Monday Volume 531 11 July 2011 No. 185

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 11 July 2011

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

MEMBERS OF THE CABINET

(FORMED BY THE RT HON.DAVID CAMERON,MP,MAY 2010)

PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE—The Rt Hon. Kenneth Clarke, QC, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE—The Rt Hon. Liam Fox, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—The Rt Hon. Chris Huhne, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH—The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, CBE, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. Caroline Spelman, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—The Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES—The Rt Hon. Cheryl Gillan, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,OLYMPICS,MEDIA AND SPORT—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt Hon. Lord Strathclyde MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO—The Rt Hon. Baroness Warsi

DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND MINISTERS Business, Innovation and Skills— SECRETARY OF STATE AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Willetts, MP (Minister for Universities and Science) John Hayes, MP (Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning) § Mark Prisk, MP Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint (Minister for Trade and Investment) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Edward Davey, MP Edward Vaizey, MP § Baroness Wilcox Cabinet Office— MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND PAYMASTER GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Francis Maude, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Oliver Letwin, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES— Mark Harper, MP Nick Hurd, MP Communities and Local Government— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Greg Clark, MP The Rt Hon. Grant Shapps, MP (Minister for Housing and Local Government) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Andrew Stunell, OBE, MP Robert Neill, MP Baroness Hanham, CBE ii HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Culture, Media and Sport— SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,OLYMPICS,MEDIA AND SPORT—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— John Penrose, MP Hugh Robertson, MP (Minister for Sport and the Olympics) Edward Vaizey, MP § Defence— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Liam Fox, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Nick Harvey, MP (Minister for the Armed Forces) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Gerald Howarth, MP The Rt Hon. Andrew Robathan, MP Peter Luff, MP Lord Astor of Hever, DL Duchy of Lancaster— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt Hon. Lord Strathclyde Education— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Sarah Teather, MP Nick Gibb, MP John Hayes, MP (Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Tim Loughton, MP Lord Hill of Oareford Energy and Climate Change— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Chris Huhne, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Charles Hendry, MP Gregory Barker, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Lord Marland Environment, Food and Rural Affairs— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Caroline Spelman, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. James Paice, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Richard Benyon, MP Lord Henley Foreign and Commonwealth Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Jeremy Browne, MP The Rt Hon. David Lidington, MP (Minister for Europe) The Rt Hon. Lord Howell of Guildford PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Henry Bellingham, MP Alistair Burt, MP Government Equalities Office— MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP § MINISTER FOR EQUALITIES—Lynne Featherstone, MP § Health— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, CBE, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Paul Burstow, MP The Rt Hon Simon Burns, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Anne Milton, MP Earl Howe Home Office— SECRETARY OF STATE AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP § MINISTERS OF STATE— Damian Green, MP (Minister for Immigration) The Rt Hon. Nick Herbert, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § Baroness Browning (Minister for Security) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Lynne Featherstone, MP (Minister for Equalities) § James Brokenshire, MP HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont. iii

International Development— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Alan Duncan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Stephen O’Brien, MP Justice— LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Kenneth Clarke, QC, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Lord McNally The Rt Hon. Nick Herbert, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Crispin Blunt, MP Jonathan Djanogly, MP Law Officers— ATTORNEY-GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Dominic Grieve, QC, MP SOLICITOR-GENERAL—Edward Garnier, QC, MP ADVOCATE-GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Tankerness, QC Leader of the House of Commons— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND LORD PRIVY SEAL—The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—David Heath, CBE, MP Northern Ireland— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP MINISTER OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Hugo Swire, MP Privy Council Office— DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP Scotland Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. David Mundell, MP Transport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Norman Baker, MP Mike Penning, MP Treasury— PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP CHIEF SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP FINANCIAL SECRETARY—Mark Hoban, MP EXCHEQUER SECRETARY—David Gauke, MP ECONOMIC SECRETARY—Justine Greening, MP COMMERCIAL SECRETARY—Lord Sassoon PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP LORDS COMMISSIONERS— Michael Fabricant, MP Angela Watkinson, MP Jeremy Wright, MP Brooks Newmark, MP James Duddridge, MP ASSISTANT WHIPS— Philip Dunne, MP Stephen Crabb, MP Robert Goodwill, MP Shailesh Vara, MP Bill Wiggin, MP Chloe Smith, MP Norman Lamb, MP Mark Hunter, MP iv HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Wales Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Cheryl Gillan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—David Jones, MP Work and Pensions— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, MP Steve Webb, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Maria Miller, MP Lord Freud Her Majesty’s Household— LORD CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Earl Peel, GCVO, DL LORD STEWARD—The Earl of Dalhousie MASTER OF THE HORSE—Lord Vestey, KCVO TREASURER—The Rt Hon. John Randall, MP COMPTROLLER—The Rt Hon. Alistair Carmichael, MP VICE-CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Mark Francois, MP CAPTAIN OF THE HONOURABLE CORPS OF GENTLEMEN-AT-ARMS—The Rt Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns, DBE CAPTAIN OF THE QUEEN’S BODYGUARD OF THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD—The Rt Hon. Lord Shutt of Greetland, OBE BARONESSES IN WAITING—Baroness Garden of Frognal, Baroness Northover, Baroness Rawlings, Baroness Verma LORDS IN WAITING—Earl Attlee, Lord De Mauley, TD, Lord Taylor of Holbeach, CBE, Lord Wallace of Saltaire

§ Members of the Government listed under more than one Department

SECOND CHURCH ESTATES COMMISSIONER, REPRESENTING CHURCH COMMISSIONERS—Tony Baldry, MP HOUSE OF COMMONS

THE SPEAKER—The Rt Hon. John Bercow, MP

CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Lindsay Hoyle, MP FIRST DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Nigel Evans, MP SECOND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—The Rt Hon. Dawn Primarolo, MP

PANEL OF CHAIRS Mr David Amess, MP, Hugh Bayley, MP, Mr Joe Benton, MP, Mr Clive Betts, MP, Mr Peter Bone, MP, Mr Graham Brady, MP, Annette Brooke, MP, Martin Caton, MP, Mr Christopher Chope, MP, Katy Clark, MP, Mr David Crausby, MP, Philip Davies, MP, Jim Dobbin, MP, Nadine Dorries, MP, Mr Roger Gale, MP, Mr James Gray, MP, Mr Mike Hancock, MP, Mr Dai Havard, MP, Mr Philip Hollobone, MP, Mr Jim Hood, MP, The Rt Hon. George Howarth, MP, Mr Edward Leigh, MP, Dr William McCrea, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Mrs Anne Main, MP, Sir Alan Meale, MP, Sandra Osborne, MP, Albert Owen, MP, Mrs Linda Riordan, MP, John Robertson, MP, Andrew Rosindell, MP, Mr Lee Scott, MP, Jim Sheridan, MP, Mr Gary Streeter, MP, Mr Andrew Turner, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Mr Mike Weir, MP, Hywel Williams, MP

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION The Rt Hon. The Speaker (Chairman), The Rt Hon. Hilary Benn, MP, Sir Paul Beresford, MP, Mr Frank Doran, MP, John Thurso, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION—Dorian Gerhold ASSISTANT SECRETARY—Joanna Dodd

ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATE AUDIT COMMITTEE Alex Jablonowski (Chairman), The Rt Hon. Hilary Benn, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, John Thurso, MP, Stephen Brooker, Mark Clarke SECRETARY OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE—Gosia McBride

MANAGEMENT BOARD Sir Malcolm Jack, KCB, (Chief Executive), Robert Rogers (Director General, Chamber and Committee Services), John Pullinger (Director General, Information Services), Andrew Walker (Director General, HR and Change), John Borley, CB (Director General, Facilities), Myfanwy Barrett (Director of Finance), Joan Miller (Director of Parliamentary ICT) (External Member), Alex Jablonowski (External Member) SECRETARY OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD—Matthew Hamlyn

SPEAKER’S SECRETARY—Peter Barratt SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter SPEAKER’S CHAPLAIN—Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin

PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS—John Lyon, CB PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY CO-ORDINATOR—Peter Mason

11 July 2011

THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES OFFICIAL REPORT

IN THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH PARLIAMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND [WHICH OPENED 18 MAY 2010]

SIXTIETH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

SIXTH SERIES VOLUME 531 TWENTY-SECOND VOLUME OF SESSION 2010-2012

Fiona O’Donnell: We know that this Government are House of Commons fond of pauses, but it is eight months since the Minister announced the end of Connexions and the start of the Monday 11 July 2011 new all-age career service. In the meantime, parents and practitioners have been left with no help to support young people in assessing their options or planning The House met at half-past Two o’clock for their futures, so will Casper the Ghost Minister take this opportunity to provide detailed guidance, eight months after it was promised, on how the transitional PRAYERS arrangements and the new service will work?

Tim Loughton: I am impressed by the hon. Lady’s [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] affection for Connexions, which does not exist in Scotland anyway. She will have just four more days to wait until after the summit that was promised and discussed in Oral Answers to Questions Committee, when my hon. Friend the Minister will lay out our plans in detail, with plenty of time for the transitions to come into effect.

EDUCATION Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con): Will the Minister update us on the Government’s plans to introduce performance measures that highlight the progress in The Secretary of State was asked— attainment not only of those on the five A*-to-C boundary, Careers Service but of those not achieving that level?

1. Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): When he Tim Loughton: I am not entirely sure of the connection plans to issue his transition plan for the careers service. with the transition plans for careers services. [64597] Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): There is no The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education “connexion”. (Tim Loughton): The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning—who is here with us in Tim Loughton: There is an odd connection, as the spirit, if not in body today—committed during an hon. Gentleman says. Last week my right hon. Friend Education Bill debate to hold a summit for interested the Secretary of State set out the plans for raising the parties to focus on issues of transition to the new threshold, which is surely a much more realistic and arrangements for young people’s careers guidance. That aspirational target than the rather poor compromise summit is to take place this Friday. Following the event, that we have had up to now. we will set out key milestones for the transition period up to September 2012 to support local authorities’ Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab): I am not surprised transition planning. We will also look to share examples that the Minister in charge of the careers service does of the models being developed at the local level, and the not want to show his face in this place—it has not done material will be made available on the Local Government his own career any good—but I am pleased that our Association’s communities of practice website. man in Havana is with us today. This whole episode has 3 Oral Answers11 JULY 2011 Oral Answers 4 been handled absolutely shambolically, but will the above engineering, ICT and RE, yet we know religious Minister now at least confirm, even at this late stage, education helps young people understand the world that despite the lack of a transition plan eight months today. Ministers tell us that the E-bac is what parents on from the announcement, face-to-face quality advice and students want, so will the Minister tell us what and guidance from a careers professional will be provided percentage of year 9 students who have recently chosen to all children, and that no one will be left out? their GCSE options have opted for the English bac?

Tim Loughton: As a question, that was close, but no Mr Gibb: We do not collect the figure centrally. We cigar. However, just last week the hon. Gentleman was will see the effect of the English baccalaureate when we referring to my hon. Friend the Minister as his friend, see the GCSE results this year, next year and the year and he will appreciate more than many the immense after that. If the right hon. Gentleman wants a modern amount of work that he has put in to ensure that the curriculum, he should be aware that we need modern arrangements are absolutely right. Let us remember languages to be taught in our schools. Under his watch, that it was the hon. Gentleman’s former friend, the right the numbers entering for GCSE in modern languages hon. Alan Milburn, who panned the former Connexions plummeted from 79% in the year 2000 to just 43% last service as being patchy and inefficient. We want to year, while the proportion taking geography fell from ensure that we do not make those sorts of mistakes and 44% in 1997 to 27% last year. The range of subjects in that we get it right for our many young people in future. the English baccalaureate is mirrored elsewhere in modern emerging economies such as Singapore, France, Japan English Baccalaureate and Alberta. [HON.MEMBERS: “Alberta?”] In Canada. Those are the most successful education jurisdictions. 2. Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD): What assessment he has made of the effects of the decision not to include Andy Burnham: It is just not good enough that the religious education in the English baccalaureate. [64598] Minister does not know about the impact his policies are having on student choices in schools. In my constituency, The Minister of State, Department for Education about 30% of young people are opting for the English (Mr Nick Gibb): We have had a large number of bac; what does the Minister have to say to the other representations about the potential effect of the English 70% who have chosen not to do it? RE teachers, music baccalaureate on religious education in schools. We are teachers and art teachers are at risk of redundancy carrying out our own work to assess the extent of the because of the English baccalaureate. No wonder nine changes that schools are making from next year, and faith leaders wrote to The Daily Telegraph this weekend we shall continue to monitor the take-up of all subjects to say that they were and the associated staffing implications. Religious education “gravely concerned about the negative impact current Government remains a vital subject that it is compulsory for all policies are having on RE in schools”. schools to teach through to the age of 16. Ministers promised freedom, choice and autonomy in Stephen Lloyd: I have been lobbying the Government education; is it not time that they started living up to on this issue for some months now. The schools Minister those words? has repeatedly asked for evidence to back up claims that excluding RE from the E-bac will have a negative impact Mr Gibb: If we were to take advice from the right on take-up and teaching provision. Last week, a report hon. Gentleman, we would have a cap on aspiration for by the National Association of Teachers of Religious young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. Education, based on evidence from half of all state He should be ashamed of the fact that his Government schools in England, showed that a quarter of schools left this Government a legacy whereby only 8% of are not providing statutory RE for 14 to 16-year-olds. pupils on free school meals were even entered for the Will the Minister address the issue, now that we have English baccalaureate subjects, and these are subjects the proof? that the Russell group of universities regards as the facilitating subjects that give rise to progression. Only Mr Gibb: The NATRE study cited by my hon. Friend 4% of those pupils actually achieved the results in suggests that around one in six schools anticipate a comparison with 15.6% nationally. The right hon. drop in religious studies entries at GCSE related to the Gentleman had a cap on aspiration; we want to raise E-bac, but it is not clear what overall effect that might aspiration right across the abilities and backgrounds of have on take-up. Well over half of schools specifically young people. indicated in that survey that there would not be a drop in GCSE entries in RS; indeed, a proportion said that Public Examinations there would be an increase in entries. That bears out the fact that the English baccalaureate does not prevent any school from offering RS GCSEs, and RE remains a 3. Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): What statutory part of the curriculum. steps he is taking to ensure that public examinations are set to a high standard. [64599] Andy Burnham (Leigh) (Lab): I do not know whether you are a fan of films of the ‘80s, Mr Speaker, but you The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): might remember one called “Back to the Future”. It The Government are committed to ensuring that GCSEs starred a man called Michael who was trapped in the and A-levels compare with the best exams in the world, 1950s—an echo, perhaps, of someone else in modern so we will increase the role of higher education in the politics. Ministers are hopelessly stuck in the past: they development of A-levels; we will change the rules on drop work experience at key stage 4 and promote Latin modules and retakes so that GCSE examinations are 5 Oral Answers11 JULY 2011 Oral Answers 6 taken at the end of the course; and we will ensure that Safe”, which was published today, says that two thirds proper marks are once more given for spelling, punctuation of runaway children are not reported missing. One of and grammar. its most disturbing findings is that most runaway children do not seek help because they do not feel that there is Mr Leigh: Does my right hon. Friend recall a study anyone whom they can trust. When drawing up his by the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2008—I think he action plan, will the Minister take full account of the will because he commented on it at the time—showing findings of both those reports? that 1,300 of the brightest 16-year-olds found great difficulty answering questions taken from the 1960s and Tim Loughton: I pay tribute to the hon. Lady again ’70s? Does this not prove that standards have dropped? for the immense amount of work that she has done. She Is there any evidence that the steps my right hon. Friend and I recently took part in a debate on the subject in is taking will make a real difference so that we can halt Westminster Hall. She is right to draw attention to the the catastrophic decline in the standard of A-levels? strong link between runaway children and sexual exploitation, and that will certainly feature in the action Michael Gove: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, plan we are drawing up. The Children’s Society report, who is absolutely right to say that the Royal Society of which was published today, makes even more harrowing Chemistry and other learned bodies have pointed out reading and reminds us of the urgency of the task. that some examinations our young people sit today According to the report, children as young as eight are simply do not compare with the best in the world. I have subjected to sexual exploitation, which is completely asked the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations unacceptable. Regulator to ensure that the tests that our children sit to prepare them for the 21st century are every bit as Industrial Action rigorous as those in the other countries that the Minister of State, Department for Education, my hon. Friend the 5. Pamela Nash (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): On how Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb) many days annually on average schools were closed mentioned, which are currently outpacing us in educational owing to strike action between (a) 1979 and 1997 and achievement. (b) 1997 and 2010; and what assessment he has made of the likely trends in days lost to such action in the next John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): On 9 June, Ofqual four years. [64601] apologised for the record number of examination question errors this year and said that every paper had been The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): rechecked. On 12 June, three more examination papers My Department published detailed information on school were found with errors in them. Why? closures associated with the industrial action on 30 June. The Department has not collected such detailed figures Michael Gove: I share the hon. Gentleman’s concern, in the past, so we do not have comprehensive figures for which is why Ofqual has ensured that there will be an the days lost between 1979 and 2010, and it is not inquiry into the mistakes made by the awarding bodies. possible to predict the number of days on which schools This is not the first year, and it might not be the last, in might close in the event of future industrial action. which awarding bodies made mistakes in examinations, but it is a cause of heartbreak for every family affected. Pamela Nash: It is clear from figures available to We inherited an examination system from the previous Labour Members that more strike days were taken Government that needed reform. That is why we are under the previous Conservative Government than under changing both the way Ofqual operates and the way in the more recent Labour Government. Is that because a which awarding bodies are held to account. Tory-led Government are incapable of sitting around a table and negotiating with teachers, or does the Secretary “Out of Mind, Out of Sight” of State have an alternative explanation?

4. Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): What representations Michael Gove: I agree with the hon. Lady that negotiation he has received on the report “Out of Mind, Out of is important. That is why I look forward to talking to Sight” issued by the Child Exploitation and Online representatives of the trade unions later this afternoon Protection Centre. [64600] and why I value the discussions that we have with them, not just about pensions but about every issue. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Tim Loughton): The CEOP thematic assessment has Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): In all the pension been widely welcomed as an important contribution to negotiations that have led to the recent strikes, the the tackling of child sexual exploitation. As available Secretary of State seems to have been a bit of a non-entity. data are limited, the report does not provide a complete Has he made any representations to his Cabinet Office picture of this horrific abuse, but it does help us to and Treasury colleagues in support of the teachers’ case understand much better the scale, nature and complexity on pensions, or has he decided simply to wash his hands of the issues that we are facing. As the hon. Lady of their concerns? knows, the Government are working with national and local partners to develop a comprehensive action plan, Michael Gove: I note that the hon. Gentleman has which we will publish this autumn. promoted me from Marty McFly to Pontius Pilate in just 30 seconds. Far from washing my hands, however, I Ann Coffey: The CEOP report says that sexually have been actively intervening to ensure that, across exploited children frequently go missing or run away, Government, we make certain that pensions for valued but, the Children’s Society report “Make Runaways public sector workers such as teachers are protected, 7 Oral Answers11 JULY 2011 Oral Answers 8 while at the same time being fair to all taxpayers and Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The Minister says reflecting the reforms that Lord Hutton, in his excellent he thinks value for money is important and stresses the report, suggested we pursue. importance of the voluntary sector in providing youth services, but the Select Committee on Education report Youth Services makes it absolutely clear that voluntary service organisations are already playing a very significant part in youth 6. Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): What service provision and tells the Government that they recent representations he has received on the benefits of need to acknowledge what is happening on the ground year-round youth services. [64602] and act now. Will the Minister speak up for our young people and explain what he is going to do about the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education crisis in youth service provision, with local authorities (Tim Loughton): I discuss youth services regularly with right across the country making swingeing cuts? a wide range of stakeholders, particularly young people. The Government acknowledge the value of year-round Tim Loughton: Unlike the previous Government who services when they are of high quality, but too many are rather demonised young people, this Government will of variable quality, insufficiently targeted on those most speak up for young people wherever we can. That is why in need, and not open to a range of providers. Through the comprehensive youth policy we are putting together the early intervention grant we are encouraging local will be called “positive for youth.” It will include authorities to improve services by making better use of contributions from the voluntary sector, the business the voluntary sector, increasing the involvement of local sector, the youth worker sector and young people themselves. businesses, and ensuring that disadvantaged young people Our very successful summit at the QEII centre in March receive early help. was a springboard for probably the most comprehensive youth policy that any Government will produce. I look Stella Creasy: On 4 May, the Minister told the Select forward to the hon. Gentleman reading that report Committee on Education that he was concerned about when it comes out in the autumn. the “bang for your buck” in the provision of universal youth services. The Committee’s report on youth services Traveller Children shows that the national citizen service, as currently constructed, does not provide value for money. What 7. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): How many action is the Minister taking to prevent himself from schools in England are attended entirely by Traveller being hauled before the Public Accounts Committee for children. [64603] wasting valuable resources that should go to our young people? The Minister of State, Department for Education (Mr Nick Gibb): No schools in England are attended Tim Loughton: I noticed that the term “value for entirely by Traveller children. money” tripped rather awkwardly from the hon. Lady’s lips. The Select Committee report was about services Mr Hollobone: For the record, the Minister should be beyond the school day for young people aged between advised that Braybrooke primary school in my constituency 13 and 25, yet the press release focused almost solely on is populated 100% by Traveller children. It must be the the national citizens service, which is for 16-year-olds. only school in the country where children from the local We are running pilots this year. The purpose of pilots is village do not attend and the entire population is made to see how things work, and in this case to ensure we get up of children from local Traveller camps. Will my hon. value for money and the biggest bang for our buck so Friend be kind enough to visit the school to see how we that as many of our 16-year-olds as possible will benefit might address this unique situation? from this wonderful scheme in years to come. I hope the hon. Lady will visit one of the schemes in her area. Mr Gibb: I will, of course, be delighted to visit my hon. Friend’s constituency and Braybrooke primary Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) (LD): The Minister school. The Government are committed to the promotion rightly pointed out that provision has been different in of community cohesion and to breaking down barriers that the service has been non-statutory.What consideration between different groups in society, and we have committed has he given to the idea of objectives being proposed £201 million within the dedicated schools grant to help that it would be hoped commissioners would take up, so schools raise the performance of ethnic minority pupils, that young people across the country would be able to including Traveller children. engage with the process and there could be some minimum standards? Careers Service

Tim Loughton: I take on board my hon. Friend’s 8. Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): What point. Youth service provision is very patchy across the recent representations he has received on face-to-face country and needs to be modernised, and some youth careers advice. [64604] services departments do not take on board what local people actually need. Above all, we must ensure that we The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education involve all the relevant sectors and people—the voluntary (Tim Loughton): The careers guidance provisions in and business sectors, youth workers and, most importantly, clauses 26 and 27 of the Education Bill have been young people themselves, who are often not included in extensively debated and will be subjected to further scrutiny consultations on the services we provide for them. I am in the House of Lords. A wide range of stakeholders determined that under my watch that will be a thing of have submitted evidence to inform the passage of the the past. Education Bill through Parliament. 9 Oral Answers11 JULY 2011 Oral Answers 10

Ministers frequently respond to correspondence relating The Minister of State, Department for Education to the delivery of careers guidance. The subject has (Sarah Teather): Schools are best placed to decide how been raised in discussions with a number of interested to spend the pupil premium in ways that they judge to parties including representatives from the careers sector, be most effective in helping their most deprived pupils. the Association of School and College Leaders and the We will learn from those schools that are making the Association of Colleges. most effective use of the premium. From this year, performance tables will publish data showing the attainment Kate Green: Careers advice and guidance will have to gap between disadvantaged children and their more be provided in schools, but my understanding is that no affluent peers. From September 2012, schools will provide inspection regime will be in force to ensure they do so. information to parents about their use of pupil premium How will we know that schools facing scarcity of resources funding. will provide impartial and high-quality advice? Eric Ollerenshaw: I am not sure that that was quite Tim Loughton: The most important way we will discover the answer to my question. Given the importance of how well the new system will work is not through measuring this policy, the fact that we are at last beginning to inputs, but through measuring outcomes. Ofsted will target extra resources on some of the most disadvantaged therefore have a role in looking at the destinations of pupils in all our schools and the fact that there have young people leaving school, and that will be part of the been so many failed policies in this sphere, how are we performance measures we are currently discussing, which going to assess this policy? will be in place for 2012. Sarah Teather: The hon. Gentleman is correct in Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) saying that I did not answer his point about Lancaster (LD): It is obvious from information around the country and Fleetwood, so I will respond to him in writing that the young people who most need face-to-face careers about it. As I said, schools will be held accountable for guidance are those from the most disadvantaged their use of the pupil premium by the detail in the backgrounds, where they do not receive that support at performance tables, which will be published from this home. As Ministers consider how to deal with the Education year, and by the requirement from September 2012 to Bill in the Lords and this guidance, will they reflect on make it clear how they are spending their pupil premium the fact that specific advice that would lead to face-to-face money in respect of the progress made on the attainment careers guidance would be hugely valued, particularly of the pupils it covers. We are also very committed to in the most disadvantaged schools and areas? providing advice on best practice and we will be doing that soon. Tim Loughton: My right hon. Friend makes a very important point and, as I say, those considerations will Mr Speaker: The motto is that Ministers should look form part of the summit that my colleague is holding at the question on the Order Paper before answering, this Friday. He makes the point that every child is rather than afterwards, but I appreciate what the Minister different, and we need to ensure that we provide tailor-made has said and I think that the House is grateful for it. careers advice that is suitable and appropriate for the child. The new arrangements will give schools far greater Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education flexibility to make sure that they are delivering what works to the children they know best. 10. Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): When he plans to launch the internal review of personal, social, Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South) (Lab): The health and economic education announced in the Minister talks about outputs, but the reality is that we teaching White Paper. [64606] cannot look at them unless there is some input in the first place. People at my local schools in Blackpool are The Minister of State, Department for Education distraught that the Department has taken away the (Mr Nick Gibb): We will announce details of the internal dedicated £200 million that was supposed to go into review of personal, social, health and economic education providing face-to-face guidance. How does he expect shortly. The issues covered in this subject are very proper provision to be delivered if he is not investing important. We are taking time to ensure that the review, any money in the first place? when it starts, can identify what schools need to do to improve PSHE while allowing teachers the flexibility to Tim Loughton: The hon. Gentleman will recall that use their judgment on how best to deliver it. funding for schools has been greatly protected, and now, by taking away the ring fences, we are making sure Jo Swinson: Figures reported last week showed that that schools can deliver the most appropriate, best-quality among 13 and 14-year-olds more than 1,000 abortions careers advice for the children they know best. That used were carried out last year, which just highlights the need to happen when I was at school under a Mr Herbert, for us to do better in providing high-quality sex education although one could say that my ending up as a Member taught in the context of relationships. Will the Minister of Parliament does not suggest the best careers advice. stop delaying the review—it was due to start in February —so that we can ensure that children have access to the Pupil Premium vital information and learning they need to develop into healthy and confident young adults? 9. Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): What assessment he has made of the way in which the Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend is right to say that these are pupil premium is being spent in (a) Lancaster and important issues. Children need to have good-quality Fleetwood constituency and (b) England. [64605] PSHE at schools, and that is precisely what the review 11 Oral Answers11 JULY 2011 Oral Answers 12 will cover. We are taking our time setting up the review Mr Wilson: The investment in UTCs and technical to ensure that its remit is correctly drafted and that academies is very welcome and will, I believe, provide a the quality of the review gives rise to a high-quality substantial boost to education standards in the areas improvement in the teaching of PSHE in those subjects that will have them. Has my right hon. Friend given any in our schools. thought to how we can accelerate the UTC programme so that more areas can benefit from this fantastic Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): But will he ensure programme? that the need for schools to help to prevent domestic violence and violence between boys and girls is made a Michael Gove: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who priority in the review? Every relevant Committee of this is a champion of high-quality vocational and technical House, including the most recent Select Committee on education. The Government are doing more for vocational Home Affairs, has identified that although in Britain we and technical education than any and that is why I am are relatively good at dealing with the policing of domestic so pleased that he is heavily involved with the bid to violence, we are very bad at preventing it. Schools have ensure that Reading receives an appropriate technical more of a role to play; will the Minister ensure that they academy. We are doing everything possible to accelerate do that? consideration of those bids and to support as many as possible and I am grateful for the support of the Chancellor. Mr Gibb: Yes. We are determined to play a strong part in the cross-government action plan on ending Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): The violence, particularly against women and girls, that is Secretary of State will know that many of us hope that led by the Home Office. We are providing support to the university technical school pilots will be successful families with multiple problems, funded by the early and we watch with great interest. Has not an important intervention grant, and we are taking forward the opportunity been missed of working with the further recommendations of the Reg Bailey review. The PSHE education sector, which knows a lot about teaching review will consider sexual consent, which is an important young people from the age of 14 in technical subjects? issue to cover, and we are raising standards of behaviour Is there not a great deal of capacity and potential in in our schools, with a particular focus on anti-bullying. that market, too?

Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): Following Michael Gove: The hon. Gentleman makes a the publication of the internal review, will the Minister characteristically shrewd point, which is why Professor ensure that the consultation that is undertaken will Alison Wolf argued in her report that we should ensure restate the very important part that governors and parity of esteem between teachers in schools and those parents play in the development of such policies? in further education colleges, that the qualified teacher learning and skills status, or QTLS, qualification should be considered equivalent to qualified teacher status, or Mr Gibb: Yes, I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. QTS, and that the links between schools and FE colleges All the reviews we are carrying out will be open and we should be improved in a number of ways. As ever, the will want a wide consultation with as many representations hon. Gentleman hits the nail squarely on the head. from interested parties as possible, including governors and parents. Curriculum Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): There has been an explosion in internal trafficking and the grooming 12. Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): What of school girls for the purposes of sexual exploitation, recent representations he has received on the breadth of and although I hate to add more ideas to the curriculum, the curriculum. [64608] schools need to discuss that, to identify the symptoms and to explain the dangers to children. I hate to add new The Minister of State, Department for Education material to the work of the Department, but could this (Mr Nick Gibb): We are currently reviewing the national problem now be tackled in schools by alerting children curriculum. As part of that review, we have carried out to what they might face and how to recognise it? a call for evidence that attracted nearly 5,800 responses, including many that raised issues about the breadth of Mr Gibb: The right hon. Gentleman is right to raise the curriculum. The national curriculum sets out the these issues. Such actions are crimes and are unacceptable curriculum that all maintained schools must teach, but in our society, and the issues that he raises were covered it is only part of the wider curriculum, which is determined by the Reg Bailey review and will form a part of the by school themselves. All schools are required to teach a review we are asking the committee to consider. broad and balanced curriculum. Robert Flello: In considering representations, has the University Technical Colleges Minister thought about what Barack Obama’s Education Secretary said? He commented: 11. Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): What “U.S. students will need both the hard skills of math and assessment he has made of the level of interest in English language arts and science, and the soft employability establishing university technical colleges. [64607] skills, to thrive in our flattened world.” Will the Minister perhaps reconsider things such as the The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): E-bac curriculum for a flattened world rather than My Department has received 37 applications to open continuing with the flat earth views he seems to have university technical colleges. had until now? 13 Oral Answers11 JULY 2011 Oral Answers 14

Mr Gibb: Arne Duncan came to this country to see Government and the UK music industry? Is it not an schools such as Mossbourne academy delivering a very example of the Government’s commitment to nurturing high-quality curriculum. The hon. Gentleman must not our future musical talent? confuse the national curriculum with the school curriculum. We do not want to set out every minute of every hour of Michael Gove: I could not agree more. My hon. Friend every day in the national curriculum, which was the puts his case brilliantly. approach taken by the previous Government. We should leave it to the professionalism of teachers to determine History the school curriculum, which covers issues such as soft skills and ensuring that children have a rounded education 14. Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) and are confident people when they leave school. (Con): What recent representations he has received on the teaching of British history to all children of Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): In conducting secondary school age. [64610] his review of the curriculum, will my hon. Friend give consideration to the choices that young people make The Minister of State, Department for Education about GCSE subjects at a young age without having (Mr Nick Gibb): We have received a number of enough information about how those choices might representations about the teaching of history in secondary affect their future university aspirations? Will he ask schools and about the place of British history in the schools to make sure that they are aware of the “Informed curriculum. In addition, as part of our review of the Choices” document recently published by Russell group national curriculum, our recent call for evidence attracted universities? nearly 5,800 responses, of which more than 2,500 related to history. Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend makes a very good point. It is a concern that only 8% of young people who Stephen Phillips: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for qualify for free school meals are even entered for the that answer. One of the great achievements of the last English baccalaureate subjects and that only 4% achieve Conservative Government was ensuring that every child the desired results. The Government are determined to learned some British history before leaving school, but close the attainment gap between those from poorer some academies are now designing alternative curricula and those from wealthier backgrounds. Taking the right for pupils who will not achieve a C grade in the English choices at GCSE and A-level is key to ensuring progression baccalaureate, which may mean that they do not study either into further and higher education or into successful history at all—at secondary school at least. What steps employment. is my hon. Friend taking to impress on academy head teachers the importance of all children being taught Music British history?

Mr Gibb: I agree with my hon. and learned Friend 13. Mr Stephen Hepburn (Jarrow) (Lab): What recent about the importance of teaching history in schools, representations he has received on encouraging children particularly British history, and we know that teachers to study music. [64609] share this view. Having the flexibility for teachers to be imaginative in how they design the curriculum within The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): a broad and balanced context is a key feature of the We are very lucky that there is so much excellent music academies programme, and the improvements we have teaching in our schools and we are anxious to ensure seen in academies’ GCSE results suggests that this that it improves even further. That is why we have made approach is working well among academies. However, £82.5 million available—to make that a reality. In the past we hope and expect that the curriculum review will few months, we have received almost 4,000 representations deliver a high-quality national curriculum that academies on how we can further improve music education. will wish to adopt. It is important that we do not limit aspiration, as my hon. and learned Friend has said, and Mr Hepburn: As the Secretary of State says, the that is why we will be publishing data specifically about Government have announced this new system of funding the GCSE results of lower-attaining students on a music in schools. If it is, indeed, a bidding system, what school-by-school basis. assurances can he give to the schools and schoolchildren who will inevitably lose out? Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): Can the Minister confirm that the most recent Ofsted report Michael Gove: I do not believe that any school or stated that the decline in the teaching of British history child will lose out. The hon. Gentleman is very lucky was a myth? Is not the real issue that the average 11 to that on his doorstep sits the Sage centre, which is an 13-year-old receives only 38 hours of history teaching a outstanding exemplar of music education. The funds year, with academies being among the worst-performing that we have available and the national music plan that schools in that regard? we hope to unveil this autumn will ensure that the already high standards that exist in areas such as south Mr Gibb: There is a lot of very high-quality history Tyneside are augmented even further in future. teaching taking place at both primary and secondary level but we are concerned about the drop in the proportion Mr Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con): of young people taking history at GCSE, which fell Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming the from 35% of the cohort in 1997 to just 31% in 2009. recent announcement of a national music competition, Addressing that lies at the heart of the reason for the “Next BRIT thing”, which is backed by both the introducing the concept of the English baccalaureate. 15 Oral Answers11 JULY 2011 Oral Answers 16

Sure Start Children’s Centres Mr Speaker: Order.

15. Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): What Sarah Teather: Thank you, Mr Speaker. assessment he has made of the effect of changes in The hon. Member for Washington and Sunderland funding for Sure Start children’s centres in the London West (Mrs Hodgson) will just have to wait with bated borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. [64611] breath for our early years statement, which will be out shortly and in which we will make further announcements The Minister of State, Department for Education about Sure Start and how we intend to improve the (Sarah Teather): The Department for Education does quality of early years. not collect detailed information on Sure Start children’s centres in individual local authorities. Local authorities Academies have a statutory duty to ensure that there are sufficient children’s centres in their area to meet local need, so far as is reasonably practicable. It is for local authorities to 16. Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): How many commission Sure Start children’s centres and to monitor schools in (a) Harrow East constituency and (b) England and evaluate the use and impact of their services. have converted, or applied to convert, to academy status. [64612] Mr Slaughter: There have been 45% cuts in the Sure Start budget in one year; nine centres deregistering The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): because they have had more than 90% cuts and cannot Three high schools in Harrow East have applied to function; and parents taking and winning judicial reviews convert to academy status and are aiming to convert in to restore a basic service. In February the Minister said a collaborative partnership with four other high schools that she was monitoring the situation in Hammersmith in Harrow. A primary school is also aiming to convert and Fulham because there were particular concerns. in the autumn. More than 1,000 schools in England Will she do more than monitor now and take some have applied to convert to academy status since June action while we still have any Sure Start centres left? 2010. The total number of open academies, including those opened under the previous Government, now stands at 801. Sarah Teather: I know that the hon. Gentleman has raised this issue on many occasions. He may also be aware that last week we announced some changes to the Bob Blackman: I congratulate the Secretary of State Sure Start programme so that we will be piloting payment on leading this quiet revolution in education in this by results, for example. We will also require local authorities country, freeing schools from the dead hand of local to publish information about what they are spending education authorities and allowing them to develop and and on what services. If local authorities are systematically grow. What role does he foresee local education authorities downgrading services, as he suggests, they will obviously fulfilling in the future, and what arrangements is he not be eligible to benefit from payment by results, and making for the governance of these new schools to we will be able to see that clearly from the transparency enable them to flourish and grow? requirements that we are putting in place. Michael Gove: Local authorities have a crucial role to Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con): The Minister play in education in ensuring fairness of admissions, is right to be careful when faced with the wild making sure that the needs of children who have, for misrepresentations on the issue from the Opposition example, high-level special educational needs are respected, Benches. Is she aware that Hammersmith and Fulham and making sure that when it comes to behaviour and council has announced that it is committed not only to attendance, there is appropriate collaboration. They maintaining its existing 15 children’s centre venues, but also have a critical role to play as champions of excellence. to expanding them by a further one centre? The best local authorities pursue this role with vigour. Not all do, however. Sarah Teather: I thank my hon. Friend for making that clear and putting it on the record. Bursary Scheme

Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland 17. Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): Whether West) (Lab): I know that the Minister wants parents to young people being raised by kinship carers will be be more involved in their local children’s centres, but I eligible for the bursary scheme which will replace am not sure that parents taking their council to court is education maintenance allowance. [64613] exactly what she meant. Will the Secretary of State and the Ministers accept that it was their choice to slash the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education funding and remove the ring fence that has led to the (Tim Loughton): The short answer is probably. The long present chaos? If so, will they use the imminent early answer is that under the arrangements for the 16 to years statement finally to set out how they will keep 19 bursary fund, the most vulnerable young people—young their promise and the Prime Minister’s numerous promises people in care, care leavers, those on income support, to protect Sure Start from cuts and closures? and disabled young people in receipt of both employment support allowance and disability living allowance—will Sarah Teather: That was an awful lot of waffle. receive bursaries of £1,200 a year. Young people being [Interruption.] I will have to wait till everybody stops raised by kinship carers may fall into this category, yelling because I have not got enough voice to yell over depending on the nature of the placement, and may everybody else today—[Interruption.] also receive support from the discretionary funding. 17 Oral Answers11 JULY 2011 Oral Answers 18

Kerry McCarthy: I am disappointed that the Minister more focused and effective. It has been widely welcomed cannot give a more specific response. These carers have by teachers as at last getting to grips with the indiscipline stepped up to the plate, often when children have been in some of our weakest schools. abandoned or orphaned, and often at great financial and personal cost to themselves. I urge him to listen to Nicky Morgan: I thank the Secretary of State for his organisations such as Kinship Care Alliance and, if the answer. He recently mentioned that there were about Government are as family-friendly as he will no doubt 200 failing primary schools in this country, which is a tell us they are in answering the question, look at shocking statistic. Although there is no list, I believe families that do not fit the nuclear model and perhaps that Shelthorpe primary school in my constituency is live in chaotic circumstances, but who still need help? one of them. When judging whether a school is failing, what allowances are made for pupils with moderate Tim Loughton: I absolutely agree with the hon. Lady learning difficulties, cases of social deprivation, cases that kinship carers do a fantastic job, and we want more involving social care and the number of free school of them to step up to do it and be supported in that, but meals? Also, the school’s head teacher has asked me to it depends on the nature of the placement and whether invite the Secretary of State to visit the school. it is formal or informal. If it is informal, those children and young people will be able to apply for discretionary Michael Gove: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s funding and could end up getting more than they would question. We specifically take into account not just raw have done under the old EMA arrangements. We have attainment, but the level of progress that children are taken those considerations into account. making in school in order to ensure that any judgment is properly contextualised. The 200 weakest schools are Family-friendly Policies those that have been below floor standards for five years. Let me be clear: that means that more than 40% of students leaving those schools over the past four 18. Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) years have been incapable of reading, writing or adding (Con): What steps he is taking to promote family- up to an acceptable level. We absolutely need to take friendly policies. [64614] action where schools are failing and where communities are aware that those schools are not performing as well The Minister of State, Department for Education as they should be. I hope that Members on both sides of (Sarah Teather): The Government are committed to the House will recognise that such action is necessary. promoting family-friendly policies that can support better child outcomes, help parents to balance work and family T5. [64626] Mrs Linda Riordan (Halifax) (Lab/Co-op): life and deliver real benefits to employers. The Department Will the Secretary of State reassure the parents, teachers is funding a scheme to support organisations to adopt and governors of Moorside school in Halifax that they more family-friendly services and working environments will get the necessary capital funding for the new build for clients and employees. The Government are consulting they have been promised for so long, and if so, say when on proposals to introduce more flexible parental leave they will get it? and extend the right to flexible working to all employees. Michael Gove: It is vital to ensure that we have an Mrs Grant: Lack of good child care can consign many accurate picture of the schools that are most in need of capable women to the family home or to not having capital funding. One of the unfortunate consequences children. What action will the Minister take to improve of decisions made by the previous Government is that this situation? in about 2006 we stopped collecting data at a national level on the state of school buildings, which means that Sarah Teather: I am very aware of the difficulties that we do not have an accurate picture of the schools that many families face in accessing suitable child care, are most in need. The hon. Lady makes a very good which is one of the reasons why we announced last case for a school in her constituency, which I know she week that we will consult on a more flexible arrangement represents effectively, but we have to look at the picture for adopting the free entitlement so that families can in the round. access it a little earlier and a little later in the day, for example. That is exactly why we extended the free T2. [64623] Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): entitlement to 15 hours. Five families have been refused admission to Wootton primary school on the Isle of Wight from the beginning of next term, which means that four-year-olds will Topical Questions have to travel to other schools, the nearest of which is 2.5 miles away. Mothers who want to travel with their T1. [64622] Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): child would have to pay for that, assuming that public If he will make a statement on his departmental transport was available. This is a complete scandal. responsibilities. Surely the ridiculous limits on the size of primary schools imposed by the Labour party need to be The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): reconsidered, and before the beginning of next term. I am delighted that my Department, following extremely hard work by the Minister of State, Department for The Minister of State, Department for Education Education, my hon. Friend the Member for Bognor (Mr Nick Gibb): I have every sympathy with my hon. Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb), and our behaviour Friend’s point. It is not the first time that we have adviser Mr Charlie Taylor, has today published new received reports of this nature, with families frustrated behaviour guidance, which is significantly slimmer, and and confused by an admissions system that is too 19 Oral Answers11 JULY 2011 Oral Answers 20 complex and bureaucratic and which effectively rations many poorer students around the country, were failed places in good and popular schools. That is why we are by an arrogant, unaccountable and out-of-touch Labour consulting on simpler and fairer admissions systems. Government. The key point is that there are simply not enough good school places, so it was absurd that it was not possible T4. [64625] Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): The before to raise the number of places in good schools. Sutton Trust has recently stated that under the previous Increasing the flexibility to do so is therefore a major Government, between 2007 and 2009, a group of 2,000 part of the new admissions code. secondary schools and sixth-form colleges sent fewer pupils to Oxford and Cambridge than just five of our Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): The baccalaureate’s leading independent schools. Will my right hon. Friend emphasis on ancient history and Latin will allow our join me in deploring that situation, and will he set out students to cope admirably with the Roman invasion what this Government are going to do to put that 2,000 years ago, but leave them less able to cope with record right? modern life, because of the neglect of IT. In which century are the Government living? Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to point out that social mobility went backwards under Michael Gove: It is a source of considerable pride to Labour. Poorer students had a better chance of going to me that the number of students studying Latin in university before the Labour Government came to power comprehensives is the highest ever. We are presiding than after they left office. We are changing that, and we over the greatest renaissance in Latin learning since are making sure that with increased investment through Julius Caesar invaded. [Interruption.] Those who are the pupil premium, higher standards in the English about to answer should be saluted, as we say in Latin. baccalaureate and a remorseless drive to get the best The critical thing is that we have to ensure that our possible teachers into the classroom, standards rise for examinations in every subject are up there with the best the poorest. It is a great pity that the once so-called in the world. It is striking that before he went to party of progress is standing in the way of that necessary university, one of the iconic figures of the 21st century— reform. Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook—studied Latin, Greek and classical Hebrew. Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): In answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy), T3. [64624] Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I Ministers repeated the confusion about who will, or will recently met parents who send their children to Sceptre school, a not, be eligible for education maintenance allowance. Christian-based independent school that has decided to apply for Given the overwhelming evidence that young people free school status. They said: need to know whether they will receive EMA so that “Overall, we will be able to enrich the choice and diversity that they can make a decision to go to college, will the will, in turn, drive up standards and increase opportunities.” Government think again? Is that not an example of the Conservative-led Government delivering? Michael Gove: I am grateful for the point that the hon. Lady makes. We are doing everything possible to Michael Gove: I am hugely grateful to my hon. Friend ensure that the replacement for education maintenance for pointing out the enormous interest in our free allowance, the discretionary learner support fund, is in school programme. Everyone from former advisers in place as soon as possible. We had consultations with Tony Blair’s No. 10 through to figures from grass-roots college principals who said that while they accepted faith organisations has embraced that reform. I fear that these were straitened times, they would prefer to that the only people who are still standing against that have discretion over how that funding was allocated, wave of the future are the isolated and neolithic figures and we are happy to accede to that general advice. of the Labour Front Bench. T6. [64627] Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): At Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): The Secretary Frogwell primary school in Chippenham I have seen of State knows that one of the neediest schools that he for myself the success of the Every Child Counts drive has to deal with—and it was described as a compelling for early intervention to aid numeracy in Wiltshire case by one of his junior Ministers—is Tibshelf, which schools. How does the Secretary of State propose to was built before the first world war. Pit props are monitor the take-up of such programmes now that the holding up part of the roof, and teachers have to tramp budgets that pay for them have been delegated to between one school and another to keep the show on schools themselves? the road. When is the Secretary of State going to give the Tibshelf people a chance to have their new school Michael Gove: My hon. Friend makes a very good built? point. Catch-up programmes in numeracy and literacy are hugely important. That is why we are making sure Michael Gove: The hon. Gentleman is a consistent that in our reform of the accountability measures for all and effective campaigner on behalf of the parents, schools we take account not only of the raw attainment children and teachers of Tibshelf school, and I congratulate at the end of primary school but of how children do, them on having such an impassioned defender. However, particularly when they are from poorer backgrounds or that school is in such poor repair because, under 13 years have low levels of prior attainment. It is not for us to of Labour rule, money was wasted. It did not go to the prescribe exactly the method, but it is for us to ensure front line, and the hon. Gentleman’s constituents, like that the poorest are better served. 21 Oral Answers11 JULY 2011 Oral Answers 22

Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): education all the way up to 16. That will have a massively Can the Education Secretary confirm that the objective positive impact on the community, and I hope that he of his schools reforms, particularly the introduction of will commend it. free schools, is to provide an over-supply of schools, thereby inevitably setting some schools up for failure? Michael Gove rose— Has he made an assessment of the costs and upheaval that that will generate? Mr Speaker: Order. I remind the House that topical questions and answers are supposed to be brief. Michael Gove: That is an interesting ideological take, but I am afraid that the hon. Lady is wrong. If she Michael Gove: That was a very effective pitch from a wants to talk about setting schools up for failure, she very effective Back Bencher. should look at the at last 200 underperforming primary schools that we were discussing earlier. Free schools will Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): I agree introduce innovation and higher standards to some of with the Secretary of State’s aim to raise standards in the areas that are desperately in need of new schools. primary schools. Will he therefore meet me to discuss They will also ensure that the growth in pupil population why he is seeking to remove the outstanding leadership at primary, for which the previous Government failed to of a primary school in my constituency that has been prepare adequately, is at last addressed with innovative praised by his permanent secretary and has this year new schools in the places that count. taken children above floor standards, and where his proposals threaten to make the situation much worse?

T7. [64628] Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): How can Michael Gove: I will be delighted to meet the hon. parents of children with special needs be more involved Lady. in the education of their children? I recently met parents at Ripplevale school in my constituency who say that T9. [64630] Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): Over they must not only battle the difficulties and challenges recent weeks, I have seen many parents in my constituency that are obvious to all but battle the education authority, surgery who are extremely unhappy because they could time and again, to get a fair, decent and proper education not get their sons and daughters into the schools of for their children. their choice. What can my right hon. Friend do to end this school place lottery and get more good school The Minister of State, Department for Education places in my constituency? (Sarah Teather): We finished our consultation on the Green Paper on 30 June and received 2,300 responses Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend raises a good point, which along similar lines to those my hon. Friend has outlined. is a major concern of this Government. More than one I feel very passionately about the need to involve parents in six parents have children who are not offered a place better, particularly if their child has special educational at their preferred school. That has led to 85,000 appeals. needs. That is one of the reasons we are rolling out We are reviewing the admissions process, which is far Achievement for All—a programme that does exactly too complex to understand and administer. One of the that. proposals is to allow good schools to raise the pupil admissions number. We have had a very good response Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): When do Ministers to the consultation so far and will announce our response expect to come to a conclusion with the devolved in due course. Administrations on the replacement for the child trust fund for looked-after children, which was promised by Mr Speaker: Order. It is much better when the hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer some months ago but Gentleman addresses the House. We always look forward which, as far as I can see, is still yet to reach its final to that. stages? Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): It appears that the 16 to 19 funding consultation for 2013-14 will not be The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education published until September at the earliest. Will the Secretary (Tim Loughton): I can assure the right hon. Gentleman of State take steps to ensure that that does not delay the that over the past few weeks a lot of discussions have publication of information about the 2012-13 budgets been going on between the Treasury, ourselves, some for schools and colleges? of the charities involved and hon. Members who have brought these proposals forward. There are a number of Michael Gove: The hon. Gentleman was a great FE practical problems that we have to overcome to make principal and is a superb advocate for further education. sure that we get the most cost-effective scheme that has We will do everything we can to accelerate this process. the biggest impact for those who most need it, but I can assure him that it is going to happen. T10. [64631] Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating the five T8. [64629] Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con): schools in my city of Lincoln constituency that have May I commend strongly to the Secretary of State the converted into academies, the latest being Ermine proposal for a free school at Breckland school in primary school? Does he agree that academy status can Brandon—a middle school that was set for closure bring significant benefits to schools across England under the previous Administration? If that happened, by providing them with greater freedoms, rather than there would be no post-11 education in Brandon, but top-down bureaucracy, as was witnessed under the if it gets the go-ahead as a free school there will be previous Labour Government? 23 Oral Answers11 JULY 2011 Oral Answers 24

Michael Gove: That question was epigrammatically in County Durham, Durham Johnston comprehensive brilliant and requires no further elucidation from me, school, who backs the E-bac, as do all the great head other than to say, “Hear! Hear!” teachers to whom I have spoken recently. Mr Speaker: Order. I must say that as a quick learner, the Secretary of State is proving to be exemplary, and Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Further to Question 13, the House is grateful to him. successive Governments have failed on one area of music. Will the current Secretary of State for Education Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): Every head do something to promote English folk dance and song? teacher and teacher I have spoken to dislikes and has enormous disrespect for the E-bac. I have not come Michael Gove: Oscar Wilde once said that one should across a single educationalist who supports the Secretary try everything in life once apart from folk dancing and of State. It is causing chaos at key stage 4 and in our incest. I think that he was only 50% right. schools. Is that what he meant by giving more power and autonomy to teachers? Mr Speaker: Order. We always go away from listening Michael Gove: The hon. Lady is assiduous, but she to the Secretary of State not only entertained, but has not yet talked to the head teacher of the best school improved. We are grateful to him. 25 11 JULY 2011 Open Public Services White Paper 26

Open Public Services White Paper Fifthly, we will provide a new system of redress, through beefed-up powers of the ombudsmen to step in 3.32 pm when a choice to which people have a right is denied. However, we are going further than that. We are not The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Mr Oliver only concerned about increased choice and power for Letwin): With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to individuals, we are also determined to increase choice make a statement about the open public services White and power for communities so that they can determine Paper. how money is spent on their communal public services. There could not be a more important issue than this. We will do that by making it far easier for communities Public services save lives, rescue people from disease to take over and run public assets and assets of community and ignorance, and protect people from crime and value, by giving them the right to build houses for their poverty. Much of what is done by our public services is own children and by giving parish councils and community fantastic and they are among the best in the world, but groups the right to challenge, enabling them to take we can do even better. This Government have a vision, over local services and making it easier for people to which is set out in this White Paper, about how we can form neighbourhood councils where there are none at do better. present. We will also give neighbourhoods vastly more The central point is that when public services are not power to determine their own neighbourhood planning up to scratch, those who are well off can pay for and the ability to challenge the local police at beat substitutes, but for those who are not well off, there is meetings, informed by crime maps. Let us remember no opportunity to pay for substitutes. We need to give that the people at those meetings will each be electors of everybody the same choice in and power over the services the local police commissioner. they receive that well-off people already have. This We recognise, of course, that some services will inevitably White Paper sets out how we will put that vision of continue to be commissioned centrally, or by various choice and power for all into practice. levels of local government. Here, too, we are aiming at Our principles are clear. They are choice, decentralisation, decentralisation, diversity and accountability. The White diversity, fair access and accountability. We will increase Paper sets out how we will use payment by results to choice wherever possible; power will be decentralised to transform welfare to work, the rehabilitation of offenders, the lowest appropriate level; public services will be open drug and alcohol recovery, help for children in the to a diverse range of providers; we will ensure that there foundation years and support for vulnerable adults. In is fair access and fair funding for all; and services will be all those areas, a diverse range of providers will be given accountable to users and taxpayers. a huge incentive to provide the social gains that our I will give examples of how those principles will society so desperately needs by being rewarded for apply in specific public services that cater for specific getting people into work, out of crime, off drugs and individuals. First, we will ensure that every adult receiving alcohol and into the opportunities that most of us take social care has an individual, personal budget by 2013, for granted. and we are moving towards personal budgets in chronic To strengthen accountability, the White Paper also health care, for children with special needs, and in sets out the most radical programme of transparency housing for vulnerable people. That means that there for Government and the public sector anywhere in the will be more choice and power for people who need world. To unlock innovation, the White Paper commits those services. They will be able to choose what their us to diversity of provision, removing barriers to entry, money and the taxpayer’s money is spent on. stimulating entry by new types of provider and unlocking Secondly, we are making funding follow the pupil in new sources of capital. To ensure that public sector schools, the student in further education, the child in providers can hold their own on a level playing field, the child care and the patient in the NHS. That means that White Paper sets out measures to liberate public sector there will be more choice and power for people who bodies from red tape. need those services. They will be able to choose where To encourage employee ownership within the public the money is spent. services, the White Paper sets out the measures that we Thirdly, we are providing fair access so that, for example, are taking to promote mutualisation and employee a pupil premium follows pupils from disadvantaged co-operatives. To ensure that services continue if particular backgrounds and a health premium is paid to the local service providers fail, it sets out the principles for the authorities that achieve the greatest improvements in continuity regimes that we are establishing service by public health for people in the least healthy parts of the service. [Interruption.] Marxist or not Marxist, in the country. We attach huge importance to that agenda. We past 13 months this Government have done more to want genuine equality of opportunity and genuine social increase choice and power for those served by our mobility. public services than the Labour party achieved in 13 years. Fourthly, we are providing open access to data so that The White Paper describes the comprehensive, consistent, people can make informed choices about the services coherent approach that we are taking to keep our public they use, such as crime maps, so that people can see services moving in the direction of increased choice and whether the local police are preventing crime in their power for service users, so that we can provide access to street; health outcomes, so that people can see which excellence for all. That is the aim behind the White hospitals and GPs achieve the best results; standardised Paper, and I commend it to the House. satisfaction data for all public services, so that people can see exactly which service providers are providing Tessa Jowell (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab): I the quality of service they want; and open, real-time thank the right hon. Gentleman for his courtesy in data on road conditions, speeds and accidents along providing me with a copy of his statement ahead of our motorways, so that people can make informed choices. time. I have to say that although I believe absolutely his 27 Open Public Services White Paper11 JULY 2011 Open Public Services White Paper 28

[Tessa Jowell] When will the coalition Government exceed and expand the proposals already put in place for personal budgets sincerity in what he has told the House, his comparison by the previous Labour Government? He may have with the Labour Government wins the parliamentary received private advice that hospitals and schools should prize for blooming cheek, if that is not unparliamentary be allowed to fail, but will he make it absolutely clear, language. I would rather rely on the judgment of Reform, and publicly, that he will not allow that to happen? In the right-of-centre think tank, about these proposals. It the funding of those new services, will he also rule out states: competition by price? “The Coalition may argue that these inconsistencies” To return to reform, viewed as a whole, the Government’s in the White Paper public service reform policies are all over the place. The “are good politics. In fact they are bad politics because they Government’s failure to adhere consistently to their undermine confidence that the Government is serious about principles gives an air of unreality to the whole programme. reform.” The losers will not be the Members of this House, or That is the problem, because there is nothing new in this even members of the Government, but the millions of White Paper. people up and down the country whose quality of life depends on the public services that they use. Today’s statement is typical of the Government’s approach to policy in general. As the right hon. Gentleman Mr Letwin: I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for reflected, our public services, on which people of all her critique, but I think she has to decide whether her ages in our country depend and which are often the objection is that the White Paper does not do as many determinant of whether their life is worth living, face of the things that the previous Labour Government significant challenges, particularly at the hands of the were doing already—that was part of what she seemed Tory-led coalition, which is making cuts too far and to be arguing—or that the proposals will do damage. If too fast. People live much longer and have ever-rising she is maintaining both positions, she must be admitting expectations, but it appears from the way in which this that the Labour Government did great damage, which White Paper was launched that the Cabinet Office is I doubt is what she wants to admit. more preoccupied with spin and presentation than in substantive proposals. To some degree, the White Paper continues where the previous Labour Government left off—they did some The White Paper contains few new ideas and even things that we think were good and which we are fewer new proposals. In most of the cases to which the carrying through, evolving and developing. That is a right hon. Gentleman referred, the Government are sensible and, I hope the House will agree, grown-up way lagging behind the action of the previous Labour of conducting politics because not everything our opponents Government. He referred to personal budgets. The Sunday think or do is necessarily wrong. However, the White Times was told several weeks ago that the right to a Paper carries the previous Government’s programme personal budget, which is now used by approximately much further, deeper and wider to deal with the very 250,000 adults, was to be extended to those with long-term questions that the right hon. Lady addressed. For example, conditions and to children with special needs, yet there under the previous Administration, there was no proper is nothing of that in the White Paper. The right hon. system for continuity of service. One reason for the Gentleman also referred to the expansion of mutuals, problems with Southern Cross—a legacy issue left by which was also showcased in a variety of this weekend’s the previous Government—is that the previous Government newspapers. Back in November, the Minister for the did not design proper continuity-of-service regimes for Cabinet Office and Paymaster General undertook to the health and social care services. We are now attempting put in place rights to provide for public sector workers, to design such regimes for all services. I hope that on meaning that they could take over the running of services, mature reflection she will welcome that. but no time scale for such proposals has been forthcoming. The right hon. Lady asked whether we would accept Ahead of today’s White Paper, I set out three tests competition by price, which we have made abundantly for public service reform. First, will the reforms make clear we will not accept, including in the NHS. We want services more accountable and responsive to the needs competition by quality, which is very different, although of service users? Secondly, will there be clear accountability I assume she would agree that it makes sense to accept for how public money is spent, and will members of the competition partly by price when trying, as the Government public be protected? Thirdly and finally, will the proposals are doing, to tender through central procurement. That strengthen the bonds of family and community life? is certainly something that the previous Government The Government are failing the test of reform, because did all the time. There are differences here, but they do their policies are inconsistent between Departments not amount to inconsistencies; they amount to a coherent and sometimes within them, and nothing more has been attempt to apply a set of principles differently in different done to put communities in control or to make people services precisely because different services demand different more powerful. treatments. She must know that. If she is claiming that My questions to the Minister, therefore, are these. much of this depends on what the Labour Government Given that this much-trumpeted and much-awaited White did, I would point out that they certainly did different Paper has not even caught up with the legacy of the things in different places. The White Paper is about previous Labour Government, who deleted the ambition carrying forward a programme that will benefit those from it: the officials or the Liberal Democrats? What using public services by giving them choice and power. are the plans for millions of people to become their own bosses, as was set out in the coalition document? What Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): assurance does he give to those workers that there will May I congratulate my right hon. Friend on basing his be continuity of pensions and employment benefits? reforms on the admirable principles of choice and of 29 Open Public Services White Paper11 JULY 2011 Open Public Services White Paper 30 giving people the information to make informed choices who use them and pay for them, we will have to learn and, where possible, a diversity of providers to choose the new discipline of telling sometimes uncomfortable between? Choice is good not only for the people making truths about those areas in which public services do not the choice, but for the vast majority who will not live up to the standards that we all want to see? That is exercise that choice but will see the quality of services what Mr Gorbachev used to call “glasnost”. May we rise under the influence of choice. However, may I have a policy of glasnost in our public services? caution him about trying to shoe-horn too many services under one elegant, all-embracing umbrella? Experience Mr Letwin: I completely agree with my right hon. shows that it is better to do it section by section, service Friend that glasnost has to precede and accompany by service, because the real world is never as elegant as perestroika; we cannot have reconstruction, or proper one’s intellectual constructions. choice, without transparency. That is why we have put in place exactly what he recommends—namely, a Mr Letwin: I entirely agree with my right hon. Friend, transparency regime that will in many cases cause difficulties which is why the White Paper specifically makes clear and embarrassments for the Government. That will be not only that we will treat individual services differently worth bearing, however, to achieve real improvement. I from community services and services commissioned shall give my right hon. Friend an example. In the past, centrally, but that we will take each service on its own there were many people, not only Labour Members but merits and design a regime that applies the general among the public at large, who said that crime maps principles differently. That is clearly the right way to go. would have no real effect and that no one would be However, his point is vital. The purpose of giving interested in them. However, millions of people have choice and power to individuals and communities is not now started using crime maps. When we also give those just to benefit the particular individuals making the people the right to use beat meetings and make them choices; it is to benefit everybody by ensuring that those electors of locally elected police commissioners, we choices are brought to bear in a way that improves shall be transferring power from the central state out to services for all. the people who are being served. That is a very powerful combination. Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): The right hon. Gentleman will know that I am a long-standing Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): Is supporter of decentralisation and involving more local not this White Paper the somewhat unfortunate offspring people in their public services. His White Paper and of the Minister’s previous passionately held ambition to previous statements have made much of involving social privatise the world and the first Thatcherite attempt to enterprises and charities and the third sector in the take away power from local authorities, which resulted provision of public services. On that basis, will he in all in-house services being taken away from local confirm that there will be an asset lock when services political power and brought absolute chaos for those are transferred, particularly to social enterprises, to who were dependent on those services? As he has clearly ensure that the organisations carrying out these services not learned from those previous mistakes, how can he are genuine social enterprises? If he really means what possibly guarantee that the same chaos will not ensue he says, why have 90% of major contracts for the Work once this White Paper goes through? programme gone to big companies such as Serco, Capita and G4S, leaving the social enterprise sector and charities to pick up the crumbs from the table? Mr Letwin: The hon. Lady has to deal with a question between herself and her own Front Bench. She will have Mr Letwin: In answer to the right hon. Lady’s first noticed that the right hon. Member for Dulwich and point, I would say that when assets are being transferred West Norwood (Tessa Jowell) made it clear that she provision needs to be made to ensure that they are there thought that our proposals lagged behind what the last for the public good and on a permanent basis. We Labour Government had already tried to do. I do not intend to do that in every case in which it applies. On think that the last Labour Government would ever have her point about the Work programme, I think she is accused themselves of trying to privatise everything in missing a vital component of what the Minister of sight. If the Opposition are saying that the White Paper State, Department for Work and Pensions, my right continues measures that the last Labour Government hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris were doing, they cannot possibly accuse us of trying to Grayling), who has responsibility for employment, has privatise everything in sight. Nor would it be sensible to done. It is a textbook case: he was concerned that not privatise everything in that way. The White Paper makes all the bids would come from consortia in the voluntary it absolutely clear throughout that we are neutral as and community sector—only a few did—so he took between public sector providers, voluntary sector providers, steps to create a protocol relating the prime contractor community groups, mutuals, co-operatives and the private to the subcontractors, as a result of which the prime sector. I hope that we will eventually get over this contractors have to treat properly the small voluntary absurd ideological divide, because we want something and community bodies that in many cases are also the very simple—namely, the best service for the person subcontractors. We desperately need—and intend—to who is using it. We do not care who provides the best get that into the mainstream of how the Government go service; we just want to ensure that the best service is about business. always available and that people have a choice between providers so that they can get it. I would have thought Mr Stephen Dorrell (Charnwood) (Con): In welcoming that that would join the two sides of the House. this White Paper, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he agrees that one of its key foundations is the Conor Burns (Bournemouth West) (Con): Between doctrine that information is power, and that if we want 1997 and 2010, there was a 57% real-terms increase in to make public services really accountable to the people public spending, but there was no such corresponding 31 Open Public Services White Paper11 JULY 2011 Open Public Services White Paper 32

[Conor Burns] Mr Letwin: My hon. Friend is right that we have to maintain consistency. If we are going to achieve real increase in productivity in the public sector. How does choice and real power for those who are served by my right hon. Friend envisage his plans increasing public services, we have to allow for diversity of provision productivity and delivering greater value for money, and to be on our guard always to ensure that those who including for our taxpayers in Dorset? can enter the market are able to do so. That is one reason why the White Paper contains specific provisions Mr Letwin: I am delighted to help out my hon. for redress where particular providers find that they are Friend and Dorset colleague on this. What he says is being kept out of the market. One of the techniques absolutely true: there was a vast increase in spending on that we are using for doing that was developed by the public services during the last Government. Alas, the previous Government. The competition and co-operation improvements in the outcomes were not as great as the panel and its rules, which were set up by the last Labour inputs. That is precisely what we are trying to tackle, Government, will apply in the NHS. That is the right and we are doing it in an age-old way, by introducing kind of system, and we need to replicate it in a whole innovation and diversity of supply, as well as choice and series of other domains where diverse providers currently power for the people using the services, so that there have no redress if they are prevented from entering the is real pressure on all providers to improve. We need market. continuous pressure for improvement and continuous transparency on whether the services are improving, as Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): well as a continuous ability for people who find a The right hon. Gentleman made a lot in his speech of service being provided better elsewhere to choose the the potential for local community groups to take over best service. Those are the methods that always improve assets of community value and seize control of planning quality. in their areas. He will be aware that there are community groups in various areas of the country—I would remind Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP): Most of the examples him of the route of High Speed 2—that are not necessarily that the Minister has given are devolved, although he in favour of development and may wish to use enhanced did mention welfare to work. He may know that there is powers to stop it. He will also be conscious that the concern in many rural and remote communities about Chancellor said in his Budget speech that in such instances the ability of alternative providers to deliver services. of national economic development interest, the default Can he at least give us an assurance that such change planning position should be to say yes. Who will prevail will not be driven through for purely ideological reasons in a conflict between a community wanting to stop a where there is clearly no infrastructure to support alternative development and the Chancellor wanting it to proceed? deliverers? Mr Letwin: The right hon. Gentleman is too much of Mr Letwin: Yes, in the sense that this White Paper an expert to need me to tell him this, but I will tell him sets out a programme not to enforce diversity of provision, because he asks for it. We have, of course, established a but to enable it. If the community wishes to leave a two-level system. For most planning decisions, we hope particular service that is provided by only one provider that the neighbourhood will take charge by engaging in where it is, that will be for the community to judge. If neighbourhood planning. We believe that the incentives the community believes that in some cases it is worth that we have built into the financial system—including having a diversity of suppliers, that is what the community the ability to get a meaningful proportion of the community will be able to do. I am speaking now about areas that infrastructure levy paid to the neighbourhood if it has are mainly devolved, as the hon. Gentleman said; hence, more housing and development in its area—will lead I am speaking about England. I leave it to him and his neighbourhoods on the whole to prefer development. colleagues to deal with those in Scotland. In the case of The presumption of sustainable development means the Work programme, there is a diversity of suppliers; that their neighbourhood plans will have to include indeed, there had to be, in order to create competitive development of an appropriate kind in order to pass pressure to ensure that those who succeed also succeed muster. There will be an assessment of local housing in being paid, and that those who do not succeed are need that contributes to that, which plans will have to quickly replaced by those who will, because it is a observe. payment-by-results programme and the aim is to get However, nobody is going to pretend in our Government, people back to work. We want the providers that are any more than in the right hon. Gentleman’s Government, best at getting people back to work to be those that that any neighbourhood will welcome a nuclear power remain in business. station just next to it or a railway line running straight through it. Of course there will be objections in those Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): cases, which is why we have maintained and democratised I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement and the the very system that he and his colleagues set up—because excellent White Paper, which lays such emphasis on they, too, operated a two-level system—in order to choice for individuals in the type of public services they accelerate planning applications for major pieces of wish to have. Does he agree that we cannot say that we national infrastructure. There is no disagreement between are in favour of choice and then insist that a particular us and the right hon. Gentleman on that, and there is service be run by a monopolistic local authority? Nor no reason for him to invent one. can we say that we are against competition if we are also complaining about too much public procurement Mr Speaker: Order. As befits a distinguished former going to large private sector companies that were in philosophy don, the Minister much enjoys conducting a favour of more competition, not less. Socratic dialogue with the House, and we all invariably 33 Open Public Services White Paper11 JULY 2011 Open Public Services White Paper 34 feel enriched by it, but in the interests of time, we should Paper a series of principles that will govern the continuity be grateful for the abridged version. regimes that we will set up to make sure that when individual providers fail, the people using the service Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) (LD): I very much have continuity in respect of it. We are fulfilling that welcome what we have heard about employee involvement same principle in what we are doing now to ensure that in the running of organisations, and mutuality is a every single person looked after by Southern Cross subject that my party has advocated for a long time. I continues to receive continuity of care. also welcome the greater role for parish councils in local services. I am concerned, however, about local assets Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I welcome the White being run by community groups and the accountability Paper in putting some flesh on the bones of the big of that mechanism. Will the Minister ensure that, as society. Does my right hon. Friend agree that for the big these proposals move forward, accountability lies at the society to work, it has to support the little society? Will heart of any change? he make sure that the community groups up for tender are not accessed only by the big Tesco campaigning charities Mr Letwin: Yes, we will. so that genuinely local and grass-roots organisations will have an equal chance? Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Lab): One danger of welfare to work is that people can be put into Mr Letwin: Yes, my hon. Friend is absolutely right. jobs for which they are totally unsuited. How long will That is indeed a point we make very forcefully in the these people need to stay in work before their providers White Paper. It is our intention that a local community are paid for the result of their efforts in finding them a group should be able to get to work and do things itself job? either in its own local neighbourhood or as a service provider to individuals on its own basis in its own way. Mr Letwin: The Work programme sets out a series of The means we use to achieve that is ensuring that, if the staged payments made to the providers when they get little providers are excluded from entry to the open people into work. Full payment is made only if they keep opportunities we are creating, they will have redress. those people in work over a sustained period. There is a huge incentive for each provider to find people work Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): If local only of a kind that they will wish to remain in for the communities within a city or town decide that they want long term. to take over the local park, how will the budgets be set, will they increase over time, and what will happen in Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The respect of the possible residualisation of, say, the 50% of Government should be congratulated on bringing forward parks for which a viable service can no longer be run? a genuine Conservative proposal. Was the Minister advised by his civil servants that this policy was both Mr Letwin: The hon. Lady appears to think that we brave and courageous and is there a danger that the are talking about amounts of money here, but what we Government will row back from this as the years go on? are talking about is how the same amount of money is used. Whatever amount of money is being spent at the Mr Letwin: No, there is no danger that the Government moment on a park, we say that the locals should have will row back from this as the years go on. I can tell my the right to challenge and to be able to take over the hon. Friend that I have received a great deal of advice— park if they can provide a proper way of running it some of it highly constructive and some of it not at all themselves for the same amount of money—neither constructive—as has my right hon. Friend the Chief more nor less. I would have thought that the hon. Lady Secretary to the Secretary, with whom I have worked would share that ambition with me; it will not cause the closely on producing this White Paper. problem she alludes to.

Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): Using the Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): I congratulate the example of Southern Cross, on which a statement should Government on picking up the best of the Blair legacy have been made today, will the Minister tell us clearly for the purposes of these reforms. Like the Minister, I what the White Paper says about market failure? The noted the observation of the right hon. Member for Government have been absolutely silent about market Dulwich and West Norwood (Tessa Jowell) that there failure in this public service, as a result of which literally was nothing new in the White Paper. What consideration thousands of elderly people are now concerned about have the Government given to the role of trade unions where they will spend their future. as providers and enablers, and does the Minister believe that they could provide such services for their members? Mr Letwin: As I said in my opening remarks, Southern Cross is a clear case of a legacy failure from the last Mr Letwin: I hope very much that trade unions will Government, because the arrangements under which play a role. In conjunction with Cabinet colleagues, I Southern Cross operated—[Interruption.] There is no am holding a series of meetings with public service point in Labour Members denying this; the arrangements unions to discuss how they can help to design some of under which it operated were set up during the previous the details of the reforms so that they will work better. Administration. There is a serious point of public policy here, which is that a proper continuity regime was not Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): The White established in the national health service or the social Paper includes a commitment to promoting mutuals care system by the previous Government. I admit that and co-operatives, but, as many Labour Members have this also applies to Governments before that, but it now pointed out, the rhetoric does not quite match the needs to be cured. That is why we set out in this White reality. The reality is that the diversity of which the 35 Open Public Services White Paper11 JULY 2011 Open Public Services White Paper 36

[Mr Andrew Love] Mr Letwin: I think that my hon. Friend will be proved right in many cases. I hope that he will encourage right hon. Gentleman talks does not include alternative just such co-operation in his constituency, as I will in structures. What will he do to enable mutuals and mine. If there are any instances in which he feels that we co-operatives to compete for public services on a level could assist that process, we should be more than delighted playing field with all the other organisations? to meet him and discuss how we can do so.

Mr Letwin: The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): The Minister has Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the Member made much of transparency and accountability, but if for Horsham (Mr Maude), is taking a series of steps not data are to enable citizens to hold public bodies to just to enable, but to promote mutualisation and account they must be accessible in a consistent form, as, co-operatives across the whole range of public services. for example, crime maps are. What central guidance will [Interruption.] I beg the hon. Gentleman to give us a the Minister establish to ensure that citizens have access little time. That action is already beginning to work, to data so that they can hold public bodies to account? and I think that in four years’ time he will see a vast field of mutuals and co-operatives working constructively Mr Letwin: The hon. Lady is absolutely right. Consumers, throughout public services. patients, pupils and all the other users of services cannot We want to be strictly neutral. We want to favour possibly be expected to make the choices we are going providers of all kinds—mutuals, co-operatives, voluntary to enable them to make on an informed basis unless sector organisations, community groups, private sector there are standardised data. That is why we are going to bodies and, of course, the public sector itself—if they produce standardised satisfaction data in each public can provide the best possible services for users of those service so—[Interruption.] Yes, so people can see what services. That is our aim. is being provided and how happy, or unhappy, people are with the results. For example, patient-reported outcomes in the NHS are a vital component in patients making Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) choices about where to go for their treatment, but (Con): As chair of the all-party parliamentary group on information on that has been lagging for years. I know employee ownership, I congratulate the Government on the previous Government were in principle in favour of the White Paper. Might some thought be given—in that, but we will now bring them into action across the addition to an asset lock—to the provision of a golden public services, as well as objective data in standardised share in some of these enterprises? By giving some form. scope and protection in the short term, might that not allow more of them to be transferred into the mutual and employee-owned sectors? John Howell (Henley) (Con): May I refer back to the question of my right hon. Friend the Member for Charnwood (Mr Dorrell)? I used to advise the Gorbachev Mr Letwin: My hon. Friend makes a good and interesting Government on glasnost and perestroika, and what was point, and there may well be cases in which that is the missing then was innovation from the grass roots up. appropriate method. I know that he is a serious student Will my right hon. Friend the Minister therefore say a of these matters. Perhaps when he has had time to read little more about the extent of the innovation that he is the White Paper, he would like to discuss where that expecting to come from this? idea might apply. We are certainly more than willing to entertain it. Mr Letwin: My hon. Friend is absolutely right that there is no point in a system that does not allow genuine Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): The Minister said in innovation. My hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth his statement that the White Paper “sets out the most West (Conor Burns) rightly made it clear in a previous radical programme of transparency for Government question that the recent productivity record of the and the public sector anywhere in the world.” Will that public services has been lamentable; their productivity apply to private sector companies and other organisations has not increased commensurately with the increase in that might end up running public services? investment. Part of the reason for that is lack of innovation. In the most effective services across the world, there is Mr Letwin: It will apply to every public service provider, continuous innovation, and that often comes from new regardless of sector. We are interested not in who the small entrants. That is why the thrust of the White provider is, but in whether the service provided is a Paper is to promote and enlarge the scope for new good one. In every instance we will be totally transparent entrants with new ideas to create innovations and more about the quality of services, and will enable people to productive methods of doing things, which will, of make choices on that basis. If the private sector cannot course, result in the public’s money being used better in match the voluntary or public sector, people will choose providing the services people want. to take the offerings of one of those sectors, and that is as it should be. John Pugh (Southport) (LD): It was an interesting statement, but is not the danger that the Government Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): I welcome the statement may get a great reputation for reorganising public services and the White Paper, and note the already enthusiastic rather than actually running them? Why cannot the interest in these matters in my constituency. Does the Government concentrate on the boring, unglamorous Minister agree that the transition from ideas to action job of promoting efficient, accountable management? will be best effected through co-operation and partnership Indeed, the word “management” was curiously missing between providers, professionals and users? from the statement. 37 Open Public Services White Paper11 JULY 2011 Open Public Services White Paper 38

Mr Letwin: My hon. Friend is right in that I cannot Mr Letwin: Yes, my hon. Friend is absolutely right. recall a single instance in the White Paper of our What we are about is trying to improve public services referring to ourselves as “managing” public services. for all. By giving people choice and power, we enable That is because we do not think Ministers are particularly the money to be focused, as she rightly says, on the good at managing things. We think Ministers and places that are seen to be best by the service users, Governments are better at creating frameworks within thereby increasing the proportion of public services which others, who are professionals, can manage things that are excellent and gradually dragging up the average. and be given the incentives to manage them best for Of course we also want to make sure that we do not those whom they are serving. have any coasting or substandard services, so she will also find that the White Paper contains a series of Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): During my time working measures precisely to target providers that are consistently in the hospice movement, I witnessed time and again failing or consistently mediocre. that the independence of hospices enabled them to provide first-class care, and that parents of children in James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): hospices would often say that they had set the benchmark Last Friday, I met representatives of a number of voluntary for the care they had received. Will not the freeing up of organisations across the black country. Does the Minister public services from the Whitehall grasp enable them to agree that it is precisely those groups that we need to learn from the hospice movement and provide first-class energise to get involved in improving the delivery of public services in this country? public services in my constituency?

Mr Letwin: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Mr Letwin: I do agree with my hon. Friend. It is vital hospice movement provides an admirable example of that we energise the voluntary and community sector much that is best about public service in our country, now, and the White Paper will show the sector a huge and we do, indeed, want to learn from it in many path forward. The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet respects. We are, of course, trying to ensure that the Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood method for funding the hospice movement always preserves and Pinner (Mr Hurd), who has responsibility for civil its independence and ability to carry on providing the society and who was here a moment or two ago, will unbelievably good service it currently provides. shortly say more to the voluntary sector about the opportunities that the open public services White Paper framework provides for it. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): I am glad to hear the Minister’s commitment to open data in improving Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What public services, but he should beware of handing it over opportunities will these proposals present to the more to organisations that treat public information as a than 25 parish and town councils in my constituency to commercial asset. Is he aware of the obstacles that take over public services provided by the borough and Network Rail and train operators raise to thwart volunteers county councils, either by themselves or together with working with real-time train running data, despite their other local groups? own dependence on public subsidy? Will he demand open access to that data, to promote service innovation? Mr Letwin: My hon. Friend raises an interesting point and he will find in the White Paper that there is Mr Letwin: Yes, it is our intention to open access to precisely the intention to give parish councils and data and not simply to leave that as a proprietary neighbourhood councils, as they arise in places that do matter. That is absolutely vital. not currently have parish councils, much more ability to take over services and run them on behalf of local Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): I people. If he would like to discuss how we can take that welcome the White Paper. As the funding will be following forward, I am sure that, like me, the Minister of State, the child, the student and the patient, does my right Department for Communities and Local Government, hon. Friend agree that as well as giving more choice and my right hon. Friend the Member for Tunbridge Wells power, money will be focused where there is real excellence (Greg Clark), who has responsibility for decentralisation, in these sectors? would be delighted to discuss that with him. 39 11 JULY 2011 Phone Hacking and the Media 40

Phone Hacking and the Media this afternoon, I am now going to refer this to the Competition Commission with immediate effect and will be writing to it this afternoon—[Interruption.] 4.16 pm The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media Mr Speaker: Order. Whatever opinion a Member has and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): May I start by apologising about this matter, it is a question of elementary courtesy to the Leader of the Opposition for the fact that he has that the Secretary of State should be heard. only just received a copy of this statement? As he will find out, there was a development only about a half an hour ago that dramatically changed the contents of this Mr Hunt: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Today’s announcement statement—I have only just received my own copy—which will be an outcome that I am sure the whole House will is why we were not able to get him a copy in advance. welcome. It will mean that the Competition Commission [Interruption.] will be able to give further full and exhaustive consideration of the merger, taking into account all relevant recent Mr Speaker: Order. I want to hear the statement and developments. I am sure that the House wants to hear it. Protecting our tradition of a strong, free and independent media is the most sacred responsibility I have as Culture Mr Hunt: Mr Speaker, the events of last week shocked Secretary. Irresponsible, illegal and callous behaviour the nation. Our proud tradition of journalism, which damages that freedom by weakening public support for for centuries has bravely held those in positions of the self-regulation on which it has thrived. By dealing power to account, was shaken by the revelation of what decisively with the abuses of power we have seen, hopefully we now know to have happened at the News of the on a cross-party basis, the Government intend to strengthen World. The perpetrators of those acts not only broke and not diminish press freedom—[Interruption.] the law, but preyed on the grief of families who had lost loved ones either as a result of foul murders or giving their life for their country. I hope that the law shows no Mr Speaker: Order. The Secretary of State must be mercy to those responsible and no mercy to any managers heard. who condoned such appalling behaviour. As a result of what happened, the Prime Minister last Mr Hunt: The Government intend to strengthen and week announced two independent inquiries to examine not diminish press freedom, making this country once what went wrong and recommend to the Government again proud and not ashamed of the journalism that so how we can make sure that it never happens again. The shapes our democracy. first will be a full, judge-led, public inquiry into the original police investigation. Witnesses will be questioned Edward Miliband (Doncaster North) (Lab): I accept under oath and no stone will be left unturned. As the the Culture Secretary’s apology for the late notice of his Prime Minister announced on Friday, that inquiry will statement, but the truth is that it points to the chaos need to answer the following questions. Why did the and confusion at the heart of the Government. After first police investigation fail? What exactly was going on what we have heard and the questions that have been at the News of the World, and what was going on at left unanswered, we all know that it is the Prime Minister other newspapers? The bulk of the work of this inquiry who should be standing at the Dispatch Box today. It is can happen only after the police investigation has finished, quite wrong that he chose to do a press conference on but we will start what we can now. Friday in Downing street about the issues but is unwilling The second will be a separate inquiry to look at the to come to the House today. Instead, he chose to do culture, practices and ethics of the British press. In a press conference at Canary Wharf, just 20 minutes particular, it will look at how our newspapers are regulated down the road. and make recommendations for the future. That inquiry should start as soon as possible, ideally this summer. As The Culture Secretary has no direct responsibility for the Prime Minister said, a free press is an essential the judicial inquiry that he talked about, and he has no component of our democracy and our way of life, but direct responsibility for the police and the relationship press freedom does not mean that the press should be with the media, but he has been left to carry the can by a above the law and in announcing this inquiry the Prime Prime Minister who knows there are too many difficult Minister has invited views on the way the press should questions for him to answer. It is an insult to the House be regulated in the future. and to the British public. I also have to make a decision about News Corporation’s Let me ask the Culture Secretary a series of questions. plans to buy the shares it does not already own in First, on the subject the judge-led inquiry, as soon as an BSkyB. I know that colleagues on both sides of the inquiry is established, tampering with or the destruction House and the public at home feel very concerned at the of any documents becomes a criminal offence. We prospect of the organisation that allegedly allowed these already know that is relevant to the offices of the News terrible things to happen being allowed to take control of the World. It may also be relevant to any documents of what would become Britain’s biggest media company. in No. 10 Downing street and Conservative headquarters. Will the Culture Secretary—[Interruption.] I understand that in the last few minutes News Corporation has withdrawn its undertakings in lieu. On 25 January, I said I was minded to refer News Corporation’s Mr Speaker: Order. I said a few moments ago that the proposed merger with BSkyB to the Competition Secretary of State must be heard. The same goes for the Commission in the absence of any specific undertakings Leader of the Opposition, and if Members are chuntering in lieu. As a result of News Corporation’s announcement away or, worse, shouting, they had better stop it. 41 Phone Hacking and the Media11 JULY 2011 Phone Hacking and the Media 42

Edward Miliband: Will the Culture Secretary now Ed Llewellyn, the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, told agree that the judge-led inquiry should be established the Prime Minister about this evidence against Mr Coulson, immediately? Any less means there is a risk that evidence or are we seriously expected to believe that Mr Llewellyn, will be destroyed. an experienced former civil servant, failed to pass any of Will he also confirm that the inquiry will be set up this information on to the Prime Minister? Frankly, that under the Inquiries Act 2005 so it can compel witnesses beggars belief as an explanation. This issue goes to the to attend? The inquiry must have the right terms of heart of the Prime Minister’s integrity and we need reference, including the unlawful and unethical practices answers from the Culture Secretary. in the newspaper industry and the relationship between Can the Culture Secretary now tell us whether it is the police and certain newspapers. Neither of those true that the Prime Minister also received warnings issues were in the terms of reference implied by the from the Deputy Prime Minister and the former leader Secretary of State in his statement. Can he confirm that of the Liberal Democrats, Lord Ashdown, about bringing all these issues will be in the terms of reference? Andy Coulson into government? Unless the Prime Minister Secondly, let me talk about BSkyB. Let us be clear: can explain what happened with Mr Coulson and apologise the trouble that the Government are in is of their own for his terrible error of judgment in appointing him, his making. Any changes they make are not because they reputation and that of the Government will be permanently have chosen to do so but because they fear defeat in the tarnished. House on Wednesday evening. The Culture Secretary The Prime Minister was wrong not to come to the chose not to follow the recommendation of Ofcom to House today. As on every occasion during this crisis, he refer this bid to the Competition Commission and he has failed to show the necessary leadership that the has been insisting for months that he can proceed on the country expects. He saw no need for a judicial inquiry, basis of assurances from News Corporation. On Friday, he saw no need to change course on BSkyB and he has the Prime Minister said the same. Now the Culture failed to come clean on Andy Coulson. This is a Prime Secretary has adopted the very position he has spent Minister running scared from the decisions he made. months resisting—and the confusion continues. The This is a Prime Minister who is refusing to show the Deputy Prime Minister has joined the call I made responsibility the country expects. The victims of the yesterday for Rupert Murdoch to drop the bid. On crisis deserve better, this House deserves better and BSkyB, the Government are in complete disarray. Does the country deserves better. the Deputy Prime Minister speak for the Government? If so, is the Culture Secretary now asking Rupert Murdoch to drop the bid? Can the Culture Secretary now assure Mr Hunt: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition us that on the basis of his new position, no decision will about what the Prime Minister has done—[Interruption.] be made on the BSkyB bid until the criminal investigation into phone hacking is complete? Nothing else can give the public the confidence they need. Mr Speaker: Order. I want everybody who wants to contribute to these exchanges to have the chance to do Thirdly, will the Culture Secretary state his position so, but people who shout and scream cannot then to the House on the need for responsibility to be accepted expect to be called, and it is a rank discourtesy. It must at News International? The terrible hacking of Milly stop on both sides of the House. Dowler’s phone happened on Rebekah Brooks’s watch, while she was editor of the News of the World. Last Wednesday, the Prime Minister refused to say she Mr Hunt: We are fighting a war. The Prime Minister should go, and on Friday all he offered were weasel arrived back from Afghanistan at around 10 o’clock words. Will the Culture Secretary say what the Prime last Tuesday night. By Wednesday lunchtime he had Minster refused to—that Rebekah Brooks should take established two public inquiries. That is doing more in responsibility for what happened on her watch and less than one week than the right hon. Gentleman’s resign from her post? party did in eight years. Fourthly, given the role of Andy Coulson in relation The right hon. Gentleman talked about Andy Coulson. to phone hacking and other allegations of illegality, will He should be very careful not to be someone who the Culture Secretary clarify the following—[Interruption.] throws sticks in glass houses. In his comments he criticised Government Members should listen to what I am saying me for being willing to accept assurances from News because it is relevant to victims up and down the Corp. He was willing to accept assurances from the very country. On Friday at his press conference, the Prime same people about Tom Baldwin. Minister said, about the appointment of Andy Coulson: Let me answer some of the right hon. Gentleman’s “No one gave me any specific information.” specific questions. Tampering with evidence does not Yet Downing street has confirmed that The Guardian need a judge-led inquiry to be set up. It is a criminal newspaper had discussions with Steve Hilton, the offence now. We are moving as fast as we can to set up a Prime Minister’s senior aide, before Andy Coulson was judge-led inquiry into all the actions that were illegal brought into government. Those conversations detailed or improper. We also want to set up an inquiry, with Mr Coulson’s decision to rehire Jonathan Rees—a man cross-party support—hopefully—to look into the unethical who had been jailed for seven years for a criminal behaviour by the press, and we want that to start work conspiracy and who is alleged to have made payments immediately. Inquiries into illegal actions have to wait to the police on behalf of the News of the World. This until after police investigations are complete. We are serious and substantial information was passed by Steve willing to talk to the right hon. Gentleman in order to Hilton to the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, Mr Ed get some kind of cross-party consensus so that that can Llewellyn. The information could not have been more happen as soon as possible. I said in my statement that specific. Now, can the Culture Secretary tell us whether we would like that to start as soon as this summer. 43 Phone Hacking and the Media11 JULY 2011 Phone Hacking and the Media 44

[Mr Jeremy Hunt] With regard to what the Prime Minister did or did not know, he will answer for himself, but he has said With respect to the BSkyB decision, I have at every that he takes full responsibility for the decisions he took stage in this process followed the procedures laid down and that he had no knowledge of any illegal of criminal in the Enterprise Act 2002 that was passed by the right activity by Andy Coulson when he decided to employ hon. Gentleman’s Government. Not only that, but I him. have done more than those processes require, because at every stage I have asked for independent advice from Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) the expert media regulator, Ofcom, and after careful (LD): Will the Secretary of State, whose behaviour so consideration at every stage I have followed that advice. far on this matter has been beyond reproach, pass on to Let me say gently to the right hon. Gentleman that he the Government and the leader of the Conservative needs to show some humility in this matter. He attended party the request that they join my party in asking Rupert Murdoch’s summer party and failed to bring up Rupert Murdoch to withdraw his bid, and will he the matter of phone hacking. He was part of a Cabinet— confirm that it is entirely appropriate for the regulator, [Interruption.] Ofcom, to consider illegality by any of the people employed by any title owned by News Corporation, Mr Speaker: Order. I want to hear the answer. meaning all its newspapers and not just the News of the World? Mr Hunt: He was part of a Cabinet which, according to the then Culture Secretary, discussed phone hacking Mr Hunt: My right hon. Friend has asked a question and decided not to act, and we now know why. According that I cannot answer, because every Member of the House to the autobiography of Tony Blair’s chief of staff, can have a view on whether the take-over should go Jonathan Powell, ahead or be withdrawn except me, as I have a quasi-judicial “We first started discussing…the failed relationship between role and so I am unable to prejudge the decision by the media and politics in 2002…We discussed the issue back and making a comment. With regard to illegality and the forth for the next three years, but Tony never felt the moment was requirement under the Broadcasting Act 1990 that all right to speak out…Gordon, who was courting the press, had no people holding broadcasting licences be fit and proper, I intention of agreeing to anything that might upset them.” wrote to Ofcom this morning to ask whether it stood by Now is not the time for party political posturing. We its original advice that the deal could go ahead, in view have all failed—politicians, journalists and media owners— of the matters that came to light last week and had and we must all work together to put the problem right. News Corporation not withdrawn its undertakings today. I am pleased to say that, with this referral to the Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con): Does Competition Commission, all those issues will be considered my right hon. Friend agree that it is vital in his role that properly and fully. he should act within the law, taking independent advice— legal advice—because if he does not, any decision that Margaret Beckett (Derby South) (Lab): Does the he makes can be attacked in court? Does he agree that it Secretary of State not recognise that at a time when is all very well for the Opposition to make their points wrongdoing was being very strongly alleged, and even today, but the spirit in the House last week was that more strongly denied, the Prime Minister’s decision there were faults on all sides and that we ought to do then to appoint Andy Coulson to No. 10 as director of what is in the interests of the country? Does he agree communications reinforced the credibility of what we that the Leader of the Opposition has betrayed that now know to be unjustified denials of wrongdoing? Is today? that not why the Prime Minister should be here today?

Mr Hunt: I completely agree with my hon. Friend. If Mr Hunt: With respect to the right hon. Lady, there we are to tackle this very serious cancer that we have are all sorts of things that this Government and the seen in our society in the past week, we need a responsible previous Government have done that we might now attitude from Members on both sides of the House, and review in the light of the allegations that have emerged if we are worried about newspapers getting above the in the past week. That is why it is incredibly important law, Ministers need to set an example and ensure that that we have these two public inquiries to get to the they do not get above the law themselves. bottom of press ethics, which is why we are trying to ensure that we grapple with the problem and sort it out, Alan Johnson (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) rather than sit on it for a very long time. (Lab): I am surprised that we have the monkey at the Dispatch Box and not the organ grinder—[Interruption.] Louise Mensch (Corby) (Con): In 2003 the predecessor of the current Culture, Media and Sport Committee, of Mr Speaker: Order. Members are entitled to their which I am a member, warned of deplorable practices in own views on taste. There has been no breach of order. the media, including payments by journalists to the police, and called for an inquiry. Does my right hon. Alan Johnson: The Prime Minister said on Friday Friend agree that we should have had an inquiry at that that he received no ’’specific″ information, but it is clear time? that that information was passed to Ed Llewellyn. If Ed Llewellyn failed to pass that information to the Prime Mr Hunt: Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I think Minister, will he be sacked or given “a second chance”? that everyone will be reflecting on what has happened. In the last Parliament there were two Select Committee Mr Hunt: I take being called a monkey very seriously, inquiries on the matter and two reports by the Information because in my wife’s country they used to eat them. Commissioner stating that things were wrong and needed 45 Phone Hacking and the Media11 JULY 2011 Phone Hacking and the Media 46 to be sorted out, but nothing happened. Let us hope Mr Hunt: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I am that as a political class we are up to the challenge of sorry to say—and I am sure that she will agree with sorting things out this time. me—that the Leader of the Opposition got his tone absolutely wrong. The shameful events of last week are Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): Extraordinarily, something for which both sides of the House need to the Secretary of State has come to the House without take their share of responsibility, and working together, any briefing whatsoever to give further and better particulars both sides of the House can make sure that we sort behind the Prime Minister’s statement on Friday that he them out so that they never happen again. had—very careful words—no “specific” knowledge that Mr Andy Coulson had appointed a known criminal to Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): work at the News of the World. Given the absence of a May I remind the right hon. Gentleman that on 11 March briefing today, does the Secretary of State accept that 2003, Rebekah Brooks told the Select Committee on it is his duty to go back to the Department and to Culture, Media and Sport under my chairmanship: Downing Street and insist that a full, detailed chronology “We have paid the police for information”, of who informed whom—or failed to inform whom—by name and what they said is published by the close of thereby admitting a criminal offence? She was then play today? editor of The Sun, having just been editor of the News of the World. How is it possible for someone with that background to become chief executive of an organisation Mr Hunt: I believe that the Prime Minister is a man and for that organisation’s bid to be accepted or even of honour and integrity, and when he says that he had not brushed away totally? no knowledge of that particular episode, I believe him.

Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): It is regrettable Mr Hunt: What I would say to the right hon. Gentleman that undertakings that the Secretary of State had previously is how is it possible, when that happened under his secured have been withdrawn today, but will he tell the Government, for them to do absolutely nothing about it House why, under the Competition Commission referral, for eight years? it is possible for the “fit and proper person” test to be applied in the decision? Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): I warmly welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement. Will he confirm that Mr Hunt: I will tell my hon. Friend why that is the any police investigation into this matter will cover the case. Typically, when there is a referral to the Competition media practice of blagging? Commission, it could decide to block the deal entirely or it could negotiate undertakings, circumstances and Mr Hunt: I confirm to my hon. Friend that the conditions under which it would consider it acceptable intention is that the judge-led inquiry will cover all for the merger to go ahead. The Competition Commission illegal and improper activity, and I am particularly keen is considering media plurality, just as I did. It is not that it should cover the practice of blagging, which is at considering broader competition issues, but if as part of the heart of many of the problems that we have been that consideration it decided to accept any undertakings, finding out about in the past week. it would want to be sure that they were credible, which is why compliance with the “fit and proper person” Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): As requirements of the Broadcasting Act 1990 will be head of Operation Abelard, John Yates would be aware extremely important. of paperwork showing convicted private investigator Jonathan Rees discussing the use of covert surveillance Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): Did the Secretary techniques, including computer hacking, with a close of State know about the dinner involving the Prime associate of Rebekah Brooks, Mr Alex Marunchak. Minister, James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks two Rees, while serving time in prison, discussed his contact days after he was handed responsibility for this policy with reporters from The Sunday Times. Far from this area? Why, shortly after that dinner, did he abandon the scandal being about wrongdoing at the News of the previous approach by the Business Secretary and reject World, it is a story of institutional criminality at News Ofcom’s clear recommendation to send the matter to International. John Yates’ review of the Mulcaire evidence the Competition Commission? was not an oversight. Like Andy Hayman, he chose not to act. He misled Parliament. He misled readers of The Mr Hunt: I did not know about the dinner, and I did Sunday Telegraph only yesterday. Does the Secretary of not reject Ofcom’s recommendation. If the former Culture State agree that his position is untenable? Secretary had been listening to my statement, he would know that I actually accepted its recommendation. On Mr Hunt: With great respect to the hon. Gentleman, 25 January, I wrote to News Corporation saying that I who I commend for his tenacious campaign in this area, was minded to accept what Ofcom were recommending, I do not think that that is a judgment that I, as Culture namely a referral to the Competition Commission. Secretary, should make. However, all the practices that he describes must be dealt with properly, in terms of Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): No party cosied up both the specific criminal acts and the changes necessary to the Murdoch press as much as the Labour party, and to make sure that they do not happen again. He made the Press Complaints Commission has been an inadequate, one very important reference, in particular, when he toothless body for far too long. Does the Secretary of pointed out the issue of computer hacking. We have to State think that there is some connection in the failure be very careful to act with sufficient thoroughness to of the previous Government to sort out the PCC, and make sure that we do not find that e-mail hacking will this Government take on that task? becomes the next big scandal. 47 Phone Hacking and the Media11 JULY 2011 Phone Hacking and the Media 48

Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Between 2003 and inquiry will look fully at the way in which the police 2010, successive reports set out that there were serious have behaved and it will get to the bottom of this. We problems. Can the inquiry cover the relationship between must give it our full support. the media and the Government to look at why action was not taken before now? Mr Don Foster (Bath) (LD): The House will have noted in the Labour leader’s contribution the complete Mr Hunt: Yes. absence of any reference to the repeated failure by the Labour Government, despite repeated warnings to act Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): in this area. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that, On behalf of the Scottish National party, we welcome notwithstanding what has been announced today, which the public inquiries and the referral back to the Competition is frankly little more than another ruse by the Murdoch Commission. Does the Secretary of State agree that empire, there is nothing to prevent Ofcom from now there has been a systematic failure of successive Westminster investigating whether the Murdoch empire is fit and Governments when it has come to the whole field of proper to own the 40% of BSkyB shares that it owns? the regulation of the press? As long ago as 2006, the Information Commissioner found more than 3,000 breaches Mr Hunt: Ofcom is at liberty to investigate the “fit of data protection, but nothing was done. How can we and proper” issue in the Broadcasting Act 1990 at any have any faith that this House will in future get its press time. It will have to investigate that issue to see whether regulation fixed? it is relevant to the potential acceptance of any undertakings subsequent to a Competition Commission inquiry. Those Mr Hunt: It is stretching it a bit to say that this is a issues will therefore be looked at thoroughly and carefully. Westminster issue and not something that affects the whole of the United Kingdom. We have to sort it out, Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Will the Secretary of and we are absolutely determined to do so. State confirm that the Home Affairs Committee and the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, both of which Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con): The House have held inquiries into these matters, will be consulted fully appreciates why the Secretary of State cannot give about the terms of reference of the public inquiry? I his opinion on the BSkyB matter. Is he aware that the have just received a letter from the Director of Public vast majority of people out there in the country are not Prosecutions confirming his view on the law of phone the least bit interested in party political point-scoring, hacking. I see that the Attorney-General is beside the but believe that if Mr Murdoch had any decency at all, Secretary of State. Is it the Government’s view that we he would withdraw his bid for BSkyB? should take the narrow interpretation of the law, as championed by the Metropolitan police, or the wider interpretation, as championed by the DPP? Mr Hunt: As I said in my statement, I completely understand the horror with which many people viewed Mr Hunt: The right hon. Gentleman will understand the thought of a company allegedly responsible for that that question is slightly above my legal pay grade. It these appalling actions taking over what would become is not for the Government to take a view on that matter, Britain’s biggest media company. I completely understand but for the courts. If the courts take a view that is not where the public are on that. We now have a lengthy consistent with what we want to see, we are at liberty, as process that will get to the bottom of the media plurality a Parliament, to change the law to ensure that the issues. If any of the appalling events that have come up courts interpret it in the way that we want. in the past week are linked to media plurality, I am sure that they will be considered in their entirety. Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con): The previous Administration ignored reports from the Information Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): I hope that the whole Commissioner about 300 journalists across the national House will, like me, be scandalised by the facts that are media being involved in illicit practices to gain information. emerging this afternoon about the former Prime Minister’s Will the Secretary of State confirm that the inquiry he is son’s medical records having been targeted by other setting up today will look across the national media and newspapers in the News International stable. consider wider issues than just phone hacking? One of the biggest problems that we have is that the police failed to act systematically. Assistant Commissioner Mr Hunt: Absolutely; we need to look at the kind of Yates repeatedly lied to Parliament. He said that there problems we may face in the information age, which were very few victims. He said that all the victims had might be very different from the tragic problems that been contacted. He said that all the mobile phone were reported last week. We will look at all those issues. companies had been put on notice in relation to this. All We recognise that our press has some of the finest of these things are lies, as he seems to have admitted in traditions in the world, but has fallen sadly short of yesterday’s edition of The Sunday Telegraph, and yet he them. We want to do everything possible to ensure that has not had the decency to apologise to this House or, we go back to having the finest journalism in the world. for that matter, the decency to apologise at all—surely he should. He is in charge of counter-terrorism in this Mr Michael Meacher (Oldham West and Royton) country, for heaven’s sake. Surely he should resign. (Lab): Given that the criteria for media plurality are so narrowly drawn that they exclude such critical issues as Mr Hunt: I completely understand the hon. Gentleman’s the capacity to distort competition through cross- anger on that issue, but obviously parliamentarians promotion, price bundling and preventing rivals from cannot tell the police what to do because we have the advertising, why cannot the Secretary of State use the separation of powers. However, the judge-led independent delay created by the police investigation and sorting 49 Phone Hacking and the Media11 JULY 2011 Phone Hacking and the Media 50 through 150,000 responses to the consultation to modernise Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Is it not convenient the criteria for media plurality, either through a one-clause that this absent Prime Minister has been able to dodge Bill or through an amendment to the communications the real questions—what did he know about criminal legislation? activities from Murdoch, when did he know it, and is it not time, based upon the British public’s reaction, that Mr Hunt: The issue of media plurality is not as we sent this non-tax-paying Murdoch back from whence narrowly drawn as the right hon. Gentleman might he came and, for the final humiliation, got the Secretary think. All the issues he talked about can be considered of State for Energy and Climate Change to drive him to in so far as they affect media plurality. What we cannot the airport? [Laughter.] consider under the Enterprise Act 2002 are competition issues, which are considered separately. In this case, they Mr Hunt: I am not sure how I can follow that, but were decided by the European Union. We recognise that suffice it to say that the hon. Gentleman has the chance the law on media plurality needs to be looked at. Some every Wednesday to ask the Prime Minister any question of the processes that have come to light in the past few that he chooses. months have caused Ofcom to question whether the law is right on protecting media plurality, which we all think Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): The Secretary is very important. We will consider that as part of the of State understands the huge public concern not just communications Bill that we propose to bring before about the plurality issues of the BSkyB takeover but the House in the second half of this Parliament. about the criminal and unethical behaviour of Murdoch’s News International. I welcome the Secretary of State’s Conor Burns (Bournemouth West) (Con): Did my assurance that the “fit and proper person” test can be right hon. Friend in recent days take any advice on the taken into account by the Competition Commission, potential legal consequences had he, as Secretary of but as he has said, it is Ofcom’s responsibility. In a letter State, followed the advice given in public by the Leader on Friday, it seemed to say that it was reluctant to act of the Opposition? If he did seek such advice, did it while police investigations were ongoing, for fear of suggest that had he followed the advice of the Leader of prejudicing them. Can the Secretary of State confirm the Opposition, he would have sought to place himself that if the ″fit and proper person″ test cannot be resolved above the law? while the police are still investigating, he will make no decision until the criminal investigations are complete? Mr Hunt: My hon. Friend is right that had I, as was suggested by the Opposition on a number of occasions, Mr Hunt: I have to inform my hon. Friend that I am immediately referred the matter to the Competition not legally allowed to put a pause in the process until Commission without going through due process, I would any criminal proceedings have come to a conclusion. have exposed the Government to potentially successful However, I will take as much time as I need. I am very judicial review. I think it is incredibly important, when well aware of public concern on this issue. The Competition people are concerned about newspapers putting themselves Commission will report in six months’ time, and there above the law, that the Government do not do so. will then be a subsequent period of intensive discussions. During that period I am very hopeful that we will Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): Can I properly resolve the ″fit and proper person″ issue, because bring the Secretary of State back to earlier questions? Is I am aware of how important it is to Members of all it not an amazing situation when an organisation admittedly parties. involved in criminality can even be considered for further ownership of the media? No one outside this place can Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): One of really understand that. It is surely a matter for punishment, the reasons for operating a positive vetting system in not for being rewarded. Whitehall is to see whether officials might be susceptible to blackmail. Following the horrific revelations from Mr Hunt: The hon. Gentleman will be relieved to News International, it appears that Mr Coulson would know that there is indeed a very important responsibility be a prime candidate for blackmail. Was he positively to ensure that everyone who holds a broadcasting licence vetted? is fit and proper. However, that is a responsibility not for politicians but for the independent regulator, Ofcom, Mr Hunt: I am afraid that I do not know the answer which I know will discharge its responsibilities very to that question. carefully in that respect. George Eustice (Camborne and Redruth) (Con): May Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): Do the Government I welcome the decision to review the regulation of the agree with me that the best way to improve media media, which is central, long-term, to raising standards plurality and break the excessive power that has led to and restoring faith in journalism? However, is the Secretary such repulsive behaviour is to eliminate all barriers to of State aware that for the best part of 10 years, Alastair entry into the media market? Campbell invited the Labour party to do just that—to review the regulation of the media—but that it failed to Mr Hunt: We want to encourage investment in the do so throughout its term in office? UK media sector in any way we can. I have to admit that right now, how to do that has not been at the top of Mr Hunt: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, which is my mind, but I agree that we want to stimulate plurality. why, with the greatest respect, I think the Opposition The arrival of the internet makes that possible in a have got their tone completely wrong this afternoon. much lower-cost way than would otherwise have been We have an opportunity to do something that many the case. Opposition Members in their hearts know should have 51 Phone Hacking and the Media11 JULY 2011 Phone Hacking and the Media 52

[Mr Jeremy Hunt] Mr Hunt: Any character assessment should be done by someone independent—as we have been discovering, been done a very long time ago. We are determined to independence is important. do that, and I would encourage them to work with the May I take this moment to correct what I said earlier Government to ensure that this time, we get it right. to the right hon. Member for Delyn (Mr Hanson)? I believe that what the Prime Minister said was that he Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): In view of has not spoken to Andy Coulson recently. the fact that the Secretary of State has a quasi-legal responsibility in some of these matters, why is he making Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): I do not this statement? think that the Secretary of State or the Leader of the Opposition were in the House about a decade ago, Mr Hunt: Just because I have a quasi-judicial role when there were quite a lot of references to, and discussions does not mean that I am not able to announce to about, the occult financing of the Tory party by the Parliament important developments in the exercise of then Mr Michael Ashcroft in Belize. That was quite that role, which is what I have done this afternoon with, properly investigated by The Times newspaper. Since I see, Mr Speaker’s approval. then, the now Lord Ashcroft has had his second chance—we should leave it at that. In the second inquiry, will the Secretary of State focus a bit on how we can have an Mr Speaker: I was not expressing approval or disapproval; ethics of journalism that protects not us, but the little I was just nodding benignly, as is my way. person? Those are the ones who are destroyed by The Sun, The Mail on Sunday, the News of the World and all Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con): When it those foul practices. comes to the wider inquiry, could we ensure that the press practice of blagging is included? It appears to Mr Hunt: I am not quite sure that I understand the mean using subterfuge and pretence to gain access to first and second halves of the right hon. Gentleman’s confidential and other personal information, and it has question, but let me just say that the second inquiry will been alleged of other newspapers, including by a journalist absolutely concentrate on the ethics of the press. The who now works for the Leader of the Opposition. lesson from last week is that what changed the public mood was the fact that phone hacking moved from Mr Hunt: We must absolutely ensure that we do being something that affected celebrities and politicians everything necessary to stamp out blagging. One of the to something that tragically affected members of the most awful parts of this whole process is that we have public. discovered just how easy it is. In that respect, I would add that I believe that the role of phone companies is Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): Does the very important as well. They need to ensure that they Secretary of State regret that such serious and grave are co-operating fully to ensure that it stops. matters have been used for party political point scoring? Will he reassure the House that the investigations from Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): Could the Secretary hereon in will still contain an invitation to the Leader of of State advise me—if he cannot do so today, he could the Opposition to contribute constructively to such an report back in future—as to whether or not the Prime important debate that is in all our interests? Minister or any member of the Government has discussed these extremely serious allegations with Mr Coulson, or Mr Hunt: I absolutely give that assurance to the House with Rebekah Brooks, since his resignation from the because we want to solve this problem. The Leader of Downing street office in January of this year? the Opposition has to make up his mind whether he wants to continue with his party political posturing or tackle this problem in the national interest. Mr Hunt: The Prime Minister has said that he has not spoken to Andy Coulson since he resigned his position— [Interruption.] Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): Is it not a disgrace that the Secretary of State has come here to make a statement without basic answers to the questions being Mr Speaker: Order. The House has heard what has asked? He does not even know about conversations been said—[Interruption.] Order. I call Mr Christopher between Andy Coulson and the Prime Minister that Pincher. anybody who reads a paper would have known. Why is the Prime Minister not here? What is his engagement Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): Does my right that is more important than this House? hon. Friend think that it is a great pity that the very fine and bipartisan speech made last Wednesday by the hon. Mr Hunt: The Prime Minister is not here because Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) was not repeated today we have had an incredibly important development today by the Leader of the Opposition? Does not the in a decision for which I am responsible. I therefore contrast between those two speeches demonstrate who thought it important, as did he, that I came to speak to is the better and more thoughtful man on this issue? the House.

Mr Speaker: Order. I am sure that the Secretary of John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): The Secretary State will want to focus not on character assessment of State will be aware that, in his statement last Friday, and comparisons in relation to it, but on phone hacking the Prime Minister said that he commissioned a company and the media. to do a basic background check on Andy Coulson, but 53 Phone Hacking and the Media11 JULY 2011 Phone Hacking and the Media 54 he omitted to name the company. I am sure that it was a looking into press ethics. I think that all the activities perfectly innocent omission, but will the Secretary of about which she is concerned will be covered. State place those details in the Library of the House this afternoon? Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): The Secretary of State indicated at the beginning of his statement that Mr Hunt: I will pass on the hon. Gentleman’s request he had been late in preparing the statement because to the Prime Minister. something had happened within the past half hour. He then went on to say that he was here instead of the Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): I Prime Minister because an important development had have a relatively simple question: did the Prime Minister’s taken place. However, we were given to understand two chief of staff, Ed Llewellyn, pass on details of the or three hours ago that it would indeed be the Secretary allegations of criminal activity to the Prime Minister? If of State making the statement. Surely these statements the Secretary of State cannot answer that question, will do not square. he write to me to let me know?

Mr Hunt: The Prime Minister has said that he had no Mr Hunt: Had News Corporation not withdrawn its knowledge of any illegal activity by Andy Coulson undertakings half an hour before I spoke, I would have before he offered him the job in Downing street. had another important announcement—one that is no longer valid—to make to the House about the operation Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven and of those undertakings. That is why the Prime Minister Lesmahagow) (Lab): You might recall, Mr Speaker, that said that I was the appropriate person to make this on 27 April, I led an Adjournment debate in the House statement. on the inadequacies of press self-regulation. Sadly that debate was very thinly attended. I learned from other Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): Little has been Members afterwards that a lot of Members did not said today about the practice of journalists giving illegal want to participate in case they were then targeted by backhanders to police officers and perhaps even to the press. What reassurance can the Secretary of State royal protection officers, which seems to be prevalent give us that the review of press regulation will be free of from the News of the World down to the smallest local intimidation? paper. It is disappointing that the Home Secretary is not here for this debate. May we have assurances from Mr Hunt: The best reassurance I can give to the hon. the Secretary of State that before Parliament goes into Gentleman is the fact that the inquiry into illegal activity— recess we will get a statement from the Home Secretary and certainly the kind of pressure he is talking about about what actions she has taken to stamp out this would be illegal—will be conducted by a judge who practice and ensure that any police officers involved are will, without fear of favour, look at everything that has held to account? happened and make recommendations to ensure that it stops. Mr Hunt: I hope that what I have announced today will reassure the hon. Lady, because we are having a Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab): Further to judge-led inquiry that will look into all illegal and the Secretary of State’s answer to my right hon. Friend improper activities, including the kind of activities that the Member for Delyn (Mr Hanson), now that he has she has mentioned. That inquiry will be statutory, and it said that the Prime Minister has not spoken to Andy will have the ability to compel witnesses, who will speak Coulson “recently”, will he undertake to place in the under oath, so we will get to the bottom of the kind of Library a log of any meetings and phone calls between activities that she describes and ensure that we stamp the Prime Minister and Andy Coulson since his resignation them out. from Downing street?

Mr Hunt: I will happily pass on the hon. Lady’s Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): Does the request to the Prime Minister, who will make a decision Secretary of State agree that it was wrong for ordinary on what he wishes to place on the public record. staff at the News of the World to have been sacrificed in an effort by News International to protect those at the Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): very top of the organisation who were really responsible Due to the confusion about who knew what and when for the scandal at that newspaper? Does he therefore in Downing street, is it not about time that the Minister agree that Rebekah Brooks should resign from her post for the Cabinet Office was asked to conduct a review forthwith? and get to the bottom of who knew what and when? Mr Hunt: I think everyone should be held to Mr Hunt: With respect to the hon. Lady, we have two account for their actions, whether they are the people independent reviews, one of which is looking into all personally responsible for phone hacking or the people illegal and improper activity, and the other of which is who authorised it. 55 11 JULY 2011 Points of Order 56

Points of Order Minister as to why he was unable or unwilling to come to the House this afternoon to make the statement that 5.10 pm we have just heard? His refusal to do so means that the House has had no opportunity to question him about Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On a point of order, these matters, whereas last Friday he gave the press the Mr Speaker. One hon. Member has already referred to chance to do that in a press conference. Is not that a 11 March 2003. Also on that day, Andy Coulson and gross discourtesy to the House? Furthermore, given the Rebekah Brooks appeared before the Culture, Media number of questions asked of the Secretary of State and Sport Select Committee and cited the Milly Dowler this afternoon that he was unable to answer—I feel case as a prime example of good co-operation between sorry for him, because he has been dumped in it—can the press and the police. In retrospect, that seems one of you confirm that you would make time available later the most disgusting pieces of cynical manipulation of a today for the Prime Minister to come to the House to Select Committee ever. In addition, there has subsequently make a statement if he can finally find the time and the been a series of lies by News International and by the will to do so? Metropolitan police to Select Committees of this House. That means that Members from all parties have been Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the shadow Leader of led a merry dance. That is partly because witnesses are the House for his point of order. The answer to his first not required to give evidence on oath, and we are question is no. I received no communication of the kind therefore unable to pursue someone for perjury if they to which he referred. The second point that I would have lied to a Select Committee. make to him is that it is always open to a Minister, if he There is now, however, going to be a judge-led inquiry or she so wishes, to come to the House at any time to in which the witnesses will have to give evidence on make a statement on an important matter that is of oath. Mr Speaker, can you ensure that it is perfectly interest both to the Government and to the House. possible for that inquiry to look at the issue of whether lies were told to Parliament, which might otherwise be Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): covered by privilege—[Interruption.] I hear what the Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I have had Clerk is saying, and I disagree with him. I urge you to cause on a number of occasions recently to draw your disagree with him as well, because it is important that attention to the fact that Ministers have made statements the judge-led public inquiry should be able to look at and held press conferences outside this House—they how Parliament could be so grossly misled, how Members have done so on a considerable number of occasions could be intimidated and how people could refuse to now—and then come to the House either later or not at give evidence. If that were to happen, we might come up all. We have now had the latest and worst example of with a stronger Parliament that is able to deal better this. The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, with issues such as these in the future. Media and Sport said in his last answer that everyone should be held accountable for their actions. The one Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for person who refuses to be accountable for his actions in his point of order, but he is somewhat inclined to invest this is the Prime Minister. That being so—while I recognise me with powers that I do not possess. Although it is that although you do not have power, you do have a generous of him to make that attempt, I think that in all remit—what action will you take, Mr Speaker, to make wisdom, I should resist it. I will happily reflect on the it plain to this Government that it is totally unacceptable particular points that he makes, but I would emphasise for them constantly to insult this House by making to him and to the House that there is a distinction statements outside the House and then perhaps coming between what the Chair can do and what the House as a here as an afterthought? whole can decide to do. The hon. Gentleman will know that a Member who wishes to raise a privilege complaint Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman —he did not use those words, but I think that that for his point of order. First, I have repeatedly stressed—and concept was there in his point of order—is required to I do so again—that important statements of policy, give me written notice. That is provided for on page 273 including changes of policy, should be made first to the of “Erskine May”. I understand, as I think the House House. Secondly, the Prime Minister, to whom the right now will, that the Select Committees involved in this hon. Gentleman referred, will be here in the House, if matter—the Home Affairs Committee and the Culture, not before Wednesday, then on Wednesday to respond Media and Sport Committee—are themselves pursuing to questions. The right hon. Gentleman and other Members the matter. As the hon. Gentleman also knows, the may seek to catch my eye on that occasion if they are so Chair does not intervene in matters before Committees minded. Thirdly, he will have noticed that when statements of the House. I must also add that it is of course always are made, in an attempt always to protect the interests open to a Committee to report to the House on any of the House as a whole—and in particular the interests matter it wishes, but that is a matter for the Committee of Back-Bench Members—I am inclined to let them and not for the Chair to decide. I will leave it there for run fully, so that Back Benchers have a full and unvarnished today. opportunity to question the Minister, whoever that Several hon. Members rose— Minister may be, and however senior he or she may be.

Mr Speaker: In a moment. Patience will be rewarded. Paul Farrelly (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab): Further I call Mr Hilary Benn. to the earlier point of order, Mr Speaker. The Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport has followed Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab): On a point of phone hacking tenaciously. In February last year we order, Mr Speaker. Could you advise the House whether issued a report that found it inconceivable that only one you received any indication earlier today from the Prime rogue reporter at the News of the World knew about 57 Points of Order 11 JULY 2011 58 phone hacking. During that inquiry very senior people Mr Speaker: I have received no indication of any at the News of the World and News International testified intended ministerial statement on this subject, but I alert that a so-called second investigation, in 2007, found no the hon. Lady and the House to the fact that tomorrow further evidence of wrongdoing, and News International’s we have questions to the Secretary of State for Health, lawyers wrote us a letter confirming that. However, including topical questions. That might provide a suitable documents passed to the Metropolitan police by News opportunity to highlight these concerns. International and held by those self-same lawyers now show that this was a blatant untruth. Several inquiries Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury) into this whole affair have already been announced, but (Lab): Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. About it also prompts the question whether Select Committee 31,000 vulnerable residents do not know what is going powers should be made more effective—from giving to happen to their homes. Have you heard, Mr Speaker, powers of summons through to imposing consequences whether Ministers intend to publish the full list of when witnesses mislead and lie with impunity. On behalf landlords who are suddenly taking control of 250 homes of the House, may I ask you, Mr Speaker, to give some as of today so that we can have some transparency thought not only to future reform to make Select Committee about the process? At the moment, as I say, 31,000 powers more effective, but to discussing the issue urgently, vulnerable residents are in the dark and 40,000 members so that we can learn the lessons of this affair with the of staff have no idea whether their terms and conditions Government and urge them to bring forward reforms are going to be honoured. to put Select Committees in this House on a par with congressional committees in the United States? Mr Speaker: I accept that this is an extremely serious matter and, in the mind of the hon. Lady and perhaps Mr Speaker: Once again, I am grateful to the hon. others, a matter of some urgency. She will know that, as Gentleman for his point of order. With reference to the I have just pointed out to the hon. Member for Warrington specifics of the matter to which he has referred, if a North (Helen Jones), Health questions take place tomorrow Committee feels dissatisfied with the information that it and the issue can be aired then. I have a suspicion that has been given, it is open to that Committee to reopen the hon. Lady, who has quite properly raised this matter an investigation or to request the reappearance of a a number of times, will return to it before long. The previous witness, as a number of Committees have Minister on the Bench and representatives of the already decided. In so far as he focused in the second Government will have heard what she had to say. part of his remarks on the cause of strengthened Select Committees, with greater powers, I would say to him Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): On a point of that if the House wants more powerful Select Committees, order, Mr Speaker. Earlier today, the hon. Member for with a number of specific new powers that they do not Lancaster and Fleetwood (Eric Ollerenshaw) asked the currently possess, the House can will it. That is not Minister of State, Department for Education, the hon. specifically for the Chair—the Chair has spoken on Member for Brent Central (Sarah Teather) a question these matters on many previous occasions, and I think about the way in which the pupil premium was spent in the Chair’s views are well known on these issues—but Lancaster. The Minister turned up, having clean forgotten for the House to decide. to bring an answer to that question. That came hot on the heels of a recent written question that revealed that Stephen Pound (Ealing North) (Lab): On a point of the Department for Education answers a very small order, Mr Speaker. Can you advise the House if there is number of questions on time. Can you, Mr Speaker, a mechanism for correcting the extremely unfortunate—and, enable the House to hold the Department for Education I am sure, unintended—typographical error in paragraph 1, to account by inquiring what problems it faces that can line 5 of the written statement circulated by the Secretary justify Ministers turning up unable to answer questions of State, which could cause considerable distress? What for which they have had a week’s notice? mechanism can be used to correct this? Mr Speaker: I note the point of order and the hon. Mr Speaker: The hon. Gentleman is a trusty servant Gentleman will recall that when that question was of the House. He is also sometimes a mildly unkind answered—or, rather, not answered, as he describes—I Member in that he refers to a matter without giving me indicated to the Minister that it would help if Ministers any advance notice. The truth is that I do not have the read the question before answering it rather than afterwards. foggiest idea what he is chuntering about—but I will To be fair, the Minister took responsibility for that, and look into the matter. If he wants to return to it and it is I understood her to indicate that she would look into it a genuine point of order, I will try to respond to it. and seek to avoid a repetition. I hope that that is helpful, but I have a feeling that the hon. Gentleman Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab): On a point of will keep his beady eye on the matter. The House would order, Mr Speaker. Today, Southern Cross has announced expect nothing less. that it is going to cease trading, which is causing great concern to many elderly people and their relatives and, indeed, to many Members. Have you had any indication EUROPEAN UNION BILL from Ministers that they are going to make a statement (PROGRAMME) (NO. 3) about this? I include Ministers from both the Department Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing of Health and the Department for Communities and Order No. 83A(7)), Local Government, as I am sure Members would like to That the following provisions shall apply to the European hear what additional support is being offered to local Union Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Orders of authorities. Have Ministers approached you in any way, 7 December 2010 (European Union Bill (Programme)) and Mr Speaker? 24 January 2011 (European Union Bill (Programme) (No. 2)): 59 11 JULY 2011 60

Consideration of Lords Amendments European Union Bill 1. Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall Consideration of Lords amendments (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion four hours after their commencement at today’s sitting.

Subsequent stages Clause 1

2. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered forthwith without any Question being put. INTERPRETATION OF PART 1

3. The proceedings on any further Message from the Lords shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion 5.24 pm one hour after their commencement.—(James Duddridge.) The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I beg Question agreed to. to move, That this House agrees with Lords amendment 1.

Mr Speaker: With this it will be convenient to take Lords amendments 2 and 4.

Mr Lidington: Since the Bill was given its Third Reading just four months ago, it has been considered carefully and assiduously by the other place, as Members in all parts of the House would expect. I pay tribute to the House of Lords for the diligent way in which it examined the Bill. The Government may not always have shared the views of colleagues in the other place, and we will deal with the points of disagreement in more detail during the debate, but it only right for us to note and welcome the careful, meticulous analysis conducted there. The House of Lords has agreed to 15 amendments which it now falls to us to consider. They cover a number of issues, and I am sure that Members in all parts of the House will want to spend some time considering each of them, so I shall try to make good progress with each group.

Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): Having read the Lords amendments fairly carefully over an hour or so, I have the impression that they are all essentially about weakening a Bill which was not very strong in the first place. Could we not shorten the debate and vote on them fairly quickly?

Mr Lidington: I welcome what I take to be the hon. Gentleman’s support for a reversal of some of the Lords amendments and a restoration of the Bill to the state that it was in when it left this House. However, I am in his hands and those of other Members in terms of the time that it will take to deal with the amendments. I feel that we should do justice to the consideration that the House of Lords devoted to the Bill by dealing in turn with the amendments for which it voted.

Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): If I may quote the hallowed words of, I believe, John Bright, we should perhaps “Be just, and fear not”. Will the Minister be kind enough to confirm that he will do everything possible to ensure that the amendments relating to clause 18, to which the European Scrutiny Committee gave such careful consideration and on which it produced such a comprehensive report, will be reached so that we can at least discuss those questions emphatically? They are extremely important, and will allow us to discuss the Supreme Court and its potential interpretation of laws that might inhibit the supremacy of this House. 61 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 62

Mr Lidington: I certainly do not intend to delay our On Lords amendment 1, all I want to say further is reaching a group of amendments in which I know my that the phrase “or otherwise supporting” is included to hon. Friend is particularly interested. However, as I said remove any doubt—just as the previous Government to the hon. Member for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins), used that phrase to remove any doubt when drafting the I am in the hands of the House in terms of how long it European Union (Amendment) Act 2008—and to ensure will take us to debate the two groups of amendments that a proposal could not be adopted in such a way that Mr Speaker has placed before the group relating to without the appropriate authority required under the clause 18. provisions of the Bill. The first three amendments were proposed by my Lords amendments 2 and 4 make it clear beyond right hon. and noble Friend Lord Howell of Guildford doubt that, under the terms of the Bill, a referendum on behalf of the Government. They are essentially would not be required in the United Kingdom if a technical, and were intended to deal with concern that treaty change did not apply to the UK but only to was expressed in the House of Lords about the Gibraltar, and this would not transfer competence or interpretation of some of the provisions in part 1. They power from the United Kingdom. I say straight away fall into two categories. that it is hard to work out a scenario in which a treaty Lords amendment 1 changes one of the definitions in amendment that constituted a transfer of competence clause 1 involving the phrase “or otherwise supporting”. or power would apply only to Gibraltar and not to the The fear was expressed in the House of Lords that the UK. It is possible in theory, and this point was raised in Bill, as originally drafted, could inadvertently prevent the other place, and we have sought to assuage that Ministers and their officials from taking part constructively concern by proposing these two technical amendments. in negotiations about new proposals for action. That is not, and has never been, the Government’s intention. Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Notwithstanding the Our intention is that the United Kingdom should continue recent comments of my hon. Friend the Member for to be an active player in the European Union, engaging Stone (Mr Cash) on the need for brevity, let me say that with our partners and ensuring that the EU delivers while I agree that this is a technical tidying up of the what it ought to be delivering for the benefit of our clause as it left this place, I am concerned that a future citizens and those of other European countries. Foreign and Commonwealth Office—not the current one—that wished to stitch up the good and loyal people Under the Bill, the Government would not be able to of Gibraltar should not have that opportunity through vote in favour of, or otherwise support, a treaty or other the back door of the European Union. provision specified in part 1 when the time came for the final decision to be made in the European Council or in Mr Lidington: I can certainly assure my hon. Friend the Council of the European Union without the necessary that the current Government are absolutely committed approvals. The words “or otherwise supporting” are to Gibraltar remaining British for as long as the people included simply because—as many Members who follow of Gibraltar want that to continue. We have made that European affairs closely will know—it is possible for a clear publicly since the day we took office, and I have proposal that is subject to unanimity to be adopted repeated it in public both in this country and on a visit even it has not been agreed to by each member state in a to Gibraltar a few months ago. formal vote. For example, a formal vote does not always take place. In certain circumstances where the Chair Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): believes that he or she has the mood of the room, Given that this proposal refers specifically to Gibraltar, silence can be taken as assent and, when a decision has the Minister sought and obtained the views of the requires unanimity, abstention is, effectively, counted as Government of Gibraltar, and are they supportive of it? a supportive vote, as set out in articles 235(1) and 238(4) of the treaty on the functioning of the European Union. Mr Lidington: Yes, we have done so. The original provision before its amendment by the House of Lords 5.30 pm was approved by the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, whom we consulted before originally publishing the Bill, and Mr Cash: Having listened with enthusiasm and interest we have consulted the Government of Gibraltar about to my right hon. Friend’s earlier remarks about timing, the additional change in this Lords amendment and on the basis that I think it is generally conceded that this they are content with it. They do not think it in any way particular batch of amendments is entirely uncontroversial damages their position. and that the whole question of the amendments’ content I hope the House will agree to these Lords amendments. could be dealt with in about 30 seconds flat, will he be kind enough to address them as swiftly as possible, to Lords amendments 1 and 2 agreed to. ensure that the House can get its views across on all matters? Clause 2 Mr Lidington: I am encouraged by my hon. Friend’s remarks to be increasingly confident that we can reach TREATIES AMENDING OR REPLACING TEU OR TFEU the group of amendments on which he is anxious to speak in good time. I remind him, however, that four Mr Lidington: I beg to move, That this House disagrees hours have been set aside for our deliberations on these with Lords amendment 3. three groups of amendments, and I think it is right that we should do justice to the consideration that the House Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): With this it of Lords gave to the Bill by addressing each of the will be convenient to discuss the following: amendments it approved. Lords amendments 5 to 13 and 15. 63 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 64

Mr Lidington: I ask the House not to support the Mr Lidington: The principle on which the Government Lords in these amendments. I am afraid that I am going have consistently sought to act in preparing and introducing to have to test the patience of my hon. Friend the this legislation has been that a change to the treaties Member for Stone (Mr Cash) a little on this group, that transferred new competencies or powers from the because these Lords amendments were passed against United Kingdom to the institutions of the European the Government’s wishes and, in our view, significantly Union would require the agreement of the British people weaken the Bill’s safeguards. in a referendum. That is the principle, so for us the test The amendments would restrict the scope or operation for the sort of hypothetical treaty change that my hon. of the referendum lock that was approved by this House. Friend is describing would be whether it transferred They are contrary to our clear intention to ensure that competencies or powers from this country to the EU. I any future proposal to amend the European Union do not want to stray too far from the subject of the treaties to transfer further competence or power from Lords amendments we are discussing, but the hypothesis this country to the European Union should be subject that he describes could just as well be a question of a to the consent of the British people. The purpose of the quite separate intergovernmental treaty between members Bill is to reconnect with the people whom we serve. It of the eurozone, for example, as an amendment to the aims to re-engage them with key decisions on the direction treaty of Lisbon, which would require the assent of the of the European Union, on which they have, in the past, United Kingdom. been denied their say. The amendments would not deliver on those aims but, on the contrary, make it much more Mr Cash: Let me have one last shot. Does the Minister difficult to achieve them. concede that there is a world of difference between the members of the coalition Government having entered Mr Cash: Will my right hon. Friend join me in into an agreement between themselves for purposes that deploring what recent events have demonstrated? Does suit them and the constitutional convention that a he, thus, agree that it would have been extremely desirable referendum is required when there is a fundamental to ensure that a referendum should apply to any treaty, constitutional change in the relationship between us either current or future, which attempted to change the and the European Union? It is as simple as that. fundamental relationship of the United Kingdom to the European Union, including in respect of the creation Mr Lidington: We sought in this Bill to define a of a two-tier Europe—between the eurozone and the constitutional change of the sort that my hon. Friend EU—in economic governance? Does he agree that that describes in terms of a transfer of competencies or is a matter on which a referendum is every bit as powers from the United Kingdom to the European important? This is not merely a question of a transfer of Union. That seems to us to be a significant constitutional competence and powers but one that goes to the very change and the definition is one that we have incorporated heart of the constitutional relationship between the UK into the Bill. Now, if he will forgive me, never mind how and the EU. delightful I find his interventions, I think I ought to make some progress in addressing the Lords amendments Mr Lidington: If, as I hope, this Bill obtains Royal directly. Assent and goes on to the statute book, this Government Let me deal first with Lords amendments 3 and 5, and future Governments will, from the moment its which one might term the threshold amendments. They powers are commenced, be bound by the provisions of would provide for a turnout threshold of 40% for any this legislation with regard to the way in which they referendum under the Bill. If that threshold were handle any future proposal to amend the European not met, regardless of the result the final decision over Union treaties, negotiate and agree a completely new whether to ratify a treaty change would pass from treaty or invoke one of the passerelle clauses in the the people back to Parliament. That runs contrary to treaty of Lisbon. As my hon. Friend knows, in certain the spirit and intention of the Bill and would leave the cases a Government would have to hold a referendum British people in real doubt about the effect of their vote. before a particular treaty could be ratified by this country. I know that the intention of colleagues in the House For any treaty change, even one that according to the of Lords was to safeguard the sovereignty of Parliament, provisions of this Bill would not automatically require a but I do not agree with them that the Bill would referendum, an Act of Parliament—primary legislation— challenge the status of Parliament. In fact, Parliament would be needed, and it would of course be open to will have a much stronger role than ever before. Parliament at that time to decide to go further even than the provisions that we are putting forward in this legislation. Henry Smith: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for being so courteous in giving way. Does he agree that, ironically, elections to the European Parliament often Mr Cash: May I say that I am delighted by that have a turnout of 40% or less, as do many local authority delightfully disingenuous response? As my right hon. elections? Would it not be absurd to consider those as Friend knows perfectly well, I am referring to the treaty merely advisory? that has already been made, and I immediately realised what he was up to when he talked about “any future” treaty. I accept that an Act of Parliament may be Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend is right. We get into needed, but does he not, by the same token as the very dangerous territory as elected representatives when principles that he has set out in great detail, also agree we start to say that only votes or elections in which the that we should have a referendum on the creation of turnout was above a given percentage are valid. What such a two-tier Europe, which creates constitutional is at issue is our intention to provide for the British change in the relationship between the EU and ourselves? electorate to have the final say on whether or not the 65 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 66

Government of the day can agree to transfer competencies Mr MacShane: Does the right hon. Gentleman recall or powers from the United Kingdom to the European the referendums on Scottish and Welsh devolution in Union. The outcome of a referendum should, in our the late 1970s, which required a threshold which was view, be determined by the will of those who vote and not reached? That was a grotesque humiliation for the not by how many turn up to vote. Labour Government and was an exultant moment of As the hon. Member for Foyle (Mark Durkan) said glory for the Conservatives as Mrs Thatcher swept earlier this year when we debated a turnout threshold forward to victory. You really should not bury your for the referendum on the alternative vote: successful past so quickly. “If we agree to anything that passes for any sort of threshold, people in this country will have an incentive to say, ‘If you don’t Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. I am know, don’t vote’”.—[Official Report, 15 February 2011; Vol. 523, not trying to bury my unsuccessful past. c. 907.] A turnout threshold seems to me to be a recipe for Mr Lidington: In 1979, I was still a university student apathy. It would undermine one of the fundamental and had other things on my mind than the devolution aims of the Bill, which is to reconnect the British people referendums in Scotland and Wales. If one takes the and better inform them of the decisions taken in their right hon. Gentleman’s point about the imposition of name at European Union level. the threshold then and looks back at the history of the decade after, which resulted in no move towards satisfying what were genuine aspirations for a greater degree of 5.45 pm devolved government in Scotland and Wales, it made Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (LD): the public disconnection from Westminster of the people The argument that the Minister is very fairly advancing in those two countries greater over the subsequent is reinforced by what the Electoral Commission said in years. But this is a matter that historians can argue over. advance of today’s proceedings. Its task and statutory duty in issuing a certificate following an election has Mr Davidson: Can I clarify what the Minister is to be based on a proper definition of the size of the saying? Is he saying that the 40% rule would apply not electorate and what constitutes turnout. Does the Minister only to referendums in this context but to any future agree that the amendments add no clarity whatever to referendum and that the Government would be committed that? to opposing any 40% threshold for any future independence referendum in Scotland? Mr Lidington: My right hon. Friend is absolutely correct about the views of the Electoral Commission, Mr Lidington: I am not going to speculate on a which I believe it expressed publicly in its response to hypothetical Scottish referendum. We have said clearly the amendments passed in the other place. There could not just on this Bill but on the Bill that authorised the be some perverse, although unintended, I am sure, referendum on the alternative vote system that we felt effects if the threshold amendments were upheld. In the decision should be taken by those people who voted, some circumstances, there would be an incentive for one and the outcome should not depend on any artificial side in the referendum campaign to urge abstention threshold that we chose to impose. rather than support in an effort to keep turnout below the magic threshold of 40%. It could also mean some Mr Cash: My right hon. Friend may recall that it was very peculiar outcomes. Obviously we are talking my amendment that led to the question of the threshold hypothetically, but if we stuck with the 40% threshold, in the AVBill. Does he accept that something profoundly a poll would be deemed invalid if there was a turnout different went on in the 1970s regarding Scottish devolution, of 39% in which 5% voted one way and 34% voted because it was a different formula? On this particular the other, whereas a poll with a turnout of 41%, with issue, however, there is no doubt that the same kind of 21% voting one way and 20% voting the other—the spontaneous combustion would occur in relation to any 1% margin— referendum on the European issue, fortunately, and the same kinds of figures would prevail as were registered Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): That is not in parts of Staffordshire—80% against the Government’s 100%. proposals to enter into a treaty that was unacceptable to the United Kingdom. There is nothing that anyone can Mr Lidington: I assumed that I did not need to do about it. Tests, thresholds and all the rest of it would translate the figures for the right hon. Gentleman and I be swept away. am sure that he understands my argument perfectly well. There could be a very small difference between the Mr Lidington: I am confident that if and when a two sides in a referendum result, but it would be valid if British Government made a proposal to support a the turnout was just above the 40% threshold, whereas a treaty change to give extra powers to the European much bigger and more decisive outcome just below the Union and put that to the people, the turnout would be 40% would be deemed to be of no account. significantly above 40%. I have confidence in the voters.

Kelvin Hopkins: In very extreme circumstances, there Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): I thank the could be a result of 39% to zero with the zeros winning. Minister for giving way; he is being generous with his time. Does he agree that thresholds are just bliss for the Mr Lidington: I think the hon. Gentleman is being lazy politician? If politicians are not sure that they are hypothetical and I am sure that some voters would be going to win and want those on the other side to prove cussed enough to insist on going to the polls whatever their point, they can sit at home and do nothing. If we the odds against them but his point is a reasonable one. extended the threshold to local elections or European 67 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 68

[Chris Heaton-Harris] I am surprised that the threshold amendment was supported in the House of Lords by the official Opposition elections, as my hon. Friend the Member for Crawley Front-Bench team. I hope that when the hon. Member (Henry Smith) suggested, I would not have been elected for Caerphilly (Mr David) catches the Deputy Speaker’s on the 23% turnout that was achieved in the east eye, he will provide some explanation of that course of midlands in 1999. More votes were cast that very weekend action and indicate whether he plans to lead his party to evict Bubble from the second “Big Brother” house. through the Lobby in defence of a 40% threshold, although he has probably given up hope of leading the Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend puts his point well. hon. Member for Luton North. There have been parliamentary by-elections where the That support is particularly astonishing because the total turnout was less than 40%, and I do not think hon. Member for Caerphilly is seriously at odds with anybody argued at that moment that the election of his, and my, immediate and distinguished predecessor. that Member was in any way invalid. It was the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant), who was Labour’s spokesman on Europe, who said Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): My repeatedly in debates on 2 November last year that he right hon. Friend presumed earlier that the Lords had disagreed fundamentally with the very idea of thresholds, inserted the amendments to protect parliamentary saying: sovereignty. Is it not possible that some noble Lords “Idonotagree...about thresholds in referendums because, may have voted to insert the amendments because, in broadly, they are not a good idea.”—[Official Report, 2 November the circumstances outlined by the hon. Member for 2010; Vol. 517, c. 846.] Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins), if 39% of people vote He repeated that a few columns later. As a Conservative against something to do with the EU and 0% in favour, politician, I feel slightly nervous trespassing on the they would prefer it if the 0% won? In this context, is frontier between Caerphilly and the Rhondda, but the my right hon. Friend aware that some noble Lords are hon. Member for Caerphilly owes the House an explanation in receipt of EU pensions? Would it not have been for this departure in Labour party policy that he has better if that financial interest had been declared? presumably devised and implemented. Amendments 6 to 13 are very significant indeed in Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend has put matters on the their impact. They would remove from the referendum record. I am content to take the arguments and reasons lock several passerelle decisions that would transfer given by Members of the House of Lords as justification power and competence from Britain to the European for the amendments in which they believed. Union. The other place accepted that decisions to adopt the euro, give up UK border controls, or create a single, Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD): Does the Minister agree integrated military force should require a referendum. that if we accept the amendment, we are setting up a That was a welcome step, but it is not enough. The perverse incentive for the Government of the day to coalition agreement set out clearly that seek a low turnout if they wish to get a measure through? “no further powers should be transferred to Brussels without a That might affect the way they publicise a referendum referendum.” or engage with the process. All the decisions included in clause 6 as it left the House of Commons would constitute such a transfer. Mr Lidington: That puts it fairly. The perverse incentive Some Members of the Lords felt the original clause 6 to seek an apathetic reaction from the electorate is one did not provide Ministers with what they termed sufficient that I would want to avoid. “pragmatic flexibility”. I would say in response that it is a direct consequence of the abuse of so-called “pragmatic Mr Davidson rose— flexibility” in the past that there is such lack of trust in the European Union today, and in Governments as a species, for decisions taken on European Union matters. Mr Lidington: I will give way one last time, because It is that lack of trust which the Bill seeks to address. I want to deal with the other Lords amendments in the Speaking as someone who disagrees with some of my group. hon. Friends on the Back Benches, I want to see the United Kingdom playing a vigorous, active, constructive Mr Davidson: I am grateful to the Minister for giving role on behalf of our people within the European way in the circumstances. Surely the hon. Member for Union. Our ability to do that and to enjoy the confidence Rochester and Strood (Mark Reckless) is wrong and we of the British people in so doing will be enhanced if we cannot have a situation where Members of the House of can point to the safeguards that are provided for in the Lords who are in receipt of money from Brussels vote Bill included in clause 6. and do not declare it. Surely that would be counter to everything in our parliamentary democracy and surely Mr Cash: On that important point, is my right hon. they give an indication that they are in receipt of gold Friend aware of the remarks of the Prime Minister as from Brussels. reported in The Spectator only a few days ago on the question of the renegotiation of the existing treaties, Mr Lidington: One thing that I have learned in my which I called on the Prime Minister to do when he 19 years in this place is that each House is very jealous came back from the last European Council summit? of its own procedures and privileges, including what the Does the Minister for Europe know that I tabled a rules should be on the declaration of financial interest, written question to the Prime Minister asking him what so I think we should leave that to the House of Lords objectives he has set to maximise what he wants from authorities to decide. the UK’s engagement with Europe, and whether such 69 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 70 objectives will include any opportunity to renegotiate The Lords amendments seek to remove the last two the UK’s relationship with the EU? As the Minister methods from the referendum lock. I do not see the must know, the answer that I received today says that logic in this. For example, the amendments would mean the Prime Minister is not going to answer that question, that were a future UK Government to decide to give up I am afraid, and that he has transferred it to the Secretary their veto over foreign and security policy under the of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Does ordinary treaty revision procedure, there would first the Minister have an answer for me, therefore, to the have to be a referendum, but if they decided to give up question that seems to have been transferred to him? that veto under the passerelle decision in article 31(3), which would have exactly the same effect as a change 6pm under the ordinary revision procedure, there would be no requirement for a referendum. I do not think that Mr Lidington: Providing the formal response to my the British public would understand being able to vote hon. Friend’s question is clearly a treat that is yet in on a treaty change that gave up the veto but not having store for me. I will obviously give him a proper and a say over a passerelle that did exactly the same thing, considered response when the question reaches me, but and there are other such examples. As my right hon. everything I have observed about how my right hon. and noble Friend Lord Howell argued, this would be Friend the Prime Minister has acted in respect of the tantamount to locking the front and back doors of a European Union since the general election has shown house but leaving the kitchen window open. It is not the his utter determination to maximise the interests of the way to restore the trust of the British people. United Kingdom and the British people in every negotiation at European level in which he has taken part. Everything The amendments would also draw an artificial distinction that he, the Deputy Prime Minister and other members between a possible future agreement on a common of the Government do, from conversations with colleagues European defence that would involve the creation of a to meetings of the Council of Ministers, is about trying single, integrated military force and other similar decisions to get the best possible advantage for the United Kingdom that would not. The amendment suggests that the only from our membership of the EU. controversial element would be a decision to develop a “single, integrated military force”, but there would inevitably Mark Reckless: In that case, although Ministers had be confusion over the extent to which such a force such great success in preventing the use of the EU-wide would be established. For example, would the establishment financial stability mechanism in the case of the Greek of an integrated command structure, an integrated unit bail-out, will the Minister explain why it was simply or integrated budgets count? That lack of clarity could nodded through with respect to Portugal? allow each step to be presented as “not quite” leading to a single integrated military force, and therefore “not Mr Lidington: I think that I would test the House’s quite” justifying a referendum. It is important that we patience if I were to go into that in detail, particularly hold to the principle that were a British Government to as there was a debate on bail-outs a few weeks ago, in decide to opt in to a common European defence, that which I think my hon. Friend participated, and to should ultimately be subject to a decision by the British which my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the people. A common defence could undermine the pre- Treasury responded at some length. I am sure that there eminence or capability of NATO, notwithstanding any will be other opportunities to question Treasury Ministers assurances provided in the EU treaties. Maintaining about that. that pre-eminence has been a long-standing concern of this and previous British Governments. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. For the convenience of the House, I remind Members that just Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): because the debate has the word “Europe” in the title, My right hon. Friend is making an able demolition of that does not mean that we can have a wide-ranging these unacceptable amendments, but will he describe what debate on European issues. Some latitude has been sorts of decisions on common defence he thinks would given, as Mr Cash knows, but could we now please look currently trigger a referendum, because it is difficult at the specific amendments? to see how such decisions would constitute a transfer of power under the rather narrow definition set out in Mr Lidington: The amendments to clause 6 would theBill? introduce huge inconsistency in the referendum lock. They would make the method used to transfer competence Mr Lidington: As the House debated in Committee or power the determining factor in deciding whether or and on Report, in the Bill it is the creation of a common not a referendum should be held, rather than the fact of European defence entity that goes beyond what is defined the transfer of competence or power itself. There are as a common security and defence policy, which as my four ways of amending the treaties to allow transfers of hon. Friend knows is very limited in scope within the power and competence from the United Kingdom to treaties as they stand. If there was to be a common the European Union. First, there is the ordinary treaty European defence, that would clearly have to be defined revision procedure. Secondly, there is the first part of in treaty terms, but sometimes, as he would be the first the simplified revision procedure, which was the method to note, language that appears quite generalised in scope, used recently to agree the recent treaty change on the once written into a treaty, provides the basis on which eurozone stability mechanism. Thirdly, the British veto numerous detailed measures can then be brought forward could be given up using the second part of the simplified because there has been an overall extension of competence revision procedure set out in article 48(7) of the treaty to the EU institutions. It could—I am not saying that on European Union. The fourth and final way is through it always would—spell the end of an independent UK the use of a decision or passerelle without formal treaty defence policy, which was one of the previous Government’s change. red lines during their negotiations on the Lisbon treaty. 71 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 72

[Mr Lidington] difference in policy, principle and philosophy, if I can use that expression, in their attitude to the EU and that The amendments would also remove any decision to of the House of Commons. participate in a European public prosecutor from the referendum requirement. Hon. Members will recall the Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend makes a good point. sensitivity and divergence in views across Europe over The Opposition need to own up to where they are the idea of a European public prosecutor who would be coming from. If the hon. Member for Caerphilly wants able to launch prosecutions in the United Kingdom and to intervene and say that his Front-Bench colleagues in other member states in areas affecting the EU’s financial the House of Lords had gone rogue and he was unable interests. When we considered this issue earlier this year to control them, that he was sorry and he did not really it was accepted that people should be asked for their mean it, a plea for forgiveness might be entertained. But approval before any Government could agree to participate if he really supports the proposal to remove decisions and allow cases to be prosecuted independently in the on the MFF from the referendum lock, he should say UK’s legal system. so clearly to the House, because the Labour party did We have always guarded jealously—rightly, I think—the not say that when the Bill was debated in the House of principle that decisions on whether to prosecute any Commons. individual or corporate entity should be taken by the designated independent prosecutors. To give those powers Mr David: I will make a deal with the Minister. I am to some new European body that could come in and more than happy to explain the Labour party’s decision state whether a prosecution would or would not take when I speak to the Lords amendments, but will he place, irrespective of what the Crown Prosecution Service, explain to the House the comments of Members of the the Director of Public Prosecutions or Her Majesty’s other place such as Lord Brittan, or the actions of Lord Revenue and Customs said about a particular case, Heseltine, both of whom expressed complete disagreement would be a very serious shift of power and competence with fundamental aspects of the Bill? away from this country to Brussels. It would be right for the British people to be asked to assent to that before a Mr Lidington: I have huge respect for Lord Brittan, Government were allowed to ratify such a decision. Lord Heseltine and those senior Liberal Democrats in Before I move on from the Lords amendments to the House of Lords who have devoted their political clause 6, I should like to express my amazement that, lives to support for European integration—they have a when the House of Lords voted for an amendment to consistent and honourable point of view on this. I do remove from the referendum lock a decision to end the not agree with them. There is a key difference—and the requirement for unanimity in agreement to the EU’s hon. Gentleman may wish to challenge me—between multi-annual financial frameworks, the official Opposition the way in which Lords Brittan and Heseltine spoke and voted in favour of that proposal. I hope that the hon. voted and the way in which his colleagues did so. My Member for Caerphilly will explain on the record where noble Friends gave distinguished service in government, the Opposition now stand on the matter. Everyone in but many years ago, and they are no longer ministerial the House, whatever their views on the EU, knows that spokesmen. The hon. Gentleman must explain why the in the next couple of years a key issue facing every Labour party’s official spokesmen in the House of Government in the EU and all the Brussels institutions Lords spoke and voted in the Lobby for an amendment is the negotiation on the new MFF which will effectively that he appears very unwilling to support. set budgetary decisions and ceilings for the next five or seven years in the EU’s life and development. It is vital 6.15 pm that that remains subject to unanimity and that the British Government, whoever is in office, continue to Mr David: I find it amusing and surprising that the have a right of veto. Minister is dismissive of senior Members of the House of Lords such as Lord Brittan, who not only had Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab) indicated assent. reservations and disagreed with parts of the Bill, but said that there was nothing in the Bill at all with which he could agree. Mr Lidington: The hon. Gentleman is nodding, so he must explain why members of his party—not just Labour Back Benchers but official spokesmen in the House of Mr Cash: He has got a pension too. Lords—trooped through the Lobby to say that they wanted to scrap the British veto and allow the fate, for Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. It example, of the UK’s rebate to be subject not to consensus has been interesting to hear hon. Members discuss their but to qualified majority voting. That would be the opinions of the careers of distinguished Members of impact of the measure. The hon. Gentleman is saying the House of Lords, but I should like the Minister to that he would remove from the referendum lock a return to the business before the House, which is Lords decision to switch from unanimity to QMV on that amendment 3, and his views on that, rather than on matter. anyone in the House of Lords.

Mr Cash: Does my right hon. Friend agree that Mr Lidington: I will try to avoid that temptation, perhaps it has something to do with the report on the Madam Deputy Speaker. question of economic governance, in which it appeared as if the underlying theme expressed by certain Opposition Chris Heaton-Harris: To help out the Opposition, the Members in the House of Lords was edging us towards Minister may have noticed that they had a completely the prospect of fiscal union? There really is a substantial different policy on the MFF on days that began with a 73 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 74

“T” from on those that began with any other letter. people to effect changes and reverse that devolution, That happens to be true when it comes to the Lords. that was a matter for the future Parliament at that time. The idea that we should impose a sunset clause in this Madam Deputy Speaker: I do not want the Minister case simply because it is something new seems to be to help out the Opposition, who can take care of completely inconsistent with the way in which Parliament themselves. I want him to help out the Government by and successive Governments have approached previous speaking to the amendment. Perhaps he would return constitutional reforms. to it. Mr Cash: I am interested in the line that my right Mr Lidington: I shall turn to Lords amendment 15, hon. Friend is taking. Without pre-empting any other which would insert a sunset clause into the Bill, so that discussion, does he agree that this is also about the part 1 and schedule 1 would expire when Parliament is whole question of our membership of the European dissolved, only to be revived at the discretion of the Union being only on loan from this House because Secretary of State and with the approval of Parliament under the Factortame decision Lord Bridge made it for the duration of the new Parliament. That exercise clear that it was a voluntary act and no more? Does he would have to be repeated every five years. I have therefore think that inserting a reference to the European looked carefully at the arguments for such a measure. Communities Act 1972, as proposed in the amendment As the Government made clear in the other place, tabled by the former Lord Chancellor, Lord Mackay of sunset clauses can be useful in legislation proposing Clashfern, would be making a profound mistake in new or extraordinary powers for the Executive, or in thinking that this all hinges on the Act when in fact it legislation that would serve a specific or time-limited depends on Parliament itself? purpose, but this Bill does neither. Some colleagues in the House of Lords said that the Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend is inviting me to Bill was a constitutional innovation and should therefore comment on the subject matter of the third group of be subject to a sunset clause, but much of what we do in amendments. I hope that he will forgive me if I delay Parliament is innovative. We believe that the Bill is an commenting in that fashion until we reach those innovation that will be welcomed by the British people, amendments. and it should become an enduring part of our constitutional This Bill places Parliament at the heart of every framework. decision to be considered. Each decision will need parliamentary approval, whether by Act or by resolution. Kelvin Hopkins: I agree entirely, and I think that the The sunset clause would take that power away from British people would like the Bill to be rather stronger. Parliament, and until such time as part 1 was revived, none of the controls in part 1—not just the referendum Mr Lidington: I think that the British people would lock but none of them—would apply. Some colleagues be alarmed at the thought that they were being offered in the other place claim that the Government are binding new rights and responsibilities for a term of only five future Governments and not themselves. However, we years, and would then have to wait and see whether they have already said that we will use the Bill to ratify the would be graciously renewed by a new Parliament. current treaty change on the euro zone stability mechanism, In a survey conducted two years ago, more than four and we will also use it to consider the treaty change out of every five British people wanted a referendum on required for Croatia’s accession. Once the legislation is any future treaty change. Everything that we do in the enacted, this Government, too, will be bound by it. House is reversible—no single Parliament can bind its There is another reason why a sunset clause is successor—so there is no reason to single the Bill out unnecessary. The previous Government set up a system for a sunset clause, which would mean that it merely of post-legislative scrutiny under which the Government loaned power to the people of this country on the of the day are required to publish a memorandum to future direction of the EU for a limited time. After that, Parliament on the operation of each Act of Parliament the decision on whether or not to lend them the power up to five years after the commencement of that Act. for another five years would be in the hands of the This is examined by relevant parliamentary Committees, Government of the day. The British people would rightly which can decide whether to conduct a detailed examination look on such a proposition with disdain. of that legislation. I am happy to put on record that we think that this is a good idea and that a future Government Henry Smith: My right hon. Friend is entirely right. must publish a full report on how this Bill has been used If the amendment were allowed to stand, would it not within five years of its becoming law. That will result in render the proposed legislation completely empty? As the clarity and the reflection that colleagues in the other he eloquently said, it goes against the constitutional place seek, but without arbitrarily depriving the British principle that no Parliament can bind its successor. people of their say. The case for this Bill is simple: it is to give the British Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend is quite right. In a people the chance to have their rightful say over future previous Parliament, when we voted for constitutional changes to the EU treaties, whether through formal legislation as far-reaching as the devolution of power to revision or use of the passerelles that transfer competence the Scottish Parliament and the Assemblies in Wales or power from this country to the EU. The Bill does not and Northern Ireland, we did not vote for the inclusion substitute the British people for Parliament, for Parliament of sunset clauses. Parliament took the view that if that will continue to have a central and strengthened role in legislation, in due course, proved not to be workable, or approving such key decisions, but it provides a vital if there were a profound change in the public mood or a opportunity to address the disconnection that has developed new Government were elected with a mandate from the over the years between the British people and the decisions 75 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 76

[Mr Lidington] or by acting outside the treaties altogether. That might happen, he said, when a British negotiator in Brussels is taken in their name by Parliament and Government. unable to agree to something This group of Lords amendments would not help us to “because his Government back home will tell him, ‘Don’t be silly. achieve these goals—indeed, they would seriously jeopardise That would trigger a referendum.’”—[Official Report, House of our chances of doing so—and that is why I hope that Lords, 15 June 2011; Vol. 728, c. 810.] this House will disagree with them. He argued that a regular assessment and decision at the start of a new Parliament on whether such a system was Mr David: I would like to comment briefly on Lords working would be a reasonable measure to adopt. That amendments 3 and 5 regarding the 40% threshold and is worthy of consideration. on Lords amendments 6 to 13 regarding the number of referendums. I will then focus on Lords amendment 15 Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): A Government would regarding the so-called sunset-sunrise clause. say that only if they did not think that they could win Some people in both Houses say that a reasonable such a referendum, so how can it be right for his turnout in referendums is necessary to ensure a lordship to put the case that the British people, if they demonstrable degree of legitimacy. That argument was were minded to vote against such a thing, should have advanced during the alternative vote referendum debate, their role entirely negated? That seems to be the essence but it has weaknesses. We have already heard that there of the argument, and surely that is wrong. is a certain perverse incentive to encourage a lower turnout than might usually be the case, and that is a fair Mr David: That is not entirely fair. When Lord Kerr point. It is important to remember that there has been a presented his argument, he suggested that referendums threshold of 40% on only one occasion—the devolution could be triggered on what are universally considered referendums for Wales and Scotland in 1979. Wales as fairly technical, minor matters. It is a hypothetical rejected the then Government’s devolution proposals by situation. Nevertheless, it is important to recognise that a majority of four to one, while in Scotland there was in the minutiae of negotiations, we negotiate effectively a turnout of less than 40% but a narrow majority in for the United Kingdom only when we do not have it in favour of the proposals. The result in Scotland brought the back of our minds that there might be hurdles to be this question to the fore: when is a win not a win? That overcome at a later stage. is a real dilemma, and it is one of the reasons that many The other two arguments used in the other place were Labour Members have reservations about the use of the essentially constitutional. It was argued that the referendums 40% threshold. envisaged in the Bill are essentially post-legislative. In Reference was made to my hon. Friend the Member other words, once the Government have negotiated a for Rhondda (Chris Bryant). I should point out that treaty change and Parliament has agreed to it, a referendum Rhondda is in south Wales and Ronda, as it was will be held. As the referendum is post-legislative, it is pronounced by the Minister for Europe, is in Spain. My a lock. The electorate will have to decide whether to hon. Friend tells me that, although he speaks Spanish, overrule the Government and Parliament of the day. he represents to the best of his ability the constituency Holding referendums post-legislatively in that way questions in south Wales. Parliament’s traditional role. Such a change should Amendments 6 to 13 would reduce the number of therefore be subject to constant review and reaffirmation theoretically possible topics for referendums from more or otherwise. That constitutional argument is worthy of than 50 to three: the single currency, the creation of a consideration. single EU integrated military force, and border controls By far the most important and powerful argument and the Schengen protocols. As Labour Members argued concerns the principle that a Parliament cannot bind its consistently on Second Reading and in Committee, successor. That is a vital principle of our parliamentary there is an overwhelming argument for referendums to democracy. In the evidence taken by the European be held if ever a British Government wanted this country Scrutiny Committee, which is ably chaired by the hon. to join the single currency, which is extremely unlikely, Member for Stone (Mr Cash), a number of expert and when there is a proposal for a major constitutional witnesses explained the importance of that principle. change. In Committee, we proposed an amendment for Michael Dougan, the dean of the Liverpool law school a Joint Committee of both Houses to examine whether and a professor of European law at the university of a proposed treaty change was a significant constitutional Liverpool, concluded his evidence by saying: change. Unfortunately, that proposal was not successful “If there is a real concern about the doctrine of Parliamentary in this House, and nor did it gain sufficient support in sovereignty that needs to be addressed during the passage of this the other place. However, that remains our position. Of Bill, it surely consists in an attempt by the Government to course, Members in the other place are entitled to their persuade the current Parliament to bind its successors in a manner views, but we have reservations about the proposal that which runs counter to accepted understandings of our constitutional referendums should be confined to these three subject order.” areas, and it is important to put on the record that my That is a pretty powerful statement. comments set out the Labour party’s position. That brings me to the sunset-sunrise clause. In the 6.30 pm other place, Lord Kerr, the distinguished former head of the diplomatic service, put forward three arguments Kelvin Hopkins: Even though legislation can in a for such a clause, one of which related to foreign policy. sense bind our successors, our successors can introduce He argued with conviction that were the provision legislation to annul previous legislation. There is a enacted, other European Governments could freeze difference between the automatic disappearance of Britain out of the debate through enhanced co-operation legislation at an election and an Opposition party coming 77 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 78 into government with the commitment to reverse legislation. In our electoral system, it is the Executive who are That is still possible, so our successors will not be accountable to Parliament. We are talking about bound absolutely. parliamentary sovereignty.

Mr David: That is an important qualification, which I Mr Cash: Will the hon. Gentleman please reflect on will come on to address specifically. It is important at what he just said? Is he trying to maintain the fiction this stage to make the general case that this is a central that it is Parliament that makes decisions, when most part of our unwritten constitution. decisions are in fact taken at the direction of the Prime Minister and the Government through the Whips? Mr Cash: Does the hon. Gentleman accept that the question of fettering a future Parliament is secondary Mr David: I very much hope that in this Parliament these days, unfortunately, to the fact that the Supreme that will not be the case. I have taken heart from the Court could, as the European Scrutiny Committee rebellious comments and actions of the hon. Gentleman. examined in its evidence and report on this Bill, assert I very much hope that Parliament will assert itself that it has ultimate authority in certain circumstances? through the course of this Parliament and that his That is the mischief that we must ensure does not concerns will prove to be mistaken. happen under any circumstances. We will come on to debate clause 18 and the Government’s proposals, which I hope that most Members of this House would uphold open that door in an alarming fashion. the time-honoured doctrine, despite the qualifications that have been expressed, of one Parliament being unable to bind its successor. I hope that Members do Mr David: Like the Minister, I do not want to stray not question that. We should never seek to dictate in into that debate. One thing that has been clear from this one Parliament what should happen in the next. I whole debate, including on Second and Third Reading, concede that, strictly speaking, the European Union is the real threat to this institution comes from judicial Bill does not bind future Parliaments because, as has activism. That threat does not come so much from the been said, those future Parliaments could modify the European Union as from our own judiciary. We must be legislation. Nevertheless, at the very least, the Bill questions mindful of that. that principle and strongly goes against its spirit. I say Another expert witness who gave evidence to the hon. that because the heart of the Bill will effectively come Gentleman’s Committee was Vernon Bogdanor, a research into operation during the next Parliament. professor at King’s college London and a former tutor In the other place, Lord Howell said from the of the Prime Minister. He said that Government Front Bench that the Bill will be “operative” “the purpose of the bill must be to prevent a future government in this Parliament. He cited the Government’s commitment from supporting such an amendment or transfer without a referendum. to bring forward an Act of Parliament on the European The bill seeks, in other words, to bind a future government. That stability mechanism, the so-called bail-out mechanism, seems to me inconsistent with the declaratory proposition that Parliament is sovereign.” and its inclusion in the treaty. The Minister has just said that an Act of Parliament will be brought forward if That is an extremely powerful statement. We must consider Croatia accedes to the European Union. The Government the full impact of this legislation. have said consistently that they will not agree to any transfer of sovereignty to Brussels during this Parliament. Charlie Elphicke: The hon. Gentleman is making a That is an important qualification. There will therefore powerful case for Parliaments not binding their successors. be no need to hold a referendum. Of course, we may see The logic of his argument is surely that at the start of a significant transfer if the Government decide to opt in each Parliament, this country’s membership of the to the European Court of Justice opt-in provisions. The European Union and the legislation on the European Government are illogically against holding a referendum Union should be reconfirmed. if they decide to opt in. That reinforces the point that the main intention behind the Bill is to influence future Mr David: No, I do not think that that is the case. Governments and Parliaments. What happens during One thing that has come across clearly in this legislation this Parliament under the Bill will be relatively small and the debates in this House is the sovereignty of beer. We are talking about a piece of legislation that will Parliament. We are talking about the sovereignty of have a direct influence on the Governments and Parliaments Parliament in a dualist system, but Parliament nevertheless of the future, after the next election. That is the fundamental has the right to determine what legislation has primacy point. Despite the qualifications that have to be expressed over the people of this country. The ultimate decision for the argument to hold up, that is an important and rests with this country. telling point.

Ian Swales: The sovereignty of Parliament is obviously Mark Reckless: Is not the key point about the Bill absolutely key. If we passed the sunset clause, sovereignty that it makes provision for referendums at some potential would in effect pass to the next Government, not the future date on various aspects of our relationship with next Parliament. As the hon. Member for Luton North the EU? What the British people really want is a referendum (Kelvin Hopkins) said, a future Parliament has the power now on our membership or otherwise of the EU. to change this legislation. The sunset clause would pass that power to the Government, not to Parliament. Mr David: That might be the true voice of the British Conservative party, but it is not the voice of the hon. Mr David: No, it would not pass to the Government, Gentleman’s Government and it is most certainly not because we are talking about Parliament itself deciding. the voice of the Opposition. 79 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 80

Mr Cash: The little matter that the hon. Gentleman Mr Jenkin: It gives me some pleasure to speak in happened conveniently to leave out of that remark was support of the Government in opposing these Lords the voice of the British people, was it not? amendments. It also gives me the opportunity to address the remarks of the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr David). Mr David: It is important that we recognise that the From listening to his description of, and support for, British people have a voice, which is why we have been the so-called sunrise clause, I thought he advanced clear that it is important that referendums are held on some unusual and novel arguments, albeit that they major constitutional issues and the issue of a single were supposedly supported by eminent people. I suggest currency. It is important that the British people are that their words may have been a little removed from engaged in the debate about Europe in a way that they their context, because the hon. Gentleman is asking the have not been for a good time. However, the way to do House to adopt the relatively new constitutional doctrine that is through constructive and rational debate. There that no legislation should be passed that is in any way is nothing wrong with having referendums on big, important an attempt to bind successor Governments. Legislation issues, but we are firmly against having referendums on binds not future Parliaments but future Governments, paper clips and minutiae. unless Parliament chooses to change it. I think he gets the terms “Government” and “Parliament” muddled Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): up. Every piece of legislation binds future Governments Does the hon. Gentleman regret the fact, then, than to some extent, unless they manage to obtain a majority when in government Labour did not give the British in Parliament to change it. people a referendum on the Lisbon treaty? 6.45 pm Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. It is ironic that the hon. Gentleman advances his We are talking about amendments from the Lords on argument in respect of this Bill, given that the subjects constitutional issues. I am sure, Mr David, that you of the referendums that would take place under it were going to come to the Dispatch Box and focus on would be matters that really did bind future Parliaments. exactly those issues. Why else do we think the treaties mention “irreversibility” and “irrevocability”—rather absolutist, undemocratic Mr David: I will restrain myself, Madam Deputy language? They are intended to bind member states into Speaker, and follow your strictures. something that cannot be undone, even by those sovereign I shall refocus on the idea of a sunset-sunrise clause. states. It is all the more important that these sensible proposals Today’s debate is partly about the fact that we remain from the other place be given due consideration because, a sovereign state, within which this Parliament—and as has been said, never before has a Bill been deliberately the Queen in Parliament—remains the supreme and designed to influence future Parliaments. I am sure that sovereign institution of our constitution. This sovereign good parliamentarians would not want to undermine Parliament is laying down new rules for future Governments or even question the doctrine of free-standing Parliaments, that will require them to have referendums on certain which is why I hope the House will support Lords issues before more powers are transferred to the European amendment 15. An affirmative resolution at the start of Union. each Parliament would both ensure the legitimacy of this Parliament in making a decision and reaffirm the Mr David: But that is precisely the point. What makes doctrine that one Parliament cannot bind its successor. the Bill special, different and innovative is that it departs from virtually all other legislation in that its main Charlie Elphicke: I take the hon. Gentleman’s point provisions are applicable not to this Parliament but to about an affirmative resolution, but nevertheless, that the next Parliament. resolution would depend upon the action of the Executive. Proposed subsection (2) in the Lords amendment states Mr Jenkin: But that applies to a great deal of legislation. that I do not understand the distinction that the hon. Gentleman “the Secretary of State may by order provide” is attempting to make. Actually, what the Bill will do is that the provision continues, so it would be entirely up restrict the ability of Governments to give away power to the Government. I put it to him that his point is and to reach decisions in the EU and present them to therefore not a good one. Parliament as faits accomplis without reference to the people. That seems to me a thoroughly good and democratic Mr David: With due respect, I think it is a good one. thing. Purely in terms of procedure, as the Government have The hon. Gentleman has given the game away this conceded, there needs to be an assessment of how this evening about the future direction of the Labour party’s innovative constitutional legislation works in practice. policy. What he has told the House tonight is that he is That is a good idea, and I welcome the Minister’s quite happy for aspects of the Bill to go through, but he concession on it. However, the logical extension of that is not happy for its provisions to apply to a future is an affirmative resolution at the start of the next Labour Government. He does not want a future Labour Parliament. If the Bill is working well, that resolution Government to have their hands tied by the necessity of should be agreed to. If it is not, there should be an referendums before they give away more powers. He opportunity to reconsider. I therefore hope that the wants to go back to the system to which my hon. Friend House will look favourably upon Lords amendment 15. the Member for South Northamptonshire (Andrea It is modest, sensible and pragmatic, and above all else Leadsom) referred—of signing up to treaties, promising it reflects the principles of parliamentary sovereignty to referendums on them and then ratting on those promises. which we all adhere. That was the record of the Labour Government. 81 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 82

I regard all these Lords amendments as completely of following through. It might pretend to be, and to sound, unacceptable. Whatever shortcomings the Bill has—I sceptical, and it might even start talking of an in-out am afraid there are many, because it is limited in scope—the referendum, inviting one or two of my more radical amendments are designed to pull the guts out of this hon. Friends to fall into the trap of thinking that that is democratising measure. The vote threshold proposed in the way out, when it probably is not. However, the fact Lords amendment 3 is not a recognisable one but a is that we need a Government who are prepared to perverse one. It does not suggest that unless the number negotiate vigorously, and to do so with the extra leverage of votes reaches a certain level, a decision cannot be and strengthened hand that the requirement for a taken. It suggests that if the votes do not reach a certain referendum gives them. level, the Government and Parliament can carry on as they like. I thought the whole point of a threshold was Henry Smith: Does my hon. Friend agree that what to test whether there was a measure of consent for a we see from Opposition Members is not so much a particular constitutional change. The threshold in the rebirth of Euroscepticism as referendum cynicism? amendment is not about testing whether there is a measure of consent but is more about testing whether Mr Jenkin: I agree with my hon. Friend. I rather like there is a measure of resistance, or whether there is apathy. the hon. Member for Caerphilly, who is an engaging Unfortunately, the people who have largely guided and assiduous parliamentarian, but I do not know European policy in this country for the past 20, 30 or whether he has given vent to his real feelings on these 40 years have got away with what they have done largely matters. Unfortunately, if one is speaking from the by relying on people’s apathy and ignorance. The proposed Front Bench, one’s real feelings rarely matter. One just threshold is designed to create an incentive for a has to do the bidding of one’s superiors. I just wish to Government who wish to transfer more powers to the end by— EU to maintain high levels of apathy and ignorance. I am reminded of my late noble Friend Lord Whitelaw, Mr Cash: Before my hon. Friend ends his speech, who during the 1975 referendum accused the right hon. would he be good enough to allow me to put one Anthony Wedgwood Benn of going around the country thought to him? The number of occasions when the stirring up apathy. The amendment is a charter for going referendum will be required has been dramatically, around the country and doing just that. It is completely drastically and absurdly reduced by the Lords amendment. unjustified and should be given very short shrift. However, does he agree that the fundamental question Lords amendments 6 to 13, to clause 6, are simply is not whether we select what functions might or might designed to rip the guts out of the Bill. My right hon. not be affected, but the whole business of our relationship Friend the Minister for Europe very properly went with the EU, that completely failed project, which is through some of the things that Governments in future quite clearly causing enormous damage not only to the would be able to do without a referendum if the UK but to other countries? That is the test on which a amendments were not disagreed to. Under the amendments, referendum should be determined. It should not be Governments could, without a referendum, give up the determined just on the minutiae of individual questions, veto over foreign policy and over almost anything else including the single currency, foreign policy and so on. under article 48(7). The amendments would allow the UK to join the public prosecutor and to extend the role Mr Jenkin: If I follow my hon. Friend’s question, he of the public prosecutor to any serious crime with a thinks that we should have a referendum on more cross-border dimension. We should think about what questions than are raised in the Bill. I agree with him. that means for the criminal justice system of this country. The amendments would allow Governments, without a Mr Cash: My hon. Friend is a genuine friend. The referendum, to give up the veto over labour laws, taxes referendum should be not on more questions, but the and planning, and the multi-annual financial framework question: the European question. and spending of the EU. The Opposition should shed no crocodile tears over how much the EU is spending Mr Jenkin: I know that my hon. Friend does not if they are prepared to give up that veto without proper advocate an in-out referendum, but the general direction consent. of the EU certainly merits a referendum at some stage. I The amendments would remove the veto from all the still flirt with the idea that we should have a referendum enhanced co-operation procedures, which would enable on the proposed treaty amendment. As my right hon. what is effectively majority voting to come into effect in Friend the Minister for Europe adverted to, four fifths a whole lot of areas. Clearly, that is an anti-democratic of the British public think that we should have a referendum provision. If there is one thing that ardent advocates of on any treaty amendment. That seemed to be the substance the EU should have learned, it is that that structure lacks of the Government’s original commitment, which has popular consent. It legislates without popular consent. been hedged in the Bill. If there is one thing that true Europeans should want it Perish the thought that I am straying from my support is that we reconnect the decisions on how powers are for the Government on the Lords amendments—I would exercised with popular democratic consent. The Bill rather stay where I am—but I would finally wish to goes some way towards doing that. remark that the authors of the Lords amendments have The sunrise provision is simply the last gasp of a past a track record of their own. The introducers of the generation who are trying to neuter what is today called amendments are not minor figures. The amendment on Euroscepticism. The support of the hon. Member for the threshold was introduced by Lord Williamson of Caerphilly for Lords amendment 15 gives the lie to the Horton—he who was secretary-general of the Commission idea that the new Labour party, under its new leader, is during the passage of the Maastricht treaty; he who was flirting with Euroscepticism. It is not. It has no intention the secretary-general who pushed through the social 83 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 84

[Mr Jenkin] Mr Jenkin: Yes, but I am left wondering whether their advice to us from the House of Lords today reflects the action programme, which negated any effective UK advice they gave to Ministers and the policies that Government opt-out from the social chapter; and he Ministers in their day pursued. I am also left wondering who was one of the architects of economic and monetary whether my right hon. Friend the Minister’s advisers, union, which is now collapsing around our ears. when they go to the other place, will be advocating the In Lords amendment 8 to clause 6, which incidentally policy he is now pursuing. I think that we are up against completely fails to define, as my right hon. Friend the the establishment here. The establishment in this country Minister for Europe said, is still wedded to the idea of ever-closer integration and “a single, integrated military force”, even of joining the euro. I do not think that the British people or the Conservative party, which I think represents Lord Williamson is pretending that we should have a the aspirations of the British people on this subject, referendum on defence matters. However, I would just accept that view. I hope that there is a change of heart pose this question: does NATO constitute in Whitehall officialdom such that when the next generation “a single, integrated military force”? of civil servants arrives, they will seek to re-establish the I would submit that it probably does not. We could independence of the UK within the EU, rather than to therefore form a NATO-style command structure in the carry on weakening it. EU, which successive Governments have set their face against, and pass such powers into the treaties of the Andrea Leadsom: Does my hon. Friend agree that the EU, without a referendum. I hardly think that the referendum lock will place a new onus on successive British people would vote for that. Governments, if needs be, to work harder on any further The noble Lord Hannay, former permanent secretary giveaway of powers so that this and future Governments, at the Foreign Office and former chief negotiator for rather than giving way to civil service opinion, will have the UK in the EU—an illustrious and distinguished to consider public opinion much more carefully and person—is also an author of the Lords amendments. seek to justify any further transfer of powers? That has Do not mistake me: I have great admiration for the to be a good thing. ability and sincerity of those people, but I just advert to their track record of advocating policy on the EU. Lord Mr Jenkin: I agree that it is a good thing, but I wish Hannay said quite recently that the single currency that the Bill applied to some of the powers that the would be quite a good thing for the UK, as did Lord Government want to give away now through treaty Kerr of Kinlochard. As recently as 26 May 2009, the amendments and opt-ins. latter delivered a lecture in Edinburgh on monetary union, in which he lamented that we were not trying to Kelvin Hopkins: I will speak on these amendments join the single currency. only briefly because much has been said already that I I raise those points not to stray from the substance of need not repeat. I took the trouble to spend some time the debate, but just to question whether the people who in the Library going through the Order Paper and proposed the Lords amendments should not stop trying amendments, and I wrote against each of them, “KH to get Britain further into the EU, and start apologising against”—those are my initials, so it meant that I was for the appalling judgment and advice that they have personally against all of them—which seems to be in given to successive Governments. Their advice has put line with the Government’s position. I hope therefore this country into a perilous economic position—because that my hon. Friend the Member for Caerphilly (Mr David) of the state of the EU and the euro—but they have also will advise Labour Members either to abstain or to advised successive Governments to hand over more and support the Government’s position. more powers. I would not usually criticise civil servants in public, but they are now taking part in the political The amendments have clearly been moved by people process having advised successive Governments to hand who are trying to undermine and wreck the Bill by over more and more powers, as a result of which making it toothless. It is not a strong Bill but, with Governments have been in an ever-weaker position the amendments, it would be feeble indeed. To restrict from which to defend our national interests. referendums to these three areas only would leave enormous scope for those who want constitution creep to succeed. The Bill is a small step towards starting to redress the I do not want it to succeed; I want the Government at balance in the relationship between the overweening least to consider a referendum for any significant change power of the EU and the people in this country governed to any EU constitution. As to joining the euro, I think by the laws it makes. that the Labour Front Bench has become more Eurosceptic. There is no prospect of us supporting joining the euro, Mr David rose— and one can see that very few Labour Members are willing to come along and take a strongly pro-euro Mr Jenkin: I will give way briefly, but I am about to position, as was perhaps the case under the previous sit down. Government and ones before that. I am pleased about that because I have been critical about joining the euro 7pm for many years. Mr David: I like the hon. Gentleman as he likes me. The euro is in very serious trouble. As of today, we However, although we might have disagreements with are talking about Italy—not just Ireland, Portugal and distinguished ex-civil servants, it is important to place Greece—as being a significant problem. I also understand on record that all the individuals he has mentioned have that the French proposal to roll forward the Greek debt been great public servants and took the lead from the and not to take too strong action has been rejected––I Government of the day. suspect by Germany. The euro faces serious problems, 85 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 86 and I suspect that before long the euro may unravel and strongly oppose the sunset clause, and if there are Divisions that several national currencies may be re-established to on any of the Lords amendments, I will certainly vote allow countries to adjust to their economic needs and against them. choose their own interest rates and parities with other currencies, including with what remains of the euro. Chris Heaton-Harris: It is always a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins), Mr Cash: Does the hon. Gentleman accept that over who is a very wise and knowledgeable man in this regard. the past few months we have been trying to stem a The European Union Bill is not exactly what I thought tsunami, and that for practical purposes it all boils we were going to get at the start of this process. When I down to one thing, which is the European question as a stood for Parliament, I was looking forward to a sovereignty whole? Does he also agree that the invasion of the Act or a Bill of Rights—something with quite a lot of Italian interest, and possibly the Spanish and others, is guts in it. We have now had this forced marriage between proof that the whole project is a total failure and that my party and the Lib Dems, however, and the dowry the British people agree? that we paid involved the slight watering down of many of the items that I, standing on a Conservative manifesto, Kelvin Hopkins: The hon. Gentleman recently said would have liked. This was one of them. that the tectonic plates were starting to move. I think After our debates on the Bill here and in Committee, that he is right. Senior civil servants have even said in during which it was lovely to learn all about how public that the game is over. I have talked about the Parliament works, we happily sent the Bill on its way to sands shifting rather than tectonic plates—different the Lords. It was interesting to note that the Opposition metaphor, same thought. The Governments of Europe decided that they did not have any views on Europe at will now have to listen not just to their own people, who that point. They decided not to vote; it was a matter of are increasingly Eurosceptic, but to those in the global a one-line Whip, and they really preferred it if most of financial system who now have doubts about the future their Members went home. That gives me even more of the euro. reason to admire the hon. Member for Luton North, who has stuck with the Bill through thick and thin My hon. Friend the Member for Caerphilly said, during its progress through this place. “We’re not going to have a referendum on paper clips.” Such matters are indeed referred to the European Scrutiny At the end of the Bill’s Third Reading, I said that I Committee, of which the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) could hear strange noises emanating from the other end is Chair and, on the Committee, we leave no stone of the building, as though tombs were opening and unturned, as I am sure he agrees. Paper clips are not a strange beasts appearing. The Minister for Europe is constitutional matter, although some people might argue much more generous and benevolent than I am when that we do not want the EU interfering in our paper describing the people in the other place who have amended clips. On constitutional matters, we want to leave things the Bill. For me, the Lords amendments have raised a open for Governments to choose when a referendum is huge number of concerns. appropriate, not to restrict the provisions to the areas in My first concern is about the turnout threshold. the amendments. There are those who would seek to use When the Lords were discussing the alternative vote every opportunity to extend the EU’s control by skirting referendum, not many of them were interested in thresholds; carefully around these tight definitions of areas that the wonderful Lord Williamson of Horton, who tabled would require referendums. However, the Committee, amendments on thresholds in this Bill, was certainly led by our Chair, does a good job on non-constitutional not. He was much quieter on thresholds in the AV matters—several of its members are in the Chamber referendum, but I am sure that his views on thresholds now and would, I am sure, agree. in matters European were not in the least influenced by The sunset clause puts the onus on a Government his time as a career civil servant who served as head of after an election to reintroduce the legislation, and no the European secretariat in the Cabinet Office from doubt a sensible Government would do that, but if 1983 to 1987, and as Secretary-General of the European there is no sunset clause, the onus is on the new Government Commission from 1987 to 1997. He was ably supported to get rid of the legislation. They could do that by on one particular amendment, which did not pass, by repealing it, but they would then face the anger of the Lord Liddle, about whom I shall say more in a moment. British people for having taken away their referendum Lord Liddle had an interesting take on why the Lords rights. A sunset clause is very different from the possibility were trying to confuse what we had passed in the House of repeal after election. The House can repeal any of Commons. Speaking to a consequential amendment legislation—even, I suspect, treaty obligations. Over to amendment 5, he said that time, we could say that we wish to withdraw from a “if you are seriously committed to Britain’s participation in the treaty. No doubt we would have to give notice and European Union, you want a British Government to be able to negotiate, which would cause all sorts of difficulties, but respond flexibly to events and to be a good partner to our the House could, if it chose, withdraw from a treaty. If partners in the Union. We cannot completely tie our hands in there were to be a referendum on membership of the advance when we do not know the future—as the example of the European stability mechanism shows.”—[Official Report, House EU and there was a substantial vote in favour of of Lords, 8 June 2011; Vol. 728, c. 311.] withdrawing, the House would have to debate withdrawing from a treaty. It would have to tell that to the EU. I am I only wish that we had had this Bill before the European not saying that that is going to happen any time soon, stability mechanism was proposed. That would have but it is a possibility. If a particular piece of legislation ensured a very different financial outcome for our country. is not to the taste of a future Government, they could Those were the wonderful bits about the threshold. repeal it, but that is very different from having it The amendments to clause 6 also give me great cause automatically die at the point of an election. I therefore for concern. They are the bits that cut out all the 87 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 88

[Chris Heaton-Harris] into a game of constitutional ping-pong with the Lords this evening. What about foreign policy? That referendum referendums that we in this place want to see. Lots of has been taken away from the British people. Will Labour the amendments tabled in the other place were tabled by Members support us in the Lobby on that question? Lord Hannay of Chiswick. He was the UK’s permanent What about the questions on the abolition of vetoes, the representative to the European Union from 1985 to European public prosecutor’s office, the transfer of 1990; he was part of the diplomatic service, bless his power in employment law, operational defence policy or soul. Others were tabled by a very special man whose the introduction of a carbon tax? credentials I cannot criticise: Lord Liddle, who was a special adviser to Tony Blair when he was Prime Minister Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): from 1997 to 2004. He then went to Lord Mandelson’s The hon. Gentleman is listing a lot of important subjects. Cabinet, and he was principal adviser to the President Quite frankly, I would support an EU referendum on of the European Commission from October 2007. A paper clips, because, whatever the referendum was about, third person in the Lords also tabled amendments on the British people would take the question to be one of these matters: Lord Tugendhat. He was a Conservative whether or not they were in favour of the European Member of Parliament from 1970 to 1976, after which Union. Everyone would understand that. I therefore he was a European Commissioner. Hon. Members will support more items being placed in the Bill on which be able to see a theme developing here in regard to the we would be allowed to have a referendum. What the sort of people who have tabled amendments at the British people want is a referendum on whether we other end of the corridor and who want to wreck these should be in or out. measures. Chris Heaton-Harris: If only the hon. Gentleman’s 7.15 pm Front Bench were as wise as he is. I know that he has been campaigning on this issue for a long time, and I Mark Reckless: Will my hon. Friend, as an ex-Member thank him for his contribution. of the European Parliament, explain the difference between his position and that of the individuals he has If only those on the hon. Gentleman’s Front Bench described who, in some cases, have a pension from the could come clean and tell the British what they actually European Commission? Does he agree that, were they believe on these matters. Do they trust the British to speak or act in a manner that was contrary to the people enough to give them a vote on these matters? We interests of their previous employer, they might have are not sure, because up at the other end of the building, their pensions taken away? where the red Benches are, Labour Members—including Front Benchers—have trooped into the wrong Lobby on these matters on too many occasions. We would very Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. much like to know where Labour Members stand on That is not relevant to the amendments that the hon. this. This is the fog of war as far as they are concerned. Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris) is addressing. They want to rattle a few cages and see what comes out, He should come back to them and to his reasons for but they certainly do not want to get caught stating any disagreeing with them. policy. However, these matters are fundamental to the sovereignty of the United Kingdom, and it would have Chris Heaton-Harris: First, I shall give way to the been good to hear something definite from the hon. hon. Member for Luton North. Member for Caerphilly tonight. Perhaps the hon. Member for Wolverhampton North East (Emma Reynolds) will Kelvin Hopkins: I am interested to hear about the help us out later. particular Members of the House of Lords whom the hon. Gentleman mentioned, but he ought also to mention Mr Cash: In a sense, this whole group of amendments a number of Conservative former Members of this is a con trick and an illusion. The test to be applied in House who were enthusiasts for, and indeed constructed, regard to the number of people who vote in an election the policy for joining the exchange rate mechanism, is a matter on which I spoke very strongly in the AV which almost led to an economic collapse and certainly referendum debate. As my hon. Friend the Member for led to the collapse of support for the Conservative Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris) said, many of the people party. It is only fair to mention them as well. who tabled amendments on thresholds were not the slightest bit interested in them at that time. There is Chris Heaton-Harris: Please do not steal my thunder therefore an inconsistency of principle involved. What for later. I am aware that Madam Deputy Speaker might they are promoting, and everything that they have been rule me out of order, so to stay well in order, I shall doing over the past 27 years since I have been on the detail how the peers at the other end of the corridor European Scrutiny Committee, during which time I have taken away referendums from the people on matters have had the pleasure of watching their perambulations of EU taxation. and machinations, is designed to force us further and But hold on, let us not talk about Members of the further down the route towards European integration. House of Lords. It was difficult to understand from the They have advised Governments of all hues on the comments of the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr David) Maastricht treaty, the European Government, the exchange whether Labour supported the British people having a rate mechanism and the Nice and Amsterdam treaties. referendum on an EU tax. We know that the peers do I must have tabled the best part of 1,000 amendments not, because they voted on that matter, but we do not against those treaties over the past 27 years, and with know whether Labour Members would troop through great pleasure. I have devoted, I suppose, almost a the Lobby in favour of that proposal if we were to get political lifetime to opposing every single thing that 89 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 90 those noble Lords have put forward. I do not need to 25 in several countries are now suffering unemployment specify them individually; all I will say is that I regard of 47%. It is absolutely impossible to accept that, and as them as having conducted a process that has led to the I said in the 1990s, when this whole system collapses, it destruction of the European Community and, now, the would not surprise me to see the rise of the far right and European Union. One has only to look at what is massive unemployment, destabilising the entire European happening today and to ask who is responsible for what Union, with the most devastating consequences for the has occurred. It has been a concert party—a concert international order. That is the problem that we are party involving not only the United Kingdom establishment faced with, and that is why these amendments are not to but, worse still, the European establishment alongside be accepted. the United Kingdom establishment—that has led to the Lords amendment 3 disagreed to. mess that the European Union is in now. As I said to my Lords amendment 4 agreed to. right hon. Friend the Prime Minister when he came back from the European Council the other day, although Lords amendments 5 to 13 disagreed to. we are glad that he felt obliged to deny that we would be involved in the Greek bail-out—having conceded, I am sad to say, that we would be involved in the bail-out of Clause 18 Portugal—he now has the opportunity, as the Prime Minister of this country, to go forward in the national STATUS OF EU LAW DEPENDENT ON CONTINUING interest and renegotiate the treaties, to get us out of the STATUTORY BASIS mess that those noble Lords, individually and collectively, have got us into. Mr Lidington: I beg to move Government amendment (a) to Lords amendment 14. Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): We are all grateful to my hon. Friend for his lifelong service on this issue, but Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): With this on the esoterica of this group of amendments, can he it will be convenient to discuss Government amendment (b). clarify for me that, taken as a whole, they are simply spoiling amendments? Mr Lidington: I should like first to recognise that the issue we are debating is, to an extent, an issue of detail that has aroused some fairly intensive debate, involving Mr Cash: They are, and it is for that reason that I will some extremely experienced and high-powered lawyers. not be able to vote for them, even though I happen to It is not an issue related to the rationale for clause 18 as have some sympathy for the idea of a reasonable test for a whole, and I welcome the acceptance by the House of referendums. However, these amendments are a blind—an Lords of the rationale for a provision of this nature. attempt to get people to go along with the 40% test for Indeed, the author of Lords amendment 14, Lord Mackay the electorate on the one hand, but also to associate of Clashfern, said when he presented his amendment them with a whole range of matters that are entirely on Report in the other place that there was very little inimical to the interests of the United Kingdom. I am between his position and that of the Government on not particularly interested in the list that the Government the point of principle, saying: have produced; as I said at the beginning of the proceedings on this Bill, I think that it is a mouse of a Bill. The issue “It is important that this declaratory measure”— on which we now need to concentrate is the big landscape that is, clause 18— and the fact that, as the European Council on Foreign “should be made because of the theory sometimes propounded Relations paper argued the other day, Maastricht has to that Community law in the United Kingdom derives from the be revised. We will have to return to the question of treaty alone by virtue of the European Union legal order. I what kind of Europe we want. believe that it is right that we should make it plain at this juncture that that is not so.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 15 June 2011; This list of proposed matters—which will never come Vol. 728, c. 790.] up in this Parliament, as we know—is, therefore, a blind However, noble Lords who voted in support of Lords in its own way, but to reduce it to three core issues really amendment 14 took the view that the European makes it an absurdity. I say to my right hon. Friend the Communities Act 1972 is the only route by which EU Minister that on the big landscape, this is the time for us law takes effect in the United Kingdom, and that all the to take a bigger, more responsible and more statesmanlike references to directly effective or applicable EU law in view, in the interests of the people of this country, to see other Acts are linked to that Act. Lords amendment 14 the European question as the failure that it is and to get therefore amends clause 18 to refer specifically to the down to the serious business of renegotiating all the European Communities Act 1972, rather than to the treaties and moving to an association of nation states, wider reference point of “an Act of Parliament”, in so that we can work together co-operatively, rather than order to affirm that this is the sole route by which by co-ordination, to deal with the real, practical problems directly effective and directly applicable EU law takes that this country faces—the Brazils, Indias and Chinas effect in the UK. of this world—instead of dancing on the head of a pin, as we are with most of this Bill. Mr Cash: I rather suspect that my right hon. Friend My argument to my right hon. Friend is very simple. expected that I would rise at about this point. Very He may have the advantage of having come forward quickly, the European Communities Act 1972 might be with a few proposals that touch at the margins of this the Act of Parliament by virtue of which we voluntarily issue, but the real question is what is he—or, indeed, the entered into the acceptance of European law—as it has Prime Minister—going to do to get us out of the mess accumulated, like a tsunami, since 1972, both widening that those treaties have got not only us but the people in and deepening—but does he not agree that the crucial Europe into? Indeed, young people aged between 18 and words are those of Lord Bridge in the Factortame case, 91 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 92

[Mr Cash] say, but in making that case we are entering into a philosophical debate that goes way beyond the parameters who said that we voluntarily did that? Therefore, the of the European Union Bill, let alone Lords amendment 14. special significance of the 1972 Act has to be tempered Let me return to the Lords amendment. I am mindful by the fact that it was what Parliament decided at that of the arguments advanced by Lord Mackay of Clashfern time. That is the crucial question to which we shall turn and his supporters in the House of Lords, and I greatly shortly. appreciate their legal expertise. We considered Lord Mackay’s arguments very carefully both before the debate Mr Lidington: I agree with my hon. Friend, and I am in the other place and following the Lords acceptance sure he will recall the debate on these matters on Second of the amendment. I sought further legal advice on this Reading and particularly on the first day in Committee point, and the Government’s view remains that although when we spent an entire day debating clause 18. He will the European Communities Act 1972 is indeed the also recall—it is clear from the Hansard—that I made it principal means by which directly effective or directly clear on behalf of the Government that the European applicable EU law takes effect in the UK, a number of Communities Act 1972 had effect in this country, so other Acts of Parliament also give effect to EU law European law had effect here insofar as it stemmed independently of the 1972 Act. For example, provisions from that piece of legislation, because Parliament had of the Scotland Act 1998, of the Government of Wales willed that that should be the case. If a future Parliament Act 2006 and of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 put were to decide to repeal that Act, it would be perfectly Ministers from the devolved Administrations under an within that Parliament’s power so to do, although my obligation to act in accordance with EU law. Some of hon. Friend would be the first to appreciate that there those settlements define EU obligations in a manner would be immediate consequences for the UK’s treaty similar to the language used in section 2(1) of the 1972 obligations. There would be a political crisis at that Act—but, significantly, they do so not by reference to point. We debated that important issue of principle for that Act. a day in Committee, as I said, but I want to try to focus on the Lords amendments now. The Government are therefore concerned that, were this House to agree with the Lords amendment as it stands, it could create the risk that the courts might 7.30 pm interpret this clause as restricting the ability of legislation Mr Cash: Indeed. That is precisely why my right hon. other than the 1972 Act to incorporate directly applicable Friend knows I must move on to ask him whether he or directly effective EU law into UK law. That, in turn, accepts that the most important thing to avoid in the could ultimately mean that clause 18 could be interpreted context of the assertions of certain members of the as being more than declaratory, which would rather Supreme Court—criticised by the late Lord Bingham in undermine what we are trying to do with this Bill. This severe terms—to the effect that Parliament has only a would not, in our view, reflect the law accurately, and so qualified sovereignty and that the ultimate authority we seek to disagree with the Lords amendment as effectively rests with them. It is precisely for that reason currently framed. that we should be extremely anxious to ensure that no In that sense, I agree entirely with the arguments put words are imported into this clause, as the Bill leaves forward by my hon. Friends the Members for Stone this House and will finally be enacted, that would in any (Mr Cash) and for Aldridge-Brownhills (Mr Shepherd), way allow the Supreme Court to move in on that but I also recognise Lord Mackay’s point that the 1972 territory and claim ultimate authority. Act is the primary conduit for directly effective and directly applicable EU law to take effect in the United Mr Lidington rose— Kingdom. In recognition of this concern, the Government propose a change of wording to the Lords amendment Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I that would retain the reference to the European have been generous to the hon. Member for Stone Communities Act 1972 but, importantly, also refer to (Mr Cash) as the Chairman of the European Scrutiny the existence of other Acts of Parliament that also give Committee, but his interventions are getting very long. I effect to EU law. realise that these are important points, but he is always able to catch my eye if he wants to expand on them. Mr David: I understand the right hon. Gentleman’s Mr Lidington: I make two points to my hon. Friend. point and I have sympathy with his argument. Crucial First, the only reason why the Supreme Court has to the argument, it seems to me, are the words power to adjudicate here on European Union matters is “by virtue of an Act of Parliament”. because Parliament has provided for directly effective and directly applicable EU law to have effect in the What is the difference between putting those words at United Kingdom legal order by virtue of passing statutes the end rather than at the start of the clause, where they that give European law that direct effect and application were initially? here. Secondly, as I think my hon. Friend knows—he is being a bit mischievous—he is trying to tempt me again Mr Lidington: I decided to include the words on the on to a much broader issue, which is the important basis of the best legal advice available to me across philosophical question of whether ultimate legislative Government at the time. When preparing the Bill for supremacy lies with Parliament or whether parliamentary introduction into this House, I examined the wording sovereignty is a construct of the common law controlled and the question of whether a reference to the 1972 Act by judges. Speaking as an elected parliamentarian, I am alone would be appropriate. I was given very clear legal quite clear and argue quite naturally that Parliament as advice that, because of the other statutes that make the elected limb of body politic must have the ultimate reference to the application of EU law, a simple reference 93 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 94 to the 1972 legislation would not suffice. That explains the proposers of the amendment and ensure that the the original wording of the Bill that came before the provision reflects the law accurately. I therefore urge House of Commons. Members in all parts of the House to support them. What we have sought to do in framing our amendments to the Lords amendment is to recognise the view that Mr Cash: I am sorry that the Minister deemed it the other place took that clause 18 should incorporate unnecessary, or undesirable, to accept my intervention, language that recognises the particular importance of but that does not prevent me from making my point. the 1972 legislation. We see no reason why we should As the Minister will recall, it was the clear view of the not amend the clause to make a specific reference to the European Scrutiny Committee that clause 18 was 1972 Act so long as the clause also makes reference to unnecessary. I am glad to say that a conversation in which those other Acts that give effect to EU law. This reflects I engaged today with one of my—let us call him—long- the Government’s consistent position that other Acts of standing contestants in matters European, Lord Howe Parliament— independently of the European Communities of Aberavon, confirmed that he shared our view. I have Act 1972—might also allow for the incorporation of great respect for his legal knowledge, and I am delighted directly effective and directly applicable EU law into the that we have achieved such a degree of understanding. UK legal order. The Government are embarking on what is, in matters constitutional, an extremely dangerous path to tread: a Mr Jenkin: I still do not understand what was wrong primrose path that could lead to disaster. I know that with the Government’s original drafting. there was a great deal of detailed discussion—I hear of these things—with Lord MacKay of Clashfern, who, Mr Lidington: We believe that the original drafting after all, used to be Lord Chancellor, and indeed was met the tests that we had set to implement our policy of Lord Chancellor at the time of the Maastricht treaty. having a declaratory clause. What we are trying to do is I remember well, as I am sure he does, that the whole to express through Government amendments the point business of European government was conceded, to our made in the House of Lords that the 1972 legislation is deep regret; hence the rebellion which I had the pleasure of particular importance, while preserving the point of to lead. principle that we believe was incorporated in the original The Government appear to have been caught on the language as debated by the House of Commons. horns of a dilemma, and I think that they should have dealt with that in a different way. On one hand they are Mr David rose— confronted with the European Scrutiny Committee, the expert legal advice that it has received, the further Mr Lidington: I want to make some progress. consideration that it has given to these questions It is not only the devolution legislation that mentions throughout the intervening period, and its conclusion European Union law. The Company Directors that clause 18 is unnecessary and undesirable. On the Disqualification Act 1986, the Chiropractors Act 1994 other hand—the other horn of the dilemma—is the and the Competition Act 1998 are further examples of view of Lord MacKay of Clashfern that the amendment legislation that allows European Union law to have is merely declaratory. direct effect in this country. Section 9A of the Company Directors Disqualification Act requires the United Kingdom 7.45 pm to make a disqualification order against a person in certain circumstances, including circumstances in which Unfortunately, in taking the line of least resistance— an undertaking commits a breach of competition law which, I am afraid, is their hallmark in matters European— under either article 81 or article 82 of the EC treaty—now the Government have fallen between two stools, and articles 101 and 102 of the treaty on the functioning of impaled themselves on the horns of the dilemma. I the European Union. That Act refers directly to the think that Members should feel impelled, as I do—for treaty provisions without referring to the 1972 Act. very sound reasons, which I shall now explain—to vote against the Government’s amendments and echo the The amendment accepted by the other place removed concern expressed by the European Scrutiny Committee, the reference that makes it explicit that only by virtue of which was supported by powerful advice. such Acts does directly effective and directly applicable EU law take effect in this country. Removing that As I have said, our Committee took a great deal of reference leaves open the possibility of arguments that evidence from some very distinguished constitutional directly effective and directly applicable EU law could and legal experts. It is all on the record, and we need not enter our law by other means, thus undermining the go into the detail—what we need to discuss is what has rationale behind the clause. The amendments that the happened since then—but I will say that, as Chairman Government propose seek to restore that important of the Committee, I ensured that the evidence was qualification, and to remove any doubt about whether evenly balanced. We weighed up all the evidence from directly effective or applicable EU law could enter United the greatest experts who could possibly express a view Kingdom law by other means. on the subject, and reached conclusions that were supported by the majority of that evidence. Mr Cash: Will my hon. Friend give way? The Committee took the view that the principle of parliamentary supremacy should not be declared in Mr Lidington: We welcome the acceptance in the statute, and that using the words House of Lords of the principle of clause 18, and “It is only by virtue of an Act of Parliament that” recognise the concerns raised by colleagues there about in a statutory provision such as clause 18 is tantamount the formulation of the clause. We believe that our to stating that there shall be parliamentary supremacy. amendments will both meet the concerns expressed by However, the very stating of that undermines the central 95 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 96 premise, which is that it does not need to be stated, and voluntarily agreed, as Lord Bridge said in the Factortame the danger of stating it is that, ultimately, the Supreme case, to incorporate that Act and therefore to allow all Court will be allowed into this sacrosanct arena. the consequences that flow from it, which are accumulating We are not talking about some technicality; we are and, in my view, are extremely damaging to the United talking about the very reasons for the existence of this Kingdom and the people of this country in their daily House of Commons. Law is passed on the basis of views lives. If we specify “European Communities Act 1972” that are taken in a freely elected democratic assembly, rather than “an Act of Parliament”, an argument can which themselves refer to the decisions made by the properly be made that we are, effectively, disabling electors in a general election. The issue of parliamentary Parliament from giving effect to European law in future sovereignty in the context of the European Union is by means other than the European Communities Act—or, that ever since Maastricht, and to some extent before it, in other words, by a new Act. This is the law of unintended decisions made, for example, by majority vote have consequences, but made much more serious given the often proved inimical to policies espoused by elements context of parliamentary supremacy. of the Conservative party, and indeed by our manifesto. The other problem is a technical question about an One simple example is the repatriation of powers. important issue relating to statutory interpretation. However The Government are faced with a conflict. In December much we in this House may wish to regard this matter 2005, when the Conservatives were in opposition, the as just a matter of debate, unfortunately when it gets present Prime Minister said that there should be a into the clutches of the courts and certain elements in repatriation of social and employment legislation. Both the Supreme Court who have a tendency to want to Back Benchers and those now in the Government— push the envelope on these issues, the reality is that it including the Minister for Europe—opposed the Lisbon ceases to be a technical question, and becomes a very treaty in every respect. For the first time since 1972, the important constitutional question. I state unequivocally party was totally united. Now we find ourselves in the that that has led me to the view that I have to resist the difficult position of being confronted with amendments Government’s amendment, and I urge other Members that would allow an infringement of sovereignty, subject to do the same. If we specify “European Communities to final interpretation by the courts. The reversal of the Act 1972”, a question arises as to whether that reference hierarchy of norms that parliamentary supremacy implies would cover future amendments to that Act after this is itself put at risk by the wording that the Government Bill is enacted. have chosen in their attempt to balance the views of I am going into the details of all this because I want Lord Mackay of Clashfern and the European Scrutiny them to be on the record; the devil is in the detail. The Committee. The Government have chosen the easy way Interpretation Act 1978 is the basis on which I believe out, but it is not going to be easy—or, indeed, of any the provision under discussion will be interpreted by the value whatever. It is extremely damaging to the national courts. Once it has left this House with these offensive interest and the constitutional status of this House words in it, as prescribed by Lord Mackay of Clashfern of Parliament. It may seem to be a few words, but and the advice he has given to the House of Lords, it unfortunately this issue has profound consequences. will become the law of the land and will then ultimately The debate in the House of Lords could be said to end up in the Supreme Court, with extremely unpredictable have shown that a legitimate confusion can arise from unintended consequences. There will then be a very enshrining in statute an unnecessary declaratory statement. dangerous situation. That is why I am taking the trouble To quote a former first parliamentary counsel’s comment: to set all this out. The Supreme Court also has an “unnecessary words turn septic.” Unnecessary words obligation to consider what has been said in Parliament. do not turn Eurosceptic; rather, they turn septic. That is Turning to the point about statutory interpretation, what first parliamentary counsel said and, unfortunately, as I have said the question arises as to whether the that is what both the Government’s amendment to the reference to the European Communities Act 1972 would amendment of Lord Mackay of Clashfern and his cover future amendments to it after this Bill has been amendment itself achieve. They create a kind of septicaemia enacted. Section 20(2) of the Interpretation Act is ambiguous in the adjudication of matters of sovereignty, and will on this very difficult point, as is said in Francis Bennion’s give the courts the purchase that was originally implied superb volume on statutory interpretation. Section 20 in the explanatory notes, which referred to the common provides: law principle. We went into this matter both earlier in the debate and in our report. When the Bill went to the “Where an Act refers to an enactment, the reference, unless the House of Lords, the Government took the infamous contrary intention appears, is a reference to that enactment as reference to the “common principle” out of their amended, and includes a reference thereto as extended or applied, by or under any other enactment, including any other provision explanatory notes—I give them credit for having listened of that Act.” to us on that. They did so because they knew of the dangers inherent in respect of the courts, and certain In a case on an analogous provision in a tax statute, the members of the Supreme Court who have an increasing court in question held that applying it to future amendments tendency to make certain comments, as expressed in the wastogiveit Jackson case and Lord Bingham’s criticism, by name, of “a width of application which the wording, at best equivocal, the judges involved. He was extremely upset and concerned, could not bear, especially in a taxing statute.” and for very good reasons. The Lords amendment therefore raises a doubt about Two additional problems arise from the fact that whether clause 18 will apply to future amendments of Lord Mackay’s amendment refers to the European the European Communities Act 1972 and consequently Communities Act 1972. First, let me stress that my raises an unnecessary doubt about the application of comments here should not be taken to prejudice the the principle of dualism to such future amendments—in remarks I have already made that it is not about the other words, opening the door to interpretation by the 1972 Act exceptionally, but rather that Parliament has courts on this fundamental question. 97 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 98

Mr Jenkin: May I just test my understanding? Am I The reality is that we have caught out the Government right in thinking that my hon. Friend is saying that the on their wording and they have now acquiesced in other original wording of the clause, covered by the Interpretation wording which opens the door to statutory interpretation Act, covered everything, but referring specifically to by the Supreme Court. That is the kernel of this matter. the European Communities Act 1972 serves to limit the Whether or not my right hon. Friend the Minister really meaning of the clause so that future amendments to the likes the way in which I have expressed this is neither 1972 Act will not be covered by it and are therefore here nor there. The real question, on which I challenge subject to the interpretation of the Supreme Court? him, is this: does he deny that the wording in the Government’s amendment, in response to the Lords Mr Cash: Effectively yes, and that is the one thing we amendment, imports the opportunity for the Supreme wanted to avoid above all else. That is why the Committee Court to apply statutory interpretation and, thereby, to took the view that it did on clause 18, as shared by Lord create a situation that could be best avoided, as set out Howe of Aberavon, who is by no means a Eurosceptic. by Lord Howe of Aberavon, our European Scrutiny On a matter of clear interpretation after very considerable Committee and the evidence that we received from so consideration—he is both a former Foreign Secretary many people, by having no clause at all, rather than the and distinguished Queen’s counsel who brought the current clause 18? European Communities Act into being in the House of The Minister knows that I feel very strongly about Commons in 1972—he says that clause 18 is completely the fact that we promised in our manifesto a sovereignty unnecessary. He agrees with the Committee, and now, Act, and that was the consequence of discussions at the for the sake of trying to counter-balance the views of very highest level with the leadership. We knew that that Lord Mackay of Clashfern, the Government are falling was put into the manifesto as a direct response to the into the trap that I have described and making the potential promises that were made. The bottom line is that we for interpretation by the courts extremely dangerous. were given a second-rate provision that is unnecessary and that has since been criticised by the European 8pm Scrutiny Committee and eminent constitutional experts, If there is to be a clause 18, for the reasons that I have including Lord Howe of Aberavon, and what the outlined, the version that went to the Lords from the Government are introducing merely acquiesces to a Commons should be preferred to the Lords amendment degree in what Lord Mackay of Clashfern has proposed. in the name of Lord Mackay of Clashfern. As I proposed That simply is not good enough and the Government in the amendment to Government amendment (b), the should withdraw the proposed clause while they have words “Act of Parliament” are to be preferred to “the the opportunity to do so. It is for those reasons that European Communities Act 1972”. The Government’s I shall be voting against it. amendment addresses these issues, but it would be much better not to state the principle at all; the amendment fails to deal with the trap that has been set. I know Lord Mr David: This long debate, which has taken place Mackay of Clashfern to be a distinguished and canny over a number of months, has almost come full circle. I Scots lawyer, and he understands exactly what he intends. recall that we began our deliberations with the hon. He has, by the most clever sleight of hand, reinserted Member for Stone (Mr Cash) and others saying that into the provision—[Interruption.] I see the Minister what had been originally promised was a sovereignty shaking his head and I shall give way to him. Act but what was proposed was a truncated, boiled-down and diluted version of their intention in the form of a Mr Lidington: I respect my hon. Friend’s expertise in solitary clause—clause 18. Whichever permutation of this area, but to suggest that Lord Mackay of Clashfern clause 18 one looks at, be it what was originally suggested would be party to any kind of sleight of hand is not to by the Government, the Lords amendment or the do him justice, and I hope that my hon. Friend would Government amendment to the Lords amendment, one reconsider that point. finds that it is basically a declaratory statement. It does not take us back or forward; it is a pious declaration, a Mr Cash: I have no problem in acknowledging someone’s statement of fact and a statement of the legal position powerful views on constitutional questions. For example, at the moment. Therefore, it does not do any harm and, I remember during the Maastricht proceedings that the in fact, it could possibly be useful. noble Lord was quite clear on the question of whether There has been a modest change of emphasis in the Maastricht treaty took us further and deeper into Government amendment (b) to the Lords amendment, the integration process. He argued that it did not make and it is a sensible one. The words “by virtue of an Act any difference in principle because the 1972 Act already of Parliament” were omitted from the Lords amendment conceded that there had been a change in the constitutional and we were concerned that the emphasis was being position and, to all intents and purposes, there was, placed solely on the 1972 Act. Although we recognise thus, no real change in the substance of the issue. That that that is the most important piece of legislation is not to accuse anybody; it is merely to recognise that regarding the primacy of European law, other items of they have a constitutional viewpoint and to recognise legislation are involved here. I was particularly pleased how they really regard the encroachments on our that the Minister referred to the legislation on the sovereignty, which were evident in the Jackson case, in devolved institutions, as that is important in ensuring the evidence that the Committee received from many that we take a comprehensive approach. Therefore, the distinguished witnesses and in the fact that the Government have put forward a modest improvement Government’s previous explanatory notes led us into a to what was suggested by the Lords. I recognise that situation where we criticised the Government and they they have gone some way towards accommodating withdrew the offensive words, precisely for the reasons what the Lords have said and I welcome that, which is that I am presenting. why we will be supporting the Government amendment. 99 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 100

Mr Cash: Is the hon. Gentleman actually saying that day”—he used those words—“to reverse that”? That he agrees with the Government’s proposal, notwithstanding troubles me, because if that happened it would precipitate what has been said by the European Scrutiny Committee, a 100% crisis. Lord Howe of Aberavon and all the other people I have mentioned, and notwithstanding the most powerful Mr Jenkin: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for legal advice that has been submitted, which suggests drawing the House’s attention to that conversation. We that this is a very unwise and dangerous move, for the are potentially engaged in the early skirmishes of a reasons that I have set out? dispute between Parliament and the judiciary about which has supremacy. By legislating on this issue, which Mr David: With all due respect, I say to the hon. touches on the sovereignty of the Queen in Parliament, Gentleman that I have read in great detail all the we are tempting the justices of the Supreme Court to evidence that was given to the European Scrutiny begin toying with those concepts. They have already Committee and I think that his summation of it is his done so in some of their ancillary statements to cases—I interpretation of the evidence given. Most of the witnesses forget the right word for such statements. We know that to the European Scrutiny Committee said, as I have they are tempted in that direction and putting this clause said, that clause 18 is a statement of fact and that it into statute, as the evidence received by the European does not take us forward or back. Therefore, we should Scrutiny Committee showed, could be the red rag to the not get hot under the collar about it. bull, providing meat for the justices of the Supreme Court to chew on. Mr Jenkin: I do not wish to detain the House for more than a few minutes. I had not intended to take Mr David: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? part in this debate, as I took part extensively in the debate on clause 18 in Committee and I thought that we Mr Jenkin: I am just coming to the hon. Gentleman’s had covered all the issues then. I had become reconciled point. to accepting the clause as the Government had drafted it and I came to today’s debate expecting my hon. I was minded to accept that we had done such a thing Friend the Member for Stone (Mr Cash) to make a before I heard my hon. Friend the Member for Stone technical argument, but one that would not necessarily speak, but he has described how the situation might excite me—of course I was wrong. The hon. Member have been made worse than it would have been under for Caerphilly (Mr David) says that the clause does not the previous drafting of the clause. He referred to take us back and it does not take us forward, but he has section 20 of the Interpretation Act 1978, which, if I missed the fundamental point about the revised drafting understand it correctly, already stipulates that when an of the clause. I am not a lawyer—I am an amateur Act is referred to in an Act of Parliament that Act is lawyer—but ever since we started discussing this clause deemed not to be constantly updated by subsequent earlier this year, I have had the sinking feeling that we amendments. The Act referred to in an Act of Parliament are in very deep water and that we are potentially stands as it stood at the time of enactment and by creating completely unnecessary problems for this House specifying the European Communities Act 1972 in this and for Parliament. I say that because the sovereignty clause we are opening up the possibility that at some of Parliament is axiomatic; it is self-evident and it is a stage in the future the 1972 Act will be amended but this historical fact. clause will not apply to the amended Act or to the amendments to the Act, but only to the Act as it stands We do not need to legislate in any way to maintain now. Should there be a dispute between the Supreme the sovereignty of Parliament. There would have been Court and Parliament about the sovereignty issues that some virtue in a declaratory Act with the legal effect of touch on our relationship with the European Union, returning powers to the United Kingdom from the the question would be left open with more ambiguity European Union to redress our relationship so that we rather than less. had the ability to negotiate, but this clause, which has erroneously been nicknamed the “sovereignty” clause but is no such thing, does not even attempt to do that. 8.15 pm In fact, it does not even refer to the word “sovereignty”. Given that we started from an entirely unsatisfactory The clause puts in statute issues that are contested by position, I must say that I will support my hon. Friend the European Union legal structures in a context that the Member for Stone in the Lobby tonight if his means that the Supreme Court might have to interpret amendment is put to a vote. It is important to put it on them. We know that some justices of our Supreme the record that the situation is unsatisfactory, that it is Court question the very notion of the sovereignty of not as we wanted it to be when we set out our manifesto Parliament as I have described it and think it is a matter and that we are possibly making the situation worse. If of common law rather than of history and fact. I we accept the amendment from the other place, we believe they are wrong and that Parliament will always might make the situation even worse, and the very fact be able to prove them wrong by legislating, as statute that my right hon. Friend the Minister has adjusted his law always overrides common law. position to accommodate the wording from the other place adds to the sinking feeling that the Government Mr Cash: Would my hon. Friend be interested to do not stand on stable legal ground and that they can be know that I was talking to an extremely eminent lawyer, pushed around by extremely able, intelligent and clever although I hesitate to say who it was, and when he people who nevertheless have a different view from my heard my arguments on clause 18, he said, “If a majority right hon. Friend and I on the question of our future of the justices of the Supreme Court took the view that relationship with the European Union. I am left uneasy you are taking, it would be open to Parliament the next and I want to register that unease tonight. 101 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 102

Mr Lidington: I am grateful to the hon. Member for Mr Cash: That may well be but as the Minister rightly Caerphilly (Mr David) and my hon. Friends the Members says it will be the Minister’s view that is taken into for Stone (Mr Cash) and for Harwich and North Essex account by the court and the Whips will make darn (Mr Jenkin) for their participation in the debate and I certain this evening that we lose this vote. That is the shall be brief in my response. I want to deal with the problem and that is one reason why I take such exception point of principle as well as the important point of to this. detail about the interaction between this clause, the Government amendment and the Interpretation Act 1978. Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend has made his point. Not only Lord Mackay but the Lords Constitution Mr David: Before the Minister goes on, may I cast his Committee recognised that clause 18 is a reflection of mind back to the trenchant criticism from the European the existing position in United Kingdom law. I do not Scrutiny Committee about the explanatory notes that want to get into a long argument with my hon. Friend accompanied the Bill and, in particular, those on clause 18? the Member for Stone about the report of the European I seem to recall the Minister giving the House a commitment Scrutiny Committee, but that report focused largely on that the explanatory notes would be examined and, if the bigger question of whether parliamentary sovereignty necessary, redrafted. Has that redrafting occurred and was a common-law principle. I repeat to the House will there be further redrafting in the context of his what I said during Committee—that this clause does amendment tonight? not get into that issue at all. It makes clear the basis on which European law takes effect in our domestic legal order. Mr Lidington: The explanatory notes were changed Let me address the detailed point that has been put. when they were reprinted before the Bill was introduced Both my hon. Friends the Members for Stone and for in the House of Lords, just as I gave the House an Harwich and North Essex argued that the reference to undertaking that they would be. We amended the notes the 1972 Act taken together with the Interpretation Act to make it clear that the references to common law in meant there was a risk of future amendments to the the relevant section were meant in contradistinction to 1972 Act falling outside the scope of clause 18. This statute law and that we were not commenting, as a point was specifically considered in the drafting of the Government and in either the Bill or the notes, on the Government’s amendments to the Lords amendment. important but much broader philosophical debate about That is exactly why the Government’s amendments, the origins of parliamentary sovereignty. especially amendment (b), do not limit the clause to the Let me deal first with the point of general principle to 1972 Act but also take account of all Acts that might which my hon. Friend the Member for Stone, in particular, give rise to directly applicable and enforceable EU law, referred. It has always been the Government’s position which will include any Acts amending the 1972 Act. I that clause 18 is declaratory of the existing state of our hope that with that reassurance colleagues on both law in making it clear that European Union law has sides of the House will be able to endorse the Government’s direct effect and application in this country for one amendments. reason and one reason only: namely, Parliament has Amendment (a) made to Lords amendment 14. given it that effect through primary legislation. I differ Amendment (b) proposed to Lords amendment 14.— from my hon. Friend in that I continue to believe that it (Mr Lidington.) is valuable for us to have this declaratory clause on the statute book to serve as a clear expression of Parliament’s Question put, That the amendment be made. will and as an abiding point of reference for the courts if The House divided: Ayes 485, Noes 22. they are invited in future to consider again the sort of Division No. 318] [8.23 pm arguments that have previously been brought before them, most notably by the prosecution in the metric AYES martyrs case, to the effect that European law has acquired over time an autonomous authority of its own that does Abbott, Ms Diane Barron, rh Mr Kevin not derive from Acts of Parliament. Abrahams, Debbie Barwell, Gavin Adams, Nigel Bebb, Guto Afriyie, Adam Beckett, rh Margaret Steve Baker: May I say how grateful I am that my Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Begg, Dame Anne right hon. Friend has given this clear statement of the Aldous, Peter Beith, rh Sir Alan Government’s and Parliament’s intent? We appear to Alexander, rh Danny Bellingham, Mr Henry have disappeared into such esoterica that even for one Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Benn, rh Hilary who takes a close interest in the clause it is almost Alexander, Heidi Beresford, Sir Paul Ali, Rushanara Berger, Luciana impossible to understand the debate. Will the Minister Amess, Mr David Berry, Jake confirm that should judges need to rule on this clause, Andrew, Stuart Betts, Mr Clive they will be able to refer to Hansard to be absolutely Ashworth, Jon Bingham, Andrew clear what Parliament’s intent was? Bacon, Mr Richard Birtwistle, Gordon Bailey, Mr Adrian Blackman, Bob Bain, Mr William Blackman-Woods, Roberta Mr Lidington: Judges will of course look first at Baker, Norman Blackwood, Nicola statute but it is also the case, following the Pepper v. Baker, Steve Blears, rh Hazel Hart judgment, that if the courts are in any way uncertain Baldwin, Harriett Blenkinsop, Tom about the meaning of a piece of legislation, they can Balls, rh Ed Blomfield, Paul look at what the Minister of the day said on behalf of Banks, Gordon Blunt, Mr Crispin the Government, as recorded in Hansard,asanaidto Barclay, Stephen Boles, Nick interpretation. Baron, Mr John Bradley, Karen 103 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 104

Brake, Tom Dugher, Michael Harper, Mr Mark Leech, Mr John Bray, Angie Duncan, rh Mr Alan Harrington, Richard Lefroy, Jeremy Brazier, Mr Julian Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Harris, Rebecca Leslie, Charlotte Brennan, Kevin Eagle, Maria Hart, Simon Leslie, Chris Brine, Mr Steve Edwards, Jonathan Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Lewis, Brandon Brokenshire, James Efford, Clive Havard, Mr Dai Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Brooke, Annette Elliott, Julie Heald, Oliver Lidington, rh Mr David Brown, Lyn Ellis, Michael Heath, Mr David Lilley, rh Mr Peter Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Ellison, Jane Heaton-Harris, Chris Lloyd, Stephen Brown, Mr Russell Ellman, Mrs Louise Hemming, John Lloyd, Tony Bruce, Fiona Ellwood, Mr Tobias Henderson, Gordon Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Bryant, Chris Elphicke, Charlie Hendrick, Mark Long, Naomi Buck, Ms Karen Engel, Natascha Hendry, Charles Lord, Jonathan Buckland, Mr Robert Eustice, George Hepburn, Mr Stephen Loughton, Tim Burden, Richard Evans, Chris Heyes, David Love, Mr Andrew Burnham, rh Andy Evans, Graham Hillier, Meg Lucas, Ian Burns, Conor Evans, Jonathan Hilling, Julie Luff, Peter Burns, rh Mr Simon Evennett, Mr David Hinds, Damian Lumley, Karen Burrowes, Mr David Fabricant, Michael Hoban, Mr Mark Macleod, Mary Burstow, Paul Farrelly, Paul Hodge, rh Margaret MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Burt, Lorely Featherstone, Lynne Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Mahmood, Shabana Byles, Dan Field, Mr Mark Hollingbery, George Mann, John Cairns, Alun Fitzpatrick, Jim Holloway, Mr Adam Marsden, Mr Gordon Campbell, Mr Alan Flello, Robert Hood, Mr Jim Maude, rh Mr Francis Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Flynn, Paul Hopkins, Kris May, rh Mrs Theresa Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Foster, rh Mr Don Howarth, rh Mr George Maynard, Paul Carmichael, Neil Fovargue, Yvonne Howarth, Mr Gerald McCann, Mr Michael Chapman, Mrs Jenny Fox,rhDrLiam Howell, John McCarthy, Kerry Chishti, Rehman Francis, Dr Hywel Hughes, rh Simon McCartney, Karl Clark, rh Greg Francois, rh Mr Mark Huhne, rh Chris McClymont, Gregg Clark, Katy Freer, Mike Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy McDonagh, Siobhain Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Fullbrook, Lorraine Hunt, Tristram McFadden, rh Mr Pat Clarke, rh Mr Tom Gale, Mr Roger Hunter, Mark McGovern, Alison Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Gapes, Mike Huppert, Dr Julian McGovern, Jim Clwyd, rh Ann Garnier, Mr Edward Hurd, Mr Nick McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Coaker, Vernon Garnier, Mark Irranca-Davies, Huw McIntosh, Miss Anne Coffey, Ann Gauke, Mr David Jackson, Mr Stewart McKechin, Ann Coffey, Dr Thérèse George, Andrew James, Margot McKinnell, Catherine Collins, Damian Gibb, Mr Nick James, Mrs Siân C. McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Colvile, Oliver Gilmore, Sheila Jamieson, Cathy McPartland, Stephen Cooper, Rosie Glass, Pat Jarvis, Dan McVey, Esther Cooper, rh Yvette Glen, John Johnson, rh Alan Meacher, rh Mr Michael Crabb, Stephen Glindon, Mrs Mary Johnson, Diana Meale, Sir Alan Crausby, Mr David Goggins, rh Paul Johnson, Gareth Mearns, Ian Creagh, Mary Goldsmith, Zac Johnson, Joseph Mensch, Louise Creasy, Stella Goodman, Helen Jones, Andrew Menzies, Mark Crockart, Mike Goodwill, Mr Robert Jones, Mr David Metcalfe, Stephen Crouch, Tracey Gove, rh Michael Jones, Graham Michael, rh Alun Cunningham, Alex Graham, Richard Jones, Helen Miliband, rh David Cunningham, Mr Jim Grayling, rh Chris Jones, Mr Kevan Miliband, rh Edward Cunningham, Tony Greatrex, Tom Jones, Mr Marcus Miller, Andrew Curran, Margaret Green, Damian Jones, Susan Elan Miller, Maria Dakin, Nic Green, Kate Joyce, Eric Mills, Nigel Danczuk, Simon Greening, Justine Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Milton, Anne Davey, Mr Edward Greenwood, Lilian Kawczynski, Daniel Moore, rh Michael David, Mr Wayne Griffith, Nia Keeley, Barbara Mordaunt, Penny Davidson, Mr Ian Griffiths, Andrew Kendall, Liz Morden, Jessica Davies, David T. C. Gummer, Ben Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Morgan, Nicky (Monmouth) Gwynne, Andrew Kirby, Simon Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Davies, Glyn Gyimah, Mr Sam Knight, rh Mr Greg Morris, Anne Marie de Bois, Nick Hague, rh Mr William Kwarteng, Kwasi Morris, Grahame M. De Piero, Gloria Hain, rh Mr Peter Laing, Mrs Eleanor (Easington) Dinenage, Caroline Hames, Duncan Lamb, Norman Morris, James Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hamilton, Mr David Lammy, rh Mr David Mosley, Stephen Dobbin, Jim Hamilton, Fabian Lancaster, Mark Mowat, David Dobson, rh Frank Hammond, rh Mr Philip Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Mulholland, Greg Docherty, Thomas Hammond, Stephen Latham, Pauline Mundell, rh David Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Hancock, Matthew Lavery, Ian Munn, Meg Dowd, Jim Hancock, Mr Mike Laws, rh Mr David Munt, Tessa Doyle, Gemma Hands, Greg Lazarowicz, Mark Murphy, rh Paul Doyle-Price, Jackie Hanson, rh Mr David Leadsom, Andrea Murray, Ian Duddridge, James Harman, rh Ms Harriet Lee, Dr Phillip Murray, Sheryll 105 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 106

Murrison, Dr Andrew Smith, Henry Wishart, Pete Wright, Simon Nandy, Lisa Smith, Julian Wood, Mike Young, rh Sir George Nash, Pamela Smith, Nick Woodcock, John Zahawi, Nadhim Newmark, Mr Brooks Smith, Owen Wright, David Tellers for the Ayes: Nokes, Caroline Smith, Sir Robert Wright, Mr Iain Mr Shailesh Vara and Norman, Jesse Soames, Nicholas Wright, Jeremy Mr Philip Dunne O’Brien, Mr Stephen Soubry, Anna O’Donnell, Fiona Spellar, rh Mr John Offord, Mr Matthew Spencer, Mr Mark NOES Ollerenshaw, Eric Stanley, rh Sir John Bone, Mr Peter McDonnell, John Onwurah, Chi Stephenson, Andrew Campbell, Mr Ronnie Nuttall, Mr David Osborne, Sandra Stevenson, John Chope, Mr Christopher Percy, Andrew Ottaway, Richard Stewart, Iain Clappison, Mr James Reckless, Mark Owen, Albert Stewart, Rory Cryer, John Skinner, Mr Dennis Paice, rh Mr James Straw, rh Mr Jack Davies, Philip Stringer, Graham Parish, Neil Streeter, Mr Gary Davis, rh Mr David Turner, Mr Andrew Patel, Priti Stride, Mel Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Walker, Mr Charles Paterson, rh Mr Owen Stuart, Ms Gisela Field, rh Mr Frank Whittingdale, Mr John Pearce, Teresa Stuart, Mr Graham Hoey, Kate Penning, Mike Stunell, Andrew Hollobone, Mr Philip Tellers for the Noes: Penrose, John Sturdy, Julian Jenkin, Mr Bernard Mr William Cash and Perkins, Toby Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Main, Mrs Anne Kelvin Hopkins Phillips, Stephen Swales, Ian Phillipson, Bridget Swayne, Mr Desmond Pickles, rh Mr Eric Swinson, Jo Question accordingly agreed to. Pincher, Christopher Swire, rh Mr Hugo Amendment (b) made to Lords amendment 14. Poulter, Dr Daniel Syms, Mr Robert Lords amendment 14, as amended, agreed to. Pound, Stephen Tami, Mark Prisk, Mr Mark Thornberry, Emily Pugh, John Thurso, John Clause 21 Raab, Mr Dominic Timms, rh Stephen Randall, rh Mr John Timpson, Mr Edward COMMENCEMENT Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Tomlinson, Justin Motion made, and Question put, That this House Reed, Mr Jamie Tredinnick, David Rees-Mogg, Jacob Truss, Elizabeth disagrees with Lords amendment 15.—(Mr Lidington.) Reevell, Simon Turner, Karl The House proceeded to a Division. Reeves, Rachel Twigg, Derek Reid, Mr Alan Twigg, Stephen Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I ask the Reynolds, Emma Tyrie, Mr Andrew Serjeant at Arms to investigate the delay in the No Reynolds, Jonathan Umunna, Mr Chuka Lobby. Riordan, Mrs Linda Uppal, Paul Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Vaz, Valerie The House having divided: Ayes 301, Noes 212. Robertson, Angus Vickers, Martin Division No. 319] [8.41 pm Robertson, Hugh Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Robertson, Mr Laurence Walker, Mr Robin AYES Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Wallace, Mr Ben Rotheram, Steve Walley, Joan Adams, Nigel Brake, Tom Roy, Mr Frank Walter, Mr Robert Afriyie, Adam Bray, Angie Roy, Lindsay Ward, Mr David Aldous, Peter Brazier, Mr Julian Ruane, Chris Watkinson, Angela Alexander, rh Danny Brine, Mr Steve Rudd, Amber Watson, Mr Tom Amess, Mr David Brokenshire, James Ruddock, rh Joan Watts, Mr Dave Andrew, Stuart Brooke, Annette Ruffley, Mr David Weatherley, Mike Bacon, Mr Richard Bruce, Fiona Russell, Bob Webb, Steve Baker, Norman Buckland, Mr Robert Rutley, David Weir, Mr Mike Baker, Steve Burns, Conor Sanders, Mr Adrian Wharton, James Baldwin, Harriett Burns, rh Mr Simon Sarwar, Anas Wheeler, Heather Barclay, Stephen Burrowes, Mr David Scott, Mr Lee White, Chris Barwell, Gavin Burstow, Paul Selous, Andrew Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Bebb, Guto Burt, Lorely Shapps, rh Grant Whitehead, Dr Alan Beith, rh Sir Alan Byles, Dan Sharma, Alok Wicks, rh Malcolm Bellingham, Mr Henry Cairns, Alun Sheerman, Mr Barry Wiggin, Bill Beresford, Sir Paul Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Shelbrooke, Alec Williams, Hywel Berry, Jake Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Sheridan, Jim Williams, Mr Mark Bingham, Andrew Carmichael, Neil Shuker, Gavin Williams, Roger Binley, Mr Brian Carswell, Mr Douglas Simmonds, Mark Williams, Stephen Birtwistle, Gordon Cash, Mr William Simpson, Mr Keith Williamson, Chris Blackman, Bob Chishti, Rehman Skidmore, Chris Williamson, Gavin Blackwood, Nicola Chope, Mr Christopher Slaughter, Mr Andy Wilson, Phil Blunt, Mr Crispin Clappison, Mr James Smith, rh Mr Andrew Wilson, Mr Rob Boles, Nick Clark, rh Greg Smith, Angela Winnick, Mr David Bone, Mr Peter Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Smith, Miss Chloe Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Bradley, Karen Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey 107 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 108

Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hendry, Charles Mulholland, Greg Smith, Sir Robert Collins, Damian Hinds, Damian Mundell, rh David Soames, Nicholas Colvile, Oliver Hoban, Mr Mark Munt, Tessa Soubry, Anna Crabb, Stephen Hollingbery, George Murray, Sheryll Spencer, Mr Mark Crockart, Mike Hollobone, Mr Philip Murrison, Dr Andrew Stanley, rh Sir John Crouch, Tracey Holloway, Mr Adam Neill, Robert Stephenson, Andrew Davey, Mr Edward Hopkins, Kelvin Newmark, Mr Brooks Stevenson, John Davies, David T. C. Hopkins, Kris Nokes, Caroline Stewart, Iain (Monmouth) Howarth, Mr Gerald Norman, Jesse Stewart, Rory Davies, Glyn Howell, John Nuttall, Mr David Streeter, Mr Gary Davies, Philip Hughes, rh Simon O’Brien, Mr Stephen Stride, Mel Davis, rh Mr David Huhne, rh Chris Offord, Mr Matthew Stuart, Mr Graham de Bois, Nick Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Ollerenshaw, Eric Stunell, Andrew Dinenage, Caroline Huppert, Dr Julian Ottaway, Richard Sturdy, Julian Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hurd, Mr Nick Paice, rh Mr James Swales, Ian Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Jackson, Mr Stewart Parish, Neil Swayne, Mr Desmond Doyle-Price, Jackie James, Margot Patel, Priti Swinson, Jo Duddridge, James Jenkin, Mr Bernard Paterson, rh Mr Owen Swire, rh Mr Hugo Duncan, rh Mr Alan Johnson, Gareth Penning, Mike Syms, Mr Robert Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Johnson, Joseph Penrose, John Tapsell, Sir Peter Dunne, Mr Philip Jones, Andrew Percy, Andrew Thurso, John Ellis, Michael Jones, Mr David Phillips, Stephen Timpson, Mr Edward Ellison, Jane Jones, Mr Marcus Pickles, rh Mr Eric Tomlinson, Justin Ellwood, Mr Tobias Kawczynski, Daniel Pincher, Christopher Tredinnick, David Elphicke, Charlie Kelly, Chris Poulter, Dr Daniel Truss, Elizabeth Eustice, George Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Prisk, Mr Mark Turner, Mr Andrew Evans, Graham Kirby, Simon Pugh, John Tyrie, Mr Andrew Evans, Jonathan Knight, rh Mr Greg Raab, Mr Dominic Uppal, Paul Evennett, Mr David Kwarteng, Kwasi Randall, rh Mr John Vara, Mr Shailesh Fabricant, Michael Laing, Mrs Eleanor Reckless, Mark Vickers, Martin Featherstone, Lynne Lamb, Norman Redwood, rh Mr John Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Field, Mr Mark Lancaster, Mark Rees-Mogg, Jacob Walker, Mr Charles Foster, rh Mr Don Latham, Pauline Reevell, Simon Walker, Mr Robin Fox,rhDrLiam Leadsom, Andrea Reid, Mr Alan Wallace, Mr Ben Francois, rh Mr Mark Lee, Dr Phillip Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Walter, Mr Robert Freer, Mike Leech, Mr John Robertson, Hugh Watkinson, Angela Fullbrook, Lorraine Lefroy, Jeremy Robertson, Mr Laurence Weatherley, Mike Gale, Mr Roger Leigh, Mr Edward Rogerson, Dan Webb, Steve Garnier, Mr Edward Leslie, Charlotte Rudd, Amber Wharton, James Garnier, Mark Lewis, Brandon Ruffley, Mr David Wheeler, Heather Gauke, Mr David Lewis, Dr Julian Russell, Bob White, Chris George, Andrew Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Rutley, David Whittingdale, Mr John Gibb, Mr Nick Lidington, rh Mr David Sanders, Mr Adrian Williams, Mr Mark Glen, John Lilley, rh Mr Peter Scott, Mr Lee Williams, Roger Goldsmith, Zac Lloyd, Stephen Selous, Andrew Williams, Stephen Goodwill, Mr Robert Lord, Jonathan Shapps, rh Grant Williamson, Gavin Gove, rh Michael Loughton, Tim Sharma, Alok Wilson, Mr Rob Graham, Richard Luff, Peter Shelbrooke, Alec Wright, Jeremy Gray, Mr James Lumley, Karen Shepherd, Mr Richard Wright, Simon Grayling, rh Chris Macleod, Mary Simmonds, Mark Young, rh Sir George Green, Damian Main, Mrs Anne Simpson, Mr Keith Zahawi, Nadhim Greening, Justine Maude, rh Mr Francis Skidmore, Chris Griffiths, Andrew May, rh Mrs Theresa Smith, Miss Chloe Tellers for the Ayes: Gummer, Ben Maynard, Paul Smith, Henry Mark Hunter and Gyimah, Mr Sam McCartney, Karl Smith, Julian Bill Wiggin Hague, rh Mr William McIntosh, Miss Anne Hames, Duncan McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick NOES Hammond, rh Mr Philip McPartland, Stephen Hammond, Stephen McVey, Esther Abbott, Ms Diane Benn, rh Hilary Hancock, Matthew Mensch, Louise Abrahams, Debbie Berger, Luciana Hancock, Mr Mike Menzies, Mark Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Betts, Mr Clive Hands, Greg Metcalfe, Stephen Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Blackman-Woods, Roberta Harper, Mr Mark Miller, Maria Alexander, Heidi Blears, rh Hazel Harrington, Richard Mills, Nigel Ali, Rushanara Blenkinsop, Tom Harris, Rebecca Milton, Anne Ashworth, Jon Blomfield, Paul Hart, Simon Moore, rh Michael Bailey, Mr Adrian Brennan, Kevin Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mordaunt, Penny Bain, Mr William Brown, Lyn Heald, Oliver Morgan, Nicky Balls, rh Ed Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Heath, Mr David Morris, Anne Marie Banks, Gordon Brown, Mr Russell Heaton-Harris, Chris Morris, James Barron, rh Mr Kevin Bryant, Chris Hemming, John Mosley, Stephen Beckett, rh Margaret Buck, Ms Karen Henderson, Gordon Mowat, David Begg, Dame Anne Burden, Richard 109 European Union Bill11 JULY 2011 European Union Bill 110

Burnham, rh Andy Hamilton, Mr David Michael, rh Alun Skinner, Mr Dennis Campbell, Mr Alan Hamilton, Fabian Miliband, rh David Slaughter, Mr Andy Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hanson, rh Mr David Miller, Andrew Smith, rh Mr Andrew Chapman, Mrs Jenny Harman, rh Ms Harriet Morden, Jessica Smith, Nick Clark, Katy Havard, Mr Dai Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Smith, Owen Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hendrick, Mark Morris, Grahame M. Spellar, rh Mr John Clwyd, rh Ann Hepburn, Mr Stephen (Easington) Straw, rh Mr Jack Coaker, Vernon Heyes, David Munn, Meg Stringer, Graham Coffey, Ann Hillier, Meg Murphy, rh Paul Stuart, Ms Gisela Cooper, Rosie Hilling, Julie Murray, Ian Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Cooper, rh Yvette Hodge, rh Margaret Nandy, Lisa Tami, Mark Crausby, Mr David Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Nash, Pamela Thornberry, Emily Creagh, Mary Hood, Mr Jim O’Donnell, Fiona Timms, rh Stephen Creasy, Stella Howarth, rh Mr George Onwurah, Chi Turner, Karl Cryer, John Hunt, Tristram Osborne, Sandra Twigg, Derek Cunningham, Alex Irranca-Davies, Huw Owen, Albert Twigg, Stephen Cunningham, Mr Jim James, Mrs Siân C. Pearce, Teresa Umunna, Mr Chuka Cunningham, Tony Jamieson, Cathy Perkins, Toby Vaz, Valerie Curran, Margaret Jarvis, Dan Phillipson, Bridget Walley, Joan Dakin, Nic Johnson, rh Alan Pound, Stephen Watson, Mr Tom Danczuk, Simon Johnson, Diana Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Watts, Mr Dave Darling, rh Mr Alistair Jones, Graham Reed, Mr Jamie Weir, Mr Mike David, Mr Wayne Jones, Helen Reeves, Rachel Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Davidson, Mr Ian Jones, Mr Kevan Reynolds, Emma Whitehead, Dr Alan De Piero, Gloria Jones, Susan Elan Reynolds, Jonathan Wicks, rh Malcolm Dobbin, Jim Jowell, rh Tessa Riordan, Mrs Linda Williams, Hywel Dobson, rh Frank Joyce, Eric Robertson, Angus Williamson, Chris Docherty, Thomas Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Winnick, Mr David Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Keeley, Barbara Rotheram, Steve Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Dowd, Jim Kendall, Liz Roy, Mr Frank Wishart, Pete Doyle, Gemma Lammy, rh Mr David Roy, Lindsay Wood, Mike Dromey, Jack Lavery, Ian Ruane, Chris Woodcock, John Eagle, Maria Lazarowicz, Mark Ruddock, rh Joan Wright, David Edwards, Jonathan Leslie, Chris Sarwar, Anas Wright, Mr Iain Efford, Clive Lloyd, Tony Shannon, Jim Tellers for the Noes: Elliott, Julie Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Sheerman, Mr Barry Angela Smith and Ellman, Mrs Louise Long, Naomi Shuker, Gavin Phil Wilson Engel, Natascha Love, Mr Andrew Evans, Chris Lucas, Ian Farrelly, Paul MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Question accordingly agreed to. Fitzpatrick, Jim Mactaggart, Fiona Lords amendment 15 disagreed to. Flello, Robert Mahmood, Shabana Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Flynn, Paul Mann, John Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to Fovargue, Yvonne Marsden, Mr Gordon their amendments 3, 5 to 13 and 15; Francis, Dr Hywel McCann, Mr Michael Gapes, Mike McCarthy, Kerry That Mr David Lidington, James Duddridge, Mr Wayne Gilmore, Sheila McClymont, Gregg David, Mr David Hamilton and Mr David Heath be Glass, Pat McDonnell, John members of the Committee; Glindon, Mrs Mary McFadden, rh Mr Pat That Mr David Lidington be the Chair of the Committee; Goggins, rh Paul McGovern, Alison Goodman, Helen McGovern, Jim That three be the quorum of the Committee. Greatrex, Tom McGuire, rh Mrs Anne That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(James Green, Kate McKechin, Ann Duddridge.) Greenwood, Lilian McKinnell, Catherine Committee to withdraw immediately; reasons to be Griffith, Nia Meacher, rh Mr Michael Gwynne, Andrew Meale, Sir Alan reported and communicated to the Lords. Hain, rh Mr Peter Mearns, Ian 111 11 JULY 2011 Rights and Protection of Victims 112

Rights and Protection of Victims the subject might be improved. The Commission, I am glad to say, has taken on board many of our suggestions 8.58 pm in its recent proposals. I am especially pleased that the proposed directive takes into account the particular role The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice of victims in our common law system. We encounter (Mr Kenneth Clarke): I beg to move, drafting problems at least in quite a lot of proposals in That this House takes note of European Union Documents this field, because, like the Irish, Cypriots and Maltese, No. 10610/11 and Addenda 1 and 2 relating to the Draft Directive we tend to have a common law system, whereas the rest establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of Europe does not. It is necessary to ensure that the of victims of crime, No. 10613/11 and Addenda 1 and 2 relating procedural differences and the practices of different to the Draft Regulation on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters, No. 10612/11 and Addenda 1 and 2 countries are respected in such proposals. relating to a Commission Communication–strengthening victims’ The Government are committed to targeting resources rights in the EU and the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum towards those victims who need them the most. We dated 16 May 2011 relating to a Council Resolution on a Roadmap continue to develop our own proposals on victims—we for strengthening the rights and protection of victims, in particular hope to come forward with some in the autumn—but in criminal proceedings; and welcomes the opportunity to consider meanwhile, we will continue to work with our European views on whether the UK should opt in to the draft Directive establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection partners to ensure that any EU action on victims supports of victims and the Draft Regulation on mutual recognition of our approach. We are particularly trying to ensure that protection measures in civil matters. any requirements imposed upon or accepted by member I thank the European Scrutiny Committee for calling states are proportionate to the needs of victims and the debate. The Government are currently actively properly targeted on those with the most important needs. considering in detail the European Commission’s proposals I wait to hear whether there are any objections in on victims, and in particular whether the United Kingdom principle to the objectives being pursued by the Commission should opt into the proposed directive on victims and and the Hungarian presidency, and the vast majority of regulation on protection orders. There has already been the member states on the European Council—as far as I some scrutiny of the protection order regulation, but it am aware, that means all member states on the Council— is useful to have this opportunity to hear Members’ but I think they are unlikely. It is plainly desirable that views on the proposals on the Floor of the House, to we consider spreading best practice across the Union inform our decisions. when it comes to protecting victims of any nationality The Government are obviously committed to supporting who have the misfortune to fall prey to crime in any of the victims of crime. One of the main objects of the our countries. However, I look forward to hearing the criminal justice system, as well as punishing those guilty views of right hon. and hon. Members on any particular of serious criminal offences, is offering protection and aspects of the package of proposals before us to which support to the victims of crime. We welcome the priority they want to draw the House’s and the Government’s that the European Commission is giving the matter attention. and the further impetus provided by the Hungarian Government, who will hold the presidency of the European 9.3 pm Union for the second half of this year. There was a Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): Budapest declaration setting out their intention, supported I welcome the opportunity for the House to debate this by the Council of the European Union, to deal with important draft European Union directive. I am sure various matters concerning the victims of crime in the that Members on both sides of the House will have course of their presidency. constituents who have been affected by crimes elsewhere I am glad to say that this country is seen by the in the EU, and I want to take this opportunity to share Commission as an example of best practice on supporting with the House the case of my constituents, Lesley and victims. The Government hope to strengthen what we Steve Dunne, which highlights the very serious shortcomings do, but there is no doubt that we are well ahead of the in current practice and legislation. vast majority of members of the European Union in I echo the Secretary of State’s opening remarks. As what we do now. he said, we want proper support that reflects our modern The thing that the House should particularly have and civilised state. He also said that we should require a regard to is that our own citizens are increasingly travelling directive to be both proportionate and properly targeted, and working across the EU. If a British citizen is and I very much agree with him on that. Mr and unfortunate enough to fall victim to crime in another Mrs Dunne were badly let down by the legal system in member state, I do not think that they always get the Spain. They had lived there and their son Gary was level of support that they would expect in similar murdered there in 2006. It took the family three years to circumstances in the United Kingdom. The Government have their son’s body repatriated to the United Kingdom. see one of the main attractions of this package of work Throughout their campaign to have his body returned, as, among other things, helping our citizens to get the Mr and Mrs Dunne, whom I now count as good friends, full support that they ought to have in a modern and showed great courage, fortitude and incredible dignity civilised state when they are victims of crime. We want in the face of the many barriers and hurdles to securing to ensure that British citizens are provided with the what most families would take for granted—being able information, support and protection that they rightly to bury their son. expect to receive when they fall victim to crime in any The draft directive before the House will go some way EU member state. to addressing some of the problems that they faced and My officials have been working with the Commission which other families have faced as well. It seeks to to share our experiences of supporting victims, and to ensure that member states recognise that, where a person’s consider how the existing EU framework agreement on death has been caused by a criminal offence, the family 113 Rights and Protection of Victims11 JULY 2011 Rights and Protection of Victims 114 members are to be defined as victims. Mr and Mrs Dunne costs of more than £40,000 simply trying to secure the were not treated with the respect that the House would burial of their son. They eventually learned that they expect for the parents of a murdered son. The Secretary had been granted compensation by the Spanish court of of State was right that in many regards this country is at £125,000, to be paid by the perpetrator, but they did not the forefront of best practice in the treatment of victims. find out about it until two years after the ruling had We have a long way to go, but compared with the been made to award the compensation. So far, they have experience in Spain that I am outlining, we are well received less than £1,500 of the £125,000 that they were advanced. The draft directive sets a minimum standard granted, and the payments have now stopped. for access to information and support. If this is adopted This highlights two problems that are addressed by successfully across the EU, I sincerely hope that other the draft directive. The first is the very limited progress families affected by the death of a loved one in Europe that has been made in getting the compensation to the will not have to endure what Mr and Mrs Dunne have. family; I shall return to that matter later. The second Steve and Lee Dunne learned of their son’s murder is the fact that the information channels were so poor not from the Spanish or British authorities, but from a that they did not find out about the granting of the friend in Spain who had heard of the murderer’s arrest compensation until two years after the decision, in a not from the Spanish authorities, but from another period in which the family was struggling financially friend who had read about it in the local press. When owing to having had to raise the money to fight their Steve and Lee received a call from the authorities informing case to have their son’s body returned. them that the perpetrator had been arrested, they flew Mr and Mrs Dunne came to London to visit Parliament immediately to Spain in the belief that it meant that earlier today, in advance of tonight’s debate. They asked Gary’s body could be repatriated for a funeral in their me to describe their ordeal in this way to demonstrate home city of Liverpool. This was not the case, however. the appalling shortcomings in the system. They are They flew to Spain, where they discovered that they had tireless campaigners whose drive, courage and determination been called there simply for the courts to ask them to prevent any other family from going through what whether they wanted the suspect prosecuted. The suspect they went through are an inspiration to us all. As well as had fled Spain to evade capture. campaigning on the issues that we are discussing this Mr and Mrs Dunne were appalled. They had not evening, they have visited schools across Merseyside to been properly advised of the reason they had been educate young people about the dangers of knife crime. called to Spain. As far as they were concerned, of course they wanted their son’s alleged murderer to face Gary Dunne’s body was ultimately returned for a justice in a Spanish court. I hope that the provisions on family funeral in Liverpool in 2009. On behalf of the information and support in the draft directive will family, I place on record their appreciation of the hard ensure that in the future clear information will be given work of the Member of the European Parliament for to families in similar situations. This lack of access to North West England, Arlene McCarthy, and of my information was compounded by the absence of officially right hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham), provided translators or interpreters during the prosecution. both of whom raised Gary’s case consistently throughout I am pleased therefore that this specific issue is covered the family’s ordeal. They raised the case with the then in the draft directive. Lee and Steve ended up having to Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for hire translators and interpreters at their own expense, Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), who responded which has contributed to them incurring costs in the to the campaign by raising Mr and Mrs Dunne’s situation region of £40,000 to run their ultimately successful directly with the Spanish Prime Minister, Señor Zapatero, campaign to secure Gary’s repatriation. I will return to who intervened personally. That intervention resulted that point in a moment. in the repatriation of Gary’s body. That was clearly a welcome development for the Dunne family, but it This lack of financial support was exacerbated by the cannot be right that they had to go through three years lack of victim support. Legal aid was neither offered of heartache before they could bury their son, or that nor available. No counselling or bereavement support they secured his repatriation only after a vigorous campaign was available to help the family through what inevitably that culminated in the British Prime Minister raising was a difficult and traumatic time. the case with his Spanish counterpart. That the draft directive seeks to treat the families of Last October, I raised the case with the present Prime murder victims as victims themselves is a welcome Minister, and I was delighted that he agreed to meet recognition of the very real personal dangers that families Mr and Mrs Dunne. That meeting took place in January can be exposed to when they pursue prosecution in this year, when they had the opportunity to raise with other countries. Mr and Mrs Dunne certainly felt that him the changes that they wished to see that would their safety was at risk on a number of occasions during ensure that no other family would have to go through the judicial process in Spain. For example, unpleasant what they had been through. They told the Prime threats were made by acquaintances of the accused Minister about their long-fought struggle and about during the proceedings, and they felt that there was a both the shortcomings that I have described in the lack of support and information about what was going Spanish system and the shortcomings in the British on throughout the trial. consular services, in terms of the support offered to Steve and Lee have not received financial support them and other families affected by the loss of a loved from the Spanish authorities towards meeting the costs one overseas, and in particular in the European Union, that they incurred in their attempts to repatriate their which is what we are addressing this evening. It was a late son’s body. Members of the public in this country, positive meeting, and the Prime Minister agreed to particularly in Liverpool, have given generously in address those shortcomings, suggesting that there may donations, which have offered some assistance to the be opportunities for a pilot scheme for improved consular family, but as I said earlier, they incurred significant services. Mr and Mrs Dunne agreed that their case 115 Rights and Protection of Victims11 JULY 2011 Rights and Protection of Victims 116

[Stephen Twigg] this instance it has actually come up with something that should be addressed for the common European could be used as a test case—an example case—to set good. With regard to offenders’ release dates, the directive up training programmes to ensure that British consular would certainly increase the rights of victims in the UK. services give sufficient support to British families on the At present, a victim has the right to know only when an ground, particularly given that those families are themselves offender has been released from custody in the case of victims, as the directive describes them. sexual or violent crime where an offender has been As the Secretary of State said, the proposed directive sentenced to more than 12 months in custody. The seeks to address the shortcomings in the current 2001 directive would extend that right to all victims. Council framework decision on the standing of victims in criminal proceedings. I know that Members from Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): I am listening with across the House will be moved by the case of my great interest to my hon. Friend. I very much applaud constituents, Mr and Mrs Dunne, whose treatment and welcome his and the Government’s intent, but does throughout the past five years has been truly appalling. he realise that we could achieve the same end without An opt-in to the directive would go some way towards opting in to this EU directive? We could negotiate a ensuring that others do not go through similar experiences separate arrangement with opt-outs, which would not in future. Not all the issues that have affected Mr and be available under an EU directive. Mrs Dunne are covered by the draft directive. Some of them relate to United Kingdom policy in practice—I Mike Weatherley: I thank my hon. Friend for his have referred to consular support. Frankly, some of them intervention, but I am afraid that he is sadly mistaken, are challenges for Spain—for Spanish law and Spanish for various reasons that I shall come to. I agree that the practice on the repatriation of bodies, compensation EU quite often meddles unnecessarily, but occasionally and access to justice. I will be seeking a meeting with some standardisation across Europe is welcome, and the Spanish ambassador in London to press for Mr and this is one of those situations. Mrs Dunne’s compensation to be paid in full and immediately. I mentioned that our system of victim support is better than those of other countries around Europe, but I welcome the opportunity to share the appalling this position is by no means assured. After all, it has experience of my constituents Mr and Mrs Dunne with been eroded in several key areas. One is the example of the House this evening and to pay tribute to them for funding for Victim Support—a charity that provides an their campaign, their fortitude and how they have turned invaluable service to victims of crime. Its funding has their grief into something positive, so that other families been cut, which is a great shame. Also, over a number of do not have to go through what they went through. I years, we have seen certain crimes such as shoplifting thank the Government for giving me this opportunity downgraded. Indeed, the Sentencing Commission does to address this important subject. not formally recognise the vulnerability of shop workers as particular victims of crime, despite last year being a 9.17 pm record period for crimes committed in shops, ranging Mike Weatherley (Hove) (Con): I pay tribute to the from shoplifting to murders in the process of robbery. hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen Twigg) The Government could also do more to support the for giving a very moving speech. private sector in schemes such as Facewatch, piloted in I address the Chamber as chairman of the all-party London by the Metropolitan police and now spreading group on retail and business crime, and, by virtue of across the UK. that, as someone concerned about victims of crime, Victims of crime currently have the right to receive a both at home and abroad. Although there are some basic level of service for each criminal justice agency parts of our criminal justice system that can clearly be under the code of practice for victims of crime. Everything improved on, I understand from the organisation Victim that victims are entitled to under the code is pretty basic Support—we heard this point earlier, too—that we and the sort of thing that one would assume victims generally enjoy a better standard of treatment for victims would receive automatically. The Government, however, of crime than is the case across Europe. It does not take have already removed the duty on local criminal justice a huge stretch of the imagination to realise that victims boards to report their compliance with the victims code, of crime are at their most vulnerable when they are which means no one is monitoring compliance with the abroad. Perhaps they do not speak the language, and code or holding agencies to account when they fail to they would probably have little idea of where to go, comply with it. There is a danger that the Government what to do, or even what processes are in place to assist will seek to downgrade the code or abolish it altogether. them in the event of crime. Moreover, many unscrupulous That would mean that a victim of crime would have criminals specifically target foreign nationals—tourists no statutory right to a decent level of service from the in particular—for those very reasons. criminal justice system. Abolishing or downgrading the In this instance, I feel that EU support would benefit code would be a serious retrograde step that would turn the British abroad, so I call on the Government to the clock back on victims’ rights. support the draft directive in question, which deals with a minimum standard of treatment for victims of crime Mr Kenneth Clarke: I would like to give my hon. across Europe. Indeed, it has been carefully argued by Friend an assurance on that in case I forget to reply to the charity Victim Support that the directive would his point later. We realise that the code needs modernising, benefit the British at home also. I would not usually but we do not have the faintest intention of repealing or back EU interference—the EU meddles in so much that abolishing it. I can give my hon. Friend that assurance it should not meddle in, plus it is a ridiculous, wasteful straight away—before some rumour is accidentally set organisation and unnecessarily bureaucratic—but in flying. 117 Rights and Protection of Victims11 JULY 2011 Rights and Protection of Victims 118

Mike Weatherley: I am most grateful to the Secretary we say amen to that— of State for that intervention. The point I was trying to “to be protected and supported; to have access to justice; and to make was about the code’s inability to be made legally get compensation and restoration.” enforceable when no particular agency is held to account On the subject of that compensation and restoration, it for compliance at the moment. I would like to see it states: strengthened. “Persons who have suffered harm because of the acts of others On behalf of all future victims of crime, I urge the often expect to get some form of financial compensation, whether Government to support the EU directive on a minimum from the State or the offender. Compensation aims at repairing standard of treatment for victims of crime across Europe. immediate and longer-term financial damage. It may also act as a form of acknowledgement through a symbolic payment.” 9.22 pm It continues: “Restorative justice, which is a relatively new concept in criminal Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): The Secretary of proceedings, goes beyond purely financial compensation to focus State and Lord Chancellor made his point clear at the on the recovery of the victim.” beginning. He might have been slightly concerned that As Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, there would be some kind of Division, but as far as I am I want to explain a little of the background to the four concerned, there will be nothing of the kind. To me, this documents that are before us. I am grateful to the hon. debate is about recognising the fact that this is an Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen Twigg) important issue. Furthermore, I view it as the job of the and to my hon. Friend the Member for Hove (Mike European Scrutiny Committee to recommend for debate Weatherley) for their contributions, to which I listened matters of legal or political importance. Nobody is in carefully. I was very moved by what the hon. Gentleman any doubt that this is a matter of very considerable said about the difficulties experienced by the Dunne importance. family. The communication from the European Commission, The documents comprise part of a package that is “Strengthening victims’ rights in the EU”, starts with a recent initiative to bolster the rights afforded and the question: “Why do victims matter?” Let me give a support given to victims in criminal and civil legal brief indication of what the European Commission proceedings throughout the European Union. Let me states in this particular context. The communication add to what the Minister has said by giving the House talks about the many millions of people who fall victim the European Scrutiny Committee’s summary of each to crime. It notes that about of the documents. “30 million crimes against persons or property are recorded annually” The road map is a statement by member states of how far they intend to implement the Commission’s in the EU. It continues: victims’ package, which is quite far. The draft directive, “Crime often affects more than one victim…This leads to a which is binding on member states when implemented, qualified estimate that there is likely to be up to 75 million direct victims of crime every year.” lays down comprehensive and far-reaching rules governing the rights of victims of crime. As I have said, the So in quantitative terms, we are talking about something Commission’s communication indicates that further in the order of 75 million people affected. legislation on victims’ compensation, and on the law to Road accidents are also discussed, with a million be applied in cross-border traffic accidents, is in the across the EU mentioned, along with the loss of 30,700 lives pipeline. The draft regulation, which is automatically in 2010. People are constantly travelling and moving binding on member states once adopted in Brussels, across borders and it notes that about 11.3 million provides for the automatic recognition in all member Europeans are residing states of a civil protection order, such as a non-molestation “permanently outside their own home country”. order, granted by a civil court in one member state. A It mentions that parallel proposal for protection orders granted by criminal courts is also being negotiated, but is not subject to this “10% of Europeans have lived and worked abroad during a period of their lives and 13% have gone abroad for education or debate. As I think the Lord Chancellor will confirm, the training.” Government have opted in to that provision. The European Commission states: As we have heard, the draft directive and regulation “These numbers show the importance of ensuring proper, are subject to the opt-in protocol referred to by my hon. effective action on the rights of those who fall victim to crime or Friend the Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker), under to road accidents, in their own country or while travelling or which the UK is presumed not to want to be legally living abroad.” bound by them unless it notifies the Commission of It claims that that is the contrary within three months of the publication “both a cross-border and a domestic problem that calls for of the proposals. In the opinion of my Committee, the EU action.” Government should take into account several factors when making their decision. It also mentions the impact on women in the European Union. First, the Government should consider whether the The Commission describes compensation as one of UK can influence negotiations more successfully once it the basic needs of victims. In a section headed “A has opted in, and should weigh that possibility against specific focus on victims of crime—what do they need?”, the chance that it could end up being bound by damaging it states: legislation. Secondly—I think this equally important—they should consider the financial impact of the proposal. “Many people fall victim to crime in the EU every year”, However much we may agree that there is a case for and refers to compensation in general terms, I am sure that the sheer “the need to be recognised and treated with respect and dignity”— range, extent and potential cost concern the Government 119 Rights and Protection of Victims11 JULY 2011 Rights and Protection of Victims 120

[Mr William Cash] are for getting the most potent alcohol, with the inevitable consequences in places such as Malia in Crete where, I particularly, given our current position. Lastly, I repeat am afraid, British tourists have a very poor reputation. that once these obligations are imposed on us, they will Robbie and his mother faced a whole host of issues necessarily give rise to grave financial implications, and and problems, with which I am sure the Dunnes, to that will be the case across the range of the victims I whom the hon. Gentleman referred, will be very familiar. have identified—as many as 75 million, a figure I put on There is a problem in accessing health care, and people the record earlier. also need to be encouraged to take out insurance. They There is also the question of whether the proposal may think, “I’m safe because I’m going to an EU will require legislative change in the United Kingdom. country,” but the descriptions of health care in Greece The Government’s explanatory memorandum demonstrates suggest that it leaves something to be desired. There are that they are broadly in favour of the two legislative also language issues, and although legal aid is available proposals but that they need to look at their resource in Greece, that is not immediately apparent to a British and administrative implications. By contrast, the citizen who is sent a form written in Greek. There are Government question the need for further legislation translation issues therefore, and there are clearly significant on compensating victims. The Secretary of State will, communication issues. Some of them are simple, such I hope, give us some indication in respect of that before as whether the person abroad is able to use their mobile the end of the debate. That is the Government’s position, phone and whether, if they clock up a large bill, they but I have already indicated the scale, range and extent will be cut off before having been able to help their of what needs to be done. loved one abroad. The European Scrutiny Committee recommended We also need to address issues relating to the police holding this debate for the following reasons: the victims’ and the application of different standards. For example, package marks a significant changing up of gear in the in some countries the police are not willing to register EU’s policy on victims; the resource and administrative crimes and fail simply to get out of the starting blocks implications for the UK will be substantial, especially in getting a crime addressed. There are also problems with regard to the regulation, as can be seen from relating to money and to extradition, where a case pages 27 to 31 of the relevant report; and, as my hon. subsequently does come to court. That is a good example Friend the Member for Hove said, the rights of victims of an area where the European Union has put in place in the UK are currently a matter of concern and, at measures to address the situation. times, controversy. Many of the issues that these two families experienced Finally, if this needs saying at all, we ask the Government would benefit greatly from this standardisation of a to consider long and hard the views expressed in this minimum level of support for victims of crime. During debate before deciding whether to opt in. a debate on victim support on 8 June, I expressed reservations about what we are debating tonight, but I 9.31 pm did so on the basis of not having a clear appreciation of the extent to which the UK Government had been Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): It involved in drawing up the proposal. I also had concerns gives me great pleasure to be able to make a brief that the UK’s strong position on supporting victims contribution about the road map draft directive and would be diluted by this approach, but we are clearly draft regulation. The road map includes a package of setting a minimum standard that other countries can proposed legislative measures designed to ensure that and should go beyond. I also had concerns about all 27 member states, especially some of the poorer whether this approach would place an undue burden performing new and southern states, meet minimum on the UK, but it is clear, again, that the UK’s high standards in providing for the rights of victims of standards on victim support mean that although the crime. Many states are seeking to put into law existing UK Government might have to take some additional Council of Europe conventions in this area, which are steps, they are relatively small in the scheme of things. by and large designed to ensure that any EU citizen who On that basis, I think that this is a very positive contribution is a victim of crime anywhere in the EU is guaranteed to and I hope that the Ministry of Justice will be minded have their rights met. to push it forward swiftly. I shall follow the example of the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen Twigg) by referring 9.36 pm briefly to a constituency case, as it serves to illustrate why these changes are needed. The case, which I have Ben Gummer (Ipswich) (Con): I have a similar tale to raised in the House on a number of occasions, relates to tell to the one told by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Robbie Hughes, who was seriously attacked when on West Derby (Stephen Twigg). I do not wish to go into holiday in Malia in Crete, allegedly by British tourists—it the precise details, but the case came to me within days is still going through the courts, so I cannot say much of my becoming Member of Parliament for Ipswich more than that. He suffered severe head injuries as a and relates to a terrible situation involving a constituent result of the attack. Since then, his mother has been who was a murdered by another constituent in Spain. campaigning to ensure that the support available for The family were faced with the most appalling series of victims of crime abroad is enhanced. She has done a choices and negotiations to be made with the Spanish lot of work, such as by helping the Foreign and authorities. Unfortunately, the family had to deal with Commonwealth Office improve its website and put Andalusian law as it applied in the Canary islands, extra information on it. She has also done a lot of work which even in Spanish terms is seen as rather arcane. with travel agents to put pressure on the travel reps to The process of bringing the body back to the United stop encouraging British tourists to go out and get Kingdom was frustrated by the offender, who had come blind drunk by telling them where the cheapest venues back to this country. The reason it happened rather 121 Rights and Protection of Victims11 JULY 2011 Rights and Protection of Victims 122 more quickly than in the case of the hon. Gentleman’s victims code of practice that commits the police, the constituent was the European arrest warrant, which Crown Prosecution Service, the courts, the Criminal made a considerable difference to the speed with which Injuries Compensation Authority, the probation service the case could be dealt. That is one good example of the and others to providing information within certain time arrest warrant significantly improving things for victims scales. The CPS has a prosecutors’ pledge, setting out in this country.In a similar manner to the hon. Gentleman’s how Crown prosecutors should conduct the case, and case, although not to the same extent, it took the pulling the probation service provides a victim liaison scheme of strings in Spain by the Foreign and Commonwealth for certain victims of crime or their next of kin as Office, by me and by people who really should not have regards some elements of the offender’s movements been involved to bring about more speedily the returning within the prison estate and release information. of my constituent’s body to the family in Ipswich. That Labour introduced the victim personal statement scheme is why the directive will bring about a real improvement and the policing pledge, and in April 2010 we launched for constituents who are faced with such terrible problems. a £2 million homicide service, with the police allocating The problem will get bigger and bigger as more and a family liaison officer to each family following a homicide more people seek to work in the European Union and or a culpable road death. In January 2010, Labour also go on holiday there. As such, as we have heard from the introduced the compensation scheme for British victims hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom of terrorism abroad as part of the Crime and Security Brake), acts of violence and drunkenness and situations Act 2010 and declared that it would be retrospective to where constituents might be put before the law will 2002. I hope that the Lord Chancellor will take on increase. We all know from our casework—even I know board the fact that it is still to be implemented. All from my short time as a Member of Parliament—how those measures came on top of a cut of 43% in crime, constituents in such situations can be distinctly which reduced the likelihood of being a victim of crime. disadvantaged. That can happen with very minor offences Although the Government have made the right noises and with the most serious and grave. about victims being at the heart of their approach, it is It is therefore nice that we can come together in this fair to say that they have stumbled a few times: over House for the first time in a long time to agree on a new how legal aid cuts have been targeted, over the changes piece of European legislation that every Member believes to remand proposed in the latest justice legislation and will be bring an improvement for our constituents. It over the dropped manifesto commitment on knife crime, represents a sharing and pooling of sovereignty which for example. Let me be clear that although we will hold will improve the lives of those whom we seek to represent. the Government to account when we feel they have I agree with and approve of what the Government are taken a wrong turn, we will support them when they do trying to do in this instance. I hope that they will be able the right thing by victims, as they have with the welcome to bring the directive to fulfilment as quickly as possible announcement of an additional £500,000 for practical and that its implementation will ensure that those European changes following Louise Casey’s report. neighbours who are not so assiduous in their treatment For now, we are debating a draft directive from the of victims of crime are made to protect and enhance the European Union that gives the Government the opportunity rights of our constituents as rapidly as possible. to pick themselves up and show that they can be on the side of the victim. We are considering four things this 9.40 pm evening: the draft directive that establishes minimum Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): Over standards for the rights, support and protection of recent weeks, the treatment of victims and their families victims of crime; a draft regulation on mutual recognition has come to the fore in the UK. We have seen the family of protection measures in civil matters; a Commission of Milly Dowler speak about the appalling treatment communication on strengthening victims’ rights in the they received at the hands of defence lawyers acting for EU; and the explanatory memorandum dated 16 May 2011 Levi Bellfield; we have read the report from the victims to a Council resolution on a road map for strengthening commissioner, Louise Casey, about the needs of families the rights and protection of victims, particularly in bereaved by homicide; and most recently we have been criminal proceedings. sickened by the revelations that the mobile phones of I am grateful to the Secretary of State for setting out victims and others have been hacked into by elements the Government’s position on those four documents. of the media for whom the story comes before any sense Let me add to the debate by setting out our view of of morality. these important documents and the improvements they Under the previous Labour Government, great strides could make for all member states. Although the UK forward were made in championing the rights and leads the way, as the Lord Chancellor said, I think he needs of victims and their families, although we would would also readily accept that more is required of the be the first to admit that there was and is more that UK in its treatment of victims of crime. could be done. Under Labour, we saw the introduction Let us consider the scale of the issues that challenge of the national victims service—an £8 million support us. From Louise Casey’s report on the needs of families scheme for relatives of manslaughter and murder victims bereaved by homicide, we know that the vast majority that offered victims a dedicated support worker—in of victims’ families—more than 80%—have suffered response, of course, to the report published by Labour’s trauma-related symptoms, that three-quarters have suffered first ever victims champion, Sara Payne. As a result, the depression and that one in every five have become CPS now has a victim focus scheme committing it to a addicted to alcohol. Every person in the survey said post-charge and post-conviction meeting for murder, that their health had been affected in some way. Some manslaughter and road death cases in the Crown court. 59% found it difficult to manage their finances following There is also a new protocol for Her Majesty’s Courts the bereavement and one in four stopped working and Tribunals Service for bereaved families and a statutory permanently. The average cost of the homicide to each 123 Rights and Protection of Victims11 JULY 2011 Rights and Protection of Victims 124

[Robert Flello] It is vital that the directive should help to provide greater uniformity across the EU to improve the service family was £37,000, with costs ranging from those for that UK citizens can expect. More must be done to ensure probate to those for funerals, travel to and from court that victims’ families do not have to suffer unnecessary and even for cleaning up the crime scene. The majority delays and further trauma following the loss of a family of those people got no help with those costs and some member abroad. At this point I pay tribute to my hon. were forced into debt. The victims commissioner’s review Friend the Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen shows that such effects persist for many years. Twigg) for raising the terrible and tragic issue of Gary The scale of the issue comes more into focus when we Dunne and the work being done by Lesley and Steve consider that, as the Chairman of the European Scrutiny Dunne to whom our sympathies must go out. It is also Committee said, 30 million crimes against persons or important to raise the cases that were mentioned by the property are recorded each year across the European hon. Member for Ipswich (Ben Gummer) and by the Union, resulting in about 75 million direct victims of hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake), crime every year across the Union. The number of whom I congratulate on his imminent esteemed elevation homicides will, thankfully, be only a small proportion to the Privy Council. I suspect that we all have examples of that number, but the impact of any crime on victims of such tragedies in our constituencies. For example, will have many of the characteristics I have mentioned, a constituent of mine died in Tenerife last year. Again, with the most horrendous crimes bringing the hardest because of the Spanish coronial system, the victim’s burdens of all. family had to wait months before the body was repatriated to the UK. Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): I thank my I turn to some of the articles. Article 2 is welcome. It hon. Friend for giving way as I have not been here for sets out the wider impact of a crime beyond the person the whole debate. One thing that concerns me and that who has been killed or suffered some immediate injustice. exacerbates all the problems is the free movement of It should not be the subject of detailed clarification. people within the European Union. If we had borders Some clarification is required, but the Government’s that were enforced, criminals would not be able to travel comments about the need for clarification are a little so freely through the European Union and individuals troubling. going on holiday would be more conscious of the fact The first part of article 4 deals with the provision of that they were going to different jurisdictions with information to victims. Although the Lord Chancellor different standards and levels of health protection and says he is confident that this article is generally compatible be more wary and concerned. Above all, traffickers in with current practice across the UK, I wonder just how human beings, particularly in children, would have a confident he is about the uniformity and quality of more difficult time if we had internal borders. current practice across the UK in the light of the Victims Commissioner’s report. The second part of Robert Flello: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his article 4 covers the sensitive issue of informing victims intervention. He makes his points very well and I will of the release of an offender. I agree that we should be return to some of those issues shortly. mindful of the risks to the offender. We do not want to British citizens should receive the highest standards see lynch mobs at the prison gates, but we also do not in any member state when they are the victim of a want to see victims unexpectedly coming face to face crime. In the draft directive, the European Union has with the offender in a supermarket because no one has sought to build on the 2001 Council framework decision, forewarned them, as has happened time and again. which established general minimum standards. The rationale I am not sure that in their response to article 9 the behind it is that the 2001 framework was not implemented Government fully understand how variable is the use of across member states in a satisfactory way, with some the victim personal statement. I suggest that the Lord member states doing more than others—I think the UK Chancellor takes a moment or two to read the strategic can hold its head high in that regard—leaving a patchwork audit of the criminal justice system, a report prepared of uneven standards of protection and support for by Victim Support. It makes sombre reading about the victims. One of the Commission’s conclusions that speaks use of the victim personal statement. It notes that the volumes in light of the Dowler family’s experience is police are responsible for offering victims the opportunity that to make a statement, but that they are not required to “Member States generally do not ensure that victims are do so by law, and VPSs are not even mentioned in the treated in a manner equivalent to that of a party to proceedings.” Government’s primary document setting out the services The Commission found that there was “ambiguous that the victim can expect. drafting”, a “lack of concrete obligations” and a “lack The report from Victim Support continues: of infringement possibilities”. “The actual situation on the ground is poor—of those whose In the Lord Chancellor’s comments on each of the cases reach court, less than half recall being offered the opportunity articles in the draft directive, there are some positives to make a VPS. Moreover, of those who did make a VPS, only which are very welcome, but there are some less welcome two-thirds felt it was taken into account. Furthermore, the likelihood and possibly worrying observations too. The Government of being given the chance to make a VPS varies considerably across England and Wales. For example, victims living in London straight away use the phrase were less than half as likely to be offered it as those living in “proportionate to the needs of victims”, Northumbria. The likelihood of the victim feeling that the VPS is but we have seen from the victims commissioner’s recent taken into account also varies considerably across regions.” report that the needs of victims are not being met, so Article 13 deals with the reimbursement of victims’ who will judge what is proportionate to the needs of expenses. Once again, it is concerning that the Government victims? Will it be the Lord Chancellor, his Department appear to be back-peddling on the concrete commitments or the victims commissioner? Who will decide? that the directive is supposed to require. Once more, we 125 Rights and Protection of Victims11 JULY 2011 Rights and Protection of Victims 126 must remind ourselves that the victims commissioner’s through the certification process, that an existing measure findings are damning of the cost barriers for victims’ can be recognised and applied throughout the Union families who want to see justice done. I am hopeful that within the limits of the original application. Indeed, the the Government, despite their heavily caveated words in fundamental rights safeguard at article 10 and, of course, response to article 19, will take on board the needs of the rights of the person subject to the order at the time victims to avoid contact with offenders and their families, it was applied for seem more than adequate, but I look and thereby avoid the all too frequent situation where forward to hearing from right hon. and hon. Members a victim’s family sit alongside that of the defendant, if they think otherwise on this point. I am pleased that listening to them laughing, joking and making hurtful the Secretary of State, in his explanatory memorandum comments. dated 2 June, seems to welcome this regulation. The Government’s comments on article 20 worry me I will turn now to the council resolution on the road greatly. Although I have some sympathy with the view map. The road map essentially shows how both the that not all victims need necessarily be interviewed, draft directive and the draft regulation fit into an overall provided that other methods for hearing the voice of scheme for improving the EU’s approach to victims’ victims are strengthened, it feels as though the Lord rights. Given the reasons why the Commission felt that Chancellor is going behind the term “proportionate” the 2001 framework failed, it is a little sad to see the again. Government seeking to press for less detailed measures I would like to spend a moment on article 23 and the on how the victims directive can be brought into effect. relationship between the media and the privacy of victims. The European Scrutiny Committee, in putting forward In much the same way as a few bad apples spoiled the the document for debate on the Floor of the House, reputation of the House, so the behaviour of irresponsible asked the Government to provide more information and, it seems, criminal elements of the media have on the probable substance of each measure that the severely damaged that profession. With reference to Commission is to propose as part of the road map. Bellfield’s trial, Chief Constable Mark Rowley has called I am grateful to the Lord Chancellor for welcoming for greater protection of victims and witnesses during this evening’s debate and recognise that the Government court cases. Rowley said it was a have provided a good explanation of their views in the “most bizarre and distressing coincidence” memorandum, but sadly we seem to be lacking the additional detail this evening that the Committee requested. that the Dowler family had their privacy destroyed at a That point is worth repeating: the European Scrutiny time when footballers and celebrities were being granted Committee, in putting forward the document for debate super-injunctions to protect details of their personal on the Floor of the House, asked the Government to lives. provide more information on the substance of each of It is all well and good for the Lord Chancellor to ask the measures that the Commission is to propose. I am that article 23 respect the principle of media independence, not sure whether the Lord Chancellor intends to provide but at what cost? The case of Milly Dowler shows the that when he winds up—I can only hope. need for greater training of professions, notably the A good place to begin my concluding remarks on the judiciary, in how victims’ families are treated. The draft matters before us is the question of how the Commission’s directive is a good starting point, but there are things proposals compare with the victims law for homicide that are not in it—notably, despite the European cases proposed by Louise Casey.The victims commissioner Commission’s identifying why the 2001 framework failed, has addressed the situation in the UK in homicide where are the teeth in these proposals? Where is the cases, and to my mind that is a good benchmark for mechanism for effective redress when member states do what we should expect for all victims across the EU. not provide the services or support that the draft directive The victims commissioner believes that a victims law requires? Where are the rights to request a review of should make it clear that the coroner will release the the decision on what charge the offender will face? The body to the family for burial within 28 days, unless draft directive is an opportunity for the Government to exceptional circumstances apply. The proposals before negotiate a better deal for victims at EU level; it should us do not mention that at all, and yet we have heard not be used to make what we already do look like it fits from right hon. and hon. Members this evening that with the directive as it is written. this is one of the fundamental issues that they feel Turning to the draft regulation on mutual recognition passionately about and that affects constituents up of protection measures in civil matters, it can only be a and down the country time and again. In my humble positive thing that civil law protection measures issued opinion the Government are plain wrong in their in one member state should be recognised and applied stubborn refusal to implement the position of the chief in another, so the draft regulation is to be welcomed. coroner, and I hope that when they are made to see I note that the European Scrutiny Committee has its sense, they will also ensure that the chief coroner addresses reservations about safeguarding the rights of the person this distressing issue and that such measures will be subject to the order as well as the person who has raised with the Commission in negotiations on the road requested it, and although I fully understand the need map. to give the person subject to the order the opportunity The victims commissioner also believes that the police to safeguard their rights, I have concerns about how any should legally have to keep families updated at each such safeguarding could be applied. stage of the investigation, and I believe that the draft For example, if the person with a civil law protection directive addresses that key point. It must not be watered measure goes on an extended holiday or goes to work in down in negotiations. Similarly, Louise Casey believes another European country for a year, would the person that a police protocol should be put in place for reviewing subject to the order need to know when and where? The cases that remain unsolved and that it should set out regulation as drafted seems already to provide adequately, clearly how and when families are to be consulted and 127 Rights and Protection of Victims11 JULY 2011 Rights and Protection of Victims 128

[Robert Flello] bilateral agreements have to be negotiated with 26 EU member states, where the tradition of supporting victims kept updated. Again, although not part of the draft is variable and in some cases far below that in the UK, directive or road map, that is clearly an area that the is not the best way to proceed. I was urged by other Lord Chancellor’s Department should raise with the speakers to support the Commission and the Hungarian Commission. presidency’s Budapest declaration to see what we can Another point made by the victims commissioner is do to strengthen support for everyone. that families should have the right to information from Reference was made to the work of Louise Casey, the the Crown Prosecution Service, and to meet the CPS victims commissioner, who shares the views of my hon. lawyer at key stages of the process, including on conviction Friends and of the hon. Member for Liverpool, West or acquittal, and on appeal. That is covered by the draft Derby about the importance of considering the problems directive, and should be strongly pursued. Those needs experienced by bereaved families. Victim Support, the are addressed in the draft directive, but they should be biggest organisation in the field of victim support, enshrined in law, with the right of redress when not met. supports the proposed directive, and it has urged the In conclusion, the Opposition welcome the Commission’s Government to take a constructive approach to it. It approach, and urge the Government not to procrastinate was said that its funding had been cut, but we have or seek to gain wriggle room, but to embrace the responded to the opinions expressed by the victims opportunity to turn the page on their recent errors of commissioner. We need to make sure that specialist, judgment, and give their approval to measures that targeted support is available for vulnerable victims. should ensure that victims of crime across the European Many hon. Members have been victims of crime—probably, Union have at the very least a minimum standard on almost everyone—but people do not always need which they can rely. counselling and support afterwards. Bereaved families, however, are a particular concern of Louise Casey, who 10 pm has produced a report on the subject. We have given extra support to specialist services for bereaved families Mr Kenneth Clarke: It is a long time since I have and victims of rape and sexual assault. More targeted taken part in a debate on the Floor of the House on any support is required. We have a code of practice in this European subject that was completely free of any country that also needs to be revised and improved in controversy. [Interruption.] Certain Members were not the light of experience, and everybody is pressing in the here. We all congratulate the Chair of the European same direction on that. Scrutiny Committee, the hon. Member for Stafford, on The hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent South (Robert selecting the measure for debate, because we all agree Flello) was pretty supportive of the proposals before us. on the great importance of giving better protection to Like my hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Mr Cash), victims of crime, not only in this country but across the he talked particularly about protection orders. The idea European Union. of mutual recognition of protection orders throughout the European Union is very valuable. These orders are Mr Cash: I am sorry to have to remind my right hon. usually given when someone is being harassed, often by and learned Friend that, in fact, I am now the hon. a husband, partner or spouse with a history of domestic Member for Stone. It was during the Maastricht debates violence. If we do not have mutual recognition of the that I was the hon. Member for Stafford. orders, the consequence is that every time anybody Mr Clarke: I will not weigh up the issue of whether travels in Europe, they are obliged to try to get a fresh Stafford has lost or gained, or whether Stone has benefited court order in the area where they are then living and or been deprived, but I enjoyed the debates on the give evidence again about the same experiences. Where Maastricht treaty. We were not quite as close on that possible, we should support this move. We have already occasion as we are on the directive. opted into the criminal law directive on the subject, and we will do so on the civil order once we have scrutinised This is an extremely important subject, and there is it to make sure that the two will work together and that general agreement that the framework agreement of particular burdens are not put on us. 2001 is not adequate and should be improved, which is the objective of the Commission’s documents. The proposals My hon. Friend the Member for Stone talked about have received extremely widespread support, and were the possible resource and administrative implications movingly supported by Members whose constituents for this country. I do not see any insuperable problems had been adversely affected. The hon. Member for in the proposals, but we will obviously have to scrutinise Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen Twigg) cited the case them in detail because we cannot accept unnecessary of Mr and Mrs Dunne, and a constituent of my hon. extra resources or administrative burdens being demanded Friend the Member for Ipswich (Ben Gummer) was of us. That is highly unlikely because we are so far murdered in Spain. The hon. Member for Carshalton ahead in the field compared with most other member and Wallington (Tom Brake) discussed difficulties that states, but we will bear that concern in mind. he had encountered. As I said at the beginning of our debate, we are trying to raise European standards on Mr Cash rose— the issue because many British citizens go abroad and their families would benefit if minimum standards—and Mr Clarke: I will give way one last time. we hope very adequate standards—were in place throughout all member countries. Mr Cash: Will my right hon. and learned Friend also It was claimed that that could be achieved by bilateral bear in mind the severe criticisms, most of which are agreements with other member states. With respect, I entirely justified, about our moving generally towards a do not think that that is practicable. The notion that compensation culture? 129 11 JULY 2011 Business without Debate 130

Mr Clarke: Compensation for victims has been That a Select Committee of six Members be appointed to join established here for very many years. We would like to with the Committee appointed by the Lords to consider the draft see good standards established throughout the European Financial Services Bill presented to both Houses on 16 June Union because British subjects are victims of crime (Cm 8083). when they travel and should be entitled to compensation. That the Committee should report on the draft Bill by We have to get the balance right between the proportionality 1 December 2011. that the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent South talked That the Committee shall have power— about and the excessive burdens that my hon. Friend (i) to send for persons, papers and records; the Member for Stone warned against. That is the kind (ii) to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House; of thing that we can do in the detailed negotiations that (iii) to report from time to time; will undoubtedly have to take place before the directive (iv) to appoint specialist advisers; and can be applied. (v) to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom. I welcome this debate. The hon. Member for Stoke- That Mr Nicholas Brown, Mr David Laws, Mr Peter Lilley, on-Trent South raised, as he was quite entitled to, all David Mowat, Mr George Mudie and Mr David Ruffley be kinds of aspects of victim support of a wholly domestic members of the Committee.—(Mr Vara.) nature to which we will pay attention, as we are hoping to modernise our own code. I assure right hon. and hon. Hon. Members: Object. Members that we work very closely with the victims commissioner in this whole field and greatly value the contribution that she makes as an advocate of the BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE (13 JULY) victim’s cause. I also assure Members that decisions on Ordered, opt-ins are guided, in the end, by what we regard as in That, at the sitting on Wednesday 13 July, notwithstanding the interests of British citizens and the national interest paragraph (2)(c)(i) of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of within the European Union. However, I take on board public business), opposition business may be proceeded with until the feeling in the House that increased co-operation in 7.00 pm; and proceedings shall then lapse if not previously this respect is plainly desirable as a benefit to all those disposed of.—(Mr Vara.) Europeans who travel frequently throughout the Union. We will certainly take on board the views expressed by BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE (18 JULY) Members who have taken part in the debate when we Ordered, take our decisions on all these subjects. That, at the sitting on Monday 18 July, the Speaker shall put Question put and agreed to. the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motions Resolved, in the name of Secretary Chris Huhne relating to National Policy Statements not later than 9.00 pm; such Questions shall include That this House takes note of European Union Documents the Questions on any Amendments selected by the Speaker which No. 10610/11 and Addenda 1 and 2 relating to the Draft Directive may then be moved; proceedings may continue after the moment establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of interruption; and Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions) of victims of crime, No. 10613/11 and Addenda 1 and 2 relating shall not apply.—(Mr Vara.) to the Draft Regulation on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters, No. 10612/11 and Addenda 1 and 2 relating to a Commission Communication–strengthening victims’ DELEGATED LEGISLATION rights in the EU and the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 16 May 2011 relating to a Council Resolution on a Roadmap Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing for strengthening the rights and protection of victims, in particular Order No. 118(6)), in criminal proceedings; and welcomes the opportunity to consider views on whether the UK should opt in to the draft Directive INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection That the draft International Monetary Fund (Increase in of victims and the Draft Regulation on mutual recognition of Subscription) Order 2011, which was laid before this House on protection measures in civil matters. 13 June, be approved.—(Mr Vara.) Business without Debate The House divided: Ayes 274, Noes 246. Division No. 320] [10.10 pm

AYES DEFERRED DIVISIONS Adams, Nigel Birtwistle, Gordon Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Afriyie, Adam Blackman, Bob Order No. 41A(3)), Aldous, Peter Blackwood, Nicola That, at this day’s sitting, Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred Alexander, rh Danny Blunt, Mr Crispin divisions) shall not apply to the Motion in the name of Mark Amess, Mr David Boles, Nick Hoban relating to International Monetary Fund.—(Mr Vara.) Andrew, Stuart Bradley, Karen Question agreed to. Bacon, Mr Richard Brake, Tom Baker, Norman Bray, Angie Baldwin, Harriett Brazier, Mr Julian DRAFT FINANCIAL SERVICES BILL Barclay, Stephen Brine, Mr Steve Barwell, Gavin Brokenshire, James (JOINT COMMITTEE) Bebb, Guto Brooke, Annette Motion made, Beith, rh Sir Alan Bruce, Fiona That this House concurs with the Lords Message of 21 June, Bellingham, Mr Henry Bruce, rh Malcolm that it is expedient that a Joint Committee of Lords and Commons Beresford, Sir Paul Buckland, Mr Robert be appointed to consider the draft Financial Services Bill presented Berry, Jake Burns, Conor to both Houses on 16 June (Cm 8083). Bingham, Andrew Burns, rh Mr Simon 131 Business without Debate11 JULY 2011 Business without Debate 132

Burrowes, Mr David Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mulholland, Greg Spencer, Mr Mark Burstow, Paul Heald, Oliver Mundell, rh David Stephenson, Andrew Burt, Lorely Heath, Mr David Munt, Tessa Stevenson, John Byles, Dan Heaton-Harris, Chris Murray, Sheryll Stewart, Iain Cairns, Alun Hemming, John Murrison, Dr Andrew Stewart, Rory Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hendry, Charles Neill, Robert Streeter, Mr Gary Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hinds, Damian Newmark, Mr Brooks Stride, Mel Carmichael, Neil Hoban, Mr Mark Nokes, Caroline Stunell, Andrew Chishti, Rehman Hollingbery, George Norman, Jesse Sturdy, Julian Clark, rh Greg Holloway, Mr Adam O’Brien, Mr Stephen Swales, Ian Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hopkins, Kris Ollerenshaw, Eric Swayne, Mr Desmond Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Howarth, Mr Gerald Paice, rh Mr James Swinson, Jo Coffey, Dr Thérèse Howell, John Parish, Neil Swire, rh Mr Hugo Collins, Damian Hughes, rh Simon Patel, Priti Syms, Mr Robert Colvile, Oliver Huhne, rh Chris Paterson, rh Mr Owen Thurso, John Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Penning, Mike Timpson, Mr Edward Crabb, Stephen Huppert, Dr Julian Penrose, John Tomlinson, Justin Crockart, Mike Hurd, Mr Nick Phillips, Stephen Tredinnick, David Crouch, Tracey Jackson, Mr Stewart Pickles, rh Mr Eric Truss, Elizabeth Davey, Mr Edward James, Margot Pincher, Christopher Tyrie, Mr Andrew Davies, David T. C. Javid, Sajid Poulter, Dr Daniel Uppal, Paul (Monmouth) Jenkin, Mr Bernard Prisk, Mr Mark Vaizey, Mr Edward Davies, Glyn Johnson, Gareth Pugh, John Vara, Mr Shailesh de Bois, Nick Johnson, Joseph Raab, Mr Dominic Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Dinenage, Caroline Jones, Andrew Randall, rh Mr John Walker, Mr Robin Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Jones, Mr David Rees-Mogg, Jacob Wallace, Mr Ben Doyle-Price, Jackie Jones, Mr Marcus Reid, Mr Alan Walter, Mr Robert Duddridge, James Kawczynski, Daniel Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Ward, Mr David Duncan, rh Mr Alan Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Robertson, Hugh Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Kirby, Simon Robertson, Mr Laurence Watkinson, Angela Ellis, Michael Laing, Mrs Eleanor Rogerson, Dan Weatherley, Mike Ellison, Jane Lamb, Norman Rudd, Amber Webb, Steve Ellwood, Mr Tobias Lancaster, Mark Ruffley, Mr David Wharton, James Elphicke, Charlie Latham, Pauline Russell, Bob Wheeler, Heather Evans, Graham Laws, rh Mr David Rutley, David White, Chris Evans, Jonathan Leadsom, Andrea Sanders, Mr Adrian Willetts, rh Mr David Evennett, Mr David Lee, Dr Phillip Sandys, Laura Williams, Mr Mark Fabricant, Michael Leech, Mr John Scott, Mr Lee Williams, Roger Fallon, Michael Lefroy, Jeremy Selous, Andrew Williams, Stephen Featherstone, Lynne Leslie, Charlotte Shapps, rh Grant Williamson, Gavin Field, Mr Mark Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Sharma, Alok Willott, Jenny Foster, rh Mr Don Lewis, Brandon Shelbrooke, Alec Wilson, Mr Rob Fox,rhDrLiam Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Simmonds, Mark Wright, Jeremy Francois, rh Mr Mark Lidington, rh Mr David Simpson, Mr Keith Wright, Simon Freer, Mike Lilley, rh Mr Peter Skidmore, Chris Yeo, Mr Tim Fullbrook, Lorraine Lloyd, Stephen Smith, Miss Chloe Young, rh Sir George Gale, Mr Roger Lord, Jonathan Smith, Henry Zahawi, Nadhim Garnier, Mr Edward Loughton, Tim Smith, Julian Garnier, Mark Luff, Peter Smith, Sir Robert Tellers for the Ayes: Gauke, Mr David Lumley, Karen Soames, Nicholas Mark Hunter and George, Andrew Macleod, Mary Soubry, Anna Bill Wiggin Gibb, Mr Nick Maude, rh Mr Francis Glen, John May, rh Mrs Theresa NOES Goodwill, Mr Robert Maynard, Paul Gove, rh Michael McIntosh, Miss Anne Abbott, Ms Diane Binley, Mr Brian Graham, Richard McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Abrahams, Debbie Blackman-Woods, Roberta Grant, Mrs Helen McPartland, Stephen Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Blears, rh Hazel Grayling, rh Chris Mensch, Louise Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Blenkinsop, Tom Green, Damian Menzies, Mark Alexander, Heidi Blomfield, Paul Greening, Justine Mercer, Patrick Ali, Rushanara Blunkett, rh Mr David Gummer, Ben Metcalfe, Stephen Ashworth, Jon Bone, Mr Peter Gyimah, Mr Sam Miller, Maria Bailey, Mr Adrian Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Hames, Duncan Milton, Anne Bain, Mr William Brennan, Kevin Hammond, rh Mr Philip Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Baker, Steve Brown, Lyn Hammond, Stephen Moore, rh Michael Balls, rh Ed Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Hancock, Matthew Mordaunt, Penny Banks, Gordon Brown, Mr Russell Hancock, Mr Mike Morgan, Nicky Barron, rh Mr Kevin Bryant, Chris Hands, Greg Morris, Anne Marie Beckett, rh Margaret Buck, Ms Karen Harper, Mr Mark Morris, David Begg, Dame Anne Burden, Richard Harrington, Richard Morris, James Benn, rh Hilary Campbell, Mr Alan Harris, Rebecca Mosley, Stephen Berger, Luciana Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hart, Simon Mowat, David Betts, Mr Clive Carswell, Mr Douglas 133 Business without Debate11 JULY 2011 Business without Debate 134

Cash, Mr William Goldsmith, Zac Marsden, Mr Gordon Ruddock, rh Joan Chapman, Mrs Jenny Goodman, Helen McCann, Mr Michael Sarwar, Anas Chope, Mr Christopher Gray, Mr James McCarthy, Kerry Seabeck, Alison Clappison, Mr James Greatrex, Tom McCartney, Karl Sheerman, Mr Barry Clark, Katy Green, Kate McDonagh, Siobhain Shepherd, Mr Richard Clarke, rh Mr Tom Greenwood, Lilian McDonnell, John Sheridan, Jim Coaker, Vernon Gwynne, Andrew McFadden, rh Mr Pat Shuker, Gavin Connarty, Michael Hain, rh Mr Peter McGovern, Alison Skinner, Mr Dennis Cooper, Rosie Hamilton, Mr David McGovern, Jim Slaughter, Mr Andy Cooper, rh Yvette Hamilton, Fabian McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Smith, rh Mr Andrew Crausby, Mr David Hanson, rh Mr David McKechin, Ann Smith, Angela Creagh, Mary Harman, rh Ms Harriet McKinnell, Catherine Smith, Henry Creasy, Stella Havard, Mr Dai Meacher, rh Mr Michael Smith, Nick Cruddas, Jon Healey, rh John Meale, Sir Alan Smith, Owen Cryer, John Henderson, Gordon Mearns, Ian Spellar, rh Mr John Cunningham, Alex Hendrick, Mark Michael, rh Alun Straw, rh Mr Jack Cunningham, Mr Jim Hepburn, Mr Stephen Miller, Andrew Stringer, Graham Cunningham, Tony Heyes, David Mills, Nigel Stuart, Ms Gisela Curran, Margaret Hillier, Meg Morden, Jessica Stuart, Mr Graham Dakin, Nic Hilling, Julie Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Danczuk, Simon Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Morris, Grahame M. Tami, Mark David, Mr Wayne Hoey, Kate (Easington) Tapsell, Sir Peter Davidson, Mr Ian Hood, Mr Jim Munn, Meg Thornberry, Emily Davies, Philip Hopkins, Kelvin Murphy, rh Paul Timms, rh Stephen Davis, rh Mr David Howarth, rh Mr George Murray, Ian Turner, Mr Andrew De Piero, Gloria Hunt, Tristram Nandy, Lisa Turner, Karl Denham, rh Mr John Irranca-Davies, Huw Nash, Pamela Twigg, Derek Dobbin, Jim James, Mrs Siân C. Nuttall, Mr David Twigg, Stephen Dobson, rh Frank Jamieson, Cathy O’Donnell, Fiona Umunna, Mr Chuka Docherty, Thomas Jarvis, Dan Offord, Mr Matthew Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Johnson, rh Alan Onwurah, Chi Vaz, Valerie Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Johnson, Diana Osborne, Sandra Vickers, Martin Doran, Mr Frank Jones, Graham Owen, Albert Walker, Mr Charles Dowd, Jim Jones, Helen Pearce, Teresa Watts, Mr Dave Doyle, Gemma Jones, Mr Kevan Percy, Andrew Weir, Mr Mike Dromey, Jack Jones, Susan Elan Perkins, Toby Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Dugher, Michael Jowell, rh Tessa Phillipson, Bridget Whitehead, Dr Alan Eagle, Maria Joyce, Eric Pound, Stephen Whittingdale, Mr John Edwards, Jonathan Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Wicks, rh Malcolm Efford, Clive Kelly, Chris Reckless, Mark Williams, Hywel Elliott, Julie Kendall, Liz Redwood, rh Mr John Williamson, Chris Ellman, Mrs Louise Lavery, Ian Reed, Mr Jamie Winnick, Mr David Engel, Natascha Lazarowicz, Mark Reevell, Simon Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Evans, Chris Leigh, Mr Edward Reeves, Rachel Wishart, Pete Farrelly, Paul Leslie, Chris Reynolds, Emma Wood, Mike Field, rh Mr Frank Lewis, Mr Ivan Reynolds, Jonathan Woodcock, John Fitzpatrick, Jim Lewis, Dr Julian Riordan, Mrs Linda Wright, David Flello, Robert Lloyd, Tony Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Wright, Mr Iain Flynn, Paul Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Rotheram, Steve Fovargue, Yvonne Long, Naomi Roy, Mr Frank Tellers for the Noes: Francis, Dr Hywel Love, Mr Andrew Roy, Lindsay Phil Wilson and Gapes, Mike Lucas, Ian Ruane, Chris Gregg McClymont Gilmore, Sheila MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Glass, Pat Mahmood, Shabana Question accordingly agreed to. Glindon, Mrs Mary Main, Mrs Anne Goggins, rh Paul Mann, John 135 11 JULY 2011 Carnforth Station 136

Carnforth Station I recently spoke to Chris Gibb from Virgin Trains about this subject, and happily he agreed that Carnforth Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House is in a strong position to be a rail-ride hub. Not only do do now adjourn.—(Mr Vara.) we have the space and direct and fast access to the Lake district via the M6; we have a comprehensive road Mr Speaker: In calling Mr David Morris, I appeal to network in the area. Virgin was clear that anything that Members leaving the Chamber to do so quickly and pushed more lakeland tourism into the west coast main quietly, so that the hon. Gentleman can be courteously line would get its support, and now we have agreed an heard. action plan under which Virgin will agree to stop trains there if it is satisfied with Carnforth. We also have the 10.24 pm solid support of councillor Tim Ashton, the head of transport at Lancashire county council, who was good David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Con): enough to accompany me to the last meeting we had Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is privilege to speak this with the Department. evening on a subject that is close not only to my heart, It is not only tourists who would benefit from these but to the hearts of my constituents. Many in the House platforms being rebuilt. At the moment, it is hard to would not know the relevance of Carnforth station travel between the Furness peninsula and Kendal. It other than knowing that it was the site for the filming of would be an easy and short journey if passengers could “Brief Encounter”. Since then, however, the station has change at Carnforth and it would enable ease of access unfortunately fallen into disrepair, and during the Beeching to the lakes for those on the east coast. Enabling commuters era, all the trains were brought to Carnforth to be to move around our area by public transport would scrapped. Today, I am imploring the Minister to take on bring huge economic and environmental benefits to board my remarks because Carnforth station is the north Lancashire and the south lakes. When the now centre of the railway universe in this country. Everything Minister of State, Department for Transport, my right passes through it from Edinburgh to London but nothing hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers) stops there. visited Carnforth during the election, the train stopped I thank the Minister for being here to listen and in the station for 10 minutes. That was my cue to get her respond to this important debate. I must stress that I to Lancaster. If anybody has ever driven around Lancaster, speak for the whole community of Carnforth. That they will know that it is the biggest car park in Europe. I community has been built up from a railway town. had to park the car up, transport myself through the Years ago the nearest major town was Warton, where streets and put her on the train that had stopped at the Washingtons were from, but then Carnforth developed Carnforth half an hour before. because it was a railway town. Eleven years ago, a friend With an expanding population and given the space of mine, Peter Yates MBE, whom I am pleased to say is that it needs to grow, it seems logical to give Carnforth here today, brought the community together and raised the chance to live up to its potential. This Government £1.4 million to rebuild this historic station not just for have already taken important steps to boost connectivity the sake of the station, the community, the “Brief in our area. They have started the first serious negotiations Encounter” café and the iconic clock—if anybody goes on open access to the west coast with Alliance Rail. For to Carnforth, they will see just what an amazing place those right hon. and hon. Members who are not familiar the station is—but so that the station can be used as a with the proposal, Alliance plans to run services in railway station once again. competition with Virgin using free space in the timetable. Although we would not have used the phrase at the Those services would use brand-new hybrid trains, which time, this was a big society project—before the phrase are good for the environment and would enhance the was even coined. The community is united in asking for whole network. Because the services would go to Barrow help for the next step in reopening the west coast main rather than Glasgow, they could stop at the existing line and the trans-Pennine platforms. However, we are platforms at Carnforth and potentially provide a direct in a Catch-22 situation. The trans-Pennine and west London service, but that welcome new service would be coast main line trains cannot stop at Carnforth because even better with our new platforms. The proposal is there are no platforms there—it is a chicken and egg very welcome, and I think I speak for everyone in my situation. Carnforth was not even included in the route constituency, and certainly for the community in Carnforth, utilisation strategies report to any great extent because when I say that I hope the negotiations will lead to the trains could not stop there, yet everything goes Alliance Rail becoming a reality. through it. We cannot put the platforms in, however, The Government, despite opposition, are pushing until the rail operators agree to stop there. ahead with High Speed 2. Once HS2 is built, we will be As a community, therefore, the people of Carnforth able to stop west coast trains at many more stations. We have suggested that we take the bull by the horns and want Carnforth to be one of the stations that benefits, request that we start negotiations with the Department and with the platforms already in place we would be a for Transport and Network Rail to start rebuilding the prime location. But we could also offer lots in return, platforms. We need to cut through this Catch-22 situation, enabling west coast passengers to enjoy all the benefits which is nobody’s fault but highly damaging to the of rail ride that I talked about earlier. This would be a whole community. We envisage a future in which trains real integrated transport system whose benefits would from north, south, east and west will use Carnforth as a far outstrip the cost of the platforms. hub for north Lancashire and the south lakes. With all On the subject of cost, the £1.4 million previously the will in the world, Oxenholme is, with respect, too raised by my friend Peter was not from Department for small to be the hub. We have tried it for many years but Transport rail budgets; it was raised through one-off it has not worked. The Lake district is full of cars grants and local fundraising. If we get permission to because existing rail services cannot cope with the capacity. build the new platforms, I would like to stress that we 137 Carnforth Station11 JULY 2011 Carnforth Station 138 will not come with a begging bowl to either the Department issued a consultation on the specification for the new or Network Rail. We will raise our own funds for our inter-city west coast franchise, which is due to commence project. That is unheard of, but we can do it. We have in 2012 and will replace the current Virgin Trains rail already rebuilt the station from a shell, and we can franchise. The current franchise operates more than 300 re-lay the platforms. In a time of difficulty, it is only fair train services a day, delivering more than 26 million that we pay our way, and we are doing that, as people in passenger journeys and 3.2 billion passenger miles a Carnforth have always done. year, providing train services along the west coast main Today, I have tried to sketch out in the simplest detail line from Euston to Glasgow in Scotland. It serves the why this complex proposal would have huge benefits for key cities of Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, our region. Clearly, I have left out certain details because Edinburgh and Glasgow, and north Wales. Passenger of time and complexity, and as this is the last speech of growth has shown a continuous increase since 2003. the day, I am sure that we would all like to go home. The effects of the volcanic ash clouds in 2010 and However, this is very important for the whole community earlier this year and the associated aviation disruption in Carnforth, including the Railway Trust. Peter Yates have contributed to a considerable modal shift from air has prepared an excellent report that I am happy to to rail—something that the Government very much supply to anyone who requests it. We have everything in welcome for climate change reasons. The objectives for place to be a real transport hub—except the platforms. the new franchise set out in January therefore include We are committed as a community to put them in; we exploiting the full potential of the route and maximising just need Government support. capacity. I know that this is a strange request, but let us look at The Government believe that the former system of the benefits. We are not going to ask for any Government franchising had become too prescriptive at the point of money. We have a proven track in our community bidding and lacked flexibility once operational. A new projects of rebuilding and the whole community is franchising system has been devised to facilitate and behind the proposal. This is the big society in its highest encourage significant private investment, and is designed form. We want to integrate with an infrastructure network to deliver important benefits for passengers. The that has been serving our country for more than 100 years, Government also believe that longer franchises are necessary and I would like to ask for formal negotiations to begin, to encourage such investment, build successful long-term so that we can talk to everyone concerned about working relationships with Network Rail, focus franchises re-establishing the platforms for the benefit of the whole more strongly on the quality of outcomes for passengers community of Carnforth. and deliver the best possible value for money for the taxpayer in a highly constrained public spending 10.33 pm environment. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Where does all that fit in with the Carnforth station (Norman Baker): I congratulate my hon. Friend the platform request? Let me turn to the local aspirations Member for Morecambe and Lunesdale (David Morris) for the station once again to become a stop on long-distance on securing this timely debate on the important subject services. It is important to emphasise that both the of platforms at Carnforth station, and on enabling us to current Virgin Trains franchise and the new inter-city have this brief encounter tonight. He has set out with west coast franchise have to accommodate many different great clarity the arguments in favour of reinstating the markets. A key issue in any proper consideration of the fast-line platforms at the station, and his passion and matter is whether a proposal to stop London train commitment cannot be doubted. I also pay tribute to services at reinstated platforms at Carnforth would the work carried out by local people in restoring the work operationally and commercially. Initial analysis station to its former glory. by the Department suggests that a call at Carnforth would require a stop at another station to be deleted. In 1945, David Lean filmed his romantic classic “Brief Therefore, a potential gain at Carnforth would result in Encounter”, starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, a disbenefit to passengers from other stations on the at Carnforth station. Many will remember the key role route. Obviously that would require some hard and that the station played in the film. The image of the careful decision making. station clock remains resonant for many filmgoers, as my hon. Friend mentioned. However, a long period of decline set in, following the Beeching era. By the early David Morris: I should point out that Virgin trains 1990s, the once splendid station had fallen into disrepair. stop in Carnforth for 20 minutes in the morning and The Carnforth Station and Railway Trust Company evening, but they do not let passengers on. I spoke to Ltd was formed as a local initiative in November 1996 Chris Gibb about this subject less than 12 months ago, to restore the derelict buildings. A £1.5 million project and he said that if we had the platforms, those trains was commenced in late 2000 in co-operation with Railtrack. could take passengers on. The issue is something to do After three years work, the Brief Encounter refreshment with the schedule for cleaning the trains. room and visitor centre was opened on 17 October 2003. That represented a remarkable achievement by local Norman Baker: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for people in the Carnforth area, which I commend. that information, which I was not aware of. I will As my hon. Friend explained, local ambitions at investigate that to see whether it represents a way forward. Carnforth now focus on the reinstatement of the mainline My point, however, is that there is a potential trade-off platforms at Carnforth station, which closed in 1970. between extra stops on the service and the speed of the However, it would not be possible to discuss the journey between two key points where the main market reinstatement of the mainline platforms without referring is. In an ideal world, we would obviously like to meet to the planned developments for the inter-city rail services both requirements—the local aspirations that exist, as on the west coast main line. In January, the Government well as the need to get longer-distance traffic transferred 139 Carnforth Station11 JULY 2011 Carnforth Station 140

[Norman Baker] platforms at Carnforth would be to create new direct journey opportunities between Carnforth and stations from air to rail—and journey times are key to delivering to the north—including Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle that. However, I will certainly look at his point, which is and other northern destinations into Scotland. valid. As can be seen from what I have said today, nobody It is fair to say that the west coast main line is heavily should underestimate the fact that reinstating the fast-line used in the Carnforth area, with up to three long-distance platforms at Carnforth station would involve more than services an hour between London, Birmingham or some hard decision making. It is not simply a question Manchester and Glasgow or Edinburgh, plus regular of finding the money for the platforms, although I pay freight services. Those trains are already popular and tribute to the tremendous spirit that my hon. Friend well loaded. Capacity problems already exist, and growth and his constituents are demonstrating in their willingness in demand continues. Indeed, it is interesting to note and determination to try to secure their reinstatement. that, even in the recession, we have seen buoyant markets Local funding is, of course, important for platform for rail that have continued to expand at a time when reinstatement, but it does not necessarily determine other forms of transport have not seen the same response. whether a future franchise would require trains to stop Despite the £8.8 billion upgrade, the west coast main there. It is certainly a way forward and clear willingness line is already suffering some congestion when it comes has been shown to secure money for that particular end. to access for freight services and local services, so we Indeed, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, local have to ensure that the line is used to best capacity. people have already demonstrated what they can achieve Network Rail’s route utilisation strategy for the west with the improvements already made to Carnforth station. coast main line was published on 1 July. It corroborates Such local funding, if enough could be found to the heavy usage of the line and the resulting capacity cover the potentially substantial costs, would reduce the issues, but as my hon. Friend said, it did not consider initial financial burden. However, we would also have to the reinstatement of the platforms at Carnforth. The ensure that the ongoing additional maintenance and Department’s analysis is that journey times would be renewal costs were covered. The next step for those in increased by around five minutes to accommodate calls favour of reinstating the fast-line platforms at Carnforth at reinstated platforms at Carnforth. That has to be would therefore be to identify how this reinstatement borne in mind and weighed against the significant journey could be delivered and, indeed, funded in the longer savings and more frequent services that have resulted term in respect of those additional maintenance and from the upgrade to the west coast main line. London renewal costs. The Government believe that the local to Glasgow is now 30 minutes quicker than it was authority would also have an important role to play and before the changes, with a very competitive four hour we would wish to see whether it supported such a move and 50 minute journey time, while trains from Manchester as part of its transport strategy. Equally, it would be airport and Birmingham to Glasgow and Edinburgh vital that there was clear support from a train operating are now around 20 to 30 minutes faster. company for such a move. These enhancements have delivered significant revenue In conclusion, the Government welcome local initiatives growth since December 2008 and increased rail’s share to improve rail services as fitting their wider localism of the total travel market on the routes served by the agenda. The Department is always very happy to provide west coast main line. These are markets rail serves well advice and guidance, but we think that decisions like and there are strong calls for further journey time this are best made locally. At the end of this debate, let reductions, as my hon. Friend will recognise. All these me say to my hon. Friend that I recognise and sympathise and a number of other issues mean that stopping long- with the case he has put forward. There are significant distance London services at Carnforth would probably problems, which I have identified—stopping services involve a number of trade-offs that are less straightforward and the penalty in journey times—but I will go back to than might first seem to be the case. As I said, however, my officials and raise with them one more time the I will investigate the specific point that my hon. Friend points that he has raised tonight to see if there is any raised with me and write to him about it subsequently. way we can make any progress, without me making any Similar considerations apply to the other train services commitments from the Dispatch Box tonight. I will that operate on the west coast main line, which might write to him about both the general and specific points also be candidates for additional stops at reinstated he has raised. platforms, such as the services currently originating in Question put and agreed to. Birmingham and Manchester. It is already possible to travel direct between Carnforth and other stations to the south. This seems to imply that the main benefit of 10.43 pm stopping non-London services at reinstated main line House adjourned. 1WS Written Ministerial Statements11 JULY 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 2WS

that UKTI will continue significantly to increase the Written Ministerial positive impact of its inward investment work on the UK economy over the next several years. Statements I am arranging for a copy of the UK Inward Investment 2010/11 Report by UK Trade & Investment to be placed Monday 11 July 2011 in the Library of the House.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT S4C (Funding) UK Inward Investment Report

The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): On 14 October 2010, Skills (Vince Cable): With my right hon. Friend the as part of the cross-Government drive to reduce the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth number and cost of public bodies and to improve their Affairs, I am pleased to announce that UK Trade & accountability, the Government announced their proposal Investment today launched the UK Inward Investment to reform the funding mechanism for S4C by removing 2010/11 Report, giving the national figures for foreign the link with the retail price index (RPI), as set out in direct investment over the financial year to March 2011. section 61 of the Broadcasting Act 1990. The reform is Investment matters. It is a key priority if we are to necessary because guaranteed, inflation-proof funding secure the economic growth that will deliver future from the Government is untenable in the current fiscal prosperity. The UK’s ability to attract and retain inward climate, but this does not detract from the Government’s investment is at the heart of the Government’s economic firm commitment to secure the future of Welsh language recovery plans. These figures demonstrate how important broadcasting. investment is in stimulating growth and creating jobs. It is now the Government’s intention to table an In a year when inward investment is recovering from amendment after Second Reading of the Public Bodies global uncertainty the UK has recorded a strong Bill which will add the relevant provision for removing performance, attracting foreign investment from 54 countries the RPI/funding link to the face of the Bill, instead of between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011. in schedule 4, as at present. The decision to reduce During the year ending March 2011, 1,434 investment payments to S4C was taken as part of the comprehensive projects landed in the UK. This is one of the highest spending review in line with efforts to reduce the fiscal figures ever recorded, although it is down on the previous deficit as early as possible. It predated the requirement year. The reduction is largely due to the continuing to consult on orders which was added to the Public decline in mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures in a Bodies Bill at Committee Stage in the House of Lords. still difficult global marketplace. However, the implication is that the Government would These foreign direct investment projects created and not be able to consult meaningfully in relation to the safeguarded an estimated 94,598 jobs. This means that changes to funding arrangements as would have been over 1,800 jobs were created or safeguarded every week required by clause 10 of the Bill. through inward investment in this country. This is a This amendment does not impact on the Government’s slight (0.3%) increase on the previous year. Of the total, commitment to consult publicly on changes to the an estimated 41,936 were newly created jobs and 52,662 governance arrangements to S4C. It is simply a change were safeguarded jobs. to the proposed legislative mechanism by which funding In these results, the existing investor base in the UK changes will be made. Indeed, it gives Parliament the has provided a vote of confidence in the UK. Two opportunity to debate the change as part of the passage thirds of the new jobs—over 27,000—were generated of primary legislation. This amendment will also give by existing investors in the UK. This is a rise of 60% on greater clarity and assurance on the Government’s the previous year. commitment to S4C in the long term. The new clause The UK has to earn its standing in the world, not in will for the first time set in statute a requirement that isolation but with the whole of Government working S4C receives sufficient funding for it to be able to fulfil together to improve further the UK’s world-leading its statutory, and vitally important, role as an independent business environment and our offer to international Welsh language broadcaster. business. As S4C remains listed in schedule 3 of the Bill, UK Trade & Investment is the Government Department which provides for the power to modify constitutional responsible for supporting international business, working arrangements, there is still the requirement under closely with the Department for Business, Innovation clause 10 of the Bill to consult on the order that will and Skills, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and change the broadcaster’s governance arrangements. The other public and private sector partners. In a year when Government will make an announcement about this competition for internationally mobile foreign direct consultation in due course. In the interim, discussions investment is more fierce than ever, UK Trade & Investment with S4C and the BBC Trust on the details of the is to be congratulated on significantly assisting a record partnership model are ongoing, and progress is encouraging number of foreign direct investment projects, (at 849, following the appointment of the new chair of S4C. more than half of the total projects locating in the UK). I should like to reiterate that there is no change to the UKTI’s inward investment successes have increased Government’s unerring commitment to a strong future very substantially in both quantity and quality over the for Welsh language programming and to S4C as an last three years. I and my right hon. Friend are determined independent service. The Government are committed to 3WS Written Ministerial Statements11 JULY 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 4WS ensuring that S4C will be funded at a level sufficient to KEY PRIORITY 6- ensure that it can fulfil its statutory remit and we intend To maintain MDP and MGS operational and professional to put this expectation on the statute book so that it is a standards legal requirement. Furthermore, the Government have To have met and maintained 100% of MDP and also committed to a review of S4C’s strategy and finances MGS accreditation and compliance for: before the end of the comprehensive spending review period, in order to inform future funding levels for S4C a. MDPNet accreditation; and to ensure that the new partnership with the BBC b. NPIA Firearms Training Licence; represents the best model for the long-term stability and c. MDP Level 2 Investigation Programme; growth of S4C. d. ACPO accreditation for Police Dog Training Instructors; e. Information Assurance Maturity Model Level 3; f. National Crime Recording Standards/Scottish Crime Recording Standards; DEFENCE g. National Standard for Incident Recording; h. Diversity through incorporation into the MOD’s new Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency Equality Act framework. External MGS accreditations for: a. The National Security Industry Gold Standard; The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence b. Security Industry Authority Standard. (Mr Andrew Robathan): Key priorities for 2011-12 have KEY PRIORITY 7 been set for the chief constable/chief executive of the To ensure that the agency transition programme is on Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency track (MDPGA). These priorities are linked to the delivery of a. To have achieved 100% of agreed agency transition programme the agency’s key outputs of providing an effective policing milestones for 2011-12. and guarding service. In brief, the eight key priorities b. To have achieved a “Your Say” engagement score that are: exceeds that of the central top level budget parent unit. KEY PRIORITY 1 KEY PRIORITY 8 To support the secure and uninterrupted operation of the To ensure that the MPDGA delivers on budget UK’s nuclear deterrent To deliver specified outputs within 1% of authorised control total. a. To retain substantial assurance from the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Strategic Weapons Project Team (SWPT) and DE&S Principal Security Adviser (PSyA) quality assurance Service Complaints Commissioner inspection process. b. To have delivered at least 98% of Ministry of Defence The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Police (MDP) and Ministry of Defence Guarding Service (Mr Andrew Robathan): I am pleased to place in the (MGS) agreed UK customer tasks at nuclear sites. Library of the House the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s KEY PRIORITY 2 formal response to the Service Complaints Commissioner To support the defence main effort in Afghanistan (SCC)’s third annual report on the fairness, effectiveness a. To have achieved 100% of Her Majesty’s Government/Ministry and efficiency of the service complaints system. of Defence (MOD) approved requirements for Afghanistan The MOD and the services accept the SCC’s four new national police capacity building. three-year goals, which are challenging but reasonable. b. To have 100% of all Defence community police officers The formal response sets out how we propose to address (DCPO) positions occupied. the SCC’s 20 new recommendations, including as part c. To assist the MOD in the detection and recovery of of the work that we are currently doing to review the military materiel theft. complaints process as a whole. KEY PRIORITY 3 Since the complaints process was introduced in January To ensure the protection of Defence people, assets, information 2008, the MOD and the services have made considerable and estate improvements to their management of complaints, drawing a. To have delivered at least 95% of MDP and MGS agreed on the SCC’s valuable input as well as on lessons UK customer tasks at non-nuclear sites including MOD learned from their own experience of operating the trading funds. system. While recognising that changes should be given b. To assist the MOD in preventing and detecting fraud and the opportunity to bear fruit, we will maintain and corruption, and any subsequent recovery of losses. build on the progress made to date to deliver a process c. To assist the MOD in the investigation of security and that is as fair, effective and efficient as possible. data loss. KEY PRIORITY 4 FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE To provide a response to Defence major incidents a. To have passed the annual Nuclear Guard Force assessment. Republic of South Sudan b. To provide a police operational and major incident surge capability that meets the Department’s statement of requirement. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth c. To achieve the MDP public order standard. Affairs (Mr William Hague): The Republic of South KEY PRIORITY 5 Sudan became an independent sovereign state on Saturday To meet the security requirements of all non-MOD repayment 9 July. Both it, and the country from which it is seceding, customers the Republic of Sudan, face many challenges ahead. To have delivered 100% of MDP and MGS agreed UK South Sudan’s independence comes as part of a negotiated customer tasks at non-MOD payment sites. settlement which brought an end to long years of civil 5WS Written Ministerial Statements11 JULY 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 6WS war. This is an African solution to an African problem, JUSTICE and shows how conflict can be resolved through negotiation. We should recall that South Sudan’s independence comes Freedom of Information Act 2000 as a result of a widely acclaimed referendum in January 2011 where almost 99% of those voting opted for secession. The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice We welcome the birth of this new nation. The Prime (Mr Kenneth Clarke): I have today published an updated Minister was pleased to announce that the UK was policy on the use of the executive override under the among the first to recognise the Republic of South Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“the veto”) as it Sudan on 9 July. I attended the independence relates to information that engages the principle of ceremony on 9 July along with many heads of state, the collective responsibility under section 35(1) of the Freedom Secretary-General of the United Nations, and high-level of Information Act. representatives of many countries and international The policy sets out the Government’s view that the agencies. This was an historic moment for Africa. We veto should only be considered in exceptional circumstances look forward to strengthening our relationship with the and following the provision of a collective view by the Republic of South Sudan, and helping it on the path Cabinet—a commitment which is consistent with the towards stability, good governance and prosperity. I undertakings made to this House by the previous commend the Republic of Sudan for not only accepting Administration during the passage of the Freedom of the result of the referendum but also being the first to Information Bill. The policy has been updated to set recognise its new neighbour. out who would fulfil the role of “accountable person” However, I am concerned that, since January we have for papers of this or previous Administrations. seen violations of the comprehensive peace agreement, Copies of the updated policy have been placed in the and outbreaks of violence in Southern Kordofan and Libraries of both Houses, the Vote Office and the Abyei and elsewhere, and negotiations have failed to Printed Paper Office. It will also be published online, at resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries, www.justice.gov.uk. despite the efforts of the AU-led mediation and the support of the international community. We continue to urge both countries to display the necessary leadership TRANSPORT and spirit of compromise to reach a negotiated settlement The Olympic Route Network to all outstanding issues as soon as possible, so that their citizens may enjoy the peace, stability and prosperity they deserve. The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Mrs Theresa Villiers): The Olympic Route Network Designation (Amendment) Order 2011 has today been HEALTH laid before Parliament. The order comes into force on 8 August. Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal This order, made by the Olympic Delivery Authority following a three-month public consultation, makes a number of changes to the roads originally designated in The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): a June 2009 order as forming the Olympic route network I am pleased to be able to inform the House that Her (ORN). The ORN is a set of roads that will be used Majesty the Queen has graciously approved a proposal during the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic games for the issue of a Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal to provide safe and reliable transport for athletes, officials, (QAM) to recognise distinguished service by the ambulance the media and marketing partners (together the “games service. I am laying before Parliament a Command family”) between sporting and non-sporting venues. Paper, Cm 8140, instituting the QAM. The amendments set out in the order comprise both Further information on the criteria for eligibility, additions to and removals from the designated roads, along with details on how to nominate individuals for and add a net 1.3% to the length of the ORN. The the medal, has been placed in the Library. changes reflect the work carried out by the ODA and its Copies of all documents are available to hon. Members delivery partners since the initial designation on the from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from the plans for implementing the ORN and for the games Printed Paper Office. They are also available at: more widely—particularly on the movement of vehicles www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/urgentandemergency care/ carrying members of the games family on the approaches DH_113435. to the competition venues. The changes aim to secure more effectively safe and reliable transport for the games family and reduce the impacts of ORN operations on HOME DEPARTMENT normal business. They reflect ODA’s careful consideration of the 43 responses received to the consultation exercise on proposed changes carried out last year. Security Industry Authority Staging the games presents a significant challenge to our transport systems. The ORN remains a key part of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the our plans to ensure successful transport at the games, Home Department (Lynne Featherstone): I am pleased for those participating, for spectators, and for those to announce that the annual report 2010-11 and accounts going about their normal business. We remain committed of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will be laid to implementing temporary, tailored and proportionate before Parliament and published today. measures on the ORN that meet the games’ needs while Copies of the report will be available in the Vote minimising the impacts on others. Extensive local Office. engagement by the ODA and Transport for London on 7WS Written Ministerial Statements11 JULY 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 8WS the detailed plans for implementing the ORN, taking The Sayce review makes a range of important account of the changes set out in this order, is now recommendations about how to turn this aspiration under way. into reality. Liz Sayce has put forward a new direction A full report on the ODA’s consultation exercise and for specialist disability employment services that would maps showing the revised ORN will be available on the see Access to Work improved and expanded, using ODA’s website at www.london2012.com/orn. The ODA funding released from reform of Remploy and residential will also be writing to all respondents to the consultation training. Over time, the Sayce review recommends moving exercise to inform them that the order has been laid. towards a single specialist disability employment programme built on the Access to Work model, that would sit Search and Rescue Interim Contract alongside and complement the services provided through the Work programme. The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip If implemented in full, the Sayce recommendations Hammond): On 8 February I informed the House that, would have a significant impact on some of the owing to irregularities in the bidding process, the organisations that currently deliver employment services Government had concluded that it was not appropriate to disabled people, particularly Remploy and residential to proceed with the previously planned joint MOD/DFT training colleges. Before taking decisions in these areas, PFI procurement for future search and rescue capability. we are seeking views through a public consultation. The investigation into the circumstances that led to Remploy is now in year four of a five-year modernisation the cancellation of that procurement is ongoing. Work plan. In autumn 2010, the Government confirmed that is also under way to identify the optimum procurement the modernisation budget over the five-year plan remained options for the long-term provision of search and rescue unchanged, at £555 million with an additional £111 million helicopter capability for the UK. However, as the existing to meet the additional costs of restructuring. However, Maritime and Coastguard Agency search and rescue in spite of this significant investment, Remploy has not helicopter contract that provides services at Portland, met the majority of its modernisation plan targets, Lee on Solent, Shetland and the Isle of Lewis is set to which have proved to be unrealistic. Liz Sayce found a expire, I wish to inform the House of my plans to total consensus among disabled people’s organisations ensure that search and rescue helicopter services from and charities that the Remploy factories were not the these locations continue uninterrupted until new long-term model for the 21st century. arrangements are in place. I am therefore attracted by the new model for Remploy To ensure the continuity of services from these locations, set out in the Sayce review. This model would see the Department for Transport will shortly run a competition Remploy leaving public sector ownership, with organisations to procure an interim service for a period of up to five and employees themselves being given the opportunity years. This contract will be similar to the arrangements to create new businesses or acquire existing businesses, that are currently in place for these bases and are where viable. Where businesses were not viable, and working well. The contract will be open to all interested could not continue, employees would receive a bidders able to offer a service that fully meets our comprehensive package of support to find alternative requirements and ensures the safety of the public and employment. Before taking decisions about the future seafarers. for Remploy, I am inviting views on these specific These arrangements will ensure that search and rescue recommendations as part of the public consultation. helicopter services are maintained while the range of In relation to residential training, I welcome the options in relation to the long-term future provision of recognition in the Sayce review of the unique and very such services are being fully considered. The Royal Air valuable function which the colleges perform in supporting Force and Royal Navy will continue to provide coverage disabled people to achieve qualifications and adapt to from their search and rescue bases as at present, while I disability. Through consultation, I am seeking views consider the options for the long-term provision of about whether we should adopt the Sayce recommendation search and rescue helicopter capability. that this provision should no longer be funded through I will inform the House later in the year of the direct employment programme spending and that residential Government’s intentions for the longer term. The training colleges should be supported to seek a wider procurement strategy we adopt for the longer term will range of funding sources. We would not want to lose seek to ensure that the Ministry of Defence is able to the expertise the colleges provide and so we are also complete its previously announced intention to withdraw seeking views about how any transition could best be its Sea Kings from service in 2016. managed. The Sayce review sets out how Access to Work could WORK AND PENSIONS be improved and expanded. I agree that Access to Work has the potential to help more disabled people and to be Disability Employment Support delivered more effectively. However, a large increase in customer numbers cannot be achieved without additional The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work funding. Decisions about the future strategy for Access and Pensions (Maria Miller): Following the publication to Work will therefore need to be taken in the context of on 9 June of Liz Sayce’s independent review of specialist the responses to the consultation. I have already confirmed disability employment programmes, I will today publish that the budget for specialist disability employment the Government’s response, and a consultation on a programmes is protected over the current spending number of the specific recommendations. review period and that any resources released from At the time of publication, I welcomed the central reforms, after investing in support to help those people theme of the review, that resources should be directed and organisations affected through the transition, would towards disabled people themselves, giving them maximum be used to improve services and help more disabled choice and control over the services they receive. people enter and remain in employment. 9WS Written Ministerial Statements11 JULY 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 10WS

I have already accepted the recommendation to form The consultation runs to 17 October, and I encourage a cross-Government ministerial group to oversee a new responses to the consultation from disabled people, strategy for disability employment, and the group has organisations of and for disabled people, employment now been established. service providers and all those who have an interest in I will work with disabled people and their organisations this important topic. to explore the recommendations in the Sayce review.

1P Petitions11 JULY 2011 Petitions 2P

With regard to the residents of West Cornwall, the Petition Isles of Scilly and St Ives and others’ specific concerns, the Health and Social Care Bill does provide the statutory Monday 11 July 2011 basis for the establishment of GP-led clinical commissioning groups (called consortia in the Bill as currently drafted). These commissioning groups will be part of the NHS, OBSERVATIONS which remains a comprehensive health service, free at the point of use. Through GP commissioning, GPs will be able to use healthcare resources to transform the quality of care HEALTH and health outcomes for patients. This builds on the crucial role that GPs play in co-ordinating patient care NHS (Cornwall) and committing NHS resources through daily clinical decisions. The Petition of residents of West Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and St Ives, and others, We do not wish to be unduly prescriptive about the size of clinical commissioning groups. There have been Declares their opposition to the Health and Social widespread variations in the size and population coverage Care Bill currently before Parliament as it will take of PCTs, and there is no evidence to suggest a single away their single Cornwall National Health Service and “right” size. It is important that solutions develop from replace it with consortia led by GPs. Further, the Bill the bottom up and are not imposed from above. Moreover, will allow the increased involvement of profit-led companies clinical commissioning groups will have the freedom to in our health service. make commissioning decisions and they may choose to The Petitioners therefore request that the House of act collectively, for instance by adopting a lead commissioner Commons rejects the Health and Social Care Bill model to negotiate and monitor contacts with large hospital trusts or with urgent care providers. And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Andrew This is not about privatising the NHS. The NHS is George, Official Report, 8 June 2011; Vol. 529, c. 246.] built on the principle that it is free at the point of use for [P000926] everyone based on need, not ability to pay. This will not change. The NHS has always benefited from a mixed Observations from the Secretary for State for Health: economy of providers and the private and voluntary The issue referred to relates to the Health and Social sectors perform an important role in service delivery Care Bill, which was partially recommitted to the Public and will continue to do so. Competition in the NHS Bill Committee on 14 June. helps to improve quality and efficiency by allowing Ministers believe that the NHS is a great institution, people to choose the provider that they wish from a list but that it could be still better. The Government plans of accredited providers: as the patient chooses the provider seek to put clinicians at the heart of planning services to for their care but does not pay for it directly, price plays improve the care for their patients—there is a body of no part in their decision. However, it will be in providers’ evidence both from this country and internationally interests to maintain and improve the quality of their about the importance of involving clinicians in services to attract patients. To avoid any doubt about commissioning decisions and this is what our proposals this, we will make it illegal for current or future Ministers, are built upon. Front-line clinicians will be empowered the NHS Commissioning Board or Monitor, to attempt to be the leaders of a more autonomous NHS, with to increase or maintain the market share of the private increased accountability to their local populations. sector over the NHS, or vice versa.

1W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 2W Written Answers to Suicide Act 1961: Prosecutions Mr Bain: To ask the Attorney-General what Questions discussions he has had with the Director of Public Prosecutions on the operation of the public interest factors tending (a) in favour of and (b) against Monday 11 July 2011 prosecution under the Suicide Act 1961. [64809]

The Solicitor-General: The Attorney-General and I have not had any discussions with the Director of ATTORNEY-GENERAL Public Prosecutions (DPP) on these matters. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) takes decisions Contempt of Court: Internet on the public interest in cases of assisted suicide in accordance with the factors set out in the Code for Mr Offord: To ask the Attorney-General what steps Crown Prosecutors (the Code) and the Policy for he will be taking to prevent the necessity of contempt Prosecutors in respect of cases of Encouraging or Assisting of court cases being brought as a result of the use of Suicide, published on 25 February 2010. social media networks. [65280]

The Solicitor-General: As guardians of the public WOMEN AND EQUALITIES interest, the Law Officers bring contempt of court proceedings when appropriate to do so. It is for the trial Departmental Freedom of Information court judge to warn parties and the public not to publish prejudicial reports and, when appropriate, to Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for Women and impose reporting restrictions. Juries, in particular, are Equalities how many requests under the provisions of warned repeatedly by the court not to use the internet to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the Government research cases in which they are involved. Equalities Office received from (a) hon. Members from each political party and (b) members of the public in Departmental Responsibilities each year since the Act’s entry into force. [63576]

Chris Ruane: To ask the Attorney-General on how Lynne Featherstone: Since its creation in October many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. 2007, Government Equalities Office records indicate it Member of each political party has been refused by received requests under the Freedom of Information (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) his Act as follows: Department on behalf of a Minister since May 2010. Number [64435] 2007 0 The Solicitor-General: Where appropriate, the Law 2008 10 Officers facilitate requests with hon. Members from all 2009 67 political parties. The Law Officers have occasionally to 2010 110 decline a meeting where they are asked to intervene in 2011 (January-June) 35 an individual case or provide legal advice to Members. Records of such requests are not maintained by the Details of each requester can be located only by Department and the information requested could be searching each individual case, and could be obtained obtained only at a disproportionate cost. only at disproportionate cost. Equalities and Human Rights Commission: Finance Sexual Offences: Victim Support Schemes John McDonnell: To ask the Minister for Women and Jessica Morden: To ask the Attorney-General what Equalities how many contracts the Equalities and Human steps he is taking to monitor the effects of spending Rights Commission has to procure consultancy support; reductions on specialist support services for sexual and how many staff are provided under each contract; and violent crimes provided by the Law Officers’ what the cost inclusive of VAT was of each contract in Departments. [65419] the last 12 months. [62204]

The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service Lynne Featherstone: The Equality and Human Rights (CPS) has no responsibility for funding such services. Commission (the Commission) is an arm’s length body; Funding for specialist support services (such as sexual the following is based on information it has provided. assault referral centres, independent sexual violence The Commission procured the following six contracts advisors, independent domestic violence advisors and to provide consultancy support over the last 12 months. rape crisis centres as well as Victim Support), is provided by the Home Office and Ministry of Justice. Contract value inclusive of VAT (£)

The CPS does, however, value these services and will Moorhouse Consulting Ltd 17,557.18 continue to work closely with the specialist support ACAS Northern Region 2,004.00 services to ensure that victims of sexual and violent Cordis Bright Consultancy 10,910.40 crimes receive the best possible support. 3W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 4W

Thameslink: Rolling Stock Contract value inclusive of VAT (£)

DWP 208.85 Mr Denham: To ask the Prime Minister on what date Government’s Actuary Department 3,600.00 he was informed of the outcome of the tender for the Veredus 19,087.97 Thameslink rolling stock contract. [64751] No staff were provided under any of these contracts. The Prime Minister: I refer the right hon. Member to Equality and Human Rights Commission the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Derby South (Margaret Beckett) on 6 July 2011, Official Report, Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister for Women column 1509. and Equalities what recent discussions she has had with the Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission on political balance in the composition of its board of commissioners; and if she will make a statement. [61971] NORTHERN IRELAND

Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 27 June 2011]: The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Departmental Dismissal Minister for Women and Equalities, the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), has not discussed Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for this matter with the Chair of the Equality and Human Northern Ireland how many officials in his Department Rights Commission. There is no statutory requirement were dismissed for under-performance as a result of the to consider political balance in the appointment of procedures arising from his Department’s staff appraisal EHRC Commissioners. system in each of the last three years. [64681] The consultation on the future of the EHRC has recently closed and the Government will publish their Mr Paterson: Comparable figures for the Department response in due course. as it is now configured are not available following the completion of devolution of policing and justice functions Equality: Local Enterprise Partnerships on 12 April 2010. Since April 2010, no members of staff have been Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for Women and dismissed for under-performance as a result of procedures Equalities if she will place in the Library a copy of arising from the Northern Ireland Office’s staff appraisal each item of correspondence between her and local system. enterprise partnerships (LEPs) on equality issues and LEP board nominations. [63950] Departmental Regulation Lynne Featherstone: The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Womenand Equalities, the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for wrote to local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) in April Northern Ireland how many regulations (1) his this year, encouraging them to consider equalities when Department has introduced (a) in the six months prior making board appointments. There were two separate to 1 September 2010 and (b) in the six months after 1 letters, one to those LEPs that had already been given September 2010 which it has determined do not impose approval for their boards and one to those still forming costs on businesses; [65312] boards at that time. Replies have been received from (2) that impose costs on businesses his Department Coast to Capital, Cheshire and Warrington and Solent has (a) introduced and (b) removed since 1 September LEPs. Copies of all these have been placed in the 2010; what the net effect on the costs on businesses of Library. such introductions and removals was; and what regulations have been excluded from the one-in one-out system because they address (i) emergencies and (ii) systemic financial risks since 1 September 2010; [65329] PRIME MINISTER (3) that impose costs on businesses his Department Hu Jia (a) introduced and (b) removed in the six months prior to 1 September 2010; and what the net effect on the costs on businesses of such introductions and Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Prime Minister what removals was. [65346] representations he has made to his Chinese counterpart on the house arrest of environmental activist Hu Jia. [64369] Mr Paterson: My Department introduced two sets of regulations in the period from 1 March to 1 September The Prime Minister: I refer my hon. Friend to the 2010. Neither of these regulations imposed costs on answer I gave during the press conference with Chinese businesses. No regulations have been made since Premier Wen Jiabao on 27 June 2011. A transcript of 1 September 2010. the press conference is available on the No. 10 website: The Northern Ireland Office has responsibilities chiefly http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/speeches-and-transcripts/ in relation to constitutional, electoral and national security 2011/06/press-conference-with-premier-wen-jiabao-65285 fields; they do not generally concern business regulation. 5W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 6W

SCOTLAND Electoral Systems

Departmental Responsibilities Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what plans she has to propose a meeting of the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland Welsh Grand Committee to discuss the electoral on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an arrangements for the National Assembly for Wales; hon. Member of each political party has been refused [64992] by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) (2) what plans she has to consult about any new his Department on behalf of a Minister since May electoral arrangements for the National Assembly for 2010. [64423] Wales; and if she will make a statement; [64993] David Mundell: The Scotland Office does not hold (3) what discussions she has had with the Deputy the information requested; however, the Secretary of Prime Minister about electoral arrangements for the State for Scotland, the right hon. Member for Berwickshire, National Assembly for Wales; [64995] Roxburgh and Selkirk (Michael Moore) and I are always (4) when she plans to meet the First Minister for happy to discuss matters of importance to Scotland Wales to discuss electoral arrangements for the with hon. Members of all political parties. National Assembly for Wales; [64997] (5) whether she has any plans to change the electoral arrangements for the National Assembly for Wales. [64792] ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE

Verification Sampling Mrs Gillan: I have discussed the electoral arrangements for the National Assembly for Wales with the First Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on The Government will look carefully at the implications the Electoral Commission, what steps the Electoral of the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Commission plans to take to improve the consistency Act 2011 for the Assembly’s constituencies. Full discussions of verification sampling. [63436] with political parties and other relevant organisations would be required to inform any proposals for change. Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me We are hoping to hold a meeting of the Welsh Grand that in future they will be moving towards monitoring Committee in Wales later in the year, which would and assessing the quality of returns from all local provide an opportunity for such constitutional issues to authorities across Great Britain, without solely relying be raised. on the verification of a sample of returns. The commission intends to consult on revised standards for returning High Speed 2 Railway Line officers and monitoring in advance of elections, with a view to adopting this strategy for elections to be held in May 2012. Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what assessment she has made of the (a) effects and (b) benefits that the High Speed 2 project will have on Wales; [63956] WALES (2) what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the benefits of High Speed 2 Access to Work Programme to Wales; [63957] (3) what assessment she has made of the effects on Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for rail infrastructure in Wales of High Speed 2; [63958] Wales how many employees with disabilities in her (4) what meetings she has had on High Speed 2. Department are receiving support from the access to work programme; and what proportion of the work [63959] force of her Department this figure represents. [64391] Mr David Jones: Regular discussions with a range of Mr David Jones: None of our staff have applied interested parties, including Ministers in the Department formally for support from the access to work programme of Transport, take place on issues that affect Wales, but some disabled employees are receiving access to including rail infrastructure. work support which the Department funds. We are The Government are currently consulting on a new unable to set out the numbers as this could breach national high-speed rail network. This is part of a wider confidentiality in a Department of this size. programme of modernisation of the rail network, including electrification of the Great Western main line to Cardiff. Capita The consultation will consider a range of issues including potential benefits for Wales. Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Wales how many contracts her Department has awarded Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend to Capita since May 2010; and what the (a) monetary the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge value and (b) net worth was of each contract. [62715] (Mr Hammond), on 28 June 2011, Official Record, column 643W,to my hon. Friend the Member for South Mr David Jones: None. Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom). 7W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 8W

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS of Chief Police Officers on a badger cull; and if she will publish any such advice. [64203] Agriculture: Carbon Emissions Mr Paice [holding answer 6 July 2011]: The Secretary Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my Food and Rural Affairs if she will make an assessment right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman) of the impact of the Common Agricultural Policy on and DEFRA officials have received advice from the greenhouse gas emission abatement. [64543] Association of Chief Police Officers. This advice has related to public order and safety, domestic extremism, Mr Paice: Between now and the end of 2012, DEFRA wildlife crime and firearms licensing. As policy is still will be reviewing the full range of policies and activities under development the advice will not be made publicly that have an impact on agricultural GHG emissions, available at this stage. including the common agricultural policy (CAP). Capita The Government are committed to ensuring that we have a thriving and sustainable farming sector in the UK and we are seeking ambitious reform of the CAP Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for from 2014. We continue to place a strong emphasis on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many the role that CAP should play in improving environmental contracts her Department has awarded to Capita since outcomes, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. May 2010; and what the (a) individual monetary value and (b) net worth was of those contracts. [62725] Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control Richard Benyon: The following table identifies contracts Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for with organisations that are part of the Capita group of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her companies and show the monetary value of each contract. Department has received any advice from the Association The expenditure on each contract is the same as the value.

Number of Contract Department/agency Supplier contracts value (£) Detail

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Capita Resourcing Ltd 1 12,469.20 Services to assist selection of non- statutory members of inshore fisheries and conservation authorities

Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency Capita IB Solutions (UK) 2 65,000.00 Support of Integra accounting system 29,821.00 Annual licence for software maintenance

Food and Environment Research Agency Veredus Capita 2 175,000,00 Interim services 607.68 Resourcing Workshop

Rural Payment Agency 0

Veterinary Medicines Directorate 0

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture 0 Science

Dairy Farming for England and Northamptonshire, along with UK milk production and milk yields to put the figures into Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for context. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dairy The long-term trend in dairy production is towards farms there were in (a) England and (b) Northamptonshire fewer, larger and more productive herds. The following (i) in 2001 and (ii) in the latest period for which figures table shows how the decline in the number of dairy are available. [63268] cows has been offset by an increase in average herd size and milk yields. So while the number of dairy cows in Mr Paice [holding answer 4 July 2011]: The number England has fallen by 22% between 2001 and 2010, the of dairy farms in England and Northamptonshire for level of milk production (at the UK level) has fallen 2001 and 2010 is shown in the following table. Also only by 5%. shown is the number of dairy cattle on dairy holdings

Number of dairy farms Number of dairy cattle (on dairy holdings) Average UK milk UK milk production yield (litres per cow England Northants England Northants (million litres)1 per year)

20012, 3 14,045 57 1,252,687 5,751 14,284 6,346 9W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 10W

Number of dairy farms Number of dairy cattle (on dairy holdings) Average UK milk UK milk production yield (litres per cow England Northants England Northants (million litres)1 per year)

20104 9,351 40 1,143,795 4,125 13,533 7,301 1 Source: DEFRA and RPA statistics. 2 Sourced from June Survey. Defined as the number of holdings with dairy as the predominant farming activity. 3 Thresholds have been applied to the 2001 data to make them comparable with the 2010 data which represent only commercial holdings. 4 Sourced from CTS. Defined as the number of holdings from CTS with >10 2+dairy cows in the milking herd (i.e. with offspring).

Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Carbon Emissions Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many milk producers have left the dairy farming industry in each Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State year since 2000. [64580] for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department has any plans to generate low-carbon Mr Paice: The following table gives the number of energy from its estate. [63327] milk producers in the UK in June of each year since 2000 as well as the net number of producers that left the Richard Benyon: As part of its commitment to reducing industry since the previous June. Figures for June 2011 carbon emissions on its estate, DEFRA has introduced are not yet available. technologies which generate low carbon energy at sites in Alnwick and Weybridge. Net loss since There are no current plans to supplement this Producer numbers previous June programme. 2000 28,422 1,799 2001 26,556 1,866 Departmental Statistics 2002 24,930 1,626 2003 22,992 1,938 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for 2004 21,616 1,376 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what statistical 2005 20,313 1,303 data her Department has ceased to collect in the last 2006 19,011 1,302 year; and what the (a) reasons for and (b) savings 2007 17,915 1,096 arising from each such cessation were. [63670] 2008 17,060 855 2009 16,404 656 Richard Benyon: DEFRA has stopped the following 2010 15,716 688 key regular collections in the last year: Source: DairyCo http://www.dairyco.net/library/market-information/datum/producer- Estimated cost numbers.aspx Reason savings (£000) Earnings and Survey suspended given 30 hours of intention to abolish the Departmental Billing agricultural Agricultural Wages Board workers

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for The design of collections, content and publications Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion change as we review the information needed and seek of invoices from small and medium-sized businesses out more efficient approaches. were paid by her Department within five working days of receipt in the last 12 months for which figures are EU Law available. [63564] Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: The Department does not currently Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what European distinguish SMEs when measuring performance on paying directives in force on 1 April 2010 her Department is invoices within five working days. responsible; and what European directives for which The performance of the Department and its Executive her Department is responsible have come into force agencies for payments to all suppliers for the financial since 1 April 2010. [60691] year 2010-11 is shown in the following table: Richard Benyon: The stock of EU legislation in force Within five days average full year Percentage is set out in: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm DEFRA 66.3 It would be of disproportionate cost to review the entire FERA 75.6 stock to establish which pieces of legislation are currently VMD 83.4 the responsibility of DEFRA. CEFAS 53.3 RPA 97.9 There are a number of directives, which have come AH 96.1 into force since 1 April 2010, for which my Department has responsibility and I will write separately providing a VLA 75.1 detailed list. 11W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 12W

Floods: Pickering summer and will make its own administrative arrangements about meetings or events in the chair’s absence. Further Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for details of this are available on the panel’s webpage on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will use her the DEFRA website. power of variation of the 10,000 cubic metre threshold Land: Contamination under (a) the Reservoir Act 1975 or (b) guidance issued pursuant to that Act in relation to the Pickering Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Flood Defence Scheme; and if she will make a statement. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects [63443] to complete the review of contaminated land regime. Richard Benyon: The provisions in the 2010 Flood [64236] and Water Management Act that amend the Reservoirs Richard Benyon: DEFRA is currently finalising revisions Act 1975, including the changes to the volume threshold to the contaminated land regime and expects to lay the for large raised reservoirs, have yet to be formally revised statutory guidance and amendments to the commenced. Once commenced, the threshold will be Contaminated Land (England) Regulations 2006 in reduced from 25,000 to 10,000 cubic metres, with a Parliament in the autumn. power for the Minister to substitute a different volume. We are currently considering the way forward on the Livestock Pickering flood defence scheme, including the extent to which the Reservoirs Act 1975 and the related guidance Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, may provide workable and affordable solutions. Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department Forestry Commission: Redundancy plans to take to improve available information on livestock productivity. [64533] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Paice: A range of UK livestock production statistics Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the are published annually in chapter 5 of the ‘Agriculture answer to the hon. Member for Glasgow North of 21 in the United Kingdom’ publication. These include June 2011, Official Report, column 245W,on the Forestry average carcase weights, average milk yields and meat Commission: redundancy, if she will make it her policy production and breeding herd statistics. These can be to put on hold the decision to reduce the Forestry found at: Commission spending settlement pending the outcome of the work of the Independent Panel on Forestry http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/files/defra-stats-foodfarm- crosscutting-auk-2010-chapter05-commodities-livestock- on the future of the public forest estate; what information 110623.xls she has sought from the public and representative Detailed information on farm level performance is organisations on the decision to reduce the Forestry collected through the Farm Business Survey. Results are Commission settlement; and when working with the published annually, including a breakdown by the various Forestry Commission on delivery of key outcomes, what livestock farm types, in Farm Accounts in England and methods were used to assess the impact on (a) biodiversity, can be found at: (b) recreation and (c) education of the proposal to http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/foodfarm/farmmanage/fbs/ reduce the Forestry Commission settlement. [64853] farmaccounts/ Mr Paice: The Government have no plans to put on The Farm Business Survey is continually assessed to hold the spending review allocation to the Forestry ensure the relevance and quality of the data. Over Commission. In deciding the budget allocations for recent years this has included collecting information on DEFRA and its arm’s length bodies, Ministers took farm management practices to understand how these account of spending priorities and the contribution of link to farm performance. individual arm’s length bodies to achieving key outcomes Statistics related to climate change mitigation are for the Department. The Forestry Commission continues currently being compiled and are due to be published to recognise that it may need to adapt its spending later this month on the DEFRA website. These will review plans following the Government’s response to include a range of indicators of livestock productivity the recommendations of the Independent Panel on including breeding herd longevity and fertility, mortality Forestry, and has structured its plans in such a way that and feed conversion. this flexibility can be achieved. Forests Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what timetable Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for she has set for delivery of product road maps in all Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the livestock sectors; and if she will make a statement. answer of 30 June 2011, Official Report, column 1083, [64703] what arrangements have been made for the chairing of Mr Paice: The Government are working closely with meetings of the Independent Panel on Forestry on the the dairy, beef and sheep, and pig meat sectors as they future of the public forest estate in the absence of the manage the delivery of the programmes for sustainability chair; whether she expects the panel to report in November set out in their product roadmaps. 2011; and if she will make a statement. [64971] The future targets for 2015 and 2020 set out in the Mr Paice: The independent panel’s findings and advice recently published Dairy Roadmap can be found starting will be presented to the Secretary of State for Environment, at page 36 at: Food and Rural Affairs in a final report in spring 2012. http://www.dairyco.net/library/research-development/ The panel has a planned work programme for the environment/dairy-roadmap.aspx 13W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 14W

The two parts of the product roadmap for beef and Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, sheep published in November 2009 and December 2010 Food and Rural Affairs if she will make an assessment respectively can be found at: of trends in levels of livestock production in each of the http://www.eblex.org.uk/publications/corporate.aspx last four years. [64741] Part one highlights the challenges the sector faces in reducing greenhouse gases and sets out targets for emissions improvements and the main opportunities for efficiency Mr Paice: Levels of UK livestock production are improvements to deliver these. Part two includes updates published annually in the DEFRA publication ″Agriculture on plans to monitor progress towards the targets previously in the United Kingdom″. The latest publication dated set out. May 2011 is available at: The English pig meat roadmap published this spring can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/foodfarm/cross-cutting/ auk/ http://www.bpex.org.uk/Article.aspx?ID=301329 2020 targets are set out in the box on page 6, while key UK livestock production in each of the last four performance indicators for pig producers for 2014 and years is shown in Table 1. Meat production is in carcase 2020 are included on page 13. weight equivalent.

Table 1: UK livestock production 2007 2008 2009 2010

Beef and veal (thousand tonnes) 888 866 823 898 Mutton and lamb (thousand tonnes) 329 332 313 287 Pig meat (thousand tonnes) 707 706 681 712 Poultry meat (thousand tonnes) 1,464 1,462 1,457 1,573 Milk (million litres) 13,626 13,326 13,204 13,540 Eggs (million dozen) 720 754 751 826 Source: Agriculture in the United Kingdom 2010, DEFRA.

Information on UK production and overseas trade is UK household purchases of beef, lamb and poultry brought together in “Agriculture in the United Kingdom” Thousand tonnes per year to show the total UK supply of livestock products (in 2006 2007 2008 2009 carcase weight equivalent for meat). Possible uses include food manufacturing, catering, household purchases and Beef 390 391 351 354 pet food. Note that the household consumption figures Lamb 161 170 137 147 given in reply to the recent question on consumption of Poultry 632 645 653 648 beef, land and poultry are part of this picture and are Sheep: Tuberculosis given in product weight rather than carcase weight equivalent. The tables in “Agriculture in the United Kingdom” should be used if comparing production Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State with overall supply to consider trends in self sufficiency. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will reverse her policy not to pay compensation for the compulsory slaughter of sheep with tuberculosis. [62750]

Meat Mr Paice: There is no statutory compensation payment for sheep slaughtered because they are suspected of Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, being TB-infected. Currently, the Government have no Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate how much plans to review this policy. (a) beef, (b) lamb and (c) poultry was consumed in the UK in each of the last four years. [64463] CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Mr Paice: Quantities of beef, lamb and poultry purchased for UK household supplies are sourced from the Arts Council England: Finance ’Expenditure and Food Survey’ for years 2006 and 2007 and from the ’Living Costs and Food Survey’ from 2008 Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for onwards. The 2010 data are currently unavailable but Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what support his will be published in November 2011. Department has given to Arts Council England in its The data collected relate to purchases and not reform of the way regular funding is invested in arts consumption. Consumption data are not collected. It is organisations to ensure a more strategic approach. assumed that all purchases are consumed. Purchases of [63535] non-carcase meat and meat products such as sausages, pies, and meat-based ready meals are excluded. ’Eating Mr Jeremy Hunt: Individual arts funding decisions out’ purchases are also excluded as it is not possible to are taken at arm’s length from Government, and the identify quantities of beef, lamb and poultry within the decision to reform the system of regular funding was ‘eating out’ data. made independently by Arts Council England. 15W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 16W

Officials in my Department worked with Arts Council Hugh Robertson: The Secretary of State for Culture, England throughout the development and delivery of Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the the new National Portfolio system. Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), has had no discussions with Scottish Ministers regarding the chief Broadband executive of Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games. Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Holiday Accommodation: Energy Performance Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he has made Certificates of the proportion of the UK population which will have access to (a) conventional fixed, (b) superfast, (c) wireless and (d) satellite broadband services by Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, 2015. [65003] Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what representations he has received from the domestic tourism industry opposing Mr Vaizey: The Government are committed to having the introduction of the requirement for some holiday the best superfast broadband network in Europe by properties to obtain energy performance certificates; 2015, with 90% of all premises having access to superfast [64442] broadband and there being a fibre connection in virtually (2) whether and on how many occasions he has met every community and with access to a minimum 2Mbps ministerial colleagues in the Department for Communities connection for all premises. The Government will take a and Local Government to discuss the requirement for technology-neutral approach in achieving this objective. some holiday properties to obtain energy performance certificates. [64443] Cultural Heritage Mr Jeremy Hunt: A number of tourism trade bodies Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for and businesses have raised concerns with the Department Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he is for Culture, Media and Sport and also responded to the taking to help preserve heritage sites in (a) Bexley and Government’s Red Tape Challenge consultation about (b) Greater London. [63888] the impact of introducing energy performance certificates John Penrose: In 2009-10, English Heritage gave (EPCs) on the self-catering sector. Policy responsibility £2.4 million in grant aid to Greater London. This for this matter rests with the Department for Communities included the final payments for the major restoration and Local Government (CLG). I have not met with and conservation of the grade I listed Crossness Pumping CLG to discuss this issue, but the Minister for Tourism Station at Belvedere. English Heritage also works closely and Heritage, my hon. Friend the Member for Weston- with Bexley council and the Bexley Heritage Trust super-Mare (John Penrose) wrote to the Parliamentary to ensure the continued success of Danson House and Under-Secretary of State for Local Government and Hall Place. Planning, my hon. Friend the Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Neill) on 4 April about certification English Heritage has recently launched the National process for holiday properties. Heritage Protection Plan, which sets out why, what and how England’s vulnerable historic environment is to Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for be safeguarded in the next four years. Developed in Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment consultation with a wide range of partners, it shows he made of the effect on competition between providers where the threats are the greatest and will help English of holiday accommodation of requirements for some Heritage to prioritise its work. It will also help other holiday properties to obtain energy performance certificates. heritage professionals and volunteers to contribute to the business of managing England’s heritage. This [64444] Department and English Heritage are also considering various measures to tackle the problem of buildings Andrew Stunell: I have been asked to reply. which have been on the Heritage at risk register for an The Department published an impact assessment extended period of time. In this respect, Danson House which estimated the likely costs and benefits of requiring and Crossness are prime examples of what can be achieved. certain properties rented out as a holiday let to have an Energy Performance Certificate. It was determined that Departmental Allowances requiring holiday lets to obtain Energy Performance Certificates would not produce any competition issues. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what expenses were claimed Olympic Games 2012: Tickets by (a) paid and (b) unpaid special advisers working in his Department in the last 12 months. [62078] Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, John Penrose: Since June 2010 there has been £90 of Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has expenses claimed by the special advisers employed by made for the ratio of applications to available tickets the Department. There are no unpaid special advisers for the London 2012 Olympics. [63395] working in the Department. Mr Vaizey: In the first round of sales, 1.9 million Glasgow Commonwealth Games: Executives applications were made for 22 million Olympic tickets. 75% of tickets—6.6 million—are being made available Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, through the UK application process. The London 2012 Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions he Organising Committee (LOCOG) will do everything it has had with Scottish Ministers regarding the chief executive can to get those that were unsuccessful in the first of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. [65491] round, to the games. 17W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 18W

Public Appointments: Females (2) what assessment he has made of the effect of the level of air passenger duty on the number of tourists Margaret Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for visiting the UK; [65176] Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many and (3) what assessment he has made of the effect on what proportion of those holding public appointments levels of foreign direct investment of rates of air in his Department’s public bodies which were made by passenger duty. [65177] (a) his Department, (b) the Prime Minister, (c) the Crown and (d) the bodies concerned are women. Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Member to the [64632] answer I gave on 23 June 2011, Official Report, column 424W. Mr Jeremy Hunt: As at 31 March 2011, of the total Banks: Finance 505 current public appointments to the Department’s arm’s length bodies, 182 (36%) were women. 416 public Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what appointments were made either by departmental Ministers, his policy is on the (a) timetable and (b) mechanism for the Prime Minister or HM the Queen, on the any sale of shares in banks in which UK Financial recommendation of Ministers, of which 161 (39%) were Investments manages the stake owned by the Government. women. [64737] To provide details of the public appointments made in the manner you have requested, could be provided Mr Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages only at disproportionate cost. the Government’s shareholding in financial institutions Information on the Department’s individual public at an arm’s length and commercial basis. UKFI’s objective appointments is published on our website: is to dispose of the investments in an orderly and active manner, within the context of an overarching objective http://www.culture.gov.uk/about_us/public_appointments/ of protecting and creating value for the taxpayer. 1006.aspx UKFI will look at the full range of alternatives for Royal Parks Agency: Demonstrations divestment, and will make recommendations based on market conditions, on an assessment of investor demand, and on value for money considerations at the time when Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State considering a transaction. Because any decision needs for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on what to be taken in the context of changing economic and grounds the Royal Parks Agency can decline to market conditions, UKFI does not think it is possible approve a public demonstration; and if he will make a to or desirable to state hard goals such as price or time statement. [64819] that would determine when the Government’s interests will be sold. John Penrose: The Royal Parks has a long tradition of accommodating public demonstrations and has policies Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and procedures for managing them. Under the Royal what his Department’s policy is on returns to the public Parks Regulations 4. (17) those who wish to purse from the amounts invested in banks in which UK “organise or take part in any assembly, display, performance, Financial Investments manages the stake owned by the representation, parade, procession, review or theatrical event” Government. [64739] must get written permission. Mr Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages the Government’s shareholding in financial institutions on an arm’s length and commercial basis. TREASURY UKFI’s remit is to devise and execute a strategy for disposing of the Government’s investments in an orderly Access to Work Programme and active way, in line with its overarching objective to create and protect value for the taxpayer as shareholder. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Mrs McGuire: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), launched how many disabled employees of his Department are the Northern Rock sales process on 15 June in his receiving support from the Access to Work programme; speech at Mansion House. At this stage all viable options and what proportion of the workforce of his Department remain available for further consideration; however a this figure represents. [64394] sale is being explored as the first option. Justine Greening: None of the HM Treasury staff The Office for National Statistics will decide how to with disabilities who currently receive support for reasonable account for the proceeds in the public finances of any adjustments to their working environment are in receipt share sale taking into account the precise nature of the of additional funding from the Jobcentre Plus Access to transaction. How any proceeds resulting from a sale will Work scheme. be determined as part of the normal annual Budget process. Business: Credit Air Passenger Duty Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Donohoe: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer if he will assess the adequacy of the credit (1) what assessment he has made of the effect on the facilities given by banks to small and medium-sized number of inbound tourists of planned increases in the enterprises to promote company growth and development; rate of air passenger duty in 2012; [65175] and if he will make a statement. [64513] 19W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 20W

Mr Hoban: On 9 February 2011 the Chancellor of Justine Greening: The Ministry of Justice publishes the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for quarterly and annual reports on the volume, timeliness Tatton (Mr Osborne), announced a new commitment and outcomes of information requests received by over by the UK’s biggest high street banks on lending 40 Government Departments. Reports covering the years expectations and capacity. As part of this commitment, to 2010 are published on the MOJ website and are the banks intend to lend £190 billion of new credit to available in the Libraries of both Houses. businesses in 2011, up from £179 billion in 2010. If The Treasury does not collect statistics about the demand exceeds this, the banks will lend more. £76 background of individual requesters. Where requestors billion of this lending will be to small and medium-sized have made clear that they are MPs we are able to enterprises (SMEs). This is a 15% increase on 2010 provide the following data, although these may not lending of £66 billion. represent all Freedom of Information requests from The Merlin banks loaned a total of £47.3 billion to MPs. UK businesses in the first quarter of 2011, including The total numbers of requests in the period in question £16.8 billion to SMEs. The Government are encouraged are: that the banks are broadly on target to meet their 2005: 1,208 overall commitment. However, it is disappointing that the banks are behind schedule on lending to SMEs. As 2006: 1,228 the Chancellor made clear in his Mansion House speech 2007: 1,092 on 15 June, the Government will use all tools available 2008: 1,418 to them to ensure that the banks live up to their promises. 2009: 1,451 2010: 2,064. Departmental Correspondence Of these requests, the numbers of recorded requests from MPs are: Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the 2005: 67 Exchequer in respect of how many letters to (a) Ministers 2006: 80 in his Department and (b) the Permanent Secretary for 2007: 45 Tax at HM Revenue and Customs, a reply was sent (i) in 2008: 55 under one month, (ii) between one and three months and (iii) more than three months from the date of 2009: 52 receipt in the last 12 months. [57980] 2010: 99. Departmental Responsibilities Justine Greening [holding answer 8 June 2011]: The information requested is in the following table, for the 12 months to May 2011: Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an Number of letters hon. Member of each political party has been refused Between by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) Within a 1 and 3 More than his Department on behalf of a Minister since May month months 3 months 2010. [64419] HMT ministerial 7,780 6,803 1,403 Justine Greening: The information requested could HMRC senior officials on 1,176 562 18 behalf of the Exchequer be provided only at disproportionate cost. Secretary HMRC senior officials 5,296 1,182 71 Economic Situation: EU Countries Grand total 14,252 8,547 1,492 Stephen Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the The HMRC database does not differentiate between Exchequer what estimate he has made of the level of the correspondence received by the Permanent Secretary of Government’s exposure to the debts of the governments HMRC, Permanent Secretary for Tax and the Chairman of (a) Portugal, (b) Greece, (c) Ireland and (d) Spain of HMRC. These senior HMRC officials also respond in each financial year since 2005-06. [64584] to letters sent to the Exchequer Secretary which relate to operational and taxpayer-specific matters. Mr Hoban: The Government do not normally disclose Correspondence has been at record levels following details of their individual exposures. the general election, the two Budgets, the spending Regarding exposures through the existing, packages review and the autumn forecast. The Departments are of international financial assistance to Greece, Ireland working as quickly as possible to reply to all outstanding and Portugal, I refer the hon. Gentleman to my recent correspondence and make their processes more robust. written answer to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr Redwood) on 27 June 2011, Official Report, Departmental Freedom of Information columns 545-46W.

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Excise Duties: Fuels how many requests under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department received from Mr Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (a) hon. Members from each political party and (b) what recent assessment his Department has made of members of the public in each year since the Act’s entry the effects on inflation of his decision not to proceed into force. [63591] with planned fuel duty rises. [65390] 21W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 22W

Justine Greening: The Office for Budget Responsibility Freezing Orders: Syria (OBR) is responsible for producing independent economic and fiscal forecasts. The effects on inflation of the changes to fuel duty are included in their latest forecast. Anas Sarwar: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who amongst those persons who have had their assets frozen under the Syria (Asset-Freezing) Regulations 2011 (S.I., 2011, No. 1244) was classified Financial Conduct Authority as a politically-exposed person before the beginning of operations in Libya. [63920] Mr Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent progress there has been in the creation of Mr Hoban [holding answer 5 July 2011]: The the Financial Conduct Authority. [64733] Government do not maintain a list of politically-exposed persons (PEPs). Mr Hoban: The Government published a White Paper, Rather it is for financial institutions to determine “A new approach to financial regulation: the blueprint whether or not someone is a PEP, drawing on the for reform”, on 16 June. This document sets out the definitions set out in the UK’s Money Laundering Government’s detailed proposals for the creation of the Regulations 2007 and the global standards of the Financial Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the context of Action Task Force (FATF) and taking account of available wider reform of financial regulation. The White Paper information about individuals’ positions and activities. includes draft legislation and explanatory notes. On 27 June, the Financial Services Authority published Given the definition of PEPs, the Treasury expects the document “The Financial Conduct Authority: approach that regulated businesses will have identified many of to regulation” to consult on the detail of the FCA’s those subject to the Syria (Asset-Freezing) Regulations regulatory approach. 2011 as PEPs and to have treated them accordingly. It should be noted that identifying someone as a PEP does not automatically mean that financial institutions Financial Policy Committee are unable to do business with that person. Rather it requires them to undertake enhanced due diligence before starting a business relationship and on an ongoing Alison McGovern: To ask the Chancellor of the basis thereafter. Businesses must not start a relationship Exchequer how many full-time equivalent members of with a new customer unless they can satisfy themselves staff are to support the Statutory Financial Policy of the legitimacy of the customer, their funds and Committee; and what proportion of such staff will (a) source of wealth. be staff of the (i) Financial Services Authority and (ii) Bank of England and (b) be newly-recruited. [64213] Gift Aid Mr Hoban: The Financial Policy Committee will have at its disposal analytical resources across several Bank directorates, in particular: Financial Stability; Markets; Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the and, to the extent that it is relevant, Monetary Policy. A Exchequer what discussions his Department has had new FPC secretariat, which sits within Financial Stability with service charities on participation in the Gift Aid directorate, has been established to coordinate analytical scheme. [65143] and process support arrangements for the FPC. Its budget is 6.5 full-time equivalent staff. Justine Greening: Officials hold frequent discussions FSA staff also play a key role in briefing FPC members with charities and representative bodies of charities, for and implementing policy actions on behalf of the FPC. example through the HMRC Charity Tax Forum. The agendas and minutes of the Charity Tax Forum are published on the HMRC website and can be found Financial Services: Regulation through this link: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/consultations/charities-tax.htm Alison McGovern: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the budget of the (a) Statutory Financial Policy Committee, (b) Prudential Regulation Authority Gold: EU Countries and (c) Financial Conduct Authority will be in their first year of operation. [64212] Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account he has taken of the monetary Mr Hoban: Budgets for the first year of operation of value of gold reserves held by other EU member states the Financial Policy Committee (FPC), the Prudential in reaching decisions on financial assistance to those Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct countries. [64965] Authority (FCA) have not yet been set. The annual budgets of the new regulatory authorities Justine Greening: The financial assistance packages will be determined independently of Government. Detailed received by EU member states were multilateral assistance budgeting decisions and plans for the first year of packages, co-ordinated by the IMF and the European operation of the FPC, PRA and FCA will be made by Commission. The IMF routinely takes into account the the Bank of England and the FSA as part of the level of international reserves when assessing member programme to establish the new regulators. requests for financial assistance. 23W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 24W

Housing Taxation

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the receipts the Exchequer if he will assess the merits of adopting the Exchequer will receive from local authorities in (a) approach to tax deferments practised by the previous England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Administration. [64516] Ireland as a result of the housing revenue account subsidy scheme in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, (iii) 2012-13 Mr Gauke: Since its launch in November 2008, to the and (iv) 2013-14. [64975] end of March 2011, HMRC’s Business Payment Support Service has agreed some 428,800 arrangements involving Mr Gauke: The Housing Revenue Account Subsidy £7.37 billion of tax. £6.31 billion has already been paid system only operates in England and Wales. The receipts to HMRC from mature arrangements. in respect of England are. a matter for the Department However, its launch did not, and does not, affect for Communities and Local Government, and in Wales HMRC’s underlying policy or approach to time to pay it is a matter for the Welsh Government. which has not changed. HMRC continues to offer a sympathetic ear to Job Creation businesses—and individuals—in temporary financial difficulty and we will continue to offer the BPSS as part of their time to pay arrangements for as long as it is Ms Buck: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer needed. what estimate he has made of the proportion of new jobs likely to be created in the economy in each of the next three years which are (a) full-time and (b) Taxation: Financial Services part-time. [64877] Mr Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Justine Greening: The Office for Budget Responsibility what recent progress his Department has made in (OBR) released the official forecast for whole economy international discussions about the development of a employment to 2015 as part of the March 2011 “Economic financial activities tax. [64942] and Fiscal Outlook”. The OBR expects total employment to increase by Mr Hoban: The Government are continuing to explore around 900,000 between 2010 and 2015. the costs and benefits of a financial activities tax with The OBR has not published forecasts split by part-time international partners. As requested by ECOFIN, the and full-time employment. European Commission is currently preparing an impact There were 29.24 million people in employment in assessment on financial sector taxation, including financial the three months to April 2011, up 376,000 over the activities taxes. year. Of this increase, 198,000 were full-time workers. Taxation: Offshore Industry Members: Correspondence Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Baron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his most recent estimate is of the projected when he plans to reply to the letters of 21 April and income from the supplementary charge on the oil and 25 May 2011 from the hon. Member for Basildon and gas industry in the next two financial years. [64937] Billericay regarding Mr G. Dixon. [64345] Justine Greening: The information requested falls Justine Greening [holding answer 7 July 2011]: HM within the responsibility of the Office for Budget Treasury has no record of having received letters from Responsibility (OBR), and I have asked the OBR to the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay of 21 April reply. and 25 May 2011 regarding Mr G. Dixon. I have asked Letter from Robert Chote, dated July 2011: my officials to contact the hon. Member’s office to As Chair of the Budget Responsibility Committee of the obtain copies. Office for Budget Responsibility I have been asked to reply to your recent question. The information that you have requested has not previously Money: Counterfeit Manufacturing been published by the OBR. In line with our release policy, the OBR aims to meet ongoing requests for supplementary forecast Mr Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer information where this will improve the quality of public debate on the public finances. Our release policy is available on our pursuant to the answer of 4 July 2011, Official Report, website at: column 1088W, on money: counterfeit manufacturing, how many counterfeit coins were removed from http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/wordpress/ docs/release_policy.pdf circulation in the last year. [64711] Where the OBR publishes supplementary material, releases will be made in an orderly manner that promotes public confidence Justine Greening: 1,845,766 counterfeit £1 coins were and gives equal access to information. The next scheduled release removed from circulation and returned to the Royal date for the publication of supplementary forecast information is Mint in 2010-11. 21 July 2011. 25W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 26W

Taxation: Voluntary Work Richard Banks is the chief executive of UKAR. As detailed in the annual reports of Northern Rock (Asset Steve Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Management) and Bradford and Bingley, his salary is what representations he has received in relation to tax £340,000 per annum. concessions to encourage volunteering; and if he will make a statement. [65434] Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the chief executive of UK Asset Justine Greening: Treasury Ministers and officials Resolution Ltd received in total remuneration receive representations from a wide variety of organisations including any bonuses in 2010-11; and how much he and individuals in the public and private sector as part will receive in 2011-12. [64757] of the process of policy development and implementation. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not Mr Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages the Government’s practice to provide details of all such the Government’s investments in financial institutions meetings. at an arm’s length and commercial basis. UK Asset UK Asset Resolution Resolution has an incentive scheme in place which has been agreed with UKFI and is aligned to corporate and individual performance. Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the salary was of the chief executive of UK Asset Resolution was established on 1 October UK Asset Resolution Ltd in 2010-11; and what his 2010. Details of the remuneration arrangements for salary is for 2011-12. [64756] UKAR’s chief executive, Richard Banks, include details of remuneration arrangements for his previous post as Mr Hoban: UK Asset Resolution (UKAR) Ltd was chief executive of Bradford and Bingley plc. The established on 1 October 2010 as the holding company arrangements were detailed in the Bradford and Bingley for Northern Rock (Asset Management) plc and Bradford plc and Northern Rock (Asset Management) plc annual and Bingley plc. reports for 2010 and are as follows:

Directors’ emoluments for the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010 £ Payment in lieu Basic salary/ fees1 Noncash benefits Allowances of pension Bonus2 Total emoluments 2010

Richard Banks 275,500 1,061 22,800 82,650 170,000 552,011 1 The only element of pay that pension is calculated on. 2 Payment is subject to deferral and clawback as outlined in the Bradford and Bingley and Northern Rock (Asset Management) plc annual reports. Note: As MD of B and B, Richard Banks was entitled to receive an annual bonus award which was capped upon his appointment at a maximum of £30,000 for 2009.

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the (3) how much UK Asset Resolution Ltd has spent on Exchequer how many staff were employed by UK travel under each category of cost since the body’s Asset Resolution Ltd at each grade on the latest date creation. [64728] for which figures are available; and what the pay scale was of each such grade. [64758] Mr Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages the Government’s shareholding in financial institutions at arm’s length and on a commercial basis. UKFI’s Mr Hoban: UK Financial Investments (UKFI) manages overarching objective is to protect and create value for the Government’s shareholding in financial institutions the taxpayer as shareholder, with due regard to financial at arm’s length and on a commercial basis. UKFI’s stability and acting in a way that promotes competition. overarching objective is to protect and create value for The board of UK Asset Resolution is responsible for the taxpayer as shareholder, with due regard to financial ensuring that financial and human resources are in stability and acting in a way that promotes competition. place for the company to deliver its business plan as Details on employee issues are a matter for the boards agreed with UKFI. Decisions on consultancy contracts, of individual banks. The most recent figures published hospitality and travel are therefore the responsibility of by UK Asset Resolution (UKAR) in the Northern the board of UK Asset Resolution. Rock (Asset Management) plc and Bradford and Bingley plc 2010 annual reports stated that the company employed 2,400 people at year end. Unemployment

Ian Lavery: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the what recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Exchequer (1) how much UK Asset Resolution Ltd has economy of trends in the rate of unemployment. spent on each external consultancy contract since its [60519] creation; [64759] (2) how much UK Asset Resolution Ltd has spent on Justine Greening: The unemployment rate has fallen hospitality for each category of cost since the body’s recently. In the latest data, it was at 7.7%, down from creation; [64760] 7.9% on the quarter. 27W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 28W

Consistent with the Office of Budget Responsibility’s Maria Miller: The Department for work and pensions March 2011 forecast, unemployment is expected to fall does not use the access to work programme to provide in the medium-term as the economy recovers, supported assistance to its disabled employees and as such none of by action taken by the Government, including the measures its employees should receive support from the Access to published in the Budget and the Plan for Growth. Work programme. VAT: Sunscreens Instead DWP provides the funding for support and adjustments for its disabled staff including those working in its agencies, for example Jobcentre Plus. Jo Swinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of DWP, as one of the largest Government Departments, made a decision in 2003 (in agreement with Ministers) removing VAT from sun cream. [64765] that it would meet the cost of support and adjustments Mr Gauke: No recent estimate has been made to needed by disabled colleagues, rather than draw on the assess the cost of removing VAT from sun cream. limited Access to Work programme. Potentially, this means more funding for smaller employers who are Jo Swinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer more likely to be concerned about the cost of adjustments. what consideration he has given to the reclassification of sun cream as an essential health product. [64766] Child Care Tax Credit

Mr Gauke: Neither HM Treasury nor HM Revenue Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and and Customs have considered reclassifying sun cream Pensions if he will estimate the number of households as an essential health product. with child care costs per week in excess of (a) £125 for one child or £210 for two or more children and (b) Jo Swinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer £100 for one child or £150 for two or more children. what representations he has received regarding the [63810] removal of VAT on sun cream. [64767] Maria Miller: The information is not available for all Mr Gauke: No representations have been received households, since there is no one source which provides regarding the removal of VAT on sun cream. comprehensive and universal child care costs. Child Waste Disposal care costs are also highly variable. In estimating current child care costs there are a Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the number of different sources: the most relevant of which Exchequer what assessment his Department has made is administrative data for the child care element of of the contribution of fiscal measures to increasing working tax credits (see details following) but this does producer responsibility for waste. [64359] not give a complete picture as it does not cover all households. There is a survey of parents conducted for Justine Greening: Recycling targets for packaging the Department for Education in England, but it does waste, to be met by businesses which place packaging not allow us to accurately estimate the numbers of on the market, are delivered through existing fiscal households with weekly child care costs over these 1 instruments—the packaging recovery notes (PRNs) and amounts. No administrative data are collected for the packaging export recovery notes (PERNs). Recovery other two main potential sources of information, which and recycling targets and 2010 performance are: are those receiving employer-supported child care, and those whose child care expenditure is disregarded in Percentage housing benefit and council tax benefit. Targets Performance Administrative data shows that 493,000 households Material 2011 2012 2010 were in receipt of child care element of working tax credits in the United Kingdom at April 2011. Of these Paper/card 69.5 69.5 81.9 households: Glass 81 81 60.7 Aluminium 40 40 40.9 49,000 had one child and reported child care costs of over Steel 71 71 59.3 £125 per week; Plastic 32 32 24.1 28,000 had two or more children and reported child care costs Wood 22 22 75.4 of over £210 per week; 73,000 had one child and reported child care costs of over The Government are committed to consulting on £100 per week; increased recovery and recycling targets for packaging 65,000 had two or more children and reported child care costs waste, in time for a final decision at Budget 2012. of over £150 per week.2 1 Smith R. et al (2010) Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents 2009, Department for Education RR054. WORK AND PENSIONS 2 The figures are consistent with the latest tax credits provisional Access to Work Programme statistics for April 2011 which can be found at: http:// www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-apr11.pdf Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many disabled people in his Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Department are being supported in employment under Pensions how his Department calculates its estimates its access to work programme; and what proportion of of rates of additional take-up of assistance with child his Department’s staff this represents. [65085] care costs under the proposed universal credit. [63812] 29W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 30W

Chris Grayling: Universal credit modelling is conducted Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and using the Department’s policy simulation model. This is Pensions how many households would be both worse a static microsimulation model based on data from the off in work than out of work once child care costs are 2008-09 Family Resources Survey, uprated to the relevant accounted for and affected by the proposed cap on year’s prices, benefit rates and earnings levels. benefit entitlements for out-of-work households if they The modelling is adjusted to take account of imperfect are out of work under each universal credit option for take-up using microsimulation techniques. This is important child care costs. [63868] as we expect take-up of entitlements to rise under universal credit due to the increased simplicity and Chris Grayling: The information requested is not integrated nature of the new benefit. available as the estimated impacts from the benefit cap in universal credit will depend upon the final detailed A number of assumptions are made about the extent design issues regarding the treatment of in-work households. to which take-up will rise in universal credit as a whole. The key assumptions being that those currently taking Furthermore, the details of the child care element in up some but not all of their entitlements will take-up all universal credit are not yet finalised. The impacts of the of the universal credit, while around half of those not proposed childcare policy will be set out in future taking up any of their current entitlements do so under iterations of the universal credit impact assessment. the new system. We assume that in some cases take-up will remain unchanged, for example those people that Corporate Manslaughter we consider are currently not satisfying the requirements of the conditionality regime. Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when (a) he and (b) Ministers in Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and his Department expect to next meet representatives of Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of Families Against Corporate Killers; and if he will make working households with childcare costs who would be a statement. [64956] worse off in their current employment compared to being out of work, accounting for their in-work costs Chris Grayling: Ministers meet with key H&S and excluding any transitional protection (a) under stakeholders and lobby groups on a regular basis. However, the options he is considering for childcare costs under there are currently no plans to meet representatives of the universal credit and (b) if a childcare element Families Against Corporate Killers. covering 80 per cent. of childcare costs up to £175 for one child and £300 for two or more children was Disability Living Allowance introduced within the universal credit. [63813] Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Chris Grayling: The information requested is not and Pensions which key activities he proposes will be available. examined as part of the proposed objective assessment Universal credit modelling is conducted using the for disability living allowance. [64702] Department’s Policy Simulation Model. This is a static microsimulation model based on data from the 2008-09 Maria Miller: On 9 May we published our initial Family Resources Survey (FRS), uprated to the relevant proposals for the assessment criteria for personal year’s prices, benefit rates and earnings levels. independence payment which will replace disability living The FRS 2008-09 does not collect information on allowance from 2013. These were developed in collaboration in-work costs, such as travel to work costs, and therefore with an independent group of specialists in health, this information cannot be included in our universal social care and disability. We intend that the priority in credit modelling. the benefit should go to those individuals who are least able to live independent lives and so are proposing to Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and assess individuals’ ability to carry out a range of key Pensions (1) how many families will have their entitlements everyday activities. to support with childcare costs (a) increased and (b) The activities we are proposing to assess are: reduced after the full implementation of the universal Planning and buying food and drink; credit; [63814] Preparing food and drink; (2) how many households will be (a) better and (b) Taking nutrition; worse off working 16 or more hours per week after the Managing medication and monitoring health conditions; full implementation of the universal credit under each Managing prescribed therapies other than medication; childcare option he proposes; [63815] Washing, bathing & grooming; (3) how many households with child care costs would Managing toilet needs or incontinence; be better off after the full implementation of the universal credit based on assumed maximum entitlements for the Dressing and undressing; financial year 2010-11 compared to under benefit rates Communicating with others; within the existing system for the financial year 2010-11. Planning and following a journey, and [63816] Moving around. These activities have been chosen to provide a more Chris Grayling: The details of the child care element holistic assessment of the impact of disability that the in universal credit are not yet finalised. The impacts of current DLA criteria, considering the impact of a more the proposed child care policy will be set out in future comprehensive range of impairment types. For example, iterations of the universal credit impact assessment. the introduction of communication is a significant departure 31W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 32W from DLA and one which will ensure we better take Longer than usual waiting times for a hearing result into account the effect of impairments of hearing, from unexpectedly high level of appeals across DWP. In speech and language comprehension. response, HMCTS has increased its capacity significantly We are currently carrying out an informal consultation and, nationally, published management information shows and have already met with over 60 disability organisations that 38% more SSCS appeals were cleared in April 2011 to discuss the criteria, how they will work and how they compared to April 2010 (and 65% more when compared might be improved. We are also testing the assessment, with April 2009). Further capacity increases are in to enable us to better understand its likely impact, by hand. carrying out around 900 sample assessments over the Employment Schemes: Disability summer. Our aim is to provide a further draft of the assessment criteria and regulations in the autumn, building on the testing and the feedback from disability organisations. Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Work programme in placing Disability Living Allowance: Diseases disabled people into employment. [65296]

Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Chris Grayling: In order to secure contracts to deliver and Pensions what training and guidance his Department the Work programme, providers have put together strong gives to staff on making decisions on disability living supply chains with a wide range of partners from the allowance claims for people with (a) sickle cell disease public, private and voluntary sectors, capable between and (b) other fluctuating conditions. [64783] them of tailoring services to meet the full range of individual needs, including those of disabled people. Maria Miller: Decision-makers are provided with We expect to see substantial indications of the success evidence-based guidance on a range of disabling conditions of the Work programme from spring 2013. A full which includes sickle cell disease and other fluctuating independent evaluation has been commissioned for that conditions. The guidance includes information on clinical year as the first participants complete their two years features, treatment, sources of evidence, disabling effects and I look forward to sharing the results with the in relation to care and mobility and prognosis. House in due course. We will closely monitor the The guidance to decision-makers on determining effectiveness of the Programme in the interim. entitlement to benefit where the claimant’s condition Health and Safety Executive: Inspections fluctuates is to take a broad view over the whole period and consider whether the claimant can fairly be described as meeting the test. Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will assess the potential effects of planned changes to the budget of the Health and Safety Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Executive on the number of (a) proactive workplace and Pensions what his most recent estimate is of the inspections and (b) incident inspections undertaken by waiting time for patients with sickle cell disease who the Executive. [64191] have been refused disability living allowance for cases before an appeal tribunal against the decision. [64789] Chris Grayling: As announced in my statement of 21 March 2011, Official Report, columns 47-48WS, as a Mr Djanogly: I have been asked to reply. matter of policy, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) The First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child is changing its approach to target proactive workplace Support) does not record disability living allowance inspections more effectively on areas of greatest risk (DLA) appeals by specific disability and cannot, therefore, and substantially reducing the overall number of proactive provide the waiting time for patients with sickle cell inspections to businesses in lower risk areas. The criteria disease. However, it is possible to provide the average by which the HSE selects incidents for investigation time taken from submission of a disability living allowance have not changed, although by their nature, it is not appeal to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) possible to say in advance how many will be carried out. until the date of the first appeal hearing at Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Housing Benefit The information in the following table covers April 2011, the latest period for which figures are available: Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he attended the Quad meeting referred Disability living allowance waiting times to in the letter sent by the Department for Communities Weeks and Local Government to the Prime Minister’s office in Average time in weeks from 6.88 January 2011 on the potential impact of policies on the submission to DWP to receipt at benefit cap and housing benefit of the Department. HMCTS1 [64656] Average time in weeks from 24.37 receipt at HMCTS to first hearing Chris Grayling: There were a number of ministerial 1 The data regarding the time from when an appeal is submitted to meetings in January 2011 to discuss welfare reform the DWP until it is received by HMCTS is taken from HMCTS’ which the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the database and relies on the date of submission provided by DWP. The right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green Tribunal does not measure the time from receipt at DWP to receipt at HMCTS and the average has been calculated by subtracting the (Mr Duncan Smith), attended. All decisions taken time from receipt at HMCTS to first hearing from the total average concerning welfare were agreed with the Secretary of time. State. 33W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 34W

Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Pensions for what reasons the assumptions made by the and Pensions what assessment he has made of likely Department for Communities and Local Government changes in the rate of homelessness in Warrington on homelessness arising from (a) the overall benefit borough if the Government’s plans for a benefit cap are cap and (b) housing benefit reductions were not included implemented. [64948] in the Welfare Reform Bill impact assessments. [64657] Chris Grayling: The benefit cap will mean that people Chris Grayling: The Government’s estimate of the on benefit will face choices about housing costs similar potential impact on homelessness of the proposed overall to those faced by people in work. But it will not necessarily benefit cap, which was published on 16 February 2011, mean that they will need to move from their home. Even was signed off by the Department’s chief analyst as a within the limits of this cap, households will still be able fair and accurate representation of the policy impacts, to receive significant amounts of financial assistance and is agreed by the Department for Communities and from state welfare payments and if a member of the Local Government. household moves into work and becomes eligible for working tax credit they will be exempt from the impacts of the cap. Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he was aware of the Department for There is a range of help local authorities can offer to Communities and Local Government estimate of the households at risk of becoming homeless including the homelessness impact of the overall benefit cap before provision of discretionary housing payments. We have he signed the impact assessment of 15 February 2011. already made an additional £190 million available over [64658] the spending review period for this purpose as a result of the changes we have made to housing benefit. Chris Grayling: The Government’s estimate of the The Government published their impact assessment potential impact on homelessness of the proposed overall of the benefit cap in February alongside the introduction benefit cap contained in the impact assessment was of the Welfare Reform Bill. This made clear that it is signed off on the basis that it was a fair and accurate not possible to estimate the number of additional representation of the policy impacts, and is agreed by homelessness applications that might arise as a consequence the Department for Communities and Local Government. of the overall benefit cap because this would have to be based on behavioural changes. The impact assessment can be found via the following link: Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/household-benefit-cap-wr2011- Pensions which Ministers in his Department saw or ia.pdf were copied into the letter written by the Department for Communities and Local Government to the Prime Minister’s office in January 2011 setting out the effect Industrial Accidents of the benefit cap and housing benefit reductions on homelessness. [64659] Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Chris Grayling: A copy of the letter addressed to the and Pensions if he will assess the effects of (a) proactive Private Secretary to the Prime Minister was sent to the workplace inspections and (b) incident inspections Department’s private office. conducted by the Health and Safety Executive on the incidence of fatalities and serious injuries in the workplace. [64192]

Housing Benefit: Homelessness Chris Grayling: No. There are additional factors beyond the inspections and investigations undertaken by HSE which influence the incidence of fatalities and serious Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Work injuries in the workplace; most notably the behaviour of and Pensions (1) what assessment his Department has employers and employees. made of the number of households likely to present as homeless in each local authority area as a consequence Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work of the overall benefit cap in the 12 months following its and Pensions how many and what proportion of fatalities introduction; [64823] and major injuries recorded under the Reporting of (2) what estimate his Department has made of the likely Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations costs to each local authority as a consequence of households 1995 in each of the last five years (a) were investigated presenting as homeless in the 12 months following the by the Health and Safety Executive, (b) resulted in an introduction of the overall benefit cap. [64824] enforcement notice, (c) resulted in a prosecution and (d) resulted in any other enforcement activity. [64200] Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of the households he has Chris Grayling: Information on the numbers of fatalities calculated face homelessness as a consequence of the and major injuries recorded under RIDDOR 1995 in overall benefit cap is assumed to come from (a) social each of the last five years, and oh the numbers investigated housing and (b) private tenancies; and what proportion by HSE, which resulted in formal enforcement, is provided is resident in each region. [64638] in the following two tables. 35W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 36W

Table 1: Fatalities 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

Fatalities 618 — 662 — 604 — 605 — 537 — reported to all enforcing authorities i.e. to HSE, ORR and local authorities Number which 255 — 282 — 267 — 235 — 170 — are HSE-enforced fatalities Number of HSE- 255 100 282 100 267 100 235 100 170 100 enforced fatalities investigated (% of total HSE- enforced fatalities) Number of HSE- 94 37 107 38 103 39 66 28 32 19 enforced fatalities resulting in prosecution (% of total HSE- enforced fatalities investigated) Number of HSE- 50 20 68 24 72 27 79 34 51 30 enforced fatalities resulting in an enforcement notice (% of total HSE-enforced fatalities investigated)

Table 2: Major injuries 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-101 No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %

Major injuries reported 46,085 — 47,511 — 47,933 — 52,547 — 53,004 — to all enforcing authorities Number which are 31,147 — 32,736 — 32,809 — 36,284 — 34,963 — HSE-enforced major injuries Number of HSE- 2,562 8 2,557 8 2,478 8 1,890 5 1,867 5 enforced major injuries investigated (% of total HSE-enforced major injuries) Number of HSE- 181 7 243 10 259 10 192 10 184 10 enforced major injuries resulting in prosecution (% of total HSE-enforced major injuries investigated) Number of HSE- 194 8 291 11 369 15 298 16 323 17 enforced major injuries resulting in an enforcement notice (% of total HSE-enforced major injuries investigated) 1 Provisional.

The information in Tables 1 and 2 is current as at 4 Industrial Health and Safety July 2011 and relates to fatalities and major injuries to both workers and members of the public. It includes Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for both investigations which have been completed and Work and Pensions what his policy is on the proportionate those which are ongoing. Ongoing investigations may implementation of the requirements of the Health and result in further enforcement action being taken, particularly Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 by (a) the Health and for incidents which occurred in the most recent years. Safety Executive and (b) local authority inspectors. An investigation can result in both the issue of a notice [63976] and prosecution. Major injury figures for 2009-10 are provisional and Chris Grayling: Health and Safety law should protect finalised figures will be available in November 2011. people at work but in a common sense way, without needless bureaucracy. The Health and Safety Executive Information on fatalities and major injuries resulting enforces the law proportionately, by targeting those in other enforcement activities (e.g. a letter) can be areas which represent the greatest risks to people at provided only at disproportionate cost. work and those who operate outside the law, in accordance 37W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 38W with its enforcement policy statement. Local authorities within Jobcentre Plus, either locally or further afield. There may should follow the same principles when taking enforcement be additional opportunities for redeployment into other Civil decisions. Service posts outside of this Department. Jobcentre Plus is midway through individual consultation meetings Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work with staff. These meetings will discuss the closure and give staff and Pensions what assessment he has made of the cost the opportunity to talk about their personal circumstances and commitments and the redeployment options that are available to to the Health and Safety Executive of implementing them. the recommendations relating to it contained in The individual meetings will determine the scope and potential Common Sense, Common Safety. [64193] for redeployment and this will need to be balanced with the needs of the business. Once all of the information has been gathered Chris Grayling: The Health and Safety Executive’s from those individual meetings and compared with the job (HSE) 2010 spending review settlement for the period opportunities that are actually available, decisions will be made as 2011-12 to 2014-15 takes account of the resources HSE to where members of staff will be posted. It is intended that needs to implement the recommendations in ‘Common Jobcentre Plus will be able to give everyone an indication of their Sense, Common Safety’ that it leads on. posting by the end of July. Staff who move to a new site following the closure of their Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work existing site will retain their existing terms and conditions. and Pensions what assessment he has made of the Staff who incur extra travel costs as a result of any future implications for local authority sub-contracting of transfer may qualify for help with excess fares. Any member of staff who accepts a post outside of the Jobcentre Plus normal health and safety inspections of the recommendations daily travelling distance definition (either 1 or 1½ hours depending relating to combining food safety and health and safety on grade and length of service), can apply for a workforce contained in Common Sense, Common Safety. [64196] management redeployment package. This can help with excess travel time and additional childcare costs in addition to excess Chris Grayling: The guidance on combined food hygiene fares. and health and safety inspections was jointly prepared by Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Food Standards Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Agency (FSA) and local government representative bodies. and Pensions what timetable he has set for the planned It implemented the recommendation arising from ‘Common closure of the benefit and contact centres. [64305] Sense, Common Safety’ and advised all local authorities (LAs) undertaking health and safety or food hygiene Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus inspections that they should combine these inspections is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, where appropriate. Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Some LAs use contractors to undertake food safety member with the information requested. and health and safety inspections, in such cases the LA Letter from Darra Singh: itself retains the overall management and enforcement The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question responsibility. The guidance to combine inspections asking what timetable he has set for the planned closure of the should be considered when the LA plans and directs benefit and contact centres. This falls within the responsibilities their inspection resources, whether they use contractors delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. or LA officers. There is an outline timetable for the closure of the 22 offices. While health and safety is a reserved matter, food Over the next 12 months 20 sites will close (5 contact centres and safety is devolved such that the guidance only applies in 15 benefit centres) and 2 more benefit centres (Carlisle and England but is made available to LAs in Scotland and Hartlepool) will close during 2012/13. Wales should they wish to follow similar principles. Many of the aforementioned 20 sites that are set for closure during the next 12 months have a one year notice period to be served and thus the notice to surrender has already been given in Jobcentre Plus: Closures order to facilitate the closures. They will all close by the end of May 2012 but we are looking to phase the movement of work and Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work people over the next 9 months. and Pensions what plans he has for relocation of There are a few sites where only 6 months notice needs to be Jobcentre Plus staff who work in offices which are to be given. Clydebank Contact Centre is one such site where the closure date there is November 2011. closed. [64304]

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus Mansfield Benefit Centre is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Sir Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for Member with the information requested. Work and Pensions what calculations his Department Letter from Darra Singh: made when taking the decision to close Mansfield The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question Benefits Centre; [63700] asking what plans he has for relocation of Jobcentre Plus staff (2) what factors were considered by his Department who work in offices which are to be closed. This falls within the in determining that the Mansfield Benefit Centre is one responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre of the most expensive centres in the country. [63822] Plus. On 13 May 2011 Jobcentre Plus announced that 22 benefit and contact centres would close—20 during the next 12 months Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus (5 contact centres and 15 benefit centres) and 2 more benefit is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, centres during 2012/13. A commitment has been made that all of Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. the staff affected by these closures will receive an offer of redeployment Member with the information requested. 39W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 40W

Letter from Darra Singh: Jobcentre Plus can expect to benefit from a reduction in cost by The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions relinquishing the office space occupied by the Benefit Centre. asking what calculations were made when taking the decision to The terms and conditions of the occupancy by Mansfield close Mansfield Benefits Centre and what factors were considered Benefit Centre fall within the aforementioned Private Finance by his Department in determining that it is one of the most Initiative contract between DWP and Telereal Trillium. expensive centres in the country. This falls within the responsibilities With regards the ownership of the premises, the Mansfield delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. Benefit Centre estate is freehold and owned by Telereal Trillium. Jobcentre Plus had to conduct a comprehensive review of its In terms of future occupation of the space that Jobcentre Plus Benefit and Contact Centres to address the fact that the organisation vacates, Telereal Trillium will now act according to the terms by has under-used space when it is striving to become leaner, more which it runs that building to seek new occupiers. productive and deliver optimum value for money for the taxpayer through the use of modernised service delivery channels. Sir Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for An equally weighted and balanced criteria was used during the Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of review to inform the eventual decision making process. The savings to be achieved through the closure of the criteria consisted of; Mansfield Benefits Centre. [63705] Cost effectiveness; Performance and productivity; Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus The size of the sites; is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Redeployment potential; Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested. The results of Equality Impact Assessments carried out, and; Letter from Darra Singh: The wider economic impact, the unemployment rate in the area and whether there were any planned closures or redundancies The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question by other Government departments, in the locality. asking what estimate he has made of savings to be achieved through the closure of the Mansfield Benefits Centre. This falls In terms of cost, Jobcentre Plus used a cost per work station within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of calculation. This is the total cost of running a site including lease Jobcentre Plus. and utility costs but excluding staff and IT costs, divided by the number of workstations at a site. The challenge, for Jobcentre Plus is to save £170 million through its overall estates rationalisation programme. It is anticipated The size of sites was another calculation. The recognised that the decision to close Mansfield Benefit Centre and 21 other optimum site size (for sites of the Mansfield Benefit Centre type) Benefit and Contact Centres will save £14 million by 2015. is between 200 and 500 seats. There are just 117 staff in post at Mansfield Benefit Centre. It is not always possible to be specific about the savings that will be realised through the closure of individual sites. Mansfield All of these criteria are considered when a decision to close a Benefit Centre is a prime example as it is co-located with a site is made. Jobcentre that is not set to close. Typically when Jobcentre Plus relinquishes a floor of a building it will negotiate with estate Sir Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for provider Telereal Trillium to achieve a saving or it will explore the Work and Pensions (1) whether any organisation or inward co-location potential for new revenue. business has expressed an interest in occupying the premises currently used by the Mansfield Benefits Centre; Sir Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for [63701] Work and Pensions what terms and conditions will be applied to staff employed in the Mansfield Benefits (2) what level of lease charges is levied for the use of Centre in respect of any future transfer to the Derby the offices occupied by the Mansfield Benefits Centre; Benefits Centre, Derby Contact Centre and Annesley [63702] Contact Centre. [63706] (3) who owns the premises of the Mansfield Benefits Centre; [63703] Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus (4) what the terms and conditions are of the lease is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, held by his Department in respect of the Mansfield Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Benefits Centre. [63704] Member with the information requested. Letter from Darra Singh: Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, that asked what terms and conditions will be applied to staff Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. employed in the Mansfield Benefits Centre in respect of any Member with the information requested. future transfer to the Derby Benefits Centre, Derby Contact Centre and Annesley Contact Centre. This falls within the Letter from Darra Singh: responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions Plus. asking whether any organisation or business has expressed an Jobcentre Plus staff who move to a new site following the interest in occupying the premises currently used by the Mansfield closure of their existing site will retain their existing terms and Benefits Centre, what level of lease charges is levied for the use of conditions. However, a member of staff might wish to review the offices, who owns the premises and what the terms and their actual working patterns with their manager at the new site conditions are of the lease. This falls within the responsibilities and this will be discussed at the appropriate time. delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. Staff who incur extra travel costs may qualify for help with DWP signed a 20 year Private Finance Initiative contract with excess fares. Any member of staff who accepts a post outside of Telereal Trillium in 1998 for the provision of fully fitted and our normal daily travelling distance definition of 1 or 1.5 hours serviced accommodation for which the Department pays an all can apply for a workforce management redeployment package. inclusive unitary charge. This can help with excess travel time and additional childcare A single unitary charge is paid for the provision of Mansfield costs in addition to excess fares. If a post is available within daily Hill House which accommodates both the Benefit Centre and the travelling distance, it is normally expected that staff will take that Jobcentre. The total cost of the premises is commercial in confidence. post to protect the use of public funds. 41W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 42W

Motability: Regulation Chris Grayling: We have published impact assessments and equality impact assessments on the DWP website Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the introduction of the benefit cap and the changes for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of we are making to housing benefit. The dates for the the effectiveness of the regulation of the Motability relevant publications are 16 February 2011 for scheme; and whether he has plans to improve its the introduction of the benefit cap, changes related to the under-occupation of social housing, uprating local regulation. [64820] housing allowance by the consumer price index and for Maria Miller: The Department works closely with non-dependant deduction reforms and 9 May 2011 for Motability but it is an independent charity and is wholly the changes in the shared accommodation rate. responsible for the administration of the Motability However these assessments do not contain an estimate scheme. of the impact on homelessness as we cannot anticipate The Department for Work and Pensions regularly the behaviours of tenants or their landlords. meets with Motability to discuss the performance of the Unemployed People: Public Transport Specialised Vehicles Fund, which Motability administers on its behalf, and to discuss the Motability scheme Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work more generally. These discussions are helpful to both and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 15 June 2011, parties in order to ensure that the scheme gives personal Official Report, column 823W, on unemployed people: mobility on terms which represent value for money and public transport, whether information related to the meet the needs of disabled people. Flexible Support Fund is available in hard copy in each Social Security Benefits Jobcentre Plus office. [62763]

Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Chris Grayling: Jobcentre Plus advisers are the gateway Pensions if he will estimate the (a) number of to the information and support available for customers. households and (b) households as a proportion of the The range of leaflets provided by the Department aims working-age-out-of-work benefit caseload who will be to provide broad information on the main benefits and affected by the introduction of his proposed overall services available. The leaflets are kept as concise as benefit cap in each region. [63824] possible and written in plain English so that most people can quickly find what they want and understand Chris Grayling: The information requested is not the information. The leaflets cannot attempt to provide available as sample sizes are too small to yield reliable information on all circumstances. As the help provided results for areas smaller than the overall impacts for to jobseekers is tailored to meet individual needs and Great Britain. depends upon a number of factors, it is impossible to However, as we have stated in our impact assessment, provide concise and accurate information on all the if the benefit cap were applied in full we estimate that help available. For a jobseeker this information would around 50,000 households in Great Britain will have be provided by a member of staff in Jobcentre Plus. their benefits reduced by the policy—this is roughly 1% Information on travel to interview support is available of the out-of-work benefit caseload. Households whose in the leaflet ‘Help with job interviews’, DWP 1016, and benefit is reduced as a result of the cap on total benefit this is available on request in Jobcentre Plus offices. income will lose on average around £93 per week. The Department has recently revised the main information leaflet suite and now has six brief signposting Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and leaflets covering the main life events such as finding a Pensions if he will estimate the (a) number of households job. People requiring more information can either go in London whose total welfare benefits income exceeds online to Directgov or ask at a Jobcentre Plus office for the average take-home earnings of London working a further leaflet. This approach aims to encourage households and (b) proportion of such households people to go online for information and reduce the represent of the working-age-out-of-work benefit caseload overall cost of producing departmental leaflets. in London. [63825] Work Capability Assessment: Autism Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available as sample sizes are too small to yield reliable Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Work results on the number of households in London whose and Pensions what assessment his Department has total welfare benefits income exceeds the average take-home made on the possibility of allowing people with autistic earnings of London working households. spectrum disorders to bring a carer or advocate to assessments where they wish to do so. [64816] Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will publish his Department’s Maria Miller: Individuals claiming employment and modelling assumptions on the potential effects of (a) support allowance will undergo a work capability assessment the overall benefit cap and (b) restrictions on housing (WCA). Everyone who attends a face to face assessment benefit on homelessness and housing need; [64635] as part of this process, including those with autistic (2) if he will publish the modelling assumptions spectrum disorders, is encouraged to bring a relative, underpinning his Department’s estimate of (a) the carer or advocate with them to their assessment. number of homelessness applications as a consequence Following the Independent Review of the WCA by of the overall benefit cap and (b) the number of Professor Harrington we have made improvements so homelessness applications as a result of housing benefit that claimants better understand the process, including restrictions. [64655] their right to bring someone with them to an assessment. 43W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 44W

Atos Healthcare have also published a Customer Charter (3) what estimate he has made of the average annual which encourages individuals to rent paid by his Department for accommodation “bring a relative, carer or friend along to the assessment if you properties. [64594] would find it helpful.” The claims and assessment processes for personal Mr Robathan [holding answer 7 July 2011]: A summary independence payment are still being developed and we of all entitled and eligible Service and civilian personnel intend to follow a similar process, learning from the can be found in the Tri-Service Accommodation Harrington Review findings. Individuals will be able Regulations, published as Joint Service Publication 464. and encouraged to bring a relative, friend, carer or The relevant section, part 1, chapter 11, annex A, will advocate with them for their face-to-face consultations be placed in the Library of the House. as part of the assessment for the benefit. In 2010-11 the Ministry of Defence spent an average annual rent of some £4,600 on accommodation properties in the UK. DEFENCE Current records show the following breakdown of occupants of service family accommodation (SFA) and Military Decorations substitute SFA in London, by rank. There are some properties where no rank is recorded. Similar information Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for on occupants of single living accommodation and substitute Defence what assessment he has made of the effects of service single accommodation (SSSA) is not held centrally. the 2006 decision to allow eligible veterans to receive the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal but not to allow it to be Rank Total worn; and if he will make a statement. [64449] Able Seaman 9 Mr Robathan: An ongoing review of the rules governing Air Commodore 8 the award of medals is considering the principles which Air Chief Marshal 1 underpin these rules. In doing so, appropriate consideration Admiral 1 will be given to how the rules have been applied to past Air Marshal 1 decisions on medals, including the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Air Vice Marshal 1 Medal. We are currently considering the views of a Bombardier 4 number of campaign groups, including the Pingat Jasa Brigadier 17 Malaysia Veterans Association. Captain 93 Captain RN 8 Armed Forces Commander 26 Commodore 2 Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Craftsman 12 Defence (1) what plans he has to standardise harmony Corporal of the Horse 36 guidelines for each branch of the armed forces; [64174] Colonel 36 (2) when his Department will publish its Force Corporal 238 Generation Review. [64175] Chief Petty Officer 12 Colour Sergeant 21 Mr Robathan: The Force Generation Review is Chief Technician 7 considering a wide range of factors including tour Drummer 4 lengths and harmony guidelines; this work is ongoing. Flying Officer 6 Flight Lieutenant 36 Armed Forces: Deployment Flight Sergeant 19 Fusilier 6 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Group Captain 16 Defence how many service personnel were (a) Guardsman 136 unaccompanied and (b) accompanied on service in the General 5 latest period for which figures are available. [65248] Gunner 15 Leading Aircraftsman 8 Mr Robathan: As at 6 July 2011, 125,460 service Lance Bombardier 7 personnel were recorded as being unaccompanied, and Lance Corporal of the Horse 69 62,010 as accompanied on service. Lance Corporal 247 Armed Forces: Housing Leading Diver 11 Lance Sergeant 64 Lieutenant 22 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Lieutenant Commander 45 Defence pursuant to the oral answer to the hon. Lieutenant Colonel 111 Member for Coventry South of 4 July 2011, Official Major General 5 Report, columns 1214-15, on accommodation costs, (1) what definition his Department uses for entitled service Major 229 Musician 18 personnel; [64592] NATO Officer 1 (2) what the rank was of each recipient of Officer Cadet 1 accommodation; [64593] 45W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 46W

Mr Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Rank Total given on 4 July 2011, Official Report, column 1222, by Pilot Officer 2 the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend Petty Officer 13 the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox). Private 171 Rear Admiral 2 Chief Coroner Reverend 1 Squadron Leader 85 Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for Sub-Lieutenant 1 Defence (1) what evidence his Department holds on the Senior Aircraftsman 69 financial effects on his Department in each of the next Staff Corporal 11 five years of appointing a Chief Coroner with the Student Bandmaster 2 functions provided for by the Coroner and Justice Act Signaller 1 2009; [65188] Sergeant 195 (2) whether his Department has carried out (a) a Sapper 1 cost-benefit analysis and (b) an impact assessment in Staff Sergeant 45 relation to the introduction of a Chief Coroner, with Trooper 86 the functions provided for by the Coroners and Justice Vice Admiral 1 Act 2009. [65253] Wing Commander 54 Warrant Officer 17 Mr Robathan: We hold no evidence on the financial Warrant Officer Class 1 49 effects of the Chief Coroner on the Ministry of Defence Warrant Officer Class 2 59 and have not carried out a cost benefit analysis or impact assessment as the cost of establishing a Chief Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Coroner would fall to the Ministry of Justice. An impact Defence what the (a) constituency and (b) local authority assessment for Part One of the Coroners and Justice is of each site of (i) service families accommodation Act 2009 was published by the Ministry of Justice in and (ii) single living accommodation of 100 or more December 2008 and summarised the full costs and units. [65250] benefits of implementing the coroners provisions in the act. Mr Robathan: The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Departmental Dismissal Armed Forces: Injuries Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many officials in his Department were Defence pursuant to the answer of 22 June 2011, Official dismissed for under-performance as a result of the Report, column 299W,on armed forces: injuries, whether procedures arising from his Department’s staff he has any plans to publish the results of any of the appraisal system in each of the last three years. [64689] current collaborative research with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; and if so which areas he Mr Robathan: The information requested is shown in will publish. [64764] the following table:

Mr Robathan: Wherever possible, the Defence Science Total number of staff dismissed and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) publishes, often in Calendar year for reasons of performance collaboration with the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine 1 in Birmingham, the results of its research programme in 2008-09 — open scientific peer-reviewed journals. 2009-10 10 2010-11 10 This is done to ensure that the advances made can be 1 Represents figures of five or below. utilised both in military and civilian scenarios. Note: All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Armoured Fighting Vehicles Departmental Freedom of Information Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the timetable is for delivery of the second batch of light patrol protected vehicles; and if he will Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for make a statement. [63649] Defence how many requests under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department Peter Luff: A decision on the second tranche will be received from (a) hon. Members from each political made in due course and announced to the House in the party and (b) members of the public in each year since usual way. the Act’s entry into force. [63592]

Army: Manpower Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence’s Freedom of Information statistics do not distinguish between Members Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence of Parliament and the general public. This is because whether he has any plans to reduce the size of the the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is applicant- and Army after 2015. [64960] motive-blind. 47W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 48W

Departmental Manpower Indirect Fire Precision Attack Programme

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Defence how many (a) support staff in each role in (1) what recent progress his Department has made on theatre and (b) other civilian staff were employed by the Indirect Fire Precision Attack programme; and if he his Department on the latest date for which figures are will make a statement; [63736] available. [63651] (2) what estimate he has made of the total cost of the Indirect Fire Precision Attack programme; [63737] Mr Robathan: The latest figure for Ministry of Defence civilian staff currently deployed in theatre is 1,172; of (3) how many munitions will be supplied to the these 989 are locally employed civilians (LECs) and 183 armed forces under the Indirect Fire Precision Attack are in support of Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. programme. [63738] These are broken down as follows, with figures for 2010 shown for comparison: Peter Luff: The fire shadow loitering munition project is the current focus of the Indirect Fire Precision Attack Staff numbers (IFPA) programme. The project is progressing well through Role 2010 2011 the demonstration and manufacture phase and is on track to deliver a deployable capability in 2012. We Civil Secretary 1 1 already know that there is interest in this capability Deputy Civil 22from other nations and we are pursuing export opportunities Secretary as part of the wider complex weapons initiative in Policy Adviser 7 3 support of driving down future costs. Defence Adviser 8 10 The wider IFPA programme is in the assessment Commercial Officer 6 5 phase; this will establish the type and numbers of munitions Finance Officer 9 8 required and the associated costs. The broad cost of the Media Adviser 1 2 first phase of the fire shadow loitering munition programme, Operational Analyst 6 11 including concept, assessment, demonstration and initial Scientific Adviser 4 4 manufacture, is forecast to be some £200 million. Fire Officer 1 1 Ministry of Defence 20 24 Information relating to future fire shadow loitering Police munition stock levels is being withheld for the purpose Area Claims Officer 2 1 of safeguarding national security and because its disclosure NHS Nurse 2 0 would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, Archivist 2 0 effectiveness or security of the armed forces. Graphics Officer 1 1 Defence Estates 43Joint Service Command and Staff College Project Manager Defence Support 30 92 Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for (DSG) Defence how many of the current intake at the Joint Locally Employed 850 989 Civilians (LECs) Services Command and Staff College are from the (a) [62108] Supply Chain Staff n/a 14 Army, (b) RAF and (c) Royal Navy. Deployments n/a 1 Manager Mr Robathan [holding answer 27 June 2011]: As at 27 Total UK civil 106 183 June 2011, the Joint Services Command and Staff College servants have the following UK military students on courses with them: The total number of civilian staff employed by the MOD in April 2011 including LECs and those listed Royal above was 87,060 (83,060 full-time equivalent) compared Course Navy1 Army RAF to 89,970 (85,590 full-time equivalent) in 2010. Advanced Command 58 72 63 Departmental Written Questions and Staff Course Intermediate 53 145 55 Command and Staff Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Courses Defence how many questions for written answer on a Total 111 217 118 named day his Department has answered (a) 1 This includes the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet substantively on the day named, (b) with a holding Auxiliary answer followed by a substantive answer and (c) with a holding answer only since June 2010. [65014] Merlin Helicopters

Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence received 1,057 questions for written answer on a named day between 1 Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for June 2010 and 6 July 2011. Of these, 601 were answered Defence (1) what recent progress his Department has substantively on the day named; 449 were answered made on the Merlin upgrade programme; and if he will with a holding answer followed by a substantive answer; make a statement; [63744] and seven have been answered with a holding answer (2) what recent estimate he has made of the costs of only. the Merlin upgrade programme; [63745] 49W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 50W

(3) what estimate he has made of how many Merlin (2) calculation was made to arrive at the overall helicopters will be upgraded as part of the Merlin figure for the economic impact at RAF Menwith Hill. upgrade programme. [63746] [63661]

Peter Luff: The Merlin capability sustainment Mr Robathan: The following table shows the monetary programme, which aims to sustain the Merlin Mk1 value given to each category upon which the overall capability to 2029, remains on track and is currently in economic assessment was based; a conversion rate of the demonstration and manufacture phase. The expected $1.6943 equals £1 was used. cost of this programme is £843 million. This programme will deliver 30 MK2 standard aircraft. £ million The Merlin Mk3/3a Life Sustainment Programme is Financial year still being developed: the content, value and time-scales 2010 2011 cannot be confirmed until the main investment decision US Salaries 84.6 86.2 is made. UK Salaries 29 29.7 Construction 32.8 9.1 Military Aircraft Utilities 5.5 6.7 Local Supplies 5.5 5.6 Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Visitors1 6.1 6.4 Defence what near miss incidents involving RAF Total 163.5 143.7 aircraft and UK nuclear installations have been 1 Totals are based on the standard daily allowance rate. reported to his Department in each year since May US authorities at RAF Menwith Hill calculate the 2004; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the overall figure for the economic impact of the establishment report on each such incident. [64468] was based on the salaries of US and UK personnel, construction costs, payments for utilities, local supplies Mr Robathan: Since May 2004 there have been two and visitors. incidents of RAF aircraft entering the restricted airspace imposed around nuclear installations, these are shown Rescue Services: Helicopters in the following table. These incidents were investigated and neither were assessed to present a risk to the Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for installation. I will place copies of the reports into each Defence what estimate he has made of the total cost of of these incidents, with appropriate redactions, in the the search and rescue helicopter project. [63817] Library of the House. Peter Luff: The total future cost of the joint Ministry Date Nuclear installation Closest approach of Defence/Department for Transport Search and Rescue 8 October 2004 Sellafield Nuclear 1.5 nautical miles (SAR) Helicopter project has previously been estimated Power Station (lateral) as approximately £7 billion over some 25 years. Following 12 August 2008 Harwell Nuclear 1 nautical mile the cancellation, in February 2011, of the previous Facility (lateral) procurement process due to contract irregularities, we are considering the potential procurement options to Military Bases meet the future requirements for SAR helicopters in the United Kingdom and we will make a further announcement once a way forward has been agreed. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) constituency and (b) local Reserve Forces authority is of each (i) base, (ii) garrison and (iii) barracks of each of the armed services in (A) England Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence and (B) Wales. [65249] whether the review of reserve forces will be published Mr Robathan: A list of Ministry of Defence bases, prior to 20 July. [65493] garrisons and barracks in England and Wales, arranged by parliamentary constituency, will be placed in the Mr Robathan: No firm date for publication has been Library of the House. set. Breakdown by local authority is not held centrally Royal Fleet Auxiliary and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for RAF Menwith Hill Defence what plans he has for the future of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; and if he will make a statement. Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for [63647] Defence pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2011, Official Report, column 21W,on military bases, what (1) monetary Peter Luff: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary will continue to values were given to (a) the salaries of US and UK operate a fleet of supply and support vessels scaled to personnel, (b) the cost of construction projects, (c) meet the Navy’s requirements. We are taking forward utilities, (d) local supply purchases, (e) visitor lodging, the findings of the value for money review of the Royal (f) meals and incidentals and (g) other elements considered Fleet Auxiliary which were announced in the debate by in the local economic impact assessment of RAF Menwith the Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, Hill; [63660] my right hon. Friend the Member for South Leicestershire 51W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 52W

(Mr Robathan), on 6 December 2010, Official Report, Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence operates to columns 137-46. Under the military afloat reach and the highest legal, moral and ethical standards. Joint sustainability programme we plan to begin replacing Doctrine Note 2/11 (JDN 2/11) recognises that we must the existing single-hulled tankers and solid support continue to observe these high standards when employing ships with new ships later this decade. new technology, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), to achieve our defence objectives. Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade As stated in its preface, JDN 2/11 seeks to consider how UAS may contribute to the UK’s future defence Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for and security needs. Its purpose is to identify the issues Defence what discussions he has had with the Secretary that should be addressed if such systems are to be of State for Business, Innovation and Skills regarding successfully developed and integrated into future operations. arms export licences to Saudi Arabia. [64827] It does not describe agreed policy but rather seeks to energise debate within the UK to inform policy Mr Robathan: There have been no discussions between development; the Ministry of Defence welcomes and the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend encourages that debate and the opportunity to contribute the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), and the fully to it. Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for (Vince Cable), on export licensing for Saudi Arabia. Defence how many (a) insurgents and (b) civilians have been killed as a result of UK unmanned aircraft Trident and armed drone missions in each year since such craft were first used; by what mechanism such civilian deaths and injuries are monitored; and if he will make a Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence statement. [64476] pursuant to the answer of 28 June 2011, Official Report, column 675W, on Trident, whether he has assessed Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence does not options for an alternative to the replacement of Trident hold a comprehensive record of figures for insurgent or that would provide an equivalent level of deterrence. civilian casualties in Afghanistan, because of the immense [65499] difficulty and risks that would be involved in collecting robust data. Mr Robathan: The 2006 White Paper ‘The Future of Any incident involving civilian casualties is a matter the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent’ (Cm 6994) of deep regret and we take every possible measure to set out the results of a fundamental analysis of options avoid such incidents. There are strict procedures, frequently for any successor deterrent system. This work concluded updated in light of experience, intended to both minimise that a minimum nuclear deterrent based on a new the risk of casualties occurring and to investigate incidents generation of ballistic missile-carrying submarines operating that do happen. a continuous at sea deterrence posture was right for the UK. As set out in the 2010 Strategic Defence and USA: Defence Academy Security Review (Cm 7948), and as the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for North Somerset (Dr Fox), reiterated in his statement to Defence pursuant to the answer of 29 June 2011, the House on 18 May 2011, Official Report, columns Official Report, columns 835-6W, on USA: Defence 351-353, this remains Government policy. Academy, what the (a) itinerary and (b) dates were of As the Secretary of State for Defence explained in his the visit; whether the students travelled by scheduled answer of 28 June 2011, the study to assist the Liberal flights; and how many students travelled in (a) Democrats in making the case for alternatives will economy and (b) standard business class. [64167] review the costs, feasibility and credibility of alternative platforms, alternative delivery systems and alternative Mr Robathan [holding answer 6 July 2011]: The postures. Advanced Command and Staff Course, Defence Academy itinerary to the USA, including dates of the visit, was as Unmanned Air Vehicles follows: 2 June 2011—advance party of personnel travel out to the Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for USA. Defence whether the MQ-9 Reaper or any other form 4 June 2011—half the students and staff travel out to Washington of UK drone has been used in Pakistan airspace by DC. UK forces; and if he will make a statement. [64474] 5 June 2011—rest of the students and staff travel out to Washington DC. Mr Robathan: No UK Reaper remotely piloted air 6 June 2011—briefings in Washington. Course departs for systems or unmanned air systems have been used in Naval Station Norfolk Virginia, via coach. Pakistani airspace by UK forces. 7 June 2011—briefings received. 8 June 2011—travelled to Marine Corps Base Quantico Virginia, Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for via coach. Briefings received. Travel back to Washington—via Defence whether he has made a response to each of the coach. questions raised in Chapter 5, Moral and Ethical 9 June 2011—briefings in Washington. Issues, in the Joint Doctrine Note 2/11 The UK 10 June 2011—half the students and staff travel back to the Approach to Unmanned Aircraft Systems of 30 March UK. 2011; and if he will make a statement. [64475] 11 June 2011—rest of students and staff travel back to the UK. 53W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 54W

All the students travelled via the Washington trooper (4) what legislative options he has considered using flight, economy class. to extend the franchise to prisoners. [64486] Wales Mr Harper: The Government are considering the next steps in relation to prisoner voting rights and the Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 11 October deadline set by the European Court of how many visits Ministers and staff of his Department Human Rights to bring forward legislative proposals. I have made to defence establishments in Carmarthenshire will inform the House when decisions on the way forward and Pembrokeshire since 2008. [61550] have been reached. The Prime Minister has said that the Government will make sure that any legislative proposals Mr Robathan: Information on visits by staff for the are as close as possible to the decision of the House of whole period, and information on ministerial visits Commons earlier this year. prior to May 2010, are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. No Defence Minister has visited Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire since May 2010. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT X-rays Affordable Housing Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on storing Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for radiology records in (a) 2006, (b) 2007, (c) 2008, (d) Communities and Local Government what assessment 2009 and (e) 2010. [63936] his Department has made of the impact of the introduction of the overall benefit cap on the number Mr Robathan: This information is not held centrally of new affordable rent units to be constructed by 2015. and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. [64825]

Grant Shapps: The Department published an Impact Assessment for Affordable Rent in June 2011: DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/ Devolution: Wales rentimpactassessment This analysis takes into account both the overall Roger Williams: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister benefit cap and the flexibilities provided to housing what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State providers to shape their development programmes to for Wales on the remit of the proposed commission on local circumstances. devolution and funding for Wales. [63332] The central scenario in the impact assessment suggests that it is possible for housing providers to deliver 56,000 The Deputy Prime Minister: I have regular discussions new affordable rent and affordable home ownership with the Secretary of State for Wales, the right hon. properties (towards the Government’s overall ambition Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), of up to 150,000 new affordable homes) between 2011 about a range of issues, including the scope of the work and 2015, alongside the introduction of the benefit cap. of the proposed commission. The Homes and Communities Agency has now received House of Lords: Reform bids for funding from housing providers. These have exceeded our original expectations and we are on track Paul Murphy: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister to deliver our ambition of up to 150,000 new affordable what plans he has to consult the public about reform of homes including family homes. the House of Lords. [64856] Business Premises: Leasehold Mr Harper: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 May 2011, Official Report, column Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for 379W, to the hon. Member for Middlesbrough South Communities and Local Government whether he has and East Cleveland (Tom Blenkinsop). assessed the effect of the provisions of the Leasehold Prisoners: Voting Rights and Commonhold Reform Act 2002 in respect of commercial properties on the management of an estate where commercial property benefits from the right to Priti Patel: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister enfranchise. [64199] pursuant to the answers of 30 June 2011, Official Report, column 930W, on legal aid and prisoners: Grant Shapps: Tenants (leaseholders) of commercial voting rights, (1) whether he plans to bring forward properties do not have the right to enfranchise under proposals to amend existing legislation in order to residential leasehold legislation. extend the franchise to prisoners; [64483] Under the “Commonhold and Leasehold Reform (2) whether he has seen draft versions of legislative Act 2002”, however, where leasehold houses on an proposals to extend voting rights to prisoners; and if he estate are subject to a business lease, the leaseholders will make a statement; [64484] may—provided they meet certain qualifying criteria— (3) in which month he plans to bring forward legislative qualify for enfranchisement. These include the term of proposals to extend the franchise to prisoners; [64485] the original business lease exceeding 35 years, and the 55W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 56W leaseholder occupying the house as their only or main Interest rate (percentage) residence for the last two years, or periods amounting to two years in the last 10. 2000-01 5.00 Enfranchisement in these circumstances could result 2001-02 4.75 in changes to the management of an estate. No assessment 2002-03 3.00 has been made in England of the effects of the introduction 2003-04 2.75 of these criteria. 2004-05 3.00 2005-06 3.75 Council Tax: Exemptions 2006-07 3.50 ¦ 2007-08 4.25 Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09 4.25 Communities and Local Government if he will 2009-10 0 examine rules on council tax exemption under which 2010-11 0 new owners cannot apply for exemption on unoccupied and unfurnished properties if the same property was Departmental Regulation exempt under previous ownership. [65428] Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: The council tax exemption for unoccupied, Communities and Local Government pursuant to the and unfurnished properties applies to the property not answer of 22 March 2011, Official Report, columns 911-2W, the owner. However, local authorities can set a discount what regulations his Department (a) introduced and on such property between 50% and 0% in the circumstances (b) revoked between 9 and 28 February 2011. [60403] set out in the question. Robert Neill [holding answer 17 June 2011]: I refer Council Tax: Overpayments the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 22 March 2011, Official Report, columns 911-12W and the associated Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for table which has been placed in the Library of the Communities and Local Government (1) what interest House. rate the Valuation Office Agency has used for the calculation of compound interest foregone through the Enterprise Zones overpayment of council tax in each of the last 20 years; and what factors determined the rate set in each case; Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for [63227] Communities and Local Government when he expects (2) what the policy is of the Valuation Office Agency to announce his decision on the current round of bids on compensation payments made in lieu of lost interest for local enterprise zones. [65089] on overpaid council tax; on what date that policy was adopted; and whom the Agency consulted on the Greg Clark: The competition for a further 10 enterprise change from the previous policy. [63234] zones closed on 30 June. We will announce decisions on the second wave of Robert Neill: Local authorities are responsible for enterprise zones following the consideration of bids paying (a) overpayments of council tax. There is no later in the summer. legal provision for (b) interest lost due to overpayment to be paid by the Valuation Office Agency. Government Procurement Card The Valuation Office will consider making an ex gratia payment in cases where it has caused a serious Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for error or delay in reviewing the council tax band of a Communities and Local Government what the (a) date property. of purchase, (b) amount, (c) supplier and (d) level 3 Since January 2011 the Valuation Office Agency’s or enhanced transaction entry was of each transaction policy has changed and it no longer makes payments in undertaken by his Department using the Government lieu of lost interest. Procurement Card in (i) 2006-07 and (ii) 2007-08. The following table shows the interest rates the Valuation [59050] Office Agency used, prior to January 2011, in the calculation of payments in lieu of lost interest since council tax was Robert Neill: The details of Government Procurement introduced. The level of interest is based on levels used Card transactions for (i) 2006-07 and (ii) 2008-09 have by billing authorities in the calculations used for non- been deposited in the Library of the House. This includes domestic rates refunds. (a) date of purchase, (b) amount and (c) supplier. Level 3 (d) or enhanced transaction details are not held Interest rate (percentage) centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. 1993-94 5.00 Each transaction does have a merchant category which 1994-95 4.25 is a broad description of the type of goods purchased. 1995-96 5.75 1996-97 5.00 My Department is committed to greater transparency 1997-98 5.00 over the use of the Government Procurement Card 1998-99 6.25 than under the last Administration, and has strengthened 1999-2000 4.50 checks and balances to ensure protection of taxpayers’ money. 57W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 58W

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: All principal local authorities in England, Communities and Local Government what the (a) date except Nottingham city council, are now publishing of purchase, (b) amount, (c) supplier and (d) level 3 online their expenditure over £500. This should include or enhanced transaction entry was of each transaction Government Procurement Card transactions, identifying undertaken by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister the underlying supplier. The ‘Code of Recommended using the Government Procurement Card during the Practice for Local Authorities on Data Transparency’, period it existed as a Government Department. [59210] currently in draft, will put transparency on a statutory footing. Robert Neill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister DCLG has been routinely publishing Government (ODPM) became a separate Department in May 2002 Procurement Card transactions, including the underlying and existed until May 2006 when it was reformed as the suppliers, for all transactions over £500 on its website Department of Communities and Local Government. since February 2011 and they can be found at: Confirmation and checking of Government Procurement http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/ Card records for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, transparencyingovernment/spenddata/ when it existed as a Government Department, could be My Department has also published a detailed breakdown accomplished only at disproportionate cost. of every single Government Procurement transaction Government Procurement Card records exist from (not just those over £500) for 2008-09, 2009-10 and April 2004 but during the time that ODPM existed as a 2010-11: separate department they were contaminated by http://www.communities.gov.uk/newsstories/newsroom/ compromised (cloned) Government Procurement Cards. 1914205 This was investigated and resolved at the time (with no suggestion of internal fraud) but with the passage of While the card’s use can reduce administrative costs time preparing these figures for publication could be of purchasing items, Sir Philip Green’s report into accomplished only at disproportionate cost as it would Government efficiency last year identified the need for involve checking over 4,000 lines of data. greater checks and balances into the use of the Government Procurement Card. Ministers believe that online transparency will help identify and prevent wasteful Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for spending and help improve procurement efficiency. There Communities and Local Government what the (a) date is a powerful public interest for past and present spending of purchase, (b) amount, (c) supplier and (d) level 3 data to be made public by local authorities, and we or enhanced transaction entry was of each transaction would recommend councils consider the case for proactive undertaken by each of the Government Offices for the disclosure. Regions using the Government Procurement Card between 2007-08 and 2009-10. [59211] Green Belt Robert Neill: The details of Government Procurement Card transactions undertaken by the Government Office Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Network for financial years 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 Communities and Local Government if his Department have been deposited in the Library of the House. They has any plans to alter planning rules for development in include (a) date of purchase, (b) amount and (c) green belt land. [64830] supplier. Level 3 (d) or enhanced transaction details are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Robert Neill: The coalition agreement commits the Government to maintaining green belt protection. The Each transaction does have a merchant category which green belt has a valuable role in stopping urban sprawl is a broad description of the type of goods purchased. and providing a green lung around towns and cities. A breakdown for each individual Government office National policy on green belt protection—currently could only be accomplished at disproportionate cost. explained in Planning Policy Guidance Note 2, ‘Green The abolition of the Government offices was announced Belts’—will be updated as part of the National Planning in the coalition Government’s spending review in October Policy Framework. We will consult on the Framework 2010. The network closed at the end of March 2011. shortly. However, through the Localism Bill we will be Functions formerly undertaken by the network have abolishing regional strategies. This will remove ’top now ceased, with the exception of a small number down’ pressure to weaken green belt protection. Our which transferred elsewhere. revision to planning guidance on travellers, currently out to consultation, also looks to strengthen protection These changes are expected to deliver up to £200 of the green belt. million in savings over the spending review. My Department is committed to greater transparency Homelessness over the use of the Government Procurement Card than under the last Administration, and has strengthened checks and balances to ensure protection of taxpayers’ Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for money. Communities and Local Government what letters he or his officials have sent to Ministers or officials in the Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Department for Work and Pensions on his Department’s Communities and Local Government what steps he is assessment of the (a) number of households likely to taking to promote transparency in the use of the present as homeless as a consequence of the overall Government Procurement Card by (a) local authorities benefit cap in the 12 months following its introduction and (b) his Department. [59215] and (b) resultant likely costs to local authorities. [64822] 59W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 60W

Grant Shapps: Ministers and officials from the Experience shows that delivery partners with a positive Department for Communities and Local Government delivery record on employment and skills have developed and the Department for Work and Pensions are in a variety of approaches that work according to local regular correspondence on a range of matters. I refer circumstances. the right hon. Member to the recent letter to her from the Secretary of State, a copy of which has been placed Private Rented Housing in the Library of the House. Mr Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government what steps his Department is taking to support families with children Louise Mensch: To ask the Secretary of State for in accessing the private rented sector. [64698] Communities and Local Government what plans his Department has to minimise the number of repossessions Andrew Stunell: Figures drawn from the most recent of domestic homes during periods of slow economic English Housing Survey (published on 5 July 2011), growth. [64373] show that 30% of households in the private rented sector are families with dependent children. This compares Grant Shapps: The Government are helping homeowners with 32% in the social rented sector and 27% of owner in difficulty by tackling the record deficit to prevent a occupiers. These percentages suggest that the private rapid increase in interest rates hitting struggling households. rented sector already performs an important role in The Government are committed to working closely housing families. The Government have sought to ensure with lenders, debt advice agencies and local authorities that continues to be the case by minimising burdens on to ensure that repossession is only ever a last resort and the sector which might inhibit its growth while underlining that effective help and advice for homeowners at risk of our commitment to ensuring that the existing legislative repossession is available. The Government “Mortgage framework continues to offer proper protections to Help”website outlines the options available to households. those with privately rented homes. Where a family is unable to find accommodation in Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for their area, they can go for help to their local authority Communities and Local Government when his Department who will be able to offer support and, where they are will publish the forthcoming Housing Strategy; and found to be unintentionally homeless, will be under a what plans he has to stimulate the development of duty to find them suitable accommodation. retirement housing of each tenure. [64577] Social Rented Housing Grant Shapps: The DCLG Business Plan states the Department will publish a document setting out our Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for overall approach to housing policy by October 2011. Communities and Local Government (1) what Current national planning policy for housing makes information he holds on the length of local residence clear that Local Planning Authorities should carry out required by each local authority in England for the a Strategic Housing Market Assessment to provide purposes of determining eligibility for social housing; information on the level of needs and demand for [64873] housing in their area. The housing requirements of (2) what estimate he has made of the number of local older people should be included in these assessments. authorities intending to increase the length of local Based on the requirements identified, authorities should residence as a qualification for access to social housing. develop policies and implementation strategies to ensure [64874] that sufficient, suitable land is made available to achieve their housing objectives. Clear local housing policies Andrew Stunell: Under the current allocation legislation, can encourage developers to bring forward proposals local authorities may not take local residence into account for housing which reflect market demand and the needs for the purposes of determining eligibility for social of different households. housing. However, they may take into account whether The forthcoming National Planning Policy Framework an applicant has a local connection with their district consultation will cover all forms of development. This when determining priorities for social housing and many will include policy on planning for housing. authorities do so. Housing: Construction The changes to the allocation legislation in the Localism Bill will give local authorities the power to determine who does or does not qualify for social housing in their Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for district. This would allow local authorities to set residency Communities and Local Government if he will criteria in future. estimate the number of apprenticeships to be created by his new homes programme if contractors developing Around two-thirds of local authorities that responded such homes were required to take on one apprentice for to the consultation on social housing reform (‘Local every £1 million worth of construction undertaken. decisions: a fairer future for social housing’, November [64179] 2010) welcomed the increased flexibility to set restrictive qualification criteria. Many of those considering introducing Grant Shapps: It would not be appropriate to make a restricted housing waiting list indicated that they an estimate on this basis. No national target has been would impose some form of local residency criteria. set for apprenticeships; nor have Government prescribed The rules determining which categories of foreign a particular approach. Top down targets create additional nationals are eligible for social housing will continue to burdens and bureaucracy on business. be set by central Government. 61W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 62W

HOME DEPARTMENT CEOP will have the advantage of being able to work closely with other commands to ensure that children are Alcoholic Drinks: Prices protected. Shared intelligence across the NCA will highlight more easily where child exploitation and abuse links to Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the other forms of serious organised criminality and shared Home Department what assessment her Department enforcement resources will enable more wide-ranging has made of the effects on alcohol sales of the and effective operations. introduction of her proposed minimum pricing. [61978] Control Orders Mrs May [holding answer 27 June 2011]: Banning the sale of alcohol below the floor price of duty plus Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the VAT is an important step that will tackle the worst Home Department in respect of how many people with instances of deep discounting. control orders in force her Department has no record of their present location. [61956] Cambridgeshire Constabulary James Brokenshire [holding answer 27 June 2011]: Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the The Home Office is aware of the present location of all Home Department how many (a) police officers and the individuals against whom control orders are currently (b) other staff of Cambridgeshire police have been in force. transferred to work in the police investigation centre Control Orders: Terrorism near Kings Lynn since its opening. [63991]

Nick Herbert: The requested information is not collected Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the centrally. Home Department how many people tried and acquitted of one or more charges related to terrorism Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the offences have subsequently been subject to a control Home Department how much Cambridgeshire police order. [61906] has spent under each budgetary heading on the police investigation centre near Kings Lynn in each of the last James Brokenshire [holding answer 27 June 2011]: three years. [63992] All of the individuals currently subject to a control order, and most of those who have ever been subject to Nick Herbert: Information about the amount of money a control order, are subject to a court-imposed anonymity spent by Cambridgeshire police to use the facilities at order. This prevents the publication of information that King’s Lynn PIC is not collected centrally. would identify, or would tend to identify, an individual as being subject to a control order. Any changes to the Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the number of individuals who have been subject to a Home Department what the minimum number of control order subsequent to being acquitted of any arrested persons from Cambridgeshire is required to be terrorism offences, together with information in the processed through the police investigation centre near public domain regarding the outcome of criminal trials, King’s Lynn under the private finance initiative would tend to breach the court imposed anonymity contract. [64709] order. It is therefore not possible to provide this information. We can confirm, however, that control orders have Lynne Featherstone: The information requested is not been made against individuals who have previously collected centrally. been acquitted of terrorism-related offences. The issue of making a control order against a person Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre who has been subject to a previous criminal prosecution has been considered by the courts. The courts have Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the found that a control order is addressed to future risk Home Department what steps she plans to take to and serves an entirely different purpose to the criminal ensure that the restructuring of the Child Exploitation process. and Online Protection Centre results in better service and greater efficiency. [63709] Crime and Security Act 2010

James Brokenshire: In moving the Child Exploitation Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the and Online Protection (CEOP) into the National Crime Home Department which sections of the Crime and Agency (NCA), we will ensure that CEOP: Security Act 2010 she plans not to implement. [62302] retains its operational independence, within the context of the NCA; Mrs May [holding answer 27 June 2011]: The Home has clear delegated authority for its budget; Office has no plans to implement the following sections governance continues to include external partners; of the Crime and Security Act 2010: 6(2), 14, 16 - 23, retains its well-known brand; 40, 41, 42, 44, 55 and 56. On the issues these measures related to, the Government are taking forward their retains its mixed economy of staff, from a variety of disciplines; and policies in new legislation or through consultation. continues its innovative partnerships with the public, private Sections 8 to 13 and 15 are now the devolved and third sector and has the ability to raise and hold funds responsibility of the Northern Ireland Department of from donors. Justice. 63W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 64W

Crimes of Violence: Females Domestic Violence Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) high and (b) the Home Department what role local domestic and medium-risk domestic abuse victims there were in (i) sexual abuse co-ordinators will play in the implementation Oxford West and Abingdon constituency, (ii) of the Government’s strategy on violence against women Oxfordshire and (iii) England and Wales in the latest and children. [64128] period for which figures are available. [63794] Lynne Featherstone: The Home Office does not collect Lynne Featherstone: Local Domestic and Sexual Abuse information on the number of high or medium risk Co-ordinators provide an important local strategic lead victims of domestic abuse in individual areas. on this issue, linking statutory and voluntary partner agencies and promoting and improving multi-agency Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for approaches to tackling sexual and domestic violence. the Home Department whether she plans to place multi-agency risk assessment conferences on the same statutory basis as multi-agency public protection Criminal Records arrangements. [64094] Lynne Featherstone: There are no current plans to place multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARAC) Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for the on the same statutory basis as multi-agency public Home Department what recent assessment she has protection arrangements (MAPPA). made of the level of outstanding Criminal Records Bureau checks to be processed by the Metropolitan Fixed Penalties Police. [64335] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fixed penalty notices Lynne Featherstone: The Metropolitan Police Service were issued for (a) noise, (b) seat belt, (c) (MPS) currently has a workload of approximately 30,000 obstruction, waiting and parking, (d) speed limit and cases in progress, which equates to about 26 days activity. (e) hand held use of mobile telephones offences in There have been significant improvements in performance each police authority area in each of the last three in recent months resulting from the implementation of years. [63690] action plans, which have reduced the workload and the number of outstanding cases at the force. The MPS and Nick Herbert: Available data from 2007 to 2009 (latest the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) will continue to published data) are provided in the following tables. work together to reduce the outstanding work in coming Data for 2010 are scheduled for publication in April months. 2012.

Number of substantive fixed penalty notices issued for various offences, by police force area, England and Wales 2007-09 Offence description Noise offences Seat belt offences Speed limit offences Police force area 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009

Avon and Somerset 30 57 64 2,544 1,928 1,919 57,746 53,069 54,165 Bedfordshire 10 27 10 3,759 3,187 1,895 30,029 19,884 14,289 Cambridgeshire 53 25 18 4,341 4,382 3,186 25,371 22,548 14,401 Cheshire 24 29 66 4,229 4,382 4,174 26,992 23,032 21,043 Cleveland 10 7 8 2,234 1,896 2,180 13,951 11,017 8,687 Cumbria 32 62 36 2,905 2,165 2,296 29,096 30,774 20,366 Derbyshire 11 7 17 4,283 6,314 2,170 22,389 16,652 10,756 Devon and Cornwall 127 81 233 3,694 3,404 3,567 62,549 49,234 39,426 Dorset 15 19 14 1,575 1,560 2,368 36,900 26,086 23,050 Durham 13 7 6 1,400 1,427 1,485 3,138 3,531 3,359 Essex 109 95 99 14,723 15,741 15,746 44,796 25,956 30,423 Gloucestershire 9 3 6 1,244 1,149 1,549 9,380 7,547 4,339 Greater Manchester 19 46 243 18,357 19,918 15,699 42,609 37,330 41,817 Hampshire 44 53 73 9,013 8,590 4,781 49,324 36,719 29,460 Hertfordshire 18 12 7 5,513 3,975 3,431 41,593 34,945 29,724 Humberside 31 30 26 3,597 3,792 1,694 34,184 21,993 24,749 Kent 39 72 152 3,312 3,310 5,318 51,438 25,208 25,868 Lancashire 29 19 96 4,442 5,760 8,100 55,167 41,678 34,710 Leicestershire 12 5 4 1,212 1,187 1,202 20,634 15,506 12,899 Lincolnshire 34 37 25 5,146 3,992 2,321 24,849 26,834 18,619 London, City of 4 1 5 306 417 637 2,785 3,082 1,590 Merseyside 23 33 48 14,142 13,333 12,982 26,601 34,894 34,983 Metropolitan Police 108 116 91 14,303 15,291 16,594 73,738 94,955 44,197 Norfolk 21 41 32 1,913 2,114 3,044 24,878 20,359 28,474 65W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 66W

Number of substantive fixed penalty notices issued for various offences, by police force area, England and Wales 2007-09 Offence description Noise offences Seat belt offences Speed limit offences Police force area 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009

North Yorkshire 202 77 170 7,532 6,215 4,309 7,748 7,779 8,425 Northamptonshire 13 5 2 1,217 1,347 1,629 49,833 14,716 11,585 Northumbria 34 29 66 4,476 3,173 1,895 38,504 39,410 22,345 Nottinghamshire 13 8 17 2,849 3,735 2,642 34,750 32,975 30,906 South Yorkshire 18 11 20 7,872 6,734 7,465 37,911 8,014 10,526 Staffordshire 18 17 224 4,073 2,870 3,141 31,547 35,269 35,027 Suffolk 75 137 11 4,556 5,846 2,694 30,378 34,678 42,055 Surrey 5 16 16 3,400 2,835 2,213 28,941 27,366 26,401 Sussex1 18 14 22 6,441 5,953 5,288 46,832 37,632 29,710 Thames Valley 44 44 32 13,472 13,728 12,408 54,385 53,909 57,781 Warwickshire 10 11 12 1,079 1,080 1,421 27,468 18,794 32,213 West Mercia 124 106 134 6,443 4,558 3,693 54,975 52,109 39,871 West Midlands 41 37 35 6,042 8,678 8,056 45,357 34,620 40,789 West Yorkshire 21 32 28 6,995 7,631 8,675 41,386 37,177 23,612 Wiltshire 13 20 27 2,062 2,269 1,697 36,959 30,338 51,992 England 1,474 1,448 2,195 206,696 205,866 185,564 1,377,111 1,147,619 1,034,632

Dyfed-Powys 14 12 33 1,764 1,462 1,528 10,842 10,746 10,758 Gwent 25 31 37 2,384 2,876 2,709 27,457 10,874 14,625 North Wales 55 80 68 6,723 9,014 9,030 42,537 29,327 27,648 South Wales 27 35 43 2,567 4,744 4,534 40,426 48,453 48,359 Wales 121 158 181 13,438 18,096 17,801 121,262 99,400 101,390

England and Wales 1,595 1,606 2,376 220,134 226,962 203,365 1,473,823 1,247,019 1,136,022

Offence description Obstruction, waiting and parking offences Use of hand-held mobile phone while driving Police force area 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009

Avon and Somerset 12,839 10,379 9,291 1,965 2,013 2,094 Bedfordshire 795 1,042 635 1,383 1,274 1,249 Cambridgeshire 7,198 6,850 4,795 2,189 2,487 1,964 Cheshire 13,891 6,576 2,844 4,055 3,270 3,776 Cleveland 1,091 557 566 1,495 1,151 1,420 Cumbria 525 510 542 978 754 1,081 Derbyshire 4,191 4,172 486 1,921 2,082 1,480 Devon and Cornwall 31,596 9,428 1,738 2,167 2,245 2,860 Dorset 359 294 265 1,924 1,489 1,475 Durham 6,129 4,366 3,222 1,075 933 953 Essex 3,732 2,709 2,310 5,006 6,553 7,971 Gloucestershire 12,133 1,054 880 963 800 1,183 Greater Manchester 3,831 2,854 3,361 8,477 6,274 6,123 Hampshire 4,347 3,006 2,233 5,290 5,152 4,037 Hertfordshire 1,901 2,236 1,701 2,720 3,637 3,793 Humberside 12,597 8,235 7,985 2,417 2,489 2,672 Kent 813 630 849 3,256 3,208 4,597 Lancashire 1,624 2,259 2,398 2,886 3,613 4,827 Leicestershire 4,057 1,519 1,643 1,073 1,071 1,752 Lincolnshire 11,648 11,260 13,876 2,043 2,109 1,626 London, City of 246 266 209 490 551 499 Merseyside 19,232 23,108 18,389 4,547 5,506 6,563 Metropolitan Police 23,018 15,493 11,582 11,399 8,537 7,383 Norfolk 6,283 5,538 6,721 1,196 1,816 2,350 North Yorkshire 5,783 3,693 2,647 2,647 2,333 2,273 Northamptonshire 2,548 1,996 2,403 760 973 1,543 Northumbria 12,905 8,366 6,676 2,701 2,056 2,280 Nottinghamshire 6,425 1,295 492 2,563 2,045 2,178 South Yorkshire 1,544 1,353 1,363 4,217 3,304 3,403 Staffordshire 10,362 3,255 6,165 1,872 1,148 1,747 67W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 68W

Offence description Obstruction, waiting and parking offences Use of hand-held mobile phone while driving Police force area 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009

Suffolk 7,009 7,760 1,409 2,733 2,607 795 Surrey 2,198 1,062 1,377 2,781 2,939 2,605 Sussex1 34,428 23,335 20,128 2,683 0 3,623 Thames Valley 19,320 15,939 10,493 4,814 5,838 5,629 Warwickshire 7,203 3,210 2,196 1,481 1,487 1,875 West Mercia 3,147 2,022 1,544 3,900 4,314 3,408 West Midlands 20,355 16,968 12,720 5,340 5,373 6,112 West Yorkshire 16,186 12,252 10,726 4,962 4,041 4,708 Wiltshire 1,217 513 403 1,037 1,175 1,256 England 334,706 227,360 179,263 115,406 108,647 117,163

Dyfed-Powys 10,377 11,268 9,711 858 832 1,196 Gwent 17,467 16,760 13,466 1,160 1,174 1,265 North Wales 4,971 2,434 1,516 2,510 2,471 2,757 South Wales 79,298 73,980 60,146 2,122 2,802 3,135 Wales 112,113 104,442 84,839 6,650 7,279 8,353

England and Wales 446,824 331,802 264,102 122,056 115,926 125,516 1 Figure for mobile phone FPNs for 2008 to be reviewed.

Immigration Damian Green: The following table shows the published figures for number of foreign nationals removed or deported from the UK. Please note that the data for Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2006 is not considered to be reliable for publication. Home Department pursuant to the answer of 23 June 2011, Official Report, columns 417-8W,on immigration, Number of foreign nationals what the total cost to the public purse was of cases removed or deported from the UK. pursued against the Government on asylum and immigration matters in all stages of the legal process 2007 4,200 including judicial review in the latest period for which 2008 5,400 figures are available. [64398] 2009 5,530 2010 5,235 Damian Green: The Home Office (UKBA) prepares It is not possible to identify from management its accounts in accordance with UK GAAP (Generally information systems those who had an application for Accepted Accounting Principles) adapted for the Public leave pending at the time they committed a criminal Sector in accordance with guidance issued by HM offence. In order to gather this information, the UK Treasury. Border Agency would have to go through the individual The Home Office reports the total amount of legal records, which would incur disproportionate cost. However, payments made in its Resource Accounts and for 2009-10 any applications for leave are considered fully at the this figure was £33.8 million, as published in the UKBA same time that deportation is considered prior to an 2009-10 Annual Report. individual’s removal form the UK. This represents the costs of all payments to solicitors Rape acting on behalf of the UK Border Agency, compensation paid and the payment of claimants’ legal costs awarded Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for by the courts. the Home Department in what proportion of cases of The 2010-11 UKBA accounts are due to be published alleged rape the victim reported the perpetrator to be a very soon and figures for 2010-11 will be available at stranger in each of the last 10 years. [64417] that time. Lynne Featherstone: The Home Office collects data on the number of rape offences recorded by the police Offenders: Foreign Nationals but information on the relationship between the victim and perpetrator are not held centrally. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Stop and Search Home Department how many (a) asylum seekers and (b) other foreign nationals who have applied for leave Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home to remain were convicted of a criminal offence Department on how many occasions police have authorised committed in the UK while their application was notices under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and pending in each of the last five years; and how many Public Order Act 1994 (a) in each year between 2000 such people were returned to their country of origin and 2011 and (b) in each (i) police authority area and following offences committed while their immigration (ii) in each London local authority area in each year applications were pending. [63850] since 2005. [64878] 69W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 70W

Nick Herbert: The requested data on the number of to police powers and procedures are collected at a police authorisations to conduct section 60 stops and searches force area level and no data are available at local authority are not collected centrally. The number of stops and level. These data are published as part of the Home searches that are conducted under section 60 by each Office Statistical Bulletin Police Powers and Procedures, police force area are, however, collected centrally and current and previous copies of which are available in the latest data are provided in the table. Statistics relating the Library of the House.

Searches of persons or vehicles under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and resultant arrests, England and Wales, 2009-10 Numbers Stops and searches in anticipation of violence Number of persons found to be carrying offensive weapons or dangerous Arrests for offensive Arrests for other Police force area Searches instruments weapons reasons

Cleveland 51 2 4 9 Durham 22 4 4 — Northumbria 272 36 1 30 North East Region 345 42 9 39

Cheshire 59 17 — — Cumbria 314 4 4 5 Greater Manchester 2,463 4 4 45 Lancashire 3,639 11 11 98 Merseyside 15,811 136 20 459 North West Region 22,286 172 39 607

Humberside 7 — — — North Yorkshire 6 — — — South Yorkshire 668 2 1 11 West Yorkshire 314 32 27 8 Yorkshire and the Humber Region 995 34 28 19

—55521— Leicestershire 196 — 12 14 Lincolnshire 58 2 2 5 Northamptonshire 76 5 4 4 Nottinghamshire 366 276 25 1 East Midlands Region 751 335 44 24

Staffordshire — — — — Warwickshire 657 9 1 2 West Mercia 200 6 3 7 West Midlands 815 1 1 9 West Midlands Region 1,672 16 5 18

Bedfordshire 192 — — 4 Cambridgeshire 8 — — 1 Essex 143 — — — Hertfordshire 11 — — 1 Norfolk 21 — — — Suffolk 13 — — — East of England Region 388 — — 6

London, City of 123 1 1 2 Metropolitan Police 90,869 257 253 1,740 London Region 90,992 258 254 1,742

Hampshire 277 — 1 11 Kent 102 1 1 4 Surrey 19 — — 1 Sussex 58 — — 4 71W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 72W

Searches of persons or vehicles under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and resultant arrests, England and Wales, 2009-10 Numbers Stops and searches in anticipation of violence Number of persons found to be carrying offensive weapons or dangerous Arrests for offensive Arrests for other Police force area Searches instruments weapons reasons

Thames Valley 114 — — 3 South East Region 570 1 2 23

Avon and Somerset 150 3 3 2 Devon and Cornwall — — — — Dorset — — — — Gloucestershire — — — — Wiltshire 13 1 — 1 South West Region 163 4 3 3

England Total 118,162 862 384 2,481

Dyfed-Powys 2 — — — Gwent 8 — — 3 North Wales 211 2 — 2 South Wales 63 — — 4 Wales Total 284 2 — 9

England and Wales (excluding BTP) 118,446 864 384 2,490

British Transport Police 1,527 50 50 43

Victim Support Schemes: Finance continues to have access to a quickly deployable asset that can be used to tackle crime and protect the public Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for but which also offers better value for money. the Home Department what steps she is taking to Under the proposal for NPAS, the Cambridgeshire encourage local authorities to provide funding for domestic aircraft will be withdrawn from service and air support and sexual violence and abuse services. [64092] will instead be provided from the helicopter based at RAF Honington in Suffolk. While the response time for Lynne Featherstone: As the Secretary of State for the a police helicopter to attend HMP Whitemoor would Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member increase if the helicopter were responding from its base, for Maidenhead (Mrs May), made clear in her speech to the re-organisation of the current fleet will increase Women’s Aid in July 2010—local authorities must not aircraft availability by 8% and ensure that Cambridgeshire see this sector as an “easy cut” when making difficult will have access to a helicopter 24 hours a day as decisions. The Home Office has made available £28 opposed to 19 hours a day under the existing arrangement. million funding over four years for specialist services for domestic and sexual violence victims and has encouraged local areas to provide match funding for each of these funding streams. JUSTICE The Department is also working with other Departments Access to Work Programme and the voluntary sector to identify and disseminate best practice in local commissioning to ensure local authorities give this the priority it deserves. Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many disabled people are being supported Whitemoor Prison in employment in his Department under its access to work programme. [65046] Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of Mr Blunt: Figures on the number of reasonable any potential change in response time for a police adjustments made for disabled staff to remove barriers helicopter to attend Whitemoor Prison arising from and enable them to participate in the workplace as any change in existing arrangements for the provision equally as non-disabled colleagues, are not held centrally of police helicopters in Cambridgeshire. [63988] as many such adjustments are arranged locally between the line manager and the member of staff. The types of Nick Herbert: The proposal for a National Police Air adjustment provided range from more frequent work Service (NPAS) has been developed in consultation breaks, adjustments to working hours to enable travel with key stakeholders to ensure that the police service outside peaks times, to specialist equipment, adaptations 73W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 74W to the work environment, and support workers. Guidance The number of persons proceeded against at magistrates on supporting disabled staff is available for staff and courts for absconding while on bail in England and managers and the Ministry is currently running an Wales, 2001 to 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in internal publicity campaign “supporting disability in the table. the workplace” to raise awareness to staff and managers of the support and guidance available. Court proceedings data for 2011 will be available in the spring of 2012. Number of defendants proceeded against at the magistrates courts for Bail absconding1, England and Wales, 2001-102, 3 Proceeded against for absconding while on bail Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were proceeded against for 2001 45,047 failing to surrender to court in (a) each of the last 2002 52,187 three years and (b) the latest period for which figures 2003 57,562 are available; and what proportion received a custodial 2004 57,000 sentence for this offence. [64939] 2005 52,262 2006 47,780 Mr Blunt: The number of persons proceeded against 2007 41,341 at magistrates courts and found guilty and sentenced at all courts to immediate custody for offences relating to 20084 33,884 absconding while released on bail in England and Wales 2009 29,939 from 2008 to 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in the 2010 31,664 following table. 1 Bail Act 1976, section 6. Court proceedings data for 2011 will be available in 2 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When the spring of 2012. a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for Number of persons proceeded against at magistrates courts, found guilty at all two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory courts, sentenced and given a custodial sentence, by proportion of those maximum penalty is the most severe. sentenced, for absconding while released on bail1, England and Wales, 2008-102,3 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and 20084 2009 2010 complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police Proceeded against 33,884 29,939 31,664 forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection Found guilty 17,723 16,354 18,718 processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 4 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Sentenced 17,351 16,053 18,593 Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. Of which: Immediate custody 2,347 1,723 2,024 Other sentence 15,004 14,330 16,569 Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Of those sentenced, 14 11 11 Justice how many defendants released on bail committed proportion given immediate offences whilst awaiting trial in each year since 2001. custody [65259] 1 Bail Act 1976, section 6. 2 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is Mr Blunt: The table shows, for the years 2001 to imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which 2010, the number of defendants recorded on the Police the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. National Computer (PNC) in England and Wales as 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted having received at least one conviction, caution, reprimand from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police or warning during the year, and the number of these forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection who were recorded as having committed at least one processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. offence while on bail during the year. 4 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: These figures have been drawn from the police’s Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. administrative IT system, the PNC, which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for with data entry and processing. In particular the recording Justice how many defendants released on bail (1) were of information on whether or not the offence was found to have interfered with witnesses while awaiting committed while the offender was on bail is known to trial in each year since 2001; [65257] be incomplete. This is because the police have available (2) absconded while awaiting trial in each year since to them a number of ways of recording the bail status of an offender of which the ‘offence committed on bail’ 2001. [65258] field on the PNC is one. For operational purposes forces make differing use of these various sources and Mr Blunt: Information held centrally by the Ministry as a result figures derived purely from the PNC do not of Justice does not record how many defendants released provide a complete picture of these offences; changes on bail were found to have interfered with witnesses over time in these data may not represent real changes while awaiting trial. in offending while on bail. 75W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 76W

Offenders who received a caution, reprimand, warning or conviction, as recorded 2010, (b) 2009, (c) 2008, (d) 2007, (e) 2006, (f) 2005, on the Police National Computer and number who committed offences while on bail, 2001-10, England and Wales (g) 2004, (h) 2003, (i) 2002 and (j) 2001; [65090] Number of offenders and percentages (2) how many people were remanded in custody in Offenders committing (a) 2010, (b) 2009, (c) 2008, (d) 2007, (e) 2006, (f) offences while on bail 2005, (g) 2004, (h) 2003, (i) 2002 and (j) 2001; Total number of offenders [65091] who received a caution, reprimand, warning or (3) how many people remanded in custody in (a) conviction Number Percentage 2010, (b) 2009, (c) 2008, (d) 2007, (e) 2006, (f) 2005, 2001 639,272 51,759 8.1 (g) 2004, (h) 2003, (i) 2002 and (j) 2001 subsequently 2002 657,464 55,188 8.4 received a custodial sentence; [65092] 2003 685,710 56,545 8.2 (4) how many people remanded in custody in (a) 2004 691,904 54,963 7.9 2010, (b) 2009, (c) 2008, (d) 2007, (e) 2006, (f) 2005, 2005 723,663 59,926 8.3 (g) 2004, (h) 2003, (i) 2002 and (j) 2001 subsequently 2006 763,164 65,973 8.6 received a suspended sentence; [65093] 2007 785,729 75,105 9.6 2008 755,083 73,359 9.7 (5) how many people remanded in custody in (a) 2009 718,494 72,030 10.0 2010, (b) 2009, (c) 2008, (d) 2007, (e) 2006, (f) 2005, 2010 671,029 70,496 10.5 (g) 2004, (h) 2003, (i) 2002 and (j) 2001 were subsequently acquitted. [65094] Bail and Remand in Custody Mr Blunt: The number of defendants granted bail Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for and the number remanded in custody, together with the Justice (1) how many people were granted bail in (a) outcome, can be viewed in the following table:

Defendants proceeded against by type of remand and final outcome at magistrates courts1 and tried at the Crown court in England and Wales, 2001 to 20102, England and Wales Defendants (thousand) Remand status/final outcome 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20083 2009 2010

Bailed 488.8 513.3 524.5 550.8 514.4 493.8 485.2 441.2 551.4 552.1

Remanded in custody4 85.1 109.2 106.7 90.7 82.2 76.7 74.5 77.5 71.5 69.4 Of which: Acquitted5 19.3 21.6 22.4 17.0 14.5 12.8 11.4 11.4 9.5 11.9 Suspended sentence 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.3 1.1 3.9 4.6 4.8 4.5 4.3 Immediate custody6 38.9 49.5 47.7 43.7 41.3 39.7 38.8 43.1 43.4 40.0 1 Magistrates courts data presented in this table exclude committals for trial or sentence, and for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010, those defendants who failed to appear. 2 Magistrates courts data are estimated. 3 Excludes remands data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August 2008. 4 Includes those remanded for part of the time in custody and part on bail. 5 Includes those defendants acquitted or not proceeded against. 6 Includes detention in a young offender institution, detention and training orders and unsuspended imprisonment. Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfromlarge administrative data systems generated by the courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of Justice.

Coroners: Domestic Violence Mr Djanogly: Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service are developing a strategy for the enforcement of Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for fines and how best to improve this in the future. This Justice what plans his Department has to provide could include forming a partnership with a commercial partner. Details of any partnership with a commercial training to coroners on domestic violence. [64160] company to deliver enforcement functions for criminal court fines are not yet known. Mr Djanogly: The next series of continuation training courses for coroners and coroner’s officers is currently being designed. This will include a lecture on unlawful Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice killing and homicide which will include reference to to what quality assurance procedures private sector domestic violence. companies will be subject in the bidding process for private supervision of criminal court enforcement. [65399] Courts: Private Sector Mr Djanogly: No tender process has commenced as Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice yet for the provision of enforcement functions. Any what powers a private sector operator of the contract published tender documentation will specify the relevant for criminal court enforcement will have in relation to quality assurance procedures that would need to be the collection of unpaid fines. [65398] followed. 77W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 78W

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Blunt: The Government have no plans to review what arrangements are in place for the exchange of the operation of the Suicide Act in England and Wales. information between HM Courts Service and private companies; and what steps he has taken to ensure that Legal Aid Scheme such arrangements comply with data protection regulations following the completion of the tendering Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for process for criminal court enforcement. [65400] Justice how much the Legal Services Commission spent on legal aid for people charged with (a) murder, (b) Mr Djanogly: The tender for the provision of enforcement unlawful sex with a minor, (c) burglary, (d) rape, (e) functions and any resulting contract awarded would manslaughter, (f) knife crimes and (g) robbery in the include the necessary wording to highlight that the latest year for which figures are available. [64818] bidding supplier would need to comply with the Data Protection Act regulations already in place. Mr Djanogly: It is not possible to fully answer the question in the exact format requested as the Legal Services Commission (LSC) do not record offences in Drug Interventions Programme the manner requested. Table A shows the amounts paid for all offences Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for heard in the magistrates courts. Justice how many people were registered with the Drug Tables B and C show the amounts paid for proceedings Interventions Programme in the last six months for under the available offence categories in the Crown which figures are available. [64157] court for cases not funded by a high cost case contract and those cases that are funded by a high cost case James Brokenshire: I have been asked to reply. contract. The Drug Interventions Programme (DIP) is a crime Table A: Crime lower spend by offence type reduction approach which local partners use to identify, £ million assess and manage drug misusing offenders in order to Offences against the person 62.7 help them address their drug misuse and reduce drug Theft (including taking vehicle without consent) 35.5 related offending. Individuals do not register with DIP. Burglary 12.2 Over the latest six months for which data is available Public order offences 25.2 (November 2010-April 2011), 30,730 assessments were Drug offences 14.2 carried out under the Drug Interventions Programme Other offences 27.8 on 23,391 individuals. Criminal damage 11.2 Fraud and forgery and other offences of dishonesty not 11.6 Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for otherwise categorised Justice what estimate he has made of the number of Driving and motor vehicle offences (other than those 16.4 (a) homeless people and (b) people with no fixed covered by codes 1, 6 and 7 address registered with the Drug Interventions Sexual offences and associated offences against children 5.4 Programme in the last 12 months. [64158] Robbery 4.2 Homicide and related grave offences 0.5 James Brokenshire: I have been asked to reply. Other prescribed proceedings 3.9 Anti-social behaviour orders 1.8 The Drug Interventions Programme (DIP) is a crime Sexual offender orders 0.3 reduction approach which local areas use to identify, Terrorism 0.1 assess and manage drug misusing offenders in order to Other post-charge 33.4 help them address their drug misuse and reduce drug Prison Law 25.2 related offending. Information on individuals’ housing needs are collected Table B: Crown court spend by offence type excluding very high cost cases as part of the DIP assessment of needs. Offence type £ million Over the latest 12 months for which data is available A—Homicide and related grave offences 101.9 (May 2010-April 2011), 62,490 assessments were carried B—Offences involving serious violence or damage and 174.6 out and 61,677 (99%) had an accommodation status serious drug offences C—Lesser offences involving violence or damage, and 66.2 recorded, as follows: less serious drug offences D—Serious sexual offences, offences against children 62 Number Percentage E—Burglary, etc 13.4 No fixed abode 4,598 7.5 F—Other offences of dishonesty 111.6 Temporary 10,623 17.2 H—Miscellaneous lesser offences (including non-fatal 39.7 motoring offences) Settled 46,456 75.35 I—Offences against public justice 8.8 Court of appeal, Confiscation hearings, Payments on 47.2 Accounts and Disbursements

Euthanasia Table C: VHCC spend by offence type Offence type £ million Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if Murder 4.4 he will conduct a review of the operation of the Suicide Other violence 0.8 Act 1961 in relation to the law on assisted suicide. Rape 0 [64808] 79W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 80W

Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) whether the review of imprisonment for public Justice pursuant to the contribution of 29 June 2011, protection will affect prisoners already held under the Official Report, column 1064, what the evidential basis rule. [65102] is for the statement that in 1999 claimant costs represented 50% of damages but that by 2010 the figure Mr Blunt: As the Prime Minister announced on 21 had risen to 150%. [64961] June 2011, we are carrying out an urgent review of the sentence of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) Mr Djanogly: The figures relating to the increase in with a view to replacing the existing IPP regime with a claimant costs to which the hon. Gentleman refers were tough determinate sentence framework which would be included in “Reforming Civil Litigation Funding and better understood by the public and command greater Costs in England and Wales—Implementation of Lord confidence. Justice Jackson’s Recommendations: The Government As part of this review, we will also consider the Response”, published on 29 March 2011. Paragraph 20 Parole Board arrangements for rehabilitation of those refers to the evidence provided by a general liability offenders with IPPs to ensure that real work is done to insurer that in 1999 claimant solicitors’ costs were equivalent reform offenders while in prison. to 56% of the damages awarded. By 2003 that figure We will bring forward proposals for legislation in the had increased to 103%, and by 2010 average claimant autumn. costs represented 142% of the damages received by the injured victims. Prisoners’ Release: Re-offenders Legal Systems: Islam Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many offences were committed by people Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for who were released on (a) police and (b) court bail in Justice (1) what information his Department holds on each of the last three years for which figures are which communities have sharia councils; [64459] available. [64746] (2) what his policy is on the role of sharia councils within the justice system; [64460] Mr Blunt: The table shows, for the years 2008 to (3) what estimate he has made of the proportion of 2010, the number of offences recorded on the Police (a) men and (b) women on sharia councils. [64461] National Computer (PNC) in England and Wales that resulted in a conviction, caution, reprimand or warning Mr Djanogly: Sharia councils are not part of the and the number of these that were recorded as being justice system of England and Wales and the Government committed while the offender was on bail. The data have made it clear that they have no intention of making does not enable us to distinguish between police bail any change to that position. and court bail. Provided an activity prescribed by sharia law does These figures have been drawn from the police’s not contravene the law of England and Wales, there is administrative IT system, the PNC, which, as with any nothing that prevents people living by sharia principles. large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors People are free to submit a dispute to a sharia council if with data entry and processing. In particular the recording they wish to do so and can if they wish formalise any of information on whether or not the offence was agreement made by asking a court in England and committed while the offender was on bail is known to Wales to reflect this in an order made with the consent be incomplete. This is because the police have available of the parties. Any member of the community is also to them a number of ways of recording the bail status free to submit the case to a court in England and Wales of an offender of which the ‘offence committed on bail’ if they wish for a decision to be made by the court. field on the PNC is one. For operational purposes As sharia councils are not part of the justice system forces make differing use of these various sources and the Government do not collate or hold any information as a result figures derived purely from the PNC do not on sharia councils or the gender breakdown within provide a complete picture of these offences; changes them. The previous Government did, however, commission over time in these data may not represent real changes an exploratory study of sharia councils in England with in offending while on bail. respect to family law. This identified a number of challenges Offences resulting in a caution, reprimand, final warning or conviction, as to undertaking robust research in this area. The study recorded on the Police National Computer and offences committed on bail 2008- was therefore limited and adds little to the evidence 10, England and Wales base. In particular, the findings cannot be regarded as a Number of offences and percentages representative assessment of the operation of sharia Offences committed on bail Total number of councils. Following expert peer review of the draft offences Number Percentage report, the Ministry of Justice decided not to publish the findings. 2008 1,518,845 153,688 10.1 2009 1,426,082 146,681 10.3 Prison Sentences 2010 1,329,343 142,537 10.7

Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Prisons: Employment (1) pursuant to his statement of 21 June 2011, Official Report, column 165, on sentencing reform, when he Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice intends to publish the findings of the review of pursuant to the answer of 4 July 2011, Official Report, imprisonment for public protection; and if he will columns 1023-24W, on prisons: employment, whether make a statement; [65101] he has plans to increase the number of prisoners per 81W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 82W day working in the National Offender Management response the Government commissioned an analysis of Service public sector prison industries who are engaged police and CPS case files, relating to cases proceeded in land-based activities on farms in East Anglia. [64716] against for serious sexual and violent offences. The analysis is being undertaken by TNS-BMRB following Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service a competitive tender through the MOJ Research operates one farm in East Anglia, at HM Prison North Framework. The project will include a more detailed Sea Camp, although there are a number of other prisons analysis of aspects specific to rape cases (factors related in the area that provide land based activities for prisoners to attrition and case outcome), in order to inform the on a smaller scale. debate about false allegations (extent and nature). The As set out in the recent Green Paper, “Breaking the project is under way and a report of the findings will be Cycle Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation and Sentencing published in accordance with the Government Social of Offenders”we are currently reviewing the opportunities Research Publication Guidelines when it is ready. for increasing the numbers of prisoners that experience http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/Assets/GSR%20Publication the discipline of regular working hours across all sectors %20Guidance%20-%2029%20Jan%202010_tcm6-35775.pdf including land based activities. We are also looking to further develop the skills needed by prisoners to gain Tribunals: Autism employment on release from prison. For the farm at HM Prison North Sea camp this includes the possibility Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of working with a private sector partner to achieve this. how many parents of autistic children went to a tribunal to challenge the support provided to their Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for child in school in the last year for which figures are Justice what milestones he has set for his plans to available. [65067] enable more prisoners to work; and if he will make a statement. [64717] Mr Djanogly: The number of appeals made by parents of autistic children to the First-tier Tribunal—Special Mr Blunt: We will publish further details of our Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) in 2009-10, implementation strategy in relation to the Green Paper, the latest year for which figures are available, was 1,019 “Breaking the Cycle Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation out of a total of 3,280 registered appeals1. Further and Sentencing of Offenders” this autumn. information on the number and type of appeals made to SEND is available within the Tribunal’s annual report Remand in Custody at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/corporate-reports/ Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for tribunals/send.htm Justice (1) how many people were remanded in custody 1 These data are taken from the 2009-10 Annual Report and on the grounds of (a) being accused of a serious represents management information recorded on an academic offence, (b) being convicted of similar offences on year basis (September 2009 to August 2010). previous occasions, (c) risk of absconding, (d) risk of interference with witnesses and (e) risk of committing Victim Support Schemes further offences in each year since 2001; [65260] (2) how many people remanded in custody in each Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for year since 2001 subsequently received a custodial Justice how many cases were referred to the Salvation sentence that was served fully on remand. [65261] Army’s new trafficking victim support scheme in the first week of July 2011; and by whom. [65053] Mr Blunt: Information on the number of defendants remanded in custody collated by the Ministry of Justice Mr Blunt: In the first week of July 2011, seven from the Court Proceedings Database does not include individuals were referred to the Salvation Army’s support details of all the circumstances surrounding each case. system for adult victims of human trafficking. The The reasons for remanding a defendant in custody referrals were made by charities, the police, youth justice could be ascertained only by reference to individual services and the health service. court files which could be achieved only at disproportionate cost. Information on bail and remand collected by the Ministry of Justice on the Court Proceedings Database EDUCATION does not record the length of time defendants spent on remand. Administration

Sexual Offences 19. Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to reduce the burden Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of administration on schools. [64615] what steps his Department is taking to assess the (a) prevalence and (b) circumstances of false allegations Mr Gibb: To reduce the bureaucratic burden on schools of rape and sexual assault. [65281] we have already scrapped the Self Evaluation Form; we are replacing the Financial Management Standard in Mr Blunt: The Stern Review found that insufficient Schools, streamlining the inspection framework; removing reliable empirical evidence existed on a key number of unnecessary regulation and dramatically reducing the areas relating to rape, such as false allegations. In volume of guidance issued to schools. We have also 83W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 84W recently announced proposals to reduce the bureaucracy July. Following the event we will set out key milestones around the Early Years Foundation Stage and simplify for the transition period up to September 2012, to assessment at age five. support local authorities’ own transition planning. We will also look to share examples of the models being Youth Services developed at local level. This material will be made available on the Local Government Association’s 20. Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities of Practice website. Education what assessment he has made of the change in his Department’s funding of youth services in (a) Teaching Unions: Meeting Manchester Central constituency and (b) England in 2011-12. [64617] 24. Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Loughton: The Department’s funding for youth Education when he next expects to meet representatives services for 2011-12 is included in the Early Intervention of teaching unions. [64621] Grant (EIG). The EIG allocation for Manchester local authority has changed from £34.25 million in 2010-11 Michael Gove: The Minister of State for Schools and to £29.97 million in 2011-12, a reduction of around I each meet the General Secretaries of the head teacher 12.5%, and is reduced by 10.5% for England as a whole. and teacher unions once a term both individually and Money for youth services is not ring fenced within the collectively and I am scheduled to meet them again later EIG and decisions on funding levels to youth services this month. are for local authorities. Children and Family Court Advisory and Support 22. Dan Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Service: Grievance Procedures Education what his policy is on the future of youth services. [64619] Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Loughton: Youth services should help young Education how many (a) individual and (b) group people to aspire and achieve. They should be driven by grievances were taken out by staff employed by the young people’s views, be rooted in local communities Children and Family Court Advisory and Support and supported by businesses. Local authorities should Service in England and Wales in 2010. [65029] ensure disadvantaged young people get early help. They should open up services to a wider range of providers, Tim Loughton: The Department for Education does including the voluntary sector. Building on our Youth not hold this information; this is an operational matter Summit in March the Government will publish a policy for which CAFCASS is responsible. CAFCASS’s chief statement on youth services in the autumn, following executive, Anthony Douglas, has written to the hon. further consultation with young people and others. Member with this information. A copy of his reply has been placed in the House Libraries. Curriculum Letter from Anthony Douglas, dated 7 July 2011: I am writing to you in response to the Parliamentary Question 21. Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for that you tabled recently: The response applies to England only. Education what recent representations he has received The number of formal grievances was 39 of which 2 were on the breadth of the curriculum. [64618] group formal grievances during the period 1 April 2010-31 March 2011. Mr Gibb: We are currently reviewing the National Curriculum. As part of that review, we have carried out Children and Family Court Advisory and Support a Call for Evidence which attracted nearly 5,800 responses, Service: Sick Leave including many which raised issues about the breadth of the curriculum. Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for The National Curriculum sets out the curriculum Education how many persons employed by the which all maintained schools must teach but it is only Children and Family Court Advisory and Support part of the wider curriculum which is determined by Service in England and Wales were classed as being on schools themselves. All schools are required to teach a long-term sick leave in 2010. [65028] broad and balanced curriculum. Careers Service Tim Loughton: The Department for Education does not hold this information; this is an operational matter 23. Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for for which CAFCASS is responsible. CAFCASS’s chief Education when he plans to issue his transition plan for executive, Anthony Douglas, has written to the hon. the careers service. [64620] Member with this information. A copy of his reply has been placed in the House Libraries. Tim Loughton: The Minister for Further Education, Letter from Anthony Douglas, dated 7 July 2011: Skills and Lifelong Learning, my hon. Friend the Member I am writing to you in response to the Parliamentary Question for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes), that you tabled recently: The response applies to England only. committed during an Education Bill debate to hold a The number of employees classed as being on long term sick summit for interested parties focused on issues of transition was 242 during the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. Long to the new arrangements for young people’s careers term is classed as anyone being away from work for a period of guidance. The summit will take place this Friday 15 20 working days. 85W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 86W

Children: Protection Understanding serious case reviews and their impact—a biennial analysis of serious case reviews 2005-07 Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/ Education how many serious case reviews were carried publicationdetail/page1/DCSF-RR129 out by each local authority (a) in each year between Analysing Child Deaths and Serious Injury through 1999 and 2010 and (b) in 2011 to date. [59551] Abuse: What can we Learn? A Biennial Analysis of Serious Case Reviews 2003-05 Tim Loughton: Ofsted assumed responsibility for the http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/RRP/u014591/ inspection of children’s social care and local authorities index.shtml became responsible for notifying Ofsted of serious incidents Improving Safeguarding Practice—Study of Serious involving children from 1 April 2007. Data on the Case Reviews 2001-03 numbers of serious case reviews (SCRs) initiated following http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/RRP/u014711/ the notification of a serious incident relating to the index.shtml death or serious injury of a child where abuse and neglect was known or suspected to be a factor is therefore Learning from Past Experience—A Review of Serious available from 1 April 2007. The table with these figures Case Reviews broken down by each local authority has been placed in http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/ the House Libraries. Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4003094 It is the responsibility of LSCBs to decide whether to initiate SCRs, in line with regulations and statutory Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for guidance. Education how many serious case reviews were carried Decisions taken by LSCBs on whether the criteria to out in each year from 2005 to 2010. [61002] undertake SCRs have been met are normally taken within one month of a case coming to the attention of Tim Loughton [holding answer 20 June 2011]: Ofsted the LSCB chair. However, in practice decisions may assumed responsibility for the inspection of children’s take longer and may be revisited in light of additional social care and local authorities became responsible for information, such as new medical evidence or the outcome notifying Ofsted of serious incidents involving children of a coroner’s inquest, which may subsequently become from 1 April 2007. Data on the numbers of serious case available. Therefore, there may be variations in the data reviews (SCRs) initiated following the notification of a included in this table over time. serious incident relating to the death or serious injury of The Munro Review of child protection has recommended a child where abuse and neglect was known or suspected how to strengthen the SCR process to enable lessons to to be a factor is therefore available from 1 April 2007. be learnt more effectively and the Government will These figures are set out in the following table. respond by the summer. It is the responsibility of LSCBs to decide whether to The figures in the table include data provided for initiate SCRs, in line with regulations and statutory earlier parliamentary answers. For the year 2007-08, I guidance. refer the hon. Member to the data published in a Decisions taken by LSCBs on whether the criteria to previous reply issued on 23 February 2009, Official undertake SCRs have been met are normally taken Report, column 442W.For the year 2008-09, data referring within one month of a case coming to the attention of to SCRs initiated following the notification to Ofsted of the LSCB chair. However, in practice decisions may a death of a child where abuse and neglect was known take longer and may be revisited in light of additional or suspected to be a factor was published on 22 October information, such as new medical evidence or the outcome 2009, Official Report, column 1664W. Data collected at of a coroner’s inquest, which may subsequently become the same time for SCRs initiated following the notification available. Therefore, there may be variations in the data to Ofsted of a serious injury of a child where abuse and included in this table over time. neglect was known or suspected to be a factor has been added to these published figures to get a total of all The Munro review of child protection has recommended SCRs in that period. Figures for the years 2009-2010 how to strengthen the SCR process to enable lessons to and 2010-11 have not yet been published. It is not be learnt more effectively and the Government will possible to provide figures from April 2011 to the respond by the summer. current date because many of the decisions about whether The figures in the table include data provided for to initiate a SCR will still be outstanding and the figures earlier parliamentary answers. For the year 2007-08, I would therefore not be reliable. refer the right hon. Member to the data published in a Data are not available in this form prior to 1 April previous reply issued on 23 February 2009, Official 2007. The Department has however commissioned five Report, column 442W.For the year 2008-09, data referring biennial analyses of SCRs to help ensure lessons are to SCRs initiated following the notification to Ofsted of clearly identified and disseminated. These publications a death of a child where abuse and neglect was known include data on how many SCRs were included in each or suspected to be a factor was published on 22 October study. Links to these research reports are: 2009, Official Report, column 1664W. Data collected at the same time for SCRs initiated following the notification Building on the learning from serious case reviews: A to Ofsted of a serious injury of a child where abuse and two-year analysis of child protection database notifications neglect was known or suspected to be a factor has been 2007-09 added to these published figures to get a total of all https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/ SCRs in that period. Figures for 2009-10 have not yet publicationdetail/page1/DFE-RR040 been published. 87W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 88W

Data are not available in this form prior to 1 April Departmental Responsibilities 2007. The Department has however commissioned five biennial analyses of SCRs to help ensure lessons are Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education clearly identified and disseminated. These publications on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an include data on how many SCRs were included in each hon. Member of each political party has been refused study. A link to the research report for the period 1 by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) April 2005 to 31 March 2007 is: his Department on behalf of a Minister since May https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/ 2010. [64431] publicationdetail/page1/DCSF-RR129 Understanding serious case reviews and their impact—a biennial Tim Loughton: It is always the wish of the Secretary analysis of serious case reviews 2005-07. of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member Number of SCRs initiated, as a result of a serious incident relating to for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove) and the rest of his the death or serious injury of a child notified to Ofsted between 1 April ministerial team to accept any meeting request from an 2007 and 31 March 2011 hon. Member, irrespective of the political party they Number may belong to. Regrettably, due to diary pressures and Number of SCRs initiated as a result of a serious 149 business needs it is not always possible to accommodate incident relating to the death or serious injury of a all meeting requests. To obtain accurate details of declined child notified to Ofsted between 1 April 2007 and meeting requests would be at disproportionate cost. 31 March 20081 Number of SCRs initiated as a result of a serious 132 Education incident relating to the death or serious injury of a child notified to Ofsted between 1 April 2008 and Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for 31 March 2009 (At the time there were three further cases awaiting a decision)2 Education what recent representations he has received on the merits of encouraging children to study (a) Number of SCRs initiated as a result of a serious 124 incident relating to the death or serious injury of a religious education, (b) classical civilisation and (c) child notified to Ofsted between 1 April 2009 and music. [64952] 31 March 20103 1 Source—Data from reply issued 23 February 2009, Official Report, Mr Gibb: The Department has received over 2,500 column 442W. letters setting out the merits of children studying a 2 Source—Data for child death element from PQ published on 22 October range of GCSE subjects including religious education, 2009, Official Report, column 1664W, with information on serious classical civilisation and music, in relation to the English injury added from figures collected at same time. 3 Includes information available to DFE as at 30 June 2011 Baccalaureate. We agree that these are rigorous, engaging and valuable subjects that can play an important part in a well rounded education, either alongside the English Departmental Allowances Baccalaureate or for pupils who make a different choice of subjects. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education: Finance Education what expenses were claimed by (a) paid and (b) unpaid special advisers working in his Department Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of in the last 12 months. [62064] State for Education what arrangements are in place for councils to claim funding in respect of children Tim Loughton: The special advisers at the Department educated outside schools or colleges; and if he will for Education have claimed no expenses in the last make a statement. [64133] 12 months, other than for subsistence, travel and telephone bills. The Department has no unpaid special advisers. Mr Gibb: Local authorities can claim Dedicated Schools Grant funding for children educated outside schools or colleges through the annual Alternative Provision (AP) Departmental Billing census. The underlying principle of the AP census is that it Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for should cover pupils resident in a local authority receiving Education what proportion of invoices from small and education with an alternative provider (a provider not medium-sized businesses were paid by his Department covered by the other pupil data collections—School within five working days of receipt in the last Census, Early Years Census and School Level Annual 12 months for which figures are available. [63565] School Census (SLASC)). These are pupils whose education is the financial responsibility of the local authority, Tim Loughton: The Department does not currently using either the schools budget or the schools budget record within its finance systems information about the with contributions from the wider local authority budget, size of its suppliers. The Department is working with such as another part of the children’s services budget, our shared service provider to explore ways to provide the health authority or another local authority. The more comprehensive reporting in particular on small alternative provider may be situated either within or and medium-sized employers. outside the local authority area. For the period June 2010 to May 2011 a total number This includes: of 48,464 invoices were processed and paid on behalf of (a) Pupils receiving home tuition for whom the local authority the Department by our shared services provider, of is financially responsible, including those requiring SEN support; which 78% were paid within the Government’s target of (b) Pupils receiving tuition whilst in hospital (provided they are payment within five days. not recorded on another data collection); 89W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 90W

(c) Pupils of compulsory school age, not registered at a school, It is important to note that the family courts are not the being educated at FE colleges and for whom the local authority is employers of those who work as guardians ad litem and that both financially responsible, and asylum seekers of compulsory school employed Family Court Advisers and self-employed contractors age attending FE colleges or with voluntary sector providers; are able to be appointed by the courts to fulfil the functions of a (d) Statemented or non-statemented pupils at an independent guardian ad litem. school for whom the local authority pays the fees (educational element only, not boarding fees); Family Intervention Projects (e) Pupils attending a special school not maintained by a local authority for whom the local authority pays the fees; Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for (f) Pupils held in a unit for their own safety, where the authority Education how much funding was allocated to family is paying for the education, although the unit is in another intervention projects in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) authority; 2009-10, (d) 2010-11 and (e) 2011-12. [65002] (g) Pupils not on a school roll elsewhere and held at a detention centre where the local authority is fully financially responsible for Tim Loughton: The Government allocated £9,049,684 the pupil; and in 2007-08, £11,201,586 in 2008-09, £33,604,489 in 2009-10, (h) Pupils for whom the authority is paying for education in £49,789,569 in 2010-11 and £46 million in 2011-12 for any of the alternative providers covered above but taking place family intervention projects/services. The ring fence for outside England. this funding was removed in May 2010. Although local authorities have statutory responsibility for elective home educated pupils, this does not constitute Free Schools being fully financially responsible for the child, and so these are not eligible for DSG funding. Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State English Baccalaureate: Teachers for Communities and Local Government on (a) any criteria to be applied in planning issues and (b) the Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for process for determining planning issues in relation to Education what recent discussions he has had with the the establishment of free schools. [64064] Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on the number of academic institutions offering Mr Gibb [holding answer 5 July 2011]: The Secretary post-graduate PGCE courses in core English of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member Baccalaureate subjects. [64950] for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), has had a number of discussions with the Secretary of State for Communities Mr Gibb: The Department for Education estimates and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member the number of teacher training places (including those for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), on this issue. on Post Graduate Certificates in Education courses) We will announce any further steps on improving the needed for each subject. This includes consideration of planning system in relation to free schools in due course. the effects of changes such as the introduction of the Primary Education: Capital Investment English Baccalaureate qualification. The Training and Development Agency for schools (TDA) allocates these places to academic institutions and other providers of Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for initial teacher training. The TDA formally notifies the Education what forecasts of the primary school Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), population his Department prepared for the purposes a non-departmental public body (NDPB) of the of determining future levels of capital funding in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, of the last five years. [64009] allocation of places to institutions, but this is not broken down by subject. Mr Gibb: It is the responsibility of each local authority to prepare their primary pupil forecasts. As part of the Family Courts strategic management of their schools, we require authorities to produce a forecast of the number of pupils in their primary schools five years ahead and seven years ahead Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for for secondary schools. Education how many guardian ad litems were employed by family courts in England and Wales in The Department collects pupil forecast information 2010. [65030] from each local authority through an annual survey and utilises the forecasts in order to calculate the capital Tim Loughton: The Department does not hold this funding allocations to local authorities to provide extra information; this is an operational matter for which places for future growth in pupil numbers. CAFCASS is responsible. CAFCASS’s chief executive, Primary Education: Registration Anthony Douglas, has written to the hon. Member with this information. A copy of his reply has been placed in the House Libraries. Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what identification documentation is Letter from Anthony Douglas, dated 7 July 2011: required to register a child at a state primary school. I am writing to you in response to the Parliamentary Question [64654] that you tabled recently: The response applies to England only. The number of Family Court Advisers employed by Cafcass as Mr Gibb: There are no national requirements placed at 31 December 2010 is as follows: on schools or parents to provide identifying documentation Family Courts Advisers—1,110 when registering a child at a school. However, in applying Self Employed Contractors—approximately 350. for a place at a state-funded primary school, parents 91W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 92W will be asked by the local authority to complete a and will receive in 2011-12 £200 for every pupil recorded common application form allowing them to state a as a service child on the January 2011 school census. We minimum of three preferences. In completing that form will consider carefully whether the service premium parents must provide their name and address, and any could be extended to pupils whose parents have died in documentary evidence in support, as well as the name, service in the armed forces. address and date of birth of the child. In some case, the local authority will need to ask for supplementary Pupils: Truancy information in order to process applications. If they do so, they must only use supplementary information forms that request information that has a direct bearing on Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for decisions about over-subscription criteria. Once a place Education how many prosecutions of parents were has been offered, admission authorities may ask for brought by local education authorities for non- proof of date of birth. attendance at school of school age children in (a) England and (b) Northamptonshire in the last year for Pupils which figures are available; and how many of those prosecuted were from Traveller communities. [64651]

Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: The number of people proceeded against at Education what statutory obligations local education the magistrates courts for offences under section 444 of authorities have to (a) identify school age children in the Education Act 1996 in England and the their area and (b) ensure they are in receipt of Northamptonshire police force area in 2010 (latest available) appropriate education. [64653] are in the following table. Mr Gibb: Section 436A of the Education Act 1996 Information held centrally by the Ministry of Justice (inserted by Section 4 of the Education and Inspections on the court proceedings database does not contain Act 2006) places a duty on local authorities to make information about the circumstances behind each case, arrangements to enable them to establish (so far as it is beyond the description provided in the statute under possible to do so) the identities of children residing in which proceedings are brought. It is not possible to their area who are not receiving a suitable education. identify from centrally held information whether a defendant Revised statutory guidance was published in January is from a Traveller community. 2009 to help local authorities effectively implement the Court proceedings data for 2011 will be available in duty. the spring of 2012. The duty applies in relation to children of compulsory Number of persons proceeded against at the magistrates courts for offences school age who are not on a school roll, and who are under section 444 of the Education Act 19961 in England and Northamptonshire police force area, 20102,3 not receiving a suitable education otherwise than being Area Proceeded against at school (for example, at home, privately, or in alternative provision). England 11,260 The statutory guidance sets out that local authorities Of which: should: Northamptonshire 104 have a named individual responsible for identifying children 1 Offences under section 444 of the Education Act 1996: Parent’s failure to secure child’s regular attendance at school. Parent knowing that their child is missing education, whose role includes proactively tracking failing to attend school regularly failing without reasonable justification to pupils; and cause him or her to attend school. have a co-ordinated and centralised system in place for tracking 2 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom children missing education. Local authorities are also expected these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for to work, and share information, with other local authorities which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for and agencies in order that children moving from one area to two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory another can be tracked. maximum penalty is the most severe. 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted Pupils: Disadvantaged from large administrative data systems, generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those Damian Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for data are used. Education pursuant to the answer of 22 June 2011, Source: Official Report, column 353W,on pupils: disadvantaged, Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. what consideration he has given to extending the pupil premium for children whose parents are serving in the School Meals armed forces to children whose parents have died in service in the armed forces; and if he will make a Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for statement. [62787] Education if he will bring forward proposals to amend statutory school food standards to align them with Mr Gibb [holding answer 28 June 2011]: The pupil Government Buying Standards for food and catering premium was introduced in April 2011 and its key focus services. [64361] is providing additional funding to schools to support deprived children. Our priority for its introduction has Sarah Teather: The Government are not proposing to been to make sure that funding for the premium is amend the statutory school food standards to align simple and transparent so that schools know how it is them with Government buying standards for food and calculated and can work out how much they will receive. catering services. The school food standards are already Mainstream schools with children whose parents are in stricter than those included in the Government buying the armed forces will benefit from the service premium standards. 93W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 94W

The Government buying standards only apply to Mr Gibb: While the Department for Education published central Government although schools and local authorities information on school closures associated with the industrial may wish to consider using them. action on 30 June, figures have not routinely been The Government support the procurement of locally collected by this Department on the number of days produced, seasonal produce from sustainable sources that schools have closed due to industrial action between and have been working with a number of organisations 1979 and 2010. It is not possible to predict the number including Pro 5, a leading procurement organisation of days on which schools might close in the event of that works with local authorities, to establish framework future industrial action. contracts that will help schools and local authorities to Schools: Cumbria procure quality goods efficiently.

Schools: Capital Investment Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools were assessed by Ofsted as (a) outstanding, (b) good, (c) satisfactory and (d) Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for inadequate in South Lakeland district council area in Education if he will estimate in 2011 prices the cost of each of the last five years. [63905] each school capital construction project (a) approved, (b) opened and (c) cancelled in each year since 1997. Mr Gibb [holding answer 5 July 2011]: This is a [63985] matter for Ofsted. John Goldup, National Director, Development and Strategy has written to my hon. Mr Gibb: Full information is not held centrally in the Friend, on behalf of HM chief inspector. A copy of his form requested. Since 1997 capital support has largely reply has been placed in the House Libraries. been allocated formulaically to local authorities and Letter from John Goldup, dated 4 July 2011: schools in order for them to decide their investment priorities in accordance with local asset management Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to Her plans. However, there are data held centrally relating to Majesty’s Chief Inspector for response. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector is currently on leave, and I am replying on her behalf. the BSF and Academies programmes, and I will write to the hon. Member with this information, and place a Since 2005, maintained school inspections have been carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005. Ofsted records all copy of the letter in the House Libraries. judgements made by inspectors in section 5 inspections/ including the judgement for overall effectiveness of the school. Schools: Closures Maintained schools inspected under section 5 include nursery, primary, secondary (including academies and city technology Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of colleges), special schools and pupil referral units. State for Education pursuant to the answer of 28 June Tables A to E below show the number of maintained schools 2011, Official Report, column 757W, on school closures judged outstanding, good, satisfactory and inadequate for overall (Thursday), what assessment he made of the use of the effectiveness at their section 5 inspection during the academic flexibilities at the disposal of schools to ensure that years 2005/06 to 2009/10 inclusive in South Lakeland District and they stayed open on 30 June 2011. [64661] England. In September 2009, Ofsted implemented a policy of more Mr Gibb: To minimise the impact of industrial action, proportionate inspection using risk assessment and deliberately set out to inspect a greater proportion of previously satisfactory the Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. or inadequate schools each year and a smaller proportion of Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), previously good or outstanding schools. This led to a skew in the wrote to all local authorities on 23 June, to lay out the sample of schools inspected and means that comparisons between flexibilities at the disposal of schools to ensure that they years should be treated with caution as some differences are due stayed open. to the different sample of schools inspected during the different In that letter he asked local authorities to share with periods. the Department their best practice and examples of Statistics covering the outcomes of all inspections carried out schools working innovatively and successfully to stay in each academic year since 2005/06 can be found at: open. We will be reviewing these examples over the http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and- coming weeks, as they come in to us. research/Browse-all-by/Documents-by-type/Statistics/ Maintained-schools/Inspection-outcomes The most recent official statistics release covering the outcomes Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for of maintained school inspections carried out during the autumn Education on how many days annually on average and spring terms 2010/11 were released on 15 June 2011 and can schools were closed due to strike action between (a) be accessed at the same link. 1979 and 1997 and (b) 1997 and 2010; and what A copy of this reply has been sent to Nick Gibb MP, Minister assessment he has made of likely trends in days lost to of State for Schools, and will be placed in the library of both such action in the next four years. [64953] Houses.

Tables A to E: Schools overall effectiveness judgment at their section 5 inspection in South Lakeland district in each of the last five academic years 2005/06 Overall effectiveness judgment (proportion of schools) Total inspected Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

South Lakeland district 15 13 47 33 7 England 6,128 11 48 34 8 95W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 96W

2006/07 Overall effectiveness judgment (proportion of schools) Total inspected Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

South Lakeland district 30 3 70 17 10 England 8,323 14 47 34 6

2007/08 Overall effectiveness judgment (proportion of schools) Total inspected Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

South Lakeland district 26 15 58 19 8 England 7,866 15 49 32 5

2008/09 Overall effectiveness judgment (proportion of schools) Total inspected Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

South Lakeland district 16 6 88 6 0 England 7,065 19 50 28 4

2009/10 Overall effectiveness judgment (proportion of schools) Total inspected Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

South Lakeland district 20 25 55 10 10 England 6,171 13 43 37 8

Schools: Finance Youth Services: Finance

Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much basic need funding was allocated Education what assessment he has made of the change to schools in each year since 1997. [64021] in his Department’s funding of youth services in (a) Kingston upon Hull East constituency and (b) Mr Gibb: Capital allocations to local authorities, England in 2011-12. [64616] since 1997-98, to support investment in schools relating Tim Loughton: The Department’s funding for youth to basic need, were as follows: services for 2011-12 and beyond is included in the early intervention grant (EIG). The EIG allocation for Kingston £ million Upon Hull local authority has changed from £16.59 million 1997-98 359 in 2010-11 to £14.52 million in 2011-12, a reduction of 1998-99 286 around 12.5%, and is reduced by 10.5% for England as 1999-2000 274 a whole. Money for youth services is not ring fenced 2000-01 357 within the EIG and decisions on funding levels for 2001-02 452 youth services are for local authorities. 2002-03 401 2003-04 475 2004-05 566 HEALTH 2005-06 504 2006-07 445 Air Pollution: Death 2007-08 400 Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2008-09 423 how many people died as a result of conditions caused 2009-10 419 by air pollution in each of the last five years. [64388] 2010-11 666 2011-12 (provisional) 800 Anne Milton: Deaths from air pollution are not recorded as a specific cause. However, the Committee on the 1 Schools: Translation Services Medical Effects of Air Pollutants estimated on the basis of 2008 data, that fine particulate air pollution (measured as PM2.5) had an effect on the mortality of Mr Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for the United Kingdom population equivalent to 29,000 Education what estimate he has made of the cost to deaths in 2008. However, the Committee considered it schools of the provision of English translation services; very unlikely that this represents the number of individuals and if he will make a statement. [63833] affected. Instead it speculated that air pollution, acting together with other factors, may have made some smaller Mr Gibb: The Department does not collect this contribution to the earlier deaths of up to 200,000 information. people. 97W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 98W

Estimates have not been made on a year-by-year Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for basis, however, in years close to 2008 that are likely to Health what assessment he has made of the likelihood be similar to 2008, in terms of both PM2.5 levels and of the East Midlands Cancer Drugs Fund producing population characteristics, the effect on mortality would an (a) overspend and (b) underspend in 2011-12. be similar to that calculated for 2008. [64248] 1 The Mortality Effects of Long Term Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution in the United Kingdom: Mr Simon Burns: We have made no assessment about www.comeap.org.uk/documents/128-the-mortality-effects-of- the likelihood of an overspend or an underspend on the long-term-exposure-to-particulate-air-pollution-in-the- Cancer Drugs Fund allocation made to NHS East uk.html Midlands. This funding was allocated on a weighted capitation basis, following consultation on arrangements Allied Health Professions for the fund, and the Department will be monitoring spend during the current financial year. Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how (a) speech and language therapists and Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) allied health professionals will be involved in the Health how much the East Midlands Cancer Drugs development of his public health work force strategy. Fund spent on Avastin for (a) first line and (b) second [65251] line treatment for bowel cancer in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) Anne Milton: The Department will publish a consultation 2011-12 to date. [64306] document on a public health work force strategy in the autumn. To inform this work a Public Health Workforce Anne Milton: The Department does not collect Strategy Working Group, chaired by a regional director information on the specific indications for which drugs of public health has been established. Members of the have been funded through the cancer drugs funding group include representatives from a range of health arrangements for 2010-11 and 2011-12. and local government organisations, including the co-Chair A breakdown of strategic health authority expenditure of the National Allied Health Professional Advisory by drug for 2010-11 is not yet available. We will write to Board. Speech and language therapists are an integral the hon. Member with this information when it is part of the allied health professions. available. The Department is currently establishing monitoring arrangements for 2011-12. Autism: Screening Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in which regions the Cancer Drugs Fund Health what proportion of patients who requested an provides funding for (a) first line and (b) second line autistic spectrum disorder diagnostic test in (a) treatment for bowel cancer with Avastin; and how Wolverhampton Primary Care Trust and (b) England much each region has spent on Avastin in each case received such a test in the last 12 months. [64184] since the launch of the new fund. [64307] Paul Burstow: This information is not held centrally. Anne Milton: The Department does not collect Autism: Wolverhampton information on the specific indications for which drugs have been funded through the Cancer Drugs Fund. Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Decisions on which drugs to fund are a matter for Health what plans he has for future support for speech each strategic health authority (SHA) clinical panel. and language therapy for adults with autistic spectrum In its summary of clinically agreed drugs, East Midlands conditions in Wolverhampton. [64185] SHA has included Avastin (bevacizumab) for the first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and first Paul Burstow: The provision of NHS services, including line treatment of renal cell carcinoma that is intolerant speech and language therapy, is a matter for the national to pazopanib and sunitinib. Further information is health service locally. available at: Cancer: Drugs www.eastmidlands.nhs.uk/cancer-drugs-fund/?locale=en The Department is currently establishing monitoring Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health arrangements for 2011-12. Information relating to individual how much the East Midlands Cancer Drugs Fund spent cases will not be collected due to patient confidentiality. in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 to date. [64247] Cervical Cancer: Screening Mr Simon Burns: The Cancer Drugs Fund was launched on 1 April 2011 to help thousands of cancer patients access the drugs their clinicians believe will help them. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for We also made an additional £50 million available to Health (1) by what means human papillomavirus testing strategic health authorities in 2010-11 which has already for triage and test of cure will be introduced into the helped over 2,400 patients in England to access the NHS Cervical Screening Programme; and when it will cancer drugs their clinicians recommended. be available to all eligible women in each region; [64237] The latest available information shows that NHS (2) what the key steps will be to introduce human East Midlands spent £1.632 million on additional cancer papillomavirus testing for triage and test of cure into drugs between 1 October 2010 and the end of March the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in 2011-12; 2011. Information for 2011-12 is not yet available. [64238] 99W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 100W

(3) by what means human papillomavirus testing for Funding for implementation has been made available triage and test of cure as part of the NHS Cervical for 2011-12 and 2012-13 and will be managed by NHS Screening Programme will be funded (a) in its first CSP. We expect all women in England to be benefiting year and (b) in subsequent years; [64239] from HPV triage and test of cure from 2013-14, when (4) how many human papillomavirus tests for triage we also expect savings of up to £16 million per year to and test of cure he expects will be undertaken as part of be made from this new policy, as set out in the impact the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in (a) assessment we published alongside the new cancer strategy. 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13; [64240] Subject to the consultation on ‘Healthy Lives, Healthy (5) what plans he has for the future of cervical cancer People’, Public Health England (PHE) will have responsibility for national elements of the cancer screening screening in the NHS; [64241] programmes. PHE will fund the NHS Commissioning (6) what cost savings he estimates will accrue to the Board annually to commission local elements of screening NHS Cervical Screening Programme following programmes on behalf of PHE. implementation of human papillomavirus testing for The results of the HPV sentinel site implementation triage and test of cure; [64242] project will be published in due course, once associated (7) who will be responsible for commissioning papers have appeared in peer reviewed journals. human papillomavirus testing for triage and test of Regarding the future of cervical screening, the cure as part of the NHS Cervical Screening independent Advisory Committee on Cervical Screening Programme; [64243] (ACCS) is advising on the introduction of HPV Testing (8) when he expects human papillomavirus testing as Primary Screening (HPVTaPS). Working groups have for triage and test of cure as part of the NHS Cervical been established to take forward work in three areas: Screening Programme to be available to all women who work force requirements and supporting transition; are eligible for it; [64244] protocols and algorithms for testing; and (9) when he expects the results of the human demonstrating the economies and benefits to women of HPVTaPS. papillomavirus Sentinel Site Implementation Project to The working groups are due to report to the ACCS at be published. [64245] its meeting on 24 November 2011, where the piloting of HPVTaPS will be considered. Paul Burstow: ‘Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer’, published on 12 January, sets out how the Departmental Responsibilities Government will introduce human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as triage for women with mild or borderline Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health cervical screening test results and HPV as a test of cure on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an for treated women. The Operating Framework for the hon. Member of each political party has been refused NHS in England 2011-12 states that commissioners by (a) a Minister in his Department directly and (b) should work with their local services and NHS Cancer his Department on behalf of a Minister since May Screening Programmes (NHS CSP) to implement HPV 2010. [64426] testing as triage for women with mild or borderline results, leading to a more patient-centred service and Mr Simon Burns: The information requested could be major cost savings. provided only at disproportionate cost. The current intention is that, subject to meeting Diabetes: Nurses certain criteria, local cervical screening programmes will implement HPV triage in 2011-12 and HPV test of cure in 2012-13. Implementing both improvements in Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for the same year would risk the quality and safety of the Health if he will consider measures to improve current programme and put an unnecessary burden on recruitment levels for diabetic specialist nurses in the colposcopy services. NHS. [64763] The Department is currently preparing advice to the Mr Simon Burns: The Government consider that national health service that will be issued shortly, alongside diabetes specialist nurses are an essential part of the implementation guidance from NHS CSP. In autumn diabetes specialist team and have a valuable part to play 2011, NHS Supply Chain will publish a framework in supporting people with diabetes. It is local healthcare agreement on the purchasing of the five HPV testing organisations, with their knowledge of the healthcare kits that are currently available. While services will not needs of their local populations, that are best placed to be able to implement HPV testing as triage until the determine the workforce required to deliver safe patient framework agreement is published, they will be able to care within their available resources. put all necessary plans in place so that, as soon as the agreement becomes available, they will be able to make Diabetes: Walsall decisions and place orders without delay. It is not possible to state the exact number of tests Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health that will take place in 2011-12 and 2012-13. As a guide, what consideration he has given to the role of around 200,000 women a year have mild or borderline community pharmacies in preventing and treating screening test results. There are currently around 500,000 diabetes within the South Asian community in Walsall women on annual 10-year follow-up following previous South constituency. [65502] treatment, but this is expected to reduce to around 100,000 a year once these women have been subject to a Paul Burstow: Community pharmacies have an important test of cure in 2012-13. role in the prevention and management of diabetes. 101W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 102W

The national NHS Health Check programme is a their patients in this process and taking into account the public health programme aimed at preventing diabetes, best available clinical evidence or guidance, including heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. It has been the General Medical Council’s “Good practice in designed so that the risk assessment and management prescribing medicines”. components of the check are suitable to be undertaken in a variety of settings, including pharmacies, community General Practitioners: Walsall centres and other sites as well as general practitioner practices to make the programme as accessible as possible Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to people. what assessment he has made of the distribution of (a) The NHS Health Check programme is for people in GP surgeries and (b) community pharmacies in England aged between 40 and 74. It assesses people’s Walsall South constituency. [65501] risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes and supports people to reduce or manage that risk Mr Simon Burns: Any assessment of primary care through individually tailored lifestyle advice and support, services is a local matter. It is the responsibility of and appropriate follow up. In doing so, it will help primary care trusts (PCTs) to ensure the adequate provision ensure greater focus on public health and the prevention of national health service primary medical services in of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney disease. their areas. This programme has the potential to prevent over 4,000 All PCTs need to publish, by February 2012, their people a year from developing type 2 diabetes and assessment of pharmaceutical needs. detect at least 20,000 case of diabetes and kidney disease earlier. NHS Walsall’s “Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment” is available on the NHS Walsall website at: Attendance at pharmacies also presents other opportunities for discussion about the efficacy, side www.walsall.nhs.uk/communications/ effects of medicines and the technology needs of people Walsall_pharmacies_surveyed.asp with diabetes. This document has also been placed in the Library. Drugs: Safety Health Services: Foreign Nationals Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether he plans to establish a common Health what amounts owed to each NHS trust for NHS policy for the management of unlicensed treatment of non UK nationals have been (a) collected medicines; [64323] and (b) not collected in the most recent year for which (2) what information his Department holds on the figures are available. [65275] number of primary care trusts which have established policies for the management of unlicensed medicines. Anne Milton: The total audited income from overseas [64324] visitors under non-reciprocal arrangements and total losses, bad debt and claims abandoned for overseas Mr Simon Burns: Information on primary care trust visitors by national health service trust for 2009-10 are policies on the management of unlicensed medicines is shown in the following table. As well as non-UK nationals not held centrally and we have no plans to establish a who are not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, national policy for the management of unlicensed medicines these data include income from and written off debt for in the national health service. UK nationals who are not ordinarily resident here. Clinicians should base their prescribing decisions on Further, it does not include monies owed that hospitals their assessment of their patients’ clinical need, involving are still in the process of attempting to recover.

£ Non reciprocal income Bad debts and claims abandoned received in respect of overseas patients

5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 00 Airedale NHS Trust 0 4,893 Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust 107,000 48,506 Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust 654,931 961,298 Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust 297,000 185,351 Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust 0 0 Barts and The London NHS Trust 658,000 645,375 Bedford Hospital NHS Trust 79,000 931 Bedfordshire and Luton Mental Health and Social Care Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 Bradford District Care NHS Trust 00 Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust 187,000 0 Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust 472,000 23,998 Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 00 Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust 20,000 34,393 Derbyshire Mental Health Services NHS Trust 00 103W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 104W

£ Non reciprocal income Bad debts and claims abandoned received in respect of overseas patients

Devon Partnership NHS Trust 00 Dudley And Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 Ealing Hospital NHS Trust 26,000 104,747 East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust 239,000 141,491 East Cheshire NHS Trust 8,000 996 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust 22,000 4,216 East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust 00 East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust 00 East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust 37,000 3,202 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 122,000 78,813 George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust 11,000 108 Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust 28,000 0 Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust 00 Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust 00 Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS Trust 34,000 0 Hull And East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 0 4,706 Humber NHS Foundation Trust 00 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 3,312,000 355,870 Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust 66,000 816 Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 Kingston Hospital NHS Trust 137,000 20,088 Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 1,355,000 0 Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust 00 Liverpool Heart and Chest NHS Foundation Trust 6,000 0 London Ambulance Service NHS Trust 00 Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust 00 Manchester Mental Health and Social Care NHS Trust 0 0 Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust 340,000 10 Mersey Care NHS Trust 00 Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 11,000 0 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 28,000 0 Newham University Hospital NHS Trust 499,000 645,732 NHS Direct NHS Trust 00 North Bristol NHS Trust 282,000 0 North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust 15,000 1,223 North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust 00 North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 288,000 239,148 North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust 0 0 North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust 00 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 805,000 403,282 Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust 87,000 53,752 Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 0 0 Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust 00 Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust 0 0 Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust 55,000 174,847 Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust 00 Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre NHS Trust 597,000 0 Oxford Learning Disability NHS Trust 00 Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust 4,000 221,847 Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 351,000 181,152 Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust 35,000 0 Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust 236,000 41,090 Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust 92,000 0 Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn NHS Trust 44,000 0 Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic NHS Trust 0 188 Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust 30,000 0 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 79,000 16,383 Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust 777,000 651,455 Royal Liverpool Broadgreen Hospitals NHS Trust 7,000 25,180 Royal Surrey County NHS Foundation Trust 59,000 0 Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust 63,000 1,238 Royal Wolverhampton Hospital NHS Trust 20,000 29,156 Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust 52,000 87,242 105W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 106W

£ Non reciprocal income Bad debts and claims abandoned received in respect of overseas patients

Scarborough and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust 3,000 3,964 Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust 25,000 -163 South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust 00 South Downs Health NHS Trust 00 South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust 00 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 110,000 0 South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 13,000 0 South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust 22,000 10,790 South West Ambulance Service NHS Trust 00 South West London And St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust 0 0 South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 0 0 Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 285,000 170,105 Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust 00 St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust 520,000 0 St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust 20,000 82 Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust 00 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 207,000 43,019 The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust 1,014,000 479,336 The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust 238,000 0 The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust 0 0 The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust 63,000 6,897 Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust 4,000 0 United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust 31,000 1,284 University Hospital of North Staffordshire Hospital NHS Trust 0 0 University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust 95,000 0 University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust 563,000 247,291 University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust 43,000 2,586 Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust 6,000 9,920 West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust 193,000 354,798 West London Mental Health NHS Trust 00 West Middlesex University NHS Trust 235,000 0 West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust 00 West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust 22,000 28,258 Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust 6,000 0 Weston Area Health NHS Trust 00 Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust 355,000 198,656 Whittington Hospital NHS Trust 69,000 0 Winchester And Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust 160,000 17,714 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 00 Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust 0 0 Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust 00 Total 17,036,000 6,967,260 Note: We do not collect data from national health service foundation trusts so. figures exclude these sites. Source: National Health Service Trust Audited Summarisation Schedules.

Hospital Wards: Gender Progress has been excellent, with reported breaches nationally falling by 83% between December 2010 and May 2011. Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Alongside the absolute number of breaches, an MSA Health what progress has been made in reducing breach rate is published to enable comparison between mixed-sex accommodation in NHS hospitals in (a) organisations. This is the number of breaches per 1,000 Kettering, (b) Northamptonshire and (c) England. finished consultant episodes. [65189] Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Month Number of breaches Breach rate

Mr Simon Burns: Monthly reporting of progress with December 2010 212 30.8 eliminating mixed-sex accommodation (MSA) guidance January 2011 58 8.7 was introduced in December 2010. Before this, there February 2011 9 1.4 were no accurate data on how many patients suffered March 2011 13 17 the indignity of sharing with someone of the opposite April 2011 0 0.0 sex. Now, hospitals providing national health service-funded May 2011 5 0.7 care report all breaches of MSA sleeping guidance. 107W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 108W

NHS providers located in Northamptonshire1 Life Expectancy Month Number of breaches Breach rate

December 2010 2212 13.3 Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if January 2011 58 3.8 he will assess the effect on life expectancy of levels of February 2011 9 0.6 air pollution in (a) London and (b) England. [64387] March 2011 13 0.7 April 2011 0 0.0 May 2011 5 0.3 Anne Milton: The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants has estimated1 the effect on life expectancy England from birth of removing all man-made fine particulate Month Number of breaches Breach rate matter (PM2.5), an important air pollutant, for inner London, and for England and Wales on the basis of December 2010 11,802 8.4 2008 data. Research has shown that for inner London, January 2011 8,708 6.4 removing man-made PM2.5 would lead to an increase of February 2011 7,583 6.0 life expectancy of about nine months and the corresponding March 2011 5,466 3.6 assessment for England and Wales would be approximately April 2011 2,660 1.9 six months. The difference is due to the higher concentration May 2011 2,011 1.4 of man-made PM2.5 in inner London. 1 Data are not collected at county level. NHS providers located in 1 Northamptonshire include Northamptonshire Teaching Primary The Mortality Effects of Long Term Exposure to Particulate Care Trust, Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Air Pollution in the United Kingdom: Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and www.comeap.org.uk/documents/128-the-mortality-effects-of- Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. All except Kettering long-terrri-exposure-to-particulate-air-pollution-in-the- have reported zero breaches. Northamptonshire Healthcare did not uk.html report in December 2010. 2 Incomplete data.

Khat Lung Cancer: Screening

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health how many hospital admissions he estimates what steps he is taking to improve the detection of lung were linked to the use of khat in each of the last five cancer symptoms in primary care; and if he will make a years. [64752] statement. [64833] Anne Milton: This information is not collected centrally. In data returns on hospital admissions due to drug use, Paul Burstow: To support earlier detection of cancer khat is not separately identified. the Government have committed more than £450 million over the next four years. This money will give general Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for practitioner (GPs) improved access to a range of diagnostic Health what recent assessment he has made of the tests, including chest x-ray to support the diagnosis of impact of khat on the health of users. [64753] lung cancer, and will fund campaign activity that aims to raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of Anne Milton: The Advisory Council on the Misuse of cancer and to encourage people to visit their GP when Drugs (ACMD) submitted advice on khat in December they have symptoms. 2005. In October 2010 the Home Office published a Building on the success of our cancer awareness research report on “Perceptions of the social harms activity to date, which includes 59 local projects on caused by khat use”which included comments on perceived lung, bowel and breast cancer and regional pilots for a health harms. national bowel cancer campaign, plans are now being The Government have asked the ACMD to update its developed for the next round of initiatives. These may assessment of khat and to convene the review at the include lung cancer symptom campaigns. next available opportunity within its work programme.

Leukaemia: Drugs NHS Commissioning Board

Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State what discussions his Department has had with the for Health when he intends to publish information on National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence the number of staff to be employed by the NHS on its Final Appraisal Determination meeting held on Commissioning Board. [64797] 9 June 2011 in respect of the recommendation on the use of dasatanib, nilotinib and high-dose imatinib. [65095] Mr Simon Burns: Sir David Nicholson, chief designate of the NHS Commissioning Board, published ‘Developing Mr Simon Burns: We have had no such discussions. the NHS Commissioning Board’ on 8 July 2011. This Ministers are clear that the National Institute for Health document sets out further details about the design and and Clinical Excellence is an independent body and operating model of the NHS Commissioning Board, must be free to develop its technology appraisal guidance including an estimate of expected staff numbers. based on the best available evidence. This document has been placed in the Library. 109W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 110W

NHS Future Forum Mr Simon Burns: Payment for drugs and appliances provided by community pharmacies operating under the community pharmacy contractual framework is a Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Secretary of State determination and is set out each for Health pursuant to his answer of 29 June 2011, month in the Drug Tariff. Official Report, column 871W, on NHS Future Forum, (1) whether (a) he or (b) Ministers in his Department The prices listed in part VIII of the Drug Tariff played a role in selecting (i) Professor Field and (ii) indicate what dispensers will be paid for dispensing members of the NHS Future Forum; and if he will prescriptions written generically. Dispensers can fulfil make a statement; [65015] the prescription with which ever product they want or is available to them (brand or generic), but regardless of (2) what steps he took to ensure the independence of which product they supply, if there is a price in part the NHS Future Forum when appointing senior VIII, they will only be paid this price. Prices in part VIII members to it. [65016] are established according to which category the price is in. Those in category M are set using sales and volume Mr Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the information from manufacturers, while also taking into written answer I gave him on 29 June 2011, Official account the findings of a pharmacy medicines margins Report, column 871W, that the guiding principle for survey, which monitors the amount of margin pharmacies membership was to ensure that there was a wide range earn on the medicines they dispense. Those in category of stakeholders represented from different professional C are set on the national health service list price of a groups, the national health service and local government, specific named product. the third sector and patient organisations. The Secretary The reimbursement price of branded products is the of State for Health and other departmental Ministers NHS list price established under the 2009 Pharmaceutical were involved in selecting and confirming the appointment Price Regulation Scheme, which is a voluntary agreement, of the chair and other members of the NHS Future agreed between the Department and the Association of Forum. the British Pharmaceutical Industry, or where not covered There were no restrictions placed on the NHS Future by the voluntary agreement, there is statutory scheme. Forum as to whom they spoke to and met with or to the Any price differences across chemically similar medicines advice and recommendations they were able to make. are determined by these two schemes.

NHS: Conditions of Employment Older People: Preventive Medicine

Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for for Health pursuant to the answer of 29 June 2011, Health what consideration he has given to Frontier Official Report, column 872W, on NHS: conditions of Economic’s findings on Social Return on Investment employment, what estimate he has made of the that investment in the WRVS services in preventative proportion of NHS staff that will see changes to their care for older people saves money for the NHS and (a) pay and (b) terms and conditions in each of the local authorities; and if he will make a statement. next five years. [65017] [64576]

Mr Simon Burns: No estimate has been made of the Paul Burstow: The report was commissioned by the number of staff that will see changes to their pay and WRVS and has not been formally submitted to the terms and conditions in each of the next five years. Department. The Government have indicated that decisions on However, the Department recognises that investment pay will be made by health care employers rather than in integrated preventative services by the national health decided by the Government. In future, all individual service and local authorities can lead to better outcomes employers will have the right, as foundation trusts have for individuals including helping people to live now, to determine pay for their own staff. However, the independently for longer, and can also realise efficiencies Government believe that many providers will want to for both the NHS and local authorities. That is why we continue to use the existing national contracts as a basis have invested £150 million in the NHS this year to for local terms and conditions. support re-ablement, which will help people recover Staff moving to new organisations may have their their independence after a spell in hospital. current terms and conditions protected under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations Patients: Transport and any changes to terms and conditions must comply with employment law. Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on criteria NHS: Drugs used for the provision of transport for non-urgent cases to hospital; and if he will revise the current guidance Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health issued by his Department in this respect. [64887] by what means levels of compensation are determined for specific medicines distributed by NHS pharmacists Mr Simon Burns: There has been one parliamentary on a medicine-by-medicine basis; and whether this question raised since the start of this administration’s system takes into account price differences across term in Government, posed by my hon. Friend the chemically similar medicines. [64886] Member for Morecambe and Lunesdale (David Morris), 111W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 112W who asked what steps the Government are taking to (2) metastatic melanoma as an emergency aged (a) prevent misuse of hospital transport by those who do 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 not have a valid medical reason to use the service. years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) over 80 years in each In 2005, the White Paper “Our Health, Our Care, year since 1997. [65425] Our Say”, made a commitment to extend eligibility for non-emergency patient transport services (PTS) to Paul Burstow: This information is not held centrally. procedures that were traditionally provided in hospital, The National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) but are now available in a community setting. It also produced an analysis of cancer diagnosis, including for committed the Department to updating existing eligibility patients diagnosed as an emergency presentation, for all guidance (“Ambulance and other Patient Transport Services: patients diagnosed with cancer, including melanoma, Operation, Use and Performance Standards) published during 2007. A copy of the NCIN report “Route to in 1991 and finance guidance documents (“Chapter 20 diagnosis” has been placed in the Library, and it can of the NHS Finance Manual Finance Arrangements also be found at: for Ambulance Services”. www.ncin.org.uk/publications/data_briefings/ Following a 13-week consultation in 2007, Ministers routes_to_diagnosis.aspx in response to these commitments approved changes to PTS eligibility. The findings of the NCIN report were considered in the development of “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy There are no current plans to revise the guidance for Cancer”, published on 12 January 2011, which sets further. out our intention to move forward on a new data collection which would allow routine assessment of the Primary Care Trusts: Expenditure proportion of cancers diagnosed through emergency routes. Work is now underway to examine the feasibility Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for of this. Health how much was spent by primary care trusts on (a) management costs and (b) in total on mental Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for health disorders in (i) 1997-98 and (ii) 2009-10. [64708] Health how many people received any active treatment for skin cancer aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to Mr Simon Burns: Information on expenditure on 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) managers and senior managers for 1997-98 and 2009-10 over 80 years in each (i) cancer network and (ii) and expenditure on secondary health care relating to primary care trust area in each year since 1997. [65424] mental illness for 1997-98 and 2009-10 is in the following table. Anne Milton: Information concerning the number of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) with a primary £000 diagnosis of skin cancer for the age groups 49 years and 2009-10 1997-98 under, 50 to 59 years, 60 to 69 years, 70 to 79 years and Managers and senior managers 1,041,803 189,922 over 80 years in each primary care trust area in each Mental illness 8,076,983 2,767,036 year since 1997 has been placed in the Library. This information is not available at cancer network level. Primary care trusts did not exist in 1997-98. The FCEs are a continuous period of admitted patient figures for 1997-98 relate to spend by health authorities. care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are not the same as a count of people as a person Psychotherapy may have more than one FCE in a given year. It should also be noted that, in the data provided, the treatment received during the FCE might not be directly related to Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the treatment of skin cancer. what steps he has taken to ensure that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines on psychotherapy are an adequate expression of informed Social Care: Reform opinion in the field. [64526]

Paul Burstow: As an independent body, the National Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is Health (1) pursuant to the statement of 4 July 2011, responsible for the way in which it develops its guidance. Official Report, columns 1232-34, on reform of social NICE consults widely during the development of individual care, how he intends to assess whether a (a) viable pieces of guidance, and also consults periodically on insurance market and (b) more diverse and responsive the methods and processes it uses to carry out its work. care market might be established as a result of the Dilnot Commission proposals; [64445] Skin Cancer (2) if he will meet insurance companies to discuss (a) whether and (b) how a viable insurance market Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for might be established as a result of the Dilnot Health what proportion of patients were first diagnosed Commission proposals on social care; [64446] with (1) skin cancer as an emergency aged (a) 49 years (3) whether he plans to meet the Secretary of State and under, (b) 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 for Work and Pensions to discuss how a viable to 79 years and (e) over 80 years in each year since insurance market might be established as a result of the 1997; [65422] Dilnot Commission proposals on social care. [64447] 113W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 114W

Paul Burstow: The Government will consult with advice and ensure this advice is from a full range of stakeholders over the autumn on the Commission proposals health professionals where relevant. In addition, clinical and wider reform of social care. This will include commissioning groups will receive expert support and engagement with the sector on whether a viable insurance advice from clinical networks and senates on the design market and a more diverse and responsible care market and delivery of services. would be established as a result of the proposals. The NHS Commissioning Board will support clinical We will set out our plans for engagement in more commissioning groups and hold them to account. The detail shortly. Board will develop commissioning guidance to support effective commissioning, and promote consistent national quality standards produced by the National Institute Social Services: Fees and Charges for Health and Clinical Excellence to ensure all patients, including those with speech and language therapy needs, receive high quality services. Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to review his allocation of social care funding following the increase in the number of Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for delayed discharges from hospital in May 2011. [64251] Health what assessment he has made of the potential effects of the introduction of (a) clinical commissioning groups and (b) health and wellbeing boards on services Paul Burstow: No one should be made to stay in for those with speech, language and communication hospital longer than is necessary. The national health needs. [64333] service and social care must work together to ensure people have the support they need on leaving hospital. Some patients need particular support after a spell in Mr Simon Burns: Subject to the passage of the Health hospital to settle back into their homes, recover their and Social Care Bill, general practitioners (GPs) will be strength and regain their independence. The coalition given real responsibility to ensure that commissioning Government have recently increased the level of investment decisions are underpinned by clinical insight and knowledge made available to local health and care services to spend of local healthcare needs. GPs, in partnership with on front line services and helping people return to their other local healthcare professionals such as therapists homes after a spell in hospital. and community nurses, are best placed to understand the speech, language and communication health The spending review recognised the importance of needs of local populations and how to work with their social care in protecting the most vulnerable in society. local populations to design services that meet those In recognition of the pressures on the social care system needs. in a challenging local government settlement, the coalition Government have allocated an additional £2 billion by Clinical commissioning groups will work with elected 2014-15 to support the delivery of social care. This councillors, local authority commissioners and means, with an ambitious programme of efficiency, that representatives of patients and the public through health there is enough funding available both to protect people’s and wellbeing boards to develop a comprehensive analysis access to services and deliver new approaches to improve of health and social care needs in each local area, and quality and outcomes. to translate these into action through the joint health and wellbeing strategy and their own commissioning As part of this funding, this year funding of £150 plans. Health and wellbeing boards will promote joined million has been made available for re-ablement and up commissioning that will support integrated provision £648 million for social care spend that benefits the NHS of services across health and social care. This should which could help to reduce the level of delayed discharges. mean that groups such as users of speech, language and The re-ablement money will help people to leave hospital communication services experience health and care services more quickly, get settled back at home with the support that are better joined up and better meet their needs as they need, and to prevent unnecessary admissions to individuals. hospital. Local authorities are responsible for decisions on how to allocate their resources. Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take to ensure that NHS commissioners have adequate skills to commission services for children with special educational needs Speech Therapy and/or speech, language and communication needs under his proposals for NHS reorganisation. [64334] Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the levels of Mr Simon Burns: Subject to the passage of the Health support which will be required by commissioners to and Social Care Bill, clinical commissioning groups will commission speech and language therapy services in future commission the majority of NHS services. The under his proposals for NHS reorganisation. [64332] Government’s response to the NHS Future Forum Report makes clear that it will strengthen existing duties on Mr Simon Burns: Subject to the passage of the Health clinical commissioning groups to secure professional and Social Care Bill, clinical commissioning groups will advice and ensure this advice is from a full range of in future commission the majority of NHS services. The health professionals where relevant In addition, clinical Government’s response to the NHS Future Forum Report commissioning groups will receive expert support and makes clear that it will strengthen existing duties on advice from clinical networks and senates on the design clinical commissioning groups to secure professional and delivery of services. 115W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 116W

The NHS Commissioning Board will support clinical A count of the finished admission episodes1 where the primary diagnosis2 was stroke3 in which there was an emergency admission via A&E4 at St George’s commissioning groups and hold them to account. The Healthcare NHS Trust; January 2009 to February 20115, 6 board will develop commissioning guidance to support Activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in effective commissioning, and promote consistent national the independent sector Quality Standards produced by the National Institute Final/provisional data Episode end month Finished admission episodes for Health and Clinical Excellence to ensure all patients, including children with special educational needs and/or January 2011 95 speech, language and communication needs, receive February 2011 94 high quality services. 1 Finished admission episodes A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient care under In addition, we will ensure there is a particular emphasis one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the within the emerging clinical commissioning group year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the pathfinder programme of testing ways of ensuring that year. groups quickly develop knowledge and expertise in 2 Primary diagnosis relation to more complex or specialist services. The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital. 3 Stroke St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust It should be noted that the ICD-10 codes for Stroke are: I60 Subarachnoid haemorrhage I61 Intracerebral haemorrhage I62 Other nontraumatic intracranial haemorrhage Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health I63 Cerebral infarction what estimate he has made of the number of stroke I64 Stroke not specified as haemorrhage or infarction patients admitted to the accident and emergency 4 Emergency admission via A&E The method of admission code identifies how the patient was admitted to department of St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust in hospital. The following admission methods were used to classify an admission each month since January 2009. [64188] as being an emergency via A&E: 21 = Emergency: via A&E services, including the casualty department of the provider Mr Simon Burns: This information is not collected in 28 = Emergency: other means, including patients who arrive via the A&E department of another healthcare provider). Data to be based on in-patients the format requested. rather than A&E universe The following table provides the number of finished 5 Provisional data The data is provisional and may be incomplete or contain errors for which no admission episodes, in which there was an emergency adjustments have yet been made. Counts produced from provisional data are admission via accident and emergency (A&E) with a likely to be lower than those generated for the same period in the final dataset. primary diagnosis of stroke, by month from January 2009. This shortfall will be most pronounced in the final month of the latest period, ie November from the (month 9) April to November extract. It is also probable A count of the finished admission episodes1 where the primary diagnosis2 was that clinical data are not complete, which may in particular affect the last two stroke3 in which there was an emergency admission via A&E4 at St George’s months of any given period. There may also be errors due to coding inconsistencies Healthcare NHS Trust; January 2009 to February 20115, 6 that have not yet been investigated and corrected. 6 Assessing growth through time Activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over the independent sector time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and Final/provisional data Episode end month Finished admission episodes coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For Final year data January 2009 60 example, apparent reductions in activity may be due to a number of procedures February 2009 68 which may now be undertaken in out-patient settings and so no longer include in admitted patient HES data. March 2009 66 Note: Data quality April 2009 72 HES are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary May 2009 57 care trusts in England and from some independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for June 2009 64 health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage July 2009 64 submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain. August 2009 53 Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES); Outpatients, The NHS Information Centre September 2009 65 for health and social care October 2009 62 November 2009 64 December 2009 74 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has undertaken an impact assessment of his January 2010 80 proposed reform of the NHS on (a) patient care and February 2010 72 (b) resources at St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust; March 2010 59 and if he will publish the result of any such assessment. [64189] Provisional data April 2010 67 May 2010 60 June 2010 69 Mr Simon Burns: The impact assessment, published alongside the Health and Social Care Bill, discussed the July 2010 75 anticipated effects of the modernisation on patient care August 2010 105 and the resources used. This was at a national level. A September 2010 117 local breakdown of these effects is not available. October 2010 119 A revised impact assessment will be published when November 2010 103 the Bill is introduced into the House of Lords. This is in December 2010 117 line with parliamentary protocol. 117W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 118W

Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Display) until April 2015. Before the Regulations were made, Regulations 2010 following public consultation on the initial draft, the definition of bulk tobacconists in the Regulations was Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for amended to more accurately reflect the nature of bulk Health (1) what assessment he has made of the effects tobacco sales, based on the feedback received. on bulk tobacconists of implementation of the The Department does not routinely collect data on Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Display) sales of bulk tobacco. The Department does not hold Regulations 2010; [64312] precise figures on the number of businesses that will (2) how much hand-rolling tobacco was sold by bulk meet the definition of bulk tobacconist in the Regulations tobacconists in pre-packed quantities with a weight of but these types of stores will include both cash and 250 grams or more in the latest period for which figures carry type stores and duty free stores. are available; [64313] The Government have committed to amend legislation (3) how many businesses supplying hand-rolling on tobacco displays to delay implementation and make tobacco meet the definition of bulk tobacconist in the it less burdensome for retailers, as set out in the written Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Display) ministerial statement made by the Secretary of State for (England) Regulations 2010; [64315] Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley), on 9 March 2011, Official (4) what plans he has to review regulations relating Report, columns 66-67WS. The amending regulations to the supply of bulk tobacco. [64317] will include statutory duty to undertake a review, five years after the regulations have come fully into force. Anne Milton: The legislation relating to the display of tobacco products does not apply to businesses in which Tuberculosis tobacco products are only on display for the purposes of the tobacco trade and to people engaged in, or Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for employed by that trade. Health how many (a) children and (b) adults were The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Display) diagnosed with tuberculosis in (i) Northamptonshire Regulations 2010 (“the Regulations”) provide an exemption and (ii) England in (A) each of the last five years, (B) for retail stores that only sell bulk quantities of tobacco. 2001, (C) 1996 and (D) 1991. [65204] No assessment has been made of the impact of the legislation on these businesses, because provisions for Anne Milton: The information requested is shown in tobacco display will not come into effect for such businesses the following table.

Children and adults diagnosed with tuberculosis, Northamptonshire and England, 2005-09 Northamptonshire England Children 0-14 Adults 15+ All cases Children 0-14 Adults 15+ All cases

1991 <5 38 38 449 4,805 5,436 1996 <5 39 43 369 5,151 5,654 2001 10 58 68 421 5,845 6,270 2005 9 70 79 424 7,265 7,691 2006 <5 66 68 367 7,352 7,720 2007 <5 64 66 463 7,163 7,626 2008 <5 63 66 458 7,484 7,942 2009 <5 80 83 403 7,883 8,286 Notes: 1. Northamptonshire has been defined by the following local authorities; Corby, Daventry, East Northamptonshire, Kettering, Northampton, South Northamptonshire and Wellingborough. 2. Data for 1990-98 were collected through notifications of infectious diseases (NOIDs), while data from 1999 onwards were collected from enhanced TB surveillance (ETS). 3. All cases include those with an unknown age, so numbers in adults and children may not add up to the total. 4. Where there are less than five cases, the exact value has not been given to avoid the risk of deductive disclosure of a patient’s identity. Source: Health Protection Agency

Tuberculosis: Medical Treatments The Department commissioned the Health Protection Agency to evaluate the Find and Treat service (including Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the mobile x-ray unit). Health what plans he has to fund the Find and Treat The final evaluation report, which is subject to academic Tuberculosis Project and the mobile x-ray screening peer review, indicates that the service is both clinically unit after April 2012. [65431] and cost effective. Anne Milton: The national health service in London has funded the Find and Treat service since April 2011. Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Therefore, decisions about future funding of Find and Health what evaluation of the Find and Treat Treat will be made by the NHS in London, in the Tuberculosis Service and mobile x-ray screening unit context of their current review of tuberculosis (TB) his Department has carried out; what the conclusions services in London which will lead to a TB plan for were of the final evaluation; and when he will make the London due later this year. full report publicly available. [65432] 119W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 120W

Anne Milton: The Department commissioned the welcome the recent strengthening of the Afghanistan- Health Protection Agency to evaluate the Find and Pakistan bilateral relationship including the recent visits Treat service (including the mobile x-ray unit). of Prime Minister Gilani to Kabul and President Karzai The final evaluation report, which is subject to academic to Pakistan. peer review, indicates that the service is both clinically and cost effective. Once the report has been peer-reviewed Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations and finalised, it will be made publicly available. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which occasions he has discussed the drawdown of NATO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE forces in Afghanistan with his (a) Russian, (b) Chinese and (c) Pakistani counterpart. [63022] Abyei Mr Hague: The transition of security responsibilities from International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Afghan forces and the corresponding gradual drawdown and Commonwealth Affairs what efforts his Department of ISAF troops during this process is an issue on which is making to broker a lasting solution to the dispute ISAF and the Afghan Government routinely keep other over Abyei. [64465] countries in the region updated. In addition, the UK regularly engages with Russia, China and Pakistan on Mr Bellingham: The Abyei Interim Agreement of 20 Afghan-related issues. Troop drawdown was discussed June ought to lead to the swift withdrawal of Sudanese with these countries most recently at a meeting of the armed forces and the deployment of Ethiopian peacekeepers International Contact Group in Kabul on 26-27 June. under an UN mandate. We are fully committed to finding a lasting and peaceful solution to the Abyei Africa: Piracy issue and will remain engaged with the rest of the international community and both Sudan and South Sudan, as we move beyond the secession of South Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Sudan on 9 July. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had on the safety of UK ships off the (a) east and (b) west coast of Africa from the threat of piracy. Access to Work Programme [64224]

Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the disabled people are being supported in employment in Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), is in regular his Department under its access to work programme. contact with ministerial colleague on these matters and [65042] he attended an NSC discussion on Somalia on 11 July, where piracy was discussed. Mr Bellingham: None. Ministerial Government The Prime Minister recently discussed Somali piracy Departments directly fund workplace support for their with his counter-parts at the G8 summit, where partners own disabled staff, instead of using Access to Work. underlined their determination to continue to respond The HR Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth resolutely to the threat. The G8 remains focused on the Office provides support for disabled staff. As of 4 July, safety of shipping in both East and West Africa. 258 members of staff have disclosed a disability and I recently chaired two cross-Whitehall ministerial those that require them have been provided with reasonable working groups, with the Under-Secretary of State for adjustments. Transport and the Minister for the Armed Forces, the hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey), to discuss Afghanistan: Pakistan the threat of Somali Piracy. The working group recently visited the EU’s Counter-Piracy HQ at Northwood, Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State and met senior figures from industry. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the government of Bahrain: Torture Pakistan’s policy to have a strategic role in the future of Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [63609] Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make Mr Hague: We agree with Pakistan that peace and representations to the Bahrain authorities on recent stability in Afghanistan will not be achieved through reports of torture suffered by patients in hospital who force alone and that the key is a genuinely representative may have been involved in opposition rallies. [62325] political outcome that addresses the political and economic aspirations of all Afghan citizens, and the wider region. Alistair Burt: We continue to raise the UK’s strong Pakistan has a positive role to play in supporting this concerns over many credible reports of human rights Afghan-led process. abuses and allegations of torture in Bahrain. We call on The UK encourages greater cooperation between the Government to investigate them fully and transparently Afghanistan and Pakistan which will help improve peace and for the Bahraini authorities to act in accordance and security on both sides of their borders. We warmly with the law. 121W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 122W

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Mr Bellingham: Records are only available for UK-based Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Foreign and Commonwealth officials. Records for (Yorks) (Mr Hague), made clear the UK’s concerns overseas-based locally employed officials are not centrally when he met the Crown Prince of Bahrain on 25 May. held and could be obtained only at disproportionate The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. cost. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), discussed There have been fewer than five dismissals in each of our concerns when he met the Crown Prince on 31 May the last three years. Details are withheld on the grounds and again on 23 June during their telephone call. Our of confidentiality. ambassador in Bahrain continues to regularly raise the issue of human rights in his contact with the Bahrain Departmental Travel Government. British Nationals Abroad: Detainees Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Department has spent on private charter aircraft in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British each of the last 10 years. [58943] citizens are in detention in each overseas country without having been charged; and for how long each Mr Lidington: With regard to ministerial travel for has been detained. [63955] the period since May 2010, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Garston and Mr Bellingham: As of March 2011 we were aware of Halewood (Maria Eagle) on 5 May 2011, Official Report, 2,076 British nationals in detention overseas, a figure column 880W. For the period from 1999 to May 2010, which includes individuals detained at all stages of the the previous Government published an annual list of all legal process. We are unable to estimate how many of visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing those have been detained without charge in individual £500 or more during each financial year. Where private foreign countries. Estimating this figure, and how long charter aircraft were used, this was shown in the list. they have been detained in each case, would prove The previous Government also published on an annual difficult and incur disproportionate cost. We aim to basis the cost of all Ministers’ visits overseas. Copies of contact British nationals, depending on local circumstances, the lists are available in the Library of the House. within 24 hours of being told of their arrest or detention. The following expenditure has been incurred in 2011 We will consider approaching the local authorities if a in respect of charter planes used for evacuations of British national is not treated in line with internationally- British nationals and eligible persons: accepted standards, including if their trial is unreasonably Egypt: £178,894; delayed compared to local cases. Libya: £1,107,462; China: Water Japan: £780,121; and Bahrain £175,546 (total £2,251,624). Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for As I said in my written ministerial statement on 4 July Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether a 2011, following our review of consular evacuation regional water sharing agreement between China and procedures, the security and well-being of British nationals India was discussed during the visit of the Chinese is always our absolute priority in a crisis. Premier to the UK in June 2011. [64331] Prior to 2011, £213,400 was paid for charter flights for the repatriation of tsunami victims on 30 and 31 Alistair Burt: A regional water sharing agreement December 2004, and £52,998 was paid to transport staff between China and India was not discussed during the to assist evacuation from Lebanon on 20 July 2006. visit of the Chinese Premier to the UK in June 2011. Further figures are not held centrally, and are available Departmental Allowances only at disproportionate cost. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his and Commonwealth Affairs what expenses were Department has spent on chartered boats in each of claimed by (a) paid and (b) unpaid special advisers the last 10 years. [59121] working in his Department in the last 12 months. [62068] Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) incurred costs of £9,600 in respect of evacuation Mr Lidington: Over the last 12 months, the Department’s by ship from Libya in 2011. special advisers claimed £21.49 in expenses. This was on passport pictures and a taxi fare. The Department has Complete figures for previous years are not held no unpaid special advisers. centrally, and are available only at disproportionate cost. Departmental Dismissal Egypt: Politics and Government Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for officials in his Department were dismissed for under- Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment performance as a result of the procedures arising from he has made of the capacity of (a) international his Department’s staff appraisal system in each of the aid organisations and (b) other non-governmental last three years. [64686] organisations to operate in Egypt. [59717] 123W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 124W

Alistair Burt: There is a wide range of international Mr Davey: As Minister responsible of many of the and non-government organisations (NGOs) operating policy areas in this question I have been asked to reply. in Egypt. Some local human rights NGOs are taking Energy part in working groups to advise on the drafting of a new law on the registration process for NGOs. Market integration of European energy markets is a priority for the UK in delivering our objectives of The UK has committed £1.2 million through the secure and affordable energy. This issue is regularly Arab Partnership to support the political transition in discussed by Ministers across Whitehall departments at Egypt. Our embassy in Cairo is in close contact with a European as well as bilateral engagements. range of local and international non-governmental organisations, Government officials, the opposition and European services markets activists to identify the most useful interventions. They During meetings with counterparts in other States are making progress in developing programmes that Ministers, I use every opportunity to stress the importance address Egypt’s political, economic and structural needs. of completing the Single Market for services. I raised UN organisations, such as UN Development Programme this at the Competitiveness Council on 9 March 2011. and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human The European Commissioner responsible for this area, Rights (OHCHR), are also active in identifying programmes Michel Barnier, visited the UK at the beginning of to support the transition to a civilian-led democratic April when he discussed this matter with the Secretary Government. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right has recently agreed to donate £100,000 from its Human hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable). Rights and Democracy Fund to the OHCHR to support I hosted a ministerial meeting on 6 July in Lancaster the setting up of a Regional Office for North Africa in House (attended by ministerial and official representatives Cairo and a Country Office in Tunisia. from the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Ireland, Malta, Slovenia, Slovakia Embassies: Working Conditions and the Czech Republic and Latvia) where we agreed to unite our efforts and jointly lobby European Commission Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for to accelerate the pace of implementation of the Services Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is Directive and to promote the Digital Single Market. taking in relation to the treatment of domestic staff in embassies in London. [63204] Foreign Relations Mr Bellingham: The FCO treats any allegation of mistreatment of domestic workers in diplomatic households very seriously. The police investigate allegations that the Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State law has been broken by persons entitled to immunity for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date and report the results to the FCO. When an allegation is each bilateral agreement was enacted between the UK brought to our attention by the police, we liaise as and (a) Brazil, (b) the Russian Federation, (c) India necessary with the relevant diplomatic mission and the and (d) China since 1997. [56317] UK Border Agency to work for an appropriate response. In the case of an allegation of mistreatment requiring Mr Hague: I have written to the right hon. Gentleman. further investigation by the police, the FCO will request A copy of the letter is in the Library of the House. a waiver of the diplomat’s immunity from the diplomatic mission concerned on behalf of the police. Failure to provide a waiver may result in a request to the mission Gambia High Commission: Manpower for withdrawal of the diplomat. In 2010 there were two cases involving allegations of mistreatment of a domestic Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign worker in a diplomatic household. and Commonwealth Affairs whether he expects there In accordance with the Vienna Convention on to be changes to the number of staff employed in the Diplomatic Relations 1961 (VCDR) foreign diplomats Gambian high commission as a result of the closure of accredited in the UK are entitled to employ domestic bilateral aid programmes from the UK. [64544] workers. Under article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations it is the duty of all diplomats: Mr Bellingham: There are no changes envisaged to “to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State.” the number of staff employed in our high commission This applies to the terms and conditions of employment in the Gambia as a result of the closure of bilateral aid for all domestic staff. The Foreign and Commonwealth programmes from the UK. DFID had contracted a Office (FCO) regularly reminds all foreign missions locally engaged officer to help oversee the winding based in the UK of their obligations under the law, down of DFID’s Gambia bilateral programme. Their most recently in February 2011. contract ended in March 2011 and DFID has no plans to renew the contract. As with all our posts, we keep EU Relations staffing levels under regular review. The UK continues to invest substantially in the Gambia through a variety Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State of programmes delivered through our high commission, for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent totalling over £120,000. Development support to the discussions he has entered into with his European Gambia also continues through our contributions to counterparts regarding the promotion of greater market multilateral organisations such as the European integration in (a) European energy markets, (b) European Union. For 2008-09 the figure for attributed UK aid to services markets and (c) European digital services markets. the Gambia through multilateral organisations was [64919] £923,000. 125W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 126W

Germany: World War II Mr Lidington: I am aware of specific incidents in Italy where members of the Sikh community have been Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign asked to remove their turbans for security checks at and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to airports. I understand the distress this will have caused. commemorate the White Rose resistance movement; According to reports from our embassy in Rome, the and if he will make a statement. [R] [64646] Italian authorities confirmed in June that Sikhs would no longer be required to remove their turbans at airports. Mr Lidington: While I applaud the valiant resistance The Minister of State, Department for Transport, my demonstrated by the White Rose movement, I do not right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet currently plan to take steps to commemorate them. (Mrs Villiers), wrote to all her EU counterparts in June to explain a trial being undertaken in the UK of an Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign alternative procedure for delivering elements of EU and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the regulations on screening passengers prior to travel. I Library a copy of each item of information held by his hope this procedure will be considered by EU authorities. Department on the White Rose resistance movement; Kenya: Clara Gutteridge and if he will make a statement. [64648]

Mr Lidington: Information Management Department Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for have searched FCO records, including records already Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether during transferred to The National Archives, but have been unable his recent visit to Kenya he made representations to the to find any references to the White Rose Kenyan government in respect of Clara Gutteridge, resistance movement. who was deported from Kenya on 10 May 2011. [64372] While I applaud the valiant resistance demonstrated by the White Rose movement, I do not currently plan to Mr Bellingham: I visited Kenya in late May 2011. take steps to commemorate them. Although I did not raise Ms Gutteridge’s case on that Government Communications Headquarters: Bude occasion, I raised it with Prime Minister Odinga during his recent visit to London in July. The UK Government Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for have taken her case very seriously and raised it with the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many US Kenyan authorities on a number of occasions since her personnel are based at GCHQ Bude. [57058] deportation. In particular, we have raised concerns that her deportation was in response to legitimate work on MrLidington:GovernmentCommunicationsHeadquarters human rights issues related to terrorism suspects transferred Bude employs approximately 200 people and supports to Uganda, rather than on grounds relating to counter- the interests of the UK and its allies. It is long standing terrorism. We have also publicly and privately raised policy not to provide a detailed breakdown of staffing. concerns about allegations of rendition, which I know is a particular focus of the work she was involved with. Italy: Higher Education Languages Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has discussed Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State with his Italian counterpart the implementation in for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information Italian law of judgments of the European Court of his Department holds on the proportion of its officials Justice in respect of the position in Italy of UK and who speak (a) French, (b) German, (c) Spanish, (d) other foreign national lecturers. [64664] Portuguese, (e) Russian, (f) Arabic, (g) Mandarin Chinese, (h) Hindi, (i) Punjabi, (j) Sindhi and (k) Mr Lidington: The UK Government continues to Japanese. [63014] bring to the attention of the Italian authorities the issue of discrimination over jobs and pay against UK and Mr Hague: Based on our 2010 central HR database foreign national lecturers in Italian universities. I raised records, the approximate proportions of UK-based staff the issue with the Italian Foreign Minister, Franco with language skills registered are: Frattini, on 21 June 2011. I am also writing to ask him (a) French: 52% what steps his Government will put in place to secure a (b) German: 29% resolution to this longstanding issue. (c) Spanish: 18% The Italian Government maintains the position that (d) Portuguese: 4% Italian legislation is compliant with the European Court (e) Russian: 6% of Justice (ECJ) judgments, and the issue is now a (f) Arabic: 4% matter for individual universities. The universities remain (g) Mandarin: 3% adamant that the issue cannot be resolved without (h) Hindi: 1% additional funding from the Government. (i) Punjabi: Less than 1% Italy: Sikhs (j) Sindhi: Less than 1% (k)Japanese: 3%. Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for We are creating extra speaker slots in the FCO network Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has in line with foreign policy priorities, including in the discussed with his Italian counterpart the respect given middle east, China, and Latin America. We will invest by Italian government authorities to the Sikh turban. in additional full-time language training for officers [64186] appointed to these positions where necessary. 127W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 128W

Libya way. My hon. Friend will know that the UK is committed to fighting discrimination and intolerance. Combating Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, is an Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much has important part of the UK Government’s human rights been spent from the public purse on Musa Kusa (a) policy. during his recent visit to the UK and (b) since his departure for Qatar. [63297] Lithuania: World War II Alistair Burt: As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) said to the and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has House on 4 April 2011, Official Report, column 752, received on the adoption by the Parliament of Musa Kusa flew to the UK from Tunisia of his own Lithuania of legislation on compensation for Jewish volition, having notified our authorities shortly before property looted during the Second World War; and if his departure of his intention to travel here. The he will make a statement. [64647] Government neither provided nor paid for Musa Kusa’s travel and he has received no direct payment from the Mr Lidington: I welcome the adoption by the Lithuanian Government, nor subsidy for accommodation. No aspects Parliament on 21 June 2011 of a law which will provide of Musa Kusa’s visit to Qatar have been paid for by the compensation for communal and religious property Government. We cannot comment on expenditure relating owned by the Jewish community of Lithuania before to his personal security in the UK and wider national the second world war. This compensation will support security issues. the ongoing social and cultural life of the Jewish community Libya: Armed Conflict in Lithuania and help ensure that their historical contribution to that country and Europe is remembered. This law, signed by the Lithuanian President, Dalia Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Grybauskaite, on 5 July 2011, approves the decision to for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has pay 128 million Litas (approximately £32 million) in the discussed UN Security Council Resolution 1973 with next 10 years to compensate Jewish people for the his (a) Chinese and (b) Russian counterpart since the property expropriated from them by totalitarian regimes. start of Operation Ellamy. [63015] The compensation will be paid during the period Mr Hague: I am in regular contact with my Chinese 2013-23 and transferred to a special fund administered and Russian counterparts in various forums on a range by a governing body representing the Jewish Community of issues including Libya. The Prime Minister and in Lithuania. Chinese Premier Wen set out their views on Libya to the media at the UK-China summit on 27 June. The Prime Minister also discussed Libya with President Medvedev Members: Correspondence in the margins of the G8 summit on 26 May. Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to reply to and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department the letter of 2 June 2011 from the hon. Member for has made any requests to other countries for (a) Walsall North regarding Professor Devinder Pal Singh financial and (b) military assistance for the operation Bhullar. [64343] in Libya. [63828] Alistair Burt: The Minister of State, Foreign and Alistair Burt: There is a regular ongoing dialogue Commonwealth Office, the hon. Member for Taunton with international partners including the UN, NATO, Deane (Mr Browne) replied to the hon. Member for EU and within the Libya Contact Group on funding Walsall North’s letter of 2 June 2011 on 6 July. and military assistance. It is clear that there is a broad international coalition in support of the operation in It is the long-standing policy of the UK Government Libya and many nations are contributing. to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. The Minister of State, Foreign and Lithuania: Anti-Semitism Commonwealth Office, the hon. Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne) has written to the Indian high Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign commissioner in London setting out the UK’s strong and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has opposition to the death penalty, urging the Government received of levels of anti-Semitism in Lithuania since of India to commute such sentences to life imprisonment May 2010; what recent discussions he has had with his and calling for the establishment of a formal moratorium Lithuanian counterpart on anti-Semitism in Lithuania; on the death penalty, with a view to its abolition. He and if he will make a statement. [64649] also raised this issue with Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao when they met on 28 June, and also with the Mr Lidington: Our embassy in Vilnius reports all Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur incidents of anti-Semitism in Lithuania to the Foreign during their meeting on 5 July. We have likewise raised and Commonwealth Office. There have been a number our concerns about the end of the de facto moratorium of anti-Semitic incidents since May 2010. We take a on the death penalty through the EU. serious view of these incidents and continue to urge the We will continue to press for the abolition of the Lithuanian authorities to tackle them in a determined death penalty. 129W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 130W

Middle East: Armed Conflict Alistair Burt: The promotion of British commerce and international trade is a core UK foreign policy Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for objective. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions and UK missions overseas are promoting strongly key he has had with the Israeli government regarding the UK defence sector export opportunities at relevant observance of UN Security Council Resolution 1860 meetings at home and overseas, in close co-ordination and the naval blockade of Gaza. [65429] with the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation. These defence sector commercial priorities Alistair Burt: The UK recognises that Israel has include Hawk and Eurofighter Typhoon. legitimate security concerns that must continue to be safeguarded, and believes that efforts to maintain security Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for while enabling movement and access for Palestinian Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions people and goods are critical. with other governments (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have had on the export of (i) Hawk Mk. We remain clear that the situation in Gaza is both a 128 and (ii) Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft [64891] tragedy and unsustainable. While there is no humanitarian crisis, there is an enduring need for humanitarian aid. Alistair Burt: Foreign and Commonwealth Office We have also been clear that actions by both Israel and Ministers promote actively key UK defence sector export Hamas have contributed to this situation. Working opportunities at relevant meetings with their international closely with the EU and Quartet, we continue to call on counterparts, complementing action by other UK Israel to ease restrictions on access and enable a return Government Ministers. Among other engagements, this to economic normality. During my recent visit to the has included the promotion of Eurofighter Typhoon region, I explained the risks to Israel from the current with the Indian Government, and the Government situation in Gaza. welcomes strongly the selection of Typhoon for the Israel’s decision to move from a list of 120 permitted final phase of India’s medium multi-role combat aircraft goods to a list of specific prohibited items was a positive competition. step. However there has been no fundamental change in the crossings regime and economic stagnation and Military Aircraft de-development in Gaza remain the norm. We are clear that more needs to be done, particularly to enable Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for exports, accelerate key imports for reconstruction and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment ensure free movement of people. Without economic he has made of the compliance of use of armed remotely- growth in Gaza, there is a risk of fostering a more piloted aircraft by other countries with the provisions broadly radicalised environment. An improved economy of (a) the Geneva Conventions, (b) the Universal and a resurgence of Gaza’s pragmatic business fraternity Declaration of Human Rights and (c) the International are not only essential for the people of Gaza, but are Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. [63215] also firmly in Israel’s security interests. Mr Lidington: The assessment of whether armed Middle East: Natural Gas remotely-piloted aircraft are being used in compliance with international obligations is a question of fact in Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State each case. All states must abide by their legal obligations. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the effects of gas explosions in Israel Morocco: Politics and Government and Jordan in recent months. [65195] Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Alistair Burt: On 17 June, local press reported a gas Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment explosion killed four people and injured more than 60 he has made of the recent demonstrations in Morocco. in the Israeli coastal town of Netanya. The Israeli [65437] police said the blast was likely to have been caused by negligence and confirmed the attack was not an act of Alistair Burt: There have been a number of terrorism. One person has been arrested. demonstrations in Morocco in recent months calling I am also aware of reports that the pipeline that for socio-economic change and political reform. carries natural gas from Egypt to Israel and Jordan has Demonstrations continue to be scheduled. We assess been attacked three times this year, the most recently on that significant public unrest is unlikely in the short 4 July. After the fall of President Mubarak, an agreement term. The Foreign Secretary has welcomed preliminary that was reached between the Egyptian military and indications of a positive outcome in the referendum on Bedouin tribes that only Bedouins can guard the pipeline’s the new draft constitution for the Kingdom of Morocco. control rooms. The gas deal and the pipeline have long We look forward to the implementation of these reforms been unpopular as it is seen as a symbol of Egypt’s in Morocco and parliamentary elections later in the unpopular peace treaty with Israel. year. Military Aircraft: Exports Netherlands: Slaughterhouses

Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps (a) he and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise (a) at the and (b) Ministers in his Department are taking to United Nations and (b) with the European Commission promote the export of (i) Hawk Mk. 128 and (ii) the prohibition by the Netherlands of the practice of Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft [64890] shechita; and if he will make a statement. [R] [64643] 131W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 132W

Mr Lidington: The Dutch Parliament is currently £5.3 million of support to the UN office on Drugs and considering a draft law on the prohibition of the ritual Crime to build prison as well as court capacity in slaughter of animals. However, this is a matter for the Somalia and other countries in the region. Dutch Government and Parliament accountable to the people of the Netherlands. We have no plans to raise Police: Secondment this subject with the UN or the EU Commission. Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many police and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with his officers are seconded to his Department and working Dutch counterpart the compatibility with the European (a) in the UK and (b) abroad. [64225] Convention on Human Rights of the prohibition of the practice of shechita in the Netherlands; and if he will Mr Bellingham: We do not hold a central record of make a statement. [R] [64645] how many police officers are seconded to the FCO. We estimate the number is very small. 29 police officers are Mr Lidington: The Dutch Parliament is currently currently seconded to the Stabilisation Unit (a tri- considering a draft law on the prohibition of the ritual departmental unit part funded by the FCO), of which slaughter of animals. However, this is a matter for the two are in the UK and 27 overseas. Dutch Government and Parliament. Saudi Arabia Nuclear Disarmament: Finance Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what the and Commonwealth Affairs what his Department’s outcomes were of the visit by the Parliamentary budget is for stimulating nuclear disarmament Under-Secretary of State to Saudi Arabia in May 2011; initiatives in 2011-12. [60548] and if he will make a statement; [65005] (2) what costs were incurred in each category of Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office expenditure on the visit by the Parliamentary Under- (FCO) is set to spend approximately £140,000 in 2011-12 Secretary of State to Saudi Arabia in May 2011; on nuclear disarmament projects relating to the nuclear [65006] non-proliferation treaty and the comprehensive nuclear- test-ban treaty. This is in addition to resource allocated (3) if he will place in the Library a copy of the to nuclear disarmament related research by the Ministry schedule of the visit by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Defence (MOD) and the Atomic Weapons of State to Saudi Arabia in May 2011; [65007] Establishment. (4) what the purpose was of the visit by the Parliamentary Separate to our project spend, the majority of the Under-Secretary of State to Saudi Arabia in May 2011. FCO’s resource towards making progress on nuclear [65008] disarmament comprises staff for multilateral negotiations, working groups and table-top exercises. Alistair Burt: I did not visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in May 2011. I made a short visit to Saudi in April 2011, when I had a series of bilateral meetings, Piracy: International Cooperation including with my opposite number the Deputy Foreign Minister; the Head of the Human Rights Commission; Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for and a number of other Government Ministers. I had a Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is productive dialogue on security, commerce and human taking to seek international agreement on a new rights and established relationships with some key international legal framework to tackle piracy on the interlocutors. high seas and bring pirates to court. [64154] Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade Mr Bellingham: Maritime piracy is a crime of universal jurisdiction and does not require a new international Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for legal framework to bring pirates to court. The Government Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions welcome the efforts of Kenya, the Seychelles and other he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, countries around the world in pursuing the prosecution Innovation and Skills regarding arms export licences to of pirates, with more than 1,000 pirates now in custody Saudi Arabia. [64826] in 20 different jurisdictions globally. The Government do not support the proposal to Alistair Burt: Foreign and Commonwealth Office, establish an extraterritorial Somali court on the basis Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) that it would take time to set up and an interim solution and Ministry of Defence work closely to manage the would still be needed, the Somali Government are against UK’s export licensing regime, which BIS leads on. As a court outside of Somalia, which would contravene the such officials are in constant touch including on Saudi Somali constitution, and it would not be cost effective Arabia. The Secretary of State for Foreign and in comparison to the costs of prosecution in national Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member courts in the region or elsewhere. The Government for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) has not discussed believe that it is prison space rather than court capacity recently arms exports to Saudi Arabia with the Secretary which remains the key capacity constraint, which an of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right extraterritorial court would not solve. We have provided hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable). 133W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 134W

Sri Lanka: Broadcasting Programmes security to people around the world. One million jobs in each of our countries depend on our investment partnership. Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign We are each other’s top partners in science, research and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he and higher education, shaping the future of our economies has made to the Sri Lankan Government following and bringing jobs and growth to our citizens. allegations made in a recent television documentary on A number of initiatives were announced during the that country. [64857] visit to intensify further UK/US co-operation in a range of areas, including the establishment of a Joint Strategy Alistair Burt: I spoke to the Sri Lankan Foreign Board, co-operation in higher education, science and Minister on 14 June. I made it clear that the Sri Lankan research, on military families, development, and cyber- Government needs to address the allegations contained security. Work is now in hand to follow these up. in the material recently shown in that television documentary and arising from the UN Panel of Experts Report. The UK has consistently called for an independent, thorough and credible enquiry into allegations of violations CABINET OFFICE of international humanitarian and human rights law by both sides during the military conflict in Sri Lanka. In Access to Work Programme common with our partners in the international community, we expect to see progress on this by the end of the year. Mrs McGuire: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet If the Sri Lankan Government does not respond the Office how many disabled employees of his UK will work with the international community in Department are receiving support from the Access to considering all options available to press the Sri Lankan Work programme; and what proportion of the work Government to fulfil its obligations. force of his Department this figure represents. [64396]

Sudan Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office has no record of any staff receiving support from the access to work programme. Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Breast Cancer: Bexley reports he has received on the emergence of Southern Sudan as an independent state. [64318] Mr Evennett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the number of Mr Bellingham: South Sudan will become as an people in each age group in the London borough of independent state on 9 July. There is much more work Bexley who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in both north and south have to do in the coming days, not the last year for which figures are available. [65562] least on resolving the outstanding issues of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement; a continuing UN Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the presence; and the worrying humanitarian situation. We responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have urge both north and south to work together up to and asked the authority to reply. beyond 9 July and maintain peace and stability as new neighbours. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I UN Resolutions have been asked to reply to your question asking what recent estimate has been made of the number of people in each age group in the London Borough of Bexley who have been diagnosed Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State with breast cancer in the last year for which figures are available for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what [65562]. occasions a draft resolution text has been circulated at The latest available figures for newly diagnosed cases of cancer the United Nations which was vetoed by (a) Russia (incidence) are for the year 2008. Please note that these numbers and (b) China in the last five years. [63612] may not be the same as the number of people diagnosed with cancer, because one person may be diagnosed with more than one Mr Hague: Russia and China vetoed a United Nations cancer. Security Council Resolution on Burma on 12 January The following table provides the numbers of newly diagnosed 2007. They also jointly vetoed a resolution on Zimbabwe cases of breast cancer in 2008 by age group for the London on 11 July 2008. Russia alone vetoed a resolution on Borough of Bexley. Georgia on 15 June 2009. Table 1. Registrations of newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer,1, 2 by age group, Bexley,3 20084 United States of America Age group Cancer registrations (number) Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment 44 years and under 10 he has made of changes in the relationship between the 45 to 49 18 UK and the USA since the state visit of President 50 to 54 19 Obama. [64967] 55 to 59 13 60 to 64 15 Alistair Burt: President Obama’s State Visit to the 65 to 69 16 UK in May made clear the importance of the relationship 70 to 74 9 (″not just special, but essential″). We are working closely 75 to 79 23 together in Afghanistan, Libya and elsewhere to bring 80 to 84 12 135W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 136W

Table 1. Registrations of newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer,1, 2 by part in National Citizen Service pilots, as are young agegroup,Bexley,3 20084 people from all backgrounds who meet the age criteria for participation. Age group Cancer registrations (number) Citizenship: Kent 85+ 16 1 Breast cancer is coded as C50 in the International Classification of Michael Fallon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). 2 Around 99% of breast cancer cases are in women. Office how many young people from (a) Sevenoaks 3 Based on boundaries as of May 2011. and (b) Kent he expects to participate in the National 4 Newly diagnosed cases registered in 2008. Citizenship Service pilots. [65018] Business Mr Hurd: The Government are piloting National Citizen Service in a wide range of locations across Mr Brine: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office England in 2011. The Government anticipate that up to how many new business start-ups there have been in 150 young people will be able to take part in National Winchester constituency since the introduction of the Citizen Service pilots in Kent this year. Those young national insurance contributions holiday for new people will be drawn from a range of locations across businesses. [64712] Kent and there is no target specifically for young people in Sevenoaks. We hope that if successful at the pilot Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the stage, National Citizen Service opportunities will be responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have open to many more young people in future years. asked the authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011: Citizenship: Young Offenders As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question Michael Fallon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet asking how many new business start-ups there have been in Office how many young offenders he expects to Winchester constituency since the introduction of the National participate in the National Citizenship Service pilots. Insurance contributions holiday for new businesses. [64712] [65020] The requested information is not available. Annual statistics on the number of enterprise births are available from the ONS Mr Hurd: National Citizen Service pilot providers release on Business Demography at www.statistics.aov.uk. However, are required to ensure that young people from a range as the contribution holiday specified in the National Insurance of different backgrounds take part in their schemes. Contributions Act 2011 relates only to new businesses set up from 22 June 2010 they are not covered by the latest statistics, which While the Government have not set a target for National relate to business births in 2009. Statistics relating to births of Citizen Service participants who have been through the enterprises in 2010 will be available in December 2011. youth justice system, many of our pilot providers are highly experienced in working with this group and we Charities Act 2006 expect that many participants will be drawn from this background. An independent evaluation of the pilot Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Minister for the programme will provide data on the composition of the Cabinet Office what candidates he is considering to pilot participant cohorts. undertake the independent review of the Charities Civil Servants: Disciplinary Proceedings Act 2006; what factors he will take into account in deciding whom to appoint to undertake the review; and Richard Fuller: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet when he plans to announce who will undertake the Office how many civil servants have been (a) dismissed review. [64233] and (b) disciplined in each (i) Government Department, (ii) agency and (iii) non-departmental Mr Hurd: Section 73 of the Charities Act 2006 requires public body in respect of a faith-related issue in each of the Minister for the Cabinet Office to appoint a person the last five years. [63944] to undertake an independent review of the Charities Act 2006 before 8 November 2011. We are currently Mr Maude: This information is not collected or held considering the terms of reference for the review, and centrally. To obtain the information requested could various matters relating to the appointment. At this not be done without exceeding the disproportionate stage no decision has been made on who will be appointed cost threshold. There is no record of any cases in the to undertake the review. We expect to make an Cabinet Office. announcement after the summer recess. Civil Service: Performance Standards Citizenship: Armed Forces Stephen Barclay: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Michael Fallon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of the effectiveness Office whether members of Combined Cadet Forces of the civil service appraisal systems for managing are eligible for the National Citizenship Service pilots. performance. [64710] [65019] Mr Maude: Effective performance management is the Mr Hurd: National Citizen Service is designed to cornerstone of any successful organisation. There are a bring together young people from different backgrounds wide variety of different appraisal systems used across in a programme of social action and personal development. civil service departments, agencies and NDPBs. I have Members of combined cadet forces are eligible to take made it clear that reforming these performance management 137W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 138W arrangements is essential. We need to make sure that Comparable growths for total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at talented stars can rise further and poor performance is market prices and GVA at basic prices are shown for comparison managed. in columns 1 and 2. GDP and GVA: Percentage growth on previous quarter Departmental Dismissal GDP at market GVA at basic GVA less prices prices financial services

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2009 Office how many officials in his Department were dismissed for under-performance as a result of the Q4 0.5 0.6 0.7 procedures arising from his Department’s staff appraisal system in each of the last three years. [64692] 2010 Q1 0.4 0.4 0.4 Mr Maude: There has been one case in September Q2 1.1 1.1 1.3 2010 where a member of staff in Cabinet Office was Q3 0.6 0.6 0.7 dismissed for under-performance as a result of the Q4 -0.5 -0.5 -0.4 procedures arising from the staff appraisal system. Two individuals resigned in 2010 and 2011 before they could 2011 be dismissed for failing their probationary period and Q1 0.5 0.5 0.6 both of these cases were due to under-performance. Note: Another member of staff was returned from their loan The difference between GDP at market prices and GVA at basic prices is one of early due to under-performance in 2010. price basis—GDP includes taxes on products and excludes subsidies. Departmental Responsibilities Employment

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Clappison: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office on how many occasions a request for a meeting Office how many (a) UK nationals, (b) people born in by an hon. Member of each political party has been the UK, (c) non-UK EU nationals and (d) non-EU refused by (a) a Minister in his Department directly nationals of working age were in employment in the (i) and (b) his Department on behalf of a Minister since public and (ii) private sector in each of the last four quarters for which figures are available; and what May 2010. [64436] proportion of the people employed in each sector the Mr Maude: I am not aware of any such requests figures in each such category represent. [63775] being refused. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Economic Growth responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011: Office what estimate he has made of the level of As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I economic growth excluding financial services in each of have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the last six quarters. [63867] how many (a) UK nationals, (b) people born in the UK, (c) non-UK EU nationals and (d) non-EU nationals of working age Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the were in employment in the (i) public and (ii) private sector in each responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have of the last four quarters for which figures are available; and what proportion of the people employed in each sector the figures in asked the authority to reply. each such category represent. 63775 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011: The information requested is shown in the following tables. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics I The estimates are derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking and are not seasonally adjusted. As with any sample survey, for the level of economic growth excluding financial services in estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty. each of the last six quarters (63867). This is assessed in a footnote to the tables. The latest period for which economic growth data are available Labour market statistics published in the monthly Labour is for the first quarter of 2011. The data in column 3 of the table Market Statistical Bulletin previously described as working age below gives Gross Value Added (GVA) at basic prices excluding (men aged 16-64 and women aged 16-59) have now been replaced financial services for each quarter from 2009 Q4 to 2011 Q1. The with statistics based on those aged 16-64 for both men and data has been derived from data published in the Quarterly women. Consequently, the estimates provided have been produced National Accounts Statistical Bulletin published on 28 June 2011. on this basis.

People aged 16 to 64 in employment by public and private sector and by nationality and country of birth: United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted Thousand Public sector1,2 Private sector1,3 Non-UK EU Non-EU Non-UK EU Non-EU UK nationals UK born nationals5 nationals UK nationals UK born nationals5 nationals

2010 Q2 6,680 6,324 171 280 18,851 17,803 984 930 2010 Q3 6,699 6,336 161 248 19,161 18,094 1,034 930 2010 Q4 6,683 6,298 164 237 19,087 18,028 1,030 937

2011 Q16 *6,673 *6,285 **189 **244 *18,928 *17,833 *1,095 *931 139W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 140W

Thousand Total employment3,4 UK nationals UK born Non-UK EU nationals5 Non-EU nationals

2010 Q2 25,701 24,287 1,169 1,222 2010 Q3 26,052 24,608 1,204 1,187 2010 Q4 25,927 24,468 1,206 1,185

2011 Q16 *25,770 *24,277 *1,296 *1,184

People aged 16 to 64 in employment by public and private sector and by nationality and country of birth, as a proportion of the total employment aged 16 to 64 in each sector: United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted Percentage Public sector1,2 Private sector1,3 Non-UK EU Non-EU Non-UK EU Non-EU UK nationals UK born nationals5 nationals UK nationals UK born nationals5 nationals

2010 Q2 94 89 2 4 91 86 5 4 2010 Q3 94 89 2 3 91 86 5 4 2010 Q4 94 89 2 3 91 86 5 4

2011 Q16 94 88 3 3 90 85 5 4

Percentage Total employment3,4 UK nationals UK born Non-UK EU nationals5 Non-EU nationals

2010 Q2 91 86 4 4 2010 Q3 92 87 4 4 2010 Q4 92 86 4 4

2011 Q16 91 86 5 4 1 It should be noted that public and private sector estimates: are based on survey respondents’ views about the organisation for which they work; do not correspond to the National Accounts definition used for official Public Sector Employment estimates. 2 Includes nationalised industry or state corporation, central Government, civil service, local government or council (including police, fire services and local authority controlled schools or colleges), university or other grant-funded educational establishment, health authority or NHS trust and armed forces. 3 Includes self-employed and unpaid family workers. 4 Includes those whose type of employer was not known. 5 Comprises EU27. 6 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as an indication of the quality of the estimates, as described below: Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220. Key: *0≤ CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise ** 5 ≤ CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered reasonably precise *** 10 ≤ CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered acceptable **** CV ≥ 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes CV ≥ Coefficient of Variation Source: Labour Force Survey

Government Departments: Procurement infraction proceedings by the Commission against the member state that can result in escalation to the European Court of Justice. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 27 June 2011, Official Immigration Report, column 629W, on Government Departments: procurement, what mechanisms are in place to ensure Mr Clappison: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet EU member states comply with obligations to treat UK Office how many people who were not UK citizens or companies equally when procuring goods and services. citizens of another EU-member state have migrated to [65051] the UK in each quarter since the fourth quarter of 2009. [64488] Mr Maude: Public authorities in other EU member states are required to treat UK companies equally when Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the they procure goods and services, in accordance with the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have provisions in the EU procurement directives. asked the authority to reply. The principal means of enforcement for a breach of Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011: the directives and other enforceable EU law such as the As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I EU treaty are: have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question action by suppliers or contractors against contracting authorities concerning how many people have migrated to the UK who were in accordance with member states’ implementation of the not UK citizens or citizens of another EU member state in each relevant remedies directive; and quarter since the 4th quarter of 2009 (64488) 141W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 142W

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes estimates of The Office for National Statistics preferred measure of regional migrants entering and leaving the UK. The following table shows pay differences comes from the Annual Survey of Hours and estimates of long-term migration by non-EU citizens for each Earnings (ASHE). The latest survey results relate to April 2010, quarter from the quarter ending March 2010 to September 2010. though results for April 2011 will be published in November 2011. These data are provisional and are based upon the International Average levels of earnings are estimated from the ASHE, and Passenger Survey. are provided for all employees on adult rates of pay whose pay for These estimates are of numbers of moves each year rather than the survey period was not affected by absence. The ASHE, carried numbers of people. For instance, an individual could enter in one out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of year, leave just over a year later and then enter again a year after earnings information in the United Kingdom. Earnings estimates that. They would appear three times in this table. by area are available at region (formerly known as Government These figures were provided as part of the response to the office region), local authority and parliamentary constituency Parliamentary Question (Hansard Ref 63715) relating to the levels. number of people who have immigrated to the UK who were not Information is produced for hourly, weekly and annual rates of UK citizens or citizens of another EU member state in (b) Each pay for full and part-time employees by region, industry, occupation, of the last eight quarters for which figures are available. age and gender. Further details on the survey are available from: Provisional long-term international migration estimates from http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/ International Passenger Survey: Immigration of non-EU citizens to Product.asp?vlnk=15236 the UK 2010 Q1 to 2010 Q3, United Kingdom Thousand Skin Cancer: Mortality Rates Estimate SE%1

2010 Q1 65 5 Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Minister for the 2010 Q2 40 6 Cabinet Office how many people died from skin cancer 2010 Q3 134 4 aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 1 Standard error percentages (SE%) indicate the robustness of each to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) over 80 years in estimate. A migration figure with a standard error of >25% is not each (i) cancer network and (ii) primary care trust area considered to be reliable. For any given estimate there is a 95% probability that the true figure lies in the range: estimate +/- 0,0196 x in each year since 1997. [65423] estimate x standard error %. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Lone Parents: Employment responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Simon Hart: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Letter from Stephen Penneck: Office how many lone parents were (a) in employment As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I and (b) unemployed in Carmarthen West and South have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many Pembrokeshire constituency in each year since 2008. people died from skin cancer aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) [65376] 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) over 80 years in each (i) cancer network and (ii) primary care trust area Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the in each year since 1997. (65423) responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Table 1 provides the number of deaths where skin cancer was asked the authority to reply. the underlying cause, for people aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) 80 years Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011: and over, in each cancer network in England, for 1997 to 2009 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I (the latest year available). have been asked to reply to your question asking what estimate Table 2 provides the number of deaths where skin cancer was has been made of the number of lone parents who are in a) the underlying cause, for people aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) employment and b) unemployed in Carmarthen West and South 50 to 59 years, (c) 60 to 69 years, (d) 70 to 79 years and (e) 80 years Pembrokeshire constituency in each year since 2008. (65376) and over, in each primary care organisation in England, for 1997 Estimates of the number of lone parents who are in employment to 2009 combined. and unemployed are derived from the Annual Population Survey Table 3 provides the number of deaths where skin cancer was (APS) household datasets. Datasets for 2008 and 2009 are available. the underlying cause, for people of all ages, in each primary care However, due to the specific nature of your request it is not organisation in England, for 1997 to 2009. possible to provide reliable estimates because the sample sizes for this survey are not sufficiently large enough for the Carmarthen Figures in Tables 2 and 3 for primary care organisations have West and South Pembrokeshire constituency. been provided separately due to small numbers of events, in line with the ONS policy on protecting confidentiality within birth and death statistics. Pay: Equality Copies of Tables 1, 2 and 3 have been placed in the House of Commons library. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what statistics the Office for National Statistics Suicide collects on regional pay differentials. [65096]

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Mr Bain: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have he will estimate the numbers of (a) suicides and (b) asked the authority to reply. attempted suicides among terminally-ill patients being Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011: treated at home in each of the last four years. [64810] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the asking what statistics the Office for National Statistics collects on responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have regional pay differentials. (65096) asked the authority to reply. 143W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 144W

Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011: An alternative source of information on job vacancies is administrative data from Jobcentre Plus. This data only includes As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I job vacancies notified to Jobcentre Plus and consequently is have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking inconsistent with the UK estimates from the Vacancy Survey, for an estimate of the numbers of (a) suicides and (b) attempted however geographical breakdowns of this data are available. suicides among terminally-ill patients being treated at home in Currently Jobcentre Plus vacancies account for around half of each of the last four years. (64810) the total number of vacancies as reported by the Vacancy Survey. The following table provides the number of suicides for persons In Table 1, we have provided the number of live unfilled aged 15 years and over, in England and Wales, for 2006 to 2009 Jobcentre Plus vacancies for each of the latest 12 months for (the latest year available). which figures are available for England, the West Midlands and It is not possible from the information given at death registration Dudley. to state whether the deceased was a terminally-ill patient or being National and local area estimates for many labour market treated at home at the time of death. When a death has been statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant investigated by a coroner, further information may be available to count are available on the NOMIS website at: ONS in the form of coroner’s inquest text. However, this information may not be consistently collected and cannot be extracted without http://www.nomisweb.co.uk disproportionate cost. Table 1: Number of live unfilled Jobcentre Plus vacancies, May 2010 Figures are not available for the number of attempted suicides, to May 20111 since these data are not routinely collected. Results from the West Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey for 2000 and 2007 (the two England midlands Dudley most recent surveys) estimated that 0.5 per cent of persons aged between 16 and 74 in England attempted suicide in 2000, and 0.7 May 2010 247,438 32,112 1,575 per cent in 2007.1 June 2010 263,935 34,879 1,520 Suicide figures for persons aged 15 years and over in England July 2010 248,642 34,463 1,430 and Wales from 1991 onwards are available on the National August 2010 246,434 32,678 1,270 Statistics website at: October 2010 286,526 39,908 1,366 www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=13618 November 2010 288,108 39,483 1,248 1 The Health and Social Care Information Centre (2009) Adult December 2010 238,265 32,751 1,189 psychiatric morbidity in England, 2007: “Results of a household January 2011 202,861 26,897 917 survey”. Available at: February 2011 230,129 28,414 982 http://www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/mental- March 2011 214,061 29,334 1,149 health/mental-health-surveys/adult-psychiatric-morbidity-in- April 2011 224,392 33,507 1,248 england-2007-results-of-a-household-survey May 2011 201,205 27,428 1,106 Table 1: Number of suicides for persons aged 15 years and over, 1 Data for September 2010 are not currently available. England and Wales, 2006 to 20091,2,3 Source: Persons Jobcentre Plus Administrative System. Deaths

2006 4,504 ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE 2007 4,306 2008 4,587 Carbon Sequestration 2009 4,675 1 Suicide was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes X60-X84 and Y10-Y34 (excluding for Energy and Climate Change whether he has had Y33.9 where the Coroner’s verdict was pending). From 2007, deaths which were previously coded to Y33.9 are coded to U50.9. recent discussions with the devolved Administrations 2 Figures for England and Wales include deaths of non-residents. on the development of carbon capture and storage in 3 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. the UK. [64382]

Vacancies Charles Hendry: Ministers meet their counterparts in the devolved Administrations regularly to discuss a range of energy and climate change issues. Ian Austin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the number of job In addition, my officials hold regular detailed discussions vacancies available in (a) England, (b) the west with their counterparts on specific issues relating to the midlands and (c) Dudley borough in each of the last development of CCS. 12 months for which figures are available. [65485] Departmental Dismissal

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Energy and Climate Change how many officials in his asked the authority to reply. Department were dismissed for under-performance as a Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011: result of the procedures arising from his Department’s staff appraisal system in each of the last three years. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking [64688] what recent estimate has been made of the number of job vacancies available in (a) England, (b) the West Midlands and (c) Gregory Barker: I am unable to give the requested Dudley borough in each of the last 12 months for which figures information, in respect of the number of officials in the are available. (65485) Department of Energy and Climate Change that were The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates the number dismissed for underperformance as the numbers involved of vacancies from the Vacancy Survey, however estimates below are less than 10 people each year and so to give further UK are not available from this source. details could breach confidentiality. 145W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 146W

Departmental Regulation http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/232/pdfs/ uksiem_20110232_en.pdf Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for The Electricity (Guarantees of Origin of Electricity Energy and Climate Change how many regulations his Produced from Renewable Energy Sources) (Amendment) Department has introduced (a) in the six months prior Regulations 2010 to 1 September 2010 and (b) in the six months after 1 Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at: September 2010 which it has determined do not impose http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2715/pdfs/ costs on businesses. [65317] uksiem_20102715_en.pdf The Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Handling Gregory Barker: In the six months prior to 1 September (Designated Technical Matters) Order 2010 2010, eight regulations introduced by my Department Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at: came into force, which do not impose costs on businesses. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2850/pdfs/ The Overhead Lines (Exempt Installations) (Consequential uksiem_20102850_en.pdf Provisions) Order 2010 The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) Regulations The Overhead Lines (Exempt Installations) Order 2010 2010 The Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at: Licence) (Millennium and Kilbraur) (Scotland) Order 2010 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2221/pdfs/ The Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation uksiem_20102221_en.pdf Licence) (Keadby) (England and Wales) Order 2010 No DECC regulations have been removed since The Energy Act 2004 (Commencement No. 10) Order 2010 1 September 2010. However, DECC remains committed The Energy Act 2008 (Commencement No. 5) Order 2010 to simplifying the statute book and reducing the burden The Sale of Electricity by Local Authorities (Scotland) Regulations of regulation on business where possible. Internal reviews 2010 of our regulatory stock and engagement with our The Sale of Electricity by Local Authorities (England & Wales) stakeholders have identified a number of potential repeals Regulations 2010 and simplifications to date, with the exact process for In the six months after 1 September 2010, eight repealing these currently being explored. We will continue regulations introduced by my Department came into our efforts to identify opportunities to eliminate any force, which do not impose costs on businesses: unnecessary burden on businesses this year through full Radioactive Contaminated Land Regulations (Northern Ireland) engagement with the ‘Red Tape Challenge’. (Amendment) Regulations 2010 No regulations have so far been excluded from the Radioactive Contaminated Land (Enabling Powers and one-in one-out system because they address emergencies Modification of Enactments) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations and systemic financial risks. 2010 Radioactive Contaminated Land (Enabling Powers and Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Modification of Enactments) (England) (Amendment) Regulations Energy and Climate Change how many regulations that 2010 impose costs on businesses his Department (a) Radioactive Contaminated Land (Scotland) (Amendment) introduced and (b) removed in the six months prior to Regulations 2010 1 September 2010; and what the net effect on the costs The Justification Decision (Generation of Electricity by the on businesses of such introductions and removals was. EPR Nuclear Reactor) Regulations 2010 [R] [65351] The Justification Decision (Generation of Electricity by the AP1000 Nuclear Reactor) Regulations 2010 Gregory Barker: In the six months prior to 1 September The Submarine Pipelines (Designated Owners) Order 2010, six regulations introduced by my Department The Lynn and Inner Dowsing Offshore Wind Farms (Amendment) came into force, which impose costs and benefits on Order 2011 businesses: The Government’s policy is to consider alternatives The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2010 to Regulation. Details of regulatory measures introduced Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at: in the first half of 2011 can be found in the Statement of http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/768/pdfs/ New Regulation in the Library of the House. uksiem_20100768_en.pdf Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at: The Feed in Tariffs (Specified Maximum Capacity and http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1033/pdfs/ Functions) Order 2010 uksiem_20111033_en.pdf Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at: The Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2011 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/678/pdfs/ Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at: uksiem_20100678_en.pdf http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/984/pdfs/ The Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2010 uksiem_20110984_en.pdf Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at: The Aviation Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1107/pdfs/ (Amendment) Regulations 2011 uksiem_20101107_en.pdf Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at: The Energy Act 2008 (Consequential Modifications) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/765/pdfs/ (Offshore Environmental Protection) Order 2010 uksiem_20110765_en.pdf Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at: The Gas (Exemptions) Order 2011 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1513/pdfs/ Costs are detailed in the Impact Assessment, available at: uksiem_20101513_en.pdf 147W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 148W

The Electricity and Gas (Carbon Emissions Reduction) Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/1996), (Amendment) Order 2010 which contain similar provisions. Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at: Electricity http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1958/pdfs/ uksiem_20101958_en.pdf Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for The Aviation Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Energy and Climate Change what the (a) fuel source, Regulations 2010 (b) retirement date and (c) location is of each Costs are detailed in the impact assessment, available at: electricity generation plant in the UK with a capacity of more than 500 megawatts. [64234] http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1996/pdfs/ uksiem_20101996_en.pdf Charles Hendry: A list of power stations over 500 In the six months prior to 1 September 2010, my MW owned by major power producers in the UK is Department removed the Aviation Greenhouse Gas provided in the table. The list is sourced from DUKES Emissions Trading scheme Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/2301). table 5.11 and the fuel type is as specified by the station These were replaced by the Aviation Greenhouse Gas owner.

Station name Fuel Installed capacity (MW) Location Retirement date

Staythorpe C CCGT 1,724 East Midlands — Didcot B CCGT 1,430 South East — Connahs Quay CCGT 1,380 Wales — Grain CCGT 1,320 South East — South Humber Bank CCGT 1,285 Yorkshire and the Humber — Saltend CCGT 1,200 Yorkshire and the Humber — Barking CCGT 1,000 London — Langage CCGT 905 South West — Killingholme CCGT 900 Yorkshire and the Humber — Spalding CCGT 880 East Midlands — Severn CCGT 848 Wales — Seabank 1 CCGT 812 South West — Rocksavage CCGT 810 North West — Sutton Bridge CCGT 800 East — Coryton CCGT 800 East — Damhead Creek CCGT 800 South East — Rye House CCGT 715 East — Medway CCGT 688 South East — Killingholme CCGT 665 Yorkshire and the Humber — Little Barford CCGT 665 East — Ballylumford C CCGT 616 Northern Ireland — Deeside CCGT 500 Wales — Drax Coal 3,870 Yorkshire and the Humber — Longannet Coal 2,304 Scotland — West Burton Coal 2,012 East Midlands — Cottam Coal 2,008 East Midlands — Ratcliffe Coal 2,000 East Midlands — Fiddler’s Ferry Coal/biomass 1.980 North West — Ferrybridge C Coal/biomass 1,960 Yorkshire and the Humber 2015 (units 1 and 2 only) Eggborough Coal 1,960 Yorkshire and the Humber — Didcot A Coal/gas 1,958 South East 2015 Kingsnorth Coal/oil 1,940 South East 2015 Aberthaw B Coal 1,586 Wales Cockenzie Coal 1,152 Scotland 2015 Rugeley Coal 1,006 West Midlands — Tilbury B Coal 1,063 East 2015 Ironbridge Coal 970 West Midlands 2015 Kilroot Coal/oil 662 Northern Ireland — Immingham CHP Gas CHP 1,240 Yorkshire and the Humber — Peterhead Gas/Oil 1,180 Scotland — Marchwood Gas 842 South West — Keadby Gas/oil 749 Yorkshire and the Humber — Ballylumford B Gas/Oil/OCGT 540 Northern Ireland — Baglan Bay Gas turbine 575 Wales — Heysham 2 Nuclear 1,230 North West 2023 Torness Nuclear 1,205 Scotland 2023 Hartlepool Nuclear 1,190 North East 2019 149W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 150W

Station name Fuel Installed capacity (MW) Location Retirement date

Sizewell B Nuclear 1,168 East 2035 Heysham l Nuclear 1,160 North West 2019 Dungeness B Nuclear 1,040 South East 2018 Wylfa Nuclear 980 Wales 2012 Hunterston B Nuclear 860 Scotland 2016 Hinkley Point B Nuclear 860 South West 2016 Littlebrook D Oil 1,370 South East 2015 Grain Oil 1,300 South East 2015 Fawley Oil 968 South East 2015 Dinorwig Pumped storage 1,728 Wales —

Plants that have opted out of the large combustion Charles Hendry: The Department published an updated plant directive have a retirement date of 31 December impact assessments for the Smart Meter Programme in 2015 but may close before if they use up their allotted March 2011. These estimate that over the next 20 years, hours prior to this. Stations with non-regulated retirements the rollout of smart meters will deliver £7.3 billion net are assumed to have no specific retirement date. benefits to consumers, energy suppliers and networks. The published lifetime for the nuclear power stations The benefits include enabling consumer behaviour change, has been provided. revolutionising industry processes, improving customer service and facilitating smart grids. By 2020, we expect the average domestic consumer, with both electricity Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for and gas, to save an average £23 per year on their energy Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made bill. of the electricity (a) generation capacity and (b) demand in the UK in (i) 2012, (ii) 2013, (iii) 2014, (iv) The updated impact assessments were published 2015, (v) 2016, (vi) 2017 and (vii) 2018. [64235] alongside the Government’s consultation on our Smart Meter Prospectus in which we set out the strategy, plans and timetable for rollout. Under these plans we expect Charles Hendry: According to the central scenario of to see completion of the rollout by 2019, at least one DECC’s latest published Energy and Emissions Projections year ahead of previously published plans. (June 2010), the electricity generation capacity and demand are as follows: Energy Electricity generation capacity (central Electricity demand (central projection) GW projection) TWh Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State 2012 95 364 for Energy and Climate Change (1) what assessment he 2013 96 366 has made of the effects on (a) water quality, (b) water 2014 101 368 resources, (c) flood risk, (d) coastal change and (e) 2015 105 370 public health of clustering of new energy 2016 104 371 infrastructure; [65452] 2017 106 371 (2) what assessment he has made of the potential 2018 110 372 effects of development of new energy infrastructure on (a) biodiversity, (b) landscape, (c) visual amenity and The projections reflect a set of assumptions on fossil (d) cultural heritage. [65450] fuel and carbon prices and costs; they do not reflect a desired or preferred outcome for Government. The Charles Hendry: As part of the preparation of the capacity figures include autogenerators and combined energy National Policy Statements (NPS), an Appraisal heat and power. The demand figures exclude electricity of Sustainability (AoS), incorporating Strategic used by power stations. Environmental Assessment (SEA) as required by Directive The capacity figures shown in the table are sufficient 2001/42/EC, was done to assess the potential strategically to meet the projected demand. There is also some spare significant effects of new infrastructure on all the indicators capacity to allow for intermittency of supply. The highlighted in the questions, including cumulative effects projections are produced by the DECC Energy Model. such as those arising from clustering. As the Nuclear This is a model of energy supply and demand, which NPS (unlike the other energy NPSs) is site specific, it calculates the necessary generating capacity to meet a was possible to also carry out more detailed assessments given level of electricity demand. for the proposed nuclear sites. All these appraisals have been the subject of extensive consultation and are published at: Electricity: Meters www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk In addition SEAs are carried out as part of the Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State development of energy policy, e.g. for offshore energy for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment licensing including wind and oil and gas. These can be he has made of the effectiveness of his Department’s found at: Smart Metering Programme. [63999] www.offshore-sea.org.uk 151W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 152W

Energy: Australia Programme scheme to develop and meet its targets to replace matched funding from local authorities. [65509] Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with Gregory Barker: The Community Energy Saving his Australian counterpart on government schemes for Programme (CESP) is an obligation on the energy domestic insulation and energy efficiency in that companies to meet a carbon reduction target and involves country; and if he will publish any related documents. no central government funding. In delivering schemes [64846] CESP providers may seek a financial contribution from local partners, including local authorities, but this a Gregory Barker: I have looked at the evidence of the matter for commercial negotiation between the relevant Australian experience, where inadequate standards parties. underpinned the Government’s retrofit scheme. It confirms Energy: Fuels the importance of standards. The Green Deal to be launched next year will have Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy strong framework for accreditation, which will set the and Climate Change what the primary energy necessary technical standards for installation and consumption by fuel is in million tonnes oil equivalent competence levels for installers, as well as customer care in respect of (a) oil, (b) natural gas, (c) coal, (d) and warranty requirements. nuclear energy and (e) hydro and renewables for (i) Scotland, (ii) England, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Energy: Finance Ireland. [64899]

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Charles Hendry: Primary energy consumption data Energy and Climate Change if he will make available are only available for the UK. The following table shows further funding to assist the Community Energy Saving provisional 2010 data.

Inland energy consumption: primary fuel input basis Million tonnes of oil equivalent Primary electricity Wind and natural Total Coal1 Petroleum2 Natural gas3 Nuclear flow hydro4 Net imports

2010 217.6 36.8 70.5 95.1 13.7 1.19 0.23 1 Includes solid renewable sources (wood, straw and waste), a small amount of renewable primary heat sources (solar, geothermal, etc.), liquid biofuels and net foreign trade and stock changes in other solid fuels. 2 Inland deliveries for energy use, plus refinery fuel and losses, minus the differences between deliveries and actual consumption at power stations. 3 Includes gas used during production, colliery methane, landfill gas and sewage gas. Excludes gas flared or re-injected and non-energy use of gas. 4 Includes generation by solar PV. Excludes generation from pumped storage stations. Source: Energy Trends table 1.2: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/energy_stats/source/total/total.aspx

Finalised figures for 2010 will be published on 28 July totals do not completely agree with data published in 2011. the Digest of UK Energy Statistics. Data on final consumption at local authority level Data on electricity consumption for council areas within England, Wales and Scotland have been published within Northern Ireland were published for the first from 2003 onwards, with the latest complete data relating time last year, and relate to 2008 for domestic consumption to 2008. Data on final consumption of gas, electricity and 2009 for non-domestic consumption. Data on gas and road transport fuels are currently available for consumption within Northern Ireland are not available. 2009, with the remaining fuels due to be published later As a result of the incomplete coverage, Northern Ireland this year. data have been excluded from the following table. As different data sources are used for the sub-national analysis, with some data being modelled and other data The 2008 data show the following breakdowns by being collected over slightly different time periods, the country and fuel type.

Final energy consumption, in thousand tonnes of oil equivalent, by fuel and country, 2008 Fuel Scotland England Wales Great Britain total

Coal 217.4 1,357.0 160.2 1,734.6 Manufactured fuels 104.6 1,644.3 346.2 2,095.1 Petroleum Products (excluding aviation use) 5,613.2 44,369.5 3,804.4 53,787.1 Natural gas 4,937.6 42,933.0 2,552.4 50,423.1 Electricity 2,434.2 22,017.5 1,398.7 25,850.5 Renewables and wastes 135.0 605.6 116.1 856.7 Total 13,442.1 112,927.0 8,377.9 134,747.1 Source: Total final energy consumption at sub-national level, DECC, available at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/energy_stats/regional/total_final/total_ final.aspx 153W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 154W

Environment Protection Green Deal Scheme: Financial Institutions

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he intends to publish the and Climate Change (1) what meetings (a) he, (b) Green Economy Roadmap. [64893] Ministers in his Department and (c) his officials have had with representatives of banking and other Gregory Barker: The Government intend to publish financial institutions to discuss the Green Deal; [64845] the Green Economy Roadmap later this month. (2) what meetings he has had with representatives of (a) Lloyds TSB, (b) HSBC, (c) Royal Bank of Exhaust Emissions: Gatwick Airport Scotland, (d) the Co-operative Bank and (e) Northern Rock to discuss the Green Deal. [64850] Mr Gyimah: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the Gregory Barker: Ministers and officials have had average amount of carbon dioxide emitted by aircraft And continue to have, significant engagement with the using Gatwick airport (a) in tonnes per year and (b) finance community about the Green deal. This has in kilograms per passenger. [64016] included meetings with individual institutions, and the use of a finance stakeholder forum. DECC officials Mrs Villiers: I have been asked to reply. have also participated in finance forums and workshops hosted by members of the finance community and Between 2000 and 2009 the average annual CO2 others, such as the UK Business Council for Sustainable emissions from aircraft departing Gatwick airport were Energy. 4,927 thousand tonnes. CO2 emissions per passenger departing Gatwick during this period were 306 kg. Heat

CO2 emissions figures do not include the cruise emissions Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for from arriving flights. Emissions figures by airports are Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has calculated on this basis to avoid double counting between made of the level of use of the National Heat Map for different UK airports and different nation states. England by local authorities. [64363] Feed-in Tariffs Gregory Barker: The National Heat Map is being developed and is expected to be completed later this James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for year. The map will be available online and is being Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made designed to help local authorities, communities and of the cumulative cost of feed-in tariffs to energy developers identify what heat demand exists and inform consumers up to 2020 under (a) unchanged tariff decisions on where best to locate heat networks or heat levels and (b) the proposed fast track tariffs for large technologies. solar photovoltaic and farm-scale anaerobic digestion. Natural Gas: Exploration [64964] Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Gregory Barker: If the generation tariffs for large State for Energy and Climate Change if he will discuss scale solar photovoltaics remained unchanged, the the potential for exploiting shale gas with power- cumulative cost to consumers of the FITs scheme would generating companies; and if he will make a statement. be up to £6.8 billion (discounted, 2011 prices) between [64131] 2011 and 2020, more than double the original projected costs for the scheme. Charles Hendry: Although it is a commercial decision for each company to decide whether or not to invest in If the changes are made as proposed in response to any particular technology, it is clear from meetings the fast track review, and as currently before both which I have had with a range of energy companies, Houses for consideration, we estimate that the cumulative that the power generation industry is interested in the cost to consumers will be around £3.3 billion (discounted, potential of shale gas. I have no specific plans to discuss 2011 prices) to 2020. this issue with power generation companies, but Government will continue to encourage the energy industry Fuel Poverty: Islwyn to maximise indigenous oil and gas production and infrastructure opportunities. Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Nuclear Power and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of households in Islwyn constituency which Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for were living in fuel poverty in 2009-10. [65703] Energy and Climate Change how many (a) e-mails and (b) other communications were sent from officials or Gregory Barker: Data on households in fuel poverty special advisers working in his Department to in Wales are derived from the Living in Wales property representatives of nuclear power companies or the nuclear survey, 2008 and are supplied by the Welsh Government. power industry between 10 and 15 March 2011; how The survey was designed to allow analysis at an all many officials or special advisers working in his Department Wales level only, so the Welsh Government are unable were directly or indirectly involved in providing research to supply data at a parliamentary constituency level. or briefing support on nuclear power generation to In 2008, the latest year for which this data is currently Ministers or other Government representatives between available, 332,000 households in Wales were estimated 10 and 15 March 2011; and if he will make a statement. to be fuel poor. This is equivalent to 26% of all households. [64299] 155W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 156W

Charles Hendry: Government officials engage on a will need to be given to review this. The Department regular basis with a number of internal and external will need to work with Department of Transport, the stakeholders, including representatives from the nuclear Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Defence on industry and non-government organisations. the timing of future amendments to the Regulations. Between 10 and 15 March DECC officials prepared The Department has no information on air exclusion regular briefings for Government Ministers in relation zones around nuclear installations in other EU member to the evolving nuclear Fukushima crisis and in support states. of the Cabinet Office Civil Contingency Committee meetings which was co-ordinated by a DECC Japan Nuclear Power Stations: Radioactivity Crisis Team consisting of five officials. Officials also continued to provide regular briefing support on other Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for nuclear issues during this time. Energy and Climate Change what modelling has been More specific information is not held centrally and undertaken (a) by his Department and (b) consultants can be obtained only at disproportionate costs. for his Department on the dispersal plume of radioactive material from a nuclear plant impacted by Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for an aircraft collision; and if he will make a statement. Energy and Climate Change whether (a) Ministers and [64471] (b) officials in his Department had meetings with representatives of nuclear power companies or the Charles Hendry: DECC uses analyses from a number nuclear power industry between 10 and 15 March 2011; of organisations responsible for radiation monitoring and if he will make a statement. [64300] which have carried out modelling of radiation dispersal from nuclear plants in order to predict the consequences Charles Hendry: During the period 10 to 15 March of a range of potential, but highly unlikely, scenarios. 2011, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for For instance, a radiation dispersal modelling service is Energy and Climate Change, my noble Friend Lord carried out by the Met Office using the Radiation Marland and officials had a regular meeting with Sellafield Incident Monitoring Network (RIMNET). Further Ltd and officials had a meeting with Babcock International information on dispersal modelling is available on the Group plc. Met Office’s website: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/modelling-systems/ Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for dispersion-model Energy and Climate Change whether officials or special advisers in his Department provided briefings on Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for nuclear power generation to the Government chief Energy and Climate Change for what reasons the scientific adviser between 10 and 15 March 2011; and if request was made to the Nuclear Decommissioning he will make a statement. [64301] Authority (NDA) to look at opportunities to accelerate the process of developing a geological disposal facility Charles Hendry: During the period 10 to 15 March for nuclear waste; and by what date he has asked the 2011 no briefings were provided by Energy and Climate NDA to respond. [64477] Change officials or special advisers on nuclear power generation to the Government chief scientific adviser. Charles Hendry: Implementing geological disposal of higher activity radioactive waste is crucial, both for Nuclear Power Stations: Air Traffic Control legacy waste and for new nuclear build. I want to ensure that we move forward as quickly as possible, consistent Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for with the need to retain public confidence and gain the Energy and Climate Change what recent evaluation he necessary regulatory approvals. has made of the adequacy of the scope of the air I have therefore tasked the NDA with an ongoing exclusion zone (AEZs) around UK nuclear installations; challenge to accelerate first waste emplacement in a what information his Department holds on the scope of geological disposal facility, and they will report progress AEZs around nuclear installations in other EU-member to future Geological Disposal Implementation Board states; and if he will make a statement. [64470] meetings. The minutes of these meetings are available on the DECC website. Charles Hendry: Ensuring the security of nuclear sites and nuclear material is a matter for individual EU Oil member states. Security arrangements for the protection of UK nuclear sites are kept under constant review as Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State part of a continuous process to ensure existing arrangements for Energy and Climate Change whether he has any are robust, effective, comply with international standards plans to create a central stockholding agency for oil and best practice. reserves; and if he will make a statement. [64927] The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Nuclear Installations) Regulations 2007 which restricts flying in Charles Hendry: The UK holds oil stocks for use in the vicinity of certain nuclear installations in the UK, oil supply disruptions to comply with international as specified in Schedule 2 to the Regulations, were obligations to the EU and the International Energy introduced following the September 2001 terrorist attacks Agency with the same stocks able to be used to meet in the US. These regulations were last amended in 2009. both obligations. We meet these obligations by placing However, as a number of UK civil nuclear installations compulsory stocking obligations (CSO) on industry are in the process of decommissioning, consideration under powers in the Energy Act 1976. 157W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 158W

This system has underpinned compliance with our Gregory Barker: As I set out in my answer of 20 June international obligations, and enabled the UK to make 2011, Official Report, column 128W, Ministers in the oil stocks available to the market during the first Gulf Scottish and Welsh Assembly Governments, and their War in 1990 and following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. officials, were involved in discussions on the fast track Nevertheless, we keep its effectiveness and efficiency review of feed-in tariffs (FITs). At the time they emphasised under review, and are working with industry to consider their commitment to working to improve the efficiency future options including the viability of a central and effectiveness of FITs through the scheme review. stockholding agency. They also highlighted a particular interest in the role of FITs in supporting community renewables. Oil: Arctic Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his decision to for Energy and Climate Change whether he has had undertake a fast-track review of the feed-in tariff any discussions with his EU counterparts on scheme was taken under the Control Framework for regulations governing the drilling of oil in the Arctic. DECC levy-funded spending before the announcement [64928] of the framework. [64383]

Charles Hendry: There have been no such discussions Gregory Barker: The 2010 spending review made at EU level. clear for the first time that there are spending parameters within which the FITs scheme must operate, and stipulated Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State the need to make 10% (£40 million) savings to the for Energy and Climate Change whether he has had scheme in 2014-15 compared with original projections. any discussions with his counterparts from (a) More recently, in the interest of transparency, further Norway, (b) Russia, (c) Canada, (d) the USA and (e) details on how the costs of the FITs scheme are managed other nations on regulations governing the drilling of via the control framework for DECC levy-funded spending oil in the Arctic. [64929] have been published on the HMT website: Charles Hendry: No. http://hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ control_framework_decc250311.pdf Oil: Prices Renewable Energy: Fisheries Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent representations he has Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State received on the effects on consumers of high oil prices. for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to [65702] support the development of marine renewables. [65453]

Charles Hendry: I have received a number of Gregory Barker: The coalition Government are representations on the effect on consumers of high oil committed to the development of marine renewables prices. sector in the UK. This is reflected in the recent The Government are aware of the significant impacts announcement that the Department is investing up to high oil prices are having on consumers, which is why £20 million in wave and tidal power to help develop the Chancellor announced a £1.9 billion package in the marine energy technologies from the prototype stage to Budget to ease the burden on motorists. demonstration of arrays of devices. The Government are also working domestically and with international partners to enhance oil price stability, Renewable Energy: Heating restrain oil demand, and reduce barriers to timely and adequate investment in the oil sector. For example, through the IEF and G20 we are working to improve Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State transparency in the oil markets, and phase out inefficient for Energy and Climate Change what recent fossil fuel subsidies. discussions he has had with representatives of industry on the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive The Government also have a wide range of measures Premium Payment. [63278] to make the UK less dependent on oil. Policies such as the Renewable Energy Strategy and Low Carbon Transport Strategy will not only reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, Gregory Barker: I have regularly met representatives but also help ease our demand for oil. from businesses who have an interest in the introduction of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment. Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of has had with industry representatives on the technologies 20 June 2011, Official Report, column 128W,on renewable eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive Premium energy: feed-in tariffs, whether he consulted Ministers Payment. [63329] in the (a) Scottish and (b) Welsh Government prior to announcing the fast-track solar photovoltaic review; Gregory Barker: I have recently met representatives and whether Ministers in the devolved Administrations from a number of businesses with whom I have discussed have made any representations in respect of the potential a range of issues, including the introduction of the effects of his proposals. [64337] Renewables Heat Premium Payment. 159W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 160W

Solar Power Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has allocated Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State any of the £20 million announced for assistance for for Energy and Climate Change how many solar development of wave and tidal technologies. [65710] photovoltaic installations with a generating capacity between four kilowatts and 50 kilowatts were in receipt Gregory Barker: The £20 million announced recently of feed-in tariffs in the latest period for which figures has been earmarked, subject to value for money are available. [64336] consideration, for the support of pre-commercial array demonstration of marine energy technologies. Details Gregory Barker: At the end of March 2011 there were on the process by which this funding will be allocated to 1,173 solar photovoltaic installations between 4 kW recipients will be published by the Department in early and 50 kW inclusive confirmed on the feed-in tariff 2012. scheme since the start of the scheme. This includes installations migrated from the renewable obligation. Urenco Data for the end of June 2011 will be available at the end of July. Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Statoil and Climate Change what meetings he has had with representatives or agents of Urenco plc since the sale of Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy the UK’s stake was announced. [64843] and Climate Change what (a) meetings, (b) correspondence and (c) other contact (i) he, (ii) Charles Hendry: The Government are considering Ministers in his Department and (iii) his officials have their options with regard to the UK shareholding in had with Statoil in the last six months. [64847] Urenco. No final decisions have yet been taken and no announcement has been made. Charles Hendry: Ministers in this Department have Details of meetings between DECC Ministers and had no formal meetings with Statoil, or received any external organisations are published quarterly on the correspondence from them, although informal discussions DECC website: take place in the margins of other events. In relation to http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/ such meetings or correspondence with officials, this registers/registers.aspx information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. DECC co-sponsored a supply chain event with Statoil in Aberdeen on 6 April to highlight the substantial opportunities the Bressay and Mariner projects would INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT offer. The evening event focused on drilling, downhole and well services and attracted around 100 people primarily Afghanistan: Health Services from the Aberdeen supply community. A number of DECC officials were present at this event. Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department Tidal Power: Finance plans to take to support the Government of Afghanistan Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State to (a) fill its national health worker gap and (b) ensure for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he that health workers are supported to work in the parts has made of the adequacy for commercial development of that country in greatest need. [65010] of the sum announced to assist the development of wave and tidal technologies; and what discussions he Mr Andrew Mitchell: Since 2002 the UK has provided had with (a) industry representatives and (b) trade aid to support the health sector in Afghanistan through associations on the matter. [65709] the multi-donor Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). In 2009-10 this funded the salaries of 320,000 Gregory Barker: Decisions on the allocation of the public servants including health workers. In the absence £20 million recently announced to support demonstration of an IMF programme DFID is delaying further payments of marine energy technologies were taken in the context to the ARTF. We intend to resume payments as soon as of the Department’s entire energy innovation budget. a new IMF programme is agreed. We anticipate that the funding allocated to marine energy should, subject to value for money review, be Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for able to support the pre-commercial array demonstration International Development what steps his Department of two technologies. This funding will sit alongside plans to take to support the Government of Afghanistan additional innovation support from other funding bodies in delivering (a) health care and (b) other basic services. and the prospect of further demonstration of arrays of [65011] marine energy devices being supported through the EU New Entrants’ Reserve 300 programme. Mr Andrew Mitchell: Since 2002 the UK has provided The Department has undertaken detailed discussions aid to support health, education and other basic services of the funding needs of the marine energy sector through in Afghanistan primarily through the multi-donor the UK Marine Energy Programme which includes Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). In active participation from other public sector bodies, 2009-10 this funded the salaries of 320,000 public servants technology developers, large industrial organisations, including health workers. In the absence of an IMF utilities and trade associations. programme, the Department for International Development 161W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 162W

(DFID) has delayed further payments to the ARTF. We East Africa: Droughts intend to resume payments as soon as a new programme is agreed. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his assessment is Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for of the drought conditions in East Africa; and what International Development what steps his Department steps he is taking to help alleviate the situation. [65198] is taking to reduce (a) maternal, (b) newborn and (c) child mortality rates in Afghanistan. [65012] Mr Andrew Mitchell: The eastern horn of Africa has experienced two consecutive seasons of significantly Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International below-average rainfall, resulting in one of the driest Development is currently considering how best to promote years since 1995. Crops have failed, large numbers of improvements in maternal health in Afghanistan. Since livestock have died, and local cereal prices are very 2002 the UK has provided aid to support the health high. Up to 10 million people in the sub-region need sector through the multi-donor Afghanistan Reconstruction humanitarian assistance and emergency levels of acute Trust Fund (ARTF). In 2009-10 this funded the salaries malnutrition are widespread. of 320,000 public servants including health workers. In On 1 July the UK Government committed to provide the absence of an IMF programme, DFID has delayed 1.36 million people with emergency food assistance and further payments to the ARTF. We intend to resume 329,000 malnourished children and pregnant and lactating payments as soon as a new programme is agreed. mothers supplementary food treatment. We continue to closely monitor the situation and we are calling on Agriculture: Climate Change other countries in the international community to contribute to the humanitarian response. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his policy is on Gambia: Malaria measures to incentivise the uptake of climate-smart agriculture. [64370] Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Mr Andrew Mitchell: Agriculture is the life-line of the Development whether he expects any multilateral aid majority of the world’s poor and food insecure population. programmes supported by the Government to be used Supporting climate-smart agriculture is an essential to target malaria in the Gambia. [64545] part of protecting the poorest and most vulnerable and of strengthening their resilience. The Department for Mr O’Brien: DFID provides funding for the Global International Development supports programmes to Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria. help developing countries integrate climate change into This plays a critical role in supporting malaria control their national strategies—including in the agricultural efforts globally.Through this channel, the UK Government sector. In the coming months the Department will also are able to contribute to malaria control in countries design country-specific and regional resilience programmes, where we have no bilateral programme. This includes based on recommendations by the Humanitarian the Gambia. Emergency Response Review (HERR). These will also focus on climate-smart agriculture in highly vulnerable Gambia: Overseas Aid areas. Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Anguilla: Environment Protection International Development pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Sevenoaks of 23 June 2011, Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Official Report, column 415W, on Gambia: overseas International Development whether he plans to aid, how much financial support the UK will provide publish the recent Anguillan environmental impact to Gambia through increasing its share of multilateral assessments. [63463] programming. [64586]

Mr Bellingham: I have been asked to reply. Mr O’Brien: As referred to in my answer of 23 June Responsibility for environmental issues is devolved to 2011, we do not have planned allocations for UK support the Governments of the overseas territories. It is therefore to The Gambia through multilateral organisations in for the Government of Anguilla to decide whether to future years. Almost 40% of the UK’s aid programme is publish environmental impact assessments. channelled through multilateral organisations. As part of the Multilateral Aid Review (MAR), the Government Departmental Responsibilities are determined to ensure that UK aid is directed to where it can make the greatest difference. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on how many occasions a Horn of Africa: Droughts request for a meeting by an hon. Member of each political party has been refused by (a) a Minister in his Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Department directly and (b) his Department on behalf International Development what recent discussions he of a Minister since May 2010. [64424] has had with (a) other governments, (b) representatives of the European Commission and (c) representatives Mr Duncan: The information cannot be provided of multilateral donors on the humanitarian situation in without incurring disproportionate cost. the horn of Africa. [64462] 163W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 164W

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Under-Secretary of State resources available to it including being able to provide for International Development, my hon. Friend the additional services by contracting International NGOs. Member for Eddisbury (Mr O’Brien) pressed Prime Their focus is to provide essential health care in the Minister Meles on the emergency humanitarian crisis more remote and rural areas of the country where the during his recent visit to Ethiopia. He has also been need is greatest. UK support has included training and urging the Kenyan Government to do more, and met recruiting health workers to enable a basic package of with Prime Minister Odinga on Thursday 7 July. We essential health services to be delivered across the country. have also called for the governments of countries in the The current national health plan comes to an end this affected region to release accurate and credible figures year and so the Ministry of Health with its partners is on the number of people affected. currently carrying out an in-depth analysis of the progress I met Baroness Amos, UN Under-Secretary General made so far including the staffing they currently have, for Humanitarian Affairs, on Tuesday 5 July to discuss what staffing they should have as a minimum in light of how to galvanise a more effective international response. the size of population, and where the need is greatest. We will raise this issue during the EU informal This will result in a clear strategy by the end of this year Development Ministers meeting in Poland next week. which maps out the numbers and mix of skills they need The Government are also urgently lobbying other donors in the medium to long term, how they intend putting to step up with more support, to stop this crisis becoming these in place and what resources are available to enable a catastrophe, and I will be speaking to other leaders in them to implement the strategy. The UK has committed the next few days. to train at least 2,500 health workers to 2014 and will work closely with the Ministry of Health and non- International Assistance: Earthquakes governmental partners to ensure UK resources are targeted at the priority skills needed. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will hold discussions Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for with his counterparts in countries with a high likelihood International Development what the health interventions of earthquakes on possible improvements to international in Liberia are to which his Department has committed assistance following earthquakes. [65196] £12 million to 2013-14. [65255]

Mr Duncan: The Department for International Mr O’Brien: The UK has been supporting the delivery Development (DFID) is undertaking a considerable of Liberia’s national health plan since 2008 which has amount of such work; and we will certainly take up concentrated on rebuilding the health sector in order to opportunities for such discussions. reduce the very high levels of maternal and child mortality, For example, DFID is working with the Government among the worst in the world. The focus has been to of Nepal to draw up a framework for emergency planning ensure a basic package of essential health services is and operational response in the event of a catastrophic delivered across the country targeting pregnant women earthquake. Through our bilateral programmes in countries and young children. at risk we are also working with other Governments on The current national health plan comes to an end this national resilience strategies. year and so the Ministry with its partners is currently DFID is increasing its funding to the World Bank’s carrying out an in-depth analysis of the progress made. Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery This is to inform the development of a new 10-year (GFDRR) in order to increase support to national national health plan which builds on the achievements Governments, disaster management agencies and so far with a view to expanding the provision of services development strategies. and improving the quality of care. The UK is working closely with the Ministry of Health and partners in the Liberia: Health Services development of the new health plan to ensure UK resources contribute to reducing child and infant mortality Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for by 10% and maternal mortality by 15%. International Development (1) how many (a) doctors, Sudan: Internally Displaced People (b) nurses, (c) midwives and (d) other health workers in Liberia his Department plans to support to reach the Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for objectives for (i) maternal and (ii) infant mortality rates International Development what steps his Department set out in its operational plan for that country; [65009] is taking to support people who have been displaced (2) what estimate he has made of the number of due to conflict in Sudan. [64464] health workers required in Liberia to meet the objective in his Department’s operational plan for that country Mr Andrew Mitchell: We are deeply concerned about of reducing (a) maternal and (b) infant mortality the situation of civilians displaced by the recent fighting rates by 2013; [65013] in Abyei and Southern Kordofan. Emergency humanitarian (3) what steps his Department is taking to ensure co-ordination meetings have taken place on a regular that health workers are deployed to the parts of Liberia basis in Khartoum and Juba. At present, lack of access in greatest need. [65256] to the conflict affected areas and populations hinders accurate humanitarian needs assessment by humanitarian Mr O’Brien: The UK, together with Irish Aid, UNICEF personnel. Though the uncertainty about SAF intentions and UNHCR, has been supporting the delivery of has forced a further withdrawal, NGOs and UN are Liberia’s national health plan through a health pool ready to respond once security and access allows. We fund under the leadership of the Minister of Health. are working with the United Nations to ensure that if This has enabled the Ministry to better manage the security and access is granted, assistance will reach 165W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 166W these displaced civilians. The UN has reserves of both was created for every £1 million worth of (i) central shelter and food for such situations. As well as its Government, (ii) local government and (iii) other public ongoing support to the Common Humanitarian Fund, sector contract. [64161] the UK has made an additional £10 million available for contingency planning to respond to any emergencies Mr Willetts: The number of apprenticeships supported that are linked to southern secession. through public sector contracts will vary widely depending on the size and nature of contract. It is not possible to Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for provide a robust estimate of potential apprenticeships International Development what support his places as there is no centrally-held data set on projected Department is providing for the reintegration of public sector spends on procurement, which would be returnees in Southern Sudan. [64466] necessary to provide estimates in the format requested. In addition, it would not be possible to estimate the Mr Andrew Mitchell: Around 300,000 people have proportion of apprenticeship places that would be genuinely left North Sudan for the South in the last seven months. additional, over and above apprentices already employed Around three-quarters have settled in rural rather than by public sector suppliers. urban areas. There have been regular meetings in Khartoum and Juba with the Government of South Sudan Ministers Decisions on whether to build skills training or (GoSS) to discuss the immediate relocation and first apprenticeships considerations into procurements, and arrival needs of the returnees. The Department for the scale of requirements, must be taken on a case-by-case International Development’s (DFID) South Sudan office basis by public sector bodies, taking into account value has now received some details of the newly developed for money and the appropriateness and relevance of state reintegration plans. These provide a platform for requirements. the discussion of longer-term support for sustainable livelihoods for the returnees and the recipient communities. Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for We are following up with GoSS and development partners Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate how how UK assistance can help to take things forward. many apprenticeship places would be created in the (a) construction and (b) information and communication West Africa: Malaria technology sector if one apprenticeship was created for £1 million worth of (i) central Government, (ii) local Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for International government and (iii) other public sector contract. Development what support his Department is providing [64171] for the treatment and prevention of malaria in West African countries. [64546] Mr Hayes [holding answer 6 July 2011]: The number of apprenticeships supported through public sector Mr O’Brien: The UK Government have pledged to contracts will vary widely depending on the size and contribute to at least halving malaria deaths in at least nature of contract. It is not possible to provide a robust 10 high burden countries by 2014-15. estimate of potential apprenticeships places as there is Many of the malaria high burden countries are in no centrally-held data set on projected public sector West Africa: Nigeria alone represents a quarter of the spend on procurement, which would be necessary to malaria burden in Africa. In Nigeria DFID is supporting provide estimates in the format requested. In addition, a universal net campaign. Our investments have already it would not be possible to estimate the proportion of helped increase household insecticide treated net ownership apprenticeship places that would be genuinely additional, from 10% to 70% in targeted states of Nigeria. DFID is over and above apprentices already employed by public currently supporting the procurement and distribution sector suppliers. of 2.35 million long lasting insecticide treated nets Decisions on whether to build skills training or (LLINs) to two regions in Ghana as part of the national apprenticeships considerations into procurements, and campaign to achieve universal coverage. One million the scale of requirements, must be taken on a case-by-case nets from DFID helped Sierra Leone achieve its target basis by public sector bodies, taking into account value of universal LLIN coverage. for money and the appropriateness and relevance of DFID also provides funding for the Global Fund to requirements. Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria and works with the Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, to fund high quality malaria research globally, including Innovation and Skills if he will estimate how many work conducted in West Africa. apprenticeship places would be created if the Office of Government Commerce’s guidance entitled Promoting skills through public procurement, published in April BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS 2009, was made a mandatory part of the (a) central and (b) local government procurement process. [64172] Apprentices Mr Hayes [holding answer 6 July 2011]: Decisions on Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, whether to include skills and apprenticeships requirements Innovation and Skills if he will estimate how many in central and local government procurements must be apprenticeship places would be created in the (a) social taken on a case-by-case basis by public sector bodies, as care, (b) energy and utilities, (c) human resources, (d) outlined in the Office of Government Commerce (now travel, (e) marketing and media, (f) professional services part of the Cabinet Office) guidance. It is therefore not and (g) engineering goods sector if one apprenticeship possible to provide an estimate of the number of 167W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 168W apprenticeship places created by making Office of apprenticeships by both employers and individuals (across Government Commerce (now part of the Cabinet Office) all age groups) to ensure that employer demand is being guidance mandatory. met. Guidance issued under the previous Government is 1 Statistical First Release website: currently being reviewed as part of a wider review of http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ procurement advice and guidance by the Cabinet Office. Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Business, Innovation and Skills what guidance his made of the number of adult apprenticeship starts in Department issues to learning providers on the period 2010-11 undertaken by people who are already in of time within which an apprenticeship of 300 guided employment. [65300] learning hours should be completed. [64564] Mr Hayes: For the first three quarters of 2010-11 Mr Hayes [holding answer 7 July 2011]: The Specification (academic year), 215,300 adult apprenticeships were 1 of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE), recorded on the individualised learner record (ILR) as published on 20 January 2011, states that an apprentice having an ‘employed’ status on the day before they 2 on an intermediate level apprenticeship must receive a started their learning aim . minimum of 280 guided learning hours (GLH) of which 1 The ILR does not provide detailed information to identify the at least 100 GLH or 30% (whichever is the greater) must length of time an adult apprentice was in ‘employed’ status and be delivered off-the-job and clearly evidenced. whether they have moved to a new employer to start their apprenticeship programme. It is also customary for employers to The apprentice must receive the minimum 280 hours delay starting employees onto an apprenticeship programme for a within 12 months of starting a framework, and a further variety of reasons including probationary periods. 280 GLH in each subsequent 12-month period. 2 Work is in progress to review ‘employment’ status data capturing for the 2012/13 academic year. Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Apprentices: Bexleyheath Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of adult apprenticeship starts in 2010-11 that were learners who had previously enrolled Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for on the train to gain scheme. [64566] Business, Innovation and Skills how many apprenticeships have been started in (a) Bexleyheath Mr Hayes: We do not have information available on and Crayford constituency and (b) London (i) since the number of adult apprentices starting in the 2010/11 May 2010 and (ii) in each of the last three years for academic year that were previously enrolled on the which figures are available. [63626] Train to Gain scheme in 2009/10 academic year. Mr Hayes: Table 1 shows the number of apprenticeship Since May 2010, the Skills Funding Agency encouraged starts for Bexleyheath and Crayford parliamentary 1 colleges and providers to switch activity from Train to constituency and London Government office region in Gain to support more employers to invest in academic years 2007/08 to 2009/10, the latest year for Apprenticeships and support the Government’s which full year data are available. commitment to an additional 50,000 adult Apprenticeships. Table 2 shows the number of apprenticeship starts for Provisional data shows that this Government has Bexleyheath and Crayford parliamentary constituency delivered 326,700 apprenticeship starts in the first nine and London Government office region between May months of the 2010/11 academic year—this is 114,000 2010 and July 2010 of the 2009/10 academic year based more than the previous year and more than double our on final year data and between August 2010 and April ambition. 2011 of the 2010/11 academic year based on provisional 1 In June 2011 (Statistical First Release) there were 327,000 data. April 2011 is the latest date for which we have Apprenticeship starts and 354,000 Train to Gain starts (between data. August and April) compared to 212,000 Apprenticeships starts and 427,000 Train to Gain starts for the same period in 2010. Table 1: Apprenticeship starts in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and London Government office region, 2007/08 to 2009/10 Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has (final) (final) (final) made of the number of people aged between 19 and 24 who were not able to find an apprenticeship placement Bexleyheath and 340 310 380 Crayford in 2010-11. [64567] constituency London 14,520 17,180 20,350 Mr Hayes [holding answer 7 July 2011]: We do not hold information on the numbers of 19 to 24-year-olds Table 2: Apprenticeship starts in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and London Government office region, 1 May 2010 and who have not been able to find Apprenticeship placements 30 April 2011 in 2010-11. In 2009/10, more 19 to 24-year-olds (113,800) 2009/10 2010/11 Total started an apprenticeship1 when compared to previous May 2010 to August 2010 May 2010 to years. July 2010 to April 2011 April 2011 Apprenticeship opportunities are determined by employer (final) (provisional) (provisional) demand for apprentices. The National Apprenticeship Bexleyheath and 90 460 550 Service, working with the Skills Funding Agency and Crayford local authorities, regularly review the take up of constituency 169W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 170W

Table 2: Apprenticeship starts in Bexleyheath and Crayford Mr Hayes [holding answer 7 July 2011]: We do not constituency and London Government office region, 1 May 2010 and recognise the figure of 173,800 additional adult 30 April 2011 apprenticeship places that have been taken up in 2010/11 2009/10 2010/11 Total to date. May 2010 to August 2010 May 2010 to July 2010 to April 2011 April 2011 In May 2010 the Department for Business, Innovation (final) (provisional) (provisional) and Skills announced an ambition to fund 50,000 new adult (19 years or older) Apprenticeship starts in the London 4,290 28,120 32,410 2010-11 financial year. The latest provisional data show Notes: that against a baseline of 153,200 starts, we have delivered 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Geography information is based upon the home postcode of the 257,000 starts. This means that this Government have learner. delivered 103,800 additional apprenticeship starts from 3. Provisional data on apprenticeship starts in 2010/11 will be 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. updated in the October 2011 SFR, when more complete data for the The National Apprenticeship Service estimate the academic year are available. Source: cost to the public purse of the 103,800 additional adult Individualised Learner Record. apprenticeship places that have been taken up in 2010-11 financial year April 2010 to March 2011 is £220 million. Information on the number of apprenticeship starts is published in a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). The latest SFR was published on 23rd June 2011: Apprentices: Per Capita Costs http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current Innovation and Skills what the average unit cost was by apprenticeship framework of an apprenticeship place for a person aged 25 years and above in (a) 2008-09, Apprentices: Finance (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 in (i) England and (ii) each region; and what estimate he has made of the cost in 2011-12. [64057] Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the total spend Mr Hayes [holding answer 5 July 2011]: The cost of was on apprenticeship training agencies in each year delivering an Apprenticeship varies significantly depending since 2005. [64505] on the industry in which the Apprenticeship framework is being delivered; length of stay on the programme; Mr Hayes [holding answer 7 July 2011]: Between whether the framework is at Level 2 or 3; and the age of 2008-091 and 2010-11 financial years2, the total amount the participant. Therefore average unit costs are unlikely of spend on Government funded Apprenticeship Training to provide a meaningful comparator. Agency (ATA) pilots3 has been £7,931,700—yearly spend Funding rates are calculated on a national basis only. is as follows: The overall average unit cost1 of a full Apprenticeship Apprenticeship Training Agency spend4 framework for a person aged 25 years and above in Financial year £ England are set out in the following table. Further information about average unit costs for 2011/12 will be 2008-09 400,000 published in the next Skills Funding Agency guidance 2009-10 3,563,000 note. 2010-11 3,968,700 Framework values 1 Government funded Apprenticeship Training Agency pilots first 25+ (£) began in the financial year 2008-09 through a local initiative developed by the City of Westminster College which was funded by the Learning 2008/09 3,883 and Skills Council. 2009/10 3,548 2 Government funding for Apprenticeship Training Agency pilots ceased on 31 March 2011. 2010/11 3,059 3 A small number of pilots deliver through a hybrid Apprenticeship 1 Average unit costs are based on the national rates for each Training Agency (ATA) and Group Training Associations (GTA) academic year for Apprenticeships undertaken by learners aged model which initially supports employers through the GTA process 25 and over assuming all aspects of the Apprenticeship are ie: co-ordinating the selection, recruitment and training elements on required (namely key skills, NVQs and technical skills where behalf of employers to recruit a suitable apprentice. The ATA is available to support initial training if employing an apprentice through appropriate) and that there is no prior learning. Apprenticeships host employers is not possible or to support the apprentice if employment for learners aged 25 and over are co-funded, with the employer through GTA ceases for whatever reason. expected to contribute towards the training costs. 4 Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. The spend relates to development funding (or start up) but not training costs for apprenticeships. ATA Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for do not deliver training—this is done through a training provider. Business, Innovation and Skills what the average unit cost was by apprenticeship framework of an Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for apprenticeship place for a person aged between 19 to Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the 24 years in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 Government’s announcement of 24 May 2010 of £150 in (i) England and (ii) each region; and what estimate million of funding for adult apprenticeship places, he has made of the cost in 2011-12. [64058] what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the 173,800 additional adult apprenticeship Mr Hayes [holding answer 5 July 2011]: The cost of places that have been taken up in 2010-11 to date. delivering an Apprenticeship varies significantly depending [64565] on the industry in which the Apprenticeship framework 171W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 172W is being delivered; length of stay on the programme; Mr Prisk: All individual licence applications for the whether the framework is at Level 2 or 3; and the age of export of arms are circulated to the Foreign Commonwealth the participant. Therefore average unit costs are unlikely Office and Ministry Of Defence and to Department for to provide a meaningful comparator. International Development where issues of sustainable Funding rates are calculated on a national basis only. development are involved, who assess the application The overall average unit cost1 of a full Apprenticeship against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export framework for a person aged 19 to 24 years of age in Licensing Criteria and advise the Department accordingly. England are set out in the following table. Further From time to time advice is received from these information about average unit costs for 2011/12 will be Departments when extant licences have been reviewed published in the next Skills Funding Agency guidance in cases where circumstances have changed significantly note. from the time when the licences were granted. However we have received no representations from other Government Framework values Departments regarding arms export licences to Saudi 19 to 24 (£) Arabia outside of this advisory process. 2008/09 3,883 Business: EC Countries 2009/10 3,942 2010/11 3,823 Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 Average unit costs are based on the national rates for each Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his academic year for Apprenticeships undertaken by learners aged Department has made of the effect on UK (a) 19 to 24 assuming all aspects of the Apprenticeship are required (namely key skills, NVQs and technical skills where appropriate) businesses and (b) jobs of EU subsidies to businesses and that there is no prior learning. Apprenticeships for learners in other EU member states. [62041] aged 19 to 24 are co-funded, with the employer expected to contribute towards the training costs. Mr Prisk: EU structural and cohesion funds (SCF) provide funding to help narrow the gap in economic Apprentices: Standards growth rates between different EU regions and member states. In the UK, they provide a source of programme funding which has to be matched by domestic funding Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for (either public or private) which aim to improve the Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions business environment, rather than a direct subsidy to he has had with the head of the Skills Funding Agency business. This Department has not carried out an assessment on the quality of apprenticeships that last for six of the impact on the UK of SCF programmes in other months or less. [64563] member states.

Mr Hayes [holding answer 7 July 2011]: I have regular Business: Finance meetings with both the chief executive officers of the Skills Funding Agency and the National Apprenticeship Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Service (NAS) where a range of quality and delivery for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will assess the issues are discussed. merits of providing supply chain financing for (a) The Specification of Apprenticeships Standards in public and (b) large private companies. [64515] England (SASE), introduced in March 2011, sets out the requirements for apprenticeships and the NAS are Mr Prisk: In addition to the commitment in the working closely with sector skills councils, colleges and Coalition Agreement to foster diversity in financial providers to manage its implementation. While there is services, we have highlighted the potential of supply no set minimum duration for an apprenticeship, as it chain financing in the Plan for Growth, published alongside depends on the apprentice’s individual abilities and Budget 2011. I have also met businesses and providers prior experience, we would generally expect an intermediate to discuss their experiences of supply chain financing. level apprenticeship to take about one year to complete. We are committed to increasing the awareness and This will allow the apprentice not only to achieve the understanding of a diverse range of finance forms, relevant qualifications, but also to demonstrate their including supply chain finance, in both the public and competence in the job role. private sectors. Where a current delivery model falls short of the Business: Government Assistance SASE, the Skills Funding Agency will work with the training provider or college to support them to change their delivery model to one that fully meets the requirements. Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Where the delivery model cannot be adapted NAS and Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department the agency we will remove our support for the apprenticeship is taking to assist family-run businesses. [64415] programme and cease funding. Mr Prisk [holding answer 7 July 2011]: Officials meet regularly with the Institute for Family Business (IFB) to Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia gain an appreciation of the particular issues which these businesses face. We will continue to work with Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for others to look at ways to encourage the growth and Business, Innovation and Skills what representations development of family businesses, including ensuring his Department has received from other Government that information specific to their needs is included on Departments regarding arms export licences to Saudi the Business Link website: Arabia. [64828] http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home 173W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 174W

Business: Loans Departmental Carbon Emissions

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his to increase the number of companies eligible for the Department has any plans to generate low-carbon Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme. [64514] energy from its estate. [63321]

Mr Prisk: The Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) Mr Davey: The Department currently generates was introduced in January 2009, with a broader eligibility approximately 2,000 kWh per annum of low carbon than the Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFLG) which it energy from its estate. This is generated through 22m2 replaced. It has assisted 15,000 businesses who have of photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on the roof of the been offered a total of £1.5 billion. headquarters building, 1-19 Victoria street in London. EFG supports loans to viable businesses with an A feasibility study was conducted in 2006 into whether annual turnover of up to £25 million seeking loans wind turbines could be installed on the roof of 1 Victoria between £1,000 and £1 million, and is available to street. The conclusion was that the wind speed was not businesses in most business sectors. However, EFG is sufficient to generate enough energy and planning subject to certain sector restrictions arising from the permission was unlikely to be granted. EU de minimis State Aid rules, the Industrial Development Connection to the proposed Whitehall and Pimlico Act 1982 (which provides the statutory basis for EFG) Combined Heat and Power scheme has been investigated and also for national policy reasons. A list of the main as an option to supply 1 Victoria street’s heating demands. sector restrictions is provided on the EFG Business This is dependent on the economic viability of connecting Sectors page of the BIS website. the two schemes together. The operation of the EFG is kept under review, but at this time, we have no plans to change its eligibility Departmental Responsibilities criteria. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Careers Service: Manpower Innovation and Skills on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. Member of each political Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for party has been refused by (a) a Minister in his Department Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has directly and (b) his Department on behalf of a Minister made of the number of staff who will work for the new since May 2010. [64438] careers service in England in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15; and if he will make a statement. Mr Davey: We do not retain details of meetings that [63596] have been declined.

Mr Hayes: The Skills Funding Agency which administers Direct Selling: Regulation the current Next Step service estimates that the new service will be delivered by approximately 4,200 advisers Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for in the first year of its operation. This estimate is based Business, Innovation and Skills which bodies are on the number of Customer Record Management licences responsible for the regulation of products that are currently in force for the Next Step face to face service marketed through direct selling. [64726] channel and the number of advisers employed in the Next Step and Connexions Direct contact centres. Mr Davey: Where, due to their nature, the properties of products are subject to product specific regulations, those Davenham Trust products are subject to the same regulations irrespective of the means by which they are marketed. Similarly, Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for consumers enjoy the same basic rights irrespective of Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has received how goods are marketed, for example under the Consumer any representations on the insolvency of Davenham Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Trust Ltd. [64943] However, the Cancellation of Contracts made in a Mr Davey: The Insolvency Service has not received Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regulations any representations about Davenham Trust Ltd which 2008 and the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) according to Companies House is not in a formal Regulations 2000 provide extra protection in relation to insolvency process. the supply of goods and services marketed by direct means. These cover, among other things, doorstep selling, Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for sales over the internet, or sales over the telephone. Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has received These regulations are enforced by local authority any representations on the financial relationship trading standards officers and the Office of Fair Trading. between the Royal Bank of Scotland and Davenham Trust Ltd; and if he will make a statement. [64944] Economic Growth: EC Action

Mr Davey: The Secretary of State for Business, Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has for Twickenham (Vince Cable), has received no made of the initiatives brought forward by the European representations regarding Davenham Trust Ltd or its Commission in those areas identified by the Government financial relationship with Royal Bank of Scotland. as priorities for EU growth. [64883] 175W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 176W

Mr Davey: The Government have identified the following GHK Consultancy. Programme effectiveness has been areas as priorities for EU growth: completing the single assessed on a quarterly basis by RCUK in the form of market; trade liberalisation; reducing costs of doing reports against key performance indicators, business and promoting innovation. A summary assessment A recent National Audit Office Report (Educating of all four areas is contained in the UK Government the Next Generation of Scientists) highlighted the impact publication “Let’s choose growth” published on 31 of the Researchers in Residence scheme on increasing March this year. the percentage of pupils scoring grades A-C in A Level Further assessment is contained in the following Mathematics in participating schools. publications: “UK Government response to the European RCUK is working closely with this Department, the Commission Consultation to the Single Market Act” Department for Education, Science, Technology, (February 2011); “Trade and Investment White Paper” Engineering and Mathematics Network (STEMNET) (February 2011) and a series of 18 analytical supporting and other partner organisations, to explore how best to papers (publication ongoing); “Blueprint for Technology” deliver effective programmes which allow researchers to (2010); and “Reducing Regulation made simple”(December increasingly engage with schools. 2010). These publications are available from the Libraries of Employment: Legislation the House. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State Business, Innovation and Skills what reviews into for Business, Innovation and Skills what actions the employment law are currently being conducted; and Government is taking at EU level to stimulate growth when each will report. [64884] by (a) strengthening the single market, with an emphasis on services and the digital economy, (b) reducing the overall Mr Davey: The employment law review being burden of regulation and (c) promoting free, fair and co-ordinated by the Department is the cross-Government open trade with countries outside the EU. [64885] review of employment-related law to which all Departments which impose requirements on employers are contributing. In May, we announced the next set of priority areas Mr Davey: On 18 March the Prime Minister and under consideration during this Parliament. The eight other EU Prime Ministers wrote to Presidents Van Government gives regular updates on the review. Rompuy and Barroso calling on the EU to focus its efforts on delivering growth. The signatories were the In addition, employment-related law will be the subject Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Poland, of the Red Tape Challenge spotlight in September. Lithuania, and Latvia. English Language On 31 March the UK Government published “Let’s Choose Growth”, which set out the UK’s strategy for creating the conditions necessary for growth within the Jon Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for EU. Priority areas identified are: completing the single Business, Innovation and Skills (1) pursuant to the market; unlocking the benefits of trade; reducing the answer of 28 June 2011, Official Report, column 724W, costs of doing business and; promoting innovation. on English language: Leicester, how many adult learners Government Ministers and the Foreign and in (a) Leicester South constituency and (b) Leicester Commonwealth Office have actively promoted these local authority area are eligible for a level of fee remission messages with counterparts throughout the EU. for English for Speakers of Other Languages courses; and how many of these will cease to be eligible after the The Prime Minister has advocated EU growth policies introduction of his proposed changes; [63637] at European Councils, as he made clear in his statement (2) what assessment he has made of the level of Official Report to the House on 27 June 2011, , columns demand for English for speakers of other languages 615-17. In order to take this work forward, on 6 July I courses in (a) Leicester South constituency and (b) hosted a ministerial meeting attended by signatories to the Leicester local authority area; [63638] the 18 March letter as well as Ireland, Malta, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. We had a very useful (3) what estimate he has made of the change in the discussion on microeconomic policies and from this number of women from black, Asian and minority officials will be following up on a number of agreed ethnic communities who will enter employment as a actions in Europe. result of the planned reduction in funding for English for Speakers of Other Languages courses; [63640] The publications referred to in this response are available from the Libraries of the House. (4) when he expects to publish the equality impact assessment for his planned changes to the funding for English for Speakers of Other Languages courses; Education: Research [63711] (5) how many and what proportion of learners who Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for are in receipt of fee remission for English for speakers Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment of other languages courses also receive active benefits his Department has made of the effectiveness of the in (a) Leicester South constituency and (b) the Researchers in Residence scheme. [65098] Leicester local authority area; [63776] (6) what his estimate is of the effect on the number of Mr Willetts: The Researchers in Residence scheme, adult and community education jobs of the reduction run by Research Councils UK (RCUK), has been externally in funding for English for speakers of other languages evaluated every three years. In 2009 it was evaluated by courses. [63804] 177W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 178W

Mr Hayes: The following table shows adult (19+) Mr Hayes [holding answer 5 July 2011]: The Equality English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Impact Assessment published alongside Skills for participation in Leicester local education authority and Sustainable Growth (November 2010) found that, at the Leicester South constituency for 2009/10, the latest year aggregate level, there are unlikely to be disproportionate for which full year data are available. impacts on protected groups. A separate assessment of Adult (19+) ESOL participation by geography, 2009/10 how the changes may affect English Speakers of Other Number Languages (ESOL) learners is currently being carried out by the Department and will be published before Leicester local education authority 5,140 summer recess. Leicester South constituency 1,780 Notes: Jon Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Geographic information is based upon the home postcode of the Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what estimate he has learner. made of the number of people employed in teaching 3. Age is based on age at the start of the academic year. English for speakers of other languages courses; what Source: estimate he has made of the likely number so employed Individualised Learner Record after the implementation of his proposed funding changes; The Government currently provide 50% fee remission and if he will make a statement; [64308] for all learners in England participating in ESOL who (2) how many representations he has received (a) in are eligible for public funded skills provision. Those on support of and (b) in opposition to his proposed income based-benefits are eligible for full fee remission. changes to the funding of English for speakers of other From August 2011, where English language skills languages courses; [64309] have been identified as a barrier to entering employment, full Government funding will be provided for ESOL to (3) what research his Department has (a) commissioned unemployed people in receipt of jobseekers allowance and (b) evaluated on the number of households requiring or in the employment and support allowance (Work-Related English for speakers of other languages courses; and if Activity) Group. We will also continue to pay 50% of he will publish any such research; [64310] ESOL course fees for people who are settled here. We (4) on what date his Department commenced work will no longer fund ESOL courses delivered in the on the equality impact assessment in respect of its workplace. proposed changes to funding for English for speakers This Department does not make estimates of the of other languages courses; [64311] demand for courses. Further education (FE) colleges (5) what assessment he has made of the average and training providers are responsible for meeting the household income of those with English for speakers needs of their local community, and increased freedoms of other language needs; [64548] and flexibilities that we have introduced will help them (6) what assessment he has made of the impact on respond and determine within their funding where this school children of access by their parents to English for is prioritised. speakers of other language courses; [64550] An assessment of how the changes announced in (7) what research his Department has conducted into Skills for Sustainable Growth may affect ESOL learners the level of disposable income available to families with is currently being carried out by this Department. I English for speakers of other language needs. [64551] expect to be able to publish this before summer recess. We do not directly record what type of benefits Mr Willetts: Since the publication of “Skills for people are receiving when they take up training. We do, Sustainable Growth”, a large number of organisations however, collect information on why a learner has received and individuals have made representations to this fee remission for any learning they undertake. From Department about the impact of our proposals for these data we can provide some information on claimants English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). Between but, this should be used with caution given it does not 1 January and 31 May, over 1,200 pieces of correspondence provide an accurate picture of the full range of benefit were received, and the Minister for Further Education, entitlements that a person has. Using the fees waived Skills and Lifelong Learning, my hon. Friend the Member field in the individual learner record we can say for the for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes), 2009/10 academic year that 4,800 ESOL enrolments for discussed ESOL in person with a number of hon. adult (19+) learners in Leicester local education authority Members, further education (FE) bodies and interested and 1,700 ESOL enrolments for adult (19+) learners in groups. Leicester South constituency received fee remission as the learner was in receipt of an income-related benefit. An assessment of the impact of the changes announced This Department does not make estimates of the in “Skills for Sustainable Growth” on ESOL learners effect of policy changes on FE jobs. As autonomous was agreed in principle in November 2010 and formally bodies, it is for FE colleges and training providers to commissioned in February 2011. The assessment will be make staffing decisions based on their business need. published before the summer recess. This Department has made no estimate of the effect English Language: Education of policy changes on employment in the FE sector since, as autonomous bodies, it is for FE colleges and Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for other training providers to make staffing decisions based Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has on their business needs. Neither has this Department made of the effects of the reduction in fee support for estimated the demand for specific courses. National English classes for speakers of other languages on the Statistics on FE participation and achievement are published number of people taking such courses. [63949] quarterly. 179W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 180W

Likewise, this Department has made no specific UK Trade and Investment and human rights colleagues assessment of the impact on school children of their in the British embassy in Bogota work closely together parents’ access to ESOL courses and has not undertaken on these issues. They are also working with Colombian any research into household income or the level of business organisations to adapt the international guiding disposable income available to families with ESOL needs. principles on business and human rights to a Colombian Attitudes and views from both learners and non-learners context, and so help businesses create policies to ensure were, however, examined by the 2005 National Adult they are adhered to. The outcome will be made available Learners Survey. This showed that difficulty in paying to British businesses once finalised. course fees was only cited by 21% of respondents (21% Colombia passed the historic Land and Victims Law of learners and 18% of non-learners) as an obstacle to on 11 June 2011. It aims to provide compensation to learning. victims of Colombia’s internal armed conflict and to Analysis of the income levels of Level 2 and Level 3 restitute land to those who have been forcibly displaced. learners in the FE sector was also undertaken using The land reform initiative should have a positive impact data drawn from the Labour Force Survey, Apprenticeship on the human rights agenda. We support British companies Pay Survey and the Prior Qualifications Survey. For involved in land issues in Colombia provided they follow work-based learning, around two-thirds of learners were the agreed processes and international standards. in the bottom two income quintiles (ie earning below £17,000 per year), and for college-based learning around Further Education four-fifths of those who were working were in the bottom two income quintiles. The analysis did not explicitly cover either Skills for Life (SfL) or ESOL Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for learners, as it was done to assess the impact of changes Business, Innovation and Skills what recent to age and qualification-related entitlements which were representations he has received from further education announced in the November 2010 Skills for Sustainable colleges on the provision and accreditation of degree Growth and Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth. courses. [63622] We are currently conducting a new survey of incomes of FE sector learners which will include SfL and ESOL Mr Willetts: The Secretary of State for Business, learners. Results from this survey should be available by Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for the end of this year. Twickenham (Vince Cable) and I have received a substantial number of recent representations from further education colleges on their provision of degree courses. The Higher Environment Protection Education White Paper sets out our proposals to improve the provision of degree courses in further education colleges. This includes allowing further education colleges Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State and other providers who combine good quality with for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has value for money to bid for a flexible margin of 20,000 for the engagement of (a) women and (b) Black and student places in 2012/13 and changes to degree-awarding Asian minority ethnic groups in developing skills for powers that are likely to increase the range of validating low-carbon energy technologies. [65411] institutions, giving greater choice for further education colleges. Mr Willetts: Colleges will have the freedom to respond to demands from all employers and learners, delivering the skills that an increasingly dynamic economy needs. Green Investment Bank: Location That includes skills in the low carbon energy sector. We have no plans to offer special support to any specific David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for group in skills for low carbon technologies. Business, Innovation and Skills (1) for what reasons capital costs have not been included in the selection criteria for the location of the Green Investment Bank; Export Development Credits: Colombia [64451] (2) what relative weighting is accorded to operational Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for costs in the selection criteria for the location for the Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Green Investment Bank; [64452] to ensure that his Department’s support for UK businesses in Colombia does not (a) adversely affect (3) which aspects of the selection criteria for a the human rights situation in that country and (b) location for the Green Investment Bank are location- dependent; and what relative weighting is applied to support activities requiring land use. [64101] each of these aspects; [64453] Mr Prisk: The UK Government are committed to (4) which skills he has identified as being most promoting respect for human rights among UK companies necessary in the local workforce for the Green operating anywhere overseas. We stand ready to help Investment Bank; what work his Department is doing British firms with advice on their political and reputational to identify those areas of the country with high levels risk management. of these skills; and if he will make a statement; [64527] The UK Government are committed to the OECD (5) at what point London, Edinburgh and Bristol Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the United were selected as contender cities to host the Green Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Investment Bank; which other locations he considered; Rights. We encourage all British companies to observe and for what reasons each of these was rejected as a these international standards. potential location. [64528] 181W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 182W

Mr Prisk: The sighting of the Green Investment Mr Willetts: The impact assessment of the proposals Bank will need to ensure it provides easy access to deep in the Higher Education White Paper can be found on pools of talent with the necessary ‘green’ and financial our website. This includes modelling on the potential services skills. effect of proposals on different types of institutions. The Government’s document “Update on the design of the Green Investment Bank” identified a number of Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, criteria for the decision on location. One of these criteria Innovation and Skills how many representations he has was commercial costs, which includes capital costs. The received in favour of amending the process of gaining bank’s location will be decided after state aid approval (a) a university title and (b) degree awarding powers. has been given and a decision on the relative weighting [65087] of each criterion will be made in due course. In the meantime, Ministers will consider all submitted Mr Willetts: The Secretary of State for Business, business cases for the bank’s location. To date, London, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member Edinburgh and Bristol have each made representations for Twickenham (Vince Cable), and I have received a to host the bank. number of representations from a range of organisations in favour of amending the process on university title and degree awarding powers. The Higher Education Higher Education White Paper sets out our proposals in these areas and the forthcoming regulatory framework consultation will explore these proposals in more detail and seek further Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for views. Business, Innovation and Skills how many representations he has received in support of making it Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for easier for higher education institutions to change their Business, Innovation and Skills how many higher legal status in the last six months for which information education institutions have contacted his Department is available; and if he will make a statement. [64045] regarding the possibility of their ceasing to be public institutions in the last 12 months. [65099] Mr Willetts: I have received a number of representations leading up to the Higher Education White Paper on Mr Willetts: No institutions have contacted the possible barriers faced by new providers wishing to Department in this way. enter the market and by institutions seeking to expand, including around legal status. The forthcoming regulatory framework consultation Higher Education: Admissions will explore whether there is a need for legislative change in order to make to process of changing legal status easier. Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what administrative or other support he has made available to the Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Government’s Advocate for Access to Education; and Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has what estimate he has made of the cost of such support. made of the change in the proportion of young people [64448] entering higher education from disadvantaged areas between May 1997 and April 2010; and if he will make Mr Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation a statement. [64046] and Skills agreed to provide a limited amount of administrative support because of the natural synergies Mr Willetts: In January 2010 the Higher Education between the Advocate for Access to Education work Funding Council for England (HEFCE) published “Trends and Higher Education policy. The Department provided in young participation in higher education: core results him with a desk and a phone line at no additional cost for England”. In the mid-1990s the young participation to the Department as this was available within our rate for these disadvantaged areas was on average 13%. normal capacity. He was assigned the services of two The equivalent figure for the 2009-10 entry cohort was BIS officials—one part time and one full time—who 19%. Disadvantaged areas reflect that quintile of wards were between permanent roles within the Department, with traditionally the lowest recorded rates of young the approximate employment costs for whom were £28,000 participation. (1.0) and £14,500 (0.5) respectively. He was also assigned A copy of the full HEFCE report can be found at the two members of Department for Education staff (Grade 7 following website: and EO both 0.4 pro rata) during the busiest period. http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2010/10_03/ Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for This data covers the cohorts of young people from Business, Innovation and Skills if he will publish the 1994/95 to 2009/10. access agreements between the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) and individual higher education institutions Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for made in the most recent year available; which higher Business, Innovation and Skills what modelling has education institutions have had plans rejected by been carried out by his Department to assess the likely OFFA; and what changes OFFA has sought in the effect of proposals in the Higher Education White plans of each such higher education institution which Paper on existing courses and institutions. [64946] has submitted plans. [64492] 183W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 184W

Mr Willetts [holding answer 7 July 2011]: The director support OFFA in its work—so that it can go further of Fair Access is independent. The submission of draft and faster to drive fair access and widen participation. access agreements and the subsequent discussions with higher education institutions are a matter for the director Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for of Office for Fair Access (OFFA). Once approved by Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to the director, all access agreements are published on the allow the Office for Fair Access to fine universities for website of the Office for Fair Access at: not achieving widening participation benchmarks; and http://www.offa.org.uk/access-agreements/ if he will make a statement. [64495] The director has said he intends to announce the outcome of the process of approving access agreements Mr Willetts [holding answer 7 July 2011]: The Director for 2012/13 on 12 July 2011. of Fair Access has a range of sanctions available to use against any institution that is not meeting the terms of Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for its Access Agreement. Business, Innovation and Skills what representations he The major sanction available is not to approve or has received from the Government’s Advocate for Access renew an Access Agreement. This would remove the to Education on the access agreements of individual institution’s right to charge its students above the basic higher education institutions; and which institutions level. The Director of Fair Access may also impose a have been the subject of such representations. [64493] fine (via the Higher Education Funding Council for England) of up to £500,000, or require restitution if Mr Willetts [holding answer 7 July 2011]: The submission students have been disadvantaged or commitments have of draft access agreements and the subsequent discussions not been honoured. with higher education institutions are a matter for the The recent White Paper on Higher Education set out director of Fair Access, who is independent of Government. our plans to strengthen the Office for Fair Access Once approved by the director, all access agreements are (OFFA), and we have asked the new Director to advise published on the website of the Office for Fair Access us on whether OFFA’s current powers are the right at: ones to achieve its statutory goals and to report to us http://www.offa.org.uk/access-agreements/ this autumn about further sanctions and powers to Simon Hughes has now completed his term as the support OFFA in its work—so that it can go further Government’s Advocate for Access to Education. He and faster to drive fair access and widen participation. will shortly be presenting his final report to the Prime Minister and it making it public. Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to which hon. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Members his Department has supplied copies of Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to university access agreements and proposed agreements allow the Office for Fair Access to reduce the total since May 2010; and what the status was of the relevant number of students studying at a university that is not educational institution in each case. [64512] achieving widening participation benchmarks; and if he will make a statement. [64494] Mr Willetts: The Director of Fair Access is independent of Government. The submission of draft access agreements Mr Willetts [holding answer 7 July 2011]: The powers and the subsequent discussions with higher education of the Director of Fair Access were established by the institutions are a matter for the director. Once approved Higher Education Act 2004 and do not include the by the director, all access agreements are published on power to control or reduce student numbers. the website of the Office for Fair Access at: Every institution that intends to charge more than http://www.offa.org.uk/access-agreements/ £6,000 for its courses must have an Access Agreement approved by the Director of Fair Access. Without an Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for approved Access Agreement the institution cannot charge Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to more than the basic level of £6,000 from 2012/13. publish the contextual data used by individual higher The Director of Fair Access has a range of sanctions education institutions in admissions decisions as set available to use against any institution that is not meeting out in paragraph 5.18 of the Higher Education White the terms of its Access Agreement. Paper. [64520] The major sanction available is not to approve or renew an Access Agreement. This would remove the Mr Willetts: We have no plans to publish the contextual institution’s right to charge its students above the basic data used by universities. level. The Director of Fair Access may also impose a Universities are responsible for their own admissions fine (via the Higher Education Funding Council for policies and decisions. Whether to use such information England) of up to £500,000, or require restitution if is up to each university, as they will be best placed to students have been disadvantaged or commitments have decide on the information that will help to identify the not been honoured. candidates with the talent and potential to succeed at The recent White Paper on Higher Education set out that institution or on a particular course. The Government our plans to strengthen the Office for Fair Access believe that the use of such data is a valid and appropriate (OFFA), and we have asked the new Director to advise way for institutions to broaden access while maintaining us on whether OFFA’s current powers are the right excellence, so long as individuals are considered on ones to achieve its statutory goals and to report to us their merits, and institutions’ procedures are fair, transparent this autumn about further sanctions and powers to and evidence-based. 185W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 186W

Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government believe that the use of contextual Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to data is a valid and appropriate way for institutions to promote the allocation of university places for students broaden access while maintaining excellence, so long as with non-graduate parents. [64521] individuals are considered on their merits, and institutions’ procedures are fair, transparent and evidence based. Mr Willetts: The Government have been very clear about the importance of widening participation and Higher Education: Environment Protection improving fair access in higher education. We are establishing a new framework, with increased responsibility Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State on universities to widen participation, and greater for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent Government investment in improving attainment and discussions his Department has had with universities access for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. on the research and development of low-carbon energy Higher education institutions will deliver a range of technologies. [65412] outreach activities as part of their access agreements, agreed with the Office for Fair Access, and their widening Mr Willetts: The Department for Business Innovation participation strategic assessments, agreed with the Higher and Skills does not directly provide universities with Education Funding Council for England. funding for research into low-carbon energy technologies. However, the Department provides funding to the Research Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Councils, Higher Education Funding Council for England Business, Innovation and Skills what factors underlay (HEFCE) and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), his decision to ask for advice in the autumn on the first which provide a range of support to universities. round of approvals of new Access Agreements set out The Research Councils UK Energy Programme is an in paragraph 5.25 of the Higher Education White ongoing investment in research and postgraduate training. Paper; and whether such advice has been asked for in The programme supports a full spectrum of energy the past on the basis set out in the White Paper. [64523] research to help the UK meet its energy and environmental targets and to ensure a secure, affordable, sustainable Mr Willetts: Ministers at the Department for Business, energy supply for all. Innovation and Skills wrote to the Director of Fair Representatives from this Department and TSB attend Access on 10 February 2011 setting out the Government’s the meetings of the Energy Programme Scientific Advisory expectations about how he should approach the approval Committee (SAC). The membership of the SAC includes and monitoring of new Access Agreements. The guidance representatives from universities. set out significantly increased expectations for the priority that institutions should give to fair access and widening Higher Education: Pay participation. We have made clear that we expect there to be a strengthened process for agreeing the level of Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for investment each institution should make in activities to Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made improve access, linked to progress being made and an assessment of the potential effects on pay and distance to travel to achieve published measures. conditions for academic staff of price competition In that letter we asked the Director for his formal between public and private sector providers of higher Access Agreement monitoring outcome report to analyse education. [64762] and comment on institutions’ performance against their own benchmarks, measures and targets, and how these Mr Willetts: Higher education institutions are private become more ambitious in relation to how much above sector organisations. All providers of higher education the basic level an institution intends to charge. We also are responsible themselves for determining the pay and asked him to report to Government on his experiences conditions of their staff, as such the Government have of approving Access Agreements and how well institutions made no such assessment. Institutions which currently have been able to respond to these new arrangements, receive public funding often compete for the best staff including any additional powers or requirements that nationally and internationally, and with the other may be needed in order to secure rapid progress. In the professions. longer term we will also discuss these issues with the new Director. Higher Education: Private Sector

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation and Skills what recent representations he Business, Innovation and Skills on what dates the Minister has received on the use of contextual data in the university for Universities and Science has met representatives of admissions process; and if he will make a statement. (a) Kaplan UK, (b) Kaplan Europe and (c) Apollo [64773] Group International since his appointment. [64480]

Mr Willetts: My ministerial colleagues and I regularly Mr Willetts: I met with representatives of Apollo meet with stakeholders and receive letters on the use of Group on 10 May 2011. I attended an event where a contextual data in the university admissions process. In representative of Kaplan Europe was present on 3 May recent months, the subject has been raised at meetings 2011 and an event where a representative of Kaplan with the Office for Fair Access, the Sutton Trust, Universities UK was present on 17 May 2011. UK and university mission groups. We have also received A quarterly-updated list of all BIS ministerial meetings written representations from a number of Members of with external organisations is also available at: both Houses, private individuals and representative bodies. http://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/disclosure-ministerial- Those representations encompass a range of opinion. hospitality-received-department-for-business 187W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 188W

Higher Education: Public Expenditure Mr Willetts: The Higher Education White Paper published on 30 June proposes a single, transparent Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for regulatory framework with which all providers in the Business, Innovation and Skills how much was higher education system will need to comply if they allocated by the Higher Education Funding Council wish to benefit from public funding. The purpose is to for England for the purposes of widening participation create a level playing field for all providers while maintaining in each of the last three years; how much he expects it high quality and academic standards in all higher education to allocate for such purposes in each year of the provision. We will consult in the summer on detailed comprehensive spending review period; and if he will proposals for the future regulatory framework. make a statement. [64047] Insolvency Mr Willetts: The following table contains the funding allocated by HEFCE over the past three years. Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has £ million to nearest whole number made of the effects on (a) the viability of businesses 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 and (b) levels of employment of requiring suppliers to Aimhigher and 84 89 87 continue to supply companies in administration. Aimhigher [64831] Associates Additional HE 12—Mr Davey: The Government are currently considering summer schools the case for updating Section 233 of the Insolvency Act Widening 110 141 143 1986 and the wider issue of termination clauses. My participation officials at The Insolvency Service are meeting with allocation stakeholders to hear their views and to gauge an initial The Government have been very clear about the view of the merits of such a change, including an initial importance of widening participation and improving assessment of the costs and benefits. Further detailed fair access in higher education. We are establishing a quantifiable evidence will be required if this issue is new framework, with increased responsibility on universities taken forward. to widen participation; and greater Government investment in improving attainment and access for young people Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for from disadvantaged backgrounds. Higher education Business, Innovation and Skills what organisations he Institutions (HEIs) will deliver a range of outreach has met to discuss termination clauses in insolvency activities as part of their access agreements, agreed with cases since the written ministerial statement of 11 May the Office for Fair Access, and their widening participation 2011, Official Report, column 37WS, on a company strategic assessments, agreed with the Higher Education voluntary arrangement moratorium. [64882] Funding Council for England. Mr Davey: Officials have met various representative The future role of the current Widening Participation stakeholder groups to discuss the responses contained Allocation will be considered as part of HEFCE’s in the Restructuring Moratorium Consultation response consultation on the use of the teaching grant to ensure document. These discussions included the topic of that it supports successful widening participation activity termination clauses in respect of the moratorium and in the future, and the Government have already made other insolvency procedures. The organisations they clear that this remains a priority. have met are the British Bankers Association, the City The Government are investing in the new National of London Law Society (Financial Law Committee), Scholarship programme, providing funding for the R3 (Association of Business Recovery Professionals), programme with £50 million in the first year (2012/13), Ernst and Young LLP and the Insolvency Lawyers’ rising to £100 million in 2013/14 and £150 million a year Association. Further meetings are scheduled to take from 2014/15. This funding will be allocated by HEFCE. place with the City of London Law Society (Insolvency Institutions will be expected to match fund Government’s Law Committee) and the Association for Financial contribution. Markets in Europe. In addition, every institution that intends to charge more than £6,000 for its courses must have an Access Labour Migration Agreement approved by the Director of Fair Access. Access Agreements are plans drawn up by institutions setting out how they will promote access to higher Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for education from under-represented groups and the Business, Innovation and Skills what research his investment they will make in outreach and other access Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated activities. on the performance of migrants in the labour market in the last five years. [64458] Higher Education: Standards Mr Davey: In the last five years the Department for Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has not commissioned Business, Innovation and Skills what evidence he has or evaluated the performance of migrants in the labour (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effects of market. relaxing regulations governing providers’ access to However, the Government have asked the Migration student loans and university accreditation on the Advisory Committee (MAC) to advise it on migration quality of higher education. [64761] matters. As a part of its work the MAC has published 189W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 190W reports that describe the performance of migrants in Spend the UK labour market. The MAC’S reports are available on its website: 2010/11 472,003 http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/workingwithus/ Total 1,530,46 indbodies/mac/reports-publications/ National Income: Pakistan (b) Rail Union Learning 2004/05 649,062 Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State 2005/06 665,972 for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate 2006/07 607,694 the total contribution to the economy of Pakistan of 2007/08 817,639 net exports, investment and aid from the UK as a Total 2,740,367 proportion of that country’s GDP. [63610] (c) RMT National Education Centre Mr Prisk: UK exports of goods and services to Pakistan were worth £852 million in 2009 (corresponding The TUC do not provide any direct resources for to about 0.8% of Pakistan’s GDP), while UK imports RMT education. This is funded by the union. from Pakistan were worth £1,068 million (about 1.0%). Projects supported under the Union learning Fund The stock of UK foreign direct investment in Pakistan (ULF) have objectives specifically aimed at widening at the end of 2009 was worth about £1,164 million participation in learning: Skills for Life, social inclusion (corresponding to about 1.1% of Pakistan’s GDP). The and equal opportunities and improving access to learning. total figure for Overseas Development Aid (including Unions and other ULRs play a significant role to work that for multilateral institutions in Pakistan) is £233.7 effectively with employers, employees and learning providers million (or about 0.22%% of Pakistan’s GDP). in helping adults, particularly those who are poorly qualified and with no background in continuing their National Union of Rail Maritime and Transport education, to become engaged and more confident with Workers learning and improve their skills.

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, New Businesses Innovation and Skills what the cost to the public purse was of funding provided by his Department to (a) Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for RMT Learning, (b) Rail Union Learning and (c) the Business, Innovation and Skills how many small and RMT National Education Centre in each of the last 10 medium-sized enterprise start-ups there were in (a) years. [64723] Yo rk , (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) England in each year since 2005. [65677] Mr Willetts: The Government currently provide £21.5 million (via an annual grant agreement) to support the Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply. Union Learning Fund (ULF) and unionlearn. Since April 2007 the fund has been managed and administered The information requested falls within the responsibility by unionlearn, the TUC’s learning and skills organisation of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority under an agreement with the Department which directs to reply. the level and type of training that should be supported Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011: by the fund. Detailed information on allocation of As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I funds to trade unions and cost of courses supported by have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question ULF is not held centrally by the Department. However, asking how many small and medium-sized enterprise start-ups TUC records indicate spend as follows: there were in (a) York, (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) England in each year since 2005. [65677] Spend Statistics on the number of enterprise births each year are available from the ONS release on Business Demography at: (a) RMT Learning www.statistics.gov.uk 2000/01 9,864 The table below contains the latest statistics available, which give 2001/02 40,300 the number of enterprise births by employment size in (a) York, 2003/04 168,641 (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) England in each year since 2008/09 347,257 2005. Information relating to 2010 will be available following 2009/10 492,401 release of the latest Business Demography publication in December 2011.

Enterprises births in York unitary authority, Yorkshire and the Humber region and England, from 2005 to 2009 York unitary authority Yorkshire and the Humber England 0to49 50to250 0to49 50to250 0to49 50to250 (Small) (Medium) (Small) (Medium) (Small) (Medium)

2005 765 0 19,885 35 241,015 325 2006 660 0 18,515 35 224,770 285 2007 700 0 20,355 25 246,335 295 2008 735 0 18,650 20 236,050 245 2009 570 0 16,975 30 208,755 230 191W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 192W

Office for Fair Access: Finance The regional allocations to support delivery of the face to face element of the service in 2011-12 are as Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for follows: Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for the budget of the Office for Fair Access in each of the Region Core (£) next three years; and if he will make a statement. East Midlands 3,504,037 [64496] East of England 4,997,217 London 8,659,289 Mr Willetts [holding answer 7 July 2011]: In the North East 1,393,546 financial year 2010/11 the Office of Fair Access (OFFA) North West 5,780,900 baseline budget was £484,000, We have agreed in the South East 6,900,888 course of this year (2011/12) to increase this to £630,000 South West 3,362,101 and have said to the director that we will keep under West Midlands 2,705,739 review his needs for resources. Yorkshire and The Humber 3,946,226 The Government have committed through the recent Total 41,249,942 Higher Education White Paper to strengthen OFFA, so that it can provide more active and energetic challenge St George’s Property Services London and support to universities and colleges. We will want to work with the director on the size and structure of Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for OFFA but will make significantly more resources available, Business, Innovation and Skills if he will examine the increasing capacity up to around four times its original circumstances surrounding the appointment of Paul level. Clark and David Whitehouse as administrators of St For any university wanting to charge more than George’s Property Service London Ltd. [64945] £6,000, the Government issued, in February, new and strengthened guidance to the director of fair access Mr Davey: Neither the Secretary of State for Business, asking the director to review access agreements annually Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member rather than every five years as at present. for Twickenham (Vince Cable), nor I have the authority to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Regional Growth Fund: West Midlands appointment of the administrators. The administrators act under the supervision of the court and issues associated with their appointment and subsequent actions have Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State been the subject of judicial consideration. The Chancellor for Business, Innovation and Skills how many bids to of the High Court in his judgment on appeal delivered the regional growth fund from the west midlands were on 14 October 2010 set aside an order to remove the unsuccessful in the first round. [63759] administrators. With regard to the general conduct of the administrators, Mr Prisk [holding answer 6 July 2011]: 66 bids from any concerns would be for the consideration of the the west midlands were unsuccessful in round 1 of the regulatory body responsible for authorising the Regional Growth Fund. administrators, in this case the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA). Skills Funding Agency: Public Expenditure Student Loans Company Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding he Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for plans to allocate to the Skills Funding Agency to fund the future of the Student Loans Company; and if he the Government’s new careers service (a) in total and will make a statement. [64044] (b) in each region in each year of the comprehensive spending review period; and if he will make a Mr Willetts: As set out in the Higher Education statement. [64048] White Paper “Students at the heart of the system”, published in June 2011, there will be changes to student Mr Hayes: In “Investing in Skills for Sustainable finance funding flows as the balance of public investment Growth”, the Government announced a budget for shifts from grants to loans. This has implications for information, advice and guidance of £81.016 million in how the Student Loans Company and the Higher 2011-12 and an indicative budget of £84.438 million for Education Funding Council for England work together 2012-13. and they have already begun joint planning for closer The budget will fund the development and running co-operation in the future and to consider any structural costs of the new National Careers Service which will be changes that might be required. Any changes arising launched in April 2012, and development of Lifelong from the White Paper will take into account the service Learning Accounts to be launched in September this which applicants for student finance have a right to expect. year. The web and telephone aspects of the National Careers Service will be delivered nationally. In financial Students: Finance year 2012-13, the Skills Funding Agency expects each region’s allocation for delivery of the face to face element Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, of the service to be broadly similar to those made in the Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 23 May current financial year. 2011, Official Report, column 478W,on students: finance, 193W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 194W through what (a) radio, (b) press and (c) digital An additional budget of £960,000 has recently been outlets the campaign has been provided; and what has approved for a direct mailing to potential students, been the cost of such advertising in each media. [58435] school road shows, additional evaluation and an enhancement to the campaign website. Budgets for 2012-13 expenditure are not yet known. Mr Willetts: I will write to the right hon. Member for Tottenham with details of the radio networks, publications Students: Loans and digital outlets used during the first phase of the higher education information campaign which ran between Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, 9 May and the end of June and a copy will be placed in Innovation and Skills (1) whether his Department’s the Libraries of the House. In total the Department has consultation on potential early repayment mechanisms thus far allocated nearly £2.5 million to its information for student loans applies to sums which have already campaign. The campaign is designed to be proportionate been borrowed but not yet repaid; [65297] while achieving its aim of ensuring that prospective students and their families find out about the full package (2) whether the Government’s consultation on the of support available for access to higher education. introduction of early repayment mechanisms for During the first phase the expected campaign costs on student loans applies only to loans taken out for the the specified media requested, which excludes costs for academic years 2012/13 and beyond. [65298] a youth media partnership including television and Mr Willetts: The potential early repayment mechanisms, other activities, are set out as follows: which are currently the subject of consultation, would (a) radio is expected to cost £257,328. be applied only to student loans provided from academic (b) press advertising is expected to cost £98,801. year 2012/13 onwards as part of the new student finance system. (c) digital is expected to cost £76,291. In addition paid search via digital media is expected to cost £69,322. Student loans provided under the existing income contingent repayment system would not be affected by A further information campaign burst will commence any early repayment mechanism, were one to be introduced. in the autumn alongside other initiatives. Such a system would not apply to either existing loans or those issued in the future to students who started their course prior to September 2012, and who remained Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, eligible for loans under the current system of student finance. Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 13 June 2011, Official Report, column 573W,on students: finance, Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, what expenditure his Department expects to incur on Innovation and Skills what proportion of university advertisements (a) through radio, (b) through television, undergraduates starting courses in autumn 2012 are (c) online and (d) through other media to communicate expected to take out a taxpayer-funded loan if there are student finance arrangements for financial years (i) (a) penalties and (b) no penalties for early repayment. 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13. [60652] [65299]

Mr Willetts: The Department currently assumes that Mr Willetts: Decisions about what expenditure will of the students starting courses in autumn 2012 that are be incurred in 2011-12 by the Department and the eligible to take out a taxpayer-funded fee loan, 90% will Student Loans Company (SLC) will be proportionate do so. and any additional expenditure timed to coincide with The Government are currently consulting on potential those periods when students and their parents/carers early repayment mechanisms. As part of this consultation need information. Account will also be taken of the we are seeking views regarding the potential impact on evaluation of the first phase of campaign activity and, borrowers of the proposed options. in the case of the SLC, application numbers. It is not therefore possible to say how any additional expenditure Thameslink Railway Line: Rolling Stock will be allocated in 2011-12. However, of the £1.475 million allocated to the Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, information campaign, aimed at ensuring potential students Innovation and Skills on what date (a) officials in his and their parents or carers know about the full package Department were, (b) Ministers in his Department of support from 2012, the following sums have been were and (c) he was informed of the outcome of the allocated to date. Information is also supplied covering tender for the Thameslink rolling stock contract. [64749] the expenditure by the SLC for those students considering higher education in 2011: Mr Prisk: Officials in this Department were formally notified late on 14 June 2011 and I and other BIS Expenditure by media covering the 2011-12 financial year Ministers were fully informed of the details of the final £ decision on 15 June 2011. BIS SLC

Radio 257,328 — Thameslink: Contracts TV1 181,025 — Online2 76,291 plus 69,322 27,600 Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Other media 101,951 32,400 Innovation and Skills whether he has had discussions 1 TV: This was a media partnership which provides access to several with the Secretary of State for Transport on the decision media channels including Channel 4 youth oriented TV channels. to award the Thameslink contract to an overseas 2 In addition £69,322 was paid for digital search. consortium. [63730] 195W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 196W

Mr Prisk: Ministers are not allowed to discuss the Mr Davey: Yes. The successful projects from each details of individual bids for contracts before they are round of the Union Modernisation Fund are evaluated awarded. The Invitation to Tender produced in 2008 and the results published to enable others to test innovative specified the evaluation criteria by which bids for the new ideas, to learn what works and to apply these Thameslink contract would be judged. The Secretary of lessons more widely. State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member Evaluation reports for rounds one and two can be for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), and I found on the BIS website as follows: have jointly written to the Prime Minister outlining our http://www.bis.gov.uk/Policies/employment-matters/strategies/ plan for the Growth Review to fully explore the opportunity umf to take a more strategic approach to major public Plans are now being considered for the evaluation of procurement. round three projects when they are completed.

THQ Digital Studios Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding his Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Department provided to each trade union under each Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer round of the Union Modernisation Fund; and for what of 27 June 2011 to the Secretary of State for Culture, purposes each such amount was provided. [64724] Olympics, Media and Sport, Official Report, columns 480-1W, on THQ, what discussions UK Trade and Mr Davey: A list of the trade unions projects supported Investment officials have had with representatives of under Union Modernisation Fund rounds one to three THQ on the closure of its Warrington studios. [64169] will be placed in the Libraries of the House. Further information on all projects can be found on the BIS Mr Prisk [holding answer 6 July 2011]: AUKTrade website as follows: and Investment official met with the Senior Vice President, http://www.bis.gov.uk/Policies/employment-matters/strategies/ European Publishing in Woking on 23 March 2011 and umf more recently met with the Executive Vice President of Working Hours: EU Law Global Publishing in the USA on 8 June 2011. Neither mentioned the closure of the Warrington studios at Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for these meetings. Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) correspondence and (b) meetings (i) Ministers and (ii) senior officials of TUC Education his Department have had with (A) the UK Permanent Representative to the EU and (B) the Department of Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, on revisions to the application of the European Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding his Working Time Directive in the last 12 months. [64181] Department provided to TUC Education in each of the last 10 years. [64725] Mr Davey: Restricting the application of the Working Time Directive in the United Kingdom is a key coalition Mr Willetts: Since April 2010, the Skills Funding commitment and Ministers and officials in this Department Agency has been responsible for funding post-19 further work closely with the office of the UK Permanent education (FE) and skills provision delivered through Representative to the EU and with the Department of FE colleges and training organisations (the Learning Health, and with other interested Departments to achieve and Skills Council (LSC) had this responsibility from this objective. Although formal European negotiations 2001). on a revised directive have yet to begin, Departments Each academic year, FE colleges and training have worked together to ensure UK views on the directive organisations receive a post-19 funding allocation at the are known and understood, in particular by the Commission programme level (for example budgets for adult skills, and other member states. adult safeguarded learning and/or offender learning It would not be practical to record the ongoing, and skills). As funding is not allocated at the learning regular contacts between Departments on these matters. aim level the amount of money spent on TUC learning At ministerial level, in addition to discussions within aims is not reported centrally by the Skills Funding Cabinet Committees, I met my hon. Friend the Minister Agency (or the LSC previously). of State for Health on 14 September 2010; the Secretary From the 2011/12 academic year we have introduced of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right a single adult skills budget. This will provide FE colleges hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable) and training organisations with the flexibility to offer and I met with the Secretary of State for Health, my the range and balance of programmes, from basic skills right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire to higher-level skills, in the mode of delivery that will (Mr Lansley) on 3 May, and the Secretary of State for best meet the needs of learners, employers and communities Health and I will jointly visit Brussels on 13 July to (classroom, workshop, online and in the workplace). meet with Commissioner Andor to discuss Working Time. Union Modernisation Fund TRANSPORT Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Airports Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made a value for money assessment of the use of the funding Mr Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for from the public purse for each round of the Union Transport what recent assessment he has made of the Modernisation Fund. [64722] importance of airports to the economy. [65178] 197W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 198W

Mrs Villiers: As part of the process of developing a Mrs Villiers: Although final decisions have not been sustainable framework for UK aviation, the Department taken, Crossrail Ltd and Network Rail currently envisage for Transport published a scoping document in March retaining/reintroducing toilets at stations where facilities 2011, chapter 2 of which provides information on the already exist (but are not necessarily available for use at economic contribution of the air transport sector. The present) and to provide toilets at stations that are being scoping document provides an opportunity for respondents significantly rebuilt. submit further evidence on how aviation benefits the UK. The scoping document can be found at: http://www2.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2011-09/ Driving: Organised Crime consultationdocument.pdf

Aviation: Safety Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people (a) had their pilot’s licence revoked and (b) were disqualified from driving Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for following a recommendation by the Serious Organised Transport (1) if he will publish the Civil Aviation Crime Agency in each year since 2006. [63722] Authority’s SAFE programme for the evaluation of aircrew fatigue; [64096] Mrs Villiers: The CAA and Driver and Vehicle Licensing (2) how much the Civil Aviation Authority has spent Agency do not hold information on where a Serious on the development of the SAFE programme for the Organised Crime Agency recommendation has led to a evaluation of aircrew fatigue. [64098] licence revocation. Mrs Villiers: The System for Aircrew Fatigue Evaluation (SAFE) was developed by the Civil Aviation Authority East Coast Railway Line: Franchises and QinetiQ. They jointly hold the intellectual property rights. The CAA is currently working with QinetiQ to make the SAFE software available for purchase. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport The overall cost of the development of the SAFE how many bid clarification requests were made by the programme is a matter for the CAA. The hon. Member shortlisted bidders in respect of the Greater Anglia may wish to write to the Chair of the CAA at CAA franchise in the latest period for which figures are House, 45-59 Kingsway London WC2B 6TE. available; and to how many such requests his Department responded within its target time for such responses. Channel Tunnel Railway Line [63631]

Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Villiers: 719 clarification requests were made by Transport what recent assessment he has made of the shortlisted bidders as of 30 June. We undertake to respond expeditiously having regard to the extent and contribution to the economy of High Speed 1. [62649] availability of information requested. We endeavour to Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport, respond to all queries before bids are submitted. We do my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and not state a specific target time to respond but aim for a Weybridge (Mr Hammond), has not made any economic 14 calendar day turnaround for clarification requests assessment for High Speed one in the recent past. for which information is readily available. We achieved However, London and Continental Railway had this on 475 of the requests. commissioned an independent study carried out by Colin Buchanan and Voleterra on the economic impact Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for HS1 in 2009. A copy of the report can be found at: what target times have been set for the existing operator http://www.colinbuchanan.com/uploads/cms/files/147e7dfc- to respond to bid clarification requests from the shortlisted 2a53-4267-83d7-72bdde92062e.pdf bidders for the Greater Anglia franchise. [63632]

Channel Tunnel Railway Line: Leasing Mrs Villiers: A general target time of 14 calendar days is stipulated for the existing operator to respond to Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for bid clarification requests. However the time taken to Transport if he will publish the agreement reached with respond can depend on the nature, extent and availability Borealis Infrastructure and Ontario Teachers’ Pension of the information requested. Plan for the leasing of High Speed 1. [64775] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mrs Villiers: The HS1 Concession is available on the how many and what proportion of responses the current High Speed 1 Limited website and can be downloaded operator has provided to bid clarification requests within at: the target timeframe in respect of the bidding process http://highspeed1.co.uk/regulatory/concession-agreement for the Greater Anglia franchise. [63633]

Crossrail Line: Public Lavatories Mrs Villiers: The current operator has had 448 clarification requests to respond to as of Friday 1 July Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011. Of these, 405 have been responded to and 220 of Transport whether toilet facilities will be fitted where a these were replied to within 14 calendar days, approximately station is to be rebuilt under the Crossrail programme. 54%: The time taken to respond can depend on the nature, [64781] extent and availability of the information requested. 199W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 200W

Euston Station For the same reason it is not possible to establish the average time taken by my Department to respond to High Speed 2 letters from hon. Members. The Department’s Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for published target is to answer correspondence from hon. Transport if he will assess the (a) costs and (b) effects Members within 15 working days of receipt. of changes required to Euston station and its environs as a result of (i) High Speed 2 and (ii) Rail Package 2. Between January and June 2011, my Department [64060] received on average in excess of 75 letters per month from hon. Members concerning High Speed 2. In June 2011 in excess of 150 letters were received. Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 5 July 2011]: HS2 would enable the redevelopment of Euston station, The earliest letter from an hon. Member concerning which would likely be necessary regardless of whether High Speed 2 to which my Department has not replied HS2 proceeds. The redevelopment and expansion of the dates from 13 June 2011. station, including 10 HS2 platforms, a new ground-level High Speed 1 concourse serving the whole station, the reconfiguration and expansion of the existing inadequate London Underground ticket hall and a new bus interchange Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for would cost £1.01 billion to construct. This figure excludes Transport what the average seat occupancy rate of all HS2 costs (e.g. design and project management), passenger rail services on the High Speed One rail compensation costs, and risk and optimism bias. However, route was in the latest period for which figures are the Government anticipate that a considerable proportion available. [49945] of this cost could be recouped from at-station commercial and residential development. Information on the property Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport does not and other impacts of the station redevelopment are set hold this information. However, the Office of Rail out in the Appraisal of Sustainability, available at: Regulation publishes timetabled train-km and passenger-km for train operating companies from National Rail Trends. http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/library/documents This information can be found on their website, at: Rail Package 2 would require the provision of three http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.2026 additional platforms at Euston, which has been costed The last period for which information is available is Q3 at £62 million, excluding on-costs, compensation, and or Q4 2010-11 (different measures have different availability). any improvements to London Underground interfaces. This information was used to inform calculations on This work would be conducted within the existing station train utilisation made in the McNulty report. However, footprint. It would be likely to cause significant disruption data from LCR were specifically excluded from the to passengers as there would be no scope to commission McNulty calculations and are not published. This new platforms ahead of closing existing platforms for information was used to inform calculations on train redevelopment. In addition, as the Euston works necessary utilisation made in the McNulty study into rail value for Rail Package 2 have not been developed to the same for money, copies of which can be found at: level of detail as the HS2 proposals, further technical work would be necessary to consider whether the proposals http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/realising-the-potential-of- gb-rail would not also require the widening and remodelling of the station throat and the London Underground interfaces. Invalid Vehicles: Regulation

High Speed 2 Railway Line Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 20 June 2011, Official Report, column 19W, on invalid vehicles: Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for regulation, when he plans to announce the results of Transport (1) what the date is of the earliest letter from his Department’s consultation on proposed changes to an hon. Member concerning High Speed 2 to which he legislation governing powered mobility scooters and has not yet replied; [57368] powered wheelchairs. [63052] (2) how many letters he has received from hon. Members concerning High Speed 2 in each month Norman Baker: I will be publishing on the Department since January 2011; [57369] for Transport’s website a summary of the responses to (3) what the average time taken by his Department to the consultation, along with a statement on the way respond to letters from hon. Members concerning High forward, this summer. The Department’s full response Speed 2 was in the latest period for which figures are to the consultation will be published later this year. available; [57370] Large Goods Vehicles: EU Action (4) whether he has a target time for responding to letters from hon. Members concerning High Speed 2. John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for [57371] Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of any correspondence he has received from the European Mr Philip Hammond: Since May 2010 my Department Commission on the subject of increased permitted lengths has received in excess of 1,100 letters from hon. Members for semi-trailer HGVs since 1 June 2011. [65254] concerning High Speed 2. In addition my Department has responded to over 3,000 letters from the public. Mike Penning: I am placing in the Libraries of the Because some correspondence from hon. Members House a copy of a communication from the Commission addresses transport-related matters in addition to High dated 1 July 2011 which invites the United Kingdom to Speed 2, it is not possible to establish an exact figure. delay implementing any regulations permitting longer 201W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 202W semi-trailers until 2 April 2012, as it is currently considering Public Transport: Olympic Games 2012 making its own proposals on masses and dimensions of heavy goods vehicles and trailers. Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contingency plans are in place in case Network Rail: Allowances of strikes by transport workers during the London 2012 Olympics. [64941] Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Villiers: Drawing on established well developed Transport (1) how much Network Rail spent on first plans, transport operators are working in close collaboration class rail travel for staff in (a) 2009-10 and (b) on integrated contingency planning for the 2012 games 2010-11; [64743] for a wide range of possible scenarios, including industrial (2) how much Network Rail spent on first class air action. Each operator remains responsible for managing travel for staff in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; [64744] its own industrial relations. (3) how much was claimed in expenses by the chief executive of Network Rail in 2009-10; and what the Public Transport: Visual Impairment category was of each such claim; [64779] (4) how much Network Rail spent on entertaining in Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009-10. [64780] Transport what assessment he has made of the effects of his Department’s Access for All programme in improving accessibility on public transport for visually Mrs Villiers: Network Rail is an independent, private impaired people. [64801] sector company, so Government do not hold the information requested. I would suggest that the hon. Norman Baker: An independent research study into Member writes to David Higgins, the chief executive of the benefits of the Access for All programme was Network Rail, at the following address: carried out by Steer Davis Gleave Ltd in 2009 and early David Higgins 2010. Chief Executive The study found that 65% of visually impaired passengers Network Rail were satisfied with station facilities where Access for All King’s Place work had been completed, compared to only 14% at 90 York Way stations not in the programme. In addition, almost half of visually impaired passengers said they had increased London N1 9AG. their use of Access for All stations as a result of the work. Network Rail: Repairs and Maintenance Railways Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that Network Rail Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for informs train operating companies of proposed rail line Transport what requirements his Department places on closures at least 12 weeks in advance. [64105] constructors of rail carriages in respect of the relationship between journey times and toilet facilities. Mrs Villiers: Network Rail has an obligation in its [62818] network licence to provide this information to train Mrs Villiers: For procurements where the Department operators, in most cases no later than 12 weeks before for Transport takes a lead (such as the IEP) requirements the date on which rail engineering works (which affect relating to these matters are set out in the Train Technical the national timetable) take place. The network licence Specifications which are on the departmental website. is enforced by the Office of Rail Regulation in accordance with its economic enforcement policy, which states that In the cases where train operators procure rolling it will concentrate on serious or systemic issues. stock, it is a matter for them to define requirements which are likely to include journey time requirements and on board facilities such as toilets. Passenger Focus Railways: Birmingham Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department has considered the Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for merits of merging Passenger Focus with the Office of Transport what the combined seat occupancy rate on Rail Regulation. [59783] passenger rail services on the main line (a) from London to Birmingham and (b) from Birmingham to Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport considered London was in the most recent period for which figures the future of Passenger Focus as part of the public are available. [49937] bodies review and concluded that it should be retained but with substantial reforms to reduce its cost to taxpayers Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport does not while maintaining its core role as the statutory independent hold this information. However, the Office of Rail complaints body. The Department has not formally Regulation publishes timetabled train-km and passenger-km considered the merits of merging Passenger Focus with for train operating companies from National Rail Trends. the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) and has no plans This information can be found on their website, at: to take such a proposal forward. http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.2026 203W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 204W

The last period for which information is available is Mrs Villiers [holding answer 5 July 2011]: Ministers Q3 or Q4 2010-11 (different measures have different have regular discussions with business representatives availability). This information was used to inform on a range of issues. calculations on train utilisation made in the McNulty The Government wish to see a modern customer-focused study into rail value for money, copies of which can be approach to fares and ticketing structures. The forthcoming found at: fares review will consider this, in line with the Government’s http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/realising-the-potential-of- vision for a rail system that supports a growing economy gb-rail by improving capacity, connectivity, performance and productivity. Railways: Brighton Railways: Fees and Charges Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to reply to the letter from Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye of 16 May Transport when the Rail Penalty Fares Policy and 2011, ref AR/EOR/00391 on the division of revenue on Rules were last reviewed. [63966] the Brighton mainline. [64506] Mrs Villiers: The Penalty Fares Policy and Rules were Mrs Villiers [holding answer 7 July 2011]: I replied to last reviewed in 2009-10. this letter on Thursday 7 July 2011. Railways: Electrification Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of travellers on long- distance passenger rail services purchased (a) advance Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport fares, (b) flexible tickets and (c) season tickets in the whether he plans to undertake any cost-benefit analysis latest period for which figures are available. [63967] of the electrification of the (a) Midland Main Line from Bedford North to Sheffield via Derby, (b) Sheffield Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport does not to Doncaster line, (c) Manchester-Leeds-Colton junction hold this information in the form requested. line and (d) Northallerton to Middlesbrough line. [64110] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many types of rail ticket are offered by Mrs Villiers: Network Rail assessed these electrification train operating companies. [63968] schemes as part of its Electrification Network Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS), published in October 2009. Mrs Villiers: There are five ticket types available: Network Rail is currently reviewing schemes assessed Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime, Season, and Rovers and under its Electrification RUS as part of its input to the Rangers. Details of all these tickets types can be found Initial Industry Plan (IIP) to be published in the autumn. here: The IIP will be used by Government to inform its High Level Output Specification expected in the summer of http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/ticket_types/ 2012. Rescue Services: Scotland Railways: Fares Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received Transport (1) pursuant to the oral statement of 19 May on the future of coastguard stations in Scotland; and 2011, Official Report, columns 520-22, on the McNulty what response he has made. [64660] Report and West Coast Rail, what the terms of reference are for his Department’s review of rail fares Mike Penning: The recent consultation on the policy; [63980] modernisation of the coastguard prompted many responses. (2) whether he plans to consult (a) businesses and I continue to receive correspondence from the public (b) employers as part of his Department’s review of and other interested parties about our plans for coastguard co-ordination centres in Scotland. rail fares policy. [63981] We expect to make an announcement about the way Mrs Villiers [holding answer 5 July 2011]: The fares forward before the House rises for summer recess on 19 review will be a first step towards a fairer and more July. effective system. In order to ensure that it addresses the right issues and is carried out effectively, Government Rescue Services: Sunderland are currently considering the terms of reference, scope and timetable for the review, including the appropriate Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for form of consultation. Transport what assessment he has made of safety levels in waters off the port of Sunderland following the Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for implementation of planned coastguard centre closures. Transport pursuant to the oral statement of 19 May [65285] 2011, Official Report, columns 520-22, on the McNulty Report and West Coast Rail, what discussions he has Mike Penning: No specific assessment of the waters had with business representatives on existing train off the port of Sunderland was made in the development ticketing structures; and what measures he proposes to of the proposals to modernise HM Coastguard that encourage business use of the railway network. [63982] was published on 16 December 2010. 205W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 206W

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has intention, as part of the statutory process, would be to assessed the risks nationally associated in relation to the publicly consult on the merits of the potential options. coastguard’s current operation and how those risks are. mitigated by the modernisation proposals. On 11 February, Roads: Repairs and Maintenance the MCA published a suite of documents that provide a broad outline of the consideration of impact and risk in Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport respect of the proposals. These documents are available what discussions he has had with National Grid on the on the MCA’s website at: effect on road congestion of the over-running of street www.dft.gov.uk/mca works. [64109] River Thames: Bridges Norman Baker: The Department for Transport holds regular discussions with the industry body the National Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Joint Utilities Group, of which the National Grid is a Transport what consideration he has given to the member. These discussions cover a wide range of matters, construction of a new Thames river crossing east of including over-running street works and the resulting Blackwall to relieve traffic on the Dartford to Thurrock impacts on congestion. crossing. [64740] Rolling Stock: Procurement Mike Penning: The Department for Transport published a report in April 2009 on the current and future capacity Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for requirements at the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing. Transport pursuant to the answer of 28 April 2011, The Department made clear in its spending review Official Report, column 545W, on railways: rolling announcement that it would embark on a review of the stock, what additional capacity the new carriages will options for future capacity in the Lower Thames. The create (a) in total, (b) for each rail franchise and (c) Department is in the process of programming this for each new rail project. [62497] work. Following that review, which is expected to take Mrs Villiers: The information requested is in the around 12 to 18 months to complete, the Department’s following table.

Number of new vehicles in daily service Capacity (seats)

Thameslink 1,200 174,000 Intercity Express Programme: Greater Western 1314 21,980 Intercity Express Programme: East Coast 1230 16,100 Crossrail 1570 85,500 West Coast 106 7,420 National Express East Anglia 120 8,400 London Midland 69 4,830 Chiltern 8560 Transpennine Express 36 2,520 1 Excludes fleet spares

Street Wardens and (b) would have been created in the UK if the contract had been awarded to Bombardier Aerospace Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for in Derby. [63726] Transport if he will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to Mrs Villiers: The staffing level required to fulfil the facilitate the introduction of generic street wardens as terms of the Thameslink rolling stock contract is a specified in the provisions of the Sustainable matter for the train manufacturer and maintainer (TMM) Communities Act 2007. [61697] to decide. Siemens Plc with Cross London Trains, the nominated preferred bidder, have stated that work on Norman Baker [holding answer 23 June 2011]: In the the Thameslink rolling stock contract could create up absence of a robust case for change, we have no current to 2,000 new jobs in the UK, including jobs in train plans to amend either the Road Traffic Regulation Act component manufacturing, depot construction and train 1984 or our operational guidance relating to the limitations maintenance. of civil enforcement officer duties. We will of course consider proposals for change if there is a well argued Thameslink: Rolling Stock case to do so. Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Thameslink: Contracts Transport when the procurement contract for the Thameslink rolling stock contract was first tendered. Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for [64983] Transport if he will estimate the number of jobs which (a) will be created in the UK as a result of the award of Mrs Villiers: The Thameslink Rolling Stock invitation the Thameslink contract to an overseas consortium to tender was issued on 27 November 2008. 207W Written Answers11 JULY 2011 Written Answers 208W

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for (Protection of Employment) Regulations may be relevant Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement to existing First Capital Connect staff. of 16 June 2011, Official Report, columns 85-86WS, on Transport: Carbon Emissions Thameslink Rolling Stock, when the train maintenance contract for the rolling stock will transfer from First Capital Connect to Siemens. [65024] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions were produced by (a) aviation flights and Mrs Villiers: Assuming successful completion of (b) rail services in each of the last five years; and if he contractual negotiations, Siemens will be responsible will make a statement. [64888] for the maintenance of the new trains when they enter service, commencing in 2015. Mrs Villiers: The carbon dioxide emissions for railways, domestic aviation and international aviation in each of Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the last five years for which data are available are given Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement in the following table: of 16 June 2011, Official Report, columns 85-86WS, on Thameslink Rolling Stock, if the Siemens plc bid specified Carbon dioxide whether train maintenance for the new Thameslink Million tonnes rolling stock will be undertaken primarily by (a) existing 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 staff or (b) newly recruited staff. [65026] Railways 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 Domestic 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.2 1.9 Mrs Villiers: The Siemens plc bid identifies the staff aviation required for the maintenance of the new Thameslink International 35.1 35.6 35.4 34.2 32.7 rolling stock, and recognises that the posts may be filled aviation by either existing First Capital Connect staff or by Source: newly recruited staff, and that the Transfer of Undertakings National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory. ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 11 July 2011

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 1 EDUCATION—continued Academies...... 16 Music...... 13 “Out of Mind, Out of Sight” ...... 5 Personal, Social, Health and Economic Bursary Scheme ...... 16 Education ...... 10 Careers Service...... 1 Public Examinations ...... 4 Careers Service...... 8 Pupil Premium ...... 9 Curriculum ...... 12 Sure Start Children’s Centres ...... 15 English Baccalaureate ...... 3 Topical Questions ...... 17 Family-friendly Policies...... 17 Traveller Children ...... 8 History...... 14 University Technical Colleges ...... 11 Industrial Action...... 6 Youth Services...... 7 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 11 July 2011

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 1WS HEALTH...... 5WS UK Inward Investment Report ...... 1WS Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal ...... 5WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 5WS CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 2WS Security Industry Authority ...... 5WS S4C (Funding) ...... 2WS JUSTICE...... 6WS Freedom of Information Act 2000 ...... 6WS DEFENCE...... 3WS Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency. 3WS TRANSPORT ...... 6WS Service Complaints Commissioner...... 4WS Search and Rescue Interim Contract...... 7WS The Olympic Route Network ...... 6WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 4WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 7WS Republic of South Sudan...... 4WS Disability Employment Support...... 7WS PETITION

Monday 11 July 2011

Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH...... 1P NHS (Cornwall)...... 1P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 11 July 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 1W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Contempt of Court: Internet...... 1W Careers Service: Manpower...... 173W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 1W Davenham Trust...... 173W Sexual Offences: Victim Support Schemes ...... 1W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 174W Suicide Act 1961: Prosecutions ...... 2W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 174W Direct Selling: Regulation ...... 174W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 165W Economic Growth: EC Action...... 174W Apprentices...... 165W Education: Research ...... 175W Apprentices: Bexleyheath ...... 168W Employment: Legislation ...... 176W Apprentices: Finance ...... 169W English Language ...... 176W Apprentices: Per Capita Costs...... 170W English Language: Education ...... 177W Apprentices: Standards ...... 171W Environment Protection...... 179W Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia ...... 171W Export Development Credits: Colombia...... 179W Business: EC Countries...... 172W Further Education ...... 180W Business: Finance...... 172W Green Investment Bank: Location ...... 180W Business: Government Assistance ...... 172W Higher Education...... 181W Business: Loans...... 173W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 182W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT—continued Higher Education: Environment Protection...... 186W Olympic Games 2012: Tickets...... 16W Higher Education: Pay...... 186W Public Appointments: Females...... 17W Higher Education: Private Sector...... 186W Royal Parks Agency: Demonstrations...... 17W Higher Education: Public Expenditure...... 187W Higher Education: Standards...... 187W DEFENCE...... 43W Insolvency...... 188W Armed Forces ...... 43W Labour Migration ...... 188W Armed Forces: Deployment ...... 43W National Income: Pakistan...... 189W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 43W National Union of Rail Maritime and Transport Armed Forces: Injuries...... 45W Workers...... 189W Armoured Fighting Vehicles ...... 45W New Businesses ...... 190W Army: Manpower ...... 45W Office for Fair Access: Finance ...... 191W Chief Coroner...... 46W Regional Growth Fund: West Midlands...... 191W Departmental Dismissal...... 46W Skills Funding Agency: Public Expenditure ...... 191W Departmental Freedom of Information ...... 46W St George’s Property Services London...... 192W Departmental Manpower...... 47W Student Loans Company ...... 192W Departmental Written Questions ...... 47W Students: Finance ...... 192W Indirect Fire Precision Attack Programme...... 48W Students: Loans ...... 194W Joint Service Command and Staff College...... 48W Thameslink: Contracts...... 194W Merlin Helicopters ...... 48W Thameslink Railway Line: Rolling Stock ...... 194W Military Aircraft ...... 49W THQ Digital Studios...... 195W Military Bases...... 49W TUC Education ...... 195W Military Decorations...... 43W Union Modernisation Fund...... 195W RAF Menwith Hill ...... 49W Working Hours: EU Law ...... 196W Rescue Services: Helicopters ...... 50W Reserve Forces ...... 50W CABINET OFFICE...... 134W Royal Fleet Auxiliary ...... 50W Access to Work Programme...... 134W Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade ...... 51W Breast Cancer: Bexley ...... 134W Trident ...... 51W Business ...... 135W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 51W Charities Act 2006...... 135W USA: Defence Academy ...... 52W Citizenship: Armed Forces...... 135W Wales ...... 53W Citizenship: Kent ...... 136W X-rays ...... 53W Citizenship: Young Offenders ...... 136W Civil Servants: Disciplinary Proceedings ...... 136W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 53W Civil Service: Performance Standards ...... 136W Devolution: Wales...... 53W Departmental Dismissal...... 137W House of Lords: Reform...... 53W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 137W Prisoners: Voting Rights ...... 53W Economic Growth...... 137W Employment ...... 138W EDUCATION...... 82W Government Departments: Procurement ...... 139W Administration...... 82W Immigration...... 140W Careers Service...... 83W Lone Parents: Employment...... 141W Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Pay: Equality...... 141W Service: Grievance Procedures ...... 84W Skin Cancer: Mortality Rates...... 142W Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Suicide ...... 142W Service: Sick Leave...... 84W Vacancies ...... 143W Children: Protection...... 85W Curriculum ...... 83W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 54W Departmental Allowances...... 87W Affordable Housing...... 54W Departmental Billing ...... 87W Business Premises: Leasehold...... 54W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 88W Council Tax: Exemptions...... 55W Education ...... 88W Council Tax: Overpayments...... 55W Education: Finance...... 88W Departmental Regulation...... 56W English Baccalaureate: Teachers ...... 89W Enterprise Zones...... 56W Family Courts ...... 89W Government Procurement Card ...... 56W Family Intervention Projects ...... 90W Green Belt...... 58W Free Schools...... 90W Homelessness...... 58W Primary Education: Capital Investment ...... 90W Housing ...... 59W Primary Education: Registration...... 90W Housing: Construction...... 59W Pupils...... 91W Private Rented Housing ...... 60W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 91W Social Rented Housing...... 60W Pupils: Truancy ...... 92W School Meals ...... 92W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 14W Schools: Capital Investment...... 93W Arts Council England: Finance ...... 14W Schools: Closures ...... 93W Broadband ...... 15W Schools: Cumbria...... 94W Cultural Heritage ...... 15W Schools: Finance...... 95W Departmental Allowances...... 15W Schools: Translation Services ...... 95W Glasgow Commonwealth Games: Executives ...... 15W Teaching Unions: Meeting ...... 84W Holiday Accommodation: Energy Performance Youth Services...... 83W Certificates...... 16W Youth Services: Finance...... 96W Col. No. Col. No. ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 5W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— Verification Sampling...... 5W continued Italy: Higher Education ...... 125W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 144W Italy: Sikhs...... 125W Carbon Sequestration ...... 144W Kenya: Clara Gutteridge...... 126W Departmental Dismissal...... 144W Languages...... 126W Departmental Regulation...... 145W Libya...... 127W Electricity...... 148W Libya: Armed Conflict...... 127W Electricity: Meters...... 149W Lithuania: Anti-Semitism...... 127W Energy...... 150W Lithuania: World War II ...... 128W Energy: Australia ...... 151W Members: Correspondence ...... 128W Energy: Finance ...... 151W Middle East: Armed Conflict...... 129W Energy: Fuels ...... 152W Middle East: Natural Gas ...... 129W Environment Protection...... 153W Military Aircraft ...... 130W Exhaust Emissions: Gatwick Airport...... 153W Military Aircraft: Exports...... 129W Feed-in Tariffs...... 153W Morocco: Politics and Government...... 130W Fuel Poverty: Islwyn ...... 153W Netherlands: Slaughterhouses...... 130W Green Deal Scheme: Financial Institutions...... 154W Nuclear Disarmament: Finance ...... 131W Heat ...... 154W Piracy: International Cooperation ...... 131W Natural Gas: Exploration ...... 154W Police: Secondment ...... 132W Nuclear Power...... 154W Saudi Arabia...... 132W Nuclear Power Stations: Air Traffic Control ...... 155W Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade ...... 132W Nuclear Power Stations: Radioactivity...... 156W Sri Lanka: Broadcasting Programmes...... 133W Oil...... 156W Sudan...... 133W Oil: Arctic ...... 157W UN Resolutions ...... 133W Oil: Prices...... 157W United States of America...... 133W Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs...... 157W Renewable Energy: Fisheries...... 158W HEALTH...... 96W Renewable Energy: Heating ...... 158W Air Pollution: Death ...... 96W Solar Power...... 159W Allied Health Professions...... 97W Statoil ...... 159W Autism: Screening ...... 97W Tidal Power: Finance ...... 159W Autism: Wolverhampton ...... 97W Urenco...... 160W Cancer: Drugs...... 97W Cervical Cancer: Screening ...... 98W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Departmental Responsibilities ...... 100W AFFAIRS...... 7W Diabetes: Nurses ...... 100W Agriculture: Carbon Emissions...... 7W Diabetes: Walsall...... 100W Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control...... 7W Drugs: Safety ...... 101W Capita ...... 8W General Practitioners: Walsall...... 102W Dairy Farming ...... 7W Health Services: Foreign Nationals ...... 102W Departmental Billing ...... 9W Hospital Wards: Gender ...... 105W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 10W Khat...... 107W Departmental Statistics...... 10W Leukaemia: Drugs ...... 107W EU Law...... 10W Life Expectancy ...... 108W Floods: Pickering ...... 11W Lung Cancer: Screening ...... 108W Forestry Commission: Redundancy ...... 11W NHS Commissioning Board ...... 108W Forests ...... 11W NHS: Conditions of Employment ...... 109W Land: Contamination ...... 12W NHS: Drugs...... 109W Livestock ...... 12W NHS Future Forum ...... 109W Meat ...... 13W Older People: Preventive Medicine...... 110W Sheep: Tuberculosis...... 14W Patients: Transport...... 110W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 119W Primary Care Trusts: Expenditure...... 111W Abyei ...... 119W Psychotherapy...... 111W Access to Work Programme ...... 119W Skin Cancer ...... 111W Afghanistan: Pakistan...... 119W Social Care: Reform...... 112W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 120W Social Services: Fees and Charges ...... 113W Africa: Piracy...... 120W Speech Therapy...... 113W Bahrain: Torture ...... 120W St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust...... 115W British Nationals Abroad: Detainees ...... 121W Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Display) China: Water...... 121W Regulations 2010...... 117W Departmental Allowances...... 121W Tuberculosis...... 118W Departmental Dismissal...... 121W Tuberculosis: Medical Treatments...... 117W Departmental Travel ...... 122W Egypt: Politics and Government ...... 122W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 61W Embassies: Working Conditions ...... 123W Alcoholic Drinks: Prices ...... 61W EU Relations...... 123W Cambridgeshire Constabulary...... 61W Foreign Relations...... 124W Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre .. 61W Gambia High Commission: Manpower ...... 124W Control Orders...... 62W Germany: World War II...... 125W Control Orders: Terrorism ...... 62W Government Communications Headquarters: Crime and Security Act 2010 ...... 62W Bude ...... 125W Crimes of Violence: Females...... 63W Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT—continued TRANSPORT—continued Criminal Records ...... 63W Public Transport: Visual Impairment...... 202W Domestic Violence ...... 64W Railways...... 202W Fixed Penalties...... 64W Railways: Birmingham...... 202W Immigration...... 67W Railways: Brighton...... 203W Offenders: Foreign Nationals ...... 67W Railways: Electrification ...... 203W Rape...... 68W Railways: Fares ...... 203W Stop and Search ...... 68W Railways: Fees and Charges ...... 204W Victim Support Schemes: Finance...... 71W Rescue Services: Scotland ...... 204W Whitemoor Prison...... 71W Rescue Services: Sunderland ...... 204W River Thames: Bridges...... 205W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 160W Roads: Repairs and Maintenance...... 206W Afghanistan: Health Services ...... 160W Rolling Stock: Procurement ...... 206W Agriculture: Climate Change ...... 161W Street Wardens...... 205W Anguilla: Environment Protection ...... 161W Thameslink: Contracts...... 205W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 161W Thameslink: Rolling Stock...... 206W East Africa: Droughts...... 162W Transport: Carbon Emissions ...... 208W Gambia: Malaria ...... 162W Gambia: Overseas Aid ...... 162W TREASURY ...... 17W Horn of Africa: Droughts...... 162W Access to Work Programme...... 17W International Assistance: Earthquakes...... 163W Air Passenger Duty ...... 17W Liberia: Health Services ...... 163W Banks: Finance ...... 18W Sudan: Internally Displaced People ...... 164W Business: Credit ...... 18W West Africa: Malaria...... 165W Departmental Correspondence ...... 19W Departmental Freedom of Information ...... 19W JUSTICE...... 72W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 20W Access to Work Programme...... 72W Economic Situation: EU Countries...... 20W Bail ...... 73W Excise Duties: Fuels ...... 20W Bail and Remand in Custody ...... 75W Financial Conduct Authority...... 21W Coroners: Domestic Violence...... 75W Financial Policy Committee...... 21W Courts: Private Sector ...... 75W Financial Services: Regulation ...... 21W Drug Interventions Programme ...... 77W Freezing Orders: Syria...... 22W Euthanasia...... 77W Gift Aid ...... 22W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 78W Gold: EU Countries...... 22W Legal Systems: Islam...... 79W Housing ...... 23W Prison Sentences ...... 79W Job Creation...... 23W Prisoners’ Release: Re-offenders ...... 80W Members: Correspondence ...... 23W Prisons: Employment...... 80W Money: Counterfeit Manufacturing...... 23W Remand in Custody ...... 81W Taxation...... 24W Sexual Offences...... 81W Taxation: Financial Services ...... 24W Tribunals: Autism...... 82W Taxation: Offshore Industry...... 24W Victim Support Schemes ...... 82W Taxation: Voluntary Work ...... 25W UK Asset Resolution ...... 25W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 4W Unemployment ...... 26W Departmental Dismissal...... 4W VAT: Sunscreens ...... 27W Departmental Regulation...... 4W Waste Disposal ...... 27W

PRIME MINISTER ...... 3W WALES...... 5W Hu Jia ...... 3W Access to Work Programme ...... 5W Thameslink: Rolling Stock...... 4W Capita ...... 5W Electoral Systems...... 6W SCOTLAND...... 5W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 6W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 5W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 2W TRANSPORT ...... 196W Departmental Freedom of Information ...... 2W Airports ...... 196W Equalities and Human Rights Commission: Aviation: Safety...... 197W Finance...... 2W Channel Tunnel Railway Line ...... 197W Equality and Human Rights Commission...... 3W Channel Tunnel Railway Line: Leasing...... 197W Equality: Local Enterprise Partnerships...... 3W Crossrail Line: Public Lavatories...... 197W Driving: Organised Crime...... 198W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 27W East Coast Railway Line: Franchises ...... 198W Access to Work Programme...... 27W Euston Station ...... 199W Child Care Tax Credit...... 28W High Speed 1...... 200W Corporate Manslaughter...... 30W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 199W Disability Living Allowance...... 30W Invalid Vehicles: Regulation ...... 200W Disability Living Allowance: Diseases...... 31W Large Goods Vehicles: EU Action ...... 200W Employment Schemes: Disability...... 32W Network Rail: Allowances...... 201W Health and Safety Executive: Inspections ...... 32W Network Rail: Repairs and Maintenance ...... 201W Housing Benefit ...... 32W Passenger Focus ...... 201W Housing Benefit: Homelessness...... 33W Public Transport: Olympic Games 2012...... 202W Industrial Accidents...... 34W Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Industrial Health and Safety...... 36W Social Security Benefits...... 41W Jobcentre Plus: Closures...... 37W Unemployed People: Public Transport...... 42W Mansfield Benefit Centre ...... 38W Work Capability Assessment: Autism...... 42W Motability: Regulation...... 41W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied, nor can corrections be made in the Weekly Edition. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Monday 18 July 2011

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CONTENTS

Monday 11 July 2011

List of Government and Principal Officers of the House

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Education

Open Public Services White Paper [Col. 25] Statement—(Mr Letwin)

Phone Hacking and the Media [Col. 39] Statement—(Mr Jeremy Hunt)

European Union Bill [Col. 60] Programme motion (No. 3)—(James Duddridge)—agreed to Lords amendments considered

Rights and Protection of Victims [Col. 111] Motion to take note of EU document—(Mr Kenneth Clarke)—agreed to

International Monetary Fund [Col. 130] Motion—(Mr Vara)—on a Division, agreed to

Carnforth Station [Col. 135] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 1WS]

Petition [Col. 1P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 1W] [see index inside back page]