Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016
This report shows written answers and statements provided on 1 March 2016 and the information is correct at the time of publication (06:48 P.M., 01 March 2016). For the latest information on written questions and answers, ministerial corrections, and written statements, please visit: http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers/
CONTENTS ANSWERS 7 CABINET OFFICE 20 ATTORNEY GENERAL 7 Electoral Register: Credit Attorney General: Staff 7 Reference Agencies 20 Trials 7 Voluntary Work: Young People 21 BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND TREASURY 21 SKILLS 8 Academies: Redundancy Pay 21 Construction: Government Economic Situation 21 Assistance 8 Financial Services: Advisory Disabled Students' Allowances 8 Services 22 Disabled Students' Allowances: Fiscal Policy 22 Appeals 13 Fiscal Policy: Females 22 Disabled Students' Allowances: Food: Imports 23 Hampstead and Kilburn 13 Gaming Machines 23 Further Education: Greater London 14 Income Tax: Tax Allowances 23 Further Education: Lancashire 14 Income Tax: Wales 23 Higher Education: Ethnic Independent Living Fund: Wales 24 Groups 15 Money Laundering 24 Nicole Mather 16 Rents: Greater London 25 Post Offices: Haringey 17 Self-employed: Construction 25 Small Businesses: Innovation 17 Small Businesses: Tax Sunday Trading: Prosecutions 18 Allowances 25 Sunday Trading: Research 18 Social Services: Minimum Wage 26 Transatlantic Trade and Tax Avoidance 26 Investment Partnership 19 Tax Evasion: Prosecutions 26 Universities: Admissions 19 Taxation: Self-assessment 27 Welfare Tax Credits 27
2 Tuesday, 1 March 2016 Daily Report
COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL Ministry of Defence: Overseas GOVERNMENT 28 Aid 37 Building Alterations: Planning Ministry of Defence: Permission 28 Publications 37 European Union Solidarity Fund: NATO: Type 45 Destroyers 37 Wales 29 Nuclear Enterprise Board 38 Flood Control: Grants 29 Trident Submarines 38 Local Government Finance 30 Type 23 Frigates 39 Ministerial Committee for Type 45 Destroyers 39 Syrian Refugees 30 United Nations: Peacekeeping Occupational Therapy 31 Operations 40 Refugees: Syria 31 Veterans: Visual Impairment 41 CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT 31 War Pensions: Uprating 42 BBC 31 EDUCATION 42 Broadband 31 Academies: Pay 42 Department for Culture, Media Academies: Staff 43 and Sport: Ministerial Policy Advisers 32 Basic Skills: Primary Education 43 Theatre: Finance 32 English Baccalaureate 44 DEFENCE 32 Teachers: Length of Service 44 Afghanistan: Terrorism 32 ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE 45 Aircraft Carriers: Climate Change 45 Decommissioning 33 Coal Fired Power Stations: Blyth 45 Aircraft Carriers: Littoral Department of Energy and Warfare 33 Climate Change: Ministerial Armed Forces 33 Policy Advisors 46 Armed Forces: Families 34 Electricity Generation 46 Armed Forces: Pay 34 Microgeneration 47 Clyde Naval Base: Housing 35 Renewable Energy 47 HMS Ocean: Decommissioning 35 Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme 47 Libya: Military Intervention 35 Sellafield: Staff 48 Ministry of Defence: Cleaning Services 36 ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS 48 Ministry of Defence: Health 36 Dairy Farming 48 Ministry of Defence: Meetings 36 Dairy Farming: Marketing 49
Tuesday, 1 March 2016 Daily Report 3
Department for Environment, Gambling: Greater London 59 Food and Rural Affairs: Health 49 General Practitioners: Older Department for Environment, Workers 59 Food and Rural Affairs: Health Professions: Stress 59 Meetings 49 Health Services 60 Fly-tipping: Smeltwich 50 Junior Doctors: Conditions of Neonicotinoids 50 Employment 60 Pheasants: Animal Welfare 50 Junior Doctors: Industrial School Milk 51 Disputes 61 Waste Disposal: Licensing 51 Learning Disability 61 FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH Medical Examiners: Death OFFICE 51 Certificates 62 Austria: Rape 51 Medical Records: Data Business: Human Rights 52 Protection 63 Economic and Monetary Union 52 Meningitis: Vaccination 64 Embassies: Official Hospitality 52 Mental Health Services 65 European Council 53 Mental Health Services: Children and Young People 67 Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Meetings 53 Mental Health Services: Greater London 67 South China Sea 53 Mental Health Services: Hospital UK Membership of EU 54 Beds 69 UK membership of EU 55 Mental Illness 70 UK Membership of EU: NHS 111 72 Referendums 55 NHS England 72 UN Secretariat: Public Appointments 56 NHS Property Services 73 HEALTH 56 NHS: Cybercrime 73 Blood: Contamination 56 NHS: Drugs 74 British Medical Association 57 Obesity: Surgery 74 Cancer: Clinical Trials 57 Pathology 75 Cancer: Drugs 57 Prescription Drugs: Children 76 Community Hospitals: Closures 58 Rickets: Children and Young People 76 Department of Health: Health 58 Transplant Surgery 77 Department of Health: Meetings 59 HOME OFFICE 77 Alcoholic Drinks: North East 77
4 Tuesday, 1 March 2016 Daily Report
Asylum: Cardiff 77 Visas: Bangladesh 93 Asylum: Deportation 78 INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 93 Asylum: Fraud 78 Afghanistan: Minerals 93 Asylum: Greater Manchester 79 Afghanistan: Mining 94 Asylum: North Korea 79 Department for International Calais: Refugees 80 Development: Health 94 Community Policing 80 Developing Countries: Human Rights 95 Deportation 80 Fiji: Overseas Aid 95 Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner: Correspondence 81 Middle East: Job Creation 95 Emergency Services 81 Overseas Aid 96 Greater Manchester Fire and Papua: Poverty 96 Rescue Service: Finance 82 JUSTICE 96 Harassment: Internet 82 Amnesty International 96 Harassment: Prosecutions 82 Domestic Violence 97 Health Services: Foreign European Convention on Nationals 83 Human Rights 98 Home Office: Health 84 Immigration: Judicial Review 98 Home Office: Human Rights Act Medway Secure Training 1998 84 Centre: Advocacy 98 Home Office: Publications 85 Ministry of Justice: Ministerial Human Trafficking 85 Policy Advisors 98 Immigration 86 Personal Independence Payment: Appeals 99 Immigration Controls 86 Prisons: Civil Disorder 99 Immigration Controls: Finance 86 Secure Training Centres: Immigration: Appeals 87 Monitoring 100 Immigration: Applications 87 UK Membership of EU 100 Immigration: Children 87 LEADER OF THE HOUSE 100 Migrant Workers: Northern House of Commons: Repairs Ireland 87 and Maintenance 100 Police Stations: Nurses 89 PRIME MINISTER 101 Refugees: Syria 89 10 Downing Street: Security 101 Vetting 91 Chevening 101 Vetting: Dulwich and West Iraq Committee of Inquiry 101 Norwood 92
Tuesday, 1 March 2016 Daily Report 5
Prime Minister: Ministerial Policy Help to Work Scheme 109 Advisers 101 Personal Independence Prime Minister: Ministers' Payment: Motability 109 Private Offices 101 Social Security Benefits: Cancer 109 Prime Minister: UK Membership Social Security Benefits: of EU 102 Disability 110 UK Membership of EU: Universal Credit: Council Tax Referendums 102 Reduction Schemes 110 SCOTLAND 102 Universal Credit: Telephone Scotland Office: Ministerial Services 110 Policy Advisors 102 Welfare Reform and Work Bill: UK Membership of EU: Social Mobility 111 Referendums: Referendums 102 Work Capability Assessment: TRANSPORT 103 Staff 111 Air Pollution 103 Work Programme: Mental Aviation: Egypt 103 Illness 111 Aviation: Noise 104 MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS 112 Blue Badge Scheme 104 HEALTH 112 Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: Health Professions: Migrant Working Hours 104 Workers 112 Ports: Security 105 JUSTICE 113 Volkswagen 105 Prisons: Libraries 113 WALES 106 TRANSPORT 114 UK Membership of EU: Wales 106 Railways: North of England 114 Wales Office: Health 106 WRITTEN STATEMENTS 116 Wales Office: Ministerial Policy BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND Advisers 106 SKILLS 116 WORK AND PENSIONS 106 Higher Education Student Support 116 Children: Maintenance 106 CABINET OFFICE 117 Department for Work and Pensions: Ministerial Policy Advance from the Advisers 107 Contingencies Fund 117 Department for Work and Open and transparent Pensions: Publications 107 government 117 Employment and Support Allowance: Cancer 108
6 Tuesday, 1 March 2016 Daily Report
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT 119 ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL A Review of the Governance AFFAIRS 126 and Regulation of the BBC and FUTURE FUNDING OF THE Summary of Consultation NATIONAL WILDLIFE CRIME Responses 119 UNIT 126 EDUCATION 120 HOME OFFICE 127 Publication of Reformed GCSE Investigatory Powers Bill 127 and A Level Content 120 WORK AND PENSIONS 130 ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE 121 Housing 130 Security of Supply and the State Pension Age review 131 Capacity Market 121
Notes: Questions marked thus [R] indicate that a relevant interest has been declared. Questions with identification numbers of 900000 or greater indicate that the question was originally tabled as an oral question and has since been unstarred.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 7
ANSWERS
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Attorney General: Staff Tulip Siddiq: [27611] To ask the Attorney General, how many full-time equivalent staff his Department provided to assist with (a) Home Office immigration and asylum cases and (b) other Home Office legal cases in reach year since 2009-10; and how much was spent by his Department on such cases in each of those years. Robert Buckland: The Government Legal Department (GLD) conducts litigation for most government departments. GLD charges its government department clients for the litigation services it provides on an hourly fee basis. The remaining Law Officers’ Departments do not have any notable involvement in Home Office litigation. It is not possible to identify how many full time equivalent GLD staff were working on Home Office cases each year because this will inevitably change during the year and staff will also work on cases for other client departments. Any spending incurred by GLD is recovered by charges received from the Home Office for litigation services provided.
Trials Mr Steve Reed: [28443] To ask the Attorney General, what steps the CPS has taken to ensure that administrative errors do not prevent victims from giving evidence at trial. Robert Buckland: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) does all that it can to make sure that administrative errors do not prevent victims from giving evidence at trial. The CPS introduced a national standard operating practice for magistrates’ court activity in May 2015. The process is digital and task-based and is designed to ensure consistency of approach and timing of activity in managing casework which will further reduce the risk of administrative errors being made. Testing of Crown Court standard operating practice commenced at the beginning of February 2016. Joint police/CPS Witness Care Units (WCUs) provide a single point of contact for victims and witnesses and ensure they have access to tailored support to make sure they are able to attend court and give their best evidence. Most WCUs use the Witness Management System (WMS) to record the contact they have with victims and witnesses. WMS is a bespoke IT system designed to support WCUs in managing their cases, thereby reducing the risk of administrative errors.
8 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS
Construction: Government Assistance Daniel Kawczynski: [27688] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what work his Department is undertaking to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in the construction industry to expand and create more jobs. Nick Boles: The Government is working to help all construction companies to expand and create jobs. At the Spending Review the housing budget was doubled to over £2 billion per year, and the Chancellor also committed to £100 billion of spending in this Parliament for new roads, rail, flood defences and other vital projects. We are making sure that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have access to government contract opportunities, making it easier for them to do business with us. We are requiring departments to publish details of future projects on the “contracts finder” website, giving businesses the confidence and time to invest in relevant skills, labour and capabilities. Access to finance can be a barrier to growth. There is a range of support and assistance available through the Business Support Helpline. The British Business Bank is a government-owned business development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses, through schemes such as the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG). The British Business Bank promotes the EFG to high street lenders to encourage them to lend to viable smaller businesses that would otherwise be declined for lacking adequate security. More widely the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ red tape challenge programmes are targeting rules and regulations in the construction sector. Many of those red tape requirements fall disproportionately heavily on smaller construction employers. In addition the Government is placing employers, including small businesses, in the lead in developing new apprenticeship standards and providing financial support. Specific grants are available for smaller businesses and for younger apprentices. In addition there is a range of support for all approved learning outcomes available from the Construction Industry Training Board.
Disabled Students' Allowances Tulip Siddiq: [27598] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what proportion of applicants for disabled students' allowance (DSA) used supporting notes from (a) medical professionals connected to and (b) medical professionals not connected to their higher education institution to back up their application; and what estimate he has made of the proportion of people who claim DSA without the knowledge of their higher education institution.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 9
Joseph Johnson: Students wishing to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) need to provide evidence of their disability to Student Finance England (SFE) in order to demonstrate their eligibility. Depending on their disability, this needs to come from a medical doctor or other suitably qualified professional. Information about whether this evidence is provided by someone connected to the students’ HE provider is not held centrally. Students are encouraged to speak to their institution’s disability adviser, to ensure they are receiving all the help that is available to them. However, students do not need to disclose their disability to their HE provider in order to apply for DSAs. All disabled higher education students who are eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances are referred to an independent assessment centre so as to identify the type and level of support they require. Students are free to choose which assessment centre they wish to attend. They can find a centre via the DSAs Quality Assurance Group’s website: http://www.dsa-qag.org.uk/students/find-an-assessment-centre Tulip Siddiq: [27630] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many assessments for disabled students' allowance (DSA) were carried out by an independent needs assessor in each year since 2009-10; what the average such award was in each of those years; and who was contracted to carry out each of those assessments in each of those years. Joseph Johnson: Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are available to help pay the extra essential costs they may have whilst studying on an HE course as a direct result of their disability. The Government recently announced reforms to DSAs to ensure that the limited public funding available for DSAs is targeted in the best way and to achieve value for money, whilst ensuring those disabled students most in need continue to get the help they require. The changes also aim to ensure that Higher Education providers all properly adhere to their Equalities Act 2010 duties, for the benefit of all disabled students. All disabled higher education students who are eligible for DSAs are referred to an independent assessment centre so as to identify the type and level of support they require. Information in Table 1 sets out the number of study needs assessments carried out by independent assessment centres in England and Wales for English domiciled undergraduate and postgraduate higher education students applying for Student Finance England administered DSAs. Information for numbers of assessments carried out by each assessment centre is not held centrally. Information is not available at individual assessor level. Information for the period prior to 1 April 2011 is not held centrally. Table 2 sets out the average award of DSAs in each financial year. A list of currently accredited assessment centres is below.
10 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Government does not contract with assessment centres. Assessment centres who wish to work in this area are accredited through the DSA Quality Assurance Group, a not-for- profit membership organisation. Table 1 -
TIMEFRAME NUMBER OF ASSESSMENTS
1 April 2013 – 31 March 2014 34,355
1 April 2012 – 31 March 2013 32,410
1 April 2011 – 31 March 2012 35,073
Source: DSA Quality Assurance Group management information. Information for the period 1 April 2014 – 31 March 2015 will be available in April 2016. Table 2 - Average DSA payments to full-time English domiciled students Academic years 2009/10 to 2013/14
ACADEMIC YEAR AVERAGE PAYMENT (£)
2009/10 2,110
2010/11 2,300
2011/12 2,350
2012/13 2,250
2013/14 2,230
Source: SLC, Student Support for Higher Education in England Note: 2013/14 final figures are the latest available List of assessment centres in England and Wales AbilityNet DSA Assessment Centre Access 1 st Assessment Centre Access Birmingham Assessment Centre Access Bristol Assessment Centre Access Central Ltd Access Centre Coventry Access Centre Ealing Access Centre Hereford
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 11
Access Independence Ltd Access South West Access SUMMIT Access West of England Access@SW15 Action for Blind People Pan Disability Assessment Centre Aim Assessments Anglia Access Centre Assessment Centre Cardiff Assessment Centre Cardiff Metropolitan University Assessment Centre on Teesside ATOP Chester Bangor Access Centre Bradford Assessment Centre Bridgend Assessment Centre Broadbent & Co Cambridge Access Centre Carmarthenshire Access Centre Central London Assessment Services Cheltenham Assessment Centre Durham University Assessment Centre Exeter Access Centre Glyndwr University Assessment Centre Hertfordshire Access Centre Higher York Access Centre Hull Assessment Centre IONA – Kent and SE Assessment Centre Kent Assessors Kingston Assessment Services Lancaster University Assessment Centre Leeds Assessment Centre Leeds Metropolitan Disability Assessment Centre
12 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Leicester Assessment Centre Lincoln Assessment Centre Lincoln University Assessment Centre Loughborough Regional Assessment Centre Maritime Assessment Centre Midlands Assessment Centre Needs Assessment Centre Newport Assessment Centre North East Regional Assessment Centre North London Regional Assessment Centre Nottingham Trent University Access Centre Nottingham University Access Centre Open University Access Centre Oxford Access Centre Oxford University Assessment Centre Pennine Lancashire Access Centre Plymouth Assessment Centre Portsmouth Assessment Centre Reading Assessment Centre Regional Access Centre East London Sheffield Regional Assessment Centre South London Access Centre Southampton Assessment and Study Services Staffordshire Regional Access Centre Surrey Assessment Centre Sussex Regional Access Centre Swansea Assessment and Training Centre Taunton Assessment Centre Technical Assessment and Support Centre University Centre for Assessments Newcastle University of Derby Assessment Centre Wessex Needs Assessment Centre
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 13
West London Assessment Centre Wolverhampton Assessment Centre
Disabled Students' Allowances: Appeals Tulip Siddiq: [27629] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what mechanisms (a) are available and (b) will be available from 2016-17 for applicants for disabled students' allowance (DSA) who wish to appeal against an assessment by an independent needs assessor; how many students have appealed against such a DSA assessment in each year since 2009-10; and how many of those appeals have been found in favour of the appellant in each of those years. Joseph Johnson: All disabled higher education students who are eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are referred to an independent assessment centre so as to identify the type and level of support they require. A DSAs Needs Assessment Report, which sets out any recommendations for support, is agreed between the independent needs assessor and the student. The assessment report is not a decision about the type and amount of support to be provided. The assessment report is submitted to Student Finance England (SFE), who makes a decision about the type and amount of support they will fund. Student Finance England has an established appeals process which students can use if they do not agree with the final decision made by Student Finance England in relation to any aspect of their support. SFE appeals information is categorised by appeal issue type rather than by student support product type. Therefore information on appeals that specifically relate to DSAs is not produced.
Disabled Students' Allowances: Hampstead and Kilburn Tulip Siddiq: [27628] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many disabled students allowance awards were made by the Student Loans Company to students (a) studying at higher education institutions, (b) with a term-time residence and (c) with a vacation time residence in Hampstead and Kilburn constituency in the most recent academic year for which figures are available. Joseph Johnson: Statistics showing the number of Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) payments to English students are published annually by the Student Loans Company (SLC) in the Statistical First Release ‘Student Support for Higher Education in England’. http://www.slc.co.uk/official-statistics/financial-support-awarded/england-higher- education.aspx
14 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Data provided by the SLC indicates that there were: (a) 120 DSA recipients studying at an institution within the Hampstead and Kilburn constituency and (c) 168 DSA recipients who registered their home address as being in the Hampstead and Kilburn constituency in the academic year 2014/15. Information on DSA recipients with a term-time address in the Hampstead and Kilburn constituency is not available.
Further Education: Greater London Sadiq Khan: [21634] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the end of year budget surplus or deficit was for each further education college in London in each financial year since 2010-11. Sadiq Khan: [28376] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, when he plans to answer Question 21634, tabled by the Right hon. Member for Tooting on 8 January 2016. Nick Boles: We will collate this information and deposit it in the Libraries of the House shortly.
Further Education: Lancashire Julie Cooper: [27624] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how much Government funding further education colleges in (a) East Lancashire and (b) Burnley received in (i) 2014, (ii) 2015 and (iii) 2016. Julie Cooper: [27625] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many students currently attend further education colleges in (a) East Lancashire and (b) Burnley. Nick Boles: Information on the number of government funded further education learners at each further education provider is published online at the FE Data Library. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/fe-data-library-local-authority-tables https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/502598/f eandskills-learners-by-provider-local-authority-learner-characteristics-1415.xls The table provides a list of all further education providers, the local authority and local education authority of the provider head office, and information about the number of learners that attended in the 2014/15 academic year. Funding allocated to training providers and colleges from both the Skills Funding Agency and the Education Funding Agency is also published online for academic years 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16. Links to the funding numbers are provided below. Skills Funding Agency:
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 15
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sfa-funding-allocations-to-training- providers-2013-to-2014 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sfa-funding-allocations-to-training- providers-2014-to-2015 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sfa-funding-allocations-to-training- providers-2015-to-2016 Education Funding Agency: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-allocation-data-2013-to-2014- academic-year https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-allocation-data-2014-to-2015- academic-year https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-allocation-data-2015-to-2016- academic-year Some further education colleges also receive government funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) for their higher education provision. Information on HEFCE’s recurrent grant allocations in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 academic years are published on their website: 2014-15 http://www.hefce.ac.uk/funding/annallocns/1415/institutions/ 2015-16 http://www.hefce.ac.uk/funding/annallocns/1516/institutions/ Income Contingent Repayment (ICR) Student Loans are available to assist higher education students with the payment of their tuition fees. Information on tuition fee loans paid to individual higher education providers is published by the Student Loans Company at the following link for the Academic Years 2011/12 to 2014/15. http://www.slc.co.uk/official-statistics/financial-support-awarded/england-higher- education.aspx
Higher Education: Ethnic Groups Keith Vaz: [27693] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps the Government is taking to increase representation of BME students in leading universities. Joseph Johnson: The Prime Minister has a goal of increasing by 20% the number of BME students in higher education. In our new guidance to the Director of Fair Access, which we published on 11 February, we ask him to maximise the contribution of Access Agreements towards this ambition. The share of BME enrolments at UK institutions has already risen from just over 20% to 23% between 2009/10 and 2014/15. Entry rates for 18 year olds in each ethnic group increased in 2015, reaching the highest recorded values for each group. Between 2009 and 2015, the entry rate for young people in the Black ethnic group increased by over 40 percent proportionally.
16 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Investment by the higher education sector through Access Agreements is expected to reach £746 million in 2016/17 up from £404 million in 2009/10. The Government accepts that selective institutions already do much to widen participation. We also acknowledge the work that they already do. Nonetheless, we are convinced that more could and should be done. In our recent guidance to the Director of Fair Access, www.offa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/11-02-2016-OFFA- Guidance.pdf we asked him to secure more progress. Institutions must use evidence and good practice to lever better results and there needs to be more innovation in this area. As the Director of Fair has also said, ‘it should not be beyond institutions themselves to find ways of making more progress.’
Nicole Mather Tulip Siddiq: [28592] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how much has been claimed in reimbursement expenses by Dr Nicole Mather in her role as Director of the Office for Life Sciences in (a) 2014-15 and (b) 2015-16 to date. George Freeman: Dr Nicole Mather is an employee of Deloitte on secondment to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). In her role as Director of the Office for Life Sciences, Nicole has claimed reimbursement expenses including travel, accommodation and subsistence within the UK, Europe and the US in the course of carrying out her role and when accompanying the Minister for Life Sciences, for the period (a) 2014-15 to a total of £772.44 and period (b) 2015-16 a total of £1,009.90 to date. Tulip Siddiq: [28594] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the salary of Dr Nicole Mather is for her role as Director of the Office for Life Sciences. George Freeman: Nicole Mather is an employee of Deloitte on secondment to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). In line with transparency requirements, her Full Time Equivalent (FTE) salary with Deloitte, which is reimbursed by BIS, has been published as part of the Cabinet Office senior officials “high earners” salaries available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/senior-officials-high-earners-salaries . This states that her total pay floor as at 30 September 2015 was £150,000, and the ceiling was £154,999. This is within the civil service FTE pay band for SCS PB2. Nicole’s Deloitte contract is 80% FTE and thus she receives 80% of this salary. Tulip Siddiq: [28595] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what restrictions are in place on Dr Nicole Mather in her role as Director of the Office for Life Sciences in relation to her role as Director of Deloitte's Healthcare and Life Sciences practice.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 17
George Freeman: It is a condition of Nicole’s secondment to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) that she ensures that in the course of carrying out the work she is asked to do, there will be no conflict of interest that will cause either embarrassment to, or difficulties for, Nicole, Deloitte or BIS. As part of her secondment agreement to BIS, Nicole has signed up to the Civil Service Code including its values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. The secondment agreement sets out specific requirements around shareholdings, use of information gained in the course of her work in BIS, directorships, being a partner in a partnership, and the application of the Business Appointment Rules if Nicole wishes to take up another role within 2 years of the end of her secondment to BIS.
Post Offices: Haringey Catherine West: [27877] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the staff costs are for (a) Crouch End Crown Post Office and (b) Muswell Hill Crown Post Office in 2015-16. Catherine West: [27878] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how much the Post Office has spent refurbishing the premises of the Crown Post Offices in (a) Crouch End and (b) Muswell Hill since January 2010. George Freeman: Provision of its Crown branches is the operational responsibility of Post Office Limited. I have therefore asked Paula Vennells, the Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, to write to the hon Member on this matter. A copy of her reply will be placed in the libraries of the House.
Small Businesses: Innovation Jess Phillips: [27516] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what grants and schemes his Department offers to small and medium-sized businesses to encourage innovation. Joseph Johnson: My Department and its partner organisations are working to make the UK the best place in Europe to innovate, patent new ideas, start and grow a business. Innovate UK delivers a range of programmes to support business-led innovation, including tools specifically designed for early-stage small and medium sized businesses. The Spending Review protects, in cash terms, total spending on innovation through Innovate UK. We are also expanding the network of Catapult Centres, which provide valuable innovation support to businesses, and helps turn their ideas into world-beating
18 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
commercial applications. There are currently nine Catapults with a further two due to open later this year. The UK Intellectual Property Office provides a wide range of support to businesses of all sizes through its on-line tools and direct engagement, including an IP audit scheme targeted at high growth SMEs. Support is also provided by the Government through R&D tax credits, which now support between 70% and 80% of all business investment in R&D. In 2013/14 there were 18,000 companies using the R&D tax credit schemes, claiming a total of £1.75 billion. In addition, in the area of capital allowances, the permanent level of the Annual Investment Allowance has increased from £25,000 to £200,000 for all qualifying investment in plant and machinery made by business on or after 1 January 2016. 100% relief for capital expenditure incurred in the course of R&D activities is available under the Research & Development Allowance.
Sunday Trading: Prosecutions Kevin Brennan: [28491] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many successful prosecutions there have been against employers who have taken action against workers who have refused to work on Sundays under Section 45 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. Anna Soubry: Section 45 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 gives certain shop workers and betting workers the right not to be subjected to detriment by their employers on the ground that the employee refused (or proposed to refuse) to do shop work, or betting work, on Sundays. This right can be enforced by bringing a complaint to the employment tribunal. There is no relevant criminal offence, so there have been no prosecutions.
Sunday Trading: Research Kevin Brennan: [28540] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what research has been commissioned by his Department into the effects of the extension of Sunday opening hours in each year for which data is available. Anna Soubry:
In 2006 Indepen were commissioned by the DTI to evaluate the economic costs and benefits of extending Sunday Trading hours, a copy of the report can be found on the GOV.UK website. My Department has not commissioned any research since then into the effects of the extension of Sunday opening hours.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 19
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership John Cryer: [28171] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, pursuant to the Answer of 14 February 2016 to Question 26010, when the Departmental Reading Room for access to consolidated texts related to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership will be opened. Anna Soubry: The reading room for classified documents, including consolidated texts, relating to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is not yet open. Members of both Houses will be informed of the process and details of how to access the room shortly, once these have been finalised.
Ian C. Lucas: [28524] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will place in the Library the most recent submissions made by the parties involved in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations. Anna Soubry: The European Commission has published a large number of documents relating to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) on its website, including EU proposals for legal text, position papers and factsheets. The Commission and the US have agreed that national parliamentarians should have access to classified TTIP documents, including consolidated texts, via reading rooms in national ministries. Restrictions placed on these rooms include that they are only accessible to officials of Member State central governments and Members of Member State national Parliaments. The UK intends to establish such a reading room in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). This will give equivalent access to documents for Members of both Houses to that afforded to Members of the European Parliament. Members of both Houses will be informed of the process and details of how to access the room shortly, once these have been finalised.
Universities: Admissions Helen Hayes: [27509] To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps the Government is taking to increase the number of BME young people in university education. Joseph Johnson: The Prime Minister has a goal of increasing by 20% the number of BME students in higher education. In our new guidance to the Director of Fair Access, which we published on 11 February, we ask him to maximise the contribution of Access Agreements towards this ambition. Entry rates for 18 year olds in each ethnic group
20 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
increased in 2015, reaching the highest recorded values for each group. Between 2009 and 2015, the entry rate for young people in the Black ethnic group increased by over 40 percent proportionally. Investment by the higher education sector through Access Agreements is expected to reach £746 million in 2016/17 up from £404 million in 2009/10.
CABINET OFFICE
Electoral Register: Credit Reference Agencies Louise Haigh: [28018] To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what checks his Department has in place to ensure that credit reference firms do not sell-on electoral roll data. John Penrose: Under the Regulation 115 of the Representation of the People (England and Wales)(Amendment) Regulations 2002, anyone who is supplied with the full register is not permitted to sell a copy to any person, disclose any information contained in it, or use it for anything apart from the specified purpose for which the full register has been supplied. In contravening this provision, a person would be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, which currently stands at £5000. Louise Haigh: [28019] To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many complaints his Department has received on the sale of electoral roll data by credit reference firms. John Penrose: Available records show that in the last calendar year the Cabinet Office received one letter of complaint about access to the electoral register by credit reference agencies, and nine letters of complaint about the sale of the edited electoral register. Louise Haigh: [28020] To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance his Department issues to credit reference firms on handling data on people who are on the closed electoral register. John Penrose: The Information Commissioner’s Office provides guidance to both private and public sector organisations to help them understand their obligations under the Data Protection Act. Organisations wishing to process personal data in the UK, including credit reference agencies, must register with the ICO and comply with the DPA’s eight data protection principles. Among other things, these principles require personal data to be processed fairly and lawfully; to be accurate and up-to-date; not to be kept for longer than is necessary; and to be processed in accordance with the rights of the data subjects under the DPA.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 21
The ICO’s website provides public information on credit reference agencies’ use of the electoral register at ( https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/credit/ ).
Voluntary Work: Young People Tom Watson: [28527] To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how he plans to reduce the cost per participant of the National Citizen Service. Mr Rob Wilson: Consecutive, independent evaluations have demonstrated that National Citizen Service (NCS) delivers value for money and that the cost per participant has fallen since NCS began. In 2013, the NCS Trust, an independent social enterprise, was established to manage NCS and deliver the programme. Cabinet Office is working closely with the NCS Trust to develop their plans to extend NCS to 360,000 young people per year by 2020, whilst ensuring value for money for the taxpayer.
TREASURY
Academies: Redundancy Pay Mr Jim Cunningham: [28584] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposed public sector exit payments cap on the flexibility of academy chains to restructure their workforce. Greg Hands: Voluntary redundancy and workforce restructuring is not contingent upon access to six- figure exit payments. As such, we do not expect the cap to have a widespread impact on the take-up of voluntary redundancy, and believe the cap will enable public sector employers to retain the tools to effectively make organisational changes to their workforce whilst offering those made redundant generous provisions for loss of employment.
Economic Situation Owen Thompson: [903832] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policies of the findings of the most recent OECD Interim Economic Outlook. Harriett Baldwin: The OECD forecasts show the cocktail of risks facing the world this year, with expectations for global growth downgraded in 2016 and 2017. This is expected to have an impact on the UK as well, but we are forecast to be the fastest growing G7 economy this year.
22 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
We need to keep taking action to restore order to the public finances and deliver economic security for working people.
Financial Services: Advisory Services Craig Tracey: [903831] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to widen access to financial advice. Harriett Baldwin: The Government has launched the Financial Advice Market Review (FAMR). This will explore what more can be done to ensure people can access high quality, affordable advice to help them make informed financial decisions. The Review will establish what sorts of financial advice consumers need and examine ways to make financial advice work better for consumers. It will report back around the time of Budget.
Fiscal Policy Chris Heaton-Harris: [903837] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to create a fiscal surplus by the end of this Parliament. Greg Hands: The government has made significant progress on deficit reduction to date – the deficit has more than halved as a share of GDP from the post-war peak we inherited in 2009- 10. The government will reduce public sector net borrowing at the same average rate as the previous Parliament. But with warnings of a weaker outlook for the economy, we cannot be complacent in thinking the job is done and we must continue with the plan to return the public finances to a more sustainable position.
Fiscal Policy: Females Jo Stevens: [903835] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of his Department's fiscal policies on the financial position of women. Harriett Baldwin: In line with the Equality Act and the Government’s strong commitment to gender equality, ministers carefully consider the impacts for women when developing fiscal and other policies. It is equally important for the future finances of both women and men that we have chosen to tackle the deficit; other Government policies including increases in the income tax personal allowance, the simplified state pension, auto enrolment into pensions, the National Living Wage, and free and tax-free childcare are also especially beneficial to women.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 23
Food: Imports Adam Afriyie: [27726] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what revenue was received by the Exchequer from the total amount of food imported by the UK from other member states of the EU in the last 10 years. Mr David Gauke: This level of detail is not collected on VAT or any other tax return.
Gaming Machines Carolyn Harris: [27667] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the economic impact of fixed odds betting terminals; and if he will make a statement. Damian Hinds: HM Treasury has not carried out any assessment of the overall economic impact of gaming machines. The Gambling Commission regularly publishes a range of statistics relating to the gambling industry.
Income Tax: Tax Allowances Mr Alan Mak: [903839] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to increase the personal allowance during this Parliament. Mr David Gauke: The Government is committed to raising the income tax personal allowance from £10,600 to £12,500 by the end of this parliament. This is alongside our commitment to raise the higher rate threshold to £50,000. Over 30 million individuals will benefit from these changes. Summer Budget 2015 confirmed that the personal allowance will increase to £11,000 in 2016-17, and £11,200 in 2017-18.
Income Tax: Wales Jonathan Edwards: [27626] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of what the most appropriate fiscal framework mechanism would be to accompany the devolution of income tax powers of Wales. Jonathan Edwards: [27627] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what representations he has received from the Welsh Government on the fiscal framework to accompany the devolution of income tax powers to Wales.
24 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Jonathan Edwards: [27664] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what representations he has received from the Welsh Government on the specific deduction method to accompany the devolution of income tax powers to Wales. Greg Hands: The Autumn Statement announced that the Government will legislate to remove the need for a referendum to introduce Welsh Rates of Income Tax. The Government has been clear that it will amend the draft Wales Bill to do this. The programme of fiscal reform has been designed for a purpose: to empower the Welsh Government with further tools and levers to deliver more growth and be more accountable to the people of Wales by raising more of the money they spend. We will continue to discuss the implementation of Welsh Rates of Income Tax – including the financial arrangements - with a range of interested stakeholders, including the Welsh Government.
Independent Living Fund: Wales Ian C. Lucas: [27685] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans the Government has to provide funding to the Welsh Government until the end of the Parliament for payments under the Independent Living Fund. Greg Hands: Following the closure of the Independent Living Fund, £30 million was transferred to Welsh Government budgets to reflect the ILF’s previously-forecast expenditure in Wales. The Welsh Government is responsible for the allocation of this funding, in line with its devolved responsibilities. This funding was subsequently included in the Welsh Government’s Spending Review 2015 allocation.
Money Laundering Mr Charles Walker: [28484] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the FCA on its making guidance available to banks which are seeking to comply with money laundering rules in relation to domestic politically-exposed persons in a proportionate way; and if he will make a statement. Harriett Baldwin: The Government is taking concerns about the Anti-Money Laundering requirements regarding Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) seriously. While addressing corrupt PEPs is an important aspect of global efforts to tackle corruption and money laundering, it is essential that this be done proportionately. Treasury ministers have regular discussions with banks and the FCA, including on ensuring that guidance is clear and appropriate.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 25
Rents: Greater London Neil Coyle: [27839] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he plans to take to reduce domestic rent prices in London. Greg Hands: The Government believes that the key to improving affordability in domestic rents is to increase the supply of homes. That is why the Government has taken measures to attract billions of pounds of investment to build homes specifically for private rent. This includes a £3.5 billion debt guarantee scheme to support the delivery of new homes purpose built for private rent. At the Spending Review the Government set out its Five Point Plan for increasing housing supply. This includes plans to deliver 400,000 affordable home starts by 2020/21, including 10,000 Rent to Buy homes; a £2billion fund to provide infrastructure on large housing sites; a £1billion fund to provide loans to SME builders; further reforms to the planning system and the release of public sector land for 160,000 homes.
Self-employed: Construction Steve Rotheram: [27586] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on levels of self-employment in the construction industry of his proposed changes to tax relief for travel and subsistence. Mr David Gauke: The changes to tax relief for travel and subsistence only affect those who work through an employment intermediary. The Government’s assessment of the effects of the measure can be found in the Tax Information and Impact Note: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/income-tax-employment-intermediaries- and-relief-for-travel-and-subsistence/income-tax-employment-intermediaries-and-relief- for-travel-and-subsistence Further assessment can be found in the summary of responses to the consultation document published on this change: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/483389/E mployment_Intermediaries_and_Tax_Relief_for_Travel_and_Subsistence_- _Summary_of_Responses__M7057_.pdf
Small Businesses: Tax Allowances Daniel Kawczynski: [27687] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on stakeholders of the proposed changes to entrepreneurial tax relief.
26 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Mr David Gauke: The Government announced at Autumn Statement 2015 that it will consider bringing forward legislation to amend the changes made by Finance Act 2015 to entrepreneurs’ relief, in order to support businesses by ensuring that the relief is available on certain genuine commercial transactions. Changes to taxation are announced by the Chancellor at the Budget and the effect of changes are published in a Tax Information and Impact Note.
Social Services: Minimum Wage Paul Blomfield: [25631] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Answer of 24 February 2015 to Question 224081, on social services: pay, whether HM Revenue and Customs has completed its investigations into the six social care companies. Mr David Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has investigated over 400 care sector employers involving 330 complaints from workers and 79 targeted using our risking tools. Non- compliance has been found in about a third of completed investigations, identifying over £436,000 arrears for nearly 3,000 care workers. HMRC's investigations have assured the working practices of the social care providers who employ almost 20% of the total workforce in that sector. HMRC has not completed all the investigations into the six social care companies. The Department does not discuss the results of specific investigations for reasons of confidentiality.
Tax Avoidance Daniel Kawczynski: [27686] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on stakeholders of the proposed changes to the Transactions in Securities rules. Mr David Gauke: At Autumn Statement 2015, the Government announced a consultation on aspects of the Transaction in Securities rules, and published draft legislation shortly afterwards. A tax information and impact note setting out expected impacts was published on 9th December, and can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/corporation-tax-income-tax-and-capital- gains-tax-company-distributions.
Tax Evasion: Prosecutions Stephen Phillips: [903830] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of successful prosecutions for tax evasion.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 27
Mr David Gauke: At Summer Budget 2015, the Government announced an investment of £800 million to tackle non tax‑com evasion. pliance and This investment includes £266 million and 670 new HMRC staff to tackle tax fraud, which will lead to a tripling of the number of criminal investigations into the most serious and complex tax crimes. The Government is also consulting on new criminal powers to tackle offshore tax evasion and corporate facilitation of tax evasion. This all builds on the Government’s earlier investment into HMRC, which enabled the Department to achieve a seven-fold increase in the number of prosecutions over the course of the last parliament and contributed to the protection over £2 billion of vital public revenue last year.
Taxation: Self-assessment Mr Gregory Campbell: [27608] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people who did not meet the 31 January 2016 deadline for submitting tax returns. Mr David Gauke: Around 870,000 customers failed to submit their online Self Assessment tax return by 31 January 2016 deadline.
Welfare Tax Credits Ronnie Cowan: [27602] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many tax credit claims have been (a) identified as potentially fraudulent and (b) reviewed by Concentrix in each local authority area. Mr David Gauke: The information requested is not available. Rebecca Long Bailey: [28526] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the average change in tax credit awards was as a result of an increase in yearly household income above the income rise disregard in each financial year since 2006. Damian Hinds: This answer could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Rebecca Long Bailey: [28529] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 5 January 2016 to Question 20332, if he will place in the Library all case studies his Department undertook for the purpose of establishing the effect of reducing the income rise disregard for tax credits.
28 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Rebecca Long Bailey: [28530] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to paragraph 1.122 of the Spending Review and Autumn Statement 2015, what estimate his Department has made of the average change in tax credit award as a result of reducing the income rise disregard for tax credits. Rebecca Long Bailey: [28580] To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Government's memorandum submitted to the Lords Secondary Legislation Committee on 28 January 2016, what the evidential basis is for the statement that there will be no cash losers from the reduction of the income rise disregards for tax credits. Damian Hinds: As announced in the combined Autumn Statement and Spending Review, the amount by which a tax credit claimant’s income can increase within the year before their tax credit award is adjusted (the income rise disregard), will be reduced from £5,000 to £2,500. The reduction to the income rise disregard will stop one family receiving a higher tax credit award over another family with precisely the same income and the same circumstances, which makes the system fairer. The household income of families before it rises will inform how they might be effected by a reduction in the income rise disregard. The only people who will be affected are those who will see an income increase of more than £2,500 in-year. Due to the way that tax credits are calculated, the amount an award will be adjusted by – because of an increase in income – will depend upon a claimant’s individual circumstances, such as the household’s income before it rises. No one will be a cash loser because their income will have increased. As an example, for an individual with a wage of £12,000, an income increase of £2,501 would lead to an adjustment in their tax credit award of just 41 pence. An increase of less than £2,500 would see no change at all.
COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Building Alterations: Planning Permission Tulip Siddiq: [27631] To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to his Answer of 9 February 2016 to Question 26570, on planning permission, which local authority made each of those article 4 directions; and what modifications his Department made to eight of those directions. Brandon Lewis: The Department has been notified of Article 4 directions for basement developments made by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 29
The Secretary of State has modified Article 4 directions which remove office to residential permitted development rights for: - the London Borough of Richmond; the London Borough of Sutton; Brighton and Hove City Council and Oxford City Council: to exclude those properties which had secured prior approval for the change of use from office to residential before the date the Article 4 directions took effect; - London Borough of Camden: to reduce the geographical coverage of the Article 4 direction; - Broxbourne Borough Council; the London Borough of Islington and the London Borough of Merton: to exclude those properties which had secured prior approval for the change of use from office to residential before the date the Article 4 directions took effect and to reduce the geographical coverage of the Article 4 directions.
European Union Solidarity Fund: Wales Liz Saville Roberts: [28446] To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether the Government plans to make available to the Welsh Government funds received as a result of the application to the EU Solidarity Fund announced on 25 February 2016. James Wharton: Decisions regarding the disbursement of any funding will be made once we have received confirmation of whether our application has been successful. Liz Saville Roberts: [28447] To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what representations he has received from the Welsh Government on applying to the EU Solidarity Fund as a result of flooding in Wales in late 2015 and early 2016. James Wharton: The UK Government has been working with Wales and Scotland to understand their impacts from the flooding events of 2015 and early 2016. These conversations will continue to enable us to demonstrate the impacts to the UK for an EU Solidarity Fund application.
Flood Control: Grants Alex Cunningham: [27224] To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many £5,000 flood protection grants have been paid to (a) households and (b) businesses by local authorities. Alex Cunningham: [27225] To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many applications have been made to local authorities for £5,000 flood protection grants.
30 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
James Wharton: To date, local authorities have received 1,285 applications for Property Level Resilience grant funding and have so far approved 162. Property Level Resilience grants are dependent on works which require properties to dry out and are usually claimed retrospectively. The current rate of payments is similar to equivalent previous schemes where the profile of spend shows payments accelerate in the third and fourth quarters after damage.
Local Government Finance Jim McMahon: [R] [27716] To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if the Government will bring forward proposals to review the needs-based formula for local government. Mr Marcus Jones: By the end of this Parliament, local authorities will fund local services from their local taxes, including £26 billion raised from business rates. We have announced that we will conduct a review of what the needs assessment formula should be in a world in which all local government spending is funded by local resources not central grant, and use it to determine the transition to 100% business rates retention. We will develop this approach in partnership with local government. Craig Whittaker: [27847] To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the balances held by all English local authorities. Mr Marcus Jones: The most recent local authority data held by the Department for Communities and Local Government is the estimated position for financial year 2015-16. Local authorities have estimated that their reserve balances as at 31 March 2016 will be as follows: Ringfenced school reserves £2,213.16 million Ringfenced public health reserves £138.83 million Non ringfenced other earmarked reserves £13,396.76 million Non ringfenced unallocated reserves £3,736.79 million Full details can be found on the department’s webpage https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/local-authority-revenue-expenditure-and- financing-england-2015-to-2016-individual-local-authority-data
Ministerial Committee for Syrian Refugees Mr Steve Reed: [27575] To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many times the Ministerial Committee for Syrian Refugees has met.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 31
Richard Harrington: The Ministerial Committee for Syrian Refugees has met on three occasions.
Occupational Therapy Norman Lamb: [27407] To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many people were employed as occupational therapists in each of the last five years; what information his Department holds on unfilled vacancies in occupational therapy in the last 12 months; and what steps he is taking to increase the number of people trained as occupational therapists. Mr Marcus Jones: The Department for Communities and Local Government does not collect information on the number of occupational therapists in employment or the number of unfilled vacancies in occupational therapy.
Refugees: Syria Jon Trickett: [27503] To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what proportion of Syrian nationals resettled under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme since March 2014 were housed under the COMPASS accommodation contract agreements. Richard Harrington: Syrian nationals resettled in the UK under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme are not housed under the COMPASS accommodation contract agreements. These agreements are only for asylum seekers.
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT
BBC Tulip Siddiq: [27600] To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make representations to the BBC on increasing the provision of voice-overs for BBC programmes. Mr Edward Vaizey: The statutory target for audio description is 10% for most broadcasters. The BBC in 2010 committed a higher target and now provides audio description of 20% of its content on BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC and CBeebies.
Broadband Maria Eagle: [25374] To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the cost is of subsidising satellite broadband to a further one per cent of premises; and how much of that cost will be borne by each of the superfast broadband programmes.
32 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Mr Edward Vaizey: The government is making available a subsidy of up to £400 for each installation of satellite broadband in premises which are currently unable to access a broadband speed of at least 2Mbps throughout 2016 and 2017. The total cost of the scheme will depend on the level of demand.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Ministerial Policy Advisers Mr Virendra Sharma: [27948] To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the (a) policy and (b) other responsibilities are of each special adviser in his Department. Mr Edward Vaizey: I refer my Hon Friend to the answer to PQ 27946
Theatre: Finance Andrew Rosindell: [28089] To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what criteria Arts Council England uses to allocate funding to theatre companies; and how much such funding has been disbursed to theatre companies in each of the last three years. Mr Edward Vaizey: Arts Council England (ACE) assesses all applications for funding against the specific criteria for each programme, as well as one or more of its 5 goals of excellence, opportunity, resilience, leadership and young people. ACE investment in theatre over the last 3 years is: £136,024,252 in 2013/14; £148,745,455 in 2014/15; and £138,018,756 to date (23 Feb 2016) in 2015/16.
DEFENCE
Afghanistan: Terrorism Dan Jarvis: [28434] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the existence of links between the Taliban and Islamic State movements in Afghanistan and the abusive exploitation of extractive resources. Penny Mordaunt: We assess that the Afghan Taliban leadership opposes Daesh's presence in Afghanistan, where there has been reported fighting between the two groups. Our judgement is that the Taliban generate funding via illegal exploitation of Afghanistan's natural resources, for example marble, talcum and lapis lazuli, and through extortion of payments from legal mining operations, but we have seen no evidence to suggest that Daesh is currently engaged in these activities.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 33
Aircraft Carriers: Decommissioning Emily Thornberry: [28037] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the amount spent was from the public purse was on decommissioning and disposal of (a) HMS Ark Royal and (b) HMS Illustrious. Mr Philip Dunne: Much of the work to decommission Royal Navy ships is undertaken using contracts that provide support services for all ships conducting Fleet activities at HM Naval Base, Portsmouth. Costs are not attributed to individual vessels. Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) was responsible for the removal of classified equipment and known hazardous materials from the former HMS ARK ROYAL. This work cost £0.7 million. Similar work is being carried out on the former HMS ILLUSTRIOUS which has yet to be sold. Expenditure incurred to date is £0.5 million. The Disposal Services Authority (DSA), part of DE&S, disposes of defence equipment that is surplus to requirement. DSA costs are not attributed to individual platforms and information on these ships is not held in the format requested.
Aircraft Carriers: Littoral Warfare Emily Thornberry: [28006] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 4.47 of the National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence Review 2015, Cm 9161, which of the two Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers will be adapted to support amphibious capability. Emily Thornberry: [28464] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 4.47 of the National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015, which of the two Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers will be enhanced to support amphibious capability. Mr Philip Dunne: The two new Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers, currently under construction in Rosyth have a planned service life of 50 years each. They will be capable of a spectrum of roles including battlefield helicopter support to littoral operations. The Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 made provision to enhance this capability in the QEC aircraft carriers.
Armed Forces Emily Thornberry: [28008] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 4.45 of the National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence Review 2015, when he expects to announce further details of the Government's proposed new armed forces offer. Penny Mordaunt: In order to deliver the battle-winning forces which the UK needs for the future, we are looking at developing a new "offer" for new joiners into the Armed Forces which meets
34 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
the expectations of future recruits. It will ensure our future expenditure on personnel is sustainable and applied in the most efficient way. We have now begun the conceptual stages of evidence gathering and initial policy development which will determine whether the concept of a new offer is viable and when it could be delivered. We will engage stakeholders including the Armed Forces Pay Review Body as usual on our proposals when they mature. The new offer for new joiners will not impact on existing Service personnel.
Armed Forces: Families Emily Thornberry: [28007] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence Review 2015, when he expects to announce further details of the Government's proposed armed forces families strategy. Mark Lancaster: The UK Armed Forces Families' Strategy 2016-2020 was published on 14 January 2016 and is available at the following website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-armed-forces-families-strategy The Strategy will be supported by an action plan which we plan to publish in spring 2016.
Armed Forces: Pay Emily Thornberry: [28471] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 3.58 of the 44th Report of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, published in March 2015, when the review of military commitment bonuses was completed; and if he will publish that review. Penny Mordaunt: Following our initial evidence to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB) in 2014 we undertook to conduct a more fundamental review of commitment bonuses during 2015, once New Employment Model proposals had matured. Our intention was to submit further evidence to the AFPRB. However, as announced on 23 November 2015, and detailed in the Government's National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015, a decision was taken as part of this wider review to phase out commitment bonuses. This decision reflected the view that there was insufficient evidence to prove a tangible retention benefit from these payments. All such payments will now cease from 1 April 2021, providing affected personnel time to adjust their financial plans to take account of any payments for which they are no longer eligible.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 35
Clyde Naval Base: Housing Brendan O'Hara: [28246] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's policy is on the provision of accommodation for naval personnel and their families visiting (a) HMNB Clyde and (b) RNAD Coulport. Mark Lancaster: The provision of accommodation for all naval personnel and their families is contained within the Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations which are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/502127/ 20160222_-_JSP_464_Volume_1_Part_1_-_Version_3.pdf
HMS Ocean: Decommissioning Emily Thornberry: [28002] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 1 February 2016 to Question 24278, how much has been set aside in his Department's budget for potential costs associated with the decommissioning and disposal of HMS Ocean. Emily Thornberry: [28465] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 1 February 2016 to Question 24278, how much has been set aside within his Department's budget to cover potential costs associated with the decommissioning and disposal of HMS Ocean. Mr Philip Dunne: Much of the work to decommission Royal Navy ships is undertaken using contracts that provide support services for all ships conducting Fleet activities at HM Naval Base, Portsmouth. Costs are not attributed to individual vessels. Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) will be responsible for the removal of classified equipment and known hazardous materials from HMS OCEAN after the ship has been decommissioned. The DE&S financial plan will include a provision for this work but a figure has yet to be approved. The Disposal Services Authority (DSA), part of DE&S, disposes of defence equipment that is surplus to requirement. DSA costs are not attributed to individual platforms and information is not held in the format requested.
Libya: Military Intervention Kirsten Oswald: [28098] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the (a) date and (b) remit was of his authorisation to use RAF Lakenheath as a base to carry out airstrikes in Libya. Kirsten Oswald: [28099] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether further authorisation from him will be necessary for any future airstrikes in Libya carried out by US forces from UK bases.
36 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Michael Fallon: Authorisation for the United States to use UK bases to launch the airstrike against a Daesh training camp in Libya was given on 18 February 2016. Authorisation would be required for any operations of this nature involving the use of UK bases.
Ministry of Defence: Cleaning Services Catherine West: [28601] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the rate of pay is for cleaners in his Department. Mark Lancaster: Cleaning within the Ministry of Defence is undertaken through estate maintenance contracts and therefore information on the rates of pay for cleaners is held by a number of third parties and not by the Department.
Ministry of Defence: Health Mr Virendra Sharma: [27928] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's wellness strategy is. Mark Lancaster: A new Health and Wellbeing Strategy for all Ministry of Defence (MOD) employees was published in mid-2015 and is designed to provide guidance to the Chain of Command and civilian line managers on how to manage the health needs of their people. The aim is to maximise the number of people fit to work, managing people back to work after a period of sickness, so that they are fit and able to meet the requirements of Defence outputs, including operational effectiveness. The strategy applies to all Defence People and not just Service personnel for whom maintaining health, wellbeing and fitness is a major contributor to the moral and physical components of fighting power. Although there are differences in the Terms and Conditions of Service and requirements placed on civilian and military workforces, all people working in Defence have a role to play in contributing to Defence outputs. The Health and Wellbeing Strategy has four pillars: Lifestyle, Injury prevention, Preventative health and, Mental health. It is a through-life process that sets the conditions to allow people to Join, Train, Work, Live and Leave well.
Ministry of Defence: Meetings Helen Goodman: [27635] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what meetings (a) he and (b) Ministers of his Department have had with (i) arms manufacturers, (ii) tobacco manufacturers and (iii) representatives of the Israeli embassy since the period covered in the Cabinet Office's most recent ministerial gifts, hospitality, travel and meetings data release.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 37
Michael Fallon: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Cabinet Office Minister (Matthew Hancock) to her Question 27634 on 26 February 2016.
Attachments: 1. QnA extract on Meetings [20160226_27634_Meetings.docx]
Ministry of Defence: Overseas Aid Wendy Morton: [28267] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's spending was on Overseas Development Aid in (a) 2013-14, (b) 2014-15 and (c) the first 10 months of 2015-16; and what the recipient countries of that aid were. Michael Fallon: Ministry of Defence spending on overseas development assistance was £3.0 million in calendar year 2013 and £2.2 million in calendar year 2014. The 2015 figure is currently undergoing assurance and is scheduled to be published on 1 April 2016. Recipients include Vanuatu, Nepal, refugees from Syria and Lebanon, nations in the Caribbean, Southern Africa and St Helena.
Ministry of Defence: Publications Jonathan Ashworth: [28669] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) publications, (b) consultation documents and (c) circulars his Department has issued since August 2012; and what the title was of each such publication, consultation document or circular. Mark Lancaster: The requested information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
NATO: Type 45 Destroyers Emily Thornberry: [28498] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release, UK to step up NATO maritime commitment, of 10 February 2016, which Type 45 Destroyers he expects will be deployed to NATO's Standing Maritime Group 1 in October 2016. Penny Mordaunt: I refer the hon.Member to the answer I gave her on 29 February 2016 to Question 28003.
Attachments: 1. QnA extract on NATO Type 45 Destroyers [2060229_28003_Type_45_Destroyers.docx]
38 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Nuclear Enterprise Board Kate Hollern: [28514] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, who the members of the nuclear enterprise board are; what the terms of reference are of that board; how many times that board has met since January 2015; and how that board reports to ministers. Mr Philip Dunne: Membership of the Defence Nuclear Executive Board consists of the: Permanent Secretary Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Director General Finance Director General Security Policy Deputy Chief of Defence Staff Military Capability Chief Scientific Advisor Fleet Commander The Terms of Reference for the Board are currently being reviewed. The Board sits quarterly and has met four times since January 2015; it reports to Ministers via the Defence Board.
Trident Submarines Kate Hollern: [28561] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the next three stages are in the investment programme announced in the Strategic Defence and Security Review for the Successor programme; and when he expects each of those stages will reach approval decisions. Mr Philip Dunne: As set out in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015, we will further invest around £600 million in the design of the Successor submarine as we prepare to move to the demonstration phase. Options for the subsequent investment stages and their scope, time and cost are currently under consideration and will be subject to the formal approvals process Kate Hollern: [28582] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of the elements of the Successor programme have commenced Stage 2; and when he expects all elements of that programme to have commenced Stage 2. Mr Philip Dunne: Every element of the Successor Programme has now commenced Stage 2 design. Kate Hollern: [28583] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the forecast expenditure is on the Successor programme within his Department's 10 year equipment plan.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 39
Mr Philip Dunne: The Successor submarine programme remains in the Assessment Phase. I am withholding internal Ministry Of Defence forecasts on future programme expenditure as disclosure would or would be likely to prejudice the Department's commercial interests.
Type 23 Frigates Emily Thornberry: [28004] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects each of the Royal Navy's Type 23 frigates to be withdrawn from service. Mr Philip Dunne: Current planning assumptions are:
SHIP OUT OF SERVICE DATE
HMS Argyll 2023
HMS Lancaster 2024
HMS Iron Duke 2025
HMS Monmouth 2026
HMS Montrose 2027
HMS Westminster 2028
HMS Northumberland 2029
HMS Richmond 2030
HMS Somerset 2031
HMS Sutherland 2032
HMS Kent 2033
HMS Portland 2034
HMS St Albans 2035
Type 45 Destroyers Emily Thornberry: [28036] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 February 2016 to Question 25153, on which Type 45 Destroyers all 16 recommendations of the Independent Power and Propulsion System Performance Review have been implemented in full; when he expects the implementation of all 16 recommendations to be completed across the class; and if he will publish the recommendations made by the review.
40 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Mr Philip Dunne: Fourteen of the recommendations involved a modification to the Power and Propulsion system and all fourteen have been completed across all six ships in the class. The remaining two recommendations, involving changes to existing training procedures and documentation, have also been adopted. As these two recommendations are administrative in nature, they do not require physical modification of the ships. With regard to the request to publish the recommendations made by the Independent Power and Propulsion System Performance Review, dated March 2011, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife (Douglas Chapman) to question 25234 on 8 February 2016.
Attachments: 1. QnA extract on Type 45 Destroyers [20160208_25234_Type_45_Destroyers.docx]
United Nations: Peacekeeping Operations Emily Thornberry: [28161] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK (a) military and (b) civilian personnel are deployed on UN peacekeeping operations in each operational theatre. Emily Thornberry: [28162] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK (a) military and (b) civilian personnel have been deployed on UN peacekeeping operations in each of the last six years. Penny Mordaunt: The tables below show the numbers of military and civilian personnel the UK has deployed to UN mandated peacekeeping and special political missions in the last six years, as at 26 February 2016: Military Personnel
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
UNFICYP 271 273 270 274 274 274 (Cyprus)
MINUSMA 1 2 2 2 (Mali)
UNMISS 3 2 4 3 3 (South Sudan)
MONUSCO 5 4 5 5 5 5 (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 41
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
UNSOM 2 2 (Somalia)
UNSMIL 1 1 (Libya/Tunisia)
TOTAL 276 280 278 285 287 287
Civilian Personnel
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
MONUSCO 1 1 1 1 1
UNMISS 4 4 2
UNSMIL 1 1
MINUSTAH 3 3 3 (Haiti)
UNMIL (Liberia) 1 1
TOTAL 1 1 1 8 10 7
The civilian figures represent deployments from the Stabilisation Unit; other Government Departments also deploy civilians on UN Peacekeeping missions. The figures do not include deployments to UN Agencies.
Veterans: Visual Impairment Brendan O'Hara: [28224] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to accommodate the Blind Veterans Association based at the Braeholm Centre in Helensburgh when that facility closes in June 2016. Mark Lancaster: The Braeholm facility in Helensburgh is not located in a Ministry of Defence establishment and its closure is a matter for the charity that runs the facility. The Naval Service does recognise the support the facility has given to Service personnel and is in contact with the charity trustees to assess which of the services need to be replaced, how this will be achieved and what other future support is required, to improving the quality of life for naval personnel and their families.
42 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
War Pensions: Uprating Emily Thornberry: [28481] To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Written Statement by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence of 9 December 2015, HCWS372, on War Pension Scheme - Uprating 2016, if he will make an estimate of the cost of uprating war pensions in line with average earnings in 2016. Mark Lancaster: The Department uprates War Pensions annually in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), ensuring a consistent approach to social security disability benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions. This is in keeping with other public service schemes and reflects the measure of inflation used by the Bank of England. Therefore the Ministry of Defence has no plans to estimate the cost of uprating compensation payments made under the War Pension Scheme in line with average earnings.
EDUCATION
Academies: Pay Mr Jim Cunningham: [28585] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her policy is on the exemption of academy school staff from the one per cent public sector pay rise limit. Mr Jim Cunningham: [28588] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for what reasons academy schools are not subject to public sector pay and terms. Edward Timpson: The reformed national pay and terms and conditions arrangements allow all schools considerable flexibility over the pay of their teachers. Staff at academies are employees of academy trusts, companies limited by guarantee with charitable status. Whilst academy trusts are classified as public sector bodies, their staff are not employees of the Crown. Academies have more control over their budgets so that they can meet their school’s needs more effectively and have the flexibility to reward the best teachers and excellent performance. These are the reasons they are not included within the statutory national pay and terms and conditions arrangements, which includes the current one per cent cap on pay increases. Many academies have pay systems that mirror the provisions of the statutory national arrangements and many converter academy staff have ‘Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations’ rights that preserve their entitlement to the national pay and terms and conditions arrangements.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 43
Academies: Staff Mr Jim Cunningham: [28587] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for what reasons staff of academy chains are not considered as public servants. Edward Timpson: Staff at academies are employees of academy trusts, companies limited by guarantee with charitable status. Whilst academy trusts are classified as public sector bodies, their staff are not employees of the Crown.
Basic Skills: Primary Education Mr Roger Godsiff: [27663] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the effect on teachers' workloads of the new system for assessment of pupils' achievement in reading, writing and mathematics at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Nick Gibb: We have made removing unnecessary workload a priority so that the efforts of teachers are focused on teaching. Our primary assessment reforms have been designed to put arrangements for the majority of classroom assessment back into the hands of the school and to reduce the tracking burdens that national curriculum levels encouraged. We believe schools are best placed to decide how to assess pupils in line with their curriculum and that over time this should lead to a reduction in teacher workload. Following the introduction of the new national curriculum and the removal of levels, we have developed new forms of statutory assessment at the end of Key Stages 1 and 2. The duty to report assessment at these points remains unchanged from previous years. We do recognise, however, that in this first year the new forms of assessment are used pupils and teachers will be adapting their approach. The best way to prepare pupils remains to focus on teaching the new national curriculum, which schools have been doing since September 2014. Throughout the introduction of our important reforms to primary assessment, we have worked closely with teachers and head teachers and continue to listen to the concerns of the profession as the details of the new arrangements are finalised. We are working constructively with the teaching profession and their representatives to find solutions to some of the remaining issues. Mr Roger Godsiff: [27668] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for what reason her Department did not give one year's notice of the new system for assessment of pupils' achievement in reading, writing and mathematics at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Nick Gibb: The new national curriculum tests at Key Stages 1 and 2 were first announced in March 2014, and since then we have provided schools with further information to help them adapt to the assessment arrangements. In addition to sample questions published in
44 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
summer 2014, complete sample tests were published in summer 2015 to give primary schools nearly a year of lead-in time to ensure their pupils are adequately prepared. The new interim teacher assessment frameworks ay Key Stages 1 and 2 were published in September 2015 and were therefore provided at the start of the academic year in time for use this summer. Our public consultation on the frameworks received a large volume of diverse feedback, which we wanted to give proper consideration before introducing the important change for schools. Recent publications in January and February 2016 did not announce any change to assessment arrangements, but provided example materials to support teachers in making teacher assessment judgements.
English Baccalaureate Mr Jim Cunningham: [28053] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate her Department has made of the total number of students enrolled in the English Baccalaureate in each year since its inception; and if she will make a statement. Nick Gibb: [Holding answer 26 February 2016]: Information on the percentage of pupils entered for the components of the English Baccalaureate between 2009/10 and 2014/15 is published in the Statistical First Release “Revised GCSE and equivalent results in England: 2014 to 2015”. [1] [1] 2014/15 revised table can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/494052/S FR01_2016_National_Tables.xlsx. (Table 1b)
Teachers: Length of Service Stephen Timms: [28492] To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of (a) primary and (b) secondary full-time teachers have completed (i) three, (ii) five, (iii) 10, (iv) 15 and (v) 20 years of teaching since qualifying. Nick Gibb: The information is not available in the format requested. The Department publishes statistics showing, for each calendar year since 1996, the number of teachers that have qualified and entered service and the percentage that remain in service in each following year. The number of teachers in our schools continues to grow year-on-year. Teaching has a lower turnover rate than the economy as a whole; 90 per cent of teachers in state schools stay in the profession from one year to the next. The latest data show that 72 per cent of teachers that qualified during 2009 and were in service by March 2010 were still in service five years later. Similarly, 62 per cent of teachers that qualified during 2004 and were in service by March 2005 were still in service ten years later.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 45
These statistics are published in table C2 of the additional tables in the School Workforce in England Statistical First Release, November 2014. This publication is attached and available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/school-workforce-in-england-november-2014
Attachments: 1. 28492_School_Workforce_Additional_Tables [28492_Additional_Tables_SFR21_2015.xls]
ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate Change Tom Brake: [27563] To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what plans she has to promote a global goal on adaptation to climate change. Andrea Leadsom: Adaptation is a core component of the Paris Agreement, adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December last year. The Agreement includes a new long-term goal to strengthen adaptation and resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change. This goal is aligned with the new Global Goals for sustainable development, particularly Goal 13 on climate action. Alongside this, the Paris Agreement includes commitments for each country to take action to adapt according to national circumstances, to share their adaptation planning and to cooperate to help those developing countries who need help to adapt to climate change. The UK has been and remains committed to leading calls to increase support for adaptation, and we aim to use 50 per cent of our International Climate Fund (ICF) to support adaptation in developing countries. The UK has already taken significant action to support vulnerable countries to adapt to climate change and cope with climate- related events. For example, we have increased our support for climate risk insurance initiatives, such as the Africa Risk Capacity Initiative and the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Assessment and Financing Initiative. We are also funding actions that help build communities’ resilience, including through support for climate services and early warning systems which have an important role to play in helping poor and vulnerable communities be better prepared and more resilient to climate-related risks.
Coal Fired Power Stations: Blyth Mr David Anderson: [28244] To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if she will assess the suitability of the hinterland of the Port of Blyth as a location for an ultra-super critical coal fired power station; and if she will make a statement.
46 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Andrea Leadsom: With the exception of proposals for nuclear generating stations, the choice of location for any energy generation project is a matter for the developer concerned, and the location`s suitability will be considered as part of the consent application process. Any new coal plant must demonstrate carbon capture and storage on at least 300 MW of its proposed generating capacity and comply with the Emissions Performance Standard.
Department of Energy and Climate Change: Ministerial Policy Advisors Mr Virendra Sharma: [27951] To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what the (a) policy and (b) other responsibilities are of each special adviser in her Department. Andrea Leadsom: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my rt. hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General on Monday 29 February 2016 to Question 27946: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers- statements/written-question/Commons/2016-02-23/27946/.
Electricity Generation Matthew Pennycook: [28533] To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what capacity of existing Capacity Market Units were awarded Capacity Market contracts in (a) 2014 and (b) 2015. Andrea Leadsom: The capacity of existing Capacity Market Units awarded Capacity Market agreements including those awarded refurbishing agreements was: a) 46,464MW in 2014; and b) 42,099 MW in 2015. Matthew Pennycook: [28534] To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what proportion of existing capacity of existing Capacity Market Units that were awarded Capacity Market contracts did not place an exit bid in (a) 2014 and (b) 2015. Andrea Leadsom: All existing Capacity Market Units (CMU) participating in the 2014 and 2015 auctions submitted exit bids in accordance with the auction rules. Confidentiality rules mean that the Government is unable to obtain from National Grid, the delivery body for the Capacity Market, the detailed information on individual exit bids.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 47
Microgeneration Jonathan Reynolds: [28418] To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, whether her Department is assessing potential alternatives to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme to which the Renewable Heat Incentive is linked. Andrea Leadsom: The Department is in the process of working with the microgeneration industry to establish the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) as a legal entity that will operate independently of the Government. There is an established process for alternative schemes to MCS to come forward through the United Kingdom Accreditation Service and equivalent accreditation bodies in the EU. For example, through this process the Solar Keymark product scheme for solar thermal products has been recognised and treated as equivalent to MCS. In addition, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) regulations give Ofgem the power to determine scheme equivalency; and they are currently finalising this process for equivalent schemes to be considered in specific reference to the RHI.
Renewable Energy Andrew Percy: [28360] To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps she has taken to ensure that all renewables can compete on equal terms in the additional rounds of renewable subsidy auctions scheduled between now and 2020. Andrea Leadsom: The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme allows a wide range of renewable technologies to compete for contracts. On 18 November 2015, my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change announced the intention to run three more auctions this Parliament, with the first, for the less established group of technologies that includes Offshore Wind, Wave, Tidal Stream, Advanced Conversion Technologies, Anaerobic Digestion, Dedicated Biomass with Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Geothermal, planned for late 2016. We will announce plans for Pot 1 (established technologies) and Pot 3 (biomass conversion) in due course.
Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Jonathan Reynolds: [28417] To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if she will ensure that all standards explicitly linked to the Renewable Heat Incentive are non-commercialised and publicly available to all relevant parties who may wish to offer services related to the implementation of that initiative.
48 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Andrea Leadsom: The Department is currently working with industry to establish the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) as a legal entity. The accessibility of MCS standards referenced in the RHI regulations will be considered as part of that process to ensure that those standards which are mandatory for the purpose of the RHI remain publicly available.
Sellafield: Staff Mr Jamie Reed: [28222] To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment her Department has made of the potential effect of the Sellafield Workforce Reform programme on the Sellafield workforce. Andrea Leadsom: The Sellafield Change Programme is being put into place to improve business performance and provide greater value for the public purse while maintaining the priority of safe and secure operations. Sellafield Ltd will continue to offer quality employment for many people for many years and is looking at how it can deliver the decommissioning mission as effectively and efficiently as possible and in a way that strengthens the local economy. Sellafield Ltd is engaging the workforce and its representatives on plans to improve the business and specifically on what this will mean for employees. Details of the change programme are available at http://www.nda.gov.uk/contracts-and- competition/sellafield-model-change-programme.
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Dairy Farming Sir Nicholas Soames: [28022] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to promote collaboration between farmers by setting up producer organisations in the dairy sector. George Eustice: Collaboration is a powerful way for groups of farmers to share knowledge and expertise, market information and good farming practice, exercise joint purchasing power and strengthen their negotiating position within the supply chain. We have put in place the legal framework that allows dairy producer organisations (DPOs) to form and provided some initial funding through the launch of the £5m Dairy Fund in 2013. The first domestic DPO, Dairy Crest Direct, was formally recognised by the Rural Payments Agency in May 2015, bringing together 1,050 dairy farmers across England and Wales.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 49
In 2015, AHDB Llaeth/Dairy commissioned Promar International to carry out a study into ‘The Feasibility of a Dairy Producer Organisation in Wales’ on behalf of a group of Welsh dairy farmers. A report is available at: http://dairy.ahdb.org.uk/resources-library/market- information/adhoc-reports/the-feasibility-of-a-dairy-producer-organisation-in-wales- report/
Dairy Farming: Marketing Sir Nicholas Soames: [28023] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help dairy farmers better manage market volatility. George Eustice: I recognise that many farmers are struggling with the prolonged period of low prices. The £26.2 million aid package we secured for the UK from the European Commission – and paid out in November and December – provided some immediate relief to hard- pressed farmers. From 1 April, farmers will be able to average their tax over five years instead of two, helping them deal with volatility between years. We are also looking at the development of a dairy futures market in the UK to allow farmers to fix their prices for longer periods.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Health Mr Virendra Sharma: [27931] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her Department's wellness strategy is. George Eustice: Our Department’s employee Wellbeing Framework complements our Health and Safety Policy and supports the implementation of the Civil Service Employee Health and Wellbeing Strategic Action Plan. Our framework has been developed collaboratively by the Defra Wellbeing network to ensure consistency across all organisations in the Defra group. It focuses on three key priorities: Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies and Healthy Lifestyles and is delivered to our employees via workshops, campaigns and other initiatives accessible to all.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Meetings Helen Goodman: [27637] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what meetings (a) she and (b) Ministers of her Department have had with (i) arms manufacturers, (ii) tobacco manufacturers and (iii) representatives of the Israeli embassy since the period covered in the Cabinet Office's most recent ministerial gifts, hospitality, travel and meetings data release.
50 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
George Eustice: Departments publish details of Ministers meetings' with external organisations routinely on Gov.uk. Details of meetings held during the period October – December 2015 will be published in due course.
Fly-tipping: Smeltwich Mr Christopher Chope: [28522] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Environment Agency has taken to identify those responsible for the fly-tipping of plastic and other rubbish in Cornwall Road, Smethwick in March 2015. Rory Stewart: The Environment Agency is continuing to investigate the case of illegal dumping on land in Cornwall Road. As this is an active investigation I am unable to provide further details at this stage. Illegal dumping and waste crime more generally is unacceptable whether it occurs on public or private land. The Government is taking action to crack down on this unacceptable behaviour and has pledged an additional £20 million of funding for waste crime enforcement over the next five years as part of the Spending Review. We are also working with the Environment Agency through a joint Waste Crime Action Plan to ensure its regulatory effort is targeted effectively and focussed on speedy and tough enforcement action
Neonicotinoids Mr Mark Williams: [28298] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many applications for emergency authorisation for the use of neonicotinoids have been received in 2016; and how many of those applications have been granted. George Eustice:
No applications have been received in 2016 for the emergency authorisation of neonicotinoids.
Pheasants: Animal Welfare Richard Burden: [28747] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to introduce measures to (a) improve the welfare of pheasants reared in the UK and (b) reduce the number of such pheasants that are reared in cages. George Eustice: The welfare of pheasants reared for sporting purposes is protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006. A Code of Practice for the Welfare of Gamebirds Reared for Sporting Purposes, made under the 2006 Act, provides keepers with information on how to meet
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 51
the welfare needs of their birds, as required under the 2006 Act. The code can be used as evidence in court in support of a prosecution for poor welfare. A review of the code is due to commence later this year. At this stage there are no plans to reduce the number of pheasants that are reared in cages.
School Milk Nick Smith: [28042] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans her Department has for the UK to participate in the revised European School Milk Scheme due to be implemented from August 2017. Nick Smith: [28043] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress her Department is making on helping implement the European School Milk Scheme. George Eustice: If the European Parliament formally endorses the proposal for a revised School Milk Scheme in Plenary on 8 March 2016, it is likely to enter into force in spring 2016 and apply in schools from August 2017. We will use this period to consider the new requirements and consult with interested parties. Decisions about the scheme can be made at regional or national level.
Waste Disposal: Licensing Mr Christopher Chope: [28520] To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make it her policy that waste disposal licences are not issued by the Environment Agency to individuals with criminal convictions or to companies controlled by individuals with criminal convictions. Rory Stewart: The Environment Agency can already refuse an application for an environmental permit if it considers the applicant or another relevant person is not competent or unwilling to comply with the conditions of a permit. Where disclosed as part of an application, relevant convictions may be considered by the regulator as part of its assessment of an operator’s competence to hold an environmental permit.
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Austria: Rape David T. C. Davies: [27524] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has received from the Austrian government on a person suspected of rape in Linz, Austria, who is now resident in the UK.
52 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Mr David Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not received any representations from the Austrian government on this alleged case.
Business: Human Rights Stuart C. McDonald: [27322] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 December 2015 to Question 19830, when he plans to report on his review of the UK National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. Mr David Lidington: We are currently finalising the review of the UK National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (BHR) and intend to publish it shortly. We are honouring the commitment made by the previous Coalition Government, showing our ongoing commitment to BHR. The plan covers the work of a wide range of Government departments and we have consulted widely as part of the process of updating the plan. The UK is the first country to go through such a revision process.
Economic and Monetary Union Mr David Nuttall: [28383] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the commitments by the UK not to create obstacles to, but facilitate such deepening of the Eurozone, to sincere cooperation with the Eurozone, not to impede the implementation of legal acts directly linked to the functioning of the euro area to refrain from measures which could jeopardise the attainment of the objectives of economic and monetary union contained in the Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, on 18 and 19 February 2016 are legally binding; and if he will make a statement. Mr David Lidington: [Holding answer 29 February 2016]: The Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, concerning a new settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union, is legally binding. The Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), has been clear that this deal protects the UK’s rights as a country outside the Eurozone, and from any future integration.
Embassies: Official Hospitality Mr Jim Cunningham: [27689] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much UK embassies spent on official hospitality in 2014-15; and what estimate he has made of the level of such spending in 2015-16. Mr David Lidington: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff in London and in more than 260 embassies and consulates around the world organise events and other forms of official
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 53
hospitality to support the UK’s foreign policy interests, promote British business; attract foreign investment and to celebrate the Queen's Birthday. In 2014-15 the FCO spent £806,000 on official hospitality. In 2013-14 the FCO spent £1,164,000 on official hospitality. Figures for 2015-16 will be reported in the next FCO Annual Report and Accounts, which will be published in June 2016. All hospitality spend is kept under close scrutiny to ensure it is effective and gives value for money.
European Council Mr David Nuttall: [28381] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, on 18 and 19 February 2016 will be added to his Department's Treaty Series 2016. Mr David Lidington: [Holding answer 29 February 2016]: The Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, concerning a new settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union, will be published in the Department’s Treaty Series.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Meetings Helen Goodman: [27638] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what meetings (a) he and (b) Ministers of his Department have had with (i) arms manufacturers, (ii) tobacco manufacturers and (iii) representatives of the Israeli embassy since the period covered in the Cabinet Office's most recent ministerial gifts, hospitality, travel and meetings data release. Mr David Lidington: Departments publish details of Ministers meetings' with external organisations routinely on Gov.uk. Details of meetings held during the period October – December 2015 will be published in due course.
South China Sea Julian Knight: [27697] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the installation by China of missile launchers on Woody Island in the South China Sea; what representations he has made to China on that matter; and if he will discuss with his Japanese counterpart what steps the UK and Japan can take to oppose the militarisation of the South China Sea. Mr Hugo Swire: We are very concerned about Chinese missile deployments on Woody Island in the Paracel Islands as reported in the media on 17 February. We oppose any actions which
54 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
are likely to increase tensions in the South China Sea, including militarisation. We urge all parties to exercise restraint, to pursue the settlement of disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, and to uphold freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) has held detailed discussions with his Japanese counterpart about the South China Sea, most recently, during his visit to Japan in January for the annual UK-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial talks. Following those meetings the UK and Japan released a joint statement setting out our shared concerns about the situation in the South China Sea, calling on all parties to refrain from activities that increase tension and to pursue urgently the settlement of the maritime disputes peacefully in accordance with international law.
UK Membership of EU Stephen Gethins: [26875] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many times the UK has voted against an EU proposal at final adoption since 8 May 2015. Mr David Lidington: Voting records on EU proposals are available on the Council of the European Union website. This includes the legislation, the voting rules and how Member States voted. Tom Brake: [27412] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on the rights of British citizens living in (a) other EU countries and (b) non-EU countries. Mr David Lidington: The Government's view is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off in a reformed EU. Should the UK choose to stay in the EU, British citizens will be able to work, live and retire abroad as they do now. Chris Leslie: [27644] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Government plans to introduce legislative proposals related to the agreement reached on the UK's relationship with the EU at the European Council on 19 February 2016. Mr David Lidington: [Holding answer 25 February 2016]: At the February European Council, the Government negotiated a new settlement giving the UK a special status in a reformed EU. The Government's view is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU. The UK does intend to pass domestic legislation where necessary to underpin this settlement, following a vote to remain in the EU in the referendum.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 55
Mr Christopher Chope: [28406] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 February 2016 to Question 27033, which governments within the EU support further political integration. Mr David Lidington: [Holding answer 29 February 2016]: As I said in my response of 23 February 2016 (PQ 27033), there is clearly support in some governments within the European Union for further political integration, but there are other, more sceptical voices too. The recital in paragraph one of section C makes clear that “the United Kingdom, in the light of the specific situation it has under the Treaties, is not committed to further political integration into the European Union”.
UK membership of EU Mr David Nuttall: [28490] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, on 18 and 19 February 2016, is an international Treaty to which the procedures of sections 20 and 25 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 will apply. Mr David Lidington: The Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council, on 18 and 19 February 2016 is a treaty as defined in section 25(1) of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010. Given that no ratification procedures apply to the Decision, the obligations in section 20 of the Act do not apply.
UK Membership of EU: Referendums Hilary Benn: [27971] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on (a) geopolitical stability and (b) the UK's influence in the world. Mr Philip Hammond: [Holding answer 26 February 2016]: At the February European Council the Government negotiated a new settlement, giving the United Kingdom a special status in a reformed European Union. The Government's view is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU. The Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron) has been clear that in remaining in a reformed EU the UK can play a leading role in one of the world’s largest organisations from within, helping to make the big decisions on trade and security that determine our future. Working together with EU partners, for example on sanctions against Russia, or on the Iran nuclear dossier, has given the UK’s foreign policy an important additional dimension.
56 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
UN Secretariat: Public Appointments Craig Mackinlay: [28155] To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the European Council on the use of EU funds to support travel by candidates for the post of the UN Secretary General in connection with that candidacy. Mr David Lidington: We are not aware of any EU funds being used to support travel by candidates for the post of UN Secretary General and have therefore not made any representations.
HEALTH
Blood: Contamination Andrew Gwynne: [28409] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate his Department has made of the amount of funding that will be required for those who may need access to the reformed scheme for providing support for people affected by hepatitis C through treatment with NHS-supplied blood or blood products but have not yet been identified. Jane Ellison: The assumption is that there would be £570 million available from the unreformed scheme, as mentioned in the consultation, and an additional £125 million, identified in the current spending review. Andrew Gwynne: [28410] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will place in the Library a copy of the full impact assessment of the infected blood scheme reform consultation containing the assessment of the potential financial effects of proposed reforms on recipients; and if he will make a statement. Jane Ellison: The impact assessment we have prepared is an analysis of the proposals and not the final outcome. We will publish the final full impact assessment when we announce the outcomes of the consultation. On page 32 – 34 of the consultation document itself the Department gives some indication of the impact of the proposed changes on individuals. All respondents to the consultation have been encouraged to say how the proposals will affect them in order that full consideration can be given to this and other issues before any final decisions are made on the reformed scheme.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 57
British Medical Association John Cryer: [28169] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many meetings he or other Ministers of his Department have had with representatives of the British Medical Association in each month of (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013, (e) 2014, (f) 2015 and (g) 2016 to date. Ben Gummer: External meetings between the Secretary of State for Health and other Health Ministers are published quarterly on the Department’s website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?departments%5B%5D=department-of- health&publication_type=transparency-data
Cancer: Clinical Trials Mr John Baron: [28555] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans his Department has to develop cancer clinical alliances across the country. Jane Ellison: Forming cancer alliances to drive and support improvement and care pathways was a key recommendation of the independent Cancer Taskforce report, Achieving World- Class Cancer Outcomes, published in July 2015. NHS England appointed Cally Palmer CBE as National Cancer Director to lead on implementation of the strategy and she has since established a new cross-system Cancer Transformation Board, which met for the first time on 25 January. There will also be a Cancer Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Harpal Kumar, to oversee and scrutinise the work of the Transformation Board. NHS England is currently working with national, regional and local partners to develop the model for cancer alliances, building on the successes of existing clinical networks.
Cancer: Drugs Mark Durkan: [28283] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if his Department, NHS England and NICE will publish work undertaken to analyse variation between areas in treatment for patients during the transition from the current Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) to proposed a new CDF scheme. George Freeman: NHS England has advised that it plans to publish analyses of variation in use of Cancer Drug Fund (CDF) drug indications according to geographical areas in the spring of 2016 and then routinely in the future for the new CDF. Andrew Percy: [28363] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effects of proposed changes to the way in which drugs are assessed for inclusion in the Cancer Drugs Fund on cancer drug patients.
58 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
George Freeman: NHS England has advised that it envisages, under the new arrangements for the Cancer Drugs Fund, that a greater number of cancer drugs will be funded from baseline commissioning. This will be as a consequence of more appropriate pricing arrangements proposed by pharmaceutical manufacturers and better evidence being available through the Fund as to longer term patient outcomes. Craig Tracey: [28488] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans (a) his Department and (b) NICE has to reform the process for the appraisal of cancer drugs. George Freeman: NHS England and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recently consulted on draft proposals for the future direction of the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) including changes to the approach for the appraisal of cancer drugs. The consultation outlines a new system, fully integrated into the NICE appraisal process, where the CDF becomes a transitional fund – with clear criteria for entry and exit. The consultation closed on 11 February 2016 and a consultation report will be published on NHS England’s website in due course.
Community Hospitals: Closures Dr Andrew Murrison: [27999] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many community hospitals have closed in each year since 2005. Ben Gummer: The Department does not hold this information.
Department of Health: Health Mr Virendra Sharma: [27933] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what his Department's wellness strategy is. Jane Ellison: The Department has a health and well-being programme developed in partnership with trade union representatives, staff networks and the sports and social club. The Department signposts staff to sources of help and support, such as the employee assistance programme, occupational health provider and its own bank of mental health first-aiders. The content and impact of the programme is kept under review by a stakeholder group made up of representatives from the department and external partners, such as the Charity for Civil Servants and the Corporate Alliance Against Domestic Violence.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 59
Department of Health: Meetings John Cryer: [28170] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many meetings he or other Ministers of his Department have had with representatives of Care UK, BUPA, Virgin Care, The Practice, United Health/Optum, Serco, Nestor Primecare, General Healthcare (BMI Netcare), Spire/Classic, HCA International, Ramsay and Capio in each month of (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013, (e) 2014, (f) 2015 and (g) 2016 to date. Ben Gummer: Information regarding all meetings between Departmental Ministers and external organisations is included in the Transparency Data, published quarterly. This can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?departments%5B%5D=department-of- health&publication_type=transparency-data.
Gambling: Greater London Sadiq Khan: [28448] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many people have been referred to mental health services in (a) London and (b) each London NHS trust for gambling addiction in each year since 2010. Alistair Burt: The information requested is not held centrally.
General Practitioners: Older Workers Mr Gregory Campbell: [27609] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what proportion of GPs working in the NHS were over 50 in (a) 2012 and (b) 2015. Ben Gummer: The annual National Health Service General and Personal Medical Services workforce census, published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre, shows the numbers of general practitioners (GPs) working in the NHS in England at 30 September each year. The latest available statistics are for 2014. The percentage of GPs (excluding registrars and retainers) aged 50 years and over was 40.0% in 2012 and 39.1% in 2014. On a full-time equivalent basis it was 40.6% in 2012 and 38.9% in 2014. Statistics for 2015 will be published on 30 March 2016.
Health Professions: Stress Justin Madders: [27670] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of clinical staff have suffered from work-related stress in each of the last five years for which figures are available.
60 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Ben Gummer: The Department does not collect the number or proportion of clinical staff who have suffered from work related stress. However, the annual NHS Staff Survey[1] records the proportion of staff responding to the Survey who reported having felt unwell as a result of work related stress during the previous 12 months. This proportion for clinical staff in each of the last five years is as follows:
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
31% 39% 39% 38% 37%
[1] www.nhsstaffsurveys.com
Health Services Justin Madders: [27676] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will place in the Library copies of the local blueprint submissions for the NHS Sustainability and Transformation Plan. George Freeman: These plans are for local use, and there are no plans to publish them centrally. Local areas may publish their plans if they so choose. John Glen: [27820] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if NHS England will issue a consultation on a new Prioritisation Framework for making decisions on investment in specialised services and highly specialised services. George Freeman: In its response to the public consultation "Investing in Specialised Services" in June 2015, NHS England described the work planned to further develop a prioritisation framework for specialised services. This document stated that NHS England will ensure there is proper stakeholder engagement, potentially including a short formal consultation. NHS England is currently testing a potential method for prioritisation for use in the 2016/17 business planning round, and will decide if a formal consultation is appropriate as part of this process.
Junior Doctors: Conditions of Employment Justin Madders: [27816] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of staff retention in the NHS of his decision to impose a new contract on junior doctors.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 61
Ben Gummer: Senior National Health Service leaders have advised that the new contract, 90% of which was agreed with the British Medical Association, will be fair and reasonable for doctors in training and for the service and will be safer for patients. We believe that this, and the fact that the new contract will better support training, will be clear to individual junior doctors from the details that have been sent to them all. The contract includes specific provisions to ensure recruitment and retention in hard-to-fill training programmes, and the groups to which this applies will be kept under review.
Junior Doctors: Industrial Disputes Dr Andrew Murrison: [27993] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when his Department expects hospitals to catch up with any backlog caused by the junior doctors' strike on 12 January 2016. Ben Gummer: The National Health Service is making every effort to reschedule treatment as quickly as possible and according to clinical priority for those patients whose operations or appointments were cancelled as a result of the industrial action on 12 January 2016.
Learning Disability Richard Burden: [27814] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what his policy is on the introduction of a learning disabilities commissioner with a statutory duty to promote and protect the rights of all people with learning disabilities and their families as recommended by the report of the Transforming Care and Commissioning Steering Group, Winterbourne View - Time for Change, published in November 2014. Alistair Burt: The Department will consider the recommendations made in Time for Change – the Challenge Ahead, as part of development work on our Learning Disability Action Plan and in delivering the commitments we made in the Government’s response to ‘No voice unheard, no right ignored’ consultation published in November 2015. However, new statutory roles and legislation are not necessarily the answer to promoting and protecting the rights of people with learning disabilities and their families. In the response to ‘No voice unheard, no right ignored’, we set out how we can make more rapid and meaningful progress by ensuring that the rights that exist under current laws and statutes are properly understood, implemented and exercised by those with learning disabilities and/or autism. This work is underway and we have made a clear commitment to consider legislation if the actions we propose do not create sufficient progress. Nic Dakin: [28525] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the report by Sir Stephen Bubb, Time for Change: the challenge ahead, published in February 2016, what assessment he has
62 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
made of the potential merits of establishing a commissioner for people with learning disabilities. Alistair Burt: The Department will consider the recommendations made in Time for Change – the Challenge Ahead, as part of development work on our Learning Disability Action Plan and in delivering the commitments we made in the Government’s response to ‘No voice unheard, no right ignored’ consultation published in November 2015. However, new statutory roles and legislation are not necessarily the answer to promoting and protecting the rights of people with learning disabilities and their families. In the response to ‘No voice unheard, no right ignored’, we set out how we can make more rapid and meaningful progress by ensuring that the rights that exist under current laws and statutes are properly understood, implemented and exercised by those with learning disabilities and/or autism. This work is underway and we have made a clear commitment to consider legislation if the actions we propose do not create sufficient progress.
Medical Examiners: Death Certificates Justin Madders: [27671] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of whether the nine pilot schemes for a proposed national medical examiner system improved the accuracy of death certification. Justin Madders: [27672] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the cost- effectiveness of the proposed national medical examiner system on the basis of the nine pilot schemes. Ben Gummer: In 2012, the Office for National Statistics published ‘A Case Study on Death Certification Reforms – the Potential Impact on Mortality Statistics, England and Wales’; the results of the study can be accessed from: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20160105160709/http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons /dcp171778_288141.pdf The study is based on Medical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCD) from five medical examiner pilot sites. Medical examiner scrutiny can change the number, sequence and type of conditions mentioned on the MCCD. This suggests that medical examiners' analysis of the information relating to the cause of death, obtained both from the medical notes and in discussion with relatives, results in better understanding of the sequence of conditions that led to the death. If the conditions and sequence are recorded more fully, this may lead to a change in the underlying cause of death. The results of this case study indicate that the medical examiner scrutiny is likely to affect trends in causes of death reported in mortality statistics. The medical examiners’ scrutiny is expected to improve the quality and contents of MCCDs prepared by doctors.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 63
The costs and benefits of the proposed medical examiner system will be addressed within an Impact Assessment that will be published alongside a consultation document in due course.
Medical Records: Data Protection Julie Cooper: [28279] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what security arrangements are in place to protect patient data. Julie Cooper: [28280] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to prevent patient data being used for purposes other than direct care. George Freeman: The Department takes protection of patient data very seriously. It is the role of the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) to ensure that high quality information is used appropriately to improve patient care. The organisation has legal powers to collect and analyse information from all providers of National Health Service care. It is committed, and legally bound to the very highest standards of privacy, security and confidentiality to ensure that patient confidential information is protected at all times. Access to information is strictly controlled. Under further safeguards introduced by the Care Act 2014, the HSCIC may only use its general dissemination powers for information where there is a clear purpose for the provision of health care or adult social care or the promotion of health. The Department has recently made considerable investment in conjunction with the HSCIC and strategic partners in order to create the Care Computer Emergency Response Team service (CareCERT). CareCERT was launched in September 2015 and exists to be a centre of excellence for Cyber Security advice and Security Incident Management. CareCERT has sent regular alerts and advisories to every NHS organisation and local authority on a range of Cyber Security issues. This specifically helps to protect patient data by ensuring health and care organisations are prepared and implement appropriate security technology to protect information. To improve health and social care services for everyone patient information is used for purposes beyond direct care, including for commissioning, public health, research and monitoring services. Commissioners need good information about the types of illnesses people have and the treatments they receive, as well as the result of that care or treatment so that they can commission the services that people need. Information also helps researchers to improve medicines and treatments for patients and to find better ways to prevent illness and treat conditions. Health and care information can also be used to identify who is most at risk of particular diseases and conditions.
64 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
The NHS Constitution establishes the principles and values of the NHS in England. It sets out rights to which patients, public and staff are entitled, and pledges which the NHS is committed to achieve, together with responsibilities, which the public, patients and staff owe to one another to ensure that the NHS operates fairly and effectively. The NHS Constitution states that: ― You have the right of access to your own health records and to have any factual inaccuracies corrected. ― You have the right to privacy and confidentiality and to expect the NHS to keep your confidential information safe and secure. ― You have the right to be informed about how your information is used. ― You have the right to request that your confidential information is not used beyond your own care and treatment and to have your objections considered, and where your wishes cannot be followed, to be told the reasons including the legal basis. Dame Fiona Caldicott, the National Data Guardian, is taking forward an independent review to develop clear guidelines for the protection of personal data against which every NHS and care organisation will be held to account and will be recommending a new data security standards and a new consent or objections model for health and care information. The Independent Review is expected to report to the Secretary of State for Health shortly.
Meningitis: Vaccination Mr David Winnick: [28230] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to urgently consult with medical authorities on ensuring a meningitis B vaccine is provided to all young children; and if he will make a statement. Mr David Winnick: [28232] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when his Department last consulted medical authorities on the potential merits of making the meningitis B vaccine available on the NHS for all children; and if he will make a statement. Jane Ellison: National immunisation programmes are introduced on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the independent expert body that advises the Government on all immunisation matters. JCVI’s recommendations are based on a comprehensive and careful review of a wide range of evidence including information from medical experts. JCVI reviewed the available evidence on meningitis B vaccine and recommended a national Meningococcal B (MenB) immunisation programme for infants. The MenB vaccine is first offered to babies at 2 months of age, with further doses offered when they reach 4 and 12 months of age.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 65
MenB was introduced into the NHS programme in September 2015. JCVI keeps the eligibility criteria of all vaccination programmes under review and considers new evidence as it becomes available. If JCVI provides further advice about the programme, we will consider this. Mr David Winnick: [28231] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he plans to meet Mr and Mrs Timmins to discuss the death in 2013 of their son from meningitis B and the future provision of a vaccine for that disease on the NHS; and if he will make a statement. Jane Ellison: Meningococcal B (MenB) disease is a devastating disease which can have tragic consequences. We understand that in March 2014 Mr and Mrs Timmins met consultants at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust to discuss their son’s care following his tragic death in December 2013. In September 2015, we became the first country in the world to offer a national and publicly funded MenB immunisation programme using the Bexsero vaccine to protect infants. The programme follows the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the independent, expert body which advises Government on all immunisation matters. Infants are vaccinated at two months of age, with further doses offered when they reach four and 12 months of age, thereby protecting groups with the highest risk.
Mental Health Services Luciana Berger: [28537] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, which regions in England had the (a) longest and (b) shortest average waiting times for patients to access improving Access to Psychological Therapies services in each year since 2010. Alistair Burt:
The information requested is shown in the following table:
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUPS (CCGS)¹ WITH THE LONGEST AND SHORTEST AVERAGE WAITING TIMES² FOR REFERRALS ENTERING TREATMENT³, BY YEAR, FOR 2012/13, 2013/14 AND 2014/15 4
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15
CCG Average CCG Average CCG Average Waiting time Waiting time Waiting time (days) (days) (days)
All England All 33 All 40 All 32
Shortest NHS 3 NHS Tower 7 NHS Dudley 7 Average Wait Guildford Hamlets CCG CCG
66 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUPS (CCGS)¹ WITH THE LONGEST AND SHORTEST AVERAGE WAITING TIMES² FOR REFERRALS ENTERING TREATMENT³, BY YEAR, FOR 2012/13, 2013/14 AND 2014/15 4
(days) and Waverley CCG
Longest NHS 134 NHS 174 NHS 124 Average Wait Portsmouth Scarborough Blackpool (days) CCG and Ryedale CCG CCG
Notes: 1 CCG is based on general practitioner (GP) Practice. Where GP Practice is not recorded, or cannot be assigned to a CCG, the referral is categorised as 'Unknown'. 2 The mean was used as the average. 3 In order to enter treatment a referral must have a first treatment appointment (an appointment with a therapy type recorded) in the year. 4 The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) dataset was created in 2012. Therefore, data from IAPT can only be provided for the financial years 2012/13 onwards. Means have been rounded to the nearest whole number. The CCGs with the shortest and longest average wait are listed irrespective of the volume of referrals in question. Waiting time is measured by counting the number of days between a referral being received and the first treatment appointment. Data source: IAPT Dataset Luciana Berger: [28538] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether any national guidance has been issued relating to the use of opt in letters sent by health trusts to patients on mental health service waiting lists. Alistair Burt: Guidance on the use of opt-in letters for patients who are asked to opt-in to adult Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services is published in “Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Waiting Times Guidance and FAQ’s”. This guidance can be found at the following link: http://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/iapt-wait-times-guid.pdf
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 67
Mental Health Services: Children and Young People Norman Lamb: [27614] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the £1.25 billion funding for children and young people's mental health services announced in the 2015 Budget, published in March 2015, how much of that funding (a) has been transferred to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to date, (b) have the CCGs spent to date and (c) he estimates CCGs will have spent by the end of the 2015-16 financial year; and if he will ensure that any shortfall is rolled over into the 2016-17 budget. Alistair Burt: In total the Government has committed to making available an additional £1.4 billion to be spent over the course of this Parliament to improve children and young people’s mental health. In addition to the £1.25 billion made available in the March 2015 budget, an additional £150 million over five years was also allocated in the 2014 Autumn Statement to develop evidence based community eating disorder services for children and young people. Of the £173 million additional funding allocated for 2015-16, £105 million has been allocated to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), which comprises of: o £75 million to improve local services through Local Transformation Plans; and o £30 million for new community based eating disorder services in every area of the country. Year to date spend information is not yet available, however, at financial month 9 for 2015-16 it is forecasted that CCGs will have spent £103 million of the £105 million allocated for 2015-16.
Mental Health Services: Greater London Sadiq Khan: [28450] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many people who were admitted for treatment by mental health trusts in London since 2010 had no previous contact with mental health services. Alistair Burt: The attached table shows the number of people admitted to mental health services providers not previously known to mental health services between 2011-2012 and 2014-2015. Figures prior to 2011-2012 are not available because of a change to the dataset which is the source for these figures.
Attachments: 1. Mental Health inpatient services admittance [PQ28450 TABLE.docx]
68 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Sadiq Khan: [28451] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many acute beds there were in each mental health trust in London since 2010. Alistair Burt: The information is shown in the following table. General and acute beds open overnight in mental health trusts in London
CENTRAL AND NORTH NORTH EAST WEST LONDON WEST LONDON NHS EAST LONDON NHS LONDON NHS MENTAL HEALTH QUARTER FOUNDATION TRUST FOUNDATION TRUST FOUNDATION TRUST NHS TRUST
2011-12 Q1 0 0 135 0
2011-12 Q2 51 0 82 0
2011-12 Q3 51 0 83 0
2011-12 Q4 73 0 84 0
2012-13 Q1 73 61 126 0
2012-13 Q2 73 61 124 0
2012-13 Q3 73 61 115 0
2012-13 Q4 75 61 134 0
2013-14 Q1 75 61 112 0
2013-14 Q2 75 61 178 0
2013-14 Q3 75 61 214 0
2013-14 Q4 75 61 225 0
2014-15 Q1 73 61 203 0
2014-15 Q2 75 61 180 0
2014-15 Q3 74 51 174 0
2014-15 Q4 80 51 188 0
2015-16 Q1 73 51 192 0
2015-16 Q2 73 51 180 0
2015-16 Q3 72 51 176 20
Source : Bed availability and occupancy, NHS England
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 69
Notes : 1. Mental health trusts in London did not report general and acute beds in any quarter in 2010-11.
Mental Health Services: Hospital Beds Luciana Berger: [28553] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the national bed occupancy rate average was for (a) adult and (b) child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric wards in each year since 2010. Luciana Berger: [28556] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many adult inpatient psychiatric beds there were in England in each year since 2010. Alistair Burt: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is shown in the following table. Average daily availability and occupancy rate 1 for consultant-led beds open overnight in the mental health sector, in each quarter from 2010-11
NUMBER OF AVAILABLE BEDS OPEN QUARTER OVERNIGHT OCCUPANCY RATE
2010-11 Q1 23,515 87.1%
2010-11 Q2 22,929 86.7%
2010-11 Q3 23,740 85.9%
2010-11 Q4 23,607 86.6%
2011-12 Q1 23,253 86.8%
2011-12 Q2 23,208 86.8%
2011-12 Q3 23,016 87.2%
2011-12 Q4 23,121 87.2%
2012-13 Q1 22,550 87.5%
2012-13 Q2 22,269 88.3%
2012-13 Q3 22,496 87.2%
2012-13 Q4 22,268 88.6%
2013-14 Q1 22,109 88.3%
70 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
NUMBER OF AVAILABLE BEDS OPEN QUARTER OVERNIGHT OCCUPANCY RATE
2013-14 Q2 22,025 89.2%
2013-14 Q3 21,931 88.1%
2013-14 Q4 21,731 88.6%
2014-15 Q1 21,750 89.8%
2014-15 Q2 21,618 89.6%
2014-15 Q3 21,446 89.4%
2014-15 Q4 21,374 89.5%
2015-16 Q1 2 18,569 89.9%
2015-16 Q2 19,249 89.1%
2015-16 Q3 19,273 88.6%
Source: Bed availability and occupancy, NHS England
Notes: 1. Numbers of occupied beds are collected every quarter by consultant main specialty. Numbers of available beds are not collected by consultant specialty, because some beds may be available for more than one specialty to use depending on need. Instead, available beds are collected by four sectors within which beds are used flexibly. These sectors are general and acute, mental health, learning disabilities, and maternity. Occupied bed days by specialty are added to calculate occupancy rates for each of these sectors. 2. In 2015-16 Q1 several mental health providers ceased to submit a return, as a validation of beds data concluded that they were not satisfying the required criteria for consultant-led beds. This is the major factor behind the drop in the number of consultant-led, available mental health beds.
Mental Illness Luciana Berger: [28539] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many people in England with severe mental illness are registered with a GP; and how many such people had an annual physical health check in each year since 2010.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 71
Alistair Burt: This information is not available in the format requested. The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) is published annually, and includes mental health indicators, which capture information on patients with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and other psychoses and other patients on lithium therapy. The information captured does not relate specifically to whether patients have received an ‘annual physical health check’, but does include counts of those patients who have a record of blood pressure, alcohol consumption, or body mass index (BMI). The relevant indicators are available from the year 2011/12. The data in the table below are snapshots as at 31 March of the reporting year. Number of patients included in the QOF mental health register with records of blood pressure, BMI and alcohol consumption – England 2011/12 – 2014/15
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION YEAR REGISTER 1 BP RECORD 2 RECORD 2 BMI RECORD 2
2014/15 500,451 350,751 345,730 ..
2013/14 483,933 354,146 337,603 336,373
2012/13 470,971 369,223 356,519 352,501
2011/12 452,608 355,834 335,922 335,652
Notes:
1. For the years 2013/14 and 2014/15, 'register' includes all patients with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and other psychoses and other patients on lithium therapy. For the years 2011/12 and 2012/13, 'register' includes all patients with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and other psychoses. 2. Blood pressure record, alcohol consumption record and BMI record include all those patients with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and other psychoses who have a record of blood pressure, alcohol consumption and BMI respectively in the preceding 12 months for the years 2013/14 and 2014/15, and in the preceding 15 months for the years 2011/12 and 2012/13. Due to the changes in the definitions of the register and indicators, the data from 2013/14 onwards are not comparable with data prior to this time. The Health and Social Care Information Centre do not recommend using the figures provided to calculate percentages, for the following reasons:
72 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
― The register for 2013/14 to 2014/15 includes ‘other patients onithium l therapy’, while the blood pressure, alcohol consumption and BMI records do not consider these patients. ― The indicators are published as achievement scores in QOF; the calculation of these proportions includes consideration of exclusions and exceptions as defined in the framework, which are not reflected in the numbers presented here.
NHS 111 Justin Madders: [27669] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what proportion of NHS 111 staff are clinically trained. Jane Ellison: This information is not held centrally. NHS 111 staff comprise clinical and non-clinical staff. Clinical staff includes registered nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, dental nurses and mental health practitioners. The Licensing Requirements of NHS Pathways (the algorithm used by 111 services) stipulate that there must be sufficient clinician resource per shift to provide supervision to the number of call handlers on a shift. As an absolute minimum, there must be at least one accredited clinician physically present in the room on each shift. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced that it will inspect all NHS 111 providers by September 2016. This will provide assurance that minimum levels of quality are met. The CQC will look at staffing levels and skill mix and assess whether staff have the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver effective care and treatment. Justin Madders: [27675] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many members of staff aged under 18 have been employed by NHS 111 in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available. Jane Ellison: This information is not held centrally.
NHS England John Glen: [27782] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans NHS England has to involve NICE in the specialised commissioning policy development process. George Freeman: NHS England is in discussions with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in relation to two areas of potential support to its clinical commissioning policy development process for directly commissioned specialised services from 2016/17. The first is the delivery of rapid evidence reviews (systematic reviews of the available evidence of clinical effectiveness for particular treatments and indications). The second is
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 73
the production of commissioning support documents for licenced drugs which NHS England commissions directly. John Glen: [27791] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if NHS England will publish a list of the commissioning policies scheduled to be developed in (a) 2015-16, (b) 2016-17 and (c) 2017- 18. George Freeman: There are no plans for NHS England to publish the list of clinical policies in development. John Glen: [27792] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if NHS England will publish the (a) agendas and (b) minutes of all future meetings of the (i) Clinical Advisory Group and (ii) Specialised Commissioning Committee within a reasonable period after each such meeting takes place. George Freeman: The specialised services commissioning committee provides regular updates of its business to NHS England's public board, of which a summary is published online. NHS England is considering how to further improve transparency, while not inhibiting the free and frank exchange of views.
NHS Property Services Bridget Phillipson: [27193] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2016 to Question 25882, if he will list the (a) 27 categories of information held in the Asset Management data set, (b) 13 categories of information held in the Facilities Management data set and (c) four categories of information held under the Finance data set. George Freeman: The information requested is contained in the accompanying table.
Attachments: 1. Data Set Table [PQ27193 Table.xlsx]
NHS: Cybercrime Neil Coyle: [27838] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to prepare for RansomWare attacks on NHS facilities. George Freeman: The Department, the Health and Social Care Information Centre and strategic partners, have created the Care Computer Emergency Response Team service (CareCERT). CareCERT was launched in September 2015 and is a centre of excellence for Cyber Security advice and Security Incident Management.
74 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
The CareCERT service is available to provide specific advice and guidance to organisations that may become affected. CareCERT maintains links with the United Kingdom National Computer Emergency Response Team and the Communications Electronic Security Group, and is able to call upon the expertise of these organisations should a larger incident be identified. CareCERT send regular alerts and advisories to every National Health Service organisation and local authority on a range of Cyber Security issues, three of which have, to date, contained information regarding ransomware.
NHS: Drugs Mark Durkan: [28278] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to encourage routine use of NHS medicines throughout the NHS. George Freeman: The Government is committed to ensuring that patients have access to new and effective treatments on terms that represent value to the National Health Service and the taxpayer. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for providing advice to the NHS on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of health technologies. NHS commissioners are legally required to fund treatments recommended by NICE technology appraisal guidance, ensuring consistent access to clinically and cost effective drugs across England. The Accelerated Access Review, chaired by Sir Hugh Taylor, will make recommendations to government later this spring on reforms to accelerate access for NHS patients to innovative medicines, medical technologies, diagnostics and digital products.
Obesity: Surgery Maggie Throup: [27844] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 10 December 2015 to Question 18621, what further assessment he has made of levels of preparedness among clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) for the planned transfer of obesity surgery commissioning responsibilities to CCGs in April 2016. George Freeman: NHS England is supporting the transfer of commissioning responsibilities to ensure that clinical commissioning groups are fully prepared to assume the role working through collaborative commissioning forums. NHS England have provided a commissioning information pack including a stocktake of local services, care pathways, waiting times and a quality overview for each local area. National clinical experts are currently finalising commissioning and clinical guidance on standards for the adult obesity surgery pathway.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 75
The draft service specification reflects best practice and describes the standard providers will need to meet for the surgical service. Maggie Throup: [27869] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what budget he plans to allocate to each clinical commissioning group in England to support the effective transfer of obesity surgery in April in a manner consistent with NICE's clinical guidelines. George Freeman: NHS England is not currently able to provide a figure for individual clinical commissioning groups on 1 April 2016 as the basis for calculating the figures is still being finalised. Maggie Throup: [28115] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what support NHS England plans to provide clinical commissioning groups relating to the transfer of obesity surgery commissioning responsibilities from NHS England after that transfer. George Freeman: Although the transfer is effective from April 2016, the handover process will be agreed between specialised commissioning and individual clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), in line with their preparedness. Specialised commissioning teams will continue to provide advice and support CCGs post-handover in line with the CCG’s need. CCGs already have mechanisms in place to monitor provider performance and quality through the existing quality assurance processes.
Pathology Justin Madders: [28248] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the (a) scale of the difficulty experienced by trusts in recruiting to consultant posts and (b) effect of that difficulty on numbers of occupied consultant posts in cellular pathology. Ben Gummer: Individual healthcare providers are responsible for ensuring that they have the right level of staffing to provide high quality care to their patients. The following table taken from the monthly workforce statistics published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) shows the total consultant figures for May 2010, November 2010 and for November 2015 working in the National Health Service in England. The data for November 2015 is the latest available. The HSCIC statistics do not show cellular pathology, but data is provided for those working in the pathology group. England full-time equivalent
76 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
MAY 2010 NOVEMBER 2010 NOVEMBER 2015
All Consultants 35,174 36,010 42,423
Consultants in 2,426 2,486 2,597 Pathology group
Source: Health and Social Care Information Centre NHS monthly workforce statistics
Prescription Drugs: Children Tulip Siddiq: [28593] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many children aged (a) up to 12, (b) 12 to 15 and (c) 16 to 18 were prescribed (i) fluoxetine, (ii) fluvoxamine, (iii) sertraline, (iv) paroxetine, (v) escitalopram and (vi) citalopra by the NHS in each of the last five years. Alistair Burt: This information is not collected centrally. Prescribing information is not linked to the patient receiving the prescription so it is not possible to supply prescribing information by patient age.
Rickets: Children and Young People Frank Field: [28581] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many cases of rickets there were among children and young people in each of the last 10 years. Jane Ellison: The Health and Social Care Information Centre has provided a link to their annual publication for admitted patient care which contains data on hospital admissions where there is a diagnosis of rickets: http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB19124/hosp-epis-stat-admi-diag-2014-15- tab.xlsx Data on earlier years can be found at: http://www.hscic.gov.uk/searchcatalogue?q=title%3a%22Hospital+Episode+Statistics% 2c+Admitted+patient+care+-+England%22&sort=Most+recent&size=10&page=1#top The annual publication provides the total number of finished admission episodes and an age breakdown of finished consultant episodes. This data only reflects cases that have resulted in a hospital admission. Cases of rickets may also be diagnosed in a primary care setting which do not result in a hospital admission. This data should not be described as a count of people as the same person may have been admitted on one or more occasion.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 77
Transplant Surgery Mark Durkan: [27724] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what information his Department holds on whether the resource impact assessment that NICE plans to publish alongside its guidance following its review of TA 85[ID456] of immunosuppressant agents for kidney transplant will include the effect on (a) the number of successful kidney transplants, (b) kidney dialysis capacity, (c) the UK national transplant waiting list and (d) the NHS Organ Donor Register. George Freeman: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has advised that it will publish a resource impact report to accompany its final technology appraisal guidance on immunosuppressive therapy for kidney transplant in adults (review of TA85). The current draft version of the report makes no comment on the effect of this appraisal on these issues. Further information on the ongoing appraisal is available at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-tag348
HOME OFFICE
Alcoholic Drinks: North East Mr Nicholas Brown: [27794] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the implications for her policies on harm caused by alcohol are of the finding in the Balance report, The second hand harm of alcohol in the North East, published on 17 February 2016, on the proportion of people in the North East who have suffered harm at least once due to the drinking of others in the last 12 months. Karen Bradley: The Balance report ‘The second hand harm of alcohol in the North East’ highlights a range of harms caused by other people’s drinking. The Government acknowledges that the costs of alcohol-related harm are too high. Alcohol-related harm is estimated to cost society over £21 billion per year, including £11 billion costs of alcohol-related crime, £3.5 billion costs to the NHS and £7.3 billion costs in lost productivity based on 2009-10 data. The Government will soon be publishing a Modern Crime Prevention Strategy which will set out new action to reduce alcohol-fuelled crime and violence.
Asylum: Cardiff Stephen Doughty: [28423] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department was informed of plans by Clearsprings to expand asylum accommodation into East Cardiff.
78 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
James Brokenshire: [Holding answer 29 February 2016]: The Home Office works with its contractors, local authorities and the Strategic Migration Partnerships to ensure that impact of the dispersal of asylum seekers to local authorities is reviewed regularly. The Home Office was aware of the expansion of existing accommodation in East Cardiff. Decisions on the use of accommodation including which premises are used are made by the individual contractors, who bear the cost.
Asylum: Deportation Charlotte Leslie: [27893] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that failed asylum claimants who have spoken out against the government of their country of origin are not deported in such a way as to draw the case to the attention of immigration officials in the destination country. Charlotte Leslie: [27894] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effect of her Department's policy of providing information on failed asylum claims to the government of their country of origin on the safety of those claimants on their return to that country. James Brokenshire: We carefully consider all asylum claims on their individual merits and provide protection for those who need it, in accordance with our international obligations under the Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This includes an assessment about whether a person who has spoken out against their government is likely to be at risk of persecution or serious harm on return. We do not provide any information relating to an asylum claim to the government of a claimant’s country of origin. No one who is at risk of serious harm in their country is expected to return there, but we do expect those who do not need our protection to return home voluntarily.
Asylum: Fraud David T. C. Davies: [27789] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum seekers claiming to be under the age of 18 have been charged with a criminal offence in the last year; and what proportion of such asylum seekers were subsequently found to have fraudulently claimed to be under the age of 18. James Brokenshire: The Home Office does not maintain a central record of the requested information and could only provide it at disproportionate cost.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 79
Asylum: Greater Manchester Jim McMahon: [28218] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what direct funding has been provided to local authorities in Greater Manchester to manage the community impact of asylum placements in those areas. James Brokenshire: [Holding answer 29 February 2016]: The Government has a legal obligation to provide support to asylum applicants who would otherwise be destitute. Support is provided in form of subsistence allowance and accommodation. The Government provides funding for Strategic Migration Partnerships which act as a focal point for all local authorities in the relevant region to consider and resolve any issues relating to dispersals and migration. The funding for the North West Strategic Migration Partnership for 2015/16 was £139,216. The Government also provides additional funding to local authorities to support Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children, those leaving care and asylum seekers who are turning 18. The total funding for this population in 2014/5 financial year for Manchester City Council was £441,113.
Asylum: North Korea Richard Burden: [28547] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the Government's policy is on where unsuccessful asylum applicants from North Korea are deported to. James Brokenshire: Unsuccessful North Korean asylum seekers will normally be removed to South Korea. As with any other nationality, all asylum and human rights applications from North Korean nationals are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations and against the background of the latest available country of origin information from a wide range of well-recognised sources. The Constitution of Republic of Korea (South Korea) stipulates that all North Koreans are citizens of the Republic of Korea. As citizens of South Korea, North Korean asylum seekers are able to seek the protection of the South Korean authorities. Any application for asylum owing to a fear of persecution in North Korea is, therefore, likely to fall for refusal on the basis that (i) the applicant will not be removed to North Korea. The applicant could be returned to South Korea which is not a country where they have a well founded fear of persecution; and/or (ii) the applicant could reasonably be expected to avail himself of the protection of South Korea, where they could assert citizenship.
80 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Calais: Refugees Frank Field: [28108] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effect on children whose refugee shelters in Calais are due to be demolished by the French government. James Brokenshire: The UK is working closely with the French Government on all aspects of the migrant situation in Calais; however the management of the migrant camps in France is the responsibility of the French Government. They have recently increased capacity in heated container accommodation for vulnerable groups in the Calais camp, where women, children and the sick and injured are given priority. Both the UK and France are clear that the right course of action is to move migrants away from Calais and for genuine refugees to be offered protection within the French asylum system. That is why as part of the UK-France Joint Declaration of 20 August 2015, the UK has provided £3.6million (or €5 million) per year for two years to help provide support and facilities for migrants at centres elsewhere in France.
Community Policing Mr Ivan Lewis: [28500] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police forces in England operate a neighbourhood policing model. Mike Penning: How neighbourhood policing is delivered, its priorities, and the specific model that is used, are decisions for Chief Constables in conjunction with their democratically accountable Police and Crime Commissioners. This Government believes in local policing, accountable to local communities. That is why we abolished all central Government targets and put local people in charge by introducing directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners.
Deportation Charlotte Leslie: [27388] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the possibility of establishing third party agreements to enable the deportation of foreign nationals who refuse or who cannot safely be returned to their country of origin to return to a neighbouring country. James Brokenshire: Discussions continue to take place between a number of Government departments on a regular basis on how we tackle illegal migration, including solutions to enable the return of foreign nationals.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 81
Each asylum case is considered on its individual merits. Where it is accepted that an individual would face persecution in their country of origin or it would be otherwise unsafe for them to return, some form of protection would normally be granted in the UK. If protection is not granted, then whether or not removal can be enforced, we expect failed asylum seekers to return home. Generally, there are no countries to which, as a matter of immigration policy, we cannot remove. However there may be some countries where at any one time it is difficult logistically to undertake enforced removals. We are in discussions with EU partners on how to take forward proposals to return those who travel through safe third countries back to those areas they transited through, or to establish zones of protection to which failed asylum seekers could be returned when return to their country of origin is not possible. The UK also participates in a number of EU readmission agreements, some of which include clauses for returning third country nationals.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner: Correspondence Mr Christopher Chope: [28407] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to reply to the letters dated 11 December 2015, 14 January and 10 February 2016 from the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner on port security and border controls; and if she will place a copy of her responses in the Library. James Brokenshire: [Holding answer 29 February 2016]: The Home Secretary sent a response to the letters dated 11th December 2015 and 14th January 2016 on 22nd February 2016. She has not received a third letter. Responses will not be added to the library, this is not usual practice for private correspondence.
Emergency Services Helen Jones: [28073] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which Fire and Rescue Services have trained staff who can act as first responders; how many such staff have received training. Helen Jones: [28074] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what training is being given to members of Fire and Rescue Services who may find themselves acting as first responders as a result of collaboration between emergency services. Mike Penning: The Department does not hold this information centrally. The responsibility for ensuring relevant training is undertaken rests with individual fire and rescue authorities in consultation with local ambulance services.
82 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service: Finance Mr Ivan Lewis: [28744] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessments she has made of the potential effect of planned future budget reductions on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority on its response to future flooding. Mike Penning: The Government commissioned Sir Ken Knight to carry out an independent review of the scope for fire and rescue authorities across England to improve their efficiency. His report, Facing the Future, published in 2013, provided a wide-ranging analysis of costs and benchmarking between fire and rescue authorities on a range of measures of financial performance. We have delivered a sustainable finance settlement and there is no question that fire and rescue authorities will continue to have the resources they need. The number of incidents attended by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority is 27 per cent lower than five years ago, and injuries requiring hospital treatment are 59 per cent lower.
Harassment: Internet Lucy Allan: [28536] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle cyber harassment. Karen Bradley: Legislation is in place to deal with internet trolls, cyber-stalking and cyber harassment, and perpetrators of grossly offensive, obscene or menacing behaviour. Through the Criminal Justice Act 2015, we have strengthened two communications offences which can be used to prosecute misuse of social media: section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988, and section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, giving the police longer to investigate either offence, and increasing the maximum penalty for the former to two years imprisonment. Through the UK Council for Child Internet Safety, we have brought together industry, law enforcement, academia, charities and parenting groups to work in partnership to help keep children and young people safe online.
Harassment: Prosecutions Luciana Berger: [28428] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what account the police takes of mental health conditions when deciding whether to prosecute people under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Mike Penning: The police and Crown Prosecution Service work together to take decisions on whether to pursue a prosecution under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, applying the evidential and public interest tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors. The Code
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 83
provides that prosecutors should have regard to whether the suspect is, or was at the time of the offence, suffering from any mental or ill health as, in some circumstances, this may mean that it is less likely that a prosecution is required.
Health Services: Foreign Nationals Andrew Rosindell: [28049] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much the Government expects to accrue to the public purse from the planned annual charge on Australian and New Zealand citizens for use of the NHS. James Brokenshire: The Impact Assessment published on 4 February 2016, alongside the draft Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2016, estimates that a net additional £41 million could be raised for the NHS in present value, over 5 years, in 2016-17 prices, by applying the health charge to Australian and New Zealand nationals and reducing the annual health charge for Youth Mobility Scheme visa applicants from £200 to £150. The Impact Assessment can be viewed at the link below and is also available in the Vote Office (Commons): http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2016/9780111143278/impacts These changes are subject to affirmative resolution and will be debated in the House of Commons and House of Lords. If they are approved by Parliament, the Government plans to implement the changes from 6 April. The Government think it only fair that Australian and New Zealand nationals contribute to the UK’s health service in the same way as other non-EEA nationals. The changes will only apply to Australian and New Zealand nationals who plan to enter the UK for a temporary period of more than six months; visitors will not need to pay the charge and Australians and New Zealanders will continue to benefit from our reciprocal healthcare agreements. Further, the Government has in recognition of the close and important links between our countries, agreed during discussions with the Australian and New Zealand Governments, to reduce the health charge that applies to the Youth Mobility Scheme from £200 to £150 in line with students. This is the category used by more than half of Australian and New Zealand nationals granted visa’s to the UK. Andrew Rosindell: [28052] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if the Government will reverse its decision to impose an annual charge to Australian and New Zealand citizens for use of the NHS. James Brokenshire: The Impact Assessment published on 4 February 2016, alongside the draft Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2016, estimates that a net additional £41 million could be raised for the NHS in present value, over 5 years, in 2016-17 prices, by applying the health charge to Australian and New Zealand nationals and reducing the annual health charge for Youth Mobility Scheme visa applicants from £200 to £150.
84 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
The Impact Assessment can be viewed at the link below and is also available in the Vote Office (Commons): http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2016/9780111143278/impacts These changes are subject to affirmative resolution and will be debated in the House of Commons and House of Lords. If they are approved by Parliament, the Government plans to implement the changes from 6 April. The Government think it only fair that Australian and New Zealand nationals contribute to the UK’s health service in the same way as other non-EEA nationals. The changes will only apply to Australian and New Zealand nationals who plan to enter the UK for a temporary period of more than six months; visitors will not need to pay the charge and Australians and New Zealanders will continue to benefit from our reciprocal healthcare agreements. Further, the Government has in recognition of the close and important links between our countries, agreed during discussions with the Australian and New Zealand Governments, to reduce the health charge that applies to the Youth Mobility Scheme from £200 to £150 in line with students. This is the category used by more than half of Australian and New Zealand nationals granted visas to the UK.
Home Office: Health Mr Virendra Sharma: [27934] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her Department's wellness strategy is. Karen Bradley: The Home Office Health and Wellbeing Strategy was launched in February 2015. This sets out three key aims: that every member of staff understands that their health and wellbeing matters; that health and wellbeing is at the centre of change and learning and development programmes and that structural, cultural and demographic factors affecting attendance in the workplace are identified and addressed as appropriate. The strategy is underpinned by a range of modern HR policies and practical advice and services to enhance and promote health and wellbeing such as the employee assistance programme and occupational health services. We also support groups such as ‘Break the Stigma’ and other national mental health campaigns.
Home Office: Human Rights Act 1998 Jonathan Ashworth: [28643] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many civil law suits have been brought against her Department based either wholly or partially on grounds provided by the Human Rights Act 1998; how many such suits were settled out of court before a court judgment was delivered; and how much such settlements have cost the public purse since 2010.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 85
Karen Bradley: The Home Office deals with thousands of cases every year and litigants frequently rely on arguments based wholly or partly on the Human Rights Act 1998. In most cases, the 1998 Act is relied on in addition to other claims. The Government Legal Department’s records do not, historically, distinguish between cases where the 1998 Act is invoked and cases where it is not. Nor do they record how many suits were settled out of court before a judgment was delivered; or how much has been paid out in such settlements. Consequently, it is not possible to provide the information requested.
Home Office: Publications Jonathan Ashworth: [28675] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) publications, (b) consultation documents and (c) circulars her Department has issued since August 2012; and what the title was of each such publication, consultation document or circular. Karen Bradley: The Home Office has issued 3,218 publications, 93 consultations and 79 circulars since August 2012. All are published on Gov.UK.
Human Trafficking Ms Diane Abbott: [28297] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the implications of the findings of the report by Europol, Migrant Smuggling in the EU, published in February 2016, for her policies on tackling smuggling through the criminal justice system. James Brokenshire: The Government’s system-wide approach to tackling Organised Immigration Crime is based on information and intelligence from a wide variety of sources. The Government takes Organised Immigration Crime very seriously – we are working to smash the criminal gangs that are fuelling this terrible trade in people. In June 2015 the Prime Minister announced the creation of the Organised Immigration Crime Taskforce bringing together officers from the NCA, Border Force, Immigration Enforcement and the Crown Prosecution Service. The Taskforce was subsequently expanded in November 2015 to more than 100 officers, and has had its funding extended until 2020. The Government values the intelligence-led approach to tackling Organised Immigration Crime Europol helps to facilitate, including through Joint Operational Team Mare, and welcomes the launch by Europol on 22 February 2016 of the new European Migrant Smuggling Centre which will proactively support EU Member States in dismantling criminal networks involved in organised migrant smuggling. The UK has been at the forefront of calls in the EU for a robust approach to tackling Organised Immigration Crime.
86 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Immigration Mr David Lammy: [27729] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people with dependants who have been granted leave to remain in the UK had a no recourse to public funds condition attached to their leave in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) 2014-15. James Brokenshire: Home Office systems cannot be interrogated in a way that will provide any meaningful response to the question. A manual review of all applications submitted within the stipulated timeframe would be needed in order to provide an accurate response and this would incur a disproportionate cost to the public purse.
Immigration Controls Mr David Hanson: [27424] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 4 February 2016 to Question 22830, whether the Warnings Index Checks system has been affected by high-priority incidents in the last five years. James Brokenshire: All Border Force systems and services, including the Warnings Index system, are constantly monitored and closely managed so any arising incidents can be quickly and effectively resolved. Whilst there have been a small number of high priority incidents during the period in question with the Warnings Index system, like other Home Office technology services, it has layers of resilience built into it along with supporting continuity arrangements. This resilience and operational arrangements has enabled controls at the border to be maintained with no suspension of checks at any port since November 2011. The migration in the autumn of 2014 of the core Warning Index services to modern data-centres has significantly improved its reliability and stability.
Immigration Controls: Finance Gareth Thomas: [28263] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what additional funding she plans to commit to tackling illegal immigration; and if she will make a statement. James Brokenshire: [Holding answer 29 February 2016]: The Chancellor the Exchequer announced the 2015 Spending Review to Parliament on 25th November 2015. Home Office ministers are in the process of allocating budgets for the next financial year to ensure that the department supports its key objectives of preventing terrorism, cutting crime and controlling immigration.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 87
Immigration: Appeals Tulip Siddiq: [28057] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2016 to Question 19716 and 18 February 2016 to Question 26688, what estimate her Department has made of the (a) average and (b) total cost to the public purse of (i) appeals heard in the First-Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum) which have a Home Office representative and (ii) appeals heard in the First-Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum) which do not have a Home Office representative in each year since 2009-10. James Brokenshire: The information requested is not held centrally by the Home Office and can only be collated at disproportionate costs.
Immigration: Applications Catherine West: [27592] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the current average waiting time is for an application for leave to remain. James Brokenshire: The average waiting time for a postal leave to remain application during the period of 05 October 2014 to 27 February 2015 was 82 calendar days. These dates have been selected to sit alongside published data and are based on operational performance reporting. The average is based on the average waiting times between the date a postal application is submitted and the length of time taken to despatch the decision to the applicant for all leave to remain routes.
Immigration: Children Mr David Lammy: [27730] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people under the age of 18 were dependants of adults who had been granted leave to remain in the UK and had also had a no recourse to public funds condition attached to their leave in the financial years (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) 2014-15. James Brokenshire: Home Office Systems cannot be interrogated in a way that will provide any meaningful response to the question. A manual review of all applications submitted with dependants within the stipulated timeframe would be needed in order to provide an accurate response and this would incur a disproportionate cost to the public purse.
Migrant Workers: Northern Ireland Tom Brake: [28454] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on the number of people employed in Northern Ireland who are from non-EU countries of the salary threshold increase for Tier 2 visa applications to £35,000.
88 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Tom Brake: [28455] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on the number of people employed in Wales who are from non-EU countries of the salary threshold increase for Tier 2 visa applications to £35,000. Tom Brake: [28456] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on the number of people employed in Scotland who are from non-EU countries of the salary threshold increase for Tier 2 visa applications to £35,000. Tom Brake: [28457] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on the number of people employed as IT professionals who are from non-EU countries of the salary threshold increase for Tier 2 visa applications to £35,000. Tom Brake: [28458] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on the number of people employed in roles classed as an essential public service who are from non-EU countries of the salary threshold increase for Tier 2 visa applications to £35,000. Tom Brake: [28459] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on the number of people employed by fire and rescue services who are from non-EU countries of the salary threshold increase for Tier 2 visa applications to £35,000. Tom Brake: [28460] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on the number of people employed by police services who are from non- EU countries of the salary threshold increase for Tier 2 visa applications to £35,000. Tom Brake: [28461] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on the number of people employed by the NHS who are from non-EU countries of the salary threshold increase for Tier 2 visa applications to £35,000. Tom Brake: [28462] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on the number of people employed as teachers who are from non-EU countries of the salary threshold increase for Tier 2 visa applications to £35,000. Tom Brake: [28463] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on the number of people employed in England, excluding London, who
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 89
are from non-EU countries of the salary threshold increase for Tier 2 visa applications to £35,000. James Brokenshire: The Government announced in 2012 that from 6 April 2016 Tier 2 visa holders who apply for settlement in the UK will be required to meet a minimum annual salary requirement of £35,000. PhD level roles and those in recognised shortage will be exempt from the £35,000 threshold. Data of the number of people employed in specific regions of the United Kingdom is not available. The Home Office holds individual records showing the working location of Tier 2 (General) migrants, but centralised records show the registered address of the Tier 2 Sponsor, which is normally that organisation’s Head Office. The Home Office published a full impact assessment on the changes to Tier 2 settlement rules when they were laid before Parliament on 15 March 2012. This includes the impact on the top ten occupations and is available on the gov.uk website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/117957/i mpact-assessment-tier2.pdf
Police Stations: Nurses Sadiq Khan: [28375] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on how many occasions custody nurses were not available in police stations when required in each year since 2010. Sadiq Khan: [28426] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police stations in London (a) had and (b) did not have custody nurses working in them in each year since 2010. Mike Penning: The provision and commissioning of police custody nurses is the responsibility of individual Police and Crime Commissioners, and police custody nurse staffing and availability levels are an operational policing matter in conjunction with the custody healthcare service provider. Information on these issues is not held centrally by the Home Office.
Refugees: Syria Alex Cunningham: [28181] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2016 to Question 23729, what the Government's policy is on the confiscation of the belongings of Syrian refugees over a certain value to help meet the cost of their stay in the UK. James Brokenshire: The Government does not confiscate the belongings of Syrian refugees or refugees of any other nationality to help meet the cost of their stay in the UK.
90 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Richard Burden: [28749] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of Syrian refugees resettled under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Programme is included within the Government's priority group for victims of sexual violence, the elderly, victims of crime of torture and the disabled. Richard Harrington: All refugees resettled under the Syrian Vulnerable Person’s Resettlement scheme must meet at least one of the agreed vulnerability criteria. Many individuals will meet more than one of the criteria, for example an individual may be a survivor of violence or torture and have ongoing medical needs. They may also have dependants who would meet one or more of the criteria in their own right if they were applying separately. While the Home Office records the primary reason for referral of the lead applicant we do not record any secondary reasons or those of dependant family members. Therefore, the data we have would not give a complete picture of the number of resettled people who would be included under each of the vulnerability groups listed. Richard Burden: [28767] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on the number of Syrian refugees in each local authority in the UK. Richard Harrington: The Home Office holds this information in relation to those Syrian refugees resettled in the UK under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme. However, we do not routinely identify which local authorities are participating in this scheme. Participation is voluntary and it is often the case that local authorities do not wish to have their participation published. It is a matter for each local authority to decide whether they want to publish the fact of their participation and the numbers of refugees they take. Richard Burden: [28768] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of Syrian refugees resettled under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Programme were previously resident in another country before Syria. Richard Harrington: We do not monitor whether a resettled person has ever previously been resident in another country apart from Syria and their host country. All refugees resettled under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement (VPR) Scheme are Syrian nationals. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees identifies and proposes Syrian refugees for the VPR scheme from among the whole of the registered refugee population in the region, over 4 million people. This includes people in formal refugee camps, informal settlements and host communities in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 91
Vetting Robert Neill: [28591] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of applications for Disclosure and Barring Service checks (a) nationally, (b) in London and (c) in Bromley and Chislehurst constituency met the published service standards for waiting times in the last 6 months. Karen Bradley: The published service standards are to complete 85% of disclosure applications within 21 days and 95% within 56 days. The tables below show the proportion of applications which met the service standards a) nationally, b) in London and c) in Bromley and Chislehurst. A) Nationally
% COMPLETED WITHIN 21 % COMPLETED WITHIN 56 MONTH CALENDAR DAYS CALENDAR DAYS
Aug-15 83.4% 94.9%
Sep-15 87.3% 95.1%
Oct-15 87.6% 95.4%
Nov-15 86.3% 94.5%
Dec-15 86.0% 94.3%
Jan-16 85.8% 93.9%
Total 86.1% 94.7%
B) London
% COMPLETED WITHIN 21 % COMPLETED WITHIN 56 MONTH CALENDAR DAYS CALENDAR DAYS
Aug-15 83.5% 86.7%
Sep-15 85.2% 87.6%
Oct-15 85.7% 88.1%
Nov-15 83.7% 86.2%
Dec-15 80.8% 85.5%
Jan-16 81.2% 83.9%
Total 83.5% 86.4%
92 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
C) Bromley and Chislehurst
% COMPLETED WITHIN 21 % COMPLETED WITHIN 56 MONTH CALENDAR DAYS CALENDAR DAYS
Aug-15 85.9% 89.1%
Sep-15 86.5% 89.7%
Oct-15 85.4% 88.9%
Nov-15 86.5% 89.5%
Dec-15 80.2% 86.2%
Jan-16 84.7% 87.7%
Total 84.9% 88.6%
Vetting: Dulwich and West Norwood Helen Hayes: [28573] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many applications to the Disclosure and Barring Service from people living in Dulwich and West Norwood constituency have taken more than 60 days to process in each of the last 12 months. Karen Bradley: The table below shows the number of applications from people living in Dulwich and West Norwood that have taken more than 60 days in each of the last 12 months.
MONTH DISCLOSURES TAKING LONGER THAN 60 DAYS
Feb-15 154
Mar-15 172
Apr-15 121
May-15 121
Jun-15 124
Jul-15 158
Aug-15 121
Sep-15 147
Oct-15 159
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 93
MONTH DISCLOSURES TAKING LONGER THAN 60 DAYS
Nov-15 123
Dec-15 132
Jan-16 131
Total 1,663
Visas: Bangladesh Stephen Timms: [28319] To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what financial savings she expects to result from the transfer of processing Bangladeshi visa applications to New Delhi. James Brokenshire: Decision making on UK visa applications lodged in Bangladesh was transferred from Dhaka to New Delhi in September 2014. Logistical changes like this are made for operational reasons and to refine the longstanding hub and spoke structure of the visa network, where applications are decided at regional decision making centres. The hub and spoke structure increases resilience, improves security and enhances decision quality. The overall customer experience is unchanged as applications can be submitted at the same visa application centres and continue to be decided within the same global customer service standard. As result of this transfer of work we also estimate a saving of around £0.6m per year.
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Afghanistan: Minerals Dan Jarvis: [28431] To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department has taken to ensure that the Afghan Minerals Law includes the strongest possible measures to strengthen transparency and reduce the risk of corruption in the Afghan extractive sector. Mr Desmond Swayne: The UK proposed changes to the Minerals Law as part of a review commissioned by the Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum in 2015; and supported the incorporation of recommendations from donors and transparency organisations into amendments. The Mining Advisory Council is reviewing the amendments before submission to the Ministry of Justice. Dan Jarvis: [28432] To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what political representations UK officials have made to the Afghan government with respect to the Afghan Minerals Law
94 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
and amendments currently being considered by the Afghan government; and whether UK officials have provided technical assistance in the preparation of those amendments. Mr Desmond Swayne: The British Embassy regularly consults the National Unity Government on improving the Minerals Law to encourage responsible investment into the extractives sector. The UK proposed revisions to the Minerals Law in a review commissioned by the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and provided support for the incorporation of recommendations by transparency organisations and donor partners into amendments.
Afghanistan: Mining Dan Jarvis: [28433] To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what political engagement her Department had with the Afghan government on extractives governance in 2015. Mr Desmond Swayne: The British Embassy regularly engages with the National Unity Government on improving extractives governance to encourage responsible development of the extractives sector. The UK-funded Extractive Sector Support Programme provides technical advice to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum on legal and regulatory frameworks, contract management and fiscal regimes. The UK is also helping the Afghan Government to implement the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative. I raised this matter when I met President Ghani in June 2015. Dan Jarvis: [28435] To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether the UK is intending to take steps to ensure that effective benchmarks for extractive-sector governance are included on the agenda for the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan. Mr Desmond Swayne: The Brussels Conference on Afghanistan in October 2016 will consider progress against the Self Reliance through the Mutual Accountability Framework agreed between the National Unity Government and the international community in September 2015. This Framework includes an objective to improve the investment climate and a commitment on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Responsible development of the extractives sector is a UK priority. We are supporting the Government to strengthen legal frameworks, contract management and fiscal regimes, and to implement the Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative.
Department for International Development: Health Mr Virendra Sharma: [27935] To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what her Department's wellness strategy is.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 95
Mr Desmond Swayne: DFID seeks to create a workplace where we protect the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, optimise the opportunity to promote a healthy workforce, maintain safe systems of work and proactively support the physical and emotional wellbeing of staff. These principles are reflected throughout DFIDs HR Policies and approach to People Management.
Developing Countries: Human Rights Dr Andrew Murrison: [27995] To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what metrics she uses in monitoring human rights abuse (a) by governments and (b) in countries in receipt of UK aid. Mr Desmond Swayne: DFID works closely with the FCO to assess and monitor the civil and political rights context in the countries where it has programmes. DFID draws on the FCO’s annual Human Rights and Democracy Report, which takes international human rights obligations as its starting point, and assesses FCO country specific updates to that report. It takes into account the views of a range of sources including EU and other development partners, and civil society reports. DFID provides aid to governments when it is satisfied that they share Britain’s commitments to reducing poverty and to respecting human rights. Before providing aid to a partner government, DFID assesses their commitment to four Partnership Principles. These include a commitment to poverty reduction; respecting human rights and other international obligations; improving public financial management, promoting good governance and transparency, and fighting corruption; and strengthening domestic accountability.
Fiji: Overseas Aid Ms Diane Abbott: [28295] To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if the Government will contribute emergency aid to Fiji and its surrounding islands following the recent cyclone. Justine Greening: The UK is assisting Fiji in response to Tropical Cyclone Winston. The UK makes core contributions to the UN Agencies, CERF, ECHO and the Red Cross, all of whom may contribute to the response. We are also contributing technical support to strengthen UNICEF’s capacity and are ready to consider further requests for humanitarian experts should it be required. DFID has also offered to provide support to the UN Disaster & Coordination team and will remain in contact with Agencies in the region.
Middle East: Job Creation Ms Diane Abbott: [28294] To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to the Answer of 15 February 2016 to Question 26161, how will the funds raised as result of the Supporting Syria
96 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Conference be used to create sustainable jobs in Levantine states with high youth unemployment. Justine Greening: As set out in the Co-hosts’ Declaration from the Supporting Syria and the Region Conference (available at https://www.supportingsyria2016.com/media/) donor funding will support plans set out in detailed Statements of Intent by refugee-hosting governments aimed at improving the investment climate and creating jobs for host communities and refugees from Syria.
Overseas Aid Ms Diane Abbott: [28296] To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential effect of the change in the OECD definition of foreign aid to include some military spending on the effectiveness of aid spend on reducing poverty. Justine Greening: We welcome the outcome of the recent High Level Meeting of the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC), which agreed how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) rules should be updated to better tackle the pressing global development issues of the 21st century. The updates to the ODA rules both better recognise the detrimental impact that conflict, fragility and insecurity have on efforts to tackle poverty and reflect the importance of private sector investment for development.
Papua: Poverty Mr Andrew Smith: [28156] To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make an assessment of the effect on poverty reduction in West Papua, Indonesia, of the reported ban on non- governmental organisations working in that area. Mr Desmond Swayne: DFID no longer has a bilateral poverty reduction programme in Indonesia. However, as part of UK Government action to mitigate against climate change, we work in partnership with the Indonesian national and provincial governments to help secure community access to forest land in Papua to promote a sustainable green economy, whilst supporting local livelihoods.
JUSTICE
Amnesty International Andy Slaughter: [28489] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he plans to respond to the findings of Amnesty International UK's Annual Report, published on 24 February 2016.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 97
Dominic Raab: I have no plans to do so. It is irresponsible for any campaign group to criticise our proposals before they've seen them. Amnesty have already been told our plans involve the UK remaining in the European Convention.
Domestic Violence Bridget Phillipson: [27056] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many family courts have special access measures in place for victims of domestic violence attending the court for child contact cases. Caroline Dinenage: Every family court has a system to support vulnerable court users. Protective measures are put in place whenever this is considered to be appropriate. These can include separate waiting areas, additional security and the use of separate entrances where appropriate. Parties can also request special measures such as the use of protective screens in the hearing or the use of a video link. Bridget Phillipson: [27192] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to paragraph 1.26 of the National Audit Office report, Implementing reforms to civil legal aid reports, published in November 2014, what assessment he has made of the effect of the increase in the number of litigants in person in family courts for cases involving contact with children on the quality of child arrangements orders made in families known to have a history of domestic abuse. Caroline Dinenage: The family court takes the issue of domestic violence extremely seriously. Where domestic violence or abuse is admitted or proven, any child arrangements order put in place must protect the safety and wellbeing of the child and the parent with whom the child is living, and not expose them to the risk of further harm. In particular, the court must be satisfied that any contact ordered with a parent who has perpetrated violence or abuse is safe and in the best interests of the child. Where the court concludes that direct contact is safe and beneficial for the child, it can impose conditions such as supervised contact to protect the child. The Ministry of Justice has improved funding for support and advice projects led by advice, voluntary and the pro bono sector to assist litigants in person and provide them with the information and skills to effectively represent themselves in court. Further, a person who has evidence of domestic violence or abuse, or the risk of such violence or abuse, can still obtain legal aid for advice and legal representation in the family court for a protective order or to deal with other family matters, such as a child arrangements order. This is to make sure that actual or potential victims of domestic violence or abuse are given the protection they need to keep them and other family members, including children, safe.
98 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
European Convention on Human Rights Mr Christopher Chope: [28590] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 22 February 2016 to Question 27179, whether the requirement in the Lisbon Treaty that the EU shall accede to the European Convention on Human Rights is legally enforceable. Dominic Raab: The Prime Minister told the house on 3 February that the Governments position is that the EU should not join the European Convention on Human Rights. We are committed in our manifesto to change Britain’s relationship with respect to the European Court of Human Rights through our own British Bill of Rights. We shall be coming up with proposals for that shortly.
Immigration: Judicial Review Tulip Siddiq: [27632] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many consent orders have been signed by courts for the settlement of judicial review cases for asylum and immigration applications in each year since 2009-10; how many such cases were decided in favour of the appellant upon reconsideration; how many found in contempt of court for the breaching such consent orders; and on how many occasions the courts has refuse to sign a consent order. Mr Shailesh Vara: This information is not held centrally and can only be collated at disproportionate cost.
Medway Secure Training Centre: Advocacy Andy Slaughter: [28469] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether Barnardo's advocates are permitted to speak to children confidentially without G4S staff in attendance at Medway Secure Training Centre. Andrew Selous: Yes. All young people have the opportunity to speak with a Barnardos advocate without a member of the Secure Training Centre staff being present. Both advocates and monitors can also speak to children confidentially without Secure Training Centre staff being present. Young people can also contact an advocate directly by calling their helpline number, which is free and available to all children to call in privacy from their rooms.
Ministry of Justice: Ministerial Policy Advisors Mr Virendra Sharma: [27957] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the (a) policy and (b) other responsibilities are of each special adviser in his Department.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 99
Mike Penning: The Code of Conduct for Special Advisers sets out the role of special advisers and describes the range of activities they may undertake. Copies of the Code of Conduct are available in the Library of the House and online at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/468340/ CODE_OF_CONDUCT_FOR_SPECIAL_ADVISERS_-_15_OCTOBER_2015_FINAL.pdf
Personal Independence Payment: Appeals Daniel Zeichner: [27711] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many and what proportion of people appealing their ineligibility for the enhanced rate of mobility under personal independent payment have been successful in their appeals. Mr Shailesh Vara: The First-tier Tribunal – Social Security and Child Support administered by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), hears appeals against Department for Work and Pensions’ decisions on a range of benefits including Personal Independence Payment. The information about the number and success rates of SSCS appeals by benefit type, including PIP, is published in the Tribunal and Gender Recognition Certificate Statistics Quarterly at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tribunals-and-gender-recognition-certificate- statistics-quarterly-july-to-september-2015 The specific information requested is not held centrally.
Prisons: Civil Disorder Andy Slaughter: [22415] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, on how many occasions, in which prisons and for what incidents the (a) Tornado Team called into prisons, (b) Gold Command was opened and (c) National Tactical Response Group was called in each year since 2010. Andrew Selous: Violence in prisons has increased in recent years. The nature of offenders currently in custody and the widespread availability of new psychoactive substances have both contributed to making prisons less safe. There is no single, simple solution to the problems we face but we are making progress. We have launched a two year Violence Reduction project to help us to gain a better understanding of the causes and characteristics of violence in prisons and to strengthen the handling of this. We are also trialling the use of body worn cameras in prisons, training sniffer dogs to detect new psychoactive substances and have made it an offence to smuggle new psychoactive substances into prison. However, ultimately the only way to reduce violence in our prisons is to give governors and those who work in prisons the tools necessary to more effectively reform and rehabilitate offenders, which we are determined to see through.
100 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
The safety of staff and prisoners is a priority. Gold Command is opened in order to deal with incidents as quickly and safely as possible. Not all incidents turn out to be serious, but Gold Command is opened as a precaution when incidents are regarded as potentially serious. Due to the complexity of the accompanying tables, the link below is to the web version of the answer: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers- statements/written-question/Commons/2016-01-13/22415
Secure Training Centres: Monitoring Andy Slaughter: [28468] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the annual cost was of the Youth Justice Board monitoring carried out at each secure training centre in each of the last five years for which figures are available. Andrew Selous: A total annual cost of the Youth Justice Board’s (YJB) monitoring of each Secure Training Centre provided by the YJB is not held centrally.
UK Membership of EU Tom Brake: [27728] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) conducted on the potential effect of a UK withdrawal from the EU on (a) relationships between his Department and its counterparts in other EU member states and (b) the effectiveness of pan-European justice mechanisms; and what assessment his Department has made of the results of that research. Dominic Raab: On 19 February, the Prime Minister set out the Government position on remaining in the European Union.
LEADER OF THE HOUSE
House of Commons: Repairs and Maintenance John Mann: [27623] To ask the Leader of the House, what discussions he has had with the House of Commons Commission on the potential effect on staffing and other costs and expenditure on repair and maintenance contracts of uncertainty about the dates of 2016 parliamentary recesses. Chris Grayling: No substantive discussions have taken place. Agendas and decisions relating to meetings of the House of Commons Commission are available on their website at http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/other- committees/house-of-commons-commission/.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 101
PRIME MINISTER
10 Downing Street: Security Jonathan Ashworth: [27889] To ask the Prime Minister, which hon. Members have security clearance for access to 10 Downing Street. Mr David Cameron: It has been the practice of successive Governments not to comment on security issues.
Chevening Jonathan Ashworth: [27890] To ask the Prime Minister, which Government Ministers have had use of Chevening House since May 2015. Mr David Cameron: The Foreign Secretary has use of Chevening.
Iraq Committee of Inquiry Margaret Ferrier: [28041] To ask the Prime Minister, what recent representations he has made to officials working on the Chilcot Inquiry; and if he will make a statement. Mr David Cameron: I refer the hon. Member to Sir John Chilcot’s letter to me of 28 October 2015, and my reply of 29 October, copies of which can be found on the Iraq Inquiry website.
Prime Minister: Ministerial Policy Advisers Mr Virendra Sharma: [27960] To ask the Prime Minister, what the (a) policy and (b) other responsibilities are of each special adviser in 10 Downing Street. Mr David Cameron: A list of special advisers, and their pay bands, is published on an annual basis.
Prime Minister: Ministers' Private Offices Jonathan Ashworth: [27891] To ask the Prime Minister, how many times his ministerial office has been decorated in the last five years. Mr David Cameron: Refurbishment and maintenance at 10 Downing Street is part of a continuing programme of work. The Downing Street complex is maintained to standards appropriate to its Grade 1/2 listed status in consultation with English Heritage. The building also fulfils an important representational role.
102 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Prime Minister: UK Membership of EU Mr Douglas Carswell: [28503] To ask the Prime Minister, with reference to his Oral Statement of 22 February 2016, Official Report, column 35, on the European Council, whether his Office is undertaking planning in the eventuality of a majority leave vote in the EU referendum. Mr David Cameron: At the February European Council the Government negotiated a new settlement, giving the United Kingdom a special status in a reformed European Union. The Government's view is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU. The civil service is working full-time to support the Government’s position. A document setting out the principal alternatives to our membership of the EU will be published shortly.
UK Membership of EU: Referendums Andrew Rosindell: [28051] To ask the Prime Minister, if he will make representations to bodies campaigning on the EU referendum to ensure that members of the Royal Family are not referred to in the debate on that referendum; and if he will make a statement. Mr David Cameron: This is a matter for the campaign groups. Government activities in respect of the EU Referendum will be in line with published propriety guidance.
SCOTLAND
Scotland Office: Ministerial Policy Advisors Mr Virendra Sharma: [27961] To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what the (a) policy and (b) other responsibilities are of each special adviser in his Department. David Mundell: I refer the hon Member to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General on 29 February 2016.
UK Membership of EU: Referendums: Referendums Martyn Day: [28414] To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the implications of a decision to leave the EU on provisions in the Scotland Act 1988 requiring compliance with EU law.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 103
David Mundell: At the February European Council the Government negotiated a new settlement, giving the United Kingdom a special status in a reformed European Union. The Government's view is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU.
TRANSPORT
Air Pollution Richard Burden: [27620] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on measures to improve air quality; and what discussions he has had with Highways England on the level of priority it accords to issues of air quality. Andrew Jones: Ministers and officials in the Department for Transport regularly meet with both Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Highways England on measures to improve air quality, public health and achieve compliance with EU air quality standards. On 17 December 2015 Government published the Air Quality Action Plan which sets out a comprehensive approach for meeting these goals. Air Quality is a clear priority for Highways England, backed up by a dedicated £100 million fund as part of the Road Investment Strategy published in December 2014.
Aviation: Egypt Richard Burden: [28596] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the implications for his future policies of the Sharm el Sheikh air crash in October 2015; and what recent reports he has received on the reasons for that crash. Mr Robert Goodwill: The formal accident investigation into the loss of the Metrojet flight over Sinai on 31 October 2015 has not formally reached any conclusions as to the cause of the crash. But the Russian authorities announced, in November 2015, their conclusion that the aircraft was brought down by an explosive device, and the Government have been proceeding on that basis. The incident highlights the importance for airports, airlines and countries to increase vigilance and make sure that sound security measures are in place. The Government is working to ensure this happens, but does not discuss the details of security arrangements.
104 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Aviation: Noise Richard Burden: [28554] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if the Prime Minister will make an assessment of the potential merits of each proposal on noise mitigation from aviation in the letter to him of 18 February 2016 from the Aviation Environment Federation. Mr Robert Goodwill: As part of the Government’s ongoing review of noise and airspace policies it will consider the proposals set out the Aviation Environment Federation’s letter to the Prime Minister of 18 February.
Blue Badge Scheme Daniel Zeichner: [27700] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of people applying for a Blue Badge affected by (a) Alzheimer's disease, (b) myalgic encephalomyelitis and (c) autism were successful in the latest period in which figures are available. Andrew Jones: Local authorities administer the Blue Badge scheme and the Department does not hold this information. People with any disability may qualify for a badge if they have very considerable difficulty walking. Daniel Zeichner: [27712] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will widen the Blue Badge criteria to allow for cognitive as well as physical disabilities. Andrew Jones: The regulations governing the scheme already apply to any permanent and substantial disability which causes very considerable difficulty in walking. We have no plans to widen the scope beyond this.
Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: Working Hours Richard Burden: [27819] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate his Department has made of the number of drivers potentially affected by the extension of the radius from 50km to 100km from base within which vehicles are exempt from regulations limiting drivers' hours. Andrew Jones: The Department considers that the number of drivers potentially affected by the extension of the radius from 50km to 100km covering one directly applicable exemption and three national derogations from the EU drivers’ hours rules is likely to be relatively small.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 105
Ports: Security Richard Burden: [27817] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which Government policies on ensuring the (a) security of UK ports and (b) identification and checking of containers for contraband, trafficked persons or other illegal activity are the responsibility of his Department; and which such policies which are the responsibility of another department his Department has a secondary role in. Mr Robert Goodwill: The Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for ensuring that proportionate security measures are in place to protect ports, passengers and ships registered in this country. These measures are risk based and are designed to mitigate the threat from terrorism. This work involves close co-operation with other government departments, the Police and the maritime industry. The Home Office is responsible for the detection of contraband and trafficked persons at UK Ports. DfT works closely with the Home Office and other partner agencies to counter this type of illegal activity.
Volkswagen Richard Burden: [27610] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information his Department holds on the distinctions between Volkswagen's practices (a) on the use of defeat devices and (b) in mitigating customer inconvenience in the US and the UK; and whether his Department has made an assessment of the reasons for those distinctions. Andrew Jones: The Government takes the unacceptable actions of Volkswagen extremely seriously and our priority is to protect the public. In Europe, Volkswagen Group has developed a technical solution for the affected vehicles and is testing this with the relevant type approval authorities. For Skoda vehicles this is the UK’s Vehicle Certification Agency. We understand that the company is not in the same position in the USA as there is not yet an agreed technical solution. We are urging Volkswagen to complete swiftly the recall of the affected vehicles in the UK. In his appearance before the Transport Select Committee on 25 January, Paul Willis, the CEO of Volkswagen UK, reconfirmed that Volkswagen do not intend to offer compensation in the UK as they do not believe that vehicle owners have suffered a loss. In the USA they have offered their customers up to $1,000 in gift vouchers. It is for Volkswagen to justify to their customers the different approaches that they are taking in different jurisdictions, however the Government expects Volkswagen to treat its UK customers fairly and the Secretary of State continues to press Volkswagen on the issue of this discrepancy in compensation.
106 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
WALES
UK Membership of EU: Wales Paul Flynn: [28117] To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for the completion of projects funded in Wales by EU structural funds in the event of the UK leaving the EU. Stephen Crabb: The Government's view is that the whole of the UK - including Wales - will be stronger, safer and better off in a reformed EU.
Wales Office: Health Mr Virendra Sharma: [27943] To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what his Department's wellness strategy is. Alun Cairns: The Wales Office is not an employer in its own right and staff are subject to Ministry of Justice (MOJ) policies for issues such as wellness.
Wales Office: Ministerial Policy Advisers Mr Virendra Sharma: [27964] To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what the (a) policy and (b) other responsibilities are of each special adviser in his Department. Stephen Crabb: I refer the hon Gentleman to the answer given by my hon Friend, the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, on 29 February 2016.
WORK AND PENSIONS
Children: Maintenance Debbie Abrahams: [28437] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many one-month reminder letters of CSA case closure have been issued in each month since November 2014 for cases in (a) segment 1, (b) segment 2, (c) segment 3 and (d) segment 4. Debbie Abrahams: [28438] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many six-month notice letters of CSA case closure have been issued in each month since July 2014 for cases in (a) segment 1, (b) segment 2, (c) segment 3 and (d) segment 4.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 107
Debbie Abrahams: [28439] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many final letters concerning CSA case closure have been issued in each month since January 2015 for cases in (a) segment 1, (b) segment 2, (c) segment 3 and (d) segment 4. Priti Patel: We do not currently collate this data on a monthly basis. Debbie Abrahams: [28466] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many calls were made to the Child Maintenance Options Service in each month since November 2015. Priti Patel: The number of inbound calls received by the Child Maintenance Options Service from November 2015 is shown in the table below:
NUMBER OF CALLS RECEIVED BY THE CHILD MONTH MAINTENANCE OPTIONS SERVICE
Nov-15 35,900
Dec-15 29,600
Jan-16 49,700
Notes: 1. Data Sourced from Child Maintenance Options Monthly MI Service Pack. 2. Data rounded to nearest 100.
Department for Work and Pensions: Ministerial Policy Advisers Mr Virendra Sharma: [27965] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the (a) policy and (b) other responsibilities are of each special adviser in his Department. Justin Tomlinson: I refer the hon.Member to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, my Rt.Hon. Friend Matthew Hancock, Question UIN 27946.
Department for Work and Pensions: Publications Jonathan Ashworth: [28680] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) publications, (b) consultation documents and (c) circulars his Department has issued since August 2012; and what the title was of each such publication, consultation document or circular.
108 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Justin Tomlinson: The information requested is not collated centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Employment and Support Allowance: Cancer Corri Wilson: [27706] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people currently in the work-related activity group of employment and support allowance for a condition other than neoplasms who have previously had a cancer diagnosis. Corri Wilson: [27707] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with cancer have been placed in the work-related activity group in (a) each of the last five years and (b) total since the introduction of employment and support allowance. Corri Wilson: [27708] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of people with cancer currently in the work-related activity group of employment and support allowance were previously in the support group. Priti Patel: The specific information requested is not readily available, and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. The information we do have for Employment and Support Allowance claimants by medical condition, including Neoplasms and phase of claim, is published and available at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/default.asp Guidance for users can be found at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/home/newuser.asp Corri Wilson: [27710] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in receipt of employment and support allowance are (a) undergoing treatment for and (b) recovering from cancer. Priti Patel: The specific information requested is not available as details of any treatment received are not recorded centrally. The information we have for Employment and Support Allowance claimants by medical condition is published and available at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/default.asp Guidance for users can be found at:
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 109
https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/home/newuser.asp
Help to Work Scheme Frank Field: [28589] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many long-term unemployed people have been helped back into work through the Help to Work scheme in each of the last five years. Priti Patel: The information as requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Published information available on Help to Work shows the number of programme referrals and Community Work Placement starts and can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/help-to-work-quarterly-statistics This covers the period from April 2014 (when the programme started) to September 2015 inclusive.
Personal Independence Payment: Motability Daniel Zeichner: [27714] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will carry out an impact assessment of the effect that the replacement of disability living allowance by personal independence payment has had on the mobility of disabled people. Justin Tomlinson: The Department published an impact assessment about the reform of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and the introduction of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) under the Welfare Reform Act 2012 in May 2012: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-living-allowance-reform- personal-independence-payment-impact-assessment. A further assessment on estimates of projected DLA and PIP caseloads was published in December 2012: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/timetable-for- introducing-personal-independence-payment-and-estimates-of-projected-caseloads- policy-briefing-note
Social Security Benefits: Cancer Corri Wilson: [27703] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that people living with the long-term effects of cancer can access appropriate financial support through the welfare system for as long as they need it. Priti Patel: Most Employment and Support Allowance claimants with cancer will be placed in the Support Group. People with long-term health conditions can also claim Personal
110 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS
Independence Payment to help meet the extra costs of their disability, whether they have a job or not.
Social Security Benefits: Disability Tom Brake: [27720] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether benefits for people with disabilities will be exempt from the freeze on working-age benefits. Priti Patel: The Welfare Reform and Work Bill introduces a four-year freeze for the main rates of most working-age benefits from 2016-17 to 2019-20, as part of the Government’s welfare reforms that are moving the country to a higher wage, lower tax, lower welfare society. The freeze does not apply to benefits related to the additional costs of disability, such as Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment; to the support group component of Employment and Support Allowance or the limited capability for work and work-related activity amount in Universal Credit; or to the disability premiums in Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Housing Benefit. Carers benefits and premiums are also exempted from the freeze.
Universal Credit: Council Tax Reduction Schemes Stephen Timms: [28542] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 2 February 2016 to Question 24803, whether Jobcentre work coaches are able to advise universal credit claimants of their eligibility for council tax reductions. Priti Patel: Due to minor variations between different Local Authorities’ council tax reduction schemes, only the individual local Authority can advise claimants on eligibility requirements for their scheme.
Universal Credit: Telephone Services Margaret Greenwood: [27621] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance his Department provides to its staff on proactively making callers claiming universal credit or seeking advice by telephone related to that benefit aware that they can be rung back free of charge. Priti Patel: The department does not hold guidance on this. As we continue to develop the Universal Credit service we will introduce greater opportunities for claimants to manage their claim on-line reducing the need for claimants to use the telephone to contact us.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 ANSWERS 111
Welfare Reform and Work Bill: Social Mobility Justin Madders: [27677] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the provisions of the Welfare Reform and Work Bill on social mobility. Priti Patel: The Government has carefully considered the impact of the tax and benefit reforms introduced in the Summer Budget, including those in the Bill, and are committed to improving social mobility. The Bill itself proposes a reform to the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission to ensure its focus on this important issue. The new provisions on life chances recognise the crucial role of education in this respect, and the objectives of our welfare reforms are to promote employment, ensure people have the skills and the opportunities they need, make sure that work always pays, and allow people to keep more of what they earn.
Work Capability Assessment: Staff Justin Madders: [27691] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) junior doctors, (b) consultants, (c) nurses and (d) healthcare assistants have been employed to undertake work capability assessments in each year for which figures are available. Priti Patel: Data on Healthcare Professionals’ backgrounds has been recorded for statistical purposes since March 2015. The background of Healthcare Professionals has been recorded as either: Nurse; Physiotherapist; Doctor, or; Occupational Therapist. From March 2015 to January 2016, CHDA employed 612 nurses; 66 physiotherapists and 147 doctors on average each month. Occupational therapists have been recruited from July 2015 and the average number employed each month to January 2016 was 10.
Work Programme: Mental Illness Sadiq Khan: [28449] To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with identified mental health needs have been (a) on the Work Programme and (b) helped into employment by that programme in each year since it began in (i) the UK and (ii) London. Priti Patel: The information requested is not available.
112 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS
MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS
HEALTH
Health Professions: Migrant Workers Charlotte Leslie: [25540] To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many nationals of (a) the EEA, excluding the UK and (b) non-EEA countries who are (i) doctors, (ii) dentists, (iii) other dental care professionals and (iv) nurses have been (A) suspended and (B) brought before a fitness to practise panel by their professional regulator as a result of poor English language skills in the last three years. An error has been identified in the written answer given on 8 February 2016. The correct answer should have been: Ben Gummer: The information requested is not held by the Department. The nine health and care professional regulatory bodies within the United Kingdom are responsible for operational matters concerning the discharge of their statutory duties including fitness- to-practise (FtP) investigations against their registrants. Relevant information provided by the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and General Dental Council (GDC) is included below. The GMC reports that four European Economic Area (EEA) doctors and no non-EEA doctors have appeared at a FtP tribunal and been suspended due wholly or partly to lack of English language skills, since its legislation changed in June 2014 to introduce inadequate English language skills as a grounds for finding a doctor’s fitness to practise is impaired. Of the four, two were suspended and two had conditions imposed on their registration. Conditions restrict a doctor’s practice or require them to take remedial action. In these cases, the purpose of conditions is to help protect patients while allowing the doctor to remedy any deficiencies in their practice or knowledge of English. In addition, since the GMC was given new powers in relation to the language skills of doctors, it has dealt with 3,289 registration applications from EEA doctors. 1,970 of them were able to demonstrate that they met the English language requirements as part of their application and were granted registration with a licence to practise. 1,319 doctors were registered but have not been granted a licence to practise either because they did not provide any evidence of their English language skills or the evidence they provided was insufficient. Doctors cannot practise in the UK without a licence to practise. The NMC reports that until legislative change took effect in January 2016, it did not record poor English language skills as a case type within FtP. Previously all cases were recorded under an umbrella category of ‘Lack of competence – communication issues’. This category covered a range of communication topics including failure to delegate appropriately. Since the new language control power was introduced in 2016 the NMC has been coding English language skills as a separate code.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS 113
The GDC reports that following an update to its Standards in 2013, it takes the requirement to be sufficiently fluent in written and spoken English into account when assessing FtP cases. Since this change there have been no suspensions and one EEA Dentist has been struck-off the GDC register where the category of ‘not fluent in English’ was recorded as a consideration. The GDC notes that as a result of recent legislative change, it is taking forward associated changes to registration processes and FtP rules, which will result in further language control requirements being introduced by the end of summer.
JUSTICE
Prisons: Libraries Christina Rees: [19525] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the budget is for prison libraries in (a) total and (b) each prison in 2015; and what the cost was in each of the last five years. An error has been identified in the written answer given on 25 February 2016. The correct answer should have been: Andrew Selous: All prisons in England and Wales have a library. NOMS has been responsible for funding prison library services in England from April 2011. The total NOMS allocated budget for prison libraries in 2015/16 in England was £7,592,414 The attached table shows both the provider and allocated library budget for each prison in England since 2010. NOMS is not responsible for funding library services in prisons in Wales as this is a devolved function of the Welsh Government so data is not included. Privately managed prison contracts put in place since 2011 have identified levels of funding for libraries and so are included in the table. The table does not include library provision at privately managed prisons whose contracts were awarded before 2011 as this was part of the overall included contract price and so it is not possible to extract a specific cost element to this part of the contract. This equates to 10 prisons. On 8 September 2015 the Secretary of State announced a review of the quality of education in prisons, chaired by Dame Sally Coates, which will report later in the year.
Attachments: 1. 19525 and 19526 Table.xls Christina Rees: [19526] To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which prisons have libraries; and which organisations (a) run and (b) fund each such library. An error has been identified in the written answer given on 25 February 2016. The correct answer should have been:
114 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS
Andrew Selous: All prisons in England and Wales have a library. NOMS has been responsible for funding prison library services in England from April 2011. The total NOMS allocated budget for prison libraries in 2015/16 in England was £7,592,414 The attached table shows both the provider and allocated library budget for each prison in England since 2010. NOMS is not responsible for funding library services in prisons in Wales as this is a devolved function of the Welsh Government so data is not included. Privately managed prison contracts put in place since 2011 have identified levels of funding for libraries and so are included in the table. The table does not include library provision at privately managed prisons whose contracts were awarded before 2011 as this was part of the overall included contract price and so it is not possible to extract a specific cost element to this part of the contract. This equates to 10 prisons. On 8 September 2015 the Secretary of State announced a review of the quality of education in prisons, chaired by Dame Sally Coates, which will report later in the year.
Attachments: 1. 19525 and 19526 Table.xls
TRANSPORT
Railways: North of England Lilian Greenwood: [27906] To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the premium and subsidy profile of the new TransPennine Express franchise will be in each year of that franchise's operation. An error has been identified in the written answer given on 26 February 2016. The correct answer should have been: Andrew Jones: These figures are published annually by the Office of Road and Rail at http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/html/html/95218cca-408d-4047-83ce- a542c53b59e6. As well bringing in additional services, increased capacity, reduced fares for 16- 18 year olds and jobseekers, and new cross-border services, the new Transpennine Franchise will, unlike the previous one awarded in 2003, be a premia paying franchise. The premium payments are set out below in both nominal terms and in real (i.e. constant) terms in 2015/16 prices.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS 115
TPE
Financial £m Nominal Real – 2015/16 Prices Subsidy/(Premium)
Year 1 Core 5 5
Year 2 Core (7) (6)
Year 3 Core (20) (19)
Year 4 Core (52) (46)
Year 5 Core (99) (85)
Year 6 Core (111) (93)
Year 7 Core (144) (116)
Year 8 Option (157) (123)
Year 9 Option (179) (136)
Total 9 years (763) (621)
116 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS
WRITTEN STATEMENTS
BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS
Higher Education Student Support Minister of State for Universities and Science (Joseph Johnson): [HCWS559] Today I am announcing that the Government is increasing the residency requirement for EU nationals before they can access Higher Education student living cost support. In England, EU nationals and their families are able to apply for a tuition fee loan and be charged the “home” rate of fees to attend Higher Education. This mirrors provisions available to UK students wishing to study abroad in other EU countries. To access student finance, EU nationals need to have been resident in the European Economic Area or Switzerland for the three years prior to the first day of the first academic year. EU nationals who have been resident in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man for three years can also apply for support for their living costs. The Higher Education student support budget is under pressure from increasing numbers of applicants from the EU and the Government is taking steps to manage the burden on the taxpayer. The Government is therefore increasing the residency requirement that EU nationals must meet in order to be eligible for living cost support. EU nationals that start their courses in the 2016/17 academic year onwards will be required to demonstrate five years’ residency in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. This change will come into effect for applications submitted to the Student Loans Company after the amending regulations have come into force later this month. Students who are already studying will not be affected by these changes. This change will bring us more into line with the rules set by other EU countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden who generally require five years’ residency in the home country before students become eligible for living cost support. The recently published Student Loan Repayment Strategy will help to ensure all borrowers repay what is due. The increased residency requirement will not apply to UK nationals to whom the existing three year residency rule will continue to apply. EEA migrant workers and their family members are also not affected by this change. I am grateful to those who responded to the consultation, and whose comments helped us carefully consider the implications of our proposals.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS 117
CABINET OFFICE
Advance from the Contingencies Fund Parliamentary Secretary (John Penrose): [HCWS564] The Cabinet Office wishes to report that a cash advance from the Contingencies Fund has been sought for the Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman (referred to as the ‘Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration’ in the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 and the ‘Health Service Commissioner’ in the Health Services Commissioners Act 1993). The advance has been sought to meet a cash requirement resulting from planned expenditure set out in Supplementary Estimates. As authority for the cash will not be granted until March with the passage of the Supply and Appropriation Act, and the Ombudsman has to settle some bills before then, a Contingencies Fund advance has been requested. Parliamentary approval for additional resources of £801,000 will be sought in a Supplementary Estimate for the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and the Health Service Commissioner for England. Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at £801,000 will be met by repayable cash advance from the Contingencies Fund.
Open and transparent government Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General (Matthew Hancock): [HCWS566] This Government is committed to making government more transparent, so taxpayers can hold the state to account both on how their money is being spent and how decisions are made which affect their lives. The Freedom of Information Act is one of the pillars on which open government operates. We are committed to supporting the Act. Yet after more than a decade in operation, it is appropriate to review, in the whole, how it has operated in practice, and establish how its mechanisms could be improved. Consequently, in July 2015, we established an independent, cross-party Commission on Freedom of Information. The Commission has now submitted its report. Given the keen public and media interest in the report, we are promptly publishing it alongside our preliminary views on its recommendations. We are very grateful to the Commission for its thorough and thoughtful work in this significant and complex area. The Commission’s review has attracted considerable interest and should be commended for an even-handed approach to gathering evidence from across a very broad spectrum. This approach is reflected in the balanced set of measures put forward in the report. The Commission makes 21 specific recommendations. It notes that whilst some of its recommendations require legislation, other improvements can be made without legislative
118 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS
change. The Government’s views on some of the most salient recommendations are as follows: Charging for Freedom of Information requests: The Government agrees with the Commission’s view that it is not appropriate to introduce fees for requests, over and above the existing narrow circumstances in which a requestor can be currently charged for disbursement costs. We appreciate that some public authorities are concerned by the burdens imposed on them by the Act and the associated costs. However, the introduction of new fees would lead to a reduction in the ability of requesters, especially the media, to make use of the Act. We believe that transparency can help save taxpayers’ money, by driving out waste and inefficiency. The Cabinet veto: The Commission recommends the introduction of a narrower and more limited veto provision. The Government agrees with the Commission’s analysis that Parliament intended the executive to be able to have the final say as to whether information should be released under the Act. In line with the Commission’s thinking, the Government will in future only deploy the veto after an Information Commissioner decision. On the basis that this approach proves effective, we will not bring forward legislation at this stage. Updating practice guidance : The Government agrees with the Commission’s recommendations to review the operation of Section 45 of the Act to ensure that the range of issues on which guidance can be offered to public authorities under the Code of Practice is sufficient and up to date. Public authorities should have sufficient guidance and advice properly to manage information access requests and to continue the Government’s mandate of being the most transparent Government in the world. This does not require legislation. Publication of Freedom of Information Statistics : The Cabinet Office already publishes detailed statistics on a quarterly and annual basis on the operation of the Act within central government. It is important that other public authorities should be similarly transparent. We know that many other organisations already publish such data, but this does not happen consistently. The publication of such data not only provides accountability to the public, but allows the Information Commissioner to identify and target poorly performing public authorities more effectively. We will therefore issue guidance in the revised Section 45 Code of Practice to set a standard that public authorities with 100 full time equivalent employees or more should publish such information. Public interest and risk assessments : Noting that the Commission did not provide a formal recommendation regarding risk assessments, the Government agrees with the Commission’s analysis that considering the public interest remains the best way to assess whether specific risk assessments should be released. This will allow the important balance between providing robust protection for sensitive information and transparency to be maintained. Handling vexatious requests : The Commission’s recognises the difficulty that genuinely “vexatious” requests can place on public authorities. We agree with the recommendation of improved guidance, via a revised Code of Practice, to allow public authorities to use section 14(1) in the rare cases where it is necessary and appropriate. The exercise by citizens of legal rights also brings with it responsibilities – and access to information rights should not be
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS 119
abused to cause distress or a means of harassment. Equally, the “vexatious” designation is not an excuse to save public officials’ embarrassment from poor decisions or inappropriate spending of taxpayers’ money. This will not require legislation. Greater transparency on pay and perks of senior staff : The Commission recognises the advances that have been made to increase transparency about senior executives’ pay and benefits. Further steps will be taken to ensure this transparency is delivered across the whole public sector. The default position should be that such information from all public bodies is published; that the public should not have to resort to making Freedom of Information requests to obtain it, and data protection rules should not be used as an excuse to hide the taxpayer-funded payments to such senior public sector executives. We will now consider what additional steps should be taken to address any gaps in published information, and in particular in relation to expenses and benefits in kind as recommended, including more broadly than at present. The Government will carefully consider the Commission’s other recommendations. The Government has already demonstrated our commitment to openness through the publication of around 23,000 datasets on data.gov.uk. We are proud of the recognition we have received as the world’s leading country on open data through the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer. Our next Open Government Partnership National Action Plan, to be published later this year, will set stretching new commitments to take UK transparency further. A copy of the Commission’s report is being placed in the Libraries of both Houses, and will be published online on gov.uk.
Attachments: 1. Independent Commission on FoI Report [Report - Final_print.pdf]
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT
A Review of the Governance and Regulation of the BBC and Summary of Consultation Responses Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr John Whittingdale): [HCWS567] On 16 September 2015, as part of the Charter review process, I announced an independent review into the Governance and Regulation of the BBC. I am pleased today to announce the publication of the Report for the Review of the Governance and Regulation of the BBC. This review has been independently led on behalf of the Government by Sir David Clementi, to whom I would like to record my thanks for his excellent work in considering this important issue. The Review is now completed and has been laid before the House today. A copy of the Report has been deposited in the libraries of both Houses. The review is also available at:
120 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS
http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-review-of-the-governance-and-regulation-of- the-bbc On 16 July 2015, as part of the Charter review process, I also announced a consultation on the future of the BBC. The consultation ran from 16 July 2015 to 8 October 2015 and received 192,564 responses. I am pleased to announce the publication of the report summarising these consultation responses and I confirm that this report will be laid before the House today. A copy of the report will be deposited in the libraries of both Houses. The report is also available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/504099/BBC_ Charter_Review_Public_Consultation-_Summary_of_Responses.pdf
Attachments: 1. Governance and Regulation of the BBC [Review of Governance and Regulation of the BBC- Final.pdf]
EDUCATION
Publication of Reformed GCSE and A Level Content The Minister of State for Schools (Nick Gibb): [HCWS565] We are reforming GCSEs, AS and A levels to make sure that they provide students with the best possible preparation for further and higher education, and for employment. We want new GCSEs to set expectations which match those of the best education systems in the world, with rigorous assessment that provides a reliable measure of students’ achievement. The reforms are extensive and represent a new qualification gold standard. Schools are now teaching some of the new reformed GCSEs and A levels, and we have already published reformed subject content for those GCSEs and A levels to be taught from September 2016. Content for reformed GCSE subjects and for AS and A level subjects can be found on Gov.uk The new GCSEs will be more academically demanding and reformed AS and A levels will better prepare students for undergraduate study. Today I am publishing revised subject content for the final group of GCSEs and AS and A levels that will be taught in schools from September 2017: • physical education short course GCSE, • GCSE sociology, and • AS and A levels in geology, politics and statistics. Physical education GCSE short course represents half the content of the revised PE GCSE that was published in January 2015. Like the full course, demand has increased with a greater emphasis on theory and use of data. Students will also have the opportunity to
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS 121
develop and demonstrate practical skills and will be assessed in one team and one individual sport/activity. The more demanding sociology GCSE requires students to develop an understanding of the classical theorists and how their ideas have contributed to the development of current sociological orthodoxies. They will compare and contrast competing theoretical approaches to explain society, drawing connections between the different topic areas, and students will now be required to read and respond to extracts from classic and contemporary sociological texts. Geology AS and A level content requires students to take a more quantitative and mathematical approach to the study of geology. New content includes the study of geochemistry, the role of fluids in geology, engineering geology and geohazard risk analysis. Fieldwork remains a key part of the subject, and students will carry out relevant and meaningful fieldwork activities that will be assessed across a full range of practical competencies, developed with HE stakeholders, in order to prepare them for further geological study. The final content for politics AS and A level requires all students to understand a fourth political idea, in addition to their study of conservatism, liberalism and socialism. Students will choose from feminism, multiculturalism, anarchism, nationalism or ecologism, and know and understand the core principles and features of these ideas. As part of this they will study the work of a diverse list of political thinkers who have contributed to each idea. Following consultation we have revised the list of political theorists to make sure that female thinkers are appropriately represented. At A level, students will choose between a comparative study of USA and UK politics and Government, which now includes understanding different approaches to comparative politics, or a study of global politics. The reformed statistics AS and A level requires students to study the statistical enquiry cycle and to perform key statistical calculations such as Bayes’ theorem and one and two sample non-parametric tests. Students will be required to know and use fundamental formulae, for example to determine the Poisson probability formula and analysis of variance. New content has been added, such as choosing the appropriate hypothesis test to carry out in particular circumstances and calculating the risk of a type II error.
ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Security of Supply and the Capacity Market Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Amber Rudd): [HCWS560] I wish to set out the Government’s intention for reforms to the way we secure electricity capacity for future years, to ensure a secure, affordable supply in the short and longer terms. In laying this statement before Parliament, I am also setting out the Government’s policy intent to makes changes to our policy on the Capacity Market and the corresponding Electricity Capacity Regulations 2014 and the Capacity Market (Amendment) Rules 2014. Security of supply - the context
122 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS
Delivering energy security is the number one priority for DECC. Maintaining the secure electricity supplies that hard-working families and businesses across the country can rely on is our key objective. We face a legacy of years of underinvestment which has left us more open to the risk of any quickening in the pace of plant closures. To address this we need to start building new capacity now, especially gas, to guarantee our energy security in the 2020s. At the same time, the huge movement in global commodities prices during 2015 has lowered consumers’ energy costs but has made generating power unprofitable for most non-renewable plant. Thermal generators are experiencing lower utilisation levels as a result of increasing renewable capacity and coal plant, in particular, are facing large losses. In consequence, we have seen several closures announced and other plant may be at risk. We therefore need decisive action now to ensure energy security. Our principal existing security of supply tool is the Capacity Market (CM). Two CM auctions have now been held, for delivery in 2018/19 and 2019/20 respectively. Whilst, given the target levels that were set, the auctions procured relatively little new capacity, both auctions went smoothly and secured capacity at very low prices for consumers. Capacity Market Review As a result we have been reviewing the CM mechanism to ensure it remains fit for the purpose of bringing forward the new capacity we need, particularly gas plant, as older plant such as coal come off the system. The clear message from industry and investors that we have heard as part of the review is that the mechanism retains their confidence; is the best available approach to our long-term security of supply; and that regulatory stability is of crucial importance. At the same time, we have heard clear concerns that we must do more to protect against delivery risks; that we need to tighten the incentives on those with agreements to honour those agreements; and ensure that the full range of delivery risks are accounted for in our procurement decisions; and that we must avoid the risk of under-buying, or buying too late - which would mean that new plant had insufficient incentive to come forward. The overarching message has been that the volume of capacity procured needs to rise and the clearing price needs to increase as a result in order to provide the appropriate incentives for the market to bring forward new gas capacity. We have reflected on these messages, and agree with them. We are therefore now proposing a plan of reform for the CM in three important respects: • Buying more capacity, and buying it earlier. We will expect the next CM “T-4” auction in December 2016 to buy materially more capacity than might otherwise have been the case; • Tightening delivery incentives on those who have agreements to deliver against them and to penalise those who renege more severely; • Tackling how wholesale prices impact in the short term on energy security, holding a new auction to bring forward the first CM delivery year to 2017/18. We propose to hold a new one-year ahead auction this coming winter for delivery in winter 2017/18.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS 123
Buying more capacity, and buying it earlier We need to buy more capacity, and buy it earlier, in order to manage the increased risks we face in the next decade as we transition away from coal and as older plant close. The precise target for the next (December 2016) four-year ahead CM auction will not be set until summer, once Government has had the chance to review detailed recommendations from National Grid. But we have been discussing with them, and with our own Panel of Technical Experts (PTE), the range of factors which it is appropriate to take into account. It is clear from these discussions that the incorporation of a new sensitivity to reflect these increased non- delivery risks will be recommended. We would expect this as a minimum to lead to an increase in the target volume of around 1GW, and we will be seeking expert advice on whether it should be higher. We will also consider whether it is appropriate to cover for a more extreme cold winter scenario. We are also likely to bring forward much of the target procurement to the four year ahead auction, that we might otherwise leave until one year ahead. In previous auctions we have set aside 2.5GW for purchase at the one-year ahead “T-1” stage, but purchasing more of our estimated requirement earlier should help new plant such as gas participate to meet those requirements. Of course, the precisetarget will be set in the light of all the evidence available at the time, including crucially an updated value for money analysis. There could for example be trade- offs in purchasing capacity early, which may hedge against risk and allow new resources to compete, but which brings with it some risk of over-procurement if demand subsequently shifts. Nonetheless, taken together, we would expect the next auction to purchase significantly more capacity – perhaps over 3GW more - than would otherwise have been the case. And, of course, if it becomes clear that plant which already have capacity agreements for the 2020/21 delivery year will fail to make good on their agreements, then we would expect to re-buy that capacity too from other sources. We are confident that a healthy pipeline of robust baseload and peaking gas projects stands ready to take advantage of the opportunities we are creating, and that the revised CM will deliver the new plant we need. Consultation suggests that, provided the CM is reformed in the way described, there are few if any other barriers to these projects coming through to fruition – but the Government will continue discussions with developers and investors to ensure that no unnecessary barriers exist to bringing forward an appropriate mix of plant. Tightening delivery incentives It is crucial for our security of supply that, when companies take on an obligation to deliver, they then make good on that commitment. If they do not, it creates shortfalls in capacity that need to filled, putting our security of supply unacceptably at risk. It is also potentially unfair to other bidders who would have been able to secure agreements. For this reason we need a robust system of checks both on new build projects, to ensure that they are on track to deliver by the delivery year, and on existing plant to ensure that they honour their agreements. At the same time, it is important that our requirements and sanctions regime are not so punitive that legitimate projects are dissuaded from participating in the first place.
124 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS
We consulted in October on a range of potential new requirements to tighten the assurance regime around new build projects. In the light of responses, we are now implementing a number of these proposals – including a ban on failed projects from participating in future auctions, increased monitoring and reporting milestones, and potential increases in credit cover for projects who cannot demonstrate sufficient progress by the 11-month stage. Taken together, and on top of the existing requirements, these should materially increase the incentives on projects to have robust delivery plans in place from an early date and, if they are to fail, encourage them to fail early, allowing more time for National Grid to seek alternative sources of supply. However, we also heard evidence that one of our original proposals, for a system of pre- auction finance tests linked to auction bids, could act as a barrier to entry for robust independent projects. We take these concerns seriously, and are therefore not proposing to implement these proposals now as they stand. Instead, we are now inviting views on an alternative suggestion, that credit cover for all new projects should be increased at the pre- auction stage. At the same time, we are taking the opportunity to consult on higher termination fees for existing plant who renege on agreements, to ensure that they fulfil their commitments. Holding a new auction to bring forward the first CM delivery year to 2017/18 The reforms outlined above will mean that the CM can guarantee our security of supply now and in the future. But we also need to take decisive action in the shorter term. National Grid has a firm plan in place to take the actions needed to maintain our margins this coming winter and the Contingency Balancing Reserve (CBR) supports them in balancing the system in light of tightening margins. But the price of securing reserves of this sort has been increasing in recent years; and it has always been recognised that a reserve, if allowed to grow too large, can cause distortion in the market. We therefore propose to bring forward the start of the CM delivery period by a year, by holding an auction this coming winter (likely to be in January 2017) for delivery one year ahead, in winter 2017/18. This auction would purchase 100 percent of CM requirement for that year – in other words, while its structure and timings will be similar to the T-1 auction, it will procure our full capacity requirement, not just a top-up. This will provide assurance for the 2017/18 year and enable the CBR to be closed for that year as it is replaced by the CM. Ofgem have said that they expect the need for the CBR to disappear once the CM is in place. This Government has promised to remove distortion and interventions from the market. We recognise that although the CBR has safeguarded our energy security, it increasingly risks doing so at the cost of distorting investment and plant closure decisions. By introducing the CM early, we allow the market to operate better earlier with less price volatility and uncertainty – a more efficient way of delivering energy security. Diesel Finally, we have heard a number of complaints that diesel engines have unfair advantages in the CM due to how they are treated in the main energy market. We think there may be
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS 125
merit in these concerns, and reasons why it could be hoped, but also expected, that diesel will play a smaller role in future. There are concerns over the potential impact on local air quality. The CM is technology neutral, and as such any type of technology is allowed to participate provided it is otherwise in compliance with relevant legislation – so it would not be appropriate to set specific emission limits within the CM eligibility criteria. However, Government is not complacent, and plans to take swift and appropriate action to avoid any disproportionate impact on air quality from diesel engines via new environmental legislation introducing appropriate emission limit values for air pollutants for new generators, where these could significantly contribute to harmful levels of air pollutants and the exceeding of air quality limit values. Defra will consult later this year on options which will include legislation that would set binding emission limit values on relevant air pollutants from diesel engines, with a view to having legislation in force no later than January 2019, and possibly sooner. These limits would apply to generators or groups of generators with a rated thermal input equal to or greater than 1 MW and less than 50 MW[1] - irrespective of their number of hours of operation during any given year . Small distribution-connected generators are receiving increasing revenues from “embedded benefits” which include avoided transmission network charges. Some of this is justified because they offer system benefits such as avoided network reinforcement costs. However Ofgem has previously expressed concerns that these arrangements are not fully cost reflective; and hence “embedded benefits” may over-reward distribution-connected generators such as diesel reciprocating engines. Moreover, the proportion of generation connected at distribution level is increasing and so is the impact of flows from the distribution network on the transmission network. Ofgem is therefore concerned that these charging arrangements could be having an increasing impact on the system, including distorting investment decisions and leading to inefficient outcomes in the CM. Ofgem is therefore reviewing whether it would be in consumers’ interests to change the charging arrangements for distribution-connected generators. Ofgem will set out their conclusions and a proposed way forward on this matter, potentially including initiating changes to the charging regime, in the summer. Ofgem will need to consider carefully how and when any changes should be implemented, including whether any transitional arrangements are required, and will aim to provide clarity on their direction of travel before prequalification for the next CM auction. Consultation Implementation of the policy positions outlined above requires a variety of regulatory and non-regulatory action: • Some changes we are now making to our delivery assurance regime reflect the outcome of a recent consultation. The consultation also discussed a number of other incremental improvements and simplifications to the CM design. I am publishing today the Government’s full position on the outcome of that consultation exercise.
126 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS
• Some further changes to the delivery assurance regime and other areas and, crucially, the ability to hold the proposed additional auction for delivery in 2017/18, are discussed in a separate formal public consultation document I am publishing today. • Changes to auction parameters, including the amount to procure, do not require new regulations. Instead they will be determined as usual by the Secretary of State, in the light of expert advice, in summer, before prequalification starts for the next auction. Specific proposals for the parameters (e.g. precise volume targets) are therefore not discussed in the documents I am publishing today, but the intention to purchase more capacity, and earlier, in that auction forms an important context when considering what I am announcing today as a whole. [1] The existing Industrial Emissions Directive applies to 50MW+ generation
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
FUTURE FUNDING OF THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE CRIME UNIT Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment and Rural Affairs (Rory Stewart): [HCWS561] The National Wildlife Crime Unit is a specialist unit dedicated to tackling wildlife crime, playing an important role in wildlife law enforcement both at home and internationally. It provides intelligence and direct assistance to individual police forces and other UK law enforcement agencies, including providing specialist support that allows warranted Officers to investigate wildlife crime. The Unit also acts as the UK policing focal point for EUROPOL and INTERPOL activity on all wildlife crime related matters, and works in partnership with non-governmental agencies across the UK committed to tackling wildlife crime. Following the Spending Review 2015, Defra and Home Office Ministers have been considering the level of government funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit beyond March 2016. In recognition of the important contribution the Unit makes to tackling wildlife crime, both at home and abroad, I can confirm that Defra and Home Office Ministers have agreed that their respective departments will each provide the Unit with funding of £136,000 a year for the next four financial years. This will give the Unit significant financial stability and enable their vital work to continue until at least 2020. Those contributions will be in addition to the funding central Government provides to police forces in England and Wales to tackle all types of crime (including wildlife crime). In addition, Defra will provide the Unit with up to £29,000 a year over the next four years for specific work to tackle wildlife crime conducted online, as a developing area of global criminal activity. Government funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit jointly provided by Defra and the Home Office up to March 2020, including additional support from Defra to tackle online wildlife crime, will total £ 1.204 million.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS 127
HOME OFFICE
Investigatory Powers Bill The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May): [HCWS568] I have today introduced the Investigatory Powers Bill. This important piece of legislation will provide a new framework to govern the use and oversight of investigatory powers by law enforcement and the security and intelligence agencies. The enhanced privacy safeguards, which are at the heart of the Bill, protect not only sensitive professions but the public at large. The Investigatory Powers Bill will transform the law relating to the use and oversight of these powers. It will strengthen safeguards and introduce world-leading oversight arrangements. The Bill does three things: • First, it brings together all of the powers already available to law enforcement and the security and intelligence agencies to obtain communications and data about communications. It will make these powers – and the safeguards that apply to them – clear and understandable. • Second, the Bill radically overhauls the way these powers are authorised and overseen. It introduces a ‘double-lock’ for interception warrants, so that, following Secretary of State Authorisation, these – and other warrants – cannot come into force until they have been approved by a judge. And it creates a powerful new Investigatory Powers Commissioner (IPC) to oversee how these powers are used. • Third, it ensures powers are fit for the digital age. The Bill makes provision for the retention of internet connection records (ICRs) in order for law enforcement to identify the communications service to which a device has connected. This will restore capabilities that have been lost as a result of changes in the way people communicate. Last year, three comprehensive reviews were conducted into the use of investigatory powers. Those reviews, carried out by David Anderson QC, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament (ISC), and a panel convened by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), agreed that the use of these powers will remain vital to the work of law enforcement and the security and intelligence agencies in the future. But they also agreed that the current legislation needed reforming. Collectively they proposed important changes to the way these powers are overseen and recommended the introduction of consistent safeguards and greater openness. These proposals provided the basis for the legislation being brought forward today. In November 2015 the Government published a draft Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny. The provisions in the draft Bill were considered by the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament and by a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament convened to scrutinise the draft Bill. The Government is grateful to the three Committees for their thorough and comprehensive scrutiny of this Bill. Their efforts have assisted us in enhancing safeguards and refining
128 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS
technical aspects. The revised Bill we are introducing today is both clearer and stronger in protecting privacy. Between them, those Committees received a significant body of written evidence and heard from Government, industry, civil liberties groups and many others. The revised Bill, along with the further explanatory material that we are publishing, reflects the majority of the recommendations made by the three Committees. I am publishing a Command Paper alongside this Bill which sets out the Government’s response to the three Committees and provides a guide to the Bill, setting out clearly how the draft Bill responds to their recommendations. We have taken significant steps to address the common themes across the three reports. In particular: • We have responded to the Committees’ call for greater clarity by producing a much clearer Bill. We have refined technical definitions and are publishing additional material alongside the Bill to explain how the powers in the Bill will be used and why they are needed. • The privacy safeguards are stronger and clearer. The Bill incorporates additional protections for journalists, removing a key exemption for the security and intelligence agencies when seeking to identify journalists’ sources. And it incorporates statutory protections for lawyers. • In response to recommendations from the Joint Committee and the Science and Technology Committee, we will continue to work closely with industry to develop implementation plans for retaining internet connection records. In response to the Committees’ detailed recommendations, the Bill incorporates significant changes, including: • Strengthening the office and powers of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, giving the Lord Chief Justice a role in his or her appointment, making it harder to remove him or her from office, providing statutory powers for direct access to the agencies’ IT systems, and allowing for the Commissioner to inform people who have suffered as a result of the inappropriate use of powers. • Introducing new safeguards for interception warrants, reducing the period of time within which a Judicial Commissioner must approve urgent interception (and Equipment Interference) warrants and putting in place new statutory safeguards to prevent agencies asking overseas partners to undertake interception in the absence of a warrant. • Clarifying the provisions in the Bill relating to the obligations that may be placed on Communication Service Providers, including amendments to the Bill to put beyond doubt that companies can only be asked to remove encryption that they themselves have applied (or has been applied on their behalf by a third party), and that they will not be asked to remove encryption where it is not practicable for them to do so. The accompanying Codes of Practice also make clear that a warrant can only be served on a person who is capable of providing the assistance required by the warrant, and that
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS 129
the duty to comply with the warrant can only be enforced against a person who is capable of complying with it. Where we have not been able to accept the Committees’ recommendations, our response to the Committees explains the good reasons for not accepting them. In particular: • We will continue to use ‘economic well-being’, where it is linked to national security, as a purpose for which some of these powers can be used. That is in line with the statutory purposes of the intelligence agencies and relevant European Directives. • We also preserve bulk equipment interference warrants. This is a key operational requirement for GCHQ. We have published a public case for the use of bulk powers which sets out why this power remains necessary. To assist Parliament in scrutinising the Bill, and at the recommendation of the Joint Committee, the Government is publishing today drafts of six statutory codes of practice that will be made under the Bill. These address many of the Committees’ recommendations by providing details of how the powers and obligations will work in practice. The codes will be approved by Parliament and will have statutory force. The Government has also heeded comments that we must go further in making the case for the bulk powers provided for in the Bill. I firmly believe bulk powers are a vital part of this Bill. As those who wish to do us harm grow ever more sophisticated in circumventing the reach of law enforcement and the security and intelligence agencies, we must provide them with the powers they need to keep up and keep us safe. The bulk powers in this Bill provide essential capabilities needed to detect threats to the UK and its interests. But it is right that Parliament has a chance to debate these powers and that the public understands what the law permits with regards to their personal data. In response to the recommendation of the Joint Committee, the Government is publishing alongside the Bill an operational case for bulk powers. This sets out in more detail than ever before why the agencies need these powers, examples of how they are used, and the safeguards that will govern their use under the Bill. We have also updated the published case for Internet Connection Records to reflect that we are accepting the Joint Committee’s recommendation that, where necessary and proportionate, the purposes for which law enforcement may seek to access ICR should be expanded to include information about websites accessed beyond those related to communications services and illegal material. The Joint Committee recommended that the Bill should provide that a specially constituted joint committee of the two Houses should conduct a post-legislative review of the legislation after five years’ operation. It is not possible to bind Parliament in statute to take such action so instead, the revised Bill addresses the recommendation by requiring the Secretary of State to consider any report which may have been made by a joint select committee. However, it is right that such scrutiny should take place and the Government is committed to taking all steps within its power to ensure that it does. The Government is not seeking sweeping new powers. Rather the Bill ensures that the security and intelligence agencies and law enforcement continue to have the powers they need to keep us safe against a backdrop of an increasingly complex, serious and
130 Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS
unpredictable threat. The Bill provides the public and Parliament with greater confidence that there are robust measures in place to ensure that the powers are subject to world- leading safeguards. The new legislation needs to be in force by 31 December 2016. During the parliamentary passage of the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act 2014, some suggested that the sunset clause should be brought closer and therefore that new legislation should gain Royal Assent sooner. This would have resulted in substantially less time for public debate and scrutiny in Parliament. I explained then that it was vital that sufficient time was given to examine these important powers, and Parliament agreed that approach. I subsequently set out a timetable for new legislation on the publication of David Anderson’s report, committing to publish draft legislation in the Autumn and to bring forward a final Bill in the Spring. By introducing the Bill now, we are ensuring that this important piece of legislation will be subject to full and thorough scrutiny by both Houses of Parliament, following the normal Parliamentary timetable.
WORK AND PENSIONS
Housing The Minister for Disabled People (Justin Tomlinson): [HCWS563] My Noble Friend The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord Freud) has made the following Written Statement. In the Autumn Statement 2015, we announced that when assessing eligibility for Housing Benefit and Universal Credit that Local Housing Allowance rates would be applied to all social rents from April 2018, where tenants had signed new or re-let tenancies from 1 April 2016. I am able to announce today that the Government will put in place a year-long exception for all tenants of supported accommodation in the social sector so that this measure will only apply to these tenancies from April 2017, rather than April 2016. As examples, this will include refuges for those fleeing domestic abuse, homeless provision, housing for ex- offenders, as well as supported housing for older and disabled people. I can also confirm that the one year exception will extend to housing co-operatives, alms houses and Community Land Trusts. I am doing this because I understand the importance of ensuring that both those living in supported accommodation and those who provide this type of accommodation receive appropriate protections. This is why we are awaiting the outcome of a Supported Accommodation research project and subsequent policy review, to ensure support is focused on the most vulnerable, and appropriate groups are safeguarded. I consider it important to have evidence to support any decisions made, before determining the level of any protections for this cohort beyond April 2017.
Daily Report Tuesday, 1 March 2016 WRITTEN STATEMENTS 131
I will write to social landlords and provide guidance that will allow them to advise people taking on new and re-let tenancies from either April 2016 or April 2017 (for supported accommodation) as to how they may be impacted.
State Pension Age review The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Shailesh Vara): [HCWS562] My Noble Friend The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Altmann) has made the following Written Statement. I am pleased to announce, under section 27 (5) of the Pensions Act 2014, the appointment of John Cridland as the independent lead of the State Pension age review, which the Government will report on by May 2017. John Cridland was most recently Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). He is currently Chair of the Board of Transport for the North. He has previously helped to negotiate the UK’s first national minimum wage, spent 10 years on the Low Pay Commission and he was also a member of the Council of ACAS. He was awarded a CBE for services to business in 2006. The purpose of the independent review is to make recommendations to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on factors to consider in arriving at future State Pension age arrangements. The recommendations should be affordable in the long term, fair to current and future generations of pensioners and consistent with supporting fuller working lives. The review will be forward looking and focussed on the longer term. It will not cover the existing State Pension age timetable up to April 2028 which are already legislated for. I attach the Terms of Reference for the review to this statement, which will also be available later today on the www.gov.uk website.
Attachments: 1. SPa independent review Terms of Reference [ToR - SPa Independent Review.pdf]