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith only the public, but many of his fellow officers. More Vaz), pointed out in his intervention on the hon. Member power to his elbow for that. for Bridgend, it is also right to recognise that the police When I was preparing for this debate, the stand-out themselves are in a stressful occupation, which is often fact that jarred with me was that 36% of all people distressing and a cause of real difficulties for them. subject to place-of-safety orders find themselves in a Estimates suggest that in London alone the mental police cell rather than a hospital. On the most recent illness costs to the Metropolitan Police Service are figures, that is 7,761 place-of-safety orders. According equivalent to £1,000 per employee—a huge, unmanaged to Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary, the average cost. length of stay in a police cell is over 10 hours and The nature and role of police work, however, also 32 minutes —more than 10 hours! require the police to be in control and psychologically Such people have not committed any crime, but have robust. All police services, and the MPS especially, are been judged under section 136 of the Mental Health therefore in a unique situation, in which the mental Act 1983. They are not criminals; they are experiencing health and well-being of staff require particular attention. a mental health emergency and are being let down by a The statistic we were given earlier—the 56% of staff health service that institutionally discriminates against working in custody suites who are themselves reporting those with mental health problems. There are many anxiety and depression—is a stark reminder that our ways of measuring whether we have achieved parity of debate is not only about them out there, but about all of esteem between physical and mental health, and the us experiencing mental health problems in our lives. 149WH Mental Health (Police Procedures)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mental Health (Police Procedures) 150WH

[Paul Burstow] I hope that the soon-to-be-published concordat on emergency mental health care will do something—more Lord Adebowale’s report included 12 recommendations. than something—to stop the barbaric practice of children Incidentally, although the report was commissioned by being held in police cells when they are having a mental the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, my understanding health crisis. Indeed, next year the Care Quality Commission is that he has not yet responded to it. When is he likely will be conducting a themed inspection, looking at the to do so? whole pathway of crisis care—the role of the police I will pick up six stand-out common themes from the service and of various aspects of the health service—and report: first, the lack of mental health awareness, touched I hope that it will also cast light on this issue. on in earlier contributions; secondly, the lack of guidance I have some questions for the Minister. There has and training on suicide prevention, which is an important been good progress on rolling out the liaison and diversion element; thirdly, the lack of adequate care for vulnerable services in custody suites. That early identification, people in custody, which goes to the heart of the debate; assessment and referral can result in much better outcomes. fourthly, poor inter-agency working—without doubt Will the Minister give some indication of when the Treasury one of the keys to unlocking so much of what does not will sign off the outline business case for national work; fifthly, the disproportionate use of force and roll-out of the service? Given the numbers of young restraint; and finally, the failure to communicate with people in the criminal justice system with mental health families, which all too often sits at the heart of failure needs, does the liaison and diversion service cover them on these issues. as well? Will it ensure that they are always included? Street triage is being piloted by the Home Office and Much of that is echoed in the report “A Criminal Use the Department of Health, and we have heard how that of Police Cells?” by Her Majesty’s inspectorate of can make a significant difference by bringing health constabulary, which found that the use of police custody professionals into the equation. How will the street as a place of safety varies from 6% to 76% of the total triage model fit with liaison and diversion? Also, to number of people detained under section 136. As a repeat a rightly put question, how is that model being result of a shortage of the right staff in the right places evaluated, and what are the time scales for a rapid at the right times, people who have not committed a roll-out should the evaluation show that street triage is crime are often treated as if they were criminals. HMIC working well, which I understand it is showing? How put it this way in its report: quickly therefore can we get it out throughout the “those detained under section 136 who were taken to a police country? station were generally treated like any other person in respect of In the report on police custody as a place of safety, the booking-in procedure; risk assessment; and, ultimately, being HMIC recommends that if there is not significant reduction locked in a cell (rather than being taken to another part of the station).” in the inappropriate use of police custody by April 2016, the Mental Health Act should be amended to The report also found multi-agency working to be patchy, remove police stations as a place of safety, except on an as was awareness of training resources and activity—they exceptional basis. HMIC goes on to state that “exceptional are clearly the areas where relatively small changes basis” should be written into the law and defined. Will could lead to big differences in operation. the Minister set out the Government view of that The recently published experimental analysis of police recommendation? If that was signalled as an intention data offers some important insights. It bears out the of the Government, would it serve as a further spur to HMIC finding that there is huge variation in the use of action throughout government, the NHS, social care police cells as a place of safety. The Sussex, Devon and and police services? Cornwall, West Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset, and Finally, sitting at the heart of the disparity between Hampshire forces all recorded more than 500 uses of mental and physical health and of the institutional bias section 136, while Lancashire, Merseyside, Hertfordshire and discrimination that people with mental illness suffer and City of London recorded 10 or fewer uses. is deep-seated stigma. The Government deserve much credit for funding the Time to Change anti-stigma Drilling down into those figures and using them to campaign—a global leader in such campaigning that is understand why things are so different and what best making a real difference in this country. So far, a practice might look like, and to ensure its better spread, number of Departments have signed up to play their we can see why the Government should be commended own part in the Time to Change campaign. I understand for having the statistics collected and such analysis that there are discussions with the Home Office, and it done. Buried a little deeper in the experimental data, would be good to know from the Minister today when however, is something else. For the first time, there are the Home Office will be signing up to Time to Change. estimates for the number of under-18s held in police Furthermore, the attitude to and awareness of mental cells under section 136. health problems remain an issue in the police service. In the past year, according to the most recently One way in which forces could address that is by working published statistics, 263 children and young people were together to sign up to Time to Change. Will the Minister held in police custody. The report urges caution about use his good offices to promote Time to Change to chief that figure, because of the experimental nature of the constables and police and crime commissioners? data, and I can understand that caution. It should still In conclusion, I want to cite the HMIC report and be a source of shame and a spur to act, however, that we give two quotes from it from people detained under are locking up children at a time of deep and acute section 136. The first is: mental health crisis. The hon. Member for Totnes “I was discharged by the mental health crisis team as a low risk (Dr Wollaston) has rightly challenged on that issue—she to myself and others and not requiring follow-up. I am concerned raised it in Health questions—and I hope that she will that my section 136 detention [in police custody] will show up be speaking in the debate. on…enhanced criminal record checks…in the future.” 151WH Mental Health (Police Procedures)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mental Health (Police Procedures) 152WH

Perhaps the Minister will say whether we can ensure that community health nurses are located in our police that that does not happen. stations, to help the police identify situations such as The second is: that one. “What have I done to deserve this? I was ill; I was locked up Since I last spoke on the issue, Glenbourne unit, up at because I was ill.” Derriford hospital in my constituency, has been refitted and reopened. I am delighted that that work has happened Surely that is not what the police service is there for; and that there is now much better co-ordination across that is what the health service is there for. the divide. However, the story I have told is not unique. I suspect that it happens in every single town and city up and down the country. Local progress has been 2.19 pm made, but we have further to go. Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) I want to make another brief point. Plymouth is (Con): I welcome the opportunity to serve under your a naval military city, so we need to ensure that we have a chairmanship in this debate, Mr Brady, and I congratulate much better understanding of how military veterans are the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mrs Moon), who I am treated. They have been through some pretty difficult delighted to count as a friend, although she is unfortunately times in Afghanistan and Iraq. My right hon. Friend an Opposition Member, and my hon. Friend the Member the Minister will know that I have been pressing him to for Halesowen and Rowley Regis (James Morris). I am consider the use of military courts, not to put veterans delighted to have the opportunity to speak. I also in front of a court martial or anything like that—they congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for have of course retired from the military—but because Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow), and I pay tribute to we need to act with much more sympathy when dealing him for his work as a Health Minister. with veterans who find themselves in the justice system. Let me put what I want to talk about in a little I learned about that matter when I went to the United context. As I think most Members know, I am Member States of America with the Northern Ireland Affairs of Parliament for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport. Committee. There we saw at first hand how the US My constituency contains a naval garrison that is the deals with veterans. There is a specific Department of base for 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, as well Veterans Affairs, which is able to assess people and keep as a base for the Royal Navy. Members may be interested in much closer touch with them. The Department gives to know that Charles Cross police station, in Plymouth all veterans a mobile telephone, so it can ring them up at city centre, is the busiest police station in the whole of least two or three times during the course of the year to England, so I do quite a bit of work with the police make sure that they are getting on well. The US also has station and go to talk to the police there. specific courts for veterans that are staffed by people who have military experience. I urge my right hon. The reason for how busy the station is may well be Friend to consider whether, in a similar way, we could the size of its catchment area—it goes over to Tavistock use those of our magistrates who have experience in the and also to Torpoint and Saltash—or it may be because military and will have much better understanding of Plymouth is a military garrison city, as there are certainly what can happen to veterans. We visited a court in Little significant cultural issues that go with that. We also Rock, Arkansas, that has been highly successful and has have more licensed premises in Plymouth than there are found that veterans do not reoffend once they have been in the whole of Liverpool—in fact, it is nearly double through that process. There are mechanisms in place in the number. There are several really big issues crowding the US to ensure that veterans are looked after. in on the police in Plymouth. I pay real tribute to the police officers who work at the custody suite in the My final point is that we need places of refuge and Charles Cross police station, who find themselves under safety. In my constituency, there is a brilliant organisation a fair amount of pressure. called Twelves Company—if my right hon. Friend is interested, I would be very willing to bring up members My right hon. Friend the Minister will find a number of that organisation to have a conversation with him—that of themes going through the debate today, reflecting the deals with sexual health. One of my constituents was great concerns we have across the House on this issue. raped by her husband and had real mental health Since the previous time we discussed this matter, real problems; I hope that I played a small role for her by progress has been made and I pay tribute to him and his taking her to see Twelves Company. Since then I have colleagues, including those in the Department of Health, not noticed her tweeting quite so much on the issue, so I for that progress. hope some balance has been found for her and that we The last time I talked in a debate on a similar subject, have helped her. I told the story of a 17-year-old girl who was highly I call for a more joined-up approach to this matter. autistic, and who had kicked off, for reasons of mental We need to ensure that the police have alternatives ill health, in one of the retail centres in my constituency. signposted to them, and that the health services and the She was taken to Charles Cross police station. I have to courts and justice system recognise that mental health is say that the police found the situation very difficult, and an issue to consider. Frankly, it is not rocket science, it is were rather challenged by what happened. I want to mental health. talk a little about what we can try to do about that sort of situation. When the girl’s mother arrived to pick up her child and help her, she found that the girl was 2.26 pm banging her head against a wall and having real difficulty with the situation she was in. To my mind, that shows Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): I congratulate all that we need to make sure not only that there is better the previous speakers in this debate, and start by declaring training for our police but, much more importantly, an interest: I am married to a full-time consultant 153WH Mental Health (Police Procedures)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mental Health (Police Procedures) 154WH

[Dr Sarah Wollaston] must fall off the cliff and become acutely unwell in a public place before the police can step in with a section psychiatrist who chairs the Westminster parliamentary 136 order that could have been avoided. liaison committee on behalf of the Royal College of I thoroughly welcome the pilot project using triage, Psychiatrists. but street triage should not be necessary because we Perhaps more relevantly to today’s debate, I should should pick up such situations much earlier. I would point out that I have been in a police cell in the middle like volunteers who work with the homeless, for example, of the night. I hasten to add that it was in a medical and who may be aware that someone is slipping into a capacity, but I congratulate the Secretary of State for distressed state, to be able to refer them directly to Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for South psychiatric services and bypass primary care. Of course, West Surrey (Mr Hunt), on advocating work experience I would like all primary care doctors to ensure that they for MPs. I would advocate more MPs spending a night deliver the right care at the right time to all their in the cells. If they did, they would realise that that is patients, as the good ones do, and directly and actively absolutely the last place someone should be if they are seek out people who are homeless and vulnerable but acutely distressed by a mental illness. who may not come forward to seek help. Much of the problem is about funding—it would be That is particularly the case for an acutely distressed wrong not to make that clear. The funding of units 12-year-old. Can we imagine a situation in which a where people can be seen in an appropriate place of 12-year-old child with a broken leg would be taken to a safety is crucial. It is no surprise that the local authorities casualty department because there was no specialist that have most use of police cells are often in rural orthopaedic surgeon or facility to assess them? That areas, where there are additional geographical challenges would be utterly unthinkable, yet in Devon and Cornwall in providing appropriate places of safety. But if parity alone, on three occasions since the start of this year 12 of esteem is to have more than just a hollow ring to it, and 13-year-olds who have been acutely distressed with we must ensure that within the NHS cake there is fair mental health issues have been held in police cells. That distribution of funding for mental health, and we must is utterly unacceptable for anyone, but it is particularly recognise in funding formulae that rural areas sometimes unacceptable that on 25 occasions—I would point out face extreme challenges. Sparsity must be recognised in to the Minister that this is in Devon and Cornwall funding if there is to be fairness. alone—children of 17 or under have been in that situation. Another problem is that mental health beds are running If we look at the situation for adults, we see that, “too hot”. The CQC has said that in 50% of areas bed shockingly, there have been 674 occasions on which occupancy is 90%, and in 15% of areas it is 100%. That people have been assessed in cells. As we have heard, the causes delays throughout the system. Ultimately, there average time detained in that situation is 10 hours. On is a problem not just with appropriate places of safety, only 277 occasions have those assessments taken place but beyond that with having beds available when people in an appropriate place of safety. Devon and Cornwall need admission. On four occasions in Devon and Cornwall, is second behind Sussex in that terrible league of shame. the process of assessment has taken so long that a bed that was provisionally booked was taken by the time the The situation is not the police’s fault. I want to stress assessment had been made. All those causes delays in that, and I pay tribute to the members of the police the system must be addressed: the availability of suitably alongside whom I have worked in the past, as a forensic qualified section 12 approved doctors; the availability medical examiner, for their professionalism. Many police of psychiatric beds; and, crucially, the availability of officers have sent me really heartfelt e-mails describing appropriate places of safety. the difficulties they face. The situation is putting huge pressure on the police. It is a totally inappropriate use of Will the Minister examine the effect on children when resources. As Lord Adebowale has pointed out, it represents medical facilities are not suitable? There may be secure very poor inter-agency working, but there is no financial children’s homes— my preference, of course, would be incentive for the NHS to change because the burden of to have a medical facility available, but I can say from resourcing falls on the police services. personal experience that anything is better than a police cell. Police cells in the middle of the night are desperately The situation is totally unacceptable on any clinical frightening places. They are often full of people who are level. I am disappointed that there is no Health Minister drunk and shouting. It is unthinkable that a child sitting alongside the Minister today, because ultimately should be in that environment in a police cell. I hope the situation requires a total refocusing of services. If that the Minister will say that if by next year children as we look at the statistics, we see that 82% of those who young as 12 are still being put in police cells, Parliament are detained under section 136 do not go on to compulsory will legislate to abolish that. admission to hospital. That highlights the point that many of these situations could be avoided in the first Mr Graham Brady (in the Chair): Order. I am grateful place. to hon. Members for keeping to time so well. If the shadow Minister and the Minister take no more than I am sorry to say that some general practitioners will 12 minutes each, there will be a couple of minutes for not see patients unless they have registered. Someone the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mrs Moon), who opened who is acutely distressed and has paranoia as a result of the debate, to wind up. mental illness might not recognise that they are unwell and therefore might not register or go to see a doctor. Consultant psychiatrists might refuse to see a patient 2.34 pm without a GP referral. Those are all hurdles in the Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): It is system. Time and again, carers may be desperate to an honour, Mr Brady, to serve under your chairmanship. access help for people who are really unwell, but they We have all seen in our constituencies the pain suffered 155WH Mental Health (Police Procedures)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mental Health (Police Procedures) 156WH by those with mental health problems, the trauma that because they are treated like any other person taken that can cause to their families and local communities, into custody during the booking-in procedure and risk and the immense problems that may arise for the police. assessment, and ultimately when locked in a cell. I welcome the debate and the initiative taken by my At the heart of the difficulty—several speakers referred hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mrs Moon), the to this, including my hon. Friend the Member for right hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow), Bridgend—is the fact that 15,000 police officers will be the hon. Member for Halesowen and Rowley Regis lost by the next election, and police resources are already (James Morris), and the powerful testimony about what stretched incredibly thinly, without the unnecessary pressure happens at the sharp end from the hon. Member for of having to act as stand-in social workers and mental Totnes (Dr Wollaston). health nurses because those vital services have also been Police officers have many different roles. They maintain cut back. Police officers are clear that they are not the order, protect life, limb and property, prevent and deter right people to deal with those who need complex offences and, when an offence has been committed, medical intervention for serious mental illness and that take appropriate measures to bring the offender to the experience of being detained may add undue stress justice. However, as the Chief Constable of Greater and upset for these people, making the problem worse. Manchester police, Sir Peter Fahy, warned earlier this In government, Labour recognised the seriousness of year, policing and mental health problems have increasingly the problem and commissioned the Bradley report in become the main issue for his officers responding to 2009. However, after three years in government, despite emergency calls, and that taking some welcome steps, the Government have been “the force was struggling to cope.” slow to act on the report’s fundamental recommendations, leaving us with the unacceptable problem that we now He is not alone. face. Quite simply, we must do better—better for the Indeed, as the right hon. Member for Sutton and police and better for those suffering with mental health Cheam said, such is the increasing number of calls that issues. recent reports about the Metropolitan police’s new protocol As Lord Bradley’s report acknowledged, good training suggest that officers have been ordered not to respond and support to inform police practice are vital. To that to calls from mental health units and emergency end, I welcome the police street triage team pilots, such departments for help to control and restrain patients as those operating in Newham and Birmingham, and I unless there is encourage further working between mental health “a significant threat to life and limb”. professionals and the police. However, as I have said, a Such an uneasy interface between the health service and police officer responding to a mental health emergency the police does not benefit anyone, least of all those will often find themselves left with no assistance. That is suffering from mental health issues. That is why HMIC, unacceptable for the officer, the person concerned and charities, chief constables, police and crime commissioners, the general public. the Police Federation and others have all expressed their Crucially, therefore, we must have a proper partnership concern for both the police and those suffering from between the police and health providers—as the hon. mental health issues under the current system. Member for Halesowen and Rowley Regis rightly argued and as Lord Bradley’s report also recommended—through The role of police officers is to ensure the safety of joint training packages for mental health awareness and the public and deal with individuals who pose a threat learning disability issues, with community support officers to others or themselves. In an emergency involving an and police officers linking with local mental health individual with mental health issues, more often than services. Crucially, we also need to work towards moving not a bobby will be first on the scene. Too often, police away from the use of custody cells for those detained officers and staff must deal with people with complex under section 136 to dedicated places of safety, ensuring mental health needs alone, instead of with the support that people suffering mental health illness are dealt with of experienced and trained medical professionals. They sensitively and appropriately, and are given the correct are required by the law, when appropriate, to take the medical treatment. individual to a place of safety. More often than not, the only option is to take them into custody. It is not right Birmingham—the city I am proud to represent—is a that people with mental health issues who have not leading example of the places of safety strategy. West committed a crime are treated as criminals. Those detained Midlands police uses a mental health assessment centre under section 136 may not have committed a crime, but at University Hospitals Birmingham, with an on-site are suspected of suffering a mental health disorder. community psychiatric nurse to carry out assessments and refer to appropriate support. Innovative local strategies Worryingly, a joint review by HMIC, the Care Quality such as that are welcome, leading the way with new Commission and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales found approaches to police procedure and mental health issues. that police custody was still being used as a primary or However, three years after the Bradley report, recent secondary place of safety as a result of, among other reports and calls from those in the police about the factors, problem getting worse, not better, are cause for concern “insufficient staff at a health-based place of safety” that not enough has been done to tackle the issue. and In conclusion, the Government need to recognise their responsibility. They urgently need to look holistically “the absence of available beds at the health-based place of safety”. at the problem, ensuring that the right resources are That is increasingly putting a great strain on our police available to free up the police and that people with service. Statistics show that such incidents may tie up mental health difficulties get the support they need. It is officers for up to eight hours. That in turn adds further also vital that a clear, strategic framework across all strain on those suffering from mental health issues, Departments is put in place to help to drive and improve 157WH Mental Health (Police Procedures)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mental Health (Police Procedures) 158WH

[Jack Dromey] I will go through those groups. We have heard about the review by Lord Bradley, who highlighted that a partnership working. I believe that policing is about significant proportion of prisoners have some form of more than just cutting crime, and we believe that officers mental health problem. One key recommendation was should not be expected to plug the gaps in other that to make that contact with the criminal justice Departments’ shortfalls—neither should those suffering system work, we needed to put offenders in touch with from mental health issues be let down. treatment and other support services that can help stop their behaviour escalating into more crime. There are currently more than 50 adult and almost 40 youth 2.43 pm liaison and diversion services working with offenders The Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims with mental health problems, substance misuse problems (Damian Green): I echo the congratulations that have or learning disabilities at the earliest point of contact been given to the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mrs Moon) with the police and courts. on the way in which she introduced the debate, and to To answer the questions that my right hon. Friend the my right hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam Member for Sutton and Cheam asked about what is (Paul Burstow) and my hon. Friend the Member for happening next, from April 2014 we will introduce an Halesowen and Rowley Regis (James Morris), in the enhanced core model across a number of selected areas. latter case particularly for his energetic chairmanship of The aim is to ensure that those services can lessen the all-party mental health group. I shall start briefly health inequalities and improve justice outcomes for with the general subject of mental health reform and people who come into contact with the criminal justice then move on to the specific policing aspects of the system and for whom a range of complex needs are matter. In doing so, I hope to sweep up a lot of the specific identified as factors in their offending behaviour. My questions that have been asked during the course of this right hon. Friend was right to say that a business case very good debate. has been submitted to the Treasury. He asked the eternal Mental health reform is clearly key to the wider question of when we will hear back, and I can tell him programme of health reform, and the Government that the decision is imminent. want to see mental health issues receiving parity of We also know that there is a clear link between esteem with physical health issues. The mandate to mental health problems and deaths in custody. That is a NHS England has a specific objective very serious issue. Obviously, every death in police “to put mental health on a par with physical health, and close the custody is a tragedy, and that is a priority matter for the health gap between people with mental health problems and the Government. Work in the area is overseen by the ministerial population as a whole.” council on deaths in custody. The council’s independent We have shared our developing work with the Welsh advisory panel has recently awarded a two-year research Government, as health, obviously, is devolved, and I contract to the university of Greenwich, which will be know that they, too, are considering these matters. working on a number of projects to consider the impact of mental health problems on deaths in custody. Those As a basic principle, which has been expressed by projects will cover a wide range of the issues that have many hon. Members on both sides of the debate, it is been brought up in individual cases in this debate and impossible to argue that people facing mental ill health elsewhere. That is one stream of work. should not have their health needs met by professionals who are able to provide appropriate support and treatment. Obviously, the Independent Police Complaints The police are not best placed to provide that, but they Commission has a vital role to play in the investigation may have a key role to play in identifying vulnerabilities of deaths in custody. It must be notified of any death among people with whom they come into contact. that occurs in police custody, and it is currently carrying out a review of how deaths in or following police Essentially, the police come into contact with four custody are investigated. A progress report on the review groups of people who may have mental health problems. was published in September, and the final report is due First, there are people who have committed a crime, or to be published early next year. are arrested on suspicion of committing a crime. For those people, it is essential that we strike the right Although that is one group of people affected, most balance between bringing offenders to justice and helping of the debate has rightly involved another group with people get access to appropriate interventions in order whom the police regularly come into contact: people to tackle factors, such as mental health problems, that suffering from mental ill health who have not committed may be contributing to their offending behaviour. In the and are not suspected of committing any crime. There second group are those who come into contact with the may be concerns for their safety or for the safety of police because a member of the public has concerns for others, and they may need to be detained in a place of their safety or for the safety of others, but when no safety for that reason. However, all too often, those crime has been committed. In the third are people who people, who are ill, find themselves in police stations. may have been reported as missing. As the hon. Member Many contributors to the debate made that point. for Bridgend pointed out, they may be elderly and have Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary’s report a history of dementia, or they may be people known to on the use of police cells as a place of safety for mental health services whose families or carers have individuals detained under section 136 of the Mental reported them as missing. The fourth category is victims Health Act found that in a number of areas, the use of of crime or witnesses who may themselves have mental police cells remained unacceptably high. Again, my health problems and need support at every stage of the right hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam criminal justice system, as my hon. Friend the Member made that point. We know that during 2012-13, almost for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport (Oliver Colvile) 8,000 section 136 orders were made for which a police pointed out. station was the place of safety. As has been said, that is 159WH Mental Health (Police Procedures)28 NOVEMBER 2013 Mental Health (Police Procedures) 160WH more than one third of the total number of section 136 My hon. Friend the Member for Halesowen and detentions. Straightforwardly, that is unacceptable, Rowley Regis made a pertinent point about the need for other than in truly exceptional circumstances. Those are a review of the operation of sections 135 and 136 of the people who are likely to be in crisis, and they need and Mental Health Act 1983. Options for a review of those deserve proper care and support from people qualified sections are currently being examined, and I expect that to provide it. work to get under way this financial year. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced There has been much mention of children in the to the Police Federation, at its conference in May, that debate. The practice of routinely holding in police she was taking action, along with my right hon. Friend custody children in a state of mental distress is, of the Secretary of State for Health, to ensure that people course, unacceptable. Again, that will be dealt with in with mental health problems receive the care, support the coming concordat. Obviously, I take the point that and treatment that they need, and that police officers young people and children are central among all the are freed up to do their job of fighting and preventing groups of people for whom it is inappropriate that they crime. That work has made significant progress. The should find themselves in a police cell in the middle of most visible sign of it will come shortly when the the night during a mental health crisis. That is one of concordat, which has been agreed by almost 30 national the changes that we need to see. organisations, agencies and Departments, is published There was a request from the hon. Member for early in the new year. A lot of work has gone on Bridgend for better data collection. The College of between the Home Office and Health Ministers on this Policing, which, incidentally, will be doing much of the matter—that relates to a point made by my hon. Friend training work that the Chairman of the Home Affairs the Member for Totnes (Dr Wollaston). I am happy to Committee, the right hon. Member for Leicester East assure her that I have been working closely with my (Keith Vaz), asked for, recognises the important issues hon. Friend the Minister of State at the Department of surrounding mental ill health and policing. In its short Health, who is responsible for care and support and has period in existence, it has already held an awareness overall responsibility for mental health policy. event with deputy chief constables. They have agreed on The concordat will be an extremely important document the need not just for clearer guidance about the use of in taking us forward. It will provide national leadership restraint—again, I take the point made throughout the by setting out the standard of response that people debate about the difference between mental health restraint suffering mental health crises and requiring urgent care and police restraint—but for better capture of data and should expect, and key principles around which local evidence about the operational demands on police. The health and criminal justice partners should be organised. college now has a national group working to take that It will leave agencies in both the criminal justice and forward. health fields in no doubt about what is expected of The third group that I mentioned was missing people. them. It is estimated that four out of every five adults who go missing are experiencing a mental health problem when There has been a lot of talk about places of safety. I they disappear. If those people have dementia, they know that interim arrangements have been made in may be frightened, be unable to find their way home or North Yorkshire—the only police force area without a exhibit aggression. The police will often be the first port single facility at the time of the Home Secretary’s of call when someone goes missing, so in responding to announcement—and that health-based places of safety such calls, the police need to work closely with health will open in York and Scarborough early next year. services and other agencies to ensure that people can be The hon. Member for Bridgend asked about exclusion safely transferred to the most appropriate place. criteria. The concordat will state that people suffering a Our missing children and adults strategy highlights mental health crisis should be supported in a place of the importance of local areas considering whether they safety, and that there should be no automatic criteria need to be doing more to protect children and vulnerable that exclude individuals, although their safety and the adults who go missing, and provides a framework for safety of others is the paramount consideration. She them to do that. The move to bring together the Child and others, including my hon. Friend the Member for Exploitation and Online Protection Centre and the UK Halesowen and Rowley Regis, mentioned the street Missing Persons Bureau in the National Crime Agency triage pilots, which have obviously been extremely beneficial. will result in improved integrated working by law The pilot by Sussex police went live on 16 October and enforcement across the UK, including missing persons other forces are having their launches in December. investigations. West Midlands police is moving along with this, and so The last group that I mentioned was victims and is the Metropolitan police. Rather than all the pilots witnesses. The new victims’code, which will be implemented coming to an end at once, and there then being an the week after next, will ensure enhanced support at assessment and then something else happening, what every stage of the criminal justice system, including a seems to be happening is that other areas are picking up new entitlement to ask that special measures be used in the benefits and expanding the system. I am conscious court and to be provided with information about the that it is being expanded in the east midlands as well. support that registered intermediaries can provide. The point has been made that too often, the police As the usual gateway to the criminal justice system, end up transporting people who ought to be transported the police will have a duty to conduct an early needs by ambulance. The Association of Ambulance Chief assessment to identify victims who may be particularly Executives is drawing up a national protocol on the vulnerable—including those with mental health issues—and transportation of people in mental health crisis, which therefore eligible for enhanced services. Such victims I hope will act as a catalyst for wider change and will be advised of the availability of pre-trial therapy, improvements. and access to such therapy will be facilitated if needed. 161WH Mental Health (Police Procedures) 28 NOVEMBER 2013 162WH

[Damian Green] Retail and the High Street We are legislating to provide police and crime commissioners with the power to commission support [MR CHARLES WALKER in the Chair] services for victims of crime. We intend that, from October next year, the majority of emotional and practical 3pm support services for victims of crime will be commissioned Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): It is a pleasure to serve locally by PCCs rather by than central Government. under your chairmanship, Mr Walker. I am pleased, PCCs are well placed to consult, and identify the needs together with the hon. Member for North Swindon of, victims in their local area and to determine how best (Justin Tomlinson), to have secured the debate. As to meet those needs. co-chair and vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary Responding to people with mental health problems is group on retail, we understand that thriving town centres not something that any agency or organisation can do and high streets are the living face of our communities alone. In many areas, PCCs are already playing a pivotal and vital to their economic and social well-being. Town role in encouraging agencies to come together to address centres influence how people see, experience and relate the issue. The work that I have talked about highlights to their local areas. They are, and always have been, the importance of joint working nationally and locally places where we re-affirm our place in our communities in order to make a real difference. by meeting and talking to each other. The familiarity of It is obvious that the police have, and will continue to the high street can give us a sense of belonging. have, a key role in dealing with mental health issues as Retail is the building block of our high street. More they arise. They need to be adequately trained to identify than 3 million people—more than one in 10 UK workers— vulnerabilities and behaviours that require further are employed in retail. In my constituency, retail is by intervention, but they are not and cannot replace health far the largest private provider, and it is responsible for professionals. Both types of professionals should be left more than a quarter of all jobs. There are many important to do the job that they are best at doing and trained to issues facing the high street, such as employment, retail do, because that, in the end, will be the best response for skills, business rates and rents, finance for small businesses, mental health patients themselves. car parking and town centre management. Although I do not underestimate the seriousness of 2.58 pm those issues, my debate will have a slightly different Mrs Moon: I thank you, Mr Brady, for your excellent focus. The visibility of the high number of empty shops chairmanship throughout the debate. I also thank my scarring our town centres, with one in seven shops co-sponsors of the debate, because no one could have empty nationally and one in five empty in the north-west, had better co-sponsors with greater gravitas or greater can give us the impression that our high streets are recognition on both sides of the House for the work slowly shutting down. I do not believe that the situation that they do in this area. It is extremely pleasant to see heralds the final demise of the high street, but it in the Chamber at the end of the debate the hon. demonstrates the extent of the challenge faced by the Member for Broxbourne (Mr Walker), who has also private and the public sectors to reinvigorate that public played a huge part in raising mental health issues in the space. House. The biggest challenge is the impact of online shopping This is a time of consensus. There is cross-party and developing mobile technology. I see that as an agreement that we must move forward. We all recognise opportunity for the public and private sectors to harness that the police, the voluntary services, the health service those revolutionary technological changes and bring and, most importantly, people who suffer from mental together the physical with the digital to provide more ill health want recognition that it is time for change and exciting and unique community spaces. for a review of the use of section 136 powers for the Online sales are set to account for more than a 21st century. quarter of all retail sales by 2020, and it is predicted I thank the other hon. Members who have taken part that 4,000 retail stores will be lost by 2015. The latest in the debate. The hon. Member for Totnes (Dr Wollaston) figures from the British Retail Consortium show that in demonstrated her insight into issues involving rural October, online sales of non-food products reached a areas and children, and the hon. Member for Plymouth, new record rate of 18.3%. M-commerce grew by a Sutton and Devonport (Oliver Colvile) paid particular staggering 300% last year alone, and it will rise further. attention to military matters. We all look forward to the Already, 72% of us own smartphones, according to concordat being published in the new year. Let us hope research by Deloitte, and that will only increase. that between us, across the House, we can ensure that Remember the old days, not long ago, when there was people who suffer mental ill health have the service that only one way to shop? We walked down the high street they desire and deserve. and into the shop we wanted, spotted the item that we wanted to purchase, bought it and carried it home. With mobile phones, we can now go into a shopping centre, examine goods, scan barcodes, compare goods online, read reviews and buy either in store or online. Developing mobile technology means that in the future, we will also receive real-time, tailor-made messages from companies about myriad offers and discounts in nearby shops. The thousands of empty shops up and down the country cannot all go back to being traditional shops. As a result of the impact of mobile technology, future 163WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 164WH town centres will no longer simply be about physical cultures—public and private—try to work together. The shopping; they will be about socialising, entertainment good news is that footfall is up in the markets, new services and cultural events. That was highlighted by shops are opening and a unique Stockport brand is both the Portas report and the Grimsey report. emerging. Many stores are responding to new technology by The pilot demonstrated that we need a different kind bringing together online services with physical shops. of public-private partnership to support regeneration Many businesses are equipping their staff with iPads or projects based on small retailers and markets. Such installing kiosks to allow for easy in-store customer projects should always have a business plan based on ordering. A good example of the bringing together of hard evidence and proper analysis of strengths and the physical and the digital is Amazon’s introduction of weaknesses, to arrive at a unique high street offer for a collection lockers on the high street, which allow people particular town. If public money is to be spent on to collect their orders rather than waiting for deliveries. business rate relief, buying and letting property to preferred eBay has set up a pilot system allowing “click and leaseholders, transferring public services to empty shops collect” orders to be picked up at Argos outlets. John or converting empty shops to residential use, we need to Lewis has already launched a service that allows customers see value for that money, especially as resources will to collect their order from one of 1,500 local Collect+ become increasingly scarce. I would like the Minister to shops, so customers start their shopping journey online do what he can to spread the evidence from the Portas and finish it in the town centre, which creates additional pilots and similar innovative schemes across the country, footfall. to provide local councils with information that will help Many shops already have free wi-fi for tailored marketing, them develop business plans for their high street. We do which also allows shoppers to read detailed reviews and not want to be constantly reinventing the wheel. compare prices—something that 33% of smartphone In Stockport, I am conducting a shopping survey of users are already doing. Apps or scanable QR codes people who live near the town centre. It is clear that the and barcodes help stores to target shoppers for special majority of them use the town centre for small shopping deals and extra branded content on their mobile devices trips, up to five times a week in some cases, during as they browse the shop. QR codes on shop windows which they also go to the bank or the post office or stop can divert custom to a website outside normal opening for a cup of coffee. That provides important footfall for hours, which is particularly useful for a small shop. the town centre. Mobile technology is already transforming our high street, but let us try to imagine what the high street of Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) the future might look like. In Spain, people can already (Con): The hon. Lady makes a strong case, and I have use phone identification to check in to their local high listened intently to her contribution. I should declare an street, after which a host of real-time events and offers interest, because before I was elected to this place, I did flash up on their smartphone to alert them to what is quite a large amount of work in retail development and happening there and then. Such technology can even have retained a share in it. direct people to a free parking space, and Westminster is already pioneering a new app for that. In years to One thing I am concerned about is that we need to come, we will also see many stockless shops, which aim have an impact on local car parking, because we need to sell their brand. In such shops, customers will sit on to encourage people physically to come into the urban sofas and view new collections through high-definition conurbations and city centres. If car parking is expensive, touchable holograms, which allow them to feel the as it increasingly is in my constituency, people will be texture of a fabric and have an item delivered to their driven away, and they will end up just using technology home immediately. and failing to visit town centres. Future technology will identify people from an on-street face recognition account that they can opt into, which Ann Coffey: The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent will alert key shops and services to the fact that an point. The issue comes up again and again—indeed, it individual is coming, to allow them to prepare a tailored came up in the shopping survey I did. If councils are offer in store. That means that we will receive tailor-made developing business plans, they also need to take into messages and offers as we walk down the high street. account the impact of their car-parking charges and Things that seemed ridiculously futuristic a short time whether those will attract shoppers to their town centres, ago will be here soon, such as Google Glass, a head- rather than drive them somewhere else. That is an computer worn like glasses, which an individual can important part of any business plan. Converting empty speak to. It will project images and information on to shops to residential use and into shop fronts for public the glass, and will function like an interactive search services seems a good plan, because it will encourage engine. It is difficult to predict the effect of such people to shop in the town centre. The presence of technological changes on consumer behaviour, but we banks and post offices is also important in creating must understand how transformational they will be. footfall—a point made by the Association of Convenience Stores. I have already mentioned the Portas and Grimsey reviews. I think it is unfortunate that they seem to be in The growth of online shopping has weakened many conflict with each other, because essentially they both out-of-town large-format stores, and, as a result, there say the same thing about innovation and partnerships. has been renewed interest in the convenience format, Stockport is a Portas pilot. Our pilot is based on with a return to smaller, more frequent shopping trips. regeneration of our market and Underbank, and it is That could benefit towns such as Stockport. creative industry-led. It is fair to say that it has been a In our town, there are many new independent bumpy ride, but that is what pilots are about. It has shops. It is good to see them exploring ways of working illustrated the difficulties faced when two very different together and of using the internet and social media, 165WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 166WH

[Ann Coffey] Regent Circus is taking shape by the day, and it will have a new cinema and a number of eateries, including such as Facebook and Twitter, to support their bricks- Nandos. Judging by my postbag, that is exciting huge and-mortar shops. I was talking to a Stockport business numbers of people. Those things will be here this time that already operates an online store through ASOS next year, which is a big boost, especially for a town that Marketplace, which is part of the ASOS fashion retail can boast 300,000 shoppers within 20 minutes of it and site. However, independent retailers across the country 3 million within an hour. That is one reason why we report that they are struggling to compete with major were able to secure £65 million of private sector investment internet retailers, as they lack the funds on their own for to rebuild the legendary Oasis leisure centre—I am sure large-scale online marketing and websites to compete Members have all gone there with their bathing costumes. with Amazon and eBay. I have set up a retail forum, and I regularly visit lots of An interesting response is new websites for independent shops and retailers. This is a key interest for me. retailers such as myhigh.st, which is supported by the I am an unashamed Mary Portas fan. I know she is a British Independent Retailers Association. Target 200 is controversial figure and divides public opinion, but I an innovative e-commerce network that gives independent think she shone a light on not only some serious issues shopkeepers the chance to join together to sell their and challenges, but some opportunities for the high products online. It also gives towns a platform to showcase street. Sometimes we need someone who is straight what is happening in their high streets. Together with talking to come in and shake things up. There was “click and collect” and an independent shops loyalty almost a collective acceptance of defeat, and there was programme, it enables shoppers to buy online, while no reason for that, because, as Mary Portas has shown, encouraging visits in person. there is so much that can be done to help the high street. Such innovation may be the way forward for Stockport, As the hon. Lady said, the high street is important. bringing an online presence together with the town’s About 11% of the country’s work force are employed in physical shops. In an affordable way, that will give retail. There is a lot of flexible working, which suits a independent retailers additional income through online lot of people. Often, people’s first job is in retail. My sales, while showcasing Stockport’s bigger retail shops, first job was at Starrs newsagents, although, regrettably, its markets—including its specialist markets—and its I had to leave because I was spending more than I was cultural and heritage attractions. That will encourage being paid on stuff I did not need, because I was always more people to visit and shop in the town. staring at it and putting it on the shelves. So, for no With all the discussion about the demise of the high reason other than that I could not afford to work there street, I am really concerned that opportunities are any more, I had to end my newsagent career. being missed. It is important that councils and businesses Local authorities have a key part to play. Many areas join together to use the exciting opportunities offered have an opportunity to pursue redevelopment, but local by mobile technology to transform the delivery of private authorities must understand that they need to be flexible. goods and public services on our high streets, turning There are towns where there are historic reasons why them into the exciting community spaces of the future. certain buildings need to be protected, but a lot of towns need to accept that when a developer says the Several hon. Members rose— whole town centre needs to turn on its axis by 5°, that might make all the difference. The success of supermarkets Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): Order. If colleagues and out-of-town shopping centres comes from the fact could limit their speeches to around eight minutes, that they have built environments that attract customers, everybody should get in. and town centres need to replicate that. Although it is important to attract the brand names 3.13 pm and the anchor stores to the high street, towns must have space for the small independent shops that create Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): It is a character and give people an extra reason to come off pleasure to serve under you, Mr Walker. It is an absolute the motorway at that junction to visit that town centre, pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Stockport (Ann rather than those further down the motorway. Coffey), who, with me, co-sponsored the debate. She We have talked about parking. I was proud that the delivered a fantastic speech; not only is she a real Mary Portas review highlighted Swindon for best practice. champion of the high street, but, with all her talk of the Despite challenging financial times, we managed to cut future and what the high street needs, she is a presenter car-parking charges. We then saw a 10% increase in in the making should “Tomorrow’s World” ever be footfall, following five to 10 years of decreases. Suddenly, re-launched. cutting charges to £2 for four hours led to a 10% increase I am a proud retail geek. My parents ran a retail and, crucially, to a much longer dwell time. Previously, shop, so I spent many hours after school behind the people were coming in to do their banking and then shop counter—I had my very own “Open All Hours” leaving. After the change, they came to do their banking, experiences as I was growing up. I am the new co-chair visited a café and, once they had refuelled, they would of the all-party group on retail, alongside the hon. go and spend money on shopping, which is great for Member for Stockport. I am also the vice-chair of the local business. all-party group on town centres. Town centre regeneration is a major issue in the Oliver Colvile: The other issue is making sure that Swindon area. We were on the cusp of major regeneration there are other attractions so that people use town in 2007-08, but as the economy crashed, I am afraid the centres. This is also about theatre, museums and other developers went to the wall. However, we are very much activities, which are part of people’s experience of going at the front of the queue for the next wave of regeneration. into towns and doing their shopping. 167WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 168WH

Justin Tomlinson: I thank my hon. Friend for that mother delivered things: it was a wool shop, so there brilliant contribution, which was spot on. I will come to were a lot of older customers, and on the way home she the night-time economy in a short while. would drop things off to some of those would could not A number of people will no doubt talk about business get in. She did it because it brought in extra business. rates, and I do not want to enter into a big debate about John Lewis is a good example of the chain stores that them ahead of the autumn statement. However, we have embraced the multi-channel approach. About 40% need to recognise that the world is changing. The internet of its business is now click and collect. will continue to grow, and the way customers shop will The final element of what I am talking about is the change. Business rates need to recognise those changes. role of young people, and encouraging them to start in The issue is not all about traditional bricks and mortar, retailing. The number of young people going to the and a fair system should recognise that. high street has dropped dramatically. When I was growing The other area where local authorities and, arguably, up, the town centre was the place where young people the Government can go a bit further is super-BIDS— went, by default, to buy music or computer games, to business improvement districts—which are fantastic. I socialise and, when they got old enough, to take advantage work with InSwindon and Forward Swindon, and they of the night-time economy.Nowadays, there is a generation do a great job. We also have the McArthurGlen outlet of young people who never set foot in the town centre village, which is a huge success; it is about to have its because they are the ones who embrace internet and umpteenth expansion and employs about 900 people. A out-of-town shopping the most. We must get the mix queue of retailers is trying to come in. If retailers do not right, as the hon. Member for Stockport said. trade well in the centre, they are removed. How many We must encourage young entrepreneurs to think high streets can say that? about retail. We run entrepreneur challenges in schools, which I have just talked about in the business debate in The key to the centre’s success is twofold. First, it has the main Chamber. I am talking about providing real, fantastic car parking, which is a no-brainer. Secondly, tangible experience in a retail environment. I did that in there is a single point of contact. If a retailer is thinking the Blunsdon market. The young people run a market of going there, they know who to speak to. If they want stall and the mentors talk to the successful businesses to go to a town centre, do they speak to the local afterwards and explain, “If, after you finish college, you authority, the BID company or the landlords? There are want to do this, we can talk to landlords and get you a all sorts of different things, and there is a lot of confusion. space in a unit, or you can come back to the market.” I would love to see a lot more of our towns give the BID From small acorns, businesses grow. All big businesses companies full control of the town centre so that they today were small businesses once, and young people can get on with things—whether that is street cleaning, be the best retailers, because they will challenge convention. entertainment or planning. That would help to transform We should do more to champion that. huge swathes of our town centres. Let me now turn away from what the Government can do. Often the temptation is to say that we can do 3.22 pm everything, but retailers actually have a lot to do, as Mr Alan Campbell (Tynemouth) (Lab): It is a pleasure Mary Portas highlighted. Retailers must accept that to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Walker. I they have to adapt to changing customer expectations, congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport whether that involves the growth of the internet or the (Ann Coffey) and the hon. Member for North Swindon growth of supermarkets and out-of-town shopping centres. (Justin Tomlinson) on securing this important debate. It Customer service is crucial. Too many retailers simply is a timely one, given the number of retailers who will be took customers for granted. hoping to do very well in the run-up to Christmas to see I saw that in my parents’ shops when I was growing whether they can remain on the high street. up. My parents always took time to thank customers. If On a positive note, I should say that a lot of hard the normal closing time was half-past 5 but a customer work goes on in town centres and high streets to make who came in after work had not finished shopping by sure that retail is successful and has a secure future. The that time, they did not shut; they kept going while there North Shields chamber of trade and commerce and was someone there. All too often, and particularly in Whitley Bay chamber of trade constantly promote the some chains, that attitude is lacking. In any Mary interests of their members but also of the town as a Portas television programme, that is always the first whole. Newspapers such as The Journal in Newcastle thing to be highlighted. Customers will vote with their and the News Guardian in my constituency encourage feet. If they get bad service, they go away. people to shop locally and on the high street. I hope Offering something different is another thing to consider. they will also encourage them to get behind small We have Bloomfields deli in Highworth. Everyone said business Saturday on 7 December. that it was mad to open it—“The supermarkets own the Perhaps most importantly, to pick up on the point world; you have no chance of surviving”—but it offered made by the hon. Member for North Swindon, many innovative products that could not be found in the young people and women seem to be setting up retail supermarket, and good quality. The shop sells fine foods outlets in places such as Park View in Whitley Bay. They and the staff will wrap things up and put them in hampers. harness new technology and come up with new and The Christmas deluge of business, allowing the deli to innovative ways to make it an interesting place to visit, sell products that it could not otherwise, is about to spend time and shop. start, and that is all because of going the extra mile. Many retailers, including many small independents, Shops have to think about opening hours, because have a difficult struggle to survive day to day. I want to the internet is 24/7. Amazon is a big competitor and will focus on one aspect of a complex group of issues, which deliver overnight; so why not deliver the same day? My has not yet been covered in the debate: the importance 169WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 170WH

[Mr Alan Campbell] the House’s attention to the Freedom from Fear campaign of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, of making high streets safe to visit and of enabling which focuses on violence against shop workers. It retailers to trade without suffering losses through criminality, would be nice if the Minister said something in support which can in extreme cases jeopardise their businesses. of that campaign and of those who work in retail. The British Retail Consortium survey of December 2012 reported that the cost of retail crime in 2011-12 3.29 pm was about £1.6 billion, 83% of which was theft involving customers. Half that goes undetected. There is, anecdotally, Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): It is always a concern about the possibility that almost three decades pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Walker. of diminishing crime rates may be levelling out—and I join others in congratulating my colleagues, the hon. may begin to rise. I hope that that does not happen. Member for Stockport (Ann Coffey) and my hon. Friend I am told that in 30 of the police force areas there is the Member for North Swindon (Justin Tomlinson), on evidence that crime—particularly acquisitive crime, and, securing this timely debate. within that category, particularly shoplifting—is increasing. We do not need surveys or focus groups to establish There is a danger of an overall rise in crime. I hope we that high streets are popular with our constituents, shall not return to what was traditionally viewed as the whose natural instincts support a thriving high street. I link between recession and crime—albeit with something suspect that is even more true in some of our smaller of a lag. I accept that the annual crime figures may not market towns. High streets in towns such as Barton-upon- yet show that effect, but I am told that over a period of Humber in my constituency, which has a good mix of six to nine months a worrying picture has been emerging. independent shops, are certainly highly valued by local Retailers are on the front line. Newsagents and general people. I am pleased to say that Cleethorpes itself has a stores stock perhaps the most transportable and resellable thriving shopping area, in the appropriately named goods of all: alcohol and tobacco. Shoplifting is not a High street and down St Peter’s avenue, with a good mix victimless crime. It adds to the retailer’s business costs, of shops that is well valued by the local community. as well as to customers’ costs at a time when the cost of As has already been suggested, the retail environment living is rising. Often, independent retailers are the is changing dramatically. Too many attempts are made hardest hit, if not because of the sheer volume of the to preserve the high street scene and ignore the fact that problem, then because of the effect on their business shopping habits have changed due to the internet and costs. what almost amounts in some cases to the migration of The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill is the town centre to a different location on the edge of currently being considered, and there has been concern town or urban retail parks. We have all witnessed what about the definition of low-value shoplifting as being starts simply as an edge-of-town supermarket expand when the value of the stolen goods does not exceed until a cluster of other retail units form around it; in a £200. That is a lot of money to many independent short space of time, we have a competing town centre or stores. There is a perception, and even greater concern, high street. Whether or not those changes are for the that people arrested for shoplifting are sometimes being better, we cannot alter the fact that the customer has cautioned again and again, and that any recompense for decided that they are here to stay. the retailer is missing. I know that that is not the The Portas review was established and, as I stated in Minister’s area of responsibility, but I ask him to draw previous debates, I see little in it that does anything it to the attention of his ministerial colleagues. more than apply a sticking plaster to a gaping wound. I Some retailers I speak to have been asking whether do not blame the Government for using a celebrity to the Government intend to review the guidance on front the review. Sometimes celebrities can draw more shoplifting. We read almost daily about people stealing attention to issues than any politician or businessman household goods—including, increasingly, food. Sometimes can. To be fair to Mary Portas, her report recognises that is, obviously, to feed a family. There could be that retailers need fewer shops and recognises the onward numerous reasons for what is happening, such as benefit march of the supermarkets, which is of course the main changes, worklessness or just criminality. However, it reason why we need fewer retail units. She is half right could also be part of organised crime, and, as far as I when she states: am concerned, a crime is a crime. “We have sacrificed communities for convenience.” The police and courts need appropriate and proportionate I suggest that in most cases the communities are still penalties to be available, and £200 is an awful lot of there, but they shop elsewhere. I look back to my early money to a shopkeeper. Organised crime gang members childhood in Fuller street in Cleethorpes. It still exists may individually steal goods worth less than £200, but and the same 80 or 90 houses are still occupied, but Mr that can hardly be described as low-level crime; and it is Marrows, the grocer down the street, and Mr Nocton, hardly something that warrants a caution. I know from the butcher round the corner, along with the baker, the experience that there are many good schemes for combating hardware shop and many others, have long disappeared. high street, and particularly retail, crime. Many traders Like every town in the country, Cleethorpes simply in Whitley Bay are linked by a radio system, and they has too many retail units. Nocton’s butchers stood on have a good relationship with the police. However, they Grimsby road, which is the main road between Grimsby keep saying, “We are doing our bit; can you make sure and the adjoining town of Cleethorpes. It is also the that, should people steal from us, the penalties will be main entrance to the resort of Cleethorpes, and the proportionate?” many bricked-up, derelict properties do not enhance I want to end on a slightly different aspect of the the reputation of what I am pleased to say is still a same issue: the unfortunate and all too frequent verbal thriving resort. Property values and rents are low. Many abuse and threats of violence towards retail staff. I draw sole traders are surviving without necessarily thriving. 171WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 172WH

Whether the property owners are the traders themselves, right, people do not mind paying a modest amount for a local landlord or indeed an absentee landlord, an parking. I can see that I have just exceeded my eight incentive is needed to convert many of the now empty minutes, so I will conclude there and hand over. retail units to residential use. With the powers granted to local authorities by the Government’s localism agenda, Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): I intend to call the councils have sufficient powers in their armouries to wind-ups at six minutes past four and give each of the embark on regeneration schemes. The reality is that Front Benchers 11 minutes. Ms Coffey can have two very little is happening. Parades of shops up and down minutes at the end. the land scar the communities they once served. We must quickly embark on schemes that can revitalise 3.37 pm such areas. Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): I want to make a few brief remarks. I thank the hon. In the North East Lincolnshire council area, which is Member for Stockport (Ann Coffey) and my hon. Friend one of the councils that serves my constituency, schemes the Member for North Swindon (Justin Tomlinson) for to renovate empty houses already exist, but they only securing the debate, because this issue is important to scratch the surface. This Government and previous all of us. We all have local communities in our constituencies, Governments have poured many millions into various and we want them to thrive and our traders to succeed. initiatives that, as I said earlier, only apply an Elastoplast We want independent traders, of which there are fewer to a wound. We need initiatives that perhaps allow local and fewer, to be a key part of that. The debate is critical authorities to spend that sort of money on compulsory because it is about communities, which are usually purchase, rather than repave vast areas or patch up one created with shopping centres and high streets at their little area. I have served on a local authority, so I know centre. High streets can help to create stronger communities, how difficult compulsory purchase is to achieve. It and we want to ensure that they can continue to do so. often takes two, three or more years to accomplish for a My first two jobs were in shops in Scotland, so the topic relatively small group of properties, and we need to is close to my heart. make it easier. The resources spent on various initiatives The debate is topical, given that we are coming to the would be better spent on buying up properties. Councils Christmas period and a lot of shops and traders are could then sell them at a knock-down price—perhaps feeling nervous about the next few weeks. As has been even give them away—with a compulsory brief that mentioned, more people are shopping online and out of whoever purchased them had to convert them or use town. In London, big chains are pushing up rents. My them for a particular scheme. constituency is in west London. People think of London as a city, but apart from the inner city, London is made Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab): up of little villages. I have several specific high streets in The hon. Gentleman is making a number of important my constituency that I look at in particular: Chiswick points about the powers local authorities have to shape high road; High street in Brentford; High street in their areas. Does he accept that recent Government Hounslow; South street in Isleworth; Thornbury road changes deregulating permitted development make it in Osterley; and London road. much more difficult for local authorities to influence The Mayor of London has taken this issue on as a what happens on the high street? high priority. Recently, two of my high streets have received £4.8 million in support from the Mayor’s outer London fund. That has helped in creating a town centre Martin Vickers: I am afraid that I do not agree with manager, markets, Christmas lights—any initiative that the hon. Lady. I am very much one for freeing up the would bring people to the high street and make it a ability of councils to put together plans, schemes and focal point for people to shop and go to the restaurants initiatives of the sort I mentioned, which, although they there. A lot has been done. Of course, we have heard may need central funding to kick-start them, are bottom-up already about the Portas review. In fact, Mary Portas schemes. I cannot agree with her. opened a shop on my local high street, Living and Giving, which is a shop for Save the Children—it is a Much is made of car parking charges. I agree that in charity shop on Chiswick High road. Some interesting an ideal world we would not have them—my hon. points came out of that review, and the pilots have been Friend the Member for Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy) set up. Also, in London after the summer of unrest and will refer to the successful schemes that North East riots that we had, there is a high street innovation fund, Lincolnshire council has introduced—but getting rid of and a lot has been done to encourage local markets. A charges is not a panacea. I recall mentioning in a similar lot has been done in that way, and the Government have debate that I was the councillor on North East Lincolnshire done a lot to help to support small businesses, as many council responsible for environmental services, including of us were saying earlier today in the main Chamber. car parking. We discussed it time and time again and had various initiatives to help with Christmas shopping There are some things we have tried to do locally. A and the like, but the reality is that we got £1.25 million new market has been set up in Brentford on Sundays, to in income from car parking charges. If a council is which lots of high quality traders have been coming, providing services elsewhere, it simply cannot at a stroke including new traders. A market is a great way in for say, “We’ll do away with that £1 million.” It is a problem. someone who wants to start a business. Also, I have a regular forum with my traders in Chiswick to hear their Grimsby town centre, the main shopping centre that concerns and try to do something about them. I certainly serves my constituency, has a successful and thriving keep in touch with what is happening with the regeneration shopping centre, Freshney Place, which charges. People and transformation of two of my bigger high streets, in go there in their thousands, often at the expense of Brentford and Hounslow, which needed a lot of work going to other areas that do not charge. If the offer is done to them. 173WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 174WH

[Mary Macleod] 3.45 pm Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): Thank you, Mr Walker, We have started to provide free parking for 30 minutes for calling me to speak. I will try to be as good as my in some areas. I have been pushing my borough to colleagues have been. extend that scheme right across the borough—my hon. Friend the Member for North Swindon talked about, I Action for Market Towns is a national charity and think, a 10% increase in trade from such a scheme. That the representative body committed to the vitality and is the right way to go, and is hopefully something that viability of market towns across the country, with will be implemented right across the borough as soon as membership from such towns all across Britain. After a possible, because it will certainly encourage people to highly selective process, this year my constituency was come to the local high street, as opposed to going out of chosen as the location for its annual conference, earlier town. We are also looking at business improvement this month. Congleton was chosen as an exemplary districts. We do not have any in my part of west London model of good and joint working of all five town at the moment, but there are many across London and partnerships in my constituency—Alsager, Congleton, we want to try to build on those. Homes Chapel, Sandbach and Middlewich. They are When I speak to my traders, including on the high not competing against one other, but supporting each street, they talk about business rates—especially in London, other to maintain vibrant local communities, including with its high rateable values. Ideally, I would like the their high streets. I spoke at the conference and afterwards Minister’s support when I go and speak to the Prime conducted a Q and A session with the delegates. I want Minister next week about what we do about business to bring back to this debate and to the Minister some of rates, because I would like a more fundamental reform the comments that delegates made about what more the of them. Traders have also asked me where they can go Government could do to help to boost market towns for help. Many of our traders try going to their local and other smaller communities, with a particular emphasis, councillor or perhaps reaching out to a range of people, of course, on the high street. but who is responsible for our traders on the high One of the first points that delegates made was that street? Who looks after their concerns? As MPs, we local enterprise partnerships could offer more opportunity have our constituents, and I have said to my local to help to diversify town centres, as part of their wider traders that I will absolutely help to represent their local economic growth strategies. However, the feeling interests and listen to their concerns, because they are a was that LEPs tend to focus on supporting big business, core part of the local community. not on places, and that LEPs perhaps need to focus Some of the things we are looking forward to include more on supporting market towns or working with small business Saturday on 7 December, when a lot of groups of smaller businesses. The question to the Minister, activities will be taking place then across my constituency. therefore, is: how can individual towns and their businesses That has helped to create a real sense of community, influence and access LEP funds more effectively? Is which is really important. Something we are seeing a lot there perhaps a need or an opportunity for Government of in London is empty shops. I would like to encourage to inform LEP strategy development at national and the use of pop-up shops, which are another way for new local level, to ensure that LEPs listen to and respond entrepreneurs to test out their markets, starting small effectively to community representatives, including those and growing from that. The more we can do to encourage representing smaller retailers? pop-up shops as a starting-point, the better. My second point relates to developing the policy for When it comes to local authorities, we want to encourage multi-purpose town centres. I think we all acknowledge people to shop on the high street; therefore, there must the need for town centres to diversify, so that they can be real diversity there. In some of my local areas we provide retail alongside community services and play a have seen a whole stream of estate agents or charity stronger leisure, culture and amenity role. There is also shops, but what we want is a good mix, because that is an acceptance of the potential to deliver that through what will get people to come to the high street. When I neighbourhood planning. There is the future high streets go down Turnham Green terrace in Chiswick, it is forum, but comment was made that although this holistic wonderful to see a queue outside my butchers, Macken view of town centres is accepted, it does not seem to be Brothers, on a Saturday. That just goes to show that if proportionately represented on the forum. I have looked small traders on the high street are good and people at the proportion of representatives on the forum, know about them, they can be hugely successful. Some and there certainly seems to be a preponderance of of the best moments for me—for example, Devonshire representatives from big business and big retailers, with road street parties—have been where the high streets relatively few representing the smaller high street retailers. have got together and created events to improve the The question is: are there real champions of small sense of community and to get shoppers to come their businesses to make their voices and views heard on the streets. They have been absolutely superb. future high streets forum, providing an holistic view of multi-purpose and sustainable town centres to be delivered The key thing for us—all hon. Friends and hon. through localism and the right to plan or community Members here today—is: what needs to be done to help rights? Is the balance right on that forum to ensure that the high street and help local traders to thrive? If there this will happen? is more that the Government can do to support them— whether through taxation or business rates, encouraging Thirdly, there is the issue of the reuse of public assets flexibility on parking and diversity, or looking at how in towns. Maintenance of public services and employment we use empty shops and encourage more pop-up shops— in and around town centres is, as we know, vital to local that will be a step in the right direction. well-being and prosperity. However, there is concern that empty public buildings could be made more readily Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): Hon. Members are available by authorities for social and community being very self-limiting—very well-behaved. enterprises, perhaps at below market value if they are 175WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 176WH lying empty. That was something that the delegates go into local community life on behalf of local businesses. really wanted me to draw to the attention of the Minister. I want to support that, particularly in my constituency, Perhaps wider local economic benefit could be taken in the years to come. into account in calculating best value—using the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, for example—in the sale and reuse of such public assets in and around town 3.53 pm centres. How can we achieve this? Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): It is a pleasure I wish to touching briefly on charity shops. Their role to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Walker. I concur in the vibrancy of town centres was something of a with colleagues who have paid tribute to the hon. Member controversial subject among the delegates, perhaps shrouded for Stockport (Ann Coffey), my hon. Friend the Member in anecdote. It was suggested that more informed research for North Swindon (Justin Tomlinson) and the others was needed. Although there are negative aspects, including who have helped secure this debate. rate relief—especially relating to the sale of new products— and the clustering of charity shops in prime retail Town centres are incredibly important to my constituency, locations, on the positive side, charities and social enterprises all 257 square miles of it. We have a lot of historic occupy empty units, diversify town centres and, in some market towns, including Brigg, Epworth and Crowle, as instances, provide a broad range of services beyond well as bigger centres such as Goole. My constituency retail. I have been involved for several years in a charity also covers part of Scunthorpe, so Scunthorpe town shop in Widnes that occupies a former empty jeweller’s centre, although it is not in my constituency, is incredibly shop. At the back of the town centre, we provide drug important. Like other Members, I am committed to our addiction advice, debt advice, pregnancy counselling town centres. I spent some time working in the US and free legal aid. To inform the work of the future high many years ago, and I was staggered when I asked the streets forum, what objective research is undertaken to people I was living with, “Where is the town centre?” understand and inform policy and good practice on the and they looked at me and said, “What do you mean?” I impact of charity shops and social enterprises on town said, “Where is it? There must be one. I’ve walked and centre vitality? walked until the pavement ran out”—the town was Finally, I am sure that the Minister would not want Hamilton, New Jersey. The community just did not me to speak in his presence without referring to local have a town centre. I was on a street called Edinburgh plans, the national planning policy framework and town street, I remember, which was pronounced “Edinburg centres. The delegates acknowledged the potential benefit street” in New Jersey. of new funding sources through the community At the time, the thought that town centres in many infrastructure levy, which they welcomed, but there was places had either closed down or simply did not exist strong consensus that the application of localism through was alien to me, but that was a number of years ago. neighbourhood planning and wider community rights Sadly, some of the things that have happened in the US could provide new opportunities for local businesses have started to happen here, particularly since the move and community groups to determine the vitality of to out-of-town shopping centres. Maybe we have caught their town centres. up with the trend, or maybe we have regressed. I do not However, there were concerns that local proposals for know which, but it is definitely having an impact. sustainable business development were being overruled The life and future of town centres in my constituency by proposals from large retailers and housing developers. is fairly positive. They are still the centre of most of my I know of a situation near me in Tattenhall, west communities when it comes to accessing GP services, Cheshire, where a neighbourhood plan on whose creation post offices or even council services. They are also a local groups spent an enormous amount, including for meeting place for many generations, and they provide a a local referendum, is now being challenged through the huge number of jobs. I concur with other Members courts by a major developer. about the importance of retail jobs. My first job at 12 There is widespread concern that the continuing lack was being a paperboy, but at 15, I got a job in a shoe of agreed local plans leaves communities open to any shop, supplying Hush Puppies and Jouralle shoes to the development that is proposed—developments need only assorted masses of what was then Humberside. Freeman meet the NPPF requirements—and about the fact that Hardy Willis was the name of the company. I then got a town plans are being ignored when planning appeals job working at McDonald’s, which I did for five years take place. I refer the Minister once again to the plight through college and university. I understand the value of Sandbach, where some 500 properties will now be of retail jobs, particularly to young people but also to developed on the wrong side of the town centre, causing those who want to work flexibly or part-time. considerable congestion and other difficulties. Sandbach Our local town centres have been supported strongly townsfolk do not object to development, but they want by the local council. I want to highlight several examples it in the right place. If only we could have waited until from North Lincolnshire council that could be applied the local plan was finalised, that development would nationally and that show what can be achieved for our have been in the right place. What can be done to ensure town centres when local authorities and town centre that local community and business engagement in retailers work in partnership. When we took control of neighbourhood planning for sustainable growth is not my town council in 2011, we were swift in removing overruled by the inconsistent application of the NPPF, parking charges in Brigg. Since then, the council has and particularly by the financial resources of major introduced free parking periods, with the strong support developers? of the Scunthorpe Telegraph, an excellent local newspaper. From my own leadership experience as senior partner We have extended free parking into Scunthorpe, and I in a community law firm on the high street for almost hope we can go further. It was the previous Labour 25 years, I know how much hard work, care and devotion council, sadly, that imposed charges in Brigg. 177WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 178WH

[Andrew Percy] about our town centre and what isn’t?” The battered old railings that welcome people into town do not exactly The importance of those measures came home to me say, “This is a place to come and enjoy an afternoon”, during the first Christmas after we removed the charges or “Enjoy your shopping.” That is not acceptable. Simply in 2011. I went to open Santa’s shack in Brigg, in one of by doing an audit of such things and getting the council our famous hardware stores—other options are available, to commit to replacing them, we can change the appearance of course—and the manager of the shop said to me, of our town centres. “Youwouldn’t believe the impact the free parking period When councils get it—when they understand it—and has had.” People are not fearful of being ticketed. They when they do not see themselves as being in conflict understand the rules, and they know that they can come with retailers, it can work. Sometimes, retailers say, into Brigg and shop for two hours, so they do not drive “The council is not doing enough for us,” and sometimes to an out-of-town centre on the edge of Scunthorpe or the council says, “Oh, well, retailers are just complaining elsewhere; they come into Brigg to do their shopping. about parking, yet again. It’s the usual thing,”or, “They’re We should not underestimate the value of free parking. complaining about litter.” When we park all those Nor should we underestimate the value of reasonable traditional tussles and replace them with proper partnership parking attendants. Epworth is having a big problem, working, we can achieve a great deal. We do not have a and retail businesses are struggling. Retailers have been great number of empty shops in the smaller market to see me, and I have got the council to agree to review towns in my area. the aggressive enforcement of parking rules that is We still have a big problem in town centres, and I do driving people out of our town centres. Free periods are not know how the Government are responding to the a good start, but after two hours when the free period matter. Sadly, in the past few years, in Scunthorpe, one expires, parking attendants must be reasonable. of the bigger town centres, Marks & Spencer has left, In response to a little campaign that I ran with Goole although it is returning to my constituency at an out-of-town town centre, a local council of mine has managed to get unit on the edge of Scunthorpe. Although we have tried free wi-fi in Goole town centre by working with Jibba to get it into the town centre, it is not interested in that. Jabba, a local broadband provider based in Doncaster. It is difficult to know how the Government should It is an excellent name; those of us from the ’80s will respond to the flight away from big town centres. In the remember “The A-Team”. Anyone who comes into past couple of weeks, McDonald’s, of all companies, Goole and logs on to the wi-fi will be greeted by a nice has announced that it is leaving Scunthorpe town centre, picture of me welcoming them to the free wi-fi service. despite its being incredibly busy. It mentioned business [Interruption.] Take-up has been high; whether people rates, the shift of people out of town and online sales, as repeat their visit I am not sure. others have done. That is in the East Riding of Yorkshire part of my I have gone 30 seconds over time, despite being constituency. I took the idea to North Lincolnshire self-limiting. There was much more that I wanted to say, council, which has agreed to roll out wi-fi to all our not about various positions that I hold but about what town centres to support local businesses. Many of our we can do to support our town centres by working in towns, such as Epworth, have burgeoning café and food partnership. I hope that the Government will respond outlet environments, which I strongly support. They to questions raised by colleagues and to my concerns have said to me that having free wi-fi has been important about the need to continue extending small business in Goole. People come in, sit there and use it with their rate relief and about our biggest stores, to ensure that tablets out, and they buy an extra coffee while doing so, there is a fair, level playing field in town centres and out because they realise that they can get fast internet while of town. enjoying their lunch or coffee break, as people do these days. Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): Order. I remind Councils must be proactive on crime. Town centre Front-Bench speakers that we will allow the Member crime is a concern, particularly for small retailers. We who secured the debate two minutes at the end, so had a bit of a spike in Epworth not so long ago. I am perhaps they could be self-limiting as well. pleased that, working with local councillors there— Liz Redfern and David Robinson—we managed to get 4.3 pm £45,000 out of the council to install CCTV cameras in Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab): Epworth town centre, which retailers have welcomed. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, We also got the local council to fund extra police Mr Walker. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for community support officers there and provide two new Stockport (Ann Coffey) and the hon. Member for PCSOs in the Isle of Axholme and others in parts of North Swindon (Justin Tomlinson) for securing this north Lincolnshire. Again, it is working in partnership debate and pay tribute to their work as joint chairs of because it understands that crime is important in respect the all-party retail group. I pay tribute to all hon. of retail and the economy, and in making people feel Members who have spoken passionately about their safe and confident enough to come into town centres. I areas. I will return in a moment or two to some specific welcome that partnership. points that they raised. There are other simple things that councils can do. The importance of high streets and retail cannot be We set up a body in Brigg, of which I am the chairman—I better demonstrated than in Stockport, where, as my am not in control of everything in the constituency; this hon. Friend eloquently outlined, retail is a significant is not some despotic regime—called Brigg 2020, a part of the economy and contributes a large proportion regeneration partnership. I also chair one in Goole, of jobs in the town. Stockport is benefiting from the called Goole Renaissance. In Brigg, we got the council reshaping of the town’s retail offer, and in a way it is to look at the street furniture and ask, “What is attractive forging a new identity. That is to be applauded. 179WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 180WH

I am pleased that my hon. Friend the Member for He acutely identifies the most serious challenges facing Tynemouth (Mr Campbell) mentioned the Union of the industry, saying: Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers campaign to “The bigger area of concern, though, is the plight of smaller keep shop workers safe, because we do not talk enough retailers. Many remain horribly stressed financially with an average about that in the House and we have to consider it when rating that hovers perilously above the Company Watch warning thinking about regenerating our high streets and town area. The same pattern applies in the supply chain. For independent centres. shops, a sector that the Business Secretary has previously acknowledged to be an essential part of a healthy high street, the I am glad that most hon. Members mentioned small future looks very uncertain. The fact that our analysis shows business Saturday on 7 December. I am sure that we are 46.6 per cent of all retailers in the UK are in the warning area, all getting behind it and supporting our small businesses. and by definition at serious risk of failure, should be a loud It is worth highlighting. wakeup call to ministers”— It is pertinent to discuss the state of our high streets. and to all of us. He states: We have had a number of debates on the subject in the “As a check up on the health of the high street, the prognosis is House recently and in the past few years. The issue will not good. Over 20,000 businesses are at risk and we can expect not go away, and the reason for that is clear: we are more and more business failures” seeing a decline in the variety of businesses that make up our high streets. There are now more than twice as unless action is taken. many betting shops in British high streets than all the “There are around 40,000 empty shops in the UK, and this has cinemas, bingo halls, museums, bowling alleys and so remained” on put together, but the situation is not inevitable. pretty Positive interventions can be made, and we should not “constant over…three years.” accept the automatic decline of our high street due to trends of online shopping and so on. We have to make The question must be, what are local government and the right interventions, and they must be supported by central Government going to do about that? the Government, who must help the process of Part of the answer, undoubtedly, is to enable change diversification that we know is needed. of use for premises. What the Government are doing on The facts make concerning reading. At this moment, change of use, however, is making things worse, not one in seven of Britain’s shops lie empty, and in some better. We know that the consequence of the Government’s places it is one in three. Given that position, the Government changes, particularly those since May, has been to allow should take action to support the high street, but recent more bookies and payday lenders to set up shop on our data show us that, in a large number of areas, the high high streets. The Government are taking away from street revolution has failed to take off. Vacancy rates, local authorities the ability to shape what is happening although improving, are doing so only marginally, with on their high street and to respond to community a reduction from 14.2% to 14.1%. demand, yet we know that communities want their local The Government’s approach is fragmented. A number authorities to have more control of high street improvement. of initiatives have been mentioned. We have Portas A recent survey by Deloitte shows that 73% of people pilots, town team partners, the future high streets want customers to have a strong role in shaping the high forum, a high street innovation fund, the high street street, and 47% want local authorities to be able to do renewal award, a fund for business improvements that. Only 13% want landlords to be able to shape what districts, local enterprise partnerships, local authorities, happens on the high street, yet that is exactly what we neighbourhood plans and neighbourhood business plans. have ended up with under this Government. Because Most commentators are saying that we need a more planning permission is no longer required for many co-ordinated approach, nationally and locally, to help changes of use on our high street, our local authorities our high streets. and communities have no ability to shape what is happening. The Government should consider more closely the That is the exact opposite of the approach that the hon. advice in the Grimsey report, which in many ways Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers) suggests, which echoes what was set out in the Portas review. As my is that local authorities should have powers to shape hon. Friend said, that report seeks comprehensively to what happens on the high street, such as by having more address the challenges facing the sector. Grimsey set an rights to purchase properties compulsorily. objective to repopulate high streets and town centres as The hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) made community hubs, with more housing, education, arts, an excellent point on local authorities using social value entertainment, business and office space, health and clauses to help, for example, local people set up start-up leisure provision and, of course, shops. He also suggested units—there would be more pop-up shops. That is setting up a town centre commission for each town, exactly the set of uses that local authorities might want with a defined skills base and structure, to build a on their high street, but if it is simply left to the market 20-year vision for each town. He thought that the to say how empty properties will be used or changed, we Government should, at least, pilot that approach. He are not likely to get the sorts of premises that local also said that we should prepare for a wired town centre people want. and that there should be particular support for our high streets, to enable them to embrace new technology, as What is likely to happen, as I witnessed when I visited my hon. Friend outlined. We are not seeing a specific Woolwich high street last week, is that in a row of 16 enough initiative to deal with that issue. shops, nine will be payday loan companies or bookies. In his foreword to his report, Grimsey said: Local people told me that they are very unhappy with “We’ve seen reviews, pilots, future high street forums and more. the situation. They said that, in the past couple of years, But none of these initiatives are making much impact and there is the council had indeed spent money on the town square a frustrating sense of policy being conducted in the margins. The but that it was being thoroughly undermined by the need to grasp the nettle is bigger than ever.” number of fast food outlets and so on in the area. 181WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 182WH

[Roberta Blackman-Woods] that the Government should dictate exactly how a high street plan should be done and who should do it. The The last time I raised that point with the Minister, he report contains an idea for taxing successful retailers to went out and said to the media, “This is about Labour help less successful or smaller retailers. We certainly will trying to say to you that you shouldn’t be able to buy a not be considering the introduction of more taxes that McDonald’s.” I make it clear that that is not what we hit retailers in the way that the previous Government are saying; we are saying that people do not want an perhaps would have done. over-saturation of a particular type of shop on their We clearly want businesses to have flexibility. When I high street. As the hon. Member for Brentford and talk to businesses, they say that they want flexibility to Isleworth (Mary Macleod) said, what we need is evolve and reflect. To be entirely honest, I am slightly diversification on our high street. People are telling us confused by the shadow Minister’s comment that we clearly that they want independent retailers and community should have flexibility for diversification without allowing uses; they do not want to see one type of premises flexibility for planning changes in the high street. I am taking over the high street. not sure how we can have it both ways. The reality is I hope the Minister will help us to understand how that councils have the ability through planning permission, the Government’s approach will assist with that not least through article 4 and through the regulation of diversification, because I cannot see that approach operating gaming, to ensure that the high street balance is correct. in practice. In fact, we know from across the country On fast food, I have never said anything of the sort that the opposite is happening. The Government could suggested by the shadow Minister. The point I have do more. The Government must urgently address change made previously is that it is not for the Government to of use and the relaxation of permitted development, dictate whether there are too many or too few fast food and they must give local authorities and communities restaurants. High streets and town centres will reflect real powers to shape their high street. That is urgent, what we, as customers and consumers, demand through but the Government need to do other things. They must how we shop and what we use, whatever the company— consider the wider economy, too. whether it is a small local business or a big brand name. A recent report by the Centre for Cities claims that Big brand names are often run by local business the biggest factor affecting the success or failure of our people, either directly or as a franchise, and they certainly high street is the overall strength of the town or city employ local people and spend good money on their centre’s economy, and the slow economic recovery over shops. They can be an important part of the high street. the past three years has really affected the high street. As my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Goole The Government should be doing more to address (Andrew Percy) said, we tend to miss those companies business rates, increasing rents and higher energy costs, when they start talking about moving, but, equally, they all of which are particularly affecting small business. are an important part of the high street. We should not Again, small businesses themselves are asking the knock that. The big brand names are there because we Government to address those issues urgently. use them, which is the reality of life. Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): I thank the shadow The hon. Member for Stockport (Ann Coffey) made Minister for her perfectly timed speech. a thoughtful and powerful speech on the digital world in which we now live. I think that we are now the country with the highest online shopping usage as a 4.15 pm percentage of shopping population. We must be aware The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for that things are changing. Google glasses are potentially Communities and Local Government (Brandon Lewis): part of what we could be seeing in future. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, The hon. Lady is right that we need to spread best Mr Walker. practice. A debate such as this—we have heard some I congratulate the Members who secured this debate, examples this afternoon—is a good way to do that. We which has been very interesting, not least because, in the have put £1 million into the Association of Town Centre main, it has been positive about the great things that are Management, and the future high streets forum is happening across our high streets and town centres. considering how we share best practice, whether it is There has been positive consideration of what more can through the 333 town teams, through volunteers working be done to ensure that, in the 21st century, we have town in their local area or through the Portas pilots. More centres not only that we can be proud of but that serve generally, we are all working across the media to promote and reflect what the community needs and wants. From good examples of best practice. that point of view, the debate has been extremely good, In my constituency of Great Yarmouth, we have a interesting and positive. town centre partnership and a business improvement One of the fundamental differences between the hon. district, or BID. I am a huge fan of BIDs. One of the Member for City of Durham (Roberta Blackman-Woods) things that the Great Yarmouth BID has done is to and me—my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes introduce wi-fi across the town, which has been massively (Martin Vickers) outlined this fairly well—is that I welcomed by the local community. The hon. Lady is think the high street is what we make it. We have to absolutely right that we must ensure that our towns understand that the high street is changing. In some embrace such digital technology, not least as retail and ways, the high street will get smaller and town centres our high streets change. I appreciate the title of the will shrink as retail demand changes. I will address that debate, but our high streets are growing towards being in a moment. not only somewhere that we go to shop and do other It is very much not for the Government to manage things, but a destination for leisure and hospitality the high street from the top down. The Grimsey report where we may do some shopping. We must recognise outlines, and I have discussed this with Bill Grimsey, that fact. 183WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 184WH

My hon. Friend the Member for North Swindon pop-up shop, which I recommend for hon. Members’ (Justin Tomlinson) touched on his experience and declared Christmas shopping. She is right that areas should be himself another unabashed Mary Portas fan. He can considering such things. In Great Yarmouth, our town join my club. Mary Portas has done a fantastic job, not centre partnership and the council are looking at exactly least in raising the issue’s profile and setting out a that sort of thing, almost as an alchemy centre to give journey and ideology, to which the key is recognising new independent retailers the opportunity to develop, the unique selling point of every individual town centre. to test the market and to grow. From the success of the Portas pilots and town teams My hon. Friend, along with other hon. Members, around the country, we can see that there is no homogeneous also referred to business rates, about which I do get tick list; different things work differently in different comments from time to time. We must appreciate that places. Good things can work brilliantly in one place, not only do we have the autumn statement next week—I but they will not necessarily work somewhere else, so we would not want to prejudge what the Chancellor will must examine how different areas evolve. I congratulate say—but that retail is only one part of business rates. The Daily Telegraph on its current high streets campaign, When we looked at the revaluation, we found that there a part of which is a competition to find, through its would have been 800,000 losers and just 300,000 winners, readers, the best high street, and I am delighted to be of which retail would have been one, as would much of chairing the panel. An interesting thing that has come the hospitality and leisure industries. We must be cautious from that is how every area is different and how areas when making presumptions about business rates, but are embracing their differences to make them stand out we can discuss that another time. I outlined the matter as unique selling points. during Communities and Local Government questions My hon. Friend also mentioned parking charges. on Monday. Braintree, for example, saw a 40,000 increase in footfall My hon. Friend the Member for Congleton mentioned as soon as parking charges were reduced. Parking charges local enterprise partnerships, which should, where relevant, are an important part of the mix, and areas should be consider town centres as important. In some areas, if acutely aware of that. He was also right to highlight employees will have somewhere good to go, the town young retailers and young people being part of the high centre can actually be part of what will attract a company street. The high street should absolutely be a leisure and to invest in an area. A good, vibrant town centre can be hospitality area, which is a point that links perfectly to the heartbeat of a community. My hon. Friend the the contribution of the hon. Member for Tynemouth Member for Brigg and Goole touched on that when (Mr Campbell). He spoke about the importance of he mentioned the town centre being at the centre of a safety on our high streets, particularly given the growing community. night-time economy. That economy is to be embraced as an important part of the high street, but the staff Charity shops do have an important part to play. My who work there need to be safe. People have the right to hon. Friend the Member for Congleton mentioned be treated with respect and will provide good customer research, and Demos is currently carrying out some on service as a result. Equally, when our children and this very issue. Good charity shops can play an important friends go out, we want to know that they are safe. They role in the community. They receive both good and bad have the right to feel safe. press, but any kind of retail outlet on the high street can My hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes described be good or bad depending on how it is presented and the changing shape of the high street. He mentioned the looked after. Charity shops sometimes offer coffee facilities small business rate relief, and I am proud that the and can also get involved running community events Government have trebled that to over £900 million to from their stores. They can also be a huge draw for help businesses right across the country. He makes a fair footfall. point about how retail is changing and how retail spaces My hon. Friend also touched on planning, and councils in many areas need to shrink. I am pleased that we are now have the ability to have a play in that system consulting on the flexibility to change retail spaces back through their local plan. We have discussed this before. to residential use, which would increase footfall in our I hope that her council will hurry up and get its local town centres and allow them to reflect the change plan in place. I am quite happy to chastise them a little towards leisure and hospitality. as it has been somewhat slower in getting its plan Hair and beauty, and the service industry in general, together than residents would appreciate. is one of the fastest-growing parts of the high street. My hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Goole Businesses such as Fusion in Gorleston in my constituency made important points about how the town centre have spent a fortune improving their shop fronts. My should be the heartbeat of its community. I am pleased hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) that he has such a positive view of the future and he is mentioned the future high streets forum. I am looking quite right to do so. The town centre is an important at its membership and want to change it slightly to source of employment in the community and can provide reflect the hospitality and leisure aspect of high streets, a fantastic career path. Despite the numbers of people including the service industries. Hairdressers, for example, employed in hospitality and retail in this country, we have not been a part of it before. The high street often undervalue the sector and do not promote enough economy is no longer just about retail. It is widening just what a fantastic career it can be. Someone starting and small businesses represent a part of that. out in retail could end up in the House of Commons, My hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth which could happen to anyone, or they could have a (Mary Macleod) mentioned parking and pop-up shops. fantastic career in retail, which goes across many different We practise what we preach in the Department for organisations, or they could be an entrepreneur running Communities and Local Government—not only did their own independent business—hopefully benefiting we proudly cut our costs by 60%, but we also have a from the Government’s small business rate relief. 185WH Retail and the High Street28 NOVEMBER 2013 Retail and the High Street 186WH

[Brandon Lewis] I thank all hon. Members for their contributions, which were based on their different experiences and In conclusion, our town centres have a really good different constituencies. It is a strength of the constituency opportunity as we move forward. Change is happening system that it enables Members who represent big cities, on the high street and the high street must change. High rural communities or coastal towns, where many different streets should grasp the opportunity to become what things happen, to contribute to such a debate. The the consumer wants them to be in the 21st century. The range of topics has been huge—jobs, crime, planning, Government must tread a careful line. We want not to parking, partnerships, empty shops, local initiatives, interfere and create false economies, but to create a business improvement districts and everything else. facility where local people, local businesses and local authorities can work together to provide what we all It has been a fantastic debate that has shown the want—vibrant, successful high streets and town centres complex interaction of factors, and that the problems that are the heartbeat of their communities and successful are not easily solvable by one simple public policy or not just now, but for years to come. private initiative. I stress again that we need public-private partnerships to provide innovation and to transform 4.27 pm the high street, but they must be the right kind of Ann Coffey: With the leave of the House, I will briefly partnerships, namely those based on evidence of the respond. Thank you, Mr Walker, for chairing this debate. right kind of interventions. I thank my co-sponsor and co-chair of the all-party group, the hon. Member for North Swindon, whom I Question put and agreed to. look forward to working with on retail issues. He clearly has huge knowledge and real experience in the sector. I also thank the shadow Minister and the Minister for 4.29 pm their thoughtful replies. Sitting adjourned. 19WS Written Statements28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Statements 20WS

reduction of £100 million in funding for the NSP we are Written Statements able to redirect £25 million to establish a new network to support collaborative outreach. Thursday 28 November 2013 Universities, colleges and schools will benefit from an investment of £25 million in 2014 to help them work together more effectively as they reach out to encourage more people from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS to university. The funds will be used to create a locally-based network and crucially will provide a single point of Trade Foreign Affairs Council and contact for schools seeking information on how to be WTO Ministerial Conference part of outreach activity. A single point of contact will be simpler for schools enabling them to make contact with all their local universities and colleges. The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Well thought-out outreach activities can raise aspirations and Skills (Michael Fallon): My noble Friend the Minister and attainment, enabling bright young people from low of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Green of income or other underrepresented backgrounds to see Hurstpierpoint, has made the following statement: that university really can be an option for them. We The Trade Foreign Affairs Council will take place in Nusa know that outreach is most effective when delivered as a Dua, Bali on 3 December 2013. The Council meeting is being held sustained programme of activity over time. Outreach in the margins of the ninth WTO ministerial conference which is being held from 3 to 6 December 2013. I will be representing the therefore needs to be directed towards young people at UK at both and I will be acting as a vice-chair at the ministerial different stages of their educational lives and begin conference. early at primary level. These new arrangements will The Trade Foreign Affairs Council is being held in the margins help to do this in a more targeted and sustained way. of the WTO conference to allow any essential business pertaining They will also help more mature learners through links to the conference to be finalised. with further education colleges, employers and local Negotiations are under way on a set of deliverables that could communities. be agreed at the ministerial conference. Some of these form part The national scholarship programme will remain in of the Doha development agenda (DDA) and if agreed, would place for 2014-15, targeting £50 million from Government constitute the first multilateral agreement for 20 years. Some towards students in most need of help. Universities will non-DDA issues are also likely to be agreed at the conference for also continue to support NSP awards in the final year of example, the secession of Yemen to the WTO. the scheme, in addition to offering other bursaries and The Government’s objectives for the conference are to: scholarships to their students. Reiterate our commitment to the multilateral trading system To make the programme more flexible for students in by pushing for an ambitious and balanced outcome to the conference. this transition year, we have removed the £1,000 limit on the amount of the award that can be given in the form Support a political understanding on the text of an ambitious and legally binding trade facilitation agreement. of cash. We have also reduced the minimum level of award for full-time students to £2,000, which means Support agreement on a limited number of agricultural issues which would be of benefit to developing and least that 100,000 students could still receive an award, in line developed countries. with our original estimate. Support the establishment of the monitoring mechanism for The Government have also announced previously special and differential treatment for developing and least that £50 million from the NSP would be refocused in developed countries. 2015-16 to support students from less advantaged Support the WTO ministerial decisions on: the operationalisation backgrounds to access postgraduate education, and in of the services waiver for least developed countries; preferential areas that support the Government’s ambitions for rules of origin for least developed countries and cotton. growth. Support the extension of the moratorium on charging customs Our reforms have ensured that universities invest duties on electronic transmissions and the extension of the significantly in widening access. The director of fair moratorium on bringing non-violation and situation complaints access has reported that institutions plan to spend over under the trade related aspects of intellectual property agreement. £700 million a year by 2017-18 on such measures—greatly Welcome the accession of Yemen to the WTO. increased from £444 million in 2011-12. Evidence shows students are not being deterred. Latest available data from UCAS show that for the 2013-14 entry cycle more Student Support students than ever before are getting their first choice at university; the entry rate for 18-year-olds in England is the highest ever; and the proportion of 18-year-olds The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David from the most disadvantaged backgrounds applying to Willetts): In the spending review this summer, we announced university has increased to the highest level recorded. our intention to end the undergraduate national scholarship programme (NSP) after 2014-15. That decision was based on evaluation which has shown that there are TREASURY more valuable ways of widening access and enlarging Turks and Caicos Islands (Tax Agreement) the choices students make about higher education through the negotiated access agreements of universities. In the last three years the funding of access has greatly increased The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David and we are now able to deploy these resources to greater Gauke): An arrangement comprising of an exchange effect. By bringing forward from 2015-16 the planned of letters amending the 2009 tax information exchange 21WS Written Statements28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Statements 22WS agreement (TIEA) with the Turks and Caicos Islands The UK’s key objective for the Warsaw conference was signed on 26 November 2013 to permit automatic was to make progress in agreeing the means by which and spontaneous exchange of information. At the same this 2015 deal will be reached. We achieved this objective: time an agreement was also signed to improve international all nations have agreed to start their homework to tax compliance which sets out the precise details of the prepare for a global climate change deal in 2015. information which will be automatically exchanged. The world now has a work programme, with timetables, The text of the agreement to improve international tax for the 2015 deal: countries will draft the negotiating compliance has been deposited in the Libraries of both text for the 2015 agreement which is to be ready by next Houses and will be made available on HM Revenue and year’s COP in Lima; and all major economies will be Customs’ website. The text amending the tax information expected to propose their initial contributions to the exchange agreement will be scheduled to a draft Order deal by the first quarter of 2015. in Council and laid before the House of Commons in due course. In addition, we made some progress on increasing mitigation ambition before 2020: the conference set out a process to focus on specific sectors of high mitigation DEFENCE potential and increase technical analysis. It agreed that Ministers from all countries, not just parties to the Foreign Affairs Council Kyoto protocol, will convene in June 2014 to review ambition. This was also a conference that dealt with the important The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence mechanics of the international climate regime and continued (Dr Andrew Murrison): The 19 November 2013 Defence to build the foundations for the global agreement in Foreign Affairs Council opened with consideration of 2015. the European Defence Agency budget: I successfully argued for a flat cash settlement. Discussing the defence We finalised a package on rules, finance and industry in more detail than the previous day’s joint co-ordination to help protect tropical forests. We also Session with Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers were reached agreement on a comprehensive package for broadly agreed on initiatives to improve small and measuring, reporting and verifying emissions for both medium-sized enterprise access to the defence market developed and developing countries. This is important, and on the need to avoid unnecessary new legislation. as it will give us an accurate, consistent picture of how The UK backed measures to increase competition but much is emitted and by whom. expressed concern over the potential of some proposals Climate finance and loss and damage to damage exports and opposed Commission ownership of high-end military or dual-use capabilities. Climate finance and loss and damage associated with On common security and defence policy (CSDP) climate change were the other key issues in Warsaw. operations, the UK welcomed the extension of Althea’s On finance, this year’s conference agreed a timetable Executive mandate; supported the French view that towards initial capitalisation of the green climate fund European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM) (GCF) in late 2014, subject to the GCF board taking should be extended, subject to a robust estimate of the final decisions to operationalise the fund, and a new costs; and argued for a two-year extension to Atalanta’s process for assessing progress in scaling up climate mandate with a conditions-based end state. The UK finance to $100 billion per year by 2020 from public, also supported remarks from the NATO Secretary-General, private and alternative sources. who attended the meeting, highlighting the importance The conference established a new institutional of co-ordination and co-operation between the EU and arrangement for loss and damage— the “Warsaw NATO. Mechanism”, with a remit to enhance and promote knowledge of and approaches to addressing loss and damage. It does not have decision-making powers or a ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE remit to seek new funding. It will report to the annual climate conference and comprise finance, adaptation Warsaw Climate Change Conference and technology experts. It will be reviewed in 2016. Overall assessment The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change The agreements we reached in Warsaw are important (Mr Edward Davey): The annual conference of the in setting out the next steps towards the 2015 agreement parties (COP) to the United Nations framework convention and in building and strengthening the architecture of on climate change took place in Warsaw, Poland, from the international climate regime. 11-23 November. The United Kingdom was represented by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change We achieved a good result in Warsaw by demonstrating and the Minister of State, Department of Energy and again the UK’s credentials on climate. The UK continued Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Bexhill and its strong record of leading on climate change action: Battle (Gregory Barker). demonstrating our ambition at home, our support to What we agreed developing countries and our leading influence in the All countries in the United Nations framework EU and with international partners. convention on climate change committed at Durban in We joined the United States in their policy of ending 2011 to negotiate, by 2015, a new global, legally binding support for public financing of new coal-fired power agreement, applicable to all nations, to come into force plants overseas, we announced extra help for some of by 2020. the world’s poorest to adapt to the impacts of climate 23WS Written Statements28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Statements 24WS change and we unveiled a major new package of support I am also consulting on proposals that would, as a for tackling deforestation in partnership with the US, last resort, enable wild or untestable cattle to be culled. Germany and Norway. It is important that we have the means to take action in Next year exceptional cases where cattle of unknown disease status cannot be safely tested. While the long negotiations in Poland showed there are many tough talks ahead of us, the determined The final proposal in this consultation is designed to diplomacy of the UK and EU achieved our aims, respond to the Members of this House, and their building alliances with our friends across the world. constituents, who have pressed the Government to make available information on the location of bovine TB herd Looking ahead, 2014 will be an intensive year of breakdowns, so that livestock farmers are better equipped negotiations, with negotiators developing a framework to deal with the local risks to their herds. This would for the new agreement by COP20—in Lima, Peru—and build on the risk-based trading scheme launched earlier major economies preparing their contributions to the this month, which encourages farmers to share details new deal for submission in early 2015. of the disease history of any cattle they sell so buyers Importantly, the UN Secretary-General will host a are better able to manage any disease risks. leaders’ summit in 2014. This will be the first time that I recognise that these rigorous measures will be tough world leaders meet to discuss climate change specifically for a significant minority of livestock businesses. However, since Copenhagen. This will be an important opportunity we will not achieve the aims of our strategy, and be able to make further concrete progress towards the global to guarantee the future of the thriving cattle industry deal in 2015 and in raising mitigation ambition. we all wish to see, without tackling all of the vectors by which this disease can spread. That is why I remain committed to doing everything possible to get on top of and eradicate this devastating disease in both wildlife ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS and cattle.

Bovine TB HEALTH

Tobacco Control The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): I wish to inform the House of some further important steps that the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Government are planning to take to tackle bovine TB (Jane Ellison): I am today announcing that we have (bTB). BTB is the most worrying and costly animal asked Sir Cyril Chantler to carry out an independent health problem facing our cattle farmers today, with review of the public health evidence on standardised more than 305,000 cattle slaughtered in Great Britain in packaging of tobacco products. the past decade alone. These plans are designed to Tobacco use is a significant public health challenge. address the risk of cattle-to-cattle transmission of the Our evidence-based tobacco control strategies play an disease. They form part of the Government’s wider essential part in delivering the Government’s continued strategy for achieving national bovine TB-free status in commitment to reduce the number of people in this England within 25 years. country who are dying prematurely. Today I am announcing our approach for addressing It is important to explore avenues that have the a number of long-standing weaknesses in our bovine potential to contribute to this long-standing aim. In TB controls. The first concerns the problem of late TB July we said that we would keep the policy of standardised tests by a small minority of cattle farmers. Late testing packaging under review as we examine the emerging is unacceptable, so from 1 January 2014 anyone who evidence. As part of this ongoing work we have therefore fails to complete their test by the set deadline, even by commissioned a review with the following terms of one day, will see their CAP scheme payment reduced. reference: The reductions will vary, depending on the seriousness To give advice to the Secretary of State for Health, taking of the case, but the outcome I want to see is no late into account existing and any fresh evidence, as to whether testing at all. or not the introduction of standardised packaging is likely to have an effect on public health (and what any effect might I am also launching a consultation on proposals for be), in particular in relation to the health of children. It will further tightening of cattle controls. Our proposals be a matter for the chair to determine how he undertakes this build on the raft of enhanced cattle measures that have review and he is free to draw evidence from whatever source been in place for many years, a number of which were he considers necessary and appropriate. enhanced in 2012. They include abolishing the pre- The review will report by March 2014. movement testing exemption for movements of cattle to It will be an independent review, with advice to the Secretary and from common land. In doing this, we will need of State contained in a report. An independent secretariat to find ways of ensuring that the testing requirements will be appointed by the chair, who will set out the method of how he will conduct the review in more detail in due course. do not prejudice the very important part that grazing The secretariat will be wholly accountable to the chair, and it on some commons plays in protecting and maintaining will be for the chair to guide and task them in their work as valuable habitats. he sees fit. The proposals also include phasing out the practice We intend to reach a decision on standardised tobacco of lifting bovine TB restrictions on parts of a restricted packaging once Sir Cyril has made his report. The holding. In future the whole of a holding would be Government will introduce standardised tobacco packaging either restricted or officially TB free any one time. if, following the review and consideration of the wider 25WS Written Statements28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Statements 26WS issues raised by this policy, we are satisfied that there Motorists and businesses will benefit from more convenient are sufficient grounds to proceed, including public health and cost-effective motoring services—such as driving tests benefit. and goods vehicle testing; The Government also intend to take advantage of Delivery of the same high-quality testing and standards the opportunity offered by the Children and Families services to motorists and businesses, but with greater efficiency; Bill, which is currently being considered in the House of Delivering testing in a way which is more flexible and Lords, to table a Government amendment to take enabling convenient for customers; this merger offers opportunities to powers now which would allow regulations to be made explore and extend this in the future; to introduce standardised tobacco packaging later, if it Create opportunities to identify synergies between the is decided to proceed with this policy. two organisations and service improvements that could potentially enable a reduction in fees. I have considered a range of options for the name of TRANSPORT the new agency, and have decided that it will be known as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), to reflect the work of both its predecessors and the VOSA/DSA crucial contribution they make to road safety. In keeping with Government practices, the cost of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport the rebranding of the agency will be kept to a minimum, (Mr Robert Goodwill): Earlier this year we consulted on and a number of changes will be made to legislation—giving our motoring services strategy which set out our intention powers to the agency to conduct its work. to put the customer at the heart of what we do. I am therefore announcing the new name today, to One of our objectives was to identify ways in which enable these changes to be made and to allow the to give customers a better service and reduce costs. As a Agency to plan its rebranding in a cost effective manner. result of that, we announced in July that the Driving The agency will therefore begin to use its new name Standards Agency (DSA) and the Vehicle and Operator immediately with formal and full integration taking Services Agency (VOSA) would merge to form a single place over the coming months. Until the merger is motoring agency. The creation of a single agency is complete on 1 April 2014, references to DVSA will also intended to deliver the following strategic objectives: include a statement “incorporating DSA and VOSA”. 9P Petitions28 NOVEMBER 2013 Petitions 10P

get to Europe and Israel. The British Government Petition strongly condemn all instances of violence and particularly the killing of innocent people who have sought to leave Thursday 28 November 2013 their homes for a better future. We have raised our concerns about the treatment of migrants, including OBSERVATIONS refugees being held hostage in the Sinai, with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on many occasions, most recently at Ambassadorial level in Cairo. Former Minister FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE for the Middle East and North Africa, right hon. Alistair Trafficking in the Sinai Desert Burt MP raised the issue during an official visit to Israel in late 2012. My staff has also been in contact with the The Petition of Peter Lytton Cobbold, Ginette Lytton Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Cobbold, Sr. Natalia Gomes, Anthony Clarkstone, Nifleda (UNHCR) in Cairo, which deals with asylum seekers in Wessling and Aemro Iyasu, Egypt, a task delegated to them by the Egyptian Declares that criminal gangs in Egypt’s Sinai Desert Government. are kidnapping, trafficking and brutally torturing refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Eritrea and Sudan. FCO officials have discussed this issue with the Eritrean Amnesty International reported on 1 April 2013: Embassy in London, the Eritrean Government in Asmara, “many people held captive in Sinai have been subjected to extreme and with various members of the Eritrean Diaspora in violence and brutality while waiting for ransoms to be paid by the UK. In July 2013 the Minister for Africa met with families. Including beatings with metal chains and whips; burning the Eritrean Foreign Minister, and earlier this month, with cigarette butts or heated rubber and metal objects; suspension FCO officials, along with officials from the National from the ceiling; pouring gasoline over the body and setting it on Crime Agency and West Yorkshire Police, held discussions fire...being urinated on and having finger nails pulled out. Rape about the growing problem of human trafficking with of men and women, and other forms of sexual violence have been frequently reported.” various members of the Eritrean Diaspora. We are following up on these discussions by looking at the The Petitioners therefore request that the House of possibility of providing practical support to Eritrea’s Commons presses the United Nations to identify and anti-trafficking and victim protection efforts. We continue apprehend traffickers in the Sinai, and to assist and to urge the Eritrean Government to bring to justice any protect victims of trafficking. Eritreans involved in human trafficking and have taken And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by every opportunity to raise the need for political, economic Mr Frank Field, Official Report, 22 October 2013; Vol. 569, and human rights reforms with the Eritrean Government. c. 1p .] [P001241] The British Government have encouraged the Egyptian Observations from the Secretary of State for Foreign authorities to find a solution to the complex and interrelated and Commonwealth Affairs: security challenges in the Sinai, including kidnapping. I understand and sympathise with those who have A lasting solution to these challenges will require a signed the petition. I share your concerns about the joined-up response, including the security forces, but reports of the treatment of Eritrean, Ethiopian and also encouraging improved levels of engagement and Sudanese refugees in Sinai, many of whom are trying to opportunity for the local Bedouin population.

369W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 370W

Mr Swire: We are aware of a number of British and Written Answers to international companies and individuals who are providing advice to the Government of Burma, across a range of Questions subjects. We encourage the Government of Burma to draw on reputable international expertise where it can add value to the issues that they are tackling. Thursday 28 November 2013 Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Government has taken to obtain the immediate and unconditional release of Bauk Ja and other remaining Burma political prisoners in Burma. [177285]

Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Swire: Daw Bauk Ja is still detained with court and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received proceedings ongoing. We continue to follow her case on the use by the Burmese Army of human shields in closely: British officials from the embassy in Rangoon Shan State, Burma on 13 October 2013. [177173] raised Daw Bawk Ja’s case with senior members of the Mr Swire: We are aware of these reports, but are not Burmese Government in August. We also remain in in a position to verify the specific allegation of the use touch with local Burmese organisations that support of human shields by the Burmese army in Shan State. her and the many other political prisoners that remain We continue to closely monitor the peace process and detained. allegations of human rights abuses in conflict states in I raised the issue of political prisoners with Minister Burma. We remain positive that further peace talks in for the President’s Office, Tin Naing Thein, on 22 November the coming months will lead to a nationwide ceasefire and made clear our concern about the political prisoners and inclusive political dialogue that takes account of who are still detained in Burma. international human rights standards. Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings he and Commonwealth Affairs what recent meetings the has held with Burmese ethnic political and civil society British ambassador to Burma has had with family leaders in the last year. [177323] members of Burmese political prisoners who remain in jail. [177177] Mr Swire: Four British Ministers have visited Burma in the last year. I visited in December 2012 and the Minister Mr Swire: British embassy officials are in contact of State, Department for International Development, with the lawyers of a number of political prisoners. We my right hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and meet regularly with civil society organisations including Melton (Mr Duncan), visited in June 2013. During our the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners Burma respective visits, Mr Duncan and I met a wide range of to discuss developments. We have also provided English leading Burmese political, religious and civil society language and human rights training to a number of leaders to discuss Burma’s human rights situation and released prisoners and are in regular contact with the reform agenda. The British ambassador and embassy Remaining Political Prisoners Scrutiny Committee. officials also meet regularly with ethnic and civil society We welcomed the release of a further 69 political leaders, in Rangoon, Naypyitaw, in the ethnic states, prisoners on 15 November which represents another and in Thailand. step towards fulfilling President Thein Sein’s commitment, In London, I engaged with a range of Burmese ethnic made during his visit to London in July, to release all and civil society representatives at a briefing event in political prisoners by the end of the year. March 2013. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office I continue to raise the issue of political prisoners, and and Department for International Development officials did so most recently with Minister for the President’s regularly meet representatives of Burma’s ethnic and Office, Tin Naing Thein, on 22 November, and again civil society groups, both those based in the UK and made clear that we did not want to see new arrests or those visiting from Burma, such as the visit of the political activists re-arrested. ’88 Generation’ of former political prisoners in June. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministerial colleagues, including the Prime Minister, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funding his the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Department provides to the UN Special Rapporteur on Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and I, have met key Burmese the situation of human rights in Myanmar. [177190] political figures in the UK including: President Thein Mr Swire: The British Government does not directly Sein; Ministers in the President’s Office Aung Min and fund the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Soe Thane; and opposition leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi. situation of human rights in Myanmar (Burma). UN Kenya Special Rapporteurs are funded from the UN regular budget, of which the UK contribution is 5.17%. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he from the British High Commission in Kenya about the has received of British or international companies or proposed ban on khat in that country; and whether he individuals giving strategic or public relations advice to has received representations from the Kenyan government the Government of Burma. [177192] on that matter. [177445] 371W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 372W

Mark Simmonds: The British high commission Nairobi Mr Swire: The UK urges all parties in Venezuela to has reported Kenyan concerns within Kenya about the work together to reduce tension and promote political economic and social impact of the proposed reclassification reconciliation, particularly around the municipal elections of khat as a class C drug. We have discussed the on 8 December. The Secretary of State for Foreign and rationale behind the proposed ban with the Kenyan Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member Government on a number of occasions; on 17 September for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), wrote to the Venezuelan 2013 the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Foreign Minister Elias Jaua on 18 November to express Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond our hope that the UK and Venezuela can work to (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed the matter with his further our existing areas of bilateral cooperation. I Kenyan counterpart, Amina Mohamed. Most recently also wrote to my counterpart and offered to discuss our on 20 November the Head of Africa East and West relationship in more detail. Our ambassador in Caracas department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has had a number of discussions with government met the Kenyan Parliamentary Select Committee on representatives and others about the electoral process khat in London, and the importance of building bridges between all parts of Venezuelan society. Ministers’ Private Offices

Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he (a) has appointed SCOTLAND or (b) intends to appoint an enlarged ministerial office. [177516] Flexible Working

Hugh Robertson: The implications of the change on Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland recruitment to Private Offices are currently being considered. how many officials in his Department make use of Somalia and Somaliland compressed hours arrangements as part of the Civil Service’s flexible working hours scheme (a) above and Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) below director level. [177403] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of a reduction in remittances David Mundell: Two Scotland Office officials below on security in Somalia and Somaliland. [177438] director level make use of compressed hours arrangements as part of the Civil Service’s flexible working hours Mark Simmonds: The Government remains determined scheme. The Scotland Office has no officials above to help facilitate a resolution to the challenges facing director level. the Somali remittance corridor following the decision by Barclays Bank to withdraw services from a number Secondment of money service businesses. The Government is in the process of establishing an Action Group on Cross Border Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland Remittances. One of the working groups of the Action how many of his Department’s civil servants have been Group will be mandated to develop a safe corridor pilot seconded to (a) the private sector and (b) trades unions to ensure the continued flow of remittances to Somalia in each year since 2010. [177723] through secure, legitimate and accessible channels. This working group will consider, among other things, the David Mundell: No Scotland Office officials have impact that changes in the money service business sector been seconded to (a) the private sector and (b) trades might have on Somalia’s wider stability and economic unions since 2010. development. In the meantime, there are still a number of legal channels for remittances to flow through, as Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for outlined in the Factsheet issued by the Foreign Office Scotland how many secondees from (a) trades unions on 17 October, a copy of which will be deposited in the and (b) the voluntary sector have worked in his House of Commons Library. Department since 2010. [177746] The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not assessed what the effect would be of a reduction in remittances David Mundell: The Scotland Office has not had any on security in Somalia and Somaliland. Any such secondees from either the trade unions or the voluntary assessment would be hard to substantiate given the lack sector since 2010. of economic data available. However, there is no evidence at present to suggest that remittances to Somalia have reduced, or are likely to do so significantly in the near future. Nor is there any evidence that the security NORTHERN IRELAND situation has changed as a result of money service Air Passenger Duty businesses in the Somali corridor losing their bank accounts. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Venezuela Ireland what steps she is taking to review air passenger duty in order to maintain competition for both investors Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for in and visitors to Northern Ireland. [176974] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his Venezuelan counterpart on peace Mrs Villiers: The impact of Air Passenger Duty and democracy in that country and the need for free (APD) on Northern Ireland was carefully considered in and fair mayoral elections in December 2013. [177576] 2011 and in recognition of Northern Ireland’s unique 373W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 374W circumstances, the Chancellor agreed to the Executive’s No members of the senior civil service have sought to request for the devolution of Bands B, C and D APD make use of such arrangements. for all direct long-haul flights departing from Northern Marriage Ireland airports. The Executive did not request the devolution of APD Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for for short-haul flights in Band A nor has this been raised Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 21 November with me subsequently by any Executive Minister. If a 2013, Official Report, column 979W, on marriage, if she request for the devolution of Band A APD did come will raise the matter of equal marriage with the First forward from the Executive, the Chancellor and I would, Minister and the Deputy First Minister and take steps of course, consider it. to encourage them to introduce same-sex marriages in The devolution of short-haul Band A APD flights would, Northern Ireland. [177458] as a result of the Azores judgment, entail a corresponding reduction in the block grant which the Minister for Mrs Villiers: The constitutional arrangements in place Finance and Personnel has estimated could be up to mean that extending equal marriage to Northern Ireland £90 million. is a decision for the Northern Ireland institutions to take. Flexible Working Travel

Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officials in her Department make Ireland what the cost of travel within the UK was for use of compressed hours arrangements as part of the her Department in each year since 2010; and how much Civil Service’s flexible working hours scheme (a) above of this was spent on (a) hire cars, (b) helicopter hire, and (b) below director level. [177402] (c) hotel accommodation and (d) subsistence. [177171]

Mrs Villiers: In my Department, two officials below Mrs Villiers: The details requested for travel within director level make use of compressed hours arrangements. the UK are shown in the following table:

£ Total cost of travel (including flights and rail) Hire cars Helicopter hire Hotel accommodation Subsistence costs)

2010-11 411,714 637 Nil 48,606 15,114 2011-12 480,263 438 Nil 111,169 22,016 2012-13 506,467 1,722 Nil 107,553 26,076

The costs relating to 2012-13 were greater than in that the employee works their standard contractual previous years as a result of the very successful Jubilee hours over fewer days than normal. visit to Northern Ireland, and the hosting of the G8 A total of 3,042 employees, all of which are below summit in Fermanagh. Post-2010-11, the Department director level have such an arrangement recorded on the generated significant savings by ending all former rental Department’s personnel computer. No officials above agreements for accommodation in London although, as director level have such an arrangement recorded. a natural consequence, hotel and subsistence costs increased. DWP employees are generally able to work ‘flexi In addition, on coming to office, the Government time’. This means that, within limits and at times set to ended the practice of former Secretaries of State, including meet business need, employees may work longer hours the previous Labour Government, of using a private jet than normal and use the excess hours to take ’flexi for routine travel between Great Britain and Northern leave’. Such informal, non-contractual, irregular occurrences Ireland. This has saved considerable sums of money for are not recorded on the Department’s personnel computer. the taxpayer, and helped the Department play its part in bringing under control the spiralling costs of Government Jobcentre Plus we inherited. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Jobcentre Plus offices WORK AND PENSIONS (a) are and (b) are not wheelchair accessible. [177759]

Flexible Working Esther McVey: The Department does not keep any specific record of Job Centre Plus sites which are or are Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and not accessible by customers in wheelchairs. I can, however, Pensions how many officials in his Department take confirm that as part of the formal planning and design advantage of compressed hours arrangements as part of Jobcentre Plus offices, due consideration is given to of the civil service flexible working hours scheme (a) the provisions of access for our customers with a wide above and (b) below director level. [177580] range of disabilities, including those in wheelchairs. This involves both planning and building warrant approval, Mike Penning: Within DWP compressed hours refers on the basis of compliance with both the Building to a contractual arrangement between the Department Regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act, and its full time employees. This arrangement means subsequently the Equalities Act. All our sites fully 375W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 376W comply with legislation. Where full physical access to the YEI money in England on other interventions designed any of our buildings cannot be achieved by all our to tackle youth unemployment and to complement the customers, the Department makes alternative arrangements Government’s substantial existing investment. to make our services available, such as offering a home visit.

Personal Independence Payment HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION Pay Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he plans to take to Mr Frank Field: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, improve the personal independence payment (PIP) Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of application system; and if he will compensate PIP claimants Commons Commission, pursuant to his answer of 18 who have received unacceptable levels of service. November 2013, Official Report, column 916W, on [177579] staff, when the London Living Wage will be paid to all agency staff. [177443] Mike Penning: The different stages that need to happen before we can make a decision on a claim for PIP can be John Thurso: The Chair of the Commission and the viewed by accessing the PIP Claimant Journey, which is House Service take the London Living Wage (LLW) available at: very seriously. All current House staff are paid at least https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pip-claim- the LLW and all agency staff supplied to the House are process-overview-the-claimant-journey paid at least the LLW. The length of time it takes to deal with a claim depends Contractors with dedicated staff who are based on on how long each stage actually takes for individuals. the estate are paying those staff at least the LLW, with a As PIP is a new benefit we are looking closely at how small number of exceptions which are being addressed. long the claimant journey is taking against original Good progress is being made towards ensuring that estimates. We are working with operational colleagues other contractors that provide services to the House and providers to ensure that all the steps in the process are, in relation to our contracts, paying their staff at are as smooth as they can be. We continue to look at our least the LLW (or the Living Wage if based outside processes to ensure that satisfactory arrangements are London). in place to assess a person’s entitlement to PIP. Any delays experienced in the new claims process will Travel Office not affect the date from which claimants are paid-all successful claims will be paid from the date the claim James Wharton: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, was initially made or the date the qualifying period is Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of met, whichever is the later. Commons Commission, how much the House of As for the administration of all benefits, a claimant is Commons Travel Office has paid in carbon offsetting in free to complain about the service they have received each of the last five years. [176740] from the Department for Work and Pensions. A complaint may result in a special payment if the claimant has John Thurso: The House of Commons Commission experienced unfair treatment or suffered financially. decided in 2006 that the House should make payments More information on how claimants can complain about to offset carbon emissions from air travel paid by the their claim to PIP is available on the Government House and booked using the Parliamentary Travel Office. website: The sums paid via the Government’s offsets scheme in respect of travel in the past five years were: https://www.gov.uk/complain-disability £ Unemployment: Young People 2006-07 26,025 Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007-08 17,570 Work and Pensions (1) for what reasons he does not 2008-09 15,918 plan to implement the EU’s Youth Guarantee in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 23,682 UK; [177680] The House is participating in a carbon offsets auction (2) what funding is available from the EU for that is due to take place shortly for travel in recent years. implementing the Youth Guarantee in the UK; [177681] (3) what his policy is on the EU’s Youth Guarantee. [177682] ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Esther McVey: The European Commission is encouraging member states to use the YouthEmployment Additives: EU Action Initiative (YEI) to implement the Youth Guarantee, but this remains a non-binding EU recommendation. Although Mr Havard: To ask the Secretary of State for we support the aims of the Youth Guarantee and agree Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what submissions with much of the supporting guidance, we do not his Department made to the European Chemical Agency’s believe a four month guarantee is right for the UK, (ECA) consultation on the use of azodicarbonimide; since over 80% of 18 to 24-year-olds flow off of jobseeker’s and what further steps his Department plans to take in allowance within six months. We will instead be using respect of the ECA’s consultation. [176273] 377W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 378W

Dan Rogerson: The UK REACH Competent Authority Bovine Tuberculosis: Lancashire in the Health and Safety Executive responded to the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) public consultation David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for on whether to recommend that azodicarbonamide (ADCA) Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether there should be prioritised for inclusion in Annex XIV of are any (a) reported and (b) confirmed cases of REACH (substances subject to authorisation). The UK bovine tuberculosis in the Lune Valley. [177701] proposed not to prioritise ADCA until we can be confident that authorisation is an appropriate and proportionate measure to take. George Eustice: A cluster of bovine TB breakdowns has been identified on cattle farms in the Lune Valley of The UK will continue to argue its position when North Lancashire. The first case was detected at the end ECHA’s member state committee again considers the of last year near Kirkby Lonsdale. In line with DEFRA’s proposed recommendation in December. ECHA’s new policy for the low TB risk areas of England, the prioritisation has no legal effect but is a recommendation Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency to the European Commission, which in turn has to (AHVLA) instigated a programme of enhanced TB consider whether to bring forward a legislative proposal. testing of all cattle herds situated withina3kmradius Any proposal has to be voted by member states. of the index infected farm. The additional targeted TB testing has revealed a small number of additional infected Bovine Tuberculosis herds in the area and the 3 km cattle testing zone has been widened as a result across North Lancashire and David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for south Cumbria. At the end of July, a total of five Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how far the UK “confirmed” TB breakdowns had been identified in this is from developing a safe oral vaccine for bovine cluster, including the original case. Epidemiological tuberculosis in cattle. [177702] investigations by AHVLA into the origin of these TB breakdowns are continuing. George Eustice: Preliminary studies have been undertaken on an oral vaccine for bovine tuberculosis in cattle; but our priority is in delivering field trials for the injectable Deer cattle vaccine and associated test to differentiate infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA).The successful outcome Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for of these field trials we hope will lead to the granting of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he a licence for the vaccine and international validation of has made of the number of muntjac deer in England the DIVA and to their deployment as another tool to and Wales in each of the last five years; and what steps tackle this dreadful disease. he is taking to stop their spread and increase in numbers. [176945] David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what remuneration George Eustice: The Government monitors deer is available to farmers who train to become lay badger distributions and not numbers per se, and for that vaccinators for each badger they vaccinate. [177703] reason in the last five years there have been no estimates of the number of muntjac in England and Wales. What George Eustice: Lay badger vaccinators are not paid we do know is that muntjac continue to expand their for each badger they vaccinate. range. Currently the Government’s main focus is on reducing David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for muntjac impacts on designated woodlands in England. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether farmers The Deer Initiative and the Animal Health and Veterinary can access his Department’s start-up grants funding for Laboratories Agency’s National Wildlife Management people who want to train as a lay badger vaccinator. Centre (recently transferred from the Food and [177704] Environment Research Agency) have done some modelling for Natural England on future trends. Beyond such George Eustice: I refer my hon. Friend to the woodlands, primary responsibility for wild deer Government’s recent response to the EFRA Select management lies with individual landowners, and it is Committee on this very point: for them to decide whether to take action. The Government To date, there has been very limited interest in this assists those affected by or wishing to manage deer by training course from farmers. Farmers who want to the provision of advice and guidance from Natural vaccinate badgers and are members of a voluntary and England and the Deer Initiative. community sector (VCS) organisation like a Wildlife Trust can apply to train as lay vaccinators and receive the current grant. They will, of course, benefit indirectly Dogs: Imports from the subsidy in cases where they are willing to allow VCS organisations to vaccinate badgers on their holding. Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Unless and until there is evidence of strong demand Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many puppies for training from farmers, the Government does not arrived in the UK in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012 under the believe that providing a general subsidy to train farmers Balai Directive 92/65/EEC. [177266] as lay vaccinators which would need be notified as an agricultural state aid would provide good value for George Eustice: This question could be answered money. only at disproportionate cost. 379W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 380W

Flexible Working All Government-funded research projects are required to go through the necessary review and quality assurance Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, processes prior to publication. Once this process is Food and Rural Affairs how many officials in his complete, the conclusions of this work will be made Department make use of compressed hours arrangements available on the Government’s website. as part of the Civil Service’s flexible working hours Marine Conservation Zones scheme (a) above and (b) below director level. [177395] Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Dan Rogerson: 53 people within core DEFRA are Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans his recorded as having a compressed or condensed working Department has for the introduction of reference areas pattern; none of these are at Director level or above. which were included in its December 2012 consultation Informal arrangements for working compressed hours on marine conservation zones. [177289] through the Flexible Working Hours Scheme are not recorded centrally; it would be of disproportionate cost George Eustice: Reference areas were not included in to provide this information. the December 2012 consultation following advice from the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, which included Flood Control a recommendation to review the approach to these areas. This review is expected to start in 2014. Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many extra Food and Rural Affairs whether his Department plans (a) properties will be protected from flooding in to make recommendations for management measures at Northumberland, (b) the North East and (c) the UK marine conservation zone sites. [177290] as a result of the funding secured in the 2013 spending round. [177410] George Eustice: Management measures for each of the 27 marine conservation zones (MCZs) will be drawn Dan Rogerson: We have made a long-term commitment up and put in place by relevant public authorities. DEFRA to record levels of capital investment in flood defences and delivery partners are working together to ensure between 2015-16 and 2020-21. At least 300,000 households that the management measures that are to be put in will benefit from this investment. place will provide effective protection for designated At this stage I cannot say how many of these will be sites. in Northumberland and the North East. A programme Any management measures that are required for MCZs of new projects starting after April 2015 will be agreed will be applied on a case-by-case basis. Management with Regional Flood Defence Committees by autumn measures will be implemented at sites most at risk of 2014. damage first, regulating only those activities which have a detrimental impact on the features. In cases where Fly-grazing: North East there is a high risk to designated features being damaged, emergency measures may be put in place to ensure the Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for protection of vulnerable habitats and species. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of fly grazing in the North Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, East and the consequent effect on the environment and Food and Rural Affairs what protection his Department local residents. [177574] plans to afford to mobile species within the development of the network of marine conservation zone sites. George Eustice: DEFRA is aware of the issues relating [177293] to the problems of fly grazing, but no specific assessment George Eustice: Sectoral measures (such as fisheries has been made on the extent of the problem in the management, by-catch mitigation measures and protected north-east. There is a range of existing legislation that species licensing) are likely to be the most effective tools can be used to deal with the issues, including the Animals in conserving widely dispersed and mobile species. However, Act 1971 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. In addition, Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) for such species because fly grazing is a form of antisocial behaviour, would be considered if there is clear evidence that the existing anti-social behaviour legislation and forthcoming conservation of a highly mobile species would benefit measures in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing from site-based protection measures in English waters. Bill may be used to tackle it. The need for MCZs for seabirds will be considered Food: Low Incomes when work to develop Special Protection Areas for birds under the EU Wild Birds Directive has been completed. The mobile species Smelt and Black Bream Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for are included within the first tranches of MCZ designations. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 21 October 2013, Official Report, column Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council 55W on food: low incomes, when he expects to publish the findings of its research project on the landscape of Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, food aid provision and access in the UK. [177567] Food and Rural Affairs what environmental issues his Department plans to discuss at the Joint Ministerial George Eustice: DEFRA has commissioned research Council on the Overseas Territories; and if he will to review publicly available evidence on the landscape discuss an implementation plan for the Overseas Territories of food aid provision and access in the UK. biodiversity strategy at that Council. [177297] 381W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 382W

George Eustice: The Joint Ministerial Council will have The proportion of declared disabled employees out a non-plenary session dedicated to environment issues. of the total number of employees who declared their The purpose of the session is to provide an opportunity status in core DEFRA by Civil Service Grade as of 31 for Overseas Territory Government officials to have March 2013 was: in-depth discussions with corresponding UK experts. Should there be any queries relating to the implementation Grade equivalent Disabled (percentage) of the Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy, DEFRA AA 27 officials will be on hand to answer these. AO 15 EO 15 HEO 13 Staff SEO 7 Grade 7 8 Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Grade 6 12 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what proportion SCS 9 of employees in his Department are (a) female and (b) All Grades 12 male, by each Civil Service pay grade; [176588] (2) what proportion of employees in his Department is (a) white British and (b) black, Asian and from other minority ethnic groups, by each Civil Service pay BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS grade; [176640] (3) what proportion of employees in his Department Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 have a physical or learning disability, by each Civil Service pay grade. [176658] Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer Dan Rogerson: The proportion of female and male of 21 October 2013, Official Report, column 964W, on employees in core DEFRA by each Civil Service Grade Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013, if he will as of 31 March 2013 was: publish the report on his Department’s review of Acas’s scenario planning work for the implementation Percentage of early conciliation. [177568] Grade equivalent Female Male Jo Swinson: The internal audit referred to in my AA 45 55 answer of 21 October 2013, Official Report, column AO 62 38 964W,is a report prepared for Acas internal management EO 60 40 processes. To make such a document public might prejudice HEO 51 49 any future audit process because staff being audited SEO 47 53 may be inclined to be less open about issues with Grade 7 42 58 auditors. It will not therefore be published. Grade 6 36 64 Acas are happy to convene a meeting to discuss their SCS 40 60 plans for implementing Early Conciliation with the All Grades 50 50 hon. Member if this would be helpful. The data provided as follows only covers employees who have declared their status. Flexible Working The proportion of declared White, and Black, Asian and other minority ethnic employees (BAME) out of Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, the total number of employees who declared their ethnicity Innovation and Skills how many officials in his Department in core DEFRA by Civil Service Grade as of 31 March make use of compressed hours arrangements as part of 2013 was: the Civil Service’s flexible working hours scheme (a) above and (b) below director level. [177387] Percentage Grade Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation equivalent White BAME and Skills (BIS) does not hold this information centrally.

AA 54 46 To collect this information from within the Department, AO 69 31 and to analyse it, would incur a disproportionate cost. EO 73 27 We offer a number of different types of working HEO 84 16 patterns under our flexible working policies, including SEO 93 7 compressed hours, annualised hours, home working, Grade 7 94 6 term-time working, part-time working, job sharing, and Grade 6 92 8 flexitime. SCS 99 1 Decisions on the availability of compressed hours are All Grades 84 16 taken within each business unit as the managers on the ground are best placed to judge the demands of the We do not analyse data across ethnic and nationality workload and the contribution of the individual. It is lines together so are not able to show data white British the workload and business demands that determine as requested. what working patterns can be accommodated. 383W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 384W

Older People: Crime Prevention Michael Fallon: The Royal Mail share sale objectives included a requirement for the sale to represent overall Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for value for money for the tax payer. This objective was Business, Innovation and Skills if he will implement the taken into consideration in all decisions relating to the recommendations of Age Cymru’s Scams and Swindles Initial Public Offering in October. The National Audit campaign. [177591] Office has announced that it will be conducting a value for money examination of the privatisation of Royal Jo Swinson: The Government is aware of the seriousness Mail Plc to be published in spring 2014. of the issues raised by the Age Cymru campaign. As The successful bid for the mortgage style student was discussed during the recent Westminster Hall debate, loans from Erudio Student Loans was judged to represent we have put a number of measures in place to address the best available value for money option following a the criminal behaviour behind these postal internet and competitive process involving around 40 interested parties doorstep scams. This included a round table meeting on and 10 serious bids. The price paid is also in excess of 25 November, chaired by my noble Friend Baroness the estimated value of the loans to the Government had Randerson, which brought together organisations from it retained them. across Wales, including enforcement and consumer protection agencies, Royal Mail, BT and Ofcom, to Respiratory System: Diseases discuss how we can work together to reduce older people’s exposure to such scams. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, More broadly, the National Trading Standards Board Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has has set up the National Scams Hub (NSH) which is had with Novartis to encourage them to maintain hosted by East Sussex Trading Standards Service. The respiratory research in the UK. [177575] NSH are working with partners including Action Fraud, the Royal Mail and the Metropolitan police to identify and to support the victims of mass marketing fraud. Mr Willetts: Ministers and officials in the Government Once identified, the NSH works with the victim’s local have regular contact with Novartis and other Trading Standards service, local police forces and other pharmaceutical investors and discussions cover a range agencies to provide support which addressed the victim’s of policy issues. behaviour. The home authority reports to the NSH at I met with senior representatives from Novartis on 30 four and 26 weeks on the result of the intervention. October to discuss the potential changes to their research Alongside this, the Consumer Protection Partnership, operations in the UK, which are currently under which brings together the government-funded consumer consultation. Novartis have noted that the proposed organisations, has identified mass marketing scams as changes are a result of a global review of their research an area where there is significant consumer detriment activities. and, therefore, an issue for priority action. As part of The Department remains in close contact with Novartis that, the Citizens Advice Service and the Trading Standards regarding the impact of these proposed changes. Institute launched a scam awareness campaign in May this year, which I endorsed, to raise awareness and to Shipbuilding: Industry help empower consumers to take firm action against scams. Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government also provides for advice on scams Business, Innovation and Skills what UK firms have through various agencies—particularly through the Citizens won shipbuilding contracts as a result of trade missions Advice Service, which provides clear and practical guidance since January 2011. [177219] to consumers through its Consumer Advice Helpline which can be contacted on 08454 040506 (08454 040505 for Welsh speakers) or via their website: Michael Fallon: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) does not have the details of all the contracts won as a www.adviceguide.org.uk result of trade missions since January 2011; our records Overseas Trade: Females show that in this period UK firms supported by UKTI have won orders in excess of £230 million for marine Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for equipment and systems. Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) guidance his Department issues and (b) targets his Department has Students: Loans set UK Trade and Investment on promoting women in trade delegations and exporting. [177700] Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Fallon: UK Trade and Investment has not Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how many outstanding been set specific targets relating to the issue of promoting mortgage-style student loans were held by the Student women in trade delegations and exporting more widely. Loans Company in each month since January 1999; [177675] Privatisation (2) what the (a) number and (b) value was of mortgage-style student loans held by the Student Loans Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Company in each month since January 1999 that were Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his (i) repaid in full, (ii) being repaid in accordance with Department has made of the value for money of the their terms, (iii) below the repayment threshold, (iv) not recent sales of (a) the Royal Mail and (b) mortgage- being repaid in accordance with their terms and (v) style student loans. [177677] were written off. [177676] 385W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 386W

Mr Willetts: The Student Loans Company (SLC) The numbers of whole time and retained duty system publishes statistics on Student Loans and Repayments. firefighters in England since 2002 are shown in the Information on the monthly status of these loans since table. Also included are the incident attended in these 1999 is not readily available and cannot be compiled, periods. Over this period overall firefighter strength has except at disproportionate cost. reduced by 5.9% while the number of incidents have Statistics on student loan outlay and repayments almost halved (-46%). relating to mortgage style loans are published by the Number of firefighters (strength) and incidents attended England, 2002-13 SLC each year in Table 1 (Repayments, Deferrals and Total number Incident Arrears) and Table 2 (number of Borrowers) of the of whole time Retained attended ″ As at 31 and retained Whole duty (2001-02 to Statistical First Release Student Loans for Higher March firefighters time system 2012-13) Education in England″. The figures are published on the SLC website: 2002 42,374 31,761 10,613 990,793 http://www.slc.co.uk/statistics/national-statistics.aspx 2003 42,415 31,699 10,716 958,142 2004 42,679 31,826 10,853 1,016,028 Supermarkets: Sales Promotions 2005 42,151 31,097 11,054 861,384 2006 41,917 30,596 11,321 843,734 2007 42,404 30,558 11,846 854,371 Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 42,353 30,580 11,773 791,747 Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment 2009 41,955 30,088 11,867 717,805 he has made of adherence to the Government’s Pricing 2010 41,634 29,735 11,899 680,592 Practices Guide by supermarkets. [177216] 2011 41,171 29,018 12,066 647,244 2012 39,869 28,166 11,558 606,704 Jo Swinson: The Pricing Practices Guide provides 2013 - - - 519,907 guidance for business on compliance with the consumer Note: protection from unfair trading regulations 2008 which Figures may not total due to rounding and are for full-time equivalent. outlaw, among other things, price indications which are Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-and-rescue-authorities- likely to mislead the average consumer. operational-statistics Adherence to guidance and to the provisions of the regulations is the responsibility of the supermarkets Local Plans and monitored by the enforcement authorities; local authority Trading Standards officers and the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). The OFT and the Trading Standards Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities Service monitor practices by supermarkets, including and Local Government what recent assessment he has compliance with the Pricing Practices Guide and the made of the adequacy of the resources available to the OFT’s specific Principles on Food Pricing Display and Planning Inspectorate for the consideration of local Promotional Practices agreed with eight supermarkets development plans. [177383] last year. The Principles were a result of the OFT’s assessment of practices in the sector. Where Trading Nick Boles: The Planning Inspectorate has an ongoing Standards officers conclude that a business is not complying process of reviewing the level of resources it requires to with the regulations, they have a range of enforcement examine local plans, and as part of this it monitors the options which they can bring to bear. expected date for the submission of plans for examination. It carries out these ongoing assessments with a view to Tax Havens: Africa closely matching the number of trained inspectors and other staff to anticipated workload. Current information Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, suggests an ongoing requirement of about 25 full-time Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with equivalent inspectors. The Planning Inspectorate is currently financial institutions on advice offered to investors in recruiting additional inspectors on fixed term contracts Africa on the use of tax havens. [177258] to ensure it can satisfy forecast demand, and help local councils finalise their up-to-date local plans to shape Michael Fallon: No such discussions have taken place. where development should and should not go.

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT planning inspectors are engaged in the consideration of local development plans. [177384] Fire Services Nick Boles: Inspectors appointed by the Planning Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Inspectorate are currently examining 80 local plans. Communities and Local Government pursuant to the These plans include core strategies, comprehensive local answer of 18 November 2013, Official Report, plans, area action plans, minerals plans and other more column 649W, on fire services, how many (a) full-time focused development plan documents. A total of 44 and (b) retained firefighters there were in each of the inspectors (some of whom are part-time) are working last 10 years. [177456] on these examinations, 23 are conducting more than one examination concurrently.For example, some inspectors Brandon Lewis: The following figures refer to England are examining more than one plan within a particular only, any further figure’s would be a matter for the local authority or are dealing with plans in different relevant devolved Administration. local authority areas. 387W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 388W

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for listed to a hearing date which fell between 24 to 36 Communities and Local Government how many local weeks of the target date; 2.3% of programmed appeals development plans are currently under consideration were first listed to a hearing date which fell between 36 by the Planning Inspectorate. [177385] to 48 weeks of the target date; 1.5% of programmed appeals were awaiting a hearing date. The Valuation Nick Boles: There are currently 80 local development Office Agency prioritises hardship cases, seeking a swift plans under examination by the Planning Inspectorate. resolution or working with the Valuation Tribunal to facilitate an early listing. Non-domestic Rates: Appeals Notwithstanding the extra resources being allocated to tackle the backlog thanks to the postponement of Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2015 revaluation, this Government wants to improve Communities and Local Government what the average transparency in the valuation system, including improving length of time taken for business rate appeals to be the system for challenging rateable values. We are currently listed for a hearing by the Valuation Tribunal was; and considering how best to do this, and will consult as how many such cases are outstanding. [175146] appropriate.

Brandon Lewis [holding answer 12 November 2013]: Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for As was the case under the last Administration, business Communities and Local Government how many rates appeals are listed in accordance with the Valuation business rate appeals are currently awaiting a decision Office Agency’s programming protocols for dealing from the Valuation Tribunal; and what estimate he has with appeals. The Valuation Tribunal Service lists for made of the combined rateable value of those claims. hearing those business rate appeals that have not been [175636] settled by the target date set by the Valuation Office Agency; this is the point when the negotiation period Brandon Lewis [holding answer 18 November 2013]: between the ratepayer and the Valuation Office Agency As was the case under the last administration, business should end. rates appeals are listed in accordance with the Valuation The Valuation Tribunal does not hold information Office Agency’s programming protocols for dealing allowing it to identify the amount of rateable value of with appeals. The Valuation Tribunal Service lists for the claims in outstanding appeals. hearing those business rate appeals that have not been To assist public scrutiny, I have placed in the Library settled by the target date set by the Valuation Office of the House a table for the number of rating list Agency; this is the point when the negotiation period appeals in each year since 2001. It shows how the between the ratepayer and the Valuation Office Agency numbers of appeals rise and fall according to the revaluation should end. cycle. Appeals can be made years after a revaluation has The Valuation Tribunal does not hold information occurred. Businesses can submit appeals against the allowing it to identify the amount of rateable value of 2010 rating list up to 31 March 2017, and appeals the claims in outstanding appeals. continue to be submitted. To assist public scrutiny, I have placed in the Library I would observe that: of the House a table for the number of rating list These are appeals against a revaluation that was carried out appeals in each year since 2001. It shows how the under the Labour Government. As of 13 November 2013, we numbers of appeals rise and fall according to the revaluation have carried forward 140,100 appeals which have reached the cycle. Appeals can be made years after a revaluation has Valuation Tribunal. To place this in context, 10 years ago in 2003 occurred. Businesses can submit appeals against the (i.e. at a similar stage in the revaluation cycle), the Labour 2010 rating list up to 31 March 2017, and appeals Government was carrying forward 412,600 appeals. There were continue to be submitted. 1,735,000 hereditaments in total on the 2010 Rating List. The business rates system allows multiple appeals to be made against I would observe that: the same property over several years. The numbers are likely to These are appeals against a revaluation that was carried out include a proportion of appeals that relate to multiple entries on under the Labour Government. As of 13 November 2013, we the same property. have carried forward 140,100 appeals which have reached the The postponement of the 2015 rates revaluation has allowed Valuation Tribunal. To place this in context, 10 years ago in 2003 the Valuation Office Agency to allocate more resources to clearing (i.e. at a similar stage in the revaluation cycle), the Labour appeals. The Agency cleared 24% more appeals than in the Government was carrying forward 412,600 appeals. There were previous year (224,000 in England in 2012-13, up from 181,000 in 1,735,000 hereditaments in total on the 2010 Rating List. The 2011-12). The number of outstanding rating appeals has fallen in business rates system allows multiple appeals to be made against six successive quarters. the same property over several years. The numbers are likely to include a proportion of appeals that relate to multiple entries on Of course, many appeals are resolved by the Valuation Office the same property. Agency. I would note that over 565,000 appeals in England have been resolved by the Valuation Office Agency and/or the Valuation The postponement of the 2015 rates revaluation has allowed Tribunal Service since 1 April 2010. The number of outstanding the Valuation Office Agency to allocate more resources to clearing appeals is falling all the time and has dropped by 37% over the appeals. The agency cleared 24% more appeals than in the previous last 12 months. year (224,000 in England in 2012-13, up from 181,000 in 2011-12). Three quarters of all appeals to the 2010 list which have been The number of outstanding rating appeals has fallen in six decided to date have resulted in no change to the rateable value. successive quarters. For those appeals against the 2010 list with a Valuation Of course, many appeals are resolved by the Valuation Office Agency. I would note that over 565,000 appeals in England have Office Agency target date in the first quarter of 2013-14, been resolved by the Valuation Office Agency and/or the Valuation I note that 87% of programmed appeals were first listed Tribunal Service since 1 April 2010. The number of outstanding to a hearing date which fell within 24 weeks of the appeals is falling all the time and has dropped by 37% over the target date; 9.3% of programmed appeals were first last 12 months. 389W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 390W

Three quarters of all appeals to the 2010 list which have been Kris Hopkins: The latest mortgage and landlord decided to date have resulted in no change to the rateable value. possession statistics can be found at: For those appeals against the 2010 list with a Valuation https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Office Agency target date in the first quarter of 2013-14, attachment_data/file/257007/mortgage-landlord-possession- I note that 87% of programmed appeals were first listed bulletin-q3-2013.pdf to a hearing date which fell within 24 weeks of the I observe the latest bulletin states: target date; 9.3% of programmed appeals were first “An analysis was carried out looking at the effects of the listed to a hearing date which fell between 24 and benefit cap on eviction claims. It compared the number of eviction 36 weeks of the target date; 2.3% of programmed claims in the four local authorities where the benefit cap was appeals were first listed to a hearing date which fell initially rolled out to the number of claims in the rest of the between 36 and 48 weeks of the target date; 1.5% of country... The analysis showed that the number of claims fell in programmed appeals were awaiting a hearing date. The three out of four of those authorities, in accordance with the Valuation Office Agency prioritises hardship cases, seeking national pattern, showing that the benefit cap had no visible effect on eviction claims in that quarter” (Ministry of Justice, Mortgage a swift resolution or working with the Valuation Tribunal and landlord possession statistics quarterly, July to September to facilitate an early listing. 2013, November 2013). Notwithstanding the extra resources being allocated The bulletin notes there is a slight trend in recent to tackle the backlog thanks to the postponement of years for the number of actions to change in line with the 2015 revaluation, this Government wants to improve the number of people living in rented accommodation. transparency in the valuation system, including improving That said, figures for the number of landlord possession the system for challenging rateable values. We are currently claims leading to orders so far in 2013 are not substantially considering how best to do this, and will consult as different from 2012. appropriate. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Non-domestic Rates: Parking Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the number of families moving into properties Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for vacated as a result of the abolition of the under-occupancy Communities and Local Government if he will bring penalty since April 2013; and if he will make a statement. forward proposals to ensure that small retailers and [177679] large superstores are subject to the same business rate regime in relation to any parking spaces by their shops. Kris Hopkins: The Department does not hold this [177182] information. Written Questions: Government Responses Brandon Lewis: Business rates are a tax on the rental value of non-domestic property. Any factor contributing to the rental value of non-domestic property is included Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for in the assessment of the rateable value. This includes Communities and Local Government when he plans to the availability of car parking either within the property answer parliamentary questions 175145 and 175146, or in the immediate locality. In this context, supermarkets tabled by the hon. Member for Leeds Central on with car parking spaces are likely to have a higher 7 November 2013. [177570] rateable value than ones without—and therefore will pay higher business rates. Brandon Lewis: Parliamentary question 175146 has been answered today. Question 175145 will be answered shortly; we have been liaising with the Valuation Office Rented Housing Agency to obtain previously unpublished data.

Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what proportion of households were living in (a) social housing and DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER (b) private rented housing in each region of England Electoral Register: Northern Ireland in the most recent year for which data is available. [177854] Dr McCrea: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he last met the relevant Northern Ireland Executive Kris Hopkins: As outlined in the written ministerial Minister to discuss individual electoral registration statement of 18 September 2012, Official Report, columns within Northern Ireland. [176895] 31-33WS, my Department no longer publishes statistics by Government office region. The Deputy Prime Minister: I have had no such meetings with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers. Social Rented Housing Ministerial Policy Advisers Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many Mr Betts: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) how (a) evictions and (b) eviction proceedings have taken many officials in his Department, and at what grades, place in England and Wales in (i) April, (ii) May, (iii) are employed to provide direct support to his special June, (iv) July, (v) August and (vi) September 2013 advisers; [177503] since the introduction of the spare room subsidy. (2) how many special advisers, and at what grades, [176304] are employed to provide support to him. [177504] 391W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 392W

The Deputy Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member Information on the cost of UK participation in the to the answer given to him by the Minister for the EU-US mutual legal assistance agreement is not held Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, the right hon. centrally. Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), today. Amendments to the UK-US MLA treaty as required by the EU-US MLA agreement are provided in the Public Expenditure Instrument and Exchange of Notes dated 16 December 2004, available online at: Dr McCrea: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm76/7613/ change there has been in the overall cost of his Office 7613.pdf since he took office. [176894] These amendments were intended to supplement, not The Deputy Prime Minister: The Deputy Prime Minister’s replace, bilateral arrangements. Office is an integral part of the Cabinet Office. Costs The amended bilateral treaty came into force on 1 are published each year in the Cabinet Office’s Annual February 2010. No records are held on the number of Report and Accounts which are available at: cases in which these amendments had a significant https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cabinet-office- effect. The bilateral UK-US MLA treaty (as amended annual-reports-and-accounts by the Instrument) will continue to be in force unless, or until, the UK and US agree to amend the bilateral treaty. As the Home Secretary said to Parliament on 9 July HOME DEPARTMENT 2013, as a point of principle, the UK’s international relations in policing and criminal justice are first and EU Justice and Home Affairs foremost a matter for Her Majesty’s Government. As the UK has opted out of this measure, it is important to Jacob Rees-Mogg: To ask the Secretary of State for note that on 1 December 2014, the UK will be able to the Home Department (1) how many joint investigative agree the terms of our MLA arrangements bilaterally teams including the UK have been set up owing to with the US. In the meantime, the Government will Article 5 of the EU-USA mutual legal assistance retain unchanged existing UK law and practice and will agreement in each of the last five years; what the aims, maintain co-operation with the USA with a UK liaison activities, participants and achievements of each of prosecutor and a US legal attaché in Washington and these teams were; whether the UK would seek to London, respectively. engage with such teams if the UK ceases to be bound by that agreement pursuant to Article 10 of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office Protocol on Transitional Provisions annexed to the EU treaties; what legislative and operational measures would need to be established by the UK to facilitate Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for such engagement; and what assessment she has made the Home Department what steps her Department is of the feasibility of such engagement; [172739] taking to ensure that the personal details of UK citizens, whether they be suspects, victims or witnesses, are not (2) what the cost to the public purse has been of UK handed by Eurojust to the office of the European participation in the EU-USA mutual legal assistance Public Prosecutor. [177379] agreement in each of the last five years; [172760] (3) what changes to the UK-US mutual legal James Brokenshire: The coalition agreement is clear assistance agreement have been required by the EU-US that the UK will not participate in any European Public mutual legal assistance agreement; and in how many Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). The UK has also not opted cases each of these changes has had a significant effect in to the European Commission’s parallel proposal to on mutual legal assistance between the UK and US in reform Eurojust. One of the Government’s considerations each of the last five years; [172761] in taking that decision was to ensure that we have (4) whether the Government intends to retain unchanged clarity about the relationship between Eurojust and the existing provisions of the UK-US mutual legal assistance EPPO, including any exchange of personal data between agreement required by the EU-US mutual legal assistance the organisations. The Government has undertaken to agreement if the UK ceases to be bound by that latter review its decision on participation in a reformed Eurojust, agreement pursuant to Article 10 of the Protocol on in consultation with Parliament, at the point the new Transitional Provisions annexed to the EU treaties; and regulation is adopted. The future direction of the EPPO what her assessment is of whether the US will agree to is currently unclear pending a decision by the Commission such retention or will agree to necessary changes. on whether to maintain, amend or withdraw the proposal [172762] following the yellow card issued by national Parliaments challenging the proposal on the grounds of subsidiarity. James Brokenshire: Article 5 of the EU-US mutual legal assistance (MLA) agreement has been transposed Flexible Working into the UK-US MLA treaty as article 16 ter. No joint investigation teams involving the UK have been set up owing to article 5 of the EU-USA mutual legal assistance Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home agreement or article 16 ter of the UK-US MLA treaty. Department how many officials in her Department Article 16 ter will remain in force when the UK ceases make use of compressed hours arrangements as part of to the bound by the EU-US MLA agreement, unless the the civil service’s flexible working hours scheme (a) UK and US agree otherwise. above and (b) below director level. [177398] 393W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 394W

James Brokenshire: The number of officials in the In line with the rebranding Her Majesty’s Passport Home Department making use of compressed hours Office took the opportunity to change its name from arrangements as part of the civil service’s flexible working ″Identity and Passport Office″. The cost of this was hours scheme as at 31 October 2013 is (a) fewer than £78,600. five at director level and (b) 1,044 below director level. All such arrangements are subject to business and Kings Science Academy operational need. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Human Trafficking Home Department pursuant to the answer from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for the of 22 November 2013, Official Report, columns 1089- Home Department (1) how many meetings of the Inter- 90W, on Kings Science Academy, if she will publish all Departmental Ministerial Group on Human Trafficking telephone conversations between Action Fraud and the there have been since it was set up; [177037] Department for Education in relation to the (2) what assessment she has made of the working of investigation into Kings Science Academy, Bradford. the Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group on Human [177762] Trafficking. [177076] James Brokenshire: When Action Fraud takes a report, James Brokenshire: Since the Inter-Departmental the victim or the person reporting is asked to provide as Ministerial Group (IDMG) was refocused in May 2010, much information as possible concerning the alleged the group has met eight times: suspect, the victim, how the incident took place, details 17 October 2013 (ad-hoc meeting chaired by the Prime Minister) of any other organisations that the fraud may have been reported to and any transaction or bank account 9 September 2013 information that is known to the reporter. Thus the 17 June 2013 contents of reports and phone calls are confidential, 11 March 2013 however the person who made the report can be provided 17 September 2012 with a copy of the report which Action Fraud submitted 17 April 2012 to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau on request. 11 October 2011 17 February 2011. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date and by what means The IDMG published its second report on 18 October. Action Fraud first informed her Department that the The report updated on the actions from the initial police were taking no further action in relation to IDMG report published in October 2012 which highlighted Kings Science Academy in Bradford. [177767] three areas where the UK recognised the need to strengthen its approach: data collection, raising awareness with James Brokenshire: It would be for the police to front-line professionals and co-ordination of prevention decide whether to take further action. Such decisions activities. A Joint Strategic Group (JSG) was setup and are not routinely reported to Ministers. tasked to consider these areas in more detail. The JSG set up six multi-agency sub-groups to consider the issues, identify the problems and gaps and generate Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for the recommendations. The Chair of the JSG is now a Home Department what discussions Action Fraud had member of the IDMG establishing a clear and effective with the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau on the line of communication between the Government and case of the Kings Science Academy, Bradford prior to civil society organisations. informing her Department that no police action would be taken. [177769] Progress has been made in all three areas and the report can be read in full here: James Brokenshire: On 1 November a discussion https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ took place between the National Fraud Intelligence attachment_data/file/251487/9794-TSO- Bureau (NFIB) and the National Fraud Authority (NFA) HMG_Human_Trafficking.pdf when the report was identified to establish what had The Government keeps the effectiveness of the IDMG occurred. The NFA subsequently listened to the recording under review. of the call alongside the report and confirmed to the NFIB that an administrative error had led to the report Identity and Passport Service being classified as an Information report and not a crime report. Decisions on how to proceed with individual Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the cases are operational matters for the police. Home Department what the cost of rebranding the Identity and Passport Service to Her Majesty’s Passport Offenders: Deportation Office will be. [156615] Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Harper [holding answer 21 May 2013]: Her Majesty’s the Home Department pursuant to her answer of Passport Office undertook rebranding in line with all 29 October 2013, Official Report, column 422W, on Government Departments and Agencies following the offenders: deportation, what the nationalities were of new HM Government Corporate Identity requirements, the offenders who either received or were considered which are designed to provide a cohesive, cost-effective for a conditional caution to facilitate their removal and consistent approach to Government branding. from the UK. [177339] 395W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 396W

Mr Harper: Since my answer on 29 October 2013, James Brokenshire: Pursuant to the answer of Official Report, column 422W, additional conditional 19 November 2013, Official Report, column 862W, the cautions with foreign national offender conditions have estimated cost of collecting data on the number of been administered. The current figures are as follows: private sector employees currently seconded to the Home Office would be in excess of £1,800. This exceeds the Number cost threshold for answering parliamentary questions of £850. Total conditional cautions issued 20 Of which, successful removals from 13 UK Border Agency the UK In progress 4 Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Discontinued 13 Home Department how many allegations were made 1 Of which one was removed from the UK without a conditional and recorded by the UK Border Agency’s allegations caution. database for each month in 2013. [176119] Note: All figures quoted have been derived from management information Mr Harper: The Intelligence Management System and are therefore provisional and subject to change. This information has not been quality assured under National Statistics protocols. (IMS) intake statistics for 2013 are set out in the following It is not possible to provide the nationalities of those table. It should be noted that intake covers all types of considered for conditional cautions but not issued with incoming information and not solely allegations made them because they are not currently recorded. The by the public. nationalities of the offenders who have been issued with a conditional caution are as follows: Albania, Bangladesh, Number Brazil, Cameroon, Georgia, India, Iran, Libya, Mauritius, January 5,920 Nepal, Pakistan and Trinidad and Tobago. February 6,564 Organised Crime March 6,003 April 6,301 Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for May 6,219 the Home Department what recent assessment his June 6,316 Department has made of the annual cost to the economy July 6,822 of organised (a) crime and (b) food crime. [177488] August 6,494 September 6,036 James Brokenshire [holding answer 27 November 2013]: October 6,532 On 7 October 2013 the Government published the Total 63,207 Serious and Organised Crime Strategy, which sets out a new national response to serious and organised crime, All figures quoted are management information which and estimates that the social and economic costs of has been subject to internal quality checks. This information organised crime in this country are at least £24 billion a has not been quality assured under National Statistics year. This assessment is drawn from the Home Office protocols. study ″Understanding Organised Crime: Estimating the scale and the social and economic costs″ (also published 7 October 2013). CABINET OFFICE The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Drugs: Death are working together in order to explore different ways of detecting food fraud and, where possible, to assess John Woodcock: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet costs. FSA and DEFRA are working on improved Office how many deaths have been recorded where intelligence flows and information sharing to help anticipate substance abuse was a contributing factor in (a) food fraud. England, (b) North West England and (c) Cumbria in each of the last five years. [177693] Passports Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Home Department how many passports are returned asked the authority to reply. to HM Passport Office each year owing to errors in Letter from Glen Watson, dated November 2013: content. [177638] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question to the Minister Mr Harper: Her Majesty’s Passport Office does not for the Cabinet Office asking how many deaths have been recorded collect this information centrally and to provide this where substance abuse was a contributing factor in (a) England, information would be at disproportionate cost. (b) North West England and (c) Cumbria in each of the last five years. (177693) Secondment The tables provide the number of deaths where the underlying cause was related to drug misuse for (a) England, (b) the North Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the West region and (c) the county of Cumbria, for deaths registered Home Department pursuant to the answer of 19 November from 2008 to 2012 (the latest year available). 2013, Official Report, column 862W, on secondment, The numbers of drug-related deaths registered in England and what her estimate was of the cost of collecting data on Wales from 1993 to 2012 are available on the ONS website: the number of private sector secondees to her Department. www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health3/deaths-related- [177692] to-drug-poisoning/index.html 397W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 398W

Table 1. Number of deaths related to drug misuse, England, the North West and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-adviser- Cumbria, deaths registered from 2008-121, 2, 3 data-releases-numbers-and-costs-october-2013 Deaths (persons) My departmental organogram is available at: 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 http://data.gov.uk/organogram/cabinet-office England 1,802 1,729 1,625 1,461 1,356 Further information about the costs of the Deputy North 344 323 278 309 285 Prime Minister’s Office are available at: West Cumbria 17 15 19 15 17 https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cabinet-office- 1 Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, annual-reports-and-accounts Tenth Revision (ICD-10). Deaths were included where the underlying cause was due to drug poisoning and where a drug controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 was mentioned on the death certificate. More details on the definition Ministers’ Private Offices of a death related to drug misuse can be found in the background notes of the ’Deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales’ statistical bulletin www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health3/deaths-related-to-drug-poisoning/ Mr Jenkin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office index.html (1) whether he (a) has appointed or (b) intends to 2 Figures are based on boundaries as at August 2013 and exclude deaths of appoint an enlarged ministerial office; [177508] non-residents. 3 Figures are based on deaths registered, rather than deaths occurring, between (2) what ministerial guidance is being prepared on 2008 and 2012. Due to the length of time it takes to hold an inquest, it can take enlarged ministerial offices (EMOs); what external academic months for a drug-related death to be registered. Additional information on registration delays for drug-related deaths can be found in the annual statistical bodies or think tanks have submitted drafts of such bulletin: guidance or related draft guidance to his Department; www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health3/deaths-related-to-drug-poisoning/ and when any such guidance on EMOs will be published. index.html [177573] Box 1. International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes used to define deaths related to drug poisoning Description ICD 10 codes Mr Maude: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 25 November 2013, Official Report, column Mental and behavioural disorders due to drug F11-F16, F18-F19 use (excluding alcohol and tobacco) 115W, to the hon. Member for South Antrim (Dr Accidental poisoning by drugs, medicaments X40-X44 McCrea). and biological substances This guidance develops the policy on Extended Intentional self-poisoning by drugs, X60-X64 Ministerial Offices outlined in the Government’s ’One medicaments and biological substances Year On’ report on Civil Service Reform in June of this Assault by drugs, medicaments and biological X85 substances year. The EMO policy reflects the conclusions of the Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological Y10-Y14 recent Institute of Public Policy Research (IRRP) Report substances, undetermined intent ‘Accountability and responsiveness in the senior civil service’. That report found that UK Ministers are under supported in comparison with other countries, even Electronic Government: Misrepresentation those with Westminster-derived systems such as Australia and Canada. The Institute for Government has also Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet argued for more powerful ministerial offices. Office what steps he is taking to discourage members of The Government will provide an update on the the public from using websites that charge for services introduction of Extended Ministerial Offices in its next that are currently provided free by the Government. report on progress against the Civil Service Reform [177471] Plan. Mr Hurd: The Government Digital Service is working with Departments to get a clearer view of the scale of this problem. In cases where there is belief that a website operator is acting in a clearly misleading way, EDUCATION Government will act to curtail their activities via organisations such as the Advertising Standards Agency, Children: Mental Health Office of Fair Trading, Information Commissioner’s Office and search providers. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education In the year since the launch of Gov.uk in October (1) what assessment he has made of the use of mindfulness 2012 it had received 429 million visits. It was recently in schools to reduce stress and absenteeism; [179113] ranked as the 46th most visited website in the UK. (2) what assessment he has made of the use of mindfulness in schools to improve attention spans of Ministerial Policy Advisers children; [179114] (3) what assessment he has made of the use of Mr Betts: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office mindfulness in schools in developing lifelong healthy what the total cost of (a) special advisers to the mental health habits; [179115] Deputy Prime Minister and (b) officials providing (4) what assessment he has made of the use of support to those special advisers was in the last year for mindfulness in schools in (a) improving behaviour and which data is available; and how much of that cost was (b) increasing educational attainment. [179116] (i) salaries, (ii) on-costs, (iii) accommodation costs, (iv) office costs and (v) other costs. [177502] Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education has not conducted any assessment of the use of mindfulness Mr Maude: Information on special adviser numbers in schools. Individual head teachers can decide whether and pay bands can be found at: they wish to adopt approaches relating to mindfulness. 399W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 400W

Educational Exchanges Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) with reference to the investigation into Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Kings Science Academy, Bradford, on what dates (a) Education what recent discussions he has had with the his Department requested an update from Action Fraud Secretary of State for International Development on on what steps had been taken following the Department’s potential benefits of schools in the UK being paired referral of the matter to Action Fraud in April 2013 and with schools in developing countries. [177639] (b) he or Ministers of his Department were informed that no further action was being taken by police; Elizabeth Truss: Both the Department for Education [177765] and the Department for International Development (2) what disciplinary sanctions he has considered recognise the benefits of schools linking to stimulate using in relation to the leadership of the Kings Science meaningful collaboration across cultures. The British Academy in response to the findings of his Department’s Council and the Department for International Development investigation into the Academy’s finances; [177768] jointly fund the Connecting Classrooms global education (3) whether he or Ministers in his Department programme which offers British schools partnerships authorised the decision to report the findings of the with their international counterparts, including schools report into Kings Science Academy by telephone call in developing countries. The Department for Education rather than in writing to Action Fraud. [177763] is represented on its Supervisory Board. In addition, the Department for Education has an Michael Gove: Officials at the Department for Education input to the Department for International Development’s reported the case to Action Fraud’s national call centre Global Learning Programme (GLP), launched on 20 on 25 April. An additional telephone call was made to November by the Secretary of State for International West Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, who Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for confirmed that this was the correct way to report fraud Putney (Justine Greening), and has a representative on and that no further action was required. the Programme’s Advisory Board. The GLP focuses on Following the Department’s referral to Action Fraud developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of on 25 April, an update was requested on 5 September. global challenges such as poverty, inequality and Action Fraud subsequently notified the Department on sustainability. 1 November that the information provided had been wrongly classified as an information report rather than Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for a crime report. This error has been rectified by Action Education what estimate he has made of the number of Fraud and West Yorkshire police have confirmed they school pupils in the UK who took part in a foreign are now investigating. Action Fraud has apologised to exchange programme in each of the last five years. the Department for this error. [177640] I issued a warning notice to the trust on 17 May. The warning notice is available on the Department’s website Elizabeth Truss: The Secretary of State for the at: Department for Education has made no such estimate. The Department for Education does not collect data on http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/k/ kings%20science%20academy%20warning%20notice.pdf numbers of pupils taking part in foreign exchange programmes. It is up to individual schools to decide The warning notice makes clear my requirements, whether to participate in exchanges. and the possible repercussions. Free Schools Languages: Education

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to comply with the Education what assessment his Department has made Information Commissioner’s decision notice of 18 of the effect of school children studying Latin or November 2013 in relation to completed free school Ancient Greek on their aptitude for English or other applications. [177646] European languages. [177635]

Michael Gove: We will respond to the Information Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education is Commissioner’s Office decision notice within the statutory aware of research evidence that suggests a link between time scales set out in the Freedom of Information Act the study of Latin and more effective learning of other 2000. languages. We are aware of no specific evidence with regard to ancient Greek. Kings Science Academy Modern English contains a substantial proportion of words derived from Latin and ancient Greek. Study of Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Latin equips pupils to learn a related modern language, pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2013, Official such as French, Spanish; Italian, Portuguese or Romanian. Report, column 1090W, on Kings Science Academy, by what method his Department supplied the evidence of Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for possible fraud to Action Fraud. [177587] Education what steps he is taking to encourage school children to learn foreign languages. [177636] Michael Gove: Officials at the Department for Education reported the case to Action Fraud’s national call centre Elizabeth Truss: The English Baccalaureate is already on 25 April by telephone. All the information requested encouraging more young people to take a language at by Action Fraud was provided. GCSE level. The number of pupils at the end of key 401W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 402W stage 4 (ages 14 to 16) in England entered for a modern Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for foreign language GCSE increased by over 20% from Education how many secondees from (a) trades unions 2012 to 2013. and (b) the voluntary sector have worked in his We have made study of a foreign language compulsory Department since 2010. [177735] at key stage 2 (ages seven to 11) as part of the new national curriculum, which comes into force from Elizabeth Truss: According to centrally held records, September 2014. Schools will be able to teach any the Department for Education has had one secondee modern or ancient foreign language. from the voluntary sector since 2010. Ministers’ Private Offices No civil servants have been seconded from any trade unions. Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he (a) has appointed or (b) intends to appoint an enlarged ministerial office. [177513] TRANSPORT Elizabeth Truss: I refer the hon. Member to the Minister for the Cabinet Office’s answer of 28 November Aviation 2013. Overseas Students: EU Nationals Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make an assessment of the effect on businesses Mr Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for in airports of recent changes by airlines to their policies Education what estimate he has made of the number of which prevent passengers from bringing items they have students coming to study in the UK from (a) Romania purchased at the airport in addition to their carry-on and (b) Bulgaria in (i) each of the last five years and baggage allowance. [177120] (ii) each of the next five years. [177671] Mr Goodwill: We have no plans to make such an Mr Laws: No estimate has been made of the number, assessment. The size and amount of baggage, be it of students coming to study in England from Romania cabin or hold, that a passenger is permitted to take on and Bulgaria. board a commercial aircraft is a matter for airlines to Schools: Sports decide as private commercial companies.

Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Car Sharing Education what recent discussions his Department has had with schools to encourage them to allow community Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for organisations and clubs to use their sporting facilities Transport how much funding his Department has provided when they are not otherwise in use. [177637] for car share schemes in each of the next five years. Mr Timpson: The Department encourages all schools [177674] to offer the use of their facilities to community organisations and clubs, should that be appropriate in local circumstances. Stephen Hammond: While no funding is being directly The Department for Education is working with the awarded to car sharing schemes over the next five years, Department of Health and Department of Culture, car sharing schemes do feature in a number of the Media and Sport specifically to build links between transport projects funded via the £600 million local schools and community clubs, and increase the participation sustainable transport fund which will run until 2015. levels of children, young people and parents, in sport Currently just under 50% of the 96 projects approved and healthy activity. for funding feature elements of car sharing and car club schemes. Through the ’Satellite Club’ programme, run by Sport England, every secondary school and college in England The local sustainable transport fund has now been will be offered a community sport club (’satellite club’) extended into 2015-16 and £100 million capital funding by 2017 on its site. Each club will have a direct link to is to be administered via the local growth fund on a one or more national governing bodies for sport, depending competitive basis. A separate revenue funding stream of on the local area. £78.5 million will be managed by the Department for Transport and will be allocated via competition. Secondment Cycling: Safety Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many of his Department’s civil servants have been seconded to (a) the private sector George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for and (b) trades unions in each year since 2010. [177712] Transport (1) if he will bring forward legislative proposals to make (a) sensors for the blindspot and Elizabeth Truss: According to centrally held records, (b) other cycling safety equipment a legal requirement the Department for Education has had one member of on all new (i) heavy goods vehicles and (ii) passenger staff working for the private sector since 2010. The service vehicles; [177231] arrangement was a staff development initiative with a (2) if he will bring forward legislative proposals to reciprocating placement made available. As this was a make (a) sensors for the blindspot and (b) other reciprocal arrangement, no payment was involved. cycling safety equipment a legal requirement on all No civil servants have been seconded to any trade existing (i) heavy goods vehicles and (ii) passenger unions. service vehicles. [177232] 403W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 404W

Mr Goodwill: The Department for Transport has led and environment teams developing the design. The moves at the UN-ECE to improve the mirrors fitted to forum process has been valuable in the development of new heavy goods vehicles. Once implemented at EU the scheme and its mitigation. level these new mirrors will help cycle safety by increasing the driver’s view of the passenger side. Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for The International Standards Organisation (ISO) is Transport whether anyone working for or on behalf of developing a standard for camera monitoring systems HS2 Ltd or his Department met Lord Heseltine or any fitted to road vehicles. The Government anticipates the person on his behalf or provided information, drafted standard will be included within the UN-ECE regulation or prepared any part of the speech delivered by Lord as a means to improve further the driver vision for new Heseltine to the Royal Town Planning Institute on large vehicles. It is possible that these new mirrors and High Speed 2. [177324] camera systems could be fitted to existing large vehicles. Mr Goodwill: Special advisers and Department for There are no plans currently to introduce requirements Transport officials met Lord Heseltine on 31 October to for sensing systems to detect cyclists alongside heavy brief him on the recently published Strategic Case for vehicles. A full assessment of these systems will be High Speed 2. This was part of a wider strategy of needed before reaching a decision to impose additional stakeholder engagement. costs on operators of these vehicles. Subsequently, officials provided Lord Heseltine with George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for further information in order for him to draft aspects of Transport if he will launch a public education his pre-arranged speech on Local Growth, which he campaign to encourage all cyclists to engage in safe delivered at the Royal Town Planning Institute on cycling practice. [177233] 12 November. Pedestrian Crossings Mr Goodwill: Cycling safety is one of the THINK! road safety campaign priorities for 2013-14. This autumn I launched the first paid-for media campaign targeting Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for drivers and cyclists with cycle safety messages. Transport (1) when the pelican crossing was given type approval; when highway authorities were advised not Working in partnership with Transport for London to install new pelican crossings; and what process of (TfL), THINK! adopted TfL’s ‘tips’ campaign and decision-taking and action would be required to stop extended it to run in five cities across England where the introduction of any new pelican crossings; [177220] cyclist KSIs are highest (outside of London). These cities included Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol (2) what information his Department holds on the and Cambridge. relative risks to pedestrians on or near the different types of signal-controlled pedestrian crossings; [177221] The campaign consisted of “outdoor” advertising running in roadside locations. Outdoor media was chosen (3) what the outcome was of his recent meeting with as it enables us to reach and remind drivers and cyclists the Safer Roads Foundation and Michael Woodford to at the point of action and when behaviour is more likely discuss safer light-controlled pedestrian crossings. to be positively influenced (i.e. when they are driving or [177222] cycling). The campaign consisted of a series of tips, developed to be even-handed and balanced in their Mr Goodwill: Pelican crossings were first prescribed approach and to educate and remind both drivers and in law in 1969. In the 1990s, in response to concerns cyclists about the correct way to drive and ride, and raised by pedestrians about intimidation on the crossing reduce the number of collisions on the road. during the flashing green man/flashing amber phase, the Department developed the puffin crossing, which The campaign launched on 21 October and ran for was first prescribed in 1997. Puffin crossings provide four weeks; coinciding with the end of British summertime greater benefits for road users by using detectors to and the clocks going back. A review of the campaigns automatically extend the crossing time for those who performance will be carried out shortly and the results need it, and to cancel unwanted demands to reduce will inform our cycling approach going forward. delays to drivers. High Speed 2 Railway Line The decision on what type of crossing to provide is for local authorities. The Department’s guidance in the Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Puffin Good Practice Guide (published in 2006 and Transport if he will provide a figure for the total cost to available at HS2 Ltd of running all phase one community forum http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/puffin-good-practice/ meetings and all phase one bilateral meetings, taking puffin-good-practice-guide.pdf account of associated costs including those of staff clearly explains the benefits of puffin crossings and time, travel expenses, materials and preparation time encourages local authorities to use them. Many local and all other relevant costs. [177322] authorities have already made it their policy to only install puffin crossings. Mr Goodwill: Information is not available in the form Research commissioned by the Department showed requested and can be obtained only at disproportionate that pelican crossings converted to puffin crossings cost. showed an average reduction in, accidents of 17%. The The HS2 Phase One community forums have been an report is available to download from: important part of the engagement process and have www.trl.co.uk/online_store/reports_publications/trl_reports/ provided an opportunity for members of the community cat_traffic_engineering/report_puffin_pedestrian_crossing to put their issues, ideas and priorities to the engineers _accident_study.htm 405W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 406W

The meeting with the Safer Roads Foundation and Rescue Services: Stornoway PACTS discussed the installation and use of both pelican and puffin crossings. As part of revising the Traffic Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD), on how many occasions the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination the Department will be updating its guidance on designing Centre, Stornoway, was staffed at below risk-assessed and installing appropriate crossings. levels in October 2013. [177555]

Rescue Services: Belfast Stephen Hammond: Stornoway Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed at below risk assessed levels in October 2013 on eight occasions out Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport of 62 shifts. on how many occasions the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Belfast, was staffed at below risk-assessed levels These situations are mitigated by “MRCC pairing” in October 2013. [177556] where each MRCC is connected to at least one other MRCC which is available to provide mutual support. In respect of Stornoway MRCC, mutual support is available Stephen Hammond: Belfast Maritime Rescue through a fixed link from Belfast MRCC and dial-up Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed at below risk links from the MRCCs at Shetland or Humber. assessed levels in October 2013 on five occasions out of 62 shifts. Every effort is being made to recruit staff. Recently the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) successfully These situations are mitigated by “MRCC pairing” recruited more coastguards filling 28 vacancies, with a where each MRCC is connected to at least one other further 31 recruits in the final stages of appointment. A MRCC which is available to provide mutual support. In further recruitment campaign was launched on 6 November. respect of Belfast MRCC, mutual support is available With this, and now that negotiations with the trade through a fixed link from Stornoway MRCC and dial-up union have concluded with 79% of PCS members voting links from the MRCCs at Shetland, Aberdeen, Liverpool to accept the new terms and conditions, the MCA or Holyhead. believes that this will help stabilise the current staffing Every effort is being made to recruit staff. Recently issues. the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) successfully recruited more coastguards filling 28 vacancies, with a Roads: Safety further 31 recruits in the final stages of appointment. A further recruitment campaign was launched on 6 November. With this, and now that negotiations with the trade Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for union have concluded with 79% of PCS members voting Transport what his policy is on the appointment of a to accept the new terms and conditions, the MCA UN Special Envoy for Road Safety. [177186] believes that this will help stabilise the current staffing issues. Mr Goodwill: The Government supports the UN’s Decade for Action on Road Safety. We welcome any measures which reduce global road deaths. Rescue Services: Liverpool Vehicle Number Plates Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions the Maritime Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Liverpool, was staffed at Transport by what date he expects the Driver and below risk-assessed levels in October 2013. [177554] Vehicle Licensing Agency to share information from automatic information licence plates with police forces Stephen Hammond: Liverpool Maritime Rescue in respect of foreign registered vehicles which have Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed at below risk been in the UK for more than six months. [177581] assessed levels in October 2013 on 20 occasions out of 62 shifts. Mr Goodwill: No date has been agreed at present. These situations are mitigated by ’MRCC pairing’ The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is continuing where each MRCC is connected to at least one other to work with the UK Border Force and the police to MRCC which is available to provide mutual support. In explore how data can be used by the police to identify respect of Liverpool MRCC mutual support is available foreign registered vehicles that have been in the UK for through a fixed link from Holyhead MRCC and dial up longer than six months. Once this explanatory work has links from the MRCCs at Milford Haven, Swansea, been completed a plan of action will be developed for Belfast or Aberdeen. implementing the proposed solution. Every effort is being made to recruit staff. Recently the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) successfully recruited more coastguards filling 28 vacancies with a further 31 recruits in the final stages of appointment. A ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE further recruitment campaign was launched on 6 November. With this and now that negotiations with the trade Energy: Billing union have concluded with 79% of PCS members voting to accept the new terms and conditions, the MCA Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for believes that this will help stabilise the current staffing Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to issues. help households with their energy bills. [901309] 407W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 408W

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Fallon: The Government concluded its Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to consultation on the exemption eligibility for contract help households with their energy bills. [901312] for difference costs on 30 August 2013. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is analysing the Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for responses received. Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to The Government is also currently consulting on the help households with their energy bills. [901313] detailed design of the supplier obligation, the mechanism by which suppliers will be charged the cost of contracts Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy for difference. The Government continues to discuss its and Climate Change what steps he is taking to help proposals for an energy intensive industry exemption households with their energy bills. [901316] with industry, and expects to publish its response to the consultation, along with draft regulations for the exemption Mr Davey: The Government is providing help to early in 2014. consumers with energy bills in three basic ways: through Link: direct financial support, with energy efficiency initiatives and by boosting competition. With the winter fuel Electricity Market Reform: consultation - eligibility for an exemption from the costs of ‘Contracts for Difference’: payment, with the warm home discount, and with cold weather payments, in 2012-13 the Government spent https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/210724/bis-13-974-electricity-market- over £2.5 billion on direct subsidies to reduce bills. With reform-consultation-eligibility-for-an-exemption-from-the- the Energy Company Obligation and the Green Deal costs-of-contracts-for-difference.pdf we are helping consumers to reduce bills permanently. Along with Ofgem, our policies in both the retail and Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy wholesale markets are intensifying competition to help and Climate Change which energy intensive industries consumers reduce their bills this winter and every winter. will qualify for exemption from the costs of contracts Energy: Consumption for difference. [177665] Michael Fallon: The Government intends to implement Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy an exemption for the most electricity intensive industries and Climate Change what steps he is taking to reduce from some of the costs of contracts for difference, energy usage. [901319] where they pose a significant risk to UK competitiveness, subject to state aid approval. Gregory Barker: Energy efficiency has a key role to playing in helping consumers reduce their energy bills. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills concluded its consultation on the exemption eligibility As of September more than 270,000 homes had had measures installed through the Green Deal, Cash Back and ECO schemes. for contracts for difference costs at the end of August. This outlined that the Government’s preferred approach Earlier this year we concluded the procurement competitions is to base exemption on the same criteria as for the for the provision of Smart Meter data and communication services. compensation scheme for the indirect costs of the carbon The world first Green Investment Bank will drive energy price floor. The Government is analysing the responses efficiency innovation. received and expects to release its response to the And the recently announced Electricity Demand Reduction consultation early in 2014. pilot will explore opportunities to permanently reduce demand, through financial incentives for businesses. Link: Electricity Market Reform: consultation - eligibility for an Energy: Meters exemption from the costs of ‘Contracts for Difference’: David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Energy and Climate Change what the predicted costs attachment_data/file/210724/bis-13-974-electricity-market- are for rolling out smart meters to households across reform-consultation-eligibility-for-an-exemption-from-the-costs- the UK. [177377] of-contracts-for-difference.pdf

Michael Fallon: The latest Impact Assessment for the Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy smart metering rollout published by the Department and Climate Change how the exemption from the costs can be found at: of contracts for difference for energy intensive https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ industries will be calculated. [177666] attachment_data/file/78666/IA-Feb.pdf The Impact Assessment covers Great Britain. It estimates Michael Fallon: The cost of contracts for difference—i.e. the costs of the domestic rollout to be £11.5 billion and the difference between contracts for difference strike the benefits to be £15.9 billion over the period 2013 to prices and the wholesale electricity price—will be borne 2030. We expect to publish an updated Impact Assessment by licensed electricity suppliers. Costs will be collected early next year. through the ’supplier obligation’, which is the licence requirement for suppliers to pay the costs of contracts Energy: Prices for difference. The detail of that supplier obligation is currently Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy being consulted on. Under those proposals, the supplier and Climate Change what progress he has made on his obligation will be levied on all suppliers on a pound per policy to exempt some energy intensive industries from megawatt hour basis, i.e. on the basis of electricity the costs of contracts for difference. [177664] supplied. 409W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 410W

The exemption will work by excluding a proportion Gregory Barker: Any rogue trader not accredited of the electricity supplied to energy intensive industries under the Green Deal and misrepresenting it will be (EIIs) from the pound per megawatt levy. This would dealt with under consumer protection law with appropriate mean that the contracts for difference costs faced by action taken by Trading Standards. licensed electricity suppliers would be adjusted to take into account the scale of the EII customer base. We The Department will also shortly be publishing a would therefore not expect suppliers to incorporate the quick guide to help consumers identify genuine Green costs of contracts for difference in the charges made for Deal authorised traders, and the guide has already been the supply of electricity to EIIs as contracts for difference distributed among the consumer organisations. costs are not a cost caused by the supply of electricity to such customers. Market competition should ensure that We continue to engage with Trading Standards, Citizens savings made by licensed electricity suppliers are passed Advice, Office of Fair Trading, Consumer Futures on to EIIs. and Which? and share information about the Green Deal, via a Consumer Protection Forum and other Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy meetings. and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the effects on consumer bills of the exemption from the costs of contracts for difference for some energy Nuclear Power intensive industries. [177667] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Fallon: The Government published updated Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his oral statement cost estimates during the consultation on the exemption of 21 October 2013, Official Report, columns 23-25, on eligibility for contracts for difference costs—this consultation the UK nuclear energy programme, whether his comment closed at the end of August. Dependent on its final in that statement that new nuclear will receive no support, design, the average impact of the exemption on domestic unless similar support is also made available more widely household electricity bills is estimated at an average of to other types of generation, reflects a change from the £0.90 to £2.30 per year for the period 2016 to 2020 in policy set out in the Coalition Agreement that new 2012 prices. The actual cost will be dependent on a nuclear power stations may be allowed, provided that number of factors, including realised contracts for difference they receive no public subsidy; and if he will make a support costs, electricity demand and the final design statement. [177408] and scope of the exemption. Link: Michael Fallon: The Government policy is as set out Electricity Market Reform: consultation—eligibility for an in the 7 February 2013 and 18 October 2010 statements exemption from the costs of ’Contracts for Difference’—updated to Parliament, made by the Secretary of State for Energy cost estimates: and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Kingston https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ and Surbiton (Mr Davey), and his predecessor. attachment_data/file/232224/bis-13-1137-electricity-market- reform-eligibility-for-exemption-from-the-costs-of-contracts- The text of the statements can be found at: for-difference-updated-cost-estimates.pdf www.gov.uk/government/speeches/edward-davey-speech-to- the-commons-on-new-nuclear-power www.gov.uk/government/news/written-ministerial-statement- EU Emissions Trading Scheme on-energy-policy-the-rt-hon-chris-huhne-mp-18-october-2010

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will make an assessment Solar Power of the current status of carbon trading in London and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. [177696] Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to ensure Gregory Barker: The UK supports urgent reform of that solar PV is appropriately sited. [901308] the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to address the surplus of allowances in the system, to align the cap Gregory Barker: The Solar PV Roadmap, published with long term targets to reduce emissions 80% by 2050 in October 2013, sets out our policy on solar PV which and to strengthen the carbon price to provide a strong should be appropriately sited, give proper weight to signal to stimulate low-carbon investment. These reforms environmental considerations such as landscape and will also ensure that London remains a global hub for visual impact, heritage and local amenity, and provide carbon trading, as it is currently with around 90% the opportunities for local communities to influence decisions EU market based in London. that affect them. I have written to all local planning authorities emphasising the importance DECC attaches to ensuring solar PV is appropriately sited. Green Deal Scheme Separately, DECC is also working with industry and Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy the National Solar Centre through the Sustainability and Climate Change what steps his Department is and Land Use Task Force, combined with a series of taking to tackle non-accredited Green Deal companies regional roadshows, to generate best practice for developers who exploit consumers. [177538] and ensure that this is widely disseminated. 411W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 412W

JUSTICE case, legal aid would remain available. Recognising concerns about potential difficulties in accessing legal aid, we Courts: Security Guards significantly widened the list of evidence that could be used to prove domestic abuse during the passage of the Bill. Although, too early to have a definitive picture, John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for latest figures from the Legal Aid Agency show that legal Justice how many court security officers for (a) Mitie, aid is granted to the majority of people who apply for (b) G4S and (c) Securitas have been officially legal aid on the basis of the domestic violence evidence designated by the Lord Chancellor under the Court requirements. Security Officer (Designated) Regulations 2005 since the regulations came into force. [171352] During debate on the regulations on 27 March 2013, Official Report, House of Lords, column 1114, we committed Mr Vara: Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service to monitor and review the operation of the requirement (HMCTS) do not hold the requested information for for evidence. the period between 2005 and 2009. We expect this review to be completed early in the Between 2009 and 2012, MITIE were the primary new year, following engagement with stakeholders. supplier of Court Security Officers (CSOs) for the courts within my Department. During that period, a Human Trafficking: Convictions total of 755 CSOs were designated. No G4S or Securitas Officers were designated. Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for From February 2012 to date, MITIE and G4S are the Justice how many victims of (a) human trafficking and main suppliers of designated CSOs for HMCTS. During (b) forced labour have been wrongly convicted in each this period, 418 CSOs have been designated for MITIE, of the last three years. [176040] 460 CSOs designated for G4S. No CSOs have been designated for Securitas. The Solicitor-General: I have been asked to reply. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) maintains no Defamation records of the number of prosecutions or convictions against victims of (a) human trafficking and (b) forced Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice labour. This information is unlikely to be available even what the Government’s policy is on whether families of on a manual check of all case files, which would incur deceased persons should be able to sue under the law of disproportionate cost. defamation following recent jurisprudence on the issue However, the CPS has issued comprehensive legal in the European Court of Human Rights. [177668] guidance to advise prosecutors of the steps they should take in cases where the police have arrested potential Mr Vara: It is a long standing legal principle that a victims of trafficking and forced labour who have committed deceased person cannot be defamed as reputation is criminal offences and referred them for charge. If personal. The Government has no plans to change the information suggests that they have been trafficked, law in this area. This principle is not affected by the prosecutors are advised to make full inquiries and consider recent European Court of Human Rights judgment in whether the case against them should be discontinued. Putistin v. Ukraine, which concerned an applicant who However, a prosecutor can only take these steps if they sought redress for damage to his and his family’s reputation have information from the police or other sources that a affecting him, rather than damage to the reputation of suspect might be a victim of trafficking. the deceased person. Immigration: Appeals Family Proceedings: Legal Aid Scheme

Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Justice what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate how large the current backlog of cases awaiting legal aid is available for family cases; and what plans he immigration tribunal is. [177606] has to adapt the qualifying rules for assistance under the new regulations. [177413] Mr Vara: The First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) and Upper Tribunal (Immigration Mr Vara: At around £2 billion a year we have one of and Asylum Chamber) hear and decide appeals against the most expensive legal aid systems in the world and in decisions made by the Home Office on asylum, immigration the current challenging economic climate we cannot and nationality matters. continue to sustain this type of spending. It is essential The First-tier Tribunal (Asylum and Immigration that resources are focused on cases where legal aid is Chamber) and Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum most needed—that is where people’s life or liberty is at Chamber) are administered by HM Courts and Tribunal stake, where they are at risk of serious physical harm or Service, an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice immediate loss of their home, or where their children (MOJ). Information on appeals before the tribunal is may be taken into care. Even after all of our changes we published by MoJ in the Tribunal Statistics quarterly. will still have one of the most generous systems—at The most recent report is for the period April to June around £1.5 billion a year. 2013, which includes the number of outstanding cases As part of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment before the tribunal. This can be viewed at: of Offenders Act 2012 we made sure that where domestic https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tribunal- abuse or child protection issues exist in a private family statistics-quarterly-april-to-june-2013 413W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 414W

Mesothelioma stages of medical education to ensure that students and newly qualified doctors are equipped with the knowledge, Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for skills and attitudes essential for professional practice. Justice how many claims have been brought against The Government has mandated Health Education Government departments by people with mesothelioma England (HEE) to provide national leadership on education, since May 2010. [176141] training and work force development in the national health service. This mandate includes a commitment The Solicitor-General: I have been asked to reply. that HEE will ensure that general practitioner (GP) The information cannot be provided as it is not training produces GPs with the required competencies readily available or held centrally. It could be obtained to practise in the new national health service. Consequently, only at a disproportionate cost. Mesothelioma claims HEE will work with stakeholders to influence training are handled by various Government Departments, and curricula as appropriate. agencies, including The Treasury Solicitor. The Treasury Solicitor does not act for all Government Departments Health Education England and agencies and some of these claims are handled by external solicitors. Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much Health Education England has spent on consultancy services in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14 to HEALTH date. [177612] Clinical Commissioning Groups Dr Poulter: Health Education England (HEE)—including Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for the 13 local education and training boards (LETBs), Health what guidance his Department provides on a which HEE took responsibility for on 1 April 2013—has clinical commissioning group’s right to withhold from recorded spending on consultancy services as: publication a register of the interests of its board members. £269,000 in 2012-13; and [177673] £318,000 for the financial year 2013-14 (up to the end of October 2013). Dr Poulter: The National Health Service Act 2006, as The increase in 2013-14 expenditure is due to the amended by the Health and Social Care Act 2012, change in status of HEE from transitional form to fully requires clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to publish, operational in April 2013, when they assumed responsibility or make arrangements to ensure that members of the for the 13 LETBs. public have access to registers of interest on request. CCGs must describe in their constitution the arrangements Health Services for making the register of interests publicly available, including for those people that do not have access to the internet. Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health ″ how much was spent by specialist commissioning hubs NHS England has issued guidance Managing Conflicts on consultancy services in (a) 2012-13 and (b) of Interest: Guidance for Clinical Commissioning Groups″, 2013-14 to date. [177614] which states that CCGs should: make the Register of Interest available upon request for inspection Dr Poulter: NHS England is responsible for directly at CCGs headquarters or local health premises; commissioning specialised services, and has developed ensure the document is available upon application (either by service specifications on a national basis, to ensure that post or e-mail); and patients can access the same high quality services regardless make arrangements with local health authorities for copies to of where they live in England. be made available via local libraries. A copy of the guidance has been placed in the There are 10 area teams in England, established on 1 Library. April 2013, that hold contracts with providers for specialised services and ensure that specifications are met. These Depressive Illnesses are staffed by teams who are expert in contracting for specialised services. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health NHS England has confirmed that in 2012-13 and so what the average age of the onset of depression was in far in 2013-14, no money has been spent by the 10 area (a) 1983, (b) 1993, (c) 2003 and (d) 2012. [179102] teams on consultancy services in respect of their specialised Norman Lamb: Data on the age of the onset of commissioning activities. depression is not held centrally. Healthwatch England General Practitioners Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much Healthwatch England spent on consultancy if he will review the training given to GPs on dealing services in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14 to date. with patients who have learning disabilities. [177188] [177613] Dr Poulter: The content and standard of medical training is the responsibility of the General Medical Norman Lamb: In 2012-13, Healthwatch England Council (GMC). The GMC is an independent professional spent £24,822 on consultancy services. body. It has the general function of promoting high In 2013-14, Healthwatch England’s spend to date is standards of medical education and co-ordinating all £9,462.50 on consultancy services. 415W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 416W

Home Care Services NHS Property Services

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for what steps his Department is taking to improve social Health how many (a) communications, (b) press and care provision in domiciliary settings. [177620] (c) public relations officers are employed by NHS Property Services; and what the salary is of each Norman Lamb: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I officer. [177672] gave to him on 25 November 2013, Official Report, columns 148-49W. Dr Poulter: The number of staff with communications responsibilities in their roles in NHS Property Services Ltd (NHS PS) at each Agenda for Change (AfC) pay Muscular Dystrophy: West Midlands band are shown in the following table. NHS PS does not employ any specific press or public relations officers; Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health this work is undertaken by the communications staff. what steps he is taking to increase the number of neuromuscular care advisers and the paediatric AfC band Salary Number of staff neuromuscular consultant provision in the West Midlands. 1 [177569] VSM £130,000-£135,000 1 8c £54,998-£67,805 1 Norman Lamb: NHS England is responsible for 8a £39,239-£47,088 6 commissioning specialised services, including neuromuscular 7 £30,764-£40,558 1 services. 1 Very senior manager NHS England published Neurosciences: Specialised These staff transferred into the company from primary Neurology (Adult) in July 2013. This service specification care trusts and strategic health authorities on their describes the service commissioned by NHS England existing terms and conditions. for patients with a neuromuscular disorder. Care is As with all national health service funded organisations, provided via a managed clinical pathway that supports we are looking to further rationalise and reduce back-office multidisciplinary and cross organisational working. The costs. multi-disciplinary team includes neuromuscular care co-ordinators. NHS: Finance The service specification has been implemented from 1 October 2013. NHS England is working with providers Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for to ensure they comply with the service description and Health what discussions his Department has had with standards. NHS England as part of the health funding review of allocations. [177432] NHS England Dr Poulter: NHS England and the Department have been discussing health funding, including progress on Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the fundamental review of allocations, at regular what the (a) total budget, (b) total number of staff accountability meetings. (c) and budget for staff salaries is for those employed Responsibility for resource allocation is a matter for by NHS England but not for NHS England local area NHS England as set out in the mandate. NHS England teams. [177610] is overseeing the fundamental review of allocation policy and will draw on the expert advice of the independent Dr Poulter: NHS England’s total revenue budget for Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA) 2013-14 is £95.873 million, of which £2.016 million is to and involve a range of external partners. NHS England be spent on administration. How all spending is allocated will consider the recommendations and findings of ACRA is a matter for NHS England. NHS England has informed as part of this. us that the administration budget for NHS England, excluding area teams and commissioning support units NHS: Redundancy (its National Support Centre), is £332.2 million. As at the end of October 2013, NHS England had Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for 886.15 whole time equivalent staff in post within its Health how many NHS employees have taken redundancy National Support Centre. since May 2013; and how many such people have since The total pay budget for the total agreed staff numbers been re-employed in (a) publicly-funded healthcare within the National Support Centre (1,106.48 whole and (b) other forms of healthcare contracted to the time equivalent) is £75.2 million. There are currently NHS. [177460] vacancies within this staff structure. Dr Poulter: This information is not available from the Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health date requested. how much NHS England spent on consultancy services in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14 to date. [177611] Out-patients: Attendance

Dr Poulter: NHS England has informed us that Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for expenditure on consultancy was £578,000 in 2012-13 Health if he will introduce a system to gather information and £1.78 million in 2013-14. on the cost to the NHS of missed appointments. [177633] 417W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 418W

Dr Poulter: The financial cost of missed appointments Mr Duncan: Prior to the creation of the Myanmar is very complex to calculate, for example resources Centre for Responsible Business, discussions about its wasted or time lost due to missed appointments can be potential work were held both within and outside Burma offset by national health service staff using the time with civil society, as well as with business, government, productively in other ways, such as seeing other patients. trade unions and experts. Particular attention was paid The cost of introducing a system to gather information to regions of the country made especially vulnerable would therefore be disproportionate. Locally, NHS due to conflict, ethnic and religious strife, and corruption. organisations should be seeking to understand and address how best to achieve reductions in missed Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for appointments in their areas. International Development what funding her Department provides for building civil society capacity in Burma. [177321]

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mr Duncan: DFID has allocated £11 million for building civil society capacity in Burma from July 2011 to March 2016. Adam Smith International Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much her Department International Development what the value of contracts will spend on promoting good governance in Burma in awarded by her Department to Adam Smith 2013-14; and what proportion of such funding will be International was in each of the last 10 years. [177647] channelled through (a) the Burmese Government and (b) civil society. [177327] Justine Greening: The value of contracts awarded in each year to Adam Smith International is shown in the Mr Duncan: DFID has allocated £12.8 million for following table. good governance in Burma in 2013-14. This includes funding through the UN, NGOs and civil society. No Amount (£) UK aid is given through budget support to the Government of Burma. 2008-09 42,266,339 2009-10 13,785,832 Developing Countries: Climate Change 2010-11 33,273,602 2011-12 66,409,259 Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012-13 16,356,209 International Development what assessment she has Information from previous years is not held centrally made of the adequacy of future funding arrangements in our systems on a comparable basis. of the Green Climate Fund; and what recent discussions she has had with her international counterparts on their contributions. [177697] Africa Lynne Featherstone: The UK Government is working Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for closely with our international partners to ensure the International Development what steps her Department Green Climate Fund is set up to offer good value for is taking to reduce maternal mortality in (a) Liberia, money. Discussions are on-going during the design (b) Sierra Leone, (c) Kenya and (d) Nigeria. [177583] phase.

Lynne Featherstone: DFID is supporting health Developing Countries: Females programmes that focus on maternal health in each of these four countries. These programmes deliver a range Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for of health interventions from pre-pregnancy to early International Development what timetable she has set childhood, for example increasing access to modern for delivering pledges made by the UK at the recent family planning methods, improving coverage and quality High-Level Meeting on violence against women and of skilled delivery care at birth, and working with girls in humanitarian contexts; and what steps the communities to increase demand for and use of quality Government plans to take to hold other governments health services. Programmes in these four countries are accountable for their pledges. [177578] contributing towards the UK Government’s commitment to save the lives of at least 50,000 women during pregnancy Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Member to my and childbirth and 250,000 newborn babies by 2015. written ministerial statement laid on 18 November 2013, Official Report, column 40WS. I will update the House Burma in due course.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Developing Countries: Midwives International Development what discussions her Department has had with communities in areas of Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Burma negatively affected by foreign investment before International Development what steps her Department the decision was made to fund the Myanmar Centre for is taking to address the shortage of midwives in Responsible Business. [177242] developing countries. [177586] 419W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 420W

Lynne Featherstone: The UK Government is supporting programmes if the situation worsens. The region also action to reduce the number of babies born without a hosts some 525,000 refugees and UKAid is providing skilled attendant, such as a midwife present, and to £39.2 million over three years to support their assistance reduce maternal mortality and increase child survival. needs (including £3.2 million in July 2013 to help avert a We are helping countries where we work to develop shortfall in special nutritional products for malnourished their own health care systems and efforts to build and children and mothers). DFID is pressing other donors maintain health worker capacity. This includes support to do more for refugees and considering a further to train health workers such as midwives and nurses. allocation this year given ongoing gaps. In addition, DFID funds the Health Partnership Scheme that supports partnerships between UK and developing country health institutions aimed at Overseas Aid strengthening health worker knowledge and skills. DFID also supports the Global Health Workforce Alliance, which advocates for improved human resources for John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for health and supports countries’ health workforce International Development which country programmes co-ordination and planning. have an increase in project spending in excess of five per cent for the current financial year; and what these Developing Countries: Sanitation increases are in actual and percentage terms. [177648]

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Duncan: This information can be found in the International Development what steps she plans to DFID Annual Report 2012-13, available at: take to promote the importance of the water and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfid-annual- sanitation sector at the Sanitation and Water for All report-and-accounts-2012-13 high level meeting in April 2014. [177461]

Lynne Featherstone: The UK will be represented at Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State the 2014 Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) high level for International Development what the cost to the meeting. DFID officials are working to ensure that it public purse was of developing and launching her builds momentum around the ongoing importance of Department’s Development Tracker platform. [177694] WASH in supporting poverty reduction and sustainable development. The UK was instrumental in establishing Mr Duncan: The cost of developing and launching the Sanitation and Water for All initiative. We remain the alpha, beta and live versions of the Development active members on the Steering Committee and we are Tracker platform was £338,039 excluding VAT and internal leading work to improve global monitoring. salary costs. Kenya Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for for International Development how many unique visits International Development what assessment she has were made to her Department’s Development Tracker made of the threat presented by al-Shabaab to the since its launch from (a) the UK and (b) overseas; and humanitarian effort in northern Kenya. [177255] how many such visits there were to each of the domain’s sub-pages. [177695] Mr Duncan: Al-Shabaab represent a significant threat to humanitarian efforts in parts of North East Kenya. Mr Duncan: The Development Tracker was launched This threat includes kidnap, explosive devices and theft. on 31 October 2013. Since then, there have been 13,718 Humanitarian agencies adapt their operations on the unique visits, (a) 8,466 from the UK and (b) 5,252 basis of a regular assessment of risk to ensure that aid from overseas. reaches those in need. There are 13,114 sub-pages within the Development Tracker. It is not possible to provide a list of the number Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for of visits to each of those pages. International Development what recent reports she has received on the humanitarian situation in northern Kenya; and what steps the Government has taken at the UN in response to funding shortages in the Dadaab Somalia and Kakuma refugee camps. [177256] Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Lynne Featherstone: We are in touch with agencies on International Development what assessment she has the ground and have recently made a visit. The rains made of the effectiveness of the recent UK aid delivery started late and the current estimates are that the number to Puntland. [177430] in need of food assistance may rise from the existing 850,000 across Kenya. UKAid is already supporting programmes in Northern Kenya to address this vulnerability Justine Greening: The effectiveness of UK aid by providing regular cash payments and livelihood support programmes in Somalia (including in Puntland) is assessed to some of the poorest families so that they can better regularly as part of our programme management cycle. cope with droughts and supporting health facilities so Programmes are countrywide, rather than region-specific, they have capacity to treat and prevent acute malnutrition with a geographical focus where development needs are in children. There are plans in place to scale up these greatest. 421W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 422W

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Mr Vaizey: Government recognises the importance of local commercial radio stations to the communities Civil Partnerships they serve and is committed to reserving part of the FM spectrum as a platform for local and community radio Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Minister for Women and stations, for as long as it is needed. My officials are also Equalities what progress has been made on the review working with Ofcom to consider the potential options to consider legalising heterosexual civil partnerships. for smaller local stations to migrate to digital in the lead [177678] up to and after a future switchover. We are very encouraged by the recent research Ofcom has carried out on software Mrs Grant: Preparatory work for the consultation enabling small scale DAB transmissions, which has required as part of the review of the operation and been successfully trialled in Brighton. future of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 under the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, has been Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for undertaken. We hope to publish this consultation document Culture, Media and Sport what assessment her Department shortly. has made of (a) the extent of public access to DAB Secondment radio, (b) the number of listeners that will lose access to local radio stations and (c) whether audio quality will improve for listeners in the event of a UK digital Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for Women and radio switchover. [177328] Equalities how many of the Government Equalities Office’s civil servants have been seconded to (a) the Mr Vaizey: Following the launch of the Digital Radio private sector and (b) trades unions in each year since Action plan in 2010, local DAB coverage has increased 2010. [177716] from 66% to 72%. In October, the BBC announced plans to extend coverage for its national DAB services Mrs Grant: No civil servants from the Government from 94% to 97.3% of households, and Arqiva has Equalities Office have been seconded to the private developed plans for the extension of national commercial sector or trade unions. DAB services from 84.9% to 91% of households to match Classic FM coverage. Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how many secondees from (a) trade unions We have always said that FM will continue to be an and (b) the voluntary sector have worked in the appropriate platform for smaller commercial stations Government Equalities Office since 2010. [177739] and community radio. The vast majority of digital radio sets have FM included and this is mandated in the Mrs Grant: No secondees have worked in the minimum technical specifications drawn up by industry Government Equalities Office since 2010. as part of the Digital Radio Action Plan. This means that listeners who switch to digital radio will still be able to get local services on FM. We recognise the desire from small local and community radio stations to have CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT a pathway onto the DAB platform and are working with Ofcom on examining the potential of new small Betting scale DAB solutions following a successful trial earlier this year in Brighton. Mr Sutcliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for Independent research carried out in Bath by IPSOS/Mori Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions she found that households were very positive about digital has had with the Gambling Commission on in-running radio with 80% of participants rating it as better than laying on a betting exchange by those benefiting from analogue radio. the time delay between live and transmitted events; and if she will make a statement. [177608] Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Grant: I regularly discuss a range of issues with Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made the Gambling Commission. Betting in-running is legal of the cost of a digital radio switchover; and if she will under the 2005 Gambling Act and the Gambling make an estimate of (a) the incremental annual cost of Commission’s current position, after much consideration improving local DAB coverage so that coverage reaches and public consultation, is that the risk to the licensing 90 per cent of households and all major roads at the objectives is adequately mitigated by ensuring that earliest opportunity and (b) how much funding her consumers are warned about the potential disadvantage Department would seek from the Exchequer for a to which they may expose themselves if they choose to possible digital radio switchover. [177329] bet in this way. However, the Gambling Commission continues to monitor evidence in this area and to observe Mr Vaizey: DCMS’ assessment of the costs and developments which might have a bearing on that position. benefits of a digital radio switchover will be set out in a cost benefit analysis (CBA). We intend to provide an Digital Broadcasting: Radio update on our plans for digital radio at the end of the year. Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will take steps to Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for ensure that all UK local radio stations are guaranteed a Culture, Media and Sport if her Department will platform on DAB should digital radio switchover go commission an independent cost-benefit analysis on ahead; and if she will make a statement. [177326] digital radio switchover viability prior to taking any 423W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 424W decision on that matter; and if she will publish the Mrs Grant: I refer the hon. Member to the answer results of her Department’s previous cost-benefit analysis given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office today. on this matter. [177330] Secondment Mr Vaizey: The Government will use a cost benefit analysis (CBA) to inform any decision about switchover. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, DCMS has been developing that analysis, and consulted Media and Sport how many of her Department’s civil on the CBA’s methodology in summer 2012. In the servants have been seconded to (a) the private sector light of feedback from the sector, DCMS has continued and (b) trades unions in each year since 2010. [177709] to develop its approach in order to inform policy discussions and decisions, drawing on advice from Whitehall and Mrs Grant: The number of civil servants that have external analysts. We intend to provide an update on been seconded to (a) The private sector and (b) trade our plans for digital radio at the end of the year. unions in each year since 2010 is shown in the following Direct Selling table:

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Financial Media and Sport if she will make an assessment of the year (a) The private sector (b) Trade unions efficacy of the legal framework in the Privacy and 2010-11 0 0 Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2011-12 2 0 2003 in relation to the regulatory system for reporting 2013 (to 00 and preventing nuisance telesales or automated calls; date) and what representations has she received on this matter. [177309] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Vaizey: The Privacy and Electronic Communications Culture, Media and Sport how many secondees from (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 enable the Information (a) trades unions and (b) the voluntary sector have Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to issue a monetary penalty worked in her Department since 2010. [177732] of up to £500,000 to any organisation that wilfully or negligently makes calls to Telephone Preference Service Mrs Grant: The number of secondees from (a) trade calls to a particular number. Complaints can be quickly unions and (b) the voluntary sector that have worked in and easily reported to the ICO online at: the Department since 2010 is shown in the following http://www.ico.org.uk/complaints/marketing/2 table:

Since January 2012, the ICO has issued five substantial Number of secondees monetary penalties totalling £660,000 and action against other organisations is also under consideration. Also, in (a) Trade unions 0 spring 2014 the Office of Communications (Ofcom) will (b) Voluntary sector 0 be conducting a review of the effectiveness of the TPS and further details are available at: Sports: Schools http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/silent-calls/ joint-action-plan We will review Ofcom’s findings carefully to see what Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for further action can be taken to tackle nuisance calls. The Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had Department has received representations from consumer with the Secretary of State for Education on changing group representatives, regulators, industry and Members the regulations that those applying to build new of Parliament, requesting for action to be taken in this schools must meet in regard to changing rooms; and if area. In response, we are working closely with them to she will make a statement. [177378] find effective solutions, and our further thinking will be set out in our action plan, which will be published Mrs Grant: I have regular discussions with ministerial shortly. colleagues at the Department for Education on a range of issues. Londonderry Telecommunications Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for visit Londonderry before the end of that city’s year as Culture, Media and Sport (1) if her Department will UK City of Culture. [177584] bring forward legislation to prevent and penalise unintentional telephone slamming whereby customers Mr Vaizey: In my role as Minister for Culture, are penalised because of a telecoms company mistake; Communications and the Creative Industries, I was on [177245] an official visit to Londonderry last week. (2) what assessment her Department has made of the Ministers’ Private Offices potential benefits of fining telecommunications companies that have slammed telephone lines for reasons other Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, than mis-selling of services; [177284] Media and Sport whether she (a) has appointed or (b) (3) if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of intends to appoint an enlarged ministerial office. current legislation for preventing phone slamming; if [177510] she will bring forward legislative proposals on phone 425W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 426W slamming which apply in circumstances where phone The CPS has had detailed discussions with a number lines are accidently slammed; and if she will make a of interested parties to better understand the fall in statement. [177303] referrals of domestic violence and rape cases and, working with the National Policing Lead, it will convene a joint Mr Vaizey: Slamming, when a fixed-line telephone national scrutiny panel on rape early next year and the service is transferred by a gaining provider without findings will be published shortly thereafter. Work on express knowledge and consent is prohibited under VAWG issues is progressed by a number of staff, who General Condition 24 of Ofcom’s General Conditions have responsibilities for a range of issues including of Entitlement (GCE). GCE is the regulatory framework VAWG. No additional resource has been allocated for under which telecommunications network and service this investigation. providers are required to operate in the UK. Section 45 The work on domestic violence is being taken forward of the Communications Act 2003 provides Ofcom with by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HM1C) the power to set such binding conditions and Section 96 in their investigation of the effectiveness of the police of the Communications Act 2003 provides for Ofcom response to domestic violence and abuse across England to issue penalties for breach of General Conditions. and Wales. The findings from the inspection are due to Ofcom can, and do, fine companies for slamming and report by April 2014. most recently fined Supatel (trading as TimeTalk) £60,000 in June of this year for breach of General Condition 24. Crown Prosecution Service Ofcom rules explicitly prohibit all telephone companies from engaging in inappropriate sales and marketing activity, and include requirements around obtaining Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how consent and the type of information that needs to be many complaints about the Crown Prosecution Service made available to consumers when selling services. Where (CPS) have been referred to the independent assessor of Ofcom identifies clear breaches of the rules, it can take CPS complaints so far this year. [177311] enforcement action, and has powers to fine companies and require them to remedy the consequences of any The Solicitor-General: The role of the Independent breach. Assessor of Complaints (IAC) was launched on 5 June There are also a number of safeguards built into the 2013. A total of 22 complaints about the Crown Prosecution switching process which are specifically designed to Service have been referred to the IAC so far this year. protect consumers from both slamming and erroneous transfers, including that consumers should receive a Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how letter informing them of the imminent takeover of their many victims of crime have requested reviews of a service, with a 10-day switchover period during which Crown Prosecution Service decision in 2013 to date; the order can be stopped. and of these how many concerned (a) decisions to take Ofcom is also carrying out a review of switching no further action and (b) discontinuance post-charge. processes to ensure that switching is easy, hassle-free [177312] and works well for consumers. Better protection for consumers from the risks of slamming and erroneous The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service transfers is a key focus of the review and Ofcom has put has received 592 requests for review in the period between forward proposals for mandating two key requirements the launch of the Victims’ Right to Review scheme on 5 on telephone companies which are designed to address June 2013 and 31 October 2013. erroneous transfers associated with home moves. Ofcom (a) 396 of the requests concerned a decision not to bring has also committed to look at this issue further in the proceedings (66.9%). next phase of its work on switching. (b) 196 of the requests concerned a decision to terminate proceedings after charge (33.1%). This figure comprises cases in which proceedings were terminated by discontinuance and cases in which no evidence was offered. ATTORNEY-GENERAL Crimes of Violence: Females Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what proportion of complaints about the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) made to the independent Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General assessor of CPS complaints have been (a) fully and pursuant to the answer of 29 October 2013, Official (b) partially upheld. [177313] Report, columns 399-400W, on prosecutions, when the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will report the findings from its further investigation into the The Solicitor-General: The role of the Independent proportion of cases of violence against women and Assessor of Complaints (IAC) was launched on 5 June girls that are charged; whether the findings of that 2013. A total of 22 complaints about the Crown Prosecution investigation will be published; how many CPS staff Service have been referred to the IAC of which 10 have are working on that investigation; and what resources been concluded. The proportion of complaints that have been allocated to that investigation. [177333] have been fully upheld is 40%. The proportion that have been partially upheld is 30%. The Solicitor-General: Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a key priority for the Crown Prosecution Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what Service (CPS) and, in 2012-13, the conviction rates for proportion of reviews of Crown Prosecution Service cases flagged as domestic violence and rape were at decisions made under the Victims’ Right to Review record highs for the second year running. have been (a) fully and (b) partially upheld. [177314] 427W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 428W

The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service Offenders: Deportation has received 592 requests for review in the period between the launch of the Victims’ Right to Review scheme on 5 Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what June 2013 and 31 October 2013. The decision of the guidance has been issued by the Director of Public prosecutor was upheld in 84.3% of cases. The purpose Prosecutions to prosecutors on how and when to of the scheme is to review the original decision not to recommend the issuance of conditional cautions to proceed with a prosecution or to terminate proceedings. foreign offenders to facilitate their removal from the The review will result in the decision being upheld or UK. [177317] not upheld there are no “partially upheld” outcomes. The Solicitor-General: The Director’s Guidance on Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General on Charging, fifth edition, published on 6 May 2013 and how many occasions the Crown Prosecution Service the Director’s Guidance on Adult Conditional Cautioning, has applied to a court for a local authority to disclose seventh edition, published in April 2013, assist authorised information required to support a criminal prosecution police officers and prosecutors in applying the Conditional in each of the last five years. [177315] Cautioning Code of Practice in deciding how an offender should be dealt with and when it is appropriate to consider a conditional caution. The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service The code of practice makes specific provision for do not maintain any centrally held data that would offences committed by foreign national offenders where identify the number of times a court application for a a conditional caution is proposed to facilitate the removal local authority to disclose information has taken place. of the offender from the jurisdiction. The code advises Such information could be obtained only through a that, in appropriate cases, the public interest is in removal manual search of records which would incur of the offender from the United Kingdom and the code disproportionate cost. permits consideration in any case where the sentence likely to be imposed by the court for the offence concerned will not exceed two years imprisonment. Flexible Working Prosecutions Mr Gibb: To ask the Attorney-General how many officials in the Law Officers’ Departments make use of Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General compressed hours arrangements as part of the Civil what recent discussions he has had with the Director of Service’s flexible working hours scheme (a) above and the Serious Fraud Office on the use of deferred (b) below director level. [177388] prosecution agreements under the Crime and Courts Act 2013. [177310] The Solicitor-General: The number of officials in the Law Officers’ Departments who are currently making The Solicitor-General: The Attorney-General and I use of compressed hours arrangements is detailed in the meet regularly with the Director to discuss a range of following table: issues. Recent discussions about deferred prosecution agreements have been at official level and my office is Number part of the wider Government working group on Deferred Director level Below director level Prosecution Agreements. The consultations on the draft code of practice closed in September 2013 and SFO and TSol* 1 77 CPS are reviewing the responses. I look forward to CPS 0 261 seeing the outcome of that review. SFO 0 31 * TSol data also covers the Attorney-General’s Office and Her Serious Fraud Office Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate. Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General Human Trafficking: Young People what recent requests the Director of the Serious Fraud Office has made to HM Treasury for additional funds for specific investigations. [177334] Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Attorney-General whether the Crown Prosecution Services flags cases The Solicitor-General: The SFO’s budget for this where the victim is under 18 years when prosecuting financial year was set during the spending review in cases of human trafficking as it does in domestic 2010. Any additional funding sought is applied for as violence and child abuse cases. [177627] part of the supplementary estimates process which is only just beginning for this financial year. The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service I have said before that the Serious Fraud Office must (CPS) uses a “double flag” when prosecuting cases of not be in a position that lack of resources prevents it human trafficking involving victims under 18. The double from conducting an investigation where the public interest, flag involves using both the Human Trafficking Monitoring which is determined by the Director of the Serious Flag to identify the number of defendants prosecuted Fraud Office, demands one. However, it will not always for these offences, and the Child Abuse Flag to distinguish be possible to give a running commentary on which cases where the victim was under 18 at the time of the investigations this affects without the risk of prejudice commission of the offence. to those investigations. 429W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 430W

TREASURY Nicky Morgan: There are currently no staff members who are making use of compressed hours arrangements Bank of England as part of the Civil Service flexible working hours scheme, that are above director level. Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer There are currently 14 staff members who are making what representations he has received supporting use of compressed hours arrangements as part of the changes to arrangements relating to another sovereign Civil Service flexible working hours scheme, that are state possessing a shareholding in the Bank of below director level. England. [177225] Money Laundering Sajid Javid: The Treasury has not received any representations regarding another sovereign state owning a shareholding in the Bank of England. Mr Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will revise his Department’s advice to financial Child Benefit institutions regarding high risk jurisdictions in relation to the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 [177602] Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much his Department has spent Sajid Javid: The Treasury revises and issues a new administering the high-income child benefit tax charge Advisory Notice after every plenary meeting of the to date; [177683] Financial Action Task Force. The Notice identifies (2) how many people are employed by HM Revenue countries with strategic deficiencies in their Anti-Money and Customs to administer the high-income child Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing regimes. benefit tax charge. [177685] The Money Laundering Regulations 2007 require regulated businesses to apply enhanced due diligence Mr Gauke: The position remains as set out in answers and enhanced ongoing monitoring on a risk-sensitive given to PQ128154 on 3 December 2012, Official Report, basis in situations which present a higher risk of money column 593W, and PQ136528 on 15 January 2013, laundering or terrorist financing. Official Report, column 662W.HM Revenue and Customs The Treasury’s Advisory Notice is intended to support will be able to provide further details on the cost and the firms in their application of a risk-based approach to numbers of staff administering the high income child money laundering and terrorist financing controls. benefit charge after the first full year of operating the charge. Money Laundering: EU Law Credit: Interest Rates Mr Sutcliffe: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent meetings his Department has held on EU Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer anti-money laundering directives; and if he will make a what steps the Government is taking to assist people statement. [177607] who take out pay-day loans and are having difficulty paying the monies back. [176970] Sajid Javid: HM Treasury is leading negotiations for the UK on the fourth money laundering directive, proposals Sajid Javid: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for which were published on 5 February 2013. Treasury is taking over responsibility for consumer credit regulation officials have participated in EU Council Working Group in April 2014. The FCA proposes to put a number of meetings at expert level since then. Discussions in the requirements on lenders to treat borrowers fairly, including EU Council Working Group have moved to attaché by treating them with forbearance and due consideration level, with the last meeting taking place on Wednesday if they experience difficulties. 27 November. It is important that consumers are protected from I attended the 15 November ECOFIN meeting, where unfair costs, especially as these costs can spiral for there was a brief update on the state of play of negotiations people struggling to repay.The Government has announced on the directive. that it will bring forward an amendment to the Banking Reform Bill to require the FCA to introduce a cap on A statement from the Chancellor is not appropriate the cost of payday loans. at this time. We anticipate issuing a statement following Council agreement of a general approach to proposals The FCA has also already proposed requirements to for the directive. ensure consumers are not able to borrow more than they can afford: lenders will need to undertake thorough affordability assessments; the number of times a loan Offshore Funds: Mauritius can be rolled over is limited to two, and at the point of rollover the lender must signpost borrowers to debt Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if advice via the Money Advice Service (MAS). he will investigate whether advice to investors on the use of off-shore jurisdictions is offered by UK-registered Flexible Working financial institutions, with particular reference to Mauritius. [177259] Mr Gibb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials in his Department make use of Mr Gauke: There are currently no plans to investigate compressed hours arrangements as part of the Civil whether advice to investors on the use of off-shore Service’s flexible working hours scheme (a) above and jurisdictions is offered by UK-registered financial (b) below director level. [177405] institutions. 431W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 432W

Revenue and Customs: Newry each of the Territories with a financial centre has published an action plan setting out the steps that they will take to Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer ensure the collection and availability of complete company what consultation his Department carried out in the ownership information and are launching or have launched local area before the decision to close the HM Revenue consultations on the question of establishing a central and Customs office in Newry. [177641] registry of beneficial ownership and whether this information should be publicly available. The UK continues Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has to encourage all its international partners to join the not taken the decision to close the office in Newry. UK in leading from the front on this issue, including Newry is one of 21 locations across the UK where some through publicly accessible registries of company beneficial or all staff have been invited to apply for a voluntary ownership. exit scheme because the locations do not fit the medium The communiqué can be found here: to long-term plans of one, some or all of the lines of https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ business based there. This is a further step HMRC is attachment_data/file/261234/131126JMC_2013_ taking as it becomes a smaller, more highly-professional communiqueFINAL.pdf organisation working out of fewer locations. Royal Bank of Scotland DEFENCE Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) with reference to the reports by Afghanistan Lawrence Tomlinson and Sir Andrew Large on RBS published on 25 November 2013, what assessment he Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for has made of the practices of the Global Restructuring Defence what aircraft sustained damage during the hail Group at RBS in Northern Ireland; [177593] storm at Kandahar on 23 April 2013; what the extent (2) what assessment he has made of the findings of of such damage was; and if he will estimate the cost to the reports by Lawrence Tomlinson and Sir Andrew the public purse of their repair. [177246] Large on the practices of the Global Restructuring Group at RBS published on 25 November 2013; Mr Dunne: The fixed wing and rotary aircraft damaged [177594] by the hailstorm at Kandahar airfield were: Hercules (3) how many businesses in Northern Ireland were C130J; BAE 125; BAE 146; Chinook; Sea King and customers of the Global Restructuring Group at RBS Lynx. Typically damage was experienced to aircraft in the last five years; and what representations he has skins, flight control surfaces, propellers and rotor blades. received from these businesses following the reports by It is too soon to give an estimate of the cost of repairs Lawrence Tomlinson and Sir Andrew Large on RBS as some aircraft are still being assessed. published on 25 November 2013. [177595] Armed Forces: Recruitment Sajid Javid: Sir Andrew Large’s report, commissioned by RBS, is an independent assessment of RBS’s performance in providing credit to small and medium Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for enterprises. RBS has committed to implement the Large Defence how many (a) regular and (b) reserve forces review recommendations in full. were recruited to the (i) Army, (ii) Royal Navy and (iii) RAF in the last year for which figures are available by Dr Tomlinson’s report—published in a private region. [177307] capacity—focuses on a number of individual cases. The Government is unable to comment on the veracity of Mr Dunne: The information requested for financial the allegations. Nevertheless, they are serious allegations, year (FY) 2012-13 is set out in the following table1. This and it is right that RBS are investigating them; it is will give an indication of the geographical spread of important that the investigation is concluded thoroughly recruitment but does not provide a comprehensive picture and promptly. of where these individuals may reside as they may not RBS is a commercial company in which the Government always apply to join the Services through their nearest is a shareholder, and it is run on a commercial basis. Careers Office, and may choose other means by which The Government does not hold detailed information on to apply. the number of businesses that are customers of the Global Restructuring Group. Region Naval Service Army Royal Air force Taxation: British Overseas Territories Scotland 190 840 90 North West 400 1,360 160 North East 350 1,560 200 Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Wales 160 650 90 what discussions he has had with the UK Overseas West Midlands 200 880 120 Territories on the publication of their tax ownership East 420 1,490 250 registries. [177257] South East 420 830 120 South West 480 690 250 Mr Gauke: The Government is in regular dialogue London 130 530 60 with the Overseas Territories regarding tax and Northern Ireland 50 270 10 transparency, including most recently at the Joint Ministerial Totals 2,800 9,100 1,350 Council on 26 November. As outlined in the communiqué, 433W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 434W

Regular Army officers are not recruited regionally, Mr Dunne: Any contracts that the Ministry of but centrally, and for the period in question there were Defence (MOD) has with PA Consulting and some 680 recruited. The figures for the recruitment of PricewaterhouseCoopers, prior to 2011, are in the table. the reserves for FY 2012-13 are not held centrally and It includes contracts let by MOD Trading Funds, but could be provided only at disproportionate cost. does not include pan-Government enabling contracts, 1 Rounding. When rounding to the nearest 10, numbers ending in Government Procurement Card payments or miscellaneous “5” have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent transactions. systematic bias. Since January 2011, as part of this Government’s Contracts commitment to increase transparency, central Government Departments have been required to publish information Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for on contracts, worth over £10,000, they award on Contracts Defence (1) what contracts his Department has with Finder. This information is available online at: PA Consulting; and what the (a) monetary value and (b) length is of each such contract; [177304] www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk (2) what contracts his Department has with Bechtel In some instances the contract end date is in the past. Corporation; and what the (a) monetary value and (b) This could either be because outstanding payments are length is of each such contract; [177305] still to be made under the terms of the existing contract, (3) what contracts his Department has with or the contract has been extended and records have not PricewaterhouseCoopers; and what the (a) monetary yet been updated to reflect this. value and (b) length is of each such contract. [177306]

Contract title Contract value (£) Start date End date Supplier

PFI Partnering Contract 6,857,142 14 January 2007 1 March 2013 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Project Starling–Early 3,608,927 19 March 2010 7 April 2011 PA Technology Solutions Ltd production work

The Ministry of Defence has no current contracts (8) what steps his Department has taken to ensure with the Bechtel Corporation. the risk profiles around each bidder are actively- managed in the GoCo bidding process. [177370] Defence: Procurement Mr Dunne: We have already made significant progress Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for on implementing the recommendations outlined in the Defence with reference to the report entitled Viability Viability of the Materiel Strategy Procurement report of the Material Strategy Procurement, which was that was placed in the Library of the House on 19 placed in the Library on 19 November 2013, (1) what November 2013. We have strengthened senior governance assessment he has made of the conclusion of the of the programme, exercising control at the strategic report’s authors that any failure of one or more parties and negotiation levels respectively to ensure balance. within any consortia could fundamentally impact the Commercial negotiations are being led at Director-level competition; [177363] within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) supported by a (2) whether his Department undertook a formal Deputy Director and a sizeable commercial team, together stop/go decision after one of the consortia withdrew with specialist support from our consultancy partners. from the GoCo bidding process on 15 November 2013; The Materiel Acquisition Partners Bid Team is being and how that decision was taken; [177364] actively managed, including for contingency planning (3) what governance processes his Department has and risk—and we will ensure that these are reviewed established to ensure that the negotiated deal does not regularly as we progress through the competition. We become unbalanced by the need to maintain a recognise that any changes to the bid teams could competitive process; and whether his Department has fundamentally impact the competition. As the Secretary adopted any of those processes; [177365] of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member (4) whether his Department had contingency plans for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), stated in place for a further reduction in the market before the in his written ministerial statement on 19 November withdrawal of one of the bidding consortia on 2013, Official Report, column 44WS, we will take a 15 November 2013; [177366] formal stop/go decision now that one consortium has withdrawn, once the MOD, with the Cabinet Office and (5) what steps his Department has taken to dedicate HM Treasury, have studied the detailed commercial senior commercial leadership and capacity to the deal proposal and the DE&S+ proposition. A further statement process in the GoCo bidding process; [177367] will be made once this process is complete. (6) what steps his Department has taken to engage in regular senior stakeholder discussions at International Board and PUS level on the GoCo bidding process; Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft [177368] (7) what steps his Department has taken to require Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for bidders to maintain contingency plans aligned to their Defence whether the Voyager aircraft can fit in any risk profile in the GoCo bidding process; [177369] hangar at RAF Mount Pleasant. [177248] 435W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 436W

Mr Dunne: Voyager aircraft do not fit in hangars Property Transfer currently available at RAF Mount Pleasant. We have considered any associated operational risks and are Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for satisfied that the aircraft will deliver the capability Defence when his Department expects to transfer the required without the need for a hangar. Our operational land earmarked for Portsmouth in its City Deal. effectiveness is not affected by this. [177616] Dr Murrison: The Ministry of Defence will shortly commence negotiations with Portsmouth city council to agree the terms on which land will be transferred as Military Bases part of the Portsmouth City Deal. Horsea Island (East) is surplus to Defence requirements and the expectation is that this will be transferred in the spring of 2014. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Tipner Ranges remain in regular Defence use so cannot pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Tewkesbury be transferred until suitable facilities have been reprovided of 15 April 2013, Official Report, column 285W, on elsewhere. MOD Ashchurch, if he will place in the Library the report of the review of the vehicle basing options and QinetiQ greater efficiencies from relocating facilities; and if he Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for will make a statement. [174919] Defence what contracts his Department has with QinetiQ; and what the (a) monetary value and (b) length is of Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence continues to each such contract. [177308] review a number of future vehicle basing options. I will write to the hon. Member once the review is completed Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has and a decision is made. around 290 current contracts with QinetiQ. Any contracts that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has with QinetiQ, prior to 2011, is provided as follows. It includes contracts let by MOD Trading Funds, but does not include pan- MOD Ashchurch Government enabling contracts, Government Procurement Card payments or miscellaneous transactions. It includes Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence contracts with Graphics Research Corporation Ltd, what activities his Department carries out at which is wholly owned by QinetiQ. Ashchurch; and which other Ministry of Defence sites Since January 2011, as part of this Government’s have been identified as having (a) the capacity, (b) the commitment to increase transparency, central Government area of land and (c) the skills mix to replicate each Departments have been required to publish information such activity; and if he will make a statement. [174874] on the contracts, worth over £10,000, they award on the Contracts Finder. This information is available online Mr Dunne: The main employer at the Ministry of at Defence Ashchurch site is the Defence Support Group www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk (DSG). DSG carry out a wide range of activities at In some instances the contract date is in the past. Ashchurch associated with the management, maintenance, This could either be because outstanding payments are repair, inspection and storage of military equipment. still to be made under the terms of the existing contract, Work to identify alternative locations for these activities or the contract has been extended and records have not is still ongoing. yet been updated to reflect this.

Current contract Current contract end Contract title value (£) Contract start date date Supplier

Long Term Partnering Agreement 5,040,207,295 14 February 2006 28 March 2028 QinetiQ Ltd Combined Aerial Target Services 296,700,000 20 November 2008 31 March 2012 QinetiQ Target Services Ltd T&E Tasking Arrangement-PTPA 6,820,520 6 April 2008 31 March 2028 QinetiQ Ltd UAV Autonomy and Mission Management 6,271,201 31 March 2010 30 June 2014 QinetiQ Ltd Management of DE&S Tasking through the Weapons 3,657,760 13 June 2006 31 October 2012 QinetiQ Ltd Technology Centre The Provision of Safety, Environmental and Airworthiness 1,631,175 1 April 2004 31 March 2012 QinetiQ Ltd support of Unmanned Air Systems Team UOR Projects Meteor ITEAP and UK Acceptance Case-Stage 2 816,165 21 September 2005 31 March 2009 QinetiQ Ltd Award Software 800,000 27 October 2004 26 October 2011 QinetiQ Commerce Decisions Ltd Magnetic Assessment Services 783,975 25 September 2007 31 December 2015 QinetiQ Ltd Provision of Technical Support for VC10 701,500 1 July 2006 30 June 2013 QinetiQ Ltd BVRAAM Support 524,769 14 June 2006 31 March 2011 QinetiQ Ltd Assurance 399,125 1 April 2006 31 March 2008 QinetiQ Ltd Support Saudi Armed Forces Project 380,620 5 June 2003 31 March 2013 QinetiQ Ltd Provision of Expert Technical Support to the UK 342,500 1 August 2005 31 March 2015 QinetiQ Ltd Representative to the NATO LOS CAT Support to NATO Superintendent 296,000 15 September 2005 3 September 2011 QinetiQ Ltd 437W Written Answers28 NOVEMBER 2013 Written Answers 438W

Current contract Current contract end Contract title value (£) Contract start date date Supplier

IPA UOR Reference Centre 264,251 24 May 2007 31 May 2014 QinetiQ Ltd Lightning Flight OPS Support 257,199 1 April 2005 31 March 2013 QinetiQ Ltd Conduct Live Firings of Harpoon at the Hebrides 96,066 19 September 2005 31 Mar 2014 QinetiQ Ltd GFE Management October 2012 to September 2013 69,200 6 December 2010 28 February 2011 QinetiQ Ltd Update of Cost Model and Production of Investment 49,524 1 April 2007 31 January 2013 QinetiQ Ltd Appraisal for the Ice Patrol Capability Voyager Security Technical Support May 2012 to May 22,159 3 September 2010 5 August 2011 QinetiQ Ltd 2013 (30 Days) Maritime Strategic Capability Agreement (MSCA) 20,608 1 March 2008 31 March 2023 QinetiQ Ltd Jaguar Aircraft Equipment Support to DCAE Cosford 17,872 2 Aug 2010 31 Jul 2013 QinetiQ Ltd Provision of Infrastructure and Services BUTEC Kyle 12,147 1 Jul 2010 31 May 2012 QinetiQ Ltd of Lochalsh Technical Support to FEW-TSB Foxhill 10,938 1 August 2010 31 March 2013 QinetiQ Ltd BUTEC Range Management 7,223 12 July 2010 31 July 2014 QinetiQ Ltd Contract QinetiQ for the use of the Range Facility in 3,207 1 October 2007 31 December 2013 QinetiQ Ltd support of the LDCU Trial Support to Tornado Project Team 1 1 October 2010 31 March 2015 QinetiQ Ltd

Sea King Helicopters counterpart on the use of the UK for the building of ships for the US Navy; and what steps he is taking to Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for promote the UK as a location for naval ship building in Defence what assessment he has made of the gearbox the future. [177218] safety of the Sea King helicopter fleet after the emergency landing of Sea King HU5 ZA130 (8) 19 from HMS Gannet on 13 October 2013. [177247] Mr Dunne: The Secretary of State for Defence and Mr Dunne: In accordance with standard operating the US Secretary of Defence have not discussed the UK procedures, an immediate investigation was launched building ships for the US Navy. The UK is inhibited by following a precautionary landing of a Sea King Mk 5 the restrictions imposed by US Act of Congress 7309. aircraft from HMS Gannet on 13 October 2013. The This Act forbids the construction of a military vessel investigation was carried out by the Ministry of Defence (or any substantial part thereof) at a foreign yard unless (MOD) and AgustaWestland, the Design Organisation authorised by the President, in the interests of national for the aircraft, and concluded that the risk of this type security. Legal restrictions also exist on the leasing of of fault leading to a serious safety issue is very low. As a foreign vessels by the US military. precaution, an inspection regime has been instigated to inspect and monitor the gearboxes of all of the MOD The UK is actively marketing the Type 26 Global Sea King fleet. Combat Ship globally. Defence Ministers have discussed Shipbuilding the Type 26 with a number of countries and we expect further interest once the UK has made its formal investment Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for decision, which is expected to be in late 2014. Defence what discussions he has had with his US

ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 28 November 2013

Col. No. Col. No. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 385 ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued Decarbonisation...... 385 Green Policies ...... 396 Energy Costs...... 394 Rural Energy Costs ...... 398 Energy Efficiency ...... 390 Sellafield ...... 398 Energy Security...... 397 Switching Suppliers...... 387 Green Levies ...... 388 Topical Questions ...... 399 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Thursday 28 November 2013

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 19WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Student Support...... 19WS AFFAIRS...... 23WS Trade Foreign Affairs Council and WTO Bovine TB...... 23WS Ministerial Conference ...... 19WS HEALTH...... 24WS Tobacco Control ...... 24WS DEFENCE...... 21WS Foreign Affairs Council ...... 21WS TRANSPORT ...... 25WS VOSA/DSA...... 25WS

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 21WS TREASURY ...... 20WS Warsaw Climate Change Conference ...... 21WS Turks and Caicos Islands (Tax Agreement)...... 20WS PETITION

Thursday 28 November 2013

Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 9P Trafficking in the Sinai Desert...... 9P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 28 November 2013

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 425W CABINET OFFICE—continued Crimes of Violence: Females...... 425W Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 397W Crown Prosecution Service...... 426W Ministers’ Private Offices ...... 398W Flexible Working...... 427W Human Trafficking: Young People...... 427W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 385W Offenders: Deportation...... 428W Fire Services...... 385W Prosecutions...... 428W Local Plans ...... 386W Serious Fraud Office ...... 428W Non-domestic Rates: Appeals ...... 387W Non-domestic Rates: Parking ...... 389W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 382W Rented Housing ...... 389W Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 ...... 382W Social Rented Housing...... 389W Flexible Working...... 382W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 390W Older People: Crime Prevention...... 383W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 421W Overseas Trade: Females...... 383W Betting ...... 421W Privatisation...... 383W Digital Broadcasting: Radio...... 421W Respiratory System: Diseases...... 384W Direct Selling ...... 423W Shipbuilding: Industry ...... 384W Londonderry...... 423W Students: Loans ...... 384W Ministers’ Private Offices ...... 423W Supermarkets: Sales Promotions...... 385W Secondment ...... 424W Tax Havens: Africa ...... 385W Sports: Schools ...... 424W Telecommunications ...... 424W CABINET OFFICE...... 396W Drugs: Death ...... 396W DEFENCE...... 432W Electronic Government: Misrepresentation...... 397W Afghanistan ...... 432W Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE—continued HEALTH—continued Armed Forces: Recruitment ...... 432W NHS Property Services ...... 416W Contracts ...... 433W NHS: Redundancy...... 416W Defence: Procurement...... 433W Out-patients: Attendance...... 416W Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft...... 434W Military Bases...... 435W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 391W MOD Ashchurch ...... 435W EU Justice and Home Affairs...... 391W Property Transfer...... 436W European Public Prosecutor’s Office...... 392W QinetiQ ...... 436W Flexible Working...... 392W Sea King Helicopters ...... 437W Human Trafficking ...... 393W Shipbuilding...... 437W Identity and Passport Service...... 393W Kings Science Academy ...... 394W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 390W Offenders: Deportation...... 394W Electoral Register: Northern Ireland...... 390W Organised Crime ...... 395W Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 390W Passports...... 395W Public Expenditure...... 391W Secondment ...... 395W UK Border Agency ...... 396W EDUCATION...... 398W Children: Mental Health...... 398W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 376W Educational Exchanges ...... 399W Pay...... 376W Free Schools...... 399W Travel Office...... 376W Kings Science Academy ...... 399W Languages: Education...... 400W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 417W Ministers’ Private Offices ...... 401W Adam Smith International ...... 417W Overseas Students: EU Nationals ...... 401W Africa...... 417W Schools: Sports ...... 401W Burma...... 417W Secondment ...... 401W Developing Countries: Climate Change ...... 418W Developing Countries: Females...... 418W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 406W Developing Countries: Midwives ...... 418W Energy: Billing ...... 406W Developing Countries: Sanitation ...... 419W Energy: Consumption ...... 407W Kenya...... 419W Energy: Meters...... 407W Overseas Aid...... 420W Energy: Prices ...... 407W Somalia...... 420W EU Emissions Trading Scheme ...... 409W Green Deal Scheme...... 409W JUSTICE...... 411W Nuclear Power...... 410W Courts: Security Guards ...... 411W Solar Power...... 410W Defamation...... 411W Family Proceedings: Legal Aid Scheme...... 411W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Human Trafficking: Convictions...... 412W AFFAIRS...... 376W Immigration: Appeals ...... 412W Additives: EU Action...... 376W Mesothelioma ...... 413W Bovine Tuberculosis ...... 377W Bovine Tuberculosis: Lancashire...... 378W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 372W Deer...... 378W Air Passenger Duty ...... 372W Dogs: Imports...... 378W Flexible Working...... 373W Flexible Working...... 379W Marriage ...... 374W Flood Control...... 379W Travel ...... 374W Fly-grazing: North East ...... 379W Food: Low Incomes ...... 379W SCOTLAND...... 372W Marine Conservation Zones...... 380W Flexible Working...... 372W Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council ...... 380W Secondment ...... 372W Staff ...... 381W TRANSPORT ...... 402W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE .... 369W Aviation ...... 402W Burma...... 369W Car Sharing...... 402W Kenya...... 370W Cycling: Safety ...... 402W Ministers’ Private Offices ...... 371W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 403W Somalia and Somaliland ...... 371W Pedestrian Crossings ...... 404W Venezuela...... 371W Rescue Services: Belfast ...... 405W Rescue Services: Liverpool...... 405W HEALTH...... 413W Rescue Services: Stornoway ...... 406W Clinical Commissioning Groups ...... 413W Roads: Safety ...... 406W Depressive Illnesses...... 413W Vehicle Number Plates ...... 406W General Practitioners ...... 413W Health Education England...... 414W TREASURY ...... 429W Health Services ...... 414W Bank of England...... 429W Healthwatch England ...... 414W Child Benefit...... 429W Home Care Services ...... 415W Credit: Interest Rates ...... 429W Muscular Dystrophy: West Midlands...... 415W Flexible Working...... 429W NHS England ...... 415W Money Laundering ...... 430W NHS: Finance ...... 416W Money Laundering: EU Law ...... 430W Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY—continued WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—continued Offshore Funds: Mauritius ...... 430W Secondment ...... 421W Revenue and Customs: Newry ...... 431W Royal Bank of Scotland ...... 431W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 373W Taxation: British Overseas Territories ...... 431W Flexible Working...... 373W Jobcentre Plus ...... 374W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 421W Personal Independence Payment...... 375W Civil Partnerships...... 421W Unemployment: Young People...... 375W 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. 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,

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CONTENTS

Thursday 28 November 2013

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 385] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change

Tobacco Packaging [Col. 407] Answer to urgent question—(Jane Ellison)

Business of the House [Col. 415] Statement—(Mr Lansley)

Sexual Violence in Conflict [Col. 429] Statement—(Mr Hague)

Typhoon Haiyan [Col. 441] Statement—(Justine Greening)

Backbench Business European Scrutiny Committee Report [Col. 454] Motion—(Mr Cash)—agreed to Small Businesses [Col. 459] Motion—(Anne Marie Morris)—agreed to G8 Summit on Dementia [Col. 497] Motion—(Tracey Crouch)—agreed to

Mix 96 (Digital Radio Switchover) [Col. 518] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Mental Health (Police Procedures) [Col. 139WH] Retail and the High Street [Col. 162WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 19WS]

Petition [Col. 9P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 369W] [see index inside back page]