Monday Volume 582 16 June 2014 No. 7

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 16 June 2014

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2014 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 819 16 JUNE 2014 820

Matthew Hancock: It is true that in the past careers House of Commons advice was not particularly well delivered as a policy, but the new statutory guidance, which will be in place Monday 16 June 2014 from September, is all about strengthening the relationship with people in careers they are passionate about. Information is widely available: the issue is inspiration— The House met at half-past Two o’clock Ian Mearns indicated dissent.

PRAYERS Matthew Hancock: The hon. Gentleman shakes his head, but the evidence around the country is that more [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] and more schools are getting in employers and those who have careers to offer, and lifting pupils’ eyes to the horizon. BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): What did the Wolf SESSIONAL RETURNS report, which was welcomed by the Opposition, have to Ordered, say about work-related learning? That there be laid before this House Returns for Session Matthew Hancock: Work-related learning is an attempt 2013–14 of information and statistics relating to: to pretend that young people can be given a feel of what (1) Business of the House it is like to be in the workplace without putting them in (2) Closure of Debate, Proposal of Question and Allocation of the workplace. We care about high-quality work experience, Time (including Programme Motions) because all the evidence shows that the more work (3) Sittings of the House experience young people do, the more likely they are to (4) Private Bills and Private Business get a job. (5) Public Bills (6) Delegated Legislation and Legislative Reform Orders Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ Co-op): Does the Minister agree that learning to network (7) European Legislation, etc and to make connections is also important? He did (8) Grand Committees agree to come to Hackney to see some of the best (9) Panel of Chairs networking and careers advice, and I hope that he will (10) Select Committees.—(The Chairman of Ways and Means.) honour that commitment.

Matthew Hancock: I am keen to come to Hackney. We have been working on some dates, but we will renew Oral Answers to Questions our effort. I agree with the hon. Lady, not least because those who do not have natural networks through their family links often find it harder to break into high-quality jobs, and networking and mentoring can do an enormous EDUCATION amount to break down those barriers and improve social mobility. The Secretary of State was asked— Fairer Funding for Schools Careers Guidance 2. Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): When he 1. Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab): What steps his plans to publish the results of the recent consultation Department is taking to support schools in the on fairer funding for schools; and if he will make a provision of career guidance. [904198] statement. [904199]

The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): Our Hancock): From September, new statutory guidance for consultation on fairer schools funding closed on 30 April. schools will strengthen the requirements for schools to We are currently analysing the responses and will publish build relationships with employers to inspire and mentor our final response next month. pupils and deliver careers advice. Mr Walker: The Government have been right to Ian Mearns: The fact that careers advice has been commit to delivering fairer funding and I welcome the completely delegated to schools is leading to growing first small steps that have been taken. Schools in evidence of a postcode lottery in provision. Unfortunately, Worcestershire tell me that they are facing major challenges Ofsted appear to be inspecting that aspect of provision from increases in national insurance and pension costs. with a light touch. That is leading to lightweight May I press the Minister to listen carefully to the and inappropriate advice, lacking in impartiality and concerns of the F40 authorities, which want to see independence, with many youngsters ending up on courses fairer funding sooner? that will not properly help them fulfil their ambitions and, in some areas, to increased drop-out rates. How Mr Laws: I congratulate my hon. Friend on the will the Minister ensure that young people have their strong lead that he has taken in arguing the case for needs met through access to good quality, independent fairer funding, which is long overdue. As he has and impartial careers advice and guidance? acknowledged, schools in his area will gain to the tune 821 Oral Answers16 JUNE 2014 Oral Answers 822 of some £5 million from the proposals that we made a Mr Laws: The hon. Gentleman should know that, as couple of months ago. I repeat the commitment that my part of the Government’s reforms to school funding, we right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have are making sure there is consistent and fair funding made on previous occasions: we are committed not just across the system. Where there is not, we have been to this first big step towards fairer funding, but to a converging funding to ensure institutions are appropriately national fair funding formula, which should have been and fairly funded. introduced many years ago but which the last Labour Government did nothing to address. Children’s Social Workers (Training) Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): Head teachers in my constituency are concerned about 3. Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab): their budgets for this year, and they tell me that the big What assessment he has made of the recommendations effect will come with the Government’s changes to of Sir Martin Narey’s report “Making the Education sixth-form funding. Will he look again at those changes? of Social Workers Consistently Effective”, published in January 2014, on the training of children’s social Mr Laws: The hon. Gentleman will know that the workers. [904200] Government have protected schools funding in the existing Parliament, and we have introduced a pupil premium to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education make sure that youngsters in more disadvantaged areas (Mr Edward Timpson): We welcome Sir Martin Narey’s are also assisted. I agree with him that in the future we report, and agree with both his analysis and approach must make sure that education funding is as protected to securing improvement. We are already putting in as possible across the system, and he will be aware of place some of his recommendations: the chief social the announcement that the Deputy Prime Minister worker, Isabelle Trowler, is leading work to define the made on behalf of my party today. It is now up to other knowledge and skills that children and family social parties to make similar commitments. workers need to practise effectively; and I announced last week that we are supporting a fourth cohort of the Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): The move towards successful Step Up to Social Work programme. fairer funding in Northumberland has been welcomed by all my teachers and those in the F40 who are likewise affected. Will the Minister remind the individual councils Mrs Lewell-Buck: I thank the Minister for his response. of the F40 local authorities that all the schools in Sir Martin Narey’s report rightly recognises the importance previously underfunded local authority areas should of quality social work placements. Is the Minister therefore benefit, not just some chosen few? concerned by reports that trainee social workers are instead being used to plug gaps left by the Government’s Mr Laws: My hon. Friend is right that we want to see cuts to children’s services and provide cover for fully the money go from local authorities to schools. He will qualified colleagues? Does he agree that that is neither be aware that in his area the proposals that we consulted good for social workers’ development, nor for at-risk on involve a significant increase of some 6.4%, which is children? more than £10 million more for local schools. We want that money to go right through to the front line. Mr Timpson: I am always concerned when newly qualified social workers find themselves in a difficult Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): When will the professional position, whereby they feel stretched by the Minister agree with the wish of the hon. Member for case they are having to deal with. That is why we have Worcester (Mr Walker) to have a much broader review provided a large amount of money to ensure that their of funding? Children attending reception class in first year is supported by the Assessed and Supported Wandsworth have almost twice the amount of money of Yearin Employment programme, and why we are making children attending in Birkenhead. Neither of those two sure that the £239 million we have already invested in authorities was in the review. Given that the Government social work training will be supplemented by the work have been in power for four years, that national review of Sir Martin Narey and the chief social worker. is long overdue. Mr Laws: I will not say gently to the right hon. Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): We Gentleman that, given that his party was in power for have had the reviews of Professor David Croisdale-Appleby much longer than that, this could have been addressed and Sir Martin Narey, and we await the outsourcing by him. I will, however, accept the serious point he report of Professor Le Grand. Do the Government makes that we need not only to move to a national fair think they know now what needs to be done to improve funding formula when we know the long-term spending social work? If they do, when will they share their plans, but that it will make sense for the next Government insight? Will they consult the profession on any intended to consider all the different forms of deprivation funding, changes, or simply seek to impose them? including a prior attainment area-based funding, to make sure that there is a coherent whole. I am very Mr Timpson: All the work the hon. Gentleman describes proud of what we have done on the pupil premium in has one pure motive: to raise the quality and status of this Parliament, but we ought to look in the round in social work right across the country. Part of that is the next Parliament. making sure we take the profession with us. When I spoke to the British Association of Social Workers at its Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): On fairer funding, is conference last week, I made it as clear as I could be it acceptable that, according to a London Economics that whatever we do we will consult, review and ensure report today, academies have approximately £1,600 more that any changes we make lead to the improvements to spend per sixth-form student than sixth-form colleges? that are our mission from the very start. 823 Oral Answers16 JUNE 2014 Oral Answers 824

Free Schools Michael Gove: I think it is important that there is a balance—I find myself increasingly in agreement with the hon. Gentleman. There is a role for greater autonomy— 4. Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): What recent exercised by principals, driven by a sense of moral assessment he has made of demand for free schools. purpose—to improve education. It is also the case that [904201] there is a role for local authorities as well, not least The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): when it comes to safeguarding children at risk. Free schools are proving tremendously popular. Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): Does the Approximately 24,000 pupils already attend free schools Secretary of State regret the weak scrutiny—and, indeed, and many of those schools are already oversubscribed. evaluation—of applications for free schools that has led Free schools are also more likely to be rated “good” or to what must be, for him personally, some extremely “outstanding”than other schools inspected under Ofsted’s embarrassing examples of poor educational provision? new framework. Michael Gove: I do not mind embarrassment Mr Wilson: As my right hon. Friend knows, I am a personally—[Interruption.] Just as well, some might keen supporter of free schools and I am delighted to say. What I do worry about is if any school, anywhere in hear about the success they are enjoying. However, it is the country, is not providing the highest quality education also important that the Education Funding Agency for children. One of the striking things about the free finds the right sites for them, which is challenging in schools programme is that not only are schools more urban areas such as Reading and, in particular, Caversham. likely to be “good” or “outstanding”, but when schools Will he therefore agree to meet with me and representatives have underperformed, we have moved rapidly to close from my local community to discuss the location of the them or replace the leadership of schools that have not Heights primary school? Further, will he agree that the been doing a good enough job. community should have full transparency of information and related issues from the local education authority Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Can the Secretary and the EFA? of State confirm that the architect of the free schools policy, Dominic Cummings, was in the Department last Michael Gove: I would be delighted to meet my hon. week, despite the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Friend and to do everything I can to ensure both that Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss) saying the need for a new school is met and that the concerns in a written parliamentary answer to me that there was across the community that he highlights are properly no record of his visit? Could that be because he wrote addressed. last week, in typically bad taste, that he always signs into Government Departments, including No. 10, under Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): the name of Osama bin Laden? What on earth is the Can the Secretary of State explain exactly what “security Secretary of State doing still relying on this man’s grounds” means when used to turn down a free school advice? application? Michael Gove: The architect of the free schools Michael Gove: All free school applications go through programme was actually Andrew Adonis, not Dominic a rigorous process that is policed by the Department’s Cummings, as he himself has said. Free schools were a due diligence and counter-extremism unit and will ensure Labour invention—a point that was repeated by the that any inappropriate application that is put forward is former Prime Minister Tony Blair when speaking to not accepted. The Times today. As for the hon. Gentleman’s points about former special advisers, all sorts of people from 21. [904218] Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con): The time to time seek to visit the Department for Education West Reading Education Network parents’ group is to exchange ideas with old friends and colleagues. seeking approval to open a single academy trust secondary school next September. The same parents’ Links between Employers and Schools and FE Colleges group set up the outstanding All Saints junior free school. Does the Secretary of State agree that this is 6. Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab): What exactly the type of excellent parent-led initiative that steps his Department is taking to strengthen relationships everyone in the House should be backing? It certainly between local employers, schools and further education enjoys cross-party support in Reading. colleges. [904203] Michael Gove: I absolutely do agree. It is important 8. Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): What to bear in mind that the All Saints school in Reading steps his Department is taking to strengthen relationships was outstanding in every category when it was inspected between local employers, schools and further education by Ofsted. I look forward to working with my hon. colleges. [904205] Friend to ensure that the quality of education that Reading parents enjoy continues to improve. The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): We are in the middle of a big culture change, Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Does with more and more employers— the Secretary of State agree that what we need in education is a balance between free schools and academies Mr Speaker: Order. Before the Minister gets ahead and a role, as there surely must be, for local democracy? of himself, with characteristic enthusiasm and gusto, I Is this the resistance that the Prime Minister has to the think he will want to confirm to the House his intended expansion of the free schools programme: that there is grouping of Questions 6 and 8, which I think his not enough local democracy in it? briefing folder will tell him. 825 Oral Answers16 JUNE 2014 Oral Answers 826

Matthew Hancock: I would be absolutely delighted to Matthew Hancock: I am delighted to say that there do so. are over 20,000 ambassadors from engineering who go As I was saying, more and more employers are engaging into schools under the STEMNET—the science, technology, with schools and colleges to inspire young people. As engineering and mathematics network—programme. It discussed earlier, we have strengthened statutory guidance is just one example of the organisations that can help to for schools so that those relationships can help to bring employment and education together. inspire students into their careers. Funding Formula for Schools Julie Elliott: I thank the Minister for his answer, but a recent report from the university of Bath showed that 7. David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): What 60% of school and college governors said that employers steps he is taking to adopt a revised funding formula were not proactive enough about becoming school for schools. [904204] governors and thereby taking a formal role in education. Given the importance of employers in improving the The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): Our proposal employability of our young people, what are the to allocate £350 million to the least fairly funded local Government going to do about that? areas in 2015-16 is the biggest step towards fairer schools funding for a decade. This puts us in a much better Matthew Hancock: Absolutely—strengthening the role position to introduce a national fair funding formula of employers in governance and on careers advice, and when multi-year spending plans are available. inspiring pupils are vital, and a whole programme of work is under way to encourage more employers. One David Mowat: The Minister may be aware that thing we can do is make it easier and bring about a Warrington is ranked 137th for funding out of brokerage so that employers who want to get involved 152 authorities. As a comparator, Westminster, which is can do so without too much bureaucracy and with the ranked 10th, receives £3,000—60% extra—more per support of their local schools. child each year than Warrington. It was therefore disappointing that in this new allocation, Westminster Mrs Glindon: Churchill community college has been received a big uplift and Warrington received nothing— judged outstanding by Ofsted, and the inspector said perpetuating that differential, which is really unacceptable. that the school prepares young people well for their Will the Minister explain the logic behind that, and future. Will the Minister say how his Department will does he agree that we need to move to a national get employers directly involved in curriculum support formula very quickly indeed? so that young people at Churchill—and elsewhere—can capitalise on their excellent education and be successful Mr Laws: I would make two points. First, what we in the world of work? sought to do in the announcement of a couple of months ago was address the issues not just of low funding, but of unfair funding. It is still possible for Matthew Hancock: Yes, absolutely. One example is some parts of the country that are not the lowest the introduction of tech levels for those between 16 and funded to be underfunded, as we saw in the announcement. 19 who want to go into vocational education, which will As for comparing Westminster with Warrington, although get them into a job. These qualifications have to be traditionally thought of as an affluent area, Westminster signed off as valuable by an employer before we will has had something like 50% of its children entitled to accept them as tech levels, thus demonstrating the line free school meals over the last six years, so it benefits, of sight from work that exists in all educational vocational quite rightly, from high levels of disadvantage funding. education. Secondly, I agree with my hon. Friend in that his points make the case for moving on from this allocation to a Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) (Con): As the Minister full national fair funding formula in the next Parliament, said, it is vital for schools to forge strong links with to which both our parties are committed. businesses to ensure that school leavers are not just numerate and literate, but employable. Does he agree Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): The Education that organisations such as the Education Business Select Committee heard evidence that secondary schools Partnership can often play a significant role in building in areas that will not receive extra money under changes these links? to the funding settlement will face a £350,000 a year shortfall due to increasing costs. Meanwhile, £400 million Matthew Hancock: Yes, I do. There is a huge array of of basic need money has been used on free schools. organisations. Only this morning, I was launching Careers Instead of spending it on them, would not that basic Lab with Steve Holliday, who runs National Grid. That need money have been better spent on the schools now is another organisation, like the one my hon. Friend facing a shortfall in their basic needs? mentioned, that can help to broker links between employers and education, which are so important after the systems Mr Laws: I do not accept the premise of the question. were separated for far too long. Many schools whose areas are not benefiting from the uplift are in areas with high levels of disadvantage and Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): Following deprivation that have benefited enormously from the on from that, one way to enthuse young people in pupil premium that we have introduced. As for basic engineering is to give them first-hand experience and need, we have allocated considerably more than the last use role models. What is the Minister doing specifically Government, which is why we are able to have a very to encourage engineering companies to go into schools ambitious programme for new schools and extensions and enthuse young people? across the country. 827 Oral Answers16 JUNE 2014 Oral Answers 828

Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): Mr Speaker: I call Lisa Nandy. North Yorkshire is a very sparsely populated rural county, and is one of the 40 least well funded. Is my Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab) indicated dissent. right hon. Friend aware of the problem of funding small schools in rural areas of that kind—which Mr Speaker: I thought that the hon. Lady was seeking includes the problem of sixth-form funds—and will he to catch my eye. Never mind; there will be other address it? opportunities I call Margot James.

Mr Laws: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. As Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): In my borough she knows, north Yorkshire is one of the areas that will of Dudley, young people leave school at 16 to pursue gain from the measures that we proposed a couple of A-levels and other forms of post-16 education at local months ago. It was set to gain by £7.2 million under the colleges. Does my hon. Friend agree that we need a proposals on which we have consulted. The sparsity system of destination measures that will enable us to issue is also extremely important in areas such as north track the progress of students back to the school that Yorkshire, and we have therefore introduced a sparsity they attended before reaching the age of 16? factor to allow local authorities to protect schools in areas where children would otherwise have to travel an Matthew Hancock: Holding schools and colleges to unacceptable distance. account for their exam results is important, but it is Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): As was pointed equally important to be clear about where young people out earlier by my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, end up. That, I hope, will give schools an incentive to West Derby (Stephen Twigg), it is the sixth-form sector provide a broader education, emphasising knowledge, that is really being hit by funding cuts. Is the Minister skills and behaviour, so that school leavers will be able aware of the impact survey conducted by the Sixth to do what everyone wants them to do, and fulfil their Form Colleges Association, which was published today? potential. I hear reports that officials have been asked to prepare Admission Procedures (Academies and Free Schools) further cuts, which will be announced in September. May I urge the Minister to think again? The sector simply cannot take any more cuts. 11. Graeme Morrice (Livingston) (Lab): What steps he is taking to ensure that admissions processes in free Mr Laws: I understand the concerns of the 16 to 19 schools and academies are fair. [904208] sector. Ministers are very alive to those concerns, and we will consider them carefully before we set our final The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): spending plans for 2015-16. I do not know whether the Free schools and academies must comply with the Labour party has made any commitments on school school admissions code. The criteria that are used to funding into the next Parliament, but I suggest that the decide the allocation of school places must be “fair, hon. Lady and her hon. Friends make the same clear and objective”. Anyone who considers that a commitment that the Deputy Prime Minister has made school’s admission arrangements do not comply with on behalf of my party today. the code can make an objection to the schools adjudicator.

School Leavers Graeme Morrice: What steps will the Secretary of State take to strengthen the code and the role of the 10. Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) adjudicator, as proposed by Labour? (Con): What steps he is taking to obtain data from HM Revenue and Customs to improve the development of Michael Gove: The adjudicator is already capable of destination measures for school leavers. [904207] making binding determinations, and has already been clear about the schools—whether they are academies, The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew free schools or other schools—that have not subscribed Hancock): Data from HMRC can potentially help to to the requirements for fair admissions. Let me add, in show where young people go from educational institutions. relation to the broader question of admissions in general, We are consulting on how destination data should be that it is this coalition Government who have ensured used in the league tables, and we know that some of our that schools can give preference to students from poorer changes will require changes to legislation. backgrounds through the pupil premium, and have Mr Stuart: During the last Session, an attempt at used the admissions code to advance social justice, change was made in a private Member’s Bill. I hope that which the last Government signally failed to do. the Minister is telling us today that he will make it a Priority School Building Programme Government priority to strengthen destination data, as the Select Committee recommended, so that we can give schools an incentive to take account of not just 12. Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): short-term exam results, but the long-term interests of What provision has been made to fund the furnishing the child. of new school buildings built under the Priority School Building programme. [904209] Matthew Hancock: The use of destination data in league tables is one of the biggest changes that the The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): The Priority education reforms will bring about. It will require legislative School Building programme provides funding for fixed change. The clauses that were proposed during the last furniture and equipment. Where a school is increasing Session are about to find their way into legislation, in size, the PSBP also provides funding for loose furniture which will be published soon. and equipment, such as tables and chairs. 829 Oral Answers16 JUNE 2014 Oral Answers 830

Mr Cunningham: A school in my constituency, Ernesford As a result, the number of full apprenticeships—those grange community academy, has just had a new school with a planned duration of a year or more—for 16 to building built under the PSBP. However, the Education 18-year-olds has doubled. Funding Agency has informed it that there is no funding to cover furniture for the new building. That is presenting Jason McCartney: Since 2010, an average of a serious problem for the school—and, I am sure, for 433 workplaces in the Colne and Holme valleys and many other schools. Will the Government try to find Lindley employ apprentices, many of which are supported funding to help buy desks and chairs for the new builds, by the excellent local Kirklees college. What are the or meet me to discuss the situation? Minister and his Department doing to support our wonderful further education colleges in helping to deliver Mr Laws: Of course I will look into the issue or meet these fantastic apprenticeships? the hon. Gentleman. Where funding is needed to fix Matthew Hancock: More than ever, companies are furniture and equipment, we provide that centrally. The involved in delivering apprentices and having apprentices. hon. Gentleman has three PSBP projects in his constituency. Colleges are increasingly providing the training for All of them are going to be receiving some funding for apprenticeships, but it is also important that we raise fixed equipment—over £1 million in total. Where there quality by ensuring that employers write the training is existing equipment that can sensibly be reused in the that is required for young people to learn the skills new buildings, we ask schools to do that, but if the hon. necessary to get a good job. Gentleman thinks that is posing problems, I will be happy to look into the detailed circumstances. Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): Sadly, some young people and their parents still see apprenticeships Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): This morning I visited very much as an easy option, so what are the Government the Holmesdale community infant school in Reigate, doing to better sell the benefits of apprenticeships, and a very successful and popular school which is seeing a to increase the number of higher and advanced-level significant number of new places being provided under apprenticeships, as an alternative pathway to that provided the new schools programme. However, with the doubling by degrees? in school numbers over the past decade, there is chaos outside; there are enormous problems with traffic, which Matthew Hancock: Our vision is that when young requires changes to the road structure. Is it possible to people leave school or college, they have the opportunity arrange some form of funding that covers the entire to go to university or into a high-quality apprenticeship. scheme of both setting up new school places and supporting We have a programme of reform to increase the quality them effectively? of apprenticeships, including offering more English and maths and a minimum duration. Undoubtedly, there is Mr Laws: Usually it is appropriate for the local more to do to persuade people that apprenticeships are authority to fund transport improvements from its transport of high quality and that apprenticeships can get them budget, but if my hon. Friend sends me the details of anywhere. the case that he raises, I will look into it carefully. 24. [904222] Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): For Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Although too long, young people have been encouraged to take the Government’s commitment to rebuild the Duchess’s vocational qualifications that are below par. Does the community high school in Alnwick is very welcome, the Minister agree that, to rectify that, we must focus on problem of furnishing a new-build school is arising the quality of apprenticeships and vocational training, there. Will the Minister discuss with me how we can because that is exactly what employers are desperate meet that problem? for? Matthew Hancock: I agree very strongly with my Mr Laws: I will be happy to have those discussions hon. Friend. In fact, we have defunded more than with my right hon. Friend. I am sure he accepts that 4,000 qualifications for under-18-year-olds in order to where there is furniture and equipment that can sensibly concentrate scarce resources on the qualifications that be reused, it should be—it would be ridiculous in these are valuable. Within apprenticeships, all the evidence times to waste good furniture and equipment—but shows that training while in work increases young people’s where there is a need for support, we will certainly life chances, because it gives them the skills, the knowledge consider that. and the behaviour needed to get a good start in a career.

Apprenticeships Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): Will the Minister say what support he will give care leavers to access high-quality apprenticeships? 13. Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): What progress his Department has made on increasing the Matthew Hancock: Through care to work, we have a number and quality of apprenticeships for 16 to specific programme to support care leavers to get into 18-year-olds. [904210] apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are part of our programme of ensuring that every young person in our country has The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew the opportunity to reach their potential. Hancock): We are on track to deliver 2 million apprenticeships over this Parliament. We will continue Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): If the Minister is to focus on raising quality, insisting that all apprenticeships looking for an example of best practice, I draw his are jobs, have a minimum duration of a year, include attention to the scheme launched in Colchester earlier on-the-job training and meet the needs of employers. this year to recruit 100 apprentices in 100 days. Through 831 Oral Answers16 JUNE 2014 Oral Answers 832 a partnership of the Colchester Institute, the Colchester confirm that all local authorities have the name and Daily Gazette, and the National Apprenticeship Service, address data from the Department for Work and Pensions 160 apprentices were recruited. so that they can contact eligible families to encourage them to take up their entitlement, just as Norfolk Matthew Hancock: I pay tribute to the Colchester county council has done? Institute and the Colchester Daily Gazette. Many local papers get involved in promoting apprenticeships, because Elizabeth Truss: My hon. Friend is right that the local they are part of a culture change in our country. When authorities have that data from the DWP. Furthermore, young people leave school or college they can go to they have a role in promoting high-quality places. For university or into an apprenticeship, both of which can example, we are giving school nurseries, through the help them reach their potential. small business, enterprise and employment Bill, the ability to offer places to two-year-olds. Local authorities Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab): Small have the ability to encourage their local schools to offer and medium-sized businesses provide almost 60% of all those places. private sector jobs, but they are saying that the Government’s reforms on apprenticeship funding will make it much harder to offer up-front training and create opportunities. 19. [904216] Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): With only 8% of all employers in the UK currently New analysis released by my hon. Friend the Member offering apprenticeships, when will the Government for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell) today shows admit that their rhetoric does not match the reality on that two thirds of councils do not have access to apprenticeships? good-quality places for the most disadvantaged two- year-olds. I asked the Minister about this in Matthew Hancock: I am slightly surprised to hear Westminster Hall in March, but we know that some that question. In the hon. Lady’s own constituency, the families and children are still missing out. What number of apprentices over the past few years has guarantee will the Minister give me that all two-year- increased by 85%, giving more chances to people. Recently, olds who are entitled to a good- quality place in representatives of half a million employers, mostly small Lewisham and across the whole of England this employers, wrote in to our consultation to support the September have access to them? direction of travel, which is supported by the shadow Chancellor. Elizabeth Truss: As I mentioned, local authorities have a role in encouraging schools to offer places. We Child Care know that more than 30% of early education places are in schools for three and four-year-olds, but not yet for 14. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): How two-year olds. That is why we are working with local many disadvantaged two-year-olds received the 15-hour authorities such as Lewisham, which we have given part free entitlement to child care in the latest period for of an £8 million grant, to make sure that schools are which figures are available? [904211] opening from 8 am to 6 pm and offering provision for two-year-olds. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Elizabeth Truss): In May 2014, 116,000 two-year-olds Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) (Lab/Co-op): As were in early learning places, which is 89% of the my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham East (Heidi 130,000 allocation. That means that more two-year-olds Alexander) has said, too many of the most disadvantaged are getting a good start in life, preventing a gap emerging two-year-olds are not in high-quality provision. In addition, with their wealthier peers when they start school. the freedom of information request that I released today shows that nearly half of councils lack sufficient Alex Cunningham: I do not think that the Sutton places to meet the extension of free child care provision Trust feels that provision is that good or comprehensive. for two-year-olds in September 2014. That is a shortfall Oxford university research shows that the Government of 44,000 places for this year. Added to the shortfall are failing to provide sufficient good-quality places for that the Minister has just announced, that makes a children already covered, and that they should get that shortfall of 60,000 places in the Government’s flagship right before expanding the scheme. Will the Minister two-year-old offer. What is she going to do about that? accept its advice, or will she just push ahead with poor-quality provision, which will do our children little if any good? Elizabeth Truss: The hon. Lady should be aware that there are 300,000 available places across the country, Elizabeth Truss: Well, 90% of those two-year-olds are and that it is the role of local authorities to make sure in good or outstanding places. I am pleased to tell the that they are open for two-year-olds. She might want to hon. Gentleman that, in June, very high quality places listen to comments made by the former children’s Minister, opened in his own constituency of Stockton at Tilery the right hon. Member for Barking (Margaret Hodge), primary school. We are making it much easier for about the previous Labour Government’s role: schools to offer those places to two-year-olds, which “The sensible policy direction would have been to locate more typically have teacher-led provision. and more of our childcare offer in schools rather than build other buildings.” Simon Wright (Norwich South) (LD): The two-year-old This Government are doing what the previous Government offer is strongly welcomed by many families in my did not, by enabling schools to offer those places. Very constituency, and there are around 3,600 two-year-olds few school nurseries are currently open between the in Norfolk eligible for that support. Will the Minister hours of 8 am and 6 pm. Why does the hon. Lady not 833 Oral Answers16 JUNE 2014 Oral Answers 834 work with local authorities to help them make that Sheryll Murray: I have been approached by many happen, rather than complaining about their failure to parents in my constituency who work in the tourism act? industry and simply cannot afford to take holidays during the busiest time, school holidays. What can be Numbers Count Programme done to help these small business owners take holidays with their families without fearing punishment or hurting 15. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): What their children’s education? assessment he has made of the work in primary schools of the Numbers Count programme. [904212] Mr Laws: I know that this is a real issue in constituencies such as that of my hon. Friend. Indeed, last year about The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education a third of all children in Cornwall’s primary schools (Elizabeth Truss): I am in favour of any intervention missed school for a term-time holiday, a figure higher that improves numeracy. Improving children’s numeracy than the national figure for primary schools, which is is vital for life chances. OECD research shows that an about 20%. That is clearly not acceptable. I would say adult with strong numeracy skills is three times more two things to my hon. Friend. First, head teachers likely to earn good wages and be in good health. That is retain the discretion to grant leave in exceptional why we are raising expectations in maths right through circumstances. Secondly, and more significantly as regards the age range. the cases she raises, we are deregulating so that all schools control their own term dates from 2015. That Duncan Hames: This area is vital, and I was impressed might give schools in her area greater flexibility to make with the Numbers Count classes being provided at a judgment about when to have their holidays and Staverton primary school in my constituency, which I about what the right time might be for them. visited recently. Those classes, it was feared, would be lost across the country under the comprehensive spending Primary School Places review. Is it not the case that only the pupil premium ensures that even in traditionally underfunded local 17. Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): What steps his authorities—areas such as Wiltshire—children are getting Department has taken to increase the number of the dedicated, personalised interventions that they need primary school places in a) Winchester constituency at school? and b) England. [904214] Elizabeth Truss: I completely agree with my hon. The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): During Friend. We are giving head teachers the power to decide this Parliament, the Department has allocated more which programmes are most useful for their students. than £5 billion in basic need funding to help local That is why we are establishing 30 maths hubs across authorities in England create the additional places that the country to provide advice and expertise and to look will be needed. at top-performing places such as Shanghai and Singapore, where students are three years ahead of their British Steve Brine: I have campaigned throughout this peers in maths by the age of 15. Parliament to secure new primary places for my constituents. We now have a combination of additional places at Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): existing schools and brand new provision at the excellent Maths is an absolutely essential skill in today’s society. new Westgate all-through school, which is the first in Does the Minister agree with me that we need qualified, Hampshire. The Government should be very proud of professional maths teachers to inspire children with an it. Does the Minister acknowledge that Hampshire, like understanding of, and a love and enthusiasm for, maths? so many other areas, is using the additional funding he Is she proud that thanks to this Government, an A-level mentioned not to fund an ideological whim but to do student may be better qualified in maths than his or her the basics and secure new primary school places for teacher? families who need them? Elizabeth Truss: I agree with the need for very good Mr Laws: I agree with my hon. Friend, who will be teachers in maths, which is why we offer the highest interested to know that the allocation of money to levels of bursaries and scholarships in the subject. We Hampshire for basic need has almost quadrupled between have also set up a new programme of maths and physics the time of the previous Labour Government and chairs, sponsored by organisations such as Samsung the present coalition Government. We have allocated and GlaxoSmithKline. I can report that a high number £88.9 million to basic need in Hampshire between 2011 of people with PhDs in maths are already applying for and 2015; that compares with just £23 million over a the programme, and they will be in our schools from comparable four-year period in the previous Parliament. September. Educational Attainment Absenteeism in Schools 18. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What 16. Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): change there has been in educational attainment in What steps he has taken to reduce absenteeism in a) Kettering constituency, b) Northamptonshire and schools. [904213] c) England since May 2010. [904215] The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): We have The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): Attainment strengthened the rules on pupil absence and published has risen in all the areas mentioned from 2010 to 2013: clearer advice to schools. School attendance has improved in Kettering from 55.4% to 57%, in Northamptonshire significantly, with 7.7 million fewer school days lost in from 51.9% to 58.1%, and in England as a whole from 2012-13 compared with 2009-10. 55.3% to 60.8%. 835 Oral Answers16 JUNE 2014 Oral Answers 836

Mr Hollobone: Northamptonshire is one of the fastest on the Secretary of State’s watch, his Department failed growing counties in the country and Kettering is one of to act. The chief inspector of schools, Sir Michael the fastest growing parts of Northamptonshire. What Wilshaw, is now urging the Government to provide special extra help is Her Majesty’s Government giving greater public assurance that all schools in a locality, to boost educational attainment chances in constituencies regardless of their status, will discharge the full range of such as Kettering that have a high population growth their responsibilities. When will the Secretary of State rate? accept that micro-managing schools from behind a desk in Whitehall does not work, and that we need a proper Mr Laws: I agree that there are challenges in Kettering system of independent, local accountability? and Northamptonshire, including from the rising pupil population. In that part of the world not only are we Michael Gove: I suspect that that question will be delivering the pupil premium and the additional shown not only on BBC Parliament but on UKTV’s interventions to support better school leadership, but Gold channel, because it is a magnificent repeat. The we have almost doubled the allocation of money for hon. Gentleman asked precisely that question in his new places for basic need from £29 million in the last speech last week. The truth is that we took action to Parliament to more than £55 million in this Parliament. deal with extremism in schools, which the last Government never did. We have also taken action to introduce Topical Questions no-notice inspections, which will ensure that Her Majesty’s chief inspector has the powers, which he was denied T1. [904223] Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): If under the last Government, to deal with the problems he will make a statement on his departmental that started under the last Government. responsibilities. Tristram Hunt: The reason I am asking the question The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): again is that we are still searching for an answer. Labour’s At the weekend, Her Majesty the Queen was pleased to answer is absolutely clear: we need directors of school confer knighthoods and damehoods on a number of standards, independent of local authorities, to ensure a outstanding teachers. May I add my congratulations to robust system of local oversight. The Secretary of State’s those of others to Andrew Carter, Barry Day, John policy involves more Whitehall centralism, more unqualified Dunford, Anthony Seldon, Nicola Nelson-Taylor and teachers, and less collaboration and accountability. Is it Erica Pienaar? There are many outstanding teachers in not the case that even those on the Government Benches our schools today and we should celebrate their work. I now realise that Birmingham has shown that his school am particularly pleased to acknowledge that there are model is bust? teachers from the recently judged by Ofsted “outstanding” Warmsworth primary in Doncaster in the Gallery today, Michael Gove: I have to say that the hon. Gentleman and I congratulate Mrs Marshall on her superb Ofsted. did rather better at reading out his question this time than he did last week, so I suppose it really was worth Dr Huppert: The Secretary of State is right that there that exercise in déjà vu all over again. The truth is that are many excellent teachers. Is he aware of the evidence Labour’s policy is opaque and unclear. At different that has been produced by the “too much too soon” times, the hon. Gentleman has been in favour of free campaign about play-based learning? What assessment schools and greater autonomy, and against them. He is has he made of the benefits of a sustained period of currently in favour of abolishing the national curriculum creative play-based learning before children are exposed in all schools, but David Blunkett, the man who advises to more formal learning environments? him on schools policy, is in favour of imposing it in all schools. As I have said before: inconsistency, thy name Michael Gove: Early years practitioners know that we is Tristram. need both structured play and appropriate introduction at the right time to more formal methods of learning to Mr Speaker: Order. I think that the Secretary of State get the most out of every child. We are very fortunate was referring to the right hon. Member for Sheffield, that we have not just a revised early years foundation Brightside and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett). I feel sure stage but more and more talented people teaching in the that he was. early years. T3. [904225] Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Last Mr Speaker: Order. It is of course disorderly to refer week, the Secretary of State described the safety of to the Gallery, but I feel sure that the occupants of it children as central to his Department’s mission. In will be revelling in the praise that the Secretary of State March, prompted by information arising from the has generously conferred on them. On this occasion, his police investigation into Jimmy Savile, he ordered disorderly conduct is readily excused, but only on this investigations into 21 schools and care homes. occasion. How will he co-ordinate that work with similar investigations in the NHS and report the findings to Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): I fully the House? associate myself with such disorderly conduct in the House and congratulate those inspiring school and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education college leaders who have rightly been recognised by Her (Mr Edward Timpson): Clearly we remain committed to Majesty the Queen. Teaching is a moral mission, and it doing everything we can to learn from whatever happened should be celebrated as such. in those cases. In his written ministerial statement in In 2010, the Department for Education was warned March, the Secretary of State set out the process for of threats to schools in Birmingham, but for four years, doing that. My Department will be working closely 837 Oral Answers16 JUNE 2014 Oral Answers 838 with the Department of Health, in conjunction with the Michael Gove: I absolutely confirm that increase work being done by Kate Lampard and the work that in funding, and I pay tribute to my hon. Friend who Lucy Scott-Moncrieff will undertake to provide independent has been as tenacious as a Doberman Pinscher with a oversight of the process. Discussions between the bone between its jaws in ensuring that children in Departments have taken place, and we hope to be able Bury St Edmunds and across Suffolk get the support to say more about the outcome of both the investigations they need financially and educationally. in the autumn. Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): Ambitious T2. [904224] Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) about Autism recently reported that some 28,000 children, (Lab): Will the Minister tell us how many schools are or more, have been informally and illegally excluded being built as a result of his programme, and how many from schools. Will the Secretary of State tell the House have had their conditions improved? what action he will take to protect some of our most vulnerable children? The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): Yes, I can tell the hon. Gentleman that we are building, rebuilding Michael Gove: Children on the autistic spectrum and upgrading more than 900 schools during the course often present with types of behaviour that can in certain of this Parliament. We have also recently announced a circumstances lead to disciplinary and behavioural problems. priority school building programme to rebuild many of The answer, of course, is to ensure that we are in a the schools that are in the worst condition, including position to identify the needs of those children earlier. many that were not even on the list for Building Schools Later today the House will debate some of the consequences for the Future. of legislation that we have introduced to improve identification and support of all children with special T6. [904229] Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North educational needs. Poole) (LD): We are in the third year of phonics tests for six-year-olds, and I understand that the tests have Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD): My constituent shown an improvement in decoding skills. What action Jack Entwistle is a lively 11-year-old who suffers from will the Minister take to ensure that we are stimulating autism. He is being denied education suitable for his the enjoyment of reading? needs by Lancashire country council, and unfortunately he is not alone. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to try The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education to end the discrimination that Jack is suffering from the (Elizabeth Truss): Last year’s results from the progress education department at Lancashire county council? in international reading literacy study—PIRLS—showed that the number of children in this country who are reading for enjoyment is going up; it has resumed Michael Gove: I will ensure that a Minister meets my considerably over the past few years. We have fantastic hon. Friend, whom I thank for his dogged and determined schemes to encourage students to read, such as the work on behalf of his constituents. We have both had summer reading challenge. This year’s challenge is the our frustrations with Lancashire county council over mythical maze, which will challenge children to find the years, but any vulnerable child in Burnley has a their way around a labyrinth and introduce them to highly effective champion in my hon. Friend. fantastical creatures from the world of legend and mythology. Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): Will the Secretary of State tell the House exactly when Dominic Cummings T4. [904227] Ms Karen Buck (Westminster North) ceased to hold the pass that allowed him access to the (Lab): Further to his somewhat unilluminating Department for Education? response to the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan), will the Michael Gove: I think it was Jimmy Carter who was Secretary of State tell the House—and if necessary once attacked by critics for worrying about exactly who write to me—on how many occasions his former was using the tennis courts at the White House. I am special adviser Dominic Cummings has visited the not responsible for the allocation of passes to the Department for Education since he left the Secretary Department for Education, but I am always happy to of State’s employment, and whom he met on each welcome constructive critics such as the hon. Lady for occasion? an enjoyable discussion over a cup of tea whenever she wants to come to the Department. Michael Gove: I will consider carefully, as ever, the hon. Lady’s question, but it is instructive that with Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): The rise in many educational challenges in her constituency, she the number of apprenticeships in my constituency has chooses once again to disappear down the rabbit hole of contributed to a 52% fall in youth unemployment since Whitehall process, rather than seeking to stand up for the last election. Will the Minister join me in congratulating her constituents. local employers who are taking those youngsters on, and colleges such as Selby college and York college T9. [904232] Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) whose work in that area is doing so much to provide life (Con): The Secretary of State will recall from our chances and career prospects for those young people? meetings in the Department that there is concern about the funding of the transition from three-tier to two-tier The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew education, particularly in my constituency. Will he Hancock): The increase in apprenticeships across the confirm that under this Government, funding for extra country is helping to tackle youth unemployment. There primary school places is nearly double what it was has been a sharp fall in youth unemployment in many under the previous Labour Government? parts of the country—including that of my hon. Friend— 839 Oral Answers16 JUNE 2014 Oral Answers 840 with a fall of more than 50% over the past year, which is Michael Gove: I would expect all multi-academy trusts seriously good news. There are many contributory factors to do everything possible to ensure that the local community to that, not least colleges that work extremely hard to and those involved in the delivery of services were ensure that young people get jobs, as well as employers appropriately consulted. I look forward to chatting to who create that prosperity, thanks to our long-term the hon. Gentleman when the Education Committee economic plan. next meets so that he can expand on that point.

Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab): What will the Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): The number of Government do about the fact that there are more than apprentices in Harlow has increased by more than 80% 4,000 infant school children in classes of more than 30 during the past year. Will the Minister look to increase in the north-east and North Yorkshire? the prestige of apprentices and create a royal society of apprentices, which would improve their status and encourage more people to do apprenticeships? Mr Laws: That is precisely why the Government have doubled the allocation of money for basic need, by Matthew Hancock: I am delighted that, like many complete contrast with the previous Government who other places in the country, the number of apprentices cut the number of places in primary schools despite the in Harlow is increasing, and the number of employers boom in the birth rate. taking on apprentices is increasing. During the last year, the increase in those applying for apprenticeships Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): Thinking that it faces through the apprenticeship vacancy website rose by too many bureaucratic hurdles, the Local Government 50% to 1.5 million, not all of them in Harlow, but many. Association is looking for more powers to interfere in The culture of apprenticeships is on the rise again in free schools and academies. All too often, local authorities Britain. are the bureaucratic hurdles, holding back inspired head teachers, inspirational boards of governors, and Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Has parents who want a better future for their children. Will the Secretary of State noticed the groundswell of opposition my right hon. Friend resist these efforts by local government to the proposal that the Government might privatise to take back controls? child protection services in local authorities? Has he clearly got the message from people as diverse as Professor Eileen Munro and Caitlin Moran in The Times that that Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is a man after my own is an unacceptable place for privatisation? heart. There are some outstanding local councils, not least, for example, in the north-east and Darlington. Michael Gove: I have enormous respect for both They do a great job in supporting head teachers to raise Eileen Munro and Caitlin Moran in The Times, and I standards and exercise a greater degree of autonomy. have been influenced by both of them in different ways. Sadly, however, there are those who want the creeping I should stress that we are not proposing the handing tendrils of bureaucracy once again to choke the delicate over of services that are there to protect vulnerable flower of freedom, and I am afraid that the Opposition children to people who are after a fast buck. We have an Front Bench is a particularly rank unweeded garden innovation programme that has been endorsed by many when it comes to nurturing those tendrils. leading organisations, charities and third sector organisations that work with the most vulnerable children. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): Does the The problem at the moment is that far too many local Secretary of State expect multi-academy trusts, which authorities either require improvement or are very poor are significantly changing the way in which their services in the way in which they look after these vulnerable are delivered to their academies, fully to consult their children. We need to work with external organisations head teachers and local governors before these changes to ensure that those children have the best possible are set in train? future. 841 16 JUNE 2014 Prison Overcrowding 842

Prison Overcrowding as an alternative to privatisation, at the request of the Prison Governors Association and the Prison Officers 3.33 pm Association. Indeed, the leaders of the Prison Officers Association sat in my office and described my decision Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab) (Urgent Question): To to do so as a “victory” for them. I am grateful to our ask the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for staff for their hard work in taking these difficult changes Justice if he will make a statement on the Government’s forward. response to the prison overcrowding crisis. The programme of change has been praised by the National Audit Office and by the Public Accounts The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Committee and its chairman. The National Audit Office (Chris Grayling): Let me start by challenging the premise said recently: of the question posed by the right hon. Gentleman. We “The strategy for the prison estate is the most coherent and do not have a prison overcrowding crisis. Today’s prison comprehensive for many years, has quickly cut operating costs, population is 85,359, against a total useable operational and is a significant improvement in value for money on the capacity of 86,421, which means we have more than approaches of the past.” 1,000 spare places across the prison estate. We will end this Parliament with more adult male By next April, we will also have opened an additional prison places than we inherited, more hours of work 2,000 places. That includes four new house blocks, being done in prisons than we inherited, more education which will start to open from the autumn. We also have for young detainees than we inherited, and a more a number of additional reserve capabilities to cope with modern, cost-effective prison estate than we inherited. unexpected pressures. At the time of the election next That is anything but a crisis. year, we will have more adult male prison places than we inherited in May 2010, despite having to deal with Sadiq Khan: The complacency of the Justice Secretary the financial challenges that the last Government left and the extent to which he is out of touch are breathtaking. behind. He appears to think there are no problems in our prisons and that MPs can be kept in the dark about the Since last September the prison population has started fact that Ministers are demanding that already overcrowded rising again. This has happened for a number of reasons, prisons squeeze in another 400 inmates over the next including the significant increase in the number of few weeks. For example, Wandsworth prison in my convictions for historic sex abuse. These are people who constituency, which should have 943 inmates, currently committed appalling crimes and probably thought they has 1,597 and is operating at 169% capacity. But that is had got away with it. I am delighted to find the space not the worst of it. This Justice Secretary has asked it to for them behind bars. provide even more spaces. As that increase has been greater than expected, I MPs are kept in the dark about the fact that over the have agreed to make some reserve capacity available to past five months 600 emergency places have been bought ensure that we retain a sufficient margin between the from G4S, Serco and Sodexo—at what cost we do not number of places occupied and the total capacity of the know. We are kept in the dark about the fact that prison system until the new prison buildings come on stream staff who were made redundant and paid off are now later this year. That means in reality that in a number of being paid to return to work owing to the chronic public and private prisons a few more prisoners will shortage of staff—at what cost we do not know. have to share a cell for a few weeks. We might not need those places, but I would rather they were available in The Justice Secretary seems to think that there are no case we did need them. problems in our prisons. The NAO and the PAC do not agree with him. The chief inspector of prisons disagrees, I am also taking steps to address what I believe is a as we heard this Saturday, and as he has said in every weakness in our prison system: the fact that we have no report he has written over the past two years. We access to the kind of temporary or agency staff routinely disagree, prison governors disagree, prison staff disagree, found in our health and education systems. I am establishing experts disagree, and bereaved families disagree. Last a reserve capability among former staff to give us the month alone there were 11 self-inflicted deaths in our flexibility to adapt to short-term changes of population prisons. The Education Secretary may laugh; those by bringing reserve capacity into operation. We currently families do not laugh. Can the Justice Secretary confirm have some staff shortages in London, particularly because that that was the case last month? Can he also confirm of the rapid improvement in the labour market, and this that last year self-harming, suicides and assaults on step will help us to cover any gaps. staff in adult male prisons went up? Let me also set out for the House how we are managing Since May 2010, this Government have closed 18 prisons the prison estate. My objective is to bring down the cost and cut 6,000 staff, yet the prison population remains of running the prison estate while maintaining capacity broadly the same. This crisis is of the Government’s levels. An important part of that is replacing older, own making. Does the Justice Secretary think that there more expensive prisons with new or refurbished capacity is any link between that and the 60% rise in the use of that is less expensive to run. For example, in the past the riot squad to deal with serious disturbances in our two years we have opened 2,500 new places, with a prisons last year? Does he accept responsibility for the further 2,000 places due to open in the next nine months. fact that it is his policies that have led to the wrong sorts That has enabled us in that period to close a little over of prisoners being sent to open prisons and released on 4,500 places in older prisons, saving us a total of temporary licence? Does he agree with the hon. Member £170 million during the current spending review period. for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb), in In addition, we have launched a benchmarking whose constituency Ford prison is located and from programme across the prison estate to bring down which 90 offenders are currently on the run? He said on costs. I introduced this programme in the autumn of 2012 Saturday: 843 Prison Overcrowding16 JUNE 2014 Prison Overcrowding 844

“It’s becoming a pattern… the wrong people are being sent to Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): The chief inspector Ford.” stated in his report on Oakwood prison that it was When did the Justice Secretary’s officials first warn easier to obtain an illegal drug in prison than to obtain him about the need to take emergency measures to deal a bar of soap. He also stated that one of the main with the most recent shortage of prison places? How reasons for that is prisoners refusing to be tested for many prisons are currently operating on half regime drug use. There is not a single prison in this country because of staffing shortages, meaning that prisoners that is free from illegal drug use. When can we expect at are not working or going on courses, as they should be? least one to be cleaned up? What additional contingencies does he intend to put in place to deal with the possibility of disturbances in Chris Grayling: The hon. Gentleman will be aware prisons? that the proportion of positive drug tests in our prisons On this Government’s watch our prisons have become has fallen sharply in recent years; that is to be encouraged. unsafe warehouses, rather than places where offenders I am confident that Oakwood’s upcoming inspection can be rehabilitated. It is important that we get answers report will show a significant improvement. The hon. to these crucial questions if the public are to have Gentleman is, of course, a Welsh MP; one of the Welsh confidence that prisons will continue to punish and prisons—Parc, a large new prison that had some teething reform while keeping prisoners, prison staff and the problems—has turned into one of the best performing public safe. prisons in the estate. I am confident that the same thing will happen to Oakwood. Chris Grayling: Having listened to those comments, Members might never know the truth. Prison overcrowding Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): My right hon. Friend is lower under this Government than it was in the last should be commended on the energetic way that he, in four years of the previous Labour Government. Let me an unprotected Department, has sought to contribute walk the right hon. Gentleman through the operational to meeting the Government’s wider economic objectives. capacity for adult males in our prisons: in May 2010 it He is entirely right that the overcrowding crisis was was 80,269; today it is 82,395; and in 2015 it is predicted inherited in 2010, but is it not about time that we started to be 85,133. That means the capacity for men in our thinking about the long term—about addressing the prisons is increasing. The tornado squads, which deal issue of the 20,000 prisoners who are in overcrowded with serious incidents, have dealt with half the level of conditions—and began to look properly at reconstituting activity seen in 2007. a privatisation programme, so that we can have better- manned prisons with more efficiency for the taxpayer? I think that the right hon. Gentleman needs a little bit of a lesson in what a prison capacity crisis really is. It is Chris Grayling: The approach that we have taken on having to introduce a special scheme to let prisoners go privatisation has been to privatise individual services in home after serving a quarter of their sentence because the way that was recommended by the Prison Governors there are not enough places to keep them in. That is Association, because we needed to drive through savings what Labour did. It is deciding to shorten everyone’s quickly across the whole estate, rather than across part sentence by a few weeks because they did not plan for of it, but my hon. Friend’s point is sensible. I do not the places needed. That is what Labour did. They let want a prison population the size of the one we have, out more than 80,000 people early, and 1,500 of them but nor do I ever want a court to be unable to send an committed suspected crimes when they should have offender to prison when it believes that it should do so. been in prison. That is my definition of a prison That is why our rehabilitation strategy is so important. overcrowding crisis, and it happened under Labour. The way we will bring down the population of our Now they have the nerve to call sensible contingency prison estate is by preventing people from coming back planning a crisis, even though they were the ones who to it, rather than by not locking them up in the first were forced to rent out thousands of police cells across place. the country because they ran out of space. I make no apology for the fact that under this Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): What Government more people are going to prison, and they consideration has the Secretary of State given to treating are going to prison for longer. I have a strategy in place drug addiction as a health issue, rather than a criminal to ensure that we will always have the space for them. issue? If he did that, he would have far more space in his prisons. Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Why should Britain find it necessary to have a higher proportion Chris Grayling: My Department and the Department of its population in prison than almost any other western of Health have jointly launched an integrated drug European country? rehabilitation service in north-west England, which will ensure that rehab continues beyond the prison gate and Chris Grayling: Of course, we have a much lower is afterwards delivered by the same people. I am very proportion of our population in prison than many much of the view that we have to tackle drug addiction, other countries, but I would like it to be smaller. That is but we have to make the best use of the time in which we precisely why I believe that the reforms to the way in have people in custody, so that we ensure that they do which we rehabilitate offenders—for example, supervising not come back because of their addiction, that we get offenders who go to jail for less than 12 months, who them off drugs, and that they do not reoffend. currently get no support, guidance or mentoring—will make the kind of difference that enables us to bring Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): I do not lie awake at down our prison population in future. That is a goal we night worrying about prisoners being in overcrowded should all share. conditions; if they did not want to be in overcrowded 845 Prison Overcrowding16 JUNE 2014 Prison Overcrowding 846

[Philip Davies] Chris Grayling: The overcrowding levels at Swansea jail have barely changed in the past four years. Clearly, I conditions, they should not have committed the crimes would like to bring down the number of people in that got them sent to prison. Will the Secretary of State overcrowded jails, which is why we are increasing the do more to encourage the Chancellor to find more capacity of the adult male estate and why I will bring money for prison building? If he is looking for suggestions new capacity on stream this autumn. Of course, two as to where the money could be found, perhaps it could years down the track we will open the first new prison in come from the £20 billion a year we give to the EU in Wales for a very long time. It will be the first since Parc membership fees, or from the overseas aid budget. prison and the first to be located in north Wales—it will When it comes to tackling any prison overcrowding be in Wrexham—which will ease pressures on the system issue, will he pledge not to do what the last Labour in Wales and allow us to detain prisoners closer to Government did in letting out prisoners before the end home. of their sentence? Sir Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con): When I was Chris Grayling: This is what baffles me about the a shadow prisons Minister and Labour was in government, Opposition’s questions and challenges over this issue, I visited about 70 of the 140 or so prisons, young because I am precisely not letting out people who offender institutions and secure training units throughout should be in prison. I am simply taking sensible precautions England and Wales. Despite the best efforts of the staff, to bring on additional capacity. I have to say that if those prisons were almost universally overcrowded and prisoners have to share a cell, I do not regard it as a full of people who were unable to get educated or great problem. I think that the courts should be able to rehabilitated while in prison. My right hon. Friend has send people to prison if they want to, as does my hon. set in train a programme of rehabilitation which will Friend. ensure that those who are currently in prison will not go Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): In early 2010, when back. Will he push on with that programme with vigour? the Prime Minister first took office, he promised to take an axe to the number of foreign national prisoners in Chris Grayling: Yes, I absolutely will. We will work on prisons. The figure then was 11,135. Will the Secretary rehabilitation reforms post-prison and look to improve of State tell me what progress has been made, because the level of work in prisons. We will also look to by my calculations, the number has reduced by about continue to expand education and training in prisons. 40 a year? We have, for example, set in train plans to double the amount of education in the youth estate. Those things Chris Grayling: The figure is, of course, now coming simply did not happen under the previous Government. down. It is lower than it was when we took office, and it Labour Members accuse us of warehousing offenders, is roughly proportionate to the number of people in the but I think they were the ones who were guilty of that. population who were not born in the UK. We have to bear in mind that one of the reasons why we have a high John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): The proportion of foreign national offenders in our jails is Secretary of State has quoted the Prison Officers that when the Labour party was in government it had a Association. He is not a man who would want to reckless policy on the number of people allowed to mislead or confuse the House, so may I tell him what migrate to this country. the POA has said today? It has said: Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): I have three “The decision by NOMS”— excellent custodial institutions in my constituency: Rye that is, himself— Hill and Onley prisons, and the secure training centre at “to further ‘crowd’ the already overcrowded public sector estate Rainsbrook, all of which have fantastic staff and do a by an additional 440 undermines the commitment that prisons brilliant job. I welcome the answer to the urgent question, will be safe, secure and decent”. which was spurious at best, but will there be a The POA describes that as recategorisation of prisons? Her Majesty’s prison Onley “the perfect storm of a rising population, a lack of staff and too is heading down the track of being fully made up of sex few prison cells.” offenders, and it perhaps deserves recategorisation. Could the Secretary of State start listening to the prison Chris Grayling: My hon. Friend makes an important officers themselves, for a change? point. I am in favour of greater specialisation within the prison estate; it allows us to concentrate expertise in Chris Grayling: When we set about the current particular places. Of course, the biggest change in the programme of benchmarking, I did precisely that: I estate will be the shaping of a system of resettlement listened to our staff and governors and accepted their prisons—that will begin later this year—to accompany recommendation, and I am implementing their our rehabilitation reforms, so that some prisons specialise recommendation thanks to the hard work of staff at all in particular needs, as is the case in his constituency, levels across the prison estate. The hon. Gentleman and others are very much geared to preparing people talks nonsense when he suggests I am not listening to who are in the last few months of their sentence for the staff. release, to try to reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): This is an old Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) story. Twelve years ago, the then Labour prisons Minister (PC): Swansea prison is the most overcrowded prison in tried to defend a situation in which 20% of prisoners the whole of England and Wales: it is at nearly double had to double up in a cell meant for one, saying this its capacity. What particular measures is the Secretary situation was only very limited. The problem is that of State considering to alleviate the situation in Swansea? there are twice as many people in prison than there were 847 Prison Overcrowding16 JUNE 2014 Prison Overcrowding 848 in 1993, costing £2.2 billion a year. Will the Secretary of least the last few months of their sentence in the geographic State make it his aim to have fewer people in prison, area into which they will be released, which will help particularly on short sentences, especially when we know with precisely the links the hon. Gentleman talks about. that other sanctions are better at reducing reoffending and are preferred by victims? Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) (Con): Will the Justice Secretary confirm that there are more offenders Chris Grayling: My hon. Friend and I share the same in jail now than there were under the previous Government, objectives, and that is what our rehabilitation reforms and that crime is lower now than under the previous are about. The truth is that approximately 95% of the Government? Will he also confirm that there will be people who end up in prison have already been through absolutely no repeat of the shambolic early release community sentences and probation work. We have to scheme, which saw 80,000 prisoners let out early, meaning improve what happens at that stage and rehabilitation that we had to prosecute hundreds of them, including post-prison, but what we cannot do is simply not send for murder and other serious violent offences? to prison people who have committed serious crimes and are found guilty by the courts. Chris Grayling: I completely agree. To be frank, I would like to have the capacity to unravel some of the Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab): residual schemes that I inherited, such as the home The Secretary of State may know that I, too, have three detention curfew scheme, which in my view should not prisons in my constituency. Just last month, the chief have been introduced in the first place and which people inspector’s report on Durham prison noted that it faced struggle to understand. I will not be able to do that until huge challenges and stated clearly that cells designed to resources are available, but it is certainly my ambition. hold one prisoner should not be used for two. At the time of the inspection, a prison designed for 597 prisoners Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): In the was accommodating 940. Why is the Secretary of State light of what he has said, perhaps the Justice Secretary not doing more to alleviate this appalling overcrowding, would like to spend the night at Swansea prison. It is rather than seeking to exacerbate it? the most overcrowded prison in Britain—I guess he would say it is the most popular—with two prisoners for every place. They are crammed in cells, with shared Chris Grayling: I do not think the hon. Lady has been toilets, in sweltering heat, staying there day and night. listening to what I have been saying. Today, despite the Will he at last accept responsibility for the closure of budget cuts we have had to push through, a smaller 18 jails, the loss of 3,500 prison officers and the ever- proportion of prisoners are being forced to share a cell escalating increase in the prison population that has led than was the case under the Labour Government, who to an increase in assaults on prison officers and the were in office until 2010. We are delivering a better deaths, suicides and self-harming of prisoners? Will he performance for less money and in difficult circumstances. stand aside for someone who will not put at risk the I am proud of that and Labour should be ashamed of public, prisoners and prison officers, and resign for his itself. heartless, mindless incompetence?

John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): What impact is investment Chris Grayling: Mr Speaker, sometimes you hear in IT having on the ability of the Department and contributions in this House that are beyond parody. To prison management to manage the movement of prisoners, be fair to the hon. Gentleman, he was not in the House and will it in effect deliver better rehabilitative services during the last Parliament because he lost in 2005, but I in education for prisoners? do not recall that he called for the resignation of previous Labour Ministers when levels of overcrowding were Chris Grayling: The IT work that is being done across higher. not just the prison system but the criminal justice Let me tell the hon. Gentleman what I have done in system is enormously important for the future not only Wales. I have recognised the fact that that the prison in improving efficiency, but in ensuring a really joined-up system in Wales has a problem because north Wales approach from the time somebody is first arrested, does not have a prison, which means that prisoners through the court system and prison, to the support we from north Wales cannot be housed close to home. provide post-prison and our probation work, and in What have I done? I have won from the Chancellor understanding, should they reoffend, where they have £250 million-plus to build a new prison in north Wales. had issues in the past. It is enormously important and it That is doing the right thing for the people of Wales. is already improving efficiency, but there is a lot more we can do. Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): On prisons and overcrowding, according to a written David Wright (Telford) (Lab): The rehabilitation of answer to a question I asked, prisoners were given offenders and the control of their behaviour in prison additional days for bad behaviour on 11,550 occasions occur best when they are close to family and friends in 2009. Will the Secretary of State clarify that this who can influence their rehabilitation. How many prisoners Government have done a lot to address the issue of bad are currently housed in prisons more than 60 miles from behaviour, thereby affecting capacity in prisons? their home community? Chris Grayling: We have introduced a tougher and Chris Grayling: I cannot give an exact figure, but I more spartan regime in our prisons, as well as tougher can say that as we introduce resettlement prisons in the penalties for those who abscond post-prison and break last part of this year, the vast majority of offenders—not their licence conditions, who can now go to jail for absolutely all, but almost all offenders—will spend at much longer. Interestingly, the penalty that staff appear 849 Prison Overcrowding16 JUNE 2014 Prison Overcrowding 850

[Chris Grayling] of reoffending down so that it is closer to the level for those who go to prison for longer periods, it will significantly to believe is most valuable in dealing with troublesome increase our success in reducing reoffending and, as my prisoners is the removal of prisoners’ television sets Liberal Democrat colleagues have said, bring down the from their cells when they behave badly. prison population.

Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Rehabilitation is Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): Last year’s important, and purposeful activity is particularly important, inspection of Bristol prison found that the prison was including the learning of musical instruments. Will the dirty; that prisoners could not get clean clothes, clean Justice Secretary ask his prisons Minister, the Under- bedding or cleaning materials; that it was easy to get Secretary of State for Justice, the hon. Member for drugs; and that about half the prisoners spent all day Kenilworth and Southam (Jeremy Wright), to approach locked in their cells. How does the Secretary of State with an open mind the meeting that I am having with think such conditions help the rehabilitative process? him and Billy Bragg on Thursday, with a view to giving a positive response to our proposals if we can show that such rehabilitation will be of benefit? Chris Grayling: We are working as hard as we can to increase the number of hours that are worked in prisons, Chris Grayling: I will of course ask my hon. Friend to and the number is rising steadily. We have a very energetic approach that meeting with an open mind. However, team that is looking for new business opportunities. Of although we want to encourage positive activities within course, in a prison that is dirty, the most readily available prisons, there is a genuine issue for discussion about work force to clean it are the prisoners themselves. In whether metal strings or metal ligaments should be many prisons that I have been around, they are doing a made available, given that some people of course want first-rate job of that. to cause trouble in prisons. Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): I congratulate Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): I my right hon. Friend on his robust response this afternoon welcome the increased prison capacity that has been and over the weekend in the media. I urge him to announced today. One reason for the huge increase in redouble his efforts to ensure that foreign prisoners are the prison population is the reoffending that takes returned to their home countries as quickly as possible place. Labour identified that and spent £9 billion on it, to serve their sentences, which relieves pressure on space but there has been little change. Will the Secretary of and budgets. State say what is being done by this Government to ensure that prisoners do not reoffend when they leave Chris Grayling: I assure my hon. Friend that that prison? remains a major priority. I pay tribute to the prisons Chris Grayling: That is at the heart of our reforms to Minister, who has successfully completed one prisoner the probation service, which will mean, crucially, that transfer agreement and is discussing others. We need to later this year we will begin to provide support, supervision do everything we can to return people to their country and mentoring to short-sentence prisoners when they of origin as soon as possible, because it reduces the leave prison. At the moment, they get nothing at all and pressures on the prison population. are left to their own devices, and nearly two thirds of them reoffend quickly. That is the biggest blot on our Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I criminal justice system. Unlike the last Government, we remind the Secretary of State that the urgent question is are doing something about it. the result of a report by Her Majesty’s inspectorate of prisons, which is independent, not of some political Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): In a plot against him. I also remind him that when I was spirit of openness, perhaps the Justice Secretary will tell Chair of the Education Committee, we found that the House how much the emergency prison places that education, skills and rehabilitation in prisons were the he has bought from private prisons are costing the first things to go to the wall when there was overcrowding. public purse, so that we can ascertain whether they are more cost-effective than the prison places that he has Chris Grayling: There was no report from the independent closed. inspectorate about this matter. We are increasing the amount of education in prisons where we can. I have Chris Grayling: I assure the hon. Gentleman that the just announced a doubling of the amount of education marginal cost of an additional place within a prison is that is done by youth offenders in the youth offender much lower than the overall cost of running a prison. estate. We are also launching a new secure college, Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): Will the Secretary which will have an education-focused curriculum. For of State confirm that the Government’s focus on mentoring, reasons that completely escape me, the Opposition oppose rehabilitating and reducing the reoffending of short-term replacing a prison-type institution that has bars on the prisoners is one of the key drivers in reducing the prison windows with something more akin to a school or population, and that it is a far better alternative than college that does positive skill building. I think they are letting thousands of serious offenders out on the streets, bonkers. as the last Government did? Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): The fact that crime is Chris Grayling: I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. down suggests that reoffending rates are coming down We have to bear it in mind that nearly 60% of the 50,000 too. Will my right hon. Friend set out the coalition people who are released on to the streets after short Government’s progressive, forward-looking rehabilitation sentences each year reoffend. If we can bring that level measures that will reduce reoffending rates still further? 851 Prison Overcrowding 16 JUNE 2014 852

Chris Grayling: If I may, I will correct my hon. Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in Friend. He is absolutely right that crime is falling. The Conflict number of first-time entrants into the criminal justice system is dropping as well. The challenge for us is that the level of reoffending has barely changed. That is the 4.7 pm next frontier. That is why we are reforming the way we support and rehabilitate offenders, why there is a greater The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth focus on education in the youth estate, and why there is Affairs (Mr William Hague): With permission, Mr Speaker, mentoring and support for those who get short sentences. I will make a statement on Iraq, and update the House That is the way to take crime reduction to the next level. on the outcome of last week’s global summit to end sexual violence in conflict. Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): The Sunni extremist group “Islamic State in Iraq and By exactly how many prison officers is the prison system the Levant”—ISIL—launched a series of attacks and short? car bombings in Iraqi cities, including Baghdad, Samarra, Ramadi and Jalawla, over the last 10 days, culminating Chris Grayling: I expect to recruit about 80 to 100 in the capture of Mosul on Tuesday. From Mosul, ISIL, temporary staff, and of course we have a recruitment with other armed groups, took control of the towns on process all the time. Like any big organisation with tens the main route to Baghdad, including Tikrit, 110 miles of thousands of employees, we have a constant process north of the capital. The Iraqi security forces initially of people moving on and people being recruited and proved unable to resist these attacks, although there are trained. As I outlined earlier, we need some 80 to 100 now signs of a fight back in the area around Samarra. officers, but I want to build up a much larger reserve so These are extremely grave developments. ISIL is the that if we get fluctuations in future we have a pool of most violent and brutal militant group in the middle people we can draw on, in the same way as the health east. It has a long record of atrocities, including use of service and education system do. improvised explosive devices, abductions, torture and killings. The reported massacre of 1,700 Shi’a air force Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I agree entirely recruits is more evidence of its brutality. ISIL’s aim is to with the thrust of policy from the Secretary of State establish a sharia Islamic state in the region, and it is and, of course, the excellent prisons Minister. In pursuing these goals by attacking the Government of Wellingborough, we have a prison that is, rightly, temporarily Iraq, gaining control of territory, and inciting sectarian closed, but which could be opened very quickly. The violence between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims. problem is not capacity across the nation; it is overcrowding The group has bases in northern Syria as well as in in London. Will the Secretary of State meet me to Iraq. While the majority of its members are Iraqi or discuss the possibility of reopening the prison in Syrian, it also includes a significant number of foreign Wellingborough? fighters among its ranks. As I have previously told this House, we estimate the number of UK-linked individuals Chris Grayling: I assure my hon. Friend that I am fighting in Syria to include approximately 400 British well aware of the situation in Wellingborough, and I do nationals and other UK-linked individuals who could not intend to take any steps to dispose of that prison, present a particular risk should they return to the UK. because it is sensible for us to have reserve capacity Some of these are, inevitably, fighting with ISIL. available. I have no immediate plans to change the status of Wellingborough from being a mothballed site. Over the last few days, I have held discussions with Foreign Ministers from the region, including Iraqi Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): A prison Foreign Minister Zebari and Turkish Foreign Minister population of 86,000 would be far nearer 75,000 were it Davotoglu, with whom I discussed the welfare of more not for the large number of foreign national offenders than 60 Turkish citizens kidnapped in Mosul. Our in our jails. Surely it is possible to negotiate with the national interest lies in supporting a sovereign and high-volume countries, such as Nigeria, Jamaica and democratic Iraq to resist those threats, offering assistance Pakistan, for them to take back their offenders. If they where necessary and working with others to prevent the will not, we should send them the bill, which is approaching spread of terrorism in Iraq and throughout the region. £300 million a year. Will the Secretary of State put this On Friday, I held talks with Secretary Kerry in London. issue at the top of his to-do list to address the issue of We agreed that the prime responsibility for leading the the number of people in our jails? response to these events lies with the Iraqi Government. The United States, which is the country with the most Chris Grayling: As my hon. Friend knows, this is a appropriate assets and capabilities, is considering a matter of great concern to Ministers. We are also seeking range of options that could help the Iraqi security to speed up the formal deportation process through the forces push back on ISIL advances. President Obama Home Office. We need to reduce the numbers significantly, has been clear that action taken by the United States but it is proving to be a more stubborn and difficult task will succeed only if accompanied by a political response than any of us would wish. My hon. Friend should not, from the Iraqi Government. however, believe that we have anything other than a We are taking action in three areas: promoting political clear aspiration to do this. The sooner we can reduce unity among those who support a democratic Iraqi that population, the sooner we can ease some of the state and stability in the region; offering assistance other pressures on our prison system, or put in prison where appropriate and possible; and alleviating one or two other people we might want to see there. humanitarian suffering. We have made it clear that this does not involve planning a military intervention by the UK. 853 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 16 JUNE 2014 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 854 Conflict Conflict [Mr William Hague] world. Last week, I co-hosted the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, the largest ever summit On the first of these points, yesterday I underlined to held on this issue. It was attended by 128 countries, the Iraqi Foreign Minister the need for his colleagues 79 Ministers and eight UN agency heads, as well as by to form a new and inclusive Government who bring presidents and prosecutors from the International Criminal together all Iraq’s different groups and are able to Court and international tribunals, and more than command support across Iraqi society. ISIL is taking 300 delegates from conflict-affected countries. advantage of political disaffection, including among The summit had two primary objectives: to agree Saddam-era officers and soldiers, and Sunni tribal fighters, practical action to tackle impunity for the use of rape as who have lost trust in the Iraqi Government. Overcoming a weapon of war and to begin to change global attitudes this will require a concerted political effort by the to these crimes. We opened the summit up to thousands Government, including working with the Kurdistan of members of the public, at 175 public events. Our Regional Government against this common threat. I embassies held events to mirror what was going on in welcome the fact that the Iraqi Supreme Court has London for the entire 84-hour period and our intensive today ratified the large majority of the results of April’s social media campaign reached all parts of the world. elections, and I call on them to announce the full results This was the most important milestone yet in our as soon as possible to allow for the rapid formation of a efforts to address this issue. My intention is to create new Government in Baghdad. unstoppable momentum in addressing these crimes, On our second objective, we are examining what which are among the worst experienced in the world more we can do to assist the Iraqi authorities directly in today. their security response. We are urging them to take effective measures to organise security forces effectively We set in motion a series of practical steps and and push ISIL back from the areas it has occupied, commitments. We launched the first ever international while protecting civilian life, infrastructure and vital protocol on how to document and investigate sexual services. We are discussing with the Iraqi Government violence in conflict as a means of overcoming the areas for co-operation, including the possibility of offering barriers to prosecutions of these crimes. I announced counter-terrorism expertise. We are also providing consular £6 million in new UK funding to support survivors of assistance to a small number of British nationals who rape, and the United States, Finland, Bahrain, Australia, have been affected. For this purpose, a UK Ministry of Japan and others also made new and generous pledges. Defence operational liaison and reconnaissance team The African Union also announced a pilot project in arrived in Baghdad on Saturday to help to assess the the Central African Republic to respond to the urgent situation on the ground and to assist the embassy in needs of victims of sexual violence. The Somali Government contingency planning. launched a new action plan on Somalia, supported by the UN and the international community, for addressing Thirdly, we have responded rapidly to the humanitarian sexual violence, which has blighted the lives of thousands emergency. About 500,000 people are reported to have of women, men and children. been displaced in the north and now need urgent support. Last week, we were the first donor country to send a Within the summit, I convened a special meeting on field team to the Kurdistan region, where they met UN security in Nigeria following the abduction of more and non-governmental organisation contacts and the than 200 schoolgirls in April and a summit on this Kurdish authorities. My right hon. Friend, the International issue in Paris last month. We agreed that a regional Development Secretary announced on Saturday that we intelligence fusion unit should be made operational would provide £3 million of immediate assistance, including immediately. The countries of the region also agreed £2 million from the rapid response facility to NGOs for rapidly to implement joint or co-ordinated patrols water and sanitation and other emergency relief and along their borders, and Cameroon committed to add £l million to the United Nations High Commissioner a battalion to that regional taskforce. The UK, US and for Refugees for mobile protection teams and establishing France pledged to support these regional efforts. On camps. We are considering urgently what further assistance behalf of the UK, I announced a separate package of we can provide. support for Nigeria, including increased tactical training The rise of sectarianism and religious intolerance is for the Nigerian army, assistance to regional security fuelling instability in the middle east. This has been and intelligence co-operation, and a joint UK-US compounded by the brutality of the Assad regime, educational programme to educate an additional 1 million whose relentless war against its own people has created children in Nigeria. All the parties present also agreed an opening for extremists. That is why we will continue on the need for UN sanctions against Boko Haram’s to support the moderate opposition in Syria, who have leadership and Ansaru, another dangerous terrorist had the courage to fight directly against ISIL and other organisation. extremists, as well as urging the Iraqi Government to Finally, states and delegates at the summit joined take the political and military steps required to defeat together to sign a statement of action, uniting Governments, such groups in Iraq. We are also working to reinforce UN agencies, civil society, experts and survivors with a stability across the region, including through providing shared determination to tackle these issues. We will now significant security support to the Governments of Lebanon work hard to ensure that the momentum is sustained and Jordan, as well as £243 million in humanitarian and accelerated in the months and years ahead. We will assistance to those countries. We will intensify our publish a comprehensive report on the summit that efforts in the coming days and weeks to tackle this will distil the expert recommendations that were made. serious threat to international peace and security. We will turn our focus to practical implementation of Addressing the crises of today should never prevent the international protocol. We will continue to use our us from dealing with the longer-term issues that are team of experts in conflict-affected countries. For the fundamental to conflict prevention in many parts of the past two years, the United Kingdom has led the way 855 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 16 JUNE 2014 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 856 Conflict Conflict internationally in addressing these vital issues and we been in touch with his Iranian counterpart earlier today, must continue to do so until the scourge of sexual but does he agree with me that there is now an urgent violence is finally confronted, addressed and defeated. case for ensuring an effective British diplomatic presence in Tehran to help co-ordinate such discussions and to 4.17 pm advance dialogue? Mr Douglas Alexander (Paisley and Renfrewshire As the crisis continues, the scale of the humanitarian South) (Lab): I thank the Foreign Secretary for his suffering inevitably grows, so I welcome the additional statement and for advance sight of it this afternoon. humanitarian funding that the Government have already announced, but will any further requests from Iraq’s Let me begin by turning to the Foreign Secretary’s Government for additional humanitarian support be remarks on Iraq. That country is today facing fundamental considered promptly? threats to its integrity, security and stability. Faced with a lightning advance by a few thousand Islamic State in Many British citizens will have watched the scenes Iraq and the Levant fighters from their base in Syria’s both in Syria and Iraq in recent days with growing Raqqah province, the Iraqi army’s presence in the northern concern and anxiety, so it is right that we pay tribute and western Sunni-majority provinces has effectively today to the work of the British intelligence and security collapsed. Beneath these latest advances for ISIL lies forces, which are doing vital work to keep us all safe. the deeper and fundamental question, not just for Iraq, Will the Foreign Secretary set out the Government’s but for its neighbouring countries across the region: can latest assessment of the threat posed by British citizens they, in time, develop a pluralistic, democratic politics, returning from the region? I know that the Foreign where people live together as citizens, rather than dividing Secretary will be concerned, too, about the safety of along sectarian, ethnic or religious lines? Alas, today, British diplomatic staff in Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra, the answer to that question still remains uncertain. so can he assure us that all the necessary plans are in place to guarantee their safety? The most urgent task Inevitably and understandably, these events have now is for Iraq’s leadership to unite and galvanise its rekindled the debate around the military intervention in response to this crisis—the future of the whole country Iraq 11 years ago. For most British people, including and the fate of millions of its citizens depend upon that. many of us who supported the action at the time, the fears of those opposed to the intervention have been Let me turn now to the preventing sexual violence in vindicated by subsequent events. It is futile to deny that conflict summit in London, which was a genuine credit subsequent history, as surely as it would be folly to to the work of campaigners and activists around the repeat it. Yet it is also facile to suggest that the crisis world who have tirelessly worked to raise this issue up affecting Iraq today can be attributed solely to the on the political agenda. The British Government, and consequences of intervention. Such an account denies the Foreign Secretary personally, have done a great deal the truth that the slide towards crisis in Iraq has been in recent months to help do just that, and I commend exacerbated by the civil war in Syria. Today these are him sincerely for his efforts. two nations sitting astride the Sunni-Shi’ite faultline, The Foreign Secretary was right to say in his statement engulfed increasingly by sectarian violence, while the that the priority now must be to translate words into rest of the region has looked on as sectarian tensions practical action. I welcome the further £6 million pledged rise. by the UK to support survivors of sexual violence in Tragically for Iraq, the hallmark of Nouri al-Maliki’s conflict. The statement of action to tackle the culture of Shi’a-dominated Government has been a sectarian impunity surrounding sexual violence in conflict, to rather than an inclusive approach. Indeed, the welcome which the Foreign Secretary rightly referred, was indeed progress made by the leadership of the Kurdistan an important step forward. Alongside agreeing a coherent Regional Government since 2003 serves only further to legal framework, will he set out what further steps will highlight the extent of the Iraqi central Government’s be taken to help tackle some of the underlying issues failures in moving the country forward. Will the Foreign that contribute to impunity, such as the independence Secretary set out what specific steps the UK Government of the judiciary within conflict-affected states? I look are taking, in co-ordination with allies, to encourage forward to the publication of the comprehensive report that formation of a new Government in Iraq? Beyond on the summit. Could he give us an indication of when his conversation yesterday, what contact is being we can expect it to be published? The real test now is planned to urge Prime Minister Maliki to take concrete whether the summit in London can make a difference measures to reduce sectarian tensions, empower regional on the ground in conflict zones around the world. The Governments and re-professionalise the Iraqi armed Foreign Secretary will certainly have our support in his forces? work to ensure that it does. Today and in statements made over recent days, the Mr Hague: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. Foreign Secretary confirmed that British military There is a huge amount of common ground on both intervention in Iraq is not being contemplated. I welcome these subjects. As he said, now is an important moment this assurance. Will he further give the House the assurance for seeing whether pluralistic, truly democratic politics that the Government will not agree to any proposals can be created in Iraq. He made some references to the significantly to increase the nature or scale of support history and debates surrounding intervention, and I that we are already giving to the Iraqi Government agree with what he said about that, too, in that there are without a much wider debate in Parliament, and indeed many roots to what is happening here, including the the country? growth of sectarianism, of religious intolerance across It is clear that Iran is heavily engaged in Iraq today, the middle east and, of course, the crisis in Syria. We so it was disappointing to hear Tehran apparently rule must not think that everything that happens is a result out direct talks with the Americans earlier this morning. of western action or inaction, although our actions can, I welcome confirmation that the Foreign Secretary has of course, have a very important effect. 857 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 16 JUNE 2014 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 858 Conflict Conflict [Mr Hague] Sir Malcolm Rifkind (Kensington) (Con): In the light of Tony Blair’s protestations to the contrary, I commend As for the specific steps that we are taking to encourage the shadow Foreign Secretary for making it clear that that pluralistic and inclusive politics, the primary step he accepts that the crisis in Iraq today has its roots in is, of course, persuasion. This is a sovereign country. I the chaos that has continued since the ill-judged invasion have put that argument—not for the first time—to Iraqi of that country in 2003. Ministers, who have been making the case directly to Does the Foreign Secretary agree that long-term stability Prime Minister Maliki, among others, for some time, in Iraq cannot be achieved until the Iraqi Government and our embassy is busily engaged in doing that with accept the need to incorporate and absorb the Sunni Iraqi Ministers now. However, I think that what has population in Government at the highest levels, happened in Iraq over the past week will be a very vivid proportionate to their legitimate entitlement, and will demonstration to Iraqi leaders that this is necessary, he make it clear to the Iraqi Government that serious and is in their own interest. It is not just desirable as a support from this Government will not be possible until point of political principle. It is essential for the future that happens? of Iraq that Sunni, Shi’a and Kurds work together—that all who support the existence of an Iraqi state work Mr Hague: Yes, I do agree with my right hon. and together—and if what is now happening does not learned Friend. Only yesterday, I made it very clear to demonstrate that clearly to them, nothing will. We will the Foreign Minister of Iraq that the support that will always try to persuade, but events on the ground are be received from the rest of the world will be closely demonstrating the need for this. related to progress made on that issue of bringing Shi’a, The right hon. Gentleman endorsed what I had said Sunni and Kurds together. This is essential. As I mentioned about our approach to questions of military intervention. in my statement, President Obama has made it clear I am sure that, if there were a substantial change in that that support of various kinds from the United States policy, I should be back here explaining it to the House, may well be conditional on political action by the Iraqi or asking permission for it, depending on the circumstances. Government, so that message is very clear. He asked about relations with Iran. As I said in my statement, over the last few days I have talked to a Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): I commend what number of Foreign Ministers around the region. As the Foreign Secretary said, and also what my right hon. well as those whom I mentioned in the statement, I have Friend the shadow Foreign Secretary said in his careful talked to Ministers in Israel and Iran. Indeed, I spoke to remarks about the history here, but may I press the the Foreign Minister of Iran on Saturday about a Foreign Secretary a little on the issue of Iran? I welcome number of matters, including the situation in Iraq. He the imminent statement he is due to make tomorrow, said that there was a case for a further step forward in which I assume means there will be a strengthening of our bilateral relations. I have discussed that with him, relations, but does he recall that after 9/11, and until, and I shall have something more to say about our frankly, the Khatami Government were undermined discussions imminently—in fact, very imminently, if the gratuitously by President Bush in his axis of evil speech, right hon. Gentleman is here tomorrow. That is a heavy the Iranian Government gave the British and American hint. However, our work on that is distinct from discussions Governments very good, positive and trusting co-operation on Iraq, which is partly why I shall address those in respect of the removal of the Taliban? Does he also separately. accept that, with the current Rouhani Government, As for humanitarian support, the right hon. Gentleman there is an opportunity to build more positive relations, can be absolutely sure that my right hon. Friend the because the Iranians have a similar interest to us in Secretary of State for International Development and ensuring their neighbour is a stable democracy and not her Department are very quick to react. They have had reduced to the chaos it is in now? the first field team in the north of Iraq in the last few days. They work closely with all the United Nations Mr Hague: Yes, of course we do have, going back agencies, and envisage that more support may be necessary. over many decades and including now, important common Of course, we keep the safety of our staff in Baghdad interests with Iran, and that includes stability in Iraq under close review. and, indeed, in Afghanistan. There are also many other I was grateful for the right hon. Gentleman’s supportive issues, such as dealing with the narcotics trade, on remarks about the work of the Government and many which Iran and the UK have common interests, and people around the world on the preventing sexual violence that is a very good argument for trying to advance our initiative. As he said, the key thing now is to turn that bilateral relations. Of course we also have to deal with into practical action. I am convinced that if everyone the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme, which was something who was at the summit last week now did what is set out else I discussed with the Foreign Minister at the weekend, in the protocol and the declaration on ending sexual and there will be further negotiations this week. We also violence in conflict, it would make a huge difference need Iran to make its contribution to stability in the throughout the world. We all understand that a great region by ceasing its support for sectarian groups in deal of work will still be necessary to ensure that other parts of the region. We look to Iran to do those practical actions are taken by prosecutors in independent things, but do we have some common interests? Yes, judiciaries, in military training and in the changing of we do. laws. However, I believe that we have given real momentum to that work, and that it is an essential part of what I Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): My have described as a great strategic prize of this century: right hon. Friend will recall that I and my right hon. the full social, political and economic empowerment of and hon. Friends at the time were unequivocally opposed women everywhere. We in the Government will remain to the military invasion. Notwithstanding that fact, I utterly dedicated to that. can tell him that I am sympathetic to the view that it 859 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 16 JUNE 2014 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 860 Conflict Conflict cannot be credibly said that the invasion is the sole Mr Hague: ISIL must be defeated, as my right hon. cause of the present situation in Iraq, although it is, I Friend says. I agree with him—I think it is the mood think, now generally accepted across the House that it across the whole House—that the prime responsibility has most certainly made a significant contribution. rests with Governments in the region, including the May I turn, however, to the issue of Iran, properly Iraqi Government, who have very substantial security raised by the right hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw)? forces at their disposal. As I said in my statement, we There is no question but that the United States and Iran can provide assistance of various kinds, and other have different motives, but as the Foreign Secretary nations are considering other forms of assistance. The acknowledged a moment or two ago, they have common United States has said publicly that it is looking at all interests, so co-operation between them, even if covert, options. It has the assets and capabilities of the type, would be in the interests of us all. scale and location to deliver such assistance if it believes it can do so productively, so we will concentrate on Mr Hague: Well, of course covert co-operation is not helping in the way that I have set out. something I will speculate about on the Floor of the House; it is not my habit to do so for very good reasons. Mr Peter Hain (Neath) (Lab): Given that the Sunni-Shi’a Of course those common interests with Iran are there in divide is now a fault line in the region and that an respect of the stability of the entire region. That is very almost primeval form of jihadism is driving that on the clear, but I stress again that Iran can do a great deal for Sunni side, does the Foreign Secretary agree that it is stability across the whole of the middle east by desisting imperative that ownership of solving this conflict has to with a nuclear programme that threatens nuclear be in the region, particularly in Iraq but also in neighbouring proliferation across the region and by ceasing support Iran, which, as he has implied, could help significantly? for sectarian or terrorist groups elsewhere. There is a I agree with the previous comments that it is imperative heavy responsibility on Iran, as well as on all of us to do that we lose no opportunity to engage Iraq, even if it is what we can to improve relations and to get that point not up in lights as some formal alliance, which is what across to Iran. has understandably been rejected this morning. It is a key to all of this, does he agree? Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): The past is always with us. We are urged to learn from Mr Hague: I absolutely agree with the broad thrust of our mistakes, and I am delighted to hear that the British what the right hon. Gentleman is saying. The prime Government have learnt and that there will be no responsibility lies with all the states of the region; they military incursion in this particular war. May I also add all have a responsibility to improve the way in which my voice to those that have already been raised to say they work together, because they are all at risk in that the British Government should encourage Iran to various ways. There is no state that has an interest in think again, to work with America and our allies, and this instability in Iraq, other than possibly the regime to bring its best efforts to bear on ending what is, in in Damascus. Every established state in the middle east the Foreign Secretary’s own words, a Government of has its interests confronted and threatened by these sectarianism and religious intolerance? Surely the way developments. It is important that they improve their to bring about an inclusive Government in Iraq is to own working together, and we must use our own diplomacy urge the stepping down of Prime Minister Malaki at the to encourage that. I stress again that that requires a earliest possible moment? change of policy by Iran as well as every effort on our part to engage Iran. Mr Hague: It is not for us—the Government of another nation—to try to pick and choose who will be Alistair Burt (North East Bedfordshire) (Con): It is a the Prime Minister in Iraq. After all, we have all said for pity that we have had to run these two subjects together, so long how much we believe in democracy in Iraq, and because no one should underestimate the extraordinary that choice has to be the product of its own democracy. work that my right hon. Friend has done in relation to None the less, we can give it the advice, coming loudly raising the issue of preventing sexual violence in conflict and clearly from this House today, that it needs political to such a level. He fully deserves all the commendation unity in Government, in support of the existence of its he is getting. state and the functions of government, between Sunni In relation to the issues in the wider middle east, does and Shi’a groups, with the inclusion of Sunni leaders, as my right hon. Friend agree that one of the problems is my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for that we are dealing with non-state actors across boundaries Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) mentioned. We want with no accountability and a wicked ideology who are Iran to encourage that as well. Indeed, one of the points taking on individual states that are so consumed with I made to Foreign Minister Zarif of Iran was that it is in their own internal problems that they cannot yet act Iran’s interest to press for that Sunni inclusion inside Iraq. together and recognise the scale of the threat? Does he have any sense that states recognise that, and that they Dr Liam Fox (North Somerset) (Con): Sadly, it is will, at some stage, have to work together to kill off inevitable that there will be a heavy loss of life and both the ideology and the people who are propounding bloodshed in the region, but it is imperative that ISIL is it? In that struggle, we do have a role to play in order to defeated. Although that must fall to the Governments combat a threat that will ultimately arrive on our doorstep. in the region, primarily Iraq in the first place, where they have identified military capability gaps, we must be Mr Hague: I absolutely agree with my right hon. sympathetic and help them. The last thing we want to Friend. We have a role to play, and yet the responsibility do is to send a message in advance that we have ruled of the states in the region that he talks about is clear as anything out, which could only be of help and comfort well. What happened last week has been a huge shock in to the terrorists. Baghdad. It is a clear demonstration to them, as I said 861 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 16 JUNE 2014 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 862 Conflict Conflict [Mr Hague] Iranian Foreign Minister, we are making every effort to ensure that we discuss a whole range of issues with the earlier, that they need greater political unity. It is also a Iranians. I say again that we are looking to them to clear demonstration that unity is needed across the change some of their approach in the wider region if Arab world in order to deal with these threats, working they really want to be the agents of its stability, rather with religious leaders as well as working between national than its instability. Governments. We will certainly encourage that as well as providing direct assistance of the type that I have Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): Tony Blair took the described, and providing strong protection for our own UK to war in Iraq because of weapons of mass destruction national security through our counter-terrorism vigilance that never existed. He was rewarded, remarkably, with and expertise. the post of middle east peace envoy. Given his dangerous and ill-judged comments in the past few days, which Mr Speaker: Noting his fetching white jacket, which were described by the Foreign Secretary’s colleague the is sparkling indeed, I call Mr Mike Gapes. Mayor of London as “unhinged”, does the Foreign Secretary agree that Tony Blair should not continue in Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): The Foreign post as a middle east peace envoy? Secretary was a Minister in John Major’s Government, a Government who used military intervention to impose Mr Hague: No, I do not agree with that. Nor do I a no-fly zone to protect the Kurds. That policy was think that the recent events in Iraq should be turned continued and enhanced under the Tony Blair Government. into a proxy debate about Tony Blair and everything We would not have millions of Iraqi Kurds living in that he has ever said or done. The shadow Foreign peace, prosperity and democracy without the intervention Secretary is looking rather alarmed about the idea of a that has taken place to protect them from Saddam. If proxy debate about Tony Blair. In any case, we have set we had brought back Saddam or Uday, the Kurds up an inquiry in this House into the Iraq war, and that would have suffered in the same way as the rest of the inquiry will report in due course. [HON.MEMBERS: “When?”] Iraqis are suffering today. Therefore, if the Kurdistan If the inquiry had been set up when I called for it, it Regional Government requests assistance, should we would have reported a long time ago. Hon. Members not give such a request sympathetic consideration? will have to ask those who were in Government at the time, and who resisted such an inquiry for a long time, Mr Hague: I agree with the hon. Gentleman about about the delay in its reporting. the importance of what we did, in this country, to protect We can all pass judgment in detail when that report is the Kurds. Only a few weeks ago, the Prime Minister of published, but the issue we must address now is how to the Kurdistan Regional Government was here. We hear deal with this situation. I do not think it would help this all the time, as he will have heard, the continuing situation for Tony Blair to feel that he has to resign gratitude of the people of that region for what the from other positions. United Kingdom did. I am not arguing against all military interventions; I John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): Many people in this am saying that in this situation, now, in Iraq, we are not country will be keen to understand how an estimated planning a military intervention. I am not saying that 400 British nationals came to be engaged in foreign there will never be any circumstances in the world in terrorism in Iraq and Syria. What conversations is the which we may need to make a military intervention—far Foreign Secretary having with his colleagues in government from it. We have had no such request from Kurdistan. to ensure that those individuals will not have the option Indeed, the forces of the Kurdistan Regional Government of returning to the UK—ever? have acquitted themselves well in recent days, and they have been an important part of bringing about stability Mr Hague: We are having many conversations in in the northern areas of Iraq. We have not received such government and, of course, with other Governments a request, and we do not envisage such a request at the about how to prevent that. As my hon. Friend will moment. understand, if a British national leaves via a third country and ultimately travels to Syria over the border Sir Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): I am of one of Syria’s neighbours, it is very difficult for us in sure that the Foreign Secretary can see the irony of the the UK to know about that. We advise strongly against Iranians floating the idea of co-operation with the all travel to Syria and have made it very clear that the United States, albeit indirectly, having gone to such Home Secretary will not hesitate to use her powers to great lengths to get rid of it in 2011. Does he agree that withdraw passports and cancel leave to remain in the this is the first time in decades that our interests coincide United Kingdom and that our security forces will make with those of the Iranians? My enemy’s enemy is my arrests wherever there is the appropriate evidence. People friend, so will he take every opportunity to build a can be absolutely sure that we will be extremely vigilant rapport with the Iranians, which could have beneficial about this issue. effects in other areas? Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): In Mr Hague: I will do so, yes. We have overlapping Iraq and Syria and throughout the Muslim world extremists interests, although I am not sure that it is the first time live and dictators survive off the back of the fear and we have done so. We have always had common interests division between Shi’a and Sunni. Those efforts of in some of the areas that I mentioned earlier, such as persuasion that the Foreign Secretary talks about should stability in Afghanistan. The current situation does be aimed not just at political leaders and Governments highlight that, and as my right hon. Friend can gather but at figures of influence on both those sides of Islam. from the conversation I had over the weekend with the How much effort and influence does he think there is 863 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 16 JUNE 2014 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 864 Conflict Conflict and how much of a priority do the British Government not vote in that way. This House makes the decisions on give to trying to encourage reconciliation and co-operation those matters, and we work within the constraints of from religious figures of influence, both Shi’a and Sunni? that. I have made it clear that we can provide assistance to the Iraqi Government—the United States might be Mr Hague: We give that a very high priority, but these able to provide a great deal of other assistance—while events show that we cannot do too much and that we simultaneously stressing that Government’s own heavy might need to do a lot more over the coming months responsibility to rise to the challenge in both the security and years. We give it a high priority and my right hon. and the political sense. and noble Friend Baroness Warsi has done a great deal of work on it as part of her work on freedom of Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): I was one of religion, which is also about bringing different religious the 1 million who marched against the war in Iraq, leaders together. Our embassies across the middle east although we were ignored by the Government of the do a great deal of work as well. The right hon. Gentleman time. I very much welcome the Foreign Secretary’s is right that this is not just about political leaders; it is comment that he is not planning military intervention about religious leaders and other leading figures in by the UK. I and many others will keep track of what society in many of the countries concerned. We have happens in that regard. What steps will he take to insisted all along that the Syrian national coalition must ensure that Prime Minister Maliki does not use this represent religious reconciliation and people of all faiths crisis to try to extend his executive power in inappropriate in Syria. I think the answer is that we do a great deal, ways? but we must acknowledge that more will need to be done. Mr Hague: Inclusive politics and a more inclusive political leadership in Iraq would not involve the abuse Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): I of power by the Prime Minister of the day, and it would congratulate the Front-Bench team and their counterparts have to include some degree of people not only working in the Department for International Development and together in government but genuinely sharing power. the Ministry of Justice on the work they have done over Otherwise, it would not work. It would be built into a the past four years to promote women’s rights across broader political unity in Iraq that Sunnis and Kurds the globe. I am saddened that, as momentum behind would be well consulted and have leadership positions the issues has grown, some of the media have chosen to in the political process, but it would be up to them to belittle the contribution of Angelina Jolie at the recent determine the details of that. conference rather than focus on the issues that she cares about. In the light of that, what would my right hon. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Does the Friend’s advice be to Bono? Foreign Secretary accept that the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the subsequent destruction of all the structures Mr Hague: I hesitate to give advice to Bono, but it is of civil society there have led to this implosion? Does he nevertheless important for us to ensure that this work also accept that the current crisis is being exacerbated reaches all parts of the world. It is vital work, as my by the arms in the region? He has confirmed that there hon. Friend describes. Governments cannot reach all will be no military intervention by Britain or the USA, opinion formers everywhere in the world and so the but what discussions has he had with Saudi Arabia contribution of my co-host at the sexual violence summit, about its influence, its arms supplies and its friendships Angelina Jolie, is immense in getting the message across within the region, and about its actual aims? to countries that would never otherwise hear about the work or never necessarily take any interest in the summit Mr Hague: We have had many discussions with states that we held. I advise everyone to take full heed of that throughout the region, particularly in relation to Syria. work and give it full support as that is the only way to We have said that any support, including the non-lethal tackle some of the worst crimes that we are seeing support from the United Kingdom, should be given to anywhere in the world. moderate groupings and not to extremists. Indeed, these events underline the importance of that, and it is something Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): The recent that we will always restate to Saudi Arabia and to other advance of ISIS—the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham— states in the region. They are committed to not supporting might have been a shock, but the reality is that hundreds extremist groups, because those groups ultimately present of people have been dying in terrorist attacks in Baghdad a threat to them as well as to Iraq and to many people and other parts of Iraq for many months. That is a in Syria. On the earlier part of the hon. Gentleman’s result of the breakdown of the situation and the civil question, I think we will have to wait for the report from war in Syria. The signal given last summer by this the inquiry into Iraq. People can argue the case either House, and by the United States and the international way in regard to the consequences of the 2003 invasion, community, created the space into which ISIS has now but it is worth pointing out that if Iraq had developed pushed forward. What is going to change, and how is a more inclusive politics over recent years and if the the international community going to turn this round? Assad regime had not opted to wage war against its own people, the scenario would now be very different, Mr Hague: Clearly we have to do what I set out in my notwithstanding the 2003 invasion. statement. The House of Commons cannot re-fight its earlier decisions. I disagreed with the decision made in Sir James Paice (South East Cambridgeshire) (Con): the House last August, but we are democratic politicians May I take this opportunity to congratulate my right and we respect the House’s decision on that occasion. If hon. Friend on the leadership that he showed during we had voted the other way, would it have sent a sharp last week’s conference on preventing sexual violence in message to the Assad regime? Yes it would, but we did conflict? That is a major issue, but it is one that many 865 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 16 JUNE 2014 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 866 Conflict Conflict [Sir James Paice] Iraqis. There is no question of our standing aside from such a crisis, but we should be clear—I think we have people—dare I say it, many men—have avoided addressing. been clear across the House today—that there is prime My right hon. Friend deserves congratulation on addressing responsibility on leaders in the region, including Iraq, it. Will he take this opportunity to challenge media to ensure a coherent security and political response. It is commentators who have suggested over the past few within their power to do so, and it is therefore their days that it is a relatively minor issue compared with the prime responsibility to do so, with our support where issues of Iraq that we have just been discussing? Does necessary. he not agree that, in many ways, they are two sides of the same coin and that the fundamental belief that Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): It was a privilege to women are second-class citizens lies at the heart of the meet some of the brave women who came to give use of sexual violence in conflict and at the heart of the evidence at the conference last week, particularly those beliefs of most of the extreme terrorist organisations? from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was ironic, however, that at the same time as the conference Mr Hague: My right hon. Friend makes an extremely was going on, women were being raped in Iraq. There is good point. There are reports from Iraq of sexual no doubt from UN reports about the behaviour of ISIS violence, and as I mentioned in my statement, in Nigeria in Iraq, which is threatening sharia law and carrying out extremist terrorist groups are some of the main perpetrators extreme sharia law. Will the Foreign Secretary make of appalling sexual violence against those in their captivity. clear that people who are found guilty of those crimes This is not only a vital moral issue for the world—we will face charges of war crimes and crimes against have been right to break the taboo in many parts of the humanity, and that they will not get away with it? world about discussing it. It is also fundamentally connected to conflict prevention. When mass war-zone rape is committed by one community against another, it becomes Mr Hague: It is clear in the declaration on ending dramatically more difficult to prevent conflict between sexual violence in conflict, which I put forward and them for decades into the future. I think that in some which 155 nations have now signed, that these crimes quarters there is a good deal of ignorance about those are to be considered grave breaches of the Geneva matters. conventions. Much of what we are doing, as the right hon. Lady knows, is to make sure that the era of Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I join others in impunity for these things is over, and that prosecutions congratulating the Foreign Secretary on his role in can take place and that evidence can be more easily initiating the conference. My concern is with Iraq and gathered. If we do not do that, the problem will get the huge number of people who will now be leaving or worse in the world over the coming years. I very much attempting to leave because of the current crisis. Many agree with the thrust of her question; it is at the very top of those people will be at the hands of people traffickers of the priorities of the preventing sexual violence initiative. who will exploit them, and they will end up on the borders of Greece and Turkey. What support can we Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): Would give those countries, and what steps can we take to help it not be wise for Tony Blair to be a bit more Trappist authorities in Iraq to stop people leaving? about this issue, at least until the Chilcot inquiry reports, rather than trying to re-write history by attempting to Mr Hague: As I set out in my statement, we are giving say that the shambles of an occupation that we saw is rapid assistance. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of somehow not linked to the tragic events that we see State for International Development authorised that today? Is it not the case that in 2003 al-Qaeda was not quickly at the weekend, and is ready with further assistance present in Iraq? A vacuum of governance was caused if it becomes necessary. We are already generous donors and that was filled. That is something that, sadly, the to many other countries in the region that are dealing Iraqi Prime Minister has failed to meet. with huge refugee flows, particularly Lebanon and Jordan, and through UN agencies we are also assisting with Mr Hague: I will add Tony Blair, with Bono, to the refugee flows in Turkey and the area of the Kurdistan list of people whom I will not advise on what to say regional Government. After the United States, Britain during the course of our proceedings. There will be is the second most substantial national donor in the many important lessons that are best looked at when we world to programmes for refugees in the region, and the have all the evidence of the inquiry. We are very clear on right hon. Gentleman can be assured that we will maintain what is needed now in Iraq and in neighbouring states that strong record. to respond to this situation, and for the moment we James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): must focus on encouraging that correct response. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that whatever the historic failings of western policy, we cannot simply Mr John Denham (Southampton, Itchen) (Lab): Will stand aside as the viability of the Iraqi state is called the Foreign Secretary, with his emphasis on looking to into question? Do we not have a responsibility to the responsibilities within the region, say a little more about Iraqi people to ensure that their country does not the role of Saudi Arabia? Have not few countries done descend into all-out sectarian violence, which in any as much as Saudi Arabia to promote a sectarian and event would be completely against our national interests deeply conservative brand of Islam right around the in the middle east? world, including in the middle east? It and other conservative Gulf states stay high on the list of diplomatic friends of Mr Hague: I am certainly not advocating standing our Government. If we are to speak truth to power, why aside, and I have set out what we are doing politically do we not challenge those who have helped foster the and in terms of humanitarian aid and assistance to the sectarianism that we now see? 867 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 16 JUNE 2014 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 868 Conflict Conflict Mr Hague: The position among regional states is a David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): I welcome the Foreign complex one. Saudi Arabia has often acted with us in Secretary’s statement. What steps—diplomatic action the past to try to ensure that there is stability in the in particular—are being taken by the UK and other nations region, and it is important to bear that in mind. I stress to improve the degree of engagement between the Kurdistan again that I agree with the right hon. Gentleman and Regional Government and the Iraqi Government? many across the House that there is a responsibility on all leading states in the region to improve relations and Mr Hague: This is an important issue, as we noted to try to ensure that religions can co-exist side by side. earlier. Through all our diplomatic channels and through There is a huge responsibility on Iran in particular, as I my conversations with the relevant leaders, we encourage mentioned earlier, but of course there is a responsibility that co-operation between the Iraqi authorities in Baghdad on Gulf states and others as well, and we will make that and the Kurdistan Regional Government. I discussed very clear. this at length with the Prime Minister and other Ministers of the KRG a few weeks ago. I discussed it with the Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): In his reply to the Iraqi Foreign Minister just yesterday, and we will continue shadow Foreign Secretary, my right hon. Friend talked in that vein. about all those who support Iraq. With Maliki running a sectarian Government, with the Kurds taking the opportunity to seize Kirkuk, which will always be one Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Did not the vote of of the very difficult post-conflict issues to solve, and 29 August last year prove that the trust of many Members with the Sunni population turning to this dreadful of this House in military action has been deeply undermined mediaeval force, is not the problem that, frankly, not by the terrible decision that we took in 2003 to send 179 many people support the concept of Iraq? Is it not brave British soldiers to their deaths in Iraq on the basis about time that we started pushing for an international of untruths and the hubris and vanity of a Prime conference to bring all the actors together so that we Minister? Will not that trust be further undermined if can have a strategy that can lead to an agreed post-Iraq the Chilcot report is expurgated—if it omits the full text solution? of the letters from Tony Blair and George Bush—and will it not be seen as an establishment cover-up by politicians and civil servants to guard their reputations? Mr Hague: I do not exclude at all the need for international conferences to try to bring together all the countries in the region, as well as key players in Iraq. Mr Hague: I am sure there will be an occasion to My hon. Friend is right to point to the formidable debate that report when it is available. The hon. Gentleman difficulties facing those who need to work together in and all of us will be able to give our views then. I think Iraq. However, underneath that there is tremendous it is true that the vote in the House last August was support among the people of Iraq for the functioning influenced by a loss of trust in the aftermath of the war of their country. They have turned out in very large in Iraq, whatever side we took and whatever we think numbers in elections. They have made every effort to about that. It was influenced by that, yes, so we have to participate in their democracy, and I believe that the conduct ourselves in a way that rebuilds trust in Government mass of the people in Iraq want that democracy to decisions on these matters. That is what we are constantly succeed. Their leaders, as in any country, need to respond seeking to do. to that and harness that. Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): It Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury) is said that the international community wants to engage (Lab): May I ask the right hon. Gentleman about the Iran to help resolve the situation in Iraq, but some ask second part of his statement? Does he share my alarm how that can possibly be the case when Iran is supporting about the reports of increasing numbers of Tamil asylum terrorism in Lebanon by Hezbollah, supporting Hamas refugees being refused asylum status despite entirely and supporting the horrific regime of President Assad, credible accounts of being subjected to rape by the and when it backed Prime Minister Maliki to cause the security services? Will he please give an undertaking to mess in Iraq in the first place. Linked to that, what steps the House that the Foreign Office will look again at are we taking to address the problem that the advanced-level the country profiles on which the Home Office and the weapons given to the Iraqi army by the international courts rely before making decisions in those cases, community are ending up in the hands of the extremists? particularly highlighting the problems in relation to women being raped? Mr Hague: The point that my hon. Friend raises is exactly why I have stressed several times that although Mr Hague: There have been major problems of sexual it is right to engage Iran, which we are doing, we need to violence in Sri Lanka. I spoke about this to the Sri see a change in Iranian policies if the Iranians are to Lankan media and with the many NGOs that I worked promote stability rather than instability in the region. when I was at the Commonwealth Heads of Government They do support sectarian or terrorist groups and have meeting in Sri Lanka in November. In this country we supported them elsewhere in the region. That is an take our responsibilities to asylum seekers very seriously, important policy to change because it creates deep as the hon. Lady knows, but in a strict and, we hope, divisions across the middle east, and I again stress that fair system. Where there are serious and valid complaints, we look to Iran to change those policies. of course they will be looked at. As she knows, this matter is primarily the Home Secretary’s responsibility, John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I not mine, so either I or a Home Office Minister will welcome the fact that the Foreign Secretary has said on write to the hon. Lady about that point. several occasions that the Government are not planning 869 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 16 JUNE 2014 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 870 Conflict Conflict [John McDonnell] violence, including sexual violence, so it is clear that the Government are attempting to assist in such cases, but any military intervention. Can I be absolutely assured where there is criticism we will examine it and respond that there will be no military intervention by this to it. Government, or support by this Government for others’ military intervention, without a vote of this House? On Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): I the second part of his statement, with regard to sexual take on board my right hon. Friend’s point, made in violence, will he look at reports that women who have answer to previous questions, that in the here and now come to this country seeking asylum from areas of we can cajole through the diplomatic avenues. We can conflict have been detained in Yarl’s Wool, where they also make it clear to everybody involved that it is in have been subjected to sexual abuse? their best interests. But does he agree that actually the real issue is good governance? We have a history in this Mr Hague: The hon. Gentleman’s second point is a country, through Northern Ireland—of course, that is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, different political prism—of bringing an approach of but I will of course draw it to her attention. We have a consensual politics to such matters. This is very similar clear precedent established about coming to the House, to corruption: we need to break the cycle. Do not do when circumstances permit, in relation to the use of unto others as has been done unto me. military force. We did that over Syria, even though we were then defeated. The hon. Gentleman is trying to Mr Hague: My hon. Friend makes an extremely extend that precedent to support for other states taking powerful point, and I hope that it will be well heeded far military action. This House does not govern actions beyond this House. taken by other states. The Government will of course always come to explain our diplomatic posture on all those things. Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland) (Lab): The EU Enlargement Commissioner is scheduled to hold talks with the Turkish President Mr Ben Wallace (Wyre and Preston North) (Con): In and Foreign Minister. No doubt the capture of Turkish the post-Iraq and post-Afghanistan conferences, and in diplomats in Mosul last week will be raised. What the Syria peace conferences, Iran was consistently left discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with the off the guest list. Does my right hon. Friend not agree more secular yet Sunni Turkish Government about the that what we are seeing in Iraq is the inevitable outcome security situation in Iraq? of our picking and choosing our regional players and leaving Iran off the guest lists? In future we should learn the lesson and invite all sides to try to resolve these Mr Hague: I regularly discuss the situation in Iraq issues, especially those that live closest and suffer the with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, greatest threat through such conflict. most recently on Saturday, when I expressed our concern about the Turkish nationals who have now been taken Mr Hague: My hon. Friend must bear in mind that hostage by ISIL. We of course hope for their safe return there is also a lesson for those not invited. In the case of and are consulting closely with Turkey about the whole the unsuccessful Geneva peace conference that we held situation we have been discussing in the House today. earlier this year on Syria, we and others were entirely open to the inclusion of Iran. We only wanted to know Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): My right that Iran would support the creation of a transitional hon. Friend says that he is keeping open the possibility Government in Syria as a solution to the problem, in of offering counter-terrorism expertise. Another area in the same way that Russia has done through its support which we have particular expertise is aerial reconnaissance, for the Geneva 2012 declaration. That was quite a small surveillance and intelligence gathering. Is he therefore requirement for adding it to the guest list, but Iran was keeping open the option of offering Royal Air Force unable to do that. The effort has to come from Iran as ISTAR—intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and well as from the rest of us. reconnaissance—assets?

Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): I Mr Hague: What my hon. Friend mentions would congratulate the Foreign Secretary on his important count as a military intervention, and we are not planning conference last week. However, while I recognise that military intervention in Iraq in this situation, as I have real progress is being made in conflict zones, it is a very made clear; while I have taken care not to rule out the different story when the same survivors of rape make it things that could happen in a whole variety of situations to UK shores. Will he add to the list of things to raise in future, I think that I have made that very clear today. with the Home Secretary a more systemic concern about our asylum system, which often punishes and Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab): One of the humiliates women a second time when they arrive? many worrying aspects of recent events is that the Iraqi They are expected to talk to men, often on their own or army and other security forces do not appear to have in front of their children. It really is not a sensitive way performed well. Of course, this is not just about military forward. capability; it has much to do with the political decisions taken by the Iraqi Government. Looking ahead to the Mr Hague: I will add that to the list, but I hope that end of our operational commitment in Afghanistan at the hon. Lady will also bear in mind that the Home the end of this year, what is the Foreign Secretary doing Secretary said in her recent announcements on admitting to satisfy himself that the Afghan national security Syrian refugees into the UK that we would give particular forces have the confidence and the capability needed to priority to people who are vulnerable and at risk of avoid a similar situation in Afghanistan? 871 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 16 JUNE 2014 Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in 872 Conflict Conflict Mr Hague: This is a very important question. Of Mr Hague: I think that it has taken people by surprise, course, every quarter we have an oral statement on including in Baghdad, because of the failure of Iraqi Afghanistan, and this will be an important topic for the security forces—large numbers of them—to hold the next one. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have taken territory to which they were assigned. That, of course, every care to build up and train the Afghan national is very disappointing and alarming, and it underlines security forces. They have acquitted themselves very the need for the Iraqi security forces to be well led, to well in conflict in Afghanistan over the past year or two, work together well, and to be backed by political unity. having led all major operations in recent times themselves. I think that is the answer to my hon. Friend’s question. I hope that the new President of Afghanistan, for whom elections took place this weekend, will sign the bilateral Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): What security agreement with the United States that will discussions were held at the summit with regard to Sri enable all of us to settle how we support the Afghan Lanka? In the past 24 hours, a number of my Muslim state in the future. There is further work to be done on constituents of Sri Lankan origin have got in touch this, but the Afghan national security forces are extremely because they are deeply fearful for the lives of many of strong and capable. their relatives in Sri Lanka, who are under threat from the sectarianism of the extremist Bodu Bala Sena group. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Does my right hon. What advice does the Foreign Secretary have for my Friend agree that the removal of Saddam, which, as the constituents and what pressure can he put on the Sri hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike Gapes) said, prevented Lankan Government? the Kurdish nation from being exterminated, is not the sole cause of the current crisis? Is it not more the Mr Hague: Of course, we regularly try to put pressure problems in Syria, and the weakness and inadequacy of on the Sri Lankan Government. The hon. Gentleman the Iraqi President, that have led to Islamic jihadists gives me the opportunity to tell the House how much launching a campaign from Syria? Does he not also we look to them to prevent sectarian conflict and outrages agree that if the crisis gets worse, at some point NATO within Sri Lanka, just as we look to any Government and the United States will have to intervene militarily to responsible for their own citizens to do the same. The put a lid on the problem and protect the Kurdistan hon. Gentleman will also know that the UK led the region? way, successfully, at the United Nations Human Rights Council in March to win the vote on setting up an Mr Hague: On the last point, the United States has international inquiry into the conflict in Sri Lanka. We said that it is examining all options. I think that the are always leading the way on this and I join the hon. necessary support for the Iraqi security forces is much Gentleman in reiterating our strong message of concern more likely to be given by the United States than by about these events. NATO as a whole. My hon. Friend is quite right about many of the other massive contributory factors. Whatever Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): The people think, with hindsight, of the merits or otherwise prize for patience goes to Mr John Woodcock. of the 2003 invasion, recent events in Syria and the failure in Iraq to develop a fully inclusive politics have John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): certainly contributed to this situation. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Whatever the responsibility the UK holds for the current situation in Iraq, there is a clear need to prevent the country from Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) falling into the hands of these extremists. Given the (PC): Given that the Foreign Secretary now finds himself Foreign Secretary’s statement that military intervention dealing with a major crisis in Iraq, does he share my may well prove necessary, why has he ruled out any UK regret that the Chilcot inquiry has not published its participation or military support whatsoever? report? If it had, his foreign policy would benefit from a detailed analysis of events before, during and, critically, Mr Hague: For the reasons I set out in my statement, after the last Gulf war. the prime need is for the leadership in Iraq—in both a security and a political sense—to be able to respond. Mr Hague: Yes, in many ways, because I think it was There is a case for outside support where necessary, but 2006 when, as shadow Foreign Secretary, I first proposed as I said, the assets and capabilities to deliver such an inquiry on Iraq. I imagine that the hon. Gentleman’s military support are much more likely to be possessed party supported that at the time; I am sure that it did. by the United States of America. I have set out other Perhaps it even called for an inquiry before then. Had areas in which we can help. That is the reasoning for this the inquiry been established then, rather than being approach. resisted by the then Government for a good two years, we would certainly have had the result by now. Madam Deputy Speaker: We appreciate that that statement took a very long time—longer than usual—but Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Why does the the House is grateful to the Foreign Secretary, as those speed and extent of the success so far of the caliphate were two very important issues on which many Members forces seem to have taken everyone by surprise? wished to asked questions. 873 16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 874

Consumer Rights Bill (b) the steps that the government intends to take to prohibit fees that cause detriment to tenants.’

[2ND ALLOCATED DAY] Government amendment 23. Further consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee. Jenny Willott: We know that consumers in the private rented sector are especially concerned about the fees New Clause 24 charged by letting agents, particularly when they are unexpected or unreasonably high. There are calls for a DUTY OF LETTING AGENTS TO PUBLICISE FEES ban on letting agents charging fees to tenants, but I am ‘(1) A letting agent must, in accordance with this section, concerned, as we discussed on the previous debate on publicise details of the agent’s relevant fees. Report, that an outright ban would simply increase the (2) The agent must display a list of the fees— pressure on rents. Making agents publish their fees is a (a) at each of the agent’s premises at which the agent deals better approach, giving consumers the information they face-to-face with persons using or proposing to use want and supporting good letting agents. Such transparency services to which the fees relate, and would deter double charging and enable tenants and (b) at a place in each of those premises at which the list is landlords to shop around, which would encourage agents likely to be seen by such persons. to offer competitive fees. (3) The agent must publish a list of the fees on the agent’s The vast majority of letting agents provide a good website (if it has a website). service to tenants and landlords, but we are determined (4) A list of fees displayed or published in accordance with to tackle the minority of rogue agents who offer a poor subsection (2) or (3) must include— service. Although good agents already make information (a) a description of each fee that is sufficient to enable a about their fees and charges readily available, the new person who is liable to pay it to understand the service clause will introduce, for the first time, a financial or cost that is covered by the fee or the purpose for penalty when an agent fails to display their fees. We are which it is imposed (as the case may be), introducing legislation that will require all letting agents (b) in the case of a fee which tenants are liable to pay, an indication of whether the fee relates to each dwelling- and property managers to belong to an approved redress house or each tenant under a tenancy of the dwelling- scheme. That will give tenants an effective way to address house, and complaints about fees, as well as, more generally, when (c) the amount of each fee inclusive of any applicable tax the tenant is not happy with the agent’s performance. or, where the amount of a fee cannot reasonably be determined in advance, a description of how that fee is calculated. Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): It is a pleasure to see the debate on the Consumer Rights Bill (5) The Secretary of State may by regulations specify— come back to the House because many Members on (a) other ways in which a letting agent must publicise both sides of the House are concerned about the impact details of the relevant fees charged by the agent; of what the Minister calls unreasonably high fees. In (b) the details that must be given of fees publicised in that way.’—(Jenny Willott.) relation to the Government’s proposal and our entirely reasonable new clause, the challenge for us all is to This new Clause requires letting agents to publish a list of their fees understand quite what damage such fees do to the and provides for where and how this must be done. The Secretary of State may also make regulations about what must be published and private rented sector and how we can address those fees where. to give us a fair market in private rented accommodation. Brought up, and read the First time. I welcome the fact that the Government have now understood the case that the Opposition have been 5.22 pm making, which is that we cannot ignore—try though the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Government have in previous debates—the 9 million Innovation and Skills (Jenny Willott): I beg to move, people in the private rented sector in this country. In That the clause be read a Second time. particular, we must understand the impact of agency fees on people’s ability to keep a roof over their head, so Mr Speaker: With this it will be convenient to discuss it is worth thinking what kind of fees we are talking the following: about. The Minister did not go into much detail, but it Government new clause 25—Letting agents to which is worth reminding Members in the Chamber about the duty applies. the fees. Government new clause 26—Fees to which the duty On average, tenants are forced to pay letting agents applies. about £355 every single time they move. Indeed, some Government new clause 27—Letting agency work and mystery shopping in my constituency has found average property management work. fees of £450, and Shelter has identified the eye-watering figure of £700 in total agency fees. Shelter has certainly Government new clause 28—Enforcement of the duty. found that one in seven of those using an agency is Government new clause 29—Supplementary provisions. charged more than £500 a time, meaning that people New clause 30—Letting Agents: Report— have to find £500 every single time they move. That is a ‘Within three months of Royal Assent of this Act, the considerable sum, before we even consider the deposit Secretary of State shall prepare and publish a report, and lay a and the rent. Such fees are putting huge pressure on copy of the report before Parliament, on— people in the private rented sector, particularly in relation (a) the consumer detriment caused to tenants by letting to their ability to make ends meet. Shelter’s research agent fees and the impact this has on the ability of shows that 27% of those who have used a letting agency tenants to secure and maintain tenancies, and in the past three years have had to borrow or use a loan 875 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 876 to pay the fees, and that 17% have had to cut down their tenancy. The Government new clauses do not recognise spending on basic essentials, such as food or heating, to that fees are applied not just when a tenancy is started, be able to cover them. but when it is renewed. For the first day on Report, we tabled an amendment to recognise that there is a fundamental conflict of Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): I came interest for an agent to take money from both the across a case recently in which a tenancy was repeated. tenant and the landlord for the same transaction, and All that happened was that a copy of the original therefore to ban the laying of fees on tenants. In doing agreement was reprinted and sent off to be signed. so, we were learning from the experience in Scotland. There was all of about 30 pages of printing, which, even The Minister said, as she has again today, that banning at the most expensive local high street printing outfit, fees will not make it cheaper for tenants, who will just would not amount to anywhere near the couple of end up paying higher rents through up-front fees. hundred pounds that the agency was charging for that In responding to our new clause 30, I hope that the simple job. Minister will use this opportunity to tell us what she takes from the research done in Scotland, where such a Stella Creasy: My hon. Friend makes an important provision was made in 2012, because the research shows point about the kind of repeat fees we are seeing, which that the reverse is true—that there is no evidence that any legislation must address. More importantly—this banning agency fees leads to an increase in rents. Indeed, relates to the proposals that we have made—I would fewer than one in five letting agencies interviewed in wager that the landlord was also charged in that transaction Shelter’s research said that it had increased fees to for the same amount of photocopying. Fees are clearly landlords. In fact, taking away the conflict of interest being charged when a contract is repeated and that has had no impact on the market, but has done everything needs to be addressed. to help on the cost of housing. New clause 24 talks about how a fee can be calculated I note the comments by the Deputy Prime Minister, if the amount is not yet known. Will the Minister set who has admitted that there is a problem with fees and out what protection will be available to consumers if has said that there is an issue about the length of they miscalculate the amount based on the information tenancies. The Opposition have been making those that is provided? How clear does the information of the arguments for some time. In relation to the Government letting agency have to be? new clauses, what is it about our arguments and the All of the issues that I have raised relate to enforcement. evidence—that taking away fees does not increase rents, New clause 28 provides the power to impose a £5,000 but makes renting a home more affordable for people—that penalty. It would be very interesting to hear what kind explains why the Government have not as yet fully come of enforcement process the Minister envisages. We talked over to our side of the argument. in Committee about the cuts to trading standards—the The Government new clauses include some admirable Cinderella service that does not even have enough buttons claims about transparency. We certainly support the at the moment to address the many issues the Government idea that it is important for tenants to be aware of the expect it to address under the consumer rights legislation. fees that they might be charged. However, I have several The Minister talked in passing about the letting agent questions about how the new clauses are drafted, because redress scheme. I must pay tribute to my noble Friend it is not clear how they will work in practice. I am sure Baroness Hayter, who argued passionately for the redress that she would argue that all her proposed new clauses scheme because of her experience of these issues. It is must work in practice, not just in principle. not clear to the Opposition quite what will happen. One new clause mentions that the description of a fee Will the Minister therefore set out what she thinks will must be understandable, but will the Minister clarify happen if an agent does not display their fees clearly quite what that means? Will she require agents to break and what kind of enforcement action will be taken? She fees down and, for example, to say whether they will talked about issuing civil penalties. Will those penalties charge for a credit check and for an inventory fee, as go to the tenant who has had to pay £1,300 for the often happens? In my constituency, I have seen tenants photocopying to be repeated, but who was not told charged a pet fee, so will there be a description of all the about that when they signed up to the letting agency? fees that might possibly be applied? All those questions speak to the fundamental challenge What does the Minister mean by “likely to be seen”? that we are dealing with, which is that information, We have seen examples of agencies putting a list of their although welcome, is not enough to deal with the fees in the toilets of their offices for tenants to read. fundamental problem of the impact that excessively Under the Bill, would that be considered a place where high agency fees have on a person’s ability to rent a such a list is likely to be seen? What redress would a property. As we said in the previous debate on Report, tenant have if they had not had cause to use the it is a bit like telling someone who is tied to the train facilities of a letting agency and had therefore not seen tracks what the timetable is for the trains. The fundamental the information? issue that we have to deal with is the consequence of agents being able to charge tenants such fees. That is why we tabled new clause 30. I hope that the 5.30 pm Minister will recognise that it is an entirely reasonable Most crucially, fees are often charged not just when a response to the Government new clauses. New clause 30 tenancy is first signed, but when it is repeated. What will would do two things. First, it would require the Government the Minister do about the repeat application of fees? to produce a report on She will recall that, in the last debate on Report, we “the consumer detriment caused to tenants by letting agent fees discussed a tenant who had tweeted us live to say that and the impact this has on the ability of tenants to secure and they had been charged £1,300 to change the names on a maintain tenancies”. 877 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 878

[Stella Creasy] has had an impact on rents in certain areas. Landlords are not absorbing the increase in fees, but passing it on I am sure that everybody in the House would welcome to tenants through the rent. For example, in Edinburgh, such a report, because it would at least give some depth rents went up by more than 5% and in Aberdeen by to the conversations that we have all been having about more than 6%—significantly higher increases than in this issue. Secondly, it would commit the Government England and Wales. The evidence is that the introduction to taking action to of the ban north of the border has had a significant “prohibit fees that cause detriment to tenants.” negative impact on tenants. Surely, if fees are pushing people out of their homes and distorting the market in private rented accommodation, Stella Creasy: Can the Minister clarify that she disputes it is in the interests of all consumers and, indeed, what Shelter has said—that any increase in rent is not landlords that we act. related to the banning of agency fees—or that she has her own research? She is telling a very different story I hope that the Minister will accept new clause 30 and from the evidence of the research conducted by Shelter commit the Government to truly tackling the issues in in Scotland, and the House may be confused by what the private rented sector, including the impact of agency she is saying as a result. fees. I am sorry that the hon. Member for Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy) is not here because he, too, has Jenny Willott: I have made it clear that we have argued that banning agency fees would somehow lead concerns about the Shelter report because, for example, to higher rents. I look forward to the Minister responding it ignores the widespread non-compliance that I mentioned. to all those tenants in Scotland who have not found the The evidence on rents is that they have risen faster in banning of fees to be a negative experience. What does Scotland than they have in England and Wales. she think we can learn from that experience? The hon. Lady raised some questions about how fees If the Minister does not yet accept the case for banning would need to be broken down and what evidence fees outright, does she accept that there are fees that can would need to be provided. The regulations will make be detrimental and that it is appropriate for the Government that clear. For example, a general administration fee to intervene? Alternatively, is she simply saying that if a would need to be broken down to show exactly what it letting agency wants to charge somebody £700 a time to covered. That information will therefore be available to renew their tenancy, it is fine, as long as they have told tenants. The hon. Lady also asked whether repeat fees them about it? I am sure that is not her intention and would be covered, and I can confirm that the fees that she recognises that people do not shop around for a associated with property management would also be letting agency: they shop around for a property to try to covered, so they would need to be provided and published. keep a roof above their families’ heads. Because such The hon. Lady asked how the provisions would operate. costs cause detriment to consumers, they are unacceptable. The Bill provides a power, and we will consult on and If the Minister does not accept that they cause detriment, publish secondary legislation to ensure that the provision I hope that she will at least accept our amendment that is as tight as it can be. We will ensure that information is would provide that the Government should carry out available to tenants and landlords so that they can make research on this issue and commit to action if detriment a judgment on the most appropriate agent for their is proved. Nine million people are waiting on the Minister’s business. The legislation will be enforced by local authorities every move to see whether they can keep a roof above as they are involved in the licensing of landlords and their heads, not just in 2014 but in 2015 and beyond. also have the local knowledge about the agencies in Should we win the next election, we will take action if their area. They are the ones in the best place to enforce the Government will not do so now. it and to ensure it is operating in the best interests of Jenny Willott: The irony of the hon. Lady’s last tenants. sentence is astounding, given that the Government are Finally, we have said that we will review it after a year legislating to tackle this issue, but the previous Labour of operation to see how it is working and to ensure that Government did not. The issue has not suddenly arisen it has made a difference to tenants. We do not want in the last three years, and the Government have committed rents to go up, as that would cause widespread problems to tackling the minority of rogue landlords, something for, as the hon. Lady says, the large number of people that her party did not do. who rent in the private sector. We want to protect those We are taking action to ensure that tenants have tenants. We do not want their rents to go up; we want proper redress and a fair deal. We recognise that there them instead to get a fair deal from agencies and to be are real issues with a minority of rogue landlords who able to see what the charges are. We want openness and do not treat tenants fairly, and that is why we are taking proper redress in place to ensure they receive a fair deal. action. Today, we are ensuring transparency and openness Question put and agreed to. on fees so that landlords and tenants can shop around. New clause 24 accordingly read a Second time, and added The hon. Lady mentioned the experience in Scotland to the Bill. and the recent Shelter report on the impact of banning fees. However, concerns have been raised that the Shelter report ignores the widespread non-compliance with the New Clause 25 ban in Scotland. I have seen an estimate that some 25% LETTING AGENTS TO WHICH THE DUTY APPLIES of firms are still charging admin fees for tenants who move in, and a higher proportion are still charging ‘(1) In sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise fees), other fees during the tenancy. (Letting agents to which the duty applies), (Fees to which the duty applies), (Letting agency work and property management As the hon. Lady said, those agents that are complying work), (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary have got around the fact that they cannot charge fees to provisions) “letting agent” means a person who engages in letting tenants by, for example, raising landlords’ fees, but that agency work (whether or not that person engages in other work). 879 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 880

(2) A person is not a letting agent for the purposes of sections (a) a person (“a prospective landlord”) seeking to find (Duty of letting agents to publicise fees), (Letting agents to which another person wishing to rent a dwelling-house in the duty applies), (Fees to which the duty applies), (Letting England under an assured tenancy and, having found agency work and property management work), (Enforcement of such a person, to grant such a tenancy, or the duty) and (Supplementary provisions) if the person engages (b) a person (“a prospective tenant”) seeking to find a in letting agency work in the course of that person’s employment dwelling-house in England to rent under an assured under a contract of employment. tenancy and, having found such a dwelling-house, to (3) A person is not a letting agent for the purposes of sections obtain such a tenancy of it. (Duty of letting agents to publicise fees), (Letting agents to which (2) But “letting agency work” does not include any of the the duty applies), (Fees to which the duty applies), (Letting following things when done by a person who does nothing else agency work and property management work), (Enforcement of within subsection (1)— the duty) and (Supplementary provisions) if— (a) publishing advertisements or disseminating information; (a) the person is of a description specified in regulations (b) providing a means by which a prospective landlord or a made by the Secretary of State; prospective tenant can, in response to an advertisement (b) the person engages in work of a description specified or dissemination of information, make direct contact in regulations made by the Secretary of State.”— with a prospective tenant or a prospective landlord; (Jenny Willott.) (c) providing a means by which a prospective landlord and This new Clause provides that the duty applies to a person who a prospective tenant can communicate directly with engages in letting agency work. Employees are exempt from the each other. duty. The Secretary of State may make regulations exempting (3) “Letting agency work” also does not include things done other persons or types of work. by a local authority. (4) In sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise fees), New Clause 26 (Letting agents to which the duty applies), (Fees to which the duty applies), (Letting agency work and property management work), (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary FEES TO WHICH THE DUTY APPLIES provisions) “property management work”, in relation to a letting ‘(1) In sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise fees), agent, means things done by the agent in the course of a business (Letting agents to which the duty applies), (Fees to which the duty in response to instructions received from another person where— applies), (Letting agency work and property management work), (a) that person wishes the agent to arrange services, repairs, (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary provisions) “relevant maintenance, improvements or insurance in respect fees”, in relation to a letting agent, means the fees, charges or of, or to deal with any other aspect of the management penalties (however expressed) payable to the agent by a landlord of, premises in England on the person’s behalf, and or tenant— (b) the premises consist of a dwelling-house let under an (a) in respect of letting agency work carried on by the assured tenancy.”—(Jenny Willott.) agent, This new Clause defines letting agency work and property (b) in respect of property management work carried on by management work. It provides that letting agency work does not the agent, or include publishing advertisements, enabling landlords and tenants (c) otherwise in connection with— to communicate directly with one another or things done by a local (i) an assured tenancy of a dwelling-house in England, authority. or (ii) a dwelling-house in England that is, has been or is proposed to be let under an assured tenancy. New Clause 28 (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to— (a) the rent payable to a landlord under a tenancy, ENFORCEMENT OF THE DUTY (b) any fees, charges or penalties which the letting agent ‘(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations— receives from a landlord under a tenancy on behalf (a) impose functions on a local authority in connection of another person, with the enforcement of the duty in section (Duty of (c) a tenancy deposit within the meaning of section 212(8) letting agents to publicise fees); of the Housing Act 2004, or (b) make provision for civil penalties to be imposed in respect of a breach of that duty. (d) any fees, charges or penalties of a description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.” (2) Regulations under subsection (1)(b) may provide for the —(Jenny Willott.) amount of a civil penalty to be determined by the person imposing it, subject to subsection (3). This new Clause provides that the duty applies to fees payable in respect of letting agency work, property management work and (3) The amount of a civil penalty that a person may impose by other work done in connection with assured tenancies. The clause virtue of regulations under subsection (1)(b) may not exceed provides that certain payments are not fees for the purposes of the £5,000 for each breach of the duty in section (Duty of letting duty. The Secretary of State may make regulations to exempt agents to publicise fees). other payments. (4) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the figure for the time being specified in subsection (3). (5) Regulations under subsection (1)(b) must make provision New Clause 27 about the procedure for imposing a civil penalty and, in particular, must require a person imposing a penalty to give the LETTING AGENCY WORK AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT person on whom it is imposed a written notice stating— WORK (a) the amount of the penalty, ‘(1) In sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise fees), (b) the reasons for imposing it, and (Letting agents to which the duty applies), (Fees to which the (c) the date by which and manner in which it is to be paid. duty applies), (Letting agency work and property management work), (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary (6) Regulations under subsection (1)(b)— provisions) “letting agency work” means things done by a person (a) may give a person on whom a civil penalty is imposed in the course of a business in response to instructions received a right to request a review of the decision to impose from— the penalty, and 881 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 882

(b) must give such a person a right to appeal against the “tenant” includes a person who proposes to be a tenant decision to the First-tier Tribunal. under a tenancy and a person who has ceased to (7) Regulations under subsection (1)(b) must, in particular, be a tenant under a tenancy because the tenancy specify the grounds on which a person may appeal against a has come to an end. decision to impose a civil penalty, which must include the (2) In sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise fees), grounds— (Letting agents to which the duty applies), (Fees to which the (a) that the decision was based on an error of fact, duty applies), (Letting agency work and property management (b) that the decision was wrong in law, and work), (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary provisions) “local authority” means— (c) that the decision was unreasonable (including that the amount of the penalty is unreasonable). (a) a county council in England, (8) Regulations under subsection (1)(b) may, in particular— (b) a district council, (a) specify the time within which a person must request a (c) a London borough council, review of, or appeal against, a decision to impose a civil penalty; (d) the Common Council of the City of London in its (b) require a person to request a review before appealing; capacity as local authority, or (c) specify the grounds on which a person may request a (e) the Council of the Isles of Scilly. review; (3) References in sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise (d) make provision about the procedure for a review; fees), (Letting agents to which the duty applies), (Fees to which (e) make further provision about reviews and appeals the duty applies), (Letting agency work and property management (including provision as to the powers available on a work), (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary provisions) review or appeal). to a tenancy include a proposed tenancy and a tenancy that has (9) Regulations under subsection (1)(b) may make provision come to an end. about the recovery of a civil penalty, including— (4) References in sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise (a) provision for the person by whom it is imposed to fees), (Letting agents to which the duty applies), (Fees to which recover the penalty as a civil debt; the duty applies), (Letting agency work and property management (b) provision for the penalty to be recoverable, on the work), (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary provisions) order of a court, as if payable under a court order. to anything which is payable, or which a person is liable to pay, to (10) Sums received by a local authority under regulations a letting agent include anything that the letting agent claims a under this section may be used by the authority for the purposes person is liable to pay, regardless of whether the person is in fact of any of its functions. liable to pay it. (11) A local authority on whom functions are conferred by (5) Regulations under sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise regulations under this section must have regard to any guidance fees), (Letting agents to which the duty applies), (Fees to which issued by the Secretary of State about— the duty applies), (Letting agency work and property management (a) compliance by letting agents with the duty in section work), (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary provisions) (Duty of letting agents to publicise fees); are to be made by statutory instrument. (b) the exercise of those functions.” —(Jenny Willott.) (6) A statutory instrument containing (whether alone or with This new Clause enables the Secretary of State to make other provision)— regulations about enforcement of the duty. The penalty for (a) the first regulations to be made under section (Enforcement non-compliance will be a civil penalty of up to £5,000. The of the duty)(1)(b), or regulations must provide for a right of appeal against the penalty to the First-tier Tribunal. (b) regulations under section (Enforcement of the duty)(4), is not to be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid New Clause 29 before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS ‘(1) In sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise fees), (7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under sections (Letting agents to which the duty applies), (Fees to which the (Duty of letting agents to publicise fees), (Letting agents to which duty applies), (Letting agency work and property management the duty applies), (Fees to which the duty applies), (Letting work), (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary agency work and property management work), (Enforcement of provisions)— the duty) and (Supplementary provisions) other than one to “assured tenancy” means a tenancy which is an assured which subsection (6) applies is subject to annulment in pursuance tenancy for the purposes of the Housing Act 1988 of a resolution of either House of Parliament. except where— (8) Regulations under sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise (a) the landlord is a private registered provider of fees), (Letting agents to which the duty applies), (Fees to which social housing, or the duty applies), (Letting agency work and property management (b) the tenancy is a long lease; work), (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary provisions)— “dwelling-house” may be a house or part of a house; (a) may make different provision for different purposes; “landlord” includes a person who proposes to be a landlord under a tenancy and a person who has (b) may make provision generally or in relation to specific ceased to be a landlord under a tenancy because cases. the tenancy has come to an end; (9) Regulations under sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise “long lease” means a lease which— fees), (Letting agents to which the duty applies), (Fees to which (c) is a long lease for the purposes of Chapter 1 of the duty applies), (Letting agency work and property management Part 1 of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and work), (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary provisions) Urban Development Act 1993, or may include incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, (d) in the case of a shared ownership lease (within transitory or saving provision.”—(Jenny Willott.) the meaning given by section 7(7) of that This new Clause provides definitions of the terms used in the new Act), would be a lease within paragraph (a) of clauses and sets out the procedures for making regulations. this definition if the tenant’s total share (within the meaning given by that section) Brought up, read the First and Second time, and added were 100%; to the Bill. 883 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 884

New Clause 30 James, Mrs Siân C. Phillipson, Bridget Jamieson, Cathy Pound, Stephen LETTING AGENTS:REPORT Jarvis, Dan Powell, Lucy Johnson, rh Alan Qureshi, Yasmin Within three months of Royal Assent of this Act, the Johnson, Diana Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Secretary of State shall prepare and publish a report, and lay a Jones, Graham Reed, Mr Steve copy of the report before Parliament, on— Jones, Susan Elan Reeves, Rachel (a) the consumer detriment caused to tenants by letting Kane, Mike Reynolds, Emma agent fees and the impact this has on the ability of Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Reynolds, Jonathan tenants to secure and maintain tenancies, and Keeley, Barbara Riordan, Mrs Linda (b) the steps that the government intends to take to Kendall, Liz Robertson, John prohibit fees that cause detriment to tenants.”— Khan, rh Sadiq Robinson, Mr Geoffrey (Stella Creasy.) Lammy, rh Mr David Rotheram, Steve Brought up, and read the First time. Lavery, Ian Ruane, Chris Question put, That the clause be read a Second time. Lazarowicz, Mark Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Leslie, Chris Sawford, Andy The House divided: Ayes 204, Noes 259. Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Seabeck, Alison Division No. 4] [5.42 pm Lewis, Mr Ivan Shannon, Jim Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Sharma, Mr Virendra AYES Love, Mr Andrew Sheerman, Mr Barry Lucas, Caroline Sheridan, Jim Abbott, Ms Diane Docherty, Thomas Lucas, Ian Shuker, Gavin Abrahams, Debbie Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Mahmood, Shabana Skinner, Mr Dennis Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Doran, Mr Frank Mann, John Slaughter, Mr Andy Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Doyle, Gemma McCabe, Steve Smith, rh Mr Andrew Alexander, Heidi Dromey, Jack McCarthy, Kerry Ali, Rushanara Dugher, Michael Smith, Nick McDonagh, Siobhain Smith, Owen Allen, Mr Graham Eagle, Ms Angela McDonald, Andy Spellar, rh Mr John Ashworth, Jonathan Eagle, Maria McDonnell, John Straw, rh Mr Jack Bailey, Mr Adrian Edwards, Jonathan McFadden, rh Mr Pat Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Bain, Mr William Efford, Clive McGovern, Alison Tami, Mark Barron, rh Kevin Elliott, Julie McGovern, Jim Beckett, rh Margaret Ellman, Mrs Louise McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Thomas, Mr Gareth Begg, Dame Anne Engel, Natascha McKechin, Ann Thornberry, Emily Benn, rh Hilary Esterson, Bill McKenzie, Mr Iain Timms, rh Stephen Benton, Mr Joe Evans, Chris McKinnell, Catherine Trickett, Jon Berger, Luciana Farrelly, Paul Meacher, rh Mr Michael Turner, Karl Betts, Mr Clive Field, rh Mr Frank Mearns, Ian Twigg, Derek Blackman-Woods, Roberta Fitzpatrick, Jim Miliband, rh Edward Twigg, Stephen Blomfield, Paul Flello, Robert Miller, Andrew Umunna, Mr Chuka Blunkett, rh Mr David Flint, rh Caroline Mitchell, Austin Vaz, rh Keith Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Flynn, Paul Moon, Mrs Madeleine Vaz, Valerie Brennan, Kevin Fovargue, Yvonne Morden, Jessica Watson, Mr Tom Brown, Lyn Francis, Dr Hywel Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Whitehead, Dr Alan Bryant, Chris Gapes, Mike Morris, Grahame M. Williamson, Chris Buck, Ms Karen Gardiner, Barry (Easington) Wilson, Phil Burnham, rh Andy Glass, Pat Mudie, Mr George Byrne, rh Mr Liam Glindon, Mrs Mary Winnick, Mr David Munn, Meg Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Campbell, rh Mr Alan Goodman, Helen Murphy, rh Paul Woodcock, John Campbell, Mr Ronnie Green, Kate Murray, Ian Wright, David Caton, Martin Greenwood, Lilian Onwurah, Chi Champion, Sarah Griffith, Nia Owen, Albert Tellers for the Ayes: Chapman, Jenny Gwynne, Andrew Pearce, Teresa Tom Blenkinsop and Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hain, rh Mr Peter Perkins, Toby Stephen Doughty Clwyd, rh Ann Hamilton, Mr David Coaker, Vernon Hamilton, Fabian NOES Cooper, Rosie Hanson, rh Mr David Cooper, rh Yvette Harris, Mr Tom Adams, Nigel Blackwood, Nicola Corbyn, Jeremy Havard, Mr Dai Afriyie, Adam Blunt, Crispin Crausby, Mr David Healey, rh John Andrew, Stuart Boles, Nick Creagh, Mary Hendrick, Mark Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Bone, Mr Peter Creasy, Stella Hepburn, Mr Stephen Bacon, Mr Richard Bradley, Karen Cruddas, Jon Heyes, David Baker, Norman Brady, Mr Graham Cryer, John Hillier, Meg Baker, Steve Brake, rh Tom Cunningham, Alex Hilling, Julie Barclay, Stephen Bray, Angie Cunningham, Mr Jim Hodge, rh Margaret Beith, rh Sir Alan Brazier, Mr Julian Dakin, Nic Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Bellingham, Mr Henry Brine, Steve Danczuk, Simon Hollobone, Mr Philip Benyon, Richard Brokenshire, James David, Wayne Hood, Mr Jim Beresford, Sir Paul Brooke, Annette Davies, Geraint Howarth, rh Mr George Berry, Jake Browne, Mr Jeremy Denham, rh Mr John Hunt, Tristram Bingham, Andrew Bruce, Fiona Dobbin, Jim Irranca-Davies, Huw Birtwistle, Gordon Buckland, Mr Robert 885 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 886

Burns, Conor Hemming, John Pawsey, Mark Stuart, Mr Graham Burns, rh Mr Simon Henderson, Gordon Penning, rh Mike Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Burstow, rh Paul Hendry, Charles Penrose, John Sturdy, Julian Burt, rh Alistair Hinds, Damian Perry, Claire Swales, Ian Byles, Dan Hoban, Mr Mark Phillips, Stephen Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Cable, rh Vince Hollingbery, George Pincher, Christopher Syms, Mr Robert Cairns, Alun Holloway, Mr Adam Poulter, Dr Daniel Teather, Sarah Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hopkins, Kris Prisk, Mr Mark Thornton, Mike Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Horwood, Martin Pugh, John Thurso, John Carmichael, Neil Howell, John Raab, Mr Dominic Timpson, Mr Edward Carswell, Mr Douglas Hughes, rh Simon Randall, rh Sir John Tomlinson, Justin Chishti, Rehman Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Reckless, Mark Truss, Elizabeth Chope, Mr Christopher Hunter, Mark Redwood, rh Mr John Turner, Mr Andrew Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hurd, Mr Nick Rees-Mogg, Jacob Tyrie, Mr Andrew Coffey, Dr Thérèse Jackson, Mr Stewart Reevell, Simon Uppal, Paul Collins, Damian James, Margot Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Vaizey, Mr Edward Colvile, Oliver Javid, rh Sajid Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Vara, Mr Shailesh Cox, Mr Geoffrey Jenrick, Robert Robertson, Mr Laurence Vickers, Martin Crabb, Stephen Johnson, Gareth Rogerson, Dan Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Crockart, Mike Johnson, Joseph Rosindell, Andrew Walker, Mr Charles Crouch, Tracey Jones, Andrew Rudd, Amber Walker, Mr Robin Davey, rh Mr Edward Jones, rh Mr David Ruffley, Mr David Wallace, Mr Ben Davies, Glyn Jones, Mr Marcus Russell, Sir Bob Davies, Philip Kawczynski, Daniel Sanders, Mr Adrian Ward, Mr David Davis, rh Mr David Kelly, Chris Sandys, Laura Watkinson, Dame Angela de Bois, Nick Knight, rh Sir Greg Scott, Mr Lee Webb, Steve Dinenage, Caroline Kwarteng, Kwasi Selous, Andrew Wharton, James Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Lancaster, Mark Shapps, rh Grant Wheeler, Heather Dorries, Nadine Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Sharma, Alok White, Chris Doyle-Price, Jackie Laws, rh Mr David Shelbrooke, Alec Whittaker, Craig Duddridge, James Leadsom, Andrea Skidmore, Chris Whittingdale, Mr John Duncan, rh Mr Alan Lee, Dr Phillip Smith, Chloe Wiggin, Bill Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Leslie, Charlotte Smith, Henry Williams, Stephen Ellis, Michael Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Smith, Julian Williamson, Gavin Ellison, Jane Lewis, Brandon Smith, Sir Robert Willott, Jenny Elphicke, Charlie Lidington, rh Mr David Soames, rh Sir Nicholas Wilson, Mr Rob Evans, Graham Lopresti, Jack Soubry, Anna Wollaston, Dr Sarah Evennett, Mr David Loughton, Tim Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Wright, Jeremy Fallon, rh Michael Luff, Sir Peter Stanley, rh Sir John Wright, Simon Farron, Tim Lumley, Karen Stevenson, John Yeo, Mr Tim Featherstone, Lynne Main, Mrs Anne Stewart, Bob Young, rh Sir George Field, Mark Maynard, Paul Stewart, Iain Foster, rh Mr Don McCartney, Jason Stewart, Rory Tellers for the Noes: Fox,rhDrLiam McCartney, Karl Streeter, Mr Gary Gavin Barwell and Francois, rh Mr Mark McIntosh, Miss Anne Stride, Mel Harriett Baldwin Freer, Mike McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Fullbrook, Lorraine McPartland, Stephen Question accordingly negatived. Fuller, Richard Menzies, Mark Gale, Sir Roger Metcalfe, Stephen Garnier, Sir Edward Miller, rh Maria Schedule 2 Garnier, Mark Mills, Nigel Glen, John Milton, Anne CONSUMER CONTRACT TERMS WHICH MAY BE Goldsmith, Zac Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew REGARDED AS UNFAIR Graham, Richard Mordaunt, Penny Gray, Mr James Morgan, rh Nicky Stella Creasy: I beg to move amendment 1, page 51, line 9, Grayling, rh Chris Morris, Anne Marie at end insert— Greening, rh Justine Morris, James “1A A term which requires a consumer to pay a charge for, or be Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Mowat, David liable for, an element of a good or service that another party has Gyimah, Mr Sam Murray, Sheryll also been charged for in the course of the same transaction.” Halfon, Robert Neill, Robert Hames, Duncan Newmark, Mr Brooks Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): With Hammond, Stephen Nokes, Caroline this it will be convenient to discuss the following: Hancock, Matthew Norman, Jesse Amendment 2, page 51, line 15, at end insert— Hands, rh Greg Nuttall, Mr David “2A A term which relies upon any bill of sale, as defined in Harper, Mr Mark O’Brien, rh Mr Stephen section 3 (Construction of Act) of the Bills of Sale Act (1878) Harrington, Richard Offord, Dr Matthew Amendment Act 1882, to reduce the level of consumer Harris, Rebecca Ollerenshaw, Eric protection in relation to contracts concerning consumer credit.” Hart, Simon Opperman, Guy Amendment 3, page 51, line 18, at end insert— Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Ottaway, rh Sir Richard “3A A term that directly causes financial detriment to the Heald, Oliver Parish, Neil consumer such that it can reasonably be seen to alter the capacity Heath, Mr David Patel, Priti of the consumer to pay the costs of the contract, where the Heaton-Harris, Chris Paterson, rh Mr Owen contract is for a financial service.” 887 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 888

Amendment 4, page 53, line 2, at end insert— Labour are proposing to build 200,000 houses, getting “20A A term which either— us closer to where we need to get to in order to deal with the pressures that people are experiencing. This amendment (a) requires or encourages a consumer to contract third party services without informing them of their right speaks, too, to some of the other charges that people to seek independent advice; or face when buying a property. We may disagree about how many houses need to be built, but I am sure we (b) seeks to limit a consumer’s access to independent advice regarding third party contracts where there is would all want the housing property market to be as a potential conflict of interest for the third party fair and open as possible so that it does not involve involved.” more expenses that mean people needing an even higher Amendment 19, page 53, line 2, at the end insert— mortgage or an even higher level of debt—particularly in the form of the personal loans that people are taking “20A A term which has the object or effect of permitting a trader out to pay the sort of fees necessary when they start to block, restrict or otherwise hinder the access of a consumer to any lawful electronic communications network or electronic ownership of a new property. communications service on the basis of an unreasonable or The amendment would deal with what the property unusual definition of ‘internet access’, ‘data’, ‘webaccess’ or ombudsman has called an “emerging commercial similar word or phrase. Nothing in this prohibition shall affect practice”—one that means that people such as estate filters for the purpose of child protection. Electronic communications agents, who benefit from the increase in demand for network or electronic communication service shall have the same housing by exploiting the pressure on the country’s meaning as in the Communications Act 2003.” housing supply, reap the benefits. The practice involves Amendment (a) to amendment 19, after “trader”, a contract that we believe is ripping off consumers—both insert buyers and sellers—and therefore needs addressing. It is “engaged in the provision of fixed broadband internet access or called “double charging” if the estate agent applies a fee mobile internet services.” to both the buyer and the seller of a property on the same transaction. Stella Creasy: I shall speak to all the amendments in Let me explain the problem for the benefit of Members the group, which are about unfair contract terms. Unfairness who have not yet observed the practice in their is such a central concept to British values, I will wager, constituencies. It often results from the process of “sale that it provides an apt discussion point for this week by informal tender”. House owners are asked to accept alone. All the amendments deal with where a market is sealed bids for their properties. Increasingly, estate agents stacked against one party and, we would argue, both are then charging successful bidders a “finder’s fee”, miss out as a result. When service providers exploit a which, in some cases, is between 2% and 2.5% of the lack of information or collude to distort behaviour, it is property fee plus VAT. According to the Consumers not just the public who are badly treated: competition is Association, an estate agent’s commission should normally stifled, creativity and innovation are weakened and, be between 1% and 2%. Moreover, sellers themselves above all, the consumer is ripped off. The amendments are paying to market their properties. Buyers must find thus reflect some of the problems affecting markets that the cost of the additional fee in order to bid. we see in Britain and deal with what more could be done to make a stronger consumer rights framework 6pm that would give the public the tools to be able to prevent When I challenged estate agents at Douglas Allen in rather than have to deal with the problems that come Walthamstow about their behaviour, they admitted openly from these distorted behaviours. There are four different that they expected buyers to factor the introductory fee issues, but we consider them all to be part of the into their offers. Sellers do not benefit from the fee that conflicts of interest that cause detriment to the consumer. is being offered. They do not gain the benefit of the Amendment 1 refers to what we call “double charging”, additional sum that the buyers are paying for their and particularly the behaviour of estate agents. We all asset—not the estate agent’s asset—but the estate agent know that buying a house is one of the biggest costs any does. That the sellers are paying for the privilege of the of us will face in our lifetime. An English man or marketing of their houses in that way only compounds woman’s home is their castle, but it is often a very the scam that is affecting too many people in our expensive one. The cost of buying a house has gone up country. so substantially in my constituency that it is now 30% more than it was a year ago—a source of extreme Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): Is not the concern for many. Indeed, we know that the average ability to charge two parties to a potential transaction home is worth eight times the average wage and that it nothing less than a direct conflict of interests? It should can take 20 years for a family to save for a deposit. A not be possible to owe a duty to a buyer and a seller in million homes were bought in the UK last year, and equal measure. An agent has one client, and it must prices have risen across the country by 8%, even if they remain that way. have not risen as much as in some of our London areas. Stella Creasy: My hon. Friend is entirely right. Let That is why the Governor of the Bank of England has me give an example of the way in which this conflict of warned that the biggest risk to the economy stems from interests operates in practice. The example was given to the fact that people are getting mortgages—sometimes us by a young first-time buyer who, because of her four or more times their salaries—that they cannot restricted ability to buy a property in the area where she sustain. Housing is indeed a bubble underpinning our wanted to live, accepted that she would have to take economy and leaving it in an incredibly precarious part in a “sale by tender” arrangement, and that she position. would have to pay an introductory fee of 2.5% of the The Government’s housing Bill will provide sale price of the property. She made an offer of £258,000 15,000 houses, but people in my constituency know that for a house that was well within the guide price, and we need to double that and then some, which is why therefore committed herself to paying about £6,000 in 889 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 890

[Stella Creasy] the country have been using “sale by tender” processes involving the introductory fee. I must emphasise that we fees to the estate agent. Her offer was accepted as the are objecting not to sale by tender per se, but to the fact highest offer in the sealed-bid process. She then contacted that people are being charged a fee to be introduced to a us to say that her offer had not been accepted by the property. That is what is causing such concern. seller, and the agent was putting pressure on her to up When I first observed that Douglas Allen in her offer to £262,000. If she did not do so, the property Walthamstow was engaging in the practice, I thought would be put back on the market for another “sale by that perhaps we had just one rogue estate agent. I hoped tender” exercise, because the seller wanted more. That that when Phil and Kirstie came to Walthamstow recently was despite the fact that she was the one who had to film “Location, Location, Location”, they would committed herself to paying the fee that the estate agent take a dim view of it, but I am sorry to say that we are wanted to charge. now hearing of cases at Your Move, Ellis and Co. and Some Members may think that that is an indication Reeds Rains. A number of estate agents are picking up of the overheated London housing market, and the fact the idea that applying such fees is acceptable behaviour, that house prices in my constituency have risen by 30% and the damage that that is doing to the interests of reflects that overheating. However, we are hearing about both sellers and buyers is growing. examples of double charging throughout the country. There is a question for us here. We can see that the In the north-west, for instance, a gentleman who tried practice is distorting the housing market. If we want a to buy a house for £45,000 was told that, as well as free and fair market, these conflicts of interests must be finding the £45,000 and the fee for the conveyancing, he resolved, so that sellers can be confident that buyers are would have to find £2,880 in order to pay the introductory always acting in their interests, and buyers can be fee to the estate agent. In the south-west, an estate agent confident that when they participate in a bid such as wanted an introductory fee of nearly £6,000 plus VAT this, it is taken seriously. Should we act, or should we from someone who wanted to buy a house for £296,000. wait until the damage to consumers’ interests becomes I must stress that the sellers of the properties, who do worse? We tabled amendment 1 in order to make charging not benefit from the additional £6,000, are also paying a two parties to the same transaction a fee a term in a fee for the service. contract that can be challenged on the basis that it is The Minister had admitted that double charging is a unfair. We believe—as does the property ombudsman—that potentially worrying emerging trend which seems to be such charges are indeed unfair, and should be open to on the increase, but at every stage in the Bill when we challenge. have sought to outlaw this conflict of interests, the This comes at a time when there is widespread concern Government have voted against our attempts, although about the estate agent industry, full stop. I accept that it the property ombudsman has agreed that the new approach may be another “British value” to complain about to selling properties estate agents, just as people complain about traffic “can also potentially disadvantage the seller. He”— wardens and, indeed, politicians. We all recognise that or she— we are not immune to that moment in the pub on a “will no doubt have to agree to accept only prospective buyers Friday night. However, we know that there are serious that follow the agent’s agreement with those prospective buyers concerns because of the nature of the housing market. I and if a prospective buyer declines to submit to paying the fee, have been contacted by people who have been told by he”— estate agents that they cannot have access to the lists of or she— housing for sale unless they commit themselves to taking “will be out of the picture and the seller will have lost an out a mortgage through them, or using their financial opportunity to sell his house.” advisers or lawyers. That is another clear conflict of That is what the property ombudsman has told us interests for the seller. about the practice. We need a tough regulatory regime to ensure that we have a fair housing market in England and Wales. We Robert Flello: No doubt the Minister will say that this continue to be concerned about the fact that the is an issue of the market, that other estate agents will Government have delegated the monitoring of all estate not do this, and that it will all come out in the wash. The agents in England and Wales to Powys county council’s point is, however, that someone who goes out and looks trading standards body. A Welsh rural council has been for a house and then finds the one that he wants cannot charged with the task of examining the behaviour of choose the agent who is dealing with the property. That nearly half a million estate agents. It should be taking is why it is so crucial for us to sort this out now, rather account of the blatant and rampant exploitation of the than waiting until every single estate agent does the demand for housing that these charges represent, but same, as though the market will somehow adjust itself. when people affected by them have contacted Powys, they have been met with indifference about whether it Stella Creasy: My hon. Friend has raised an important should be dealing with the issue. The council took over point. I admit that I have been deeply concerned about only in April—this may be a new moment—but it is campaigning on this issue and for our proposals, because clear that we need to take stronger action before the I think that it is a bit like telling turkeys how to avoid situation gets out of control. Christmas. The more we make it clear to estate agents that the Government are currently letting them get Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): My hon. away with this behaviour, the more they will engage in Friend is highlighting the way in which the Government it. Indeed, I am sad to report that since February, when have contracted out different aspects of trading standards we began expressing concern about double charging, an to various local authorities. Has she looked into the increasing number of estate agent chains throughout number of houses that have been for sale in Powys, and 891 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 892 considered how experience in Powys can possibly inform fragile situation has arisen despite our having had more an intelligent approach to the London housing market, than five years of the lowest interest rates in 300 years. which is totally different? It is likely that interest rates will start to raise, and personal debt may well rise at the same time—after all, Stella Creasy: I think that there is genuine concern wages are still not keeping pace with prices—so it is all about whether Powys county council is equipped for the the more important that people can access credit, debt task. This is not necessarily just about its trading standards: advice and debt management services in an affordable after all, this is a council that has gone through three fashion. cabinets in as many months, and has had problems with Amendment 2 deals with the problems caused by log the setting of its budget. Some have suggested that it book loans. Members who served on the Committee needs to put its own house in order before putting our will be familiar with the Opposition’s determination to house sales in order. Certainly, double charging is a reform this outdated and outmoded form of credit. great example of the sort of problem that we would There are widespread problems: more than 1,000 consumers expect an effective regulator to be able to deal with. complained about these loans to the Office of Fair There is a clear conflict of interests. The fees being Trading, and they were complaining about losses of charged are clearly causing detriment to consumers. over £1.5 million. Many of them come from the fact I welcome the fact that the Minister has met the that these loans are based on bill of sale agreements, a property ombudsman since we raised this issue with her, Victorian type of contract that does not include modern but I note that as yet there is no evidence of any consumer protection. Again, the Government have progress in resolving this matter. As my hon. Friend the repeatedly voted against our proposals to reform bill of Member for Stoke-on-Trent South (Robert Flello) pointed sale agreements and therefore end this outdated and out, the number of agents using double charging in quirky practice that is causing so much detriment. The contracts is escalating. Many of my constituents who Minister stated that there may well be an argument for have been hit by these contracts have asked whether updating the legislation, but that this is not the Bill to their lawyers can challenge them. I ask the Minister to do it in. Those of us who saw from the title of the Bill accept this amendment and give consumers the opportunity that it was about consumer rights and protecting consumer to challenge these sorts of contracts, and to give them interests were, of course, rather concerned by that, but the legal protection that enables them to say, “This is let me point her to the concerns of the Financial Conduct fundamentally unfair and it infringes my rights”, and, Authority and Citizens Advice, which also want to see indeed, to give sellers the opportunity to challenge bill of sale agreements reformed. them. Under these contracts, buyers and sellers are told Christopher Woolard, director of policy, risk and that they cannot communicate with each other; otherwise, research at the FCA, states: the offer that has been made is void. A seller may “People who use logbook loans are often in difficult circumstances therefore be unaware of an offer that somebody wishes with few other borrowing options…Logbook lenders have borrowers to make for their property, and that has to be cut back over a barrel. People don’t realise their car can be seized if they because the buyer must also include the fee. I was fall behind in repayments, with lenders often forcing borrowers surprised to hear from the estate agents in Walthamstow to pay large amounts to keep their vehicle when they can’t that they always achieve 102% of the asking price of afford to.” their properties, and 2% was, perhaps unsurprisingly, Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, argues: the fee they were charging people to buy their houses. “The logbook industry is still in the dark ages and has been “Who would have thunk it”—who would have thought getting away with lawless practices.” that there would be such a close correlation? Its own analysis of log book loan cases found that 14% I hope the Minister will accept that there is a genuine had experienced harsh debt collection practices, almost issue here that needs to be dealt with, and the sooner, a third were not treated fairly or appropriately by the the better. We know the pressures on our housing lender, and nearly 20% had not understood the terms of market are not going to go away any time soon, but the loan clearly. although we might argue about the numbers of houses It is inexcusable to leave this outmoded form of credit that need to be built, we can surely all agree that this is a arrangement available for lenders to use, and for them conflict of interests that needs to be addressed. If, to exploit people in this way, particularly as we know again, the Minister will not accept this amendment and that increasing numbers of people are going to need this course of action, I hope she will set out how she will consumer credit in the years ahead because of the debts take action on this issue herself, so house buyers across they have. We cannot understand why the Minister will the country do not have to find the extra thousands of not make progress on this issue. I believe she does pounds just to pay the nice fat fee for the agent. understand that log book loans need to be reformed The other amendments we have tabled in this group and that the case we are making—that bill of sale also address challenges we believe are creating problems agreements have no place in a modern consumer protection in our economy, in particular through these conflicts of landscape—so why does she feel that that should not be interest. Amendments 2, 3 and 4 relate to conflicts of part of this Bill? We urge her to look very closely at our interest around services, in particular debt management amendment, which would simply bring bill of sale and log book loans. The Minister will know of the agreements under modern consumer protection laws Opposition’s concern about the personal debt bubble and, again, give consumers the right to challenge any that underpins much of our economy, and in particular agreement that does not uphold those laws. Indeed, it the number of people who are over-indebted. We know would be a sad indictment of all the work she has done from the Money Advice Service that 9 million people in on the other parts of the Bill and all the consumer our country are already over-indebted, and half of protection laws in them if she were to say there would these families live on incomes of under £20,000. This be a get-out clause in other respects. 893 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 894

6.15 pm should have the right to get independent advice before Amendment 3 also speaks to our wish to deal with being sold such policies, so they know the consequences the consumer credit landscape, and in particular consumer for their legal cover if they take out a policy. We also credit contracts that are designed to push people into believe it should be an unfair contract term to sell a debt as a way of propagating a service. Payday lenders consumer a contract for a service that limits their access are a case in point. Pushing people into debt is part of to independent advice. how they continue to make money and is part of the way in which the contract is structured, but we see that Andy McDonald: Does my hon. Friend share my also with other financial agreements, particularly around concern that the Ministry of Defence has approved a debt management fees. Some 7% of British adults report particular policy under the banner of PAX that prescribes struggling to get to pay day because of the debt management a single point of reference for legal advice and does not repayment plan fees they have undertaken to pay. Of give members of our armed forces freedom of choice in the 50% of the public who struggle to get to pay day, for that respect? Is it not reprehensible that we are in that a third of them it is debt repayment that is causing the situation? problem. Getting the structure of the debt repayment and the debt management system right is therefore vital Stella Creasy: My hon. Friend has just illustrated for those who are in difficulty. why I believe him to be the expert on this issue. I hope There are already 2.5 million people in debt management that he will contribute to the debate to explain why this plans, and that is a conservative estimate. The fact that concern about independent advice is so important. He people are able to charge fees that are sometimes up to is right about upholding the need for independent advice. 50% of the amount a debtor pays only compounds the I am conscious that there are other Members who length of time for which the person is in debt. Just as wish to speak in this debate, so let me say a little about with payday lenders lending to people at a rate of net neutrality, and our amendment to amendment 19. I interest that more or less guarantees they will have to recognise that this is a new and evolving debate. Our come back and take out another loan, we believe that it discussions have ranged from the Victorian bill of sale should be challengeable in court if somebody gives a to the contemporary net neutrality, both of which reflect debtor a debt management plan that would prolong this stress over conflicts of interest. For those Members their debt. of this House who have not yet had the chance to watch Let me give an example. StepChange offers a free the viral videos about net neutrality, let me explain the debt management plan. It talks about a client who owes concern. Net neutrality is the principle that internet £30,000. When they were in a debt management plan service providers and Governments should treat all data they paid almost £6,000 extra in fees, which would on the internet equally. They should not discriminate or extend the length of time they were in debt by 18 months charge by user, content, site, platform, or application. compared with a StepChange-organised debt plan. In layman’s terms that means that, whether we are looking at iPlayer, Sky on the Go or Netflix, there Amendment 3 would make any contract for a financial would be equal access to services. There would be no service open to challenge if it is likely to push an speed differential in accessing them. individual into debt. I am sure people would recognise that there is a conflict of interests in that. If something In America, some broadband and internet providers is supposed to help someone’s financial situation but have been exploring the idea of charging companies actually does the reverse because there is a financial different rates for providing their services. That means incentive for the company involved, how can that be a that they could offer access to some websites at a faster fair term for a contract? rate than others, and therefore change the way in which consumers access them. The fear is that that would Amendment 4 deals with another conflict of interest create a two-tier internet, because it will limit the number and we believe it would be beneficial to consumers to of sites that consumers can access with ease, and the have the ability to challenge that in court. I pay tribute number of companies that can access and operate services to my hon. Friend the Member for Middlesbrough equally. In particular, if large companies were to use (Andy McDonald) who is an expert on this issue. The their financial muscle, or their internet provision, to cost of taking legal action can be prohibitive, but if restrict access to their competitors or to new entrants to people might struggle financially to claim compensation the market, it could limit creativity and innovation in following an accident or unfair dismissal from work, the provision of services. An internet without net neutrality legal expenses insurance can help cover the cost of moves huge market power to those who are the gatekeepers making a claim, and it therefore makes legal action to our online services. It is little wonder that 100 companies, accessible to more people. Legal expenses insurance is including Google, Facebook, Twitter and Amazon, have often sold as an add-on in insurance contracts. One of expressed concern about this issue. Indeed, “father of the challenges, however, is whether the company concerned the internet” Tim Berners-Lee, who was rather unfairly can act in the interests of the consumer when that legal described as a web developer recently, has argued that insurance is used: as an insurance company has to pay there is a real concern. He says: out to cover the cost of legal fees, it may be in their “Unless we have an open, neutral internet we can rely on interests for those legal fees to be as minimal as possible, without worrying about what’s happening at the back door, we but that may not be in the interests of the client. That can’t have open government, good democracy, good healthcare, may determine the nature of the legal advice given and connected communities and diversity of culture. It’s not naive to action taken. think we can have that, but it is naive to think we can just sit back We believe it is important that consumers are able to and get it.” access independent advice in dealing with issues around We welcome the amendment that has been tabled by the legal insurance and whether there is an inadvertent hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies), but we are conflict of interests. We therefore believe consumers concerned that the way in which it has been drafted may 895 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 896 inadvertently imply that those sites that are providing service providers and mobile network operators have pay-per-view services, such as Netflix, would be required not participated with the major industry-level agreement also to provide access to some of their competitors, and towards meeting that objective. I am sure that that was not what he intended. We have The success of the internet is based on global tabled a clarifying amendment to make it clear that we interoperability—the ability for anyone to interact with are talking about those services that provide access to any legal internet site anywhere in the world. That has the internet, rather than content. created new opportunities, businesses and jobs, while It would be useful to hear from the Minister about also reducing costs for consumers. I hope that both what discussions she has had with her colleagues on the sides of the House will agree that an open internet is issue of net neutrality and about what action she is vital for the future economic, social and political health taking to ensure that consumers’ interests in the operation of our nation. New services are coming online at an of net architecture are being upheld so that we do not incredible rate, and it is important that this vibrant have the concerns and challenges experienced by America. sector is able to develop as society becomes more mobile In particular, does she feel existing protocols are strong and people’s habits change. enough to protect the interests of consumers and avoid It is vital that organisations controlling access to the competition issues between content providers, and has internet do not abuse their position by discriminating she done an assessment of the impact on consumers in against legal services, data, traffic and content for the UK of a possible two-tier internet? commercial or political purposes, and from a protectionist We have here some very different but interlinked perspective. Although telecommunications providers should issues around conflicts of interest, freedom of markets be allowed to use certain traffic management techniques and consumer interest, and an effective piece of consumer to manage the integrity of their network, it should not rights legislation should provide consumers with the be at the detriment of rival services purely for anti- tools with which they can mount a challenge to any of competitive reasons. them. We hope the Minister will accept our amendments Over the past year, I have been made aware of increasing in the spirit in which they are intended, which is about evidence that certain internet service providers are applying clarity in what is meant to the list of unfair undertaking various marketing and operational practices contract terms that would give consumers the right to that are distorting a competitive market, creating consumer challenge issues in court. I therefore hope that the harm, hurting a number of specific internet industries House will support them accordingly. and stifling innovation. The activity includes: blocking internet services that compete with their own on purely Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): I seek to restrict myself commercial grounds; not communicating to customers to speaking on amendment 19, which I tabled. I am clearly at the point of sale that they offer only restricted grateful to the hon. Member for Walthamstow (Stella access to the internet; and refusing to participate in the Creasy) for what she said and for her general support Government-supported pan-industry code of practice, for the thrust of my amendment. In the spirit of that which seeks to uphold open internet principles and cross-party co-operation, I should also make it clear which has been signed by some of the largest players, that I am perfectly happy to support her amendment to including BT, O2, Sky and 3. I believe that that verges my amendment. It is not my intention to press my on mis-selling. The lack of transparency and clarity amendment to a Division, but if the hon. Lady decides that has persisted in the market has allowed consumers to press hers, I will of course support her, because her to be deceived by the practice of selling internet access amendment does exactly what I intended my own to do. when in fact significant parts of the internet cannot be I hope that it will not come to that, because I hope that accessed under the terms and conditions of some price the Minister in her remarks will make it clear that the plans. Government accept there is an issue, understand it and say that they will do something to resolve it. If that is It seems like the voluntary ways of ensuring greater the case, I hope that the hon. Lady will withdraw her transparency in providing internet and telephony services amendment, but we should wait to hear what the Minister have failed. There have been clear examples where certain has to say before we make any decisions along those operators, particularly in the mobile sectors, have misled lines. their consumers by claiming to offer internet access, or UK internet, when some legal internet services are not Over the past 30 years, competition in the available within the package that has been provided. In telecommunications industry has gone from a monopoly, other cases, the small print—when I say small print I through a duopoly to what is widely regarded now as mean it, as one would need binoculars to see some of one of the greatest success stories of privatisation, with the terms and conditions—outlines extra costs that the the UK having one of the most vibrant and competitive consumer would face if they dared to use the internet markets in the world. they have paid for to access services that compete with Additionally, the internet has become an essential their provider’s own. part of our national infrastructure, transforming the The fact that any operator is able to offer a product way we work, play, gather information, communicate advertised with “internet access” and only have to clarify and trade. The internet provides the underlying this policy in the small print is unacceptable. Unknowing infrastructure for many thousands of businesses and customers who use popular services such as Skype, has slashed the cost of global communication. WhatsApps or Viber could see their service suspended In 2010, the Government, through the Under-Secretary but continue to be held responsible for paying their of State for Culture, Media and Sport, my hon. Friend bills. That lack of transparency and clarity on these the Member for Wantage (Mr Vaizey), said that they issues is totally unfair to these unknowing customers, were supportive of open internet, which I hope is still and it continues, as consumers are in many cases unable the case. The reality is that some major fixed-line internet to leverage competitive pressure because it is difficult to 897 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 898

[Philip Davies] Given the rapid evolution of the internet, I do not think that it would be wise for Parliament to attempt to understand whether or not certain traffic types are define everything that the internet is and does for the allowed, blocked or just charged additionally. Ofcom’s future, but I am convinced that the current unfettered consumer guide on internet traffic management from ability of telecommunications providers, whether they 2013 outlined the fact that consumers were not aware be internet service providers or mobile operators, to about traffic management practices undertaken by internet decide what customers can and cannot access is harmful service providers and whether such practices would to consumers and to the wider economy. As I have affect specific internet services that they used. How can outlined, those practices not only create significant consumers make an effective and informed choice if consumer harm but stifle competition—for example, in they are not fully aware of the practices of their internet the market for non-geographic and international calls— service provider or mobile provider, and the potential of which leads to exorbitant prices and discourages new those practices to inhibit certain services? entrants to the market. There is also concern surrounding future innovation 6.30 pm and economic growth. If innovators have no certainty Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): The record that networks will carry their services, particularly if will show that the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip they rival products offered by the networks, companies Davies) and I do not agree on many issues, but on this will be less likely to invest in new services because the one I agree with him completely and utterly. He and I return on investment will be unpredictable. How can a are supporters of the Internet Telephony Service Providers provider who wants to build a mobile app have any Association, which has had many concerns about abuses certainty that the mobile network operator will not in this area. Does he agree that we are talking not just block his rival service or make it extremely opaque at about transparency, but about setting a fundamental the point of sale whether consumers can actually those rule that such bias simply cannot be allowed? Does he services? Such things should be of great concern to us, agree that we should support net neutrality throughout because they will stifle growth in a sector that is incredibly and not simply tell people when it is being broken? important to the future prosperity of the country. Philip Davies: It is a red-letter day for me when the When I asked representatives from Ofcom about the hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) and the matter during a Select Committee on Culture, Media hon. Member for Walthamstow agree with me. I could and Sport hearing last summer, there was an acceptance not have envisaged such cross-party support, and if the that some undesirable blocking was being undertaken Minister is able to withstand that I will be disappointed. by certain mobile operators around specific internet We have a political consensus, of which I am usually services, and that more needed to be done to ensure that very suspicious. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that telecommunications providers were transparent and up the principle of net neutrality is the most important front with their customers. Ed Richards, the Ofcom point. It is not simply a question of transparency; chief executive, outlined the industry voluntary code on transparency is the minimum that people can expect. the transparency of information given to consumers With my amendment, I am trying to ensure that we about traffic management practices. I have grave concerns have net neutrality and truly open access to the internet, as to whether the information that providers are supplying and to put an end to protectionist and restrictive practices to their customers is helping in any way, shape or form. that are against consumers’ interests. Ofcom’s research in September 2013 demonstrated that consumers were not aware about traffic management I am referring to services including voice over IP, practices when making their purchasing decisions. which is similar to Skype. Voice over IP allows consumers significantly to reduce their phone bills by using voice Together with the internet code around transparency, over the internet, instead of their mobile provider’s the industry has created a voluntary self-regulatory phone minutes and messaging services that use mobile code on maintaining the open internet. I believe that the data rather than text. It is especially important for code is a good one, and it will be an effective tool for consumers that that market works efficiently given Ofcom’s protecting consumers and businesses. The significant research finding that a quarter of the UK’s poorest problem is that some major providers are yet to sign up, households are mobile-only and are wholly beholden to nearly two years after the launch of the initiative. Given mobile operators’ tariffs to enable them to access crucial that there is no obligation on UK telecommunication services. providers in that area, those providers that are transparent It seems perfectly reasonable to me that if a consumer and allow access to services could easily change their signs a mobile phone contract that offers internet access, minds tomorrow and not be subject to any action. he or she should be entitled to use any legal internet Therefore, I think it is time that the House recognised service that they deem fit, not just the parts of the that unless more action is taken, certain industry players internet that suit their mobile phone company. I hope will continue to use clever marketing tactics and rely on that hon. Members understand that customers who buy the lack of consumer understanding to mislead their a mobile phone package rarely have the time or inclination customers, distort the market and damage new and to read through all the minutiae in the small print, even innovative internet services that threaten their own products. if they have the foresight to imagine all the services that That is why I have proposed amendment 19, which they might want to use over the two-year life of their would protect consumers from the practices that I have contract. Surely, customers have the right to expect that described. The amendment would ensure that anyone an internet service will do what it says on the tin. selling internet access, or using any similar term, will Consumers should, therefore, be able to rely on statutory not be able to rely on any unreasonable or unusual consumer protection regulations to protect them from definition of that term to restrict their customers’ access such abusive practices. to legal parts of the internet. 899 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 900

I have made it clear, and I am grateful to the hon. no discrimination between services when providing Member for Walthamstow for doing the same, that I do internet access is fundamental to an open net. At the not seek in any way to limit the ability of internet moment in this country we have no legislation, but we service providers to block access to sites for the purposes have a voluntary industry code of practice for internet of child protection. Nor would my amendment prevent and mobile service providers. However, the problem is internet service providers from offering age-related content that as it is voluntary the companies do not have to blocks where customers request them. I certainly would abide by it. European Commissioner Neelie Kroes has not want to do anything to change that. That is why I been working on proposals for net neutrality across would be happy to support the hon. Lady’s amendment the European Union as part of the single telecoms if she seeks to divide the House. package. I was disappointed that the hon. Member for Amendment 19 would give customers confidence Shipley did not highlight that excellent proposal from that when they sign a two-year contract that offers the European Union, but we do not need to wait for the internet access, they will get full internet access and will European Union to have this debate or to ask the not be left with a contract that they cannot get out of Government what they are doing, because the issue is a that does not do what they thought it would when they central one. signed up to it. It is essential to preserve and protect The possibility of amending the Bill was brought to consumer access to the legal internet. We cannot allow my attention by ITSPA, the Internet Telephony Services internet service providers to decide for themselves, based Providers Association, which is concerned that some on their own commercial interests, what customers can internet providers have an interest in refusing to carry and cannot access while still marketing their service as voice-over IP services because they have a competing internet access. product. Having discussed the question with Ofcom, I The protection offered by amendment 19 would benefit am not clear whether that is happening. If it is, it should all consumers, but it would also spur innovation, growth not be, and if it is not, there is a risk that it might and job creation in a sector that is vital for the future happen, and we in this House need to address that. prosperity of the country. Therefore, I urge hon. Members The point made by the hon. Gentleman about the to support my amendment or the amendment tabled by lack of transparency and consumer awareness is extremely the hon. Member for Walthamstow. I hope that we will concerning. There is a problem when people buy a piece not have to press the matter to a Division, because I of kit or take out a contract with one ISP or mobile hope that the Minister will understand the strength of phone provider if, in doing so, they restrict their access the case that we have made and reaffirm that the to some material and if there is no description or Government will deliver on open internet access. If she warning of that. That is clearly a limitation of their is not prepared to do that, I hope that the hon. Member access to information on a free net. for Walthamstow will press her amendment to a vote, Ofcom is working to improve the effectiveness of the which I would support. code of practice on traffic management transparency. My view is that transparency is not enough and that we Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): I would need rules of the game that go beyond it. I am not like to congratulate you, Madam Deputy Speaker, on convinced that even if the information was on a strapline your recent damehood. I know that a knighthood is a across the packaging when people bought a piece of kit real thing, but I am not sure whether a damehood is a or signed a mobile contract they would fully realise thing. However, it is a very well deserved recognition of what it meant. This is too important to leave simply your excellent service to the House over many years, to transparency, which is why I have put my name to and I am sure that all hon. Members were delighted to amendment 19 and why I support these changes. hear the news. The Minister needs to tell the House what the This is a marvellous occasion for another reason. It is Government are doing proactively to preserve net wonderful to be in the Chamber in agreement with my neutrality. It is not enough to take a reactive stance, as hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) the Government are on many communications issues. and the hon. Members for Shipley (Philip Davies) and The Communications Act 2003 is a very good Act, but for Cambridge (Dr Huppert). That is a fantastic coalition, it is getting out of date and this is one example of that. and it shows what a beacon of free speech the House That is why we were particularly concerned to have this of Commons is, because that principle has motivated debate in the House today so that we could find out everybody to get involved in the debate. I believe that what Ministers are doing. the principle of net neutrality is the principle of free It is essential that we preserve free speech on the speech in the modern world. My hon. Friend set out a internet and net neutrality is part of that. There is a clear and cogent case for amendment (a) to amendment small exception in amendment 19 to enable us to continue 19, and the hon. Member for Shipley proposed amendment with child protection—again, we have cross-party agreement 19 comprehensively. I shadow the Minister with on the importance of child protection—but we are all responsibility for communications and creative industries, agreed that we want net neutrality, with that single the Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and exception, to be the modern form of free speech. Sport, the hon. Member for Wantage (Mr Vaizey), and I hope that the Minister at the Dispatch Box, the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and 6.45 pm Skills, has had some conversations with him since, in Yvonne Fovargue (Makerfield) (Lab): I add my many ways, this issue falls into his bailiwick. congratulations to those of my hon. Friend the Member Let me elaborate a tiny bit on what my hon. Friend for Bishop Auckland (Helen Goodman) and those that said. Net neutrality is absolutely central to the operation I am sure you have received from Members across the of the internet. The principle that there should be House, Madam Deputy Speaker. 901 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 902

[Yvonne Fovargue] amount raised and that it will not simply keep it at the same level with the other people paying less. I want to concentrate on amendments 2 and 3. I think There needs to be more funding for free debt advice. that there is cross-party agreement that logbook As we know, some 2.5 million people are in fee-charging loans are an anachronism. If the Government do not debt management plans. That is 2.5 million people who, remedy that anachronism, it will be a missed opportunity. if those plans were not available, would need free debt To leave it to the Law Commission to go through the advice. There is obviously a need for that funding. If the outdated legislation in time would take too long for interest rate were to rise by only 0.5%, which is quite the vulnerable consumers who are affected. I know likely, an extra half a million people would be pushed that because I have been a member of the Joint over the edge from just about coping. It is essential that Committee on Consolidation Bills and in 2010 we the Money Advice Service looks at the trends and asks repealed something to do with the dissolution of the for an increased budget. monasteries. There is also a risk that those companies may go out We cannot wait that long for the bill of sale provision of business and while doing so will not pay their creditors. to come off the statute book. It was never intended to A company in Manchester in my area of the north-west apply to loans on vehicles such as cars and it should be went out of business two weeks ago. About 2,500 people abolished now. If it is not abolished, consumers need to who had a plan with it were left with no money. People be able to challenge it in court. I am sure that they will had been paying into that company, assuming that it be supported in that by the advice agencies that brought was going to creditors, but the company has gone the attention of the House and the country to the bankrupt. It is time that we challenge these debt anachronism that is the bill of sale legislation. management companies. They push people further into The Financial Conduct Authority said only two weeks debt and can charge 50% of what somebody owes. ago that such loans are high-risk. It is considering the Therefore, if someone owes £18,000, that is another issue already, but while it is doing so people are taking £9,000 on the debt for something that an organisation out the loans either because they are not aware of the such as StepChange or a citizens advice bureau can do pitfalls or because they are their last or only resort. just as competently for free. Indeed, in many ways they They put their only asset, their vehicle, on the line, pay will do it better because such organisations have links the companies, end up owing money and still have no with other companies and, for example, will know all vehicle. They are in a worse position than if they had the remedies for insolvency. They will put forward the not taken out the loan in the first place. remedy that is best for the consumer, not best for the I also want to mention those whom we might call company. To allow debt management companies to the innocent consumers—those who buy a vehicle continue without being challenged on pushing people that is subject to a bill of sale. It does not show up on further into debt is not allowable, and I fervently support the HPI register, as hire purchase does, and the first the amendment to clause 3. they know about it is when somebody comes round to Jenny Willott: May I add my congratulations to you, repossess the car because they are not its legal owners. Madam Deputy Speaker? You will get bored with it They can never be its legal owners while there is a bill of soon, but at the moment I am sure it is probably still sale on it and they are left with no vehicle and no quite a novel surprise. money. It is about time that we considered the bill of I share the concerns of the hon. Member for sale legislation. A law that was passed in the 1870s Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) about the practice of double should not apply to today’s consumer market and should charging by estate agents. That issue has been raised in be allowed to be challenged in the courts if not repealed the House a number of times and in Committee. Under immediately. existing legislation—in particular consumer protection I have long campaigned on debt management companies. regulations and the unfair contract terms law—as well It has always seemed particularly perverse to me that as their own industry codes, estate agents must already people in debt should pay to get out of it. There are make fees and charges clear for consumers. I believe usually two reasons given by the companies for why that there are risks in rushing into further legislative people turn to them. The first is the lack of knowledge measures and applying them prematurely, which is why about the availability of free advice. Frankly, I am not a better way of addressing the issue is through estate surprised. I regularly get texts telling me that there is agent redress schemes. new Government legislation, that my debts can be written As the hon. Member for Walthamstow mentioned, off and that I am entitled to payment protection insurance on 7 May I met the property ombudsman and ombudsman compensation and various other things, and debt services: property, to draw their attention to my concerns management companies are one of the worst offenders. on this issue, and those raised by hon. Members in The Information Commissioner needs more powers to Committee and the House. Both redress schemes have stop that misleading advertising. agreed to monitor any complaints they receive, and There is also a lack of provision for advice. I thank more is being done. The property ombudsman has the Minister for her reply to my question on that point, committed to producing new guidance that will put in which said that the Money Advice Service sets its own place strict controls on the practice of charging the budget. Yes, it does, but as the Government rejected buyer a fee, or charges being placed on both buyer and new clause 6, which would have meant the increased seller, and the potential for conflicts of interest. That levy automatically going towards increasing the amount guidance will ensure that agents recognise their obligations of debt advice, I hope that MAS will listen to the under the ombudsman’s code of practice for transparency, strength of feeling on both sides of the House and disclosure and avoidance of conflicts of interest. If the increase its budget to ensure that the introduction of guidance is not complied with, agents will be in breach payday lenders into the levy will increase the total of that code. 903 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 904

Estate agents must belong to an ombudsman service, to answer the hon. Lady’s question, but the issue will be and ombudsmen have strong powers to tackle bad raised later in the year and I am sure she will ask behaviour by estate agents. For example, they can give Ministers at that point. a financial award to the complainant or enforce There are concerns about the way logbook loans obligations on the estate agent. As a last resort, estate operate and their impact on consumers. Consumers will agents can be struck off a redress scheme. Because it is a be far better protected under the FCA regime than requirement on estate agents to belong to a redress under the old system. Logbook loan providers are now scheme, if they have been struck off, they are effectively required to meet the standards that the FCA expects of out of business and cannot continue to operate. If they lenders, including making thorough affordability checks continue to operate under those circumstances, it is a and providing adequate pre-contractual explanations to criminal offence. consumers. They are also subject to the FCA’s high-level principles, which include the overarching requirement Andy McDonald: Does the Minister accept that instead to “treat customers fairly”. of codes of practice and all that paraphernalia going round the houses, it is fundamentally a breach of the Stella Creasy: I know the Minister has logbook loans fiduciary duty that an estate agent owes to one client if companies in her constituency. Given what she is saying, they are in discussions with another and charging a fee why will she not support our amendment, which simply for the same transaction? The interests are not united; states that all borrowers should be treated equally and they are completely and utterly divergent. Would it not be able to have modern consumer contracts—the sorts be better to say simply, “Youcannot charge two contracting of things she mentioned with the FCA? Why leave a parties a fee for the same service”? loophole for bill of sale agreements?

Jenny Willott: As I said, I met both ombudsmen in Jenny Willott: If the hon. Lady gives me a chance May and discussed the best way forward. As a result, I will come to that point. they are looking at the conflict of interest, which I think As the hon. Member for Makerfield (Yvonne Fovargue) is key to this issue, and at how guidance can be tightened highlighted, logbook loans have been defined by the so that the responsibility estate agents have to the buyer FCA as “higher risk activities”. As such, they will be in and seller is made clear. the first phase to require the full authorisation I mentioned, and they will face closer supervision and higher regulatory Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): Can the Minister costs as a result. The Government have also ensured tell the House the size of some of those awards and how that the FCA has a wide enforcement toolkit to take action often they are handed out? wherever its binding rules are breached. For example, there is no limit on the fines it can levy, and—crucially—it can force firms to provide redress to customers. It also Jenny Willott: No I cannot, but I will write to the has flexible rule-making powers, so if it finds further hon. Gentleman to give him more information on that. problems, it will not hesitate to take action. Indeed, the The ombudsman has committed to calling an early FCA has said that it is meeting of all interested parties to discuss the need for “putting logbook lenders on notice” stricter controls, and I assure hon. Members that new because it is concerned about that issue. Furthermore, guidance is being worked up for the industry as a matter the FCA’s new rules give it of priority. The hon. Member for Walthamstow raised “the power to tackle any firm found not putting customers’ concerns about estate agents discriminating against buyers interests first”. who will not take services from them—for example, mortgages and so on. Discriminating against buyers for Treasury Ministers have asked the Law Commission refusing services from an estate agent is already banned to look at how best to reform the Bills of Sale Act 1878. and covered by the regulations. As the hon. Members for Walthamstow and for Makerfield mentioned, the legislation underpinning logbook loans A number of hon. Members mentioned logbook lenders. is extremely old, lengthy and complex, and the Government We have discussed that issue a number of times and it is believe that the Law Commission is best placed to clearly a matter that concerns people across the House. undertake a thorough assessment of how to bring it up Responsibility for consumer credit regulation, including to date. The hon. Member for Makerfield raised concerns logbook lenders, transferred from the Office of Fair about how long the process might take and suggested Trading to the Financial Conduct Authority on 1 April. that it had been kicked into the long grass. I would like to reassure her that the Law Commission has responded Yvonne Fovargue: Will the Minister tell the House favourably to the Treasury’s request for the review, and how many licences to logbook lenders have been revoked will confirm its work programme in the near future . by the FCA? What has happened to the bills of sale for those who have borrowed from a company whose licence 7pm has been revoked, if indeed there are any? With regard to debt management companies, the Government recognise the importance of protecting Jenny Willott: That responsibility has only just been vulnerable consumers using debt management plans. transferred to the FCA, and it is working with credit Our focus is on comprehensively reforming regulation companies that must register with it. I believe that those of this sector. Like other consumer credit firms, such as companies start registering on 1 October, which gives the logbook loans, responsibility for regulating debt them time to ensure that they comply with the regulations. management firms has transferred to the FCA, and From that date, therefore, the FCA will start to process consumers will now be far better protected. The FCA licence applications. At the moment it is a little premature has said that it is 905 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 906

“unacceptable that those people who are struggling to make ends party or that limits access to advice would be assessable meet are being talked into unsuitable plans.” for fairness if it was not made prominent. Therefore, It has raised concerns about that. there is greater protection for consumers under this legislation. FCA rules make it clear that fees charged for debt management plans should not undermine the customer’s Amendment 19 has brought out a rash of agreement ability to make significant repayments to the customer’s across the House from some unlikely parties. The principle lenders throughout the duration of the debt management here is transparency. Consumers must be aware of any plan. FCA guidance sets out that debt management limitations on their service at the point of sale. They are firms should not allocate more than half the money then free to pick and choose a service that suits them. received from customers in debt management plans to Internet service providers are already legally required— meeting their fees and charges from month one of the [Interruption.] If the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland debt management plan. Once the initial fee for the (Helen Goodman) will let me finish, she may like some arrangement of the plan has been paid, the proportion of the things I am about to say, even if she does not like taken in fees should reduce. what I am saying so far. Internet service providers are already legally required to be transparent with consumers Because the practice of front loading fees can make about their traffic management practices, and industry debt problems worse before they can get better, the has done a great deal of work in this area. All major FCA’s policy is designed to ensure that significant ISPs, which include fixed line and mobile companies, repayments must always go towards outstanding debts have developed and signed up to a transparency code with creditors from the very start of a debt management of practice for traffic management, requiring them to plan. Debt management firms are now also required to inform consumers of their traffic management practices signpost customers to free independent debt advice, and at the point of sale. That includes any restrictions on the FCA has also put in place binding prudential rules services. The broadband stakeholder group, which for debt management firms that hold over £1 million of co-ordinated this work, has worked with a number of client money to help to protect customers if things go comparison websites to ensure that consumers can readily wrong. As with logbook loans, the FCA proactively see this information. monitors the market, and it has broad powers to levy Ofcom recently reviewed the transparency code and fines and to force firms to provide redress to consumers. found that traffic management policies are transparent The FCA will thoroughly assess every debt management and that the quality of information that consumers can firm’s fitness to trade as part of the authorisation access has improved since the code was launched. The process. Alongside the logbook loans, because of the research identified a number of areas in which ISPs risks to consumers, the FCA has said that debt management could make information clearer, and Ofcom is working firms will be in the first phase of credit firms that have with industry to implement those. The Advertising to be fully authorised. Standards Authority has also published guidance to ensure On amendment 4, authorised persons in the financial that services advertised as unlimited genuinely have no sector are required to treat customers fairly. The property data restrictions. So a great deal of work has already been ombudsman service includes in its mandatory code of undertaken jointly by industry and regulators to ensure practice a specific requirement that a residential estate that consumers get what they pay for and are aware of agent any restrictions on their service at the point of sale. “must avoid a conflict of interest”. The hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) raised On 1 April 2013, the Government banned the payment concerns about mis-selling and unfair terms. Misleading and receipt of referral fees in personal injury cases, practices are already prohibited under the consumer through provisions in part 2 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing protection regulations, and if terms are unfair, they are and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. That covers all not binding on the consumer. Under the Bill, all small the main businesses involved—solicitors, claim management print terms will be assessable for fairness. companies and insurers. A firm cannot benefit through Hon. Members have also raised issues about net referring a consumer to a particular third party, which neutrality. The UK is fully committed to an open internet in effect removes the incentive on the trader to refer a and it believes that a self-regulatory approach can and consumer to a particular third party, just as the amendment does deliver this for consumers, as long as ISPs are would do. Breaches are subject to enforcement action transparent about traffic management practices that by the relevant regulator and by the FCA. they employ, and consumers are aware of those at the point of sale. The hon. Member for Middlesbrough (Andy McDonald) I agree with the hon. Gentleman that traffic management raised concerns about restricting access for members of should not develop into anti-competitive behaviour, as the armed forces. The Government are committed to he has highlighted. We will be working with the European supporting our armed forces and the Ministry of Defence Parliament, the Commission and other member states has worked with representative organisations of the to deliver a package that ensures an open, safe and financial services industry which have made a commitment secure internet. However, we do not support proposals to avoid disadvantaging members of the armed forces that mean we cannot enforce our laws, including blocking in the provision of products and services. If the hon. child abuse images, and we are committed to protecting Gentleman has specific concerns, I am happy for him to our children online. That includes ensuring that child write to me about those and I will pass them on to the abuse images can be and are blocked, as well as giving relevant Minister, or he can contact the relevant Minister parents the choice to implement domestic filters for age to obtain more precise details on a particular point. appropriate content. The protections in the 2012 Act are strengthened We continue to believe that regulation as proposed further by the provisions of part 2 of this Bill. A core by the European Commission is unhelpful as it is too term that requires a consumer to use a particular third prescriptive and inflexible. Indeed, regulation may be 907 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 908 unable to keep up with the pace of change of technology Our constituents will rightly ask us what we are doing and may even have unintended consequences, such as when we see these clear breaches of contract law taking higher consumer bills. I will ensure that the responsible place. Simply saying, as the Minister does, “Well, we’re Minister is made aware of the strong feeling across the going to monitor the number of complaints” is a green House in this debate and the fact that Members on both light for estate agents to undertake such practices. sides spoke in support of this. However, I hope that I That is compounded by the fact that all estate agents have reassured hon. Members that the Government in most of our constituencies are monitored from a understand that there can be issues in this area and that rural Welsh constituency by Powys county council. It we are working with both UK regulators and within the cannot understand how these half a million people are EU to tackle this, and I hope that the hon. Member for behaving, or how we reached the stage when a fee of Walthamstow will withdraw amendment 1. thousands of pounds could be applied. There is complacency about a clear rip-off that our constituents are facing. [Interruption.] Stella Creasy: I add my congratulations, Madam The Minister of State, Department for Work and Deputy Speaker, to those of other hon. Members. Indeed, Pensions, the right hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead there is nothing like a dame. [Interruption.] Come on, (Mike Penning) says, “Get on with it.” There are people somebody had to say it. in my constituency paying £6,000 or £7,000 as a fee. The I do not know where to start with what the Minister Minister says we had 13 years. The present Government has just set out. Loophole after loophole seems to be have had four years. We have given an example of how being built into this legislation, with the proviso that they could do something about it. The Government are someone else will pick up the pieces. The Minister failing to make progress, yet again, and all our constituents hopes that it will be various other regulators, but it is miss out. I fear for the Minister when one of his clearly the consumer who will be ripped off instead. I constituents comes to him with one of those contracts, can see from the face of the hon. Member for Shipley under which they are paying £6,000 or £7,000 to an (Philip Davies) that he too was disappointed, and I fear estate agent as a fee to buy a property under sale of that it is time rather than intent that will mean we tender, and he justifies doing nothing about it. cannot make much progress today. I urge the Minister This Bill is an opportunity to make progress. We on to watch the John Oliver video that is going round the Opposition Benches—[Interruption.] The Minister the interweb, if only to understand the real concern comments that I was in diapers when he became an MP, about net neutrality. I certainly hope that our colleagues but I am old enough to recognise when there is a rip-off in the other place will make some progress on this. to be dealt with— The idea that at point of sale we can defend such a fundamental principle as free speech does not cut the Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Dawn Primarolo): mustard. Order. Will the hon. Lady sit down, please. Minister, I On debt management companies and log book hope you did not say that. You have just entered the loans, the Minister refers to the Financial Conduct Chamber and you have been shouting since you sat down. Authority, leaving it to pick up the pieces from legislation It is not in order to speak to any hon. Member at the that is antiquated and outdated, which at some unspecified Dispatch Box. Members need to calm down a bit, please. time the Law Commission may look into. It is not good enough. We know that millions of people are in debt to Stella Creasy: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I such legal loan sharks. We know that the debt management was about to wind up. industry is profiting as debt in this country goes up, I know that house buying arouses a lot of passion, not down. The right thing to do would be to get the but it arouses even more passion when people get ripped consumer credit landscape to work for that problem, off by an estate agent. It is clear that the Government rather than to ask somebody else to deal with it, whether do not support an amendment that would make progress that is the Financial Conduct Authority or the Law in tackling the problem, which occurs across the country. Commission. They are all noise and no action. The Opposition want Again, this is the Consumer Rights Bill. A bill of sale to see action on estate agents who are ripping people is a consumer contract. There is no justification in the off. I hope Members on the Government Benches who modern world for leaving them in place. The Minister is have seen it in their constituency and who fear the fond of saying that the Labour Government had 13 years impact that it is having on the price of houses will join to do something about it. That Government were on the us in the Lobby in voting for amendment 1. verge of outlawing bill of sale agreements. I hope the The House divided: Ayes 205, Noes 272. Minister will change her mind. Division No. 5] [7.13 pm The amendment that we must press to a vote is amendment 1 for those Members who were not here AYES earlier to hear about estate agents charging both the Abrahams, Debbie Beckett, rh Margaret buyer and the seller a fee. The Minister accepts that Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Begg, Dame Anne there is a concern. We are talking about fees of thousands Alexander, Heidi Benn, rh Hilary of pounds for our constituents to buy a property—a fee Ali, Rushanara Benton, Mr Joe that distorts the price that a seller will get. Yet again, Allen, Mr Graham Berger, Luciana the Minister calls for a loophole to be written in and Ashworth, Jonathan Betts, Mr Clive calls for the property ombudsman to monitor the Austin, Ian Blackman-Woods, Roberta situation, when it is clearly a conflict of interest for an Bailey, Mr Adrian Blomfield, Paul estate agent to act for both the buyer and the seller at Bain, Mr William Blunkett, rh Mr David the same time. Barron, rh Kevin Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben 909 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 910

Brennan, Kevin Havard, Mr Dai Qureshi, Yasmin Straw, rh Mr Jack Brown, Lyn Healey, rh John Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Hendrick, Mark Reed, Mr Jamie Tami, Mark Bryant, Chris Hepburn, Mr Stephen Reed, Mr Steve Thomas, Mr Gareth Buck, Ms Karen Heyes, David Reynolds, Emma Timms, rh Stephen Burden, Richard Hilling, Julie Reynolds, Jonathan Trickett, Jon Byrne, rh Mr Liam Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Riordan, Mrs Linda Turner, Karl Campbell, rh Mr Alan Hoey, Kate Robertson, Angus Twigg, Derek Robertson, John Twigg, Stephen Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hood, Mr Jim Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Umunna, Mr Chuka Caton, Martin Howarth, rh Mr George Rotheram, Steve Vaz, rh Keith Champion, Sarah Hunt, Tristram Roy, Lindsay Vaz, Valerie Chapman, Jenny Irranca-Davies, Huw Ruane, Chris Watson, Mr Tom Clark, Katy Jackson, Glenda Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Clarke, rh Mr Tom James, Mrs Siân C. Sawford, Andy Whitehead, Dr Alan Clwyd, rh Ann Jamieson, Cathy Seabeck, Alison Williamson, Chris Coaker, Vernon Jarvis, Dan Shannon, Jim Wilson, Phil Cooper, Rosie Johnson, rh Alan Sharma, Mr Virendra Winnick, Mr David Cooper, rh Yvette Johnson, Diana Sheerman, Mr Barry Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Corbyn, Jeremy Jones, Graham Sheridan, Jim Wood, Mike Crausby, Mr David Jones, Mr Kevan Shuker, Gavin Woodcock, John Creagh, Mary Jones, Susan Elan Skinner, Mr Dennis Wright, David Creasy, Stella Kane, Mike Smith, rh Mr Andrew Cruddas, Jon Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Smith, Angela Tellers for the Ayes: Cryer, John Keeley, Barbara Smith, Nick Tom Blenkinsop and Cunningham, Alex Kendall, Liz Smith, Owen Stephen Doughty Cunningham, Mr Jim Lavery, Ian Dakin, Nic Lazarowicz, Mark NOES Danczuk, Simon Leslie, Chris Adams, Nigel Campbell, rh Sir Menzies David, Wayne Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Afriyie, Adam Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Denham, rh Mr John Lewis, Mr Ivan Andrew, Stuart Carmichael, Neil Dobbin, Jim Love, Mr Andrew Docherty, Thomas Lucas, Caroline Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Carswell, Mr Douglas Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lucas, Ian Bacon, Mr Richard Chishti, Rehman Doran, Mr Frank MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Baker, Norman Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Dowd, Jim Mactaggart, Fiona Baker, Steve Coffey, Dr Thérèse Doyle, Gemma Mahmood, Shabana Baldwin, Harriett Collins, Damian Dromey, Jack Mann, John Barclay, Stephen Colvile, Oliver Dugher, Michael McCabe, Steve Barwell, Gavin Cox, Mr Geoffrey Durkan, Mark McCarthy, Kerry Beith, rh Sir Alan Crabb, Stephen Eagle, Ms Angela McDonagh, Siobhain Bellingham, Mr Henry Crockart, Mike Eagle, Maria McDonald, Andy Benyon, Richard Crouch, Tracey Edwards, Jonathan McDonnell, John Beresford, Sir Paul Davey, rh Mr Edward Efford, Clive McFadden, rh Mr Pat Elliott, Julie McGovern, Alison Berry, Jake Davies, Glyn Ellman, Mrs Louise McGovern, Jim Bingham, Andrew Davies, Philip Engel, Natascha McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Birtwistle, Gordon Davis, rh Mr David Esterson, Bill McKechin, Ann Blackwood, Nicola de Bois, Nick Evans, Chris McKenzie, Mr Iain Blunt, Crispin Dinenage, Caroline Farrelly, Paul McKinnell, Catherine Boles, Nick Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Field, rh Mr Frank Meacher, rh Mr Michael Bone, Mr Peter Dorries, Nadine Fitzpatrick, Jim Mearns, Ian Bradley, Karen Doyle-Price, Jackie Flello, Robert Miller, Andrew Brady, Mr Graham Duddridge, James Flint, rh Caroline Mitchell, Austin Brake, rh Tom Duncan, rh Mr Alan Flynn, Paul Moon, Mrs Madeleine Fovargue, Yvonne Morden, Jessica Bray, Angie Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Francis, Dr Hywel Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Brazier, Mr Julian Ellis, Michael Gapes, Mike Morris, Grahame M. Brine, Steve Ellison, Jane Gardiner, Barry (Easington) Brokenshire, James Elphicke, Charlie Glass, Pat Mudie, Mr George Brooke, Annette Evans, Graham Glindon, Mrs Mary Murphy, rh Paul Browne, Mr Jeremy Evennett, Mr David Goodman, Helen Murray, Ian Bruce, Fiona Fallon, rh Michael Green, Kate Nandy, Lisa Buckland, Mr Robert Farron, Tim Greenwood, Lilian Onwurah, Chi Burns, Conor Featherstone, Lynne Griffith, Nia Owen, Albert Burns, rh Mr Simon Field, Mark Gwynne, Andrew Pearce, Teresa Hamilton, Mr David Perkins, Toby Burstow, rh Paul Foster, rh Mr Don Hamilton, Fabian Phillipson, Bridget Burt, rh Alistair Fox,rhDrLiam Hanson, rh Mr David Pound, Stephen Byles, Dan Francois, rh Mr Mark Harris, Mr Tom Powell, Lucy Cairns, Alun Freer, Mike 911 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 912

Fullbrook, Lorraine Luff, Sir Peter Shepherd, Sir Richard Uppal, Paul Fuller, Richard Lumley, Karen Simpson, Mr Keith Vaizey, Mr Edward Gale, Sir Roger Main, Mrs Anne Skidmore, Chris Vara, Mr Shailesh Garnier, Mark Maynard, Paul Smith, Chloe Vickers, Martin Gibb, Mr Nick McCartney, Jason Smith, Henry Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Glen, John McCartney, Karl Smith, Julian Walker, Mr Charles Goldsmith, Zac McIntosh, Miss Anne Smith, Sir Robert Walker, Mr Robin Goodwill, Mr Robert McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Soames, rh Sir Nicholas Wallace, Mr Ben Soubry, Anna Ward, Mr David Graham, Richard McPartland, Stephen Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Webb, Steve Grant, Mrs Helen McVey, rh Esther Stanley, rh Sir John Wharton, James Gray, Mr James Menzies, Mark Stevenson, John Wheeler, Heather Grayling, rh Chris Metcalfe, Stephen Stewart, Bob White, Chris Green, rh Damian Miller, rh Maria Stewart, Iain Whittaker, Craig Greening, rh Justine Mills, Nigel Stewart, Rory Whittingdale, Mr John Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Streeter, Mr Gary Wiggin, Bill Griffiths, Andrew Mordaunt, Penny Stride, Mel Willetts, rh Mr David Gyimah, Mr Sam Morris, Anne Marie Stuart, Mr Graham Williams, Mr Mark Halfon, Robert Morris, James Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Williams, Roger Hames, Duncan Mosley, Stephen Sturdy, Julian Williams, Stephen Hammond, rh Mr Philip Mowat, David Swales, Ian Williamson, Gavin Hammond, Stephen Mundell, rh David Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Willott, Jenny Hancock, Matthew Munt, Tessa Syms, Mr Robert Wilson, Mr Rob Hands, rh Greg Murray, Sheryll Teather, Sarah Wollaston, Dr Sarah Harper, Mr Mark Neill, Robert Thornton, Mike Wright, Jeremy Harrington, Richard Newmark, Mr Brooks Thurso, John Wright, Simon Harris, Rebecca Newton, Sarah Timpson, Mr Edward Yeo, Mr Tim Hart, Simon Nokes, Caroline Tomlinson, Justin Young, rh Sir George Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Norman, Jesse Tredinnick, David Tellers for the Noes: Heald, Oliver Nuttall, Mr David Turner, Mr Andrew Anne Milton and Heath, Mr David O’Brien, rh Mr Stephen Tyrie, Mr Andrew Mark Hunter Heaton-Harris, Chris Offord, Dr Matthew Hemming, John Ollerenshaw, Eric Question accordingly negatived. Henderson, Gordon Opperman, Guy Hendry, Charles Ottaway, rh Sir Richard Hoban, Mr Mark Parish, Neil 7.25 pm Hollingbery, George Patel, Priti Hollobone, Mr Philip Paterson, rh Mr Owen Holloway, Mr Adam Pawsey, Mark More than two hours having elapsed since the Hopkins, Kris Penning, rh Mike commencement of proceedings on consideration, the Horwood, Martin Penrose, John proceedings were interrupted (Programme Order, 13 May). Howell, John Percy, Andrew Hughes, rh Simon Perry, Claire The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Phillips, Stephen for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that Huppert, Dr Julian Pincher, Christopher time (Standing Order No. 83E). Jackson, Mr Stewart Poulter, Dr Daniel James, Margot Prisk, Mr Mark Jenrick, Robert Pritchard, Mark Johnson, Gareth Pugh, John Johnson, Joseph Raab, Mr Dominic Jones, Andrew Randall, rh Sir John Schedule 5 Jones, rh Mr David Reckless, Mark Jones, Mr Marcus Rees-Mogg, Jacob Kawczynski, Daniel INVESTIGATORY POWER ETC. Reevell, Simon Kelly, Chris Reid, Mr Alan Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Kwarteng, Kwasi Amendments made: 21, page 67, line 45, after “13(1)” Rogerson, Dan Lancaster, Mark insert “or (1A)”. Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Rosindell, Andrew This amendment and amendment 22 reflect the establishment Laws, rh Mr David Rudd, Amber Ruffley, Mr David of the Competition and Markets Authority, in place of the Office Leadsom, Andrea of Fair Trading, which now has a power to enforce these particular Russell, Sir Bob Lee, Jessica regulations. Lee, Dr Phillip Rutley, David Leslie, Charlotte Sanders, Mr Adrian Amendment 22, page 67, line 47, after “19(1)” insert Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Sandys, Laura “or (1A)”. Lewis, Brandon Scott, Mr Lee Lidington, rh Mr David Selous, Andrew The explanatory statement for amendment 21 also applies to Lloyd, Stephen Shapps, rh Grant this amendment. Lopresti, Jack Sharma, Alok Loughton, Tim Shelbrooke, Alec Amendment 16, page 68, line 11, at end insert— 913 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 914

“A local weights and measures authority in Great Section 35ZA of the Registered Designs Act 1949”. Britain or the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland

This amendment inserts a reference to section 35ZA of the Registered Designs Act 1949 into the table in paragraph 11 of Schedule 5 so that it falls within the enforcer’s legislation within the meaning of paragraph 9(1)(b) of the same Schedule. It also lists the relevant domestic enforcers of this provision.

Amendment 23, page 68, line 41, at end insert—

“A local weights and measures authority in Sections (Duty of letting agents to publicise fees), (Letting agents to England or a district council in England which the duty applies), (Fees to which the duty applies), (Letting agency work and property management work), (Enforcement of the duty) and (Supplementary provisions) of this Act”.

This amendment ensures that the investigatory powers in Schedule 5 enforcement of section 35ZA, see Schedule 5 to the Consumer to the Bill are available for investigating a breach of the duty to Rights Act 2014.””. publicise fees. This amendment makes a consequential amendment to section Amendment 24, page 73, line 15, after “to” insert 35ZB of the Registered Designs Act 1948 in Schedule 6 by replacing reference to the investigatory powers contained in the “—(a)”. Trade Descriptions Act 1968, which are being repealed by the This amendment and amendment 25 maintain the ability of Consumer Rights Bill, with those contained in Schedule 5 to enforcers to request information from the Crown when acting for the Bill. the enforcement of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Amendment 18, page 98, line 33, leave out Amendment 25, page 73, line 16, after “(3),” insert “local weights and measures authority” “or and insert “person”—(Jenny Willott.) (b) an enforcer acting for the purpose of ascertaining This amendment modifies the consequential amendment to the whether there has been a breach of the Consumer Fireworks Act 2003 in Schedule 6 by replacing the words “local Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (SI weights and measures authority” with “person” so that it is 2008/1277),”. consistent with the consequential amendment to the Consumer The explanatory statement for amendment 24 also applies to this Protection Act 1987 also in this Schedule. amendment. Amendment 26, page 88, line 14, at end insert— Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. At 10.50 (za) under section 35ZC of the Registered Designs Act this morning a reporter from The Sun, Tom Newton 1949,”. Dunn, tweeted: This amendment inserts a reference to section 35ZC of the Registered Designs Act 1949 into paragraph 45(2) of Schedule 5 “ISIS will be made a banned terrorist organisation in the UK to ensure the power of forfeiture under that Act can be exercised by the Home Secretary today.” by area enforcers when operating across local authority boundaries. That was before the Order had been laid before Parliament Amendment 27, page 88, line 15, leave out “or” and and before the shadow Home Secretary and the Chair insert— of the Home Affairs Committee had been notified of (a) under section 97 of the Trade Marks Act 1994 the Government’s intention, which is the normal procedure. (including as applied by section 11 of the Olympic As these matters involve national security, and obviously Symbol etc (Protection) Act 1995), or”—(Jenny the whole House takes them very seriously, I wonder Willott.) whether you feel that that chain of events was in order. This amendment inserts a reference to section 97 of the Trade Marks Act 1994 (including as applied to section 11 of the Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Dawn Primarolo): I Olympic Symbol etc (Protection) Act 1995) into paragraph 45(2) am grateful to the hon. Lady for giving me notice of her of Schedule 5 to ensure the power of forfeiture under that Act can intention to raise a point of order. Strictly speaking, it is be exercised by area enforcers when operating across local authority not a point of order for today’s debate. However, I boundaries. reiterate that Mr Speaker has made it clear to the House a number of times that any business that is to be dealt Schedule 6 with in this House should be notified to Members of INVESTIGATORY POWERS: CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS Parliament first. I see that the Government Chief Whip Amendments made: 17, page 89, line 27, at end insert— is in his place and am sure that he will ensure that no discourtesy to the House was intended and that he will “Registered Designs Act 1949 (c. 88) reaffirm, and ensure that Ministers stick to, Mr Speaker’s A1 (1) Section 35ZB of the Registered Designs Act 1949 clear preference, which is that this House should always (enforcement) is amended as follows. be told first. (2) Omit subsection (1). Third Reading (3) Before subsection (2) insert— 7.28 pm “(1A) For the investigatory powers available to a local weights and measures authority or the Department of Enterprise, Trade Jenny Willott: I beg to move, That the Bill be now and Investment in Northern Ireland for the purposes of the read the Third time. 915 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 916

I am sorry that so many hon. Members are leaving remedies for the first time. As the Confederation of the Chamber at this exciting point in this evening’s British Industry told the Business, Innovation and Skills proceedings. Let me first convey my thanks to everyone Committee in the House, including those currently leaving, and “the time is right to make sure that consumer law keeps in step everyone outside who gave their time and expertise and with how those areas of the economy have evolved”. shared their experience to help strengthen and improve The law on unfair terms in consumer contracts is this important Bill. We are most grateful. In particular, particularly complicated. We asked the Law Commission I would like to thank the Business, Innovation and to look at unfair terms law in detail. It recommended Skills Committee and its Chair, the hon. Member for three additions to the grey list, which we accept. It West Bromwich West (Mr Bailey), for conducting such considered and rejected other additions—conclusions invaluable pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill. The with which we also agree. Government accepted a great many of its recommendations. Creating the National Trading Standards Board was I firmly believe that our reforms are stronger and that a key step towards better equipping enforcers to tackle the Bill is better as a consequence of that scrutiny. complex criminal activity. We are building on that in the I would also like to thank those individuals who gave Bill by making it easier for trading standards bodies to oral evidence to the Public Bill Committee and the work more effectively across boundaries. Those reforms individuals and organisations who provided written together will help tackle the estimated £4.8 billion-worth evidence and suggested recommendations. I extend of consumer detriment arising from rogue trading activities. particular thanks to members of the Public Bill Committee, Setting out consumer law enforcers’ investigatory on which the hon. Member for Walthamstow (Stella powers in the Bill will make them more transparent, Creasy) led for the Opposition, for their detailed which benefits both regulator and business. Clearly, we examination and thorough scrutiny of the Bill’s provisions want enforcers to pursue rogue traders, but it is important and for their extensive discussions about items of that we do not disproportionately burden businesses clothing, curtains, cushions and any number of soft that are already compliant. On the requirement to give furnishings. businesses 48 hours’ notice of a routine inspection, the We have spent almost two days on Report examining British Retail Consortium has said in evidence sessions: a wide range of issues that affect consumers. I sincerely “The safeguards in the statute are absolutely perfect”, thank Opposition Members and hon. Friends for providing the House with the opportunity to debate such a broad and: range of consumer issues. I am grateful for hon. Members’ “If you have notice…it does not waste our time, and it does not incisive inquiries on these significant matters; they have waste the regulator’s time.”––[Official Report, Consumer Rights helped to ensure that our important discussions, and Public Bill Committee, 11 February 2014; c. 32, Q68.] the action that the Government are taking, will properly The Bill will also give public enforcers greater flexibility tackle harmful behaviour swiftly and head-on. to seek new and innovative ways of dealing with businesses that have broken consumer law. More consumers will The Government’s reforms in the Bill amount to the get their money back, and they will be better informed most fundamental change to UK consumer rights in about those businesses that choose to flout the law. more than a generation. We want confident consumers Consumers will be able to take the past performance of who are willing to try new products and services, and to businesses that choose to ignore consumer rights into shop around. Consumers who understand their rights account when deciding whether to buy from them. The can play a crucial role in driving growth, because flexibility to get better outcomes for consumers is seen they encourage businesses to innovate and to be more as a welcome addition to the enforcement toolkit by responsive and efficient. That is why we are removing both Which? and Citizens Advice. complexity and ensuring that the law keeps up with technological developments. The reforms proposed in The UK has a world-class competition framework the Bill make the rights and responsibilities of consumers that benefits both business and consumers. However, and businesses clear and easily understood, and they evidence from the Office of Fair Trading highlights that take account of the way that modern consumers shop. the private actions regime is the least effective aspect of There are an estimated 350,000 retail businesses in the the UK’s competition regime. Anti-competitive behaviour UK, and goods are a critical part of the UK economy. harms consumers by lowering output, increasing prices That is why business and consumer groups agree that it and reducing quality, but the costs of going to court is vital that we remove the complexity that makes make it very hard for consumers to obtain redress. As compliance burdensome for business and confusing for Which? highlighted in its evidence during pre-legislative consumers. scrutiny: “The whole Bill is aimed at empowering consumers. Part of an The market for digital content is growing more rapidly empowered consumer is that they are confident that when things than ever, and has an estimated annual turnover of go wrong they will be put right.” around £200 billion. The new category of digital content Finally and importantly, we are determined to tackle proposed in the Bill, with its own set of tailored quality the minority of rogue letting agents who offer a poor rights, will make consumers more confident about trying service. We are introducing legislation to require all something new. That not only benefits consumers but letting agents and property managers to belong to an helps the most responsive businesses—especially new approved redress scheme, giving tenants an effective market entrants that are not well-known brands with way of pursuing complaints. We are making agents established track records—to attract custom. publish their fees; that will give consumers the information The services sector is worth more than 75% of the that they want and support good letting agents. Such UK’s gross domestic product. That underlines just how transparency deters double-charging and enables tenants important it is that the Bill gives consumers clearer, and landlords to shop around, which encourages more more accessible statutory rights, and introduces statutory competitive fees. 917 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 918

[Jenny Willott] during proceedings on the Bill. A really robust Consumer Rights Bill would empower the British public, giving The Bill contains important new protections for them the rights and the confidence that they need to be consumers and measures to lower regulatory burdens able to choose the goods and services that they desire. for business, so that markets work better and consumers Under that test, the public could demand a refund on are well protected. Overall, the suite of consumer law the Bill, for as we saw only today, loophole after loophole reforms is set to benefit businesses and consumers by remains, and it is consumers who will have to pay the more than £4 billion over 10 years. The Bill is therefore price. good for consumers, good for business, and good for The Minister talks of a consumer toolkit, but that growth, and I commend it to the House. toolkit has a blunt Stanley knife and a broken hammer in it. Time and again, throughout consideration of the 7.36 pm Bill, the Government have failed to grasp how giving the public access to the information, advocacy and Stella Creasy: It is fascinating finally to come to the redress that they need to shape services to meet desired end of consideration of the Bill in this Chamber. outcomes would be a better idea, in terms of dealing with markets and services when the odds are stacked Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): On a point of against them. Indeed, one of the things we have not order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I stand to be corrected, done so far is set out what a market that is not working but I thought that those who wanted to speak on Third looks like or what the problems are. Reading did so before the shadow spokesperson. Am I In setting out our concerns on Third Reading, let me wrong? be clear about where our amendments came from. We need to recognise that a market is not working when Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Dawn Primarolo): information is not flowing freely between actors, whether You are wrong, yes. The Minister opens Third Reading, they be consumers or businesses, such that they are not and the Opposition Front Bencher responds; we then able to make informed choices. A market is not working hear from other participants. If we have enough time, when companies use their advantage to crowd out new and it is relevant to do so, we then hear the wind-ups. competitors, collude on prices or, indeed, create a monopoly. Do not worry—I will not forget you. Such a market may also result in unintended consequences because of the behaviour of others. The result is always Stella Creasy: I am on tenterhooks to hear what the the same: consumers miss out when markets do not hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) has to say. work. Thanks to our consideration of the Bill, I am aware of We have attempted to amend the Bill in this House my right to a return and a repeat performance if I do and I am sure my colleagues in the other place will not think the skill and service is satisfactory; he should continue to do so in order to address some of those be aware of that. problems. Many markets in the UK do not meet the Whereas poppadoms are not to be shared, I have metrics of success whereby information flows freely and feedback—the breakfast of champions, as it was once there is competition on creativity and innovation—not called—to share on the Bill and whether it works. Does exploitation of captured consumers who have little option it pass the Ronseal test—does it do what it says on the but to pay over the odds—and where the reasonable tin? The Bill says that it is there to care and skill test can truly be applied. “Amend the law relating to the rights of consumers and At every stage of this Bill, colleagues throughout the protection of their interests”. House have raised issues that reflect those concerns Certainly, as I hope I have just displayed, during our about markets, including ticket touting, rip-off estate consideration of the Bill we learned what our rights will agent fees, copycat websites, logbook loans, product be: we will have the right to have legislation written with recall and even net neutrality. Every example involved reasonable care and skill, and provided at a reasonable scams and sharp practices, yet this Bill will not make time and price to us all. The rights of our consumers—our progress in protecting the interests of consumers. As we constituents—to remedy and redress when they feel that have consistently been told by the Minister, that is we are not providing that are somewhat limited. That is outside the scope of the Bill and a matter for the why they rely on us Opposition Members to hold the mysterious implementation group, whose inner workings Government to account. However, our role is not simply are still a secret to many of us. to intervene, or identify injustice as it affects our constituents, At every single turn, the Minister has claimed that but to act on it. That is what we have tried to do in someone or something else can act. She has said that so proceedings on the Bill. often that we think it would be worth renaming the Bill At the heart of this is the question of rights. Does the the “computer says no” Bill. That may be an effective Bill give consumers the rights that they need if they are phrase for coalition government, but it is also a recipe to act for themselves? That has been our central concern. to rip off consumers. In that, we were influenced by the words of the Mayor Despite the Minister’s best efforts to tell us, “There’s of London—who knows what else he will be in future?— nothing to see here,” it has become clear during the who once said: course of our work that this Bill reaches far beyond “The dreadful truth is that when people come to see their MP, how easy it is for any of us to return a jumper with a they have run out of better ideas.” hole in it. We know there is much more to consider with If the Bill had been well written, it would have given regard to how the Bill will impact on the public sector. people rights that would have meant that they did not The Minister has still not clarified which services are have to come to us, their MPs, with such regularity with covered, preferring to tell us only that most NHS care, all the stories of consumer detriment that we heard state-funded education and law enforcement services 919 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 920 are not covered. Of course, given that tuition fees, new clauses. However mean the Minister may wish to personal care payments and child care vouchers are be about those amendments and new clauses, we certainly covered, it would seem that this Bill is less a case of, think they have made a difference. “computer says no,” and more one of, “Yeah, but no, As the Bill goes to the other place, let me say again but yeah.” It has certainly felt like we have been asking what a missed opportunity it has been. Major consumer questions of the sphinx at times, because we have had to reforms come along very rarely—as the Minister of find the right question in order to get the right answer State, Department for Work and Pensions, the right for our constituents. The risk is that the Bill will devour hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead, would point out, I all those who fail to solve its riddle. am now of a certain age. I fear there is little hope of a In fear of yet again being cast into the pit of despair, return, a refund or a repeat performance for our constituents may I again ask the Minister to clarify, with a yes or no if we get this wrong. They will not want to wait another answer, whether the following contracts are covered? Is 35 years. I have every confidence that the noble Lords the BBC licence fee covered? Given the recent comments will continue our work on issues such as letting agent of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, fees, debt management, access to data, advocacy, trading surely that is an apposite and important point to clarify. standards and redress, and that they will also finally pin Before the Bill goes to the other place, it would be down the magicians of the implementation group and incredibly helpful if the Minister could clarify whether the mysterious work of ombudsman services. it also covers parking permits and prescriptions. Britain can do better. We will not oppose the Bill, but Understanding this minefield and the impact it will instead send it to the other place and ask it to continue have on consumers of public services now falls to our our efforts to improve this Bill so that it can live up to colleagues in the Lords. Given the evidence that we are the bold sales pitch of protecting consumer interests. If a nation of silent sufferers—in particular, many elderly that does not happen, I for one will encourage the users of care services fear that they cannot complain—the British public to exercise their right to a return at the fact the Minister is devolving getting this right to the ballot box in 2015 and finally cast out a Government Cabinet Office, as she declared on the first day on who are clearly not fit for purpose. Report, simply will not stand. We put her on notice that we will not let public service users experience a two-tier 7.46 pm system because she could not define what clause 2 does. The Minister may sigh again and point to the long Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): I am very pleased to gestation of this Bill, including the Labour Government’s see this important Bill complete its passage through this original 2009 White Paper on a new deal for consumers. House. Economic development depends on those receiving We generally agree that there is a need to update the goods and services knowing that they can depend on fundamental principles enshrined in the Sale of Goods robust legal protection and clear redress. Knowledge of Act 1979. That was published shortly after I was born— the reality of the protection that this Bill promotes and which, as the Minister of State, Department for Work provides will enable people and businesses to get on and Pensions, the right hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead with the important job of producing and accessing (Mike Penning), who is no longer in his place, would goods and services, in which context our economy can say, was, “A long time ago.” continue to grow. The principle of fairness underpins this Bill. As the It is certainly time for an update, which is why we will Minister has said, it is vital that the law keeps up with not oppose this Bill’s Third Reading, but it is also time technological developments. It is vital, therefore, that in for clarity, which the Bill does not yet deliver. I hope the developing new medical technologies, such as mitochondrial Minister will not think it churlish of me to say that we transfer, we do not rush into them, especially when welcome the fact that some of our proposals have been significant consumer protection concerns are in play. considered and, indeed, adopted. When the issue of That is only right and fair. Just yesterday, the fertility speedier refunds was first raised, there seemed little expert Professor Robert Winston stated: hope of progress, but having had our call for a time limit of 30 days batted away, we were delighted with the “I don’t believe there has been enough work done to make sure Government’s amendment making 14 days the cut-off mitochondrial replacement is truly safe.” for consumers to get their money back. There have also For that reason, I regret that there was no time to been announcements on copycat websites and letting debate my new clause 31, even though it was selected. agent fees as the Bill has progressed. Those things have The situation also demonstrates the importance of been encouraging and we wait with bated breath to see not bringing to Parliament any proposed legislation on what else the Minister will come full circle. permitting such procedures until all the necessary pre-clinical Like the Minister, I want to put on record my gratitude tests have been concluded, some of which have been to the members of the Business, Innovation and Skills described recently by the Human Fertilisation and Committee and the members of the Bill Committee for Embryology Authority as “critical”. Only then should playing their part. Having received during the course of parliamentarians be asked to assess the evidence and our deliberations a marriage proposal, hair-dressing vote on such measures. Only then will we demonstrate advice, loft-conversion concerns and a lecture in socialist to our constituents that we are not rushing to adopt ideology, as well as the opportunity to hear passionate new medical techniques without treating safety concerns debates on issues such as electrical safety, public service with the utmost seriousness. reform and data protection, I believe we have given I am very concerned we have not had the opportunity much for our colleagues in the other place to ruminate. to debate new clause 31, because it needs parliamentary I also want to put on record my personal thanks to the time. I very much hope that the concerns it addresses Clerks of the Public Bill Office, who have been kind and will be thoroughly debated in the other place at another generous with their time in drafting amendments and time. 921 Consumer Rights Bill16 JUNE 2014 Consumer Rights Bill 922

7.48 pm insurance and need consumer protection—for example, those who, having booked a flight, find that they have Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): It is always a pleasure to cancel it, whether for health or whatever reason—but to follow the hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce), cannot get a reimbursement. I had hoped that the Bill who is passionate about the subject she has just addressed. might give those people more protection, but I am not I hope the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for sure that it yet does so. Walthamstow (Stella Creasy), will not be disappointed with my contribution. I want to put on record some I welcome many of the things in the Bill, as well as important issues. some of the things in it about which we are not entirely happy. None the less, I congratulate all hon. Members The Minister has outlined very well the issues that the on their contributions to the Bill, and on their ability to Bill tries to address, but I and other Members still have bring to the Floor of the House provisions that can concerns. I am particularly concerned about the issue of make a change. debt advice. There are many debt organisations in my constituency. Citizens Advice, Debt Advice NI and 7.56 pm Christians Against Poverty are just three groups that give advice—they do not lend money—on the problems Jenny Willott: With the leave of the House, I will people face when they borrow money and build up respond to some of the points made. The Bill has debts they are unable to pay. benefited from thorough and considered debate in this The Consumer Rights Bill should be just that—legislation House. We have now had lengthy discussions on many that protects consumers. Does the Bill do so entirely? subjects covered by the Bill, and possibly even more on Some of us feel that it might have done more, and we those not covered by it. would be much more relaxed about it if it had done more. The hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) raised The regulation of loan companies, which Members the issue of mitochondrial donation or transfer. The have referred to, is a very complex matter. We are all Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority set up aware of the story about a lady who borrowed a couple an expert panel, which has conducted three reviews on of thousand pounds from a loan company, which developed the safety and efficacy of the proposed treatment. I into a six-figure sum over a number of transactions. She want to reassure her that any proposed regulations on found herself in a very difficult position, and she then this matter would be subject to debates in both Houses had her house repossessed. That may be an extreme of Parliament under the affirmative procedure, so were example, but it illustrates our concerns. measures taken forward, there would be a full debate. I very much welcome the Government’s commitment on the territorial extent and application of the Bill. I Fiona Bruce: Will the Minister reassure me that want to comment on part 3, which does not extend the regulations permitting such a treatment will not be laid Sunday Trading Act 1994 to Scotland and Northern before the House until clinical procedures that have Ireland, for example. The decision in relation to that been described by the HFEA as critical are concluded will clearly lie with the Northern Ireland Assembly. I and reviewed? must say that that is good news for the people of Northern Ireland who attend church, but have to work Jenny Willott: I suggest that the hon. Lady take up on Sundays or might potentially have to do so. Any that issue with Health Ministers, as this policy area sits decision will lie with the Assembly, which is good news. firmly under their portfolio. She is asking a very technical question about the background to the regulations, and I wholeheartedly concur with the concerns expressed it might be more proper for one of them to respond. by the hon. Member for Congleton about the controversial technological changes referred in new clause 31 in relation I was a little disappointed by the response of the hon. to three-parent children. I am concerned that there was Member for Walthamstow (Stella Creasy). She is very no opportunity to debate that on the Floor of the dismissive of the Bill, which she has described as full of House, because I certainly wanted to speak about it, as loopholes. Consumer and business organisations all did other hon. Members. I suggest that it seems very agree that the Government are doing the right thing dangerous to go ahead with such a change, as has been and that the Bill will make a real difference, as we indicated, without any consensus of support or a majority repeatedly heard in evidence to the Public Bill Committee in its favour. I must put on the record that I am very and to the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee concerned about the numbers of ladies who have such during its pre-legislative scrutiny. worries. Some 558 people responded by saying that they It cannot be denied that the Bill is the most dramatic did not want the change. Thank you for giving me the overhaul of consumer protection for a generation. The opportunity to make that comment, Madam Deputy UK already has very high levels of consumer confidence Speaker. and knowledge—higher than almost any other country The Bill has addressed many of the issues about in the European Union—but I believe that we can raise which we have concerns, such as the right to the repair them higher. It drives huge change both in business and or replacement of goods. I commend the hon. Member across society to have consumers who are well informed for Foyle (Mark Durkan) on the good work that he has and confident of their rights, and who know what they done on the Bill. He fought very valiantly and got the can do when something goes wrong. Consumer protection changes that he had hoped for in relation to electrical drives innovation across businesses, growth in the economy goods. I am tremendously pleased to see in the Bill what and confidence among our consumers. I believe that he and many other hon. Members wanted it to include. this Bill is the way to achieve that, and I commend it to the House. If the Minister cannot respond on this point tonight, perhaps she will come back to me at some time, but I do Question put and agreed to. not yet see powers for people who take out holiday Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed. 923 16 JUNE 2014 Education 924

Education used on their premises. I understand that there are concerns that that could be a get-out clause and a 7.56 pm barrier to inclusion, especially in further education. However, we have seen no such evidence from the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education pathfinders. It is only right that institutions have the (Mr Edward Timpson): I beg to move, final say on who can work on their premises. I can, That the draft Special Educational Needs (Personal Budgets) however, reassure hon. Members that we will keep a Regulations 2014, which were laid before this House on 9 April, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved. careful eye on that aspect of our reforms. The regulations are the first to be laid under section Finally, I want to return to my earlier theme of the 49 and—it gives me great pleasure to say—under part 3 complexity of implementation. I draw the House’s attention of the Children and Families Act 2014. As I think we to the comprehensive package of support that is in can all agree across the House, the 2014 Act has the place to help councils meet this important challenge. potential to make a massive improvement to the lives of An ever-increasing array of materials, including practical children and young people with special educational advice, case studies, checklists and frameworks for needs and disabilities. implementation, is available on the SEN pathfinder website. All those materials have been developed with The regulations will introduce the option of a personal expert support from local authorities, their partners, budget for education, health and care plan holders from and voluntary and community sector groups that work September 2014. The SEN pathfinders have shown that in the area, including those that represent parents. personal budgets can make a real difference to children and young people; indeed, according to some parents Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): Last year, the on the pathfinder programme, they can be life-changing. Minister kindly met me and representatives of CLIC However, the introduction of personal budgets is complex, Sargent to consider the position of children who suffer and hon. Members may want some reassurances about from cancer. Will he assure Members that there will be their introduction in September, especially in relation to the necessary flexibility—this is the key issue—to deal the testing of direct payments for SEN provision. with children with varying abilities and concerns? If personal budgets are to work, parents must be given clear, up-front information about their availability, Mr Timpson: I can reassure the hon. Gentleman as well as advice and support on requesting, taking up absolutely on that point. The meeting that we had last and managing a personal budget, including on direct year informed not only the legislation, but the underlying payments. Personal budgets must be embedded in the code of practice, which is now in draft form. The whole education, health and care planning process, rather point of personal budgets is to embed flexibility and than seen simply as an addition to the system. Their personalisation in the support that is available to parents, introduction from September, as part of the wider and to put them much more in control of the choices to reforms, means that councils are developing personal ensure that they and their children get the relevant budgets as a coherent element of the system, rather support when they need it. I hope that he will take time than just a mere bolt-on. I must stress that, building on to look at the code of practice. I know that CLIC the experience of the pathfinders, our approach to Sargent, which works closely with the Department, has implementation will be one of evolution, rather than done so. I am grateful for the work that he and that the proverbial revolution. charity have done. The draft code of practice, which was laid before Our SEN advisers are visiting councils the length and Parliament on 11 June and is subject to debate in its breadth of the country to establish what more local own right, is abundantly clear on that important underlying areas may need and, when necessary, are making referrals principle of successful implementation. Subject to the to our pathfinder champion support team and the will of Parliament, the code of practice will, along with newly appointed national champions for personal budgets. regulations covering the local offer and EHC plans, set That package will be complemented by a thematic out a flexible framework for implementation, while evaluation of personal budgets and integrated resourcing, providing a clear expectation of what councils must which will be undertaken by SQW, the evaluator of the have in place in September 2014 and of how it should pathfinder programme, and will be published this summer. evolve over time as joint commissioning arrangements The research will re-examine the progress that has been and local offers mature. made by pathfinder and non-pathfinder areas to identify To turn to the substance of the regulations, they good practice and lessons learned to inform the contain many of the provisions that we have previously development of less advanced areas. debated as part of the pilot scheme for direct payments To conclude, with the framework for implementation for SEN provision. They give parents and young people set out in the regulations, the code of practice and the the right to ask for a personal budget when an EHC support that we are providing with our partners, I am plan is being prepared, or during a statutory review of confident that we have an approach that will, in the an existing plan. Parents must be given up-front information coming years, make a huge difference to the lives of about personal budgets, including the information that children and young people. I hope that hon. Members will be required in, and consulted on as part of the local will give it their support. offer. We have maintained the considerations in relation to 8.3 pm value for money and the impact on other service users—an Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): The issue that has been of concern in debates in this House Opposition support the principle of personal budgets and the other place. We have repeated the requirement and direct payments, so we will not oppose the regulations. for the permission of a school or college and added However, I have a number of questions about safeguards early-years settings where a direct payment is being and how the proposals will work in practice. 925 Education16 JUNE 2014 Education 926

[Steve McCabe] There will be other authorities that want to use regulation 6(1)(c) to argue that, however valid the individual request, The draft code of practice, to which the Minister to accede to it would mean disaggregating funding that referred, states in paragraph 3.39 that, as an “integral supports the provision of services for a number of part” of the process of planning personal budgets, children and young people. There are obviously legitimate “partners should ensure children, young people and families are concerns that it will be harder to engage in the planning involved in the decision-making processes at both an individual and co-ordination of services in an environment where and a strategic level”. much of the funding is in the hands of individual How will the Minister monitor that and ensure that parents and families. those fine words are translated into deeds? In the same The experience in Essex was that providers were paragraph, the code indicates that concerned about the impact that spot purchasing would “the new joint commissioning strategies will support greater have on their security because of the unpredictability choice and control year-on-year, as the market is developed and that it brought to the amount of money they would funding streams are freed from existing contractual arrangements”. receive over a set period. That is likely to have planning What steps will he take to ensure that he does not implications. Similarly, Essex county council claimed preside over a postcode lottery, with innovation and that the back-office implications included increased greater choice in some parts of the country, and reactionary, invoicing overheads as a result of moving from a large conservative obstacles in others? block to individual family contracting. Does the Minister The Minister may be aware of the suspicion directed recognise those dilemmas? How does he plan to be kept at his Government that what he describes, understandably, informed and to intervene to address those problems, if as “choice” could be used by some as a device to save it is necessary? Will the first-tier tribunal be given any money. As he will know, a number of organisations in guidance on how it should consider such arguments? the field of special needs education are reporting cuts to Indeed, should not regulation 7 specify the exact grounds the provision for young people, particularly in areas on which a local authority may refuse? In the circumstances such as speech and language therapy, and are consequently in which a person moves to a new authority, which opts expressing doubts about how the Minister’s brave new to conduct a new needs assessment, what is to stop it world will fare in an environment where severe cuts in drastically redrawing the terms of the personal budget? local authority services and welfare changes mean that That is a common problem with the direct payment families with disabled children and young people are provisions for elderly people that already exist. What already facing extremely difficult times. safeguards will the Minister put in place to prevent this Will the Minister cite some good examples from the further possibility in postcode lottery funding? pilots of the kind of joint commissioning models he Who will be charged with identifying and encouraging wants to see, which could be regarded as exemplars that agencies and organisations in each area to be in a others might follow? It is worth noting that last year, in position to be nominated to receive direct payments? a survey by the National Deaf Children’s Society, only Will it be necessary for such organisations to be added 12% of parents were aware of the detail of the Government’s to an approved list? How will that work and how will plans and only 17% of parents in the pathfinder areas a body—especially a new one offering a new type of were aware of them. I understand that only six of the service—gain access? Conversely, what safeguards are 31 pathfinders have piloted personal budgets and that, in place to ensure that money is not spent on programmes across the country, only about 500 personal budgets are of dubious or unproven effectiveness? in existence. Is the Minister confident, therefore, that he The Minister helpfully told us that he was looking at has sufficient evidence to support the regulations? the concerns about further education and direct payments, One issue that was raised during the pathfinders was but how will he ensure that colleges do not simply see the need to comply with the requirements of Her Majesty’s the money as an opportunity to offer more of the same, Revenue and Customs when families end up acting as rather than personalisation? It is interesting that the employers because they are contracting their child’s disabled students allowance, which I believe the Government support. Is the Minister happy that the guidance on plan to scrap, is a personalised, portable payment for the that is sufficiently clear? He will know that those who individual rather than a direct payment to the university. have experience of personal budgets and direct payments I support the principle of personal budgets, as I have have complained that large parts of the budget can be said, but the Opposition would not be doing our job if consumed on administration and paying for insurance we did not speak up for the many parents, children and and payroll services. young people on whom the Government plan to unleash Whose responsibility will it be to ensure that the this system. work force and cultural changes that are necessary for a person-centred approach, for which the Minister has 8.11 pm called, actually happen? If that falls to the existing Mr Timpson: I am grateful to the hon. Member for service-level development managers, is there not a risk Birmingham, Selly Oak (Steve McCabe) for his comments that they will have an incentive to protect their own and questions on the regulations, as well as his support roles by tying up organisations such as parent participation for the principle of personal budgets and direct payments. groups in bureaucratic service-level agreements, thus I recall that when we last debated this issue in a Committee weakening their capacity to assist parents, children and Room upstairs he had a host of relevant and pertinent young people? What practical steps will he take to questions, so I would have been disappointed if he had guard against that? not had a further raft of questions to pose on this There seem to be two potential risks in this approach. important issue in his usual manner. I shall try to There will be authorities that see it as a classic opportunity answer as many of his questions as I can, and if I fail to minimise the direct provision of services, and which to cover any of them in detail I will write to him with a therefore overstate the benefits of personal budgets. further and better answer, as I did after the last debate. 927 Education 16 JUNE 2014 928

The hon. Gentleman asked about the evaluation of what is available in special educational needs services in the implementation of these reforms and specifically a local area. I would expect that to include all those about how children will be involved in the decision-making organisations that have the capacity to help to deliver about personal budgets and more generally. Throughout some of the services that personal budgets and direct the whole process, we have been at pains to involve payments are designed to obtain. children in the formulation of the new legislation, both The hon. Gentleman mentioned the experience in through the EPiC group—Equality, Participation, Influence, Essex. I recall that when we last debated this issue he Change—which works within the Department, and more mentioned the experience in Solihull. I hope the fact widely through the Council for Disabled Children, which that he has now moved on to Essex suggests that I have is a strategic partner. That relationship will continue. satisfied him that Solihull is ready for these changes. In We are also ensuring that Ofsted is involved in looking fact, we have done a readiness survey of all 152 local carefully at how the reforms are bedding in. It will authorities to satisfy ourselves that they are ready to go provide us with an evaluation that will form a good come September, not only on personal budgets but evidence base to determine whether the reforms are more widely across the reforms that we are bringing in. having the impact that we all want to see. Some 90% of local authorities have said that they are In relation to the financial implications and the burdens confident that they are ready, but I am seeing some on local authorities imposed by the reforms—of personal personally to satisfy myself that they have managed to budgets in particular—we have done an assessment, as deal with some of the issues that remain so that they are we always do. That is why a £70 million reform grant up to speed come 1 September. has been made in this financial year, and I announced I said at the start that this is a complex issue, and I last week a subsequent £43 million for implementation think that point was behind some of the hon. Gentleman’s in the first year. It is also worth noting that there is not questions. It will create dilemmas for some of the funding necessarily a direct correlation between personal budgets streams and the disaggregation of finances. We are and additional costs. In fact, the evaluation of personal aware of those possibilities and we will keep a close eye health budgets in the pilot that was undertaken found on how they develop, not only through Ofsted but with them to be more cost-effective in delivering services. I the CDC and the evaluation that we have done, up to am confident that the reforms will not only help to now, with SQW. I am confident that we are in a good deliver better services, but will alleviate some of the position to ensure that personal budgets play a key role financial pressures on local authorities. in delivering much better services for children and young The hon. Gentleman asked about joint commissioning people with special educational needs. I am grateful for and whether I could point to any exemplary work that the hon. Gentleman’s support in principle for the steps showed that it was starting to make a difference to that we are taking, and I will keep a keen eye on how families. I encourage him to look at what is happening these important changes are delivered on 1 September in Wigan, which has made excellent progress. It has for many young people. I am sure that they will benefit demonstrated substantial change to its arrangements, from the Government’s work. and joint commissioning is at the heart of the work it is Question put and agreed to. doing. It has subsequently seen an improvement in the services available to parents and children. The hon. Gentleman asked about how parents will be Business without Debate made aware of the availability of personal budgets, and that is an important point. It is why I wrote to parents DELEGATED LEGISLATION (FINANCIAL through the various networks available to give them as ASSISTANCE TO INDUSTRY) much information as possible about what will happen in Ordered, September. We are also working closely with schools, which are often the first port of call and the daily That the Motion in the name of Secretary Vince Cable relating to Financial Assistance to Industry shall be treated as if it related contact that parents have with the special educational to an instrument subject to the provisions of Standing Order No. needs system, so that they are informing parents now 118 (Delegated Legislation Committee) in respect of which notice about what they can expect to happen in September and has been given that the instrument be approved.—(Mr Lansley.) the role that personal budgets can play. The hon. Gentleman asked how we can ensure that we have a person-centred approach and what practical NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY (JOINT support we are providing to make sure that that is the COMMITTEE) case. Above all, I would direct him to the £30 million Ordered, that we are providing to recruit and train some 1,800 That Mr James Arbuthnot be discharged from the Joint Committee independent supporters. They will not be from the local on the National Security Strategy and Rory Stewart be added.— authority or health providers, and are the one aspect (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) that parents have consistently told us are the most helpful addition to the support they receive as they PETITION enter the SEN system, both at the point of assessment and in the further work required to ensure that children Removal of Trees from Thirsk Market Place achieve the desired outcomes. The hon. Gentleman also asked how organisations that are not currently involved in the delivery of services 8.19 pm can make themselves known to potential users of personal Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): budgets. That is, of course, the whole basis of the local Would it be in order to congratulate you on the preferment offer that will be brought into being through consultation that was shown to you in the Queen’s honours, Madam with parents and children, and should be a showcase of Deputy Speaker? [HON.MEMBERS: “Hear, hear.”] 929 Business without Debate 16 JUNE 2014 930

[Miss Anne McIntosh] Work Capability Assessments Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House It is a pleasure and a privilege to present a petition on do now adjourn.—(Mr Evennett.) the removal of trees from Thirsk Market Place on behalf of residents of Thirsk and Malton. The petition 8.22 pm is in the name of Mike I’Anson, the chair of Thirsk Community Woodlands Group, Lesley Rolfe, a resident, Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): I am very and 1,011 other petitioners, which underlines its importance. grateful to have secured this debate. I have been pursuing I add that trees are the logo of the Conservative party work capability assessments for those on employment and people do love their trees in local areas. and support allowance since I was elected to this House. Indeed, I think I mentioned in my maiden speech that I The petition states: would take up this issue. This is my sixth debate on The Petition of residents of Thirsk and Malton, specific aspects of the WCA. Declares that the Petitioners believe that Hambleton District I want to develop an issue I first raised on 6 September Council has not explained in detail how it came to its decision to 2013: the support that people receive while they challenge remove five healthy birch trees from Thirsk Market Place; further that the trees were located in a conservation area; and further that a decision on their entitlement to benefit. This will the Petitioners believe that no public consultation was undertaken generally involve somebody who has been found fit in relation to the removal of these trees. for work, but who believes that the decision is wrong The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons and that they are entitled to ESA. It could, in some urge the Government to encourage Hambleton District Council circumstances, also apply to someone placed in the to replace the five trees which were removed and further requests work-related activity group, as opposed to the support that the House urges the Government to call Hambleton District group. Council to account for its actions. In the past, a claimant could immediately lodge a And the Petitioners remain, as in duty bound, will ever pray. formal written appeal with a judge from Her Majesty’s [P001358] Courts and Tribunals Service. A Department for Work and Pensions official, known as the decision maker, would look at the original decision again, and either change it in the claimant’s favour or uphold it and pass the appeal on to a judge. That initial stage was, and still is, referred to as a reconsideration. What has changed is that since October 2013 claimants have to apply for reconsideration formally and separately before they can lodge an appeal. This two-stage process was introduced following the passage of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and its subsequent regulations. I emphasise, as I have done before, that I do not object to the introduction of even a mandatory reconsideration process. It can be quicker, less stressful for claimants, a lot cheaper for taxpayers, and, as I think the Minister himself said last week, it may be contributing to a reduction in the number of formal appeals. There are, however, serious practical consequences to mandatory reconsideration: the gap in payment to claimants prior to the formal appeal process, long delays in receiving a decision on reconsideration, and the lack of statistics on outcomes. Claimants, although they may not be aware of it, have never formally been entitled to employment and support allowance during the reconsideration process. However, prior to October last year the benefit was usually paid at the assessment rate because reconsiderations —we could, perhaps, call them informal reconsiderations —took place under the auspices of having lodged an appeal, and when claimants lodge an appeal, they are entitled to receive assessment-rate employment and support allowance. Now that claimants have to apply for reconsideration and then appeal at a subsequent date, there is a gap in payment. Official advice suggests that during this period claimants can apply for jobseeker’s allowance, rather than employment and support allowance, while their reconsideration request is being considered. They can then go back to claiming ESA at the assessment rate if their original decision is upheld and they submit an appeal. As I noted last year, however, JSA comes with a high level of conditionality. Claimants have to be available for work, actively seeking work, attending work-focused 931 Work Capability Assessments16 JUNE 2014 Work Capability Assessments 932 interviews, searching for jobs and making a minimum “a claimant will not be able to remain on JSA if their period of number of applications every week. In itself, that can sickness exceeds 14 days”. prove tiring and stressful, and can exacerbate existing Citizens Advice Scotland has suggested that this is a physical or mental conditions. Even more important is particular problem for those claiming JSA during an the fact that those who apply and fail to meet these ESA reconsideration. I would be grateful for the Minister’s conditions can be sanctioned or refused benefit altogether. comments on that. In my previous debate, I predicted that this would lead More broadly, however, I question the whole rationale to people having no support from the state, with people for preventing claimants receiving ESA at the assessment being too fit for ESA and too sick or disabled for JSA. I rate during this period. Last week the Minister tried to have encountered many such examples in my constituency. hide behind legal semantics, arguing that claimants are Citizens Advice Scotland, which has given me a great deemed to be fit for work during this period and must deal of support for this debate, has today published a apply for benefits accordingly. However, that ignores report on this issue. It describes some of the situations the fact that claimants are also deemed fit for work in which people find themselves. These are real cases during a formal appeal, yet because of the way in which that have come to their bureaux. I suggest that the regulations are framed, they are entitled to ESA at the Minister look at the report. assessment rate during that process. If the problem is how the regulations were set out following the Welfare Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ Reform Act 2012, they can be changed. There is no real Co-op): I am glad that my hon. Friend has secured this reason why people should be treated differently during debate. She mentions the Citizens Advice Scotland report, the reconsideration period and the appeal period. which I too have seen. Does she agree that the Minister There is also an administration cost involved in a should look at its recommendations? Like her, I deal claimant receiving the assessment rate of ESA, ceasing with many of these problems in my constituency casework. to receive it, claiming JSA and then potentially claiming The Government cannot just leave the situation as it is. the assessment rate of ESA again. These are significant costs when multiplied by the number of people involved. Sheila Gilmore: Indeed. The report’s recommendations In addition, if everybody claimed JSA successfully, they are very sound. One fundamental recommendation is to would receive benefit at exactly the same rate as they reinstate the payment of ESA for practical reasons, and would have been getting on ESA, so if there are any I will come on to that. savings to be anticipated, is it because Ministers thought that people would, in fact, struggle to claim JSA during Of those cases, most who applied for JSA while their the reconsideration process, given that administration reconsiderations were ongoing were either refused outright costs are likely to outweigh anything else? I am sure that or failed to attend necessary appointments, owing to cannot be the case. their mental health condition, perhaps, or, in some cases, their learning disability. Others did not apply The other issue that has come up as mandatory because they could not face another benefit application, reconsideration was rolled out since the end of last year or simply because they did not know that they could. In is the length of time that people are waiting for decisions. one case where a claimant applied and was paid JSA, he We were initially told that reconsideration should take emphasised that this was only as a result of support he around two weeks, but in many of the cases I have seen, received from his Jobcentre Plus adviser. For those who as well as in those seen by Citizens Advice and many of did not receive JSA, few had savings or other income to my colleagues, the time taken has varied between seven fall back on and had to rely on already overstretched and 10 weeks. Those delays have exacerbated people’s food banks. Others took out high interest loans, amassing health conditions and the financial and other issues debts they will struggle to repay even if they subsequently they face as a result of receiving no benefit at all. The receive backdated payments at a later date. One constituent Minister acknowledged in evidence to the Work and sold off his few remaining possessions to survive. Pensions Committee last Wednesday that there was a backlog. My staff have been told by our local office that When I first raised these concerns last September, the there is indeed a backlog—that is how it was referred to. then Minister, the hon. Member for Fareham (Mr Hoban), I would like the Minister to confirm today how long assured me, as he did in subsequent correspondence, claimants are being told they will have to wait, and that claimants with an outstanding reconsideration request when he will publish statistics on average times and the could ask for what was described as “flexible conditionality” total number of claimants who are waiting for a decision. when they met their Jobcentre Plus adviser. Last week, however, the Benefits Director at the DWP acknowledged to the Work and Pensions Committee that Mark Lazarowicz: My constituents are served by the same office as my hon. Friend’s and we have had “not all advisors had been aware of this” the same experience. Would it not also be useful for the and that new guidance to jobcentres had been circulated Minister to tell us whether the backlog is increasing or at the end of April this year—several months after the declining? If measures are not taken to deal with the introduction of mandatory reconsideration. That is problem, the danger is that it will get worse, not better. welcome, but it is hard to have confidence in the Department, given that previous assurances were clearly Sheila Gilmore: I agree. One of the problems with unfounded. many of the backlogs we are experiencing is that they In addition, we were told at the same meeting that are increasing. people should never be refused JSA outright without Last week the Minister also defended the decision the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation not to set a statutory time limit on how long reconsideration about conditionality with a jobcentre adviser. However, decisions take. This issue was raised with Ministers the DWP’s own guidance specifically states that when the legislation was going through the House and 933 Work Capability Assessments16 JUNE 2014 Work Capability Assessments 934

[Sheila Gilmore] of appeals. The most recent statistics on appeals—which were published just last week, on Thursday 12 June—appear in subsequent sittings of the Work and Pensions Committee, to show a reduction in the rate of cases going to appeal, for example. In April 2012, the Administrative Justice from around 42% to 43% up to mid-2011 to around and Tribunals Council warned that the absence of a 35% for claims begun in November 2012, with possibly time limit could have the effect of a further reduction, to perhaps even as low as 25%, for “delaying indefinitely the exercise of the right of appeal to an cases started in March 2013. I say “possibly” because independent tribunal”. some of the March 2013 cases may well be still in the Just last month, Judge Robert Martin expressed concern reconsideration process—indeed, they might even have that judges could no longer intervene if they felt the barely got out of the assessment process, because of the reconsideration process was taking too long, because backlogs. cases do not reach them until after reconsideration is However, there appears to have been some change in completed. Setting a time limit will be one option the number of cases going all the way to appeal. That is before the Government at this stage, but a much simpler not necessarily a bad thing, because we have all criticised option might be not to have to do so, and instead simply the cost of appeals, the stress of appeals and the time to reinstate assessment rate ESA during that period. taken. That is happening, and even though this may be Indeed, that might be an incentive for the Government in everyone’s best interests, we really need to know what to speed up the process in any event. is happening. The publication of statistics at the earliest Finally, I return to another issue I have raised previously. possible opportunity, based on at least the last two In a debate on 9 April this year, I argued that, given that years of experience, if not more, would enable us to reconsideration is now mandatory and that, as a result, judge the performance of the contractor far better. we might expect many more decisions to be overturned Given that we are going to have a new contractor for in that way, the DWP should now publish statistics on these assessments very soon, it would be good to have the number of successful reconsiderations—something this in place well before that starts. that is currently done only for successful appeals. Successful In conclusion, will the Minister confirm when he reconsiderations are lumped in with original decisions, expects statistics on successful reconsideration to be so it is impossible to tell exactly what has happened. published, and will he reconsider his position on the If we do not have separate overturn figures for statutory time limits? More than anything, I want to reconsiderations, that might make the performance of emphasise to him that many claimants who claim JSA whichever contractor is involved—including a new in this situation are, in effect, being denied it. They are contractor in future—more difficult to monitor and told that they are too fit for one benefit and too sick or track. disabled for another. Let me ask the Minister again: The Minister’s response at that time was that doing why not amend the law, so that ESA claimants can so would be premature, because mandatory reconsideration continue to receive the benefit at the assessment rate had only started in October 2013 and would need some during the reconsideration process? The only way that time to take effect. However, it would appear that could be more expensive for the Government would be informal reconsideration has been taking place for some if Ministers expected sick and disabled people to go considerable time, even before the mandatory process without any benefit—and I am sure that that cannot be was introduced. A previous Minister—I think it was the the case. previous Minister but one—told the Work and Pensions Committee in March 2012 that the Department was 8.39 pm “effectively putting every case that is going to appeal, or where a Dame Anne Begg (Aberdeen South) (Lab): As the person is not happy with it, through a reconsideration where we previous debate wound up earlier than expected, I have look for additional evidence”. the chance to say a few words on this subject. It would therefore appear that, as long ago as March I do not think anyone is saying that a reconsideration 2012, reconsiderations were taking place in virtually process in deciding whether someone should receive a every case that went to appeal. By this stage, therefore, benefit is a bad thing. I do not think anyone would we must have a considerable amount of management complain if it cut the number of appeals, caused less information—at least two years of reconsideration stress on the claimant, could be done very quickly—in decisions—which could be published as official statistics less than a month—and benefits were secure during the in due course and which would give us an impression of process, but that is not what is happening. People are what was happening. having to face very long delays before they get a decision Although I have to go on what the Minister said on the other side of the mandatory reconsideration and that occasion, that might or might not have been an that is probably causing the most anxiety. entirely accurate reflection, given that in the same evidence On top of that, people are never very sure to which session the same Minister told us that although there benefit they are entitled. Will the Minister confirm that had been a slight backlog at that time because of we are talking not only about people who were on the implementation of some of the Harrington incapacity benefit and have been found to be fit enough recommendations, everything was back on track and by for work and should therefore be on jobseeker’s allowance, the summer—the summer of 2012—there would be no and it is to that that the appeal applies, but about those backlog of ESA assessments. Two years later, however, who in the original assessment were awarded employment there are now apparently 700,000 people awaiting an and support allowance in the work-related activity group assessment as new claimants. and are appealing because they think that they should However, there is other evidence to suggest that the have been in the support group? In other words, someone statistics are there to be captured and reported on. has been found eligible for ESA, appeals to go into the There appears to have been a reduction in the number support group but still has to go through the mandatory 935 Work Capability Assessments16 JUNE 2014 Work Capability Assessments 936 reconsideration, at which stage their benefit stops and The nurses were particularly concerned about a very they are expected to apply for JSA. I have heard anecdotal vulnerable group of people who found the whole process— evidence from a number of different people that those which was not helped by all the publicity surrounding who have gone through the mandatory reconsideration it—terrifying and worrying. The extra burden imposed find themselves in the support group, so no longer need by the mandatory reconsideration is yet another reason to visit a personal adviser in Jobcentre Plus. During the for the deterioration in people’s health as they go through period of the mandatory reconsideration, however, they that process. It is not a zero-sum game. A whole range were expected to be signing on for JSA, but were so ill in of external forces can worsen the condition of people the meantime—that is why they ended up in the support who are in ill health, who may have mental health group—that they could not make the weekly signings, problems, and whose condition may fluctuate. People as a result of which they and their benefits have been can be made to feel very ill, and we know of cases in sanctioned. I would like the Minister to clarify that which the process of applying for ESA has been cited as position. the reason for suicides. That is a tragedy. I am not The other problem is the interrelationship between suggesting that mandatory reconsideration is entirely the benefit someone receives and other benefits. Sometimes, responsible for it, but it constitutes yet another pressure a person undergoing the mandatory reconsideration on people who are already vulnerable, already quite ill, who is not yet in payment of JSA might find that their and already finding it difficult to cope with illness or housing benefit or council tax rebate has been stopped disability. because the council has been told that they are no I hope that the Minister will examine the process, and longer eligible for ESA, which they are not, but because how it is working in practice. I cannot believe that the of some of the problems highlighted by my hon. Friend way in which it is working is the way in which he would the Member for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) they like it to work. I am pretty sure that long delays, failures have not yet put in an active claim for JSA. As a result, to reach a determination, and the fact that people may their housing benefit might be disrupted, even though not know to which benefit they are entitled and may they are entitled to it on the basis of their overall end up with nothing as a result—perhaps with huge household income. There should not have been a break rent arrears because of problems with housing benefit in the claim, but that is not how the system works. claims—are not part of the Minister’s plan, and I hope If the changes could be made smoothly and very that, if they are not, he will be able to give us some idea quickly, with the person being very clear about the of how he will improve the process. benefits to which they are entitled and being able to remain on them without a break in the claim, the 8.47 pm reconsideration might be acceptable. So far, however, The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions that is so far from the reality of what is happening that (Mike Penning): I congratulate the hon. Member for it is no wonder that people are so anxious. Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) on getting here this evening. I know that she was delayed on the train. I Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Does my hon. think it very important for a debate that is on the Order Friend share my concern about other anecdotal evidence Paper following a Member’s success in the ballot to be that crops up all the time—about people who during heard: that is only right and proper. Actually, this is a this period of reconsideration and upheaval, end up bit like groundhog day. According to my file, this is the taking their own lives, dying or making themselves hon. Lady’s fifth debate on the subject. She said that it much more ill? Financial worries are not the only ones was the sixth; perhaps we missed one. at stake, because people’s health and lives can be put at I thank the Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, risk, too. the hon. Member for Aberdeen South (Dame Anne Begg), for being present this evening. I am slightly Dame Anne Begg: We know that people can get concerned, because I said many of the things that I am incredibly anxious about any kind of health assessment about to say to her Committee only a few days ago. I that they are put through. We know, too, that people hope that its members will pay attention to what I say, are not only anxious at the time of the mandatory because during the speech of the hon. Member for reconsideration; they will have been anxious much earlier, Edinburgh East I feared that the report might have perhaps when they first received an ESA50 form through already been written. I said openly and honestly that I the door to fill in. That may be followed by the worry of wanted to do exactly what the Chair of the Committee the work capability assessment, after which they might said should be done—to make the process fairer, better be found fit for work when they do not think they are fit and quicker, which I think is what we all want. for work; and they may be put in the WRAG when they think that they are ill enough to be in the support group. Sheila Gilmore: Will the Minister give way? There is a whole range of pinch points at which people feel extremely anxious. Mike Penning: I should like to make some progress Let me give an anecdotal example. Two community first, not least because I want to congratulate the hon. psychiatric nurses came to see me in my surgery a few Lady a little more. We have plenty of time, after all—with months ago. They were very concerned about their your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker. clients, whom they had fostered and helped, and who were almost reaching a stage at which they could start Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): The Minister thinking about work and how they might return to the is all heart. workplace. At that very point, however, the ESA50s dropped through the door, and their health suffered a Mike Penning: Perhaps, on that note—with all heart— setback. I will give way. 937 Work Capability Assessments16 JUNE 2014 Work Capability Assessments 938

Sheila Gilmore: May I just say, for the purpose of have a short period of sickness. It was never intended to protect clarification, that any comments that I made about the people with long term conditions.” Select Committee related to evidence that had been The following bullet point is very important, however: given in public? I was not in any sense referring to what “Claimants with longer term conditions can have their the Committee would or would not recommend in due availability”— course, because we have not yet reached that stage. for work in this case— “restricted because of a physical or mental condition as long as Mike Penning: I was questioned extensively by the the advisor thinks it is reasonable to do so” Committee about mandatory reconsideration delays, based on the information before them. which are the subject of this evening’s debate. As you will probably have noticed, Mr Deputy Speaker, I rarely Sheila Gilmore: The guidance the Minister quotes is speak from notes, but I shall try to stick to what I said one thing, but there is clear evidence—not just from during the Committee’s evidence sessions. Citizens Advice Scotland and my advice surgeries and There are two or three points I can make, but in some those of my colleagues, but from up and down the respects we will have to wait for the statistical analysis. I country—that people in this position are not being would love the data to be published now, but it is not allowed to claim JSA. They are being told that, because ready. As soon as it is ready, I will publish it. As I said to of their unfitness for work and in order to keep to the the Select Committee recently, the statistics are being conditions, they cannot receive that benefit and they are analysed and they will be published as soon as they turned away. Can the Minister assure us he will make become available. sure that will not happen? Mandatory reconsideration is being done in order to Mike Penning: I will do everything I can, but I think it get decisions right—to give decision makers the opportunity would have been right and proper for the hon. Lady to to look at things and make sure we have got the decision have gone on to say that there is specific guidance for right. If there is any new evidence, it can be brought people with long-term illness, as it is important to put forward at that stage. That, among other things, is that on the record. On the point she makes, I want all clearly having an effect on the number of appeals going the staff in the DWP who have face-to-face contact to the tribunals—although we do not know to what with claimants and members of the public to have as extent, as the statistical analysis has not yet been released— much information as possible to make sure they can and I think that is a good thing. As I said to the Select make the right decision. That is exactly why the guidance Committee, if this means that fewer judges are employed was changed in April. It was a decision that I made, and handling tribunals, that is a good thing. I am not certain I asked my officials to make the change. I am not in any the judges feel that way, and some of the comments way saying that mistakes do not take place. We have a from some of the judges more recently may indicate very large benefit with huge amounts of face-to-face that. However, it is important that tribunals are gone to contact across the board, whether it is in Jobcentre Plus as a last resort in order to make the judgment as to or with officials in my own Department, and we make whether DWP officials and decision makers have made mistakes; no one could say otherwise. It would not that final decision correctly to the best of their ability. make any difference who the Government were or who If we can have fewer people going to appeal, that will was standing here as Minister. I hope that they would be better. Appeals are dropping across the benefits all say, “We never get it perfect all of the time.” However, handled by the Department, and especially those in we should get as much of it right as we can and as often respect of WCA. That is not solely due to mandatory as we can, which is why mandatory reconsideration is reconsideration. There are about 80% fewer appeals, vital to ensuring that the system works. As the hon. like for like. Lady and the Chair of the Select Committee said, when Have delays been caused as we brought in the process? we are re-looking at a case and find that a person is I have been open and honest about that before, and the entitled to benefit, we should ensure that their housing answer is yes, but I would rather have slightly more benefit and council tax benefit are not affected. All of delays than have decisions incorrectly taken and then that must join up together. turned over at tribunal. The decision on the mandatory Without a shadow of a doubt, we will work very hard reconsideration was prompted in part because I had sat to put in place the right training and guidance to ensure in on a tribunal hearing and so much evidence was that the decision makers get things right. It is a big job, being brought in on the day of the tribunal. Everybody and I have only been here a short time, but we are has the right to do that, and judges certainly have the getting there. As a Minister in the DWP, I am absolutely rights and powers to look at that evidence, but my determined that we will ensure that taxpayers’ money is decision makers and officials had had no opportunity spent wisely; that it goes to the people who need it; that to look at that evidence. It is very important that we get we put in place training for the right people; that any this right. delays that are taking place—and they are taking place—are At this stage in the process, the decision has been brought to a minimum; that we get out statistics; and made that the person concerned is not going to get that we are open and honest with the public, which I ESA. That is why we refer them across to JSA while the will be if there is a debate again next week or the week process is continuing. after, and that will remain the case for as long as I am a Minister in the DWP. The hon. Lady quoted from the DWP guidance Question put and agreed to. specifically on the 14-day question. She pointed this out: “The 14 day Temporary Periods of Sickness rule in JSA is in 8.56 pm place to protect people from losing their entitlement when they House adjourned. 69WS Written Statements16 JUNE 2014 Written Statements 70WS

I am also pleased to announce that following Written Statements consultation, the Government will bring forward measures to strengthen the regulatory regime for insolvency Monday 16 June 2014 practitioners by introducing regulatory objectives for the industry and appropriate powers for the Insolvency Service, as oversight regulator, to deal with poor performance or misconduct. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS That consultation also covered proposals relating to insolvency practitioner fees. A number of responses on the proposals to restrict the use of time and rate charging Insolvency Regime have been received, which we will be discussing further with interested parties before finalising the way forward. Our aim remains to ensure that insolvency practitioners The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, receive fair remuneration for work properly carried out Innovation and Skills (Jenny Willott): Everyone who is but also that creditors are getting the greatest return affected by insolvency should be able to have confidence possible in the circumstances. that insolvency procedures are used fairly and that A copy of the responses to the consultation can be insolvency practitioners deliver the best possible outcome found at: in what are often difficult and challenging circumstances. www.qov.uk/qovernment/consultations/insolvencv- I am today announcing measures that will deal with practitioner-requlation-and-fee-structure. abuse and misconduct and improve confidence in the insolvency regime and profession. Regional Growth Fund These measures include the publication of the report the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills commissioned from Teresa Graham into pre-pack The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation administration (“the Graham review”), together with and Skills (Michael Fallon): I would like to take this associated research, as well as the Government’s response opportunity to update the House on the progress of to the consultation, “Strengthening the regulatory regime round 5 of the Regional Growth Fund (RGF). Following and fee structure for insolvency practitioners”. my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister’s Pre-pack sales are when arrangements are made to announcement on 10 April 2014, Ministers have concluded sell the viable parts of a failing business before it is that an additional two projects and one additional announced that it has become insolvent, to make sure programme will receive conditional offers as part of the best price is obtained. RGF round 5. This will mean round 5 of the RGF will invest £306 million to support 53 projects and programmes I am grateful for Ms Graham’s diligent work helping to create or safeguard 37,000 jobs and leverage on the review and her well thought-out report and £1.9 billion of private sector investment. recommendations. The review finds that pre-pack administrations have an important place in the UK The additional projects and programme for round 5 insolvency landscape, but that reforms should be brought of the RGF are: forward to increase transparency, boost the survival South West rates of the purchaser business and reform practices Actavis UK Ltd that are correlated with lower distributions to creditors. Purico Paper Company Ltd The report proposes a package of reforms that I think Nationwide will improve business confidence in the pre-pack process University of Lincoln (UoL) & UK Business Incubation Ltd and improve returns to creditors. (UKBI) I welcome the report and I agree with all of the Student Support in England Graham review’s recommendations. It will now be the responsibility of industry and business to adopt the various voluntary measures proposed. The report also The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David makes recommendations for how regulatory guidance Willetts): In November 2013, I announced to the House might be strengthened and the Joint Insolvency Committee, of Commons that we suspected a number of Bulgarian which has responsibility for current guidance, will be and Romanian students studying at alternative providers looking at these recommendations. may have been claiming maintenance support without The report recommends, in addition, that the meeting the requirement that they have been resident in Government should take a backstop power to legislate the UK for at least three years. if necessary. I very much hope that the voluntary package, We then introduced more stringent evidence checks together with strengthened guidance, will work effectively for all EU students studying in the UK applying for to address the concerns raised. However, I agree that it maintenance support and asked all EU students to would be sensible to provide the recommended power supply additional information to support their applications, and the Government plans to do so. Such a power before any further public funding was made available to would only be used if the voluntary reforms are not them or to their institutions. This means these students successfully implemented, as I hope they will be, by the must have evidence, such as bank statements, utility market. bills, council tax records, payslips, and P60s, to support I will be placing copies of the report and research in their residency claims. the Libraries of both Houses. Alternatively this can be The results of this exercise are now available. Of the found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ 11,191 students who we asked for additional residency graham-review-into-pre-pack-administration. evidence, 1,333 (12%) received a payment but were 71WS Written Statements16 JUNE 2014 Written Statements 72WS either unable to or chose not to demonstrate that they House speech by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on had been in the UK for the three years prior to the start Thursday 12 June and my written ministerial statement of their study. of 10 June 2014, Official Report, column 33WS, I would Around £65 million was due to have been paid out to like to set out for hon. Members more information on these individuals. As a result of our prompt action only the Government’s plans to increase house building on £8 million was actually paid. We have taken immediate brownfield land. action to recover these sums and already have recovered Councils will play a critical role in bringing forward around £2.5 million. Work continues to recover the rest suitable unused and previously developed land. They including using debt collection agencies, court action, will consult on and put in place local development and if we find evidence of fraud, we may prosecute orders, which are a flexible, proactive way to provide those involved. outline planning permission for the scale and type of If any higher education provider is found to have housing that can be built on sites. This will provide been complicit in this, we will take the action against greater certainty for both builders and local residents, them directly. helping developers to work up suitable schemes and The decision to take this action and suspend payments ultimately speeding up the building of new homes. Our to a large number of students is not one that we took aim is to see permissions in place on more than 90% of lightly. I believe the results of the exercise fully vindicate suitable brownfield sites by 2020—which could provide our decision to take action. We have sought to limit the up to 200,000 new homes. impact on genuine applicants. Where evidence has been We are providing a £5 million fund, to be launched provided to support a claim, payments have been reinstated. before the summer, to support the first wave of new We have put in place a range of measures to ensure local development orders; we will also be providing a this does not happen again. set of local development order “templates” for smaller More stringent residency evidence checks will remain brownfield sites, and will consult on other measures to in place for all new applications from EU students underpin this programme later in the year. The Mayor alongside checks for UK students. These require students of London will be given new powers to drive forward to provide documentary evidence to support their claim local development orders in the capital. But this drive to be resident in the UK. for planning permissions will retain key safeguards—as with any planning application, councils will need to Any student who has failed to provide the required take account of the views of local people when preparing evidence will not be able to receive student support in an order, as well as environmental issues like minimising future years, until such time as they do provide that flood risk. evidence. In addition, 20 new housing zones on this brownfield We have asked other EU Governments to assist us in land in London will benefit from £400 million funding tracking down any of these students that have returned from the Government and the Greater London Authority. to their home countries without paying their outstanding A further 10 zones outside London will be supported by debt. We are exploring how best to identify whether an additional £200 million of Government funding for these students have returned to the UK. remediation and infrastructure to deliver new housing In alignment with the Cabinet Office Fraud, Error development. The Government funding will be in the and Debt Taskforce appointed by the Prime Minister, form of recoverable investment. The London bidding we will carry out a fraud and debt review which will prospectus was published on Friday 13 June by the look at: the resilience of the entire student finance Mayor and the Government will publish a prospectus system; how we respond to fraud; and the powers of the inviting bids for housing zones in the rest of England Department of Business Innovation and Skills, Student shortly. Loans Company and partners have to tackle fraud. As well as making the best use of brownfield land, we Some other EU countries require other nationals to also want to ensure that existing housing estates in need be resident in their country for five years before they are of large-scale regeneration get the attention they deserve. eligible for the full package of student support. We will In addition to improving the quality of properties, it consult on whether student support in England should also has the potential to deliver additional new homes be made available on the same basis so as to ensure that on existing land. On Friday, I published a prospectus scarce public funds go only to those who have a genuine outlining how developers can bid for a share of a attachment to the UK. £150 million loan fund to invest in kick-starting and We have commissioned a sampling exercise to investigate accelerating the regeneration of some of the country’s whether similar issues exist at publicly funded higher most deprived social housing estates. education providers. These measures, taken together with our existing A full copy of the results of this exercise will be policies and initiatives, will remove obstacles to developing placed in the Libraries of the House. suitable brownfield sites, ensuring that we focus on building the new homes we need while protecting the COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT green spaces we all value.

Brownfield Land FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE The Secretary of State for Communities and Local UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Government (Mr Eric Pickles): The coalition Government Security 2014-17 are determined to make the very best use of derelict land and former industrial sites to help provide the The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth homes this country desperately needs, in a way that Affairs (Mr William Hague): I wish to inform the House protects our valued countryside. Further to the Mansion that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, together 73WS Written Statements16 JUNE 2014 Written Statements 74WS with the Department for International Development We will develop and publish an implementation plan, and the Ministry of Defence, published on 12 June 2014 including indicators and baseline data on this national our “National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, action plan by the end of 2014. For the first time, this 2014-17”. baseline data will be used as a benchmark to assess UK efforts on women, peace and security throughout the The national action plan is a tool to enable us to life of this national action plan and will further articulate articulate our priorities on women, peace and security the key actions to be undertaken together by the Foreign and co-ordinate implementation of our work at national and Commonwealth Office, the Department for level. It serves as a guiding national policy document International Development and the Ministry of Defence. that is able to capture the diverse set of initiatives on This national action plan will be reported on annually this agenda taking place within the UK Government from autumn 2015. The annual reports will be deposited across our security, foreign policy and development in Parliament and shared with the Associate Parliamentary work. It outlines the results that we expect these initiatives Group on Women, Peace and Security. to bring. It serves to provide direction and vision for our staff and partners to ensure that women and girls I am placing a copy of the national action plan in the are at the centre of all our efforts to prevent, resolve and Library of the House. respond to conflict. The UK has a strong global reputation on women, peace and security, which I am committed to maintaining. We play a lead role at the United Nations Security WORK AND PENSIONS Council on women, peace and security, including on debates and ensuring the role of women features in the mandates of peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. “Fuller Working Lives: A Framework for Action” The landmark UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security has been built on by six new resolutions, and calls on UN member states to adopt The Minister of State, Department for Work and and deliver national action plans. The UK was one of Pensions (Steve Webb): On Friday 13 June, the Government the first countries to publish a national action plan in published “Fuller Working Lives—A Framework for 2006. It was revised in 2010 for a further three years. Action”. This follows a commitment set out in the The aim of this latest three-year national action plan Government response to the House of Lords Select is to put women and girls at the centre of all UK efforts Committee on Public Service and Demographic Change to prevent and resolve conflict, to promote peace and report of Session 2012-13: “Ready for Ageing?” stability, and to prevent and respond to violence against Around 2.9 million people aged between 50 and state women and girls. It sets out our intent to strengthen our pension age are currently out of work and the effects of ability to reduce the impact of conflict on women and early labour market exit can be catastrophic for an girls and to promote their inclusion in conflict resolution. individual, particularly in terms of their ultimate retirement As well as bringing together all of the UK Government’s income. In addition to the sudden drop in income and activities on this area, it shows the depth and breadth of possibly finding themselves reliant on working age benefits, our work on the women, peace and security agenda. It individuals also lose the benefits of workplace pension builds on the momentum generated from the range of provision. There can also be negative effects for health women, peace and security-related initiatives including and wider well-being when an individual leaves the the preventing sexual violence in conflict initiative, DFID’s labour market in an unplanned way. strategic vision for girls and women, including broader The framework for action sets out the business case work on violence against women and girls, and the call for retaining and recruiting older workers at the individual, to action on protecting women in emergencies. business and societal-level. It also draws together the This national action plan focuses specifically on tackling important steps that the Government are already taking the challenge to advance women and girl’s participation, which will promote fuller working lives. to prevent violence against women and girls and protect In addition, we announced: them from it, to provide targeted relief and recovery, that DWP is working with local enterprise partnerships to and to build UK national capacity to deliver all of this. encourage them to focus on the issue of fuller working lives It signals the UK Government’s continuing commitment in their local area; to the agenda in our focus countries, which include: that DWP, alongside Department of Health and Government Afghanistan, Burma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equalities Office, are launching a two-year pilot on what Libya, Somalia and Syria—as well as work at home. In works to support carers to remain in employment; identifying these countries, we have considered whether a pilot with Jobcentre Plus on employment support for it is a priority country for the work of all three Departments carers; and of the National Security Council and that through that we will develop a new guidance toolkit for employers our local consultations in-country, we have determined which will build on the existing Age Positive employer there is local appetite for change. guidance; and Government staff working in UK embassies and we will also shortly be confirming the appointment of an DFID offices in conflict-affected states have been consulted, older workers business champion. as have women who have been or who are affected by We know that once out of work, older people are conflict. This plan reaffirms this Government’s ambition more likely to become long-term unemployed or inactive to work as one to pursue visible change for women and and it is for that reason that Government are particularly girls affected by conflict, including in partnership with focused on what we can do to help older workers retain NGOs, Parliament and our international partners. their jobs in the first place. In particular, carers, disabled 75WS Written Statements16 JUNE 2014 Written Statements 76WS people, those with health conditions and those made Government have abolished the default retirement age redundant are at risk of permanently leaving the labour meaning most people can now retire when the time is market. right for them. Enabling older people who can work to Over the decade to 2022, population projections suggest stay in work is not only critical to the economy and there will be 700,000 fewer people in the UK aged pensions sustainability, but also to the financial, health 16-49, but 3.7 million more aged 50 to state pension age. and social well-being of individuals. By 2020 over 50s will comprise almost one third of the The “Fuller Working Lives—Framework for Action” working-age population and we simply cannot afford to can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ ignore older workers. We also know that GDP could fuller-working-lives-a-framework-for-action. have been £18 billion higher in 2013 if the employment gap between people in their 40s and those aged 50 to The supporting “Background Evidence” document state pension age was halved. which sets out the analysis that has informed the development of the framework for action can be found A fuller working life is about giving individuals the at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuller- chance to increase their financial security in later life. working-lives-background-evidence. Sometimes this might mean a change of job or a different working pattern that is more suitable to their I have placed a copy of “Fuller Working Lives—A lifestyle needs, or support to manage a health condition Framework for Action” and “Fuller Working Lives— or disability. To help people to continue working the Background Evidence” in the House Libraries. 5P Petitions16 JUNE 2014 Petitions 6P

That is why the Minister for Crime Prevention initiated Petition a cross-departmental declaration, which has now been adopted by eight Departments. We recognise that every Monday 16 June 2014 Department needs to play its part in addressing FGM. All NHS acute hospitals must now collect data on patients who have undergone FGM. The Home Office OBSERVATIONS is part-funding a new study into the prevalence rates of FGM in England and Wales. Last June the Home HOME DEPARTMENT Office, in conjunction with the NSPCC and Metropolitan Police Service, set up a dedicated FGM helpline providing Female Genital Mutilation advice to anyone who is concerned about FGM. The The Petition of residents of the UK, Department for International Development has established Declares that the Petitioners believe that not enough a £35 million programme to address FGM in Africa is being done to stop the illegal practice of female and beyond, with a further £12 million committed to genital mutilation, and further that a Petition on this help end FGM in Sudan. The Government are legislating, subject has received over 2,600 signatures. through the Serious Crime Bill, to extend the reach of the extraterritorial offences in the 2003 Act to include The Petitioners therefore request that the House of habitual (as well as permanent) UK residents. It is also Commons urge the Government to do more to stop considering whether a civil law remedy may provide an female genital mutilation and to encourage other countries additional tool to tackle FGM. to stop this practice. And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Simon On 22 July, the Prime Minister, supported by the Hart, Official Report, 12 May 2014; Vol. 580, c. 543.] Home Secretary and the Development Secretary, is [P001349] hosting a Girl Summit, a major event to tackle forced marriage and FGM. The summit will bring together Observations from the Secretary of State for the Home political leaders, young people and activists to accelerate Department: an ambitious package of policies to end FGM and Female Genital Mutilation is child abuse and it is forced marriage, both internationally and here in the illegal. The coalition Government are absolutely clear UK. that political or cultural sensitivities must not get in the way of preventing, uncovering and prosecuting this Female Genital Mutilation is a human rights abuse terrible form of criminal activity. with devastating consequences for victims. We are This Government recognise that tackling violence determined to work together across Government to against women and girls, including FGM, requires a protect victims, prosecute perpetrators and end this sustained, robust and dynamic cross-Government approach. practice for good.

337W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 338W Written Answers to LEADER OF THE HOUSE Official Visits

Questions Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Leader of the House what visits each of the Ministers in his Office have made Monday 16 June 2014 since January 2013; and what the purpose of each such visit was. [200491] Mr Lansley: In February 2013, I visited the Scottish DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Parliament to examine parliamentary procedures and practices. Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership In May 2013, the Deputy Leader of the House and I undertook an overseas visit to the European Institutions Caroline Lucas: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister in Brussels. This visit provided an opportunity to consider what assessment he has made of the request for local and promote the role of national parliaments, including growth funding by the Coast to Capital LEP; and if he the House of Commons, in the processes of European will make a statement. [200045] legislation. In December 2013, the Deputy Leader of the House Greg Clark: All 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships’ visited Northern Ireland to engage with various Northern Growth Deals are currently being assessed, including Irish charities and campaign groups on the Transparency requests for local growth funding, and we are looking to of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union make announcements in the summer. Administration Bill. In February 2014, I and the Deputy Leader of the Disciplinary Proceedings House visited the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff to examine parliamentary procedures and the work of the Petitions Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) Committee. what proportion of staff within his Office who have been subject to formal disciplinary proceedings in each of the last five financial years classed themselves as PRIME MINISTER white British; [199881] (2) what proportion of staff within his Office who G7 have been dismissed following formal disciplinary proceedings in each of the last five financial years Caroline Lucas: To ask the Prime Minister for what classed themselves as white British. [199902] reasons the G7 Summit Declaration does not mention Iraq; what discussions took place at that summit on The Deputy Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member (a) the rise of al Qaeda-linked organisations in western to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet and northern Iraq and (b) other issues relating to Iraq; Office and Paymaster General, the right hon. Member and if he will make a statement. [200283] for Horsham (Mr Maude) today. The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to my Electoral Register oral statement on the G7 on 11 June 2014, Official Report, column 549. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Ministers: Conduct what support his Department makes available to encourage electoral registration for those who are not Michael Dugher: To ask the Prime Minister (1) how able to register online. [200185] many members of staff of his Office worked on the review by the Cabinet Secretary of the release of Greg Clark: People can continue to apply to register correspondence between Ministers relating to to vote on a paper form, available from their local prevention of extremism; [200031] Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). (2) what interviews were conducted as part of the EROs are encouraged to provide assistance for electors Cabinet Secretary’s review of the release of through both face-to-face contact and telephone correspondence between Ministers relating to communication, irrespective of the format of registration. prevention of extremism; [200032] Equal Opportunities (3) if he will publish the review by the Cabinet Secretary of the release of correspondence between Ministers relating to prevention of extremism; [200033] Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what consideration his Office gives to the diversity (4) whether the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ policies and records of businesses or other Interests was consulted as part of the review by the organisations when considering their bid for Cabinet Secretary of the release of correspondence commercial contracts or grants. [199945] between Ministers relating to prevention of extremism; [200034] The Deputy Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member (5) if he will publish in full the scope of the Cabinet to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Secretary’s review of the release of correspondence Office and Paymaster General, the right hon. Member between Ministers relating to prevention of extremism. for Horsham (Mr Maude) today. [200057] 339W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 340W

The Prime Minister: The Cabinet Secretary will respond Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy to the hon. Member on this matter shortly. I will place a and Climate Change how many (a) written, (b) email copy of the letter in the Library of the House. and (c) telephone representations he has received on (i) his plans to alleviate fuel poverty in the private rented sector, (ii) the operation of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000 and (iii) the ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE disconnection of (A) gas and (B) electricity supplies in each month since May 2010; how many such Coal: Nottinghamshire representations were from (1) individuals and (2) organisations; if he will place in the Library copies of the responses sent to such representations; and if he Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for will make a statement. [199472] Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to secure the future of coal mining at Thoresby Colliery in Nottinghamshire. [200311] Gregory Barker: For the purpose of answering this question, various searches of the departmental Michael Fallon: I refer the hon. Member to the written correspondence system have been conducted. In relation statement I made as Minister of State for Business, to fuel poverty in the private rented sector, it has been Innovation and Skills on 12 June 2014. possible to search the records on correspondence received by DECC, with the case title “Fuel Poverty”. In the As stated, I will continue to keep the House updated. period since May 2010, 657 pieces of correspondence were given this case title. 264 of these were from individuals, Correspondence and 77 were from organisations (the remaining items were either from hon. Members, or cases transferred Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy from other Departments). Filtering down more specifically and Climate Change how many hon. Members wrote would involve significant manual sifting of individual to his Department on behalf of constituents about (a) correspondence items and thus entail a disproportionate steps taken to alleviate fuel poverty in the private cost. rented sector, (b) the operation of the Warm Homes In relation to the operation of the Warm Homes and and Energy Conservation Act 2000 and (c) the Energy Conservation Act 2000, it has been possible to disconnection of (i) gas and (ii) electricity supplies in search the records on correspondence received by DECC, the last 12 months; what the average time taken to reply with the case title “Warm Homes”. In the period since was; if he will place in the Library a copy of each such May 2010, 176 pieces of correspondence were given this reply; and if he will make a statement. [199471] case title. 33 of these were from individuals and 11 were from organisations (the remaining items were either Gregory Barker: For the purpose of answering this from hon. Members, or cases transferred from other question, various searches of the Departmental Departments). Filtering down more specifically would correspondence system have been conducted. In relation involve significant manual sifting of individual to fuel poverty in the private rented sector, it has been correspondence items and thus entail a disproportionate possible to search the records on correspondence received cost. by DECC from hon. Members, with the case title ‘Fuel Poverty’. In the period since 10 June 2013, 13 pieces of An initial search of the correspondence system relating correspondence were given this case title. On sifting to “disconnections” of electricity and/or gas has not through these individually, none specifically mentioned yielded reliable results. A more detailed subject search fuel poverty in the private rented sector. The average would involve significant manual sifting of individual time taken to reply was 21 working days. correspondence items and thus entail a disproportionate cost. In relation to the operation of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000, it has been possible to DECC do not log telephone representations centrally, search the records on correspondence received by DECC and therefore providing a response on the number of from hon. Members, with the case title ‘Warm Homes’. telephone representations to the Department on these In the period since 10 June 2013, 13 pieces of subjects would also entail disproportionate cost. correspondence were given this case title. On sifting through these individually, none specifically mentioned Disciplinary Proceedings the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000. The average time taken to reply was 13 working days. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for An initial search of the correspondence system relating Energy and Climate Change what proportion of staff to ‘disconnections’ of electricity and/or gas has not within his Department who have been subject to formal yielded reliable results. A more detailed subject search disciplinary proceedings in each of the last five would involve significant manual sifting of individual financial years classed themselves as white British. correspondence items and thus entail a disproportionate [199883] cost. Copies of the relevant correspondence will be placed Gregory Barker: From November 2010 a single team in the Library of the House. was established to control the process for all formal DECC do not log telephone representations centrally, disciplinary proceedings being undertaken against civil and therefore, providing a response on the number of servants in the Department of Energy and Climate telephone representations to the Department on these Change (DECC). Therefore central records only exist subjects would also entail disproportionate cost. from that date. 341W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 342W

The proportion of civil servants in DECC, who have Equal Opportunities been subject to formal disciplinary proceedings since November 2010 to date and who are white British, is less than 1% of the total number of civil servants in Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for each year. Energy and Climate Change what targets his Department has for increasing diversity; and what progress has been made on meeting those targets in the Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for last year. [199926] Energy and Climate Change what proportion of staff within his Department who have been dismissed Gregory Barker: The Department currently works following formal disciplinary proceedings in each of towards meeting the diversity representation targets set the last five financial years classed themselves as white by the Cabinet Office for Senior Civil Servants. Our British. [199904] current rates against those targets are:

Gregory Barker: From November 2010 a single team Percentage Target (percentage) was established to control the process for all formal disciplinary proceedings being undertaken against civil Females in SCS 34 39 servants in the Department of Energy and Climate Females at PB2 or 21 34 Change (DECC). Therefore central records only exist above from that date. Disability 3 5 The proportion of civil servants in DECC, who have Ethnicity 1 5 been dismissed following formal disciplinary proceedings since November 2010 to date and who are white British, Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for is less than 1% of the total number of civil servants in Energy and Climate Change what consideration his each year. Department gives to the diversity policies and records of businesses or other organisations when considering their bid for commercial contracts or grants. [199947] Energy: Prices Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change considers diversity during the procurement Sir Robert Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for or grant allocation process by including diversity within Energy and Climate Change if he will estimate (a) the evaluation criteria when appropriate. Diversity is included number of households which were on social tariffs for when it is particularly relevant to the business requirements their energy supplies before such tariffs were withdrawn and circumstances of an individual procurement or and (b) the number of those households which grant. In addition the Department’s standard terms and included people considered especially vulnerable to conditions of contract include specific clauses that cover cold-related illnesses. [199430] equality and non-discrimination. The Department also promotes non-discrimination through open procurement Gregory Barker: It is estimated that 1 million households procedures and we have removed barriers to supplier were on social or discounted tariffs in the final year (up entry as part of our efforts to improve engagement with to 31 March 2011) before the voluntary tariffs were small and medium-sized enterprises. Our contractors replaced by the Warm Home Discount scheme (Source: are required to abide by the DECC Equality Scheme, Ofgem’s Monitoring Suppliers’ Social Programme 2010- details of which can be found through the following 2011 Report). The Department does not hold information link. on those households which included people considered https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ especially vulnerable to cold-related illnesses. attachment_data/file/47894/359-decc-equality-diversity- strategy-condoc.pdf

Energy: Profits Fracking: USA Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for for Energy and Climate Change whether he has had Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made any discussions with his counterpart in the United of the average profit made by energy companies on the States Department of Energy as to any change in the energy bills of households in each constituency in the estimated levels of recoverable shale gas reserves which UK. [199575] has occurred in the US since fracking began; what effect, if any, this might have on potential fracking in Michael Fallon: Data on the average profit made by the UK; and how the emerging lessons of shale gas energy companies at the level of households in each extraction in the US and elsewhere are applied in constituency is not available. calculating and updating estimates of recoverable The average pre-tax profit made per household consumer reserves in the UK. [200161] in 2012 was £53 or 4.3%. (Source: “Making the Profits of the six largest energy suppliers clear”factsheet, Ofgem). Michael Fallon: Ministers in the Department meet Ofgem also estimates pre-tax margins over the next 12 their ministerial counterparts from the Department of months using current data in their Supply Market Indicator. Energy in the United States of America on a number of Their latest estimate of pre-tax margins for May 2014 to occasions and have wide-ranging discussions. April 2015 was £96 or 7% (Source: Understanding All meetings between external organisations and energy bills, Ofgem). Ministers in the Department of Energy and Climate 343W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 344W

Change are published on a quarterly basis on the information from the paying parent or employer. It is Department’s website and are available for download at for these 2012 scheme cases that we are currently exploring this link: opportunities to access and use real time earnings http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/ information. registers/registers.aspx As has been the case with successive Administrations, Children: Day Care it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such meetings. Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to the revised plans for the roll-out of universal credit announced on WORK AND PENSIONS 5 December 2013, what estimate he has made of the Access to Work Programme number of families which will be eligible for support for childcare through universal credit in (a) 2015-16, Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (b) 2016-17, (c) 2017-18 and (d) 2018-19. [200190] and Pensions what estimate he has made of changes to the time taken to review applications for deaf people Steve Webb: I refer the hon. Member to the written during the three month suspension of the 30 hour rule answer given by the Minister of State, Department for in the access to work grant. [199580] Work and Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Wirral West (Esther McVey), to the hon. Member Mike Penning: The 30 hour guidance will not be for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves) of 11 June 2014, Official applied to new applicants during this suspension. Existing Report, column 174W. customers whose support has been changed as a result of the guidance can request a full review of their Children: Poverty situation. Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions what impact assessment he made before Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of introducing the 30 hour rule in the criteria for the the effect of welfare reforms since May 2010 on levels access to work grant; and what impact assessment is of child poverty. [199576] now being made. [199582] Esther McVey: The Government has not made an Mike Penning: Once the Access to Work review is assessment of the effect of welfare reforms on levels on completed, a full impact assessment will be conducted. child poverty. Given the large number of reforms and Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work variables involved, the impact of welfare changes cannot and Pensions what support will be available for deaf be seen in isolation. people whose support was reduced as a result of the 30 However, the guiding principles of all of this hour rule in the access to work grant. [199583] Government’s welfare reforms are to get more people into work by making work pay. Mike Penning: Customers can request a full review of A key component of the welfare reform is universal their access to work claim at any time. credit. Universal credit is expected to improve work Child Support incentives by allowing individuals to keep more of their income as they move into work, and by introducing a Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work smoother and more transparent reduction of benefits and Pensions what steps he is taking to expand the when they increase their earnings. PAYE reporting in real time to Child Support Agency We estimate this new reform will lift around 300,000 claims. [200021] children out of poverty. Steve Webb: Since 25 November 2013, all new applications for child maintenance are made to the 2012 John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for scheme, which is run by the Child Maintenance Service. Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the The Child Support Agency (CSA), which administers number of children in poverty in (a) Glasgow North the 1993 and 2003 Schemes, is now closed to new West constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) applications and there are plans in place to gradually the UK in each year until 2020. [199577] end liabilities on these schemes over a three year period starting this summer. Esther McVey: The Government does not produce Unlike 1993 and 2003 scheme cases, 2012 scheme forecasts of the number of children living in income maintenance calculations are based on historic data poverty either locally or nationally. The number of supplied by interfaces with HMRC and Jobcentre Plus children in poverty is dependent on a number of factors IT systems. In the vast majority of applications these which cannot be reliably predicted, including the median interfaces return information to allow a calculation to income. be made. This is reviewed on an annual basis or where The Government does not believe it is possible to there are in-year changes of at least a 25% change in the accurately project child poverty to 2020. Poverty projections level of income. This simplified approach provides parents are rarely accurate. For example, IFS projections in with greater certainty over the level of maintenance October 2011 suggested the number of children in payable. In instances where HMRC information is not relative poverty would fall by 100,000 in 2010-11, whereas available our process involves gathering current income in fact it fell by 300,000. 345W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 346W

Employment and Support Allowance Outcomes of functional assessments by prognosis for the ESA work-related activity group, Great Britain: October 2008 to September 2013 WRAG: Claimants with a prognosis of: Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Under two years Two years or more Work and Pensions (1) how many claimants in the Employment and Support Allowance Work Related New Claims—Repeat assessment 385,800 19,700 Activity Group are currently on the Work programme; Notes: and how many such claimants had the period before 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100. 2. The outcome recorded is the final DWP Decision Maker’s decision or the they were fit for work assessed as (a) up to three recommendation made by the Atos Healthcare Professional where the months, (b) three to six months, (c) six to 12 months Decision Maker’s decision is not yet available. and (d) over 12 months; [199390] 3. The data presented above comes from benefit claims data held by the Department for Work and Pensions. It related to new and repeat ESA claims. (2) how many claimants of employment and support In October 2008, ESA replaced IB for new claims. Starting with a trial in October 2010, and reaching a full scale national roll-out in April 2011, existing allowance referred to the Work programme since June IB claims began to be phased out, with claimants reassessed to see if they 2011 had an estimated period before they were fit for qualify for ESA instead. work of (a) up to three months, (b) three to six Source: Data in the table above are derived from administrative data held by the DWP months, (c) six to 12 months and (d) over 12 months. and assessment data provided by Atos Healthcare. [199394] Employment Schemes Esther McVey: The information we have in respect of both referrals and attachments, by prognosis group, are Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for given in the following table. Work and Pensions with reference to the Freedom of Number of Work programme referrals and attachments by ESA prognosis Information request made by Frank Zola to his customer groups, Great Britain, 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2013 Department on 28 April 2014, on community work ESA prognosis customer group Referrals Attachments placements, when his Department plans to publish the

All ESA WRAG 242,510 234,210 names of the 70 placement providers under the Help to ESA (c) WRAG Mandatory 10,470 9,990 Work scheme; how many current placement providers ESA (c) WRAG Voluntary 1,060 1,040 there are; if he will publish the names of all such ESA (IR) WRAG 12Mth 37,370 35,560 organisations providing such placements under the Mandatory Help to Work scheme in (a) Brighton and Hove local ESA (IR) WRAG 12Mth 1,970 1,900 authority area and (b) in the UK; and if he will Voluntary publish job descriptions for those placements (i) ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6Mth 5,470 5,230 provided to date and (ii) planned to be provided. Existing [198855] ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth 98,290 96,100 Mandatory Esther McVey: The Department can confirm that it ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth 750 730 holds the names of the 70 subcontractors under the Voluntary Help to Work scheme as referenced in the freedom of ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth 23,230 22,590 Mandatory ExIB information request made by Frank Zola. However, the ESA (IR) WRAG 3/6 Mth 210 210 Department cannot disclose their names as the information Voluntary ExIB is intended for publication at a future date. ESA Mandatory (IR) WRAG 42,710 40,840 In terms of names of organisations that are work 12m placement hosts, the Department wishes not to disclose ESA (IR) WRAG 12m 20,980 20,040 Mandatory EXIB the information as we believe that the public balance ESA Credit Only 230 210 weighs in favour of withholding the information. ESA (IR) Support Group 360 350 Housing Benefit ESA (c) Support Group 100 100 ESA (IR) Support Group ExIB 100 100 Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work ESA (c) Support Group ExIB 100 90 and Pensions how many local authorities in (a) Wales and (b) the UK returned unused discretionary housing Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for payment to his Department in 2013-14. [200090] Work and Pensions with reference to the answers of Steve Webb: The information requested is due to be 1 April 2014, Official Report, column 603W, column published shortly as part of wider analysis on the use of 604W and column 605W on employment and support discretionary housing payments (DHP) in 2013-14. allowance, how many people who have been given a prognosis that (a) a return to work could be Housing Benefit: Brent considered within two years and (b) return to work is unlikely in the longer term have been placed in the Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for work-related activity group since October 2008. Work and Pensions how many households in the [200146] London borough of Brent are affected by the household benefit cap; what the composition of the Mike Penning: The information requested is shown in households is; and what the length of time and amount the following table: capped by the household benefit cap is. [199793] Outcomes of functional assessments by prognosis for the ESA work-related Esther McVey: The following information on number activity group, Great Britain: October 2008 to September 2013 of households capped (latest data March 2014) is available WRAG: Claimants with a prognosis of: by local authority at: Under two years Two years or more https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-cap- New Claims—Initial assessment 451,800 11,800 number-of-households-capped-to-march-2014 347W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 348W

Data is available on number of households capped Esther McVey: The Digital Jobcentres project will (current and cumulative), amount capped, number of modernise the jobcentre digital infrastructure. From dependents and household type. now until the end of October, we will be installing wi-fi Details on length of time capped is not available. and new web access devices (WADs) across the jobcentre network. Housing Benefit: Wales These WADs will enable claimants to access universal jobmatch and other job sites, as well as allowing them to apply directly for vacancies that they find. The purpose Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work of this new equipment is to help those who have no and Pensions how much each local authority in (a) access to digital technology elsewhere. Wales and (b) the UK returned to his Department in Wi-fi will be available across the entire jobcentre unused discretionary housing payment funding in network by the end of October. 2013-14. [200089] We will also be replacing around 2,300 customer Steve Webb: The information requested is due to be access phones with a new assisted service for claimants published shortly as part of wider analysis on the use of who attend the jobcentre and are unable to access DWP discretionary housing payments (DHP) in 2013-14. services without our help. The assisted service is face-to-face and includes controlled use of a telephone. Support is tailored to the individual’s needs. Jobcentre Plus Jobseeker’s Allowance: Preston Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) computers, (b) Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for job-search stations and (c) telephones were available Work and Pensions how many people from each EU for jobseekers to use in Jobcentre Plus offices in the state are currently in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance in United Kingdom in each financial year since 2008-09; Preston constituency. [199742] and whether these will be available in every Jobcentre Esther McVey: The information as requested is not Plus in 2015-16. [199642] available. Esther McVey: We are changing the way we provide Members: Correspondence our service, moving from a telephone and jobpoint-based service to one which is making use of the latest technologies. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work From now until the end of October, we will be installing and Pensions when he will reply to the hon. Member wi-fi and new web access devices across the jobcentre for Harrow West’s letter of 2 June 2014 regarding network. This will enable claimants to access universal Mr Abdi Kadir Mumin of Harrow; and if he will make jobmatch and other job sites, as well as allowing them a statement. [200056] to apply directly for vacancies that they find. Mike Penning: I wrote to the hon. Member on 10 June Equipment available for jobseekers to use in jobcentres in Great Britain1 from 2008-16 2014. (b) Jobsearch (c) Telephones stations (customer access New Enterprise Allowance (a) Computers (jobpoints) phones) Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09 0 6,860 3,790 Work and Pensions how many people have received the 2009-10 0 6,967 3,790 New Enterprise Allowance since its commencement; 2010-11 0 6,933 3,790 and how many such people have subsequently (a) 2011-12 0 6,647 3,790 returned to jobseeker’s allowance and (b) registered 2012-13 2,176 6,079 3,730 with HM Revenue and Customs as self-employed. 2013-14 2,411 6,079 2,384 [200334] 2014-15 8,307 0 20 2015-163 8,307 0 20 Esther McVey: The number of New Enterprise Allowance 1 Figures for Northern Ireland are not available. 2 Assisted service available to vulnerable claimants who are unable to access starts since its commencement is regularly published by DWP services without our help. The assisted service is face-to-face and includes the Department and can be found at the following link: use of a telephone for claimants who need support to resolve their inquiry. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pre-work- Support is tailored to the individual’s needs. 3 Estimated figures. programme-support-new-enterprise-allowance-march-2014 Note: The Department has made an assessment of the All figures are as of financial year end. number of New Enterprise Allowance participants returning The figures for 2013-14 were provided by Operations to any out-of-work benefit in the following published to the Digital Jobcentre Project as part of an audit analysis. This suggests that 78% of people who started undertaken at the start of the project and have not been drawing the New Enterprise Allowance remained off properly checked and verified. benefit continuously for 12 months. ttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for attachment_data/file/225167/NEA_benefit_status_ad- Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of hoc_v3.pdf the availability of telephones and computers for With regards to the number registered with HM jobseekers to use in Jobcentre Plus offices; and what Revenue and Customs; the Department does not hold plans he has to improve the provision of such individual level data on self-employment with which we equipment. [199830] would be able to make this assessment. 349W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 350W

Occupational Pensions independence payment decision are doing so because (a) the claimant has made the initial telephone claim Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State but is waiting to receive, or has not yet returned, the for Work and Pensions what progress is being made in additional information form or DS2600 for special ensuring that all eligible employees have been offered rules for terminally ill people, (b) the claimant has automatic enrolment into a workplace pension scheme returned their personal independence payment with minimum employer contributions. [200197] additional information form but is awaiting their face-to-face assessment appointment date, (c) the Mike Penning: So far automatic enrolment has been a claimant had their face-to-face assessment by his stunning success. The latest information published by Department has not yet made a decision on their claim, the Pensions Regulator on 12 June 2014 showed that (d) the claimant has returned the DS1500 and his more than 15,000 employers have completed the automatic Department has not yet made a decision on their claim enrolment process and 3.6 million eligible workers have and (e) the claimant has informed his Department that been automatically enrolled into a workplace pension. they wish to withdraw their claim. [199460] Around 99% of employers who have completed registration have done so without the need for the Mike Penning: The information the hon. Member has Pensions Regulator to use their statutory powers. Employers requested is not currently available. have understood that providing a workplace pension and helping their workers plan for retirement is now the Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work norm. and Pensions what review his Department has carried out of operating assumptions and how in practice the Preliminary findings from the 2013 Employers’ Pension speed and quality of personal independence payments Provision survey show that around 90% of automatically decisions are affected by those assumptions. [199468] enrolled workers have remained members of a pension scheme. This early success has led the Government to Mike Penning: We are continually monitoring the revise down its opt out predictions. Instead of the PIP end-to-end journey and, along with our providers, anticipated 30% opt out rate the Government now we are taking forward various initiatives to improve expects only 15% of individuals will opt out once automatic overall PIP processing times, while also maintaining a enrolment is fully rolled out. strong focus on the quality of PIP decisions. Personal Independence Payment We are monitoring and evaluating these actions and will continue to look for opportunities to introduce Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work further initiatives as appropriate. and Pensions how many people have made claims for personal independence payment following a stroke in Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the UK since April 2013; and how many have received and Pensions how his Department has assessed a decision from his Department. [199453] whether the new personal independence payment claims, assessment and decision-making process meets Mike Penning: The available data on claims to personal obligations to promote equality of opportunity for independence payment was published on 5 June 2014 disabled people, including terminally ill people; what and is available at: mechanisms are being used for gathering feedback https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal- from claimants on the new process; and how many independence-payment-official-statistics-june-2014 people have provided feedback on the process to date. Information on the number of successful new claimants [199469] is available against a range of conditions, including neurological conditions which will include those who Mike Penning: The Department carries out analysis have had a stroke. The information is published and can of the likely impacts of its policies on protected groups, be found at: including disabled people as required by the Equality https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk Act. Equality impact assessments conducted in respect of PIP are available at: Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-living- allowance-reform-equality-impact-assessment https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Stat- Xplore_User_Guide.htm Although we do not keep details of the numbers of individual claimants who have provided feedback, we Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work regularly receive and consider feedback from a variety and Pensions what volumetric models have been used of sources including claimants, our staff, providers and to identify where backlogs of personal independence from our Implementation Stakeholder Forum which payments might develop in his Department’s hears views from a wide range of organisations representing administration of claims, as recommended by the and supporting disabled people. I, along with my officials, National Audit Office; and when he plans to publish meet regularly with organisations representing disabled those models. [199454] people. We are conducting two independent reviews of PIP, Mike Penning: We have no plans to publish any the first of which will report by the end of 2014. The volumetric models. terms of reference for this review are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/simplifying-the- Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work welfare-system-and-making-sure-work-pays/supporting- and Pensions how many people waiting for a personal pages/introducing-personal-independence-payment 351W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 352W

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Social Security Benefits: Greater Manchester and Pensions what provisions are made for assessing people with aphasia following stroke when claiming Mike Kane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work personal independence payments (PIP); what the and Pensions (1) how many residents of (a) exceptional criteria are for issuing PIP paper claim Wythenshawe and Sale East constituency and (b) forms; and how many PIP1 paper claim forms have Manchester have had their benefits sanctioned in each been (a) requested and (b) issued. [199470] year since 2010; [200129] Mike Penning: Where it is clear from their questionnaire (2) how many people have had their benefits or from medical evidence that an individual who is sanctioned in (a) Wythenshawe and Sale East making a claim for PIP has aphasia, the health professional constituency and (b) Manchester in the most recent will advise on the level of relevant functional loss on a period for which figures are available. [200128] paper basis wherever possible. Where a face-to-face consultation is required, claimants are encouraged to Esther McVey: The available information as requested bring another person with them where they would find is shown in the following table. this helpful. Number of individuals with an adverse benefit sanction applied in In exceptional circumstances, where a claimant is Wythenshawe and Sale East parliamentary constituency and unable to deal with the Department by telephone and Manchester local authority: 2010 - 2013 has no one to help them make the telephone call, Wythenshawe and Sale East Manchester local claimants can request a paper version of the initial parliamentary constituency authority claim form. Additionally we can offer a home visit. The 2010 1,310 7,600 Department does not collect details of the number of 2011 1,400 8,140 requested or issued paper claim forms. 2012 1,310 8,350 Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2013 1,290 9,590 and Pensions what the current average waiting time is Notes: for personal independence payment assessments to be 1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. 2. The number of benefit sanctions applied is the number of sanction completed and a decision made in (a) England and or disallowance referrals where the decision was found against the (b) Leeds. [199819] claimant for those in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance, or income support (lone parents). Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 3. Data are for January to December in each year. and Pensions (1) what the average length of time 4. Income support lone parents receive a fixed sanction of 20% of the between an assessment appointment for personal personal allowance rate of a single claimant (not aged less than 25) independence payment and a decision being made has for each failure to attend/participate in a Work Focused Interview been for residents of (a) Washington and Sunderland until 10p is left in payment. This sanction lasts until the individual attends and participates in a Work Focused Interview. In the case West constituency, (b) the Sunderland local authority where there is more than one sanction in place the claimant need only area and (c) the North East region since the beginning attend/participate in one Work Focused Interview in order for all of the scheme; [199860] related sanctions to be removed from their benefit. (2) what the average length of time between applying 5. New sanctions rules came into force for JSA and ESA from 22 October 2012 and 3 December 2012. The number of JSA sanctions for a personal independence payment and an applied for the new regime is the number of low, intermediate, and assessment appointment has been for residents of (a) high level referrals where the decision was found against the claimant. Washington and Sunderland West constituency, (b) Further information can be found here: the Sunderland local authority area and (c) the North https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jobseekers-allowance- East region since the beginning of the scheme. [199859] overview-of-sanctions-rules 6. This information for JSA and ESA sanctions is published at: Mike Penning: The information you have requested is https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ not currently available. Sources: 1. (JSA and ESA): DWP Information, Governance and Security Preston Directorate: Sanctions and Disallowance Decisions Statistics Database 2. (IS): Income Support Computer System Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security Benefits: Warrington Work and Pensions which Ministers in his Department have visited Preston since June 2010; on what date each such visit took place; what the purpose was of each Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work such visit; and who those Ministers met on each such and Pensions how many people in receipt of each type visit. [199735] of benefit were sanctioned and for what period by Warrington Jobcentre in each year since 2010. [200048] Esther McVey: The Department does not maintain a central record of all ministerial visits and to gather this Esther McVey: The information requested on the information would be to do so at disproportionate duration of benefit sanctions is not readily available costs. and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Social Security Benefits The available information on the number of individuals with an adverse benefit sanction is shown in the following Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for table. Work and Pensions how much his Department spent Number of individuals with an adverse benefit sanction in Warrington on correspondence with recipients of (a) jobseeker’s Jobcentre Plus office: 2010-13 allowance and (b) employment and support allowance Jobseeker’s allowance Employment and support in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013. [200145] (JSA) allowance (ESA)

Esther McVey: The information requested is not available. 2010 1,121 146 353W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 354W

Number of individuals with an adverse benefit sanction in Warrington or the stage of legal proceedings in respect of which Jobcentre Plus office: 2010-13 each invoice for legal representation is paid. Disaggregating Jobseeker’s allowance Employment and support the data would take the costs of responding to the (JSA) allowance (ESA) question over the disproportionate cost threshold. 2011 912 45 2012 1,436 36 Wood: Health Hazards 2013 1,488 55 Notes: John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for 1. Statistical disclosure control has been applied to protect against the identification of individual claimants. Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of 2. Figures for income support lone parents are not available by the health dangers of wood dust. [200011] Jobcentre Plus office. 3. The number of benefit sanctions applied is the number of sanction Mike Penning: I have been asked to respond as this or disallowance referrals where the decision was found against the falls under the remit of the Health and Safety Executive claimant. 4. Data refers to January to December in each year shown. (HSE). 5. New regulations introduced a new revised sanctions regime for JSA Wood dust can cause non-reversible health problems and ESA claimants from 22 October and 3 December 2012 respectively. including skin disorders, obstruction of the nose and 6. This data is published at: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ rhinitis, asthma and nasal cancer. There are appropriate Source: workplace controls and HSE provides comprehensive DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: Sanctions guidance for employers on these. and Disallowance Decisions Statistics Database. Exposure to wood dust in workplaces is regulated by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations Universal Credit 2002 (as amended) which require exposures to be reduced as far below the workplace exposure limit as is reasonably Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for practicable. Suitable control measures may include local Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of exhaust ventilation, on-tool extraction systems and in the risk of fraud in (a) the pathfinders for universal some cases respiratory protective equipment. Workers credit and (b) the roll out of the universal credit will usually require health surveillance checks. system. [199461] HSE has recently commissioned a new study to update Esther McVey: DWP has taken a number of steps to the evidence base for wood dust exposure and health design out fraud and error in the universal credit system. effects in the UK construction and woodworking industries. Prior to the introduction of universal credit (UC), The study will run over the next two to three years and DWP assessed the risk of fraud and error and concluded is being undertaken by the Health and Safety Laboratory the risk would be mitigated by restricting the initial with support and assistance from industry. claims in pathfinder areas to those with the lowest risk of fraud, and to exclude more complex claims where Work Capability Assessment fraud or error was more likely. DWP also implemented an automated data-matching capability to defend the Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work UC system against the top causes of fraud or error. and Pensions what training (a) Atos staff and (b) staff This Counter Fraud Capability introduced an automated of his Department are given in mental health for the pre-payment check for the first time to prevent fraud. It purposes of assessing whether claimants are fit for checked the very first UC claim and has checked every work. [199817] claim made since. This process also conducts a weekly scrutiny of all the data DWP holds against all UC claims to detect any fraud that may have subsequently Mike Penning: All health care professionals receive started so we can take action immediately. training in mental health issues as part of their induction training, are required to engage in a programme of To provide a secure roll-out of UC nationally, DWP’s continuing medical education which includes modules specialists in security and counter-fraud work are working on mental health issues, and have access to Mental with the UC Programme to ensure that the essential Function Champions. security and counter-fraud controls are in place before the digital ’end state’ service can go live. By drawing on Atos training and guidance materials are regularly security and counter-fraud knowledge from across reviewed and external experts including the Royal College Government and external security expertise, we are of Psychiatrists are involved in quality assurance. ensuring that the core digital service is ’secure by design’ All health care professionals are monitored to ensure from the outset, and that the service is also supported that their work meets the required quality standards. If by the right online security and counter fraud capabilities. a problem is identified, the health care professional may be required to undertake tailored training, which may Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for involve training in mental health issues if required. Work and Pensions how much his Department has DWP staff receive training in respect of decisions spent on legal costs incurred appealing against concerning medical or disability issues, including mental decisions by the Information Commissioner requiring health. Specifically learning is provided on: the release of information about the universal credit programme since 2011. [200143] understanding the WCA descriptors; gathering evidence from the claimant and medical professionals; Esther McVey: The Department’s records relating to and legal costs do not distinguish between actions which the using the evidence to apply the descriptors and determine Department has brought and actions which it has defended capability for work. 355W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 356W

Within the learning emphasis is placed on the ongoing sites and, in consultation with stakeholders, the Government support available to decision makers from Atos Healthcare will consider what future surveillance work is needed. to interpret and understand medical information. Further information on the management approach In the Independent Review of the Work Capability to Chalara and other established tree pests and pathogens Assessment published in December 2013, Doctor Litchfield in England can be found in the Tree Health Management made a number of recommendations related to training Plan, which was published in April 2014. in mental health which have been accepted subject to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tree-health- further scoping work. management-plan Work Programme Bees Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding his number of people referred to the Work Programme Department received from the European Commission who fail to participate in mandated activity. [200144] for projects relating to bees in 2013-14. [199556] Esther McVey: The available information for jobseeker’s Dan Rogerson: In 2013-14 ¤116,760.90 of funding allowance (JSA) claimants who have been sanctioned was provided by the European Commission for research for failure to participate in the WP is given in Table 1.8 projects relating to bees. here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jobseekers- allowance-and-employment-and-support-allowance- Dogs: Injuries sanctions-decisions-made-to-december-2013 The available information for employment and support Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for allowance (ESA) claimants who have been sanctioned Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dogs failure to participate in a work related activity, which were injured as a result of (a) dog fighting, (b) dog will include the WP, in given in Table 2.6 of the same baiting and (c) unprovoked attacks by other dogs in spreadsheet. each region of the UK in each of the last five years. This information is also published and available at: [199662] https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ George Eustice: The data requested is not collected or Guidance for users is available at: held by DEFRA. https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Stat- Xplore_User_Guide.htm Equal Opportunities

Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consideration his Department gives to the diversity Animal Welfare: Circuses policies and records of businesses or other organisations when considering their bid for Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for commercial contracts or grants. [199948] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will hold discussions with Ministers in the Welsh Government Dan Rogerson: Core DEFRA follows Cabinet Office on the possible implementation in Wales of a ban on advice in meeting its obligations under the Public Sector the use of wild animals in circuses. [199555] Equality Duty (PSED), which is part of the Equality Act 2010, when considering bids for commercial contracts George Eustice: We remain committed to discussing or grants. with counterparts in all the devolved Administrations As part of our evaluation criteria we ask each bidder whether a Bill introducing a ban on the use of wild to provide evidence of their equality and diversity policy animals in circuses could be a Great Britain or even or an equivalent document which demonstrates their United Kingdom Bill. organisation’s commitment to equality and diversity and which is compliant with the relevant legislation. Ash Dieback Disease We ask each bidder to describe the steps they have taken to: Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State monitor equality and diversity performance; for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the state of health of the implement training programmes for raising awareness; UK tree population following the recent Ash Dieback ensure staff and sub-contractors working on the contract comply appropriately with the relevant legislation; epidemic. [200115] address cases of discrimination and other breaches and set out Dan Rogerson: Surveillance and monitoring has been measures for preventing recurrences; and carried out by the Forestry Commission and the Food give the Department full confidence in their organisation’s and Environment Research Agency to provide intelligence approach to equality and diversity. on the rate of spread for Chalara. The surveillance in all A score is allocated to the bidder’s response to these four Administrations is helping to determine the extent questions which forms part of the overall technical of the disease. This work will continue on new infected evaluation of the bid. 357W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 358W

Food Water Charges: South West

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether his Department’s Sustainable Consumption Report, agreement has been reached to extend to 2020 the published in July 2013, what progress has been made reduction to household water bills for South West on developing integrated healthy sustainable dietary Water customers. [200276] guidelines to help health professionals, educators, businesses and the public make healthier and more Dan Rogerson: The Government announced the decision sustainable food choices. [199831] to fund South West Water to enable it to cut bills by £50 per year for all household customers in the Budget George Eustice: The Sustainable Consumption Report, 2011. Households in the South West have received the published on 29 July 2013, was produced by a group of reduction since April 2013. The understanding has always organisations following discussions facilitated by DEFRA. been that this reduction would continue for the duration The report reflects the views of the stakeholders who of both the current spending review and the next. were involved in its production; it does not represent Government policy. I met with the co-chairs of the working groups in March, and work has now started to peer review and DEFENCE publish the principles of a healthy and sustainable diet. Air Force Pigs: Disease Control Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions Defence what the (a) rank and (b) length of service he has had with his EU counterparts about the threat was of each RAF engineer (aerosystems) officer who to pig health in the UK arising from (a) African swine left the service in each of the last five years for which fever and (b) porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus. figures are available. [199373] [200085] Anna Soubry: The information requested constitutes George Eustice: DEFRA, through the Animal Health personal data and is prohibited from release under the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, undertakes routine Data Protection Act 1998. scanning surveillance for the detection of new or However, based on the information held from 1 April re-emerging animal diseases that may pose a threat to 2011 to 31 March 2014, the average total length of animal health or public health. When an increase in service on exit by rank for the engineer (aerosystems) threat is recognised, we publish risk assessments which officer is as follows: are shared directly with our European colleagues and Rank (RAF Engineer (Aerosystems)) the European Commission. These are publicly available Average length of service at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animal-diseases/monitoring/poa/ Junior Officers 12 years 0 months On African swine fever, we produced a risk assessment Squadron Leader 20 years 0 months following the detection of wild boar cases in the European Wing Commander 26 years 7 months Union on the border with Belarus in January 2014. The Group Captain 1— situation and the risks posed to member states are 1 Insufficient data to provide an average. The small number of Engineering (Aerosystems) Group Captains during the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March discussed at meetings of the Standing Committee for 2014 means the resulting “average” would be misleading. the Food Chain and Animal Health. These discussions have led to additional safeguard measures and the increased Air Force: Leukaemia level of surveillance in Poland and Lithuania. DEFRA was made aware of porcine epidemic diarrhoea Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for (PED) and the emergence of a new virulent strain in the Defence how many Royal Air Force armourers have Americas and Asia in May 2013 when we first published died from leukaemia in each of the last five years. an assessment of the risk of the disease entering the [200079] UK. We shared this assessment with the European Commission and our European colleagues. This was to Anna Soubry: From 1 January 2009 to 31 December raise awareness in a public forum, despite PED not 2013 (the last full year for which data is available), no being a notifiable disease. Since then, we have worked RAF Armourer personnel have died as a result of closely with other Member States with significant pig leukaemia. industries and the Commission to share our concerns. This has resulted in improved safeguard measures and a Armed Forces: Cadets commissioned piece of work by European Food Safety Authority to look at risk pathways. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Rural Areas: Festivals and Special Occasions Defence how many people have applied to join the Royal Navy cadet force in each of the last five years. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for [199104] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) rural festivals and (b) country sports events have been Anna Soubry: The number of people who made a held in the UK in each of the last five years. [200069] formal application to join the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Combined Cadet Force in each of the last five Dan Rogerson: DEFRA does not hold this information. years is shown in the following table: 359W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 360W

Armed Forces: Pay Adult Volunteers Cadets Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009 50 300 Defence what annual percentage increases in starting 2010 40 570 rates of pay (a) lieutenant colonels, (b) majors, (c) captains, (d) lieutenants, (e) sergeants, (f) corporals 2011 40 1,140 and (g) privates in the Army have received since 1982. 2012 40 1,720 [198821]

2013 50 1,650 Anna Soubry: The annual percentage increases awarded by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body for the starting rates of pay of the specified ranks are shown in the In accordance with convention these figures have following table. There was no annual percentage increase been rounded. in 2011 and 2012 but all privates were awarded a £250 rise.

Lieutenant colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Sergeant Corporal Private

1982 6.5 6.6 7.9 5.6 5.3 4.9 4.3 1983 8.6 8.5 8.4 8.3 6.5 6.1 5.9 1984 8.1 7.4 7.7 7.4 6.8 6.6 6.1 1985 7.7 7.5 7.3 7.0 6.8 7.0 3.9 1986 8.7 7.6 7.1 7.2 7.2 7.1 5.2 1987 6.0 5.9 5.6 5.9 6.1 5.9 4.1 1988 7.1 6.8 6.8 6.8 6.4 6.4 3.7 1989 1.2 2.4 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.7 1.9 1990 11.0 10.6 11.1 10.4 10.2 10.4 10.5 1991 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.2 2.7 1992 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 1993 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1994 1.6 1.3 0.6 0.3 3.4 9.6 2.8 1995 1.6 1.3 0.6 0.3 6.2 1.7 1.3 1996 3.1 2.9 2.9 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.7 1997 3.4 4.0 3.8 4.2 4.5 3.0 3.0 1998 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 4.2 1999 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.6 2000 3.3 3.3 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 2001 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 2002 3.7 4.2 4.2 3.7 3.7 3.7 4.2 2003 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.7 2004 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 3.2 2005 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2006 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.3 2007 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 9.4 2008 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2009 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2010 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2011 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 £250.00 2012 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 £250.00 2013 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2014 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Armed Forces: Sexual Offences in the Manual of Service Law, informs Commanding Officers to take legal advice when making a decision as Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to who should investigate, with the presumption that if he will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the service police should normally be made aware. Schedule 2 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 to make the referral to the Service Police of sexual assault, exposure Armed Forces: Young People and voyeurism mandatory by commanding officers; and if he will make a statement. [199541] Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made in preparing a Anna Soubry: There are no current proposals to cost-benefit analysis of the recruitment and training of amend schedule 2 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 to minors; and when he expects to publish a report on include the offences of sexual assault, exposure and that issue. [198847] voyeurism. A Commanding Officer made aware of an allegation that any of those three offences have been Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence committed is under a statutory obligation to ensure it is with reference to the answers of 18 November 2013, investigated appropriately. Additional guidance, provided Official Report, columns 696W and 698W and of 361W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 362W

18 December 2013, Official Report, columns 632W, on 1 April 1 April 1 April 1 April 1 April armed forces: young people, if he will publish the terms Arm/Service 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 of reference of the cost benefit analysis of the recruitment of young people into the armed forces; Queen Alexander’s 70 80 90 100 120 Royal Army Nursing when he expects that report to be published; and if he Corps will make a statement. [199067] Corps of Army 20 20 20 20 20 Musicians Anna Soubry: The report has been submitted by the General List/General 30 40 20 10 10 Army to Ministry of Defence (MOD) HQ, for Service Corps consideration. It is not possible to provide a publication Long Service List 30 30 30 30 40 date for the report until the report’s findings have been Unknown ethnicity 6,900 6,080 5,740 6,850 6,690 considered. 1 April 1 April 1 April 1 April 1 April The terms of reference of the report are as follows: Arm/Service 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Question: Total 10,070 10,090 10,300 10,140 9,360 “What is the cost overhead to MOD of Phase 1 training for Staff 2020101010 Junior Entry (JE) soldiers versus Standard Entry (SE) soldiers Household Cavalry/ 380 360 350 330 300 joining the Army?” Royal Armoured Corps Royal Artillery 880 880 880 840 730 Arms Trade Royal Engineers 670 710 750 780 720 Royal Signals 460 480 490 480 450 Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Infantry 2,410 2,430 2,550 2,580 2,310 Defence how many people are employed in the arms Army Air Corps 110 100 100 90 90 industry in the UK. [200072] Royal Army Chaplain’s ----- Department Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence no longer compiles Royal Logistic Corps 3,020 2,960 2,940 2,820 2,640 national or regional defence industry employment statistics Royal Army Medical 330 320 310 340 330 as they do not directly support policy-making or operations. Corps Royal Electrical and 720 700 670 640 560 Mechanical Engineers Army: Ethnic Groups Adjutant General’s 720 780 860 850 840 Corps Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Royal Army Veterinary 10 10 10 10 10 Defence how many black and minority ethnic Corps Small Arms School ----10 personnel have served in each regiment of the Army in Corps each of the last 10 years. [198951] Royal Army Dental 80 80 80 80 60 Corps Anna Soubry: The number of black and minority Intelligence Corps 60 60 60 60 50 ethnic personnel serving in each regiment of the Army Royal Army Physical 20 20 20 20 20 in each of the last 10 years is detailed as follows: Training Corps Queen Alexander’s 120 130 130 140 150 Royal Army Nursing 1 April 1 April 1 April 1 April 1 April Corps Arm/Service 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Corps of Army 20 20 20 20 30 Total 7,780 8,150 8,450 8,580 9,420 Musicians Staff 2020202020General List/General 10 20 20 20 20 Service Corps Household Cavalry/ 230 240 260 320 350 Royal Armoured Corps Long Service List 30 30 30 20 20 Royal Artillery 480 510 530 660 790 Unknown ethnicity 2,270 650 310 240 170 Royal Engineers 420 460 500 530 600 The figures are for Regular Army only and therefore Royal Signals 380 390 390 380 410 exclude Gurkhas, Full Time Reserve Service, Mobilised Infantry 1,910 1,900 1,800 1,940 2,240 Reserves, TA and all other Reserves, but includes those Army Air Corps 110 110 110 120 120 personnel that have transferred from Gurkha Trained Royal Army Chaplain’s ----- Department Adult Male to United Kingdom Trained Adult Personnel. Royal Logistic Corps 2,560 2,820 3,030 2,780 2,930 Data has not previously been recorded for the Army Royal Army Medical 260 290 330 330 330 Reserve. Corps Figures have been rounded to 10; numbers ending in Royal Electrical and 470 480 520 610 680 5 have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to Mechanical Engineers prevent systematic bias. Totals and sub-totals have been Adjutant General’s 660 640 630 570 590 Corps rounded separately and so may not appear to be the Royal Army Veterinary ---10-sum of their parts. Corps Army: Length of Service Small Arms School ----- Corps Royal Army Dental 40 50 70 70 80 Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Corps Defence with reference to the answer of 3 April 2014, Intelligence Corps 50 50 50 60 60 Official Report, column 809W, on Army: length of Royal Army Physical 20 20 20 20 20 Training Corps service, on how many soldiers in each regiment or corps the figures are based. [198889] 363W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 364W

Anna Soubry: The average strength by regiment or Mr Dunne: The UK Rivet Joint could not be certified corps is shown in the following table. under Military Aviation Authority Regulatory Publications (MRP) due to difficulties in obtaining documentary Regiment/Corps Average strength evidence of the aircraft’s original design basis. The MRP allows an alternative course of action to be Household Cavalry & Royal Armoured Corps 1,860 agreed where a regulated entity cannot fully comply. Royal Artillery 2,210 Accordingly, an alternative approach was agreed for Royal Engineers 2,830 Rivet Joint to achieve the same level of design safety Royal Signals 1,830 assurance. The aircraft has been cleared by the Assistant Infantry 8,700 Chief of the Air Staff, the RAF’s Release to Service Army Air Corps 370 Authority, to fly to an initial Release to Service and Royal Logistic Corps 4,560 completed its first flight on 23 May 2014. Royal Army Medical Corps 560 Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 2,670 Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Adjutant General’s Corps (Provost) 400 Defence what the reason was for the time taken to Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support) 870 produce the Defence Air Safety Annual Report July Royal Army Veterinary Corps 80 2012 to August 2013, published on 3 April 2014; and if Small Arms School Corps 20 he will make it his policy to publish future such reports Royal Army Dental Corps 60 within three months of the end of the relevant year. Intelligence Corps 240 [199374] Royal Army Physical Training Corps 110 Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps 140 Anna Soubry: Before publishing the Annual Report, Corps of Army Music 180 it was identified that further analysis of an air safety Senior Soldier Continuity Posts (Long Service) 140 issue was required. Following completion of the analysis, Notes: 1. The figures are based on the outflow of Army personnel between 1 April the report was released for publication. We remain 2010 and 31 March 2013. committed to the timely publication of future reports. 2. Underlying outflow figures have been rounded to 10; numbers ending in “5” have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent systematic bias. Navy Source: Defence Statistics (Army) Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for HMS Illustrious Defence how many commissions he has extended for Royal Navy officers at or between level QF2 to QF4, Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for who were officers before 1999, to address a lack of Defence when HMS Illustrious will return from its suitably qualified and experienced personnel. [199757] current deployment. [199751] Anna Soubry: Extensions of service for Royal Navy Mr Francois: HMS Illustrious is currently participating officers are not made by Ministers but are a matter for in Exercise Deep Blue, an anti-submarine exercise in the the Royal Navy. However, the information requested is Western Approaches. I am withholding details of its not held centrally and could be provided only at future programme and dates as their disclosure would, disproportionate cost. or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces. Reserve Forces

HMS Sultan Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of how long is needed to bring the Army Reserves to full strength as set out in Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Army 2020. [200246] Defence what discussions he or officials in his Department have had with counterparts in the Royal Mr Francois: I refer the hon. Member to the written Canadian Navy or the US Navy on personnel of those ministerial statement and paper the Secretary of State navies undertaking conversion training at HMS Sultan for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for to fill current vacancies in suitably qualified and Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), placed in experienced personnel positions. [199754] the Library of the House on 19 December 2013, Official Report, column 124WS. Anna Soubry: There have been no such discussions with the Royal Canadian navy or the United States Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for navy. However, we work closely with many nations and Defence what support his Department provides to provide opportunities for their personnel to serve with reserve military personnel forced to leave military the Royal Navy through a range of schemes including service as a result of injury sustained in the course of exchange and liaison postings. duty. [199237]

Military Aircraft Anna Soubry: The provision of health care for veterans in the UK is the responsibility of NHS (England) and Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for the devolved Administrations. For NHS (England) this Defence when he expects to confirm the decision to is the responsibility of individual GP-led Clinical allow a process change to enable the Rivet Joint signal Commissioning Groups (CCGs). The comprehensive intelligence aircraft to be certificated under Military services CCGs commission reflect local priorities and Aviation Authority regulations. [199247] the aspirations of the Armed Forces Covenant. 365W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 366W

When mobilised, a Reservist has the same entitlement Dr Murrison: Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) have to health care provided by Defence Medical Services as been appointed as the Ministry of Defence’s marketing a Regular Service person. The Defence Medical agents for the facilities being vacated by BAE Systems’ Rehabilitation Programme provides rehabilitation for shipbuilding operation. injured or ill personnel, including Reservists mobilised LSH have received 19 expressions of interest which for operations. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is they are following up with site visits and/or provision of extending rehabilitation services to Reservists injured further information. This phase of the campaign is during training; which will facilitate their return to expected to run until the end of June 2014, when all of fitness. the expressions of interest will be fully assessed to The MOD also provides War Disablement Pensions determine whether any of them would be an appropriate under the War Pensions Scheme if Reservists are no and compatible future user for the site. longer serving in HM Armed Forces and their disablement arose before 6 April 2005. The Armed Forces Compensation Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Scheme provides compensation for any injury, illness or Defence what steps he has taken to ensure that death which is caused by service on or after 6 April specialised manufacturing and engineering equipment 2005. located at the BAE shipyard, Portsmouth, will be made Help and advice is available to all veterans, including available to potential new users of the shipyard. Reserves, from Veterans UK (formerly the Service Personnel [199846] and Veterans Agency). Information about how to claim a war pension or AFCS is available from Veterans UK Dr Murrison: The Ministry of Defence is in discussion at: with BAE Systems over the feasibility of leaving specialised www.veterans-uk.info plant and machinery on the site when shipbuilding in or e-mail: Portsmouth ceases later this year. These discussions are [email protected] continuing but no decisions have been taken regarding what equipment might be available to a potential new or free helpline 0808 1914 2 18. Veterans UK can user of the site. signpost individuals to other sources of assistance including the Veteran’s Welfare Service, which provides dedicated welfare support to veterans (including Reserves), their Unmanned Aerial Vehicles families, and dependants. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Shipbuilding: Portsmouth Defence whether he has plans to introduce maritime remotely-piloted air systems; and if he will make a Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for statement. [199377] Defence when the BAE shipyard in Portsmouth is planned to close. [199841] Mr Dunne: The Royal Navy has introduced the ScanEagle Unmanned Air System, delivering an intimate and assured Dr Murrison: BAE Systems is expected to complete a persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance phased return of its Portsmouth shipbuilding facilities for equipped ships. ScanEagle was brought into service to the Ministry of Defence by the end of this year. It as an Urgent Operational Requirement; we are currently will, however, retain one office building to accommodate reviewing options for a follow-on maritime capability in around 250 personnel already engaged on support to the future. the Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme in Portsmouth. Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the MQ-4C Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Triton unmanned aerial vehicle; and how much his Defence what assessment he has made of the capacity Department has spent on the assessment process to of English, Welsh and Northern Ireland shipyards to date. [199414] build surface warships following the closure of the BAE shipyard in Portsmouth. [199842] Mr Dunne: Among other options, the potential utility of systems representative of the MQ-4C Triton in addressing Mr Dunne: As part of the wider maritime negotiations the UK’s potential wide area maritime surveillance with the Ministry of Defence in 2013, BAE Systems requirement is currently under review. This activity is took the decision to focus its shipbuilding activities on supported by the Air Intelligence, Surveillance, Target the Clyde in Scotland. This decision has secured a Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) Optimisation sustainable future for the UK shipbuilding industry. Study (AIOS), which will provide support for potential There are a number of commercial yards outside decisions in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Scotland that could be considered as potential alternatives; Review. Disaggregating the cost of the MQ-4C Triton however, no assessment of the viability of these shipyards analysis from the rest of the AIOS could be done only as a potential focus for complex warship building has at disproportionate cost. been undertaken. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where his Department plans to base the Defence what assessment he has made of proposals to Watchkeeper remotely piloted air systems following utilise the current BAE shipyard in Portsmouth completion of training at Salisbury Plain and West subsequent to its planned closure. [199845] Wales Airport. [198643] 367W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 368W

Mr Francois: Under current plans Watchkeeper remotely Voluntary Principles, and in April the Prime Minister piloted air systems will be located at Larkhill with 32nd and the Foreign Secretary raised the Voluntary Principles and 47th Regiments Royal Artillery. with President Kikwete of Tanzania. In terms of responsible sourcing of minerals, officials participate in discussions with UK industry, and more FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE broadly with international partners and non-governmental organisations to support responsible sourcing. The focus Algeria of these discussions is the OECD due diligence guidance I referred to on 13 May 2014. DFID have provided Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for financial support through the $90 million World Bank— Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what DFID ProMines project towards the implementation of representations he has made to the Algerian the ICGLR Regional Certification Mechanism, a publicly- Government to ensure the safety of UK oil and gas available map of armed groups on mining sites through workers in the country; and who his primary point of the International Peace Information Service as well as contact in the office of the President of that country is traceability schemes such as the ITRI tin supply chain in discussions on that matter. [199744] initiative. Hugh Robertson: We discuss the security of hydrocarbon sites at the UK-Algeria Strategic Security Partnership, Arms Trade: Treaties which was established after In Amenas and met for the second time in November 2013. In this forum, the Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State national security adviser, Sir Kim Darroch, spoke to for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, Foreign is taking to ensure that the remaining states who have Minister Ramtane Lamamra and the Algerian military not yet ratified the Arms Trade Treaty do so. [199561] about this issue. I also discussed the importance of security at hydrocarbon sites with the then Algerian Mr Hague: We will work to encourage states to sign Deputy Foreign Minister Madjid Bouguerra during my and to ratify, in order to reach the 50 ratifications that visits to Algiers in both January and April 2014. are required to bring the treaty into force. Like the Armed Conflict: Minerals negotiations on the treaty itself, this will take time and require the considerable efforts and persistence of a Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign broad coalition of supporters. and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has The UK has allocated £350,000 to support projects made of the effectiveness of the US Securities and that will help countries to sign, ratify and implement Exchange Commission’s conflict minerals disclosure the arms trade treaty (ATT). We are working through rule. [199593] the UN and EU with countries that require technical assistance and advice on how to implement certain Mark Simmonds: The deadline for disclosure under aspects of the treaty e.g. enforcement training and Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act was 2 June 2014. framing legislation correctly. Other activities include It is too soon to measure the overall effectiveness of the raising awareness with key partners in regions such as legislation. west Africa, where communities are seriously affected We continue to encourage all relevant companies to by the illicit trade in small arms. implement the OECD due diligence guidance for responsible This year, through the Foreign and Commonwealth supply chains of minerals from conflict-affected and Office’s counter-proliferation programme, we will be high-risk areas. funding a series of ATT-related projects specifically Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign focused on ATT signature, ratification, implementation and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the and early entry into force. contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of Balkans 13 May 2014, Official Report, column 201WH, on political and human rights (African Great Lakes), what Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for steps the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is Rights team is taking to encourage companies to taking to ensure that the European Commission participate in voluntary principles concerning supply provides support to the victims of recent flooding in chains of minerals from conflict-affected areas. [199748] the Balkans; and if he will make a statement. [199675] Mark Simmonds: During the debate on 13 May 2014 I said that we were encouraging companies and countries Mr Lidington: The UK has worked closely with the to join the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human EU European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO), Rights. In the last two years, I have met a range of UK and offered advice and assistance during all phases of companies to discuss the Voluntary Principles. Three of the flood response effort. those companies have joined or have applied to join the In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), between 18 and initiative. Officials, often working with other member 23 May a 33-person water rescue team from the British Governments of the Voluntary Principles, participate in Fire Service was deployed to work alongside EU Force in-country workshops, projects and other activity to (EUFOR) Operation Althea and local rescue efforts. support and encourage the participation of new They rescued nearly 200 people, delivered large amounts Governments in the initiative. On 11 June 2014 I met of humanitarian aid, and helped restore power in villages the Justice Minister of Mozambique to discuss the north of Bijeljina. 369W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 370W

In Serbia, the UK provided 64 radios for the Serbian Security Council debates on Burundi. We strongly support Ministry of the Interior, to assist with the co-ordination the resulting presidential statement which expressed of their response teams; and donated £280,000 worth of concern at the violence and the closing down of political heavy lift and transport vehicles to the Serbian Red space. Cross to aid their relief distribution effort. A team from the UK flew out to Serbia and Bosnia Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Herzegovina in the week commencing 20 May to and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to help assess likely humanitarian and recovery needs. Subsequently ensure free, fair and credible elections in Burundi in the UK provided £250,000 to support a World Vision 2015. [199599] flood response project in the region focusing on sanitation and health and providing support for 140,000 people Mark Simmonds: I continue to be concerned about made homeless by the floods. ECHO have released rising political tensions and the closing of political ¤3.2 million in humanitarian aid to support the most space in Burundi ahead of May’s elections. Together vulnerable population in BiH and in Serbia and the with the wider international community, we are working Commission has reallocated a further ¤62 million to together to encourage Burundi to adhere to the March support short to medium-term recovery and reconstruction 2013 UN Roadmap and co-operate with the UN on needs in the affected areas. To both the UK will have electoral governance. During my visit to Burundi in contributed 15% and we will continue to work with the April 2015, I highlighted our concerns about rising European Commission to try to identify any further political tensions, including violence and intimidation assistance which could be made available from existing by political youth groups, with President Nkurunzia. budgets. Robust, comprehensive international monitoring is required both for the elections and this current pre-election In BiH, EUFOR Operation Althea, to which the UK period. contributes troops in-theatre and in reserve, assisted the BiH armed forces in their response to the flooding. The First Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign provide part of EUFOR’s intermediate reserve, and are and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the in BiH for a routine operational rehearsal, are assisting contribution of 13 May 2014, Official Report, column the BiH armed forces in this regard. 203WH, what steps he is taking to support human rights in Burundi. [199750] The Government will continue to work closely with the EU, the UN and other international organisations Mark Simmonds: We monitor human rights in Burundi to assess what further help might be given to help both closely. When I visited Burundi in April, I lobbied Serbia and Bosnia Herzegovina recover from the impact President Nkurunziza about the importance of respecting of the floods. human and democratic rights. On 29 May 2014 I tweeted Burundi our concern about the detention of Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, Burundi’s most active human rights defender. My officials are following this case closely. In recent Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign years, my officials at the high commission in Kigali have and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has funded human rights protection projects in Burundi made of the security situation in Burundi. [199598] and specifically, the Burundian Independent Commission of Human Rights. In 2013, officials attended and Mark Simmonds: We are concerned about recent contributed to Burundi’s Universal Periodic Review of developments in the security situation in Burundi. The its human rights progress. situation remains tense with limited political space not conducive to the protection of human rights. Central Africa During my visit in April, I heard concerns from Burundians and the international community about the Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign increasing limitations on political space and the resultant and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to challenge that could pose for next year’s elections. The integrate the preventing sexual violence in conflict UN Office in Burundi (BNUB), which is playing an initiative throughout the Great Lakes region. [199595] important role reporting on human rights and bringing stability to Burundi, have warned that as the country Mark Simmonds: The preventing sexual violence in approaches elections in 2015, there is a possibility of conflict initiative (PSVI) is a Foreign and Commonwealth violence. Office priority. In the Great Lakes region, PSVI focuses I am particularly concerned about the trend of increased on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where violence by the youth wings of political parties. I discussed the problem of sexual violence in conflict is most acute. these issues with the Burundian President Nkurunzia The DRC was a focus country for the Global Summit to during my visit to Burundi in April 2014. I also emphasised End Sexual Violence in Conflict that took place in the importance of consolidating peace and democracy London on 10 to 13 June 2014. At that meeting the high and that reconciliation and free and fair elections were level DRC delegation presented progress on its national key to Burundi’s future. Officials, including from our action plans to tackle sexual violence in conflict and high commission in Kigali, continue to monitor the discussed with the international community how to situation closely overcome the challenges. We welcome the UN Security Council’s increased During his visit to eastern DRC in March 2013 the focus on Burundi and our permanent representative to Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth the UN emphasised the importance of reconciliation Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond and holding free and fair elections during April’s UN (Yorks) (Mr Hague) announced over £1 million in funding 371W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 372W to a range of organisations tackling rape and sexual DFID expect to spend £72.6 million on governance violence. Other British embassies and high commissions and security in DRC between 2011 to 2015. This support in the Great Lakes region run smaller scale projects and has meant that in 2011, 31 million people registered to raise awareness of sexual violence in conflict and to vote—of which 52% were women. By 2015, 1,025 promote the PSVI agenda. The International Protocol communities will be empowered to monitor local on Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence government performance, 10 million citizens will be in Conflict was launched on 11 June 2014 at the Global trained on elections, rights and responsibilities and over Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. It was field 100 civil society organisations will be empowered to tested in the DRC and Uganda. monitor Government performance and influence Government. China Egypt

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a he has received of allegations of repressive measures Minister from his Department will meet representatives taken towards civil society activists in China related to of Egypt’s new President. [199569] commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown; and whether the Mr Hague: The National Security Adviser visited Government has made representations to the Chinese Cairo on 10-11 June and met President el-Sisi. Ministers government on that matter. [199671] and senior officials are in regular contact with the Government of Egypt and I issued a message congratulating Mr Hague: We are concerned at reports of detentions President el-Sisi on 3 June. We look to him to take steps in relation to the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen to implement the rights contained in Egypt’s constitution Square incident, and we raised our concerns about this by opening up political space, especially with regard to with the Chinese authorities during the UK-China Human freedom of expression and association. We believe the Rights Dialogue in London on 20 May 2014. The best way for Egyptians to achieve the goals of the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 25 January revolution of 2011 is through an inclusive my right hon. Friend the Member for East Devon political process in which all groups can participate. (Mr Swire), also raised this issue with the Chinese authorities on 19 May 2014 and made a statement on 21 Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State May. We also fully support the EU statement of 28 May for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what calling for the release of all those imprisoned for the discussions he has had with his Egyptian counterpart peaceful expression of their views. on the likely date for parliamentary elections in Egypt. We were pleased to see that on 5 June 2014 the [199570] Chinese authorities released a number of those who Mr Hague: I met Egyptian Foreign Minister Fahmy had been arrested after attending an event to commemorate during his visit to the UK on 14 May and discussed a the Tiananmen Square incident in 1989. range of issues, including the timing of parliamentary elections. We believe the best way for the Egyptians to Democratic Republic of Congo achieve goals of the 25 January revolution of 2011 is through free and fair elections and an inclusive political Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign process in which all groups can participate. and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress in the development of governance in Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State the Democratic Republic of Congo. [199579] for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the new Egyptian Mark Simmonds: Decades of conflict and a lack of President about freedom of religion. [199600] accountability and transparency have left the country unstable, lacking infrastructure and social services, and Mr Hague: The Government has been clear throughout falling well short of its economic potential. recent events in Egypt, that the freedom of religious belief needs to be protected and that the ability to Weak governance in the Democratic Republic of worship in peace is a vital component of a democratic Congo (DRC) also presents many challenges. But after society. I have not yet met President el-Sisi, but will look the surrender of the armed group M23 late last year, to work with him and the Egyptian Government to and recent indications that elements of the FDLR implement the rights contained in Egypt’s constitution, armed group also intend to surrender, 2014 provides an which includes protections for freedom of religious opportunity for greater stability in the Great Lakes. belief. During my visit to DRC in February, I witnessed the The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, country’s potential. I emphasised to the DRC Government my right hon. Friend the Member for Faversham and including President Kabila the importance of making Mid Kent (Hugh Robertson), discussed the situation progress on key areas, including elections; economic faced by Coptic Christians and implications of the new reform; the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration constitution in a meeting with Bishop Yulios during his of former combatants; and the reform of the security visit to Cairo in December. sector. We discussed how the UK might best support the development and stability of the region through our Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for support for the Peace, Security and Cooperation Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Framework, as well as our significant development assessment he has made of the political situation in programme. Egypt; and if he will make a statement. [200041] 373W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 374W

Hugh Robertson: The 26-28 May presidential election Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State in Egypt was an important moment for the millions of for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Egyptians who expressed their opinion through the assessment he has made of the likelihood of reaching a ballot box. I made a statement on 3 June in which I comprehensive agreement between the P5+1 and Iran congratulated President el-Sisi on his election and urged on its nuclear programme in advance of the 20 July Egypt’s leaders to ensure that Egypt’s transition leads 2014 deadline. [199568] towards accountable and democratic governance, underpinned by strong and accountable institutions. Mr Hague: The current negotiations with Iran, which We look forward to working with President el-Sisi and have built on the Geneva interim deal, have been his government to strengthen the broad and productive constructive, but challenging. Any deal will require Iran relationship between both our peoples. to take significant steps to address comprehensively our We continue to believe that the best way for Egyptians proliferation concerns. But there remains commitment to achieve the goals of the 25 January revolution of on all sides of the table to reach a deal. 2011 is through an inclusive political process in which all groups can participate. The UK stands ready to Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State support the Egyptian people in achieving this. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government expects the International Atomic Energy Gibraltar Agency’s inquiry into the military dimension of the Iranian nuclear programme to be complete before the deadline for agreeing a comprehensive nuclear deal set Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign by the P5+1. [199672] and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that the provisions of EU law in relation to the Mr Hague: It is unlikely that the complex questions freedom to provide services apply to the provision of surrounding the possible military dimensions of Iran’s services from Gibraltar to any part of the EU. [199703] nuclear programme (PMD) will be resolved by 20 July. We call on Iran to grant immediately access to all sites, Mr Lidington: Gibraltar is in the EU and is covered equipment, persons and documents requested by the by EU treaty provisions on the freedom to provide International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran must services. We vigorously support all of Gibraltar’s rights demonstrate real progress on PMD in order to reassure under the EU treaties. the international community that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. Indian Subcontinent Iraq Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent India and (b) Pakistan on sexual violence against assessment he has made of the position of (a) the women in those countries. [200040] Christian community and (b) other religious minorities in Mosul, Iraq; what reports he has received Mr Swire: The information is as follows: of Christians fleeing their homes in Mosul; and if he (a) I refer the hon. Member to my answer to my hon. will make a statement. [200192] Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mark Pritchard) of 11 June 2014, Official Report, column 208W. Hugh Robertson: We are concerned by the impact of the security situation in Mosul for all Iraqis living there, (b) The Secretary of State for Foreign and including religious minorities. Reports estimate that Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member 500,000 people have left the Mosul area to escape for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed the Preventing violence caused when the Islamic State of Iraq and Sexual Violence in Conflict declaration with National Levant (ISIL) attacked the city on 10 June. Many have Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz in March and was pleased sought refuge in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. A team that, as a result of further discussions with Prime Minister from the Department for International Development Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan was also represented by Sartaj arrived in Erbil on 13 June to assess the situation on the Aziz at the Global Summit on Ending Sexual Violence ground and co-ordinate with partners. We continue to Initiative summit last week. monitor the situation closely.

Iran Jerusalem

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the UK is on extending the deadline for agreeing a P5+1 position is on the future status of Jerusalem. [199669] comprehensive nuclear deal with Iran. [199559] Hugh Robertson: The Government considers that Mr Hague: The UK, like the rest of the E3+3, Jerusalem has the status of a corpus separatum as remains strongly committed to reaching a comprehensive defined by the 1947 UN Partition Plan. Although we agreement with Iran by 20 July. The Geneva interim accept de facto Israeli control of West Jerusalem we do deal is renewable by mutual consent. It is important not recognise Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem, that Iran addresses our concerns and agrees to limit its which we consider to be occupied territory. Jerusalem nuclear activity without delay. holds particular significance for many groups around 375W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 376W the globe, especially the three Abrahamic faiths of Government committed to these principles is a necessary Islam, Judaism and Christianity. condition for resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict. We believe that a solution to Jerusalem must be We now look to the new Government to demonstrate sought as part of a negotiated settlement between the these commitments through its actions as well as its Israelis and the Palestinians, and the solution must words. allow for all those people for whom Jerusalem means so much to access and enjoy it. Morocco Libya Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what reports he has Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State received of changes in the number of human rights for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports violations committed by the Moroccan Security Forces he has received on the progress made by the Libyan against Saharawi citizens since the passing of (a) Government on drafting a new constitution. [199562] resolution 2099 and (b) resolution 2152; [199477] Mr Hague: The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) (2) how the number of allegations of human rights in Libya is responsible for drafting the new constitution. violations perpetrated by the Moroccan Security The elections for the CDA took place on 20 February Forces against Saharawi citizens has been monitored and Ali Tarhouni was subsequently elected as Chair of (a) since resolution 2099 was passed on 25 April 2013 the body. Discussions are ongoing to fill outstanding and (b) since resolution 2152 was passed on 25 April slots for minority groups. I welcome the recent G7 2014. [199457] communiqué which underscored the commitment of the international community to support the work of the Hugh Robertson: Over the last year, we have received CDA. The UK attends the UN Elections and Constitution reports of human rights violations in Western Sahara co-ordination meetings in Libya which monitors the from a number of sources including the Moroccan work of the CDA. National Human Rights Council, UN special rapporteurs, While there is still much work to do in a challenging international human rights organisations and civil society timescale and testing security environment, the CDA groups. However, none of these have released information recently produced an initial programme of what they on the number of violations. plan to include in the constitution including the main references and guiding principles. I welcome the efforts North Korea the CDA are making in developing a transparent and inclusive process which will benefit all peoples of Libya. Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will bring Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State forward legislative proposals to prevent UK companies for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role he profiting from North Korean labour; and what steps he sees for the EU in helping to facilitate Libyan is taking to ensure that UK companies are compliant parliamentary elections in July 2014. [199601] with international law on human trafficking, slavery and forced labour in their contracts in North Korea. Mr Hague: The UK is firmly committed to supporting [199758] the Libyan people and Government, and I welcome the elections for the Libyan House of Representatives due on 25 June. I hope it will be conducted in a fair, Mr Swire: The UK is the first country to publish the transparent and accountable way which is respected by Implementation Plan of the UN Guiding Principles on all parties. I believe that the EU, along with our international Business and Human Rights, which states the Government’s partners, can play a crucial role in supporting these expectation of business behaviour both in the UK and elections. An EU Election Experts’ Mission monitored overseas. In October 2013, the Department for Business the Constitutional Assembly elections in February, and Innovation and Skills amended the Companies Act set out recommendations for improvements which were 2006 to introduce mandatory reporting requirements shared with the Libyan authorities in a report. We for all UK listed companies to publish information on believe this, along with other EU programmes related to human rights issues. At the EU level, the UK in April democratic transition in Libya, has laid a solid foundation this year secured agreement to impose further reporting to facilitate the June elections. requirements on companies across Europe. In particular, all large listed and public interest undertakings will be Middle East required to disclose policies, outcomes and risks relating to areas such as respect for human rights and, if relevant, Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for linked to their supply and subcontracting chain. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Current trade between the UK and the Democratic he has made of the approach of the new Palestinian People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is minimal and government to the peace process with Israel. [200310] covered by an overarching provision that any activities should satisfy existing UN and EU sanctions. These Hugh Robertson: President Abbas was clear that new refer to restriction in the export of goods and financial interim technocratic Government will uphold a commitment assistance, which may contribute to the development of to the principle of non-violence, a negotiated two state the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. solution, and an acceptance of all previous agreements There are currently no plans to introduce a general and obligations, including Israel’s legitimate right to restriction on trade, as such a broad measure could exist. Reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under a adversely affect ordinary North Koreans. 377W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 378W

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for the UK with a human rights element, and also to attend Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has economics workshops in Pyongyang aiming to deepen taken to implement the recommendations on their understanding of international standards and norms. supporting the broadcasting of accessible information The British Council English language teaching programme in to the Democratic People’s Republic of North in Pyongyang provides another area of extensive Korea in paragraph 1224 of the report of the UN engagement. The embassy also delivers strong messages Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in that directly to DPRK interlocutors about the UK’s human country. [199759] rights concerns, including concerns arising from the UN Commission of Inquiry. Mr Swire: We have taken note of the UN Commission Palestinians of Inquiry recommendation that civil society be supported to broadcast accessible information. We have helped to Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for facilitate contact between BBC Worldwide and the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has received on the practice of Palestinian youths being broadcasting authorities, to explore the possibility of tried by military courts and sentenced to prison for the BBC supplying a range of programmes to the minor offences. [199749] DPRK. Through our embassy in Pyongyang, the UK is also Hugh Robertson: The Government is concerned over one of the few countries which is able to engage directly the dual court system that is employed in Israel and the with the DPRK. This complements the efforts of others Occupied Palestinian Territories, under which all who are already broadcasting into North Korea. The Palestinians, except those living in East Jerusalem, are recent report of the UN Commission of Inquiry into subject to trial in military courts irrespective of the human rights in North Korea recognised the importance charges against them while Israeli youths are tried in of both approaches. civil courts. We also have serious concerns about the treatment of Palestinian children under the Israeli military Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for court system, which we raise regularly with the Israeli Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions authorities. More details can be found at: his Department has had with the UN on the report of http://www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk/israel-and-occupied- the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in palestinian-territories/ the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. [199760] South Sudan

Mr Swire: In October 2013, I met members of the Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Commission of Inquiry team on a visit we organised for and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to them to the UK. I travelled to the Human Rights help ensure that the government of Sudan facilitates Council in Geneva in March to urge action following the full deployment of UNMISS troops and their report, and I was pleased with the strong resolution equipment. [200139] which passed later that month. In April the UK raised the Democratic People’s Mark Simmonds: The Governments of both Sudan Republic of Korea (DPRK) human rights concerns and South Sudan have now granted the necessary clearances during closed consultations between the High for the transfer of a Rwandan battalion from the UN-Africa Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Security Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) to UNMISS. We Council. The same month the UK’s Deputy Permanent understand that that battalion has now arrived in South Representative to the UN in New York met with members Sudan. of the Commission of Inquiry and expressed our strong We have made clear to the Governments of both support for the work of the Commission. The UK also Sudan and South Sudan that any actions that impede took part in a public ’Arria’ briefing with other Security UNMISS in the delivery of its mandate are unacceptable. Council members to consider DPRK human rights. In May, we raised the need for continued focus on the Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign situation during a UN Security Council Sanctions and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to Committee meeting. I will travel to the UN in Geneva ensure that UNMISS protects civilians by (a) regular this week in order to meet the DPRK Special Rapporteur, patrols and consultation with communities and (b) Marzuki Darusman, and to set out the UK’s concerns involvement of civilians experts in UNMISS to the Council. The meeting of the UN General Assembly programmes. [200140] in September presents a further opportunity to hold Mark Simmonds: As a permanent member of the discussions. Security Council, the UK is a leading advocate of ensuring that protection of civilians from violence is Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for prioritised in the mandates of UN Missions working in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has conflict-affected countries. UN Security Council Resolution taken to increase the flow of impartial information into 2155 of 27 May 2014, which renewed UNMISS’s mandate the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea following (and which the UK fully supported) demonstrates that, the report of the UN Commission of Inquiry on including through requiring UNMISS troops to conduct Human Rights in that country. [199761] regular patrols to safeguard the security of communities within high risk areas. It also provides for civilian Mr Swire: The British embassy in Pyongyang has expertise to support and complement the work of the arranged for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea military troops and formed police units in monitoring (DPRK) officials to attend education programmes in and investigating human rights abuses. 379W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 380W

Sri Lanka with the Sudanese Government. We have called on it to respect the right to freedom of religion and international Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State human rights laws as enshrined in its own constitution. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference Syria to the answer of 10 April 2014, Official Report, column 377W, on Sri Lanka, what assessment he has made of Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State the suitability of President Rajapaksa to serve as for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he Chairperson in Office of the Commonwealth. [199620] considers the existing mandate of the UN Special Envoy to Syria is sufficient. [199572] Mr Hague: The position of Chair in Office, which is occupied by the host of the Commonwealth Heads of Mr Hague: The UK fully supports the role of the UN Government Meeting (CHOGM) for two years after special representative and the efforts to bring about the event, was formally created in 2009. No formal political transition as set out in the Geneva communiqué. guidance exists on the role. The decision for Sri Lanka The scope of the mandate for Mr Brahimi’s successor is to host CHOGM, and become Chair in Office thereafter, under consideration by the UN. was taken at CHOGM in 2009. There has been no consensus among member states to revisit this decision. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Sudan assessment he has made of the effect of the recent presidential elections in Syria on the prospects for Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for future political reconciliation between the Government Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent and Opposition forces. [199573] discussions he has had with the president of Sudan regarding the death sentence given to Meriam Yehya Mr Hague: The recent Syrian presidential elections Ibrahim. [199581] were a parody of democracy designed to sustain the Assad dictatorship, held in the midst of a civil war and Mark Simmonds: The President of Sudan is indicted extreme regime violence with millions displaced from by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war their homes, unable to vote. They did not meet even the crimes and has refused to cooperate. In common with most basic requirements for free and fair elections. other EU countries, we have a policy of having no We judge that holding these elections was damaging contact with fugitives from the ICC unless it is essential. to the political process. This is a view shared by the UN However, we have raised Meriam’s conviction in the who warned that holding elections strongest terms with Sudanese Ministers, including by “will damage the political process and hamper the prospects summoning the Chargé d’Affaires to the Foreign Office for political solution that the country so urgently needs.” on 19 May2014, at the request of the Secretary of State We will continue to support the moderate opposition for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. who have a pluralistic, democratic vision of a future Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague). Syria and to create conditions for a future political Immediately following her conviction, I released a statement settlement. A negotiated political transition in Syria, describing her conviction as barbaric and calling upon following the principles set out in the Geneva communiqué, the Government of Sudan to respect the right to freedom is the only way to end the conflict and alleviate Syria’s of religion and international human rights laws as humanitarian crisis. enshrined in its own constitution. The Under-Secretary of State for International Development, the Member Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone), for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference also raised this issue with the Foreign Minister of to the answer of 10 April 2014, Official Report, column Sudan on 20 May 2014. 3778W, on Syria, what assessment his Department has made of the likelihood of President Assad complying Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State with the agreed Organisation for the Prohibition of for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Chemical Weapons timetable for the removal and representations he has made to his Sudanese destruction of Syria’s stockpile of chemical weapons. counterpart on the case of Meriam Ibrahim and the [199619] persecution of Christians in that country. [199678] Mr Hague: The regime has missed all deadlines set by Mr Hague: I am appalled at the death sentence given the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to Meriam Ibrahim, and her continued imprisonment. Executive Council for the removal of chemicals from At my request, the chargé d’affaires of the Sudanese Syria, including their own deadline of 27 April 2014. embassy in London was summoned to the Foreign Around 7.5% of the materials remain. This means that Office on 19 May. The Under-Secretary of State for the 30 June 2014 deadline set by the UN for the elimination International Development, the hon. Member for Hornsey of the material can no longer be met. Responsibility for and Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone) also raised our this rests with the regime. deep concerns with the Sudanese Foreign Minister when The functional destruction of Syria’s chemical weapon she met him on 20 May. Our embassy in Khartoum manufacturing capability and the removal of more than continues to press the Sudanese authorities for Meriam 90% of the chemicals used in the programme are significant Ibrahim’s release, and is in close contact with her legal achievements. However, Syria’s failure to meet the deadlines team. for removal of the remaining chemicals is unacceptable. Along with our international partners, we regularly The UK and partners continue to press for the urgent raise the persecution of Christians and other minorities completion of removal operations. 381W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 382W

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is assessment he has made of the prospects of achieving a taking to investigate what the source of the chemical UN Security Council resolution referring Syria to the weapons attack in Kafr Zita on 11 April 2014 was. International Criminal Court. [199654] [199741]

Mr Hague: On 22 May 2014 Russia and China vetoed Hugh Robertson: The UK was among the first to a resolution that would have referred the situation in express concern at allegations that chemical weapons Syria to the International Criminal Court, despite it had again been used in Syria, and called for them to be having overwhelming international support, including investigated. from 13 members of the UN Security Council, 65 On 29 April the Organisation for the Prohibition of co-sponsors, over 100 non-governmental organisations Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Director General announced from across the world and the Syrian National Coalition. he was establishing a fact finding mission to determine Nonetheless, we need to ensure that those responsible the truth behind recent allegations of chemical weapon for atrocities in Syria are held to account. Russia and use in Syria. The UK has continued to stress the importance China cannot indefinitely shield those responsible for of this mission determining the full facts. horrific crimes. The UK is funding efforts to document We are aware of at least nine attacks in April in which war crimes and crimes against humanity, and we are the use of chemical weapons has been alleged. We pressing for an expansion of EU sanctions to cover consider it likely that chemical weapons have been used those responsible. on at least some of these occasions. There are a number of pieces of information that suggest that only the Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State regime could have been responsible for these attacks, for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what including the use of helicopters to deliver bombs to discussions the Government has had with other their targets and the fact that the attacks took place in countries in the (a) EU and (b) UN about a potential opposition controlled areas. We have shared the information candidate to replace the outgoing UN Special Envoy to we hold with the OPCW. Syria. [199655] We condemn the attack on the convoy carrying inspectors to Kafr Zita and urge all parties to the conflict to ensure Mr Hague: Since Mr Brahimi stepped down we have that inspectors are given secure and unrestricted access had discussions with the UN and with a number of EU to all relevant sites to enable the full facts to be established. partners about arrangements for a successor. The appointment is still under consideration by the UN Ukraine secretary-general. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on he has had with the Organisation for the Prohibition of progress on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. Chemical Weapons on plans to carry out a fact finding [199560] mission in Syria to establish the source of the Kafr Zita chemical weapons attack on 11 April 2014. [199738] Mr Hague: The March European Council held an in depth discussion on the situation in Ukraine, and the Hugh Robertson: The UK was among the first to political chapters of the EU-Ukraine Association express concern at allegations that chemical weapons Agreement were signed on 21 March. At the March had again been used in Syria, and called for them to be European Council the EU and member states also investigated. restated their commitment to signing the remainder of the Association Agreement with Ukraine. n 29 April the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Director General announced The 14 April and 15 May Foreign Affairs Committees he was establishing a Fact Finding Mission to determine agreed Conclusions which reiterated the EU’s commitment the truth behind recent allegations of chemical weapon to sign the remaining provisions of the Association use in Syria. The UK has continued to stress the importance Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive of this mission determining the full facts. Free Trade Area, as soon as possible after the presidential elections which took place on 25 May. We are aware of at least nine attacks in April in which the use of chemical weapons has been alleged. We Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State consider it likely that chemical weapons have been used for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what on at least some of these occasions. There are a number discussions he has had with the newly-elected of pieces of information that suggest that only regime Ukranian President about the support the UK can could have been responsible for these attacks, including offer to stabilise the situation in that country. [199602] the use of helicopters to deliver bombs to their targets and the fact that the attacks took place in opposition Mr Hague: The Prime Minister spoke to President controlled areas. We have shared the information we Petro Poroshenko on 29 May, when he congratulated hold with the OPCW. him on his election victory and praised the Ukrainian We condemn the attack on the convoy carrying inspectors people for their determination to hold elections in such to Kafr Zita and urge all parties to the conflict to ensure difficult circumstances and choose their own future. I that inspectors are given secure and unrestricted access also did so when I met him on 6 June. The Prime to all relevant sites to enable the full facts to be established. Minister praised Mr Poroshenko’s clear messages on 383W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 384W democracy, as well as financial and political reform, Commonwealth Office officials maintain a regular dialogue and offered his continued support in helping him to with the Venezuelan embassy in London regarding these build a secure and prosperous Ukraine, through an issues. inclusive national dialogue. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise at the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent United Nations the issue of violations of (a) human assessment he has made of the effect of the recent rights, (b) civil rights and (c) property rights in presidential elections in Ukraine on the political Venezuela; and if he will make a statement. [199475] situation in that country; and if he will make a statement. [200037] Mr Swire: I remain deeply concerned about the situation in Venezuela. I am saddened by the deaths that have Mr Lidington: Petro Poroshenko won the 25 May occurred since protests started in February, and condemn Presidential elections with almost 55% of the vote. The all acts of violence. I am concerned by reports of high turn-out demonstrated the Ukrainian people’s excessive use of force in protests, and of armed groups determination to decide their own future without outside using violence, and I call on all sides to show restraint. I interference, and has sent a decisive signal of their am also aware that legal action and investigations are desire for unity, reform and a new future for their under way. It is critical that due process is followed. country. Illegal armed groups sought to deny the citizens I support the efforts by Union of South American of Donetsk and Luhansk their right to vote. The Secretary Nations (UNASUR) and the Vatican to support and of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my advise on dialogue between the parties. I have spoken to right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) colleagues in the region, including during my recent (Mr Hague), paid tribute to election commission staff visit to South America, to urge their governments to in the region who were subjected to appalling levels of promote dialogue. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon intimidation by these armed groups, and also to the has already called on all actors to engage in a dialogue citizens in eastern Ukraine who overcame all obstacles aimed at finding common ground. The UK has no to vote or who tried to do so. current plans to raise the situation further at the United In his inaugural speech on 7 June, Mr Poroshenko Nations. committed to reach out to all regions, to normalise I will continue to monitor the situation carefully. relations with Russia, and to work to restore stability and calm. Under his leadership, we hope that Ukraine Western Sahara can now move forward with reconciliation and much needed reform. Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for The UK remains firmly committed to the sovereignty, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his sources independence and territorial integrity of the whole of of advice are on security and terrorism in the part of Ukraine. We look forward to working with Mr Poroshenko Western Sahara not occupied by Morocco. [199670] and the Ukrainian Government in their efforts to build Hugh Robertson: We are open to all relevant sources a safe, independent and prosperous country. of information on security and terrorism east of the Berm including MINURSO, which has a presence in Venezuela this area.

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT received of violations of (a) human rights, (b) civil rights and (c) property rights in Venezuela; what Community Relations: Islam recent discussions (i) HM Ambassador, (ii) officials in his Department and (iii) Ministers in his Department Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for have had with the Government of Venezuela about Communities and Local Government what grants his human rights in that country; what responses have been Department has made to Muslim organisations to received; and if he will make a statement. [199474] support integration and community cohesion, by organisation, in each year since May 2010. [199834] Mr Swire: I remain deeply concerned about the situation in Venezuela. I am saddened by the deaths that have Stephen Williams: My Department is willing to work occurred since protests started in February, and condemn with all faith communities represented in the United all acts of violence. I am concerned by reports of Kingdom who are committed to integration. The excessive use of force in protests, and of armed groups Department for Communities and Local Government using violence, and I call on all sides to show restraint. funds three programmes designed to encourage people I wrote to the Venezuelan ambassador, and most of different faiths to come together at local and national recently to Mr Alvaro Sanchez, the chargé d’affaires, on level in dialogue and shared endeavour. These are Near 24 March 2014 to raise my concerns and to emphasise Neighbours (operated by the Church Urban Fund), the need for a peaceful dialogue. I have also spoken to Together in Service (operated by FaithAction) and support Ministers across the region, including during my recent for the work of the Inter Faith Network for the United visit to South America, to reiterate this message. In Kingdom. Muslims are among the faith groups that are addition, as recently as 6 June, the Director for Americas involved in and benefit from these programmes. raised human rights with opposition and civil society We do not have specific pre-allocated budgets for representatives during a visit to Caracas. Foreign and working with individual faiths. 385W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 386W

Council Tax as the Bellwin Scheme has always worked). 66 local authorities recently submitted claims for reimbursement; Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for the deadline for applications was 26 May. Subject to Communities and Local Government if he will make it data checking, we expect reimbursement payments in his policy to apply the referendum provisions regarding the region of £4 million to be made shortly. council tax rises to parish and town councils; and if he Further information on the available flood support will make a statement. [199535] schemes is available on the gov.uk website at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/flood-support-package- Brandon Lewis: I refer the hon. Member to the written for-homeowners-and-businesses ministerial statement I made on 5 February 2014, Official Report, columns 19-21WS, in particular, the section on Housing: Construction town and parish councils which states: Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for “We have not determined principles for local precepting authorities Communities and Local Government what in 2014-15, but we are putting on notice that we are prepared if necessary to apply the referendum thresholds to larger town and information his Department holds on the proportion parish councils from 2015-16 onwards to provide protection for of new homes planned for construction in 2014-15 that local taxpayers and extend the principle of direct democracy.” will be (a) wheelchair accessible and (b) built to lifetime homes standards. [199668] Fire Services: Pensions Stephen Williams: DCLG does not collect information Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for on the number of wheelchair-accessible or lifetime homes Communities and Local Government what estimate his standard planned for 2014-15. Department has made of the annual cost of maintaining existing pension provisions for firefighters Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) who have achieved 20 years of service and are Communities and Local Government what the total within 10 years of normal retirement age and (b) who (a) amount of funding from the public purse for new (b) have achieved 20 years of service. [199840] housing developments and number of dwellings built using funds from the public purse in each local Brandon Lewis: No assessment has been made of the authority area was in each of the last 10 years. [199711] annual cost of maintaining existing pension provisions Kris Hopkins: This question could be answered only for firefighters who have achieved 20 years of service. at disproportionate cost. However, the Government Actuary’s Department have previously approximated that, ignoring the effects of However, I am pleased to report that the statistics on any tapered protection, to alter the transitional protections affordable housing starts and completions funded by to only apply to firefighters who, as at 1 April 2012, the Homes and Communities Agency and the Greater were aged at least 40 and had 20 or more years pensionable London Authority for April 2013 to March 2014 were service would increase the capital cost of the 1992 released on 12 June 2014 and can be found at: scheme protections by around £50 million. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ affordable-housing-starts-and-completions-april-2013-to- Any firefighter who is within 10 years of their current march-2014 normal pension age, as at 1 April 2012, will remain in This shows that almost 200,000 new affordable homes their existing pension scheme irrespective of length of have been delivered in England since April 2010. service. A greater proportion of firefighters are protected than for any other large public service work force. Numbers of affordable housing delivered by each local authority between 2010-11 and 2013-14 can be Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for found at: Communities and Local Government if he will publish https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/affordable- details of alternative proposals for fire fighter pensions housing-delivery-by-local-authority-district which have been considered by his Department. Housing: Pest Control [200312] Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Brandon Lewis: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Communities and Local Government which (a) I gave on 11 June 2014, Official Report, column 152W. unitary and (b) district councils in England (i) remove Floods rats and mice from domestic properties free of charge, (ii) charge for removal of rats and mice from domestic properties and (iii) do not offer this service for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for domestic properties. [199736] Communities and Local Government how much of the Government’s Business Rates Relief Fund for flooded Brandon Lewis: The Department does not collect any businesses has been (a) allocated to local authorities information on the provision of such services. and (b) received by businesses to date. [198655] Local Government Brandon Lewis: As at 2 June 2014, 979 businesses were in receipt of a business rates relief from their local Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for authority as a result of the impact of flooding. There Communities and Local Government what proportion are no set or advance allocations to councils. The fund of local authorities have had their core strategy works by councils retrospectively claiming back the cost approved to date; and how many such strategies were of the business rate relief (in the same way, for example, approved on the first submission. [200168] 387W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 388W

Nick Boles: Our streamlined National Planning Policy Urban Areas Framework strongly encourages areas to get up-to-date Local Plans in place, and we have been actively supporting Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for councils in doing so. Local Plans set the framework for Communities and Local Government how much planning decisions, whether locally or at appeal, and funding from the public purse was provided to support put councils in the best place to decide development in high streets (a) in total and (b) by local authority area their area. in each of the last 10 years. [199710] As of 30 May 2014, 54% of local authorities have Brandon Lewis: Since 2010 we have spent or committed adopted a core strategy. 77% have at least reached £18.53 million funding from the public purse to support publication stage. In May 2010, only 17% of local high streets. This support has included: direct funding, authorities had adopted a core strategy. support and advice for 23 Portas Pilots and 333 Town The examination process tests the submitted plan to Team Partners; the High Streets Innovation Fund, ensure that it is sound. Following the Localism Act 2011, supporting 100 towns with the highest empty property independent Planning Inspectors report to the local rates and those affected by the riots; the High Street authority and identify any conflicts between the submitted Renewal Awards; the Business Improvement Districts plan and national policy and regulatory process. Councils Loan Fund and support for the Love YourLocal Market are able to suggest their own modifications for assessment campaign. by the Inspector during the examination, as well as In addition, the Chancellor announced a £1 billion making minor non-material changes themselves. They Business Rates support package in the autumn statement, can also ask the Inspector to recommend changes. The which includes a 2% in Retail Price Index increase in council is then free to choose to accept the Inspector’s business rates for 2014-15, a discount of £1,000 for recommendations and adopt the plan, or resubmit a smaller retail premises, which will benefit around 300,000 new plan. shops, pubs and restaurants, and a 50% discount for This approach is aimed at encouraging a more 18 months to new occupants of vacant shops, bringing collaborative process as the public examination proceeds. them back into use. We have encouraged Inspectors to be pragmatic in The doubling of small business rate relief has been making recommendations that will allow early adoption extended for another year. This measure was worth of sound plans which meet national policy requirements. £900 million to small businesses in 2012-13, trebled from 2010. Members: Correspondence It is not possible to provide a breakdown of funding by local authority area for each of the last 10 years due Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for to disproportionate cost. Communities and Local Government when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 23 April 2014 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr S Kneale. [199218] NORTHERN IRELAND Equal Opportunities Brandon Lewis: A response was sent on 9 June. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Non-domestic Rates: Nottinghamshire Northern Ireland what consideration her Department gives to the diversity policies and records of businesses Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for or other organisations when considering their bid for Communities and Local Government how many commercial contracts or grants. [199955] businesses in (a) Ashfield constituency and (b) Nottinghamshire have qualified for the full £1,000 Mrs Villiers: My Department receives procurement business rates discount to date. [200189] services from the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) and the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD). The Brandon Lewis: At the autumn statement, we announced consideration given to diversity policies and records of a £1 billion package of business rates support to help businesses or other organisations when considering the shops and local firms. This included a £1,000 discount bids for commercial contracts or grants will be in line for two years for smaller shops, pubs and restaurants. with their respective policies and procedures. We do not hold figures for numbers benefiting from that measure in the Ashfield constituency. However, based on local authority reports of the amount of relief SCOTLAND awarded, we estimate that 420 properties will benefit Sovereignty within the boundary of Ashfield district council, 400 in Bassetlaw district council, 250 in Broxtowe borough Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland council, 370 in Gedling borough council, 460 in Mansfield if he will publish the (a) scope, (b) date of district council, 500 in Newark and Sherwood district commissioning, (c) date of polling and (d) cost of council, 320 in Rushcliffe borough council and 1,000 in polling commissioned by his Department on attitudes Nottingham unitary authority. in Scotland towards Scottish independence and related The support package also included a 50% discount matters since May 2011. [198680] for businesses taking on long-term empty shops, the doubling of small business rate relief for another year, a David Mundell: The Scotland Office has not 2% cap on RPI increases for 2014-15, and allowing commissioned any polling on attitudes in Scotland toward businesses to spread their rates payments over 12 months. Scottish independence and related matters. 389W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 390W

Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland Prosecution Service in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012, (iv) if he will publish the findings of all market research on 2013 and (v) 2014 to date. [199706] attitudes in Scotland towards Scottish independence and related matters commissioned by his Department The Solicitor-General: The amounts spent by the since May 2011. [198682] Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on external lawyers in each of the last David Mundell: The Scotland Office has not four financial years is shown in the following table. commissioned any market research on attitudes in Scotland Both organisations’ financial reporting systems are toward Scottish independence and related matters. configured to provide information based on financial rather than calendar years. Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans his Department has to commission polling Expenditure on external lawyers on attitudes in Scotland towards Scottish independence £ and related matters before 18 September 2014; and CPS SFO what the (a) scope and (b) value of each such contract 2010-11 139,219,000 4,523,561 is. [198683] 2011-12 115,329,000 4,822,253 David Mundell: The Scotland Office has no plans to 2012-13 118,908,000 5,956,633 commission any polling on attitudes in Scotland toward 2013-14 122,929,000 19,077,467 Scottish independence and related matters. The SFO figures include the cost of external counsel, TSol and other legal fees, but do not include temporary WALES agency staff. The SFO spend on counsel fees is published in its annual report. The increased figures for 2012-13 UK Trade and Investment and 2013-14 reflect the revised treatment of VAT on some fees, repayment of some VAT which had been Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales incorrectly recovered in earlier years, and costs relating what recent assessment he has made of the success of to some very large cases and other litigation. UK Trade & Investment in relation to Welsh exports; and if he will make a statement. [200091] The SFO’s requirement for additional expenditure in 2013-14 has already been set out to the House in Mr David Jones: UK Trade and Investment provides documentation published around its Spring Supplementary invaluable support for Welsh businesses looking to gain Estimate, which has been scrutinised by the Justice access to international markets. It is encouraging that Select Committee. The nature of the SFO’s work means the recent trends show Welsh exports outperforming that it can occasionally incur significant additional the other nations and regions in the UK, with the value legal expenses for its very largest and most complex of Welsh exports increasing by 9.9% over the past year investigations and prosecutions, such as that into Libor. compared to 0.5% across the UK as a whole. The CPS figures are drawn from the CPS’s core Written Questions financial accounting system and they are consistent with the CPS’s audited accounts. The great majority of Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for fees for legal work paid by the CPS relates to the Wales how many parliamentary questions tabled to his services of self-employed barristers and solicitors for Department in the last parliamentary Session did not Crown court casework. The CPS also engages barristers receive a substantive answer by the time of the 2014 and solicitors to undertake advocacy as agents in magistrates prorogation; and when each such question was first courts sessions and, occasionally, to provide legal advice tabled. [200597] on discrete areas of specialist policy.

Stephen Crabb: None. Prosecutions

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General if he will deposit in the Library data gathered by Crown Homicide: Prosecutions Prosecution Service Business Area of prosecutions and convictions for (a) rape-flagged offences, (b) domestic Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how violence, (c) child abuse and (d) human trafficking for many homicide prosecutions the Crown Prosecution each year since 2008. [199975] Service undertook in 2013 where there were (a) three (b) (c) defendants, four defendants, five defendants The Solicitor-General: The requested data have been (d) [199980] and six or more defendants. deposited in the Library of the House together with The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service explanatory notes. does not maintain a central record of the number of defendants in its prosecutions. This information could Sentencing: Appeals be obtained only by examining all homicide files, which would incur a disproportionate cost. Philip Davies: To ask the Attorney-General how Legal Profession many cases of unduly lenient sentences were (a) referred to his Department, (b) taken up by him and Keith Vaz: To ask the Attorney General what the cost (c) upheld in court since 2010 where the offender to the public purse was of external lawyers employed whose sentence was the subject of the appeal could by (a) the Serious Fraud Office and (b) the Crown have been released prior to the conclusion of the case if 391W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 392W there had been a delay in the commencement of The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service proceedings by (i) 14 days, (ii) 28 days, (iii) 42 days and does not maintain a central record of the number of (iv) 62 days; and if he will make a statement. [200137] particular offences that are currently active in either magistrates or crown courts in England and Wales. The Solicitor-General: The information requested is The CPS case management system does however contained in the following table. record the number of finalised cases which reached a first hearing in the magistrates court as follows: Number of Offenders offenders whose whose sentences were 2012-13 2013-14 sentences were referred by the Law referred to the Officers to the Cases Sentences Protection from Harassment Act Stalking involving 965 AGO Court of Appeal withdrawn increased 1997 { 4A(1)(a)(b)(i) and (5) } fear of violence Protection from Harassment Act Stalking involving 10 149 2010 342 90 13 60 1997 { 4A(1)(a)(b)(ii) and (5) } serious alarm / 2011 377 121 4 94 distress 2012 435 88 6 62 Protection from Harassment Act Stalking 72 529 2013 498 79 9 61 1997 { 2A(1) and (4) } 20141 247 44 2 216 There is no indication of final outcome or if the 1 Up to 11 June 2014. 2 Out of a total of 21 sentences considered by the Court of Appeal up to 11 June offence charged was the offence at finalisation. 2014. Treasury Solicitor’s Department My office does not hold information on the release date of offenders that have been referred to the Court of Keith Vaz: To ask the Attorney-General how many Appeal. lawyers were employed in the Treasury Solicitor’s Department in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013 Philip Davies: To ask the Attorney-General how and (e) 2014 to date. [199707] many times an appeal made against an unduly lenient sentence in the last five years has led to someone being The Solicitor-General: The following figures give the returned to prison who had already been released. number of lawyers employed in the Treasury Solicitor’s [200138] Department (TSol), as at 31 March each year and to date for 2014. The Solicitor-General: This information is not collated centrally and obtaining it would require my office to Full-time equivalent manually consider each file over the last five years which would involve a disproportionate cost. 31 May 2014 910 31 March 2013 572 Stalking 31 March 2012 565 31 March 2011 464 Mr Llwyd: To ask the Attorney-General (1) how 31 March 2010 451 many people have been (a) charged and (b) prosecuted under sections 2A and 4A of the Protection The figures given are for permanent staff. from Harrassment Act 1997; [199865] Since 2010 TSol has been engaged on a process of (2) how many people have been charged under (a) transferring lawyers from other departments to TSol as section 2A and (b) section 4A of the Protection from part of the Shared Legal Services Programme. Sharing Harrassment Act 1997 in each police force in England legal services brings considerable benefits including greater and Wales since those sections came into force. [199866] flexibility and resilience, more efficient deployment of legal resources, more opportunities for savings and improved The Solicitor-General: The Protection of Freedoms knowledge sharing, which in turn supports consistency Act 2012 came into effect on 25 November 2012 and of legal advice across Government. introduced two new offences of stalking into the Protection Written Questions from Harassment Act 1997 under S2A and S4A. A table showing the number of offences charged and Alison Seabeck: To ask the Attorney-General how prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) many parliamentary questions tabled to the Law under sections 2A and 4A that reached a first hearing in Officers’ Departments in the last parliamentary Session a magistrates court since these sections came into force did not receive a substantive answer by the time of the has been deposited in the Library of the House. The 2014 prorogation; and when each such question was data provided only shows the number of offences, not first tabled. [200438] the number of people charged. The Solicitor-General: None. Mr Llwyd: To ask the Attorney General (1) in respect of how many alleged offences under section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 proceedings are active in magistrates courts in England and Wales; WOMEN AND EQUALITIES [199969] Civil Partnerships (2) in respect of how many alleged offences under section (a) 2A and (b) 4A of the Protection from Bill Esterson: To ask the Ministers for Women and Harassment Act 1997 proceedings are active in Equalities what plans she has to enable civil magistrates and crown courts in England and Wales; partnerships to be amended to marriage without and if he will make a statement. [199965] recourse to a separate legal process. [199521] 393W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 394W

Mrs Grant: Section 9 of the Marriage (Same Sex Nicky Morgan: The latest information on the number Couples) Act 2013 provides that civil partners may of families receiving child benefit, by each parliamentary convert their civil partnership into marriage under constituency, local authority and region is available in regulations to be made by the Secretary of State, and the HMRC snapshot publication “Child Benefit Statistics that the resulting marriage will be treated as having Geographical Analysis. August 2013”. This can be found subsisted since the date the civil partnership was formed. at: Civil partnerships and marriage are separate legal https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ institutions so a process is required for conversion. We attachment_data/file/286670/ are working hard to ensure that couples wanting to Child_Benefit_statistics_geographical_analysis_August_2013.xls convert their civil partnerships into marriages are able Table 6 has this information by Westminster to do so as soon as possible. We aim to do this before parliamentary constituency. the end of 2014. These aspects of implementing the Act take longer Income Tax: Nottinghamshire because they involve developing and implementing completely new procedures and processes. This contrasts Gloria De Piero: To ask the Chancellor of the with the work to make new marriages for same-sex Exchequer how many people in (a) Ashfield couples possible, where we were able to build on existing constituency and (b) Nottinghamshire paid the top processes so implementation was more straightforward. rate of income tax in each of the last five years. [200187] ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE Mr Gauke: Statistics on the number of additional General Election 2010 rate income tax payers liable to pay by Government Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South office regions, including the east midlands, are published West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on in HMRC’s income tax statistics, table 2.2: the Electoral Commission what the postal vote turnout https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ was as a proportion of all votes cast in each UK attachment_data/file/306856/Table_2.2.pdf parliamentary constituency at the 2010 general County and constituency level information on additional election. [200220] rate tax payers is not published. Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission has placed Insurance Companies the answer to the hon. Member’s question in the Library. Mr Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses (a) applied for and (b) were TREASURY granted authorisation as insurers in each of the last five A120 years. [200244]

Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Andrea Leadsom: The Prudential Regulation Authority he will add to the National Infrastructure Plan a and the Financial Conduct Authority are responsible scheme to upgrade and improve the A120 between for overseeing the authorisation of insurance companies. Braintree and Marks Tey. [199719] The Treasury does not publish data on authorisations Danny Alexander: This Government recognises the of insurance providers. importance of transport infrastructure to support the This question has been passed on to the Financial economy and, as set out in the National Infrastructure Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Plan 2013, has already announced over £28 billion of Authority, and they will reply directly to my hon. Friend funding for enhancements and maintenance of national by letter. A copy of the letter will be placed in the and local roads. Library of the House. The specific schemes identified in the National Infrastructure Plan 2013 have the ability to complete or Mapeley begin their construction in the next Parliament. Proposals for improvements to the A120 between Braintree and Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Marks Tey are not yet sufficiently developed to be Exchequer what assessment he has made of the included in the Highways Agency pipeline of future profitability and financial position of Mapeley Steps projects, and are therefore not currently included in the Contractor Limited in its role of managing the HM National Infrastructure Plan. Revenue and Customs’ estate. [200193] However, the A120 is being looked at by the Highways Agency as part of its work on the East of England Mr Gauke: HMRC monitors the financial position of Route Strategy, which will look to determine the nature, its key suppliers under agreed transparency arrangements. need and timing of future investment that might be HMRC is unable to provide confidential financial required. I would encourage you to engage with the information relating to its suppliers. Highways Agency’s route strategy process. Private Finance Initiative Child Benefit: Northern Ireland Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many households in each constituency Exchequer if he will assess the merits of introducing in Northern Ireland were in receipt of child benefit tax-rate floors to contracts involving Private Finance during 2013. [200194] Initiative arrangements. [199713] 395W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 396W

Danny Alexander: In December 2012, the Government Self-employed launched Private Finance 2 (PF2). PF2 introduces significant reforms to the private finance initiative (PFI) Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the and gives a new approach to the delivery of public Exchequer what the (a) mean and (b) median age was infrastructure. It is based on the outcomes of a wide call of people who were registered as self-employed in (i) for evidence held across both the public and private 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013. [200314] sectors. The Government seeks to ensure that the UK tax Mr Gauke: The average age of self-employed individuals system is competitive for all companies and that the UK in the UK is 46-years-old. This median age is also is an attractive place to do business, while retaining 46-years-old and these figures are consistent across the proportionate anti-avoidance protection. three years from 2009-10 to 2011-12. A special purpose vehicle set up for the purposes of These estimates are based on the Survey of Personal delivering a PFI project is no different from any other Incomes (SPI) for the years concerned. The SPI for corporate entity and is therefore required to pay corporation 2012-13 will be available later in the year. tax in accordance with government rules. Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the Property: Taxation Exchequer how many people were registered with HM Revenue and Customs as self-employed in (a) 2010, Dame Tessa Jowell: To ask the Chancellor of the (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013; and how many of Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total them reported net income (i) of zero and (ii) below the number of properties (a) in the UK and (b) in the threshold for National Insurance in each year. [200315] Greater London region affected by a levy on a property’s value of above a (i) £2 million and (ii) Mr Gauke: Estimates of the numbers of individuals £5 million threshold. [199755] with self employment sources are published in HMRC’s National Statistics table 3.10 which is available at the Mr Gauke: I refer the right hon. Member to my following internet address: answers of 12 May 2014, Official Report, column 332W https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/income-of- and 13 May 2014, Official Report, column 529W. The individuals-with-self-employment-sources-2010-to-2011 number of residential properties in the UK valued at The numbers of individuals making zero profits and more than £2 million was estimated before Budget 2012 at other income levels is also shown in these tables. to be around 55,000. Tables for 2009-10 and earlier years are available The Treasury does not have a precise regional breakdown from the National Archives internet site at the following of properties worth over £2million. address: Revenue and Customs http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121102223513/ http:/hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_distribution/menu-by- Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the year.htm Exchequer if he will take steps to promote discussions Overall, these show a long term trend of growth in between HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the numbers of self-employed people. Network Rail on the construction of new parking The Survey of Personal Incomes (SPI) for 2012-13 facilities for Dover Priory Railway Station on land will be available later in the year. currently owned by HMRC. [199794] Shipping: Minimum Wage Mr Gauke: Previous replies have explained that HMRC does not own the Priory Court Site but occupies it as John McDonnell: To ask the Chancellor of the part of the STEPS PFI agreement with Mapeley.However, Exchequer (1) what resources will be available for HMRC have taken part in discussions between Mapeley targeted enforcement of the national minimum wage and Network Rail at the Priory Court Dover site on amongst employers in the maritime sector in the next proposals for the construction of a multi storey car two financial years; [199357] park on land adjacent to Priory Court not owned by either Mapeley or HMRC. Further discussions of future (2) if he will outline the content of the service level proposals have been between Mapeley as the freehold agreement between his Department and HM Revenue owner of Priory Court and Network Rail. and Customs (HMRC) on the work of the HMRC national minimum wage enforcement team; what Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the resources have been allocated to the enforcement team Exchequer when he expects HM Revenue and Customs for work in the maritime sector; and what period the to respond to Mapeley Estates, agents for the Custom agreement covers. [199359] House site, on the development of the new parking facilities at Dover Priory Railway Station. [200178] Mr Gauke: The Government takes the enforcement of the national minimum wage (NMW) very seriously. Mr Gauke: HMRC have taken part in discussions HMRC review every complaint that is referred to them between Mapeley and Network Rail at the Priory Court by the pay and work rights helpline (0800 917 2368) Dover site on proposals for the construction of a multi including complaints concerning those in the maritime storey car park on land adjacent to Priory Court not sector. In addition, HMRC conduct targeted compliance owned by either Mapeley or HMRC. Further discussions activity based on data received from various sources of future proposals have been between Mapeley as the and robust risk assessment processes, to identify the freehold owner of Priory Court and Network Rail. sectors and employers across the United Kingdom, who HMRC have no outstanding inquiries from Mapeley. are considered more likely to be failing to pay NMW. 397W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 398W

The service level agreement between Departments is the duty on ordinary cider and on spirits, as well as currently under review. Resources have been agreed for limiting the increases on wine duty to inflation. 2014-15 between HMRC and BIS to cover the wide The Government is also taking targeted action where range of enforcement services that HMRC provide. The appropriate. For example, between 2011 and 2015 the budget for enforcement activity is considered annually. Government is investing £50 million (with a further £50 The agreement does not currently cover the provision of million match-funded by the private sector) into a tactical enforcement services by reference to particular sectors. campaign via VisitBritain, so it can work with the industry to market what the UK has to offer. Tax Avoidance VAT Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward legislative proposals Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Chancellor of the to introduce a statutory definition of a personal service Exchequer how much VAT was received in respect of company to enable HM Revenue and Customs to make domestic building works for the remediation of unsafe a better informed assessment of those using such levels of radon gas in each of the last five years. devices to artificially reduce income tax. [200196] [200005]

Mr Gauke: There are currently no plans to create a Mr Gauke: This information is not available. statutory definition of a personal service company. Working through a personal service company does not Working Families Tax Credit indicate that a person is artificially reducing their tax. The Government keeps all areas of the tax system Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the under review. Exchequer (1) how many self-employed people claimed working families tax credit in each of the last 10 years; Taxation: Offshore Industry [199791] (2) how many people who were classified as Mr Weir: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer self-employed and who claimed Working Families Tax how many internal reports, briefings or analysis papers Credits (WFTC) in 2010 still claimed WFTC in 2013. HM Revenue and Customs has produced on the [200142] taxation arrangements for bareboat charters in the oil and gas sector since 2007; and what the findings were Nicky Morgan: Working family tax credit was abolished of each such report. [199293] in 2003 and replaced by child tax credits (CTC) and working tax credits (WTC). Nicky Morgan: HMRC produces reports, briefings and analysis on the tax system as a matter of course. More information can be found in the Budget 2014 TRANSPORT document and the accompanying publications. Aviation Tourism: Taxation Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Simon Kirby: To ask the Chancellor of the Transport what statistics his Department collects on Exchequer what steps he has taken through taxation to the travel-to-work patterns of staff of airports and encourage the tourism industry in England and Wales; airlines; and if he will make a statement. [199538] and if he will make a statement. [199536] Mr Goodwill: The Department holds data from the Mr Gauke: This Government is committed to helping ONS Labour Force Survey on the travel time from UK businesses, including those in the tourism industry home to work, and the method of transport used to grow and create jobs. travel, for people employed in the passenger and freight In relation to taxation, we are taking action to reduce air transport industries, as well as those employed in the employer NICs burden on small businesses and service activities incidental to air transport. This data is have created the new employment allowance which is published annually in Transport Statistics Great Britain, simple to administer, permanent and available to all in tables TSGB0108–TSGB0112, available at: business and charities in the UK, this is reducing their www.gov.uk/government/publications/transport-statistics- employer NICs bill by up to £2,000 each year. As a great-britain-2013 result, 450,000 employers will pay no NICs at all in The survey does not however separate out those staff 2014-15. working specifically in airports and airlines. At this year’s budget, the Government again took action to support the pub industry, reducing a pint by a Cycling penny for the second year in a row. Following last year’s beer duty cut, the British Beer and Pub Association Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State reported that 89% of their members reduced or froze for Transport pursuant to the answer of 9 June 2014, their prices, 76% of their members increased investment, Official Report, column 6W, on cycling, if he will and 51% of their members employed more staff. Also at publish the (a) membership and (b) agendas, minutes this year’s budget we have taken action to stop the and attendees of all previous meetings of the Cycling previous Government’s alcohol duty escalator and freeze Stakeholder Forum. [200279] 399W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 400W

Mr Goodwill: The Cycling Stakeholder Forum has Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for met four times: 13 September 2011, 19 March 2012, 26 Transport if he will list the properties that have been June 2012, and 30 September 2013. purchased to date by HS2 Ltd; what the total purchase Minutes were taken for the first and fourth meetings. price was in each case; whether they have been rented The second and third meetings were interactive workshops, out or rented back to the former owners; and what the so minutes were not appropriate. rent being paid is. [199607] The discussions from the second meeting are summarised Mr Goodwill: The information requested has been in a document jointly agreed by the forum, and this can placed in the Libraries of the House. Rental information be found at the following link: has been summarised in order to protect the privacy of https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ tenants. attachment_data/file/5014/cycle-forum-vision.pdf At the third meeting stakeholders heard about the Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for new Cycle Safety Fund and reached agreement for a Transport when the public consultation will begin on working group to organise an event in Leicester later in the home owner payment for properties in rural areas the year. Further details of the Cycle Safety Fund can 120 to 300 metres from High Speed 2. [199608] be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/15m-boost-to-improve- Mr Goodwill: As set out in the Decision Document: cycle-accident-hotspots Property Compensation Consultation 2013 for the and for the Leicester event at: London-West Midlands HS2 route, the Government https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cash-boost-to-get- will consult on the Homeowner Payment over the summer. england-cycling--2 We will communicate the start date as soon as it is decided. All agendas, minutes of the two other meetings, and membership will be placed in the Libraries of the Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for House. Transport if he will list all personnel employed by HS2 Ltd by grade, their salary scale and their immediate Databases previous employer. [199609]

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Goodwill: Information relating to personnel employed Transport when he expects his Department’s review of by HS2 Ltd, their grades and salary scales is shown in unpublished datasets to be completed. [200191] the following table. We are withholding information relating to previous employers as this is personal information Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport and releasing it would contravene the first principle of completed a comprehensive review of datasets held in the Data Protection Act 1998. Grade 23 and above have August 2013 and this was made available via no range and individuals are effectively employed on a “spot-rate”. The individuals and their salaries are however www.data.gov.uk already published in HS2 Ltd accounts. on 2 September 2013. This included details of 470 datasets including full metadata for all unpublished Pay ranges datasets. Number of Grade employees Min Median Max

High Speed 2 Railway Line n/a 2 Chief executive Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for 24 1 Director Transport if he will list the case officers allocated by 23 1 Director HS2 Ltd to assist residents affected by High Speed 2. 21 6 79,484 99,356 119,226 [199605] 20 3 65,378 76,916 92,299 19 23 59,867 65,854 77,826 Mr Goodwill: HS2 Ltd does not currently allocate 18 11 52,696 57,966 68,506 case officers to residents affected by HS2 but refers their 17 44 45,915 50,506 59,689 concerns to the appropriate specialist. As stated in their 16 46 40,757 44,832 50,956 leaflet “HS2 Residents’ Charter”, HS2 Ltd will offer a 15 57 35,704 38,587 44,629 single named case officer when the charter is developed. 14 23 33,080 36,388 39,696 The leaflet can be viewed on the HS2 Ltd website or is 13 53 29,462 32,408 35,354 available via HS2 Public Enquiries. 12 12 26,056 28,662 31,267 11 52 24,001 26,412 28,813 Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for 10 25 21,476 23,623 25,771 Transport if he will list the HS2 Ltd property Other 1 Apprentice specialists who are available for private meetings with 360 residents who are affected by High Speed 2. [199606]

Mr Goodwill: The names of the property specialists London Midland for anyone seeking advice on compensation are published in the factsheet ″YourGuide to the HS2 Express Purchase Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Scheme″. The factsheet can be viewed on the HS2 Ltd for Transport if he will assess the potential effect on website or is available via HS2 Public Enquiries. gateline staffing levels at (a) Birmingham New Street, 401W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 402W

(b) Coventry and (c) all stations on the London companies collectively. It is one of the means of allocating Midland line of London Midland’s proposals to reduce revenue. Under the Ticketing Settlement Agreement, the number of revenue protection staff. [200147] ORCATS is the default allocation method used in respect of any ticket type and flow. However, it is not mandatory, Stephen Hammond: Staffing levels and to which role and train operating companies are free to agree a non- staff are allocated are matters for the train operator, as ORCATS allocation in respect of particular ticket types long as they continue to deliver the services that meet and/or flows if they think that the ORCATS model will the requirements of the franchise agreement. not produce a fair estimate of true passenger behaviour.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will assess the potential effect on for Transport what steps he is taking to monitor levels of passenger ticket revenue of London Midland’s London Midland’s (a) budgeting and (b) contractual proposal to reduce the number of revenue protection relationship with Siemens for maintenance work on the staff. [200148] Desiro EMU fleet. [200322]

Stephen Hammond: London Midland is not currently Stephen Hammond: London Midland provide their in receipt of revenue support. Unless revenue was to fall management accounts to the Department every period. to such an extent that they were to be eligible for such In addition, we receive an annual Business Plan and payments, the revenue during this franchise term is quarterly forecasts of future revenues and costs for the entirely its risk. London Midland has assured us that following 12 months. These are reviewed by qualified their staff restructuring plans will not prevent them management accountants within the Department and fulfilling their obligations in meeting the requirements challenged with the London Midland senior management of the franchise agreement. Therefore, unless revenue team at meetings with a view to assessing the ongoing was to fall to the extent that London Midland were viability of the TOC. eligible for revenue support payments, no further assessment Responsibility for monitoring the maintainer rests is planned. with the TOC who are responsible for delivering a required performance and availability benchmark through Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State their Franchise Agreement. for Transport if he will assess the potential effects on (a) industrial relations, (b) rail passenger services and Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State (c) rail franchising policy of London Midland’s for Transport what proportion of London Midland’s staffing proposals. [200149] current rolling stock is within the scope of the company’s fleet maintenance contract with Siemens. Stephen Hammond: Staffing levels are a matter for [200323] the train operator, as long as they continue to deliver services that meet the requirements of the franchise agreement. Stephen Hammond: Prior to the delivery of the new class 350/3 trains ordered in 2012, 74 trains (45% of the London Midland fleet) was maintained by Siemens; Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State upon completion of delivery, 84 trains (49% of the for Transport what discussions he has had with fleet) will be maintained by Siemens. representatives from Govia on its plan to reduce the number of revenue protection staff working on the London Midland line; what reasons he has been given Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State by Govia for those reductions. [200150] for Transport what estimate he has made of the value of London Midland’s rolling stock contract with Angel Stephen Hammond: Govia have made us aware of Trains after the direct award of the franchise for the their staffing restructuring plans and the reasoning period September 2015 to June 2017. [200324] behind them. They have also provided assurances that these plans will not prevent them from fulfilling their Stephen Hammond: Negotiations for the direct award obligations in meeting the requirements of the Franchise of the West Midlands franchise are yet to commence Agreement. and the Department has not made any estimate on the value of London Midland’s contract with Angel Trains. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State It should be noted that the value of rolling stock for Transport what recent assessment he has made of contracts are a commercial matter between the operator the existing contractual obligations to share ticket and the rolling stock owner. revenue with other train operating companies through the Operational Research Computerised Allocation of Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Tickets to Services system in the current franchise for Transport what estimate he has made of the value agreement between his Department and Govia for of London Midland’s rolling stock maintenance passenger rail services on the London Midland line. contract with Siemens after the direct award of the [200151] franchise for the period September 2015 to June 2017. [200325] Stephen Hammond: The Operational Research Computerised Allocation of Tickets to Services (ORCATS) Stephen Hammond: Negotiations for the direct award is owned by Rail Settlement Plan Ltd, a company of the west midlands franchise are yet to commence and administered by the Association of Train Operating the Department has not made any estimate on the value Companies and wholly-owned by the train operating of London Midland’s contract with Angel Trains. It 403W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 404W should be noted that the value of rolling stock contracts Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for are a commercial matter between the operator and the Transport how many fixed penalty notices were issued rolling stock owner. to drivers of vehicles registered in another country that should have been but were not registered in the UK in Motor Vehicles: Glass each of the last five years. [199650]

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Hammond: Failure to register a vehicle following Transport how many vehicles have been found to be in the six-month exemption period is not an offence for breach of rules about tinted windows in (a) England, which a fixed penalty notice can be issued. The Driver (b) the North West and (c) Lancashire in each of the and Vehicle Licensing Agency instead writes to keepers last five years. [199661] of these vehicles offering them an out of court settlement where it appears that an offence has been committed, so Stephen Hammond: The Department has information that the matter may be resolved without court proceedings. broken down relating to the enforcement by the Driver The following table shows the amount of these out of and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for the most court settlement letters issued in the last five financial recent year. The following prohibitions were found in years. the year to March 2014, (a) 710 in England, (b) 62 in the North West and (c) 37 in Lancashire. National Number of OCS issued totals for the previous four years were, 2013—720, 2009-10 108 2012—663, 2011—1,617, 2010—2,364. The Department 2010-11 83 does not have the Police data for this offence at this 2011-12 192 time. Enforcement of Construction and Use regulations 2012-13 59 is a matter for both DVSA and the police. 2013-14 84

Motor Vehicles: Insurance Since April 2014, 237 out of court settlement letters have been issued. Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission an assessment of the Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Australian Compulsory Third Party Insurance system, Transport what steps his Department has taken to through which premiums are paid as part of vehicle improve the reliability of tracking methodologies for registration for its potential applicability in the UK. foreign (a) registered and (b) unregistered vehicles in [200152] the UK. [199651]

Mr Goodwill: No. It is sometimes suggested that a Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing system of centrally funded third party insurance could Agency (DVLA) receives information on foreign registered be introduced in this country. However, insurers have vehicles from the police and other enforcement agencies, said that a change to such a system would lead to a as well as from members of the public. Other ways of general increase in premiums, especially for the more obtaining this information are currently being explored. careful driver. This is because under such a system a The DVLA has been working with the police to pilot vehicle would have to be insured for all possible drivers, a new enforcement process. This involves the DVLA including those considered to be in high risk categories. providing the police forces with registration numbers of foreign registered vehicles which may have overstayed Motor Vehicles: Registration the six-month exemption period and where the keepers have not complied with UK requirements. This information Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for enables the four police forces involved to seize and Transport for how many vehicles registered in another impound vehicles that have overstayed, where appropriate. country applications were made to the Driver and If the pilot is successful, the DVLA will explore the Vehicle Licensing Authority to register them in the UK potential for extending it to more police forces. in each of the last five years. [199649] The DVLA is also working with other Government agencies to establish what other data might be used to Stephen Hammond: The following table shows figures track and identify overstaying foreign registered vehicles. for the amount of vehicles registered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that were previously registered elsewhere between 2009 and 2012. Network Rail

Number of vehicles Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) on how many occasions in each of the 2009 65,060 last five years Network Rail has faced financial 2010 62,373 penalties as a consequence of poor performance 2011 58,379 disrupting services on (a) Greater Anglia routes and 2012 57,910 (b) each other route; [199730] Since 2013 the way that certain vehicle transactions (2) on how many occasions in each of the last five are processed has changed and the data gathered about years Network Rail has faced sanctions as a foreign registered vehicles are no longer readily available. consequence of late running engineering works on (a) In 2013, the DVLA processed 99,168 applications to Greater Anglia routes and (b) each other route; register new and previously registered imported vehicles. [199729] 405W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 406W

(3) on how many occasions in each of the last five infrastructure improvement works on each road in the years Network Rail has faced financial sanctions as a strategic road network in each of the last 10 years. consequence of delays and disruption to services or [199715] poor performance on (a) Greater Anglia routes and (b) each other route. [199731] Mr Goodwill: Public expenditure figures for each road on the strategic road network are not available. Stephen Hammond: The Track Access Contracts between The Highways Agency publish annual accounts which Network Rail and train operators provide for Network are laid before Parliament which are available from the Rail to pay compensation to an operator in the event Library of the House and from the Agency’s website at: that train services cannot operate or are delayed due to http://www.highways.gov.uk/about-us/corporate-documents/ engineering works or disruption outside that operator’s strategic-corporate-documents/annual-report-2012-2013/ control. The Department does not hold details of the Over the last 10 years, total expenditure on the timing or number of such payments, which are a commercial maintenance, management and enhancement of the matter between the parties directly concerned, overseen strategic road network in each year was as follows: by the Office of Rail Regulation. The Office of Rail Regulation publishes the annual totals of these payments £ million at route level on its data portal: 2004-05 1,598 https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/report/html/ 2005-06 1,927 345da3b9-b9ac-449a-aace-8298c5b39e2b 2006-07 2,330 In addition, the Office of Rail Regulation is currently 2007-08 2,330 considering whether or not Network Rail should face a 2008-09 2,416 penalty in respect of its failure to meet its regulatory 2009-10 3,003 targets for the performance of Long Distance and 2010-11 2,597 London and South East services during 2013-14. 2011-12 2,349 2012-13 1,897 Railways: Finance 2013-14 2,284

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Table showing Highways Agency total operational Transport what fuding from the public purse was DEL (departmental expenditure limits) excluding provided to support (a) infrastructure on each rail accounting items such as depreciation. route and (b) each rail franchise in each of the last 10 Roads: Finance years. [199716] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Hammond: The Department does not hold Transport what funding his Department has provided the information at rail route level regarding funding to each local authority for highways in each of the last from the public purse provided to support infrastructure. 10 years. [199714] This is a matter for Network Rail and my hon. Friend may wish to contact Network Rail’s Chief Executive at Mr Goodwill: I have placed a table in the Libraries of the following address for information relating to her the House which sets out how much each local highway request: authority has been allocated for highways in the last 10 Mark Carne years. Chief Executive This table includes funding we have provided through Network Rail a number of funding streams including Highways Kings Place Maintenance Integrated Transport Block, Local Major Projects, Local Pinch Point Fund and Community 90 York Way Infrastructure Fund projects. London Local authorities are also able to use revenue funding, N1 9AG allocated by the Department for Communities and Local The Office of Rail Regulation publishes statistics Government through the Revenue Support Grant for showing the subsidy paid to or premia received from maintaining their local highways. Neither revenue nor each train operator since 2008-09 at: capital highways maintenance block funding is ring-fenced http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/html/html/ and it is for local highway authorities to decide upon 6d363642-c3a9-4a29-9477-542810798fa7 their spending priorities across the whole range of services that they provide. The figures for 2006-07 to 2007-08 are published by year at: The Department is also funding local highways http://orr.gov.uk/statistics/published-stats/archived-data/orr- maintenance projects in Portsmouth, Birmingham, archived-national-rail-trends-publications Sheffield, Isle of Wight and the London borough of Hounslow through the private finance initiative. Figures for 2005-06 and earlier years were produced on a different basis to those from 2006-07 onwards, so Shipping are not directly comparable. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Roads: Expenditure Transport (1) what the (a) number and (b) gross tonnage was of (i) non-UK owned and (ii) non-UK Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for registered offshore supply vessels operating on the UK Transport what public funds were spent on Continental Shelf in each year since 2000-01; [199455] 407W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 408W

(2) what the (a) number and (b) gross tonnage was School Exclusions: Children with Autism of (i) UK owned and (ii) UK registered offshore supply vessels in each year since 2000-01. [199456] 23. Andy McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State Stephen Hammond: The Maritime and Coastguard for Education What recent representations he has Agency collates a record of vessels registered on the received on the number of children with autism United Kingdom Ship Register (UKSR). It does not informally excluded from school. [904221] hold a record of shipping on the registers of other national administrations, which could include UK owned Mr Timpson: The Secretary of State has received vessels. several recent parliamentary questions about the informal exclusion of children with autism. Officials from the As of 9 June there were 159 offshore vessels on the department have also met with Ambitious about Autism UKSR, totalling 556,975 gross tonnage. No historical in March 2014, to discuss its concerns about this issue, record is held with the kind of breakdown requested for raised in the report, Ruled Out. previous years. The government’s view remains clear. No child should Neither is a record held of where ships operate, and be unlawfully excluded. Ofsted and the department hence the vessels mentioned above may be operating would take seriously evidence that a school had acted worldwide, not just on the UK Continental Shelf. unlawfully in excluding a pupil. In addition, most children Transport: Expenditure on the autism spectrum would be considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010. Where disabled children Mr Rob Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for are discriminated against through unlawful exclusion Transport what steps his Department has taken to their parents can make a claim to the First-tier Tribunal ensure central government funding for local authority (Special Educational Needs and Disability). The Tribunal transport projects is properly spent by those has wide ranging powers, including the power to require authorities. [199702] the reinstatement of a pupil. Mr Goodwill: The Department has set out how it Awareness of autism and appropriate skills are essential assures itself that the money gives to local transport to meeting the needs of autistic children. The reforms authorities is spent properly in its Accounting Officer we are introducing through the Children and Families System Statement. This can be found at: Act will provide for earlier and better assessment of children and young people’s needs. We’re also investing https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/50070/dft-accountability-system- more than £3 million of funding over two years to raise statement.pdf awareness of autism and help schools and colleges deliver the support these children and young people need. This includes £1.5 million for the Autism Education Trust to provide tiered training to early years, school EDUCATION and further education college staff, as well as £440,000 Two-tier School System: Bedford to the National Autistic Society, part of which is being used to provide advice to professionals and parents on 20. Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for exclusion. Education what recent representations he has received on funding for the transition to a two-tier school Arts: GCSE system in Bedford borough. [904217] Mr Laws: We are not aware of any representations Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for made on this matter. Education how many GCSE entries there were in (a) music, (b) drama and (c) art and design in England in Special Educational Needs (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2014-15. [200043]

22. Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of Elizabeth Truss: Information for the 2009/10 academic State for Education what steps his Department is year is published in the “GCSE and equivalent results taking to support children with special educational in England, 2012 to 2013 (revised)”1 statistical first needs. [904219] release. Mr Timpson: The Children and Families Act—to be Provisional information for the 2013/14 academic implemented from September—introduces the most year will be available in October 2014 and provisional fundamental reform to the system for SEN and disability information for the 2014/15 academic year will be available for 30 years, placing children and families at the heart of in October 2015. a more integrated system focused on improving outcomes 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-and- for children and young people. equivalent-results-in-england-2012-to-2013-revised (Subject time Families will be more involved in decision making series tables) and there will be greater clarity about local services provided in each area. Design: Curriculum We’re providing substantial funding to local areas to deliver the reforms. Last week we announced a further Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for £45.2 million—on top of the £70 million already provided Education what account he plans to take of (a) design this year—for implementing the reforms. and (b) technical knowledge in the review of the We are also providing £30 million over two years to GCSE/GCE examination course in design and provide independent supporters to families. technology. [199611] 409W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 410W

Elizabeth Truss: The GCSE and GCE Awarding Elizabeth Truss: The Government is committed to Organisations are leading on developing subject content raising the quality of teaching in all subjects, including for reformed design and technology qualifications. In design and technology (D&T). Head teachers and teachers carrying out this work, they are drawing closely on are best placed to make decisions about what professional advice from subject organisations with design and technical development they require in order to meet the needs of expertise. The draft criteria that are developed will be their pupils and school. A network of teaching schools formally consulted on and the evidence gathered will be has been established to improve the capacity of schools used to review and finalise the content for the new to take the lead in the training and development of design and technology qualifications. teachers and create more opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. The Teachers’ Standards set a clear benchmark Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for for the level of practice expected of all teachers, and Education what assessment he has made of the status provide a valuable tool to help head teachers and teachers and importance of design and technology at Key Stage identify and address development needs through regular 3, Key Stage 4 and post-16; and if he will make a appraisal. statement. [199615] The D&T expert subject group, set up to provide support to teachers implementing the new D&T curriculum, Elizabeth Truss: Design and Technology (D&T) is an comprises of leading professionals in D&T who work important subject that can inspire young people to to clarify the key areas on which teachers most need pursue careers in engineering and manufacturing. Ofsted’s further support, identifying the topics that can present 2011 report, “Meeting technological challenges” found: the greatest challenge when discussing with pupils. The “Most pupils in the primary and secondary schools visited group liaises with relevant specialists and providers to enjoyed designing and making products and gained much satisfaction develop and produce new resources where necessary. in acquiring technical skills and in seeing their ideas take shape.” DATA, in partnership with others, have developed a During the review of the national curriculum, the range of resources including an annotated programme Government consulted industry representatives, such as of study, providing advice and explanatory notes on Dyson and Royal Academy of Engineering, teachers, implementation. subject associations and D&T specialists to ensure the new D&T curriculum is relevant to the modern world. Faith Schools We have strengthened the technological aspects of the subject by including new and emerging technologies, Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for placed greater emphasis on links with STEM subjects Education what proportion of pupils in (a) Ribble to provide a context for their practical application and Valley constituency, (b) Lancashire and (c) the UK we are also reforming D&T GCSE and A-levels to attended faith schools in the latest year for which include more rigorous content and build on the changes figures are available. [200166] made to the curriculum. The new qualifications will be more ambitious, with greater stretch for the most able, Mr Laws: Education is a devolved matter and data on and prepare young people better for the demands of pupils held by the Department for Education refers to employment and further study. schools in England only. Information on pupils attending state-funded schools in England is collected via the Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for school census. Information on pupils attending independent Education whether the review of design and schools is collected via the school level annual school technology GCSE/GCE examination specifications will census. The latest data is for January 2014. bring those examinations in line with the revised In January 2014, the proportion of pupils that attended national curriculum for design and technology. [199617] schools with a religious character declared on Edubase Elizabeth Truss: The GCSE and GCE Awarding was (a) 50% in Ribble Valley constituency, (b) 45% in Organisations are leading on developing new design Lancashire and (c) 26% in England. and technology GCSEs and A-levels. They are ensuring Free School Meals: North East that the content builds on and is in line with the revised design and technology national curriculum. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Design: Education Education how much capacity funding for universal infant free school meals has been (a) requested by and Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) disbursed to schools in (i) Washington and Education how many schools have (a) merged design Sunderland West constituency, (ii) the Sunderland local and technology with art and design and (b) removed authority area and (iii) the North East region. [199863] design and technology from their curriculum since Mr Laws: On 18 December 2013, the Government 2010. [199614] announced capital allocations for universal infant free Elizabeth Truss: The Department does not collect school meals for the 2014-15 financial year. This included nor hold the data requested. allocations of (a) £562,850 to Sunderland city council and (b) £6.1 million to all local authorities in the north Design: Teachers east region. We do not allocate funding at a constituency level. Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for In addition, academies have received capital funding Education what continued professional development through the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund. assistance is provided to design and technology This includes allocations of (a) £162,380 to academies teachers. [199612] within the Sunderland local authority area and (b) 411W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 412W

£311,608 to academies within the north east region. Schools: Asbestos Across the country, £2.5 million has also been made available to multi-academy trusts. Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Of the capital funding that has been allocated to Education what assistance his Department makes Sunderland, the authority has confirmed to the Department available to schools to survey for and remove asbestos. that 75% or more has been disbursed to specific projects [200229] to support universal infant free school meals. We do not hold information on the precise amount disbursed, and Mr Laws: The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 nor do we hold this data at a regional level. set out the standards and duties to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises including schools. This includes Local Education Authorities: Disclosure of Information the need to assess and manage the risks through the formulation of a site-specific asbestos management plan. On 24 January I announced the 2014-15 maintenance Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for allocations, which are released as a non-ring-fenced Education what steps his Department is taking to capital grant. The priorities for its use are decided ensure that local education authorities have proper locally and this can include supporting schools with procedures in place to protect whistleblowers. [199821] asbestos issues.

Mr Timpson: The Department for Communities and Schools: Extra-curricular Activities Local Government has the overall responsibility for local authorities’ whistleblowing procedures. The Department for Education does take steps to ensure Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for that the schools maintained by local authorities have Education what additional funding his Department adequate arrangements. makes available to schools to commission extra- curricular activities and projects. [199837] Maintained schools are required to submit to their local authorities a Schools Financial Value Standard Mr Laws: The two main grants to schools to fund return. Question 20 of the return requires schools to their day-to-day activities are the Dedicated Schools confirm that all staff are aware of the school’s Grant and the Education Services Grant. The Education whistleblowing arrangements and to whom they should Services Grant is given to local authorities to provide raise concerns. The return defines whistleblowing as the education services for pupils in maintained schools, and confidential raising of problems or concerns within an is given directly to academies. When a school receives organisation. The accompanying guidance suggests that either of these grants, the funding is not ring-fenced: schools’ arrangements should be based on local authority the school can spend it as it chooses. Schools are policies and that staff should be made aware of the therefore free to decide how much of this funding they protections that are available to them. want to spend on extra-curricular activities and projects. The Department also requires that local authorities’ The Department for Education also provides specific Schemes for Financing Schools should contain a provision ring-fenced funding, through the primary PE and sport requiring authorities to set out the procedure to be premium, for the improvement of PE and sport in followed by persons working at a school or school primary schools. Headteachers are free to use this funding, governors who wish to complain about financial an investment of over £150 million a year to 2015/16, to management or financial propriety at the school, and provide extra-curricular clubs for activity and sport, how such complaints will be dealt with. and for sport-related projects.

Members: Correspondence Schools: Inspections

Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 10 June 2014 Education within what time period Ofsted is required Official Report, column 74W, on Members: to provide feedback to a school after it has reported to Correspondence, when he expects to send a substantive his Department. [198706] reply to the letter of 30 April 2014 from the hon. Member for Walsall North about admissions to Walsall Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. I have Academy which was separate from the letter sent to the asked Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, Chief Executive of the Education Funding Agency; to write to the hon. Member. A copy of his reply will be and for what reason that Answer does not mention that placed in the House Library. there was separate correspondence on the subject. [200309] Schools: Radicalism

Mr Timpson: My noble Friend, the Parliamentary Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Under-Secretary of State for Schools, responded to the Education (1) what assessment his Department has hon. Member’s other letter of 30 April about admission made of the effectiveness of the work of local arrangements at Walsall academy on 16 June. On behalf authority-based Prevent co-ordinators in tackling of the Department I would like to apologise for the extremism in schools; and how many local authority- delay in answering this letter. based Prevent co-ordinators submitted evaluations or My reply of 10 June related to the letter with the other forms of evidence to his Department in the last reference (2014/0036207) quoted in the question. year for which information is available; [199781] 413W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 414W

(2) what advice his Department provides to local Unemployment: Young People authority-based Prevent co-ordinators to help identify and tackle extremism in schools; and when this Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for guidance was last updated. [199779] Education what progress his Department has made in reducing the number of young people not in education, Mr Timpson: Preventing extremism in all schools is a employment or training since May 2010. [904220] priority for the Government. In 2010 the Department for Education set up the first preventing extremism unit Matthew Hancock: Latest quarterly figures published in Whitehall outside the Home Office. Ofsted now in May show that the proportion of 16 to 18-year-olds trains inspectors to understand and report on extremism. NEET is 6.7%--down a third since 2010 and the lowest The Department has published a range of guidance to on record. support schools in raising awareness of the risks from extremism. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Schools can help protect children from extremist and violent views in the same ways that they help to safeguard Bangladesh children from drugs, gang violence or alcohol abuse. Schools’ work on Prevent needs to be seen in this Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for context. It is for local authorities to determine how best International Development with reference to the to support schools in their areas in the light of local answer of 14 May 2014, Official Report, column 600W, circumstances. on Bangladesh, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to make it compulsory for all UK clothing A number of local Prevent projects, funded by Home companies which use suppliers in Bangladesh to sign Office, engage schools and supplementary schools and the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh. train teachers in priority areas. The Department for [199704] Education and Home Office are working together to secure the best practical outcome from this funding. It Mr Duncan: The Accord is an independent and legally is the responsibility of the Home Office to evaluate the binding agreement between unions and international projects it funds. companies that source their clothes from Bangladesh. As such it is not the Government’s place to compel Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for companies to sign up. However as referred to in my Education pursuant to his statement of 9 June 2014, previous response, I would very much encourage them Official Report, column 269, on Birmingham schools, to do so, and would encourage consumers to make their when Ministers of his Department were first made expectations clear to the retailers and brands from aware of allegations of extremism in schools in which they buy their clothes. Birmingham. [199816] In September 2013 the UK launched its action plan on business and human rights, laying out the expectations Mr Timpson: The Department for Education received for business in line with the UN Guiding Principles. the Trojan Horse’ letter in December 2013. The Secretary Signing up to the Accord not only demonstrates that of State has asked the permanent secretary to investigate companies are serious about their responsibilities but how the Department dealt with warnings both since the will also help them to ensure that workers in their formation of this Government in 2010 and before. supply chains are safe and treated properly. Since receiving a copy of the Trojan Horse letter, the Burundi Department has been working closely with agencies such as Birmingham city council, the police and Ofsted. Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Based on the Department’s evidence-gathering, the International Development what assessment she has Secretary of State commissioned inspections by Ofsted made of the humanitarian situation in Burundi. and appointed Peter Clarke as Education Commissioner. [199597] Lynne Featherstone: Burundi is affected by food insecurity, Secondary Education: Standards although harvests were above average in 2013. Burundi is also currently host to 121,560 refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) as well as 33,000 Burundian Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for returnees who came back from Mtabila camp in Tanzania Education what assessment he has made of the effect following its closure at the end of 2012. Burundi’s high of progress 8 performance measures since their population density creates a challenge for the Government introduction in secondary schools. [199613] of Burundi to find durable solutions for reintegration of IDPs and returnees. DFID will continue to monitor Mr Laws: Progress 8 will be the headline secondary the humanitarian situation and in particular rainfall school performance measure from 2016. This will be levels in the north of the country. based on qualifications which schools will begin teaching Central African Republic in the autumn term of 2014. The new performance measures aim to encourage schools to offer a broad and Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for balanced curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils. International Development how much of the More schools than ever are entering pupils for the emergency response fund for the Central African English Baccalaureate, which encourages the study of Republic has so far been dispersed; and which science, a language and a humanities subject alongside international agencies have received such funding. maths and English. [200313] 415W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 416W

Lynne Featherstone: DFID has contributed a total of Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to support improved £23 million in humanitarian aid to the crisis in the transparency and accountability of UK businesses, in Central African Republic since mid-2013, with £700,000 particular where they impact on development. remaining to be distributed according to humanitarian priorities in the coming months. Developing Countries: Climate Change DFID allocated £5 million to support NGOs in CAR in November 2013 which was increased in February Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for 2014 to £7 million in light of growing needs. The bulk of International Development if she will make it her funding was awarded to five NGOs: Mentor, Save the policy to support the proposed target to build resilience Children, Solidarites, Mercy Corps and International and adaptive capacity to climate induced hazards in all Medical Corps. Since DFID makes quarterly payments vulnerable countries in the upcoming Open Working to NGOs, not all funds have been disbursed. Group negotiations on the Sustainable Development In addition, DFID allocated humanitarian funds to Goals. [200133] the ICRC, Common Humanitarian Fund, UNHAS, UNHCR and the Food and Agriculture Organisation Justine Greening: The UK supports the strengthening (FAO). of early warning and disaster risk reduction systems and related capacities with the aim of building resilience Democratic Republic of Congo and protecting the poor and those in vulnerable situations from disasters and shocks, including climate-related Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for extreme events. International Development what discussions she has The final targets in the post-2015 development framework had with her US counterpart on conditionality of will, however, be subject to international negotiations in future US development aid to the Democratic Republic the United Nations, in which the UK will play an active of Congo on adherence to constitutional term limits in role. that country. [199596] Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Lynne Featherstone: UK Ministers have discussions International Development if she will make it her with their counterparts on a wide range of issues. The policy to support the proposed target to hold the terms of US development aid is a matter for the US increase in global average temperature to a specified Government. temperature to be determined in accordance with international agreements in the upcoming Open Developing Countries: Agriculture Working Group negotiations on the Sustainable Development Goals. [200134] Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she Justine Greening: The UK supports a target to hold has had with Kellogg’s about its working relationships the increase in global average temperature below a with small-scale farmers. [199585] stipulated, though but yet to be agreed, rise in accordance with international agreements. Language on this is included Lynne Featherstone: Kellogg’s is not currently one of in the most recent draft goals and targets list released by DFID’s partners on the issue of working relationships the co-chairs of the Open Working Group (OWG) on with small-scale farmers. 2 June 2014. The final targets in the post-2015 development framework Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for will however be subject to international negotiations in International Development what recent discussions she the United Nations, in which the UK will play an active has had with (a) UK-based companies and (b) role. companies selling products in the UK about the effect of their sourcing practices on small-scale farmers in Developing Countries: Diseases developing countries. [199586]

Lynne Featherstone: We regularly have discussions Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for with UK-based companies about a range of issues International Development if she will make it her including supply chains and how they can improve policy to support the proposed target to end HIV/ development impacts. AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases by 2030 in the upcoming Open Working Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Group negotiations on the Sustainable Development International Development if she will request Goals. [200135] UK-based companies to make publicly available impact studies on how their sourcing practices affect Justine Greening: The UK supports a target to reduce small-scale farmers in developing countries. [199588] the burden of disease from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases. Language on Lynne Featherstone: The UK Companies Act 2006 this is included in the most recent draft goals and includes reporting requirements for UK-domiciled targets list released by the co-chairs of the Open Working businesses to report on the social and environmental Group (OWG) on 2 June. impacts of their investments. DFID does not lead on The final targets in the post-2015 development framework UK company reporting, but we are working closely will however be subject to international negotiations in with other Government Departments, including the the United Nations, in which the UK will play an active Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the role. 417W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 418W

Developing Countries: Education they are ensuring women in the supply chain are empowered to get their rights and (ii) whether they Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for have signed up to the UN Women’s Empowerment International Development if she will make it her Principles. [199587] policy to support the proposed target to ensure that all schools and other educational institutions provide safe, Lynne Featherstone: We have regular discussions with healthy, non-discriminatory and inclusive learning UK-based companies about a range of issues including environments for all by 2030 in the upcoming Open supply chains and women’s economic empowerment. Working Group negotiations on the Sustainable Development Goals. [200136] Developing Countries: Prisons

Justine Greening: The UK supports a stand-alone Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for post-2015 education goal that ensures quality education International Development how much aid funding the outcomes for all, and that no one is left behind. UK has disbursed to support the construction of The final targets in the post-2015 development framework prisons in each country and in each year since 2008. will be subject to international negotiations in the United [199510] Nations, in which the UK will play an active role. Lynne Featherstone: The information necessary to Developing Countries: Employment provide a detailed response to your request is not held centrally and could be obtained only at a disproportionate Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for cost. The information is spread across DFID and other International Development if she will make it her Government Departments, and the data are not sufficiently policy to support the proposed target to promote disaggregated to report purely on the amount spent on formalisation of informal sector and employment in construction of prisons. the upcoming Open Working Group negotiations on the Sustainable Development Goals. [200132] Syria Justine Greening: The UK supports formalisation of informal sector activities and employment. Language Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for on this is included in the most recent draft goals and International Development what recent assessment she targets list released by the co-chairs of the Open Working has made of the humanitarian situation in Syria. Group (OWG) on 2 June. [200038] The final goals and targets in the post-2015 development Justine Greening: The humanitarian crisis in Syria framework will be subject to international negotiations has reached catastrophic proportions. The UN estimates in the United Nations, in which the UK will play an that 9.3 million people are in dire need of humanitarian active role. aid within Syria. At least 6.5 million people in Syria Developing Countries: Female Genital Mutilation have been forced to flee their homes to other areas of the country and there are now over 2.8 million refugees Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for in the region. International Development what steps she is taking to tackle female genital mutilation overseas; and if she will make a statement. [200039] BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Lynne Featherstone: The UK is supporting efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation worldwide by making Apprentices the largest single donor commitment ever to this issue, with a flagship programme of £35 million over 5 years. Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for We also aim to galvanise unprecedented political Business, Innovation and Skills what support his commitment for this neglected issue. Department is giving to local authorities to implement On 22 July, the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State changes to apprenticeship funding. [200172] for International Development, the right hon. Member for Putney (Justine Greening), the Secretary of State for Matthew Hancock: We are giving employers control the Home Department, the right hon. Member for of the funding for the training and assessment of the Maidenhead (Mrs May), and UNICEF will host Girl apprenticeships that they design. This will enable them Summit 2014, an event to bring together community to work directly with education and training providers leaders, grassroots organisations, governments, international to secure the most effective training for their apprentices. organisations and the private sector to build on current We will be testing a new funding model via apprenticeship efforts and rally a global movement to end FGM and starts in the 2014-15 academic year based on standards child, early and forced marriage (CEFM) in a generation, developed by our Trailblazer groups of employers. We everywhere, forever. will develop a comprehensive communication programme for employers (including local authorities) to help them Developing Countries: Females understand the changes.

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions has had with (a) UK-based companies and (b) he has had with training providers on changes to companies selling products in the UK about (i) how apprenticeship funding. [200173] 419W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 420W

Matthew Hancock: Discussions have been held with a provided through departmental schemes and programmes. wide range of training providers as well with the Association Additionally, the Department’s annual report and accounts of Training Providers and Association of Employment also provide summary information on a range of and Learning Providers (AELP) about our apprenticeship programmes that include direct and indirect support to funding reforms. I spoke about this issue at the AELP’s all businesses-including some that directly support SMEs. National Conference earlier this month. The most recent annual report can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bis-annual- Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for report-and-accounts-2012-to-2013 Business, Innovation and Skills for what reason the option of maintaining the current provider-funded Directors: Pay model was dropped in his Department’s second consultation on funding reform for apprenticeships. Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for [200174] Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effect of his policy on binding votes for Matthew Hancock: The 2013 consultation on remuneration committees. [199584] apprenticeship funding reforms sought evidence on the feasibility and impact of three different models for Jenny Willott: The Government’s reforms to increase reforming apprenticeship funding. Following consideration the transparency of executive pay include a requirement of the responses to these, the second consultation sought that quoted companies put their remuneration policy to views on two models—a PAYE model and an a binding vote of the company’s shareholders, at minimum, apprenticeship credit—that are consistent with an every three years. employer-driven apprenticeships system. A pure provider Shareholders also have an annual advisory vote on payment model was ruled out, as evidence from the first the annual remuneration report, covering what has been consultation indicated that this model was the least paid. Where this is rejected, the company will be required likely to deliver the intended aim of giving employers to re-submit their remuneration policy to a binding vote true purchasing power. at the AGM the following year. Business: Ethics It is too soon to form firm conclusions about the impact of the Government reforms, which only came into force in October last year. Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to The Government is monitoring the impact of the publish the Government’s framework for action on reforms and will be taking stock of their impact after corporate responsibility. [200004] the voting season is over. The Government is keeping this policy area under Jenny Willott: The intention to publish a framework review. for action on corporate responsibility was set out in the call for views on corporate responsibility (CR) which Disabled Students’ Allowances: East Midlands ran during 2013. The response to the call for views was published on 28 March 2014 and this notes that the Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for voluntary, evolving and diverse nature of CR means Business, Innovation and Skills how many recipients of success relies on a business led approach. We received disabled students’ allowance there are in (a) 152 views from a wide range of stakeholders and, where Nottingham South, (b) Nottingham and (c) the East relevant, these will inform future Government action. Midlands. [199832]

Business: Government Assistance Mr Willetts: Information on students awarded and paid disabled students’ allowance is published annually Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for by Student Loans Company (SLC) in the Statistical Business, Innovation and Skills which schemes have First Release ‘Student Support for Higher Education provided support for small and medium-sized from England’. The latest statistics are available at the following central government funds in each of the last 10 years; link: what the total amount of funding so provided was in http://www.slc.co.uk/media/694170/slcsfr052013.pdf each such year; and how much such funding was spent A further breakdown for Nottingham South in each local authority are in each such year. [199712] constituency, Nottingham LEA and the east midlands has been provided in the table for the academic year Matthew Hancock: Support for small and medium-sized 2012/13. Equivalent figures for the academic year 2013/14 businesses is an important objective for a number of will be available from November 2014. Government Departments and schemes can take various forms which can include direct and indirect support, Students in receipt of disabled students allowance1 from Nottingham South constituency, Nottingham and the east midlands advice and information. Over the last 10 years the range Academic year 2012/13 of support measures has been very wide and a full answer to this question cannot be provided without Application type incurring disproportionate costs. Additionally, the Area Number of applicants paid Department does not record how much spending or Post Full-time Part-time graduate funding is given by local authority area so would not be application application DSA Total able to provide this information. East Midlands 4,320 180 330 4,830 However, since May 2010 the Department has routinely Government published details of all expenditure including funding Region2 421W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 422W

Students in receipt of disabled students allowance1 from Nottingham South (Lord Livingston of Parkhead). My noble Friend reports constituency, Nottingham and the east midlands Academic year 2012/13 to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Application type Cable) and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Area Number of applicants paid Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member Post for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), as the two responsible Full-time Part-time graduate application application DSA Total Cabinet Ministers. Information regarding Ministers’ meetings is published Nottingham 280 10 30 330 LEA2 by the Department on the internet: Nottingham 80 — 10 100 https://www.gov.uk/government/ South publications?departments%5B%5D=department-for- Constituency2 business-innovation-skills&publication_type=transparency- Effective date: 13 November 2013 data 1 Disabled Student Allowance may be paid to the Student or to a Supplier on the student’s behalf. The Minister of State for Trade and Investment 2 Figures are derived from the Post Code of the applicant’s home address. discussed Typhoon exports during his meeting with Notes: 1. The effective date is that of the November 2013 Awards Statistical First BAES on 18 December 2013. The Secretary of State for Release. The figures are therefore provisional and do not include students who Business Innovation and Skills has no immediate plans were awarded DSA after November 2013. to meet his Belgian counterpart. 2. DSA Payments may be made at any point during the Academic Year or after the end of the Academic Year. 3. Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not add to the sum of Higher Education: Warrington the components due to rounding. 4. ’—’ represents a number less than 5. European Fighter Aircraft Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many people in Warrington North constituency (a) applied for and Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) started a degree course in each year since 2010. Business, Innovation and Skills (1) whether a Minister [200049] will be responsible for preparing the Department’s response to the Belgian government’s request for information regarding the Typhoon as a successor to Mr Willetts: The latest available information on their F-16 fleet; [199960] applicants is shown in Table 1. UCAS have not released any data on applications from individual constituencies (2) when he intends next to discuss the possibility of for the 2014 application cycle, but the latest figures for Typhoon sales to Belgium with his counterpart in that total applicants to all UK institutions (published on 30 country; [199961] May) show that they have risen by 4%, compared to the (3) when (a) he and (b) other Ministers in his same point in 2013. Department last met representatives of BAE to discuss Table 1: UCAS applicants to full-time undergraduate courses from Warrington Typhoon exports; [199962] North constituency (4) how many officials in his Department he expects Year of entry to be involved in preparing the Department’s response 2010 2011 2012 2013 to the Belgian government’s request for information Applicants 810 845 765 680 regarding the Typhoon as a successor to their F-16 Source: fleet; [199963] UCAS. (5) whether he intends to ask the Foreign and The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence for and publishes data on students at UK higher education assistance in pursuing export sales of Typhoon to institutions (HEIs). The number of entrants to UK Belgium. [199964] HEIs who were domiciled in Warrington North constituency prior to starting their course is shown in Michael Fallon: The Eurofighter Typhoon programme Table 2. HESA figures for 2013/14 will be available in is carried out in partnership with the Governments of January 2015. There are differences in the coverage of Germany, Italy and Spain. This includes cooperation UCAS and HESA: the UCAS figures cover applicants on exports. The Government of Belgium has expressed to higher education institutions (HEIs), further education an interest in Typhoon as well as other competing colleges (FECs), and alternative providers (APs) of HE aircraft as a potential replacement for their F-16 fleet. in the UK; the HESA figures cover HEIs only, plus the UK Trade and Investment have been invited, to participate university of Buckinghamshire. Not all applicants apply in preliminary discussions at official level on Typhoon. via UCAS: some apply directly to institutions. In addition, United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI) officials some applicants who obtain a place via UCAS opt to are working with colleagues across Government, in the defer entry until the following year. partner nations and with Eurofighter GmbH to coordinate Table 2: Entrants1 domiciled2 in Warrington North constituency, UK higher a response. education institutions, academic years 2009/10 to 2012/13 Within UK Government work on Typhoon export Domicile 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 campaigns is led by UKTI, but HMG takes a collaborative approach to defence exports and so all campaigns are a Warrington North constituency 1,330 1,220 965 1 Entrants refers to students in their first year of study, on full-time and cross departmental effort. Information on staffing numbers part-time courses, at undergraduate and postgraduate level. is not therefore available centrally. 2 Domicile refers to a students’ home or permanent address prior to starting their course. Ministerial responsibility for UKTI rests with my Source: noble Friend the Minister of State for Trade and Investment HESA Student Record. 423W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 424W

Local Enterprise Partnerships making the decisions on UK implementation. A website for the UK’s EITI has been developed, a link can be Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for found here: Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/uk-extractive- made of the extent to which there is a gender industries-transparency-initiative-multi-stakeholder-group imbalance in the composition of Local Enterprise My hon. Friend the Member for East Dunbartonshire Partnership boards. [200232] (Jo Swinson), published an article in the EITI Telegraph supplement on Sunday 6 October 2013, explaining the Michael Fallon: Local enterprise partnerships (LEP) UK’s rationale for committing to EITI. Most recently, board membership is a matter for LEPs themselves and the Prime Minister in an article dated 4 June and they are best placed to ensure it meets the needs of their published in The Wall Street Journal, called on government businesses and local people. leaders to work towards a global standard in transparency reporting. Minimum Wage I spoke at the EITI mining event which took place at the Institute for Materials, Minerals & Mining (IMMM) Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for on the 12 June. This event was directed at key mining Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the stakeholders who we need to engage in EITI. answer of 14 May 2013, Official Report, column 130W, on minimum wage, if he will take steps to provide (a) During the consultation period of Chapter 10 of the clear and comprehensive guidance on the national Accounting Directive my department held familiarisation minimum wage on gov.uk and (b) sector-specific sessions with stakeholders which provided an opportunity guidance and case studies on the national minimum to learn more about the reporting requirements of the Directive and explain the UK’s proposed approach to wage for the entertainment sector. [200284] implementation. The consultation closed on Friday 16 May Jenny Willott: Since May 2013, we have introduced and officials are currently analysing the responses received. clear and comprehensive guidance on gov.uk on the The Government will take every opportunity to drive national minimum wage and more specifically on work forward this important agenda. experience and internships. This guidance can be found here: National Vocational Qualifications www.gov.uk/government/publications/calculating-the- minimum-wage Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) and Business, Innovation and Skills how many women and (b) men aged 24 and above applied for financial www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-work-experience-and- assistance for NVQ levels 3 and 4 in the first and internships second academic quarters in each year since 2008. This guidance on work experience contains case studies [199690] from a variety of sectors, including the entertainment sector. Matthew Hancock: The information is not readily Employers and workers with queries about the available. application of the national minimum wage are also able to access free and confidential advice through the Pay New Businesses: Loans and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368. Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Mining Business, Innovation and Skills how many approved partners of the Start Up Loans programme there are in Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, each region. [199728] Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to raise awareness of the importance of transparency in the Matthew Hancock: The number of approved partners extractive industries. [199594] of the Start Up Loans programme by region are as follows: Jenny Willott: The coalition Government believes strongly that transparency in the extractives sector is Number essential to ensure that citizens in resource-rich countries can benefit from the wealth generated from the extraction England (National) 15 of their natural resources. This is why we supported the Greater London 11 EU’s proposal to require large and listed extractive North West 8 industries companies to report on the payments they North East 4 make to governments; and why the UK has signed up to East of England 2 the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Yorkshire and Humberside 6 The Government continues to raise awareness of the West Midlands 5 importance of transparency in the extractive industries. East Midlands 4 Over the past year key steps have been taken to raise South East 4 awareness of the UK’s commitment to become EITI- South West 2 compliant. This includes the launch event in July 2013 Northern Ireland 5 held at BIS with 130 attendees from industry, civil Wales 6 society and government. The Multi Stakeholder Group Scotland 5 (MSG) has been formed which plays a key part in 425W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 426W

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) he and (b) other Ministers in his Department met Business, Innovation and Skills how many Start Up to discuss regulation of pub companies in (i) 2013 and Loans applications have been supported by each (ii) 2014; and on what dates those meetings took place. approved provider of Start Up Loans mentoring [199739] services in each region in which the new company was based or planned to be based. [199740]1 Jenny Willott: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has taken an even handed approach to Michael Fallon: All loan recipients in all regions speaking with stakeholders from all sides of the debate receiving a start-up loan are offered mentoring, although in developing our proposals for statutory intervention take up of support services is not a mandatory condition in the pubs sector. of making the facility available. The number of loans In 2013, BIS Ministers met the following organisations: made in each region will be placed in the Libraries of the House. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has taken an even handed approach to speaking Public Houses with stakeholders from all sides of the debate in developing our proposals for statutory intervention in the pubs Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for sector. Business, Innovation and Skills which organisations In 2013, BIS Ministers met the following organisations:

Date Organisation Minister

22 January Ministerial Roundtable with licensee groups including: British Institute of Innkeeping; GMB Union; Federation of Jo Swinson Licensed Victuallers Associations; Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers; Brighton & Hove Licensees Association; Campaign for Real Ale; Fair Pint Campaign; Independent Pub Confederation; Federation of Small Businesses; Guild of Master Victuallers. 28 January Ministerial Roundtable including: British Beer and Pub Association; Punch Taverns; Star Pubs and Bars. Jo Swinson 7 February Ministerial Roundtable including: Greene King; Shepherd Neame; Everards Brewery; Admiral Taverns; Hook Jo Swinson Norton Brewery; Independent Family Brewers of Britain. 21 February Meeting with the Scottish Licensed Trade Association. Jo Swinson 27 February Meeting with Enterprise Inns Michael Fallon 10 June Ministerial Roundtable including: Everards Brewery; Fuller Smith & Turner; Admiral Taverns; Hook Norton; Jo Swinson McMullen & Sons; Shepherd Neame; Wadworth & Co; Trust Inns; Greene King; Titanic Brewery; Westerham Ales; Society of Independent Brewers. 12 June Ministerial Roundtable including: British Beer and Pub Association; Enterprise Inns; Marston’s; Mitchells & Jo Swinson Butlers; Punch Taverns; Spirit Pub Company; Star Pubs and Bars; Wellington Pub Company. 18 July Meeting with Greg Mulholland MP and the Independent Pub Confederation. Jo Swinson 30 September Meeting with the British Beer and Pub Association. Vince Cable 29 October Meeting with the Federation of Small Businesses (pubs were discussed as part of a wider meeting). Vince Cable

In 2014, BIS Ministers met the following organisations:

Date Organisation Minister

30 January Meeting with the Federation of Small Businesses. Vince Cable 12 February Meeting with Sir Peter Luff MP and Admiral Taverns; Hook Norton Brewery. Jenny Willott 17 March Meeting with Greene King. Jenny Willott 24 March Meeting with representatives of the British Beer and Pub Association; Punch Taverns; Shepherd Neame. Jenny Willott 31 March Meeting with the Campaign for Real Ale. Jenny Willott 25April MeetingwithSABrains. Jenny Willott

In addition to meetings with organisations, Ministers (a) (i) Over the five year period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2014 met with a number of tied tenants. Officials also met on average each sector skills council received £11 million of with stakeholders before, during and after the consultation public funding from the UK Commission for Employment as process to discuss our proposals to establish a Statutory follows: Code and an independent adjudicator. £ million Average funding per SSC 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 Sector Skills Councils National 2.9 2.3 2.3 2.1 1.8

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) (ii) Public funding from the Department for Business, Business, Innovation and Skills how much (a) public Innovation and Skills is allocated to sector skills councils by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills at a national level and (b) private funding has been provided to each for sector skills councils to decide how to best use the resources sector skills council (i) on average and (ii) in the East available to them including any specific support at a local level. Midlands in each of the last five years. [200188] (b) The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills does not hold information on the amount of private funding provided Matthew Hancock: The information is as follows: to each sector skills council. 1.[Official Report, 17 June 2014, Vol. 582, c. 3MC.] 427W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 428W

Shipbuilding: Portsmouth Mr Willetts: Our modelling indicates that, under the pre-2012 system, around 60% of students will fully Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for repay their loans. For the post-2012 system this figure is Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has around 40%. These figures relate to the proportion of made of the availability of training in manufacturing students with loans. The RAB charge is a different and engineering skills in Hampshire subsequent to the calculation, which estimates the proportion of the entire closure of the BAE shipyard in Portsmouth. [199844] student loan book that will not be repaid.

Michael Fallon: We recognise the importance of manufacturing and engineering skills to the economy: these will be vital to building the Solent area’s strengths CABINET OFFICE in marine and maritime. BIS is working closely with industry, Job Centre Plus, and Portsmouth council to support those employees impacted by BAE’s decision to Average Earnings close its shipyard in Portsmouth, including providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities. Sarah Teather: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet In the Southampton & Portsmouth City Deal, we Office what estimate he has made of average household announced a £1 million DWP Rapid Response Service earnings in 2014-15. [199795] that will support those recently made redundant and that Government and local industry will invest £3 million Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the in a Marine and Maritime Employer Ownership for responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have skills Programme, responding to the immediate skills asked the authority to reply. needs in small and medium sized enterprises in the Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2014: advance manufacturing sector. Alongside the City Deal, As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I £5 million from the ‘Solent Future’ Regional Growth have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question Fund programme is available to support the up-skilling asking what estimate has been made of average household earnings and re-skilling of BAE staff facing redundancy. in 2014-15 (199795) The Skills Funding Agency is also working with In 2011/12, the most recent year for which figures are available, colleges and training providers in the Solent area to the mean original household income was £31,477 per year. These estimates are produced from the UK’s Effects of Taxes and ensure that support is available to any employees at risk Benefits on Household Income data series, which is based on the of redundancy to update/reskill—supported by £2.5 million Living Costs and Food Survey, an annual survey of approximately of Skills Support for Redundancy European Social 5,500 private households. Fund money. Additionally the existing UK wide talent The analysis for 2012/13 is due to be published on the National retention solution is available to help match skilled Statistics website on 26 June 2014. workers to engineering jobs in the local area (currently Original income (market income) is the annualised income in advertising 692 vacancies in the south of England on its cash of all members of the household before the deduction of website1) and the National Careers Service is available taxes or the addition of any state benefits. It includes income to offer free impartial careers advice to those impacted from employment (including benefits in kind such as company on updating skills or retraining for alternative employment. cars), self-employment, investment income, private pensions and The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership and Enterprise annuities which include all workplace pensions, individual personal pensions and annuities. M3 Local Enterprise Partnership are involved in detailed negotiations with Government for Growth Deals that The latest data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings for 2012 were published 12 December 2013; these data are at an will see powers and funding devolved from Whitehall to individual level and are not directly comparable with figures on local partners to drive growth in their area—which household income. covers Hampshire. Solent and EM3 have both put These estimates, as with any involving sample surveys, are forward proposals to grow the skills—particularly STEM subject to a margin of uncertainty. and engineering skills—in their areas. We expect to make announcements on growth deals shortly. Table 1: Original income for all households, 2011-12, average income per household (£ per year) 1 Active TRS vacancies listed on 11 June 2014. All households

Students: Loans Number of households in the 26,436 population (thousand) Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Total original income1 31,477 Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment 1 Original income (market income) is the annualised income in cash he has made of the current eligibility criteria for higher of all members of the household before the deduction of taxes or education maintenance loans. [199673] the addition of any state benefits. It includes income from employment (including benefits in kind such as company cars), self -employment, investment income, private pensions and annuities Mr Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation which include all workplace pensions, individual personal pensions and Skills will continue to require students seeking and annuities. maintenance loans to meet criteria including residency, Source: type of course and place of study. Office for National Statistics

Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Office what adjusted change there has been in average made of the proportion of student loans that have been gross weekly earnings of (a) full-time workers, (b) issued in the last five years that are expected to be men working full-time and (c) women working repaid in full. [200167] full-time since January 2010. [200227] 429W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 430W

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the estimates by ethnicity and disability status. The following table responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have shows median gross weekly earnings for male and female employees asked the authority to reply. in the Ashfield constituency between April 2010 and April 2013. The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried Letter from Glen Watson: out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what adjusted change there on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period has been in average gross weekly earnings of (a) full-time workers, were not affected by absence. Figures relate to employee jobs, (b) men working full-time and (c) women working full-time since which are defined as those held by employees and not the self- January 2010. (200227) employed. The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried Median gross weekly earnings (£) for male and female employees1 in Ashfield out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of constituency, 2010 to 2013 earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of Male employees Female employees earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period 2010 **498.1 **312.1 were not affected by absence. Figures relate to employee jobs, 20112,4 **462.6 **287.1 which are defined as those held by employees and not the self- 20113,4 **455.5 **283.2 employed. 2012 **467.9 **284.2 I attach a table showing median gross weekly earnings for 2013 **438.6 **285.5 male, female and all full-time employees between April 2010 and 1 Employee jobs are defined as those held by employees and not the self-employed. April 2013, in current and constant (2013) prices. Results are Figures relate to employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period provided for April because the survey collects data for the pay was not affected by absence. ASHE is based on a 1% sample of jobs taken from period that includes a particular date in April. HM Revenue and Customs’ Pay As You Earn (PAYE) records. Consequently, individuals with more than one job may appear in the sample more than once. Median gross weekly earnings for male, female and all full-time employees1 2 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. between April 2010 and April 2013, in current and constant (2013) prices 3 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Current prices Constant (2013) prices 4 Estimates for years prior to 2011 are based on SOC 2000 and estimates for years after 2011 are based on SOC 2010. Figures are only considered to be Full- Full- Full- Full- Full- Full- directly comparable if they are based on the same SOC. time time time time time time Guide to quality: employees males females employees males females The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice 2010 498.5 537.6 439.0 549.6 592.7 484.0 the CV—for example, for an average of 200 with a CV of 5%, we would expect 20112,4 500.7 538.5 445.1 528.4 568.3 469.7 the population average to be within the range 180 to 220. 20113,4 498.3 53S.2 440.0 525.9 568.0 464.3 Key: ** CV > 10% and <=20% 2012 506.1 546.0 448.9 518.5 559.3 459.9 CV = Coefficient of Variation 2013 517.5 556.0 458.8 517.5 556.0 458.8 Source: 1 Employee jobs are defined as those held by employees and not the self-employed. Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics Figures relate to employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period Business: Peterborough was not affected by absence. ASHE is based on a 1% sample of jobs taken from HM Revenue and Customs’ Pay As You Earn (PAYE) records. Consequently, individuals with more than one job may appear in the sample more than once. Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister for the 2 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. 3 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Cabinet Office how many businesses there were in 4 Estimates for years prior to 2011 are based on SOC 2000 and estimates for Peterborough in each year since 2001. [200263] years after 2011 are based on SOC 2010. Figures are only considered to be directly comparable if they are based on the same SOC. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Average Earnings: Ashfield Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2014: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Gloria De Piero: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question Office what the average salary was for a (a) man and asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many businesses (b) woman of (i) white ethnic origin and (ii) black there were in Peterborough in each year since 2001. [200263] and minority ethnic origin and who was (A) disabled Annual statistics on the number of businesses (enterprises) are and (B) not disabled in Ashfield constituency in each available from the ONS release—UK Business: Activity, Size and year since 2010. [200186] Location at: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bus-register/uk-business/ Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the index.html responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Data on the number of enterprises broken down by districts, asked the authority to reply. counties and unitary authorities can be found in table B1.1 of the publication. Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2014: The table below has been produced using extracts from the As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Inter Departmental Business Register. (IDBR) It shows the number have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question of enterprises in Peterborough local authority area from 2001 to asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the average salary 2013. Data for 2014 will be available at the end of October 2014. was for a (a) man and (b) woman of (i) white ethnic origin and (ii) The figures in the table have been rounded to protect confidentiality. black and minority ethnic origin and who was (A) disabled and Please note that these numbers do not include very small businesses, (B) not disabled in Ashfield constituency in each year since 2010 typically those below the threshold for VAT and PAYE. (200186) Count of enterprises in Peterborough unitary authority area, 2001-13 The Labour Force Survey (LFS) collects earnings data by Number ethnicity and disability status, but because of small sample sizes it is not possible to produce estimates for these groups. The Annual 2001 4,335 Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) is the ONS’s preferred 2002 4,395 source for detailed earnings estimates, although it does not provide 431W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 432W

Count of enterprises in Peterborough unitary authority area, 2001-13 Table 1: Ranked Potential Years of Life Lost among people aged 0-59 years: by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Number preventable causes of death and sex, England and Wales, 2012 Years of Life Lost per 100,000 population 2003 4,480 2004 4,660 Sex Cause Years 2005 4,795 2006 4,935 Nutritional, endocrine and 159 2007 5,045 metabolic disorders

2008 5,180 1 Figures are based on deaths registered in 2012 2009 5,070 2 Figures include deaths of non-residents. 3 2010 5,010 Potential Years of Life Lost per 100,000 population aged 0-59 years 4 Figures for Nutritional, endocrine and metabolic disorders are based on 0-49 2011 4,930 year olds only. Deaths outside this age range are not considered preventable 2012 4,970 5 See Box 1 for a list of the causes included in the National Statistics definition 2013 5,005 of preventable mortality Source: Office for National Statistics Death Box 1: Causes of death (classified using the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision) considered to be preventable Condition group and cause ICD-10 codes Luciana Berger: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of the principal Infections cause of preventable premature mortality, measured in Tuberculosis A15-A19, B90 preventable years of life lost, in people up to the age of Hepatitis C B17.1, B18.2 60 years. [200154] HIV/AIDS B20-B24

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Neoplasms responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Malignant neoplasm of lip, oral C00-C14 asked the authority to reply. cavity and pharynx Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2014: Malignant neoplasm of oesophagus C15 Malignant neoplasm of stomach C16 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Malignant neoplasm of colon and C18-C21 have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question rectum asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment has Malignant neoplasm of liver C22 been made of the principal cause of preventable premature mortality, Malignant neoplasm of trachea, C33-C34 measured in Preventable Years of Life Lost, in people up to the bronchus and lung age of 60 years. [200154] Malignant melanoma of skin C43 The National Statistics definition of preventable mortality Mesothelioma C45 consists of causes of death divided into eight groups. Table 1 Malignant neoplasm of breast C50 provides a ranking of the Potential Years of Life Lost by males and females aged 0-59 years who died from these preventable Malignant neoplasm of cervix uteri C53 mortality cause groups and whose deaths were registered in England and Wales in 2012. Please note that figures for nutritional, Nutritional, endocrine and metabolic endocrine and metabolic disorders are based on deaths among disorders those aged 0-49 years only. This is because deaths from this cause Diabetes mellitus E10-E14 are not considered to be preventable above this age range.

Box 1 provides information on the causes of death included in Drug use disorders the National Statistics definition of preventable mortality. Alcohol related diseases, excluding F10, G31.2, G62.1, I42.6, K29.2, K70, Table 1: Ranked Potential Years of Life Lost among people aged 0-59 years: by external causes K73, K74 (excl. K74.3-K74.5), K86.0 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 preventable causes of death and sex, England and Wales, 2012 Illicit drug use disorders F11-F16, F18-F19 Years of Life Lost per 100,000 population Sex Cause Years Cardiovascular diseases Male Cardiovascular diseases 8,075 Ischaemic heart disease I20-I25 Intentional injuries 8,006 DVT with pulmonary embolism I26, I80.1-I80.3, I80.9, I82.9 Neoplasms 7,973 Aortic aneurysm and dissection I71 Unintentional injuries 7,681 Drug use disorders 4,304 Respiratory diseases Respiratory diseases 856 Influenza (including swine flu) J09-J11 Chronic obstructive pulmonary J40-J44 Infections 385 disorder Nutritional, endocrine and 328 metabolic disorders Unintentional injuries Transport Accidents V01-V99 Female Neoplasms 11,143 Accidental Injury W00-X59 Intentional injuries 2,596 Cardiovascular diseases 2,562 Intentional injuries Unintentional injuries 2,551 Suicide and self inflicted injuries X60-X84, Y10-Y34 Drug use disorders 2,428 Homicide/Assault X85-Y09, U50.9 Respiratory diseases 804 Misadventures to patients during Y60-Y69, Y83-Y84 surgical and medical care Infections 225 433W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 434W

Disciplinary Proceedings Table 1: Percentage of women aged 16 to 64 in employment resident in Cannock Chase constituency 12 months ending December: Percentage Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what proportion of staff within his 2012 58.9 Department who have been subject to formal 2013 68.0 disciplinary proceedings in each of the last five Source: financial years classed themselves as white British; Annual Population Survey. [199877] (2) what proportion of staff within No. 10 Downing Equal Opportunities Street who have been subject to formal disciplinary proceedings in each of the last five financial years classed themselves as white British; [199892] Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet (3) what proportion of staff within his Department Office (1) what targets No. 10 Downing Street has for who have been dismissed following formal disciplinary increasing diversity; and what progress has been made proceedings in each of the last five financial years on meeting those targets in the last year; [199935] classed themselves as white British; [199898] (2) what targets his Department has for increasing (4) what proportion of staff within No. 10 Downing diversity; and what progress has been made on meeting Street who have been dismissed following formal those targets in the last year; [199920] disciplinary proceedings in each of the last five (3) what targets the Cabinet Office has for increasing financial years classed themselves as white British. diversity; and what progress has been made on meeting [199914] those targets in the last year. [199924]

Mr Maude: The Prime Minister’s Office and the Mr Maude: To win the global race we need the best Deputy Prime Minister’s Office are integral parts of the civil servants regardless of their background so we must Cabinet Office. recruit, retain and promote on the basis of merit. We Declaration of ethnicity for staff is voluntary and it want to see more talented people, whatever their is therefore not possible to provide the information background, reach the very top roles. requested. There has been for many years a majority of women in the civil service but this was not reflected into the Employment: Cannock Chase senior civil service. Although there has been a small increase in the Mr Burley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office proportion of women in the senior civil service since what proportion of women in Cannock Chase 2010, and in the proportion of civil servants who declare constituency were in work in each of the last five years. that they are from an ethnic minority background, [200237] there is still much to do. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the We know that for too long talent management in the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have civil service has been weak. That is why I have commissioned asked the authority to reply. research to examine the blockages preventing women from reaching the most senior levels of the civil service. Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2014: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics A plan to address these issues will be published this (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary question summer. asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of women in Cannock Chase were in work in each of the last five Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet years. (200237) Office (1) what consideration his Department gives to The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles estimates of the diversity policies and records of businesses or other the number of people in employment from the Annual Population organisations when considering their bid for Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. commercial contracts or grants; [199941] The table shows the percentage of women aged 16 to 64 (2) what consideration No. 10 Downing Street gives resident in Cannock Chase constituency who were in employment to the diversity policies and records of businesses or according to survey responses from the APS for the 12 month other organisations when considering their bid for periods ending in December from 2009 to 2013. commercial contracts or grants. [199956] As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject to a certain level of uncertainty. Mr Maude: The Prime Minister’s Office and the National and local area estimates for many labour market Deputy Prime Ministers Office are an integral part of statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at: the Cabinet Office. http://www.nomisweb.co.uk This Government procures on the basis of value for money. Departments and the Crown Commercial Service Table 1: Percentage of women aged 16 to 64 in employment resident in Cannock Chase constituency will ensure that social, economic and sustainability 12 months ending December: Percentage issues are considered in procurement projects and that specifications, terms and conditions and evaluation criteria 2009 62.4 are developed to ensure that the relevant issues are 2010 72.7 addressed as appropriate for the subject matter of the 2011 63.3 requirements. 435W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 436W

Migration An announcement will be made once the full set of reviews is complete and has been approved in the usual Adam Afriyie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet way. Office what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the International Passenger Survey for estimating Strategic Defence and Security Review migration flows; and if he will make a statement. [200303] Alison Seabeck: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Office what plans he has to publish a white paper in responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have advance of the next strategic defence and security asked the authority to reply. review. [199245] Letter from Glen Watson: Mr Letwin: The next strategic defence and security As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have review will span the period of the next election. A been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment decision is yet to be taken on the final approach. she has made of the accuracy of the International Passenger Survey for estimating migration flows; and if she will make a statement. [200303] ONS publishes estimates of long-term immigration, emigration HOME DEPARTMENT and net migration each quarter. These are largely derived from the International Passenger Survey (IPS). The estimates are published Animal Experiments alongside their margin of error which refers to the 95 per cent confidence interval, and is a measure of the uncertainty associated Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State with making inferences from a sample. for the Home Department what discussions her The latest IPS estimate for long-term immigration for the year Department has had with B&K Universal Ltd, ending December 2013 was 485,000, with a margin of error of +/- 29,000. The latest IPS estimate for long-term emigration for the Yorkshire Evergreen or their associates about their year ending December 2013 was 295,000, with a margin of error planning application for a facility at Grimston, of +/- 19,000. Yorkshire for the breeding of dogs and other animals ONS has published an overview of the quality and reliability for laboratory use in the last 12 months. [200260] of the International Passenger Survey (IPS) in relation to producing estimates of long-term international migration flows, that is, Norman Baker: Home Office officials have advised flows of migrants intending to remain in or out of the UK for B&K Universal Ltd of the requirements for the proposed twelve months or more. This can be accessed at: facility of European Directive 2010/63/EU, which was http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/method-quality/ implemented in the UK and other member states on specific/population-and-migration/international-migration- 1 January 2013. methodology/international-passenger-survey-quality- information-in-relation-to-migration-flows.pdf Decisions on planning applications are a matter for Furthermore, ONS has recently published a review into the the relevant local planning authority. ‘Quality of Long-Term International Migration Estimates from 2001 to 2011’. This review found that a substantial amount of Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State immigration, particularly of EU8 citizens1, between 2004 and for the Home Department with reference to the answer 2008 was missed by the IPS, prior to improvements to the design of 11 November 2013, Official Report, columns and coverage of the survey in 2009. Revised net migration estimates, 419-20W, on animals: experiments, when the Animals which are consistent with the results of the 2011 Census, were published as part of the review. The review can be found at: in Science Committee will publish its review of the http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/migration1/long-term- Home Office inspectorate’s report and Imperial international-migration/quality-of-long-term-international- College’s independent report on the investigation into migration-estimates-from-2001-to-2011/sty-quality-of- animal experiments at Imperial College, London; and ltim.html when this report will be placed in the Library. [200535] The improvements to the IPS have reduced the relative error around the estimates, as well as the balance of the sample Norman Baker: A draft of the report will be presented between EU and non-EU migrants. to the Animals in Science Committee for discussion and 1 The EU8 consists of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, agreement on 23 June 2014. Subject to any amendments Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. that the Committee may require, it is expected that the Military Medals Review report will be published shortly thereafter.

Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for the Office (1) if he will place in the Library the terms of Home Department what assessment she has made of reference of the independent medal review by Sir John the potential benefit of introducing a compulsory Holmes; and if he will make a statement; [200055] retirement programme for animals used in laboratories (2) when the Sir John Holmes independent medal and scientific experiments; and if she will make a review began; when that review is due to be completed; statement. [200559] whether any preliminary reports from that review (a) have been published and (b) are due to be published; Norman Baker: European directive 2010/63/EU which and if he will make a statement. [200141] was implemented in the UK and other member states on 1 January 2013 provides member states with discretion Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the my right to allow re-homing schemes. It also requires that where hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s statements on 30 April member states have allowed re-homing, they will also 2012, Official Report, column 55WS, and 17 July 2012, ensure that a re-homing scheme is in place that ensures Official Report, column 132WS. the socialisation of the animal. 437W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 438W

The directive permits member states to go beyond the Number requirements of the directive, on the basis of animal welfare, only where the provisions were already in place 2008-09 6 in November 2010. The directive does not provide legal 2009-10 12 grounds on which the UK can impose such a mandatory 2010-11 5 obligation of re-homing as part of licensing. 2011-12 5 The UK legislation allows re-homing. The requirements 2012-13 7 are provided for in licence conditions and by virtue of 2013-14 3 section 17A of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. 2014-15 4 On our acceptance of certain reassurances, relating to section 17A of the 1986 Act, authority may be given These figures do not represent all cases involving tax to re-home animals being held at an establishment. This offences, as other EAWs which may include tax offences applies to those animals that were bred or held for were not dealt with by HMRC and are not recorded supply for use in regulated procedures, were intended separately. for use in regulated procedures, or have been used in regulated procedures and are being kept alive under the Asylum: Housing care of the named veterinary surgeon. This authority would relate to individually identified animals and records would be held at the establishment to confirm that such Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the animals had been re-homed. Home Department how much has been spent from the public purse on accommodating asylum seekers in (a) Consideration is normally given to the release of hotels and (b) bed and breakfasts, hostels and other animals from the controls of the Act if there is no establishments that provide lodging paid on a short- scientific requirement for them to be humanely killed at term basis in each year since May 2010; and how much the end of the procedures. Some animals are not released was spent in each region. [199172] if veterinary advice indicates that they may not remain in good health, or that their temperament would not be James Brokenshire: Accommodation is provided to suited to such an environment. asylum applicants through contracts with third party Comprehensive guidance on setting free and re-homing suppliers. Providers are required to provide accommodation is given in section 5.21 in the Guidance on the Operation that is safe, fit for purpose and correctly equipped in of the 1986 Act. The Home Office intends to provide line with the contractual Statement of Requirements further advice about the re-homing of laboratory animals agreed between themselves and the Home Office. from licensed establishments where there are provisions There is no added expense to the Home Office when in the legislation. Animals which have been born into, providers use B&B or hotel accommodation as short and lived all their lives under, laboratory conditions term contingency accommodation. Any and all additional may not be able to adapt to a different lifestyle and may costs are borne by the provider. be very distressed by such change. There must be provision for careful individual assessment as well as a structured socialisation programme to ensure that re-homing is in Disciplinary Proceedings the best interests of the individual animal. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what proportion of staff within Home Department how many (a) dogs, (b) cats and her Department who have been subject to formal (c) horses were released from laboratories, returned disciplinary proceedings in each of the last five and re-homed under the European Directive 2010/ financial years classed themselves as white British; 63/EU in the UK in each of the last three years; and if [199888] she will make a statement on its success. [200560] (2) what proportion of staff within her Department who have been dismissed following formal disciplinary Norman Baker: The Home Office does not hold records proceedings in each of the last five financial years of animals released from laboratories, returned and classed themselves as white British. [199909] re-homed, under the European Directive 2010/63/EU, on its files. Karen Bradley: Table 1 provides information on the Records are kept locally at the licensed establishment proportion of staff within the Home Department who to be made available to Home Office Inspectors on have been subject to formal disciplinary proceedings in request. each of the last four financial years (2009-10 to 2012-13) Arrest Warrants and who were white. It is planned that information for 2013-14 will be published in January 2015. Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home It has not been possible to provide information further Department how many people have been extradited to broken down as white British staff as historical data is the UK for tax offences under a European Arrest not collated in this way and could be provided only at Warrant in each of the last 10 years. [199524] disproportionate cost. Individuals can be dismissed for a variety of reasons James Brokenshire: Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (such as conduct, performance, or attendance). It is (HMRC) have been involved in 42 cases where people not possible to identify those dismissed following have been surrendered to the UK for tax offences since disciplinary proceedings without incurring disproportionate 2008-09 on a European Arrest Warrant. costs. 439W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 440W

Table 1: Proportion of white staff within the Home Office subject to disciplinary proceedings in each of the last five financial years1 Headcount (percentage) 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

Proportion of Department who declared themselves as white and were 0.57 0.84 0.74 0.54 n/a subject to disciplinary proceedings (percentage) 1 Those employees who declare their Ethnic Origin as White include: English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish/British/Gypsy or Irish Traveller/Irish/Other White Background. Unfortunately it has not been possible to break down this response into White British without incurring a disproportionate cost. Data Source: Data View—the Home Office’s single source of Office for National Statistics compliant monthly snapshot corporate Human Resources data linked to manual spreadsheets collated locally by HR Business Partner teams during the year relating to the disciplinary process. Period Covered: Data is provided as at 31 March for each year. Extraction Date: 1 April for each retrospective year. Organisational Coverage: Figures are for the Home Office and its Executive agencies in each financial year. Please see each year’s annual report and accounts for the compositionofthe Department. Employee Coverage: Data includes all employees involved in a misconduct case that had an outcome or hearing date during the relevant financial year. Link: Misconduct data is included in each year’s Departmental Employment Monitoring Report. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-monitoring-report

Driving Offences: Insurance The Home Office is currently undertaking a six month review led by an expert panel to look at how the UK’s Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the legislative, educational and health response to new Home Department what information her Department psychoactive substances can be enhanced. It is anticipated holds on the number of cases of vehicle insurance that the panel will report their recommendations to fraud in each of the last five years. [200078] Home Office Ministers before summer recess. Karen Bradley: The Home Office holds no data on this. Equal Opportunities Drugs: Convictions Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for the David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what targets her Department has Home Department what steps the Government is for increasing diversity; and what progress has been taking to ensure that convictions are brought for made on meeting those targets in the last year. [199931] possession of large quantities of illegal drugs. [200346] Karen Bradley: Tables provided for representation Norman Baker: Action to restrict drug supply, including from March 2013-March 2014. the investigation of drug offences and enabling the In conjunction with Cabinet Office, the Department prosecution of those responsible, is a priority for law has agreed specific targets to improve representation enforcement and other regulatory agencies. It is important rates. The position in the last year is as follows: that the courts are able to consider all the circumstances of any offence and offender which is why law enforcement Three female employees have been appointed at director general level becoming members of the Home Office Executive Management agencies work closely with their prosecutors to provide Board. The position generally was that 34.39% of staff at senior the courts with the best evidence of an offence, presented civil service (SCS) were female compared with the target of 38%. in the most effective way. At Grades 6 and 7 the position was that 43.93% of staff were In addition to prosecution, law enforcement agencies female compared with the target of 45%. and the Criminal Justice System in the UK have at their 6.21% of staff with a disability were at SCS level compared to discretion a number of disposals available to deal with a target of 3% and at Grades 6 and 7 the position was that 5.99 % drug-related offenders, including referral for drug treatment. staff had a disability compared with the target of 6%. This ensures that a robust and proportionate enforcement 10.56% of staff at Grades 6 and 7 were from a minority ethnic approach can be taken, which gives due regard to the background compared to a target of 10%. 4.52% of staff at SCS public interest. level were from a minority ethnic background compared with the target of 6%. Drugs: Misuse 5.66% of staff at SCS were lesbian, gay or bisexual compared to the target of 5.0%. At Grades 6 and 7 the position was that Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for the 3.4% of staff were lesbian, gay or bisexual compared with the Home Department what assessment she has made of target of 5.0%. the prevalence and effect of the sale of so-called legal The position is encouraging but the Department is highs (a) online and (b) in shops. [200545] committed to finding further progress in all aspects of Norman Baker: The Government monitors the prevalence diversity. of use of particular new psychoactive substances through Representation data the Crime Survey for England and Wales. The latest March 2013 results of the crime survey can be found here: Actual http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/crime-stats/crime-statistics/ representation 2013 target period-ending-december-2013/stb-crime-stats-dec-2013.html Grade (%) (%) New questions have been included in the 2014/15 Gender SCS 32.64 38 Crime Survey, to capture the use of a wider range of SCS PB1 35.14 40 new psychoactive substances than was previously the SCS PB2 and above 24.44 35 case. 441W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 442W

Representation data April 2014 came from; what evidence from cluster data March 2013 she has to explain why most of them were pregnant Actual when they were discovered in the UK; what steps she is representation 2013 target Grade (%) (%) taking to prevent access to the UK without the necessary visas by such Albanian nationals; and if she G6-G7 45.01 45 will make a statement. [198784] Minority Ethnic SCS 5.00 6 G6-G7 11.16 10 James Brokenshire: The Home Office and Ministry of Disabled SCS 6.08 3 Justice jointly fund a national support service for adult G6-G7 6.19 6 victims of human trafficking in England and Wales. LGB SCS 6.49 5 This contract is delivered by the Salvation Army. The G6-G7 3.73 5 service is open to potential adult victims of human trafficking (including those from Albania), identified March 2014 through referral to the National Referral Mechanism Actual (NRM). The Salvation Army and its sub-contractors representation work with victims of human trafficking from the moment Grade () 2013 target () they are placed in support accommodation to help Gender SCS 34.39 38 them consider their support needs and their plans to SCS PB1 37.16 40 move on from the service. SCS PB2 and above 24.39 35 The Home Office does not hold data on the regions G6-G7 43.93 45 that Albanian women referred to the Salvation Army are from. This information is only held within individual Minority Ethnic SCS 4.52 6 case records and can only be accessed through manual G6-G7 10.56 10 search. Similarly, we do not hold data on the reasons for Disabled SCS 6.21 3 pregnancy of women referred to the NRM. The G6-G7 5.99 6 Government recognises that effective reintegration support LGB SCS 5.66 5 for victims is vital to help them move on with their lives G6-G7 3.40 5 and to prevent them from being exploited in the future. Source: In addition, the Government is looking at what more Data View-the Home Office’s single source of Office for National Statistics that can be done to support victims, including supporting compliant monthly snapshot corporate Human Resources data. them to return to their home country where appropriate. Period Covered: 2013-1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013. The Government is working closely with the Albanian 2014-1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014. Extraction Date: Government to combat trafficking and support victims. 2013-1 April 2013. In November 2013, the UK Government and the Albanian 2014-1 April 2014. Government, working with the International Organisation Organisational Coverage: March 2013: Figures include Home Office Headquarters (including Border for Migration (IOM), established a voluntary return Force) and the Executive Agencies; United Kingdom Border Agency, Identity package for female victims of trafficking who wished to and Passport Service and the National Fraud Authority. return to Albania. This package includes the provision March 2014: Figures include core Home Office (including Border Force, UK Visas and Immigration and Immigration Enforcement) and the Executive of secure accommodation in Albania (with guards and Agencies; Her Majesty’s Passport Office and the National Fraud Authority. social services on site), child care assistance where required, Employee Coverage: and training or support to establish a business or enter Data is based on headcount of all paid, permanent civil servants, who were current at the 31 March in each year. the labour market. This provides the support and assistance required for victims who wish to return to Albania to Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for the rebuild their lives. The Albanian Government is also Home Department what consideration her Department putting in place comprehensive measures to tackle gives to the diversity policies and records of businesses trafficking, such as the establishment of a National or other organisations when considering their bid for Referral Mechanism and a dedicated police unit to commercial contracts or grants. [199952] tackle trafficking. Albanians are visa nationals and as such they require Karen Bradley: As part of procurement tender exercises a visa to enter the UK for any purpose. We have Risk for commercial contracts, the Home Department asks and Airline Liaison Overseas Network staff posted for evidence of bidders Equality and/or Equality and around the world to assist carriers in identifying passengers Diversity Statement or Policy. Statements or policies that do not have the correct documents to enter the are evaluated to ensure that organisations have satisfactory UK. We also have Border Force staff operating UK procedures in place that comply and provide evidence immigration controls in France and Belgium who will of their commitment. refuse entry to those seeking to enter the UK without When considering a bid for a grant, it is not currently the correct documentation. part of the Home Department’s process to consider the diversity policies and records of businesses. Immigrants: Detainees Human Trafficking: Albania

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department from what region of Albania the Home Department how many people are currently women referred to the victim support scheme operated being held in prisons solely under immigration powers. by the Salvation Army in (a) February 2014 and (b) [199159] 443W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 444W

James Brokenshire: As at 3 June 2014 there were 790 recorded crime and outcomes. From April 2014, we detainees held in prison establishments solely under introduced the recorded crime outcomes framework, immigration powers, of whom 174 were held in HMP replacing the previous regime of detections. This will The Verne. inform the public how forces have dealt with 100% of Immigration Act 2014 crimes reported to them. For the first time, therefore, the public will be able to see how those crimes previously Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the recorded as ‘undetected’ and as requiring ‘no further Home Department when she plans to commence each action’ have been resolved. The first data will be available section of the Immigration Act 2014. [199249] in July 2015. James Brokenshire: The provisions of the Immigration Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Act will come into force on a phased basis beginning in Home Department what estimate she has made of the July 2014. number and proportion of cases that police have Immigration Controls marked as requiring No Further Action in each of the last four years. [200259] Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration officers are Norman Baker: The information requested is not held deployed at each UK airport. [199040] centrally by the Home Office. Until recently, information has only been collected on crime outcomes that involve James Brokenshire: The requested information has action being taken by the police. These were part of the not been released as it is Border Force policy not to former detections framework before 2013/14, and the release port-specific staff numbers on grounds of national new outcomes framework after that. security. In April 2014, a new, broader crime outcomes framework Police was introduced, providing much greater transparency on how crimes are resolved by the police. This framework Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the includes all scenarios where no further action was taken Home Department (1) how many full-time equivalent by the police. From April 2014 onwards, data is being police officers were employed by Cheshire police in collected on this new framework, and the first full set of each year since 2010; and how many such officers were statistics will be published in July 2015. employed in Warrington Borough; [200047] Police: Demonstrations (2) how many Police Community Support Officers were deployed in Warrington Borough in each year Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State since 2010. [200052] for the Home Department what guidance she has Damian Green: The table contains the requested data issued to police forces on ensuring constituency and for police officers employed by Cheshire Police and flexibility in policing of parades and demonstrations covers the period up until 30 September 2013. Figures ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and safety of as at 31 March 2014 are due to be published 17 July participants, motorists and pedestrians. [200114] 2014. Figures for police officers and police community Damian Green: The Home Office has issued no such support officers at Warrington borough level are not guidance. collected by the Home Office. Police: Dogs Number of full-time equivalent1 police officers employed by Cheshire Police on 31 March and 30 September in each year from 2010 to 2013 Police officers Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what change there has been in 31 March 2010 2,155 police dog numbers in (a) Ribble Valley constituency, 30 September 2010 2,148 (b) Lancashire and (c) the UK in the last five years. 31 March 2011 2,079 [200165] 30 September 2011 2,040 31 March 2012 2,011 Damian Green: The Home Office does not hold this 30 September 2012 2,025 information centrally. 31 March 2013 2,013 30 September 2013 1,956 Stalking 1 This table contains full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of police staff in Home Department what guidance her Department each police area in England and Wales have received issues to police forces on marking cases as requiring No training in sections 2A and 4A of the Protection from Further Action. [200257] Harassment Act 1997. [199867]

Norman Baker: The Home Office Counting Rules Damian Green: The College of Policing sets standards provide guidance to police forces on all matters that and provides relevant training products and services to relate to the recording of crime and disposals. They are police forces. The College of Policing training package issued annually by the Home Office. on stalking has been completed 52,176 times between This Government is committed to increasing the October 2012 and 31 May 2014 by police officers and transparency of information available to the public on staff in England and Wales. 445W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 446W

The Home Office does not hold information on the James Brokenshire: As at 3 June 2014 there were 790 proportion of police staff in each police area in England detainees held in prison establishments solely under and Wales who have received training. immigration powers, of whom 174 were held in HMP The Verne. Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the police record complaints Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the and offences of stalking. [199966] Home Department what assessment she has made of the suitability of HM Prison The Verne for detaining Damian Green: The National Crime Recording Standard individuals for immigration purposes. [199158] sets out that in all cases where a victim reports an allegation of a crime of stalking, the police must register James Brokenshire: HMP The Verne has been assessed an incident and once that report is confirmed as a crime for detaining individuals for immigration purposes in they must then record it as such. Stalking is a serious terms of its size, location, facilities and level of security. crime and in recognition of this, in April this year, the Government established a specific stalking classification Alterations are being carried out to make it suitable in the Home Office Counting Rules to provide improved for use as an Immigration Removal Centre including data and transparency. provision of facilities for detainees and their visitors. Once formally re-roled it will be used to assist removal Telecommunications: Databases of those who have no right to remain in the UK.

Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the answer of 28 April 2014, Official Report, column 437W, on CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT telecommunications: databases, whether she has yet completed her assessment of (a) the consequences for the UK of the decision of the European Court of Arts: Education Justice in Joined Cases C-293/12 and C-594/12 (Digital Rights Ireland and Seitlinger and Others) and (b) what Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for implication that decision has for (i) enforcement of the Culture, Media and Sport (1) what recent meetings he Data Retention (EC Directive) Regulations 2009 and has had with educational organisations to discuss arts, (ii) her powers to reimburse any expenses incurred by a music and culture in schools; [200036] public communications provider in complying with (2) what recent meetings he has had with the those regulations. [199250] Secretary of State for Education to discuss arts, music and culture in schools. [200042] James Brokenshire: The Government continues to consider the judgment of the European Court. At the Mr Vaizey: The Minister for Education and Childcare, present time, we consider that the UK Data Retention my hon. Friend the Member for South West Norfolk (EC Directive) Regulations 2009 remain in force. Those (Elizabeth Truss), and I jointly chair a Cultural Education in receipt of a notice under the regulations have been Board, focused on cultural and music education, at informed that they should continue to observe their which schools and arts organisations are represented. obligations as outlined in any notice. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the my right hon. Friend the Member for Bromsgrove (Sajid Home Department (1) whether her Department has Javid), routinely discusses a wide range of issues with provided any advice to public communications his counterparts in other Government Departments. providers on the consequences of the decision of the European Court of Justice in Digital Rights Ireland Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for and Seitlinger and Others on data retention by those Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of primary companies; [199437] pupils of each ethnic background and in total have (2) whether public communications providers have engaged with (a) theatre activities, (b) music activities, sought advice from her Department on the (c) dance and (d) other arts in each year since consequences of the decision of the European Court of 2009-10. [200181] Justice in Digital Rights Ireland and Seitlinger and Others on data retention by those companies. [199438] Mr Vaizey: Taking Part child survey results for activity by individual art forms are not regularly published James Brokenshire: The Government continues to broken down by BAME. This requires further analysis consider the judgment of the European Court, but we of the underlying survey data and we will publish this consider that the UK Data Retention (EC Directive) analysis in the Libraries of both Houses. Regulations 2009 remain in force. Those in receipt of a notice under the regulations have been informed that BBC Trust they should continue to observe their obligations as outlined in any notice. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Verne Prison Culture, Media and Sport (1) when he last met the BBC Trust; what matters were discussed at that meeting; and Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the if he will make a statement; [199540] Home Department how many people are currently (2) when he last met the director-general of the BBC; detained for immigration purposes at HM Prison The what matters were discussed at that meeting; and if he Verne. [199157] will make a statement. [199539] 447W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 448W

Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State’s external meetings Mrs Grant: The information is in the following table. are published quarterly on the departmental website: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 attachment_data/file/313639/ (APS3) (APS4) (APS5) (APS6) (APS7) Transparency_Declarations_Oct-Dec_2013_csv.csv/preview Pendle 20,600 23,100 21,400 22,600 24,200 (LA) Commonwealth Games 2014 Lancashire 410,000 405,300 409,500 415,000 420,600 North 2,007,800 1,996,700 1,986,000 2,066,500 2,055,800 Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for West Culture, Media and Sport what financial assistance his Department has provided to shooting organisations to Participation data is from the Active People Survey help them prepare for the Commonwealth Games in which measures the number of people aged 16 and Glasgow. [200081] above taking part in sport in England.

Mrs Grant: British Shooting was awarded £153,000 Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for from Sport England’s Commonwealth Games Glasgow Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department 2014 medal support programme. has spent on grassroots sport in (a) Pendle, (b) East Lancashire and (c) the North West in each of the last Sports: North West five years. [199663]

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Grant: Figures in the table show Sport England Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made direct investment only.The figures do not include additional of how many adults in (a) Pendle constituency, (b) money being spent on grassroots sports by national East Lancashire and (c) the North West have taken governing bodies and other national partners in which part in at least one sporting activity each week in each Sport England has invested £493 million to get more of the last five years. [199557] people playing sport across England.

£ 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Total

Pendle 1,500 16,506 19,560 306,404 167,996 511,966 Lancashire 1,430,187 1,160,438 2,105,677 3,239,373 4,212,095 12,147,770 North West 8,220,417 14,081,270 11,875,216 12,653,474 18,754,769 65,585,146

World War I: Anniversaries (2) what financial penalties have been incurred by G4S in relation to its contract to run HM Prison Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Oakwood since 13 April 2012; [199486] Media and Sport how much public money from the (3) what financial penalties have been incurred by Heritage Lottery Fund has been awarded to each local Serco in relation to its contract for running of HM authority area for activities to commemorate the First Prison & Young Offenders Institution Doncaster since [199718] World War. 13 April 2011; [199489] Mrs Grant: Since April 2010, across various programmes, (4) what financial penalties have been incurred by the Heritage Lottery Fund has allocated over £56 million Serco in relation to its contract to run HM Prison pounds to projects throughout the United Kingdom Dovegate since May 2010; [199494] marking the first world war centenary. This includes (5) what financial penalties have been incurred by awards from the ‘First World War: Then and Now’ Sodexo Ltd in relation to its contract to run HM programme for smaller, community-led, projects. The Prison Northumberland. [199495] breakdown of this funding by local authority area will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Jeremy Wright: No liquidated damages (financial penalties) have been incurred by Sodexo Ltd in relation JUSTICE to its contract at HMP Northumberland. During the Contracts: HM Prisons mobilisation period from service commencement date 1 December 2013 to 30 May 2014 no performance Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice points apply. The next performance quarter is due to (1) what financial penalties have been incurred by G4S report in September 2014. in relation to its contract to run HM Prison Please find the responses to the above questions in Birmingham since 13 April 2012; [199485] the following tables.

Q1** Q2** Q3** Q4** Annual**

Performance Value Value Value Value Value 2012-13 indicators Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£)

Dovegate Non-compliance 85 35 10 40 80 with procedures 449W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 450W

Q1** Q2** Q3** Q4** Annual** Performance Value Value Value Value Value 2012-13 indicators Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£)

Incidents 0 0 10 0 0 Non-compliance 000 0 0 with prison regime Baseline total 133 133 133 137 0 Actual total 85 0 35 0 20 0 40 0 80 0

Doncaster Non-compliance 000 0 2- 2- with procedures Incidents 0 0 0 0 2- 2- Non-compliance 00133 2- 2- with prison regime Baseline total 0 0 0 0 2- 2- Actual total 0 0 0 0 13 5,672 3 1,260 2- 2-

Oakwood Non-compliance 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1-7 2- 2- with procedures Incidents 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1-0 2- 2- Non-compliance 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1-90 2- 2- with prison regime Baseline total 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1-0 2- 2- Actual total 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 97 45,299 2- 2-

Birmingham Non-compliance 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2-0 with procedures Incidents 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2-0 Non-compliance 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 135 with prison regime Baseline total 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2-0 Actual total 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 2- 135 95,135 * Total points accrued. Note, data excludes credit points awarded. Financial penalties only apply if baseline targets exceeded. ** Periods relate to Contractual Periods not Financial Periods. 1 Prison not in operational service. 2 Performance measure not applicable.

Q1** Q2** Q3** Q4** Annual** Performance Value Value Value Value Value 2013-14 indicators Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£)

Dovegate Non-compliance 40 250 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- with procedures Incidents 0 10 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- Non-compliance 020 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- with prison regime Baseline total 133 133 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- Actual total 40 0 280 31,485 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1-

Doncaster Non-compliance 50 50 0 0 0 with procedures Incidents 0 0 0 0 0 Non-compliance 10 4 6 27 0 with prison regime Baseline total 0 0 0 0 0 Actual total 60 25,468 54 23,200 6 2,528 27 11,233 147 62,429

Oakwood Non-compliance 00000 with procedures Incidents 0 0 0 0 0 Non-compliance 10.35 0 0 0 0 with prison regime Baseline total 0 0 0 0 0 Actual total 10.35 5,105 0 0 0 0 0 0 10.35 5,105 451W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 452W

Q1** Q2** Q3** Q4** Annual** Performance Value Value Value Value Value 2013-14 indicators Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£) Points* (£)

Birmingham Non-compliance 65.7 40 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- with procedures Incidents 0 0 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- Non-compliance 001- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- with prison regime Baseline total 0 0 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- Actual total 65.7 40,191 40 24,794 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- * Total points accrued. Note, data excludes credit points awarded. Financial penalties only apply if baseline targets exceeded. ** Periods relate to Contractual Periods not Financial Periods 1 The performance points are being validated and agreed upon and will be available later in the year.

It is important to note that performance points are The Ministry of Justice holds four regional contracts essentially about operational efficiency, and at no point for the delivery of prisoner escort and custody. One of has public safety been at risk. There are no significant these is with Serco and totals £337 million over seven historical trends in the attached figures and it is fair to years. Across the four regions these contracts move say that privately managed prisons achieve the majority circa 800,000 prisoners per year. of their contractual targets with proportionately low The table below details indicates the cost of levels of performance points and financial remedies performance measures applied in the form of applied as a result. The data for each contract is closely liquidated damages since 29 August 2011. monitored by MOJ staff and any emerging or sustained performance failures are discussed in detail Financial with the relevant contractor in order to rectify penalties/liquidated performance shortfalls as quickly as possible. Area Contractor damages (£) London and East of Serco 965,855 Contracts: Prisoner Escort England The authority holds one contract with Serco for the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice escort of children and young people in secure training (1) what financial penalties have been incurred by centres and secure children’s homes which commenced GEO/Amey in relation to its contract for the provision on 29 August 2012 not the 17 April 2012 as stated of prisoner escort and custody since 29 August 2011; within your question. There have been no financial [199488] penalties applied to it. (2) what financial penalties have been incurred by Serco in relation to its contract for the provision of Contracts: Secure Training Centres prisoner escort and custody services since 29 August 2011; [199490] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (3) what financial penalties have been incurred by (1) what financial penalties have been incurred by G4S Serco in relation to its contract for the provision for in relation to its contract to run the Medway Secure secure escort of children and young people in secure Training Centre since May 2010; [199487] training centres and secure children’s home since 17 April 2012. [199491] (2) what financial penalties have been incurred by Serco in relation to its contract to run Hassockfield Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice holds four Secure Training Centre since May 2010. [199496] regional contracts for the delivery of prisoner escort and custody. Three of these are with GeoAmey and Jeremy Wright: No financial penalties have been total £685 million over seven years. Across the four levied against G4S in relation to its operations at regions these contracts move circa 800,000 prisoners Medway Secure Training Centre since 2010-11. per year. On the question of what financial penalties have The table below details indicates the cost of the been levied against Serco in relation to its operations at performance measures applied against contract Hassockfield Secure Training Centre in each year since delivery indicators in the form of liquidated damages 2010-11, see following table. since 29 August 2011. The data presented is based on total number of performance points accrued for the relevant periods. Financial Financial remedies are only applicable when penalties/liquidated performance point baseline targets are exceeded for the Area Contractor damages (£) period. South West and South GeoAmey 222,108.00 East Hassockfield Secure Training Centre East Midlands, Yorkshire GeoAmey 154,332.88 Service credit and Humberside, and Points Baseline (£) North East North West, West GeoAmey 268,221.88 2010-11 Q3 70 150 0.00 Midlands and Wales Q4 150 150 0.00 Total 644,662.26 453W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 454W

Simon Hughes: The Ministry of Justice is committed Hassockfield Secure Training Centre to promoting equality and diversity in its Service credit Points Baseline (£) procurements. Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 outlines the Public Sector Equality Duty. The following 2011-12 Q1 110 137 0.00 three duties which form the basis of Departments’ Q2 10 137 0.00 policy and to which due regard must be given during Q3 160 137 491.45 the procurement process: Q4 160 137 498.73 1. Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Act; 2. Advance equality of opportunity between people who share 2012-13 Q1 60 125 0.00 a protected characteristic and people who do not share it; Q2 105 125 0.00 3. Foster good relations between people who share a protected Q3 20 125 0.00 characteristic and people who do not share it. Q4 125 125 0.00 The level of due regard given to the three duties will vary depending on their relevance to each individual 2013-14 Q1 230 112 2,254.80 procurement. There will be greater significance for Q2 20 112 0.00 example where the procurement involves direct contact with the public or employees of the Department or Q3 70 112 0.00 where services are to be carried out in the Department’s Q4 30 112 0.00 premises. Where a need to consider equality has been 2014-15 Q1 30 100 0.00 identified at the beginning of a procurement process, Q2 80 100 0.00 consideration to this is given at every stage of the Note: process as detailed as follows: Quarter’s are based upon contract anniversary dates: Q1 is from October-December; Q2 is from January-March; Q3 is from April-June; and, Planning and preparation includes the consideration of Q4 is from July-September. whether the duties are relevant to the procurement. It is important to note that performance points are The Pre-Qualification stage of the tender process contains essentially about operational efficiency, and at no point mandatory fields including questions to make sure that the bid is in line with legislation. Suppliers that do not pass these questions has public safety been at risk. There are no significant are not progressed onto the next stage. historical trends in the attached figures and it is fair to The Request for Information and Request for Quotation say that privately managed secure training centres contain questions in line with legislation. These questions are achieve the majority of their contractual targets with proportionate so as not to disadvantage smaller suppliers. proportionately low levels of performance points and The evaluation of tenders can include equality criteria if it financial remedies applied as a result. The data for each formed part of the specification. However, if included, the contract is closely monitored by Youth Justice Board criteria are given proportionate consideration to the bid as a and Ministry of Justice staff and any emerging or whole. sustained performance failures are discussed in detail Contract award where the specification set out equality with the relevant contractor in order to rectify criteria can be used to determine the most economically performance shortfalls as quickly as possible. advantageous tender. Ongoing consideration is given to the equality duties in every Courts: Video Conferencing review meeting for those relevant contracts. In addition to these processes implemented during Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for the procurement process, the Department reports Justice what steps he plans to take to enable vulnerable annually its obligations to the Cabinet Office. All witnesses to be able to give evidence remotely. [200321] procurement staff within the Department are required to undertake mandatory Equality and Diversity Damian Green: The Crown courts and magistrate Training which makes sure that the duty can be courts provide the facility to allow vulnerable victims considered and applied correctly. and witnesses to give evidence to the trial court by secure video link from a different court. Glen Parva Young Offender Institution In addition, a number of police stations also have video facilities that link into the court. As part of the Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice action plan to increase video usage across the Criminal which company designed the 2009 plans for a young Justice System, we intend to examine how best to offender institute at Glen Parva; and how much such extend use of remote links for vulnerable, intimidated plans cost. [200050] and other ‘priority’ victims, as defined by the Victims’ Code. Jeremy Wright: Interserve designed the 2009 plans for a young offender institution at Glen Parva with Equal Opportunities their designers, HLM Architects. The previous Government spent £5.6 million on Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for developing the plans for a new young offender Justice what consideration his Department gives to the institution at Glen Parva up to 2010. Although the diversity policies and records of businesses or other secure college pathfinder will be fundamentally organisations when considering their bid for different from a young offender’s institution, we are commercial contracts or grants. [199954] making use of the previous work where relevant. 455W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 456W

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Jeremy Wright: Open prisons have been used since which company designed and what the cost to the 1936, because they are the most effective means of public purse was of production in 2009 of the plans for ensuring that prisoners are suitably risk-assessed before a young offender institute at Glen Parva. [200248] they are released into the community under appropriate licence conditions. These prisons also Jeremy Wright: Interserve designed the 2009 plans provide effective supervision for prisoners who do not for a young offender institution at Glen Parva with require the security conditions of the closed estate, their designers, HLM Architects. because they have been assessed as having a low risk of The previous Government spent £5.6 million on harm to the public and a low risk of absconding by the developing the plans for a new young offender independent Parole Board and/or NOMS. institution at Glen Parva up to 2010. Although the Indeterminate sentence prisoners located in open secure college pathfinder will be fundamentally conditions have been risk assessed and categorised as different from a young offender’s institution, we are being of a low enough risk to the public to warrant making use of the previous work where relevant. their placement in an open prison. They will have High Down Prison previously spent time in prisons with higher levels of security, before being transferred to open conditions if Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for recommended by the Parole Board—or directed Justice what rights prisoners in HM Prison High Down through NOMS. Sutton have to association and exercise; and whether he The main purpose of open conditions is to test has received representations that prisoners at that prisoners in conditions more similar to those that they prison are being permitted less than half an hour to will face in the community. Time spent in open prisons exercise per day. [198853] affords prisoners the opportunity to find work, re-establish family ties, reintegrate into the community Jeremy Wright: Prisoners at High Down have the and ensure housing needs are met. For many prisoners same access to exercise and association as in all prisons who have spent a considerable amount of time in in England and Wales. The details are set out in Prison custody; these can assist in their successful Service Instruction (PSI) 58/2011 Physical Education reintegration in the community and protecting the for Prisoners. In addition, prisoners are entitled to public. To release these prisoners directly from a closed association time outside of their cells that may include prison without the resettlement benefits of the open forms of exercise. estate could lead to higher levels of post-release We have no record of any formal representations re-offending. The re-offending rates of those released made by prisoners at HMP Highdown on the lack of from open prisons are low when compared to all opportunity to exercise. prisoners released from custody in England and Wales. Michael Wheatley Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners were held in open prisons on Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 1May(a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013 and (e) (1) whether approval was sought from any Minister for 2014. [199528] the decision to release Michael Wheatley on temporary licence; [199682] Jeremy Wright: The following table identifies the (2) on what grounds Michael Wheatley was released total population of predominant function open prisons on temporary licence. [199683] as at the last Friday in April in each year from 2010 to 2014.This includes open female prisons, open young Jeremy Wright: Approval was not sought from any offender institutions and the relevant open parts of Minister for the decision to release Michael Wheatley multi-site establishments performing different on temporary licence, as the policy does not require functions; it does not include those held in non- ministerial approval before a prisoner is approved for predominant function open prisons or in small open release on temporary licence (ROTL). This has been units at closed prisons. the case since 1994. In accordance with the policy, as laid down in Prison Service Order 6300, the Deputy Total population in predominant function open prisons Governor at HMP Standford Hill approved ROTL for Michael Wheatley, on a recommendation from a ROTL 2010 4,655 risk assessment board at that prison. 2011 4,711 Mr Wheatley’s resettlement day release was 2012 4,911 authorised to facilitate his potential resettlement into 2013 4,993 the community and to assess his ongoing risk, to 2014 5,041 inform the Parole Board’s future decision as to his suitability for release into the community on life Open prisons have been used since 1936, because licence. they are the most effective means of ensuring that prisoners are suitably risk-assessed before they are Open Prisons released into the community under appropriate licence conditions. These prisons also provide effective Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice supervision for prisoners who do not require the how many prisoners serving custodial sentences for security conditions of the closed estate, because they serious violent and sexual assaults were held in open have been assessed as having a low risk of harm to the prisons on 1 May (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) public and a low risk of absconding by NOMS and/or 2013 and (e) 2014. [199513] the independent Parole Board. 457W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 458W

Indeterminate sentence prisoners located in open Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice conditions have been risk assessed and categorised as how many of those held in open prisons in each month being of a low enough risk to the public to warrant in 2010 to 2013 had previously (a) absconded, (b) their placement in an open prison. They will have attempted to abscond, (c) escaped and (d) attempted previously spent time in prisons with higher levels of to escape. [200226] security, before being transferred to open conditions if recommended by the Parole Board—or directed Jeremy Wright: Keeping the public safe is our through NOMS. priority. Absconds and escapes have reached record lows under this Government but each incident is taken The main purpose of open conditions is to test seriously. Immediate changes have already been prisoners in conditions more similar to those that they ordered to tighten up the system as a matter of will face in the community. Time spent in open prisons urgency. Prisoners will no longer be transferred to open affords prisoners the opportunity to find work, conditions or allowed out on temporary release if they re-establish family ties, reintegrate into the community have previously absconded, escaped, or attempted to and ensure housing needs are met. For many prisoners do either. who have spent a considerable amount of time in custody; these can assist in their successful My officials are currently working to provide the reintegration in the community and protecting the information requested. I will write to the right hon. public. To release these prisoners directly from a closed Member in due course. prison without the resettlement benefits of the open Prison Service estate could lead to higher levels of post-release reoffending. The reoffending rates of those released Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice from open prisons are low when compared to all (1) how many hours of (a) initial and (b) on-the-job prisoners released from custody in England and Wales. training is provided to prison (i) governors and (ii) staff The public have understandable concerns in the light on (A) diversity and equality and (B) issues relating to of recent high profile absconds. Keeping the public safe radicalisation of prisoners; [199478] is our priority and we will not allow the actions of a (2) what (a) initial and (b) on-the-job training is small minority of offenders to undermine public provided to prison (i) governors and (ii) staff on (A) confidence in the prison system. The number of diversity and equality and (B) issues relating to prisoners absconding has reached record lows, down radicalisation of prisoners. [199479] from 952 absconds in 1995-96 (the first year for which this data is available) to 204 in 2012-13, but we take Jeremy Wright: A range of equality and diversity each and every incident seriously. The Government has training is available to all prison staff. Equalities already ordered immediate changes to tighten up the awareness is also embedded in all business specific system as a matter of urgency. With immediate effect, learning. The amount of training provided to prisoners will no longer be transferred to open individuals depends on their identified needs and their conditions if they have previously absconded from role within the prison. open prisons; or absconded or reoffended while Newly recruited prison officers and operational released on temporary licence. support grades are introduced to the nine protected characteristics (as described in the Equalities Act 2010) at the beginning of their initial training (one hour Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for session). These are referred to throughout the course, Justice (1) how many prisoners in open prisons have and the learners’ understanding is assessed during previously absconded or escaped from prison; [199723] specific equalities sessions (approximately seven hours) (2) how many prisoners in an open prison have towards the end of the course. previously breached a licence condition while released Training and support from NOMS Security group on temporary licence. [199722] and Chaplaincy group to appropriate staff forms a key part of NOMS’ wide-ranging programme of work to Jeremy Wright: Keeping the public safe is our manage the risks of violent extremism and radicalisation priority. That is why this Government has taken action in custody. A three-hour module on extremism and on both releases on temporary licence (ROTL) and radicalisation is delivered to all newly recruited prison absconds from prison. officers as part of their initial training. The session We commissioned a fundamental review of ROTL raises their awareness of extremism and radicalisation, policy and practice last year and, in March, announced enabling them to confidently and appropriately identify, a package of measures to ensure that the public was report, and manage those prisoners who exhibit extremist properly protected. We have brought forward some of behaviours. those measures so that they take effect immediately; In prisons, bespoke training for staff working with particularly with more serious offenders, where the extremist prisoners lasts up to three hours and examines review concluded that an enhanced risk assessment the threat of extremism, how to identify those offenders approach should be taken. and looks in detail at specific forms of extremism. Absconds have reached record lows under this Prisoners Government but each incident is taken seriously. Immediate changes have already been ordered to Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice tighten up the system as a matter of urgency. Prisoners on which occasions Ministers in his Department have will no longer be transferred to open conditions or taken decisions on (a) moving prisoners into open allowed out on temporary release if they have conditions and (b) releasing prisoners on temporary previously absconded. licence since May 2010. [200224] 459W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 460W

Jeremy Wright: An indeterminate sentence prisoner temporary release decisions may be made only by the is transferred to open conditions only after a robust risk governor or deputy, and the board recommending the assessment and, in most cases, upon the recommendation decision must consider a psychologist’s review report. of the independent Parole Board. In making its risk assessment, the Parole Board is provided with reports Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice from a range of professional staff from within the how many prisoners were released on temporary National Offender Management Service, all of whom licence in each of the last four years (a) on can be required to attend the Parole Board hearing and compassionate grounds or to receive medical give evidence directly to the Board if required to do so. treatment, (b) to engage in work, paid employment or In making its recommendation, the Board’s overriding volunatry work, (c) to receive instruction or training priority at all times is the safety of the public. which is not available in prison, (d) to take part in Decisions as to whether to accept a Parole Board court, tribunal or inquiry proceedings, (e) to consult recommendation to transfer an indeterminate sentence with his legal adviser, where this cannot reasonably be prisoner to open conditions or to direct the transfer of done within the prison, (f) to help the police with their such a prisoner without a Parole Board recommendation enquiries, (g) to facilitate the prisoner’s transfer are taken by officials within the National Offender between prisons and (h) to help him maintain family Management Service on behalf of Ministers, in accordance ties or to ease the transition from prison life to with the Carltona principle. Such decisions are not freedom. [199533] referred to Ministers. Decisions to transfer determinate sentence prisoners Jeremy Wright: Releases for each of the reasons (a) to open conditions are taken by population managers to (h) given in the question—which are the purposes within the National Offender Management Service. Only for which temporary release may be authorised under prisoners who have been thoroughly risk assessed and the Prison Rules—are captured under one or other of categorised as suitable for open conditions will be considered the four types of temporary release. Data on the number for transfer to open prisons. Decisions on re-categorising of temporary releases by type of licence are published prisoners as suitable for open conditions are taken by annually in table A3.10 of the Offender Management experienced prison staff with input from offender managers, caseload statistics at the following link: healthcare and other professional staff using recent https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/offender- information about the prisoner including behaviour management-statistics-quarterly-october-december-2013-and- while in closed conditions, security and intelligence annual information and any other risk information that might The data for the last four years are as follows: demonstrate the prisoner’s proven trustworthiness. Decisions are not taken by Ministers. 20101 2011 2012 2013 Decisions to release prisoners on temporary licence Total Releases — 460,356 484,951 529,350 (ROTL) are taken by prison governors and directors, or their delegates, on behalf of the Secretary of State and Special Purpose Licence — 11,779 13,145 11,828 in line with national guidance issued by the National Resettlement Day — 429,180 452,424 497,363 Offender Management Service (NOMS). Decisions are Release taken on the basis of recommendations from a risk Childcare Resettlement — 211 251 226 assessment board that has taken account of the nature Licence of the offence and any indentified risk factors, the Resettlement Overnight — 19,186 19,131 19,933 position of known victims, the offender’s record on Release previous ROTL; their behaviour in prison and progress 1 A new prison database system was introduced mid 2009 which in tackling their offending behaviour, and any other affected the supply of data for statistical purposes from July 2009 to specific areas of concern relevant to that case. Decisions February 2010. Therefore, data for 2010 cannot be provided and are left blank in the table above. are not taken by Ministers. Note: There are four types of temporary release: Prisoners’ Release Resettlement day release—which allows people to train, work, maintain contact with their families and undertake general resettlement activities; Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Resettlement overnight release—which allows prisoners to spend whether ministerial approval is required for decisions time in the proposed release address; to grant release on temporary licence for (a) all Childcare Resettlement Licence—which allows the release of sole prisoners and (b) those that committed the most carers of children under 16; and, Special purpose licence—which covers a range of necessary activities serious and violent crimes. [199527] not linked to resettlement, such as medical treatment, attending funerals or indeed transferring between prisons, attending court or Jeremy Wright: Ministers do not approve individual helping the police decisions to release prisoners on temporary licence (ROTL). Decisions are taken by prison governors and directors, Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for or their delegates, on behalf of the Secretary of State Justice how many prisoners who breached their and in line with national guidance issued by the National temporary licence conditions in each of the last three Offender Management Service (NOMS). This is in line years were granted further release on temporary with the 1994 and 2006 ROTL guidance. licence. [199721] We commissioned a review of ROTL policy and practice last year. We have introduced a new approach Jeremy Wright: An answer to this question could be whereby high risk and serious offenders will be subjected provided only at disproportionate cost. It would entail to an enhanced regime of restricted ROTL under which detailed checking of over 1,100 individual prisoner 461W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 462W records relating to those who had breached conditions Offenders. The issue is also raised when Ministers and attached to their temporary release during this period senior officials from overseas visit the United Kingdom. in order to see whether they had subsequently been We do not hold a central record of all the occasions granted further temporary release. PTAs have been raised in discussion. The number of temporary release failures remains All foreign national offenders sentenced to custody very low, less that one failure in every 1,000 releases and are referred to the Home Office for them to consider only around five failures in every 100,000 releases involve deportation at the earliest possible opportunity. alleged offending; but we are keenly aware of The Prisoner Transfer process is just one mechanism understandable public concern about temporary release for removing Foreign National Offenders. The number failures. Towards the end of May we accelerated our of FNOs deported under the Early Removal Scheme plans to improve release on temporary licence (ROTL) (ERS) has increased under this Government. In 2013, policy and practice. We brought forward aspects of the we removed nearly 2,000 FNOs under ERS and under new ″restricted ROTL″ approach for serious offenders the Tariff Expired Removal Scheme (TERS), which we to safeguard the public, and the requirement that no introduced in May 2012, we have removed over 240 ROTL can take place without a clearly defined, legitimate FNOs to date. purpose. In addition, those who have failed to return Whereas this Government has begun to reduce the from or offended on temporary release, or who have foreign national population in prison since 2010, between absconded or escaped from custody during the current 1997 and 2010, the number of foreign nationals in our sentence will now be refused temporary release in the prisons more than doubled. absence of exceptional circumstances. Prisoners: Repatriation Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many full-time equivalent staff of his Department were working on prisoner transfer agreements on Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 1 April (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013 and (e) with which countries the UK is currently negotiating 2014. [199508] prisoner transfer agreements. [199506] Jeremy Wright: Since 2010 there have been six officials Jeremy Wright: Prisoner transfer agreements can be a in the MOJ and NOMS who spend a significant proportion sensitive issue for some countries and it could be counter- of their time in relation to obtaining and supporting the productive to reveal details of discussions before they implementation of Prisoner Transfer Arrangements (PTAs). are concluded. However, I can assure you that my These officials cover policy, operational and legal roles. ministerial colleagues and I are actively engaging with a This work is a high priority and there is coordinated number of countries and remain determined to secure director level input across government with Foreign and compulsory agreements wherever possible. Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Home Office (HO) All foreign national offenders sentenced to custody officials contributing to the objective to get compulsory are referred to the Home Office for them to consider PTAs. deportation at the earliest possible opportunity. All foreign national offenders sentenced to custody The Prisoner Transfer process is just one mechanism are referred to the Home Office for them to consider for removing Foreign National Offenders. The number deportation at the earliest possible opportunity. of FNOs deported under the Early Removal Scheme The Prisoner Transfer process is just one mechanism (ERS) has increased under this Government. In 2013, for removing Foreign National Offenders. The number we removed nearly 2,000 FNOs under ERS and under of FNOs deported under the Early Removal Scheme the Tariff Expired Removal Scheme (TERS), which we {ERS) has increased under this Government. In 2013, introduced in May 2012, we have removed over 240 we removed nearly 2,000 FNOs under ERS and under FNOs to date. the Tariff Expired Removal Scheme (TERS), which we Whereas this Government has begun to reduce the introduced in May 2012, we have removed over 240 foreign national population in prison since 2010, between FNOs to date. 1997 and 2010, the number of foreign nationals in our Whereas this Government has begun to reduce the prisons more than doubled. foreign national population in prison since 2010, between 1997 and 2010, the number of foreign nationals in our Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice prisons more than doubled. how many Ministerial visits to foreign countries during which prisoner transfer agreements were discussed Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice took place (a) between May 1997 and May 2010 and with which countries and on what dates the UK has (b) since May 2010. [199507] (a) signed and (b) ratified prisoner transfer agreements (i) between May 1997 and May 2010 and Jeremy Wright: Ministers across government pro-actively (ii) since May 2010. [199517] raise the prospect of PTAs when they are visiting countries where we have significant numbers of Foreign National Jeremy Wright: The information is as follows:

Table 1: Prisoner Transfer Arrangements (PTAs) signed between May 1997 and May 2010 Voluntary or Compulsory Agreement (i.e. consent of prisoner required or Country Date of signature Date came into force not)

Antigua and Barbuda 23 June 2003 20 January 2004 Voluntary Barbados 3 April 2002 2 March 2003 Voluntary 463W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 464W

Table 1: Prisoner Transfer Arrangements (PTAs) signed between May 1997 and May 2010 Voluntary or Compulsory Agreement (i.e. consent of prisoner required or Country Date of signature Date came into force not)

Brazil 20 August 1998 11 December 2001 Voluntary Cuba 13 June 2002 2 July 2003 Voluntary Commonwealth of Dominica 2 May 2006 1— Voluntary Dominican Republic 18 February 2003 1— Voluntary Ghana 17 July 2008 17 July 2008 Voluntary Hong Kong SAR 5 November 1997 19 March 1998 Voluntary India 18 February 2005 21 November 2005 Voluntary Jamaica 26 June 2007 1— Voluntary Laos 7 May 2009 25 September 2009 Voluntary Lesotho (provisionally applied on signature) 6 June 2007 1— Voluntary Libya 17 November 2008 29 April 2009 Compulsory Morocco 21 February 2002 1 July 2013 Voluntary Nicaragua 6 September 2005 1— Voluntary Pakistan 24 August 2007 19 August 2008 Voluntary Peru 7 March 2003 11 September 2003 Voluntary Rwanda 11 February 2010 23 November 2010 Compulsory St. Lucia 27 April 2006 17 June 2008 Voluntary Sri Lanka 6 February 2003 24 March 2004 Voluntary Suriname 29 June 2002 1— Voluntary Uganda 12 September 2008 1— Voluntary Venezuela 12 June 2012 15 April 2003 Voluntary Vietnam 12 September 2008 20 September 2009 Voluntary 1 Not in force. Table 2: Prisoner Transfer Arrangements (PTAs) signed May 2010 to date Voluntary or Compulsory Agreement Country Date of signature Date came into force (i.e. consent of prisoner or not)

Albania 15 January 2013 11 June 2013 Compulsory Nigeria 9 January 2014 1— Compulsory Saudi Arabia 2 January 2012 2 July 2012 Voluntary Somaliland (Memorandum of Understanding 16 April 2014 16 April 2014 Compulsory rather than a PTA) United Arab Emirates 24 January 2013 2 February 2014 Voluntary 1 Not in force—Nigerian PTA will shortly be in force. We are awaiting final exchange of diplomatic notes. First transfers are expected by the end of this calendar year (2014).

In addition to the bilateral prisoner transfer arrangements Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice listed above the United Kingdom became a party to the whether EU nationals sentenced before 5 December following multi-party arrangements: 2011 are eligible for repatriation under the EU Prisoner The Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention Transfer Agreement. [199518] on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Signed: 9 February 2009 Entered into Force: 1 November 2009 Jeremy Wright: Council Framework Decision 2008/ Council Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA of the 27 November 909/JHA (The “EU PTA”) entered into force on 2008 on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to judgments in criminal matters imposing custodial sentences or 5 December 2011. To date 18 Member states, including measures involving deprivation of liberty for the purpose of their the UK, have implemented the Agreement. The remainder enforcement in the European Union are expected to do so by the end of this year (2014). Adopted: 27 November 2008 Entered into force: 5 December Article 28 (2) of the EU PTA enables member states to 2011 issue a declaration restricting application of the agreement All foreign national offenders sentenced to custody to persons sentenced on or after 5 December 2011. To are referred to the Home Office for them to consider date four member states (Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, deportation at the earliest possible opportunity. and Poland) have made declarations under Article 28 (2). The Prisoner Transfer process is just one mechanism for removing Foreign National Offenders. The number All foreign national offenders sentenced to custody of FNOs deported under the Early Removal Scheme are referred to the Home Office for them to consider (ERS) has increased under this Government. In 2013, deportation at the earliest possible opportunity. we removed nearly 2,000 FNOs under ERS and under The Prisoner Transfer process is just one mechanism the Tariff Expired Removal Scheme (TERS), which we for removing Foreign National Offenders. The number introduced in May 2012, we have removed over 240 of FNOs deported under the Early Removal Scheme FNOs to date. (ERS) has increased under this Government. In 2013, Whereas this Government has begun to reduce the we removed nearly 2,000 FNOs under ERS and under foreign national population in prison since 2010, between the Tariff Expired Removal Scheme (TERS), which we 1997 and 2010, the number of foreign nationals in our introduced in May 2012, we have removed over 240 prisons more than doubled. FNOs to date. 465W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 466W

Whereas this Government has begun to reduce the incidents referred to the police for prosecution. It is foreign national population in prison since 2010, between working closely with the police and CPS to develop a 1997 and 2010, the number of foreign nationals in our new joint protocol to report crimes in prison—this prisons more than doubled. includes pushing for prosecutions when prison staff are attacked. Prisoners: Risk Assessment The number of arrests and charges from assault incidents in prison can be obtained only at disproportionate Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for cost. Justice how many risk assessments on prisoners were carried out by (a) fully-qualified forensic psychologists Prisons: Discipline and (b) trainee psychologists in each of the last three years. [200108] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many incidents of each type were recorded on the Jeremy Wright: The numbers of risk assessments Incident Reporting System in (a) privately and (b) carried out by psychologists has not routinely been publicly run prisons in each month since 1 January recorded over the last three years; obtaining these figures 2014. [199515] would require psychology teams to review their paper and electronic records for that period for the entire Jeremy Wright: The Incident Reporting System is service, incurring disproportionate cost in the process. used by establishments to record events that undermine the safety of those within an establishment and/or Prisoners: Sexual Offences subvert the authority or effectiveness of the establishment’s regimes or facilities. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice There is a range of incident types recorded on this how many non-consensual sexual acts, of what type, system and the data needs to undergo validation and there were in prisons in England and Wales in each of assurance before being published. To undertake this on the last four years. [199550] each incident type that is reported takes time and so I will write to you when this information is available for Jeremy Wright: Sexual assaults account for less than the latest period. 2% of all assault incidents reported. The reporting of sexual assaults does not specify the type of sexual Prisons: Employment assault that has been committed. The numbers of sexual assaults in prisons are provided in Table 3.9 of the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice assaults tables in the Safety in Custody statistics bulletin (1) how many jobs have been created by One3One which can be found at: Solutions (a) in England and Wales and (b) in each https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/safety-in-custody- Prison Service region in each of the last four years; statistics [199504] (2) how many prisoners were in employment Prisons: Crimes of Violence provided by One3One Solutions in (a) England and Wales and (b) each Prison Service region in each of the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice last four years. [199505] how many reported incidents of assault by Kevin Thakrar on (a) prison officers and (b) other prisoners Jeremy Wright: Information is not available to identify there were in each of the last four years; how many of separately prison work places specifically attributed to those incidents were reported to the police; and in how ONE3ONE Solutions, as prisoner work is sourced both many of those incidents did Crown Prosecution Service by the central ONE3ONE team and by prisons locally. decide (i) not to prosecute and (ii) to prosecute. The number of prisoners working in industrial activity [199501] in public sector prisons in England and Wales increased from around 8,600 in 2010-11 (the first year for which Jeremy Wright: NOMS takes the issue of assaults figures are available) to around 9,700 in 2012-13. This very seriously. It currently has systems in place to deal was achieved without increasing operating costs to the with perpetrators quickly and robustly, with serious National Offender Management Service (NOMS). incidents referred to the police for prosecution. It is Private sector prisons have also been supporting this working with the police and Crown Prosecution Service agenda and have reported that they provided work for to ensure that prisoners who assault staff are charged some 1,200 prisoners in 2012-13. and punished appropriately. In addition, there are substantial number of prisoners To protect the safety of prisoners and prison staff who work in prisons on tasks such as cooking, serving details of incidents by individual prisoners cannot be meals, maintenance and cleaning. provided. Figures for public sector prisons are published in the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice NOMS annual report management information addendum, how many reported incidents of violence inside prisons available at: resulted in (a) an arrest and (b) a charge, by type of https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ offence, in each of the last four years. [199529] attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf Historical data broken down by Prison Service region Jeremy Wright: NOMS takes the issue of assaults would need to be extracted from different management very seriously. It currently has systems in place to deal information systems, quality checked, recorded and with perpetrators quickly and robustly, with serious formatted. This would incur disproportionate cost. 467W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 468W

Probation Rye Hill—G4S PFI Onley Prison Services Ltd Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Bronzefield—Sodexo PFI Ashford Prison how many chief executives of probation services have Services Ltd Forest Bank—Sodexo PFI Agecroft Prison formed a mutual; how many of those mutuals have Management Ltd passed the pre-qualification questionnaire in the Peterborough—Sodexo PFI Peterborough Prison competitiveness process of community rehabilitation Management Ltd companies; and if he will make a statement. [199473] Ashfield—Serco PFI Pucklechurch Custodial Services Ltd Jeremy Wright: In mid December 2013, we announced Lowdham Grange— PFI Lowdham Grange Serco Prison Services Ltd the bidders who passed the first stage of the competition Thameside—Serco PFI BWP Project Services to bid for the regional rehabilitation contracts. Limited Approximately one third of the bidders included a Key: potential mutual organisation within their consortium. PFI = Private Finance Initiative. A list of the bidders who have been successful at this MM = Manage and Maintain. stage can be found at: Secure Colleges https://www.justice.gov.uk/transforming-rehabilitation/ competition Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Bids to run the Community Rehabilitation Companies what representations (a) Ministers and (b) officials in (CRCs) have yet to be submitted, but are expected by his Department have received on the use of constraint the end of June 2014. The contract winners for each in secure colleges. [200242] Community Rehabilitation Company are expected be announced by the end of 2014. Jeremy Wright: During the passage of the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill through this House, my officials Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and I have received representations from Members of how many unfilled vacancies there were on 1 June 2014 the House and a number of stakeholders on the use of in (a) each community rehabilitation company and reasonable force for the purposes of ensuring good (b) the National Probation Service. [200223] order and discipline in secure colleges. The Bill provides for the use of force by a custody Jeremy Wright: The National Probation Service (NPS) officer in discharging his or her duties, but only in and Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) circumstances authorised by secure college rules. At commenced operation on 1 June, and all staff have now Report stage on 16 May 2014, I announced that we will moved to the new structure. Detailed information on be consulting on the approach to the rules, while the Bill vacancies is not held centrally. CRCs and NPS divisions is still before Parliament. are currently developing their work force plans, building on the staff structures inherited from trusts. Once these Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice are completed, they will be reviewed centrally and will what equality impact assessments his Department has inform the current round of recruitment for trainee carried out on the proposed introduction of a secure probation officers. In the meantime, NPS deputy directors college. [200243] and CRCs are continuing to monitor and manage staffing Jeremy Wright: In accordance with the Ministry of in their areas. Justice’s duties under the Equality Act 2010, we considered the impact of the proposals set out in the Government’s Procurement response to the Transforming YouthCustody Consultation in January 2014. We will consider equalities impacts Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice further as part of the consultation on the approach to with reference to the answer of 28 April 2014, Official the secure college rules during the passage of the Criminal Report, column 623W, on procurement, what contracts Justice and Court Bill through Parliament, and throughout his Department holds with (a) G4S, (b) Sodexo and the development of the project. (c) Serco for (i) HM Prison Altcourse, (ii) HM Secure Colleges: Construction Prison/Young Offender Institution Parc, (iii) HM Prison Rye Hill, (iv) HM Prison Bronzefield, (v) Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice HM Prison/Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, how many firms other than Wates submitted bids for (vi) HM Prison Peterborough, (vii) HM Prison the construction contract for a secure college. [200051] Ashfield, (viii) HM Prison Lowdham Grange and (ix) HM Prison Thameside. [199526] Jeremy Wright: A competition has taken place under the Ministry of Justice’s Strategic Alliance Agreement Jeremy Wright: The MOJ holds the following contracts Framework. Tenders were submitted by four bidders, with G4S, Sodexo and Serco. Carillion, Interserve, Lend Lease and Wates.

Contractor (special Secure Colleges: Leicestershire purpose vehicle (SPV)) Existing contracted Type of contract Companies House Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice estate prisons PFI/MM registered name what the differences are between the current design for Altcourse—G4S PFI Fazakerley Prison Services Ltd the secure college in Leicestershire and the plans for a Parc—G4S PFI Bridgend Custodial young offender institute at Glen Parva drawn up in Services Ltd 2009 by HLM Architects. [200044] 469W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 470W

Jeremy Wright: The secure college will be a step Jeremy Wright: The Department has made no payment change from the traditional custodial environment of by results-related bonuses to Serco in relation to its bars on windows and the initial design draws on innovation contract to run HM Prison Doncaster since the beginning and learning from developments of community based of the contract. Reoffending data from the first offender schools and colleges. Although the secure college will be cohort will be available at the end of July 2014. The fundamentally different from a young offenders institution, results will determine whether any sums are due under we are making use of the previous work where relevant. the contract. The plans drawn up in 2009 were focused on delivering Sexual Offences: Rehabilitation facilities specifically designed for young people, albeit a different cohort. It is therefore inevitable there will be Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice similarities between the design solutions. However, present how many prisoners undertook the (a) Core Sex designs are fully reflective of the broader cohort a Offender Treatment Programme, (b) Extended secure college could take and the accommodation has Sex Offender Treatment Programme, (c) Healthy Sex been configured accordingly to ensure their safety and Programme, (d) Becoming New Me Programme, (e) well-being. New Me Coping Programme, (f) Living as New Me Programme and (g) all sex offender treatment Serco programmes in each prison in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013. [199509] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what financial penalties have been incurred by Serco in Jeremy Wright: We provide a range of programmes relation to its contract to deliver the NOMS/European for this highly complex group of offenders. These are Social Fund project aimed at improving employability tailored to address an individual’s risk and need, and prospects of offenders and ex-offenders in the South can also include substance misuse, anger management and violence reduction. Sex offender treatment programmes East region since 1 January 2011. [199492] are not suitable for every prisoner. In each case a Jeremy Wright: Serco have incurred no financial penalties thorough assessment will be carried out. We are looking in respect of this contract since it commenced on 1 January to make sure that the resources we are targeting specifically 2011. towards sex offenders deal with the highest risk sex offenders and have created the Sex Offender Management Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Board to address this. This should lead to increased what financial penalties have been incurred by Serco in high risk sex offenders accessing programmes. A greater relation to its contract to run Community Payback focus has been placed on higher risk offenders who pose Services in London since 31 October 2012. [199493] the greatest risk of harm to the public and this therefore requires investment in lengthier more expensive programmes Jeremy Wright: A service credit of £14,409 was raised which offer greater benefit to the public. This may result for this contract. in a reduction in overall places but represents a better investment in public protection. This is why simply Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice looking at the number of starts or completions does not what total amount his Department has paid in tell the full story. The following table sets out the payment by results-related bonuses to Serco in relation number of prisoners by establishment and in total who to its contract to run HM Prison Doncaster since the started each of the named programmes in the financial beginning of that contract. [199503] years 2009-10 to 2012-13.

Location Programme name 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Grand total

Albany Core Programme 36 54 63 36 189 Extended Programme 27 27 27 18 99 Albany Total 63 81 90 54 288

Aylesbury Becoming New Me — — — 5 5 Core Programme 17 18 18 18 71 Aylesbury Total 17 18 18 23 76

Brixton Core Programme — — — 17 17 Healthy Sexual Functioning — — — 2 2 Rolling Programme — — 4 15 19 Brixton Total — — 4 34 38

Bullingdon Becoming New Me — — — 5 5 Better Lives Booster 9 18 9 9 45 Core Programme 27 27 27 18 99 Rolling Programme 33 36 32 29 130 Bullingdon Total 69 81 68 61 279 471W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 472W

Location Programme name 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Grand total

Bure Better Lives Booster — 27 9 27 63 Core Programme — 45 27 27 99 Extended Programme — — 18 9 27 Healthy Sexual Functioning — — — 2 2 Bure Total — 72 54 65 191

Channings Wood Better Lives Booster 18 26 18 27 89 Core Programme 9 9 18 9 45 Healthy Sexual Functioning — — — 4 4 Channings Wood Total 27 35 36 40 138

Frankland Adapted Better Lives Booster — 8 7 — 15 Becoming New Me 8 8 10 10 36 Core Programme 18 27 18 27 90 Extended Programme — — 10 9 19 Healthy Sexual Functioning 2 4 — 2 8 Frankland Total 28 47 45 48 168

Full Sutton Core Programme 9 18 18 14 59 Extended Programme 9 16 17 9 51 Healthy Sexual Functioning 3 3 2 7 15 Rolling Programme 15 — — 1 16 Full Sutton Total 36 37 37 31 141

Hull Becoming New Me 16 8 8 8 40 Core Programme 18 27 18 37 100 New Me Coping — — 7 — 7 Rolling Programme 37 35 4 1 77 Hull Total 71 70 37 46 224

Littlehey Core Programme 27 9 18 18 72 Rolling Programme 35 37 39 37 148 Littlehey Total 62 46 57 55 220

Maidstone Better Lives Booster 16 26 34 17 93 Core Programme 18 18 18 18 72 Rolling Programme 17 — — — 17 Maidstone Total 51 44 52 35 182

Manchester Becoming New Me 8 8 — — 16 Core Programme 7 9 9 — 25 Manchester Total 15 17 9 — 41

Northumberland1 Becoming New Me — 8 8 — 16 Better Lives Booster — 15 15 7 37 Core Programme 9 18 9 27 63 Rolling Programme 21 — — — 21 Northumberland Total 30 41 32 34 137

Parc Rolling Programme 32 32 31 27 122 Parc Total 32 32 31 27 122

Risley Core Programme 9 18 18 9 54 Extended Programme 18 18 19 9 64 Healthy Sexual Functioning 8 5 8 5 26 Rolling Programme 28 23 22 28 101 473W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 474W

Location Programme name 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Grand total

Risley Total 63 64 67 51 245

Rye Hill Becoming New Me 6 16 8 8 38 Core Programme 43 18 18 27 106 Rye Hill Total 49 34 26 35 144

Shepton Mallet Better Lives Booster 27 9 18 17 71 Core Programme — 9 — 9 18 Extended Programme 9 18 9 9 45 Shepton Mallet Total 36 36 27 35 134

Stafford Core Programme 27 27 27 18 99 Rolling Programme 33 36 35 11 115 Stafford Total 60 63 62 29 214

Swinfen Hall Adapted Better Lives Booster — — 8 8 16 Becoming New Me 16 8 8 8 40 Better Lives Booster — 9 9 18 36 Core Programme 27 9 17 26 79 Extended Programme 9 9 9 9 36 Swinfen Hall Total 52 35 51 69 207

Usk Adapted Better Lives Booster — 9 9 — 18 Becoming New Me 8 — 8 8 24 Better Lives Booster — 9 9 8 26 Core Programme 9 9 18 27 63 Extended Programme 18 9 9 9 45 Healthy Sexual Functioning — 2 4 3 9 Usk Total 35 38 57 55 185

Wakefield Adapted Better Lives Booster 8 — — — 8 Becoming New Me — 8 — — 8 Better Lives Booster — 9 — 9 18 Core Programme 27 9 27 18 81 Extended Programme — 18 — 9 27 Healthy Sexual Functioning 2 — — — 2 Wakefield Total 37 44 27 36 144

Wandsworth Core Programme 27 27 26 — 80 Healthy Sexual Functioning 1 2 2 — 5 Rolling Programme 38 38 24 — 100 Wandsworth Total 66 67 52 — 185

Wayland Better Lives Booster 9 — — — 9 Core Programme 8 — — — 8 Rolling Programme 18 — — — 18 Wayland Total 35 — — — 35

Whatton Adapted Better Lives Booster 16 16 24 16 72 Becoming New Me 24 16 8 12 60 Better Lives Booster 36 27 36 27 126 Core Programme 36 9 45 45 135 Extended Programme 9 18 27 27 81 Healthy Sexual Functioning — — 5 10 15 Rolling Programme 55 58 35 35 183 475W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 476W

Location Programme name 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Grand total

Whatton Total 176 144 180 172 672

Wymott Adapted Programme 8 — — — 8 Becoming New Me 8 8 16 8 40 Better Lives Booster — — 9 7 16 Core Programme 27 35 18 27 107 Wymott Total 43 43 43 42 171

Grand Total 1,153 1,189 1,162 1,077 4,581 1 Figures refer to Acklington prior to merger with Castington to become Northumberland in 2011-12.

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Damian Green: Funding for the commissioning of what the average waiting time for a sex offender victims’ services has been allocated to Police and Crime treatment programme is (a) across the whole prison Commissioners using a transparent formula based solely estate and (b) in those prisons holding sex offenders. on population data. One of the reasons we are moving [199531] to a local commissioning model is to allow Police and Crime Commissioners to provide services tailored to Jeremy Wright: NOMS run a number of different meet local needs. The population based formula ensures sexual offending treatment programmes across various that funding is allocated according to where the victim prison types and security categories. The range of courses lives, and therefore where they will likely seek the support and individual circumstances of the offenders waiting of victims’ services. Additionally the relatively low variation to undertake them means that it is not possible to in distribution of population between areas year on provide a meaningful average waiting time for these year means these proportions should remain relatively programmes. Prisoners’ access can be dependent upon a stable over time. number of factors which include their level of motivation, risk of recidivism, treatment history or sentence plan, Victim Support Schemes: North Yorkshire and their sentence length and release date or tariff expiry. Once referred for a programme, access will also Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for depend on whether other prisoners are considered to Justice how much core grant was provided to fund take priority for that programme on factors such as Victim Support services in the (a) Crown Court level of risk and release date. Witness Service and (b) Magistrates Court Witness Social Security Benefits: Appeals Service in North Yorkshire in each year since 2004-05. [198526] Mike Kane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average length of time is for appeals for those Damian Green: The Ministry of Justice provides a core grant of £38 million to Victim Support of which who have had their benefits sanctioned. [200130] £12 million is used to fund the provision of emotional Mr Vara: The First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and and practical support for witnesses at criminal courts Child Support), administered by HM Courts and Tribunals who wish to receive this service. Service (HMCTS), hears appeals against Department The Ministry of Justice does not routinely collect for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) decisions on a range of data on how this funding is distributed by Victim Support. benefits. HMCTS does not record data specifically relating to appeals against sanctions imposed by DWP and does HEALTH not therefore hold the information requested. Trials Air Pollution Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for how many trials were stayed in each of the last four Health with reference to the answer of 8 April 2014, years. [199520] Official Report, column 178W, from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, on air pollution, Mr Vara: While stays are recorded on HMCTS’ case for what reasons an assessment has not been made of management systems in the Crown Court and magistrates the deaths caused by short-term exposures to elevated courts they are not recorded in a way that allows them levels of air pollutants in the years since 2010. [200164] to identify how many trials were stayed. This could be done only by manually checking every case file at Jane Ellison: Estimates of deaths attributable to long-term disproportionate cost. exposure to particulate air pollution in United Kingdom Victim Support Schemes local authorities in 2010 were published by Public Health England in April 2014. The mortality burden for the Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice UK was estimated as an effect equivalent to nearly what steps he has taken to ensure that funds devolved 29,000 deaths. to the budgets of police and crime commissioners for Public Health England does not routinely estimate victims’ services are allocated according to crime rates. the deaths associated with short-term exposure to elevated [199327] levels of air pollutants, as these effects are thought to 477W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 478W overlap with the mortality effects of long-term exposure Median ambulance response times to treatment for category A1 (red 1 and red 2 calls require staff to arrive at the scene of the incident within eight minutes in to air pollution. Long-term exposure to air pollution is 75% of cases) calls for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, April 2011 to understood to be a contributory factor to deaths from April 2014 respiratory and, particularly, cardiovascular disease, for Median time to treatment for example, unlikely to be the sole cause of deaths of Month Category A calls (in minutes) individuals. This means that it is likely that air pollution April 2014 6.4 contributes a smaller amount to the deaths of a larger 1 Category A calls are defined as those that are the result of immediately life number of exposed individuals rather than being solely threatening incidents. responsible for a number of deaths equivalent to the Note: It is not possible to calculate the median time to treatment for England from the calculated figure of ‘attributable deaths’. medians for individual Ambulance Trust. Source: Ambulance quality indicators, NHS England www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ambulance-quality- Ambulance Services: Yorkshire and the Humber indicators

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Armed Forces: In Vitro Fertilisation what the average ambulance response times in (a) Doncaster, (b) Barnsley, (c) Rotherham and (d) Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Sheffield was in each year since May 2010; and what Health for what reasons the policy of NHS England on the national average response time was in each of those the number of cycles of IVF it provides to armed forces years. [200245] personnel is to provide fewer than the number recommended by National Institute for Health and Jane Ellison: The information is not available in the Care Excellence. [200338] format requested. Such information as is available is shown in the following table. Jane Ellison: NHS England has a number of interim Information is not available before 2011. policies in place, including the policy for the provision of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for armed forces personnel. Median ambulance response times to treatment for category A1 (red 1 and red 2 calls require staff to arrive at the scene of the incident within eight minutes in A review of the interim policy in relation to the 75% of cases) calls for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, April 2011 to provision of IVF for armed forces personnel has recently April 2014 been undertaken. Following detailed costing of a move Median time to treatment for to the levels recommended in the National Institute for Month Category A calls (in minutes) Health and Care Excellence guideline, it was agreed in April 2011 5.4 May 2014 to increase the number of cycles of IVF to May 2011 5.2 three if clinically appropriate and if eligibility criteria June 2011 5.2 are met. July 2011 5.3 August 2011 5.2 Cancer September 2011 5.2 October 2011 5.3 David Heyes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health November 2011 5.2 what discussions his Department has had with Public December 2011 5.4 Health England over a possible nationwide roll-out of January 2012 5.0 the recent Be Clear on Cancer pilot study for February 2012 5.3 oesophago-gastric cancer in the North East. [199746] March 2012 5.1 April 2012 4.9 Jane Ellison: We want to lead the world in cancer care May 2012 5.0 and are investing over £750 million, over four years up June 2012 5.1 till 2014-15, including £450 million in the early diagnosis July 2012 5.3 of cancer, including oesophago-gastric cancers. August 2012 5.3 September 2012 5.5 The earlier diagnosis money is designed to support October 2012 5.5 earlier diagnosis of cancer by improving public awareness November 2012 5.5 of cancer signs and symptoms through centrally-funded December 2012 6.0 Be Clear on Cancer campaigns; increasing general January 2013 5.7 practitioner access to key diagnostic tests; and, to pay February 2013 5.7 for extra testing and treatment in secondary care. March 2013 5.5 Be Clear on Cancer campaigns are tested at a local April 2013 5.3 and regional level, before a decision is taken on whether May 2013 5.2 to run them nationally throughout England. Following June 2013 5.3 a local pilot which ran from April to July 2012, we ran a July 2013 5.6 regional Be Clear on Cancer pilot campaign from August 2013 5.6 10 February to 9 March 2014 raising awareness of the September 2013 5.5 signs and symptoms of oesophago-gastric cancer in the October 2013 5.6 north-east and north Cumbria. The campaign included November 2013 5.7 television, radio, press and outdoor advertising. The December 2013 5.9 findings of this pilot are being evaluated by Public January 2014 5.5 Health England, who works closely with the Department February 2014 5.7 and NHS England to ensure that health care professionals March 2014 5.6 are targeted with campaign information to encourage 479W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 480W earlier diagnoses and referrals, before a decision is prescription charges and need multiple prescriptions. taken on whether to roll out the campaign nationally This is the fifth year the cost of an annual certificate, throughout England. and the third year the cost of a three-month certificate, have been frozen. Both certificates will also remain at Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for £104 and £29.10 respectively, next year. There is no limit Health what discussions he has had with the National to the number of items that can be obtained through a Clinical Director for Cancer on the performance of the PPC. The annual certificate benefits anyone needing NHS against the waiting time targets for cancer more than 12 items a year, and the three-month certificate, treatment. [200342] anyone needing more than three items in that three-month period. Jane Ellison: The Secretary of State for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey Dementia (Mr Hunt), has had a number of discussions with senior members of NHS England’s executive team on Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the performance of the national health service against what meetings have taken place with the (a) OECD, the waiting time targets for cancer treatment, but not (b) WHO and (c) European Commission following with the National Clinical Director for Cancer. the G8 Dementia summit; and what the outcome of Continuing Care these meetings was. [199458]

Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Norman Lamb: A number of key meetings and telephone what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the calls have taken place between departmental officials Clinical Priorities Advisory Group takes account of and colleagues in the Organisation for Economic evidence from (a) patients, (b) clinicians and (c) Co-operation and Development. One of which was a patient groups when making decisions on the key meeting to discuss their support to the World availability of treatments for progressive conditions. Dementia Council. [199558] To maintain momentum following the G8 summit, a dementia side event was held during the World Health Jane Ellison: NHS England has advised that the Assembly (the decision body of World Health Organisation Clinical Priorities Advisory Group (CPAG) is an advisory (WHO)), in Geneva in May 2014. The Secretary of group and not a decision making body. It considers State for Health, the right hon. Member for South West policy and makes recommendations to the Directly Surrey (Mr Hunt), launched the Global Dementia and Commissioned Services Committee who make the final Alzheimer’s Action Alliance. This will be the first global decisions on NHS England’s commissioning position. body to bring together Government, the health and The group’s membership includes four Patient and care sector, charities, the voluntary sector and wider Public Voice members and senior clinicians from NHS civil society. England. The policies that are presented to CPAG for Dr Dennis Gillings CBE, the World Dementia Envoy consideration are developed by Clinical Reference Groups and departmental officials met Margaret Chan, director (CRGs) who are made up of patients, clinicians, and general of WHO on 5 June 2014. Discussion took place key stakeholders including patient groups. These members in relation to supporting the World Dementia Council are involved in the development of policies. in an advisory capacity and the G8 declaration. Dr Chan Prior to submission of any documents to CPAG, a welcomed the great efforts and leadership of the United two week stakeholder testing phase is undertaken where Kingdom Government and the envoy. Dr Chan agreed registered CRG stakeholders including clinicians, patients, to collaborate with the envoy and the UK on a joint and patient groups, as well as industry, have an opportunity work programme. There was also positive discussion in to make comments. These are considered as well as the relation to WHO supporting further meetings and hosting evidence base for the policy by CPAG. platforms. Cystic Fibrosis No meetings have taken place with the European Commission as yet, but plans are under way for this to Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for happen in July 2014. Health if he will review prescription charges for adults Dental Services: North West with cystic fibrosis. [200281] Dr Poulter: In 2010, responding to Professor Sir Ian Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Gilmore’s review into extending entitlement to free Health (1) how many children have been seen by a prescriptions to all those with a long-term condition, dentist in (a) Pendle constituency and (b) the North the Government made clear that in light of the challenging West in each of the last five years; [199656] financial context, no changes would be made to the (2) how many people have been seen by a dentist in current list of exemptions. Prescription charges in England (a) Pendle constituency and (b) the North West in raise valuable income, in the region of £450 million each of the last five years. [199657] each year, which helps the national health service to maintain vital services for patients. Dr Poulter: Information is not available in the format The extensive system of exemption arrangements, requested. including for those on low incomes who may struggle to The following tables show the number of children pay for their prescriptions, which is in place means that (less than 18 years of age), and the number of patients, around 90% of all prescription items are already dispensed seen in the specified national health service organisations free of charge. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) for dental care in the 24-month period ending 31 March are also available for those who have to pay NHS each year. 481W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 482W

Table 1: Number of children (less than 18 years of age) in the specified NHS Proportion of the adult population (age 16 years and over) participating in 30 or organisations in the 24-month period ending 31 March each year more equivalent minutes of moderate activity per week—Active People Survey 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 (APS) data, 2012 30+ minutes North West SHA 1,104,947 1,111,438 1,117,196 1,120,966 — Area (Percentage) East Lancashire 58,229 60,995 62,794 64,043 — Teaching PCT West Lancashire 73.3 Lancashire AT ————230,290 Wyre 65.6 East Lancashire ————62,022Notes: CCG 1. The data were collected between January 2012 to January 2013 (APS6 Quarter 2 to APS7 Quarter 1). 2. The APS is commissioned by Sport England and measures the proportion of Table 2: Number of patients seen in the specified NHS organisations in the adults (aged 16 and over) participating in sport and/or undertaking some form 24-month period ending 31 March each year of physical activity at moderate intensity (or higher). 3. The survey uses a 28-day reference period to record the number of minutes of 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 physical activity (of at least 10 minutes) and then divides the number of minutes by four to come up with a weekly average (e.g. two hours of physical activity North West SHA 4,180,855 4,251,505 4,302,218 4,323,082 — over the 28 days equates to 30 minutes per week). Number of minutes presented East Lancashire 186,295 200,034 210,839 219,406 — is the equivalent minutes of moderate activity, which consists of moderate Teaching PCT activity plus double the number of vigorous minutes of activity. Lancashire AT ————859,873 4. The activities included in the APS are; sport, recreational cycling and walking, walking and cycling for active travel purposes, dance and gardening. East Lancashire ————218,979 5. The percentages are weighted to adjust the results so that they are representative CCG of the whole population at local authority, regional and national level. Notes: 6. Further information and data are available at these websites: 1. The Health and Social Care Information Centre publishes the numbers of www.noo.org.uk/data_sources/physical_activity/activepeople patients seen by an NHS dentist, including work undertaken by dentists under www.sportengland.org/research/active_people_survey.aspx vocational training and orthodontic patients. It does not, however, cover Source: dental treatment carried out in hospital under Hospital Dental Services, nor Active People Survey, Sport England under services provided privately. 2. Latest information is available at clinical commissioning group (CCG) and Eyesight area team (AT). Earlier years are only available at primary care trust (PCT) and strategic health authority (SHA). It is not possible to map earlier information to the new NHS organisation structure. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for 3. East Lancashire Teaching PCT and East Lancashire CCG have been provided as the closest proximity to Pendle constituency. Health how many people had eye tinnitus in the latest 4. The patients seen measure shows the unique number of patients who period figures are available. [200073] received NHS dental care in the previous 24 months. An equivalent measure covering the 12 month period is not available. Source: Dr Poulter: This data is not collected. The Health and Social Care Information Centre We understand the term ’eye tinnitus’ stems from a Exercise: North West recent study which claims to have identified this new condition in a set of patients previously diagnosed as suffering from migraines or other neurological disorders. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of how many adults Fertility in (a) East Lancashire, (b) Lancashire and (c) the North West exercised for at least 30 minutes a week during the most recent period for which figures are Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for available. [199551] Health whether the forthcoming National Institute for Health and Care Excellence quality standard on Jane Ellison: The Department has made no such fertility will be considered for a CCG outcome estimate. However, the Active People Survey commissioned indicator. [200339] by Sport England measures the proportion of adults (aged 16 and over) who undertake some form of physical Jane Ellison: The National Institute for Health and activity at moderate intensity (or higher). Data from the Care Excellence (NICE) has not yet published its final most recent survey can be found in the following table. quality standard on fertility.NICE’s Clinical Commissioning Group Outcomes Indicator Set (CCGOIS) Advisory Proportion of the adult population (age 16 years and over) participating in 30 or Committee makes recommendations on potential indicators more equivalent minutes of moderate activity per week—Active People Survey (APS) data, 2012 derived from its published guidance and quality standards 30+ minutes for inclusion in the CCGOIS which are then considered Area (Percentage) by NHS England.

England 71.5 North West Region 68.8 General Practitioners Lancashire County 69.6 Blackburn with Darwen UA 63.1 Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Blackpool UA 65.1 Health at the end of the process what assessment he Burnley 65.0 has made of how many practices in (a) Tower Hamlets Chorley 75.3 and (b) England will (i) lose and (ii) gain financially Fylde 68.0 from the seven-year reduction of the minimum practice Hyndburn 63.7 income guarantees. [199459] Lancaster 74.4 Pendle 66.1 Dr Poulter: The minimum practice income guarantee Preston 69.3 payment is unfair because practices serving very similar Ribble Valley 74.1 populations are paid very different amounts per patient. Rossendale 66.8 The payments are being phased out over a seven-year South Ribble 69.5 period to allow practices time to adjust. 483W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 484W

The money released by doing this will be reinvested in Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for the basic payments made to all general medical services Health which GP practices have been identified by practices, which are based on numbers of patients and NHS England as potentially losing more than £3 per key determinants of practice workload, such as the age patient in 2014-15 following the withdrawal of the and health needs of patients. Minimum Practice Income Guarantee. [200213] NHS England has undertaken an analysis to identify the small number of practices that will lose the largest Dr Poulter: NHS England has published an anonymised amount of funding per patient as a result of the phasing list of ‘outliers’ which can be found at: out of the minimum practice income guarantee, and www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/gp-gms- will work with those practices to ensure that high quality practices.pdf services for their local populations are maintained. Because the information is commercially sensitive, details that could identify individual practices have not Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for been released. Health how many training places for general practice The Minimum Practice Income Guarantee is being were (a) commissioned and (b) filled in each of the phased out over a period of seven years because it is last five years. [200007] inequitable, and the money released will be reinvested into basic payments made to all General Medical Services Dr Poulter: The Department set up Health Education practices. England (HEE) to deliver a better health and healthcare NHS England is supporting the most affected practices. workforce for England. HEE is responsible for ensuring a secure workforce supply for the future balancing need against demand, taking into account factors such as the Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for age profile of the existing workforce, the impact of Health what assessment he has made of the effect of technology, and new drugs. being able to access a GP appointment within 48 hours on levels of patient satisfaction. [200214] The Department has recognised the need to increase the general practitioner (GP) workforce and between Dr Poulter: Overall patient satisfaction is driven by a September 2010 and September 2013 the number of range of factors, including accessing a general practitioner full-time equivalent GPs has risen by 1,051. Additionally, (GP) appointment at a convenient time, ability to see a the Department has included in the HEE mandate a preferred GP and the quality of the conversation with requirement that “HEE will ensure that 50% of trainees the GP. completing foundation level training enter GP training programmes by 2016”. The Government recognises the importance of timely access to general practice. The PM Challenge Fund has Further work is being undertaken by HEE to improve allocated £50 million to pilot ways to improve access applications and fill rate in to GP training to support around the country, to give GPs the flexibility to meet the mandate target of 3,250 appointments into GP the needs of the local population. training by 2016 in England. This includes a review of the GP recruitment process, developing a pre-GP year In addition, the new GP contract introduced a new to give exposure to prospective GP applicants of the enhanced service, which includes a commitment to same specialty and careers advice for foundation doctors and day phone consultations with a professional in the GP medical students. surgery, where necessary, for the most at risk in the population. In recognition of the contribution the GP workforce makes in the NHS, HEE will also undertake additional work on GP recruitment and retention, return to practice Mr Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and reducing attrition rates, all of which will play a part with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for in increasing the GP workforce. Suffolk Coastal of 8 January 2014, Official Report, column 265W, on general practitioners: Suffolk, how The following table indicates the number of posts much his Department spent funding each general commissioned and filled and the fill rate for GP training practice in England in 2012-13; and what spending type in England for the last five years. The numbers of posts and GP Practice code applies in each case. [200278] have been increased for 2014 to 2,946 to support the Government’s mandate requirement for HEE to increase GP training. Dr Poulter: The requested information is not collected centrally. The Investment in General Practice report Percentage published by the Health and Social Care Information Posts commissioned Posts filled filled Centre includes the investment in General Practice and the reimbursement of drugs dispensed in General Practices 2010 2,732 2,800 102.49 at national level. A copy has been placed in the Library. 2011 2,672 2,658 99.48 2012 2,687 2,669 99.33 2013 2,761 2,738 99.17 Health Centres: Burntwood 2014 3,043 2,630 89.27 Source: HEE data. Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons NHS England has refused to Deferment resulting from factors such as maternity proceed with the proposed new health centre for leave can cause a higher than 100% fill rate in some Burntwood in Staffordshire; and if he will make a years. statement. [199565] 485W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 486W

Dr Poulter: NHS England is responsible for deciding Health: Business on the funding given to general practitioner (GP) practices to reimburse them for their premises costs. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for We are advised that capital development schemes Health what estimate his Department has made of the that had not been formally approved by former primary number of companies who have signed up to one or care trust boards by 1 October 2012 have been reviewed more pledges set out in the Responsibility Deal; and by NHS England. This includes the Burntwood Leisure what estimate he has made of the proportion of those Centre development. NHS England concluded, following companies which are meeting all of the pledges they assessment, that the scheme did not meet the requirements have signed up to. [200341] for prioritisation, and it was therefore not approved. These requirements include, but not exhaustively, service Jane Ellison: 675 partners are currently signed up to continuity, affordability and value for money. It was the Responsibility Deal. Details of these partners, the noted that the project had not received an unequivocally pledges they are committed to taking action on and clear commitment from a number of the potential occupiers their annual updates are available in full on the of the centre. Responsibility Deal website at: We understand from NHS England that discussions https://responsibilitydeal.dh.gov.uk/partners/ are ongoing regarding alternative schemes to replace Health: Disadvantaged the Burntwood Leisure Centre development. NHS England continues to work with the GPs and other partners. Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for My hon. Friend may wish to approach the NHS Health what assessment he has made of the England Shropshire and Staffordshire Area Team for performance of Public Health England in reducing further information. inequalities of health outcomes by making improvements in (a) housing conditions and (b) Health Services: North East employment capability. [199563] Jane Ellison: Housing and work are two areas that Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for influence health outcomes. In his strategic review of Health if he will meet the hon. Member for health inequalities, Professor Sir Michael Marmot reminded Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland to discuss us all of the link between people’s health and “the the proposed closure of (a) minor injuries units at conditions in which they are born, grow, live, work and Guisborough and East Cleveland Hospitals, (b) age”. Skelton Medical Centre, (c) Park End Clinic and (d) Public Health England (PHE) has a key role in Skelton NHS Walk-in-Centre. [200221] highlighting the health impact of these issues on health outcomes and health inequalities. It is undertaking a Dr Poulter: These are matters for the local national range of work on housing, homelessness and health health service. The hon. Member should engage with issues to support and inform national and local stakeholders, the NHS at a local level. including its National Conversation on Health Inequalities, This Government is committed to devolving decision- which will help focus future work in this area. making about local NHS services to local clinicians and PHE also launched the Healthy People, Healthy Places communities. It is general practitioners clinicians, patients programme in November 2013—helping to improve the and local authorities who are best placed to determine nation’s health through better planning and design to the nature of their NHS services. reduce the impact of a poor physical and natural environment is a PHE priority. Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Heart Diseases Health what assessment he has made of the quality of provision of primary care in Middlesbrough South and Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for East Cleveland. [200222] Health how many keyhole surgery operations for heart surgery were carried out in (a) East Lancashire and Dr Poulter: No assessment has been made centrally. (b) Airedale in each of the last three years. [199552] NHS England is responsible for the commissioning of primary care health services and for securing the best Jane Ellison: The information is shown in the following possible outcomes for patients. table.

Count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs)1 with a main or secondary procedure2 performed on the heart using a minimal access approach or performed percutaneous transluminally using image control3 for Bradford and Airedale Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Blackburn with Darwen PCT of treatment for the years 2010-11 to 2012-134

Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector

PCT of treatment Provider 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

5NY Bradford and Airedale Teaching RCF Airedale NHS Foundation 710 676 659 PCT Trust

5NY Bradford and Airedale Teaching NVC20 The Yorkshire Clinic * — — PCT

5NY Bradford and Airedale Teaching RAE Bradford Teaching Hospitals 1,015 1,028 957 PCT NHS Foundation Trust 487W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 488W

Count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs)1 with a main or secondary procedure2 performed on the heart using a minimal access approach or performed percutaneous transluminally using image control3 for Bradford and Airedale Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Blackburn with Darwen PCT of treatment for the years 2010-11 to 2012-134 Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector PCT of treatment Provider 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

TAP Blackburn with Darwen Teaching RXR East Lancashire Hospitals 1,867 2,466 2,568 Care Trust Plus NHS Trust 1. Finished Consultant Episode (FCE) A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. 2. Number of episodes with a main or secondary procedure The number of episodes where the procedure (or intervention) was recorded in any of the 24 (12 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and 4 prior to 2002-03) procedure fields in a Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) record. A record is only included once in each count, even if the procedure is recorded in more than one procedure field of the record. Note that more procedures are carried out than episodes with a main or secondary procedure. For example, patients under going a ‘cataract operation’ would tend to have at least two procedures—removal of the faulty lens and the fitting of a new one—counted in a single episode. 3. OPCS 4 Codes K01 to K78 Heart Y74 to Y76 Minimal access approaches (must appear immediately after a code from K01 to K78) Y79 Approach to organ through artery (must appear immediately after a code from K01 to K78) Y53 Approach to organ under image control (can appear in any procedure position following a code from K01 to K78) Y78 Arteriotomy approach to organ under image control (can appear in any procedure position following a code from K01 - K78) 4. Assessing growth through time (Inpatients) HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, changes in activity may be due to changes in the provision of care. 5. Small numbers To protect patient confidentiality, figures between 1 and 5 have been replaced with “*” (an asterisk). Where it was still possible to identify figures from the total, additional figures have been replaced with ″*″. Where the symbol ″-″ (dash) appears this represents the absence of data. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre

Hepatitis expects that decisions made by local CCGs will take account of the needs of their local populations. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for A range of materials has been published to help Health whether his Department plans to include a CCGs commission relevant services. The National Institute specific hepatitis C indicator in the public health for Health and Care Excellence has published guidance outcomes framework. [199806] on improving uptake of testing and diagnosis for hepatitis C in risk groups. Public Health England has published a Jane Ellison: The public health outcomes framework commissioning template to support commissioning of for 2013-16 (PHOF) already includes an indicator on hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment services. Guidance under 75 mortality rate from liver disease (PHOF indicator for commissioning bespoke services for homeless people 4.6), which is shared with the NHSOF (indicator 1.3) has been published by the Faculty for Homeless and and an indicator on mortality from communicable diseases Inclusion Health. (indicator 4.8). Both of these indicators cover hepatitis C. The Department supports the Inclusion Health In support of these indicators, Public Health England programme which champions the health and health is working to reverse the current trend in hepatitis C, so care of vulnerable groups, including homeless people. that the rates of death and disability are reduced, including The programme seeks to improve the health data for working with local authorities and the NHS in those these groups, and set out practical steps for assessing areas with high levels of hepatitis C to put effective needs (eg through Joint Strategic Need Assessments) strategies in place. and commissioning services. We are also involved in The Department is not planning to add new indicators funding work in this area through the Homeless Hospital to the PHOF until April 2016 to provide local authorities Discharge Fund to improve hospital discharge arrangements with stability in planning and commissioning public for people who are homeless (£10 million 2013-14) and health interventions. The Department is planning to £40 million capital fund for hostel refurbishment with a begin a review of the current PHOF in 2015. focus on improving health outcomes (2014-15).

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that people Health what steps he is taking to ensure that hepatitis who are homeless are (a) able to access hepatitis C C services are prioritised at local level. [199808] services and (b) supported in completing treatment for that condition; [199807] Jane Ellison: Commissioning of local hepatitis C (2) what steps his Department is taking to improve services is the responsibility of local clinical commissioning hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment rates among (a) groups (CCGs). NHS England expects that decisions South Asian populations, (b) homeless people, (c) made by local CCGs will be based on clinical insight injecting drug users and (d) other at-risk groups. and take account of the needs of the local population [199809] overall. Public Health England supports work on local Jane Ellison: The commissioning of local Hepatitis C prioritisation of hepatitis C services by producing factsheets services, including bespoke services for homeless people for local government, publishing a template to support or other at-risk groups, is the responsibility of local commissioning by estimating the number of people clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). NHS England infected with hepatitis C locally and the costs of treatment. 489W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 490W

Public Health England is also developing local liver Human Papillomavirus profiles (to be published) at local authority level which includes key local statistics and prevention guidance on Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for hepatitis C and questions which should be asked locally Health how many (a) women and (b) men have by local authority Health and Wellbeing Boards. cancers caused by the human papilloma virus. [200153] Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what incentives are in place to improve the Jane Ellison: At present the number of people living uptake of hepatitis C treatment nationally. [199810] with Human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancers is not known for several reasons: Jane Ellison: Clinical commissioning groups have there is no nationally collated database of individual patients’ considerable local flexibility to introduce incentives where records containing the HPV status of their cancers; they wish to prioritise a particular issue, based on their prevalence figures are not known for all types of cancer i.e. the population needs. There are no national incentives in number of people who have been diagnosed and are still alive; place to support improved uptake of hepatitis C treatment and in England. many people alive after treatment of cancer will have been Home Care Services cured and will not consider themselves to be still living with a cancer. Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for However it has been estimated by Parkin1 that the Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that number of new cases per year, of cancers in the United high-cost drugs are delivered to cystic fibrosis patients Kingdom, which may be HPV related as 5,088 (1.6% of on time; [199708] all newly diagnosed cancer cases). Of these 4,058 are (2) what recent assessment he has made of the females and 1,030 are males. This is based on incidence effectiveness of the commissioning of homecare rates for 2010. services by the NHS. [199709] 1 Parkin, D M. Cancers attributable to infection in the UK in 2010 Dr Poulter: It is important that patients, including British Journal of Cancer (2011) 105, S49 – S56; doi:10.1038/ those with cystic fibrosis, get those high cost drugs bjc.2011.484 provided through homecare services on time. Public Health England (PHE) has calculated a prevalence The Department commissioned a review of homecare estimate for the number of women who are currently medicine supply arrangements to ensure they deliver alive following treatment of their cervical cancer and the best value for patients, the National Health Service this is at least 19,000. Many of these will be cured. and the provider market. The review report, Homecare Later this year PHE will publish prevalence estimates Medicines: Towards a Vision for the Future, was published i.e. the number of people living with the other types of in December 2011 and is available at: HPV related cancers. http://media.dh.gov.uk/network/121/files/2011/12/111201- Homecare-Medicines-Towards-a-Vision-for-the-Future2.pdf Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for The outcome of subsequent improvement work is Health what estimate he has made of the cost in each summarised in the further report, Homecare Medicines: year since 2010 of treating cancers caused by the Towards a Vision for the Future—Taking Forward the human papillomavirus. [200155] Recommendations, published in May 2014 and available at: Jane Ellison: This information is not held centrally. www.uhns.nhs.uk/AboutUs/ NHSHomecareMedicinesinEngland.aspx NHS England issued a patient safety alert on minimising Maternity Services the risks of omitted and delayed medicines for patients receiving homecare services on 10 April 2014. This Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State recommended that all health care organisations that for Health how the money allocated by his Department commission clinical homecare services: to improve birthing environments was spent in (a) establish if medicine homecare services were used by their 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14. [199589] organisation and if incidents of omitted and delayed medicines had occurred; Dr Poulter: Information on the breakdown of the consider whether immediate action needed to be taken locally and, if required, develop an action plan, to reduce risk and the money allocated by the Department to improve birthing potential risk to patients; environments in 2012-13 and 2013-14 has been placed disseminate the alert to all medical, nursing, pharmacy and in the Library. other staff involved in the care of homecare patients; and report patient safety incidents concerning homecare to the Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State National Reporting and Learning Service. for Health what discussions his Department has had A copy of the patient safety alert is available at: with NHS England about ensuring that all trusts www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/psa- provide the necessary facilities and support to ensure omitted-delayed-meds.pdf that families can be with their babies while they are in The Department continues to work with NHS England, neonatal care, as set out in the national service homecare companies, pharmaceutical suppliers and the specification for neonatal critical care. [199590] NHS to ensure that homecare arrangements are safe and deliver value for the NHS and improved outcomes Dr Poulter: The Department and NHS England regularly for patients. discuss maternity and newborn care. 491W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 492W

NHS England’s Neonatal Service Specification requires Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for that all commissioned providers of neonatal services Health how many children spent (a) up to two weeks, provide appropriate family facilities. The current service (b) two to four weeks, (c) four to six weeks and (d) specification states that: more than six weeks in hospital immediately after Facilities should be available to support family centred care being born in England in the last year for which figures including access to parent accommodation, private and comfortable are available. [200003] breastfeeding/expressing facilities, and private room for confidential conversations and so on. Dr Poulter: The information requested is set out in A revised specification has recently been drafted, the table. within which this statement has been strengthened. The This is based on finished discharge episodes with a revised draft specification has been out to public primary or secondary diagnosis of “Z38—Live born consultation and the Clinical Reference Group is currently infants according to place of birth”, by length of stay responding to the comments received. It is anticipated for the year 2012-13 and covers activity in English NHS that the revised service specification will be included in Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in NHS England contracts with providers from April 2015. the independent sector. As part of NHS England’s Service Specification It should be noted that the length of stay in hospital Compliance process, all units will have assessed their is only available on the final episode of care in a level of compliance against the service specification. hospital provider. Therefore the total of “other/unknown” Where relevant, units will have highlighted where they lengths of stay recorded includes those births that have are not yet meeting this requirement. In those circumstances, not resulted in a discharge, such as where the baby has the Area Team Commissioner and the relevant provider been transferred to the care of another consultant. will have agreed an action plan for achievement of the standard, where is it not currently being met, within Length of stay Finished discharge episodes 12 months. The actual facilities provided for families Up to two weeks 617,189 are locally determined and the exact number of overnight Two to four weeks 5,227 beds may therefore vary from service to service. Four to six weeks 1,680 Six weeks+ 1,778 Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State Other/unknown 47,133 for Health (1) what savings are planned for neonatal Notes: care under the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and 1. Finished Discharge Episode: Prevention Initiative for 2014-15; [199591] A discharge episode is the last episode during a hospital stay (a spell), where the patient is discharged from the hospital or transferred to (2) how the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and another hospital. Prevention savings for neonatal care will be realised. 2. Primary or secondary diagnosis: [199592] The number of episodes where this diagnosis was recorded in any of the 20 diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) record. Each episode is counted once, even if the diagnosis is recorded Dr Poulter: NHS England, as part of its direct in more than one diagnosis field of the record. commissioning responsibilities for specialised services, 3. ICD10 code: The following ICD10 code was used to identify a live born infant: has an ongoing programme in place to identify both Z38—Live born infants according to place of birth. local and national opportunities to identify potential 4. Length of stay (duration of spell): efficiencies as part of its management and prioritisation The difference in days between the admission date and the episode of available resources. end date (duration of episode) or discharge date (duration of spell), where both dates are given. LOS is based on hospital stays and only NHS England’s Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs), applies to ordinary admissions not day cases (unless otherwise stated). involving lead clinical, patient and professional Information relating to LOS, including discharge method/destination, representatives, are assisting NHS England in this work, diagnoses and any operative procedures, is based only on the final particularly in respect of proposals that might be considered episode of the spell. Source: nationwide. Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Specialised neonatal care is one of NHS England’s Centre most significant areas of expenditure and the Neonatal Medical Records: Databases CRG has therefore been involved in identifying potential neonatal specific schemes, which may have the potential to deliver savings while maintaining safety and quality. Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for The schemes will be subject to a confirm and challenge Health with reference to the statement on the What process to determine their deliverability, before being About Youth? website that approval has been received worked up into schemes which could be implemented to use young people’s contact details from NHS on a national basis. registration data and the National Pupil Database, when that data was supplied; and on what register the It is therefore not possible, at this stage in the programme’s decision to disclose that data was recorded. [200053] development, to quantify the level of savings that might be generated nationally or the specific savings approach Dr Poulter: On behalf of the Department, the Health that will be adopted. and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) has It is unlikely that the national schemes currently commissioned the “What about Youth?”trial survey to being considered will generate savings in 2014-15. The test the processes and methodology. It was carried out schemes are more likely to be transformational in design by Ipsos Mori and ran from November 2013 to February and therefore are more likely to deliver savings in the 2014. The trial survey was posted to just under 7,000 longer term. younger people using information obtained from the 493W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 494W

Medical Research Information Service Integrated Database Meningitis: Vaccination and Administration System, approval for which was obtained on 15 August 2013 via the HSCIC Data Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Linkage and Extract Services application process: what progress has been made on procuring the vaccine http://www.hscic.gov.uk/dlesaac for Meningitis B as part of the primary infant The decision to approve the request for provision of immunisation schedule; and if he will make a an extract will be included in the next Data Release statement. [199972] Register due in early July. The National Pupil Database (NPD) is a Department Jane Ellison: Work is nearing completion to gain for Education resource. HSCIC gained approval to use approvals to commence the procurement. The Department NPD data by applying via the formal process: and Public Health England will start negotiations with Novartis, which produces the only licensed Meningitis https://www.gov.uk/national-pupil-database-apply-for-a-data- B vaccine, as soon as possible. extract#approval-process and received approval to use NPD for the trial survey Mental Health Services: Young People on 18 March 2014; however, this was too late for the trial and the data were not used. Ipsos Mori was granted access to the extract on 10 April. The decision to Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for approve the request for provision of an extract is shown Health with reference to the answer of 18 March 2014, on row 139 of the “National pupil database: requests Official Report, column 572W, on mental health received” at: services: children, when he expects NHS England’s https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-pupil- review of Tier 4 Child and Adolescent Mental Health database-requests-received Services to be published. [200127]

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Melanotan Health with reference to the answer of 28 April 2014, Official Report, column 460W, on mental health services: young people, when NHS England’s review of Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Tier 4 Children and Adolescent Mental Health Health what assessment he has made of the (a) Services provision will be published. [200156] prevalence and (b) effect of the sale of the unlicensed drug Melanotan (i) online and (ii) in shops. [200340] Norman Lamb: I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth Dr Poulter: There are strict legal controls governing (Sarah Newton), on 9 June 2014, Official Report, column the sale and supply of medicinal products in the United 57W. Kingdom. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory NHS: Staff Agency (MHRA) considers Melanotan products to be medicinal products within the meaning of the Human Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Medicines Regulations 2012 and as such, the manufacture, (1) how much NHS trusts have spent (a) on agency sale and supply are subject to UK regulatory control. and contract staff and (b) on all staff in each financial No Melanotan product holds a marketing authorisation year since 2009-10; [200211] (product licence) for use in the UK and consequently advertising and sale or supply would be in breach of (2) how much NHS trusts (a) planned to spend and regulatory requirements. (b) spent on agency and contract staff in 2013-14. The MHRA is aware that Melanotan is being sold [200212] through some outlets such as gyms and beauty salons and is available more widely on the Internet through Dr Poulter: As part of the response to the issues in certain websites. Mid-Staffordshire hospital, and following the recommendations of the Francis report, many trusts During the past 12 months, the MHRA has worked have increased agency spend in the short-term to protect with Internet Service Providers in the UK and abroad patients and improve patient care. Over the longer term, to suspend more than 100 websites illegally trading in a key objective for the NHS is to keep agency spend to a Melanotan. minimum, an increase in the number of permanent The MHRA issues regular warnings to the public front-line staff is vital to both improving patient care about the dangers involved in the use of unlicensed and delivering value for money. The number of front-line medicines, including Melanotan and officials have clinical staff has increased by more than 16,300 since participated in Press campaigns and specific media 2010. coverage of the problem. In 2013-14, NHS foundation trusts planned to spend As of 12 June 2014, the MHRA has received a total £523 million on agency and contract staff and spent of 22 reports of Adverse Drug Reactions associated £1,373.0 million. NHS trusts spent £1,209.1 million; with the use of Melanotan (product names Melanotan how much they planned to spend is not available. I, Melanotan II and Ubertan), describing a total of Sources: 93 adverse reactions. However, it is important to note For NHS trusts—unaudited data in NHS trust summarisation that the reporting of a suspected adverse reaction does schedules; for NHS foundation trusts—quarterly monitoring not necessarily mean it is related to the drug. information. 495W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 496W

Plans are in place in Better Procurement to reduce by Proportion of people in Pendle constituency, East Lancashire and the £450 million spend on agency and contract staff by the North West who are registered organ donors as at 10 June 2014 end of 2016. Percentage on Number on the the Organ NHS Trusts spent £1,209.1 million on agency and Organ Donor Population Donor contract staff in 2013-14. Area Register estimate1 Register Source: Pendle 22,071 89,613 24.6 Unaudited data in NHS Trust Summarisation Schedules. constituency East 137,865 530,605 26.0 Amounts for 2009-10 to 2012-13 were not separately Lancashire2 identified from other non-permanent staff. North West3 2,083,446 7,084,337 29.4 Spend by NHS Foundation Trusts on agency and 1 Source: contract staff is in the following table. Office for National Statistics mid-2012 population estimates. 2 East Lancashire comprising the districts of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale. £ million 3This comprises: Ashton, Leigh and Wigan, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Bolton, Bury, Central and Eastern Cheshi, Cumbria, East 2009-10 764.1 Lancashire, Halton and St Helens, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, 2010-11 854.7 Knowsley, Liverpool, Manchester, North Lancashire, Oldham, Salford, 2011-12 907.0 Sefton, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop, Trafford, Warrington, Western Cheshire, Wirral. 2012-13 1,101.0 Source: 2013-14 1,373.0 NHS Blood and Transplant. Note: For 2009-10 to 2012-13 actual figures are based on gross staff costs as Out of Area Treatment: Wales per notes in the NHS FT consolidated accounts. The figures from the consolidated accounts may differ to the Board reports due to adjustments made on redundancy, early retirement, capitalisation of staff costs Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for and costs of R&D staff. 2013-14 figures are from quarterly monitoring Health if he will take steps to ensure that pregnant information. women living in England but registered with GPs in Information available about spend on all staff is set Wales have the option of a nuchal translucency scan as out in the following tables. part of their antenatal care. [199843] NHS Trusts £ million Dr Poulter: Nuchal translucency scans are offered to pregnant women as part of the NHS Fetal Anomaly 2009-10 18,225.1 Screening programme (NHS FASP). This is a public 2010-11 18,929.5 health function of the Secretary of State which, through 2011-12 19,839.5 an arrangement under section 7A of the National Health 2012-13 19,344.7 Service Act 2006, is exercised by NHS England. Note: NHS England has confirmed that women living in Total staff costs for 2013-14 are not yet available. England and registered with a GP in contract with the Source: NHS (England) Summarised Accounts 2009-10, 2010-11; NHS Trust Welsh NHS who opt to give birth in an English hospital Audited Summarisation Schedules 2011-12, 2012-13. are offered nuchal translucency scans, in line with NHS FASP’s 2011-14 Model of Best Practice. I understand NHS Foundation Trusts that nuchal transparency scans are not currently routinely £ million offered by the Welsh NHS. 2009-10 17,599.7 As part of its review of the protocol for cross-border 2010-11 19,442.9 health care, NHS England is giving consideration to a 2011-12 23,046.0 number of issues, including this one. 2012-13 24,709.0 2013-14 26,246.0 Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Note: Health what steps he is taking to ensure that people For 2009-10 to 2012-13 actual figures are based on gross staff costs as living in England but registered with GPs in Wales have per notes in the NHS FT consolidated accounts. The figures from the full access to services provided by NHS England. consolidated accounts may differ from the Board reports due to adjustments made on redundancy, early retirement, capitalisation of [199847] staff costs and costs of R&D staff. 2013-14 figures are from quarterly monitoring information. Jane Ellison: The Department has asked NHS England to work with the Welsh Government to review the Organs: North West protocol for cross-border health care. NHS England aims to complete that work by the end of this calendar year. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of people in (a) Pendle Parkinson’s Disease constituency, (b) East Lancashire and (c) the North West are registered organ donors. [199658] Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps his Department is taking to prevent Jane Ellison: The information requested is in the unnecessary delays in the prescription of Duodopa for following table: people with Parkinson’s; [199571] 497W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 498W

(2) what steps his Department is taking to improve in the judgments and choices about their own care. patient choice and reduce avoidable harm for people With regard to decisions about the drugs available for with advanced Parkinson’s. [199567] treatment of the disease in its later stages, the guidance states that the patient preference should be taken into Norman Lamb: From April 2013, NHS England assumed account, once they have been informed of the short- responsibility for commissioning adult specialist and long-term benefits and drawbacks of the different neurosciences services, including the majority of services types of drugs available. for patients with Parkinson’s disease, with some being To reduce avoidable harm, through the mandate, we the responsibility of clinical commissioning groups. have asked NHS England to make measurable progress NHS England has advised that it does not routinely by 2015 to embed a culture of patient safety in the NHS fund Duodopa (co-careldopa) for the treatment of including through improved reporting of incidents. The Parkinson’s disease. Clinicians can submit individual NHS Outcomes Framework contains a range of indicators funding requests for this treatment on behalf of their designed to measure progress in this area of care which patients as per NHS England’s individual funding requests will be relevant to patients with all conditions, including, standard operating procedure, which is found at the Parkinson’s disease. following link: Prisoners: HIV Infection www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/cp-04.pdf NHS England has advised that its individual funding Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health request process is monitored against the standard operating how many cases of HIV were reported in prisons in procedure to ensure that referring clinicians are informed England and Wales in each of the last four years. of outcomes in a timely manner. [199548] Treatments for Parkinson’s are largely drug-based and there is a choice of therapies available. “Parkinson’s Jane Ellison: The following table provides information disease: Diagnosis and management in primary and on the number of adults (aged 15 and above) identified secondary care”, published by the National Institute for as being resident in prison at the time they received Health and Care Excellence in 2006, makes it clear that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment from communication with people with Parkinson’s disease specialist services. The source of the data provided is should be aimed towards empowering them to participate the Survey of Prevalent HIV Infection.

Number of prisoners

2009 184 2010 176 2011 190 2012 181 Notes: 1. Prisoners were identified if an adult’s residential postcode was a prison postcode. However, the completeness and accuracy depends on clinicians’ reports. Although completeness of full postcode is high (>90%) in each of these four years, it is still possible that partial postcode, missing postcode or clinic postcode instead of residential postcode was provided. This may lead to an underestimate of numbers in the table. 2. Data on patients (including prisoners) seen for care at non-national health service funded services are not included. 3. Prisoners with a short sentence might be seen for care after release and therefore not captured in this table.

Recording of prison status is not routine and numbers were reported in prisons in England and Wales in each are likely to be under-reported. This data does not of the last four years. [199549] imply that transmission of infection happened while the person was in prison or that the diagnosis was made Jane Ellison: Data on sexually transmitted infections during the period of incarceration. (STIs) are now sourced from the Genitourinary Medicine Genitourinary Medicine Clinic Activity Dataset data Clinic Activity Dataset, Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) shows that the number of new HIV infections diagnosed services return. Data from GUM clinics on prisoners in serving prisoners in England in 2011 was nine and in are unavailable prior to 2011. 2012 was 17. For the most recent two years for which data is Prisoners: Sexually Transmitted Infections available, the following table shows all new STI diagnoses among prisoners in England. Data from Genitourinary Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Medicine Clinic Activity Dataset relate only to GUM how many incidences of sexually transmitted diseases services which are located in England.

Number 20111 20122

Chlamydia (GUM clinic diagnoses only, all ages) 97 155 Gonorrhoea 11 19 Herpes: anogenital herpes (1st episode) 11 8 Syphilis: primary, secondary and early latent <5 6 Warts: anogenital warts (1st episode) 226 380 All new STIs3 495 773 499W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 500W

Number 20111 20122

HIV diagnoses 917 1 Data on prisoners are significantly under-reported in 2011. 2 2012 data for chlamydia and all new STIs are not comparable to data from previous years. 3 All new STIs include new HIV infections diagnosed when a person was a prisoner, explained further at point 4 of the explanatory notes for table one. Notes: 1. Data follow calendar years (January to December), not financial years (April to March). 2. Data represent the number of diagnoses reported and not the number of people diagnosed. 3. 2012 data for chlamydia and ″All new STIs″ are not comparable to data from previous years. Chlamydia diagnoses made among prisoners in GUM clinics that were reported as ″previously diagnosed at another service″ have been excluded from 2012 data only. 4. Data for ″All New STIs″ include: chancroid; lymphogranuloma venerum (LGV); donovanosis; chlamydia; gonorrhoea; herpes: anogenital herpes (1st episode); HIV: new diagnosis; molluscum contagiosum; non-specific genital infection; pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and epididymitis: non-specific; scabies; pediculus pubis; syphilis: primary, secondary and early latent; trichomoniasis and warts: anogenital warts (1st episode). 5. Data on prisoners are significantly under-reported in 2011 due to the phased introduction of Sexual Health and HIV Activity Property Types (SHHAPT) STI surveillance codes. 6. Number of diagnoses between 1 and 4 with a population <10,000 are presented as ’<5’ to prevent deductive disclosure. Please see link for further details on data sharing and confidentiality: www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1247816526850

The following table also contains the number of In the 2013 spending review, we announced the chlamydia diagnoses among prisoners aged 15 to 24 £3.8 billion Better Care Fund, which includes £130 years in England for 2009-11. Data are sourced from million funding for carers’ breaks for 2015-16. the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP). In 2015-16, East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Data from NCSP relate only to NCSP services which Group will receive £8.1 million from the Better Care are located in England. Fund.

Number Staff 2009 2010 2011 2012 Chlamydia (NCSP diagnoses 1,179 1,292 1,209 n/a Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for outside GUM clinics, 15 to 24 Health how many roles exist within the Economic years only) Regulation Unit in his Department; what the job title is Notes: of each such role; and what the salary level is of each 1. Chlamydia data from community services are sourced from the National Chlamydia Screening Programme for 2009-11 only. Since such role. [200006] 2012, this data source has been replaced by a new laboratory reporting system (CTAD) that does not indicate diagnoses made Dr Poulter: There are 12 posts within the Economic among prisoners. Regulation Unit (ERU) at the Department. ERU comprises 2. Data follow calendar years (January to December), not financial a deputy director, four senior policy advisers, two policy years (April to March). 3. Data represent the number of diagnoses reported and not the advisers, one policy officer, three policy support officers number of people diagnosed. and a junior analyst. 4. Data include chlamydia diagnoses from people aged 15 to 24 only. The pay bands represented are one SCS1, four grade 7s, two senior executive officers, one higher executive Radioactive Waste: Fife officer, three executive officers and a fast streamer. Salary ranges for the posts within the ERU are as Mr Gordon Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for follows: Health what the reason is for the time taken for his Department of Health pay scales: London-based posts as of 1 April Department to publish COMPARE’s report on radium 2014 contamination at Dalgety Bay. [199621] £ Minimum Maximum Jane Ellison: The Department has been engaged with the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the SCS1 Deputy Director 62,000 117,800 Grade 7 Senior Policy 48,799 61,976 Environment throughout the production of its report Advisers on Dalgety Bay, and our priority throughout has been Senior Executive Policy Advisers 37,175 45,769 to make sure that it is comprehensive, accurate and up Officer to date. Higher Executive Policy Officer 29,992 37,316 During this process information was provided to the Officer committee for due consideration prior to final publication. Executive Officer Policy Support 24,938 30,275 Officer Fast Streamer Junior Analyst 29,992 41,546 Respite Care: Pendle Tobacco: Packaging Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to improve respite care Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State provisions in Pendle constituency. [199652] for Health on what date he plans to publish the consultation referred to by the Minister of State for Norman Lamb: We have provided £400 million to the Health in his Department’s announcement entitled national health service over four years from 2011 for Government Response to Tobacco Standardised carers to have breaks from their caring responsibilities. Packaging Review, published in April 2014. [200093] 501W Written Answers16 JUNE 2014 Written Answers 502W

Jane Ellison: The consultation could not be published facilities for MRI scans where the patient’s weight in the period leading up to the European and local precludes the use of an NHS-standard scanner. elections. It is now being finalised and will be published [200163] shortly. Tomography Jane Ellison: Arrangements for deciding the most appropriate way for individual patients to access NHS John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for services based on their clinical needs is for local Health what provision is made for the use of non-NHS determination.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 16 June 2014

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 819 EDUCATION—continued Absenteeism in Schools...... 833 Free Schools...... 823 Admission Procedures (Academies and Free Funding Formula for Schools ...... 826 Schools) ...... 828 Links between Employers and Schools and FE Apprenticeships ...... 829 Colleges ...... 824 Careers Guidance...... 819 Numbers Count Programme...... 833 Child Care...... 831 Primary School Places...... 834 Children’s Social Workers (Training)...... 822 Priority School Building Programme ...... 828 Educational Attainment...... 834 School Leavers ...... 827 Fairer Funding for Schools ...... 820 Topical Questions ...... 835 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Monday 16 June 2014

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 69WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 72WS Insolvency Regime ...... 69WS UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Regional Growth Fund ...... 70WS Security 2014-17...... 72WS Student Support in England...... 70WS

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 71WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 74WS Brownfield Land ...... 71WS “Fuller Working Lives: A Framework for Action”. 74WS PETITION

Monday 16 June 2014

Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 5P Female Genital Mutilation ...... 5P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 16 June 2014

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 389W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Homicide: Prosecutions ...... 389W Students: Loans ...... 427W Legal Profession...... 389W Prosecutions...... 390W CABINET OFFICE...... 428W Sentencing: Appeals...... 390W Average Earnings ...... 428W Stalking...... 391W Average Earnings: Ashfield ...... 429W Treasury Solicitor’s Department ...... 392W Business: Peterborough...... 430W Written Questions ...... 392W Death ...... 431W Disciplinary Proceedings...... 433W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 418W Employment: Cannock Chase...... 433W Apprentices...... 418W Equal Opportunities ...... 434W Business: Ethics...... 419W Migration...... 435W Business: Government Assistance ...... 419W Military Medals Review...... 435W Directors: Pay ...... 420W Strategic Defence and Security Review ...... 436W Disabled Students’ Allowances: East Midlands...... 420W European Fighter Aircraft ...... 421W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 384W Higher Education: Warrington ...... 422W Community Relations: Islam...... 384W Local Enterprise Partnerships...... 423W Council Tax ...... 385W Minimum Wage ...... 423W Fire Services: Pensions ...... 385W Mining ...... 423W Floods...... 385W National Vocational Qualifications ...... 424W Housing: Construction...... 386W New Businesses: Loans ...... 424W Housing: Pest Control...... 386W Public Houses ...... 425W Local Government ...... 386W Sector Skills Councils...... 425W Members: Correspondence ...... 387W Shipbuilding: Portsmouth ...... 427W Non-domestic Rates: Nottinghamshire ...... 387W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— continued continued Urban Areas ...... 388W Bees...... 356W Dogs: Injuries...... 356W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 446W Equal Opportunities ...... 356W Arts: Education...... 446W Food ...... 357W BBC Trust...... 446W Pigs: Disease Control ...... 357W Commonwealth Games 2014 ...... 447W Rural Areas: Festivals and Special Occasions...... 357W Sports: North West ...... 447W Water Charges: South West...... 358W World War I: Anniversaries...... 447W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 367W DEFENCE...... 358W Algeria ...... 367W Air Force...... 358W Armed Conflict: Minerals ...... 367W Air Force: Leukaemia ...... 358W Arms Trade: Treaties...... 368W Armed Forces: Cadets...... 358W Balkans ...... 368W Armed Forces: Pay...... 360W Burundi...... 369W Armed Forces: Sexual Offences...... 359W Central Africa ...... 370W Armed Forces: Young People...... 360W China ...... 371W Arms Trade...... 361W Democratic Republic of Congo ...... 371W Army: Ethnic Groups ...... 361W Egypt ...... 372W Army: Length of Service...... 362W Gibraltar...... 373W HMS Illustrious ...... 363W Indian Subcontinent ...... 373W HMS Sultan...... 363W Iran...... 373W Military Aircraft ...... 363W Iraq...... 374W Navy ...... 364W Jerusalem ...... 374W Reserve Forces ...... 364W Libya...... 375W Shipbuilding: Portsmouth ...... 365W Middle East ...... 375W Unmanned Aerial Vehicles...... 366W Morocco ...... 376W North Korea ...... 376W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 337W Palestinians ...... 378W Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership...... 337W South Sudan ...... 378W Disciplinary Proceedings...... 337W Sri Lanka ...... 379W Electoral Register...... 337W Sudan...... 379W Equal Opportunities ...... 337W Syria...... 380W Ukraine...... 382W EDUCATION...... 407W Venezuela...... 383W Arts: GCSE...... 408W Western Sahara ...... 384W Design: Curriculum...... 408W Design: Education...... 409W HEALTH...... 476W Design: Teachers ...... 409W Air Pollution ...... 476W Faith Schools ...... 410W Ambulance Services: Yorkshire and the Humber ... 477W Free School Meals: North East ...... 410W Armed Forces: In Vitro Fertilisation ...... 478W Local Education Authorities: Disclosure of Cancer ...... 478W Information ...... 411W Continuing Care ...... 479W Members: Correspondence ...... 411W Cystic Fibrosis ...... 479W School Exclusions: Children with Autism ...... 408W Dementia ...... 480W Schools: Asbestos...... 412W Dental Services: North West ...... 480W Schools: Extra-curricular Activities ...... 412W Exercise: North West...... 481W Schools: Inspections...... 412W Eyesight ...... 482W Schools: Radicalism ...... 412W Fertility ...... 482W Secondary Education: Standards ...... 413W General Practitioners ...... 482W Special Educational Needs...... 407W Health: Business...... 486W Two-tier School System: Bedford ...... 407W Health Centres: Burntwood ...... 484W Unemployment: Young People...... 414W Health: Disadvantaged...... 486W Health Services: North East...... 485W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 393W Heart Diseases ...... 486W General Election 2010...... 393W Hepatitis ...... 487W Home Care Services ...... 489W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 339W Human Papillomavirus ...... 490W Coal: Nottinghamshire ...... 339W Maternity Services ...... 490W Correspondence ...... 339W Medical Records: Databases ...... 492W Disciplinary Proceedings...... 340W Melanotan ...... 493W Energy: Prices ...... 341W Meningitis: Vaccination ...... 494W Energy: Profits ...... 341W Mental Health Services: Young People...... 494W Equal Opportunities ...... 342W NHS: Staff ...... 494W Fracking: USA...... 342W Organs: North West ...... 495W Out of Area Treatment: Wales ...... 496W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Parkinson’s Disease ...... 496W AFFAIRS...... 355W Prisoners: HIV Infection...... 498W Animal Welfare: Circuses...... 355W Prisoners: Sexually Transmitted Infections...... 497W Ash Dieback Disease ...... 355W Radioactive Waste: Fife ...... 499W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued JUSTICE—continued Respite Care: Pendle ...... 499W Victim Support Schemes: North Yorkshire ...... 476W Staff ...... 500W Tobacco: Packaging ...... 500W LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 338W Tomography...... 501W Official Visits ...... 338W

HOME DEPARTMENT...... 436W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 388W Animal Experiments ...... 436W Equal Opportunities ...... 388W Arrest Warrants ...... 437W Asylum: Housing ...... 438W PRIME MINISTER ...... 338W Disciplinary Proceedings...... 438W G7...... 338W Driving Offences: Insurance...... 439W Ministers: Conduct ...... 338W Drugs: Convictions ...... 439W Drugs: Misuse...... 439W SCOTLAND...... 388W Equal Opportunities ...... 440W Sovereignty ...... 388W Human Trafficking: Albania...... 441W Immigrants: Detainees ...... 442W TRANSPORT ...... 398W Immigration Act 2014...... 443W Aviation ...... 398W Immigration Controls ...... 443W Cycling...... 398W Police ...... 443W Databases...... 399W Police: Demonstrations ...... 444W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 399W Police: Dogs ...... 444W London Midland ...... 400W Stalking...... 444W Motor Vehicles: Glass ...... 403W Telecommunications: Databases ...... 445W Motor Vehicles: Insurance ...... 403W Verne Prison...... 445W Motor Vehicles: Registration...... 403W Network Rail ...... 404W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 414W Railways: Finance ...... 405W Bangladesh...... 414W Roads: Expenditure...... 405W Burundi...... 414W Roads: Finance ...... 406W Central African Republic ...... 414W Shipping...... 406W Democratic Republic of Congo ...... 415W Transport: Expenditure...... 407W Developing Countries: Agriculture ...... 415W Developing Countries: Climate Change ...... 416W TREASURY ...... 393W Developing Countries: Diseases ...... 416W A120 ...... 393W Developing Countries: Education ...... 417W Child Benefit: Northern Ireland...... 393W Developing Countries: Employment ...... 417W Income Tax: Nottinghamshire ...... 394W Developing Countries: Female Genital Insurance Companies...... 394W Mutilation...... 417W Mapeley ...... 394W Developing Countries: Females...... 417W Private Finance Initiative ...... 394W Developing Countries: Prisons...... 418W Property: Taxation ...... 395W Syria...... 418W Revenue and Customs...... 395W Self-employed ...... 396W JUSTICE...... 447W Shipping: Minimum Wage ...... 396W Contracts: HM Prisons...... 447W Tax Avoidance ...... 397W Contracts: Prisoner Escort...... 451W Taxation: Offshore Industry...... 397W Contracts: Secure Training Centres ...... 452W Tourism: Taxation...... 397W Courts: Video Conferencing ...... 453W VAT ...... 398W Equal Opportunities ...... 453W Working Families Tax Credit ...... 398W Glen Parva Young Offender Institution...... 454W High Down Prison...... 455W WALES...... 389W Michael Wheatley ...... 455W UK Trade and Investment...... 389W Open Prisons ...... 455W Written Questions ...... 389W Prison Service ...... 458W Prisoners ...... 458W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 392W Prisoners’ Release ...... 459W Civil Partnerships...... 392W Prisoners: Repatriation ...... 461W Prisoners: Risk Assessment...... 465W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 343W Prisoners: Sexual Offences ...... 465W Access to Work Programme ...... 343W Prisons: Crimes of Violence ...... 465W Child Support ...... 343W Prisons: Discipline ...... 466W Children: Day Care ...... 344W Prisons: Employment...... 466W Children: Poverty ...... 344W Probation ...... 467W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 345W Procurement...... 467W Employment Schemes ...... 346W Secure Colleges ...... 468W Housing Benefit ...... 346W Secure Colleges: Construction...... 468W Housing Benefit: Brent ...... 346W Secure Colleges: Leicestershire...... 468W Housing Benefit: Wales...... 347W Serco ...... 469W Jobcentre Plus ...... 347W Sexual Offences: Rehabilitation...... 470W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Preston...... 348W Social Security Benefits: Appeals ...... 475W Members: Correspondence ...... 348W Trials...... 475W New Enterprise Allowance...... 348W Victim Support Schemes ...... 475W Occupational Pensions...... 349W Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Personal Independence Payment...... 349W Universal Credit...... 353W Preston...... 351W Wood: Health Hazards...... 354W Social Security Benefits...... 351W Work Capability Assessment...... 354W Social Security Benefits: Greater Manchester ...... 352W Work Programme...... 355W Social Security Benefits: Warrington...... 352W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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,

not later than Monday 23 June 2014

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CONTENTS

Monday 16 June 2014

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 819] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Education

Prison Overcrowding [Col. 841] Answer to urgent question—(Chris Grayling)

Iraq and Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict [Col. 852] Statement—(Mr Hague)

Consumer Rights Bill [Col. 873] As amended, further considered; read the Third time and passed

Education [Col. 923] Motion—(Mr Timpson)—agreed to

Petition [Col. 928]

Work Capability Assessments [Col. 930] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 69WS]

Petition [Col. 5P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 337W] [see index inside back page]