Monday Volume 512 28 June 2010 No. 22

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 28 June 2010

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2010 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through the Office of Public Sector Information website at www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/ Enquiries to the Office of Public Sector Information, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 545 28 JUNE 2010 546

Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman has been a long-standing House of Commons campaigner on the issue of drugs. As it happens, he and I take a different view on how we should approach the issue. What we need to be doing in this country is Monday 28 June 2010 looking at making abstinence much more of a goal for individuals and looking seriously at ensuring that the The House met at half-past Two o’clock treatment and rehabilitation provided to drug addicts mean that they do not simply go back on drugs in future. PRAYERS Defendant Anonymity (Rape Trials)

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair] 2. Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the effects on police investigations of plans to give anonymity to defendants in rape trials; and if Oral Answers to Questions she will make a statement. [4220] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Lynne Featherstone): My right hon. HOME DEPARTMENT Friend the Home Secretary has had a number of discussions on this issue with her cabinet colleague the Secretary of The Secretary of State was asked— State for Justice. We have made it clear that we will progress our commitment on this subject with the care Drugs that it merits. Our consideration of the options will of course include a full examination of any impact on 1. Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): What police investigations. recent assessment she has made of the level of problem drug use in this country compared to other EU Kerry McCarthy: The Minister will know that this member states. [4219] issue has been brought up time and again in the Chamber. The Secretary of State for the Home Department We have had a confusing and mixed set of responses (Mrs Theresa May): The most recent estimate of problem from the various Ministers who have answered. Could drug users for England is 328,767 for 2006-07. Estimates she now confirm whether it is the Government’s intention for 2008-09 will be available in October. The European to bring forward legislation to give anonymity to rape Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction estimates defendants, and if so, what is the timetable for that, and show the UK with the highest rate, although there is no on what basis have they made that decision? consistent methodology for calculating estimates across different countries, which prevents direct comparisons. Lynne Featherstone: There have been a number of Nevertheless, that level of problem drug use is unacceptable. discussions, as I just said, and the Prime Minister The Government are committed to tackling it and himself has said that the issue will be brought forward rebalancing the treatment system so that abstinence is for debate in this Chamber at an appropriate point. the clear goal. Alan Johnson (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) Sarah Newton: I thank my right hon. Friend for her (Lab): I would be interested at some stage to learn the answer, but does she agree that one of the biggest Home Secretary’s views on the issue, because it is a problems at the moment is the availability of so-called crucial one both for the Home Department and for legal highs? Does she agree that the previous Government equalities. The Lord Chancellor told the House the were slow to address the issue, and can she assure the other day that he had voted for anonymity in 2003. I House—and especially the families in my constituency voted against it, and that is still my view, but at some who have young people going off to university for the stage I would like to know the Home Secretary’s view. first time this autumn—that she will take action to As for the Minister, she will know that the Prime Minister protect people from such substances? recently told the House when he replied to a question on the issue that Baroness Stern had Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for that question. She has made an extremely valid point on an issue that “found that 8 to 10% of reported rape cases could result in false will concern a large number of parents and others. She allegations.”—[Official Report, 9 June 2010; Vol. 511, c. 329.] is right to say that the previous Government were slow The Minister should know that the Stern report made to deal with the issue of legal highs, particularly no such finding and that what Baroness Stern recommended mephedrone. It was only pushing from our party while was independent research to study the frequency of in opposition that led them to do something about it, false allegations of rape compared with other offences. and we are committed to introducing a temporary ban Does the Minister agree that the Government ought to on legal highs. be implementing that recommendation, instead of proposing to introduce anonymity? Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): The United Kingdom has the harshest drug laws in Europe and the highest Lynne Featherstone: In the first instance, I am sure number of addicts. Portugal has the least harsh policies that the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for in all of Europe and the smallest number of addicts. Justice will indeed look at what sort of research is Why is this? necessary, prior to bringing any debate to the House. 547 Oral Answers28 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 548

Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): I was slightly taken Lynne Featherstone: The British crime survey is a aback by the hon. Lady’s “Oh, we’re going to look at good source of information, but I will refer this matter the research before we do this”, given that, up until now, back and the Minister will write. it seems there has been a failure to talk to those tasked with implementing the policy. Has she or any of her Detention (Terrorist Suspects) colleagues spoken to the Association of Chief Police Officers lead on rape about the policy, and what has his 4. Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): Whether she response been? plans to renew the legislation which permits terrorist suspects to be detained for 28 days without charge. Lynne Featherstone: I have not spoken to the ACPO [4222] lead on the issue, but I will refer that question to the Secretary of State for Justice, who may well have 6. Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con): done so. Whether she plans to renew the legislation which permits terrorist suspects to be detained for 28 days Domestic Violence without charge. [4224]

3. Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): How she The Secretary of State for the Home Department plans to take forward the conclusions of the work of (Mrs Theresa May): The Government laid an order last the “Together we can end violence against women and Thursday to renew the existing 28-day maximum period for pre-charge detention for terrorist suspects for six girls” strategy consultation on domestic violence. [4221] months, while we conduct a review of counter-terrorism measures and programmes, including pre-charge detention. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Both coalition parties are clear that the 28-day period Home Department (Lynne Featherstone): Violence against should be a temporary measure, and one that we shall women and girls ruins lives and destroys families, and be looking to reduce over time. its impact is felt down the generations. A cross-government strategy is the best way to address domestic violence Bob Blackman: I thank the Home Secretary for her and other forms of violence against women. In July, the answer. We are, of course, all committed to safeguarding Home Secretary will chair a meeting of Ministers across Britain against terrorist activities. How many people government that will be dedicated to this issue, and we have been detained for 28 days under these powers in look forward to discussing how we will take forward the past three years? our approach in this area. Mrs May: I am sure that my hon. Friend has followed Mr Umunna: I am a supporter of the Cassandra the old adage about not asking a question to which one learning centre, which is an organisation in my community does not know the answer. The answer is that, since that works on these issues. It was set up by the family of 2007, no one has been detained for 28 days. Before that a victim whose killer was one of the first to be retried date, a number of people were detained for periods of and sentenced following the revision of the rules on between 14 and 28 days. As I made clear in my opening double jeopardy. What funding do the Government answer, we see the 28-day period as a temporary measure, intend to make available to such third sector organisations and we are committed to reducing it over time. working in this field and, importantly, will that funding be ring-fenced, given last week’s Budget? Mr Davis: I, too, thank my right hon. Friend for her answer. Will she give the House an undertaking that the Lynne Featherstone: I am aware of the hon. Gentleman’s deferral of the decision on 28 days does not indicate any interest in this area. The coalition Government have weakening of her determination to constrain not only committed to look at how we can provide sustainable the excessive length of detention without charge but the funding for, and support the development of, new rape other excesses introduced by the Labour Government— crisis centres to provide for victims. At the moment, in namely, house arrest, internal exile, secret trials and all the voluntary sector, this provision has been very ad hoc the other issues associated with control orders? and serendipitous, and it is important to get it on a stable basis. Mrs May: Of course, my right hon. Friend has a distinguished record of fighting for these civil liberties Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) (Con): issues. I can assure him that one of the key reasons for What plans does the Minister have for longer-term introducing the 28-days order for six months was that it funding for voluntary sector organisations, including would enable us to look at the pre-charge detention refuges? period alongside a number of other issues relating to counter-terrorism legislation that we wish to consider. Lynne Featherstone: I can really only refer to the rape These include control orders, and stop- and-search crisis centres—both parties in the coalition agreement procedures under section 44. We want to review the have committed to up to 15 rape crisis centres—and various measures and look at them in the round. sustainable funding from the victim surcharge. Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): As one Alan Johnson (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) who proposed the period of 28 days, may I remind the (Lab): According to the British crime survey, the incidence Home Secretary that it was the alternative to 90 days or of domestic violence has decreased by 64 % since 1997. 42 days? If it were possible, despite the acute terrorist Does the Minister agree that the British crime survey is danger, for the 28 days to be reduced to 14 days, I would the best measurement of long-term crime trends? certainly be very happy. 549 Oral Answers28 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 550

Mrs May: I commend the hon. Gentleman on the Community Protection Officers (Nottingham) campaign in which he, too, participated in the Chamber to ensure that his party’s Government did not introduce 5. Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab): the 90 days or the 42 days, which we collectively opposed How many community protection officers there are in at the time when they were proposed. We consider the city of Nottingham. [4223] 28 days to be a temporary measure. We will look at the issue in the round, in the context of other counter-terrorism measures introduced by the last Labour Government The Minister for Police (Nick Herbert): I understand and the requirement to balance civil liberties with the that there are 102 community protection officers in the need for national security. city of Nottingham. Nottingham also has 30 auxiliary officers, funded through the working neighbourhood fund, who work with the community protection Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): We have had to officers. Those officers work in close partnership with take a number of measures which have not always neighbourhood policing teams in the city. involved easy decisions, such as the 28 days’ detention. The right hon. Lady said after she had had assumed her Mr Allen: Will the Minister congratulate the city of post that she would review control orders. Has she Nottingham division of the police—and, indeed, police reached a view, and if so, when will she inform us of it? community support officers and community protection If we could charge people through the courts we would officers—on the massive reduction in crime in the city? all want to do so, but it is not always possible. Will he emphasise that that is because people trust the uniformed presence that they have seen on the streets in the last five or six years, and will he ensure that that Mrs May: In my answer to my right hon. Friend the level of uniformed protection remains in future years Member for Haltemprice and Howden (Mr Davis), I under this coalition Government? cited control orders as one of the items in counter-terrorism legislation that we were currently reviewing. Nick Herbert: I recognise the role that community protection officers play in Nottingham as part of the Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Does my wider policing family, alongside PCSOs and police officers. right hon. Friend recall the time when it was possible to The Government have had to reduce national allocations exclude people from this country on the basis that their in order to reduce the budget deficit, but we have also presence was not conducive to the public good? Is not relaxed ring-fencing to give the city council and its our current dilemma about putting people under restraint partners freedom to determine their priorities in order for a period of days due to the fact that we are no longer to meet local needs and provide local opportunities. able to deport people who have no legal right to be here because of legislation initiated either at home or abroad? Milngavie Waterworks What is the state of that legislation, and when will we be able to get rid of people who should not have been here 7. Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): What in the first place? representations she has received from Scottish Water on removal of the security fences at Milngavie Mrs May: My hon. Friend has raised a number of waterworks. [4225] points, and I shall try to limit my answer for brevity’s sake. Let me simply say that I share his concern about The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the the country’s inability to deport people who, in some Home Department (James Brokenshire): No representations cases, have been identified clearly as a terrorist threat to have been received from Scottish Water, but I am aware the country and a danger to national security. We are of the hon. Lady’s interest and of discussions that have looking at the issue, but obviously we must ensure that, taken place between Scottish Water, the Scottish whatever we do, we take our national security and the Government and the Centre for the Protection of National protection of British citizens into account. Infrastructure about the replacement of security fencing with less intrusive measures. Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): Given that terrorism Jo Swinson: I thank the Minister for that answer, but is not a temporary aberration, what more permanent these so-called security fences around Milngavie reservoir measures has the Home Secretary in mind for the cover only a tiny part of the three-mile perimeter, and purpose of countering terrorism across the United as the rest is completely open to the public they serve no Kingdom? In particular, will the Government make practical purpose other than being an eyesore spoiling a good their pre-election commitment to ensure that beautiful and popular local attraction. Scottish Water automatic number plate recognition systems are available has said that it is waiting on a new directive from the in Northern Ireland, especially in the border area, to Home Office before it can remove these fences, so can prevent terrorists from moving across our border? the Minister look at this issue again and ensure that that directive is issued without delay? Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman has asked a very specific question about automatic number plate recognition. James Brokenshire: I know that the hon. Lady has As he and other Members may know, the issue has run the campaign, and I understand her interest in come to the fore in a rather different context in England ensuring access to the area around the reservoir. We will recently in relation to its use in Birmingham. We will be discuss with the Scottish Government the application considering it as one of the various measures that we that I understand they have received from Scottish are considering in connection with CCTV. Water in relation to this issue. The continuing need for 551 Oral Answers28 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 552 the security fences will be looked at in the light of CPNI such as in our commitment to scrap the stop form, advice and any other alternative measures that may be which is an unnecessary and bureaucratic impediment forthcoming. to common-sense policing. There is a role for technology such as hand-held computers in recording stops and Administration (Police Time) searches in accordance with the right hon. Gentleman’s suggestions. 8. Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe) (Con): What recent representations she has received on the Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): Does amount of time spent on administrative tasks by police the Minister agree with me, however, that there are officers each year. [4226] some administrative tasks that are worth performing, such as the judging of the Best Bar None competition 15. Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): What in my constituency, which was awarded to The Woodman recent representations she has received on the amount pub in Carshalton? of time spent on administrative tasks by police officers each year. [4233] Nick Herbert: If my hon. Friend were to invite me, I would be delighted to attend the pub with him so I may The Minister for Police (Nick Herbert): WhenIhave judge the best performance for myself. spoken to police officers, they have asked us to help to free them up to do the job they are paid to do. I am Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): I welcome the right committed to returning common sense to policing, which hon. Gentleman to his position, but I might just advise means getting officers back out on the streets dealing him that we did actually stop the stop form in the Crime with crime, not sitting behind desks filling out forms to and Security Act 2010—but I will let that pass. Will the meet Government targets. right hon. Gentleman today tell the House how much money he expects to save by tackling police bureaucracy Damian Collins: I thank the Minister for his answer. over the next three years? Does he understand that, When I was recently on patrol with the Kent police in however much he saves, it will be nowhere near enough Folkestone in my constituency, they shared with me to compensate for the 25% cut he is planning in the their concerns about the large amount of paperwork Home Office budget, which will remove 35,000 police that goes to support front-line policing. Does the Minister officers and 4,000 PCSOs from the beat? How does he agree that the priorities for the policing budget should expect that to help to fight, and reduce, crime in Britain? be to support front-line police work in the community, Nick Herbert: Once again, we see absolutely no not excessive bureaucracy? understanding from the Opposition about the fiscal Nick Herbert: I strongly agree with my hon. Friend. position we have inherited from them. The fact is that Every Labour Home Secretary promised to cut bureaucracy, their Government left us with an unspecified cut of but the police still spend more time on paperwork than £44 billion to find across Government Departments. on patrol. We are determined to make a real difference They would not say where that money was to be found, by dealing with the central targets that bedevil policing so we have to make the savings. I believe that police and doing all we can to protect the front line. forces can do it, and we are also determined to protect the front line. Jackie Doyle-Price: Does my right hon. Friend agree Police (Terms and Conditions) that by freeing up police officers to spend more time on patrol, we will not only aid crime prevention but make 9. Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): When her Department the public feel much safer? plans to undertake its review of the terms and conditions of police officer employment. [4227] Nick Herbert: I strongly agree with my hon. Friend. What the public want to see is police officers out on the The Minister for Police (Nick Herbert): The Government beat. They do not want them to be tied up with unnecessary have announced a review of the remuneration and paperwork. That is why we are so determined to deal conditions of service of police officers and staff. We will with the performance management framework and the provide information about the review, including timing, targets that have prevented them from doing the job shortly. they want to do. Tony Baldry: I thank my right hon. Friend for that Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I welcome the Minister answer. Although I welcome the Government’s decision for Police to his first Home Office questions. What he to honour the third year of the police pay award, does has said is absolutely in agreement with the recommendation my right hon. Friend agree that the time has now come of the Select Committee on Home Affairs, which is that to review police pay and conditions, and to ensure a we should get police officers out on the beat. Will he more flexible work force who are not so dependent on therefore accept the other recommendation, which is extensive and expensive overtime? that there should be full investment in new technology, giving police officers hand-held computers so they can Nick Herbert: My hon. Friend is right. The previous spend more time on the beat than in police stations? Government conceded that more than £70 million a Will he defend that part of the Home Office budget year was being wasted on police overtime. We need to against any Treasury cuts? look at that and it is one of the things that the review will do. We have, however, stood by the third year of the Nick Herbert: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for police pay award, as my hon. Friend suggested, which his kind introduction. I recognise the importance of indicates our good faith towards the process and the technology in assisting the process of reducing bureaucracy, value we place on the police service. 553 Oral Answers28 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 554

Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Could the Damian Green: The rationale, as with all our proposals Minister for Police, whom I welcome to his departmental on language, is that those who wish to come to this responsibilities, kill two Lib-Con birds with one stone— country need to be able to play a full role in its life. If as namely, reduce the £400 million in overtime and bring many people as possible who live and settle in this public sector pay under control by saying that every country are able to speak English, they will lead more hour of overtime authorised by a chief constable or a fulfilled lives and be able to integrate better in our senior police officer will be deducted from their own communities. That would be extremely helpful. pay? Asylum Applications Nick Herbert: The right hon. Gentleman may be offering himself as a candidate to serve on the pay review that we are proposing. Perhaps I should have a 11. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): How discussion with him about that. We have to strike a many asylum applications were made by individuals balance. Many chief constables believe overtime is an who had passed through another safe country to get to important management tool, but we are concerned the UK in the most recent year for which figures are about the extent of its use. That is exactly the kind of available. [4229] thing the pay review will have to look at. The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): In 2009, 2,665 cases were positively identified as having Asylum Cases (Backlog) travelled through another EU member state that is considered safe under schedule 3 to the Asylum and 10. Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): What recent progress Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004. the UK Border Agency has made on processing the backlog of outstanding asylum cases. [4228] Mr Hollobone: What do we do with those people? Surely we should not be giving asylum to people who The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): Under come to this country via another safe country. Yes, let the previous Government, the chief executive of the us give asylum to people who are genuinely fleeing UK Border Agency wrote to the Home Affairs Select persecution, but not to tourists. Committee periodically to update it on this issue. However, in the interests of transparency, I am happy to update Damian Green: I rather agree with my hon. Friend, right hon. and hon. Members in the House today. Until who will know that, under the previous Government, the end of May 2010 the UK Border Agency had one of the many shambles in the immigration and concluded 277,000 cases. asylum system was the problem of being able to remove people to safe countries. We will try to do better. The Richard Fuller: I thank the Minister for that answer. Dublin regulation, which is the system under which we As he is aware, Yarl’s Wood family detention centre is do this, is working—in 2009, the UK removed 625 more located outside Bedford. Does he agree that the cases than we accepted—but it is not working well Government’s determination to end the detention of enough. [Interruption.] If former Ministers on the children for asylum purposes will be most welcome to Opposition Front Bench can contain themselves, I shall people as a measure of fairness? It will be regarded as give the reason: we must do better at returning cases to something that is long overdue and that shamefully specific EU countries. We are doing better with Italy. eluded the previous Government. The next case that we really need to get to grips with is Greece, but the Government are determined to do this. Damian Green: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for making that point, which I regard as important. In a Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) spirit of non-partisanship, I think it is regarded as (Lab): Is the Minister aware of the great difficulties important on both sides of the House. When we held a many of my constituents face when lodging an asylum Westminster Hall debate on the subject last week, I was claim? They have to travel to the UK Border Agency in struck by the fact that there was universal approval of Croydon to lodge claims for initial screening, and the the new Government’s desire to end the detention of full cost of that must be met by the individual concerned. children—although the point was made that it might Will the Minister look again at that system and consider have been the last time as Minister for Immigration that any review that can make it fairer, so that constituents I ever got universal approval for anything. However, we in the north-east do not need to travel to London? should welcome such steps forward while we have them. Damian Green: It is perhaps a shame that the hon. Mr Phil Woolas (Oldham East and Saddleworth) Lady has launched an attack on a change made by her (Lab): I sincerely welcome the hon. Gentleman to the own Government in their last 12 months in office. I can Dispatch Box, and I wish him all the best in a very see some logic in why Ministers in the previous Government difficult job. made the change that she objects to: by and large, In the light of the Minister’s answer about the backlog, people who claim asylum should claim it as soon as I was pleased to see recognition of the UK Border they get to this country. That is one area where there is Agency’s success but will he confirm the reasons behind not much difference between those who sit on the Front the answer to the hon. Member for Perth and North Benches. So I am afraid that I will have to ignore her Perthshire (Pete Wishart), at column 143W, on 22 June, plea to change the system to make it easy for people about the dropping of the language requirement for who may have been here for many months or, in some dependants of people who successfully apply for asylum? cases, many years to claim asylum. Asylum is meant for What was his rationale? people who come to this country as genuine refugees. 555 Oral Answers28 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 556

National DNA Database aware of the Safer Leeds project, in which CCTV has played an important role in the apprehension and 12. Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): What progress prosecution of offenders? Can he give an assurance that she has made reviewing the retention on the national future regulation will not deter the proper use of CCTV DNA database of records of those who have been that my constituents in Stourbridge feel is essential in neither charged nor convicted of a crime. [4230] the battle against crime?

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the James Brokenshire: As the Prime Minister made clear Home Department (James Brokenshire): The Government in the House on 9 June, we support CCTV cameras. are committed to adopting the protections of the Scottish When used properly, they can be a significant asset in model for retaining the DNA profiles of those who have the prevention and detection of crime, but any such use not been convicted of an offence. We will introduce our involves a need to ensure that civil liberties are properly detailed proposals shortly. protected. The use of CCTV has increased in the absence of a specific regulatory framework. For reasons of Karen Lumley: Is the Minister aware that the previous proportionality and retaining public confidence, it is Government failed to ensure that all prisoners were on important that there is appropriate regulation, and it is the DNA database? Can he reassure the House that interesting to note that the previous Administration steps are being taken to fix that problem? recognised that when they appointed the interim CCTV regulator. James Brokenshire: My hon. Friend makes a very important point. Despite their desire to retain DNA Ian Lucas: In the past 13 years, some 21,000 individuals profiles indefinitely, the then Government did not focus have been arrested in Wrexham as a result of the on getting those who were convicted, possibly of serious operation of CCTV cameras. Wrexham’s CCTV system offences, on to the database to ensure that it was effective is widely appreciated. Will the hon. Gentleman confirm in fighting crime. That is certainly something that we whether he expects a reduction in the number of CCTV are looking at very closely in terms of the proposals cameras as a result of the regulation that he is describing, that we will introduce in the House in due course. and how will that regulation be consulted on? Mr Alan Campbell (Tynemouth) (Lab): I welcome the James Brokenshire: On the latter point, we will announce hon. Gentleman to his post. Why does he believe that further details on how we intend to take CCTV forward the Scottish police support the current English model, and on how engagement will take place. As I have said, rather than the Scottish model, for DNA retention? Is we recognise the importance of CCTV in the fight that because the English model is based on evidence, against crime. As for moving forward, the installation whereas the Scottish model is not? and use of CCTV systems is very much a matter for James Brokenshire: The hon. Gentleman makes quite local decisions, so the regulation will certainly provide a an interesting point. As I understand what he said, he framework to assist local decision making about the now seems to be arguing for the indefinite retention of CCTV systems that should be put in place to protect DNA, which has been found to be not acceptable and local communities. not proportionate. He says in some way that there is no evidence, but I remind him of the comment made in the Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Before my hon. Friend other place by Lord Bach, who highlighted very clearly jumps on the liberty bandwagon far too much, may I the report that Professor Fraser undertook in relation urge some caution? CCTV cameras do not prevent to the Scottish system in which he said that he did not anyone from going about their lawful daily business uncover any evidence to suggest that the Scottish approach freely. Will he acknowledge that the people who were to retention had caused any detriment to the detection responsible for the tube bombings on 7/7 were identified of serious crime in Scotland. only through the use of CCTV, as was the person recently arrested in Bradford for the murders of three CCTV prostitutes?

13. Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): What plans James Brokenshire: I thank my hon. Friend for she has for the future regulation of CCTV cameras. underlining CCTV’s important role in policing and [4231] protecting our communities. Perhaps more focus could be given to its use in prosecutions and as a forensic tool. 17. Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): What proposals she However, the use of CCTV has developed in the absence has for regulation of the use of CCTV cameras by of a specific regulatory framework. We believe, for police services and local authorities. [4236] reasons of proportionality, that regulation should be taken forward, so we shall proceed with that in due The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the course. Home Department (James Brokenshire): In our coalition programme for government, as part of our work on Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ safeguarding civil liberties we have stated that we will Co-op): I am interested to hear the Minister talk about further regulate CCTV.We will introduce detailed proposals CCTV in such a way, as it seems that there is already a in due course. slight shift in the coalition Government’s position. We know that CCTV has given people throughout the Margot James: I thank my hon. Friend for his answer. country their neighbourhoods back and the freedom to Although there has been criticism that some CCTV has go about their daily lives. His Government talk about been used randomly and not always effectively, is he reducing red tape and regulation for the police, yet they 557 Oral Answers28 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 558 plan to regulate CCTV and perhaps create more hoops Crime Statistics (North Yorkshire) for the police, who see it as a valuable tool, so will he answer a simple question once and for all: will the plans 18. Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): What the to regulate CCTV lead to fewer CCTV cameras? He is percentage increase or decrease in the number of crimes fudging. reported in North Yorkshire was between (a) 1980 and James Brokenshire: It is interesting that the hon. 1997 and (b) 1997 and 2010. [4237] Lady suggests that regulation is not required, because her Government established the interim CCTV regulator, The Minister for Police (Nick Herbert): The police in thereby accepting that regulation is required and that North Yorkshire notified the Home Office of nearly the matter needs to be examined carefully. It is all very 22,000 offences in 1980; just over 50,000 in 1997; and well for her to talk as if this issue has suddenly arisen, 48,500 in 2008-09. During this period there have been but she and her Government recognised the situation considerable changes to reporting levels and to how the when they were in government. We will ensure that police record crime, and I am advised that these figures proportionate and relevant regulation is brought forward are not comparable. that will enable CCTV systems to be established by local communities in an appropriate way— Hugh Bayley: Comparable figures show nationally a 38% decline in crime. Will the Minister join me in Mr Speaker: Order. I would be grateful if we could congratulating the police on reducing crime in North make some progress. Yorkshire and York? Does he agree with the statisticians in his own Department and the UK Statistics Authority Organised Crime that the British crime survey is the best way of measuring long-term trends in crime? 16. Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): What plans she has to tackle serious and organised Nick Herbert: I agree that the British crime survey crime; and if she will make a statement. [4235] plays a valuable role, but the problem is that, as the hon. Gentleman knows, it is not complete. For instance, it The Minister for Police (Nick Herbert): Tackling serious misses out the recording of crimes against young people. organised crime requires effective co-operation and Last week, the experimental figures showed that there co-ordination across law enforcement. We will work may be up to 2 million crimes that were previously with police forces to strengthen arrangements to deal being missed by the British crime survey. Police recorded with serious crime and other cross-boundary policing figures also have their problems. We need measures of challenges. crime in which the public have confidence, and we will be making further announcements about that in due Elizabeth Truss: I am pleased that Norfolk constabulary course. is collaborating with other police forces in the region to work against the scourge of serious and organised crime. However, I understand that, on a national level, Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): that collaboration is not yet as strong as it is in counter- Does my right hon. Friend agree that many crimes that terrorism. What plans do we have to put serious and were previously dealt with as breaches of the peace organised crime fighting on a similar footing? are now dealt with as antisocial behaviour? Will the Government now grasp the nettle and tackle such crimes Nick Herbert: I know of the close interest that my using police forces, rather than councils, which are not hon. Friend takes in these matters, having been the open over the weekend and in the evening, when most author of a publication that proposed better arrangements of those crimes are committed? to deal with serious crime. We will not pursue the Labour party’s policy of compulsory mergers of police Nick Herbert: It is important to convey the message forces. We believe that it is necessary for police forces to that antisocial behaviour may be activity that is criminal collaborate better to deal with organised crime, just as and should be treated as such. The public still feel that better collaboration has been achieved in counter-terrorism there is too much antisocial behaviour in their activity, and that is the policy that we shall pursue. neighbourhoods, and they want it to be prioritised by police forces. The best way to do that is not only by Alun Michael (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op): policing but through effective partnerships on the ground, Does the Minister accept that the internet is increasingly using the full range of resources that can be provided by being used by those who get involved in serious and local authorities, other agencies and the police family organised crime? Does he agree that a partnership working together. approach, making use of the talents and expertise of people in business, is essential to reduce the extent of Administration (Police Time) internet use for the purposes of crime?

Nick Herbert: I know that the Under-Secretary of 19. Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): What State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the recent representations she has received on the amount Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (James Brokenshire), of time spent on administrative tasks by police officers is already in correspondence with the right hon. Gentleman each year. [4238] about this matter. E-crime is a serious and growing problem, and it must make sense to tackle it on a The Minister for Police (Nick Herbert): With permission, partnership basis, with law enforcement agencies and Mr Speaker, I would like to group this question with business working together, and that is what we will do. Question 22. 559 Oral Answers28 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 560

Mr Speaker: Order. I have had no indication of that is not to become a victim again in future. Does she grouping. There is a practice now developing of this accept that consequently a key purpose for the police happening spontaneously. It really will not do. We shall and all other parts of the criminal justice system must see how it goes today. I call the Minister. be the reduction of offending and reoffending?

Nick Herbert: I apologise, Mr Speaker. I refer my Mrs May: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman hon. Friend the Member for Hastings and Rye (Amber for his reference to the need to reduce reoffending. I Rudd) to the answer that I gave some moments ago. entirely agree that we need to do more to reduce reoffending, but I would point out to him that, over 13 years, his Amber Rudd: I thank the Minister for his answer. Government did very little to address that issue, which Recent statistics demonstrate that police spend 14% of is why we have in the coalition agreement a clear their time on patrol and 20% on paperwork. Will he give commitment to look across the whole criminal justice an example of what administrative function might be system to examine what can be done to improve cut from their work, so that we can give them the rehabilitation of offenders and hence to reduce opportunity to spend more time out on the beat? reoffending. Nick Herbert: The most important example is the T2. [4245] Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): In policy we have had for a long time: scrapping the recent meetings with Worcester’s Kashmiri and Bangladeshi unnecessary stop form, whose introduction made it communities, I have found a strong welcome for the harder for police forces to interact sensibly with the new Government’s focus on improving community public, and resulted in a great deal of unnecessary cohesion and supporting integration. Does the Home bureaucracy. However, we will not stop at that, but will Secretary agree that the English language requirement look at the whole performance framework and the for people coming to the UK from outside the EU to central targets that have bedevilled policing for too marry will support those aims and benefit those long. We will free up police officers, so that they can do communities? the job.

Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Given that the Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his Minister wishes to free up police officers to spend more question. With your permission, Mr Speaker, may I time on the beat, and given the recent survey that begin by offering my condolences to him on the recent predicts 35,000 fewer police officers on the beat, what death of his father, and pay tribute to the many years of assessment has he made of how many administrative distinguished service given to this country, both in the tasks he will have to scrap to maintain an appropriate House and in another place, including as a Government and effective police presence? Minister, by the late Lord Walker? I agree with my hon. Friend. The English language is Nick Herbert: I should say to the hon. Gentleman important in respect of people being able to live in the that we do not recognise those figures. Our policy is that UK and integrate in communities here, which is why we we want to do everything possible to enable chief constables have indeed already announced that we are tightening to prioritise the front line and maintain police officers up the requirements for English language to be spoken. out in the neighbourhoods, where the public want to We require people who are coming into the UK to see them. To do that, we must ensure that we reduce marry to speak English at a level that was not required bureaucracy. before. It is perfectly reasonable to do so.

Mr Speaker: Order. No blame is imputed to the hon. T3. [4246] Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab): Member for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew). It is simply that Before the election, Warrington Liberal Democrats the grouping of his question with Question 19 was not said in a leaflet headed “Stop The Police Cuts”: something of which I had notice, and it is not a grouping “Just to keep force levels where they are today the police need a to which I would ordinarily agree, for reasons of progress grant increase of at least 5%”. down the Order Paper. Does the Minister agree? Topical Questions Mrs May: The issue that affects most people in relation T1. [4244] Alun Michael (Cardiff South and Penarth) to the police is seeing police not sitting in offices filling (Lab/Co-op): If she will make a statement on her in forms, but getting out on the street, preventing crime, departmental responsibilities. dealing with criminals, and giving people the safety, security and confidence that they want in their The Secretary of State for the Home Department neighbourhoods. That is why we will slash bureaucracy, (Mrs Theresa May): Later this afternoon, I will make a and get police on the streets—something that the hon. statement to the House on the Government’s plans to Lady’s Government failed to do in 13 years. consult on the introduction of an annual limit on the number of non-EU economic migrants coming to the T4. [4247] Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): UK, and the introduction of an interim limit. Given that there are 11,500 foreign nationals in British jails, will the Home Secretary work with the Secretary Alun Michael: Does the Home Secretary acknowledge of State for Justice and the Foreign Office to ensure the evidence given to the Select Committee on Justice that those in-sentence prisoners are deported back to by Victim Support suggesting that what victims want, their country of origin to serve out their sentences in other than not to have become a victim in the first place, their own lands? 561 Oral Answers28 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 562

The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): My absolutely clear on this point. The Taylor report cleared hon. Friend makes an important point. The issue of Liverpool supporters of any allegations that they were foreign national prisoners bedevilled the previous to blame for the terrible events that took place at that Administration for years and led to the resignation of a time, and the families of those who, sadly, lost their Home Secretary. In 2008—the last year for which we lives in the Hillsborough disaster have conducted a have full figures—the UK Border Agency removed or dignified campaign over the years to try to ensure that deported nearly 5,400 foreign national prisoners. There the information is released and that they can see all the is always more to be done. There are cases in which the details of what happened at that time. I have already court rules in an individual’s favour on specific human met the Bishop of Liverpool to discuss the work that his rights grounds and the Home Office disagrees with the panel is doing in examining these issues. I would be court’s decision, but we all have to respect the court’s happy to meet representatives of the Hillsborough families. decision, so we are continuing to look at the administrative improvements needed to avoid administrative obstacles T6. [4249] Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) (Con): In to the removal of foreign national prisoners at the end my constituency, Kingswood, under the previous of their sentence, and to look at the legal problems. Government, the local police station on the high street was bulldozed to make way for flats. Many of my T7. [4250] Vernon Coaker (Gedling) (Lab): What will constituents are rightly extremely concerned about the Home Secretary do if one of the new directly that. What steps will the Minister take to ensure a more elected police commissioners is an extremist? What will effective local policing presence in the future? happen? Nick Herbert: I will happily meet my hon. Friend to Mrs May: I believe that introducing that important discuss that. Local people want to see an available and element of democratic accountability for police forces visible police presence. That does not necessarily mean and not getting involved in operational matters, which old buildings, but it means the police using innovative will remain with the operational independence of police ways to ensure that they have a presence in the chiefs, is important. The hon. Gentleman’s question community—for instance, by sharing community facilities. implies something with which I disagree. It implies that he is not willing to trust the British people and the T8. [4251] Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) common sense of the British people to elect people who (Lab): A cut of 25% in police funding would be will do a good job in their area. devastating for public confidence. What the Minister said before would require large reductions in the T5. [4248] Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): The Home number of police officers, community support officers Secretary is aware of the current discussions about a and civilian staff. Those reductions could come about potential merger of the police forces of Bedfordshire only through large up-front payments in pension, and Hertfordshire. Does she agree that such discussions redundancy and other costs. What assessment has the are worth while at this time to achieve a fairer allocation Minister made of the size of those costs, and how on of police resourcing and a more efficient allocation of earth will they be paid for? resources where it matters—on the front line with our police? Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman refers to front-line The Minister for Police (Nick Herbert): I can confirm policing and to police doing the job that the public want to my hon. Friend that I am due to have a meeting with them to do. We have answered a number of questions the chief constables of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire on that issue today, and the first thing is to ensure that to discuss the matter. I will also talk to locally elected our police officers are able to get out on the streets, representatives. It is important that if voluntary mergers doing the job that they want to do and people want of police forces go ahead, they do so with the consent of them to do. I find it somewhat surprising that Labour local people. Members continue to raise funding issues, when the people who are to blame for the funding situation in Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): The Home Secretary which we find ourselves are their Government. will be aware of the comments made by the Culture Secretary this morning linking the Hillsborough disaster T9. [4253] Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con): As I to football hooliganism. That is a disgrace. I have am sure my right hon. Friend is aware, there are a large recently spoken to some of the families who lost loved number of failed asylum seekers in my constituency ones at Hillsborough. They are deeply distressed by that and elsewhere in the country. Can she assure me that and angry about what has happened. How can they the situation will be reversed, and that policies will be have trust in the Government to see through the proper implemented to ensure that our porous borders cease release of the Hillsborough files, given that that is the to be so? view held in high parts of Government? As the Home Secretary leads on the matter, will she meet urgently Damian Green: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for with members of the families and the Culture Secretary making two important points. One key problem with to discuss the issue? the asylum system, affecting both the taxpayer and genuine refugees, is the appalling delays that were allowed Mrs May: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. to build up under the previous Government. That was I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of unfair on genuine asylum seekers and unfair on the State for Culture, Media and Sport has apologised for taxpayer. At the same time, as he said, our borders have any suggestion that crowd unrest was responsible for been allowed to become much too porous over the past the Hillsborough disaster. The judicial inquiry was 13 years. That is why we are working on plans for a 563 Oral Answers28 JUNE 2010 Oral Answers 564 border police force, which will give much better protection Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Recent visits to our borders than was ever provided under the previous organised by the Children of Chernobyl charity have Government. been disrupted because of late decisions by the UK Border Agency. Will my right hon. Friend urge the Several hon. Members rose— agency to take a risk-based approach to its investigations and recognise the long and trouble-free record of that Mr Speaker: Order. There is very little time left, so we excellent charity? need exceptionally short questions and short answers. Damian Green: I am obviously aware of the problems Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): The that have emerged with what are perfectly reasonable Home Secretary referred earlier to the problem with investigations. Children are being brought a long way some CCTV cameras in Birmingham. I understand that across the world unaccompanied, so it is not unreasonable more than £3 million has been spent on cameras that for there to be some checks, but I am aware that there are now covered with plastic bags. Does she intend to have been problems this year, and I shall be happy to unmask the bureaucrat who is responsible for that take up any individual case that my hon. Friend would fiasco? like to raise with me.

Mrs May: As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, a Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): At a time discussion is now taking place between the local police when the Government are looking to police forces to force and local communities about automatic number save money, will the Minister tell the House how much plate recognition cameras in Birmingham, and that is will it cost to elect and fund the proposed directly one reason why we intend, in looking at regulation on elected police commissioners? CCTV, to include ANPR. Nick Herbert: We will be making further announcements in due course about our policy of replacing bureaucratic Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): One accountability with direct accountability through directly of my constituents, who also happens to be my elected individuals. parliamentary researcher, was seriously hurt in an unprovoked attack after he had been out for dinner Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): Does my with a friend in Croydon last week. Does the Secretary right hon. Friend recall that nearly 10 years into the life of State agree that late licensing is partly responsible for of the previous Government, it suddenly emerged by the increase in violent assaults at night? Will she update chance that foreign prisoners were not being considered the House on how plans are progressing to sort out late for deportation when they should have been, and that licensing? there was a backlog of 400,000 asylum cases and other cases owing to incompetence? Will he ensure that there The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the is a culture of openness, transparency and efficiency in Home Department (James Brokenshire): My hon. Friend the Home Office right from the start of this Government? provides a powerful example of the impact of violent crime and alcohol, and certainly 47% of violent assaults Damian Green: My hon. Friend makes a good point are believed to be carried out by individuals under the with characteristic trenchancy and passion. He is right. influence of alcohol. That is why we will bring forward The situation with foreign national prisoners was a proposals to rebalance the Licensing Act 2003 in favour disaster, as was the asylum delay backlog. We are getting of local communities, and in particular introduce a to grips with these problems. It is very important not proposal for a late-night levy to deal with the costs that only that we have the right number of people coming to are attributed to dealing with licensing problems in this country but that the people of this country have certain areas. confidence in the administration of the immigration system, because without that we will never have people Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): My constituency assured that the borders of this country are as secure as has been targeted by the English Defence League for a they should be. That was one of the great failures of the series of demonstrations. Recent events have seen violence previous Government. and disorder on the streets, police diverted to deal with that and property and constituents attacked. On one Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): What progress is occasion the entire town centre was boarded up, costing being made on the implementation of the European businesses thousands. Could I bring a delegation of Union’s drugs strategy? people from Dudley to meet the Home Secretary in order to discuss how we might prevent those problems James Brokenshire: We are considering the whole in future? issue of the drugs strategy in the context of legal highs and other emerging psychoactive substances, as well as Mrs May: Certainly I or another Minister will be in the context of the prevalence of cocaine use, which very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman and a delegation remains very significant. That is why the Advisory in order to address those issues. He raises a very important Council on the Misuse of Drugs is examining the issue point about the activities of the English Defence League, and will be providing further advice to Government in and we would be happy to discuss that. that regard. 565 28 JUNE 2010 G8 and G20 Summits 566

G8 and G20 Summits play both in resolving the Iran issue and in encouraging progress on middle east peace. We also discussed North Korea, deploring and condemning the sinking of the 3.31 pm Cheonan, and the vital topics of nuclear disarmament The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): With and non-proliferation. permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement On development, while the G8 has played an important on the G8 and G20 summits which took place in role in increasing aid spending by the richest countries Canada. in the world, some of those countries have not met First, I am sure the whole House will join me in commitments that they set out. I stressed the importance paying tribute to the seven British servicemen who have of transparency and accountability, and the accountability lost their lives in the last week: from 40 Commando report that has been published sets out what countries Royal Marines, Sergeant Steven Darbyshire; from have done in meeting their commitments. While not 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment, Colour Sergeant perfect, it represents good progress in ensuring that Martyn Horton, Private Douglas Halliday, and Private countries cannot make promises without being held Alex Isaac; from the Yorkshire Regiment, Lance Corporal accountable for them and for failing to meet them. David Ramsden; and from the 4th Regiment Royal Even at a time when our countries face difficult Artillery, Bombardier Stephen Gilbert, who died from budget decisions, it is important that we maintain our injuries he received in an explosion earlier this month; commitment to helping the poorest in the world. The and we also remember the soldier from 101 Engineer UK is maintaining its commitment to increase spending Regiment who died yesterday. As the country marked on aid to 0.7% of gross national income. That gives us Armed Forces day this weekend, people did so with the opportunity to exercise leadership on behalf of the tremendous pride but also with great sadness. We must poorest. At the same time, in order to take the public never forget what these men, and so many of their with us, we also need to ensure that every penny will colleagues, have given for us, and our thoughts should reach those who need it most. That means transparency be with their friends and their families. and accountability along the lines that we are introducing. As I have said, I am determined that our forces will It also means that the projects we support must be not stay in Afghanistan a day longer than necessary. I deliverable, practical and measurable, addressing the led a discussion at the G8 where we made clear that we causes of poverty and not just alleviating the symptoms. “fully support the transition strategy adopted” The Muskoka initiative on maternal and child health by international partners. We are not after a perfect agreed at the G8 is a case in point. Today in the United Afghanistan—just a stable Afghanistan able to maintain Kingdom, the chances of dying in pregnancy and childbirth its own security and prevent al-Qaeda from returning. are 1 in 8,200. In parts of Africa they are as high as 1 in So the G8 sent a collective signal that we want the 7. That is something we can change and must change, Afghan security forces to and the resources agreed, including a big contribution from the UK, could lead to an additional 1.3 million “assume increasing responsibility for security within five years.” lives being saved. As the White Ribbon Alliance for The presence of large-scale international forces cannot Safe Motherhood points out, if we save the mother we be an indefinite commitment. We need to get the job save the family, and if we save the family, we build a done and bring our troops back home. stronger society and a stronger economy. Let me report to the House on the main conclusions I turn to the G20, which is now clearly the right of the G8 and G20. I have placed copies of the forum for all the leading economies of the world to communiqués in the Library so that people can see the discuss the vital economic issues. The key goal of the details of what was agreed. The G8 is a good forum for G20 is to continue the recovery of the world economy the leading democratic economies to give proper strategic and secure sustainable growth. The argument proposed consideration to the big foreign policy and security by some that deficit reduction and growth are mutually issues. It has also played a vital role in helping the richer exclusive is, in my view, completely wrong. The whole nations to improve the future of the poorest people in approach underlined by the International Monetary our world. Fund for this G20 and the subsequent meeting in Seoul In my view, those two vital functions of this forum is about how the world should maximise growth through should continue. I want to take each in turn. On the big the right combination of three things: deficit reduction; security issues, we discussed the middle east peace process tackling imbalances, particularly through actions by and agreed the importance of putting pressure on both emerging economies; and structural reform in the advanced sides to engage in the proximity talks, with the aim of economies. There was broad agreement on all three, creating the conditions for direct talks later this year. which is reflected clearly in the communiqué. President Obama specifically said that he would make On deficit reduction, the G20 agreed that this his priority in the coming months. While the changes Israel have proposed are welcome, they do not go far “those countries with serious fiscal challenges need to accelerate enough, and the communiqué says that the current the pace of consolidation” arrangements in Gaza and that there was a risk that “are not sustainable and must be changed.” “failure to implement consolidation would undermine confidence On Iran, UN Security Council resolution 1929 was and hamper growth.” welcomed. The communiqué states that all countries The advanced G20 economies committed to at least should “implement it fully.” Since the G8 includes Russia, halve current deficits by 2013 and stabilise Government I believe that this was significant. The UK also made debt-to-GDP ratios by 2016. While we agreed that the the case for all members of the G8 to have positive speed and timing of deficit reduction will vary with engagement with Turkey, which could have a key role to national circumstances, the verdict of the G20 was 567 G8 and G20 Summits28 JUNE 2010 G8 and G20 Summits 568

[The Prime Minister] This long weekend of summitry was a good opportunity to build Britain’s bilateral relationships. Among others, unequivocal: for countries with large deficits, the time I had useful meetings with President Obama, President to act is now. Britain has one of the largest deficits in Hu of China, Prime Minister Singh of India and Prime the G20, and the summit specifically welcomed the Minister Erdogan of Turkey. In building a very strong plans set out in our Budget last week. friendship with our leading European partners, I also On addressing the fundamental imbalances, China’s suffered the exquisite agony of watching England lose recent decision to move towards greater exchange rate 4-1 to Germany in the company of my good friend flexibility is clearly very welcome. On financial reform, Chancellor Merkel and the German summit team. While the G20 agreed a set of principles on bank levies to I cannot recommend the experience of watching England ensure that the financial sector makes a lose football to Germany in the margins of a G20 summit, I do commend this statement to the House. “fair and substantial contribution towards paying for any burdens associated with government interventions to repair the financial system”. Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): I join the Prime Minister in paying tribute to the service That is very much in line with the plans for a bank levy personnel who have died in Afghanistan since we last that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced in addressed the House: from 40 Commando Royal Marines, his Budget. On ensuring that the banks in all countries Sergeant Steven Darbyshire; from 1st Battalion the can withstand future crises, we also agreed that Mercian Regiment, Colour Sergeant Martyn Horton, “the amount of capital will be significantly higher and the quality Private Douglas Halliday and Private Alex Isaac; from of capital significantly improved”. the Yorkshire Regiment, Lance Corporal David Ramsden; The new standards should be finalised by the Seoul from the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, Bombardier summit in November. The Basel accord took 10 years; Stephen Gilbert; and the soldier from 101 Engineer this looks like it could be completed in a little over one. Regiment who died yesterday. Our thoughts are with their families as we remember them and acknowledge Although the drawing up of clear, robust new rules is the deep debt of gratitude we owe them. essential, it is important that they are not implemented too quickly. We do not want a further monetary squeeze May I thank the Prime Minister for his statement? or a reduction in bank lending at this stage of the The G8 and G20 summits covered many issues of recovery. The biggest stimulus we could give the world importance to the United Kingdom, not least the need economy today is the expansion of trade. While the to work internationally to sustain the UK economic G20’s agreement to extend its pledge that no additional recovery that began last year. The G20 declaration trade barriers should be put in place is welcome, continued rightly identifies the G20’s failure to make progress on Doha is deeply disappointing. “achievements in addressing the global economic crisis”, It has now been eight years in negotiation, and frankly, saying that the G20’s there can be little confidence that as things stand the “efforts to date have borne good results. Unprecedented and round will be completed rapidly. That is a tragedy, globally coordinated fiscal and monetary stimulus is playing a because a completed trade round could add $170 billion major role in helping to restore private demand and lending.” to the world economy. Now that the Prime Minister has joined other G20 The UK led the working session on this issue at the leaders in endorsing those pro-growth policies that have G20. One potential way of making progress is to try to put the global economy back on the road to recovery, add to the benefits of the round, including more things will he acknowledge the role of the former Prime Minister, in it, so that all parties can see reasons for going that the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath final mile. This was supported by President Obama, (Mr Brown), in shaping that approach and winning and the director-general of the World Trade Organisation, support for it at the G20, thereby laying the foundations Pascal Lamy, suggested that all trade negotiators should for that recovery internationally and here at home? return to the table and consider, vitally, both what it is Is it not inconsistent for the Prime Minister to sign up they really need from the round and what it is they are to this approach abroad while continuing to denigrate prepared to offer to get it moving again. This should that approach here at home? We welcome the G20’s lead to a report at the Seoul meeting in November. In commitment to my view, too many people still see this as a zero-sum game, where one country’s success in exports is somehow “‘growth friendly’ fiscal consolidation plans” another country’s failure. This is nonsense: everyone and the target of halving deficits by 2013. Will he can benefit from an increase in trade flows. We will play confirm that this target is entirely consistent with deficit our part in breaking the logjam, and I want this country reductions that the Office for Budget Responsibility to lead the charge in making the case for growing trade showed would have been achieved by 2013 under our flows around the world. plans? Will he confirm that nothing in the G20 statement On climate change, while the G8 communiqué was provides any justification whatever for his choice to cut strongly positive on limiting the rise in global temperatures the deficit further and faster? Indeed, is it not the case to less than 2°, the G20 communiqué was more limited. that only last week President Obama called on world This is partly because some countries do not see the leaders to G20 as the forum for discussing this issue. In discussions, “learn from the consequential mistakes of the past when stimulus it was also clear that there was widespread disappointment was too quickly withdrawn and resulted in renewed economic at the way that Copenhagen failed to deliver a legally hardships”. binding global deal. We must not give up on this, and The G20 calls for growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, we will be playing our full part in pushing for a successful but how is it growth friendly to cut investment allowances outcome at Cancun. for manufacturing firms, to scrap the regional development 569 G8 and G20 Summits28 JUNE 2010 G8 and G20 Summits 570 agencies and to cut back on investment in high-tech, his international leadership, for which the very poorest export-oriented British firms such as Sheffield Forgemasters? will pay a heavy price? Can the Prime Minister tell us How is it growth friendly for his Government to take an how hard he tried to get the other world leaders to stick approach that the OBR says will cost 100,000 jobs? to, and deliver, the Gleneagles promises? He apparently With President Obama and major emerging economies, told journalists that as including India and Brazil, warning against the risk of “the new kid on the block”, Budget cuts too early and too deep, is it not clear that he was focusing on a different aid target, namely the UN’s on the question of timing and content, the summit’s 2015 millennium development goals. Will the Prime conclusions on deficit reduction amount to no more Minister attend the key UN summit on the millennium than an agreement to disagree? Given the risk of development goals this September in New York? If he is deflationary policies in the eurozone and the fact that not planning to do so, could he reconsider his decision growth forecasts in the United States have been revised in order to put the G8’s and the world’s efforts towards downwards, is not weak demand the major threat to achieving the millennium development goals back on growth? Is it not the case that Government policy track? should still play a part in sustaining demand? Is it not clear, given that demand in our export markets again The Prime Minister: I thank the right hon. and learned looks fragile, that the assumption of a 40% increase in Lady for her response. UK exports, on which last week’s Budget plans were We are preparing for the Kabul summit by having based, looks very optimistic? To which markets does repeated conversations and meetings with President the Prime Minister expect that 40% increase in exports Karzai and others. I have met him twice since becoming to go? Prime Minister, once here in the UK and once in The Opposition welcome the G8’s commitment to Afghanistan, and my right hon. Friend the Foreign support the international security assistance force’s efforts Secretary will attend that important meeting. in Afghanistan. As the Prime Minister recognised in his The right hon. and learned Lady asked me to clarify statement, this will be a crucial year for Afghanistan, the perfectly obvious statement that British troops should with the Kabul conference and elections in September. not be in Afghanistan in five years’ time. Let me put it Because military effort must pave the way for, and go to her the other way around. It was a Labour Government alongside, a political settlement in Afghanistan, will he who took us into Helmand province in 2005. Is she update the House on preparations for the Kabul summit really saying that 10 years later we should still be there? and Afghan elections? We want to get the job done, train up the Afghan army Surely there is agreement on both sides of the House and police and bring our troops back home. She would that we do not want our troops to stay in Afghanistan be better advised to seek cross-party agreement on that one day longer than necessary. We look forward to than to take the position that she has chosen. when the Afghan Government can guarantee their people’s The right hon. and learned Lady then made some stability and security, and thereby make us safer, as the remarks about global poverty. Of course I deplore Prime Minister has said previously. Will he therefore the fact that some G8 members have not stuck to the clarify his remarks on Afghanistan? He said: promises that they made at Gleneagles in 2005, but the “We can’t be there for another five years”. slippage that she was trying to blame on the new Does the Prime Minister believe that that assists our Government took place between 2005 and 2010. The troops in their task in Afghanistan? What effect does person to whom she wanted me to pay tribute—I would the Defence Secretary believe the Prime Minister’s be delighted if he could be bothered to turn up to the comments will have on the morale of our troops fighting House—was either Chancellor of the Exchequer or day by day on the ground in Afghanistan? Is it not the Prime Minister during that time. case that, as the Defence Secretary has said, setting The right hon. and learned Lady asked me to attend artificial time scales is a very dangerous game to play? the UN summit on the millennium development goals May I now turn to the G8 approach to tackling in September in New York. I was intending to do so, but global poverty? Is the Prime Minister aware of the deep for reasons of paternal health—we have been talking frustration within the development community at what about maternal health—I hope that I will be otherwise it sees as a major retreat by the G8 on its commitment engaged in the UK, as we are having a baby. My right to help the poorest? In particular, how can he, as one of hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister will be at the the G8 leaders, justify the decision to drop the commitment summit and doing a very good job. of the 2005 Gleneagles summit to increase aid by $50 billion The right hon. and learned Lady’s whole premise on by 2010? That G8 commitment was hard won by the which she based her argument about the G20, the need previous Labour Government. Is he aware that Save the to tackle deficits and get growth is completely wrong. Children called that “shameful”, and that Oxfam described The whole point about the G20 is that if you combine the G8 statement as being fiscal consolidation in the countries that need it with “lower than our lowest expectations” expansion and dealing with the imbalances from emerging on maternal mortality? economies, you can maximise world growth. That is Writing on the eve of the summit, the Prime Minister what it is about. She says that there is no case for going said: faster in those countries with excessive deficits—on the IMF figures we have the biggest deficit of all—but the “Too often these international meetings fail to live up to the Labour party is now completely isolated on this issue. hype and promises made”, The G20’s view is that but instead of strengthening the resolve of G8 leaders “it is clear that consolidation will need to begin in advanced to deliver the promised action, he has allowed them to economies in 2011, and earlier for countries experiencing significant renege on their promises. Does that not reflect badly on fiscal challenges at present”— 571 G8 and G20 Summits28 JUNE 2010 G8 and G20 Summits 572

[The Prime Minister] positive response to the Budget that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor introduced is so encouraging. and that is the UK. So the Labour party is isolated from However, for Britain, the right measure, as the G20, the the G20. EU and the OECD say, is to deal with our deficit. If we Let us see how Labour is getting on with the US. Tim do not, we could be in real danger. Geithner, the US Treasury Secretary, said about the UK Budget: Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and “I think they’ve got the right balance, the right objectives and I Hillsborough) (Lab): I was going to congratulate the think they’re demonstrating that again you have to act so that Prime Minister on his first foray into the G8 and G20, people can see you’re committed to follow through”. but he has already congratulated himself. So Labour is now isolated from the Americans. What In his discussions with the Canadian Prime Minister, about the Europeans? José Manuel Barroso, the President did they talk about the consequences for ordinary men of the Commission, said in Toronto that there is no and women of too rapid a deficit reduction and, in more room for deficit spending. So Labour is now particular, the reduction in Canada in the late 1990s, isolated from the Europeans. when the environmental services budget in Ontario was Let me end with the IMF, because that is where we cut by $200 million and the town of Walkerton experienced would have ended up if that lot had stayed in power. the most enormous impact, with disease and, regrettably, The IMF was clear: death from E. coli? Does the Prime Minister agree that it is not grandiose announcements but the consequences “In this regard, credible and coherent fiscal plans should be clearly communicated as soon as possible. There is a pressing for people in their lives with which we need to be need…for fiscal consolidation in G-20 advanced economies”. concerned? If that is not done, it could, says the IMF The Prime Minister: I thank the right hon. Gentleman “weigh on the recovery and raise market pressure in an environment for his question and his probably justified rebuke, which of elevated uncertainty about sovereign debt risks.” was well put. However, at the risk of quoting another There we have it. Whether it is the US, the EU or the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper did say that the UK IMF—and I could add in the OECD—the Labour Budget party is now completely and utterly isolated. “highlighted the very fiscal consolidation that we’re trying to As for quoting President Obama, here is one I prepared steer the G20 towards,” earlier. He said that so there was strong support from the Canadians for “we have been very impressed with the leadership that David what we are doing here. As we do the difficult job of Cameron has shown thus far. He has, I think, taken a series of dealing with the record deficit that we inherited, we of steps on some very tough issues and…is prepared to make…decisions course have to do everything that we can to protect the on behalf of…his country.” poorest and ensure that we stimulate regional growth, a The right hon. and learned Lady’s attempt to claim that subject that we will be talking about tomorrow. However, somehow we are not completely in tune with the US, the I keep returning to this point: not acting would be more EU, the G20 and the IMF is an attack that simply is not serious for the UK economy and would lead to greater going to take off. hardship for people.

Several hon. Members rose— Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): By what criteria will it be judged that Afghanistan is sufficiently Mr Speaker: Order. Many right hon. and hon. Members stable to allow us to withdraw our troops, and how long are seeking to catch my eye, so brevity is required, a will it be before we are talking to the Taliban, as legendary example of which will, I know, now be provided suggested over the weekend by General Sir David Richards? by the hon. Member for Louth and Horncastle (Sir Peter Tapsell). The Prime Minister: Let me try to answer both those questions briefly.The way to judge progress in Afghanistan Sir Peter Tapsell (Louth and Horncastle) (Con): Is is in terms of the basic level of security, stability and part of President Obama’s message to the leading industrial governance. So in Helmand, for instance, as we see countries of continental Europe not to move too rapidly districts that are under good provincial governors, with or too severely in cutting back on public expenditure or lead Afghan control over security, that is the time when the money supply lest they precipitate a slump, as we can judge that the job is getting done, and there is occurred in the case of Credit Anstaldt, as a result of some prospect of some of that happening this year. As applying similar policies, led by Germany? for talking to Taliban, as the right hon. and learned Gentleman puts it, a process of reconciliation and The Prime Minister: The message is clear: countries reintegration is taking place, where Taliban who are that face big fiscal challenges have to address those prepared to stop fighting and accept the basic tenets of challenges. Let me put it the other way around: for the Afghan constitution can be reintegrated back into countries like us, with an 11% budget deficit, further society. That should happen. That political track, which fiscal action—or, indeed, no action—could lead to a runs alongside the training of the Afghan army and the serious problem with our economy. Where I agree with military surge, is vital, and we need to push further and my hon. Friend is that when we tighten fiscal policy, as faster on it. we should, that should be accompanied by a loose monetary policy. That is why I made the remarks that Mr Geoffrey Robinson (Coventry North West) (Lab): I did about the importance of not bringing in the May I push the Prime Minister slightly harder on the banking rules too quickly, and why the Bank of England’s issue of Afghanistan and talking to the Taliban? It is 573 G8 and G20 Summits28 JUNE 2010 G8 and G20 Summits 574 true, as he says, that those who want to lay down their troop numbers, as the US did—albeit by less, but we arms can be welcomed back, but there may be many still have around 10,000 in Helmand. We, too, should be who are not, but who will nevertheless be required to do looking at progress at the end of the year, and at that so, in the event of a political situation being arrived at, July 2011 date. However, I would rather give the House which all of us in this House know is the only eventual and the people of this country the certain knowledge outcome for Afghanistan. There is a limited amount that we are not going to be there in five years’ time in that the Prime Minister can say, but it would be good if the role that we are now. Between now and then, however, he could reassure the House that, come the right moment let us try to deliver on the ground as best we can, and and in the right way, the British Government will indicate train up the Afghan national army and the police in their willingness to talk? order to deliver that security and bring our troops home. And let us do it, as my right hon. Friend the The Prime Minister: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman Member for North East Hampshire (Mr Arbuthnot) for the way in which he put his question. This is one of suggested, on the basis of the facts on the ground. those things that it is better to get on and deal with, rather than endlessly theorising about it. There is a huge Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): I know that difference between that part of the insurgency that is the Prime Minister wants the existing strategy to be linked to al-Qaeda and is extremist in its ideology, and given more time to succeed, but will he accept that, if it what has become in some parts of Afghanistan an shows little sign of progress in the next few months, or insurgency based on the way in which particular tribes even the next year or so, there should be an alternative have been dealt with or on particular local issues. There to recommending total withdrawal? Total withdrawal is a difference between the two, and we need to bear that would take us back to square one, and the existing in mind in this important political track that we have strategy would mean our continuing to take excessive embarked on. casualties. There has to be, and there could be, a middle way, and I hope that he will consider that if he sees that Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con): the present strategy is not moving in the direction that My right hon. Friend was absolutely right to say that he would like to see. none of us wants to stay in Afghanistan a moment longer than is necessary, but does he agree that we have The Prime Minister: I know that my hon. Friend is to get our priorities right between leaving and succeeding? working hard on the middle way option, and that he is If our priority is to leave, that will make it harder to going to do further work on it. Of course I shall look succeed, whereas if our priority is to succeed, that will carefully at what he produces. I would say to him that make it easier to leave. the surge in troop numbers has made a difference on the ground. In the parts of Afghanistan where previously it The Prime Minister: I very much agree with my right was impossible to step outside a military base, it is now hon. Friend on that. Transitioning provinces and districts possible to walk around the towns and visit the markets. to Afghan control should be done on the basis of the I went to a training college, the last time I was in facts on the ground and the capacity that they have to Helmand. The previous time, I went to a wheat seed do that, rather than on the basis of a timetable. Having distribution centre. Both times, I was able to have some said that, I do not see anything wrong with saying, freedom of movement. So there is some progress, and I “This is a task that has to take place over the coming think that this is the right strategy. We should use all years, but we should not be there, for instance, for five that we have, this year, to give it every chance of success. years.” That is a perfectly fair point to make— [Interruption.] I can hear chuntering from the Opposition. Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): The Prime The last Government set quite a lot of interim short-term Minister prayed in aid the International Monetary Fund targets, and I think that is where the problems have earlier, but he did not quote the IMF boss, Dominique come from. Strauss-Kahn, who has warned that fiscal retrenchment wrongly done would cost 60 million jobs globally. How Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): I thank the Prime many of those 60 million jobs will be lost among the Minister for the advance copy of his statement. I associate world’s poor, and how many will be lost among the the Scottish National party and Plaid Cymru with the poor of this country? condolences that he expressed at the beginning of his statement. President Obama has set a timetable for The Prime Minister: I discussed that with the IMF beginning the draw-down of US troops from Afghanistan, over the weekend. Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s own as have the Canadian hosts of the G20. If that is right interventions in the debate at the G20 were very strongly for the United States and for Canada, why is it wrong in favour of fiscal consolidation, particularly for the for the UK? countries—such as Britain—with the largest budget deficits. I looked around that table at the G20. According The Prime Minister: There is a difference between to the IMF’s figures, our budget deficit, at over 11 per what Canada has decided and what President Obama cent., is the biggest. The answer to the question “Do is undertaking. Canada has set a firm deadline for they mean us when they are talking about excessive withdrawing all its troops from combat and other deficits?” is “Yes, they do.” operations, and that date is firmly set in stone. President The key point made by Dominique Strauss-Kahn Obama has spoke about a review towards the end of and others is that this is a package. If we are to this year and, from July 2011, he hopes to be drawing maximise world growth, which will bring more jobs and down the surge in troops that has taken place this year. livelihoods, we need a combination of fiscal consolidation That is very different from what the Canadians are in the countries that require it and measures to deal discussing. We are part of that US surge. We surged our both with the imbalances in the developing world and 575 G8 and G20 Summits28 JUNE 2010 G8 and G20 Summits 576

[The Prime Minister] The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is right to ask that question. A discussion has been held. However, I with the structural problems in the developed economies think we should put on record that no one can accuse such as Germany’s. That is what needs to be done. Canada of not playing an incredibly positive role in Dominique Strauss-Kahn is recommending exactly the NATO. It has experienced a very large number of sort of action that we are taking here in this country. casualties in relation to the size of its population. It has made its decision about 2011, and we should not seek in Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): In the context of any way to gainsay it over that. Of course we can all do international development, the publication of the what we can to encourage it to go on playing a role of accountability report is very welcome, as is the specific some kind, perhaps medical or related to training, and commitment on maternal and child health. However, obviously it will play a role in terms of development. does my right hon. Friend agree that a commitment by However, I think that my hon. Friend’s point was the international community to a robust and specific well made. process will be necessary in New York in September if we are to have any hope of achieving the millennium Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): I development goals by 2015? realise that watching the football with Angela Merkel cannot have been much fun for the Prime Minister, not The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is absolutely least because—I think—he was not even born in 1966, right. We need a process of continual checking up on and therefore could not console himself with the memory the progress being made towards the MDGs. Now, in of that achievement. 2010, we are two thirds of the way towards the final In his statement, the Prime Minister mentioned Turkey point, and we should be doing better. We chose maternal and its important role in relation to the middle east and child health at the G8 because those are two of the process in Iran. Has he had any discussions with fellow goals that we are furthest from meeting. European heads of state about the fact that if we go on I, too, welcome the document to which my hon. making it difficult for Turkey to accede to the European Friend has referred, and I encourage my colleagues to Union, it may well turn its back on Europe, in which read it. While it is not perfect, it sets out pretty clearly case we will be the losers? on pages 15, 16 and 17 what countries promised to do and what they have done. That is progress. We have all The Prime Minister: I have had those conversations at sat here and heard reports of the great things achieved both the G8 and the G20. It is good that there is at G8 summits, but this document holds countries’ feet all-party agreement in this House that we should do to the fire and asks, “Did you do what you promised to everything we can to encourage Turkey into the European do? If you did not, you must think again.” Union, to anchor her into the west in all the ways we can. Clearly there is a disagreement—a disagreement that is not going to go away—between France and Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): The Prime Germany on the one hand and Britain on the other Minister is right to draw attention to the likelihood of about Turkey and the EU, but irrespective of those deaths in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa, but does he positions we should all be doing what we can to encourage not think that the summit was a little bit complacent Turkey to feel part of Europe and of the direction we about the immediate and very serious problem of food are taking. The role she can play in terms of Iran and shortages throughout that area, and the consequent the middle east peace process is very important, but she large migration flows as people desperately seek somewhere will not be so inclined to play that role if Europe turns to live and something to eat? Is there not a real sense of her back. urgency when one in six of the world’s population are suffering from food shortages, the largest number in Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): I am history? sure my right hon. Friend will agree that if we are to succeed in Afghanistan, we need unity of purpose. How The Prime Minister: I would not say that the summit concerned is he, therefore, by the resignation of General was complacent. It was my first G8 summit, and I was McChrystal and of key Ministers in President Karzai’s struck by the fact that about half the sessions were Government, and by the extended leave being taken by opened up to visiting leaders from the African Union, the UK special representative to Afghanistan? Algeria, Egypt and elsewhere in Africa, so that they could keep reminding the richest countries in the world The Prime Minister: On the issue of the Ministers of what they had promised to do. The G8 cannot resigning from President Karzai’s Government, he has substitute for the work of the United Nations and other put in place quite talented replacements. On the issue of food programmes—it is not an emergency organisation— Stanley McChrystal, he is a very talented general who but I do not think that it is complacent about these we believe had delivered the right strategy. I was consulted challenges. At least, for the first time, it is checking up on the issue twice by President Obama, but in the end it on itself a bit more, and that can only be a good thing. was about what General McChrystal had said about the US Administration in the interview in Rolling Stone Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): Prime Minister magazine, so it was an issue between the US Administration Harper has reiterated his plans to start withdrawing and Stanley McChrystal, rather than necessarily a matter Canadian troops from Afghanistan next year. What for me. discussions has the Prime Minister had with Prime Minister Harper about retaining Canadian troops who Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): The Prime are in non-combat roles, such as the medical teams and Minister has had three international outings and he has their air troop transport helicopter teams? acquitted himself very well; it would be churlish not to 577 G8 and G20 Summits28 JUNE 2010 G8 and G20 Summits 578 acknowledge that. Ahead of them, he wrote in the them has there ever been a complete military victory—it Financial Times on 17 June: is a combination of what happens militarily and in the “It is shocking that…women still do not have equal rights in country at large and what happens in terms of some the workplace. This is not just unfair; it makes no sense—because sort of reconciliation process. That is important. We are it deprives our economies of their full potential as workers and committed to the reconciliation process and would consumers.” like to see it go further and faster, but as I said, it is Will he therefore agree, in this spirit of bipartisanship, important to maintain a distinction between Taliban that having the gender pay audits that have been suggested linked to al-Qaeda, who would have the terrorist training in both the public and private sectors would be a way of camps come back and who want world terrorism, and getting rid of that huge problem? people involved in insurgency for any number of other reasons. Yes, of course there must be a political track The Prime Minister: We have supported—and, indeed, and of course we should develop it, but we need to before the election we put forward a case for—gender differentiate the sorts of Taliban we face. pay audits, particularly based on those companies where any unfairness is found. The right hon. Gentleman Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): makes a good point, quoting from my FT article, which Does the Prime Minister agree that our global banking is that that is one of the structural reforms that we in system remains incredibly risky, and that bearing in the west in the developed world should be carrying out mind how long it has taken to get previous Basel in order to increase our growth rates, and as the right agreements in place, it may be necessary to take steps to hon. Gentleman is being so friendly, I shall have to take protect our particular vulnerability to the banking sector away his thoughts and think about them again. before then?

Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): Whether The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is right. We are it be Afghanistan, the global economy or, indeed, tackling trying to put in place a system where banks have to ask climate change, the G8 and G20 summits are becoming themselves whether they have enough capital to withstand useful vehicles for tackling global issues, but they make the sort of shock they suffered in 2008 and 2009. That is decisions that are then passed on to an organisation what needs to take place, and it is being put in place created just after the war, the United Nations, which is relatively quickly, but the rules need to be drawn up and woefully out of date. Were there any discussions about agreed, and there may then be a pause before they are updating the United Nations so that it can tackle these actually introduced, because at the moment the great issues much better? risk is shrinkage of the monetary base—a shrinkage of bank lending—at this very sensitive time in our recovery. The Prime Minister: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question. The UN Secretary-General was, of course, at Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): How can the Prime the G20 meeting and made a number of contributions, Minister retain his optimism after 11 British deaths in but my hon. Friend is right that the architecture of 10 days? How can a stable Afghanistan be built on the international relations is badly out of date. We have the crumbling foundations of an election-rigging president rise of India, we have the enormous strength of Germany and his criminal family, on an Afghan army that is and Japan, and we have the great growth of Brazil, yet mercenary and drug-addicted and on a police force that none of those countries is on the Security Council. We is depraved and entirely corrupt? We are in the end have to recognise that it is all very well all of us—we all game position, as Canada and the Netherlands have do this—saying that we must share global leadership explained. At the end of the Vietnam war a question with India and China, but if we are going to share was asked that should haunt us all now: who will be the global leadership we need to change these institutions. last soldier ordered into battle to die for a politician’s This was discussed. It is fantastically difficult because mistake? people have so many vested interests—as, indeed, do we—but I do think that it is absolutely right for countries The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman has long such as India and Brazil to have the sense that they taken that view, but even though he makes that case he should be on the UN Security Council. wildly overstates it. If we talk to British soldiers who serve with the Afghan national army they say that those Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): I praise, of soldiers are brave, they work hard and they are committed. course, the troops who have died and those who, sadly Yes, of course we need to improve recruitment from all and unfortunately, are likely to die in the future, but is it parts of the country, but I do not think it is fair to not the case that there can be hardly a single Member characterise the army as he does. There have been who believes that a military victory in Afghanistan in problems with the Afghan police force, but when we go any meaningful sense is likely to come about even in to Afghanistan we see police trainers from European another nine years? Therefore, is it not all the more and American countries doing good work. I do not important to start negotiations sooner rather than later, accept that all is as bleak as the hon. Gentleman puts as suggested by General Richards? I think the Prime it. We have had a number of casualties, which are Minister should recognise that there is growing concern heartbreaking in every individual case and it is in the country at large about what is happening and the heartbreaking that there are so many, but we have to number of deaths in Afghanistan. remember what we are doing in Afghanistan. It is not creating the perfect society; it is training up the Afghans The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman is right. We so that they can take care of their own security and we are all concerned about the number of casualties in face fewer attacks from terrorist groups trained in the Afghanistan. He is also right in that when we look Afghanistan-Pakistan border area. The hon. Gentleman across history at fighting insurgencies, in very few of shakes his head, but the fact is that today the number of 579 G8 and G20 Summits28 JUNE 2010 G8 and G20 Summits 580

[The Prime Minister] ongoing diplomatic issues with Iran? May I urge him to work closely with those traditional allies of Iran to threats coming from that area is reduced, because of ensure that we try not to go anywhere near the military what we have done in Afghanistan and because of what action that some hawkish nations want? the Pakistan Government are doing in Pakistan. Of course we should not be blind to people’s concerns, but The Prime Minister: I had very positive meetings with we should try to take people with us on the success there President Hu of China and President Medvedev of has been in reducing those threats. Russia. We discussed, particularly in the Russian meeting at quite some length, the Iranian situation. It is encouraging Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): The that the Russians have voted for the sanctions resolution Prime Minister will know that business growth is vital in the UN—resolution 1929—and it is important to for the Chancellor’s plans and that credit is vital to show a united face to the Iranians about the unacceptability business growth. The Governor of the Bank of England of their acquiring a nuclear weapon. The point is that warned on Friday that lending to business remained nobody wants military action, by Israel or anyone else, weak and there was a risk of “disruption of credit”. to take place, and that is all the more reason for taking The G20 proposals could cause banks more serious the sanctions route and trying to maximise the pressure concern in that respect, so what will the Prime Minister and change the balance for Iran, to raise the costs for and the Government do to make sure that small and it of having a nuclear weapon. That is what this is all medium-sized enterprises receive the credit they need to about. ensure growth in this country over the next three years?

The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an extremely Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): Almost 80 years good point, and the concern that we should have about ago, countries across the world adopted policies of the economy is not the fiscal tightening that needs to fiscal tightening and gave us the inter-war depression—the happen, but to ensure that the banks are lending and slump, with millions of people thrown out of work. We that monetary policy is working effectively. Of course, are now adopting policies of collective deflation. Is the monetary policy is not just interest rates—the price of Prime Minister not at all fearful that history might money—but we also have to think about the quantity of repeat itself and that we might see millions back money, which is bank lending. My right hon. Friend the unemployed? Chancellor in the Budget made a number of improvements to the credit lending schemes. I think that we can look The Prime Minister: It is quite difficult to talk about to see whether there is even more that should be done, deflation when monetary policy is as loose as it is and but let me repeat that the key thing that we were trying when interest rates are as low as they are. This is where, to do at the G20 was not to enforce credit rules now that with respect, the Labour party has not understood would restrict lending, but to put in place the measures enough of the argument. We have to tighten fiscal for the long term that will stop the catastrophe that we policy in the UK. We are borrowing 11% of our gross suffered in 2008 and 2009. That is the key. In Europe, domestic product. If we started borrowing more, or we are stress testing the banks to ensure that they have indeed we stood still, we could face the situation that adequate capital. Again, that is important: we need to others in Europe face—it is that serious—so where the ensure the soundness of the banking system, because demand should come from is by the combination of a that is part of the key to recovery. fiscal tightening but with loose monetary policy. That is not the same thing that happened in the 1930s. The Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): additional mistake made in the 1930s was to have trade The Prime Minister mentioned that he had four useful wars, and hon. Members could hear from my statement bipartite meetings. Did he meet Juan Manuel Santos—the just how hard this country is fighting to ensure that that President-elect of Colombia—or did he indicate that he does not happen. would meet him when he goes on tour? He is a gentleman who, as Defence Minister, dressed his troops as members Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): As one of of the International Committee of the Red Cross, carried the many millions of disappointed football fans around out the extra-judicial murders of 2,000 innocent civilians our country today, may I thank the Prime Minister for and bombed Ecuador, where there is, I believe, a murder raising the issue of goal-line technology? Does he agree warrant out for him. Did the Prime Minister, or will he, that, when it comes to tackling the deficit, it is the raise those issues on behalf of concerned people in the Opposition who have taken their eyes off the ball? UK who follow them very closely?

The Prime Minister: I did not meet the President-elect; The Prime Minister: That was an ingenious way of I did meet the current President, President Uribe, who bringing goal-line technology into a statement on the was at the G8 session on tackling corruption and the G20, and I am amazed by your latitude, Mr Speaker— drugs trade, where there was a presentation from him [Interruption.] There was no point blaming the referee; and I had a conversation with him. I will take away the as I said, we were not robbed, we were beaten. However, points that the hon. Gentleman makes and reflect on to Chancellor Merkel’s credit, every time Germany them when I have the conversation—I am sure that I slotted another one past us, she apologised. will—with the President when he is not just the President- elect but the President. Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Will the Prime Minister confirm that the only occasions in the past Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): Did the 25 years when England have beaten Germany at football Prime Minister find time during the G20 summit to have been under a Labour Government? When does he speak to the leaders of Russia and China about the expect that we will be able to do that again? 581 G8 and G20 Summits28 JUNE 2010 G8 and G20 Summits 582

The Prime Minister: At the rate you are going, never. The Prime Minister: I know that the hon. Gentleman missed the previous Parliament, but he could have read Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): In the Prime Minister’s about some of the things that took place. During that absence last week, he might have missed two surprising Parliament, we argued for the introduction of a banking events. First, the shadow Chancellor made a speech that levy even if others did not follow suit. The position of contained lots of criticism, but not one recommendation the Labour party, although I am sure that it is changing for reducing the deficit. Secondly, we saw a five-minute by the minute, was that, under the great disappeared—the silent cameo from the former Prime Minister, although right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath amazingly, for such a fiscal champion, it was during (Mr Brown)—we had to wait for full agreement from Environment, Food and Rural Affairs questions. every single country in the world. That was not our policy. We have introduced a banking levy, and quite rightly too. Mr Speaker: Order. It is always a pleasure to listen to the hon. Gentleman, but the Prime Minister is not Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): May I urge caution on responsible for speeches made by the shadow Chancellor, my right hon. Friend when it comes to Turkey’s membership nor even for the former Prime Minister, so I think that of the European Union? Unless we have already left the we will leave it there. EU by that stage—I can but hope—Turkey’s membership could lead only to the British taxpayer being asked to Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): The Prime Minister put his hand further in his pocket and further strain on said in his statement that the G8 sent a collective signal immigration into this country. that “we want the Afghan security forces to ‘assume increasing responsibility for security within five years’”—he Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Not complete agreement. did not say “full responsibility”. He said later on that he wanted to give an indication that we will be out of The Prime Minister: As the hon. Gentleman says, Afghanistan in five years. Does that mean that we will there is not quite complete agreement on this issue, but be out of Afghanistan regardless of the situation in that as I would say to the French President or German country in five years’ time—full stop? Chancellor, even if people do not agree with me that Turkey should be a member of the EU, we should be straining every sinew to think of ways of encouraging The Prime Minister: The point is that for many years Turkey to play a full role in the affairs of our continent. after our troops have left, we will have a strong relationship It is a member of NATO, and we have a strong bilateral with Afghanistan that will involve diplomacy and aid, relationship and a trading relationship with the country. and perhaps even helping to continue to train Afghan Turkey wants those relationships with us, and we should forces. However, in answer to the question of whether do everything that we can to enhance them. we should be in Afghanistan by then in the way that we are now, with large-scale military deployment and all Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): Has not the rest of it, no we should not. We should by then have the Prime Minister been a little selective in his quotes trained up the Afghan army and police force, and seen from the IMF? Did it not say clearly that there is a lack an improvement in governance, so that we can bring our of co-ordination at the G20, that there are premature troops back home. consolidations, particularly in Europe, and that if there were greater co-ordination between the G20 and other Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): I read on page 3 of the economies it would add 2.5% to world growth and G20 communiqué that fiscal consolidation plans should create 8 million jobs? be credible and clearly communicated. Did the Prime Minister get the chance to read any of the weekend The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman is right in papers that suggested that the majority of the British one regard: the upside scenario posed by the IMF adds people support the Budget and agree with some of the to growth and to jobs, but that scenario includes fiscal spending plans, which shows that our message is definitely consolidation by countries such as Britain. I do not getting across to all but Labour Members? want to bore him with quotes from the IMF, but it said: “Fiscal deficits and debt in some advanced economies reach unacceptably high levels… Sound fiscal finances are essential to The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes the important sustain recovery”. point, which the International Monetary Fund also A key point from the declaration says that those countries makes, that if we carry out fiscal consolidation and “with serious fiscal challenges need to accelerate the pace of demonstrate that we have a plan and are getting on with consolidation.” it, that can enhance confidence. Confidence is the key to That is what the IMF is saying about us. Yes, there growth. If we are going to get people to spend and needs to be action across the board, including by emerging invest, they need to know that the Government have a markets and developing countries which have very high plan for getting us out of the mess that we inherited, so surpluses, not just fiscal surpluses but trade surpluses. that is key to getting our economy moving. In a way, that is what the G20 was about—trying to get people to put into the process what they need to put in. Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): When From us, that is fiscal consolidation; from the Chinese, the Prime Minister was discussing the banking levy at it is dealing with their surpluses. Not everyone acted as the G20, did he explain to his colleagues why he was so much as we did—Germany included. lenient on the banks? Instead of taking the axe to public services, he should be asking the banks to contribute Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): The communiqué more to address the mess that they created, instead of says that the present situation in Gaza is not sustainable letting them off the hook. and must be changed. Was there any discussion at the 583 G8 and G20 Summits28 JUNE 2010 G8 and G20 Summits 584

[Mr Philip Hollobone] important to deal with our deficit. Unless we do that, we will not get confidence, and unless we have confidence, summit about practical assistance that international we will not get growth. organisations could offer Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid gets into Gaza but weapons smuggling is stopped? Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): Apart from the military operation in Afghanistan, what The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is right. There steps are being taken to win over the hearts and minds were discussions about what could be done, such as of the people of Afghanistan? Linked to that, what having international bodies at the various crossing points steps are the Government of Afghanistan taking to to try to examine what is being brought in. The change reform the madrassahs, the religious schools, which are that has taken place is encouraging on one level because often seen as a breeding ground for radicalism? instead of effectively banning everything, Israel has listed those things that it will not allow in, which should The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes a very lead to increased humanitarian capacity in Gaza. That good point about religious education. It has been more has a very long way to go, and everybody knows that we of a problem in Pakistan than in Afghanistan. In terms are not going to sort out the problem of the middle east of improving the quality of life for Afghans, it is worth peace process while there is, effectively, a giant open remembering why the Taliban succeeded in the first prison in Gaza. place. They succeeded because there was no law and order, and no system of justice. Effective district governance and security, being able to go about one’s daily life, are Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): Were there any discussions key. Of course we want to see things such as girls going about the possibility of one of our European neighbours to school and better observance of human rights, but falling into further recession? In that eventuality, what we should prioritise those things that I think the Afghans contingencies would be considered? themselves would prioritise, which is safety and security. The Prime Minister: There are great concerns, particularly Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab) rose— in the eurozone, about the sovereign debt and other problems that countries face. We should be constructive. Mr Speaker: I saved the hon. Gentleman up. As I have said before, I do not think that we should join the euro. In my view, we should never join the euro. Ian Austin: The Prime Minister has cracked jokes However, the eurozone is important to us, and those about his bilateral last night with Chancellor Merkel, countries sorting out their problems is important to us. but millions of people will agree with me that last We should not stand in their way if they want to take night’s performance was no laughing matter at all. Is it steps to do that. The key point for us is not putting not time that the governance of the game was shaken more money in and not passing powers from London to up, so that we treat football as a sport, not as a business? Brussels. Inasmuch as those countries find ways of Did the Prime Minister find time to discuss with President sorting out their problems, we should back them. Sarkozy how he can follow his example and launch an inquiry so that we never have to witness that sort of Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): performance again? Also in the newspapers this weekend were comments by Mr Speaker: That was a bit wide of the summit, but Professor Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel prize-winning economist, not, I am sure, of the Prime Minister’s capacities. who predicted the global financial meltdown, that announcements in our Budget will, at best, make Britain’s The Prime Minister: There are parts of sport and recovery from a recession longer, and, at worst, put us politics that probably should not mix. It is no laughing into the double-dip recession that we said would occur. matter; it was very depressing. For all of us who wanted Does the Prime Minister agree that we ignore Professor England to do well, it was heartbreaking to watch. At Joseph Stiglitz at our peril? least we can say, “We weren’t robbed—we were beaten.” It was not all down to the disallowed Lampard goal—we The Prime Minister: One can find any number of were beaten fair and square. An interesting point that economists taking any number of different views. I say was made while I was watching was how much German that as someone who studied under them. In the end, if football institutions put into youth training and their we look at what the IMF says, at what the OECD says, football academy. I am sure there are things that our at what, as I quoted, the Americans and the European own game, independent of the Government, as they Union say and at all the advice we have had from the should be—we only want to take credit when they Bank of England and the Treasury, we see that it is win—can learn from that. 585 28 JUNE 2010 Limits on Non-EU Economic 586 Migration Limits on Non-EU Economic Migration routes for investors, entrepreneurs and the post-study route are not affected. Secondly, to ensure that those who do come through this route are the brightest and 4.36 pm best, I am raising the tier 1 (general) pass mark by five The Secretary of State for the Home Department points for all new applicants. (Mrs Theresa May): Immigration has enriched our culture Thirdly, I am introducing an interim limit on the and enhanced our society. Britain can benefit from number of migrants who can be offered jobs by sponsor immigration, but not uncontrolled immigration. The employers through tier 2 (general). This route will be levels of net migration seen under the previous reduced in the interim period by 1,300 migrants, the Government—an annual figure of almost a quarter of equivalent of a 5% reduction across the relevant routes a million at its peak in 2004—were unprecedented in of tiers 1 and 2. The tier 2 routes for intra-company recent times. It is this Government’s aim to reduce the transfers, ministers for religion and—I am not sure level of net migration back down to the levels of the whether to say this, given the comments at the end of 1990s—tens of thousands each year, not hundreds of the Prime Minister’s statement—elite sportspeople are thousands. not affected. These interim measures will take effect Of course, it is necessary to attract the world’s very from 19 July. best talent to come to the UK to drive strong economic It is vital that we restore public confidence in our growth, but unlimited migration has placed unacceptable immigration system. Our plans to do that extend much pressure on public services and, worse, severely damaged further than the measures I am announcing today. We public confidence in our immigration system. Our over- support e-borders and the re-introduction of exit checks. reliance on migrant labour has done nothing to help the We have said that we will create a dedicated border millions of unemployed and low-skilled British citizens police force to enhance national security, improve who deserve the Government’s help to get back to work immigration controls and crack down on the trafficking and improve their skills. The coalition’s programme for of people, weapons and drugs. We have committed to government confirmed the Government’s intention to improving our asylum system to speed up the processing introduce an annual limit on the number of non-EU of applications. We have said that we will end the economic migrants admitted into the UK to live and detention of children for immigration purposes, and the work. We have always said that we will consult on the UK Border Agency has already launched a review implementation of that limit. It is important that the engaging a wide range of experts and organisations on Government take full account of the views of business how to achieve this. and other interested sectors. We want to ensure that we Our commitment to reduce net migration will require can properly weigh the economic considerations against action, as I am sure the right hon. Member for Kingston the wider social and public service implications. upon Hull West and Hessle (Alan Johnson) will indicate in a moment, beyond the economic routes. It may assist I am therefore launching a consultation today on the him if I tell the House now that I will be reviewing other mechanisms for implementing that annual limit, including immigration routes in due course and will be bringing questions about the coverage of limits, as well as the forward further proposals for consideration by the House. mechanics of how they will work in practice. The And, of course, unlike the previous Government, we consultation also recognises the need to attract more are committed to applying transitional controls for all high net-worth individuals to the UK through the routes new EU member states. for investors and entrepreneurs, which will not be covered by limits, and we ask for views on how that can be The commitment to introduce limits on non-EU achieved. At the same time, I have commissioned the economic migration is a major immigration commitment independent Migration Advisory Committee to provide of the coalition Government. Today’s announcement is advice to the Government on the levels at which limits a key step towards the delivery of that commitment, should be set for the first full year of their operation, and I commend this statement to the House. which I intend should be from April 2011. Alan Johnson (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) I am sure that all Members of the House would agree (Lab): I thank the right hon. Lady for a copy of the with me that the Migration Advisory Committee has an statement. I am pleased that she has come to make the excellent track record in this area, and I want to take statement to the House. However, I had already seen this opportunity to record my thanks to David Metcalf the statement she has just made because it was handed and the rest of the committee for taking on this critical to me by a journalist this morning at 11.15. piece of work. The consultations will be complete by Obviously, the Home Secretary originally intended to the end of September, and I intend to make final lay a written ministerial statement today. Indeed, the announcements about the first full annual limit before title was laid last Friday. This morning I sought that the end of the calendar year. written ministerial statement. I was told that the Home It is important that today’s announcement does not Office was having a press conference prior to issuing the lead to a surge of applications during this interim written ministerial statement—something unknown in period, which would lead to an increase in net migration, my time as a Minister. Therefore, I sought the written undermining the purpose of the limit and putting undue ministerial statement again. At 11.15 am a journalist strain on the UK Border Agency. I am therefore also who had been to the press conference handed to me a taking a number of interim measures, and I have laid a written ministerial statement that is almost precisely the statement of changes to the immigration rules in support statement that the right hon. Lady has just made. of those measures. First, I am introducing an interim I hope the Home Secretary takes the matter seriously. limit on the number of out-of-country main applicants As I am sure you will agree, Mr. Speaker, Members of to tier 1 (general). For 2010-11, this route will be held the House have a right to see written ministerial statements flat from the equivalent period for 2009-10. The tier 1 before they are circulated to the media. 587 Limits on Non-EU Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Limits on Non-EU Economic 588 Migration Migration [Alan Johnson] cut in her Department’s budget of one third, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies—25%, according to The Home Secretary’s announcement represents nothing her right hon. Friend the Chancellor—will have disastrous more than a small adjustment to the points-based system. consequences for border control. Is that not the real It was spun to the media over the weekend as a profound reason for controlling immigration, rather than this adjustment to net migration. Migration to this country artificial and unnecessary tinkering at the edges? has gone up. If the Prime Minister were talking to his French and German colleagues, he would know that Mrs May: Let me first address the right hon. Gentleman’s there were 4 million migrants in Germany, 4 million in point about the written ministerial statement and my France and about 1.5 million in this country. Since the coming to the House. He is absolutely right: I had 1990s, the last time the Conservatives were in power, intended to make a written statement, and the title was there has been a huge explosion of migration around indeed placed before the House so that Members could the world, as the UN has detailed. be made aware of it. Over the weekend I spoke to the Yes, migration has gone up since the last time the Government Chief Whip about the possibility of changing Conservatives were in power, but will the right hon. that statement into an oral statement, because at the Lady confirm that net migration has fallen substantially time I felt it more important to come to the House to over the past three years? Will she confirm that tier 1 make an oral statement, which is precisely what I have migration—the most highly skilled—fell by 44% in the done. The right hon. Gentleman said, “Will I take this first quarter of this year? What is the problem with issue seriously?” Government Members have taken skilled migration that she seeks to resolve? Will she also Parliament seriously over the past 13 years, so I shall confirm that the number of asylum seekers has fallen to take no lessons from him or any of his colleagues about the levels last seen in the early 1990s—a third of their taking it seriously, given how they bypassed Parliament peak, and the same peak everywhere else in Europe? We for 13 years and reduced the House’s powers to hold the are 15th in Europe regarding the number of asylum Executive to account. seekers per head of population. The right hon. Gentleman talked about migration Will the Home Secretary continue to support the figures, but immigration actually tripled under the Labour points-based system that we introduced, which ensures Government. It is our desire to get the number down that no unskilled worker can come to this country—the from the hundreds of thousands a year that it has door has been closed on tier 3 for the past two years—and reached under Labour to tens of thousands a year. If he that skilled workers under tier 2 can come to this wishes to look at numbers, he should look no further country only if their sponsoring employer has advertised than the past comments of the former Home Secretary, that job in Jobcentre Plus for four weeks prior? Can she the right hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside and confirm that she intends to continue with those measures, Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett), who said that there was which we introduced? “no obvious upper limit” to immigration. It is this How many skilled workers will be denied entry to the Government who are taking the issue seriously, who UK under that temporary cap, and what percentage of promised that they would do something about and who total net migration will that represent? What makes the are taking the action that is necessary. Home Secretary think that the UK can avoid the problems The right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull West the US experienced when President Bush introduced a and Hessle made a number of comments about quota on skilled migrants, with disastrous consequences technicalities and the issue of jobs being advertised for and a whole series of readjustments 10 years ago? Can four weeks in a jobcentre. Currently, immigrants can she give an example of the problems caused to our come into the country if the resident labour market test society by skilled migrants coming to the UK under the or the shortage occupation list requirements are met. current flexible arrangements? We are consulting on whether they should be combined What effect does the right hon. Lady think her so that a tier 2 migrant is able to come in if both tests announcement today will have on population growth? are relevant and met. That would be a significant tightening Over the weekend I heard Government Members speculate of the current rules. that this morning’s announcement—this trivial adjustment The right hon. Gentleman asked about the wider —will somehow ensure that our population avoids reaching social impact, as opposed to the economic impact. He 70 million. Does she believe that? If so, how does she has only to go out and talk to people about the pressure think that that will happen? in some areas on public services, hospitals and schools. Given that this measure has been Conservative policy Another issue that his Government failed to get to grips since the less progressive “Are you thinking what we’re with over the years is the significant number of unemployed thinking?” days of their 2005 manifesto, why have they people in this country. Some of those people do not as yet failed to come up with a figure for their pre- have the necessary skills to get into the jobs that are determined quota? Does the right hon. Lady intend to available, but the job of the Government is to ensure implement fully Labour’s tough measures to deal with that they do have those skills and to give them the the abuse of tier 4, the student route, which, along with support they need to get into those jobs, rather than spousal visas and EU migration, will be totally unaffected simply thinking that the answer is to pull in migrant by the cap she has announced today? workers from elsewhere. Today’s announcement will affect fewer than one in The right hon. Gentleman referred to students. If, seven migrants to this country, and those whom it will instead of commenting on the statement he thought affect are the migrants our economy needs the most. If I was going to make, he had listened to the statement the cap is set too high, it will be meaningless; if it set too that I made, he would have heard me say that we would low, it will damage our economy. At best it is a gesture; indeed be looking at other immigration routes in due at worst it is a deceit. The Home Secretary knows that a course and bringing further proposals to this House. 589 Limits on Non-EU Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Limits on Non-EU Economic 590 Migration Migration I recognise that this is one part of the job that we are going to try to apply to come here before that limit doing as regards immigration, and other measures will comes in, because we have the interim limit, which we come forward in due course. have set at slightly below—5% below—the numbers for The right hon. Gentleman asked why we did not yet the past year. have a figure for the annual limit on immigration, The right hon. Gentleman said that this is a change in despite the fact that this has been a Conservative policy policy. It is indeed, because under the points-based for some time and was in the coalition agreement. I can system the impetus is with the individual migrant: if tell him why not: because we have, for some time, been they have the right number of points, they can decide committed to going out there and consulting those who whether they want to try to come into the UK. Under will be affected—businesses, public service providers our system, we are saying, “We do want to welcome the and others—about what the limit should be. As I said, brightest and the best, but we recognise that it is necessary the Migration Advisory Committee will be advising the to have a limit because we want to ensure that we are Government and recommending what that annual limit able to control immigration.” I am sure that Members should be. Of course, this is in sharp contrast to the across the whole House will agree that that is the view approach of the previous Government, who, in one of many members of the general public who have raised consultation exercise after another, merely paid lip service this issue with them. to consultation because they had already decided what they were going to do. People then got fed up with being Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): I welcome asked to give comments and finding that Government my right hon. Friend’s sensible and proportionate measure. took no notice. We are genuinely consulting people and There have already been representations about it on the will be listening to the responses that we get. radio this lunchtime from care home owners. Will she gently remind them that there are 1 million young Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): people unemployed in this country, who would welcome Does my right hon. Friend agree that although individual the opportunity to have training and employment in the employers may benefit by importing cheap labour, as a care homes sector? Is it not a shame that some employers, nation we will get richer only if our existing employees and the Opposition Front Benchers, seem to put a vote are enabled and encouraged to acquire skills themselves of no confidence in our young people? so that they can produce more, and enrich themselves and the country, rather than have those incentives to Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his acquire skills undermined by the importation of cheap sensible and wise point. Of course, there will be those labour from abroad? whom businesses want to bring in from abroad, and as I have said, we will raise the number of tier 1 general Mrs May: My right hon. Friend makes an extremely points required to ensure that they genuinely bring in valid point. This is another area where frankly, yet the brightest and best. However, there are indeed sectors again, the Labour Government failed over the course of of employment in which many unemployed people would 13 years: they failed to ensure that people in this country be very happy to train, and to take up the job opportunities had the skills necessary to get the jobs that become that would then be available to them. As I have said, it is available. This Government, through our welfare reform a great sadness that so many young people are unemployed proposals and our work programme, will be helping in this country today and have not been given such people and giving them much more support to get into opportunities as a result of the failure of the previous the workplace, whereas under the Labour Government Labour Government. economic inactivity in the UK rose significantly. Many migrant workers were being brought in from overseas, Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): Does the Home and limiting that number will be part of the process of Secretary accept that her statement will be widely welcomed ensuring that we are able to help people to get out of throughout most of our constituencies, but that during unemployment and into the workplace. the election voters expressed another worry, which was that we are growing our population through immigration? Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): The Home Secretary’s At what stage will she consider the last Labour cap, if I may call it that, is a departure from existing Government’s proposal to break the link between coming policy, because this is the first time we have had a here to work and gaining citizenship? If we are to definitive figure. How did she arrive at the figure of prevent our population from passing 70 million, we 24,100? What will we do about the 24,102nd person need to control both the number of people coming in who applies and is turned down? Will we give them the and the number who can permanently settle here. right of appeal if they have the skills necessary to help our country? What resources does she propose to give Mrs May: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman to posts abroad, which will be overwhelmed by a stampede for having raised that point. I said in my statement that of applications over the next year? Will she come before what I have announced today is but one part of what we my Committee as soon as possible to discuss these are doing about immigration into this country. We have matters further? already made a statement about tightening the English language requirements for people coming here to marry, Mrs May: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman and we will examine all immigration routes into this for raising those points. He mentioned the possibility of country across the board. a stampede at posts overseas in relation to this matter. The whole point of having the interim limit set over the Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) next nine months or so, until the permanent annual (LD): Does my right hon. Friend agree that we need to limit comes into place, is precisely to avoid that stampede. carry on this important consultation in a measured and It will not be possible for people to say that they are considered way, given that it is controversial but very 591 Limits on Non-EU Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Limits on Non-EU Economic 592 Migration Migration [Simon Hughes] Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): May I agree with the Home Secretary that immigration has enriched important? We need to avoid unfair discrimination, our culture and enhanced our society? I welcome the particularly as most people coming from outside the fact that she intends to consult business and other EU are not white and not Christian. That must include interested parties on the implementation of the new discrimination against people who are skilled but not rules. May I ask for that to include further detailed academically skilled—who come here to do skilled jobs discussions with the Scottish Government, particularly in the catering trade, for example. Finally, will she the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, ensure that we consult on having the best possible and Scotland’s universities, to make sure that the difficulties border police force, incorporating customs, police and that we have had under the current regime in recruiting immigration, thereby saving money and breaking down world-class academic and research staff are not made entrenched divides that are not working in the public worse, and to make sure that the reputation of those interest? universities is not weakened?

Mrs May: On the last of my hon. Friend’s points, we Mrs May: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for will bring forward in due course more detailed proposals raising that point and for reminding me that I did not on the policing of our borders. On his earlier points, I make it clear in my statement that we will, of course, be draw his attention to the consultation document, which consulting the devolved Administrations. Indeed, my has fairness as one of its objectives, including fairness in hon. Friend the Minister for Immigration has written to ensuring that individuals have some understanding of the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Northern the system and an expectation of whether they are likely Ireland and Wales today on exactly this point. to be able to come here under our proposals. The whole point of the consultation is to discuss with businesses James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): and others what the best system would be and how it I thank the Secretary of State for her statement, which I should operate to provide business with the flexibility am sure will be welcomed by my constituents who have that it requires, within the constraint of the annual been concerned about uncontrolled immigration. She limit. talked about migration within the European Union. Will she give some indication of the process and timetable Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): in relation to agreeing transitional controls on migration Will these strictures apply to those usually immensely from new EU partners? wealthy employers from the middle east who bring with them their own domestic servants, usually of nationalities Mrs May: The process is very clear and is set out in not in the middle east? That practice has been deemed the treaty.What happened previously was that the previous slavery, given the appalling treatment that is often meted Government—certainly for the first tranche of accession out to those workers by their employers, not least countries that we have seen in recent years—simply having to work incredibly long hours, usually for no failed to put those transitional arrangements into place, money. There have been allegations of physical and whereas other EU member states such as Germany did. sexual abuse, and there is an almost invariable practice We are absolutely clear that, with any future new EU of the employer stealing the employee’s passport. Will member state, we would put those transitional arrangements the strictures apply to those individual employers, and in place. will those practices be stopped?

Mrs May: The hon. Lady raises an important point Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): A certain someone, about the treatment of individuals who are brought who is often described as a towering intellect of this here on the basis of working for others. I believe that House, said that the right hon. Member for Witney (Mr Members in all parts of the House recognise that there Cameron) was planning a cap on workers, not on dependent are problems that need to be addressed, and we will immigrants, students or asylum seekers, so it would not indeed do that. work. That someone is the Business Secretary; has he changed his mind? Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): My right hon. Friend has made a powerful and welcome statement, Mrs May: I assure the right hon. Gentleman that in particularly in her points about skills. Does she agree relation to what we are proposing to do, it has always that another key factor in our social problems today is a been our intention to look across the various immigration lack of adequate housing in many areas, and that in routes. I specifically mentioned, earlier, that we will deciding on the future direction that immigration should look at the student route in relation to immigration, take, the overall population factor mentioned by the and we will do that in due course. right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) is extremely important? We should consider the issue of housing in Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): In welcoming the particular. Home Secretary’s long overdue implementation of these measures, may I ask about her plans to crack down on Mrs May: My hon. Friend makes an extremely important the trafficking of people, weapons and drugs? In Dover, point. Housing is, indeed, one of those wider social on Friday morning, 17 people of Afghan origin were issues that will be taken into account in the consultation, found in the back of a lorry, of whom many were and I am sure that the Migration Advisory Committee children and all were in a pretty bad way. will take it into account as it looks at wider social issues other than just the economic impact of immigration Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): What into this country. nationality was the lorry driver? 593 Limits on Non-EU Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Limits on Non-EU Economic 594 Migration Migration Charlie Elphicke: The lorry driver was Polish. It was a gobbledegook that she had to read out, but no business refrigerated lorry and many of the people were taken to can. Some of us in the House are still liberal on this hospital. It is important to have x-ray scanning on the issue, and the fig leaves in the Liberal Democrats ought French side of the border, for lorry cabs to be checked to be ashamed. on the French side and for the French to be encouraged to do more as the first country of arrival. What measures Mrs May: I must tell the right hon. Gentleman that might the Home Secretary take in that regard? the technical gobbledegook of which he speaks is the rules that have been applied and how we will change the Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising rules. Businesses understand those rules very well. The this issue and for reminding us of this problem as well idea that the statement somehow says to every other as the number of people involved and the way that some country in the world that their skilled workers will never of those being persuaded to come here are treated. We be able to come into the UK is completely and utterly should all take human trafficking extremely seriously in wrong, and he should frankly be ashamed of himself this House, as, indeed, the Conservatives do. On our for standing up and suggesting that in the House. As I interaction with the French authorities, I am pleased to said, immigration has been good for the UK, but say that the Minister for Immigration and I have already uncontrolled immigration is not. We are ensuring that held meetings with the French Minister for Immigration we put an annual limit on immigration. I believe that and that we are talking to the French on a regular basis that is what people are looking to this Government to about the processes that need to be in place to ensure do. They are looking for us to take action on the things that we can control our borders. that we promised prior to the election, but perhaps he finds it difficult to accept that we are actually delivering Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): Will on our promise. the Home Secretary confirm that any limit will have no impact on those seeking political asylum? May I also Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): The new rules ask her to look into the case of Charles Atangana, who announced today will be warmly welcomed not least lives in Glasgow? He is a journalist in a trade union and among the rather newer residents of the UK. How will is due to be deported to Cameroon tomorrow. He has the rules be applied to ensure that not only big firms but previously been imprisoned there because of his activities, smaller, entrepreneurial firms, which are quite often run including writing articles that are critical of the state. by people from immigrant families, can bring in the Will she confirm that she, as Home Secretary, will have brightest and the best? a compassionate approach to those seeking political asylum? Mrs May: I suggest that my hon. Friend looks at the consultation document. We are asking businesses about Mrs May: As I am sure the hon. Lady will recognise, a number of ways in which we can apply the limit, be I am unable to comment on individual cases such as the that a first-come-first-served system or a pool system one she raises, but I assure her that the limit we set out such as New Zealand’s, so that his points are taken into today applies to non-EU economic migrants, not to account. I am sure he will want to make his own asylum seekers. representations on the matter.

Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): Does the right Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): I welcome the hon. Lady accept that success in research and high-tech Home Secretary’s statement. I recognise that this is a businesses in areas such as Cambridge is fuelled by difficult matter for any Government to deal with and many non-EU migrants who are sensitive both to rules that there are no easy answers, but will the cap be and to how welcome they are made to feel? What steps flexible in any way with regard to those fleeing religious will she take to ensure that it continues to be possible, or persecution, especially Christians from Iran, Iraq and even easy, for us to attract the best and the brightest to parts of Africa? this country to help our universities, industry and economy? Mrs May: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, Mrs May: I say to my hon. Friend that it is indeed but as I said to the hon. Member for North Ayrshire our intention to ensure that we can continue to attract and Arran (Katy Clark), who raised the issue of political the brightest and the best. That is why we are taking asylum, the limit does not apply to asylum seekers. The steps to ensure that we do so within tier 1 migrant statement is about economic migrants coming in from workers. We will consult with business and others on outside the EU. how we can best operate the limit to ensure that that continues. Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): I put my question on behalf of the 4.5 million people who lived on out-of-work Mr MacShane: I welcome the Home Secretary’s benefits during the past decade, when four out of five of statement, but I heard it on the “Today” programme the new jobs created in the boom years went to foreign this morning. She was right to criticise the previous nationals. That was unforgivable and we cannot let it Government for such things, but frankly, she is repeating happen again. We were elected on a clear platform all the same errors. significantly to reduce immigration. Can my right hon. The Prime Minister met Mr Harper of Canada, Friend assure the House that she will stand firm in the Mr Singh of India and Mr Uribe of Colombia, but the face of lobbying that seeks to defend unacceptably high Prime Minister must now tell them that their skilled levels of immigration again in the name of skills? The people are not welcome in this country. Does the Home skills we do not have in this country, and indeed across Secretary accept that her policy is frankly protectionist? the rest of the EU, cannot reasonably—[HON.MEMBERS: I do not know whether she understands the bureaucratic “Speech!”] I will give way now. 595 Limits on Non-EU Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Limits on Non-EU Economic 596 Migration Migration Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for her points. She Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): In the morning was making a valid point about the many unemployed you do! people in the UK who have not had the skills to take advantage of the work opportunities that have become Mrs May: Yes, perhaps when the hon. Member for available. Our welfare reform proposals will provide Glasgow South West (Mr Davidson) has just got up. He extra support to help people get into work, and that is suggests that what we are doing is a natural progression important. She is also right to say that people are from the direction of his Front-Bench colleagues, but looking to this Government to ensure that we control they were not proposing to have an annual limit. In fact, immigration into this country. they have consistently derided the concept of an annual limit. It is this coalition Government who are taking the Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): I welcome the steps necessary. Home Secretary’s exemption for ministers of religion from these provisions, but will she go further and set in Jane Ellison (Battersea) (Con): I welcome the Home place a protocol, such as the protocols that we have at Secretary’s statement. In my short time as a Member of present with universities and other certified institutes of Parliament I have met people who are in this country as higher education, so that those coming in from certified economic migrants and working for large, established religious institutions can be fast-tracked and not have employers who should be establishing training schemes, to go through the present process with the Home Office? taking people on and equipping them with the relevant Often, monks or sadhus who take a vow of poverty are skills. Does she agree that those employers should put asked to show what wealth they have before being their efforts into setting up apprenticeships rather than allowed to come here. recruiting low-skilled workers from abroad?

Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman makes an interesting Mrs May: My hon. Friend makes a valid point about point, which sounds like an early submission in the the need for employers to see what they can do to ensure consultation process. He might like to put that forward that unemployed people in this country can take up job in more detail. opportunities. The policies that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is bringing Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): I thank my forward will ensure that we give the support necessary right hon. Friend for her statement, which is an important to help people get into the workplace. first step in implementing the coalition’s proposals to get our immigration system under control. She talked Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) about restoring public confidence in our immigration (SNP): In my constituency fishermen from the Philippines system. Does she agree that, in addition to the measures have been very welcome in the fish-catching sector, that she listed in her statement, doing a better job of especially as they have kept jobs in the fish-processing removing those people who do not have a right to be in sector. Will the Home Secretary listen to specific information this country is a key element in that regard? such as that when deciding the basis for work entry?

Mrs May: I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend, Mrs May: Let me say to the hon. Gentleman that that and that is something on which we will also focus. The is the whole point of a consultation exercise. general public are right to expect that if someone is here without the right to be here, the Government take steps Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The Home to ensure that they are removed. Secretary spoke powerfully about human trafficking and how the coalition Government were going to deal Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): with the problem. Is she happy that the Human Trafficking May I welcome both the statement and the direction of Centre in Sheffield has closed and is now part of the travel? I also welcome the direction of travel from those overall police effort, with the £1.8 million budget seeming on my own Front Bench. Indeed, had we been clearer to have disappeared? about our direction of travel, we might not be sitting on these Benches today. Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for raising that I am, however, disappointed on two counts. First, the issue and congratulate him on, I believe, having taken Home Secretary said nothing that she did not say to over the chairmanship of the all-party group. Radio Scotland this morning. I was not aware that it was the practice to make announcements to Radio Mr Bone: Tomorrow maybe. Scotland first thing in the morning before coming to the House—[Interruption.] I never did that. Secondly, why Mrs May: I am so sorry; I am a little in advance of does the statement address only non-EU immigration? myself. If that does happen tomorrow, I congratulate Why do the Government not seek to repatriate powers my hon. Friend. Our honourable friend the former over EU immigration? Wouldthe Government not consider Member for Totnes had an excellent record during his saying to their European neighbours that there will be time in this place on dealing with the issue and ensuring no new accession until powers over immigration have that it was discussed on the Floor of the House. Regardless been repatriated? of the result tomorrow, I am sure that my hon. Friend will continue to do that, as he has in the past. Looking Mrs May: Perhaps the hon. Gentleman needs to at how we deal with human trafficking is an important listen a little more carefully to BBC Radio Scotland in issue, and the response of the police is an issue that I am the mornings, because I did not speak on it this morning, interested in looking at both as Home Secretary and, although my hon. Friend the Minister for Immigration with my other hat on, as the Minister for Women and did. I am not aware that I sound like him— Equalities. 597 Limits on Non-EU Economic 28 JUNE 2010 598 Migration Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Whenever we Points of Order talk about net migration, we always tend to talk about the numbers coming in, forgetting the large numbers of people going out. Given that under the previous 5.16 pm Government net migration reached record levels, it Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): On would have been even higher had hundreds of thousands a point of order, Mr Speaker. During Home Office of British skilled workers not got fed up with Brown’s questions this afternoon, my hon. Friend the Member Britain and left to go and work abroad. Will my right for Streatham (Mr Umunna) and the hon. Member for hon. Friend work with her colleagues across Government Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant) asked questions to ensure that Britain’s skilled workers are incentivised about domestic violence and the concerns felt by refuges to stay in Britain? across the country about a possible serious cut in their funding. In response, the Minister seemed to confuse Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for that point. The domestic violence with previous questions to do with good news for those many workers is that this is no rape, and kept praying in aid responses with which she longer Brown’s Britain. hoped to furnish the House from the Ministry of Justice. If the Home Office no longer has responsibility for the issue of domestic violence or the sanctuaries from it—namely the refuges—surely this House should have had a statement to that effect.

Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her point of order, but I have a sense that, dissatisfied with the responses that she heard earlier, she is, in a sense, seeking to continue the debate. To the best of my knowledge, responsibility for the issue of domestic violence remains where it has always been. If Ministers feel otherwise, they might wish to respond to the serious point of order that she has just raised. However, I see that the Home Secretary is in her place, so it might help the House if she would care to respond to that point of order.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May): I am happy to confirm that the Home Office does indeed continue to have responsibility in matters relating to domestic violence, although there will be aspects of dealing with domestic violence that require the intervention and consideration of the Ministry of Justice.

Mr Speaker: Whether that response satisfies the hon. Member for Hampstead and Kilburn (Glenda Jackson) I cannot be sure, but it will have to do for now.

Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Would it be in order for me to apologise to the Home Secretary and the Minister for Immigration for confusing the two of them this morning? Could I also point out that, in my defence, they were on the radio and all these posh Tories sound the same, and that the Home Secretary did not, however, deal with the point that the announcement was made by the Minister for Immigration this morning before it was brought to this House?

Mr Speaker: In almost all circumstances it is in order to apologise, but if that is the hon. Gentleman’s idea of an apology, I am not sure that I ever want one from him.

Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. You said last week, and five weeks ago, that you wholly deprecated the practice of Ministers announcing things to the press before they had announced them to the House. You will know that many hon. Members on both sides of the House complained about this when Labour were in government. We tried to 599 Points of Order 28 JUNE 2010 600

[Chris Bryant] Ways and Means ensure that it did not happen and, in many cases, succeeded—[Interruption.] I would say to those on the Budget Resolutions and Economic Government Benches that there is no point in sneering Situation about this. The truth is that there is no point in fighting to get elected to this House if we might as well stay at home and listen to the announcements on the television CAPITAL GAINS TAX (RATES) or the radio, or read them in the newspapers. Debate resumed (Order, 24 June). Mr Speaker, can you confirm that we had a statement Question again proposed, this afternoon from the Home Secretary only because That provision be made in relation to the rates at which capital an urgent question had been tabled? Can you also gains tax is charged. confirm that that happened after a written ministerial statement on the subject had been laid, and that that 5.23 pm happened a long time after the Home Secretary had given a press conference today? We now have a Government The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain who are systematically leaking matters to the press Duncan Smith): My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of before they are announced in the House. That should the Exchequer has delivered our first coalition Budget, not have happened in the past, and it should not happen making what he legitimately described as unavoidable in the future. Only if the House takes responsibility and choices in the face of a potential eurozone economic takes action will we be able to stop this. Otherwise, crisis. They will involve, first, a reduction in spending to Ministers will just laugh at the House. Will you, sir, repair the record deficit left by the previous Government. refer this matter to the Committee on Standards and I remind the House that we inherited the largest deficit Privileges? It would be good if that Committee had in peacetime history: for every £4 we spend today, we already been set up, of course, but the Government are being forced to borrow at least £1. According to the have not yet done that. Will you refer the matter to that Office for Budget Responsibility, this Budget will put us Committee, so that the House can take action? back on track to balance the structural deficit by 2015-16, with net debt falling as a share of gross domestic Mr Speaker: The first point that I would make to the product by the end of the Parliament. hon. Gentleman is an important one about which we Secondly, the measures will include a restructuring need to be clear. A reference to the Standards and of the tax and welfare system, underpinned by our Privileges Committee cannot be made on the basis of a commitment to fairness and protecting the vulnerable, point of order raised on the Floor of the House. A even when faced with some tough choices—and there written request must be made to me, explaining the are tough choices. rationale for the request, and a decision on that will then be reached. That is a procedural point. Secondly, I Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Will my right reiterate in the strongest possible terms that I utterly hon. Friend kindly clarify the rate at which the Department deprecate the practice of releasing to the media the for Work and Pensions can undertake work capability content of ministerial statements before those statements assessments for people on incapacity benefit? have been made to the House. I deprecated it in the past, both from this Chair and as a Back-Bench Member, Mr Duncan Smith: I was not going to deal with that and I continue to do so. The question of whether this at this point, but while we are on it, I can tell my hon. has taken place on a similar, greater or lesser scale in the Friend that I know there has been speculation in the past is neither here nor there, because two wrongs do media over the past few hours and days. I can confirm not make a right. that, as we said previously, we will launch the work Thirdly, I simply say to the hon. Gentleman that I programme in 2011, and will migrate current incapacity cannot confirm what he has just asked—namely, that benefit claimants to employment support allowance an oral statement followed the submission of an urgent over the three years. We have absolutely no intention of question. I am in no position to confirm that. I listened changing the current plan to assess 10,000 claimants to the Home Secretary’s explanation of the reason for per week over the period. That is our expectation. As changing from a written statement to an oral statement. the right hon. Member for Normanton, Pontefract and I can confirm, however, that I am willing to look further Castleford (Yvette Cooper) will know, it will involve into the particular details of this case, and to decide challenges, but we will stick to it and see if we can get what, if any, action needs to be taken. We need to there. Unlike the last Government, we will provide an establish a new pattern in this Parliament, whereby this extra bit of help for those on employment support sort of thing does not happen and, if it does, action is allowance who undergo the work capability assessment taken. I shall look into this as a matter of urgency and and need that support. My hon. Friend the Minister of revert to the hon. Gentleman and to the House. I hope State will table a statement tomorrow giving more details. that that is clear; I get the impression that it is. I am sure that the right hon. Lady—my opposite number—will back up what I have said. She has already expressed the hope that we will proceed with the changes that she introduced and with which we agreed.

Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) (Lab): Will the Secretary of State confirm that his timetable is the one that we proposed for the roll-out of the work capability assessment, and that it is expected 601 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 602 Situation Situation to save about £1.5 billion over the next five years? Does pointed out before the Budget, it was on course to double he plan to make additional savings, and if so, where? in five years to £1.4 trillion—£22,000 for every man, The briefing that was in the papers today will have woman and child. As a result of the Budget, however, caused concern to people. Will the Secretary of State the debt will fall to £116 billion next year, £89 billion the also tell us whether he will implement the small amendments following year, and £60 billion in the year after that. It to the work capability assessment that we announced will fall to £37 billion in 2014-15, and is projected to fall just before the election in response to points raised by to £20 billion in 2015-16, with the current structural the citizens advice bureaux? deficit back in balance. That is the task that we have set ourselves. That was the first test of this Budget: to Mr Duncan Smith: We are continuing with the tackle borrowing and get the deficit down. Our approach programme that the right hon. Lady left. We thought it has been reinforced by the judgments of the credit a good programme, and I want to make it happen. She rating agencies and the business lobby when they agreed asked us to do that, and I agreed that it was right. We on Budget day that the plan is credible. Measures always said in opposition that we would do it. include reducing current expenditure by £30 billion a As for whether we are looking for more savings, we year by 2014-15, stronger medium-term growth with are going to intensify the work support programme, more business support to restore UK competitiveness, which was not there before. I should be happy to give and reducing regulation and tax rates; and unemployment the right hon. Lady more detail about it, and my hon. is forecast to fall throughout the OBR’s forecast period. Friend the Minister of State will make a more detailed statement. We estimate that we will be able to return Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): more people to work, but we will keep that estimate Will the Secretary of State tell the House how many under review. The right hon. Lady will recall that when credit rating agencies made that judgment? My knowledge, she was Secretary of State there was a constant review which I admit is limited, is that there is one individual in of the programme to deal with the group who were Florida and another rating agency company comprising flowing in. Recommendations were made, and we are three individuals in the United States of America, and paying attention to them. also that they consistently failed to remove the triple A rating from those companies and banks that caused Yvette Cooper: Does the fact that the Secretary of the economic downturn in the first place. Why are the State thinks he will be able to help more people to Government listening to people who clearly do not return to work—although he has cut the job guarantee know what they are talking about? and billions of pounds from the support that would help them to do so—mean that he thinks that other Mr Duncan Smith: It is not just the Government who people will not get jobs instead, or is he suggesting that are listening to them; it seems that the rest of the world the Office for Budget Responsibility will raise its forecast is as well. I must remind the hon. Lady that if we are not of the number of people in employment? Where will the careful—[Interruption.] Whatever she says, if the credit jobs come from for the extra people whom he is going to rating agencies downgrade our rating, we would, like return to work? Spain and Greece, be paying far more to borrow the money that we are borrowing as a result of the previous Government’s position. Whether or not we agree that Mr Duncan Smith: The right hon. Lady is assuming the credit rating agencies got it right on the banks is that the economy is static, and that nothing changes in irrelevant, therefore. In this particular case, the question it. We believe that unemployment will fall—that is what is whether or not we would end up paying more as a the Office for Budget Responsibility says—and that we result of their bad rating, and that is something we were will therefore create more jobs. not prepared to risk. This is a Budget to get the economy The right hon. Lady’s programme, which we inherited, back on track. It is a Budget to support the recovery provided support for the “back to work” element in and drive down the deficit, and, most importantly, to only two parts of the country. We are extending support get Britain back to work. to the whole country, and that is where we will get the Despite facing the tough and unavoidable choices extra effort. We will continue the programme. We think forced on us by the fiscal position left by Labour, we that we have embellished it and made it somewhat are increasing the threshold for paying the basic rate of better, and I guarantee that we will keep it under income tax, and increasing the child element of the permanent review. child tax credit by £150 above indexation next year. We The third thing that we are doing is setting down a are making sure that the most vulnerable do not pay strong foundation for long-term reform, which is part disproportionately. of the Budget proposals. Although we must correct the failings of the last Government, we are committed to Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): On that point, will my delivering a better future for Britain, and we have had right hon. Friend advise me whether the current level of to make the stability of our economy a priority. I know 3.9 million children living below the poverty line—inherited that it is difficult for many Opposition Members to talk after 13 years of failure by a Labour Government—will about this, but I also know that it is what they would be be increased or decreased by the end of this Parliament? talking about if they were in government. There are always difficult choices to be made at a time when we Mr Duncan Smith: Directly in terms of this Budget, have to draw our horns in. there will be no increase at all; that figure is approved by We have had to prioritise the stability of our economy the OBR, and it is our determination to drive the figure lest we forget the shambles with which we were left. down. Let me say to my hon. Friend that he is right: we Borrowing will be £149 billion this year, the second have inherited from Labour one of the worst records of largest amount in Europe, and, as the Prime Minister household unemployment in western Europe and, worse 603 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 604 Situation Situation [Mr Duncan Smith] Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury) (Lab): The right hon. Gentleman talked about making than that, we have the highest number of children living sure that the most vulnerable did not pay disproportionately. in workless households in the whole of western Europe. Is he aware that in Islington, 2,154 families are in That is a shameful record of the previous Labour private accommodation on housing benefit and a third Government, and although Labour Members go on of them will be affected by the new caps on housing about it, it is we who have to deal with it, and I promise benefit? If and when they face eviction, what help will my hon. Friend that we will deal with it. the Government give to stop hundreds, if not thousands, of Islington families being made homeless? If they are Yvette Cooper: Will the Secretary of State confirm made homeless, what help will he give to get them that the number of children living in workless households somewhere to live? has fallen from about 2.3 million in 1997 to 1.8 million today, and that it was, in fact, his party when in Mr Duncan Smith: The hon. Lady is looking at things government previously that trebled the number of children in a rather doom-laden way. The reality is that the in poverty? changes to housing benefit will assist people into the right level of home. At the moment, through local Mr Duncan Smith: If the right hon. Lady wants to go housing allowance, we are paying vast sums of money on fighting past elections, she can; it will not change the to people who would not be able to get the same money results of them. The reality is that under her Government, if they were in employment. For example, in south-east child poverty rose—[Interruption.] It rose from 2004 London, which is similar to the hon. Lady’s area, people onwards, and the Government threw a lot of money at on low incomes living in private rented accommodation it and absolutely failed. Under her Government, in the would still—even with the caps in place—be nowhere last seven or eight years child poverty has risen dramatically, near the level of money that somebody on local housing and I have to point out to her that she has failed to allowance receives. That is not fair on those who are recognise that as a result of their policies child poverty striving and working, but having to struggle to live in a is now at serious risk of rising even further. We have to house. Before the hon. Lady carps too much, she should get it down. recognise that we have also increased the discretionary payment, trebling it to £60 million. If there are specific difficulties there will be money for local councils to help Several hon. Members rose— and assist.

Mr Duncan Smith: I will give way in a minute; I want Mr Andrew Tyrie (Chichester) (Con): May I take the to make a bit of progress first. Secretary of State back to child poverty? Page 34 of the Universal child benefit will be frozen, but benefits Red Book makes it clear that there will be will be recycled so that they are targeted at the most “no measurable impact on child poverty in the next two years” vulnerable through child tax credits. Thereby, the poorest of Budget measures. Can he explain why the Government will be protected. That is exactly what we will do in this have published that assessment only for a two-year Budget. period and whether he will commit to publishing an We will freeze public sector pay, but we will also assessment for the whole of the planning period? increase the pay of those on the lowest incomes. I am sure the right hon. Member for Normanton, Pontefract Mr Duncan Smith: Indeed, we will. We shall launch a and Castleford will welcome the fact that half the strategy in March next year and I promise my hon. employees—the lowest paid—at her former Department Friend that I shall inform him about how it goes. As I will get at least £250 this year and next. pointed out, child poverty has risen by more than We will protect health spending, which was a priority, 100,000 since 2004, so when the Opposition lecture us and honour our international aid obligations. We will about child poverty they ignore the facts. They spent a reduce the deficit by raising taxes more and cutting lot of money but they failed to meet even their targets. spending less, but we will also reduce corporation tax from 28% to 24% to make the UK more competitive Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) internationally and get people back to work. We will (LD): Does my right hon. Friend agree that although reverse the cynical pre-election clawback by the previous the welfare state is obviously necessary to protect the Government from this year’s uprating forecast, and we poor and vulnerable, it has often acted as a disincentive will do the decent thing and fill the gap they left. We for people to go from being out of work to work? I were left with a £300 million shortfall, because the know that from my constituency. Will he ensure that previous Government had uprated benefits when the over the next few weeks, when we consult on the future retail prices index fell below zero but had made no of the welfare state, all the relevant charities, agencies provision to find that money in 2011, so benefits would and local councils, which are very knowledgeable about have been uprated less than the uprating we shall put such things, are fully involved so that the outcome is through next year. informed by the facts and not by prejudice? Let us not forget that we chose to take hundreds of thousands of low-income individuals out of tax, improving Mr Duncan Smith: I give my hon. Friend absolute work incentives. More than 880,000 people on the lowest confirmation that we shall consult widely. As he knows, incomes will be taken out of tax altogether and 23 million we are planning to reform the benefit system so that it taxpayers will benefit. That is a Liberal choice—I say no longer acts as a major disincentive for people to go that to the hon. Friends sitting on my right—and one back to work. We have had to take decisions in the I wholeheartedly support. Budget, but beyond that we want to bring forward 605 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 606 Situation Situation changes that make work pay—significantly for those this Parliament—but I resolved not to do that. We going to work for the first time, as they understand. My decided that it would be unfair for the worst-off. Instead, comments at the weekend were about the need to recognise the Chancellor and I agreed that we would continue to that often people want to move 10 or 15 miles to take a uprate benefits by the consumer prices index, which is job, but they worry about the cost of travel to work or forecast in the Budget to be 2.7% this year. Of course, losing their house. The coalition has to look at that sort the CPI does not include housing costs, and it seemed of thing to see whether we can make it easier for people more reasonable. However, the right hon. Lady was to make decisions and take risks without being punished reviewing that before she left office, and I am sure every time, as with the last Government. It is worth therefore that she will want to tell me that she agrees remembering that, of all social housing tenants—it is a with the uprating, rather than remaining as we were. I falling figure—only 5% change their houses during the would therefore like her to tell me exactly what reduction year, whereas 35% of low-income private tenants change. in spending she was planning as her Department’s share That is the problem: they are static, and they are stuck of the £45 billion. I will give way to her if can tell me in what they do. which elements of saving she would have made in her budget. She does not want to use the CPI; what was she Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): When will going to do that added up? the right hon. Gentleman publish more details of the proposals for the cuts in housing benefit? The local Yvette Cooper: In fact, as the right hon. Gentleman authorities affected, such as mine in Hammersmith, will be aware, the additional support that we have put in which is a Conservative authority, really do not know to help the unemployed has kept unemployment at what is happening; other than that we know that about half the level of previous recessions and nearly 750 families, at least, will have to move out of the 750,000 lower than it was predicted. That in itself is borough because even the substandard accommodation likely to save more than £15 billion over the next five that he clearly wants them to move into is not available years. We believe that the right way to do welfare reform in central London. How does he expect those families is help people into work, not just to slash the support who move to areas where less work is available than in for the most vulnerable people in society. central London to find jobs, as he says that he wishes they would? Mr Duncan Smith: I am very sad that the right hon. Lady chose not to answer the question. When I give way Mr Duncan Smith: In fact, over a third of all the to an intervention from now on, I will ask Opposition properties available for rent are available below the Members—this goes for all of them—the very simple 30th percentile. The reality is that property is out there, question: what would they have reduced? They were in and we know that we can do it. Of course, I did not say government not two months ago, and they have left us at any stage that these changes would be easy. They will with a terrible problem. not be easy—we recognise that—and they will not happen overnight. They will not start until next October, Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Will the right hon. and most cases will be reviewed only on their anniversary, Gentleman give way? which could be anything up to a year and a half or two years away. Mr Duncan Smith: Before I give way—I will give way in due course—I want to make a bit more progress, and Several hon. Members rose— I want Opposition Members to tell me what they would have advised the right hon. Lady to cut from the Mr Duncan Smith: Excuse me; I am answering the Department’s spending. It is utterly unreal that they can hon. Member for Hammersmith (Mr Slaughter) if hon. sit there now in opposition as though they have been Members do not mind. We will publish the full details, there for six years and they had nothing to do with the and he can discuss them with us at any time—the door mess. After all, the right hon. Member for Birmingham, is always open, as soon as I am ready. Hodge Hill (Mr Byrne), who is sitting on the Front Bench right now, said that there was no more money I felt it unfair therefore to make such a change, and left, so where was the right hon. Lady going to get the I agreed that we needed to ensure that we protected the money from? worst-off. Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): Will Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): Will the right the right hon. Gentleman give way? hon. Gentleman give way? Mr Duncan Smith: I will give way in a second; I think Mr Duncan Smith: I will give way in a second; I think that I have been reasonable. that I have been reasonably generous. Our action to increase benefits in line with headline I should like to return to the choice on the uprating inflation measures is in marked contrast to the actions of benefits—something on which, I guess, Opposition of the previous Government. I mentioned that there Members will want to intervene. Before the Budget, was no provision to find the extra £300 million that they there was some media speculation, much of it fed by the would have reduced next year’s budget by. Let me look Opposition. In fact, I think that the right hon. Member at some of the other measures. Today in the UK, nearly for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford said that she 2 million children grow up in homes where no one would not support a freeze of benefits and that she works. They are at risk of poorer outcomes than those would definitely want to oppose that. The media speculation of their peers in working households. That is unacceptable, was that we would go to that—in fact, I believe that that so the Budget will deliver fairness for children and would have saved some £17 billion over the lifetime of families while protecting the vulnerable. To help lone 607 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 608 Situation Situation [Mr Duncan Smith] Mr Duncan Smith: Perhaps not in the hon. Gentleman’s view, but he has never been reasonable in my view, so parents to raise themselves out of benefit dependency good luck to him. and into work, our measures include lowering the age at The Budget tackled the ballooning cost of housing which lone parents will be expected to move into work benefit. In real terms, the cost of working-age housing to when their youngest child reaches five. However, it is benefit has increased from £10.6 billion to £15.4 billion important to remember that jobcentres have wide discretion in 2010-11. If the system was left unreformed, it is on this, and as they assist parents, they will of course projected that the housing benefit bill would reach have the capacity to examine how things fit in with £21 billion in 2014-15. It is out of control and what is parents’ requirements around their children’s education. more, housing benefit is often unfair for working families. It is right and fair that lone parents should work as and Today, a tenant in a five-bedroom house in an expensive when their children are in school, although more particularly area such as Westminster could feasibly get more than in this case that will be part-time work. £100,000 a year. Although that example applies to a When we are restricting eligibility for the Sure Start small number of people, some 750,000 get more than maternity grant for the first child, it is right that we £10,000 a year. Those cases are still in the minority, provide additional support for families to buy essentials. but they happen far too often. It is unacceptable and However, it is also right that these essentials are not unaffordable that people on benefits are living in homes repeatedly bought for subsequent children but used that our hard-working families cannot afford, so we again, which is what is done by many hard-working have capped local housing allowance levels at the rate families on low incomes. For multiple births, the grant for four-bedroom properties. will come through a corresponding number of times, so people who have triplets or twins will receive different Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Is the right lots of that £500. Further help may be available from hon. Gentleman aware that the biggest reason behind the social fund if there is an additional need. the increase in housing benefit is the lack of affordable rented housing in this country? Most of my constituents Chris Leslie: I certainly disagree with the reduction to would rather live in an affordable rented house than a the maternity allowance, but can the right hon. Gentleman private-rented home. justify scrapping the health in pregnancy grant? The money would have been available for the grant, by the Mr Duncan Smith: Oh dear me; there is no stopping way, if the Government had been tougher on the banks Labour Members sometimes. I must say to the hon. with the banking levy. Lady: whose fault is that? The Labour Government slashed the building programme, so Labour Members Mr Duncan Smith: The reality is that the grant came have only themselves to blame. Everyone warned them far too late and had no effect on improving women’s about the problem for years. As far as we possibly can, health, which was its original target. It was actually we need to ensure that the houses that people occupy paid after the child was born, so the whole grant was a are of the size that they need. We should not have nonsense from start to finish. Getting rid of it has elderly people trapped in houses that are far too large affected nothing out there and there are far better uses for them and that they cannot look after. Only the most for the money. expensive areas will be affected by the cap.

Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): Did my Several hon. Members rose— right hon. Friend read last week that the media commentator Stephen Pollard had spent his family’s Mr Duncan Smith: I will give way in a minute. health in pregnancy grant on a trip to the Fat Duck We have also introduced size restrictions to the social restaurant in Bray? That is an example of a lack of rented sector to make better use of existing housing proper targeting of those who are most in need of such stock, changed the percentile of market rents for local funding, and it shows why we were right to get rid of housing allowance rates to 30% to keep rents under the grant. control, time-limited the housing benefit award for jobseekers to reinforce back-to-work incentives and Mr Duncan Smith: I thank my hon. Friend for that changed the current system of mortgage interest support, example. We have put £2 billion into the child tax credit in which 92% of customers get more help than they because we believe that that is a far better way of need. helping poorer parents. The grant is rather indicative of Of course I am listening to the concerns about the the way in which the previous Government scattered potential impact of housing benefit reform, and we will money around in the hope that they would buy some keep it under review. That is why we are tripling the votes in the run-up to the election although, as was discretionary housing payment to £60 million and we demonstrated, that failed. will provide for an additional bedroom for non-resident carers, who may need to stay overnight—something, by Several hon. Members rose— the way, that the other Government could have done and never did. Mr Duncan Smith: I want to move on to housing fairness and work incentives, but I shall give way in due Several hon. Members rose— course. I have been pretty reasonable about that. Mr Duncan Smith: I give way to the hon. Member for Chris Bryant: In your view. Wakefield (Mary Creagh). 609 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 610 Situation Situation Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab): I can tell the right In 2010-11, spending is on track to reach just over hon. Gentleman that there are no fat ducks in Wakefield. £12.1 billion, twice the level of the 1995-96 spending in What we do have is a large number of poor families who real terms. That is a significant sum, and we need to will be hit by his cut to the Sure Start grant. I can tell make sure, for the taxpayer, that the money is paid to him that if someone has a child who is two, they cannot those who desperately need it. That is why we need a expect a baby to travel in the same pushchair. I can tell proper medical assessment. It is not about cutting support him that if someone has a child of six of seven, they for people who live with serious disability or health have already given away the pushchair by the time the problems; it is simply about making sure that we target next baby comes along, because that is how families support at those who need it, and the system remains organise themselves. He argues that people should reuse fair and affordable. and recycle goods for babies, but people cannot fit two babies in the same cot—is that what he is now suggesting Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): I families in this country should do? welcome the right hon. Gentleman to his new post. He will recollect that towards the end of the last Parliament Mr Duncan Smith: I must say to the hon. Lady that the entire House agreed to an increase in disability that is a pretty poor intervention. The grant of over living allowance for blind people. Will he give the House £500 for every child was far more than most poor, a guarantee that he will not go back on that decision? working families would ever achieve from any other source. As I told Labour Members earlier, we have to Mr Duncan Smith: We will give that guarantee. We make tough choices. This is an area where people can will be laying the regulations for that this week, so there share. Having had children myself, I know, as will many is definitely a commitment to go ahead. others in the House, that people share clothing and pushchairs. They do what they can to get by. There was a ludicrous idea that every child required the same Several hon. Members rose— amount of money, and I am afraid that in these difficult times we have had to take a difficult decision. I say Mr Duncan Smith: As the hon. Member for Rhondda to the hon. Lady that we are not going down the road (Chris Bryant) has been standing up so often, I will give she suggests. way to him.

Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): Does the Chris Bryant: I am very grateful to the Secretary of right hon. Gentleman accept that the Institute for Fiscal State. My constituency has one of the highest levels of Studies, in its report on the Budget, said that the new those on sickness benefits of various kinds. There are measures were largely regressive, and that was before historical reasons for that. He asks what I would like to housing benefit cuts were taken into account? A survey see. I would like to see fewer of my constituents on at the weekend by Tim Horton and Howard Reed said unemployment benefits and fewer people on sickness that if the housing benefit cuts and spending cuts were benefits because they were in jobs. The difficulty is how taken into account, the poorest 10% were likely to face one achieves that without cruelty to those who desperately a six times greater reduction in their spending power need support and want to be able to go to work. The than the richest 10%. Does that make it a fair Budget, in vast majority of my constituents are not looking for the right hon. Gentleman’s opinion? handouts; they want to be able to get into work. The right hon. Gentleman talks about people Mr Duncan Smith: The IFS talked about it being moving house. My concern is that that does not apply in debatable whether the Budget was regressive or progressive. constituencies such as Rhondda because we have a very I say honestly to Labour Members that if they do not high level of home ownership. For those people, unless like these measures and if they really want to be taken he really is talking about just upping sticks and moving seriously, they need to tell me what they would have to another part of the country, what he is saying poses done. Had they won the election—heaven help us—they the very real danger of increased poverty. How will he would have been on this side of the House justifying make sure that those people have a chance in future? reductions in spending, not playing games on the other side. If the hon. Gentleman wants to say that this is Mr Duncan Smith: That is a very reasonable question. unfair, he should tell us what would have been a fair way As I said earlier, we did not want to be here in the first of getting that £45 billion reduction. place. We have inherited a major deficit, and we have I am committed to ensuring that disabled people and to eradicate it. Whoever was to be in government—the carers receive the support that they deserve. I have hon. Gentleman should know this, having been a therefore asked the Under-Secretary of State for Work Minister—was going to face tough choices. There is no and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke easy choice. Of course I recognise that he has a problem. (Maria Miller), who has responsibility for disabled people, We have said that we will increase the discretionary to undertake a strategic review, taking a principled look allowance. We also want to make sure that more money at the support provided for disabled people across the is spent on areas such as his that can, in turn, develop piece, to ensure that the effect of all the measures is more jobs. That is a priority, and we will be making appropriate and that they work. announcements about that. Over the last decade, spending on disability living These decisions are not about taking money away allowance—this is the issue—has spiralled out of control, from people who need it; they are about making sure and the system has been vulnerable to error, abuse and, that those who need money get the money that they in some cases, outright fraud. In just eight years the need. Nobody, after these checks, will have money numbers claiming DLA have risen by around 700,000. taken away from them who can genuinely demonstrate 611 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 612 Situation Situation [Mr Duncan Smith] now, the benefit system that we inherited is out of kilter, and has sucked in too many people on higher incomes, that they should be receiving DLA. The key point is to and has left too many people on low incomes desperately make sure that those who do not need it are seeking looking for work, but unable to find it. The answer to work. my hon. Friend’s question is that we are absolutely—and I am, too—determined to reform the system, so that the Chris Bryant rose— poorest benefit the most, and we make sure that they receive assistance to change their lives and become Mr Duncan Smith: I have already given way to the more profitable in all that they do. hon. Gentleman. If he will forgive me, I want to make some progress. Several hon. Members rose— I started with a clear argument that the first coalition Government faced some unavoidable choices. I know Mr Duncan Smith: I am going to continue. that the Opposition, having been in government a couple We have to seize the long-term prospectus for reform, of months ago—[Interruption.] The Opposition say and I shall introduce radical, long overdue changes to that the choices are not unavoidable, but I would love to the welfare system, reforming the working-age benefit know what they would reduce if they were in government. and tax credit system with measures consistent with our What would be their choices? We have heard nothing core principles: protecting the most vulnerable; improving about that except their talk about the £45 billion—not incentives into work and providing the best route out of a single word about a penny piece being cut from any poverty; and tackling the pathways into poverty, welfare budget. We have to make spending cuts to repair a dependency, family breakdown and debt. That is crucial record deficit, reform the tax and welfare systems while if we are to tackle income inequality, which is at its protecting the vulnerable, and set the foundations for highest since records began in this country. long-term, sustainable recovery. John Howell (Henley) (Con): A vulnerable group that Mr Lammy: The right hon. Gentleman has confirmed my right hon. Friend has not yet mentioned is pensioners. that he believes that there will be an exodus from central Will he say something about what we intend to do to to outer London, and he has said that there is housing protect pensioners’ incomes? to accommodate those people. What is his assessment of that housing in Chingford? Can he confirm that he Mr Duncan Smith: I was going to come on to that, will be doing a race impact assessment? but I shall deal with it now. As my hon. Friend knows, the Minister of State, Mr Duncan Smith: I am happy to consider a race Department for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the impact assessment—that is reasonable—and if the right Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb), fully hon. Gentleman wants to come and talk to me, my door supports all of this, and has made an announcement. is open. [Interruption.] We are a coalition, and we are together. We believe that there is enough housing in London. He has announced some radical proposals on pensions, Of course, I did not say that this was going to be easy. and I am enormously proud to be the first Secretary of The point is that far too many people in houses in State for Work and Pensions to say that we have relinked central London are paid significant sums—over £100,000 in pensions and earnings. Moreover, even in these difficult some cases. That is unsustainable. As much as I like times, we will triple-lock that pension, so that it will rise the right hon. Gentleman—he is a fellow Tottenham in line with earnings or prices, whichever is highest, or supporter—I have to say to him that he knows as well as by 2.5%. [Interruption.] I heard the hon. Member for I do that these are tough choices, but they are ones that Wallasey (Ms Eagle) chuntering about the consumer we believe that we can manage. We have tripled the prices index, but earnings will rise in due course well discretionary fund to allow for difficult cases, and I above that, so she does not know what she is talking suspect that a significant amount of that will be used in about. [Interruption.] Okay: she had 13 years to do London because the nature of London means that there that, but she did not do it. She should go and look will be issues. We will get through this, and I guarantee pensioners in the eye, and tell them why the previous that we will keep the situation under review. My offer to Government did not do so, when they had the opportunity. the right hon. Gentleman still stands. The coalition is proud to make sure that we will reform the system that we have inherited. We will reduce Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): The Chancellor the deficit, and we will improve the lot of the poorest in ended his Budget speech by saying that it society. We will look back on this and say, “What a “laid the foundations for a more prosperous future. The richest shameful 13 years the other side had.” paying the most and the vulnerable protected: that is our approach.”—[Official Report, 22 June 2010; Vol. 512, c. 180.] 6.2 pm If the actuality falls out of line with the intention, will measures be brought forward to bring it back into line? Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) (Lab): The Secretary of State told us in May in his first Mr Duncan Smith: My hon. Friend has to recognise speech that he would work to improve the quality of life that one needs to see the Budget in the round, over the of the worst-off in Britain. He said that lifetime of this Parliament and in terms of reform. “we are here to help the poorest and most vulnerable in our What I want to do is introduce reforms that focus society.” benefit money—the money that we spend—hugely on He has just spent 40 minutes defending a Budget that the poorest in society. That must be our priority. Right kicks the poorest and the most vulnerable in the teeth. 613 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 614 Situation Situation How does that sit on his conscience? Was it his idea, or Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend makes an important was it the Treasury’s, to tell a woman in her fifties, who point, and I am happy to accept an intervention from has given up work to look after her elderly parents that, the Secretary of State if he wants to clarify the position, in fact, what they wanted to do was cut housing benefit because he did indeed discuss pensioners who under-occupy and make her pay VAT—hundreds of pounds a year—and homes across the country. It is right that we help and that even her carer’s allowance over the next five years support people who want to move to smaller homes as would be cut in value by about £90 a year? Was it his they grow older, but he needs to give us an answer. If he idea, or was it the Treasury’s, to tell someone who is is telling elderly people and pensioners that they are severely disabled— going to have to move out of the home where they have lived all their lives, and where they have brought up Mr Duncan Smith rose— their children, that has severe consequences. He must clarify his position, because my hon. Friend is right. Yvette Cooper: Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman can answer this point as well if he is going to respond. Was Simon Hughes: The right hon. Lady’s attack appears it his idea, or was it the Treasury’s, to tell someone who to be that the measures introduced by the Government is severely disabled and really cannot work, “We’re are ideologically driven—something that is difficult to going to cut the value of support over the next five justify with regard to my right hon. Friend the Chief years by £300 a year”? If he could answer those points, Secretary to the Treasury; the Minister of State, Department that would be very welcome. for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb); and others, who have a record of campaigning for the poor and Mr Duncan Smith: I should be grateful if the right disadvantaged. Might not the same fallacious argument hon. Lady answered the original question. She was in explain why, for 13 years, the Labour Government government not two months ago. [Interruption.] No—the never linked pensions to earnings? Was that an ideological Opposition have to recognise that they have only just option? I hope it was not but if it was, the right hon. left government, so we have a legitimate right to ask the Lady cannot make the argument, because it is fallacious. question. They left the deficit behind, which will lead to real problems for Britain—we have had to resolve it. If she does not like what we have done, what would she Yvette Cooper: The hon. Gentleman is right that have done instead? Will she answer that question? there are many members of the Government who have indeed campaigned against poverty for many years, Yvette Cooper: The right hon. Gentleman has not which is why their betrayal of the people whom they answered the question. He has not explained why he have stood up for is shocking. He will recall, too, that it claims to help the poorest and most vulnerable, yet is was the Labour party that legislated and changed the cutting the benefits of those who are poorest and most law to restore the link with earnings. He should look vulnerable in society. Government Members like to rather carefully at the increase that, in practice, pensioners claim that this is inevitable. This is an ideological choice will receive over the next few years compared with the that they are making. They have chosen to cut an extra old standards. He will find that the new proposals are £40 billion from the economy. They have chosen to cut rather less generous than they appear at first sight. an extra £11 billion from the value of benefits and tax credits. They have chosen to cut an extra £17 billion a Chris Bryant: Is there not also a real danger that the year from Government Departments, and they have Government are presenting us with a straw man on chosen to increase VAT. They have chosen to cut the housing benefit? In many of the constituencies that deficit at a pace that is not only unfair and destructive have the biggest problems in the land in trying to get to our public services but damaging to our economy. people into work, it is not a question of people being paid more than £400 or of their living in houses that are Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): Will the too large, but of people living in houses that are not right hon. Lady tell us exactly what the maximum level large enough and not looked after well enough by of housing benefit should be? Does she think it right unscrupulous landlords. What we need to do if we want that we are paying people more than £100,000 a year? to help young people to grow up in households where there is work is to give them real opportunities to work. Yvette Cooper: No, I do not, which is why we introduced cuts in support for the highest rents as a result of the Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend is right that the key is previous Budget, and set out a series of further reforms. helping people into jobs, yet the Budget cuts the number I want to return to the point about housing benefit in a of people in work, increases the number of people on moment, because it is important. the dole, cuts the help for people to get back to work, as well as cutting the income of carers and the severely disabled, cuts help for kids, and hits the elderly with a Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): On page 33 of the Red VAT hike. Nothing in the Budget will get a single extra Book, paragraph 1.102 makes it quite clear that the person back to work. Instead, it cuts the number of Government intend to reduce housing benefit to people people in work. of working age if they under-occupy council housing. In his response to an intervention, the Secretary of State referred to pensioners under-occupying social housing. Kwasi Kwarteng (Spelthorne) (Con): To what degree Does that not give the lie to what is in the Red Book, does the right hon. Lady believe that the previous and show the real intention of housing benefit changes, Labour Government were responsible for the massive which are an attack on pensioners? budget deficit that we face? 615 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 616 Situation Situation Yvette Cooper: We have been through the greatest his Chancellor, to cut support for the poor. It is perhaps global recession for many generations. That has had apt that in this week of World cup disappointments, it an impact on economies across the world, pushed up was a footballer who got it right. In 2002, after England unemployment across the world, and pushed up borrowing were defeated in the World cup by Brazil, Gareth Southgate across the world. We think it was the right thing to do to reflected ruefully on England’s performance and said: increase borrowing in response to the recession. That is “We were expecting Winston Churchill and instead got Iain why unemployment in this recession has been about 5%, Duncan Smith.” compared with 10% in the recession of the 1980s and That is the reality for the Liberal Democrats now. With 1990s. Helping more people back into jobs has saved us all their high hopes, they have betrayed the poor and the money and also helped to put borrowing in a stronger vulnerable, whom they stood up to defend. position. Minister after Minister has tried to pretend that this The Minister of State, Department for Work and is a fair and a progressive Budget. The Liberal Democrats Pensions (Steve Webb) rose— are clinging to the fig leaf of their increase in personal allowances, despite the fact that it is more than blown Yvette Cooper: I will give way to the hon. Gentleman away by the hike in VAT. The Prime Minister said last because I know he has a history of supporting people year about VAT that on low incomes. I do not know why he is betraying “it’s very regressive, it hits the poorest the hardest. It does, it now. I absolutely promise you...VATisamoreregressive tax than income tax or council tax.” Steve Webb: I am grateful to the right hon. Lady. Will That, then, will be why the Government have cut council she confirm a fact for us about the pension rise that she tax, cut income tax and increased VAT to pay for it. As pencilled in for 2012? Whereas we have guaranteed a the Institute for Fiscal Studies made clear, the Budget is minimum of 2.5%, can she confirm that her spending regressive, no matter how many times Ministers try to plans proposed a pension rise below 2.5%? pretend the opposite. Yvette Cooper: As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Bob Russell: Does the right hon. Lady agree with the old uprating rules are that the pension should go up by study by the Fabian Society and the Webb Memorial either RPI or 2.5%. If he had stuck to those old rules, Trust that shows that 20% of the population is living in pensioners would be better off in 2012, 2013 and 2014. poverty? Talking about betrayal and 13 years of Labour As he also knows, all parties supported restoring the Government, the inequality in Britain today, on some link with earnings in the next Parliament, but his proposals measures, is at its highest since the early 1960s. cut the support for the additional pension for 6 million women and 4 million men by £100 a year, as a result of Yvette Cooper: As the hon. Gentleman knows, the his upratings by CPI, rather than RPI. level of child poverty is some 600,000 lower than it was in 1997 as a result of the action that the Labour Steve Webb: As a new Minister, I have had to reply to Government took. He also knows that we deliberately many letters complaining about what the previous made the measures of poverty by which we were judged Government did. One of things that people complain relative measures. Of course, that makes matters harder about is the freezing of the additional pension by the as the economy grows, and of course there is always right hon. Lady’s Government in April 2010. Can she more to do. That is why we believed it was right to do confirm that under our CPI policy, the pension would more to help the poorest and those who were struggling—in have gone up in April 2010? Can she confirm that she contrast with this Budget, which does the opposite. froze that pension for millions of people? Pensioners do not get the income tax cut, but they have to pay more in VAT. Those on the lowest incomes do Yvette Cooper: The hon. Gentleman will struggle to not get the income tax cut, but they have to pay more defend his progressive history if he quotes selectively in VAT. from the figures. He knows that the Budget sets out the The Ministers are like fraudsters in the fairy tale, additional cuts and savings that he will make from telling gullible Liberal Democrat MPs about the beautiful benefits, tax credits and public service pensions from progressive clothes that the emperor is wearing, if only the switch to CPI indexation from 2011-12, which includes, they are clever enough and loyal enough to see them. as he well knows, the additional pension and much Liberal Democrats are clinging desperately to shreds of additional support for pensioners—and which he hid invisible cloth, reaching deep into their Liberal and from pensioners on Budget day. That will lead to cuts Conservative history to pretend that they can be progressive of £1.17 billion in 2011, £2.2 billion in 2012, and now. They are claiming that Keynes might have backed £3.9 billion in 2013. the Budget. They are calling on Beveridge for support, Perhaps the hon. Gentleman should also consider kidding themselves that they can call on their history this: he had his negotiations with the Conservatives and that they are following in the footsteps of great about the personal allowance that they were so keen on, liberal Conservatives like Winston Churchill, who supported yet they failed to consider extending that personal the minimum wage, but the truth is that the emperor has allowance increase to pensioners. They left pensioners no clothes. out. If he really cared about pensioners, he might have The truth is that if we look at the detail, the Budget is increased the personal allowance for pensioners. As a nastier than any brought in by Margaret Thatcher. result, all the pensioners across the country do not Instead of Churchill, Keynes or the founders of the benefit from the increase in personal allowance, but welfare state, the Liberal Democrats have signed up, they will pay hundreds of pounds extra every year in with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and VAT—an increase that members of his party opposed, 617 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 618 Situation Situation campaigned against and shouted about in the run-up to Nursing, which, in relation to a Department that allegedly the election. Where are their principles now? Now they is protected, suggests that at least 5,500 and, possibly, as are ditching all those commitments and all those principles many as 30,000 front-line nurses’ jobs will go? because they are happy for pensioners to pay hundreds of pounds a year more in VAT. Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend is right that the Government’s proposals do not even include the Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD): Can the right hon. Lady consequences of the spending review and the proposed remind me, a new Member, which Government it was additional £17 billion of cuts in public services. who gave pensioners a 75p a week increase? We think that it is better for people to be in work than Yvette Cooper: I do not think that was right. That is on the dole, and that is why we funded the future jobs why it was right to increase the support for pensioners, fund and additional support and jobs. They were often to increase the winter fuel allowance and to bring in a in the community and run by the voluntary sector, and floor, so that never again would pensioners face such an they helped young people to obtain the skills that they increase. needed and to stay off the dole. Yet, shockingly, the Government have cut 90,000 jobs through the future Members on the Government Benches jeer and call, jobs fund, putting all those people—additionally—back but what are they going to do to the winter fuel allowance on to the dole and pushing up unemployment bills. As a and to free bus passes? They are already briefing the result, even on the OBR’s calculations, those measures newspapers that they plan to cut the winter fuel allowance will cost the Government £2 billion more over the next and free bus passes, and that that is needed to protect four years. They will have to pay additional benefits for the police and public services. I invite the Secretary of the unemployed, and the financial, economic and social State to intervene and to confirm that he will make no price of higher long-term unemployment will cost us cuts in the winter fuel allowance every year for the next more for years. five years.

Mr Duncan Smith: I tell the right hon. Lady that the Mr Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con): coalition gave a commitment. We are paying the winter Will the right hon. Lady give way? fuel payment. Yvette Cooper: I want to make some progress before Yvette Cooper: I hope that meant for this year, next Ido. year and future years. [Interruption.] The right hon. The Secretary of State also said that he wants to Gentleman says that he is paying the winter fuel payment make work pay. Yesterday he told Sky that there are in full. It is not clear, however, what he thinks the full marginal tax rates of 90p in the pound for some young level is. Perhaps he could make the same commitment people, that that was regressive and that he wanted, about free bus travel. Will he stick with free bus travel first, to change the system so that they are able to keep and not cut it for the next five years? more of their own money. But, page 69 of the Red Book shows that as a result of the Budget an extra 20,000 people Mr Duncan Smith: I shall tell the right hon. Lady will lose more than 90p in the pound. what I am going to do. I am going to answer questions when she answers this question: what would she have We agree that housing benefit needs reform, and we reduced with a £45 billion requirement on her head to brought forward some measures in the March Budget cut the deficit? Until she owns up and answers that and introduced a consultation paper last December to question, she has no right to ask us any more. set out our proposals. We agree also that we have to stop some of the most excessive rents being paid, and that we Yvette Cooper: The right hon. Gentleman has gone should exclude some of the highest rents in every area. £40 billion further. He has proposed an additional However, we should also consider how we provide more £40 billion of cuts that we do not think are the right security and payments for people moving into work, so thing to do. He asks what we would have done, but I am that work incentives are improved. There is a strong sure that he has read chapter 6 of the March Budget, case for linking housing benefit to tax credits in the which sets out £20 billion of saving cuts in some detail longer term, but the Government’s proposals do not set and a further £19 billion in tax increases. I shall tell him out any reforms; they set out only cuts, and destructive what else we would not do: we would not waste money ones at that. Their plans cut almost £1.7 billion a year on measures such as free schools and the married from housing benefit, and there is no analysis of how couple’s allowance. many people that measure will push into poverty or homelessness. Nothing in the Government’s plans will get a single extra person back to work. In fact, the opposite is true. The Budget cuts the number of jobs in the economy by Mr Slaughter: There are clearly no poor people left in 100,000 a year. It increases the number of people on the Southwark—certainly none on housing benefit, or the dole by up to 100,000 a year, and that is on the admission hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark of the experts the Government appointed. At the same (Simon Hughes) would not have the temerity to support time, the Government are cutting 200,000 jobs and the Budget. However, there are poor people in training places and the youth guarantee and job guarantee Hammersmith, Islington, Westminster and Kensington, schemes. How on earth will they get more people into so does my right hon. Friend agree not only that it is work if they keep cutting jobs? wrong to force thousands of families out of London, but that such measures will do nothing to get people Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): Does my right into jobs, nothing for family break-up figures and nothing hon. Friend share the concerns of the Royal College of for community cohesion in London? 619 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 620 Situation Situation Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend is right that those Where are the figures for the analysis of the impact proposals will have an impact on families and on entire of those proposals on homelessness? Where are the communities. Almost £1 billion will be taken from figures for their impact on families who will not be tenants in the private rented sector—almost 20% of able to pay their rent? Does the right hon. Gentleman their support. If tenants have on average 20% of their have any idea how expensive it is to keep a family in payments cut, how many of them does the right hon. temporary accommodation? That is the problem. That Gentleman think will really be able to carry on paying proposal is just like the proposal on unemployment. If their rent? People in Wakefield will lose £20 a week; the Government do not provide the support up front, it people in Barking will lose £40 a week; and people in will cost them more later on in terms of dealing with Broxtowe will lose £30 a week. That is before they face homelessness. the cuts in tax credits and the hit from extra VAT. As for supporting families, not even in the worst of Glenda Jackson: The Secretary of State cited a four- the Thatcher years did the Government ever introduce a bedroom house in the private sector. My constituency is Budget that hit children so hard. Of the £8 billion that served by two local authorities, and in Brent the medium this Budget raises from direct tax and benefit changes, price for a four-bedroom house is £450 a week. In however, £3 billion directly hits children: cutting the Camden the medium price is £1,020 a week. Currently, child trust fund and the value of child benefit, and 42% of people claiming housing benefit in Brent and overall cuts in child tax credit. That is even before we 18% of people doing so in Camden are in the private add the cuts that families face in housing benefit, free rented sector. That represents a sizeable number of school meals, free swimming, the future jobs fund and families who will clearly lose their homes under the university places. This is a savage Budget for children. current Government. The Government claim that it will be all right because there is not a measured increase in child poverty as a Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend is right to raise concerns, result of this Budget. Of course there is not, because the particularly as many people who receive housing benefit Treasury model will not measure the impact of changes are in work. They work hard, are in low-paid jobs and to VAT or housing benefit, and it will not look ahead cannot afford to pay their rent without the extra help any further than 2012-13, before many of the cuts bite. that housing benefit brings. So, the Government’s measures Look at the people the Secretary of State is hitting will hit people who work hard to support their families hardest—the very youngest children of all. Gone is the and make ends meet. They will find the rug withdrawn baby tax credit, so some mums will now find they from under them. cannot afford to stay at home for as long as they want I am particularly concerned about the combined with their little babies. Gone is our plan for a toddler proposals for lone-parent families, and I ask the Secretary tax credit, gone is the pregnancy grant, and cut is the of State to look at them, because he says that lone Sure Start maternity allowance. Has he no idea at all parents with five and six-year-olds will move on to that supporting a family and getting the children out of jobseeker’s allowance and have to look for work. However, poverty when the babies are born can save money from his own documents, which were provided at the same the public purse for years to come? Instead, he wants to time as the Budget, assume that only 10% of those lone cut support from the babes in their mothers’ arms. At parents will leave benefits because of the risk they least Margaret Thatcher had the grace to wait until the might be less work ready or need more time to find a children were weaned before snatching their support. suitable job that fits with their caring responsibilities. Many lone parents need additional support to find Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): Does my right work that fits school hours, but as a consequence of hon. Friend recognise that the Child Poverty Action these proposals about 90% of them will still be on Group has said that this is a disappointing Budget in jobseeker’s allowance one year later, at which point they terms of child poverty and that it will make it very will suddenly be hit by the right hon. Gentleman’s difficult to meet the targets for the eradication of child 10% cut in housing benefit. Lone parents with young poverty already set by the previous Labour Government? children might work really hard to find a job that fits school hours, but suddenly an average of £500 a year Yvette Cooper: My right hon. Friend is right. When will be taken from their incomes because they cannot one takes account of what the Government are doing to find work and because, as a result, he wants to cut their housing benefit and VAT, the real consequence of this housing benefit. That is deeply unfair on families who Budget is that it will push people, including children, might work really hard to try to make ends meet. What into poverty. We remember how the Conservatives did does he expect people to do? Hundreds of thousands of this before in the ’80s: they cut jobs and cut the help for people will struggle to pay their rent, and parents will people to get into jobs, they cut the support for people have to move house, shift their kids out of school, move who could not find jobs, they cut help for pensioners, long distances and break up communities in order to try and they cut support for families and ramped up the to find an affordable home. VAT bills for them to pay. We also remember how those cuts cost us more for generations to come. It cost more Emily Thornberry: Given that the Secretary of State to deal with people on the dole, it cost more to help seems to think that we are exaggerating the position, families who were made homeless, and it cost more to does my right hon. Friend agree that it might be a good deal with the long-term effects on communities devastated idea if he spent a morning with me visiting some of the by unemployment. Islington families who will be profoundly affected by those changes to housing benefit? These unfair cuts are not driven by good budgeting. They will cost our economy and they will cost our Yvette Cooper: That is a very generous invitation, public finances, too. This is an ideologically driven which I shall pass on to the right hon. Gentleman. Budget by a party that simply wants to cut the size of 621 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 622 Situation Situation the state, no matter who gets in the way. The truth is Mr Leigh: Nobody doubts the hon. Gentleman’s that the Conservatives have the youngest, the oldest, the commitment to relieving poverty, but does he think that poorest, the weakest and the most vulnerable in their the system that we have at the moment is perfect? Of sights. The nasty party is back—only this time they brought course it is not. We are trying to create a fairer system in along their mates. Shame on them. Both parties have which there are real opportunities to create a society broken their promises; now they want to break Britain where people are given incentives to climb out of too, and we will fight them all the way. unemployment, despair and poverty. That is what this Budget is trying to do. Several hon. Members rose— It is right to speak for the poor, but it is also right to speak for the many people who earn and who are Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. creating jobs. Rightly, this will affect everybody earning Considerable numbers of Members wish to take part in more than £50,000—by the way, everybody in this Chamber this debate, as I am sure you can all see. Therefore, the will be £1,500 a year worse off—so it is not simply the Speaker has imposed a limit of seven minutes during case that only the poor are paying for this. Everybody, the debate. all the way up the income tax scale, is having to pay for our difficulties and helping us to climb out of this mess. 6.32 pm Everybody in this nation is having to pay, and that is Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): I welcome absolutely right. I also like the fact that this Budget is this Budget because I believe that it is an honest Budget. starting to create the conditions in which we can have a I have now sat through nearly 30 Budgets, and it is often fairer tax system in which there is less churning of money a profoundly depressing experience, because there is and less of a deep unemployment and poverty trap. By great excitement during the Budget statement only for all means let us raise personal allowances, and let us then us to receive a let-down the next day when we actually try to move towards a flatter and fairer rate of taxation. start to read the Red Book. There is a lot of difficulty I will finish shortly, as each of us has very little time. and pain in this Budget, but what you see is what you First, let me make a point about much of the work that get. What we heard on Budget day was the essence of I was trying to do in the last Parliament to try to get this Budget, which is the need to try to resolve the efficiency in Government. We still have not got there. desperate financial crisis in which we find ourselves, Does anybody think that we would have got into this with a potential debt of £20,000 on every man, woman mess if we had had a better Budget system? We need a and child, and £1 out of every £4 spent being borrowed. triple lock. The Budget process that we have in this I accept that there are many things in the Budget House is still not transparent enough. In the last Parliament, that many of us do not like. Does anybody in this I tried to persuade the Liaison Committee that we Chamber like a VAT rate of 20%? We are in the desperate should have a powerful Budget committee—a committee position of having to impose that rate on everything of this House—to which a Government Department that we buy, apart from essentials—I am not sure why should go when proposing to increase legislation. We newspapers are zero-rated, considering all the rubbish should look at that and debate it in an open forum, not that they put out, but it applies to some useful things just have one minute per amendment, which is what we like food—because we are faced with this financial get with the Finance Bill. Does anybody think that our crisis. However, contrary to what the right hon. Member Budget process is, for example, as good or as powerful for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper) as the congressional one, whereby the President proposes said, the pain is shared. I agree that a VAT rise is and Congress disposes, and there are hundreds of hours regressive, and we did not want to do it, but we have of meetings? increased personal allowances, and in doing so ensured We already have a good audit process—one of the that is not the rich who benefit. best in the world—in the shape of the Public Accounts I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of Committee, but we do not have the equivalent of the State. Who has done more than him to try to raise PAC inside Government. Frankly, the Treasury has not people out of the poverty and unemployment trap? been strong enough in resisting waste, inefficiency and Who has done more than him in setting up the Centre incompetence in Government spending. The Treasury for Social Justice? Who has done more than him to visit has been overwhelmed, and the process is largely paper- all these areas and try to create a benefit and tax system based. We need a kind of star chamber—a PAC—so that encourages people into self-reliance, self-help and that when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, self-belief, and does not trap them in sink estates without or any other Minister, comes up with a proposal, they a job and without hope for the future? He has been have to go before it, in private, to justify that proposal working on this problem for more than a decade. Now, and to be hounded by senior Members saying, “Is this at last, he has a chance to put some of his ideas into spending efficient? Is it properly piloted? Above all, are action, and we welcome him to the Front Bench. we reducing complexity in Government?” Some of us think that complexity is so inherent in Mr Anderson: I understand the long and proud record Government, with the civil service having this relentless that the Secretary of State has in this House. Does the itch always to try to control and regulate, that there is hon. Gentleman understand, however, that some Labour no way out of this, but I do not believe that. I believe Members have not just been there for 10 years, but have that we can create a social security system which, although lived this? We lived this same experiment in the 1980s simpler, is fairer and provides more incentives. I believe and we saw the devastating impact on the people we that we can strip away whole areas of complexity. It will represent—the people who had to pay for the failure of be a mighty task, but I believe, given all my right hon. the Government at that time, when unemployment was Friend’s experience and all the work he has done, that not a price worth paying in the areas where I and many nobody is better placed to carry out that work over the other Labour Members come from. next five years. 623 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 624 Situation Situation 6.39 pm Significant changes will be needed to employment Malcolm Wicks (Croydon North) (Lab): I want to practice and attitudes to work if more jobs are to be make a specific contribution about the assumptions available for those in their late 50s and 60s. The statistics that underlie Government policy on raising the pension that I have cited show that it is currently difficult for age. Those assumptions relate to our increasing life many people of that age to get work. I suggest that we expectancy, and therefore the number of years that we need to build on policies that are already in place to will spend receiving the state pension and the affordability promote flexibility in state pensions. At the moment of that. There is also a related assumption about our there are choices to be made at state pension age. People ability to work longer in the future. can take their pension at that point, as most need to and do. However, they can defer it and receive a higher Life expectancy is undoubtedly increasing in general, pension later, or they can take the deferred element of but I wish to give a social-class perspective on the their pension as a lump sum. We need to ask whether we matter. I sometimes think that we get so carried away can do more to promote that type of choice for those with an analysis that we are all going to live into our 80s able to work, so that we bring more flexibility. The and 90s that we fail to examine how life expectancy number of people deferring is relatively low. I am bound varies between socio-economic groups. First, it is a to say, as a former Pensions Minister who had some clear fact that fewer individuals from lower social classes responsibility for legislating in that area, that I am even survive to reach state pension age. It is estimated disappointed at how low it is. We need to consider whether that almost one fifth—some 19%—of men from lower we could do more to encourage choice. Could we consider, social classes who are currently 25 are likely to die for example, making the lump sum tax-free? before they are 65 years old, so they will never get a Finally, what about the people whose case I have state pension. That contrasts with 7% of men from the cited, those who are already out of work in their late 50s highest social class. For women, the comparable figures and early 60s? We know those people from our advice for those dying before the age of 60 are 10% and 4%. surgeries and constituency offices. They are in a difficult Secondly, the great majority of poorer people who do situation. Are we really saying that someone of 60 who reach retirement age enjoy shorter pension lives, if I is not in work will have to wait another year to get their may call them that, than the better-off. At 65, professional state pension? Are they simply destined to be classed as men have a life expectancy of 18 years as a pensioner, unemployed or disabled, and somehow trapped in a while unskilled men have one of only 14 years. For no-man’s land between grand assumptions about future women, taking the starting point as age 65, the respective retirement patterns and the grim reality of their lives? contrasting figures are 22 years and 17 years. There are We need to think the matter through. I do not have the significant social-class differences, and the Government answers, but we have time to consider some of the issues. need to think through their implications. What about the employment assumptions? Raising 6.46 pm pension ages assumes that in future years, men and Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): I wish to approve the women will be able to work for an extra period. How headline description of the emergency Budget and what reasonable is that assumption? Let us look at current it is intended to achieve, which, as my hon. Friend the employment trends. Some people, of course, continue Member for Bradford East (Mr Ward) has said during to work past state pension age—I believe the figure is the Budget debate, is that the richest pay the most and about 13%—but a far higher proportion are effectively the vulnerable are protected. We must test that claim as out of the labour market before the formal state retirement we proceed. The coalition Government face many challenges age. We rather pretend that the state retirement age is in achieving that, in circumstances in which the public 60 and 65, but the statistics show the myth behind that. finances are in a very serious state, which I do not need The labour force survey data show that for the period of to describe again this evening. February to April this year, 24% of men aged 50 to 64 I wish to give the Budget a fair wind at this stage, and and 26% of women aged 50 to 59, in the period leading of course as a Liberal Democrat I gather a degree of up to retirement, were classed as economically inactive. satisfaction from a number of measures that I and my In other words, they were not in work. colleagues have campaigned for, namely the increase in When we look more specifically at those coming up the tax allowance with a target of an allowance of up to the state pension age, we see that very large numbers to £10,000, taking many thousands of people on low of them have effectively been retired long before the age income out of tax altogether; the restoration of a of 65 for men and 60 for women. Some 43% of men meaningful annual increase in the basic state pension, aged 62, for example, are not working; by age 64, it is for which pensioners have been crying out for decades; 53%. To take another example, 35% of women aged 58 increases in the child care element of the child tax credit are not working. for the poorest; the closing of the gaping tax avoidance I am not making a particularly partisan point, but loophole created by the previous Government through what conclusions do we need to draw? In general, it is changes to capital gains tax; the introduction of a not unreasonable to increase the age at which people banking levy; and the protection of lower-paid public become eligible for the state pension. I say that as a servants. There are a number of measures that I applaud general proposition, but we need to be sensitive to and welcome very much. social class. To be blunt, as many of us know from the This is a coalition Government and a new arrangement people we meet in our constituencies, many people altogether, with two distinct parties. Seeking consensus working in heavy industry or who have had tough lives between those parties inevitably creates significant debate. in physically demanding jobs, such as in the mines, in steelworks, as cleaners or as care workers, cannot go on Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): The hon. working for ever. There comes a point when they need a Gentleman is showing by his demeanour that he is not rest and need to retire. very enthusiastic for his coalition. He says that he has 625 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 626 Situation Situation campaigned for many things in the Budget. Can he tell I represent the poorest region in the country, so I am the House when he and the Liberal Democrats campaigned bound to be particularly sensitive to the impact of the for an increase in VAT? Budget on the poor. However, I am not just concerned about low-income families; I am concerned about the Andrew George: As far as I recall, none of the three impact of the VAT increase on rural travellers, who have main parties ruled out the prospect of VAT increasing. a car out of necessity, not luxury, and on charities, as It is only when one is in government that one can see the my hon. Friend described a moment ago. I am also nature and state of the finances, and therefore fully concerned about the contrast between the effect on understand the impact that it is likely to have. businesses that are engaged in the renovation of older Having said that, as all Members will know, there is buildings, for which VAT is applicable, and on those an amendment about VAT on the Order Paper in my that build new buildings, for which VAT is not applicable. name and those of some of my hon. Friends. It asks, I The key themes underlying the emergency Budget think reasonably, that an impact assessment be undertaken, turn on the challenges that any Government would taking into account a number of factors including the have, such as ensuring that those who dropped us into impact that the VAT increase would have on businesses, the mess that we are in—due partly to the management charities and families and households across the income of public finances by the Labour party and partly to range and age groups. It is vital that, in order to those in the City who contributed a great deal—should advance a number of the challenging measures in the be doing the most to help us out of it. As is made clear Budget, the Government should reasonably be expected in the Budget, there is also an issue regarding wealthy to bring forward more information than they are able to people who have managed to pay less marginal tax than at this emergency stage of the Budget, so that we can their cleaners. Those people should start paying their debate the impact of those changes. way. I hope that the Chief Secretary will consider very carefully our amendment and the reason behind it when Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I he winds up. In this area of policy and policy making, thank my hon. Friend for giving way and I agree with we should have an impact assessment and an opportunity the sentiments he is expressing. Does he agree that to debate this issue. charities that are unable to reclaim VAT could be about £250 million worse off as an unintended consequence of 6.55 pm the VAT measure? Mr Geoffrey Robinson (Coventry North West) (Lab): Andrew George: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend It does seem strange that the House cannot debate for that comment. There is not just a new coalition the amendment in the names of the hon. Member for Government, but a new Parliament, and in it we should St Ives (Andrew George), the hon. Member for Chelmsford— be able to debate issues both across the Chamber and within the parties of the coalition Government. That is Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Colchester, for God’s not unreasonable. The Chamber should enable greater sake. [Laughter.] transparency and discourse across and between parties. The purpose of our amendment is to probe issues that Mr Robinson: The hon. Member for Colchester (Bob need and deserve to be probed. Russell)—I am so sorry—and other very distinguished honourable dissidents opposite, who are clearly being silenced for some reason or other; I cannot comment on Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): Will the hon. Gentleman why. I thought the amendment very apropos and exactly give way? to the point in all respects. I am sure that it has not been withdrawn, so quite why it has not been chosen for Andrew George: I shall not give way any more, I am debate I cannot think. It is a pity, because we could have afraid, because of the limit on time. probed even further the support of the hon. Member The motion refers to the Red Book, which, at page 67, for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) in relation to chart A3, describes the VAT change for it and for the package as a whole, which he was as potentially “progressive”. I think that the notion is trying to defend last Wednesday with as much discomfort based on the expectation that those who spend the least as is evident amongst the Liberals who have not yet will be less affected. Of course, those who spend the entirely been bought by, or who have not bought into, least are inevitably those on lower incomes, who will, as the so-called coalition policies. the Red Book explains, pay less VAT in absolute terms. It is very sad. There has been nothing sadder, in my But not everyone agrees with that: the hon. Member for opinion, than the right hon. Member for Twickenham Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) has described VAT as regressive, (Vince Cable), who is now the Business Secretary, coming as have Labour Front Benchers. around to explain why he supports the Budget. One of The Institute for Fiscal Studies is rather equivocal on the two reasons that he gave was essentially that he had this issue. It says that when contrasted with income, been, belatedly—I think his leader got there first—to VAT does look more regressive as it hits those with high see the Governor of the Bank of the England, who had expenditures the hardest. It also says that those with the assured him that a crisis was imminent, that we were lowest incomes tend to have the highest expenditures going to be downgraded and that we would be in the relative to their incomes, so there is an issue that needs same position as Greece, all of which would happen in a to be investigated a great deal more. I believe that the matter of days or hours, if he and the Liberal party did Government should reasonably bring forward an impact not agree to every measure that the coalition subsequently assessment of the type that I have described and that we put forward. All of that should have been entirely should have an opportunity to debate it not just in the predictable at any point before or during the election, Finance Bill Committee but in the Chamber. even as the bond market strengthened and the UK 627 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 628 Situation Situation [Mr Robinson] that, the Government refuse to give any distributional analysis. Beyond the second year, we do not know what position strengthened during the election, and even as will happen, except that the OBR has pencilled in some we learned afterwards that the funding requirement is figures for growth that it says are hazardous in the going to be £20 billion to £30 billion less than expected. extreme. Apparently, the leadership of the Liberal party fell for The Budget is an enormous gamble at the great cost the oldest trick in the book, the bankers’ scare, which of the working people in this country. It is a gamble has gone on for centuries—classically, of course, with based on the assumption that the Governor will increase Montagu Norman and all the rest in the 1930s tearing quantitative easing when he said he would not. Perhaps that party and taking this country to the brink of in some magical way he will take other powers to deal collapse. with the fiscal constraints imposed by the Budget, because he can do nothing else. He cannot reduce interest rates Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): Has much more, unless he wants to reduce them from my hon. Friend noticed that the same Governor of the 0.5% to 0%, or unless he starts shelling money out, Bank of England who backed the stimulus under the which is hardly credible. He said he would not do any of previous Government is now backing the present those things, so the truth is that we face a situation in Government’s policies—to the detriment of the public? which the future of the country is being gambled. Apart from the good intentions of, and the megalomania Mr Robinson: I note also that when the Governor was that seems to be developing in, the Bank, that gamble still an economist, before he converted to being a banker, rests on three factors: an increase in inventories, meaning he signed the famous letter of 364 economists, which he an increase in output; an increase in investment; and an has now, in a piece of classic recantation, given up on. increase in private sector activity. Who really believes in All those considerations point to the fact that events their heart that any of those factors can be counted on, could have been predicted and should have been especially given that the Government have made the accommodated. We should not have reached the situation investment route highly unlikely by reducing capital in which we had the Business Secretary proudly telling allowances? They are served at the moment by a Financial the House—I still cannot believe this every time I Secretary who told the Committee that considered the read it: previous Finance Bill that they would reduce such allowances—on nearly all counts, they have been as “Those factors drove the economy in terms of demand”— good if not better than their word. He could see no the factors being monetary policy and devaluation of reason why investment should not be reduced to the the pound— cost of amortisation in manufacturing or industrial “and they will continue to do so.” enterprises. If that is the negative, neutral view of the So, we are to have monetary easing and a continued need for increased investment and output that infuses devaluation of the pound. I do not think that either is the Budget, and in particular the crucial elements remotely likely. He went on: highlighted by the OBR—it says that there is a need for greater investment and output, and to rebalance “There is a reason for believing that that is what will happen: the Governor of the Bank of England called for this Budget and exports—we are in for a big let down on that gamble. has now got it, and he has every reason to understand the need for To take one other example—Sheffield Forgemasters— monetary policy to support recovery.”—[Official Report,23June anybody who has dealt with the Government knows 2010; Vol. 512, c. 316.] that it is virtually impossible to get money out of a Well, over to you, Mervyn, and good luck! shareholder executive. It is like getting money out of a It really is absurd. It is one thing to hand over control stone, but the firm reached a conditional agreement. of the money supply and monetary policy to the Governor. That would have made an enormous contribution to the We did that back in 1997, and I think that was a good rebalancing of the economy, including in respect of move. My right hon. Friend the Member for Croydon import substitution, and now those products will come North (Malcolm Wicks) nods, and I know that he was in from Japan, because the arrangement was cancelled. in agreement with that move. However, it is quite another I am afraid that in their tone and their measures, the thing to say, “Look, we are giving up on fiscal policy Government are making recovery immensely more difficult, too; you can have the whole of the economy.” When we and we face far from a recovery, but a further period of did what we did, we joked amongst ourselves that we prolonged deflation. had got rid of one half of economic policy—notably Several hon. Members rose— the monetary side—to the Governor and that it would only be a matter of time before he laid claim to and was Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. We are expecting a few given the whole of it. Joke though that was, it has come maiden speeches this evening, and I am sure the House to pass under this Government. That is sad and regrettable. will want to ensure that it complies with the associated The Work and Pensions Secretary is sincere in what he conventions. wants to do, but he has had to absorb many cuts, which will make his job much more difficult, as was brilliantly exposed by my right hon. Friend the Member for 7.3 pm Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper), Mr Sam Gyimah (East Surrey) (Con): Thank you who spoke for the Opposition. very much, Mr Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to However, it is not just that. The only two sure things make my maiden speech on this emergency Budget. about the Budget is that it will increase unemployment I strongly believe that over the past few years, the and reduce growth. That we can predict, because the state has taken too much. It was interesting listening to Office for Budget Responsibility has told us. Beyond the right hon. Member for Normanton, Pontefract and 629 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 630 Situation Situation Castleford (Yvette Cooper). She declared that the nasty However, I believe we learned a greater lesson from party is back, but I know from my personal life that to that Budget—that we cannot pull certain economic protect the vulnerable and to give people a genuine levers in certain circumstances. The lessons from that chance of making the most of their lives, we need to Budget lie firmly with its weaknesses rather than its empower individuals, families and communities. strengths. We have learned that we cannot be coldly In talking to several of my constituents in East dispassionate when setting economic policy, and that Surrey, the constituency I have the honour of representing we cannot ignore the effect on jobs and people’s lives. in this House, it became vividly clear to me that budgetary That is why I support our programme to get people discussions should focus not only on accountancy, numbers back to work. Getting people into work is the best route and economic jargon, but on people and their lives and out of poverty. futures: including the hard-working young family juggling As in 1981, our party once again faces the task of child care and work, who are concerned about their redefining our economy and reshaping our society. That jobs and the rising cost of living; the 22-year-old graduate is why I welcome the Chancellor’s proposals for small with more than £20,000 of debt, wondering whether she businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. A will ever get a job or a foot on the housing ladder; and long-lasting recovery must have its foundations in the the couple about to retire who are worried about their private sector, which is where jobs will come from. Jobs pension after years of paying their taxes and saving for will come if we reward enterprise, endeavour and ambition, retirement, and who are left wondering whether they and if we have a step change in our approach to will achieve their aim—this must be the aim for every enterprise. We need to encourage a spirit of adventure. generation—of leaving a better future for their children Without accepting that basic premise, we will not have and grandchildren. people taking the risks that are essential to creating the For my constituents, this is what the Budget boils next Vodafone, the next Dyson and the next lastminute.com. down to: real people, real lives and real issues. Yes, we Many Opposition Members say that having the state have beautiful rolling countryside in East Surrey, most do less by focusing on getting people into work and of which has been recognised as green belt, meandering building an economy based on rewarding endeavour between vibrant towns and beautiful villages. It is the will penalise the less well-off. They are wrong, and I epitome of what makes England unique. We know how should know. I grew up in very modest circumstances. fortunate we are, and we take seriously our duty as My standing here in the Chamber is the result of the custodians and protectors of the local environment for vision, care and support of a strong mother, who brought future generations. We have great community spirit and us up on her own and overcame numerous odds, and pride in our area, which means that for the vast majority instilled in us character, discipline and the value of hard of people in my constituency, putting back into the work. I do not believe that any state programme could community is a way of life. achieve what she has. On the contrary, I would have It sounds idyllic. However, my constituents work very been trapped in poverty, as millions are. hard, and I know from my postbag that some of them At university I struggled to pay my rent. But for the face difficulties just as real as those faced by people in generosity of my college, Somerville, I would have been other parts of the country. A lot of them think—and thrown out. That could have been the end of my university I tend to agree—that the previous Government treated education, and perhaps I would not have made it here, them as a cash cow, and squeezed and squeezed and so I understand that we cannot leave people to the squeezed. That is true of all those paying taxes, and of mercy of markets. For me, the crux of the Budget is that the various local councils who do sterling work on a we should empower individuals, families and communities shoestring budget from central Government. to make the most of their lives. On a national level, East Surrey has been served with distinction by two great public servants: Peter Ainsworth, Some have said that on the face of it, I am an unlikely for 18 years; and Geoffrey Howe, who now sits in candidate to represent East Surrey. I have pointed out another place, for 24 years. They championed the to them that it is a privilege and a pleasure for me to constituency in this place and always stood up for what represent this great constituency because every day I see they believed in. I know I have big shoes to fill, and at there the values that shaped me and that I hold dear. 5-foot 4½ inches, I need to stand on the shoulders Those values should be at the heart of our economic of giants. policy and should guide us as we seek to reshape our Peter’s radical stance on the environment was society for the better. instrumental in shifting attitudes to green issues, and he introduced as a private Member’s Bill the Green Energy 7.10 pm (Definition and Promotion) Act 2009. I also respect him for sticking to his guns on the Iraq war when it Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): It is a privilege to seemed unpopular to do so. From my dealings with him, follow the hon. Member for East Surrey (Mr Gyimah). I can say without equivocation that he is a good man. He not only reflected on the beauty of his constituency I can say the same of Geoffrey Howe, whose mild but let us know that, just because people live in idyllic manner disguised a steely sense of purpose. He was settings, that does not mean that their family or work Mrs Thatcher’s longest-serving Cabinet Minister— circumstances are ideal. He has also given us a trailer 11 years is a long time in politics. In his now famous for the many lively contributions he will make in this 1981 Budget, when our party faced the task of getting House, seasoned with strong personal reflections, which the country back on its feet, he followed the courage of many Members will have taken on board. his convictions by deflating the economy at a time of Claims have been made that, with the coalition recession, in the face of resistance from all sides, including Government, we have a new politics. That new politics, 364 leading economists who wrote a letter to The Times we are told, is about honesty and rebuilding trust. saying that the Budget had no basis in economic theory. However, we have at the heart of the Budget the departure 631 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 632 Situation Situation [Mark Durkan] This Government gave us some show-cuts on 22 June. Those cuts were for purely presentational purposes to of honesty, with parties justifying doing what they said show that this is a new Government, and to try to mark they would not do. Parties campaigned to get votes on difference. The Chancellor even told us last week that the basis that the last thing we wanted was a VAT that was one of the messages he wanted to go out from increase, but it is the first thing imposed by this Budget. the Budget, so that people would know there was a It is a Tory Budget with Liberal Democrat accessories. difference. That is why the shadow Secretary of State I concede that some of those Liberal Democrat accessories was right to say that the Budget had an underlying are attractive—and that is part of the political calculation ideological push. The scale of the cuts that will come in behind the Budget—such as the triple guarantee on the autumn is there to drive a political narrative that pensions, which is there so that the coalition can say to pain has to be imposed, change will happen and those Labour opponents, “We have done something that you who do not like it should blame Labour, rather than the didn’t do, we have restored the earnings link and better.” Government who are imposing that change. That is the I regret that Labour Ministers did not listen to all their narrative that the Government want, and that is why Back Benchers during their 13 years in government and significant cuts will come in the autumn. do something about the pensions earning link. Where will we be then? The poor, who are being We need honesty all round. I welcome the intensity asked to pay more in VAT, will then see the services on that is coming from some of my hon. Friends on the which they rely squeezed. That is when the full toll of Labour Benches, but I hope it comes with a measure of this Budget will be felt, contrary to what the Chancellor honesty, point by point. told us about getting it straight from him on the day in his statement. We know that this will be pain and Simon Hughes: The hon. Gentleman’s views are much penury by instalments, over time, so that they can respected, but may I say that I was always clear on this maintain the narrative of blaming it all on Labour. point? We did not want a VAT increase, although we I agree with the hon. Member for Gainsborough had it under the last Government when it went up and (Mr Leigh) about the need for a Budget committee in then came down again. We were hoping that it would this House. When we consider the scale of the banking not happen, but certainly I said—as did all my colleagues, issues that this House has to deal with, they should not as far as I know—that it could never be ruled out. For all be left to the Treasury Committee. The scale of the many of us, the current position is that it may be one of public expenditure issues we will have to cope with the least worst options. means that we need a discrete Budget committee that has a full and proper handle on them, as well as one for Mark Durkan: I am not sure if that was the least the banking issues. If we are serious about giving priority worst defence of a significant U-turn on a significant to cutting waste in government, we should also have a campaign issue. People did not just imagine that the committee that tests Government expenditure in real Liberal Democrats campaigned aggressively on the issue time. The Public Accounts Committee looks at spending of VAT increases, so to mount new politics on the basis post hoc, and there is nobody who challenges spending of honesty and trust against that background is dangerous plans in real time. We do not have a committee that indeed. permanently interrogates waste in government, proofing for good priority and busting waste, but that is what we I acknowledge that the Budget has Liberal Democrat need. There is no point setting up ever more independent accessories that are attractive, as are other aspects, such offices of this and independent offices of that, when we as the increase in personal allowances. But Liberal do not give this House the tools it needs to provide Democrats perhaps need to consider that this may be as joined-up scrutiny. We hear a lot about joined-up good as it gets in the coalition. I recall a famous government, but we do not have joined-up scrutiny. We observation in Irish politics by a member of the Irish should take added measures, on top of those put through Labour party. Some time next year, the self-image of in the last Parliament. Liberal Democrats will change. They will realise that they are no longer in the vanguard of social justice and I urge the Government to lead us in changing the civil liberty, but instead have become the mudguard of a Budget by reclassifying the Budget lines, so that we have hard cutting Conservative Government. That will be one for front-line services, say, and one for spending their role in this Government. that does not go fully to front-line services but broadly supports them. We should have three or four, but no It is not the case that the whole Budget is wrong, and more than five, classes of Budget line so that we know from a study of the Budget notes it is significant how immediately if a measure affects front-line services or many of the measures build on aspects of the Finance just administrative spend. We could then be more honest Act 2009 and other Acts passed in the last Parliament. when we say that we are defending front-line services, There are tweaks here and there, of the good, bad and because we would have a Budget information system neutral variety, but we should not pretend that there is that allowed us to do just that. no continuity. When the Chancellor made his statement, he said we would not have to look anywhere else for the Budget, because we would get it from him. He said that 7.19 pm there would be no details hidden in the Red Book. However, when we compare his speech with the Red Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): It is a Book, we see that it is littered with phrases such as “We pleasure, as always, to follow the hon. Member for will produce proposals on this”, or “Other proposals Foyle (Mark Durkan). I pay tribute to my hon. Friend will be published after we have the spending review in the Member for East Surrey (Mr Gyimah) for his fluent the autumn.” The details are all to come elsewhere, so and assured maiden speech. There is a great future for we did not actually get them straight from the Chancellor. him in this House. 633 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 634 Situation Situation The Budget that was presented to the House by the Mr Leigh: The worst statistic of all is that last year, of Chancellor of the Exchequer last week was brave and the 85,000 children in receipt of free school meals, bold, and it was the right thing to do. History will whom we should be helping more, only 45 got into record that it will set our country back on the road to Oxbridge, which is fewer than those who came from just economic recovery and prosperity. Just as it fell to one school—that attended by the Leader of the Opposition. Margaret Thatcher 30 years ago to deal with the poisonous That is the true demerit of what we have been creating legacy of Labour profligacy and financial ruin, the in the past 13 years. Prime Minister faces a similar challenge today. Labour Members, in their faux outrage at the Budget, barely Mr Jackson: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to comprehend the fiscal catastrophe that they inflicted draw the House’s attention to that statistic. Likewise, on our country, displaying a mixture of cocky bravado the number of children who go from care into higher and denial. education is also a shameful figure. I therefore strongly endorse the ambition of my right hon. Friend the Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): Will the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to tackle the hon. Gentleman give way? deep-rooted causes of poverty in this country, and to tackle the twin aims of lessening the scale of social Mr Jackson: I will not at the moment. breakdown and improving the quality of life of the poorest in our society. If our Government achieve nothing A modicum of humility or contrition from Labour less, they will have served our country in achieving that. would surely be appropriate and in order. Given Labour’s utterly negative message at the general election, with no In my constituency, where we have recently suffered vision of what a fourth Labour Government would job losses, and where we also have low skill levels, mean, it is no wonder that few commentators and fewer lower-than-average pay and high welfare dependency, voters take its protestations seriously. It simply has no the problems are real and they are about people, not coherent alternative, other than to tax and spend, and statistics. Hundreds of children in Peterborough live in to bribe the core vote with other people’s money. Labour’s dysfunctional families, their parents on welfare benefits. plan to cut the deficit was completely empty of detail Those children lack ambition, a focus and, often, a and its deficit reduction bill merely partisan window- moral framework, going without anything other than dressing. peremptory familial love and experiencing, through no fault of their own, an inevitable poverty of imagination, The Labour party would have had more credibility at as well as, too often, material poverty. Dedicated teachers, the general election and in this debate if it had been nursery staff, health professionals and members of the honest with the voters about the 20% cuts in non-ring-fenced extended family, such as grandparents, are often forced departmental budgets that the previous Chancellor had to assume a role in loco parentis. I believe that we have a already planned. We know that Labour prepared position moral duty to those children to do something about the papers in the Treasury for a 20% VAT rise, which, most situation, even if not to their often indolent and feckless importantly, the party failed to rule out in its election parents. manifesto. Labour bet the ranch over the past 13 years on financial services that were not properly regulated, Mr Anderson rose— on unsustainable increases in public spending and on a housing market built on a South Sea-style bubble. Labour Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab) rose— lost, and we all lost: a £155 billion deficit—bigger in percentage terms than in Italy, Greece or Portugal—a Mr Jackson: No, I will not give way; I do not have structural deficit that is £12 billion more than we were time. led to believe, and a debt mountain of £1.4 trillion from the Government who gave us £3 billion overspends on More than 6,000 of my constituents languish on welfare payments and wasted £780 million on the disability living allowance and, most shockingly, more reorganisation of Departments and agencies. than 1,000 of them languished on that particular benefit for more than 12 years under the previous Labour It is scarcely possible to believe that during a dozen Government. years of plenty so many of our fellow citizens were failed, and none more so than the so-called working We simply cannot go on as we are. I welcome the poor—those who get up in the morning and go to work, measures in the Budget. I believe that they seek to pay their taxes, teach their children right from wrong, protect the vulnerable while rebalancing our efforts to and have a sense of pride and self-respect. People are generate a private sector-led recovery that will benefit rational, and they will do rational things. If we pay for everyone in the medium term. In that spirit, I particularly people not to go to work, they will take the path of least welcome the 50,000 extra apprenticeships, an increase resistance and not work. That is Labour’s legacy: the in the child element of the child tax credit, the re-linking people who need our help, trapped in a half-life of of pensions and the allowance increase of £1,000 for bureaucratic form-filling, and a hopeless and aimless low and middle-income earners. I restate our commitment existence on benefits. I believe that the Labour Government to Sure Start, to refocusing on the neediest families and were not malevolent, but merely incompetent to an to helping ensure that the 6 million carers in our country Olympian degree. After 13 years, the number of children receive appropriate respite care. I welcome too the cuts in severe poverty is rising. We also have a higher number in corporation tax, the £200 million increase in the of children living in workless households than practically enterprise finance guarantee scheme, the green investment any other country in the European Union, 4.8 million bank and the green new deal. people of working age in workless households, and one I hope that the new fiscal rules that the Chancellor in five 18-year-old boys who are NEET—not in education, has outlined will mean that by 2016, if we have extra employment or training. money as a result of the cyclically adjusted current 635 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 636 Situation Situation [Mr Stewart Jackson] government—as opposed to being propped up by the “30 pieces of silver”party—it massaged the unemployment balance being in surplus, we will be able to cut tax again figures by putting people on incapacity benefit, and that for the lowest-paid working people in this country. It ran for years. took courage in this Budget to tackle the entitlement The hon. Member for Peterborough is also suffering culture and some of the shibboleths and sacred cows, from selective amnesia. Those of us who lived through but putting this country back on track will require the first Thatcherite era remember well the levels of further tough decisions, which are the right thing to do. unemployment, the destruction of communities, and We should also disregard the opportunism of Her Majesty’s the throwing on to the scrap heap of the greatest Opposition. There is nothing inevitable about a double-dip national resource that this country will ever have: its recession, and I believe that it will not happen. The people. Their talent, their ability, their creativity and Budget is borne of desperate necessity, but is there any their capacity for hard work were all thrown away for evidence that seeking to encourage private sector growth the same reason that they are being thrown away now. and reducing the size of the state to 39% of GDP in “You can’t buck the markets” was the litany then; it is four years is a bad thing and will not create jobs, wealth exactly the same now, even though it has been dressed and new markets for our goods and services? up and presented in a very different way. The Chancellor was candid and straightforward last We hear massive arguments from Conservative Members week, in contrast to the Labour years of subterfuge, that the Labour party created this fiscal downturn, yet stealth taxes and fictitious growth projections. Tough they are all intelligent enough to know that that is but fair, a progressive and forward-looking Budget; a grossly untrue. It is easy, in the blame culture that we Conservative Budget for the nation and not for narrow, live in today, to make threats to bankers and to say that sectional, vested interests and the core vote—it is for they are the most blameworthy people, yet they have this reason that I commend the Budget to the House not been punished in the Budget at all. and my constituents. I will be voting for it tonight. Mr Gyimah: What is progressive about leaving the 7.27 pm country without any money, as the former Chief Secretary Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): to the Treasury said had happened? May I say what a pleasure it is to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Deputy Speaker? It is such a pleasure Glenda Jackson: You really have to get another club to see you sitting in that Chair. to beat us with. I would have thought that there were a There was a kind of creepy pleasure in listening to the couple, although they are not necessarily to do with the hon. Member for Peterborough (Mr Jackson) because, Budget. in a curious way, it was like hearing a really bad horror The hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew George), who film, and there is always a great deal of pleasure to be is no longer in his place, and the hon. Member for found in a really bad horror film. As for this recalling of Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) both attempted, in their Thatcherism in all its glory, dressed up for the 21st century, different ways, to make a salient point—namely, that I love the idea that we can simply get people to work. this is a fair Budget because the richest pay the most. There are all these people living in Peterborough who They must know that that is completely and utterly apparently have no desire to work and are perfectly untrue. It is a grossly unfair Budget, because the poorest happy to stay at home, neglecting their children, but the are the most dependent on public services, which we hon. Gentleman has been their MP for all this time—how know will be slashed under the comprehensive spending long?—so why has he not done something about it? review, when it eventually happens in October. The issue is that in Peterborough, as in the rest of the country, under this—in my view Thatcherite mark 2 Maria Eagle: Did my hon. Friend see the analysis in —Budget, there will be no jobs. As was said by my The Observer at the weekend that suggested that the hon. Friend the Member for Coventry North West Chancellor’s (Mr Robinson)—I regret that he is no longer in his place—the only guarantee in the Budget is a massive “budget cuts will hit Britain’s poorest families six times harder than the richest”? rise in unemployment. Does she believe that that is in any way a definition of Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe) (Con): In my “progressive”? constituency, the number of people in receipt of disability living allowance doubled under the previous Government; Glenda Jackson: It is neither progressive nor fair. and not only did it double, it went up every year. Would What is depressing about the path that the coalition the hon. Lady not see that as an example of the failure Government have gone down is that they have learned of the policies of the previous Government? absolutely nothing from the lessons of history. This is always the case: it is always the poorest who pay the Glenda Jackson: Perhaps that is one of those areas—this most; their health suffers, they live in the worst possible was briefly touched on in an earlier contribution—that, housing, and their job opportunities are nil. I love the like our health service, has increased so much because Secretary of State’s wonderful idea that they can move we are all living longer, so that people who might have out of their social housing to another part of the died many years before are still living, but justifiably country and find a job. This is coming from a Government claiming disability living allowance because they are who have already destroyed the regional development disabled. The hon. Gentleman should forgive me for agencies. Sheffield Forgemasters has also been mentioned. giving him a tiny history lesson, but I would just point There is absolutely nothing in the Budget that will out to him that when his party was last in total help to create employment. One of the worst aspects of 637 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 638 Situation Situation the Budget is that it will slash the confidence of those There is a fantasy about a big black hole of debt that people who need it the most in order to get out there is resting on the shoulders of every man, woman and and compete in an ever-shrinking jobs market. child in this country. I have lived all my life under the debt incurred by this country fighting and winning the Mr Ward: Does the hon. Lady believe that it was a second world war. We paid that debt off about five years question of 30 pieces of silver when Clem Attlee, Herbert ago, but I had not even been aware of its existence. Morrison, Hugh Dalton and Ernest Bevin joined a During those decades, I and millions like me were given coalition Government at a time of national disaster? opportunities to move forward, to develop our talents and to create work that had not been dreamt of by the Glenda Jackson: This is a kind of psychobabble. preceding generations. That could have happened again, When we get to the age of 18 and become adults, we but it will not happen under this Budget. This Budget is really cannot blame everything on our parents, and, at quite deliberately following the good old Conservative his age, the hon. Gentleman really should not be blaming rule of divide and rule, and blame the poor— all those grandparents and great-grandparents for anything. Mr Stewart Jackson indicated dissent. The Liberal Democrats made their choices: they campaigned and they spent money on posters that Glenda Jackson: Don’t shake your head. In every warned of the VAT bombshell, but they have now soundbite you give, you are running with the idea that signed up for it. the people who are claiming benefit are scroungers, and I want to go back to my point that it is always the that they have no job because they do not want to work. poorest who pay the most. It will not be the richest who That is classic Conservative party doctrine. This Budget will feel the pain of the VAT increase; it will be the is a disgrace, because it attacks the most vulnerable in poorest. We have only to go round the supermarkets to our society, and they are the people, regardless of their see the kind of changes that are being brought into play. party political colour, whom everyone in the House The special purchases of particular products that are should be committed to defending and protecting. You cheaper than the branded product—or even, in some are simply destroying their opportunities. instances, than the supermarket’s own product—will be the products that the poorest people will have to buy. Several hon. Members rose— Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. This might be an appropriate Mr Stewart Jackson: Will the hon. Lady give way? time to remind Members that, when they use the word “you”, they are addressing me, and I have been accused Glenda Jackson: No. The idea that you have allowed of many things for which I was not responsible. I call children to languish in that state in Peterborough for all Helen Grant. these years and done nothing about it—no, I am sorry, I cannot give you time. You voted against Sure Start. You 7.38 pm voted against the new deal. You voted against every Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) (Con): single policy that the Labour Government brought in Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to over our 13 years to give every child a chance and to speak in this debate, Mr Deputy Speaker. Paying tribute ensure that we as a nation invested in our greatest to my predecessor is a task that I find very easy. Ann national treasure: our people. Widdecombe was a high-profile and eminent MP who worked very hard for the people of Maidstone and The Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): Will Weald. She is a woman of great integrity, honesty and the hon. Lady give way? sincerity, and a lady I am very proud to call my friend. Ann has been one of our most colourful and controversial Glenda Jackson: Oh, go on then. politicians, and I know that her pragmatic contributions will be sadly missed in this place. Happily, her clarion Mr Binley: I am most grateful to the hon. Lady. Does voice will continue to be heard in the media and beyond, she not have any regrets at all about the massive rise in and, on behalf of the House, I wish her well in her the number of young people who are not in education, future endeavours. employment or training? That can be laid at no one The constituency of Maidstone and The Weald is the else’s doorstep but the Labour Government’s. perfect mix of rural and urban life. The rural aspect of the seat stretches some 20 miles to the south of Maidstone, Glenda Jackson: May I just point out to the hon. encompassing vibrant communities such as Cranbrook Gentleman that, when his party was last in government, and Marden, and picture postcard villages such as it was not children who were not in education, employment Benenden. In the north of the constituency, we have or training? In Birkenhead, the city in which I was Maidstone, the county town of Kent, which is also the born—admittedly, I have not lived there for a very long home of the 36 Engineer Regiment. I should like to pay time—there were men who were entirely fit, healthy and tribute to the bravery of our engineers and to remember capable of work, but the only way for them to earn a their losses in Afghanistan. May God bless them, their living was to pick over the rubbish dumps to see if they families and their loved ones. could find anything to sell. I must declare an interest in our armed services, as my eldest son, Ben, is a Royal Marine training in Mr Binley: I am a working-class boy. Devon. As a forces Mum, I am gaining an understanding of the tremendous pride that families feel, but also of Glenda Jackson: You did not have to go through a the emotional rollercoaster that they ride each day. I rubbish dump to find things to sell. And I am a working- hope that what I learn from my son’s service will translate class girl. into something useful for our many military families. 639 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 640 Situation Situation [Mrs Helen Grant] with a much more common-sense approach. In order to do that, however, we may need to promote and recruit I want to say something about social mobility. One of Ministers and Government officials who have at least the greatest attributes of the British people is their some direct experience of wealth creation, and who belief in fairness, and it is that sense of fairness that understand the importance of cash flow and the working supports the notion that whatever your starting point in environment in which we must all operate. life’s marathon, it does not have to be your personal Our country is facing very difficult times. The House best for the rest of the race. If you try to move up the is debating an emergency Budget and the effects that it field, or even get into the leading pack, you should have may have, but however we choose to rectify our financial the opportunity to do so. Aspiration, family and enterprise position, we must strive to preserve the things that have been essential elements in my own personal journey. underpin our chances of success: aspiration, family and They are also fundamental in a society in which mobility enterprise. can flourish and not flounder. I should like to say a few I thank the House for listening to my speech, and things about each of them. thank the fine people of Maidstone and The Weald for I believe in opportunity and aspiration, and in the electing me and sending me here. ability of individuals to achieve, progress and reach their full potential, whoever they are and wherever they are from, if they choose to do so. I came from a pretty 7.44 pm humble start, but I was allowed to progress in life Mr Eric Illsley (Barnsley Central) (Lab): I congratulate because I had the good fortune to engage with people the hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald who instilled in me the importance of working hard and (Mrs Grant) on her maiden speech. As she admitted, aiming high, and values such as individualism, self- she has a difficult act to follow, but the confident and empowerment, choice, freedom, free enterprise, self-reliance assured way in which she addressed the House shows and self-esteem. I hope that we, as politicians, can that she is well up to meeting the challenge. We look advocate and reinforce those values, because if we do forward to listening to her on many occasions in the future. we may be able to help many, many people to rise This Budget is hypocritical, regressive and vindictive. beyond the circumstances of their birth, and if we do It is hypocritical because, as recently as April, both the that, society as a whole will prosper. Prime Minister and the leader of the Liberal Democrats I also believe in the power of the family. I believe that rejected the idea of an increase in value added tax. The the family is a fundamental and vital tool in holding excuse that they have given since forming the coalition society together. It can provide security, stability and Government is that they found that matters were much commitment. In the family we learn how to give, how to worse than they had thought once they managed to see share, how to be kind, how to care, and how to build the books. I find that somewhat difficult to swallow, relationships. Those are the foundations that people given that the problems relating to our finances have need in order to progress. Yet for many years the family been well documented. has been badly neglected as an institution, although it is I tend to agree with my hon. Friend the Member for also key to dealing with issues such as gun crime, knife Coventry North West (Mr Robinson) that the Government crime, teenage pregnancy, truancy and antisocial behaviour. have been suckered into believing information from the I hope that we, as a Parliament, will do all that we can Bank of England about the danger of our being sucked to support the family. into eurozone problems, when in fact we are no such As for enterprise, it enables aspiration to become danger. Before the banking crisis and the recession reality. It can also create wealth, independence and struck, our historic debt stood at about 40%, a level choice. I set up my first business when I was 11 years comparable to that in some other regions. It was not old, digging up old bottles from a Victorian dump in particularly excessive. Carlisle and selling them at an old curiosity shop. I It is rather galling that the Liberal Democrats have know that that sounds like something out of Dickens, fallen so easily into the coalition Government, agreeing but it is absolutely true. At one stage I was making not only to the £6 billion of cuts that affect my area but about £2 a week, which was a lot of money in those to the cuts that form part of this emergency Budget. days. I have always loved business, and I have always They seem to sit comfortably in this cutting Government; been enterprising. they seem to be comfortable wearing the Tory mantle In our country it has nearly always been possible to that they appear to have assumed. I think that many aim high, work hard, be resourceful, take a risk and people in the country will rightly feel that they voted for make money, but that is changing. Over-regulation is Liberal Democrat Members of Parliament only to be strangling enterprise. Every accident is someone else’s presented with Tories. fault, and people are quick to talk about rights—but The Budget is vindictive because it attacks the less what about responsibilities? Even our employment well off: the lower paid and benefit claimants. The hon. legislation has become so potentially onerous that people Member for Peterborough (Mr Jackson) let the cat out must be very careful about whom they take on. Any of the bag when he called it a Conservative Budget—a redefinition of a job description can be construed as traditional Conservative Budget, which attacks the public constructive dismissal, and any criticism of performance sector and cuts the welfare state. Are the Government may equal “harassment”. I often feel that I cannot give trying to tell us that, in an emergency Budget, they will a bad but honest reference without fear of litigation. remedy all the ills of recent years in which our welfare The combined effect of all that is a massive disincentive budget has increased? Are they going to do all that in to enterprise, which is bad for business and bad for one Budget? Surely not. Surely they could have taken Britain. I hope that, through this coalition Government, time to examine our debt problems in depth before we can get rid of some of this nonsense, replacing it making slashing, swingeing cuts such as these. 641 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 642 Situation Situation It seems that we are returning to the old Tory mantra: been referred to so far in the Budget debate. Through if it is provided by the public sector it is bad but if it is campaigning, we recently managed to secure a reduction provided by the private sector it is good, and everything in the tax on bingo from 22% to 20%, and I am sure he to do with the private sector is far superior to everything would want to join me in campaigning to ensure that to do with the public sector. That simply will not wash. that reduction continues until we have got it back to the It is the old dogma that we have heard in the past. 15% level and that we get a commitment from the VAT is obviously a regressive tax. It affects the less Government that they will look to reduce that tax as soon well off far more than those on higher incomes. It is a as the financial circumstances of the country allow. question of involuntary versus voluntary expenditure. The right hon. and learned Lady the Leader of the Yes, people on higher incomes will pay more in VAT, Opposition said in her response to the Chancellor’s because they will spend more of their disposable income statement that the Budget would “hit” constituents in on luxuries. Unavoidable expenditure on food, groceries Cheshire the least. I am unsure whether she said that and other necessities will affect the lower paid much out of concern for the poorest and most vulnerable more than the well off. people in my constituency or out of political mischief aimed in the direction of the Chancellor, my right hon. Ian Swales: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne)—although I think I know which is the more likely—but I am Mr Illsley: No, I will not. nevertheless glad that she raised the matter. Crewe and As we have heard time and again this evening, housing Nantwich is home to some of the most poverty-stricken benefit cuts will throw people out of their homes. It is areas in Cheshire, and it is the people in those areas who apparently assumed that those people can move from deserve to be—to quote the right hon. and learned one end of the country to another to find employment, Lady again—“hit” the least. but slashing public sector spending by 25% in every In 2008, the year in which I was first elected to the Department will surely result in further job losses. Here House, Labour hit the lowest paid with the 10p tax we are, throwing people on to unemployment benefit fiasco. While this is a difficult Budget, I am proud of the while at the same time cutting the welfare state that is fact that the coalition is doing the opposite by lifting designed to assist them. That will have an impact on 880,000 of the lowest paid out of tax altogether. I am areas such as mine, in which there are high levels of also proud that we are introducing the earnings link for public sector employment. Why does my area have a pensions, something Labour did not do for 13 years, high level of public sector employment? Because a instead, unforgettably, increasing the pension by 75p. certain previous Government removed its one major It is not just these headline measures that affect my industry, the coal industry, many years ago. We have constituency, however. The Government have announced struggled to find incoming investment and employment that they will reduce regulatory costs by introducing a to compensate for those job losses, and, as has been one in, one out system for new regulations. That was mentioned, when the coal industry was being closed touched on by my hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone down the Government of the time encouraged workers and The Weald (Mrs Grant), who made an excellent to go on to incapacity benefit rather than unemployment maiden speech. She made the point that regulation is benefit because that reduced the unemployment figures. right at the heart of the issues that small businesses in We therefore have a legacy of higher numbers of claimants particular face. At an election hustings event in Crewe of incapacity benefits such as disability living allowance. and Nantwich organised by the Federation of Small As for the idea that we will bring in a medical test for Businesses, local business man after local business man DLA, the conditions for DLA are based on care needs. told me about their No. 1 concern: stifling regulation. They are based not on the medical condition of the At present, a small business spends on average seven person claiming, but on whether they require care hours a week filling in forms. What a waste! Three in throughout the day or night. The introduction of a four firms say the Budget will make a positive impact medical would therefore remove a lot of people from on their business, and I have no doubt that to those job that benefit, probably unjustly. and wealth creators the reduction in regulations is one Why have the Government decided to cut at the ratio of the most important measures that back business in of 80:20? Why does the cut suddenly need to be so the Budget. It has inspired a welcome response. great? The hon. Member for Peterborough made the Another measure in the Red Book that will benefit point that this is a Conservative Budget. The Conservatives business in Crewe and Nantwich is the coalition’s have, with the co-operation of the Liberal Democrats, commitment to investigate ways to help with fuel costs taken the opportunity to attack the public sector and in remote rural areas. The coalition is considering the the welfare state, just as they have done in the past. This case for introducing a fuel duty discount in those important is simple opportunism to cut the welfare state and the parts of the country, including a possible pilot scheme public sector work force. in Scotland, but I ask my right hon. and hon. Friends on the Treasury Bench to consider extending the scope 7.51 pm of the pilot schemes to include thriving rural economies Mr Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con): such as that in Crewe and Nantwich, which is at the In the limited time available to me, I want to concentrate very heart of our dairy industry. on some specific areas of the Budget that affect either I also want to speak about one of my particular my constituency or subjects about which I feel passionately, passions: adoption and fostering, and looked-after children. but first let me say that there was one subject the hon. As chairman of the all-party groups on both those Member for Barnsley Central (Mr Illsley) did not subjects, and as someone who shared his childhood—and speak about: bingo. It is a passion that we share, and it most of his adulthood—with foster children, I can say is important to mention it as I do not think it has that foster carers will be very happy that their capital 643 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 644 Situation Situation [Mr Edward Timpson] One of the most famous sons of my constituency, the father of the Labour party, James Keir Hardie, was an allowance rules will be amended in this Budget to intelligent man, ahead of his time. While, admittedly, he ensure that they operate consistently and as intended did show an affinity for the Liberals early in his career, for all carers. Foster carers are to be applauded for the he soon became disillusioned with the economic policies sterling work they do in providing for some of the most of Gladstone’s Government and came to the conclusion vulnerable in our society, and none of them should be “that the Liberals neither would nor could ever adequately represent penalised by the taxation system purely because their the working classes.” business circumstances change. I wonder what he would make of their successors today. We know we have to make choices in this Budget about where we make cuts. There are issues of essential Reading Keir Hardie’s story once again, as I prepared spending and issues of discretionary spending, but money this speech, I was reminded why I became interested in spent on looked-after children and the caring and support politics. His family had little and lost the little they had of vulnerable children by foster carers should never be because they were unprotected from unemployment seen as a luxury, so my plea on behalf of a part of our and health problems, and there was a lack of education population that cannot speak for itself in these chastened provision. He struggled against startling odds to educate and difficult times is do not forget about us. If the baby himself, beginning at night school in Holytown in my P and Edlington cases taught us anything, it is that constituency, and took great risks to enter politics and when it comes to child protection we cannot afford to represent those unable to represent themselves. It is to cut corners or pass the buck. With 40% of people in lift people out of poverty and ensure that no one has to prison having been through the care system, we have to exist like that that I entered politics. We in the Labour recognise that there is still much to do. party are grateful to Keir Hardie for blazing the trail that allows us to sit in the Chamber today. I believe that this is a decisive Budget. It deals with the record deficit the Government inherited from Labour Thirteen years after Keir Hardie first led Labour MPs and it contains important measures that will benefit into the House of Commons, my constituency was some of the poorest and most vulnerable in my constituency, fortunate to be represented by the then baby of the as well as the business and rural communities. It is hard House, Jennie Lee. She gave her maiden speech in to welcome some of the tougher measures contained in response to Churchill’s Budget, using the opportunity it, but, sadly, they are necessary, albeit painful, decisions. to highlight the real suffering behind the figures. Since I applaud the overall structure of the Budget, therefore. 1945 my constituency, in its various guises, has been We on the Government Benches did not build up the represented by some of Labour’s brightest stars, including record deficit, but we will do all we can to knock it back Margaret Herbison, who in her 25 years as an MP down and get Britain back in the black. fought for miners’ rights and was instrumental in forging the foundations of our welfare system. 7.57 pm Peggy was succeeded by Labour’s former leader, the Pamela Nash (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): Thank you, right hon. John Smith. My first political memory was Mr Deputy Speaker, for allowing me this opportunity hearing of his death when I was in a school assembly. to make my maiden speech, and I would like to congratulate His memory and influence remain at the heart of my the hon. Members for East Surrey (Mr Gyimah) and community and its politics as much as they lie in the for Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant) on their spirit of this Chamber. He will never be forgotten. excellent maiden speeches. Following John Smith’s death a by-election was called I am delighted to have been elected for my home and the right hon. Helen Liddell emerged victorious. constituency of Airdrie and Shotts. To represent the Helen’s strong wit and character lit up the Chamber. people from whom I have come is the greatest honour She will be an excellent addition on the red Benches and I can imagine. It is, however, sad that this, my maiden I look forward to the contributions she will make there. speech, comes on a day when we will be asked to vote When Helen headed for sunnier climes down under, the on a Budget that is more regressive than anything right hon. Dr John Reid took her place as Member of Thatcher ever managed to produce. It is a Budget based Parliament for Airdrie and Shotts. Dr, soon to be Lord, on ideology, not reality; on aggressive cuts, not need. Reid has served the people of Lanarkshire for 23 years. The hard-working people of my constituency will be His wit became apparent in the first minute of his among those hardest hit by the measures proposed: maiden speech when he mentioned that the empty Tory when tax credits are cut, when necessary benefits are Benches he was facing reminded him of a mass rally of lowered, when 100,000 jobs are lost that would have the Scottish Conservative party. Following this year’s been saved under a Labour Government. general election in Scotland, I could not agree more. My constituents have not forgiven the Tories for the Soon after Labour came to power in 1997, Dr Reid destruction they let loose upon Scotland in the 1980s. began his ministerial career at the Department for Unfortunately, if the Budget gets through, it looks as if Transport and went on to hold more Cabinet posts than history will repeat itself. How can a Budget that reduces any politician in recent history. As Secretary of State for the opportunities that are available, that takes away Scotland, he oversaw the handover of power from support from those in danger of losing their homes and Westminster to the Scottish Parliament. He went on to that increases VAT be described as progressive? How become Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when can Liberal Democrat Members who publicly campaigned the peace process was in jeopardy. I know that the so hard against these measures support this Budget? highlight of his political career was to witness Martin I have quickly come to the conclusion that the Members McGuinness and the Reverend Ian Paisley sit down on the Government Benches do not know the meaning together at Stormont as Deputy and First Minister, an of the word “progressive”. outcome helped along by the work of Dr Reid. 645 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 646 Situation Situation Quickly gaining a reputation as a problem solver, My constituency is a collection of towns and Dr Reid was given two of the most difficult jobs in communities. At its heart is the town of Grays and it Cabinet in his final years in government—Defence and extends to the west to Aveley, Purfleet and South Ockendon the Home Office. Three years ago today, he woke up for and to the east to Tilbury and Chadwell St Mary. One the first time in a decade without the pressures of of our jewels is the port at Tilbury, which even today ministerial office. He returned to the Back Benches with supports 10,000 jobs. It is one of the traditional industries quiet grace and dignity, quickly managing to find that have been much neglected in recent years, and an excellent assistant from his constituency. He now although it goes from strength to strength it needs moves on to other challenges, including accompanying further support. his predecessor next-door. To the country, he is the Thurrock’s communications are one of its biggest Labour fixer who sorted out Departments when they went strengths. Its proximity to the M25 and to London, and wrong. To Parliament, he is a man of honour, loyalty and its location on the River Thames all make it an attractive wit, but to me he is the man who gave me the opportunity location for business and a key logistics hub. We also to reach my potential and I thank him for that. have the Dartford crossing, which I am sure is the Before I finish, I pay tribute to the greatest feature of scourge of many a motorist—including Members—as my constituency—its people. Their kindness and good- they queue to pay the toll. I remind the House that heartedness are best illustrated by the generosity shown when the crossing was constructed it was envisaged that towards St Andrew’s hospice in Airdrie, which requires the tolls would be lifted once the construction costs had donations of more than £40,000 a week to keep going, been met. That time has been and gone, and instead of yet still manages to get the support it requires. In scrapping the tolls the last Government increased them. Shotts, a local boy, Kyle Grant, has won the hearts of Since the tolls were increased the queues have become our community by raising money with his family to more problematic and no doubt cause significant costs obtain specialist treatment for cerebral palsy in America. to business users of the crossing when they find themselves Not so long ago, his target of £40,000 seemed like a stuck in congestion. We need to think again about the far-off dream, but he has now managed to achieve continued existence of the tolls, about future capacity double that amount. With the support of local businesses, needs on the M25 and crossings on the River Thames local newspapers—the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, and the prospects for additional crossings to the west the Wishaw Press and the Motherwell Times—and local and the east. The review announced in the Budget must people, charitable causes will continue to flourish in our consider all the options thoroughly so that we have a area for as long as they are required. transport system along the M25 fit for the future. I am proud to come from a place where people put In recent years, Thurrock has become a major retail others before themselves. That is at the heart of the centre, with the development of the Lakeside shopping politics of the area. It is the birthplace of the Labour centre and retail park. There are signs that the retail movement; people do not just want a better life for offering is likely to expand still further, which is why this themselves and their families, but for everyone else too. is a particularly exciting time to represent Thurrock. I That is why when we do well, we do not pull up the have mentioned its strategic location and although there ladder of opportunity behind us. That is why we support is much to celebrate, the area can do so much better. moves to end poverty at home and overseas. That is why The Thurrock Thames Gateway Development I am proud to serve the people of Airdrie and Shotts. Corporation has been charged with delivering inward investment and has made some progress. I very much 8.4 pm hope it will be given the opportunity to deliver its plans, Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): It is a pleasure notwithstanding plans to fold it up into the Homes and to follow the hon. Member for Airdrie and Shotts Communities Agency. (Pamela Nash) who has just given her maiden speech. In Thurrock, we are all excited about the potential for I am sure the rest of the House will forgive her for the development of creative industries following the making us feel a little bit old when she reminded us of major investment made by the Royal Opera House. We her first political memory. It was a fantastic start and need to establish the national skills academy to support we all look forward to hearing much more from her in Thurrock as a creative industries cluster. I firmly believe the near future. that we have a once in a generation opportunity to I am pleased to have this opportunity to deliver my secure the future development of Thurrock and it should maiden speech in an extremely important debate. Tackling not be squandered. I look forward to playing my part in the long-term culture of welfare dependency is probably building a better future for the constituency. the single most important ingredient in really sorting Having indulged the House by describing everything out and fixing our broken economy. that is great about Thurrock, I turn to the business I have the great honour to represent the constituency under discussion. The need for welfare reform was the of Thurrock, which, for Members who do not know, is main issue that brought me into politics as a teenager. in Essex, on the borders of London. I am the sixth In those days, I was living on a council estate in Sheffield. Member for Thurrock since the constituency was created It seemed to me a real injustice that hard-working in 1945. I am extremely honoured to follow in the families—people working every hour to put food on the footsteps of Andrew Mackinlay, who served the people table—had no better standard of living than many of Thurrock in this place for 18 years. I say that with households where no one was in work. The frequent real sincerity. He was much loved and respected on both lament at the working men’s club was, “Why do we sides of the House. He was a committed parliamentarian bother?” and a stout and outspoken defender of civil liberties. Over time, that injustice seems to have become more He will be missed here and in Thurrock where he is held and more entrenched. The way that tax and benefits in considerable warmth. interact today means that work simply does not pay for 647 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 648 Situation Situation [Jackie Doyle-Price] margins? How will that happen if, as the OBR states in paragraph C.29, business investment has a relatively far too many households. The result is that we have a high import content? How will businesses be encouraged society where too many individuals do not have the to invest more when they face in the next few years self-respect or discipline that comes from work and higher import costs and lower profit margins. Admittedly, individual responsibility, the rest of society is burdened they will have lower corporation tax rates, but by an ever-higher tax bill and we as a country are disproportionately higher cuts in capital allowance. dependent on migrant labour to fill those jobs that My region of the north-east and my constituency simply do not pay for our workers to do. We cannot go suffer more than their fair share during economic on like this. downturns. We in Hartlepool are still suffering from the I hope that the Budget really marks the beginning of social and economic consequences of deindustrialisation our quest truly to reform the dependency culture that and the Thatcher Government’s response. I would be exists in Britain today and to give everyone the opportunity the first to applaud the Government if they genuinely and incentive to work. In so doing, we will not only helped communities such as mine to stimulate their reduce welfare bills, but increase tax receipts to the sense of enterprise and entrepreneurialism. I, too, want Exchequer, so that the entire nation will become better an economy led by the private sector and for the north-east off and future Budgets will be a lot less painful than to achieve its potential, but nothing in the Budget will this one. allow that to happen. Nothing in the Budget gives us any clue about the 8.10 pm future industries that would help our country to prosper Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab): It has been a in the 21st century. We lead the world in creative industries pleasure to participate in a debate that has included so and are second only to the US in digital industries, but many excellent maiden speeches—from the hon. Members how could the Chancellor state that he wanted to see for East Surrey (Mr Gyimah), for Thurrock (Jackie Britain open for business when he scraps video games Doyle-Price) and for Maidstone and The Weald tax relief? There was frighteningly little on how this (Mrs Grant)—and an astonishingly powerful maiden country could lead the world in green jobs and green speech from my hon. Friend the Member for Airdrie industries, and how the Government could encourage and Shotts (Pamela Nash). I often used to think that and facilitate such a move to a leading low-carbon parliamentary democracy needed a regular infusion of economy. The north-east could be leading the world in youth, talent and drive to keep it going, but given how energy infrastructure, incorporating nuclear, oil and gas much great talent there now is on both sides of the and renewable technology that could help this country House, I am not sure that that is the case; I do not think to prosper, but there was nothing at all in the Budget to that we should see so much great talent, because it encourage that. certainly does not do my career chances any good The regional growth fund that was announced in the whatsoever. Budget is very welcome, as is the proposed White Paper The best way to secure a sustained recovery is to put on regional economic performance, but the proposals in place the conditions for growth, but the Budget fails in the Budget were so bland and ambiguous as to be to do so. Indeed, from reading the Red Book, it is very almost meaningless and gave the impression of being unclear about where growth will come from at all. put in the Red Book at the last minute, as an afterthought. Paragraph 1.48, backed up by comments from the Office I am particularly concerned that the regional growth for Budget Responsibility, states that the economic fund will be set up only in 2011-12 and 2012-13, so the forecast is for a gradual recovery, with job losses that take place now, as a result of the Government’s cuts set to take place in this financial “net exports and business investment making a greater contribution to growth than in the recent past, and government spending year, will not be helped. making a negative contribution to growth as fiscal consolidation Scrapping the future jobs fund, which has been successful is implemented.” in Hartlepool, combined with the deep cuts to working The notion of an export-led recovery is very welcome—it neighbourhoods funding, will stop hundreds of young would help some of the firms in my constituency—but people from embarking upon a career. Potential growth how on earth is this going to happen? The eurozone of the economy in my constituency is therefore being economy is in grave danger, and the notion that we can hit now, in this financial year, with no clear assistance rely on growing opportunities for exports into Europe from the Government at all. in the next few years seems very ill-judged. The policy Within a few days of the new Government taking stance adopted by some of the G20 at the weekend over, the largest private sector company in my constituency seems to indicate that, where there was once global went into administration, which led to the loss of 650 jobs co-operation for stimulus, there now seems to be broad in Hartlepool. I am not blaming the Government for agreement for austerity. If that is the case and the the company’s fall, but the coalition’s response was world’s major economies are collectively going to reduce incredibly telling and deeply depressing. The response demand, where does that leave the prospect for an that I received from a Minister at the Department for export-led growth plan? Business, Innovation and Skills following my request In similar vein, the Red Book states that business for assistance was offensively complacent—basically investment will also be a catalyst for recovery, but how washing his hands of the matter and stating that the will that happen when the Chancellor is cutting the local authority and regional development agency should capital allowances rate that would incentivise businesses be expected to bear the load. Indeed, the local authority’s to invest in new plant? How will that happen if the economic development team—the best in the country—and OBR’s own forecasts envisage companies having to One NorthEast are working closely together for the absorb some of the rise in VAT through lower profit workers who lost their jobs, but how can they work to 649 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 650 Situation Situation the best of their abilities when the local authority has Lorely Burt: I am glad that the hon. Gentleman raises been asked to find £1.7 million of cuts this year? How the issue of VAT. If he has a little patience, I shall can One NorthEast be expected to operate as effectively address that fully in just a moment. as it could when it has heard conflicting, contradictory I applaud the fairness factors in the Budget, many of and confusing reports about its future? How can help which were suggested by Liberal Democrats. The £1,000 for a private sector-led recovery be given—for example, increase in the threshold at which people start to pay retraining opportunities for the workers who have lost tax will bring 880,000 people out of tax altogether and their jobs—when the Department in Whitehall charged benefit 23 million people on low and middle incomes. with helping business is facing some of the biggest cuts? That increase is the first step towards a Liberal Democrat Many hon. Members in the Budget debate have manifesto pledge. The tax on banks will not affect small mentioned the 1980s, when the Thatcher Government banks, but it will allow tax cuts for other types of doubled VAT, and it was clear then, as it is clear now, business to be introduced. The changes to capital gains that the priorities were to shift the burden from income tax will mean that top earners pay 10% more, although taxation to taxation on consumption. That is not only there will be thresholds so that others pay at a lower regressive and impacts upon the poorest in society, but rate. The rate of 28% is not as high as Liberal Democrats deflationary, taking demand and consumption out of might have gone, but the Government have been advised the economy, so it will take us longer to climb on to that 28% is the highest rate that can practically be set sustained recovery.That deflationary stance always increases before revenue starts to be lost, so that is fair enough. unemployment, and I fear that we will once again see Pensioners have already been discussed today. They unemployment rise to levels that are socially unacceptable will benefit from the earnings link and the triple lock, and economically wasteful. which will mean that they receive an increase reflecting The coalition Government’s tired policies are devastating earnings inflation or 2.5%. No Labour Member has in any era. The policies did not work in the 1980s, and managed to explain why the Labour Government did they will not work now. I ask the Government to think not restore the earnings link over 13 years, and never again and not rush headlong into an ideological zest for again will we have the disgraceful situation of pensioners cuts that will increase unemployment. receiving a 75p increase, as Labour proposed. Child poverty is addressed through an extra £2 billion for 8.17 pm child tax credits, and the pupil premium will help the Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): I congratulate the hon. most disadvantaged children. Members for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price), for Airdrie This is a Budget for business. Business is the engine and Shotts (Pamela Nash), for Maidstone and The that will drive us out of the recession, so we have put Weald (Mrs Grant) and for East Surrey (Mr Gyimah). I our emphasis on ensuring that we have cuts rather than agree with the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr Wright) taxes, with a 77:23 split. that they bring inspiration and enthusiasm to the House. The hon. Member for Hartlepool said that this was We are all here to try to make things better, and I am not a green Budget, but there are good incentives for sure that all of them will play their part. low-carbon investment through the reform of the climate The coalition Budget has been described as tough but change levy, the proposals on which will come in the fair, and hon. Members on both sides of the House will autumn. We also have the green investment bank and certainly agree that it is tough. Why does it have to be so the green deal for households, which will enable households tough? It is tough because we are borrowing £1 in every to make improvements that will pay for themselves £4 that we spend, because we owe £22,400 for every over time. man, woman and child in this country and because, The reduction in corporation tax also shows that this thanks to Labour, we have one of the largest budget is a Budget for business. In addition, we are pumping deficits in the whole of Europe, so we must take the money into Royal Mail, which did not happen under action that Labour dodged. Now that the OBR has the previous Government. The Budget contains nice been formed, we know the true scale of the problem little touches such as entrepreneurs relief. It does not that we face, and we have worked it out so that no one involve any indexation or a taper, and the amount that can fix the figures anymore. retiring entrepreneurs can enjoy has increased from £2 million to £5 million. Mr Anderson: Does the hon. Lady disagree with the OECD, which said that the previous Government’s The national insurance threshold increase in 2011 actions prevented this country from going from a recession will take 650,000 people out of national insurance into a depression? If those actions had not been taken, altogether. What a contrast that is to Labour’s proposals we really would have been in a mess. for a tax on jobs. The enterprise finance guarantee scheme is being extended to 2,000 businesses. Under the Lorely Burt: The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point. regional growth fund, I look forward to our pumping Indeed, the Liberal Democrats supported some of the money into the regions, meaning that we are no longer a steps that the Labour Government took, but that does London-centric Government. We will ensure that the not allow Labour Members to wash their hands completely regions get the kind of support they need, especially for of this country’s financial state. new businesses. Of course, there have been hard choices. The hon. Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP): But can Member for South Antrim (Dr McCrea) talked about the hon. Lady and her colleagues wash their hands of VAT, and it is regressive. The hon. Member for Airdrie the fact that although they opposed a rise in VAT and Shotts said that we did not know the meaning of during the election, they will now go through the Lobby that word, but we really do. However, our VAT rate is to support it? Surely that is hypocrisy. still below the average for Europe. 651 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 652 Situation Situation Ian Swales: Is my hon. Friend aware that after Thursday, between spending cuts and tax rises in advance of when Spain increases its VAT rate by 2%, only Cyprus severe spending cuts in the autumn. That is his general and Luxembourg will have a lower rate of VAT than approach. We should remember that even the most we do? Thatcherite hawks who did not believe in the existence of society in the 1980s only ever aimed at a 50:50 split Lorely Burt: My hon. Friend is right and I am grateful between spending cuts and tax rises, so the Chancellor for his helpful intervention. We must put all these things is making the Thatcherites of that time look soft and into perspective. The existing exemptions will apply to even-handed. That is not, by the way, how the people of items such as food and children’s clothing. My hon. Liverpool remember them for what they did in that Friend the Member for St Ives (Andrew George) has decade. tabled an amendment about VAT. He is rightly worried We can say that for most disabled people on lower about the effect of the VAT rise on particular groups, incomes, who are more dependent than most on public but I point out that the Red Book states of the chart on services, the increase in VAT is a disaster. Some Government page 67 to which he referred: Members have had the grace to accept that it is a “Chart A3 shows that the top expenditure decile will lose regressive tax. Indeed, both the Prime Minister and almost 15 times more, in absolute terms, than the bottom expenditure Deputy Prime Minister, before the election, said on TV decile from changes in indirect taxes.” that it was a regressive tax. The deputy leader of the The increase is not nice, but we feel that it is appropriate. Liberal Democrats, who is in his place, has said so more recently. The increase in VAT, which both the PM and Several hon. Members rose— the Deputy PM promised us before the election we would not have, but which they are now both going to Lorely Burt: I am sorry but I cannot take any more invite their hon. Friends to vote for, is not only a joint interventions. broken promise that will hit the poorest hardest, but We have talked about welfare throughout today’s something on which both parties will be judged. debate, but I should point out that the welfare bill was The degree of reliance on spending cuts will also set to rise to nearly £200 billion and we just cannot impact much more heavily on poor and disabled people afford that. The autumn spending review will treat than a more balanced ratio would have done. More those most in need as a priority, and although we will than half the £11 billion of welfare cuts will come from make cuts, we will cut carefully. This year’s Labour indexing benefit rates to the consumer prices index Budget included plans for £44 billion of cuts and tax rather than the retail prices index. That sounds technical, rises, but the previous Government did not say how but the effect is to set benefits on a permanently lower they would raise that money and what taxes they would trajectory, thus year by year compounding the disparity have increased. Until Labour Members are prepared to at every uprating, though saving more money for the tell us what they would have done, they have no right to Chancellor. That, in my book, is the very definition of criticise this coalition Government. balancing the Budget on the backs of the poor. The changes in disability living allowance will be 8.27 pm judged not only on that score, which will in itself cut almost £300 a year from the payment. The Red Book Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): In March, also promises us reform before the election, the Chancellor told the News of the “to ensure support is targeted on those with the highest medical World: need” “We are all in this together—I am not going to balance the and says: budget on the backs of the poor”, “The Government will introduce the use of objective medical which was very reassuring for voters to hear before an assessments for all DLA claimants”. election. Since the election, both the Prime Minister Indeed, one Government Member referred to DLA as a and the Deputy Prime Minister have tried to argue that benefit that one languishes upon. However, DLA is an the Government and even their Budget are progressive. extra costs benefit: it is paid not on the basis of a However, having had a closer look at the Budget and medical diagnosis, but to compensate disabled people the Government, we can conclude that neither is progressive for the extra costs incurred by the effect their condition in political or economic terms. I am afraid that it looks has on their ability to get around or look after themselves. very much like the Chancellor is indeed planning on People who work receive DLA. It is not a benefit that balancing the budget on the backs of the poor. one languishes upon; it is a recognition from society I want to spend a little of the time that I have that disabled people need a little extra support to enable examining the effects of several Budget measures on them to participate in life. poorer and disabled people. Disabled people are some of the most marginalised and vulnerable of our fellow Mrs McGuire: Does my hon. Friend agree with the citizens, but they are also one of the greatest sources of Essex Coalition of Disabled People, which has indicated under-utilised talent and potential in our country. They that the increase in people claiming DLA has resulted are generally at the poorer end of the income distribution in more disabled people living independently in the and they are more reliant on public services than many community, rather than in the residential care that was of our citizens, so the Budget’s impact on them will in existence in 1993, 1994 and 1995? indeed test the Chancellor’s claim that he is not aiming his Budget at the poor. Maria Eagle: My right hon. Friend is correct. She, I characterise the Chancellor’s overall Budget strategy like me, is a former Minister with responsibility for as further and faster deficit reduction than was planned disabled people and has had to grapple with these by the last Labour Government, and an 80:20 split issues. 653 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 654 Situation Situation This proposal is retrograde because it reverts to a ended. If the Tories do this, they should not have the medical model of disability, which disabled people support of the Liberal Democrats and, quite frankly, themselves resent. It also has enormous deadweight the Liberal Democrats should be ashamed to walk costs. People who have never been able to walk do not through the Lobby tonight to support this appalling need a doctor’s assessment to say that their mobility is Budget. restricted. What possible sense is there in subjecting them to one? It just looks like harassment. How does 8.35 pm that sit with not introducing a medical for those components of attendance allowance which are the same as the Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): I am grateful, Mr Deputy components of disability living allowance? What about Speaker, for the opportunity to make my maiden speech. pensioners who got their DLA before they turned 65 I congratulate my hon. Friends the Members for Thurrock and still retain it? Are they to be subjected to a medical (Jackie Doyle-Price), for East Surrey (Mr Gyimah), and test? Looking at the Red Book, it seems to me that we for Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant), as well as have a savings figure attached to this measure of £1.1 billion, the hon. Member for Airdrie and Shotts (Pamela Nash) and the objective medical test is simply designed to on making excellent maiden speeches and for raising the reduce the numbers on the benefit by 20%. The policy bar so high. I fear that all that is about to change. has not been thought through. This seems to be a Through you, Mr Deputy Speaker, may I thank all proposal aimed at saving money. Members of Parliament and staff for the courtesy and Similarly on housing benefit, the Red Book says: help that they have given new Members? This is a “Housing Benefit is often criticised as making excessively baffling and overwhelming place to get used to, particularly generous payments that damage work incentives. To address this, when lost down a corridor somewhere. the Government will remove payments that trap benefit claimants I pay tribute to my predecessor, Paul Truswell, who in poverty instead of providing incentives to work”. was the Labour MP for the constituency from 1997 But only one in eight housing benefit claimants are until the recent election. He was, and is, an honourable unemployed. The majority are pensioners, disabled people, man, and although we did not always see eye to eye, I carers or people in work who are on low incomes. What would like to think that we had mutual respect for each is the point of making this benefit one that incentivises other. He was regarded as a very good constituency work when most of the people on it fall into those Member of Parliament, and only announced his retirement categories? It is nonsense. If instead we start with a after a serious car crash. I hope that he is recovering suspicion that the reforms are actually about saving well, and that he will enjoy his time with his family. I money, and we see that they cut £1.8 billion, we are shall also say a few words about his predecessor, the late more likely to get to the nub of the issue. Sir Giles Shaw. I never had the fortune of meeting The Institute for Fiscal Studies says that the welfare him—sadly, he died not long after his retirement—but reforms are he was a contender for the post of Speaker. I understand “A mixed bag, with no consistent objective beyond the desire that he was a witty man, who was well respected for his to save money”. ability in consensus seeking. Indeed, he had such an The private rented sector reforms just decouple the local effect on the constituency of Pudsey, that someone housing allowance payable from the level of the rent asked if I was taking over from him. even in local housing markets, which can only result in It is an honour and a privilege to represent the people falling into arrears and debt, and being subjected Pudsey constituency, and I am grateful to the voters to eviction. In the public and registered social landlord there for returning me. It is a long constituency that sector the reforms are equally worrying. Many disabled straddles the borders of Leeds and Bradford. In 10 minutes, people only have their home. It is the foundation of we can be in the vibrant city of Leeds; in 10 minutes their lives and their security. It is all they have that is going in the other direction, we can be in the beautiful their own. These proposals will force people to move Yorkshire dales. The common reaction when I say that I house and face increasing levels of debt. If their area represent Pudsey is, “Ah, named after the bear.” I point gentrifies—nothing to do with them—they have to move out that the town came first, featuring in the Domesday on. If their children grow up and leave home, as they book. Pudsey is an old mill town, but many of the mills tend to do, they have to move on. in the constituency have sadly gone. Indeed, at the What about disabled people who have adaptations in height of their success, the pollution was so bad that it their home? Are they to have to move? Often, those was said that the birds in Pudsey park flew backwards adaptations make life liveable. They are not a luxury; to keep the soot out of their eyes. they are a necessity. Having debt and having to move Pudsey is a big town that is suffering somewhat from from one’s home is difficult enough for anyone to cope out-of-town developments, but there is a vibrant market, with, but many disabled people are too vulnerable to and I hope that I can do my bit to help the town’s cope well with such upheaval. How are learning-disabled economy. There is a lot more to Pudsey than just people, those with severe mental ill health and those Pudsey. The neighbouring town of Farsley is home to with severe physical impairments supposed to go out Hainsworth mills, which provide speciality textiles for and look for a new home, as they may have to simply the Royal Guards’ uniforms, and claim to make the because of these reforms to save money? Disabled people fastest cloth for snooker tables. The cloth in the Woolsack are the least equipped to do that, even before the in another place even comes from that mill. One of the spending review cuts the support they can get in their town’s famous sons is Ray Illingworth, the former England local communities to help them with such things. cricket captain. The Budget is a triple whammy for disabled people: In Calverley, an attractive and typical Yorkshire village VAT and the cost of living up; incomes and benefits steeped in history, there is a wonderful old hall. In 1604, slashed; help and support to navigate those challenges the local owner and landowner, Walter Calverley, apparently 655 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 656 Situation Situation [Stuart Andrew] today. My hon. Friend the Member for Airdrie and Shotts (Pamela Nash) clearly knows her Labour history. went insane and murdered his two sons. He refused to A number of strong Labour women have represented plead, and was ordered to be pressed to death at the her constituency in the past, and she showed today that York assizes—a method that was used to try to force a she will be a powerful advocate for the community that confession, and something I fear that the Whips would she represents. She mentioned in her speech that her like to use on some of us in future. However, he died constituents have not forgiven the Conservatives for without confessing his crime, and his ghost apparently what they did in the 1980s. In my constituency, North haunts the village on dark, lonely nights. Ayrshire and Arran, that is what I was told repeatedly The next village is Horsforth, considered to have the during the general election. largest population of any village. It is home to Leeds As I listened to the debate today and as I have Trinity university college, which has just received that listened to the rhetoric from the Conservative party status and is famed for teaching and media training. over the past few weeks, it reminded me of the 1980s. Finally, there is Aireborough, an area that was regarded Fortunately I was a little older than my hon. Friend at in the 2001 census as the most average place in Britain, the time. When I left school I knew nobody between the which I would dispute. It is the home of the original ages of 16 and 25 who had a job. Education or the Harry Ramsden’s fish and chip shop, Silver Cross prams youth training scheme, as it was then, were the only and another furry friend, Sooty. I know that I am opportunities available. It was astonishing to hear again biased, but I love our constituency. after 20 years the talk about getting “on yer bike”. For Let me move on to the debate. Yes, this is a difficult most people in areas such as the one that I represent, Budget, but these are difficult times and I am glad we moving is not an option. For all the reasons that have have a responsible Budget, one which is sensible and is been set out today, if we see the kind of attacks on our now clearly endorsed by members of the G20. The scale benefit system that are being outlined, that will become of our debt is truly terrifying and threatens to restrict even less of an option. what we will be able to do in future years. If we do not My hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood deal with the debt now, we will be wasting more than (Maria Eagle) described in detail how the changes in the £70 billion a year on interest alone, which will threaten benefit system would have a disproportionate effect on our household interest rates and business growth. some of the poorest in society. The Budget is deeply I welcome the initiatives of the Chancellor for regressive and will be devastating for some of the poorest encouraging regional growth. Tax breaks for new businesses communities and some of the poorest people in the outside London and the south-east are particularly country. However, it will also devastate the economy, welcomed by someone who is a Yorkshire MP. I want because it is a depressive Budget. The rise in VAT, the to see our private sector grow so that we are not so cuts in benefits to some of the poorest in society and, dependent on the public sector. Capital investment, too, perhaps even more significantly, the huge cuts in public has been mentioned. I was pleased to hear about the spending will drain huge amounts of money from the Leeds and Liverpool railway line. I know that there are economy. In other parts of Europe, more and more other things that we want for our city in Leeds, for Governments are taking an increasingly similar which I will be pressing the Chancellor. All these will approach, and that is very worrying for not just the encourage enterprise. British economy but beyond, because it does not seem I shall say a little about my background. I grew up on obvious where we will be able to sell our goods. So, this a council estate in a family that had very little money. is a very dangerous Budget. I was the eldest, and even I had hand-me-downs. What I have already said that the current debate is reminiscent helped my family and others was the ability to start a of debates that took place in the 1980s. In 1979, a new business. I remember my father starting a small Government were elected saying that they had no plans roofing company. It was not much, but it was something. to increase VAT, but not long after there was an increase It got him off the dole and it employed another person. from 8% to 15%; and now, of course, one of the first That is the sort of wealth creation that we need in this steps that we see is a significant increase in VAT. Until country so that we can help the small businesses to the past few weeks I had never heard it argued that create the wealth to improve the prospects for our increasing VAT was anything other than a regressive future, and also to help the millions of people who have policy that would disproportionately affect some of the been abandoned by the Opposition on benefits. I think lowest earners in society. particularly of the young people who are out of work. Through the creation of wealth and jobs we can turn Mr Anderson: I remember a similar situation. Does the country round and improve the prospect of helping my hon. Friend remember also that in the 1980s people those people. continually said, “There is no alternative”? Now, the code for that is, “This is unavoidable”, and it is sad that 8.42 pm the Liberal Democrats have been taken in by the Conservative party. The Lib Dems are the real dupes in Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): Thank this House. you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I warmly welcome you to your position. Katy Clark: I agree. I listened with care to the hon. I congratulate the hon. Member for Pudsey (Stuart Member for Solihull (Lorely Burt), who basically said Andrew) on an eloquent maiden speech, as well as the that we could not afford the benefit system and, therefore, hon. Members for Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant), it was necessary to take these steps, but the House must for East Surrey (Mr Gyimah) and for Thurrock (Jackie remind itself again and again that we are a hugely Doyle-Price), who also made excellent maiden speeches wealthy country. We have the fifth wealthiest economy 657 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 658 Situation Situation in the world, but the wealth and power in society are forward to helping him to take the words from its pages unevenly distributed, and that has to be the backdrop and put them into action, especially in delivering truly whenever we have these discussions. affordable homes for local people to buy or rent. Given the proposals that we have heard, this Budget Julia Goldsworthy served as the Member for Falmouth simply seems to be a Tory Budget. I appreciate the and Camborne in the last Parliament, and she has Liberal Democrats’ points about the policies that they have recently returned to the Westminster to work as special tried to inject, but overall the Budget will disproportionately adviser to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Her work affect those on the lowest incomes. A few days ago the in creating the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 is TUC commissioned a paper, which states that overall noteworthy, as is her dedicated campaigning work for the annual loss in income and services for the poorest NHS services in Cornwall. I look forward to working 10th of households is estimated to be £1,514, which is with her in her new role. equivalent to 21.7% of their household income. The I have often heard colleagues in this House refer to average annual loss for the richest 10th of households is Cornwall as part of the Celtic fringe; no doubt that is estimated to be £2,685, which is equivalent to 3.6% of intended in a humorous way. While I am very proud of their overall income. No doubt a lot of work will be the Celtic culture, sports and traditions of Cornwall, done on those figures, but we must consider them when there is absolutely nothing “fringe” about Cornwall or we discuss not only the Budget, but the Finance Bill, its people. Cornwall throughout the ages has been, and which we will debate over the coming weeks. will continue to be, at the cutting edge of important I agreed with the hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew national developments, as well as being at the centre of George), and I fully appreciate the difficulties and stress key moments of our history. The industrial revolution that Liberal Democrat MPs in his position must feel if started in Cornwall, and Cornwall is leading the new they have always argued that a VAT increase would have industrial revolution—that of delivering the renewable a disproportionate impact on the poorest in society. and sustainable energy that our future economic security I hope that we see some detailed work on the impact of and growth will depend upon. Cornwall’s pioneering not just the VAT increase, but all those policies on the and inventive people and enterprises are ready to rise to poorest in society. the challenge of delivering a low-carbon economy and secure energy supplies. They need a Government who In reality, we are seeing unprecedented cuts in spending understand how to create the right market conditions on public services, but I find it difficult to believe that for enterprise to succeed. I believe that this coalition any Government of any political colour will be able to Government have the determination to do this, and so make the proposed reductions, because we are talking to unlock potential in Cornwall. about departmental cuts of about 20% to 25% over five My constituency is a slice of central Cornwall running years. It is difficult to imagine that the Government will from the north to the south coasts. It includes Cornwall’s be able to deliver on that, because these are such savage administrative, retail and media centre and its only cuts in the services that all our constituents rely on. city—Truro. The Royal Cornwall hospital, the only This is a bad policy not only because it disproportionately acute hospital in the whole county, is in Truro, along affects some of the lowest-paid and lowest-earning in with the Peninsula medical and dental school. I am society, but because it risks choking off the recovery grateful for the dedication of the staff in our NHS in that is so vital to us all. My hon. Friend the Member for Cornwall and the people who work hard in all our Coventry North West (Mr Robinson) was absolutely public services. right—we needed a Budget for jobs and growth, but we Cornwall has benefited from EU objective 1 funding, have something completely to the contrary. and now convergence funding, which has helped to develop the knowledge-based economy. Combined 8.50 pm Universities in Cornwall has enabled people of all ages to access the opportunity to undertake higher education Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): I think and obtain new skills. University College Falmouth is a that I will be the last person this evening to make their world-leading arts organisation. maiden speech—[Interruption.] No, I am sorry—I stand Throughout the constituency are very many beautiful corrected. I am the penultimate person to do so. villages, from the rugged splendour of the north coast Having grown up in Falmouth and having been villages of St Agnes and Perranporth to the no less confirmed in Truro cathedral, it is a real privilege to beautiful but gentler coastline of the Roseland peninsula. stand here today as the first MP for the new constituency As hon. Members will be aware, tourism is an important of Truro and Falmouth. I am particularly pleased to industry in Cornwall. Thanks to local farmers and join today’s debate, in which we are discussing the fishermen, there is a thriving and growing local food important contribution that many of the measures in scene, which comes together into some mouth-watering the Budget will make in enabling enterprise to prosper food festivals enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. I am in my constituency. delighted that the new coalition Government recognise My immediate predecessors will be well known to the importance of farming and fishing to our national Members of this House. Matthew Taylor served for food security. more than 20 years as the Member for Truro and In the hinterlands of the constituency are the ruins of St Austell, and he played an important role in highlighting many of the mines for which Cornwall is famous. As a the issues of living and working in the countryside of descendant of Cornish miners, I am particularly pleased Cornwall in his well-respected Taylor report. As chairman to see renewable energy enterprises developing in the of the National Housing Federation and a director of ruins of the old tin and copper mines. Cornwall has the South West Water, as well as serving in the House of hottest rocks in the UK and is a natural location for Lords as a Lib Dem peer, he will be able to continue his geothermal energy production. That, combined with work on the issues identified in his report. I look our rich tradition of engineering and inventiveness, 659 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 660 Situation Situation [Sarah Newton] became the UK’s first Muslim Member of Parliament. He was re-elected to serve Glasgow Govan in 2001 and, provides an ideal environment and ideal skills to develop following boundary changes, won Glasgow Central in that sustainable form of energy. Geothermal Engineering 2005. On election night in May of this year, when I Ltd has submitted a popularly backed planning application learned that I had held the seat for Labour with an to Cornwall council and if it is successful, we will see increased majority, I turned to my election agent and we the first commercial geothermal energy plant in the congratulated each other on a well-fought five-week UK, which will produce 10 MW of renewable energy to campaign. Overhearing our exuberance, my predecessor be fed into the national grid. was quick to remind us that his hard work as an MP for Nearby, at the former mine of Mount Wellington, is the preceding five years may also have had something to Kensa Engineering, an award-winning manufacturer of do with it. ground heat pumps that works with social housing My predecessor enjoyed a distinguished parliamentary providers across the country to deliver low-carbon energy career, including serving as a member of the Select and at the same time lift people out of fuel poverty. I am Committee on Scottish Affairs before being elected its delighted that the coalition Government have stated Chair in 2005. A devoted internationalist who was their support for renewable energy incentives. I believe respected on both sides of the House as a champion of that the Government’s priority, as set out in the Budget, the Asian and Muslim communities, Mohammad Sarwar to enable more business finance and financial support did a tremendous amount of work to strengthen Britain’s for the low-carbon economy, will help support excellent relationships abroad, but first and foremost, my predecessor low-carbon companies and energy providers such as was a very passionate and forthright constituency MP those in my constituency. The Government’s emphasis who always spoke up to ensure that the interests of his on the need for economic growth to come from the constituents were well represented in this House. In private sector will also, I believe, create a better environment recognition of his 20 years of service to Glasgow, he for the many businesses that already contribute so much was last month awarded the Loving cup by the city’s to the local economy, particularly at Falmouth port. lord provost. It is one of the highest honours that can Falmouth is not only important to the economy of be given by the great city. One example of his devotion Cornwall as the third-largest natural harbour in the to his constituents is his successful campaign to secure world, it is of strategic importance to the UK. Falmouth the future of thousands of jobs in Glasgow’s Govan has a long and proud maritime history and, as the most shipyards, which he cites as his greatest achievement westerly port in the Atlantic gateway, has been at the as a Member of Parliament. I hope that under this centre of trade since ancient times. As ships for all Government, the tremendous history of shipbuilding purposes, including those needed to service marine on the Clydeside will be protected and promoted, and renewables and the Navy, are getting larger, the deep not harmed. waters of that safe haven are ever more important to the As you can probably tell from my accent, Mr Deputy nation, not just to Cornwall. Speaker, I was born and brought up in the city of Glasgow, and I have lived there all my life. I love the city I understand that many of the measures in the Budget of Glasgow and I am a proud Glaswegian, so I feel will be tough for people living and working in my immensely honoured and hugely privileged to have constituency. I do, however, believe that by taking the been given the opportunity to represent the people of brave decisions in this Budget— Glasgow Central in Parliament. I thank them for putting their faith and trust in me and I promise to work Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. tirelessly to repay that trust. Glasgow has been through some very difficult periods 8.57 pm in its history, and there will clearly be further testing times ahead, but I know the resilience, spirit and innovation Anas Sarwar (Glasgow Central) (Lab): I am grateful of the city’s people, and that is why I am confident for to you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity its future. In the past 13 years, Glasgow has been to make my maiden speech in this debate as the new transformed from its inward-looking, post-industrial Member for Glasgow Central. It is a pleasure to follow slump to become a confident, outward-looking, the excellent contributions of the hon. Members for economically regenerated city. It is now a leading location East Surrey (Mr Gyimah), for Maidstone and The not just for shipbuilding but for high-tech industries Weald (Mrs Grant), for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price), and developing fields such as biotechnology. It is Europe’s for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew) and for Truro and Falmouth fastest-growing conference centre and we now have (Sarah Newton), and of course of the baby of the more than 4 million tourists visiting annually. World- House, my hon. Friend the Member for Airdrie and renowned universities such as the university of Strathclyde Shotts (Pamela Nash). and Glasgow Caledonian university are also within my I would like to begin, as is customary, by paying constituency, and I am proud to have graduated from tribute to my predecessor. It is perhaps somewhat easier the university of Glasgow with a BDS in dentistry. We for me to take part in that tradition than for other hon. all know the pain that can be inflicted by a dentist, but Members making their maiden speeches, as I have had that pales in comparison to the pain inflicted by the the privilege of knowing Mohammad Sarwar for all Chancellor with this Budget—I know that was a cheap 27 years of my life. He has been a tremendous inspiration joke, but I could not resist it. to me and it is an honour to follow him into Parliament Glasgow Central’s school leavers and graduates can as the Member for Glasgow Central. look forward to employment in the largest economic Mohammad Sarwar began his political career in part of Scotland. Its business district, international 1992, when he was elected to serve on Glasgow city financial centre, manufacturing sector and Clydeside council. He went on to make history in 1997 when he media hub provide thousands of jobs. Glasgow Central 661 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 662 Situation Situation also boasts a thriving retail industry and the best shopping especially the hon. Member for Glasgow Central (Anas in the UK outside London, including the style mile, Sarwar), who delivered an informative, interesting and which takes in Sauchiehall street, Buchanan street and hard-hitting speech. He clearly has a great future in the Argyle street together with three shopping centres. Culture House. I know I speak for all hon. Members when I ask seekers are also catered for in my constituency, which that he pass on our good wishes to his distinguished boasts the Scottish exhibition and conference centre, predecessor—his dad. the Glasgow science centre, the Kelvingrove art gallery, It will come as no surprise to Labour Members that I the gallery of modern art, the People’s Palace and welcome the Chancellor’s Budget, but I have been amazed several theatres among its many attractions. when listening to some of their speeches during the Glasgow is a city that is brimming with confidence Budget debates. It seems to me that they have a collective and is on the up. This will be demonstrated on the world delete button that has erased the last 13 years of their stage when we proudly host the 2014 Commonwealth memory. I regret the situation left by the previous games. The spirit of optimism so evident in the city Government, which has motivated the many tough centre permeates into the neighbouring communities measures that the Chancellor has been forced to take. that surround it: to the north and west lie Dundasvale, I also regret that they left such a massive budget deficit Cowcaddens, Garnethill, Anderston and Finnieston; and such a large public sector debt, and that they let south of the River Clyde are the hard-working communities spending rip to sustain the previous Prime Minister’s of Govanhill, Toryglen, Pollokshields, Kinning Park vain boast that he had done away with boom and bust. and the Gorbals; and in the east are Bridgeton, Calton How empty those words seem now. and Dalmarnock, which I hope will reap the economic benefits of the Commonwealth games. Mrs McGuire rose— There is much to celebrate across Glasgow Central, but we still face many challenges. Although the previous Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con) rose— Government made huge strides, we must recognise that there is still a way to go, and I am determined that the Mr Binley: I will gave way to my hon. Friend, if the progress made in recent years will be built upon, not right hon. Lady will forgive me. Time is limited to only diminished. Some areas are still counting the cost of the seven minutes per speech, so I ask her indulgence. devastating economic policies of the 1980s, which saw communities blighted and a generation of young people Charlie Elphicke: Does my hon. Friend also regret the left on the unemployment scrap heap. Sadly, it seems fact that child poverty has increased by 300,000 since that the same mistakes are being made again. 2004-05? Does he welcome the fact that it should be frozen in the next two years? The Institute of Fiscal Studies has shown that the bulk of the pain in this Budget will be felt by the Mr Binley: I welcome the Government’s pledge to poorest in the country. At times of economic difficulty, ensure that child poverty does not increase in the next the Government should be supporting and protecting two years in these difficult times, but I was dismayed by the most vulnerable in our society, not harming them the previous Government’s record, which left so many and hitting them hardest. Severe cuts to child tax credits, young people out of employment, education and training. housing benefit, and disability living allowance, as well That was terribly sad. as the VAT increase, will affect thousands of low and middle-income families and pensioners in Glasgow Central I regret that the previous Government thought that and across the UK. That is on top of the decisions to they had only to create a project and throw money at it scrap child trust funds and the future jobs fund. I urge to solve a problem. I come from industry, and I can tell the Government, particularly hon. Members on the Labour Members that in truth, how projects are managed Liberal Benches, to rethink many of those previously determines their success or otherwise. Perhaps they can tested and failed policies before it is too late. take that lesson on board. Let me conclude with a message to my constituents. I congratulate the Chancellor on his courage in the My first priority is to be a visible, accessible and hard- face of what he had to deal with. I think he produced a working member of parliament. I will fight for vital fair and balanced Budget, as do many of my electorate investment to ensure that we continue to create opportunity in Northampton. To fire a warning shot across the bows and jobs in Glasgow so that it can remain a great place of Labour Members, I can tell them that a number of to live, work and raise a family. I will work in the House those who told me that this weekend were in fact with hon. Members on both sides to help to build a Labour voters. Labour Members might need to temper society that has equality and fairness as its guiding their comments in the light of that information. principles, providing educational opportunity, tackling The success of the Budget is not assured. It depends child poverty and ensuring that everyone, no matter on achieving the projected growth figures, which means what their background, can match their aspirations being competitive. How sad that on the World Economic with achievement. Forum’s global competitiveness index, the UK fell from seventh to 13th in the rankings between 1997 and 2010. Sadly, that is another Labour failure. 9.4 pm As I said, the Chancellor did a great job in trying to Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): May be fair and balanced, not only for this generation, but I first pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for for our children and grandchildren. Had we not taken Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton)? She is no longer that action and set out on that course, they would be left in the Chamber, but she held her own with charm and with the burden. interest among the many excellent maiden speeches this evening. I congratulate all who made such speeches, Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab) rose— 663 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 664 Situation Situation Mr Binley: I will not give way because time is very The hon. Gentleman forgets that from 1997 until limited. 2007 and into 2008 we had unbroken growth every One thing that makes me most angry is the idea that month—[Interruption.] I do not know about the hon. we should spend the money and expect our children Gentleman’s constituency, but I have a very deprived and grandchildren to bail us out. That is totally constituency and, however critical I was of the Labour unacceptable. Government, a lot of people were able to leave behind the memories of the Thatcher 1980s. They got jobs, I said that the success of the Budget is not assured, bought houses and started to take pride in themselves but I welcome the many initiatives that the Chancellor and their families. They started to think that they had a outlined in his speech, including the reduction in corporation future. That was our Labour Government, but what tax, particularly for small businesses. The Federation of those on the Government Benches seem to forget is that Small Businesses announced that they will help more they are letting some greedy, irresponsible people get than 850,000 small and medium-sized concerns. Along away with what they have done to this country and its with the FSB and the Forum of Private Business, I people. [HON.MEMBERS: “It’s your lot!”] This is exactly welcome the extension of the enterprise guarantee scheme, it: how could anybody on the Government Benches which will likewise help those small businesses. The blame a Labour Government for a financial crisis that FSB reckoned that a 1% increase in national insurance swept through the western world, bringing misery and contributions would have brought about the loss of poverty? 57,000 jobs. So the previous Government’s record continues. The issue is not only what they did, but what they said The fact is that those on the Government Benches are they would do. We need to take that into account. letting the bankers get away with it—it is obvious even in the Budget that they are doing that. Government I am delighted that the Chancellor listened to our Members are going to vote tonight for £5.9 billion of concerns about raising capital gains tax and that he has cuts in welfare benefits in the Budget, yet they are increased the threshold to £5 million from £2 million to taking only £2 billion from the bankers. In fact, they are further encourage entrepreneurs. All of that, welcome not even taking £2 billion from them; what they are though it is, might not be enough to ensure that business doing is not hitting the bankers—the greedy, irresponsible has the available financial resources to produce the ones; the ones who are pocketing the money and taking growth that we need. I am especially worried about that their bonuses—but hitting the banks and the customers. because some 94% of the people who work in the private sector in Northamptonshire work in small or medium-sized enterprises. I fear that they will not have Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con): Will the hon. access to the credit from the banks that they require to Gentleman give way? continue their businesses. Some 70% of the nation’s creativity comes from that sector, and SMEs added Mr Mudie: No, we have no time, as the hon. Member 2 million jobs to the employment list at a time when UK for Northampton South said. plc was shedding 1.5 million jobs. Without that sector, Those on the Liberal Benches—the real Liberal Benches we would not have had the jobs growth that we had in —seem to be listening to the Government propaganda. the five or six years before the beginning of the recession. I wonder whether they read David Smith in The Sunday We face some serious issues in ensuring that the SME Times the week before the Budget. David Smith—not a sector receives the credit it needs to provide the growth well-known Labour supporter—drew our attention to that my right hon. Friends the Chancellor and the Chief the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, which Secretary require. The G20 agreement to force the was set up by the Chancellor. The OBR produced a Government to make sure that the banks to hold on to report, which I see one member of the Front-Bench even larger amounts of capital flies in the face of team has read and understands, containing its forecasting our work in that respect, so I ask the Chief Secretary to from June, based on the Labour Budget of March. We look at ways of ensuring that the sector receives the are talking about the choice for the Liberal Members money it requires. I want him to look at the levy on the who entered the Government, having taken their Business banks to see whether he can allow some of that money Secretary’s word that Mervyn at the Bank told him that to be spent on providing credit for the small business things were so bad that we had only one option—to sector and I also want him to promise that he will look push through the cuts, which are reminiscent of the at ways of alleviating the £130 billion figure placed on ’80s—but we do not. us—seemingly by agreement—by the G20. I welcome This is David Smith’s introduction to the Office for the Budget, but I need my Government to recognise the Budget Responsibility’s report: need for SMEs to get the money they need to continue “The ‘before’ version, the OBR’s baseline projection, was to grow to provide the jobs that we require. contrary to some reporting last week, a rather attractive vision for the economy over the next few years.” 9.13 pm That is our legacy: “a rather attractive vision for the Mr George Mudie (Leeds East) (Lab): This is one of economy”. What was in that projection? The answer is those occasions that Members dread, when they write a that very calm speech but then have to follow the hon. “growth averages 2.7% from next year until the end of the Member for Northampton South (Mr Binley), nice parliament,” fellow though he is. He has, in one contribution, echoed in 2014-15, and so much of the same political nonsense that has come from the Government Benches to justify this unnecessary “inflation sticks to the Bank of England’s 2% target,” Budget. Day after day, we have heard about the state throughout the life of the Parliament. As for unemployment that Labour left the country in and the deficit that —this is the choice that those on the Government Labour caused. Benches are making—it will go up with the Budget. 665 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 666 Situation Situation Under the Labour Budget, as analysed by the independent Ken” was Chancellor, the most important lesson that Office for Budget Responsibility, I learned was that you cannot spend what you have not “unemployment falls despite…Labour’s planned spending cuts.” got. Based on the exchanges in the last couple of “Unemployment falls”—can those on the Government debates, however, it is clear that that lesson has been lost Benches say the same? The article continues: on Labour Members. It is as though they think that spending is an end in itself, that it is good to spend, and “The economy rebalances away from consumer spending and that we should carry on spending regardless. Well, we government towards exports and investment. The saving ratio steadies,” have had to take the measures to stop all that. with The economic crisis is affecting the whole of the “borrowing falling from 11.1% of GDP in 2009-10 to 3.9% by country, including Cheshire, despite what the Leader of 2014-15 and the current account deficit, 1.7% of GDP this year, the Opposition said last week. In Macclesfield, we shall falling to 0.8% in 2014,” see the loss of 600 jobs with the closure of BAE and both the structural budget deficit and the cyclically Systems’ Woodford site in 2012. There are also closures adjusted deficit falling. That was all in the independent at Kay Metzeler in Bollington, and at Swain and Sons report that the Chancellor called through. in Poynton. Most recently, we have heard the announcement of the loss of 250 jobs when the Cheshire building So when those on the Government Benches are walking society closes down its operations in our town. We have through the Lobby to force cuts on people—kids who now seen a staggering 177 % increase in unemployment want to go to university; disabled people; people on in the past five years. We are working hard locally to incapacity benefit—[Interruption.] Oh yes, of course, it address the situation, and we will be holding a business is all emotional, but these are people. We are taking a forum to determine what further action can be taken. gamble with the Budget, and it is an unnecessary gamble. Professor Budd spelled out in his report that it is It is clear, however, that an improvement in the economy unnecessary. When those on the Government Benches locally, as well as in constituencies across the country, go through the Lobby to vote for the Budget—this great will require national action as well. That is why I risk, as the Business Secretary admitted in the House welcome the Budget, with its measures to show that last week—they ought to know what they are doing to Britain is open for business. That will be important for ordinary people in their constituencies and our local employers in Macclesfield, such as AstraZeneca, constituencies. The Budget has been described by the who need to have the confidence to go on investing in hon. Member for Solihull (Lorely Burt) as tough but this country, and for those looking to start new businesses fair, but the word that she left out was “unnecessary”. in regions such as the north-west, where job creation The Budget this year will mean a difference of £6 billion, needs a big boost from business, not from the public but before the Chancellor brought it forward, he had to sector. I am also pleased that the Chancellor is taking admit, when the result came in, that we were £11 billion positive steps to reduce the budget deficit. It is the better off. It is an unnecessary Budget and it is a biggest in living memory, which is why we are having to gamble. Ordinary people will pay for it, and that is a take tough action to get the economy moving again. disgrace. Given such difficult circumstances, the focus of our debate should be not only on what needs to be done, but 9.20 pm on how these huge objectives can be achieved. Policies and programmes will need to be reviewed as planned, David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): Thank you for but let us not forget the process by which the challenges giving me the opportunity to speak in this debate, should be addressed. My hon. Friend the Member for Mr Deputy Speaker. We have heard some wonderful Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) has already made some maiden speeches today, including those of the hon. important points on this. The public spending review Member for Glasgow Central (Anas Sarwar) and my will be a critical task. Lord Waldegrave of North Hill, hon. Friends the Members for Truro and Falmouth my former boss at the Treasury, recently gave the Chief (Sarah Newton), for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew) and for Secretary to the Treasury some advice. He told him that Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price), among other great he would need to have the hide of a rhinoceros in taking constituencies of this country. I congratulate them. Our the review forward, and I have no doubt that that is talk about the Budget today has been vital, because it true. I wish the Chief Secretary every success in establishing will define the challenge of this Parliament and, quite a rigorous and challenging review, and in deciding the possibly, of a political generation. urgent priorities in Government spending. I should like to thank hon. Members on this side of Delivering the Budget will also require a transformation the House for electing me a member of the Treasury in the culture of our civil service. We need to help civil Committee. It will be a great honour to serve on the servants to feel proud about their efforts to save taxpayers’ Committee, which plays an important role in Parliament, money. When I worked at Asda, colleagues there were and I look forward to working with its Chairman, my genuinely motivated and proud to work towards delivering hon. Friend the Member for Chichester (Mr Tyrie), and a lower cost of living to customers. They knew that to all its other members, in carrying out my duties. deliver everyday low prices they had to focus on delivering Before I go into the content of the Budget, it is everyday low costs, and they were proud to do that. It important to remind the House why such a Budget is was part of every bit of work that they did, day in, day required. Yes, there has been a global economic crisis, out. I suggest that there are lessons to be learnt from but the sheer scale of the budget deficit has clearly been that approach in the delivery of value for money in exacerbated by the policies of the previous Government, Government and effective public services. It is clear and it is time that Labour Members had the honesty to from the actions of Ministers in the coalition Government acknowledge that. As a special adviser in the Treasury that they are committed to bringing about cultural during the last Conservative Government, when “canny change of that kind, and I fully support their efforts. 667 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 668 Situation Situation [David Rutley] Much has rightly been made of Liberal Democrat duplicity. I watched closely on Budget day as the Deputy It is good to know that clear objectives are being set Prime Minister anxiously passed the Red Book to the at the top, and that value-for-money Ministers will be right hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce), frantically appointed in every single Department; but I trust that, seeking to draw his attention to the tables on pages 66 in such difficult circumstances, those objectives will be and 67. The right hon. Gentleman dutifully made a shared throughout Whitehall, and that the Cabinet trenchant speech, claiming that this was a progressive Secretary will give more priority to the value-for-money Budget and citing the tables as evidence. Within 24 hours, objectives of permanent secretaries and their teams. I the Institute for Fiscal Studies had made it clear that believe that much of the knowledge required for the such claims were as misleading as a typical Liberal achievement of those objectives rests with those responsible Democrat “Focus” leaflet. It confirmed that the overall for front-line service provision, where the proximity of impact of the Budget measures was regressive and that customers provides powerful knowledge and understanding. the poorest would be 2.6% worse off, while the richest During the general election campaign, I met thousands would be worse off by only 0.6%. That did not include of public sector workers who were appalled at the cuts in benefits and public services, which would widen amount of waste and the layers of bureaucracy that the gap considerably. I do not see how Liberal Democrats they had to face every day of the week. One hospital can claim to be progressive when they are willing to vote chef told me that he had three bosses. I think most for this Budget, let alone for VAT increases. people would agree that that should not be part of the In legitimacy and credibility terms, the Tories have recipe for providing nourishing meals for patients in matched the Liberal Democrats in their contempt for hospitals. That is why I support Ministers in their the electorate. It seems to have been forgotten that the efforts to learn from people in the front line and, despite Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for Witney many competing priorities, find time to listen to their (Mr Cameron), claimed to have modernised his party. It views and work with them. I urge those Ministers to was no longer the nasty party, no longer indifferent to continue their efforts to break down the barriers that social and economic inequality. The right hon. Gentleman are preventing taxpayers from receiving the effective would govern from the centre ground, and would face services and real value for money that they so richly down the right-wing ideologues in his party. deserve. This Budget proves that that was all a charade. Instead For those reasons, I support the Budget. It is tough we have the same old Tories, driven by a “leave it to the and it will be challenging to deliver, but it is the medicine market” dogma, cavalier about social disintegration that is needed to treat the trauma of this economic crisis and contemptuous of the public sector. As throughout and return our ailing economy to full health. I entirely history, they seek to divide and rule, reversing new support the Chancellor’s proposals, which are set out so Labour’s economic prosperity and social justice paradigm clearly in his Budget. and disregarding the link between public sector investment and private sector growth. They stigmatise the public sector and its work force as the primary cause of our 9.27 pm economic problems, while irresponsible bankers and Mr Ivan Lewis (Bury South) (Lab): I congratulate the markets without ethics hardly get a mention. This narrative hon. Members for East Surrey (Mr Gyimah) and for emanates from politicians and commentators who mainly Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant), my hon. Friend use private education and health care, whose personal the Member for Airdrie and Shotts (Pamela Nash), the wealth guarantees their quality of life, and who are out hon. Members for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price), for of touch with the daily realities of most people in this Pudsey (Stuart Andrew) and for Truro and Falmouth country. (Sarah Newton), and my hon. Friend the Member for Let us consider the public servants who make a Glasgow Central (Anas Sarwar) on their excellent maiden difference on a typical day in my constituency and those speeches. of every other Member: children’s centre staff and This is a Budget that will define not only the new nursery nurses; teachers, classroom assistants and support Government but the kind of country that Britain is to staff; head teachers; police officers and police community become for a decade, perhaps even a generation. The support officers; prison and probation officers; doctors, choices made in this Budget will have an impact on nurses and ancillary staff; district nurses, home carers every middle and low-income family, every community and mobile wardens; social workers, youth workers and and every workplace. They will determine not only our Connexions staff; area co-ordinators and leisure staff. I economic destiny, but the very nature of our society. could go on and on. Yes, and managers and administrators Those choices, presented as economic imperatives, are too; after all, effective organisations in the public as well in reality driven by an ideology which yet again fails to as the private sector need good management and sound understand that if a state retreats too far, the result is administration. There are also the construction companies, not a big society but a broken society. contractors and suppliers, providing a range of goods I want to concentrate on public services and welfare. and services to public agencies. The public sector civilises Let us be clear: this is a Budget of choice, rather than a our society, helps people to fulfil their potential, and Budget in which there is only one choice. The deficit protects those who are sick and vulnerable. could have been reduced over a longer period, as happened I do not deny the need for reform and cuts. In in the aftermath of the IMF loan in the 1970s and that government, we should have devolved more to local of Black Wednesday in the 1990s. The balance between government and local communities. The remuneration taxation, spending cuts and growth could have been of public service executives should be transparent, and different, and the overall package of measures could some roles can no longer be justified when tested against have been progressive rather than regressive. other priorities. However, cutting 25% to 30% of the 669 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 670 Situation Situation public sector in only five years will both destroy our right. She was passionate about her constituents and social fabric and slow the pace of economic growth. will clearly be an effective fighter in this place on their This coalition believes that as the state retreats, enterprise behalf. will flourish and the “big society” will fill the gap left by The hon. Member for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) public services. That is fantasy politics and fantasy spoke about her roots and how they have shaped her economics. The private sector will struggle to expand political outlook. She left us very much wanting to hear while the economy is fragile, which is why these cuts are more. The hon. Member for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew) too fast and too deep. Also, 1.2 million private sector told us about some of Pudsey’s famous sons—if that is jobs are dependent on the public sector, and 40% of the word to describe both Sooty and Sweep; I have public expenditure is spent in the private sector. The never been quite sure—and I now know the home of agents of the so-called big society—voluntary groups Britain’s best fish and chips. The hon. Member for and community networks—will have their grants cut by Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) was passionate local councils reduced to fulfilling only statutory duties. and informed about green energy. The House is in need The Secretary of State claims to champion the family, of those qualities on that subject, and we look forward but he now wants people to break up their families and to hearing more from her. give up their homes in the pursuit of work. I thought his Listening to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow party was committed to a balanced, not a “get on your Central (Anas Sarwar) brought me enormous pleasure. bike”, economy. He was at pains to say, however, that He captured with brilliance his father’s passion and people would not have to go up north; heaven forbid! contribution to this place. He showed us that he is a Our opponents can attempt to rewrite history but magnificent successor to his father. they cannot change history. We are proud of the decisions When all is said, however, at the heart of the debate is we took to save Northern Rock, recapitalise the banks a judgment. The reality is that the Budget has presented and boost the economy with a significant fiscal stimulus. us with the judgment of a gambler. That is not just our We protected savers and home owners and intervened conclusion; we have heard it across the spectrum of to save jobs and businesses. Our approach, in conjunction informed opinion. KPMG said: with that of our global partners, ensured recession did “This is a kill or cure budget”, not lead to depression. Prior to the credit crunch, we which delivered an unprecedented 11 years of economic growth, “risks choking off the recovery.” with people on low and middle incomes seeing major The Chartered Institute for Personnel Development advances in their standard of living. We lifted hundreds said that it of thousands of children and pensioners out of poverty, “will curb the demand for the goods and services that…drives and public services were fixed and then transformed. business investment and exports.” This Budget fails the tests of fairness and economic BNP Paribas—hardly a bedrock of socialism—said: recovery. The Lib Dems have made their choice. It is “We expect GDP will be much weaker than the Budget projections”. Labour that is now left with the duty to fight for the Lombard Street Research said that interests of the— “there remain risks that aggressive fiscal tightening causes the UK recovery to stumble.” Mr Speaker: Order. Time is up. IHS Global Insight said: “There is undeniably a very serious risk that this accelerated 9.34 pm and intensified fiscal tightening could derail a still fragile UK economic recovery.” Mr Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Hodge Hill) (Lab): We have had some excellent debates in the Chamber since This afternoon, we have been presented with a contrast. the Chancellor presented his Budget to the House. They In Toronto, international leaders gathered to agree that have been good debates not least because we have heard the need now was for what they called “growth-friendly” the speeches of some extraordinary new Members, and fiscal consolidation, yet at home we are presented with I hope I will be forgiven for dwelling for now on only the a Budget that suffered the instant indignity of its maiden speeches we have heard today. independent reviewers telling us that it will not speed up recovery, but will slow it down. It will not put more The hon. Member for East Surrey (Mr Gyimah) people in work, it will put more people on the dole. It rightly perceived that Budgets are not simply collections will not move the Chancellor’s party—it is so kind of of statistics. They are important because they are statements him to join us—from the 1980s, because at the heart of about our ambitions for our country and our communities. the Budget is an old calculation: unemployment is a I was glad to see the scale of his ambitions for East price worth paying. That is a philosophy that the Opposition Surrey and I wish him the very best of luck in the cannot and will not accept. difficult business of delivering them, but he showed us Only in the fine print of the Red Book does the scale that he needs no shoulders to stand on. of the Chancellor’s bet become clear. The Chancellor The hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald promised that he would be up front with us, but in the (Mrs Grant) put the emphasis on family and enterprise. small print of the Office for Budget Responsibility She will find a ready audience for both subjects in the report we see that he is gambling on growth of £192 billion House. She spoke with real feeling about the need to in business investment and exports to pull us through. draw politicians and civil servants into public life from a Last week, he told us he was all for caution, but now we wider range of backgrounds. She is right about that. have learned that he is relying on business investment My hon. Friend the Member for Airdrie and Shotts that is higher, not lower, than Labour’s projections, (Pamela Nash) spoke movingly about her memories of helped no doubt by the cancellation of support for John Smith and of her debt to John Reid. I served as firms such as Sheffield Forgemasters and cuts to investment one of his Ministers and she got his character absolutely allowances for manufacturing firms. 671 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 672 Situation Situation [Mr Liam Byrne] Mr Byrne: I will give way in a moment, because I want Government Members to hear this: far from the What do manufacturers think of that? The Engineering absence of detail in the Budget, the Budget prepared by Employers Federation said that manufacturers the then Chancellor of Exchequer and presented to the “will now be left wondering where the necessary growth and House in March set out to the last penny £19 billion-worth investment will come from, given the cuts to investment allowances of tax rises and, yes, £20 billion-worth of spending cuts, and capital budgets.” including £1 billion in cuts from the reform of public Last week, the Chancellor liked to tell us he was all for sector pensions, £1.2 billion in savings from welfare, caution, but now it turns out that he is relying on trade £3.5 billion in holding down public sector pay, £5 billion figures not seen in this country since 1974 and only in cuts to lower-priority programmes and £11 billion in beaten once—in 1950. Yet the prospects for trade in savings through the biggest shake-up of Whitehall in a Europe, where half our exports go, are not better than generation. That was on top of £15 billion of efficiencies when the March Budget was written; they are worse. in this year alone—all carefully broken down by Where, exactly, will all those exports go? Department. I wanted to know whether we had ever had a recovery like the one the Chancellor is gambling on in the next Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con): Will the three years, so I asked the Library to do some research, right hon. Gentleman give way? and it said that only once has business investment and trade recovered in the way that he prays for, since the Mr Byrne: I will give way to the hon. Gentleman. Library started collecting figures in 1966. Now, he is Does he accept that the nonsense about there being no relying on the same performance for the next three plan that we have heard in the debate was complete years in a row. It is like betting not just on England rubbish? winning the World cup, but on winning the next three World cups in a row. His strategy is nothing short of a massive bet on a recovery that has been hard-fought by Matthew Hancock: Does the right hon. Gentleman businesses and families in this country. But of course, it think that there is no money left, or does he no longer has been made possible by the Liberal Democrats’ agree with himself? support, not least the imprimatur of the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, who is not in Mr Byrne: We can see at whose feet the hon. Gentleman his place tonight. Thus the man who made his reputation has been training. attacking casino banks has ushered in casino economics Our plan was different from the one the Chancellor to the Treasury. presented. Unlike the plan that we heard last week, our It is now right to give the Business Secretary a little plan really did have fairness at its heart. Last Monday credit: he at least had the decency to give the House an night, the Chancellor’s spin doctors made fairness his extended mea culpa for his change of heart. In January, key Budget test, and by Tuesday lunchtime he had as some hon. Members will remember, he told the House failed it. The night before the Budget, we are reliably that he agreed with my right hon. Friend the shadow informed, Lobby journalists were equipped with an Chancellor about the way forward. Now, he agrees with analysis of the Budget’s impact on different groups of the Chancellor. At least he spared us the nonsense that, citizens, yet somehow, someone forgot to tell the press somehow, Britain risks becoming Greece—a country that the picture was only fair because it included Labour still in recession, with debt twice the level of ours and measures. The Government would not dare to present a no ability to devalue its currency. Budget to stand and fall on its own merits; they had to All this is hinged, it seems, on the words of the borrow ours. It did not take long to hear why. Governor—words, I notice, that were entirely absent What was the Budget’s impact on pensioners? Age from the Monetary Policy Committee’s minutes for UK says: May. In essence, the Business Secretary made markets “Our research shows that cuts of this scale will be disastrous his defence—it was not his fault; the markets forced for older people” him—but somehow, he forgot to mention that those were the same markets in which interest rates were and warns that thousands of lives will be lost. What is falling during the election. The MPC’s minutes for May the impact on children? Save the Children says: are, in fact, very helpful. They note that 10-year spot “Freezing child benefit…will hurt the poorest parents most, rates were declining, not rising, by about 30 basis points rather than their richest peers”. in the month before the election. A 20% VAT rate means driving some of the poorest The tragedy, of course, in the Budget is that there was parents into the arms of loan sharks. The Child Poverty an alternative. No doubt we will hear from the Chief Action Group said: Secretary a pretence that, somehow, he inherited no “This is a disappointing budget for child poverty…The increase plan. Of course, nothing could be further from the in VAT is a regressive measure which will impact hardest on truth, because until May he agreed with our plan. poorest families.” Labour’s plan to halve the deficit by 2013, with debt as Perhaps the final word should go to the Institute for a share of our national economy falling by 2016, is Fiscal Studies. In a phrase that will come back to haunt bang in line with the G20 communiqué announced to Government Members, it said that the cuts to benefits the House by the Prime Minister today. I notice that will Sir Alan Budd agreed that we were on track to deliver that plan, not least because the public finances were “hit the poorest hardest and keep on hitting them harder year on year”. £30 billion better than expected. Six days on from the main event, the Government’s Several hon. Members rose— progressive credentials already lie in ruins. 673 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 674 Situation Situation The price of keeping down unemployment in the Danny Alexander: I will press on, if hon. Members do worst global recession for 60 years was a price worth not mind. paying. It was the price of a national defence in a global At the weekend, President Obama praised the action storm. When we left office, unemployment was 500,000 that we have taken, describing it as necessary and lower than people expected a year ago. Repossessions courageous. Yesterday’s G20 communiqué made the were half the level of the 1990s, and company insolvencies situation clear when it said: were just a third of the rate they reached in the recession of the early 1990s. We are proud that we got the country “Those countries with serious fiscal challenges need to accelerate though the recession in one piece and that we have the pace of consolidation”, delivered a return to growth. and no major country has more serious fiscal challenges It is true to say that no Government would have had than those that the previous Government left Britain. an easy time in this Parliament, but the difficulty of the Her Majesty’s Opposition seem to have adopted the task demands that we do not take gratuitous bets with strategy of Fabio Capello: they blame everyone else and the nation’s hard-fought recovery and that we pay down deploy the same formation of arguments, leaving a the debt in a way that is fair. The Budget fails both gaping hole in their own defence. They refuse to accept those tests, and we will campaign for a plan that is responsibility for their mistakes, let alone apologise. better in this House and beyond. This Budget stands for three things: responsibility— taking action to eliminate our structural deficit; freedom— 9.46 pm helping the businesses that we rely on to rebuild our The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): broken economy; and fairness—protecting the most And this from the man who wrote the note saying, vulnerable while ensuring the contribution of all. Failure “There’s no money left”, the most infamous letter in to deal with the deficit is the greatest threat to growth. recent British political history. However, the right hon. Failure to act now would mean higher interest rates Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Mr Byrne) gave hitting businesses, hitting families and hitting the cost us not one single word of apology for his Government’s of repaying the Government’s enormous debt, losing actions. jobs and losing growth too. This Budget takes action Our good, full debate has been illuminated by the now to restore confidence in our economy—the confidence excellent maiden speeches made by the hon. Members that is needed to underpin the recovery that we all want for East Surrey (Mr Gyimah), for Maidstone and The to see. This Budget’s forward-looking fiscal mandate Weald (Mrs Grant), for Airdrie and Shotts (Pamela will eliminate the deficit in five years and puts us on Nash), for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price), for Pudsey track to get debt falling by 2015-16. The Office for (Stuart Andrew), for Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) Budget responsibility, in fact, forecasts that the measures and for Glasgow Central (Anas Sarwar). I served on the in our Budget will lead us to meet that challenge a year Scottish Affairs Committee with the father of the hon. early. Member for Glasgow Central, so I know that he has big Before I outline our plan, let me remind the House of shoes to fill. the previous Government’s commitments. They were This decisive emergency Budget sets out a credible planning £50 billon of cuts, about which they had plan to deal with the record deficit that we inherited nothing of substance to say. Some of their leadership from the previous Government. It is a tough Budget, contenders—I do not see any of them here—are rowing and it needed to be tough to reverse the dreadful state of back even on that plan. Our emergency Budget sets out the public finances with which they left us. However, it the path of public spending for the next five years with is a fair Budget that recognises that we are all in this the following additional measures: an extra £17 billion together and that those with the broadest shoulders comes from reductions in departmental spending, must carry a greater share of the burden. The previous £11 billion from reductions in welfare spending, £3 billion Government left behind the second largest budget deficit from lower debt interest payments and £8 billion from in Europe. Thanks to their incompetence, we are now net tax increases. borrowing £1 for every £4 that we spend, which is a gap of £149 billion this year. As has been observed by all sides in this debate, we know that this will be painful, but it is absolutely The right hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill necessary to secure the growth and prosperity that this was right to say that at the centre of the Budget was one country needs in the future. The last Government’s big judgment: we must go further and faster to reduce spending plans implied a reduction in departmental the deficit to protect this country and its people from budgets of 20%. We are committed to real increases in the biggest economic risk of failing to act. If we had NHS spending and to protecting international aid, and failed to act as we have through the Budget, the this Budget implies, as the Chancellor said, that other consequences would have been severe, and the poorest Departments will face an average real cut of 25%. We would have suffered the most. We only have to look at will set out the details of those cuts in the spending Greece to see what happens to countries that do not live review, and we will consult widely to inform those plans. within their means: more businesses going bust and In fact, we launched our consultation on Friday, and we higher unemployment. have already had more than 20,000 substantive responses The Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have come from public sector workers, setting out ideas for areas together to tackle the debt crisis facing our country. We where they know savings can be found. If only we had have taken the tough decisions that the Governor of the had a single serious suggestion from the Labour party. Bank of England and the G20 called for, but that Labour ducked. We have taken the tough decision to increase VAT by 2.5%. With a structural deficit some £12 billion larger Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): Will than the previous Government told us, we had a difficult my right hon. Friend give way? choice to make: whether to fill that hole by making yet 675 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 676 Situation Situation [Danny Alexander] a radical programme of welfare reform to focus support on those most in need. The welfare bill has ballooned more spending cuts or to increase taxes. Further spending from £132 billion 10 years ago to £192 billion today. If cuts would, I believe, have made it impossible to protect we ignore the economic and social pressures caused by the most essential services in the spending review, so the this system, we will only put the whole country and the VAT rise was unavoidable. front-line services on which we rely under even greater financial pressure in future. The Government will tackle Mr Anderson: Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that situation head on, including through the reforms in with his colleague, the hon. Member for Bermondsey the Budget to the disability living allowance, housing and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes), who said, only on benefits, and the uprating of benefits. As my right hon. 15 June: Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions “I hope we don’t get a VAT rise because it is the most regressive said, these reforms will ensure that help is targeted on form of tax”? those most in need.

Danny Alexander: No party went into the election Yvette Cooper: Will the right hon. Gentleman give promising to increase VAT, but the hon. Gentleman way? should make no mistake: the rise in VAT is a result of the public finances that we inherited from his Front-Bench Danny Alexander: I will not give way. The irresponsible colleagues. One could say that it is a Labour inheritance Opposition, when in government, caused many of the tax. problems that we face today. We have heard accusations from them today that the measures we announced in the Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): Will the right Budget are unfair. Let me test that accusation. The hon. Gentleman give way? previous Government uprated pensions by 75p. That is not fairness. We have reintroduced the earnings link as Danny Alexander: I shall press on. I have already our first action—that is fairness. given way. In response to the points raised by my hon. Friend Yvette Cooper: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? the Member for St Ives (Andrew George), I can say that we have already demonstrated our commitment to Danny Alexander: I will not; I must press on. transparency by publishing data on the distributional The previous Government abolished the 10p rate of impact of the Budget measures, which has never been income tax. [Interruption.] done before. We are committed to continuing with that level of transparency in future fiscal events, and we will Mr Speaker: It is for the Chief Secretary to decide. continue to look at whether we can further improve the He is not giving way at the moment. breadth of information provided. Parliament will, of course, as my hon. Friend requested, continue to have Danny Alexander: That is not fairness. We have taken full scrutiny of the Government’s decisions, and I hope nearly 1 million people out of income tax altogether. that the information that we have already provided, and That is fairness. The previous Government left an open will provide in future, will facilitate that debate. door for the highest earners to exploit the gap between the rate of capital gains tax and the top rates of income Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): tax, costing the taxpayer £1 billion a year. That is not Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? fairness either. We have raised capital gains tax for higher rate taxpayers, and only higher rate taxpayers, by Danny Alexander: No, I want to press on. 10%. That is fairness. Thirdly, this is a Budget for fairness. Fairness underpins this Budget, and fairness runs throughout this Budget. Yvette Cooper: rose— This is the first Budget to include an analysis of the distributional impact of its measures. It shows that Danny Alexander: I will give way to the right hon. overall the richest will contribute most to deficit reduction, Lady. and it will have no measurable impact on child poverty by 2012-13. That is a good start, and of course we will Yvette Cooper: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for take further action to underpin fairness on future occasions giving way. Will he confirm that pensioners will pay and in future Budgets. It is important to stress to the hundreds of pounds a year in VAT as a result of his House the fact that the principles that have shaped the VAT hike, but he chose not to include them in his Budget will also shape the decisions that we make in increase in the personal allowance? the spending review, too. As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor said, this is a Danny Alexander: I thought that the right hon. Lady progressive Budget. It is a Budget that takes almost was going to do better than that. We have relinked 1 million of the lowest-earning income taxpayers out of pensions to earnings after 13 years. She failed to answer income tax altogether—that is progressive. It is a Budget the question from my right hon. Friend the Work and that locks in an annual increase in the state pension in Pensions Secretary earlier about the uprating she had line with earning, prices or 2.5%, whichever is highest, planned, which was less than ours even in the second to the benefit of 11 million pensioners. That is progressive, year. too. It is a Budget that increases capital gains tax rates We should compare the Opposition’s denial that there by 10% for higher rate taxpayers, but keeps it the same is a genuine economic need to tackle the deficit with our for basic rate taxpayers. That is progressive. It includes decisiveness, taking the action on the deficit that we all 677 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 678 Situation Situation know is necessary. Compare their complacency with Burstow, Mr Paul Graham, Richard our responsibility. Compare their legacy of ruin in the Burt, Alistair Grant, Mrs Helen public finances with our approach of fairness as we take Burt, Lorely Gray, Mr James steps to clean up the mess that they left. Compare their Byles, Dan Grayling, rh Chris obstinate refusal to take unilateral action in introducing Cable, rh Vince Green, Damian a banking levy with our resolute leadership, which not Cairns, Alun Greening, Justine Cameron, rh Mr David Grieve, rh Mr Dominic only delivered a levy but brought France and Germany Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Griffiths, Andrew along with us too. The Opposition would have us living Carmichael, Mr Alistair Gummer, Ben in denial. Their approach to the deficit seems to be see Carmichael, Neil Gyimah, Mr Sam no deficit, hear no deficit, speak no deficit. One Opposition Carswell, Mr Douglas Hague, rh Mr William Member even told us in today’s debate that they believed Cash, Mr William Halfon, Robert the deficit was a fantasy. It is such self-indulgence and Chishti, Rehman Hames, Duncan complacency that led us into the mess we are in. The Chope, Mr Christopher Hammond, rh Mr Philip way that they got us here is not the way out. Clappison, Mr James Hammond, Stephen This is a Budget for responsibility, it is a Budget for Clark, rh Greg Hancock, Matthew freedom and it is a Budget for fairness. It is a coalition Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hands, Greg Clegg, rh Mr Nick Harper, Mr Mark Budget, and I commend it to the House. Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Harrington, Richard Coffey, Dr Thérèse Harris, Rebecca Hon. Members: Hear, hear. Collins, Damian Hart, Simon Colvile, Oliver Harvey, Nick Mr Speaker: Order. [Interruption.] Order. There is Cox, Mr Geoffrey Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan extensive gesticulation from some very senior and Crabb, Stephen Hayes, Mr John experienced Members, and no little sedentary chuntering Crockart, Mike Heald, Mr Oliver from Ministers on the Front Bench, who now occupy Crouch, Tracey Heath, Mr David senior and important positions. Davey, Mr Edward Heaton-Harris, Chris Davies, David T. C. Hemming, John Question put and agreed to. (Monmouth) Henderson, Gordon Resolved, Davies, Glyn Hendry, Charles That provision may be made in relation to the rates at which Davies, Philip Herbert, rh Nick capital gains tax is charged. Davis, rh Mr David Hinds, Damian The Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary to de Bois, Nick Hoban, Mr Mark Dinenage, Caroline Hollingbery, George dispose of the motions made in the name of the Chancellor Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hollobone, Mr Philip of the Exchequer (Standing Order No. 51(3)). Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Hopkins, Kris Dorries, Nadine Howarth, Mr Gerald 2. VALUE ADDED TAX (RATE AND Doyle-Price, Jackie Howell, John SUPPLEMENTARY CHARGE) Drax, Richard Hughes, Simon Duddridge, James Huhne, rh Chris Question put, Duncan, rh Mr Alan Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy That provision be made for and in connection with increasing Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Huppert, Dr Julian the standard rate of value added tax. Ellis, Michael Hurd, Mr Nick Ellison, Jane Jackson, Mr Stewart The House divided: Ayes 346, Noes 270. Ellwood, Mr Tobias James, Margot Division No. 10] [10 pm Elphicke, Charlie Javid, Sajid Eustice, George Jenkin, Mr Bernard AYES Evans, Graham Johnson, Gareth Adams, Nigel Birtwistle, Gordon Evans, Jonathan Johnson, Joseph Afriyie, Adam Blackman, Bob Evennett, Mr David Jones, Andrew Aldous, Peter Blackwood, Nicola Fabricant, Michael Jones, Mr David Alexander, rh Danny Blunt, Mr Crispin Fallon, Michael Jones, Mr Marcus Amess, Mr David Boles, Nick Farron, Tim Kawczynski, Daniel Andrew, Stuart Bone, Mr Peter Featherstone, Lynne Kelly, Chris Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Bottomley, Peter Field, Mr Mark Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Bacon, Mr Richard Bradley, Karen Foster, Mr Don Kirby, Simon Bagshawe, Ms Louise Brady, Mr Graham Francois, rh Mr Mark Knight, rh Mr Greg Baker, Norman Brake, Tom Freeman, George Kwarteng, Kwasi Baker, Steve Bray, Angie Freer, Mike Laing, Mrs Eleanor Baldry, Tony Brazier, Mr Julian Fullbrook, Lorraine Lamb, Norman Baldwin, Harriett Bridgen, Andrew Fuller, Richard Lancaster, Mark Barclay, Stephen Brine, Mr Steve Garnier, Mr Edward Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Barker, Gregory Brokenshire, James Garnier, Mark Latham, Pauline Baron, Mr John Brooke, Annette Gauke, Mr David Laws, rh Mr David Barwell, Gavin Browne, Mr Jeremy George, Andrew Leadsom, Andrea Bebb, Guto Bruce, Fiona Gibb, Mr Nick Lee, Jessica Beith, rh Sir Alan Bruce, rh Malcolm Gilbert, Stephen Lee, Dr Phillip Bellingham, Mr Henry Buckland, Mr Robert Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Leech, Mr John Beresford, Sir Paul Burley, Mr Aidan Glen, John Lefroy, Jeremy Berry, Jake Burns, Conor Goldsmith, Zac Leigh, Mr Edward Bingham, Andrew Burns, Mr Simon Goodwill, Mr Robert Leslie, Charlotte Binley, Mr Brian Burrowes, Mr David Gove, rh Michael Letwin, rh Mr Oliver 679 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 680 Situation Situation Lewis, Brandon Reid, Mr Alan Williams, Mr Mark Wright, Simon Lewis, Dr Julian Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Williams, Roger Yeo, Mr Tim Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Robathan, Mr Andrew Williams, Stephen Young, rh Sir George Lilley, rh Mr Peter Robertson, Hugh Williamson, Gavin Zahawi, Nadhim Lopresti, Jack Robertson, Mr Laurence Wilson, Mr Rob Tellers for the Ayes: Lord, Jonathan Rogerson, Dan Wollaston, Dr Sarah Mr Philip Dunne and Loughton, Tim Rosindell, Andrew Wright, Jeremy Mark Hunter Luff, Peter Rudd, Amber Lumley, Karen Rutley, David Macleod, Mary Sanders, Mr Adrian NOES Main, Mrs Anne Sandys, Laura Abbott, Ms Diane Davidson, Mr Ian Maude, rh Mr Francis Scott, Mr Lee Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Davies, Geraint May, rh Mrs Theresa Selous, Andrew Alexander, rh Mr Douglas De Piero, Gloria Maynard, Paul Shapps, rh Grant Alexander, Heidi Denham, rh Mr John McCartney, Jason Sharma, Alok Ali, Rushanara Dobbin, Jim McCartney, Karl Shelbrooke, Alec Allen, Mr Graham Dobson, rh Frank McIntosh, Miss Anne Shepherd, Mr Richard Anderson, Mr David Docherty, Thomas McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Simmonds, Mark Austin, Ian Dodds, rh Mr Nigel McPartland, Stephen Simpson, Mr Keith Bailey, Mr Adrian Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. McVey, Esther Skidmore, Chris Bain, Mr William Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Menzies, Mark Smith, Miss Chloe Balls, rh Ed Doran, Mr Frank Mercer, Patrick Smith, Henry Banks, Gordon Dowd, Jim Metcalfe, Stephen Smith, Julian Barron, rh Mr Kevin Doyle, Gemma Miller, Maria Soames, Nicholas Bayley, Hugh Dromey, Jack Mills, Nigel Soubry, Anna Beckett, rh Margaret Dugher, Michael Milton, Anne Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Begg, Miss Anne Durkan, Mark Moore, rh Michael Spencer, Mr Mark Bell, Sir Stuart Eagle, Ms Angela Mordaunt, Penny Stanley, rh Sir John Benn, rh Hilary Eagle, Maria Morgan, Nicky Stephenson, Andrew Benton, Mr Joe Edwards, Jonathan Morris, David Stevenson, John Berger, Luciana Efford, Clive Morris, James Stewart, Bob Betts, Mr Clive Elliott, Julie Mosley, Stephen Stewart, Iain Blackman-Woods, Roberta Ellman, Mrs Louise Mowat, David Stewart, Rory Blears, rh Hazel Engel, Natascha Mulholland, Greg Streeter, Mr Gary Blenkinsop, Tom Esterson, Bill Mundell, rh David Stride, Mel Blomfield, Paul Evans, Chris Munt, Tessa Stuart, Mr Graham Blunkett, rh Mr David Farrelly, Paul Murray, Sheryll Stunell, Andrew Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Field, rh Mr Frank Murrison, Dr Andrew Sturdy, Julian Brennan, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Jim Neill, Robert Swales, Ian Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Flello, Robert Newmark, Mr Brooks Swayne, Mr Desmond Brown, Mr Russell Flint, rh Caroline Newton, Sarah Swinson, Jo Bryant, Chris Flynn, Paul Nokes, Caroline Swire, Mr Hugo Buck, Ms Karen Fovargue, Yvonne Norman, Jesse Syms, Mr Robert Burden, Richard Francis, Dr Hywel Nuttall, Mr David Tapsell, Sir Peter Burnham, rh Andy Gapes, Mike O’Brien, Mr Stephen Teather, Sarah Byrne, rh Mr Liam Gardiner, Barry Offord, Mr Matthew Thurso, John Cairns, David Gilmore, Sheila Ollerenshaw, Eric Timpson, Mr Edward Campbell, Mr Alan Glass, Pat Opperman, Guy Tomlinson, Justin Campbell, Mr Gregory Glindon, Mrs Mary Osborne, rh Mr George Tredinnick, David Campbell, Mr Ronnie Godsiff, Mr Roger Ottaway, Richard Truss, Elizabeth Caton, Martin Goggins, rh Paul Paice, Mr James Turner, Mr Andrew Chapman, Mrs Jenny Goodman, Helen Parish, Neil Tyrie, Mr Andrew Clark, Katy Greatrex, Tom Patel, Priti Uppal, Paul Clarke, rh Mr Tom Green, Kate Paterson, rh Mr Owen Vaizey, Mr Edward Clwyd, rh Ann Greenwood, Lilian Pawsey, Mark Vara, Mr Shailesh Coaker, Vernon Griffith, Nia Penning, Mike Vickers, Martin Coffey, Ann Gwynne, Andrew Penrose, John Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Connarty, Michael Hain, rh Mr Peter Percy, Andrew Walker, Mr Charles Cooper, Rosie Hamilton, Mr David Perry, Claire Walker, Mr Robin Cooper, rh Yvette Hancock, Mr Mike Phillips, Stephen Wallace, Mr Ben Corbyn, Jeremy Hanson, rh Mr David Pickles, rh Mr Eric Walter, Mr Robert Crausby, Mr David Harman, rh Ms Harriet Pincher, Christopher Ward, Mr David Creasy, Stella Harris, Mr Tom Poulter, Dr Daniel Watkinson, Angela Cruddas, Jon Havard, Mr Dai Prisk, Mr Mark Weatherley, Mike Cryer, John Healey, rh John Pritchard, Mark Webb, Steve Cunningham, Alex Hendrick, Mark Pugh, Dr John Wharton, James Cunningham, Mr Jim Hepburn, Mr Stephen Raab, Mr Dominic Wheeler, Heather Cunningham, Tony Heyes, David Randall, rh Mr John White, Chris Curran, Margaret Hillier, Meg Reckless, Mark Whittaker, Craig Dakin, Nic Hilling, Julie Redwood, rh Mr John Whittingdale, Mr John Danczuk, Simon Hodge, rh Margaret Rees-Mogg, Jacob Wiggin, Bill Darling, rh Mr Alistair Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Reevell, Simon Willetts, rh Mr David David, Mr Wayne Hoey, Kate 681 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 682 Situation Situation Hood, Mr Jim O’Donnell, Fiona Woolas, Mr Phil Tellers for the Noes: Hopkins, Kelvin Onwurah, Chi Wright, David Lyn Brown and Hosie, Stewart Osborne, Sandra Wright, Mr Iain Mary Creagh Howarth, rh Mr George Owen, Albert Hunt, Tristram Paisley, Ian Question accordingly agreed to. Illsley, Mr Eric Pearce, Teresa Irranca-Davies, Huw Perkins, Toby Jackson, Glenda Phillipson, Bridget 3. INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX (RATES) Jamieson, Cathy Pound, Stephen Johnson, rh Alan Qureshi, Yasmin Resolved, Johnson, Diana R. Raynsford, rh Mr Nick That provision may be made for and in connection with Jones, Graham Reeves, Rachel increasing the rates of insurance premium tax. Jones, Helen Reynolds, Emma Jones, Mr Kevan Reynolds, Jonathan 4. PENSIONS Jones, Susan Elan Riordan, Mrs Linda Jowell, rh Tessa Ritchie, Ms Margaret Question put, Joyce, Eric Robertson, Angus That provision may be made about registered pension schemes. Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Robertson, John Keeley, Barbara Robinson, Mr Geoffrey The House divided: Ayes 366, Noes 247. Keen, Alan Rotheram, Steve Division No. 11] [10.18 pm Kendall, Liz Roy, Mr Frank Khan, rh Sadiq Roy, Lindsay AYES Lammy, rh Mr David Ruane, Chris Adams, Nigel Burt, Lorely Lavery, Ian Ruddock, rh Joan Afriyie, Adam Byles, Dan Lazarowicz, Mark Russell, Bob Aldous, Peter Cable, rh Vince Leslie, Chris Sarwar, Anas Alexander, rh Danny Cairns, Alun Lewis, Mr Ivan Seabeck, Alison Amess, Mr David Cameron, rh Mr David Lloyd, Tony Shannon, Jim Andrew, Stuart Campbell, Mr Gregory Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Sharma, Mr Virendra Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Long, Naomi Sheerman, Mr Barry Bacon, Mr Richard Carmichael, Mr Alistair Love, Mr Andrew Sheridan, Jim Bagshawe, Ms Louise Carmichael, Neil Lucas, Caroline Shuker, Gavin Baker, Norman Carswell, Mr Douglas Lucas, Ian Simpson, David Baker, Steve Cash, Mr William MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Singh, Mr Marsha Baldry, Tony Chishti, Rehman MacShane, rh Mr Denis Skinner, Mr Dennis Baldwin, Harriett Chope, Mr Christopher Mahmood, Mr Khalid Slaughter, Mr Andy Barclay, Stephen Clappison, Mr James Mahmood, Shabana Smith, rh Mr Andrew Barker, Gregory Clark, rh Greg Mann, John Smith, Angela (Penistone and Baron, Mr John Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Marsden, Mr Gordon Stocksbridge) Barwell, Gavin Clegg, rh Mr Nick McCabe, Steve Smith, Nick Bebb, Guto Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Smith, Owen McCann, Mr Michael Beith, rh Sir Alan Coffey, Dr Thérèse Soulsby, Sir Peter McCarthy, Kerry Bellingham, Mr Henry Collins, Damian Spellar, rh Mr John McClymont, Gregg Beresford, Sir Paul Colvile, Oliver Straw, rh Mr Jack McCrea, Dr William Berry, Jake Cox, Mr Geoffrey Stringer, Graham McDonagh, Siobhain Bingham, Andrew Crabb, Stephen Stuart, Ms Gisela McDonnell, Dr Alasdair Binley, Mr Brian Crockart, Mike Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry McDonnell, John Birtwistle, Gordon Crouch, Tracey Thomas, Mr Gareth McFadden, rh Mr Pat Blackman, Bob Davey, Mr Edward Thornberry, Emily McGovern, Alison Blackwood, Nicola Davies, David T. C. Timms, rh Stephen McGovern, Jim Blunt, Mr Crispin (Monmouth) Trickett, Jon Boles, Nick Davies, Glyn McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Turner, Karl Bone, Mr Peter Davies, Philip McKechin, Ann Twigg, Derek Bottomley, Peter Davis, rh Mr David McKinnell, Catherine Twigg, Stephen Bradley, Karen de Bois, Nick Meacher, rh Mr Michael Umunna, Mr Chuka Brady, Mr Graham Dinenage, Caroline Meale, Mr Alan Vaz, rh Keith Brake, Tom Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Mearns, Ian Vaz, Valerie Bray, Angie Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Michael, rh Alun Walley, Joan Brazier, Mr Julian Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Miliband, rh David Watson, Mr Tom Bridgen, Andrew Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Miliband, rh Edward Watts, Mr Dave Brine, Mr Steve Dorries, Nadine Miller, Andrew Weir, Mr Mike Brokenshire, James Doyle-Price, Jackie Mitchell, Austin Whitehead, Dr Alan Brooke, Annette Drax, Richard Moon, Mrs Madeleine Wicks, rh Malcolm Browne, Mr Jeremy Duddridge, James Morden, Jessica Williamson, Chris Bruce, Fiona Duncan, rh Mr Alan Morrice, Graeme Wilson, Phil Bruce, rh Malcolm Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Morris, Grahame M. Wilson, Sammy Buckland, Mr Robert Dunne, Mr Philip Mudie, Mr George Winnick, Mr David Burley, Mr Aidan Edwards, Jonathan Munn, Meg Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Burns, Conor Ellis, Michael Murphy, rh Paul Wishart, Pete Burns, Mr Simon Ellison, Jane Murray, Ian Wood, Mike Burrowes, Mr David Ellwood, Mr Tobias Nandy, Lisa Woodcock, John Burstow, Mr Paul Elphicke, Charlie Nash, Pamela Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Burt, Alistair Eustice, George 683 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 684 Situation Situation Evans, Graham Javid, Sajid Newton, Sarah Spencer, Mr Mark Evans, Jonathan Jenkin, Mr Bernard Nokes, Caroline Stanley, rh Sir John Evennett, Mr David Johnson, Gareth Norman, Jesse Stephenson, Andrew Fabricant, Michael Johnson, Joseph Nuttall, Mr David Stevenson, John Fallon, Michael Jones, Andrew O’Brien, Mr Stephen Stewart, Bob Farron, Tim Jones, Mr David Offord, Mr Matthew Stewart, Iain Featherstone, Lynne Jones, Mr Marcus Ollerenshaw, Eric Stewart, Rory Field, Mr Mark Kawczynski, Daniel Opperman, Guy Streeter, Mr Gary Foster, Mr Don Kelly, Chris Osborne, rh Mr George Stride, Mel Francois, rh Mr Mark Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Ottaway, Richard Stuart, Mr Graham Freeman, George Kirby, Simon Paice, Mr James Stunell, Andrew Freer, Mike Knight, rh Mr Greg Paisley, Ian Sturdy, Julian Fullbrook, Lorraine Kwarteng, Kwasi Parish, Neil Swales, Ian Fuller, Richard Laing, Mrs Eleanor Patel, Priti Swayne, Mr Desmond Garnier, Mr Edward Lamb, Norman Paterson, rh Mr Owen Swinson, Jo Garnier, Mark Lancaster, Mark Pawsey, Mark Swire, Mr Hugo Gauke, Mr David Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Penning, Mike Syms, Mr Robert George, Andrew Latham, Pauline Penrose, John Tapsell, Sir Peter Gibb, Mr Nick Laws, rh Mr David Percy, Andrew Teather, Sarah Gilbert, Stephen Leadsom, Andrea Perry, Claire Thurso, John Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Lee, Jessica Phillips, Stephen Timpson, Mr Edward Glen, John Lee, Dr Phillip Pickles, rh Mr Eric Tomlinson, Justin Goldsmith, Zac Leech, Mr John Pincher, Christopher Tredinnick, David Goodwill, Mr Robert Lefroy, Jeremy Poulter, Dr Daniel Truss, Elizabeth Gove, rh Michael Leigh, Mr Edward Prisk, Mr Mark Turner, Mr Andrew Graham, Richard Leslie, Charlotte Pritchard, Mark Tyrie, Mr Andrew Grant, Mrs Helen Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Pugh, Dr John Uppal, Paul Gray, Mr James Lewis, Brandon Raab, Mr Dominic Vaizey, Mr Edward Grayling, rh Chris Lewis, Dr Julian Randall, rh Mr John Vara, Mr Shailesh Green, Damian Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Reckless, Mark Vickers, Martin Greening, Justine Lilley, rh Mr Peter Redwood, rh Mr John Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Llwyd, Mr Elfyn Rees-Mogg, Jacob Walker, Mr Charles Griffiths, Andrew Long, Naomi Reevell, Simon Walker, Mr Robin Gummer, Ben Lopresti, Jack Reid, Mr Alan Wallace, Mr Ben Gyimah, Mr Sam Lord, Jonathan Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Walter, Mr Robert Hague, rh Mr William Loughton, Tim Robathan, Mr Andrew Ward, Mr David Halfon, Robert Lucas, Caroline Robertson, Angus Watkinson, Angela Hames, Duncan Luff, Peter Robertson, Hugh Weatherley, Mike Hammond, rh Mr Philip Lumley, Karen Robertson, Mr Laurence Webb, Steve Hammond, Stephen Macleod, Mary Rogerson, Dan Weir, Mr Mike Hancock, Matthew MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Rosindell, Andrew Wharton, James Hancock, Mr Mike Main, Mrs Anne Rudd, Amber Hands, Greg Maude, rh Mr Francis Russell, Bob Wheeler, Heather Harper, Mr Mark May, rh Mrs Theresa Rutley, David White, Chris Harrington, Richard Maynard, Paul Sanders, Mr Adrian Whittaker, Craig Harris, Rebecca McCartney, Jason Sandys, Laura Whittingdale, Mr John Hart, Simon McCartney, Karl Scott, Mr Lee Willetts, rh Mr David Harvey, Nick McCrea, Dr William Selous, Andrew Williams, Mr Mark Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan McIntosh, Miss Anne Shannon, Jim Williams, Roger Hayes, Mr John McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Shapps, rh Grant Williams, Stephen Heald, Mr Oliver McPartland, Stephen Sharma, Alok Williamson, Gavin Heath, Mr David McVey, Esther Shelbrooke, Alec Wilson, Mr Rob Heaton-Harris, Chris Menzies, Mark Shepherd, Mr Richard Wilson, Sammy Hemming, John Mercer, Patrick Simmonds, Mark Wishart, Pete Henderson, Gordon Metcalfe, Stephen Simpson, David Wollaston, Dr Sarah Hendry, Charles Miller, Maria Simpson, Mr Keith Wright, Jeremy Herbert, rh Nick Mills, Nigel Skidmore, Chris Wright, Simon Hinds, Damian Milton, Anne Smith, Miss Chloe Yeo, Mr Tim Hoban, Mr Mark Moore, rh Michael Smith, Henry Young, rh Sir George Hollingbery, George Mordaunt, Penny Smith, Julian Zahawi, Nadhim Hollobone, Mr Philip Morgan, Nicky Smith, Sir Robert Hopkins, Kris Morris, David Soames, Nicholas Tellers for the Ayes: Hosie, Stewart Morris, James Soubry, Anna Bill Wiggin and Howarth, Mr Gerald Mosley, Stephen Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Mark Hunter Howell, John Mowat, David Hughes, Simon Mulholland, Greg NOES Huhne, rh Chris Mundell, rh David Abbott, Ms Diane Allen, Mr Graham Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Munt, Tessa Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Anderson, Mr David Huppert, Dr Julian Murray, Sheryll Hurd, Mr Nick Murrison, Dr Andrew Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Austin, Ian Jackson, Mr Stewart Neill, Robert Alexander, Heidi Bailey, Mr Adrian James, Margot Newmark, Mr Brooks Ali, Rushanara Bain, Mr William 685 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 Budget Resolutions and Economic 686 Situation Situation Balls, rh Ed Farrelly, Paul McCarthy, Kerry Sarwar, Anas Banks, Gordon Field, rh Mr Frank McClymont, Gregg Seabeck, Alison Barron, rh Mr Kevin Fitzpatrick, Jim McDonagh, Siobhain Sharma, Mr Virendra Bayley, Hugh Flello, Robert McDonnell, John Sheerman, Mr Barry Beckett, rh Margaret Flint, rh Caroline McFadden, rh Mr Pat Sheridan, Jim Begg, Miss Anne Flynn, Paul McGovern, Alison Shuker, Gavin Bell, Sir Stuart Fovargue, Yvonne McGovern, Jim Singh, Mr Marsha Benn, rh Hilary Francis, Dr Hywel McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Skinner, Mr Dennis Benton, Mr Joe Gapes, Mike McKechin, Ann Slaughter, Mr Andy Berger, Luciana Gardiner, Barry McKinnell, Catherine Smith, rh Mr Andrew Betts, Mr Clive Gilmore, Sheila Meacher, rh Mr Michael Smith, Angela (Penistone and Blackman-Woods, Roberta Glass, Pat Meale, Mr Alan Stocksbridge) Blears, rh Hazel Glindon, Mrs Mary Mearns, Ian Smith, Nick Blenkinsop, Tom Godsiff, Mr Roger Michael, rh Alun Smith, Owen Blomfield, Paul Goggins, rh Paul Miliband, rh David Soulsby, Sir Peter Blunkett, rh Mr David Goodman, Helen Miliband, rh Edward Spellar, rh Mr John Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Greatrex, Tom Miller, Andrew Straw, rh Mr Jack Brennan, Kevin Green, Kate Mitchell, Austin Stringer, Graham Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Greenwood, Lilian Moon, Mrs Madeleine Stuart, Ms Gisela Brown, Mr Russell Griffith, Nia Morden, Jessica Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Bryant, Chris Gwynne, Andrew Morrice, Graeme Thomas, Mr Gareth Buck, Ms Karen Hain, rh Mr Peter Morris, Grahame M. Thornberry, Emily Burden, Richard Hamilton, Mr David Mudie, Mr George Timms, rh Stephen Burnham, rh Andy Hanson, rh Mr David Munn, Meg Trickett, Jon Byrne, rh Mr Liam Harman, rh Ms Harriet Murphy, rh Paul Turner, Karl Cairns, David Harris, Mr Tom Murray, Ian Twigg, Derek Campbell, Mr Alan Havard, Mr Dai Nandy, Lisa Twigg, Stephen Campbell, Mr Ronnie Healey, rh John Nash, Pamela Umunna, Mr Chuka Caton, Martin Hendrick, Mark O’Donnell, Fiona Vaz, rh Keith Chapman, Mrs Jenny Hepburn, Mr Stephen Onwurah, Chi Vaz, Valerie Clark, Katy Heyes, David Osborne, Sandra Walley, Joan Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hillier, Meg Owen, Albert Watson, Mr Tom Clwyd, rh Ann Hilling, Julie Pearce, Teresa Watts, Mr Dave Coaker, Vernon Hodge, rh Margaret Perkins, Toby Whitehead, Dr Alan Coffey, Ann Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Phillipson, Bridget Wicks, rh Malcolm Connarty, Michael Hoey, Kate Pound, Stephen Williamson, Chris Cooper, Rosie Hood, Mr Jim Qureshi, Yasmin Wilson, Phil Cooper, rh Yvette Hopkins, Kelvin Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Winnick, Mr David Corbyn, Jeremy Howarth, rh Mr George Reeves, Rachel Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Crausby, Mr David Hunt, Tristram Reynolds, Emma Wood, Mike Creasy, Stella Illsley, Mr Eric Reynolds, Jonathan Woodcock, John Cruddas, Jon Irranca-Davies, Huw Riordan, Mrs Linda Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Cryer, John Jackson, Glenda Robertson, John Woolas, Mr Phil Cunningham, Alex Jamieson, Cathy Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Wright, David Cunningham, Mr Jim Johnson, rh Alan Rotheram, Steve Wright, Mr Iain Cunningham, Tony Johnson, Diana R. Roy, Mr Frank Curran, Margaret Jones, Graham Roy, Lindsay Tellers for the Noes: Dakin, Nic Jones, Helen Ruane, Chris Lyn Brown and Danczuk, Simon Jones, Mr Kevan Ruddock, rh Joan Mary Creagh Darling, rh Mr Alistair Jones, Susan Elan David, Mr Wayne Jowell, rh Tessa Question accordingly agreed to. Davidson, Mr Ian Joyce, Eric Davies, Geraint Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald De Piero, Gloria Keeley, Barbara 5. INCOME TAX: EXPENSES AND Denham, rh Mr John Keen, Alan ALLOWANCES OF MPS ETC Dobbin, Jim Kendall, Liz Resolved, Dobson, rh Frank Khan, rh Sadiq Docherty, Thomas Lammy, rh Mr David That provision may be made about expenses and allowances Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lavery, Ian paid to members of the House of Commons and other representatives. Doran, Mr Frank Lazarowicz, Mark Dowd, Jim Leslie, Chris Doyle, Gemma Lewis, Mr Ivan 6. AMOUNTS NOT FULLY RECOGNISED FOR Dromey, Jack Lloyd, Tony ACCOUNTING PURPOSES Dugher, Michael Love, Mr Andrew Resolved, Eagle, Ms Angela Lucas, Ian That provision may be made amending sections 311, 312 and Eagle, Maria MacShane, rh Mr Denis 599A of the Corporation Tax Act 2009. Efford, Clive Mahmood, Mr Khalid Elliott, Julie Mahmood, Shabana Ellman, Mrs Louise Mann, John 7. INSURANCE COMPANIES Engel, Natascha Marsden, Mr Gordon Resolved, Esterson, Bill McCabe, Steve That provision (including provision having retrospective Evans, Chris McCann, Mr Michael effect) may be made about insurance companies. 687 Budget Resolutions and Economic 28 JUNE 2010 688 Situation PROCEDURE (FUTURE TAXATION) Wheelchair Services Resolved, Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House That, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice do now adjourn.—(Mr Dunne.) of the House relating to the matters that may be included in Finance Bills, any Finance Bill of the present Session may Mr Speaker: Before Mr Anderson starts his speech, contain provision taking effect in a future year reducing the rate of corporation tax for the financial year 2011 on profits other may I appeal to right hon. and hon. Members who are than ring fence profits. leaving the Chamber to do so quickly and quietly, so that he can make his speech and be heard? Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions; 10.37 pm That the Chairman of Ways and Means, the Prime Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): Some five years Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Chancellor of ago, as a new Member, I was approached by a number the Exchequer, Secretary Vince Cable, Secretary Iain of children from Ryton comprehensive school in my Duncan Smith, Secretary Chris Huhne, Danny constituency to see whether I would attend a lobby by Alexander, Mr Mark Hoban, Mr David Gauke and the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign that was being held Justine Greening present the Bill. outside the Department of Health. The lobby was held to support a teacher at the school who had a son by the FINANCE BILL name of Sam who had been diagnosed as suffering from Presentation and First Reading, Duchenne muscular dystrophy—the type of muscular dystrophy that attacks young boys in particular, many Mr David Gauke accordingly presented a Bill to of whom do not live to see out their teens. grant certain duties, to alter other duties, and to amend the law relating to the National Debt and the Public As a result of that lobby, I was approached by a Revenue, and to make further provision in connection colleague who is now a Minister and asked if I would with finance. take on the role of chairing the all-party group on muscular dystrophy. As a young volunteer—well, not so Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time young, but a lot younger than I am today—I did not tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 3) with explanatory know what I was letting myself in for, but I can quite notes (Bill 3-EN). safely say that that was one of the most important decisions that I ever took in the House. As a result of the work that we have done over the past five years, we have made great strides in helping people with muscular dystrophy. However, the truth is that we are still a long way from finding a cure. As part of that work, we decided to hold a series of hearings, to which we would invite patients, professionals and people from the Department of Health, as well as people from the specialist commissioning groups and the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. Following that work, we produced a report last summer entitled “Access to specialist neuromuscular care”. Its subtitle is “The Walton Report”, because one of the key players in producing it was Lord John Walton. He was born 88 years ago, and is one of my constituents. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, he has a long history as a leading light in the work on neuromuscular diseases. He has been a distinguished Member of the House of Lords for about 20 years. He brought to the Committee a real sense of purpose. Others who were involved include our old colleague, Dr Ian Gibson, who is no longer in the House, and many others from both sides of this House and from the House of Lords. We produced the report based on people’s real-life experiences of living day to day with muscular dystrophy. We knew that it was not going to be possible to find a cure. We knew that we were not going to get into a debate about research or about trying to find a drug that would be the silver bullet that cured muscular dystrophy. We knew that that would not be possible. However, we heard time and again from people living with the disease that their basic care needs were not being properly addressed. An example is hydrotherapy. Why is it that children who have hydrotherapy during term time cannot have it during the holidays because the caretaker is not at their school? If access to drugs were involved, and a child was told, “Go away for six 689 Wheelchair Services28 JUNE 2010 Wheelchair Services 690 weeks. You can’t have your drugs because we’re on been accepted. It was recognised last year by Phil Hope, holiday,” there would be an outcry. Similarly, parts of the former care services Minister, who said as recently the country have good access to physiotherapy, but as 19 March: other parts do not. “Not having the right equipment to get about easily can A further important issue that cropped up time and restrict freedom, isolate and prevent an individual from fully again was that of access to powered wheelchairs. Because contributing to society.That’s not right. That’s why we are developing of the frequency of this complaint, we asked the a national entitlement standard for wheelchairs services.” representatives of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign There has been national guidance on wheelchair services to go away and work with people to produce a new for a number of years now, but what is the real experience report. That report came out last week, and it is called of the people concerned? They tell us plainly that the “Get moving—the case for effective wheelchair services”. guidance is not working, but why is it not working? I have sent the Minister a copy, and I hope that he has Here are some of the reasons given by the health received it, because he will then be able to give us all the service: right answers later. I am sure he will not mind if I put “Lack of awareness: Wheelchair Services may not have the my glasses on so that I can read it properly. specialist knowledge needed for these complex conditions. These are some real-life experiences of people with Limited funding available: Wheelchair Services may have been muscular dystrophy. They are setting out some basic allocated a limited budget by PCTs. stuff very clearly indeed. Wendy Hughes from Devon Equipment is restricted: Wheelchair Services may have a limited describes her son’s situation, saying: list of equipment it is willing to fund. Equipment rationing: Equipment may be limited to one piece “I have never been more angry or upset about a seemingly per patient. hopeless situation. Zak’s fight for independence has been an upward battle and completely frustrating, demoralising and hopeless Excessively strict criteria: The provision of equipment is often for the whole family”. based on strict assessment criteria rather than actual need.” A patient whose 10-year-old wheelchair is described as Wheelchairs are not just a means of getting about, “falling apart” said: however. For some people, they are life support mechanisms. “I have had no chance of trying another chair. I need a different type and shape of chair now. No one is listening and it’s Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Is my hon. Friend soul-destroying.” aware of the excellent work done by the charity Whizz-Kidz, Jill Brown, from Wiltshire, is 68 years old and has which provides bespoke wheelchairs for young people? progressive neuropathic myopathy. She has been waiting Does he agree that wheelchairs that fulfil the needs of 12 years for the powered wheelchair that she needs. young people, fit them and are suitable for their purposes, Six weeks ago, she finally received it. Sadly, because her enabling them to lead fulfilled lives, should be funded condition has worsened, the chair no longer meets her by the national health service? needs. Mr Anderson: I entirely agree. I have done some work The report contains a catalogue of complaints and with Whizz-Kidz, and the appendix to the report contains heart-rending real-life stories. Christopher Powell lives a reference to its work. However, while everyone welcomes in Plymouth, and has a muscle-wasting condition. He the great work that is being done by the Muscular says: Dystrophy Campaign and other charities—especially “My current wheelchair has so many faults and I’m paying Whizz-Kidz—we should not have to rely on charity. through the nose to get it fixed. I actually had to make my own headrest for the wheelchair, made out of a Pringles tube wrapped Mobility is as important to the quality of these in a sock. It’s very embarrassing.” people’s lives, and in many instances to their longevity, as medication. If someone was told, “I am sorry but Mark Bishop is from Herne Bay and has had problems you will have to get into a queue because there is not getting a wheelchair adapted to suit his needs. He says: enough medication to go round,” every one of us here “It ended up taking two years for wheelchair services to adapt tonight would be knocking on the GP’s door, or asking a wheelchair they had to what I wanted, and even now it’s the primary care trust or the strategic health authority, not finished…Someone with a Meccano kit could have done a better job.” “What are you playing at?” Karen Duckmanton lives in Essex. She, too, has Duchenne This is not like an assessment by the National Institute muscular dystrophy. She says: for Health and Clinical Excellence, when people are told “Yes, it would be good if you could have this, but “Even though I can’t walk and I need to be in my wheelchair we cannot afford it.” In this instance, people are being all the time, wheelchair services told me that because I still had a small amount of power in my arms, I could not have an electric told, “You cannot have it for a variety of reasons.” In wheelchair. I think pushing the wheelchair has made my arms some parts of the country, such as Newcastle, there is a worse. I’ve been told I would be on the waiting list for 18 months one-week waiting list; in others, there are waiting lists of for another wheelchair assessment.” up to 18 months. However, it ultimately costs the NHS Carol Lawson from Chester-le-Street, quite close to more when people do not have the right wheelchair. where I live, said: They end up in hospital with diseases caused directly by the fact that they are not mobile, and experience physical “I was given a manual chair by wheelchair services but I live on my own so lots of things like windows and shelves were out of as well as mental difficulties caused by the stress and reach for me—I couldn’t even hang clothes in the wardrobe. So I strain of living with their problems. asked wheelchair services for an electric chair with a rising seat At a lobbying event last week, a gentleman from but they told me they couldn’t fund it.” Essex spoke to the main provider of wheelchairs there. That is the story we hear left, right and centre when we That gentleman was almost in tears. He said—this was approach the Department of Health and the various a gentleman in his mid-forties—“I have had this wheelchair primary care trusts, although the need for provision has for 12 years, and I cannot cope with it any longer.” But 691 Wheelchair Services28 JUNE 2010 Wheelchair Services 692

[Mr Anderson] there. We all know the sad story of what happened to Lord Tebbit’s wife, and she was in a specialised wheelchair. the truth is that this is not a difficult problem to solve. The young man’s parents talked to Lord Tebbit on that The Minister will probably talk about resources. We day, and he pointed them in the right direction. They could all come into the Chamber every night and speak were therefore able to go and see the people who had about a particular health-related problem, and I accept built the wheelchair for his wife and get a purpose-built that there are limits, but the fact is that this could be one for themselves, which they had to pay for. cost-effective. People would not be in hospital, there This is not on in the 21st century. It should not be a would be fewer emergency admissions, and people could matter of luck in bumping into somebody somewhere lead much better lives if they were not tied to equipment who says, “Why don’t you do this?” We are talking that does not work properly. about saving lives and improving lives. The truth is, We must accept that the current position is not the sadly, that a lot of these people will be dead before they position of 10, 20 or 30 years ago. People who are are out of their teens. The lucky few will probably live to disabled now, thank goodness, expect more, and we as a 30. In other parts of the world, they possibly live for society should give them more. Some great young people 10 years longer and we can learn lessons from them, are involved in the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign who and a key part of the way they look after people is go to university and lead independent lives in their own access to wheelchair services. houses, with access to transport and travel around the I have spoken specifically about the work we have world, and we should help them in every way we can. done in the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. Since this There are a number of things that I should like the debate went on to the parliamentary agenda, at least Minister to do. I hope that he will agree to meet me, five groups have contacted me and my office, saying along with representatives of the campaign and of the these issues apply across the board. I have no doubt that working group of the all-party group on muscular they do, and I will be happy to work with them and the dystrophy. We are asking the Government to act on the Minister to try to see whether we can find a strategy following recommendations. We want them to set up a that works. It is very important, and it is life-saving. short-life review group led by the Department of Health to address the failings of wheelchair services, and to get 10.53 pm that review group to examine the savings and improvements made by new service models and to ensure they are The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr implemented nationally. We want them to set a national Paul Burstow): May I start by thanking the hon. Member target for waiting times for wheelchairs at a maximum for Blaydon (Mr Anderson) for taking the initiative in of 18 weeks from the initial referral to the delivery of bidding for the debate and for securing it this evening? the chair—I know the new Government are not keen on He has raised some very important issues on behalf of targets, but we are talking about really looking after both constituents and the muscular dystrophy movement. people. We also want the Government to set aside an I know the hon. Gentleman has a very strong personal adequate ring-fenced budget for wheelchairs in each interest in this issue and I was delighted to attend the PCT under the supervision of a specialised commissioning event in the House that he organised last week when he group. We want them, too, to set up uniform eligibility launched the report he has described this evening. I was criteria and a national consensus regarding the features sorry not to have been able to be present when he and equipment that should be provided by the NHS so delivered it, but he rightly set it out in great detail this that that can be developed fully. As it is pointless evening. providing a wheelchair if its condition is not maintained, While I was at the event, I met a number of families PCTs must accept the cost of maintaining all wheelchairs, who had been affected by muscular dystrophy and including those that have already been bought, modified heard about some of the difficulties they have faced, or privately funded, and that maintenance should be and the hon. Gentleman has talked tonight about some carried out quickly and efficiently. of the very powerful testimonies set out in the report, We should also look to the scheme set up by the which make compelling reading. The conversations I people involved in the campaign which is aimed at had with people at the reception left me in no doubt ending the wheelchair postcode lottery, so that there is that wheelchair services is an area that really does the same access to wheelchairs across the country. It is require improvement: real improvement in how wheelchair wrong that people in some areas get better access than services are commissioned and delivered, and real people in others, but people with muscular dystrophy improvement in extending personalisation to wheelchair find that that is the case time and again and it is totally services, where there is still far too much off-the-shelf or out of order. We should fully implement definition 5 in “like it or lump it” provision. I hope that my responses the specialised services national definitions set, with a and remarks will reassure the hon. Gentleman and the named lead for special equipment on the specialised Members on both sides of the House who have stayed commissioning group. The above recommendations should for the debate that the Department of Health and I take be used to develop and form a national strategy for the issues seriously and that we want to make good wheelchair provision to reduce waiting times, improve progress. access and bring an end to the current postcode lottery. I am keen that we take on board the observations that I know those are big demands, but these people need the hon. Gentleman set out tonight, which are contained them. The first young gentleman I saw in a specialised in his report. I certainly welcome the work done on wheelchair was a young man of 25 who had served in commissioning and writing the Walton report. He may the Army Signals. Most of his contemporaries were be aware that there is already an advisory group looking dead, but he has been saved because his father and at wheelchair services, involving service users, representatives mother went to a fête and Lord Tebbit and his wife were from the NHS and local government, clinicians and 693 Wheelchair Services28 JUNE 2010 Wheelchair Services 694 third-sector organisations. It would be very helpful than layers of NHS management, call the shots and indeed if a representative from the muscular dystrophy control the way services work. We will strengthen campaign was involved with the group and, through the accountability and transparency so that the public can debate, I extend an invitation to that organisation to hold the local NHS properly to account for the decisions take part. I also invite the hon. Gentleman and members it makes, and poor performance can be properly challenged of his all-party group to meet the chairman of the across the country. advisory group, David Colin-Thomé, to discuss specific We need to address a number of issues and the hon. issues arising from the report, with a view to holding a Gentleman has touched on several of them. First and meeting with me to discuss how we take matters forward. foremost, commissioning has to improve. The fact that I certainly agree that there is a great deal in what the wheelchair services account for only a small proportion hon. Gentleman said. We can see from the reviews of local budgets means that they have been neglected by carried out over recent years that there has been tangible too many. Good assessment of local need is rare, improvement, but—an important but—as the hon. performance information is patchy and procurement is Gentleman outlined, it has been extremely limited. The often left to individual wheelchair service managers. experience for many people is a poor one. The service is Furthermore, higher costs due to rising demand and characterised by long waiting times. As we have heard, improving technology have not been properly reflected it is quite common for people to wait months for a in many local budget allocations for wheelchair services. wheelchair, and not uncommon for them to wait years As a result, service managers have tended to focus on for a powered wheelchair. That really affects outcomes purchasing the right volume of wheelchairs for their for people. It poses particular problems for children communities, but not necessarily the right kind of whose needs change as they grow, and for those with wheelchairs for individual clinical needs. That gives rise progressive conditions such as muscular dystrophy or to some shocking examples of the sort that the hon. motor neurone disease, when needs can change very Gentleman mentions. rapidly. The service is also characterised by considerable regional variation—in assessments, procurement, and Mr Anderson: I thank the Minister for his studied choice for the individual. Quite simply, that is unacceptable. reply. One of the things that came to me was the fact The majority of wheelchair services are provided by that the spending that is put aside averages £2,000 per the national health service, and should be subject to chair, but people want probably five or six times that consistent, national standards, applied by local amount for a chair that really meets their needs. Although commissioners to the needs of individual populations. I I take on board the resources issue, it is pointless people think the hon. Gentleman and I agree on the diagnosis, saying that they can commission a number of chairs if, but we might disagree about the best way to effect a as he says, they are not worth having. cure. The hon. Gentleman suggested that we should ring-fence Mr Burstow: I take the point, but if one caps a wheelchair funding and introduce a new target on waiting budget, the danger is that the likelihood of rationing times. However, we are already performing the biggest the service increases even further. We want to ensure ring-fence possible. By providing real-terms increases in that the services are tailored to local needs, but there are NHS budgets for the duration of the Parliament, we are clearly some quite unacceptable performances around protecting all health services, including wheelchair services, the country in how the service is being delivered at the at a time of unprecedented spending restraint; yet even moment. with that protection, the NHS faces a stark challenge as On a related point, there are several funding streams the population ages and lives longer, and the increasing for wheelchair services, and that is rather confused and costs of treatment squeeze health budgets. That demands confusing. Alongside NHS provision for wheelchairs, greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness across the whole they can also be supplied through local children’s trusts of the health service. and Jobcentre Plus, so there is duplication and inefficiency If the NHS is to meet that challenge, local organisations in the system, not to mention problems for service users must have the freedom to allocate funds in the best in terms of understanding where their entitlement might interests of their local communities. In that sense, I am lie. Indeed, in preparing for this debate, my jaw nearly afraid that proposals for a new ring fence and centralised hit the floor when I read that 57% of wheelchair budgets targets swim against the tide. The Government strongly currently go on back-office costs. Fifty-seven pence in believe that we need less Whitehall control, not more; every pound that the taxpayer puts into these services we need to liberate the NHS and ensure higher standards fails to reach the front line at the moment. That is not for patients. acceptable; it is not a good way to use our taxpayer-funded In the case of wheelchair services, a ring-fenced budget resources for the health service. In these financially could have the opposite effect. By extending autonomy straitened times, it is clear that we have to make the for the local NHS, a ring-fenced budget could effectively available funding work much harder than that, and we cap resources, and cap the amount a trust spends on can achieve much greater efficiency and a much better wheelchairs, rather than allowing commissioners to make quality of service by encouraging a more co-ordinated a judgment, informed by local need, about what should system of assessment and provision across the Government. be spent on those services. Furthermore, ring-fencing For example, there is a good argument for managing could result in services that fail to improve, and we need procurement regionally, not locally, so we can benefit to make sure that does not happen. from the economies of scale that that would provide. With greater freedoms come greater responsibilities It is also important that commissioning is sufficiently for the local NHS. We want to strengthen both the flexible to accommodate those who wish to use personal patient and the clinical voice, so that patients, general health budgets to purchase wheelchair services. I agree practitioners, consultants and other clinicians, rather with the hon. Gentleman that more needs to be done to 695 Wheelchair Services28 JUNE 2010 Wheelchair Services 696

[Mr Burstow] east of England and the south-west—will see PCTs, councils, NHS trusts and clinicians examining new ways ensure that commissioning and procurement processes of commissioning wheelchair services along the lines work for those with the most specialised needs. I do not that I described. They will make recommendations for think that we have been bold enough in using third new models that will be underpinned by consistent sector organisations, in the sense not that they are approaches to eligibility and access, which could then charities that hand out something that the state does be established across the country. I understand people’s not provide, but that they are good partners with the frustration and desire that this should happen quickly, state to go the extra mile to deliver the sort of service which the hon. Gentleman articulated clearly. However, that we need. Indeed, Whizz-Kidz has been mentioned the big risk of rushing to a conclusion is that we will not in the debate, and there is a major success story in the arrive at the best possible solution. It is important that partnership that that charity has formed with NHS we work through solutions to develop a robust, evidence- London, local primary care trusts and local authorities based system. to improve wheelchair services for children. The pilot programme is an important start on building I want to encourage more of those innovative up the comprehensive understanding that we need. It partnerships with the voluntary sector, so that we can will help us to uncover the best ways of organising start to make a difference by improving quality and wheelchair services to meet people’s individual needs, efficiency in the system. For instance, we could usefully and it will sow the seeds for best practice to take root deploy the specialist skills of a social enterprise such as across the whole NHS. I hope that we can work with the Whizz-Kidz as the main procurement body in a more hon. Gentleman and his all-party group to ensure that co-ordinated regional system. That area needs further we achieve the tangible outcomes that we all want so exploration across the NHS. that all people who need powered wheelchairs get the The Whizz-Kidz example demonstrates another quality of life that they desire and can contribute to important point: the picture is not entirely black. There society in the way in which they want. are beacons of best practice in some parts of the I thank the hon. Gentleman for initiating this helpful country, and we need to learn more from them so that debate and look forward to seeing how we can take one area’s best practice becomes common practice things forward in the future. throughout the country. Question put and agreed to. I can announce tonight that the Government will be pursuing a pilot programme specifically to examine the commissioning of wheelchair and seating services. The 11.5 pm work in the two regional sites that have been selected—the House adjourned. 23WS Written Ministerial Statements28 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 24WS

our troops, coalition forces and Afghan civilians it is Written Ministerial absolutely right that we do so through the Afghan judicial system. Statements There is no place for the abuse of detainees. We must always act in a manner that is consistent with our values. We took this case very seriously. The Ministry of Monday 28 June 2010 Defence (MOD) and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provided a vast range of material to assist the Court in what it described as a massive, costly and time-consuming disclosure exercise. I welcome the Court’s DEFENCE recognition of the efforts the MOD went to to provide the Court with a full and clear understanding of all the issues raised. Afghanistan: Implications for US Uplift In its judgment, the Court acknowledged the body of material, produced by the international institutions, among others, which covered allegations of mistreatment The Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Liam Fox): within the general Afghan system. But it also recognised On Friday 25 June, the International Security Assistance the specific safeguards and monitoring arrangements in Force (ISAF) completed the transfer of security place to provide reassurance about the treatment of responsibility for Kajaki in northern Helmand from transferees, safeguards which will be further reinforced UK to US forces and the redeployment of the company in line with the Court’s recommendations. This led to of UK soldiers based there to Sangin, where they will the Court’s conclusion that the steps we have taken with reinforce our existing presence. the Afghan authorities are sufficient to provide reassurance about their treatment and that UK forces can therefore The transfer of Kajaki is part of the reorganisation lawfully continue to transfer UK-captured insurgents to of ISAF forces in Helmand province and across southern sovereign Afghan authorities. Afghanistan which has been made possible by the significant uplift in Afghan and international troops, particularly The British Government, working with international US troops. As part of this process, security responsibility partners under International Security Assistance Force, for Musa Qala in Helmand transferred to US forces on will also continue to support all efforts to improve 27 March 2010, the UK-led Task Force Helmand came further the Afghan judicial system and the rule of law. under command of the US Marine Corps’ 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) on 1 June 2010 and, on the same date, command of the British battle group FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE based in Sangin transferred from Task Force Helmand to the US-led Regimental Combat Team in the north of the province. Diplomatic Missions/International Organisations As has been the case with previous changes in Helmand, (Parking and Traffic Fines) the UK has been consulted throughout ISAF’s decision- making process and we welcome the transfer of Kajaki to US forces as enabling ISAF to further optimise the The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth use of its forces in the province. Affairs (Mr William Hague): In 2009, there were 4,979 recorded outstanding parking and other minor traffic violation fines incurred by diplomatic missions and Transfer of Detainees (Afghanistan) international organisations in the United Kingdom. These totalled £534,060. In March this year, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office wrote to all diplomatic missions and international organisations concerned, giving them The Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Liam Fox): the opportunity to either pay their outstanding fines or The House will be aware that the Ministry of Defence appeal against them if they considered that the fines has been judicially reviewed in the High Court. The had been issued incorrectly. As a result of subsequent claimant in that case, Ms Maya Evans, sought to end payments totalling £7,760 there remains a total of £526,300 the practice of transferring detainees to the appropriate unpaid fines for 2009. The table below details those Afghan authorities. The Court’s judgment was handed diplomatic missions and international organisations that down on Friday 25 June, and I am pleased to say that it have outstanding fines totalling £1,000 or more. found UK practices are lawful. Our operations in Afghanistan are conducted to protect Number of the national security of the United Kingdom and its Diplomatic Mission/ Outstanding Fines people, at home and abroad. It is vital that we address International (excluding transnational terrorism at its core if we are to safeguard Organisation congestion charge) Amount in £ the British people from its effects. In doing so, the Kazakhstan 1399 £147,880 ability of our forces to detain those who represent a Afghanistan 303 £34,780 threat to them, or to the Afghan population, is a vital United Arab Emirates 272 £24,440 tool if we are to learn about the insurgency, protect China 211 £22,760 against the improvised explosive device threat, and finally Cyprus 209 £22,540 ensure that those responsible are held properly to account. Turkey 158 £17,500 In seeking justice from those who attack, maim and kill 25WS Written Ministerial Statements28 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 26WS

Serious and Drink Driving Offences Number of Diplomatic Mission/ Outstanding Fines (Diplomatic Immunity) International (excluding Organisation congestion charge) Amount in £ The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Saudi Arabia 159 £17,000 Affairs (Mr William Hague): In 2009, seventeen serious Albania 143 £16,920 and drink driving offences allegedly committed by people Pakistan 128 £14,440 entitled to diplomatic immunity were drawn to the France 118 £12,560 attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Nigeria 104 £12,460 “Serious Offences” are defined as offences that would, Sudan 91 £10,400 in certain circumstances, carry a penalty of 12 months Romania 95 £10,000 or more imprisonment. Some 25,000 people are entitled Egypt 87 £9,440 to diplomatic immunity in the United Kingdom. Jordan 73 £8,060 The table below lists those foreign missions whose Russia 162 £7,120 diplomats allegedly committed serious and drink driving Uzbekistan 54 £6,020 offences and the type of offence from 2005-09. Ukraine 43 £4,920 2005 Ghana 45 £4,880 Guinea 47 £4,820 Actual Bodily Harm Georgia 43 £4,660 Kuwait 34 £3,960 Jordan 1 Libya 36 £3,760 Tunisia 36 £3,720 Assault (Domestic Violence) Liberia 36 £3.520 Saudi Arabia 1 Malaysia 30 £3,280 Zimbabwe 29 £3,160 Dangerous Driving Algeria 28 £3,100 Turkey 1 Germany 29 £3,020 Bulgaria 25 £2,880 Driving under the Influence of Alcohol Slovenia 25 £2,880 Angola 1 USA 26 £2,880 Egypt 1 Oman 26 £2,820 Ghana 1 Greece 24 £2,680 Lebanon 1 Kenya 23 £2,680 Peru 1 Iraq 22 £2,580 Russia 1 North Korea 22 £2,320 Saudi Arabia 1 Iran 20 £2,160 Mozambique 19 £2,120 Harassment South Africa 21 £2,060 Turkey 1 Mongolia 18 £2,000 Yemen 19 £2,000 Theft (Shoplifting) Cote d’Ivoire 17 £1,920 Egypt 1 Qatar 16 £1,880 Equatorial Guinea 1 Syria 16 £1,780 Zambia 1 Bangladesh 14 £1,760 Morocco 14 £1,580 Theft and Robbery (of Motor Vehicle, Driving without Italy 14 £1,540 Insurance) Mexico 14 £1,520 South Africa 1 Vietnam 13 £1,520 Gabon 13 £1,460 2006 Mauritius 13 £1,460 International 13 £1,460 Attempted Robbery Maritime South Africa 1 Organisation Lithuania 12 £1,360 Deception (Going Equipped to Commit) Azerbaijan 12 £1,280 Belgium 12 £1,280 Nigeria 1 Indonesia 11 £1,280 Ethiopia 12 £1,240 Driving under the Influence of Alcohol Bahrain 14 £1,220 Kazakhstan 2 Belarus 1 Benin 12 £1,200 Côte d’Ivoire 1 Tanzania 10 £1,140 Kuwait 1 27WS Written Ministerial Statements28 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 28WS

Malawi 1 Other* 1 Oman 1 Saudi Arabia 1 Saudi Arabia 1 Thailand 1 South Africa 1 Uganda 1 Vietnam 1 Driving without Insurance Pakistan 1 Theft (Shoplifting) Cameroon 1 Failure to Stop for Police/Driving without Insurance and Licence Kazakhstan 1 2009

Robbery Driving under the Influence of Alcohol South Africa 1 Brazil 1 Germany 1 Theft (Obtaining Property by Deception Russia 1 Ghana 1 Tanzania 1 USA 1 2007 Vietnam 1 Saudi Arabia 1 Dangerous Driving Cameroon 1 Russia 1 International Maritime Organisation 1

Domestic Assault/Actual Bodily Harm Driving under the Influence of Alcohol and without South Africa 1 Insurance Bahrain 1 Driving without insurance Ghana 1 Driving without Due Care and Attention Ghana 1 Driving without Insurance and Driving under the Influence of Alcohol Malawi 2 Human Trafficking Saudi Arabia 1 Driving under the Influence of Alcohol Sierra Leone 1 Belarus 1 Georgia 1 Sexual Assault Hungary 1 Saudi Arabia 1 Israel 1 Italy 1 *Other 1 Actual Bodily Harm Kazakhstan 1 Nigeria 1 Kuwait 1 Moldova 1 Theft (Shoplifting) Nigeria 1 Peru 1 Gambia 1 Saudi Arabia 1 Turkmenistan 1 Threatening to Kill Pakistan 1 Misrepresentation (Obtaining Insurance by Deception)

Côte d’Ivoire 1 Neglect of a Young Person Cameroon 1 Robbery and Actual Bodily Harm Guyana 1 *Details have been withheld because the number of diplomatic 2008 personnel in the mission(s) concerned is/are so small that disclosure would lead to the identification of the individual concerned. This would breach the data protection rights of that individual, in Driving under the Influence of Alcohol particular, the first data protection principle, namely, that personal Cameroon 1 data should be processed fairly. This is because the offences are only Kyrgyzstan 1 alleged to have been committed and have not been proven in a court of law. In these circumstance, section 40 (2) and (3) of the Freedom Morocco 1 of Information Act confer an absolute exemption on disclosure of Mozambique 1 this information. 29WS Written Ministerial Statements28 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 30WS

Diplomatic Missions (Outstanding National Non- Number of Domestic Rates Bills) Country Fines Total Outstanding (£)

Tanzania 7,203 753,520 The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth South Africa 6,333 659,740 Affairs (Mr William Hague): The majority of diplomatic Algeria 5,858 618,340 missions in the United Kingdom pay the national non- Kazakhstan 5,373 575,480 domestic rates requested from them. They are obliged Sierra Leone 5,066 523,900 to pay only 6% of the total national non-domestic rates Korea 4,363 488,340 value which represents payment for specific services Bulgaria 4,256 459,040 such as street cleaning, lighting, maintenance and fire Hungary 3,911 424,000 services. The total amount outstanding from all diplomatic Yemen 3,768 407,820 missions is approximately £574,998. As at 1 April 2010, missions listed below owed over £10,000 in respect of Belarus 3,598 391,080 NNDR. Slovakia 3,563 390,240 Cyprus 3,401 370,600 Since a letter about outstanding NNDR bills was sent to missions on 22 February 2010, £26,471.68 has Zambia 3,355 358,160 been repaid. Many missions have cleared their bills and Pakistan 3,151 347,930 some others have entered into arrangements to pay by Cameroon 3,091 329,420 instalment. Overall, the repayment rate is 96%. Zimbabwe 3,038 311,600 Ethiopia 2,779 294,060 Bangladesh £80,612.37 Czech Republic 2,343 258,240 Bulgaria £13,022.25 Mauritius 2,370 254,240 Cameroon £58,517.78 Namibia 2,362 247,240 Cote d’Ivoire £77,079.12 Equatorial Guinea 2,251 243,480 Equatorial Guinea £15,782.37 Cuba 2,230 234,680 Liberia £15,388.02 Swaziland 2,267 225,400 Sierra Leone £50,790.06 Austria 2,004 220,160 Tanzania £13,572.67 Mozambique 2,035 215,220 Tunisia £26,525.97 Belgium 1,889 209,480 Ukraine £26,103.15 Lesotho 1,927 203,180 Uzbekistan £10,287.95 Denmark 1,614 179,600 Zimbabwe £93,414.78 Botswana 1,623 175,860 TOTAL £481,096.49 Malta 1,518 165,420 Vietnam 1,530 163,520 Malawi 1,568 163,400 Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations Cote d’Ivoire 1,564 161,080 (Congestion Charge) Afghanistan 1,411 158,220 Egypt 1,640 155,200 The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Uganda 1,396 149,540 Affairs (Mr William Hague): The number of outstanding Jamaica 1,284 138,800 fines incurred by the diplomatic missions in the United Liberia 1,249 135,880 Kingdom for non-payment of the London congestion Guinea 1,324 135,820 charge since its introduction in February 2003 until Saudi Arabia 1,327 129,490 29 January 2010 was £36,057,690. The table shows the DPR Korea 1,119 116,100 57 diplomatic missions and international organisations Luxembourg 925 101,720 with outstanding fines totalling £100,000 or more.

Number of HEALTH Country Fines Total Outstanding (£) Direct Payments for Health Care USA 35,602 3,821,880 Russia 29,375 3,204,900 Japan 25,434 2,766,360 The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr Paul Burstow): The Government have today authorised the Germany 24,358 2,644,810 piloting of direct payments for health care, under powers Nigeria 18,576 1,964,310 in the Health Act 2009. Sudan 12,123 1,263,360 This Government want to put patients at the heart of India 10,977 1,205,680 everything the national health service does. Direct payments, Poland 9,446 1,033,020 and personal health budgets more generally, have great Ghana 8,981 970,340 potential to put patients in control, enable integration Spain 7,860 864,860 across health and social care, and improve outcomes. France 7,960 861,100 We have long supported the idea of personal health Kenya 8,206 858,630 budgets, and we continue to support the pilot programme. Greece 7,526 821,460 Ukraine 7,092 775,440 The Department has initially authorised piloting of direct payments in eight primary care trusts (PCTs) Romania 6,911 757,300 within the personal health budget pilot programme. 31WS Written Ministerial Statements28 JUNE 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 32WS

More will be authorised as soon as individual PCTs are introduce annual limits on economic migrants from ready and have in place suitable systems and safeguards. outside of the EU from April 2011; and interim measures Approved pilot sites will be able to offer direct payments being taken to prevent a surge in applications during to people across a range of conditions and services, the interim period. including continuing health care, a number of long-term conditions, mental health, learning disabilities, and end- of-life care. JUSTICE The personal health budget pilot programme involves around seventy PCTs across England. An independent evaluation will provide evidence on how personal budgets Judicial Appointments work and how to overcome the technical and cultural challenges involved. The evaluation is due to report in autumn 2012. The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice The table shows the PCTs initially authorised to offer (Mr Kenneth Clarke): I am today announcing my intention direct payments. to review the operation of the judicial appointments process and the structure of those bodies supporting Lead PCT Conditions or services included the Lord Chief Justice and me on judicial matters. in pilot The appointment element of the review will look at Doncaster PCT Continuing health care and the end to end appointments process addressing in mental health particular: Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT Continuing health care, end-of- The proper balance between executive, judicial and independent life care, maternity, and mental responsibilities. health Central London (joint bid from Continuing health care, chronic Ensuring clarity, transparency and openness. Hammersmith and Fulham obstructive pulmonary disease, Quality and speed of service to applicants and the courts PCT, Kensington and Chelsea dementia, diabetes, and mental and tribunals the process serves. PCT and Westminster PCT) health Governance, efficiency and value for money. Islington PCT Continuing health care (in limited circumstances, with The appointments process must fully respect and expansion subject to further maintain the independence of the judiciary, and approval) appointment on merit must remain absolutely at the Merseyside (Joint bid from Mental health heart of the process. These principles will underpin the Knowsley PCT, Liverpool PCT review. and Sefton PCT) In the light of the needs of the judicial appointments Oxford PCT Continuing health care and end- of-life care process, the Courts and Tribunals Integration Programme and the Government’s wider review of arm’s length Somerset PCT Children in transition to adult services, learning disabilities, bodies, the review will also consider whether the current long-term neurological structure of judicial arm’s length bodies conditions best meets the needs of the constitutional settlement, properly West Sussex PCT Carers of people who have protecting judicial independence; recently been diagnosed with provides clear accountability; and dementia, children in transition to adult services, continuing provides the most effective means of delivering a high quality health care service and value for money. The review has been agreed with and will be conducted in close consultation with the Lord Chief Justice. I expect the review to report in the autumn.

HOME DEPARTMENT PRIME MINISTER

Non-EU Economic Migration Limits G8 and G20 Summits

The Secretary of State for the Home Department The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): Following (Mrs Theresa May): This afternoon I will make an oral the meetings in Canada I am placing the communiqués statement to the House on the Government’s plans to for the G8 and G20 in the Libraries of both Houses.

353W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 354W

Sir Stuart Bell: Following the answer given on Written Answers to 24 February 2010, the sound recording of the debate held on 28 March 1979 has been requested from the Questions parliamentary broadcasting archives which are held at the British Film Institute. The history section of the website was identified as the best area for the content: Monday 28 June 2010 http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/ New content can also be publicised on the parliamentary intranet with a link to the Parliament website page. WALES The historical debate on the motion of no confidence in 1979 lasted nearly seven hours and the audio material Companies House is made up of six CDs. The average length for audio recordings or podcasts on the Parliament website is Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales about 15 minutes. How the material can best be edited what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary and presented in the Living Heritage section is now of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on the being considered. proposed closure of the Companies House office at Nantgarw. [4276]

Mrs Gillan: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE I gave on 23 June 2010, Official Report, column 215W. Bio-energy Capital Grant Fund Departmental Mobile Phones Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Energy and Climate Change what plans he has for the pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2010, Official Report, future of the bio-energy capital grant fund. [4391] column 12W, on departmental mobile telephones, what the (a) purchase cost of the handset, (b) network Charles Hendry: Before finalising the Department’s provider, (c) type of tariff and (d) name of the £85 million contribution to Government savings of supplier is in respect of the mobile telephone issued to £6.2 billion in 2010-11, DECC is reviewing all spending (i) the Secretary of State and (ii) the Parliamentary plans, including uncommitted bio-energy capital grant Under-Secretary of State. [4710] scheme funds, with the aim of minimising any impact on the delivery of our objectives. We appreciate the Mrs Gillan: The mobile telephones issued by my need to provide clarity and certainty to those who have Department to Ministers are obtained through the central applied for grants under round 6 of the scheme, and will procurement arrangements provided by the Ministry of do so as soon as possible. The future of the scheme will Justice. Under this arrangement, the telephones are on be considered in the wider context of overall support the standard Government tariff operated by Vodafone, for renewable heat technologies. and incur a purchase cost of £50 and a monthly line rental charge of £2 plus VAT. The current telephones Carbon Emissions: Housing are made by Nokia. Railways Sarah Newton: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether companies will have to repay Carbon Emissions Reduction Target Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales funding in order to qualify for the Renewable Heat on how many occasions she has travelled to Wales by Incentive; and if he will make a statement. [4451] train since her appointment. [4125] Gregory Barker: The Government are committed to Mrs Gillan: To date I have travelled by train to Wales increasing the amount of renewable heat in the UK; this on nine separate occasions in the course of my duties. is a crucial part of ensuring we meet our renewables For each journey I travelled standard class, in line with targets, cutting carbon and ensuring energy security. We the new policy I implemented upon taking office. are currently looking at the renewable heat incentive (RHI) proposals. Clearly there are benefits to the scheme, but we must also consider the impact of the costs, HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION particularly given the financial constraints we must work within and the potential impact that funding Motions options could have on vulnerable people. However, I can confirm that renewable heat Mr Amess: To ask the hon. Member for installations supported now by energy supplier subsidy Middlesbrough, answering for the House of Commons under CERT would not be precluded from any future Commission if the House of Commons Commission support scheme for renewable heat, though will of course will place on the parliamentary (a) intranet and (b) have to meet its requirements. As you may know, there has internet site a sound recording of the debate held on been a recent consultation on extension to CERT from the motion of no confidence in the Government on April 2011 until December 2012. Further announcements 28 March 1979; and if he will make a statement. [R] on the scope of that extension will be made in due [4273] course. 355W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 356W

Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Departmental Mobile Phones Scheme Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer to the hon. Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Member for West Bromwich East of 16 June 2010, Energy and Climate Change (1) what the estimated Official Report, column 461W, on departmental mobile cost will be to public bodies required to register for the phones, what the (a) purchase cost of the handset, (b) CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme for (a) registration network provider, (c) type of tariff and (d) name of and (b) the annual cost of purchasing carbon the supplier was in respect of the BlackBerry device allowances; [4367] issued to each Minister in his Department. [4066] (2) how many public bodies are required to register for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. [4369] Charles Hendry [holding answer 24 June 2010]: The purchase cost of the BlackBerry device for each Minister is £250. The network provider is Vodafone. The type of Gregory Barker: Any public body which in 2008 had tariff is Network and BlackBerry and the name of the at least one half-hourly electricity meter settled on the supplier is Vodafone. half hourly market is required to register for the scheme. Of those that register, those that meet the 6,000MWh Environment: Job Creation qualification threshold will be required to participate in the scheme. In addition all UK Government Departments, the Scottish Administration, the Welsh Assembly Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Government and Northern Ireland Departments must Energy and Climate Change if he will set targets for the all participate in the CRC scheme regardless of electricity creation of jobs in the environmental industries. [4268] usage. The precise number of public bodies which meet these criteria will not be known until the close of the Gregory Barker: Getting people back into employment registration period on 30 September. The Environment and the transition to a low carbon, environmentally Agency estimates that 1,100 public bodies will be responsible economy are key objectives for the Government. participants in the scheme. Other registered public sector However I have no plans to set a specific target for the bodies must make a simple information disclosure at creation of jobs in the environmental industries. registration at the start of each phase of the scheme Nuclear Power Stations: Construction Participants meeting the qualification threshold must pay a one-off registration fee of £950 and an annual subsistence fee of £1,290. Organisations which make a Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy simple information disclosure are not required to pay and Climate Change when he intends to lay before the these fees. House the National Planning Policy Statement on the siting of new nuclear power stations. [4591] The annual cost to a participant from allowance purchases will depend on their total emissions, as well Charles Hendry: We are still considering responses to as their position in the league table. Their emissions will the consultation on the draft Nuclear National Policy depend among other things on the organisation’s size Statement, but plan to make an announcement as soon and measures introduced to improve their energy efficiency. as possible. All of the revenues raised from the Government sale of allowances will be returned to participants, so that those whose energy efficiency scores are highest will Oil Rigs: Transocean receive a bonus. Because of these uncertainties, Government have not estimated the cost to the public sector. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2010, Official Report, column 32W, on Transocean, Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for who the operator is of each of the 10 Transocean rigs Energy and Climate Change (1) how much the in UK waters which are not idle and stacked. [4341] implementation of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme has cost to date; [4365] Charles Hendry: The operators of the 10 Transocean (2) how many officials in the Environment Agency rigs which are currently working in the North sea are are responsible for administering the CRC Energy tabled as follows: Efficiency Scheme in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011. [4366] Rig Operator

GSF Galaxy ii Encore Gregory Barker: The Environment Agency is the UK Administrator for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme GSF Galaxy iii Nexen (CRC) and the Regulator for England and Wales. In GSF Labrador Dana January 2010 there were nine people administering CRC J W McLean Petrocanada which will rise to 30 by December 2010. PaulBLoydJr BP Sedco 704 Shell The cost of Environment Agency implementation Sedco 711 Shell activities until April 2010 was £6.6 million. This includes Sedco 714 Total developing an IT system and communication activities Transocean John Shaw Enquest to those affected by the regulations including provision Transocean Prospect Nexen of guidance and running a helpdesk since April 2009. 357W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 358W

Renewable Energy ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Departmental Official Cars Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department plans to take to support renewable energy Mr Watson: To ask the Attorney-General how many generation. [3785] Government (a) cars and (b) drivers are allocated to Ministers in the Law Officers’ Departments. [4548]

Charles Hendry: We are committed to renewable energy The Attorney-General: Ministers in the Law Officers’ as part of our comprehensive programme of measures Departments have two cars and drivers allocated to to fulfil our ambitions for a low-carbon and eco-friendly them but notice has been served on one of the cars and economy. drivers, and the contract for this is due to come to an To drive up renewable electricity generation, we have end in September 2010. committed to a feed in tariff mechanism (FIT), together with the maintenance of banded Renewables Obligations Mr Watson: To ask the Attorney-General how many Certificates (ROCs). (a) civil servants and (b) special advisers in the Law We are currently looking at proposals for a Renewable Officers’ Departments are entitled to the use of (i) a car Heat Incentive (RHI) to incentivise the uptake of renewable with a dedicated driver, (ii) a car from the Government heat and will look to make an announcement on this as car pool and (iii) a taxi ordered through a soon as possible. departmental account. [3211]

The Attorney-General: The Director of Public Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Prosecutions (DPP) is the only civil servant in the Law Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on Officers’ Departments currently using a car with a supporting loan funding for investment in renewable dedicated driver and car from the Government car energy industries. [3787] pool. The CPS has however given notice and the contract with the Government Car Service will be terminated on Charles Hendry: We announced in the Budget our 24 August 2010. commitment to addressing the barriers to investment in The Treasury Solicitor’s Department (Tsol) has a the low-carbon economy. number of accounts with the Government Car and We welcome market-based interventions which support Despatch Agency. The Government Car and Despatch the financing of renewables, such as the European Agency is mainly used as a secure means of transport Investment Bank’s intermediated lending scheme for when there is a need to transport classified or sensitive onshore wind projects. documents relating to legal work undertaken by the Department. The service is also used occasionally by We are also currently considering a wide range of the Permanent Secretary (six times in the first six months options for the scope and structure of a Green Investment of 2010) and by other officials when there is no reasonable, Bank and will put forward detailed proposals following cost-effective public transport alternative. the spending review. Tsol, the National Fraud Authority, the Serious Fraud Office and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy do not have a departmental taxi account. and Climate Change what discussions he has had with The CPS does not operate a national account with representatives of the biofuels industry on the designation taxi operators. The CPS is however a devolved organisation of biofuels produced from recycled cooking oils and and it is possible that there are local arrangements in recycled methanol under the Renewables Obligation place where accounts have been established with local Scheme. [4259] taxi operators. To identify any such agreements would require local managers to review all paper procurement Gregory Barker: Since 6 May 2010 there have been no records and would incur a disproportionate cost. ministerial discussions with the bioliquids (biofuels for The Attorney-General’s Office operates a departmental electricity or heat) industry on the designation of fuels taxi account which is available for use by all staff but produced from used cooking oil and recycled methanol can be used only if there is a justified business need. under the Renewables Obligation 2009. There have been The Law Officers’ Departments do not have any discussions at official level. However, I would be happy special advisers. to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the issue further.

Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what progress has been ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS made on implementing the Renewable Heat Incentive; and if he will make a statement. [4427] Agriculture: Environment Protection

Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent (Michael Fallon) on 15 June 2010, Official Report, representations she has received on the new stewardship columns 367-68W. schemes applied by Natural England. [4155] 359W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 360W

Mr Paice: The newest strand of Environmental Department/ Stewardship is Uplands Entry Level Stewardship. This Agency Number of staff Cost of staff (£ million) was launched in February and welcomed by a number of farming groups. Some representations have recently MFA 268 9.7 been made about the requirement for tenant farmers RPA 3,528 123.1 with lets of less than five years to have their application VLA 1,203 41.2 countersigned by their landlord. However, this requirement VMD 155 6.8 is necessary to meet European Union rules governing land management under agri-environment, and to ensure The numbers of staff shown are full-time equivalents sufficient time for the accrual of environmental benefits as at 31 March 2010. and make the scheme effective. DEFRA has worked closely The cost of staff includes salaries plus employers’ with industry and environmental groups throughout the National Insurance and Superannuation contributions, scheme development, and guidance has been published and covers the 2009-10 Financial Year. jointly with the Tenancy Reform Industry Group to support The Marine and Fisheries Agency is included in the tenants and landlords considering joining Uplands ELS. table as it was not subsumed into the Marine Management Biodiversity Organisation NDPB until 1 April 2010. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Fisheries: Northern Ireland assessment she has made of levels of biodiversity. [4579] Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: ‘UK Biodiversity Indicators in your Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will ensure pocket’ was published on 20 May 2010. Of the 33 measures that representatives of the Northern Ireland Executive assessed, 24 (72%) are ‘improving’ or ‘showing little or will be part of the UK delegation to the Fisheries no overall change’ since the baseline year of 2000, Council on 29 June 2010; and if she will make a compared with 11 (33%) over a longer term assessment statement. [4501] of change. These figures show that some improvements have Richard Benyon: The Northern Ireland Fisheries Minister, been made—for example in relation to populations of Michelle Gildernew, will not be part of the UK team widespread bats and woodland birds, both of which attending the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on have declined dramatically in the past. More land is 29 June. She will, however, be sending officials from the managed in environmental schemes and more people Northern Ireland Executive to accompany me, the UK are volunteering, but many pressures on biodiversity Fisheries Minister. remain high and some species, such as farmland birds and sea birds, have continued to decline. Flood Control Biodiversity is one of DEFRA’s top priorities. We will be taking action through a White Paper on the Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for natural environment and will promote green spaces and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will wildlife corridors to restore and increase biodiversity. consider the merits of changing her Department’s Departmental Manpower method of flood risk rating from ratio projections to Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for high, medium and low ratings. [4513] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) front-line and (b) other staff were employed by (i) her Richard Benyon: In the National Flood Risk Assessment, Department and (ii) each of its agencies in the latest the Environment Agency has used both a ratio and a year for which figures are available; and what her most description (significant, moderate, low) to express the recent estimate is of the annual cost to the public purse likelihood of a particular flood occurring. of employing staff of each type at each of those bodies. The three categories used to describe the likelihood [535] of flooding are: Richard Benyon: The Department and its Executive Significant (the chance of flooding in any year is greater than Agencies contain a mix of staff working in a wide range 1 in 75); of areas, including policy development, analysis and Moderate (the chance of flooding in any year is one in 75 or research, operational services to the public, and support less but greater than one in 200); and functions. We have not at this stage carried out a Low (the chance of flooding each year is one in 200 or less). detailed analysis of how many posts fall into which category and so information on the breakdown between Food: Imports front-line and other staff is not held by the Department. The following table shows the total number and cost Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for of staff employed by the Department. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what quantity of imported fresh produce was (a) examined and (b) Department/ rejected at (i) Heathrow and (ii) Manchester airports in Agency Number of staff Cost of staff (£ million) the last (A) six months, (B) 12 months and (C) two years. [4640] DEFRA (core 2,516 121.7 department) Animal Health 1,590 56.2 Mr Paice: Fresh fruit and vegetables being imported CEFAS 561 20.2 into England are examined by two main inspectorate FERA 852 30.4 bodies, the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate (HMI) and the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI). 361W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 362W

The following tables show the quantity of fresh fruit level—resulting from changes to the EU rules on marketing and vegetables covered by EU marketing standards standards and how they are implemented in the UK. 1 examined and refused entry by the HMI at Heathrow 1 When fruit and vegetables are refused entry, the trader still has and Manchester airports in the last six months, 12 the option to bring the produce inland for corrective action to be months and two years. taken under HMRC control before final release/entry to the EU. Figures for last six months have dropped due to the Source: deregulation/simplification—at both EU and national The Horticultural and Marketing Inspectorate

Last six months 1 January to 31 June 2010 Last 12 months 1 July 2009 to 31 June 2010 Last two years 1 July 2008 to 31 June 2010 Number of Number of Number of consignments Weight in KG consignments Weight in KG consignments Weight in KG

Heathrow 18 50,438 90 449,337 2,853 2,708,068 Manchester 0 — 0 — 139 29,726

Last six months 1 January to 31 June 2010 Last 12 months 1 July 2009 to 31 June 2010 Last two years 1 July 2008 to 31 June 2010 Number of Number of Number of consignments consignments consignments refused entry Weight in KG refused entry Weight in KG refused entry Weight in KG

Heathrow 6 23,075 14 42,413 317 302,630 Manchester 0 — 0 — 30 6,659

The following tables show the quantity of fresh fruit and the HMI decide to inspect a commodity, their and vegetables and cut flowers examined and refused inspection includes inspection for PHSI purposes. As a entry by the PHSI at Heathrow and Manchester airports consequence, there is likely to be a small amount of in the last six months, 12 months and two years. Where overlap between the HMI and PHSI tables. consignments are subject to HMI and PHSI controls

Heathrow airport Number. Number consignments Weight examined Number stems consignments Weight rejected Number stems Period examined (tonnes) examined rejected (tonnes) rejected

Produce 6 months 844 767 — 54 10.7 — 12 months 1,986 1,930 — 91 24.88 — 24 months 7,600 3,980 — 197 43.72 —

Flowers 6 months 191 124 4,585,268 3 — 12,592 12 months 359 222 6,955,726 6 — 19,402 24 months 1,067 742 20,611,02 0 12 — 44,162

Manchester airport Number. Number consignments Weight examined Number stems consignments Weight rejected Number stems Period examined (tonnes) examined rejected (tonnes) rejected

Produce 6 months 943 390 — 24 3.03 — 12 months 2,311 1,131 — 49 24.99 — 24 months 5,005 2,616 — 164 123.03 —

Flowers 6 months 101 15 671,000 0 — 0 12 months 238 41 2,095,000 0 — 0 24 months 649 1,277 5,149,000 9 — 193,335 Notes: 1. Six months: January 2010 to June 2010 2. 12 months: July 2009 to June 2010 3. 24 months: July 2008 to June 2010 Source: The Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate

Veterinary Services for the procurement of official veterinarian services under the Public Contract Regulations 2006. [3876]

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Paice: The Department has reviewed its current Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment contract for official veterinarian services and is initiating she has made of the effect on the provision of veterinary the preparation of a procurement strategy and a formal services of the implementation of a tendering process procurement process for the provision of these services 363W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 364W under the normal procurement rules that relate to this Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for type and level of expenditure. The assessment of veterinary Transport what recent discussions he has had with services requirements is included in the preparation of Network Rail in respect of its planned reduction in the procurement strategy. We are also planning to consult expenditure of £100 million in 2010-11; and what the with the profession and run workshops with interested outcome was of those discussions. [2301] parties to help them respond to a tender. Mrs Villiers: Network Rail is required by the independent Office of Rail Regulation’s five-year Periodic Review TRANSPORT settlement to deliver efficiency savings of 24% by the end of March 2014. It falls to Network Rail to determine A5: M1 how to make those efficiency savings. Network Rail has now indicated that, subject to the Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for agreement of the Office of Rail Regulation, it will Transport what discussions he has had with ministerial reduce its spending by a further £100 million on colleagues and officials on the effects on house building interventions which yield relatively lower value for money and economic development of the time taken to build in comparison to other programmes. The benefit to the A5-M1 link. [3900] the taxpayer will be realised this financial year but the reduction in expenditure will be implemented over the [holding answer 23 June 2010]: Mike Penning As part remainder of the five-year Control Period 4 to the end of the spending review we will be considering the benefits of March 2014. of the A5-M1 Link, alongside all other schemes covered by the review, in order to reach decisions on future This reduction in expenditure will include the programme funding and scheme delivery timetables. of station enhancements announced in November 2009 and other elements for Network Rail to determine. Bus Services: Leeds Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the likely Transport (1) how much his Department has spent on effect on the number of jobs in the rail industry of the the Quality Bus scheme on the A65 in Leeds; [4107] planned £100 million expenditure reductions by (2) whether the work on the Quality Bus scheme on Network Rail in 2010-11. [2303] the A65 in Leeds for which his Department is responsible is to be completed; [4108] Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport has not (3) what the process of review is for the Quality Bus made any such assessment. Network Rail is required by scheme on the A65 in Leeds. [4110] the independent Office of Rail Regulation’s five-year Periodic Review settlement to deliver efficiency savings Norman Baker [holding answer 24 June 2010]: The of 24% by the end of March 2014. It falls to Network Department for Transport has provided £2.12 million Rail to determine how to make those efficiency savings. to date for the A65 Quality Bus scheme. The Full Network Rail has now indicated that, subject to the Approval decision for this scheme was reconfirmed agreement of the Office of Rail Regulation, it will following a review of all spending decisions taken since reduce its spending by a further £100 million on 1 January. There is no further review planned for this interventions which yield relatively lower value for money scheme and it is expected that construction of the in comparison to other programmes. The benefit to scheme will be completed in June 2012. the taxpayer will be realised this financial year but the reduction in expenditure will be implemented over the Network Rail: Finance remainder of the five-year Control Period 4 to the end of March 2014. Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of the proposed reduction Network Rail has not indicated that its planned to the budget of Network Rail will be made in Wales. expenditure reductions will have any impact upon [1671] employment levels.

Mrs Villiers: Network Rail is required by the independent Railways: Construction Office of Rail Regulation’s five-year Periodic Review settlement to deliver efficiency savings of 24% by the Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for end of March 2014. It falls to Network Rail to determine Transport what steps he plans to take to make how to make those efficiency savings. provision for property blight after the Exceptional Network Rail has now indicated that, subject to the Hardship Scheme ends. [3072] agreement of the Office of Rail Regulation, it will reduce its spending by a further £100 million on Mr Philip Hammond: The consultation period for the interventions which yield relatively lower value for money proposed Exceptional Hardship Scheme closed on 17 June, in comparison to other programmes. The benefit to and no decisions have yet been taken about how such a the taxpayer will be realised this financial year but the scheme might operate or for how long it would last. The reduction in expenditure will be implemented over the statutory blight regime would apply to any route confirmed remainder of the five-year Control Period 4 to the end for a new high speed line following public consultation. of March 2014. However, a number of responses to the Exceptional Network Rail has not given any indication of what Hardship Scheme consultation have mentioned the portion of this proposed reduction in expenditure will desirability of provisions to address wider property affect Wales. blight over and above that covered by the statutory 365W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 366W blight regime throughout the development period for Mrs Villiers: No decision has been made on the way any new high speed line. This is one of the issues in which Wimbledon loop services will operate after the Ministers will look at in identifying how to proceed. completion of the Thameslink Programme. I announced a consultation on a review of franchise Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport policy in the House on 17 June, and this will inform the what estimate he has made of the cost to the public Government’s decisions on how rail services are specified purse of the report by High Speed 2 Ltd on the route in the future, with a view to improving outcomes for for high speed rail. [4164] passengers and facilitating private sector investment in the railways. Mr Philip Hammond: The work set out in my recent letter to the chairman of High Speed 2 Ltd can be accommodated within the company’s agreed budget for 2010-11 of £21.1 million (plus incurred VAT). DEFENCE Ammunition Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to receive further recommendations for high speed rail routes from High Speed 2 Ltd. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what tests have been carried out on the non-lethal [4167] ammunition to be issued to the armed forces. [4115] Mr Philip Hammond: I have recently written to the Peter Luff: Environmental and safety testing, and chairman of High Speed 2 Ltd to set out the further medical trials are carried out to ensure that the rounds work that I have asked the company to take forward. are safe and suitable for service, safe to be fired through My letter to HS2 Ltd can be accessed on the Department the approved weapon, and that potential risks to the for Transport website at: human target are mitigated by design or restrictions on http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2remit/ use. Railways: Franchises Defence Equipment

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he gave to activating the Defence what the estimated cost to the public purse is option for companies bidding for the East Coast, of all equipment programmes being managed by Greater Anglia and Essex Thameside rail franchises to Defence Equipment and Support. [4352] apply for longer franchises of up to 22 years. [4174] Peter Luff: The estimated cost to the public purse in Mrs Villiers [holding answer 24 June 2010]: As a step financial year 2010-11 of equipment programmes managed towards implementing the coalition agreement proposals by Defence Equipment and Support is approximately on rail franchising, the Government have decided to £16.54 billion. This is made up of approximately £13.88 hold a consultation on future franchising policy, which billion for the core Ministry of Defence programme will include franchise duration. The consultation will be and £2.66 billion in support of current operations. launched shortly and be considered by the Secretary of State in due course. Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many equipment programmes run by Roads: Thornton Defence Equipment and Support have been subject to review since the general election. [4353] Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the Thornton to Peter Luff: As part of the exercise initiated by the Switch Island relief road project. [4612] Treasury to reconsider approvals granted since 1 January 2010, 57 equipment programmes have been subject to Norman Baker: In his written ministerial statement to review, the majority of which are run by Defence Equipment the House on 10 June 2010, Official Report, column and Support. The results of this process were announced 35WS, regarding local authority major schemes the by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 June 2010, Secretary of State for Transport made it clear that the Official Report, column 1040. In addition, the Strategic Department will not be able to identify those major Defence and Security Review will review all major investments that can be supported until the conclusion equipment and support contracts and this work is ongoing. of the Government’s spending review in the autumn. Departmental Public Expenditure Therefore at this time I cannot provide any assurances on funding for the Thornton to Switch Island Link Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for scheme. Defence what (a) reductions in civilian staff and (b) other efficiency savings were achieved in his Department Thameslink Railway Line in the last five years. [2779]

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Robathan [holding answer 17 June 2010]: The net Transport whether he has made a decision on variations—based on total intake less total outflow proposals by Network Rail to terminate all Thameslink figures—are shown in the following table. The headcount Wimbledon Loop services at London Blackfriars from figures, which include net changes in numbers of Royal 2015. [3808] Fleet Auxiliary personnel, are rounded to the nearest 10: 367W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 368W

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Headcount

2005-06 -3,800 Arts Council England: Finance 2006-07 -4,720 2007-08 -5,700 Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09 -2,230 Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport by how much and 2009-10 -380 in what proportion the budget of the Arts Council is to be reduced in 2010-11; how much funding his Although figures of equivalent detail are not held Department allocated to the Arts Council in the last centrally on the MOD’s overseas workforce, available three financial years; and how much funding it will data shows that locally employed civilian numbers have receive in 2010-11. [3558] varied over the same period as follows: Mr Vaizey: The overall budget for Arts Council England Headcount in 2010-11 has been reduced by £10 million (2%) to £459 million. Total budget figures which include all 2005-06 +630 Exchequer funding but exclude lottery funding for this 2006-07 -1,000 year and the previous three years are in the table: 2007-08 -2,200 2008-09 -810 Financial year Budget (£ million) 2009-10 -810 2007-08 428 Efficiency or value for money targets were set out in 2008-09 435 Spending Review 2004 and Comprehensive Spending 2009-10 (provisional) 455 Review 2007. The way in which savings were measured 2010-11 (projection) 459 has varied between the two periods and so direct comparisons between the spending reviews are not possible. Arts Council England: Written Questions These savings have been reported annually in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts and the Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for overall annual savings have been reproduced below; Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will make it these include savings through reductions in civilian his policy to send to the Editor of the Official Report staff. for publication the text of each letter sent in response Savings throughout the two periods were either used to questions for written answer from hon. Members on to relieve cost pressures or to allow more to be spent on the work of the Arts Council. [3537] Defence priorities. Spending Review 2004 for the period 2005-06 to 2007-08: “Gershon” Mr Vaizey: The Department is currently reviewing Efficiency Programme how it answers written parliamentary questions about £ million its non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). However, 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 we have no current plans to send to the Official Report for publication copies of previous substantive answers Cumulative annual savings 1,485 2,376 3,045 to questions from hon. Members on the work of the against April 2004 baseline Arts Council. However, copies of the substantive answers Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 for the period 2008-09 to 2009- have been placed in the House Libraries. 10: Value for Money programme £ million Ascot Festival 2010 2008-09 2009-10

Annual savings against April 2008 baseline 650 1,800 Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether (a) he, (b) other The National Audit Office is auditing the savings Ministers and (c) officials from his Department attended under the current Spending Review period. the Ascot Festival 2010 in an official capacity. [4279] Further information on all these savings, including details on how they were measured, can be found in John Penrose: No Ministers or officials attended the MOD’s Annual Report and Accounts, which can be Ascot Festival 2010. found at the following link: Bingo: Closures http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/ CorporatePublications/AnnualReports Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for European Fighter Aircraft Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what information his Department holds on the number of bingo clubs Diana R. Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for which have closed in each of the last five years. [4024] Defence what his policy is on continuing the remaining tranches of the Typhoon fighter project. [4029] John Penrose: The Department does not hold this information. However, a range of statistics on the gambling Peter Luff: All our fast jet capabilities, including industry, including the number of bingo clubs in operation, Typhoon, are being reviewed as part of the Strategic has been published annually by the Gambling Commission Defence and Security Review to ensure the programme since 2005-06 and can be found at: is coherent with the future defence needs of the United http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/ghabout_us/annual_ Kingdom. report_and_accounts.aspx 369W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 370W

Departmental Official Hospitality Mr Jeremy Hunt: As a consequence of the recent £6.2 billion budget reduction announced on 24 May 2010, my Department’s overall DEL (Departmental Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Expenditure Limit) budget will be reduced by 4% (£88 Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what (a) gifts and million) in 2010-11. (b) corporate entertainment and hospitality (i) he, (ii) other Ministers and (iii) officials from his Department Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for have received on each date since 11 May 2010. [4280] Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport with reference to his Department’s press notice of 17 June 2010, on its John Penrose: Gifts, corporate entertainment and cost savings, whether the decision not to proceed with hospitality received by Ministers in the Department the projects referred to will have Barnett consequentials since 11 May 2010 are shown in the table: for Wales. [4395]

Date Mr Jeremy Hunt: Of the projects that I decided not to proceed with, as announced in the press release of Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and 17 June, the following have a Barnett consequential for Sport Wales: Two tickets to FA Cup Final 15 May Free Swimming 7 x DVDs, courtesy of British Film Institute 4 June World Cup England v Algeria. Two tickets provided 18 June Stonehenge Visitor Centre by FIFA Find Your Talent Two-night stay, High Commissioner’s Residence, 17-18 June A Night Less Ordinary South Africa Gambling Minister for Tourism and Heritage National Trust Mug 24 May Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, VisitBritain Mug 24 May Olympics, Media and Sport what (a) individual officials VisitEngland Mug 24 May of each grade and (b) sections of his Department are Book from English Heritage 2 June responsible for gambling and gambling licences. [4281]

Minister for Sport and Olympics John Penrose: The Department is not responsible for Framed Picture—British Gilding Association 26 May gambling licences. The Gambling Commission and local England v Bangladesh Test Match, on invitation 27 May authorities hold this responsibility. from the ICC Gambling and gaming policy forms part of the DCMS World Cup England v USA. Ticket provided by 12 June Leisure Sector Team. In total, eight of my officials are FIFA fully or partly responsible for gambling policy issues. Wimbledon Championships, on invitation from All 24 June These include one deputy director, one grade A (upper), England Lawn Tennis Association two grade As, three grade Bs and one grade C. 1 x ticket to the FA Cup Final 15 May One-night stay, High Commissioner’s Residence, 21 June South Africa. Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has received recent representations from (a) local Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative authorities and (b) the Local Government Association Industries on gambling and gambling licences. [4282] Dinner, courtesy of the Royal Institute of British 18 May Architects. Taxi fare, courtesy of PPL 19 May John Penrose: According to our records, the Secretary Ticket to Ivor Novello Awards and Awards Lunch, 20 May of State has received no recent representations from courtesy of British Academy of Songwriters, local authorities or the Local Government Association Composers and Authors on gambling and gambling licences. Ticket to Rambert at Sadler’s Wells, courtesy of 25 May Sadler’s Wells Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, 7 x DVDs, courtesy of British Film Institute 4 June Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what correspondence Travel from London to the Founders Forum 17 June his Department has had with (a) the Department for Symposium, Hampshire Business, Innovation and Skills and (b) the Department Two-night stay, food and concert tickets at 19 June for Communities and Local Government on gambling Aldeburgh Festival, courtesy of Britten Pears [4283] Foundation licences and betting shops; Book, courtesy of the Museum of London 26 June (2) what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for (a) Business, Innovation and Skills and (b) Communities and Local Government on gambling licences Departmental Public Expenditure and betting shops since his appointment. [4593] John Penrose: The Secretary of State has held no Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for discussions with his counterparts at the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport by what Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), or the Department proportion his Department’s budget will be reduced in for Communities and Local Government (CLG) on 2010-11. [3553] gambling licences or betting shops since his appointment. 371W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 372W

Officials at the Department have previously held Lottery distributors’ administration costs discussions with colleagues in CLG on the clustering of £ million betting shops. They have not specifically been in 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 correspondence with officials from BIS about betting Heritage Lottery 20.5 20.58 20.34 shops, but are in regular contact on broad issues around Fund gambling regulation. Sport England 21.38 22.05 18.76 Horse Guards Parade: Flags UK Sport 2.74 2.27 1.84 UK Film 7.8 7.83 7.71 Council Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Olympic Lottery 0.73 0.75 0.35 Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport for what reasons Distributor the Rwandan Flag was not included in the display of Scottish Arts 0.93 1.04 1.19 Commonwealth Flags on Horse Guards Parade on the Council2 occasion of the official birthday of Her Majesty the Scottish Screen2 0.49 0.46 0.36 Queen. [4500] Sport Scotland2 3.53 3.43 3.67 Arts Council 1.55 1,72 1.72 John Penrose: Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in Wales2 November 2009. There are now 54 Commonwealth Sports Council 2.12 2.32 2.11 nations, and only 53 flagpole sockets on Horseguards Wales2 road. Arts Council NI2 1.12 0.996 1.15 2 We have commissioned the necessary works, and the Sport NI 0.65 0.80 0.73 Rwandan flag will be flown at the next state occasion. 1 Big Lottery Fund’s 2006-07 accounts also include costs of delivering non-lottery programmes. This is the revised figure produced in the 2007-08 accounts that excludes non-lottery costs. Museums and Galleries: Finance 2 Not DCMS bodies Note: Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for The latest annual accounts show the above figures (although they are Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether the not directly comparable). implementation of proposals to build an extension to (a) Tate Modern and (b) the British Museum is to be National Museums Liverpool: Finance funded (i) at the level and (ii) to the timetable set out on 16 October 2009. [3550] Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Vaizey: The Government provided £28.707 million Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment towards the extension to Tate Modern and £10.68 million he has made of the effect on National Museums towards the British Museum’s World Conservation and Liverpool of reductions in expenditure on his Exhibitions Centre in the years 2008-10. I have taken no Department’s creative partnerships programme; and if decisions to change the level at which these projects are he will make a statement. [4008] funded or the timetable to which they should be completed. Decisions for future years will be a matter for the Mr Vaizey [holding answer 24 June 2010]: The Creative forthcoming spending review. Partnerships programme is delivered by Creativity, Culture National Lottery: Grants and Education (CCE). Following the £19 million post- election cut to Arts Council England’s 2010-11 grant in aid by DCMS, the Arts Council has reduced 2010-11 Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for funding to CCE by 4%. This is in line with its own Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what the budget reduction. administration costs were of each lottery funding distributor in the last three financial years. [3555] CCE has stated that it will absorb the cut within the organisation without impacting on the schools and John Penrose: Lottery distributors’ administration children involved in the Creative Partnerships creative costs can be found in their annual reports and accounts learning programme. Therefore this should not have but, for the convenience of the right hon. Member’s any impact on the National Museum of Liverpool. researchers, are reproduced as follows. However, they are not recorded on a consistent basis making direct Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for comparison between distributors difficult. Reducing these Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment costs and ensuring more money gets to the good causes he has made of the effect on the arts in Liverpool of is a priority for the Government. The first step will be the ending of the pilot project between National working with the lottery distributors over the coming Museums Liverpool and Creativity, Culture and months to develop a uniform and transparent measure Education; and if he will make a statement. [4100] of administrative costs. Lottery distributors’ administration costs Mr Vaizey [holding answer 24 June 2010]: The Find £ million Your Talent pathfinder programme was cancelled as 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 part of a package of savings announced by the Department Big Lottery 56.8 60 165.5 on 17 June 2010. No assessment has yet been made by Fund Creativity, Culture and Education on the impact of this Arts Council 16.55 17.37 20.28 decision on National Museums Liverpool, but existing England commitments will be honoured. 373W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 374W

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT I will be meeting with the chair of the review on 30 June to discuss progress, and look forward to receiving Affordable Housing the final report by the end of August 2010. It is my intention, subject to Michael Clapham’s agreement, to John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for publish the Regeneration Review report in full. Communities and Local Government (1) what steps he intends to take to encourage home ownership among Community Development: Hastings those on low incomes; [4446] (2) whether he plans to retain Government schemes Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for to assist low and middle income families to enter the Communities and Local Government what plans he has housing market. [4447] for the future of the Communitybuilders programme in the borough of Hastings; and what assessment he has Grant Shapps: We are reviewing options in the context made of the potential of that programme to contribute of the Spending Review. This Government have committed to the regeneration of the Hastings pier. [3935] to support those who aspire to own their own home— including by promoting shared ownership schemes and Robert Neill [holding answer 24 June 2010]: Hastings to helping social tenants and others to own or part-own Pier & White Rock Trust has been awarded development their home. More broadly, this Government are seeking and feasibility grants from the Communitybuilders to return economic stability which will improve the programme so that it can develop plans to regenerate situation for first-time buyers. the pier as a community asset. Awards of feasibility The new Government are concerned that home grants do not carry a commitment for further investment ownership has fallen to its lowest level for nearly 20 and no decision has been taken at this time. years and the number of first-time buyers is at its lowest Community Development: Religion level since modern records began. Coalfields Regeneration Review Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for spent under the Prevent Violent Extremism Next Steps Communities and Local Government (1) if he will for Communities Programme on (a) Muslim groups, publish in full the report of the Coalfields (b) groups from other faiths and (c) groups with no Regeneration Review; [4530] faith affiliation in 2009-10. [4379] (2) on what dates the members of the Coalfields Regeneration Review group have met since the review Andrew Stunell: The Department spent £27 million to was announced; [4552] support local partnership activity to prevent violent extremism in 2009-10, of which £16.5 million was allocated (3) if he will meet the chair of the Coalfields to local authorities through the un-ringfenced Area Regeneration Review to discuss the progress of the Based Grant, which gives local authorities discretion on Review; [4600] how funding is allocated. (4) what progress has been made on the Coalfields The Department’s programme budget funds a variety Regeneration Review; when he expects to receive the of groups that undertake a range of Prevent activity. report of the Review; and if he will make a statement. Funding has been made to a variety of organisations [4601] and is not defined or recorded by religious affiliation. Grant Shapps: Since the Coalfields Regeneration Review Consultants was announced in March 2010, the review board, chaired by Michael Clapham, has met six times, and taken Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for evidence from various partners, organisations and delivery Communities and Local Government what contracts bodies. Details are set out in the following table: his Department has entered into with external consultants since the Government came into office; and what the Dates of board Attendees at evidence sessions with partners, organisations meeting and delivery bodies (a) name of the consultants, (b) terms of reference of the work, (c) monetary value of the contract and (d) 13 April Homes and Communities Agency expected date of completion of the work is in each case. 27 April National Audit Office Audit Commission [3594] 11 May Coalfields regeneration Trust 25 May Enterprise Ventures Regional Development Agency Robert Neill: No new contracts with external consultants Government Office North West Coalfield Community have been let since the Government came into office. representative Regional Local Authority/Industrial Communities Alliance representative Council Housing: Construction 8 June Regional Local Authority Councillor Sheffield Hallam University Renaissance South Yorkshire John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for 22 June Department of Health Homes and Communities Agency Communities and Local Government what steps his Department intends to take to increase the number of Further meetings and discussions are scheduled. As local authority homes under construction. [4417] part of the review programme a wider written consultation has been issued to enable all interested parties to contribute Grant Shapps: My Department will continue to support to the review. Responses are due to be returned by 30 the construction of new affordable homes from all June. providers, including local authorities, through the National 375W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 376W

Affordable Housing Programme. It is of course important Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for that in the current financial climate we support those Communities and Local Government what discussions schemes that offer the best value for money. he has had with representatives of Sport England on that organisation’s concerns on the lack of wider assessment Decentralisation and Localism Bill of sport and recreation facilities in the development application to Blackpool borough council, reference John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for 09/0740, before deciding not to call it in for determination. Communities and Local Government how many officials [4376] have been assigned to work on the Decentralisation and Localism Bill. [3890] Robert Neill: Sport England did not formally comment on this planning application. They had commented on Greg Clark: This would be a major piece of legislation a previous application, and these comments were taken spanning many housing, planning and local government into account by Blackpool council. The council considered issues and consequently engages a range of officials on-site and off-site open space provisions, together with from across the Department. a village green, and it was considered that the possible deficiencies in future sports provision appeared to be Departmental Voluntary Work fairly marginal. The Secretary of State considered the representations in determining whether or not to call in John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for the application. On propriety grounds it would not be Communities and Local Government how many of his appropriate to enter discussions with bodies making Department’s staff took up (a) all and (b) part of the representations, including Sport England. leave for volunteering to which they were entitled in the financial year 2009-10. [3882] Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: This information is not held centrally. Communities and Local Government what discussions However we know anecdotally that a considerable number he has had with representatives of the Campaign to of staff are involved with voluntary activities, which the Protect Rural England on that organisation’s objections Department encourages. to the development application to Blackpool borough council, reference 09/0740, before deciding not to call it Development Plans: Blackpool in for determination. [4377]

Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: The Campaign to Protect Rural England Communities and Local Government what aspect of comments were taken into account by Blackpool council Planning Policy Statement 1 on delivering sustainable in its consideration of this application, including matters communities he considered before deciding not to call relating to housing land supply situation, housing need, in the development application to Blackpool borough and loss of agricultural and recreation land. The Secretary council, reference 09/0740, for determination. [4373] of State considered these representations in deciding whether or not to call in the application. On propriety Robert Neill: On the issue of sustainability the Secretary grounds it would not be appropriate to enter discussions of State has had regard to the site’s location, design, with bodies making representations, including the settlement patterns, amenities, accessibility and its Campaign to Protect Rural England. environmental impact. In this respect my right hon. Friend has taken account of the assessment provided in the site’s sustainability appraisal in comparison with Fairgrounds: Planning other sites, including brownfield sites, and in relation to the emerging policies of the local development framework. Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for My right hon. Friend has also had regard to all Communities and Local Government what planning representations made concerning the proposal. regulations apply to fairgrounds. [4380] Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: Fairgrounds are normally treated as a Communities and Local Government what discussions temporary land use and regarded as permitted development, he has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, provided that they operate for 28 days or less in a Food and Rural Affairs on the concerns raised by his calendar year. Where a more permanent use is proposed Department over the loss of versatile agricultural land a planning application would need to be submitted to arising from the development application to Blackpool the local authority and determined in accordance with borough council, reference 09/0740, before he decided the development plan, unless material considerations not to call it in for determination. [4375] indicate otherwise. National Planning Policy in respect of fairgrounds as Robert Neill: The site referred to contains 11.2 hectares a permanent land use is set out in PPS4: Planning for of land which could be readily used for agriculture. This Sustainable Economic Growth. falls below the 20 hectares threshold for statutory consultation with DEFRA, as set out in Article 10 of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Housing: Construction Procedure) Order 1995. In this case I understand that Blackpool council consulted with DEFRA, and though John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for the council was urged to have regard to such a loss, Communities and Local Government what estimate he there was no objection to the application. Therefore, has made of the number and proportion of housing there was no requirement for the Secretary of State to starts that were attributable to expenditure from the engage in discussions with DEFRA. public purse in 2009. [4056] 377W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 378W

Grant Shapps [holding answer 24 June 2010]: The £ Department does not make estimates of the number and proportion of housing starts that are directly Assumed debt Subsidy support attributable to public investment. Figures are available 2003 500,890,319 53,615,977 on the number of new build starts that took place under 2004 510,724,857 44,196,295 the National Affordable Housing Programme (NAHP), 2005 525,688,446 41,070,458 Local Authority New Build (LANB), Kickstart and the 2006 542,253,159 33,886,728 Property and Regeneration (PR) programmes. However, 2007 458,125,638 30,693,187 it is not possible to assess whether some of these housing 2008 427,181,831 27,178,045 starts would have been delivered by the private sector 2009 387,103,259 23,912,055 anyway if funding were not available. 2010 402,805,259 22,924,165 Data underlying the official statistics published by the Homes and Communities Agency have been analysed to identify new build starts on site with public funding Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for under the programmes identified above. This shows Communities and Local Government how much (a) there were 45,600 housing starts in 2009 with grant Housing Investment Programme and (b) Major funding under NAHP, LANB and PR programmes. In Repairs Allowance funding was allocated to council addition a further 840 units were started with assistance housing in the London borough of Tower Hamlets in from the Kickstart programme. These estimates cannot each year since 1997. [4122] be directly compared with figures on the total number of house building starts collected by CLG as they are Andrew Stunell: The table shows the Housing Revenue from different sources. Account (HRA) element of Basic Credit Approval (BCA) allocations for the London borough of Tower Hamlets Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for between 1997-2001. Each authority’s HRA BCA, which Communities and Local Government if his enabled borrowing for capital expenditure, was based Department will undertake a review of the value for on allocations established as part of the Housing Investment money of funding for housing private finance initiative Programme (HIP) process. schemes. [4313] The table also shows Tower Hamlets’ Major Repairs Allowance (MRA) funding from 2001, when the allowance Andrew Stunell: I refer the hon. Member to the was introduced, and allocations of Supported Capital answer I gave her on 15 June 2010, Official Report, Expenditure for Decent Homes investment on which column 368W. Government agreed to support debt financing costs within the HRA subsidy system. Housing: Empty Property Tower Hamlets John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Supported capital Communities and Local Government what steps he HRA BCA expenditure plans to take to bring more empty and unoccupied Stock (£) (£) MRA (£) homes into use. [3893] 1997-98 37,443 8,246,000 — — Grant Shapps: We are looking closely at the cause and 1998-99 37,060 8,954,000 — — nature of empty homes and the full range of potential 1999-2000 34,554 8,616,000 — — measures to bring empty homes back into use as part of 2000-01 31,176 24,111,000 — — a well functioning housing market. 2001-02 28,523 — — 22,854,909 2002-03 26,841 — — 22,031,093 Housing: Tower Hamlets 2003-04 25,744 — — 22,172,277 2004-05 24,330 — 15,150,000 21,399,059 Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005-06 20,016 — 19,378,000 17,828,962 Communities and Local Government how much 2006-07 16,566 — 15,795,000 14,662,675 funding from the public purse has been allocated to the 2007-08 14,216 — 15,593,000 12,926,410 London borough of Tower Hamlets for the purposes of 2008-09 13,078 — 15,500,000 11,823,308 servicing debt on its Housing Revenue Account in each 2009-10 13,092 — 15,500,000 12,556,364 year since 1997. [4121] 2010-11 13,057 — 15,500,000 12,912,932 Andrew Stunell: The level of subsidy support for assumed housing debt in Tower Hamlets for each year Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for since 1997 is given in the following table: Communities and Local Government how many (a) social rented homes and (b) low cost home ownership £ homes were built in the London borough of Tower Assumed debt Subsidy support Hamlets in each year since 1997. [4123]

1997 544,126,894 62,152,789 Andrew Stunell: The number of social rented and low 1998 533,054,816 60,507,383 cost home ownership units built in Tower Hamlets in 1999 527,793,050 58,220,978 each year since 1997 are shown in the table. 2000 524,568,619 57,100,723 2001 546,081,198 58,293,848 It should also be noted that not all affordable housing 2002 524,554,220 56,255,604 is provided through new-build completions as supply can also come from the acquisition and refurbishment 379W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 380W of private sector homes. In 2008-09, for example, a total also sets out the main revenue allocations paid to each of 1,280 additional affordable homes were provided in local authority including formula grant and area based Tower Hamlets. grant. Table 1: Number of new build affordable units in Tower Hamlets Local authorities are free to make their own decisions Intermediate about where savings are found. We have ensured that Social rent rent LCHO Total councils have the flexibility to take decisions locally on how to deliver the savings needed without impacting on 1997-98 240 — 80 310 essential frontline services. 1998-99 240 — 0 240 1999-2000 220 — 50 270 Mortgages: Government Assistance 2000-01 210 — 60 260 2001-02 360 — 70 420 2002-03 340 — 150 490 John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has 2003-04 400 — 200 600 for the future of the (a) Support for Mortgage Scheme, 2004-05 210 — 110 320 (b) Mortgage Rescue Scheme, (c) Homeowner Mortgage 2005-06 830 10 200 1,030 Support Scheme and (d) free national advice line and 2006-07 760 50 300 1,100 website. [4448] 2007-08 660 140 480 1,280 2008-09 430 120 510 1,060 Grant Shapps: I am currently conducting a review of Note: the Department’s schemes to help homeowners struggling Rounded to nearest 10 units. Source: to pay their mortgage and make sure they offer the best CLG Official Statistics on gross affordable housing supply deal for homeowners and taxpayers alike. Government have already taken steps at Budget to improve the The next CLG Affordable Housing statistical release sustainability and value for money of Support for Mortgage containing figures for 2009-10 is scheduled to be published Interest and I will continue work closely with colleagues in the autumn of 2010. across Government through the comprehensive spending review (CSR) to ensure support for struggling homeowners Local Government Bill is delivered in an effective and sustainable way.

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Non-domestic Rates: Garages and Petrol Stations Communities and Local Government which Minister will have lead responsibility for the Local Government Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State Bill. [3892] for Communities and Local Government what assessment has been made of the merits of introducing transitional Robert Neill: The Local Government Bill was introduced rate relief for petrol stations whose business rates have into the House of Lords on 26 May 2010, with Baroness increased as a result of the April 2010 rating revaluation. Hanham being the Government Minister having lead [4300] responsibility for the Bill in that House. The Minister with lead policy responsibility for the Robert Neill: A transitional relief scheme was introduced Bill is the Minister for Housing and Local Government. on 1 April 2010 which limits the annual increases in bills for those ratepayers facing large rises as a result of the 2010 revaluation. The transitional relief scheme applies Local Government Finance to all sectors including petrol filling stations. The new Government are aware of concerns about large increases Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for in rateable value for petrol stations and will be looking Communities and Local Government pursuant to the to meet representatives of the industry to discuss their written ministerial statement of 10 June 2010, Official concerns. Report, columns 15-17WS, on the local government savings package, what the in-year change in grant funding Planning: Minerals from his Department to each local authority is in 2010-11; and what revenue funding his Department has allocated David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for to each local authority for 2010-11. [4321] Communities and Local Government what plans he has to amend the controls governing mineral Robert Neill: We have asked local authorities to make safeguarding areas near settlements in rural areas; and a contribution of £1.166 billion to the £6.2 billion of if he will make a statement. [3984] cross-Government savings in 2010-11 to enable the Government to take immediate action to start to tackle Robert Neill: Existing national planning policy for the fiscal deficit. Of this, £35 8.5 million will come from mineral safeguarding is contained in Minerals Policy my Department’s budget and £ 175.0 million will come Statement 1: Planning and Minerals (MPS1) (2006). In from the budget which my Department holds on behalf the coalition agreement the Government stated that of Government as a whole. they will publish and present to Parliament a simple The reduction in grants for individual local authorities and consolidated national planning framework covering for which final allocations had been announced is set all forms of development. We will make an announcement out in the document made available to the House at the on how we propose to take forward the national planning time of the written ministerial statement of 10 June framework and the implications for specific areas of 2010, Official Report, columns 15-17WS. The document planning policy. 381W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 382W

Public Expenditure Social Rented Housing: Inspections

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent guidance Communities and Local Government what inspection he has issued to his Department’s executive agencies on rating the Audit Commission has given to each arm’s the (a) suspension and (b) implementation of programme length management organisation since 2001; and if he spending. [4418] will make a statement. [4151] Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Robert Neill: HM Treasury guidance to Departments Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive on spending controls, issued by way of a finance director of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member letter on 26 May, was forwarded by CLG’s interim direct. senior finance director to finance directors of the Department’s Executive agencies with a covering note Letter from Eugene Sullivan, dated 28 June 2010: on 28 May. Agency chief executives and finance directors Parliamentary Question: What inspection rating the Audit have attended a series of regular meetings to discuss Commission has given to each arm’s length management organisation since 2001. spending controls and approvals and other matters in recent weeks. Your Parliamentary Question outlined above has been passed to me to reply. Regeneration: Stepney Since 2001, the Audit Commission has published 136 ratings of Arm’s Length Management Organisations (ALMOs). The ratings have been produced following an inspection, required by Government, Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for to allow access to capital funding if service provision is assessed Communities and Local Government whether the £41 as good (two star) or better. The ALMOs are then re-inspected to million funding allocated to the regeneration of the assess if the ALMO has maintained, or reached, a good {two Ocean Estate in Stepney by the Homes and Communities star) standard of service provision. A copy of the list of ratings Agency has been included in the Government’s review showing when they were published is attached. of public expenditure decisions. [4149] A copy of this letter will appear in Hansard and a copy of the list has been placed in the Library of the House. Andrew Stunell: Grant funding of £41 million to help Social Rented Housing: Standards deliver new affordable homes on the Ocean estate was approved and allocated by the HCA on 3 March 2010, John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for and work began on site later that month. The scheme Communities and Local Government (1) what estimate was not included in the Government’s review of public he has made of the number of jobs supported through expenditure decisions. work on the Decent Homes programme in each of the Social Rented Housing: Finance last five years; [3888] (2) whether his Department has made a recent Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for estimate of the number of jobs created per £1 million Communities and Local Government how much of funding allocated for the refurbishment of existing funding from the public purse has been allocated to homes. [3895] each of the arm’s length management organisations in Andrew Stunell: The Department has not made a round six of his Department’s programme; and if he specific estimate of the number of jobs supported through will make a statement. [4150] work on the Decent Homes programme in each of the last five years. However, the Department has estimated Andrew Stunell: The following table sets out the overall that, in 2009, every £1 million of investment in home indicative capital funding allocations that have been refurbishment supported 17 net jobs for a year. This agreed with each of the round six arm’s length management figure takes account of direct jobs supported in the organisations to deliver a Decent Homes investment industry and indirect (supply chain) jobs. It also takes programme. account of displacement effects, where increased investment in housing refurbishment takes investment (and associated ALMO Funding total (£ million) jobs) away from other parts of the economy. Enfield 137 Travellers: Caravan Sites Basildon 142 Blackpool 66 Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Haringey 198 Communities and Local Government whether he plans Havering 112 to bring forward plans to change the powers available Salford 68 to local authorities to remove Travellers from Stevenage 55 unauthorised encampments. [4323] Sutton 112 Charnwood 35 Andrew Stunell: The Government will ensure that, Lambeth Living 1— where local councils have made appropriate provision Lewisham 145 for authorised sites in their area which reflects genuine North East Derbyshire 64 local need and historic demand, those councils will be Redbridge 36 given stronger enforcement powers to deal with Sedgemoor 40 unauthorised encampments. Tower Hamlets 222 The Government are reviewing how this can be achieved 1 To be confirmed. and announcements will be made in due course. 383W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 384W

Wind Power: Planning Permission In addition most Jobcentre Plus offices have now introduced a Carer’s Champion personal adviser to David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for help carers with the barriers they may face when looking Communities and Local Government when he plans to to re-enter the workplace. bring forward legislative proposals to amend the planning controls affecting proposals for wind farms Children: Maintenance near national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty; and if he will make a statement. [3997] Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many cases were raised with the Robert Neill [holding answer 24 June 2010]: The Child Support Agency by the hon. or right hon. coalition programme states that the Government will Member for each constituency in the period from May radically reform the planning system to give 2005 to May 2010. [2887] neighbourhoods far more ability to determine the shape of the places in which their inhabitants live, based on Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement the principles set out in the Conservative party publication Commission is responsible for the child maintenance ‘Open Source Planning’. We will publish and present to system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner Parliament a simple and consolidated national planning to write to the hon. Member with the information policy framework covering all forms of development requested and I have seen the response. and setting out national economic, environmental and social priorities. We will make an announcement on Letter from Stephen Geraghty: how we propose to take forward the national planning In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child framework and the implications for specific areas of Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive planning policy shortly. reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner as the Child Support Agency is now the responsibility of the Child Maintenance Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for and Enforcement Commission. Communities and Local Government whether he plans You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how to bring forward proposals to amend the planning laws many cases were raised with the Child Support Agency by the hon. or right hon. member from each constituency in the period in respect of proposals for windfarms near wetland from May 2005 to May 2010. [2887] areas. [4346] Management information on correspondence broken down by Robert Neill: The Coalition programme states that Parliamentary Constituency is only available at disproportionate the Government will radically reform the planning system costs. to give neighbourhoods far more ability to determine The table below provides the volume of correspondence received the shape of the places in which their inhabitants live, from MPs which includes both case specific and general correspondence. based on the principles set out in the Conservative Party publication Open Source Planning. We will publish MP correspondence and present to Parliament a simple and consolidated national planning policy framework covering all forms 2005-06 15,600 of development and setting out national economic, 2006-07 12,900 environmental and social priorities. We will make an 2007-08 14,000 announcement on how we propose to take forward the 2008-09 18,400 national planning framework and the implications for 2009-10 16,500 specific areas of planning policy shortly. Notes: 1. Information provided up to March 2010. 2. MP hotline data included from April 2008. 3. Prior to March 2009, figures for MP direct (where an MP contacts WORK AND PENSIONS someone in the organisation other than the Commissioner/Chief Executive) include only complaints and not general enquiries. Carers’ Benefits 4. Multiple correspondence may be received for a single complaint. I hope you find this answer helpful. Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to provide support for Departmental Consultants carers seeking to re-enter the workforce after their caring responsibilities have ended. [3464] Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what contracts his Department has Maria Miller: In December 2009, Jobcentre Plus entered into with external consultants since the introduced Work Focused Support for Carers (WFSC). Government came into office; and what the (a) name This aims to support carers who wish to combine paid of the consultants, (b) terms of reference of the work, work with their caring responsibilities and those carers (c) monetary value of the contract and (d) expected re-entering the workforce after their caring responsibilities date of completion of the work is in each case. [3595] have ended. WFSC does this by widening the provision of Chris Grayling: DWP has entered into two contracts employment support for carers to every carer who since the Government came into office: works less than 16 hours per week and by the provision (a) the name of the consultants for both contracts is Oliver of funding for replacement care for those carers on Wyman Consulting Ltd approved activity. (b) terms of reference of the work for both contracts is: For a period of eight weeks following an end to To support the Minister for Welfare Reform and departmental caring responsibilities a carer will be eligible for support team in developing an implementation plan for reform of the through WFSC. benefits system. This will include, but is not limited to, (1) Assessing 385W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 386W options for streamlined payment methods, (2) Auditing existing Disability living allowance claimants at ward level in Wythenshawe and Sale DWP dynamic models, and ensuring best practice is captured to East parliamentary constituency: November 2009 underpin robust analysis, and (3) Developing preliminary scenarios Ward In payment and business cases for specific reforms to the payment levels of benefits for in-work households. Baguley 1,090 Benchill 1,375 (c) monetary value of the contracts: Brooklands (Manchester) 985 Contract 1—£13,888 Brooklands (Trafford) 310 Contract 2—£13,000 Northenden 1,060 and Priory 380 (d) expected date of completion of the work in both cases is Sale Moor 545 23 August. Sharston 945 Woodhouse Park 1,095 Departmental Reviews Notes: 1. Case load figures are rounded to the nearest five; Some additional disclosure control has also been applied. Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for 2. Case load show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 8 June people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if 2010, Official Report, column 137W, on Government they are in hospital. 3. Wards in Wythenshawe and Sale East are allocated using 2003 Census Area departments: reviews, what reviews his Department is Statistics (CAS) wards and Lower Super Output Areas (SOA) in England and undertaking; and what the (a) purpose and (b) Wales and Data Zones in Scotland. timescale of each is. [2588] 4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. 5. Parliamentary constituency is allocated by a ‘best fit’ methodology to the new Westminster parliamentary constituencies. Further information is available on Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions the Office for National Statistics website at: will be carrying out the reviews necessary to enable it to http://www.statistics.gov.uk/geography/west-parl-con.asp Source: meet the commitments set out in the Coalition Agreement DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100% and announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor data. of the Exchequer in the Budget on 22 June 2010. On 24 June 2010, my hon. Friend, the Minister of Employment and Support Allowance State for Pensions, announced two key reviews as part of the Government’s strategy to reinvigorate retirement Official Report, columns 21-22WS. Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work We are currently drawing together plans for other and Pensions how many employment and support reviews and will provide more detailed information in allowance claimants who have been found fit for work due course. (a) are in employment, (b) are in receipt of each type of benefit and (c) are of unknown status. [2625] Disability Living Allowance

Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Maria Miller: The available information on the outcomes and Pensions how many households are in receipt of of employment and support allowance claims is published disability living allowance in (a) England, (b) in the form of official statistics on the Department for Leicester and (c) Leicester West constituency. [4606] Work and Pensions website. The statistics detail the number of claims allocated to the Support Group, Maria Miller: The information requested is not available Work Related Activity Group and those found Fit for by household. Recipients of Disability Living Allowance Work. The statistics were last updated in April 2010 and are as follows: published in the report ‘Employment and Support Allowance: Work Capability Assessment: Official Statistics: November 2009 April 2010’, a copy of which has been placed in the Total Library. England 2,536,100 There was a total of 517,900 claims for employment Leicester local authority 16,990 and support allowance from 27 October 2008 to 31 August Leicester West parliamentary 5,830 2009. The results of the initial work capability assessment constituency are set out in the following table. Notes: 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. The available information is in the table. 2. Constituencies used for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. 3. Figures show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude Employment and support allowance on-flows of claim start and result of initial people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if functional assessment they are in hospital. Outcome Number Percentage Source: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100% Support Group 27,600 5 data. Work-Related Activity 66,600 13 Disability Living Allowance: Wythenshawe Group Fit for Work 201,600 39 Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Claim closed before the 194,000 37 and Pensions how many people resident in each ward assessment completed Assessment still in 28,100 5 of Wythenshawe and Sale East constituency are in progress receipt of disability living allowance; and if he will Note: make a statement. [4641] 1. Percentages do not sum due to rounding. Source: Maria Miller: The information is as follows: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/esa_wca/esa_wca_27042010.pdf 387W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 388W

The full publication is also available on the internet at Future Jobs Fund starts in Great Britain by country/region: October the following address: 2009 to January 2010 Number http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/esa_wca/ esa_wca_arc.asp East Midlands 640 Information on the employment status and benefit East of England 390 take-up of claimants found Fit for Work is not currently London 840 available. North East 420 North West 1,300 Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Scotland 830 and Pensions what (a) policies and (b) practices are in South East 280 place to ensure that vulnerable people who apply for South West 280 employment and support allowance who are found fit Wales 690 for work receive benefits to which they are entitled. West Midlands 940 [2627] Yorkshire and Humberside 700 Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus Unknown 1,340 Notes: is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, 1. These figures are official statistics and are published periodically by Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. the Office for National Statistics. The latest release may be found at: Member with the information requested. http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/jsa/ypg/ypf_fjf_24052010.pdf Letter from Darra Singh: 2. The Future Jobs Fund is not available in Northern Ireland. 3. Due to the way Future Jobs Fund data are collected using informed The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question consent, the number of unknown characteristic values may be significantly asking what policies and practices are in place to ensure vulnerable higher when compared with other Young Persons Guarantee strands. people who apply for Employment and Support Allowance and Source: are found fit for work receive benefits to which they are entitled. First set of official statistics on the Young Person’s Guarantee. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to It is not possible to provide actual spend by region at me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. this time. The following table provides the total value of People of working age who are found fit for work receive a grants issued by region. letter telling them that they are no longer entitled to Employment and Support Allowance. The letter also explains that the decision Future Jobs Fund grants awarded in Great Britain by country/region as can be looked at again, and that Employment and Support at 19 June 2010 Allowance may continue pending an appeal to an independent £ million tribunal. East Midlands 21.2 They are also advised that they may be able to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance if they are unemployed and are given information on East of England 16.4 how to make a claim. Claims for Jobseeker’s Allowance are London 43.6 normally made by telephone through our contact centre network North East 29.5 or on-line through the Directgov Internet site. For those who are North West 112.5 unable to use a telephone or computer Jobcentre Plus has Scotland 62.0 arrangements in place to provide a face-to-face claim service at South East 27.3 the nearest Jobcentre. South West 18.7 To be eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance people generally have to be available immediately for work for 40 hours per week and Wales 54.7 take steps each week to actively seek work. However, easements West Midlands 63.3 within the Jobseeker’s Allowance rules allow our advisers to take Yorkshire and Humberside 40.1 account of physical or mental health conditions when considering National 123.5 whether the steps taken to seek work in any week are reasonable. Total grants rounded to nearest 613.1 Similarly, they can consider reasonable limitations in availability £100,000 for work, taking account of physical or mental condition. This Notes: could affect the type of work which a customer could undertake, 1. The figures provided are for total grants awarded as agreed by the the number of hours they could work each week or the distance Department for Work and Pensions as at 19 June 2010 by Jobcentre they are able to travel to take work. As you would expect, our Plus region (analogous with Government office regions). These may advisors will discuss all the available options with each person on be subject to downward revision. an individual basis. 2. Bids which encompass more than one region are shown as “National”. We also have specialist Disability Employment Advisers in Source: each district who have in-depth knowledge of the locally available Department for Work and Pensions internal Management Information programmes and services for those with disabilities. They can help on the grants awarded. to identify suitable job opportunities and liaise with employers and external partners on behalf of those using Jobcentre Plus Housing Benefit services. John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Future Jobs Fund and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Government on the effect on the level of demand for and Pensions how many young people have been affordable housing of reductions to housing benefit in employed through the Future Jobs Fund in each each of the next five years. [4532] region; and how much has been spent under the fund in each region. [4362] Steve Webb: Ministers from this Department regularly meet with their colleagues in other departments including Chris Grayling: The available information is in the those at Communities and Local Government to discuss tables. cross cutting issues. 389W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 390W

Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Work come into effect until 2011-12, so there is no immediate and Pensions how many households receive housing impact on Jobcentre Plus staff. The Department publishes benefit of more than (a) £250 per week for a one its overall staffing and spending plans for each Spending bedroom property, (b) £290 per week for a two bedroom Review period and the current plans finish in 2010-11. property, (c) £340 per week for a three bedroom property The Department for Work and Pensions plans for 2011-12 and (d) £400 per week for a four bedroom property in to 2014-15 will be announced on 20 October 2010 in the (i) England, (ii) Leicester and (iii) Leicester West Spending Review settlement set out by HM Treasury. constituency. [4607] Pension Credit Steve Webb: At March 2010, for housing benefit claims in England assessed under the local housing Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for allowance arrangements, our records show there were: Work and Pensions whether the pension credit 3,340 recipients with a one-bedroom entitlement receiving over minimum income guarantee is to be revised in line with £250 per week; the basic state pension increase in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 6,970 recipients with a two-bedroom entitlement receiving over subsequent years. [4648] £290 per week; 2,710 recipients with a three-bedroom entitlement receiving Steve Webb: In 2011, in the event that the basic state over £340 per week; and pension is increased by more than earnings under the 1,010 recipients with a four-bedroom entitlement receiving terms of the ’triple lock’, the Government’s intention is over £400 per week. that as a minimum all single pension credit recipients In the Leicester local authority there were no households will benefit from the full cash value of this increase. For receiving housing benefit above the levels specified. 2012-13 and in subsequent years decisions about rates Information is not available at the constituency level. of benefit and pensions will be decided in light of actual Notes: earnings and price growth as part of the normal budget process. There is a statutory requirement that the pension 1. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 recipients. credit standard minimum guarantee will be uprated in 2. The Single Housing Benefit Extract does not have bedroom least in line with earnings. entitlement recorded in 6% of the local housing allowance cases so there may be some underestimation in the numbers reported. Source: Pregnant Women: Grants Single Housing Benefit Extract Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households received the Sure and Pensions how many families in (a) England, (b) Start maternity grant for a second child in (a) Scotland and (c) Wales are in receipt of housing England, (b) Leicester and (c) Leicester West benefit in excess of £100,000 per year. [4634] constituency in the latest year for which figures are available. [4604] Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were paid more Maria Miller: The number of Sure Start maternity than £100,000 per year in housing benefit in the latest grants awarded is available only by Government Office period for which figures are available. [4674] Region and Jobcentre Plus Social Fund Budget Area, not by local authority or parliamentary constituency. Steve Webb: The information requested is not available. The exact number of awards for a second or subsequent maternity in England in 2009-10 is not available, but is Incapacity Benefit: Bexley estimated to be 125,000 (rounded to the nearest 1,000).

Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions how many people in Bexleyheath and Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Crayford constituency have had their entitlement to number of women who will not now be entitled to incapacity benefit reassessed in each of the last three claim Sure Start maternity grant under the years. [3305] Government’s proposals in each year to 2014-15. [4663]

Chris Grayling: Data on the number of people in Steve Webb: From April next year the Sure Start Bexleyheath and Crayford that have had their entitlement maternity grant will be concentrated on helping low to Incapacity Benefit reassessed in each of the last three income parents cope with the additional costs resulting years is not available. from the birth their first child. The expectation is that most of the goods and equipment bought for the first Jobcentre Plus: Manpower child will be reused for any subsequent children. During the first two years of the operation of the Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Sure Start maternity Grant 2000-01 to 2002-03, the Work and Pensions what estimate his Department has value of the grant increased three times from £200 to made of the effect on the number of staff employed in the current £500. Had the original £200 payment been Jobcentre Plus offices of the changes to benefit increased with prices it would now be worth £246. entitlement proposed in the 2010 Budget HC61. [4654] The estimated numbers of Sure Start maternity grants which will not now be awarded in Great Britain for Chris Grayling: The change in conditionality for lone second and subsequent children as a consequence of parents announced in the Budget on 22 June will not this proposal are: 391W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 392W

Department (a) under current uprating rules and (b) Number of awards uprated in line with the consumer price index in each 2011-12 144,000 year to 2015-16. [4664] 2012-13 144,000 2013-14 144,000 Steve Webb: The information requested is provided in 1 2014-15 145,000 the following table for the main working-age benefits Note: paid by the Department for Work and Pensions that Numbers have been rounded to the nearest thousand. will now be uprated by the consumer price index as announced in the recent emergency budget. Social Security Benefits These rates are estimated using the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecasts for growth and are consistent Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for with the analysis published in the Budget Report 22nd Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the June 2010. These rates are indicative only as actual monetary value of each benefit to be paid by his levels of inflation are likely to differ from forecasts.

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Attendance and disability living RPI uprating 73.40 75.90 78.20 80.70 83.45 allowances—highest rates CPI uprating 73.45 75.35 76.80 78.35 79.90 Carer’s allowance RPI uprating 55.40 57.30 59.00 60.90 62.95 CPI uprating 55.45 56.90 58.00 59.15 60.35 Employment support allowance RPI (Rossi) uprating 68.40 70.45 72.15 73.95 75.80 CPI uprating 67.35 69.10 70.40 71.80 73.25 Industrial injuries disablement RPI uprating 149.75 154.85 159.50 164.60 170.20 benefit—100% rate CPI uprating 150.05 153.95 156.90 160.05 163.25 Jobseeker’s allowance and income RPI(Rossi) uprating 68.40 70.45 72.15 73.95 75.80 support CPI uprating 67.35 69.10 70.40 71.80 73.25 Bereavement benefit—basic RPI uprating 101.85 105.30 108.45 111.90 115.70 component CPI uprating 100.50 103.10 105.05 107.15 109.30 1 From 2011 the only main pensioner benefit subject to uprating by reference to price inflation will be the additional state pension. Additional state pension is mainly earnings related and therefore payable at a wide variety of rates.

Social Security Benefits: Disability (2) how many approvals were granted of funding from the Independent Living Fund in (a) England, (b) Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland in each Work and Pensions (1) how many applications were of the last five years. [2094] made to the Independent Living Fund in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland in Maria Miller: The available information is in the each of the last five years; [2093] table.

Applications made to the Independent Living Fund and new awards made, 2005-06 to 2009-10 England Wales Scotland Northern Ireland Applications Received Awards Received Awards Received Awards Received Awards

2005-06 2,672 2,145 291 239 507 434 158 114 2006-07 3,646 2,633 343 253 698 553 174 112 2007-08 4,633 3,209 375 270 816 617 162 112 2008-09 2,254 1,465 214 159 387 284 144 103 2009-10 3,504 2,125 364 269 664 484 159 122 Notes: 1. Figures are based on data as at 9 June 2010. 2. Some offers made in 2009-10 have yet to be accepted by the applicant so the 2009-10 award rates may be subject to slight change. Source: Independent Living Fund.

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for the Independent Living Fund in (a) England, (b) Work and Pensions (1) how many applications were Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland in each made by persons working more than 16 hours per week of the last five years. [2096] to the Independent Living Fund in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; [2095] Maria Miller: The information is only available from (2) how many approvals were granted of funding to April 2008 and is in the table. persons working more than 16 hours per week through 393W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 394W

Applications made to the Independent Living Fund and new awards made 2008-09 to 2009-10 for people working for more than 16 hours per week1 2008-09 2009-10 Applications Received Awards Received Awards

England 21 18 30 21 Wales 4 4 0 0 Scotland 3 3 6 4 Northern Ireland 2 2 0 0 1 Whether an applicant is in work or not has only been recorded since 1 April 2008. Source: Independent Living Fund.

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for by reference to price inflation will use the Consumer Work and Pensions how much the budget was of the Prices Index as the benchmark because it best reflects Independent Living Fund in each year from 2005 to the expenditure patterns and living costs of social security 2010. [2097] benefit and pension recipients. Further details are set out in paragraph 1.106 of the Budget Report. Maria Miller: The information is in the table. State Retirement Pensions: Redcar Independent Living Fund budget £ million Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2005-06 231.610 and Pensions how many people in Redcar constituency 2006-07 253.401 are claiming the state pension. [4382] 2007-08 288.439 2008-09 343.000 Steve Webb: As at November 2009, there were 18,770 2009-10 338.000 claimants of the state pension in Redcar parliamentary Note: constituency. Figures are for Great Britain. Notes: Source: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Independent Living Fund. 2. Parliamentary constituency of claimants is for Westminster Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Parliament. These constituencies are used for the Westminster Work and Pensions what percentage of the total budget Parliament for May 2005. for the Independent Living Fund was allocated through Source: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal the fund in each year from 2005 to 2010. [2098] Study. Maria Miller: The available information is in the State Second Pension table. Percentage of Independent Living Fund spend paid to users Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Percentage Work and Pensions (1) if he will estimate the savings which would accrue from the uprating of the 2005-06 97.0 additional state pension in line with the Consumer 2006-07 97.1 Price Index (a) over the period of the Office for 2007-08 97.3 Budget Responsibility’s forecasts and (b) in each 2008-09 97.4 successive five-year period to 2050; [4504] 2009-10 97.2 (2) how many people he expects to receive the Notes: 1. The percentages refer to Great Britain. additional state pension (a) in 2010-11, (b) in each of 2. The remainder of the budget is spent on admin. the next five years and (c) in each successive five year Source: period to 2050. [4557] Independent Living Fund. Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for State Retirement Pensions Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the average payment under the additional state pension if Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for it were uprated in line with the (a) retail price index Work and Pensions for what reasons the retail price and (b) consumer price index in each year to 2015-16. index each September is used as the basis for [4667] calculating the increase in public service pension in the next financial year. [4403] Steve Webb: The information is not currently available, but will be made available by Friday, 9 July. Steve Webb: There is a statutory requirement that public service pensions are uprated by the same percentage Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for as additional state pension. The Secretary of State is Work and Pensions whether he plans to uprate the required by law to increase additional state pensions to additional state pension in line with the consumer price ensure that they maintain their value in relation to the index. [4505] general level of prices obtaining in Great Britain estimated in such manner as he thinks fit. Steve Webb: The Chancellor announced in the Budget The Chancellor announced in the Budget that the that the 2011 and subsequent upratings of benefits and 2011 and subsequent upratings of benefits and pensions pensions, including the state second pension, by reference 395W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 396W to price inflation will use the consumer prices index as Peterborough constituency were claiming out of work the benchmark because it best reflects the expenditure benefits in (a) the latest period for which figures are patterns and living costs of social security benefit and available, (b) March 2010, (c) March 2009 and (d) pension recipients. Further details are set out in paragraph March 2008; and if he will make a statement. [2797] 1.106 of the Budget report. Unemployment Benefits: Peterborough Chris Grayling: The information requested could be Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State obtained only at disproportionate cost. The available for Work and Pensions how many people in information is in the following table.

Claimants of out of work benefits in Peterborough constituency All Jobseeker’s allowance Incapacity benefits Income support/pension credit

February 2008 9,150 2,060 4,900 2,370 February 2009 10,550 3,380 4,950 2,420 November 2009 10,980 3,650 5,230 2,340 Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to rounding. 2. Benefits are arranged hierarchically and claimants are assigned to the topmost benefit which they receive. 3. Incapacity Benefits—includes claimants of Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance. 4. Income Support/Pension Credit—includes claimants of Income Support, including Lone Parents and men age 60 to 64 claiming Pension Credit who are not also claiming Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance. Income Support also includes claimants with a disability premium but not Income Support with Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance as they are shown in the Incapacity Benefits column. 5. The most recent available data is for November 2009. 6. Parliamentary constituency of claimant is as at May 2005 General Election constituencies. Source: Department for Work and Pensions Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study

Vocational Training: Disability Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Development (DFID) has received letters from four of Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for the five organisations affected by the cancellation of Work and Pensions what plans he has for the funding on 17 May 2010. Residential Training for Disabled Adults programme and the continuing involvement of existing providers in Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State that programme. [2805] for International Development what representations he has received from multilateral organisations since the Maria Miller: As with all specialist disability employment announcement of his Department’s review of provision, we are considering the way forward and multilateral aid spending on 9 June 2010. [3767] support for Residential Training for Disabled Adults. We will make an announcement in due course. Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for international Development (DFID) has not received any direct We are committed to supporting severely disabled representations from multilateral organisations since people and are currently reviewing the most effective the announcement of the multilateral aid review on way of doing this. 9 June 2010. I have written to the heads of those multilateral organisations covered by the review to inform them of its purpose. My Department will continue to engage with these organisations during the review process. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Departmental Responsibilities Departmental Public Expenditure Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which external Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State organisations (a) he and (b) other Ministers in his for International Development whether special advisers Department have met since their appointment; and in his Department provided advice to Ministers on the what the purpose of each such meeting was. [3728] funding decisions announced on 17 May 2010. [3724] Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Mr Andrew Mitchell: The decision to cancel five Development (DFID) publishes a list of all Ministerial development awareness projects in the UK was taken meetings with outside interest groups every quarter. following an initial review of those areas of expenditure Details of ministerial meetings for the period 13 May to where the link between project activities and poverty 31 July will be published in August. reduction in the developing world was least demonstrated. Special advisers provide input into a range of decisions, Developing Countries: Maternity Services in line with the Special Advisers Code of Conduct. Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State International Development what recent assessment he for International Development what representations he has made of the effectiveness of the Government’s aid has received from organisations whose funding from programmes on maternal health and women’s rights. his Department was cancelled on 17 May 2010. [3766] [4000] 397W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 398W

Mr Andrew Mitchell: In the coming months the It is the policy of the Government not to comment Department for International Development (DFID) on operational intelligence matters, including whether will be reviewing its aid programme to determine how we have asked foreign Governments to investigate British we can achieve better value for money for the taxpayer nationals. and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Jamal Elshayyal Maternal health and women’s rights are major priorities for the UK Government and an area which the Prime Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Minister has personally championed. We want to improve Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what sexual and reproductive health and rights, including representations his Department has made to the Israeli access to modern family planning methods and promoting government on the case of Jamal Elshayyal following women’s choice in the developing world. The recent G8 his detention on the Mavi Marmara. [4440] Summit, which the Prime Minister attended, has delivered a significant boost to efforts to improve maternal and child health. It is estimated that the G8 Muskoka Alistair Burt: I have raised several issues in relation to Initiative will prevent 1.3 million under five child deaths, the British nationals who were on board Mavi Marmara 64,000 maternal deaths and enable an additional 12 with Israel’s ambassador to the UK. Our ambassador million women to have access to modern family planning to Israel and other members of the British embassy in the period 2010-15. have also raised the matter on a number of occasions with the Israeli authorities. It has also been raised by UN Agencies the EU presidency, on behalf of EU heads of mission, with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Among the issues raised included that of three missing for International Development whether he has had British passports, including Mr El Shayyal’s. I can now discussions with the head of the (a) United Nations confirm that we have recently received all three passports. Development Programme, (b) UN Food and These will be returned to the holders. The Government Agriculture Organisation and (c) United Nations and officials on the ground have spent significant time Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation since and resources assisting British nationals in this case. We his appointment. [3729] will continue to seek clarification on the missing possessions and to underline the importance of ensuring that the Mr Andrew Mitchell: I have had discussions with Commission established by Israel provides a full, credible, Helen Clark and Irina Bokova several times. I have not impartial and independent investigation that the yet had the opportunity to speak with Dr Jacques international community can respect. Diouf since the general election.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Bangladesh: Counter-terrorism Constituencies

Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Alun Michael: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has whether his proposals to change parliamentary had with the Bangladeshi government on allegations of constituency boundaries will apply in the same way to human rights abuses relating to (a) Faisal Mostafa, each of the constituent part of the UK. [4499] (b) Gulam Mustafa and (c) other British nationals committed by Bangladeshi counter-terrorism officials; Mr Harper: Proposals to implement this aspect of the whether the Government has requested the coalition agreement are being carefully considered within Bangladeshi authorities to investigate any British Government. Details will be announced in due course nationals; and if he will make a statement. [3315] and Parliament will have the opportunity to debate them. Alistair Burt: We take all allegations of mistreatment seriously and, with the consent of the individual concerned, raise them vigorously with the appropriate authorities. Dissolution It is not our normal procedure to go into detail about individual consular cases as we have a duty to respect Kevin Brennan: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister privacy. We have provided, and will continue to provide whether he plans to proceed with his proposal for a 55 consular assistance to British nationals detained in per cent. majority requirement to trigger a dissolution Bangladesh in line with our publicly stated policy, and of Parliament if it is voted for by more than 50 per have raised various concerns with the Bangladeshi cent. but less than 55 per cent. of (a) Members of the authorities at senior levels when asked to do so. In all House and (b) Members voting. [4294] our dealings with British nationals detained in Bangladesh their welfare is our primary concern. Mr Harper: As I made clear to the hon. Member on We have consistently called on Bangladesh to ensure 22 June 2010, Official Report, column 146, the Bill that all arrests, detentions and trials are conducted with establishing Fixed Term Parliaments will be considered respect for fundamental individual rights, consistent on the Floor of the House and Members will have the with international obligations. opportunity to debate it in detail then. 399W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 400W

Voting Rights: Prisoners Mr Blunt: The budget for HMP Cardiff in 2009-10 was £16,318,824. Michael Dugher: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans his Department has to bring forward The budget for HMP Cardiff for 2010-11 is £16,418,674. proposals to allow prisoners to vote in elections. [3977] Defamation Mr Harper: The Government are considering afresh the best way forward on the issue of prisoner voting Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for rights. Justice what plans he has to bring forward proposals Youth Citizenship Commission for the reform of libel law. [3873] Jo Swinson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when Mr Djanogly: We are committed to reviewing the law he plans to respond to the recommendations of the on defamation to protect free speech, and are currently Youth Citizenship Commission. [4588] considering the issues involved.

Mr Harper: The previous Government commissioned Departmental Public Expenditure the YouthCitizenship Commission’s report and responded to its recommendations in February this year. A link to their response is as follows: Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/333826/ Justice (1) how many of his Department’s contracts youthengagement.pdf with its suppliers are under review as a result of the recently announced reductions in public expenditure; and what the monetary value is of all such contracts LEADER OF THE HOUSE which are under review; [3644] (2) how many officials in his Department are Members: Travel working on renegotiating contracts for the supply of Kevin Brennan: To ask the Leader of the House if he goods and services to the Department as a result of will introduce a scheme to pay for extended travel by recently announced reductions in public spending; (a) all hon. Members and (b) Opposition frontbench what savings are expected to accrue to his Department spokespersons. [4292] from such renegotiations; how much expenditure his Department will incur on such renegotiations; and Sir George Young: The payment of expenses to hon. when such renegotiations will be completed. [3666] Members, including travel expenses, is a matter for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. There Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is undertaking is a specific element of Short Money which is provided a review of 1,300 contracts with third party suppliers. to meet the cost of official travel by Opposition front The value of contracts under review is £1.6 billion per bench spokespeople. annum. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Leader of the House how There are 140 staff within MoJ that are engaged in much was paid for extended travel by (a) hon. Members, renegotiating contracts for the supply of goods and (b) hon. Members of each of the three largest parties services. It is expected that this exercise will take two and (c) hon. Members who were frontbench spokespersons years and result in savings in the region of £75 million. for Opposition parties in each year of the 2005 to 2010 Using existing staff for this exercise will ensure that the Parliament. [4293] Department does not incur additional expenditure. Sir George Young: The overall amount paid to hon. Departmental Translation Services Members for extended travel in each of the financial years from 2005-06 to 2010-11 was as follows: Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what (a) documents and (b) other information for £ which (i) his Department and (ii) its associated public 2005-06 66,310 bodies are responsible are published or provided in the 2006-07 109,984 UK in languages other than English; for what reason 2007-08 122,960 each such publication is required to be made available 2008-09 115,009 in a language or languages other than English; and 2009-10 77,756 what estimate he has made of the cost to the public 2010-11 544 purse of the translation work so incurred in the latest period for which figures are available. [1772] The remainder of the information is not available in the form requested and can be collated only at Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) does not disproportionate cost. centrally collect information on the number, nature and cost of translations into languages other than English and it could be given only at disproportionate cost. This JUSTICE would involve contacting a large number of agencies associated with the department. Retrieving of the data Cardiff Prison would involve searching their individual records. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for The MoJ translates documents into Welsh, treating Justice what the budget was of HM Prison Cardiff for the Welsh and English languages on a basis of equality 2009-10; and what budget has been allocated to the in accordance with Section 21 of the Welsh Language prison for 2010-11. [3897] Act 1993. 401W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 402W

A formal Welsh Language scheme was commenced Amount Cost on 24 March 2010. The scheme covers my department’s (£) functions in three areas, policy development, recruitment and provision of services to the public. The scheme HMI Probation applies to the activities generally carried out under the Various (letters/notices/general information for customers/ 4 1,165 corporate functions of this department. sentences/agenda/minutes/presentations/newsletters) Consultation Papers/Reports 8 6,492 HM Courts Service Welsh Language Unit that supports Total 12 7,657 the Ministry to meet its commitments to its published Welsh Language Scheme has been able to supply the information in following table. HMCS During 2009-10 the Welsh Language Unit translated HMCSHQ — 42 2,426 documents at a cost of £150,051. These documents HMCS (courts and office) — 2,060 were translated to meet the Ministry’s Welsh Language Total requests — 2,102 Scheme. Total external cost — 95,000

Amount Cost Grand total amount — 2,426 (£) Grand total costs — 150,051 MOJ 1 No cost Consultation Papers/Reports 16 16,414.63 Various (Letters/notices/general information for customers/ 40 2,501.01 Dietary Supplements: Channel Islands sentences/agenda/minutes/presentations/newsletters) Press Notice/Advert 6 456.25 Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Changes to Forms/Leaflets 35 746.00 Justice what recent discussions he has had with the LIBRA Offences 30 1— authorities in (a) Jersey and (b) Guernsey on progress Proofreading 6 1— in implementing the EU (i) Food Supplements Total 133 20,117.89 Directive and (ii) Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation. [3999] Judicial Appointments Commission Application Pack 11 4,119.75 Mr Djanogly: My noble Friend the Minister of State Completed Application Pack 1 34.50 for Justice (Lord McNally) who has policy responsibility Advert 4 86.25 for the Crown Dependencies in the Ministry of Justice Various (Letters/notices/general information for customers/ 4 782.00 (MoJ) has had no discussions with the authorities in sentences/agenda/minutes/presentations/newsletters) Jersey and Guernsey about the Islands’ implementation Total 20 5,022.50 of the Food Supplements Directive and the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation. However, MoJ officials Legal Services Commission are regularly in touch with the Jersey and Guernsey Various (Letters/notices/general information for customers/ 22 1,978.00 governments about this and other matters. sentences/agenda/minutes/presentations/newsletters) Changes to Forms/Leaflets 4 328 Written Questions: Government Responses Consultation Papers/Reports 2 1,058.00 Press Notice/Advert 2 92.00 Proofreading 1 No Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice cost when he expects to answer question 117, on Total 31 3,455.75 departmental manpower, tabled on 27 May 2010. [3797] OPG Consultation Papers/Reports 1 782.00 Mr Kenneth Clarke: I replied to the hon. Member on Changes to Forms/Leaflets 4 1,559.50 22 June 2010, Official Report, columns 128-29W. I Total 5 2,341.50 apologise for the delay.

Tribunals Service Various (Letters/notices/general information for customers/ 12 854.63 sentences/agenda/minutes/presentations/newsletters) HEALTH Consultation Papers/Reports 4 4,572 Changes to Forms/Leaflets 3 87.38 Website 1 2,726 Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust Total 20 8,240 Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Wales Office for what reasons Sir David Varney has resigned as Various (Letters/notices/general information for customers/ 17 875 interim Chair of the Barking, Havering and Redbridge sentences/agenda/minutes/presentations/newsletters) NHS Trust; and if he will make a statement. [4416] Consultation papers/reports 2 2,195 Press notice/advert 84 5,147 Mr Simon Burns: This is a matter for Sir David Total 103 8,217 Varney and Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. 403W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 404W

Carers (2) what estimate he has made of the (a) number and (b) proportion of people leaving prison in each David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for year since 1997 who were methadone users. [3257] Health if he will bring forward proposals for an Mr Burstow: Information on the number of individuals entitlement to free health checks for carers. [4203] entering or leaving prison with an active methadone Mr Burstow: We are gathering evidence on the prescription is not collected centrally. However, data are effectiveness of health checks for carers and the benefits available on the number of clinical drug interventions that both the national health service and carers feel they provided in prisons for drug dependency since 2007-08. derive from them. Early findings will be available in In 2007-08, a total of 58,809 prisoners received a October 2010 and the final evaluation will be available clinical drug intervention. Of these, 46,291 (79%) received in October 2011. Any decisions will be made in the light detoxification and 12,518 (21%) a maintenance prescription of this evidence and the spending review. for opioid dependency of either methadone or buprenorphine. Departmental Pay In 2008-09, a total of 64,767 prisoners received a clinical drug intervention. Of these 45,135 (69%) received Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health detoxification and 19,632 (31%) received a maintenance pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2010, Official Report, prescription for opioid dependency of either methadone column 85W, on departmental manpower, what the or buprenorphine. salary range is of staff employed at each grade in the In 2009-10, a total of 60,067 prisoners received a private office of each Minister in his Department. clinical drug intervention. Of these 36,323 (61%) received [3247] detoxification and 23,744 (39%) received a maintenance prescription for opioid dependency of either methadone Mr Simon Burns: The salary ranges for staff in grades or buprenorphine. AO to Grade 6 in the Department, based in London are set out in the following table. These apply to staff in Due to funding and implementation of clinical drug ministerial private offices. treatment services being phased throughout English prisons there has been a gradual year on year increase £ in the number of drug dependent prisoners accessing Grade Minimum Maximum evidence-based treatment. Consequently, there has been an increase in the total number of prisoners receiving AO 19,579 23,120 detoxification or a maintenance prescription. EO 23,767 29,600 In prisons, methadone is only used for the treatment HEO 28,884 36,765 of drug dependency and all candidates for it are assessed Fast Stream 28,884 41,546 and treated by medical professionals. Decisions regarding SEO 35,948 45,118 treatment are clinically based and the NHS commissions Grade 7 46,698 60,962 health services for people in prisons. Grade 6 57,967 73,828 Drugs: Rehabilitation Salary ranges for senior civil servants are set across the civil service by the Government following Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for recommendations from the Senior Salaries Review Board. Health (1) how many people have been prescribed For SCS 1 grade these range from £58,200 to £117,800. methadone in each year since 1997; [3258] Departmental Standards (2) what the annual cost was of prescribing methadone for one patient in each year since 1997. [3259]

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Anne Milton: Methadone is prescribed for a variety Health whether he plans to review the effectiveness of of clinical conditions, including the treatment of opioid the (a) public service agreements and (b) vital signs (heroin) dependency, chronic pain and cough in terminal indicators within his Department’s area of illness. responsibility. [4127] The National Drug Treatment Monitoring System Mr Simon Burns: We published the revised 2010-11 (NDTMS) collects information on the number of people NHS Operating Framework on 21 June setting out our receiving substitute prescribing interventions for substance intention to review the clinical relevance of all existing misuse in England, but does not distinguish between Vital Signs indicators with the removal of those that methadone and the other drugs such as buprenorphine have little or no clinical relevance for the next operating which are also recommended for that purpose by the framework. There is no intention to review public service National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. agreements which this Coalition has ended. A copy of NDTMS data on the number of people receiving the revised framework has already been placed in the substitute prescribing for the period 2005-06 - 2008-09 Library. are given as follows.

Drugs: Prisons Prescribing

2005-06 110,374 Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006-07 122,841 Health (1) what estimate he has made of the (a) 2007-08 138,719 number and (b) proportion of people in prison who 2008-09 149,986 were methadone users in each year since 1997; [3256] 405W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 406W

Figures prior to 2003 are not available and due to a HIV Infection: Health Services change in NDTMS methodology in 2008-09, comparable trend data are only available from 2005-06. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Information about the annual cost of prescribing Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness methadone for each person in specialist drug treatment of management of the transition of children and young is not collected. However, in 2007-08 a one-off unit cost people (a) with and (b) with family members affected exercise was carried out by the National Treatment by HIV (i) into adolescent services and (ii) from adolescent Agency for Substance Misuse, which assessed the average to adult services. [3741] cost of prescribing interventions (including methadone and buprenorphine) per individual per day, during that Anne Milton: It is for primary care trusts to commission year. The exercise calculated the cost of specialist prescribing and manage transition arrangements for young people at £6.81 per day, which included dispensing and keyworking with HIV moving to adolescent, family or adult services. costs but not the costs associated with psychosocial or Transitional HIV care should be provided as part of an other support interventions received by the individual HIV clinical network and take account of guidance at the same time. produced by the British HIV Association and the Children’s HIV Association. Additionally, in 2007 the Department published good practice guidance on improving the Food: Labelling transition of young people with long-term conditions from children’s to adult services. Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Data from the latest Health Protection Agency’s Survey Health if he will seek to ensure that any EU legislation of Prevalent HIV Infections Diagnosed shows that in on a traffic-light colour coding food labelling system is 2008 there were 971 children under 14 years receiving not mandatory in the UK. [4290] HIV care. The British HIV Association’s (BHIVA) 2007 standards for HIV make reference to the commissioning Anne Milton: The proposal from the European of services for families, children and adolescents and Commission currently under negotiation in the European their transition into adult services. BHIVA and the Parliament and Council proposes front of pack nutrition Children’s HIV Association are in the process of producing labelling information with percentage reference intakes clinical guidelines for the treatment and care of adolescents for certain nutrients. It would also allow other forms of with HIV and transitional care arrangements. expression of the nutrition information as part of national Following the introduction of routine antenatal HIV schemes. Although the European Parliament has recently screening for all pregnant women in 1999 the number of given its opinion in first reading on the proposal negotiations children born in the United Kingdom with HIV has are ongoing with final agreement between the European reduced dramatically since the vast majority of pregnant Parliament and Council not expected until late 2011. women accept an HIV test. The estimated proportion of exposed infants (born to both diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV-infected women) who became infected General Practitioners: Bournemouth has decreased from 12% in 1999 to approximately 2% in 2007. Almost all the children diagnosed with HIV in Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2008 were reported to have been infected through mother- for what reasons Ofsted will have responsibility for to-child transmission, and 60% of them were born inspecting Denmark Road medical surgery in abroad. Bournemouth East constituency. [2878] Hospitals: Durham Mr Simon Burns: The Department is not aware of any proposed Ofsted inspections of this medical surgery. Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State However, there are two inspection remits under which for Health (1) what steps he plans to take to improve Ofsted might visit such a medical surgery—during healthcare provision in the areas which would have inspections of children’s centres and during safeguarding been served by the proposed North Tees and and looked after children inspections, conducted jointly Hartlepool hospital; [3734] with the Care Quality Commission. (2) how much has been spent under each budgetary heading on the proposed North Tees and Hartlepool Health Services: Liverpool hospital; [3735] (3) what costs his Department will incur under each David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for budgetary heading consequent on the cancellation of Health whether any exemptions in respect of changes the contract for the North Tees and Hartlepool in patient flows in (a) Warrington and (b) Halton hospital; [3791] hospital have been made as part of the approval (4) on what date the decision to cancel the proposed process for the new hospital in Liverpool. [4202] North Tees and Hartlepool hospital was made; [3792] (5) what criteria he used in assessing whether the Mr Simon Burns: This information is not held centrally. North Tees and Hartlepool hospital programme represented However, the North West strategic health authority value for money; and if he will make a statement. [3854] (SHA) confirms that process of patient flow and income was assessed as part of the outline business case for Mr Simon Burns: The Government’s review of spending proposals for the new hospital development in Liverpool. decisions taken since 1 January this year was to ensure This information can be obtained direct from the SHA. that all the schemes considered were affordable, good 407W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 408W value for money and consistent with the Government’s Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for priorities. The proposed hospital building scheme for Health what his policy is on the implementation of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS foundation trust was recommendations of the Independent Reconfiguration assessed against a number of other such NHS build Panel. [3875] projects at the same stage of development. The announcement of its cancellation formed part of the Mr Simon Burns: It is the responsibility of the local statement given by my right hon. Friend the Chief national health service to ensure implementation of the Secretary to the Treasury to the House on 17 June. recommendations of the Independent Reconfiguration Where major NHS service changes are proposed, Panel, provided those recommendations are first endorsed they must meet the strengthened criteria for such decisions by the Secretary of State for Health. as set out in a letter from the NHS chief executive Sir David Nicholson of 20 May to Monitor and all NHS Hospitals: Telephones chief executives. This is to ensure that, in future, all service changes must be led by clinicians and patients Miss Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State and not be driven from the top down. for Health if he will undertake an investigation into the In these harder economic times it is essential that all standard of provision and cost of bedside telephones in major hospital building projects must be affordable and hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [3097] provide value for money for the taxpayer. For foundation trusts in particular, all proposals must be consistent Mr Simon Burns: The provision of these services is a with their independent status in terms of their reduced local matter between individual national health service reliance on departmental support. As a foundation trusts and their chosen supplier. The Department is not trust, North Tees and Hartlepool has borrowing powers party to these contracts. As set out in ‘The Coalition: and other mechanisms available to it to fund alternative our programme for government’, we want to free NHS capital investment plans. staff from political micromanagement. The bedside television and telephone systems provide The trust will have incurred costs in working up the additional choice for patients and enables them to enjoy proposals, in developing the business case and in performing benefits they expect to have while in hospital. There is a the feasibility studies behind it. As an independent charge for the provision of these services, which the foundation trust this information is a matter for Monitor patient pays directly to the supplier, should they choose (the statutory name for the independent regulator of to use the services. NHS foundation trusts) and may be obtained by writing to the chairman of Monitor. King George Hospital Ilford The business case approved in March 2010 anticipated a request from the trust to the Department for £8 million to buy the land on the Wynyard Park site for the Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health new hospital. This request was received and met by the whether he has received the report of the Independent Department. If the trust acquired land for which it has Reconfiguration Panel on the future of King George no further use than it can be sold to recover the funding. Hospital, Ilford; whether he plans to publish the report; what recent representations he has received on The local strategic health authority and primary care the future of the hospital; and what plans he has to trust have both pledged to continue working closely change the range of services provided at King George with all local NHS organisations to plan and develop Hospital, Ilford. [4354] the best possible health services for the population of Hartlepool and North Tees and to ensure that the wider Mr Simon Burns: My right hon. Friend the Secretary ’Momentum Project7—involving bringing health care of State has considered and endorsed the initial advice services closer to communities—will continue. from the Independent Reconfiguration Panel following the referral made by the London borough of Redbridge Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Scrutiny Committee. The advice of the Independent Health if he will take steps to implement the Reconfiguration Panel was subsequently published on recommendations of the Darzi review of acute health its website on 24 June 2010. This can be viewed at: services north of the River Tees. [3874] www.irpanel.org.uk There have been no recent representations received by the Department on the future of King George hospital. Mr Simon Burns: The recommendations of the Darzi Any proposals to change the range of services at King review of acute health services north of the River Tees George hospital will be considered as part of the review were superseded by the advice provided by the Independent of all service change proposals affecting London recently Reconfiguration Panel to the then Secretary of State for announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of Health in December 2006. This advice formed the basis State. of the ‘Momentum: Pathways to Healthcare programme’ which was developed by the local national health service to provide a new health care system for the people of Lipoedema: Health Services Stockton, Hartlepool, Easington and Sedgefield. We understand that NHS Hartlepool and NHS Stockton- Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for on-Tees will continue to work closely with North Tees Health what recent (a) representations he has received and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust on delivering and (b) guidance his Department has issued to the wider Momentum programme, and will be discussing primary care trusts on the treatment of classic the options available with the trust. lipoedema in the UK. [4534] 409W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 410W

Mr Burstow: The Department has received no the National Institute for Health and Clinical representations and has issued no guidance to primary Excellence. [4581] care trusts (PCTs) on classic lipoedema. It is for PCTs to assess the health needs of their populations and take Mr Simon Burns: Where the National Institute for that into account when commissioning services. Information Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has not issued on this condition for patients and clinicians is available guidance on a particular drug or treatment, it is for from the website of the Lympoedema Support Network primary care trusts to make decisions on the funding of and other sources. such treatments. The Department has made it clear in good practice guidance that an absence of NICE guidance Mental Health Services: Children alone is not an acceptable reason to refuse funding for a treatment and patients have a legal right to expect Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for funding decisions to be made rationally following a Health how he plans to ensure that primary care trusts proper consideration of the available evidence. involve (a) children and young people who access mental health services, (b) parents of children and young people who access mental health services and (c) mental health professionals working in child and BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS adolescent mental health services in the process for commissioning child and adolescent mental health Automotive Council services at local level. [4177] Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Burstow: The Government are committed to ensuring Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what funding he a stronger voice for patients and enabling general intends to allocate to the Automotive Council to practitioners (GPs) to commission care on their behalf. implement the recommendations of the recent report The details of what will be required under GP of the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team; commissioning and during the transition period for [4561] primary care trusts are currently being considered. (2) what plans he has for the future of the The National CAMHS Support Service has been Automotive Council; and if he will make a statement; funded to carry out a project promoting the participation [4562] of children and young people in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The project promotes (3) whether he plans to implement the user participation standards for CAMHS, maps the recommendations of the recent report of the New extent and level of user participation activity in CAMHS, Automotive Innovation and Growth Team on the and will develop an online tool for commissioners and Future of the Automotive Industry in the UK. [4563] providers to improve interaction with children and young people. Mr Prisk: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State (as Joint Chair) and I will be attending the NHS: Pay Government/industry Automotive Council meeting on 1 July where we will discuss a range of issues on the Council work plan. Strengthening the UK-based Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health automotive supply chain and maximising the benefit to (1) how many and what proportion of national health the UK of new and green automotive technologies service employees in Colchester constituency will have were two key areas on which the New Automotive their pay frozen as a result of the decision to freeze the Innovation and Growth Team recommendations wages of public sector workers; [4568] focused and the Council is already taking work forward (2) how many and what proportion of national in these two areas; working with the Government and health service employees will have their pay frozen as a with the support of the members of the Supply Chain result of the decision to freeze the wages of public Working Group and the Technology Working Group. sector workers. [4576] These work areas will continue to be the two priorities.

Mr Simon Burns: In England, an estimated 820,000 Broadband: Witham NHS employees currently earn a full-time equivalent (FTE) salary of over £21,000. This is approximately Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for 64% of the Health and Community Health Services Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of (a) (HCHS) work force. households and (b) businesses in Witham constituency Information on pay is not collected by constituency. have access to internet broadband speeds of 2 mega Of the HCHS staff employed in the North East Essex megabits per second or higher. [3749] primary care trust and the Colchester university hospital NHS trust, 64% currently earn an FTE salary of over Mr Vaizey: Based on the data available to BIS, which £21,000. This equates to an estimated 3,200 HCHS estimates service availability based on length of staff. telephone lines, approximately 89% of households and 84% businesses have access to broadband at 2 Mbps via Prescription Drugs BT exchanges in the Witham constituency. Access to this speed would be dependent on distance from the Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health exchange, peak time use and wiring in the home. There what his policy is on allowing patients access to drugs is also wireless provision in this constituency, which recommended by a consultant but not yet evaluated by would potentially enable more households and 411W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 412W businesses to have access to a 2 Mbps service. Only a Competition physical test of a line would determine its actual service performance in each case. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business: Government Assistance Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on the introduction of a provision to ensure that mergers and takeovers operate in the public interest. [3784] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding will Mr Davey: The Government believe the rules be available from the new Enterprise Capital Fund in governing takeovers should be examined to ensure they (a) England, (b) the North East and (c) Newcastle. are appropriate. The takeover panel’s current [4822] consultation on options for amending the Takeover Code is very welcome in this regard. The outcome of Mr Prisk: The new Enterprise Capital Fund will that work will inform the Government’s thinking about provide up to £25 million of Government funding what, if any, further measures it might take. towards a total fund size of up to £37.5 million. Capital for Enterprise Limited will continue final stages of due Co-operatives and Social Enterprises diligence before a mandate is awarded. This fund will support early stage entrepreneurial growth businesses Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for from across the UK and will have no specific Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on allocations either at national, regional or city level. support for (a) co-operatives and (b) social Business: Greater London enterprises. [2886] Mr Prisk: The coalition agreement commits us to Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for supporting the creation and expansion of Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in co-operatives, mutuals, charities and social enterprises, (a) London Borough of Bexley and (b) Greater and enabling these groups to have a much greater London were registered for VAT in each of the last involvement in the running of public services. BIS three years for which figures are available; and how Ministers will work closely with the Minister for Civil many new businesses registered for VAT in the same Society on this agenda, and in particular to ensure that period. [3922] Government are creating the right conditions to stimulate growth, support business enterprise, promote Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply. innovation and improve access to finance in order to Between 2005 and 2007, the number of businesses meet the new economic and social challenges we are which registered for VAT during the year in (a) the currently facing. borough of Bexley and (b) Greater London were as shown in the following table: Departmental Mobile Phones New VAT registrations Number Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005 2006 2007 Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East of 17 Borough of 560 560 680 June 2010, Official Report, column 501W, on Bexley departmental mobile phones, what the (a) purchase The London 34,485 34,820 41,260 region cost of the handset, (b) network provider, (c) type of tariff and (d) name of the supplier is in respect of the Source: ’Business Start-ups and Closures: VAT Registrations and De-registrations’, published by the Department for Businesses mobile device issued to each Minister in his Enterprise and Regulatory Reform in November 2008. This report is Department. [4068] no longer published. It is not possible to tell how many of these new VAT Mr Davey [holding answer 24 June 2010]: The registrations were for business start-ups rather than information requested is as follows: businesses which were previously operating below the (a) The purchase cost of handsets is nil. VAT registration threshold, or are a component of (b) The network provider is Vodafone. another established business. (c)The tariffs are standard Government tariffs. Companies House: Nantgarw (d) The supplier of the mobile devices is Vodafone.

Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer made of the likely effects on the South Wales Valleys of of 17 June 2010, Official Report, column 534W, on the proposed closure of the Nantgarw office of departmental mobile telephones, what the (a) Companies House; and if he will make a statement. purchase cost of the handset, (b) network provider, [4277] (c) type of tariff and (c) name of the supplier is in respect of the (i) mobile telephone issued to the Mr Davey: None. Companies House has taken the Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and operational decision to establish a project to consider Lifelong Learning and (ii) the BlackBerry devices early closure of its Nantgarw office. There will be no issued to (A) him, (B) the Minister of State for resultant job losses but the project will assess all costs Universities and Science, (C) the Minister of State for and benefits arising from the prospective closure. Business and Enterprise, (D) the Minister for 413W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 414W

Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs (b) Spent on taxis: £175 and (E) the Parliamentary Secretary for Business, (c) Spent on other expenses: £1,082 (expenses are defined as Innovation and Skills. [4684] reimbursed costs incurred while conducting EEDA business) (d) Other benefits received: bonus £13,761; lease car £3,260. Mr Davey: The information requested is as follows: No official car, as defined as the use of a private car (a) The purchase cost of handsets is nil. with driver, has ever been provided for EEDA’s chief (b) The network provider is Vodafone. executive and this includes 2009-101. (c) The tariffs are standard Government tariffs. Seven other senior officials at EEDA were (d) The supplier of the mobile devices is Vodafone. reimbursed a total of £10,008 in expenses in 2009-102. 1 The chief executive has the choice to opt in or out of Departmental Recruitment EEDA’s lease car scheme in the same way as other qualifying staff. Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 ‘Senior officials’ is defined as those members of the senior Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on management team whose remuneration is reported in the advertisement of job vacancies within his EEDA’s annual report and accounts. Department; and if he will make a statement. [3974] Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Davey: Any internal vacancy arising in the Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Department would first be offered to surplus members made of the cost to the public purse of (a) property, (b) of staff (those without a post but actively seeking staff and (c) administration of each overseas office of another position) and then advertised within the the East of England Development Agency in the last Department to eligible members of staff. No post will 24 months; how much the agency has spent on (i) be advertised to non-civil servants unless I have agreed hotels and (ii) taxis overseas in that period; how many that the post is business critical or is a front line post overseas journeys (A) agency staff and (B) that directly deliver a service to the public or to accompanying spouses made in that period, and at business. what cost; what expenses were claimed for on each Dietary Supplements: Channel Islands journey, under each cost category; how many such journeys were undertaken by first-class (1) air and (2) Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for rail travel; and how much and at what rate agency Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made a officials claimed in mileage expenses in that period. recent estimate of the monetary value of the trade in [4073] food supplements and other health products from the Channel Islands which are imported into the UK. Mr Prisk: The East of England Development [3998] Agency (EEDA) does not administer any overseas offices. No costs were incurred for property, staff or Mr Davey: This information is not available. For the administration of overseas offices by EEDA in the last purposes of the Overseas Trade Statistics, ‘UK’ is 24 months. defined as Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of EEDA spent a total of £12,405 on overseas travel, Man, the Channel Islands and the UK part of the including costs for hotels and taxis, in the two years Continental Shelf, so the Overseas Trade Statistics do ending 31 March 2010 although to provide full details not cover trade between these places. by cost category requested would incur East of England Development Agency disproportionate cost. Journeys were undertaken by 23 different staff and Board Members over the two year period. There were no accompanying spouse costs Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for included in this sum. Business, Innovation and Skills what the (a) running costs and (b) expenditure on projects were of the East EEDA’s policy is for staff to travel in standard class of England Development Agency (EEDA) in 2009-10; unless in exceptional circumstances. As such no costs what the salary of the EEDA’s Chief Executive was in were incurred for either first class air travel or first class 2009-10; how much was spent on (i) taxis, (ii) expenses train travel in the last 24 months. for the Chief Executive and (iii) expenses for other In the last 24 months, EEDA officials claimed senior officials of the agency in 2009-10; whether the £383,000 in mileage expenses. This reflects the fact that Chief Executive was provided with an official car in agency staff are required to travel across the region in 2009-10; and what other benefits the Chief Executive order to carry out their work. In line with HM Revenue received in 2009-10. [3986] and Customs recommended rates, this was claimed at a maximum rate of 40p per mile by staff using their own Mr Prisk: The East of England Development cars. Rates when using leased vehicles were in the range Agency’s (EEDA’s) running costs and expenditure on 11p - 17p per mile. programme projects in 2009-10 were as follows: (a) 2009-10 running costs: £13.6 million Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) 2009-10 expenditure on programme projects: £116.9 Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding million. from the East of England Development Agency was The details requested of the salary and benefits for allocated to Harlow in each year since the agency was of EEDA’s chief executive in 2009-10 are as follows: established; how much of the allocated funding was (a) Salary: £140,772 spent; and on which projects it was spent. [4817] 415W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 416W

Mr Prisk: The Department allocates budgets to Higher Education: Finance Regional Development Agencies. The agencies determine which projects to support, subject to the Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for terms of the Accountability and Financial Framework Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has and their delegated financial authorities. RDAs’ made of the effects on university funding of the investments have been guided by the Regional introduction of the points-based system of Economic Strategy and their Corporate Plans. The immigration. [3697] Department does not hold details of individual projects supported by the RDAs within their delegated Mr Willetts: Overall assessments of the impact of financial authorities. the points-based system, including tier 4 (students), on universities, businesses and other users were published East of England Development Agency: Great by the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) in Yarmouth 2008 when the new system was introduced. A further impact assessment was published in April 2010, Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for following the changes made earlier this year, in which Business, Innovation and Skills how much the East of UKBA stated that there would be no ″impact on the England Development Agency spent on projects and ability of institutions to recruit and earn revenue from programmes in Great Yarmouth in the last 24 months. genuine [international] students.″ [4402] In 2008/09, UK higher education institutions received £2.2 billion in tuition fee income from students Mr Prisk: The Department allocates budgets to from outside the European Union, 8.7% of their total Regional Development Agencies. The Agencies income. International student numbers have continued determine which projects to support, subject to the to grow over recent years. According to data from the terms of the Accountability and Financial Framework Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) the and their delegated financial authorities. RDAs’ number of enrolments from non-EEA students in investments have been guided by the Regional 2008/09, the latest year for which figures are available, Economic Strategy and their Corporate Plans. The shows an increase of 9.4% over the previous year. Department does not hold details of individual projects supported by the RDAs within their delegated Higher Education: Hartlepool financial authorities. Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Maintenance Allowance Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to increase the provision of higher education facilities and Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for courses in Hartlepool constituency. [3448] Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects his Department to conclude its review of the education Mr Willetts: There are no specific plans to increase maintenance allowance scheme. [1441] the provision of higher education facilities in the Hartlepool constituency. It is for the Higher Education Mr Gibb: I have been asked to reply. Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to make decisions on the future allocation of student numbers I can confirm that the education maintenance in line with their established criteria. A range of higher allowance (EMA) will be paid in full this year. In education courses are available in Hartlepool. addition, eligible students may also get support for Cleveland College of Art and Design has a site in child care costs through the care to learn scheme, and Hartlepool dedicated to higher education provision hardship funds are provided to eligible students which is validated by Teesside University. In addition, through discretionary learner support funds. Hartlepool Sixth Form College and Hartlepool College of FE have seen significant growth in higher education Fossil Fuels: Export Credit Guarantees numbers over the last few years. Hartlepool Sixth Form College delivers provision franchised from the Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for University of Sunderland, while Hartlepool College of Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer FE works with both the University of Sunderland and of 16 June 2010, Official Report, column 456W, on the Teesside University. Hartlepool College of FE is fossil fuels: export credits guarantees, what steps he also in the process of building a new state-of-the-art plans to take to end Export Credits Guarantee college on the existing town centre site. I look forward Department support for future fossil fuel energy to the completion of this new college and welcome the projects. [4399] contribution made by all three colleges in Hartlepool.

Mr Davey: Ministers will be considering with Local Enterprise Zones: Hastings ECGD, UKTI and other Departments how best to take forward the commitment in the coalition Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for programme to Business, Innovation and Skills if he consider the “ensure that UK Trade and Investment and the Export merits of designating Hastings as a borough eligible for Credits Guarantee Department become champions for British the establishment of a local enterprise zone; and if he companies that develop and export innovative green technologies will make a statement. [3936] around the world, instead of supporting investment in dirty fossil-fuel energy production.” Mr Prisk [holding answer 24 June 2010]: The former An announcement will be made in due course. Enterprise Zone programme concluded in 2006, when 417W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 418W the final Enterprise Zones reached the end of their Mr Davey: We are aware that there are a range of designated period. The Government do believe that views on this subject. While the Government do not local authorities have a vital role in incentivising propose to change current arrangements, we continue business growth, including in less prosperous areas. A to listen to representations we receive and consider any White Paper this summer will set out proposals for evidence presented to us. growth, including the right framework of incentives. Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Post Offices Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has set a timetable for reviewing the use of British Summer Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Time. [4400] Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 17 June 2010, Official Report, column 536W, on post Mr Davey: The Government have no current plans to offices, where each of the 48 Post Office Essential pilots review the existing British Summer Time arrangements is located. [4371] but will continue to listen to arguments for and against change. Mr Davey: I have asked David Smith, the managing director of Post Office Ltd, to respond directly to the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in Organisation the House Libraries.

Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what criteria are being Business, Innovation and Skills what the target market used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Post Office countries of the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation (a) were in 2009-10 and (b) Essential pilots. [4372] are in 2010-11. [4555] Mr Davey: I have asked David Smith, the managing director of Post Office Ltd, to respond directly to the Mr Prisk: The UKTI Defence and Security hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in Organisation (UKTI DSO) priority markets in 2009/10 the House Libraries. and in 2010/11 are listed as follows: UKTI DSO priority defence and security markets Rolls Royce: Hucknall 2009/10 Algeria Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Australia Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions Brazil he has had with the management of Rolls Royce on its Denmark plans to outsource overseas the highly skilled sheet metal work jobs at its Hucknall Sheet Metal Work Greece plant. [4272] India Iraq Vince Cable: I have had no discussions with the Japan management of Rolls-Royce with regards to its plans at Kuwait its Hucknall Sheet Metal Work plant. Libya Sheffield Forgemasters: Loans Malaysia Mexico Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Oman Business, Innovation and Skills (1) which private sector Saudi Arabia companies have made representations to his South Africa Department on the review of the loan proposal for South Korea Sheffield Forgemasters; [4128] Turkey (2) what representations he has received from private UAE sector companies in relation to the review of the USA proposed loan to Sheffield Forgemasters. [4776] UKTI DSO priority defence and security markets 2010/11 Mr Prisk: The Department has received one letter from a company chairman enquiring into the state aid Algeria position of the proposed loan. No further Australia representations from private sector companies have Brazil been received by my Department during the review of Brunei the loan proposal for Sheffield Forgemasters. India Iraq Summertime Japan Kuwait Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent Libya consideration his Department has given to ending the Malaysia application of British Summer Time. [4129] Mexico 419W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 420W

Oman of Wigan (a) he has invited to apply for academy Pakistan status and (b) have applied for academy status. [1754] South Korea Saudi Arabia Mr Gibb: The Secretary of State for Education wrote to all schools inviting them to register their interest in Turkey becoming an academy. The letters are available on the UAE Department’s website at: USA http://www.education.gov.uk/academies West Midlands No school in Wigan has yet applied for academy status. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much he expects Building Schools for the Future Programme to be saved consequent on reductions in spending on (a) his Department’s programmes and (b) non- Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for governmental organisations in the West Midlands for Education how much capital funding was allocated to which his Department is responsible made in order to schools in South Thanet constituency in (a) 1997 and contribute to the £100 million reduction in expenditure (b) the latest year for which information is available. set out by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 24 [2688] May 2010. [1449] Mr Gibb: The Department does not keep schools Mr Davey: Estimates of the regional impact of capital allocation data on a constituency level basis. programme savings have not yet been made. £26.6 million was allocated to Kent in the financial year The £100 million saving equates to approximately 1996-97, and £147.9 million is the allocation for the 11% of the overall running costs for the Department financial year 2010-11 in current plans. and we are expecting that saving to be applied across BIS and its partner organisations in all regions. The Class Sizes: Thanet precise allocation of savings to particular organisations is still being decided. Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the teacher-pupil ratio is in each EDUCATION school in South Thanet constituency. [2687] Academies: Wigan Mr Gibb: The following table provides the within Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for school pupil:teacher ratios in publicly funded schools in Education which schools in the metropolitan borough South Thanet constituency in January 2009.

Within-school pupil:teacher ratios in publicly funded schools1, January 2009, Coverage: South Thanet constituency School unique Local authority Establishment reference number number number Pupil:teacher ratio2

Academies The Marlowe Academy 128,340 886 6,906 14.2

Primary schools Bromstone Primary School, Broadstairs 118,534 886 2,603 20.4 Callis Grange Nursery and Infant School 118,406 886 2,329 28.7 Cartwright and Kelsey Church of England Primary 118,745 886 3,351 21.3 School Chilton Primary School 118,530 886 2,596 24.3 Cliftonville Primary School 118,542 886 2,617 20.8 Dame Janet Community Infant School 118,413 886 2,339 20.6 Dame Janet Community Junior School 118,412 886 2,338 20.3 Ellington Infant School 118,414 886 2,340 25.6 Goodnestone Church of England Primary School 118,686 886 3,168 18.0 Newington Community Primary School 135,214 886 3,918 18.4 Newlands Primary School 118,562 886 2,647 21.3 Palm Bay Primary School 118,583 886 2,672 23.9 Preston Primary School 118,401 886 2,322 20.3 Priory Infant School 118,416 886 2,345 22.5 Ramsgate, Christ Church Church of England Junior 118,700 886 3,196 21.4 School Ramsgate, Holy Trinity Church of England Primary 118,751 886 3,364 25.4 School Sandwich Infant School 118,547 886 2,626 20.0 Sandwich Junior School 118,548 886 2,627 21.3 St Ethelbert’s Catholic Primary School 118,764 886 3,722 20.4 St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Broadstairs 131,126 886 3,890 24.7 421W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 422W

Within-school pupil:teacher ratios in publicly funded schools1, January 2009, Coverage: South Thanet constituency School unique Local authority Establishment reference number number number Pupil:teacher ratio2

St Laurence In Thanet Church of England Junior 118,752 886 3,371 25.4 School St Mildred’s Primary Infant School 118,405 886 2,328 25.2 St Peter-In-Thanet CofE Junior School 118,750 886 3,360 24.0 Upton Junior School 118,489 886 2,523 22.9 Wingham Primary School 118,403 886 2,326 22.1 Worth Primary School 118,404 886 2,327 16.3

Constituency primary within School PTR 22.2

Secondary schools Chatham House Grammar School for Boys 118,934 886 5,462 17.5 Clarendon House Grammar School 118,809 886 4,118 15.3 Dane Court Grammar School 118,932 886 5,460 15.1 Ellington School for Girls 118,811 886 4,122 16.4 Sandwich Technology School 118,935 886 5,463 16.9 Sir Roger Manwood’s School 118,900 886 5,428 14.9 St George’s Church of England Foundation School 118,919 886 5,447 15.0 The Charles Dickens School 118,910 886 5,438 18.4 The Hereson School 118,812 886 4,123 16.0

Constituency secondary within School PTR 16.1

Special schools Bradstow School3 101,095 212 7,077 5.1 Laleham Gap School 134,971 886 7,073 6.1 Stone Bay School 119,056 886 7,058 6.9 The Foreland School 119,041 886 7,040 6.2

Constituency special within School PTR 6.1 1 Local authority maintained schools and academies. Special schools exclude non-maintained special schools. 2 The within-school PTR is calculated by dividing the total FTE number of pupils on roll by the total FTE number of qualified teachers regularly employed. 3 Bradstow School, whilst situated geographically in the constituency, is maintained by Wandsworth local authority. Source: School Census.

Departmental Official Hospitality Tim Loughton: Decisions on the funding priorities for the Department for Education including the future John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for scope of the Children, Young People and Families Education what budget his Department has allocated Grant programme from April 2011 are currently still for entertainment, including alcohol, in each of the under consideration. As soon as the Department is in a next three years. [1315] position to provide clarity, we will, of course, make a formal announcement. Michael Gove: The Department does not allocate a budget for the provision of entertainment or alcohol. All expenditure is made in accordance with published Departmental Publications departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in Treasury Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for guidance “Managing Public Money”. Education what (a) documents and (b) other As this is the last year of the spending review period information for which (i) his Department and (ii) its CSR07, the Department does not have an allocated associated public bodies are responsible are published budget for the years 2011-12 and 2012-13. or provided in the UK in languages other than English; for what reason each such publication is required to be Departmental Public Expenditure made available in a language or languages other than English; and what estimate he has made of the cost to Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for the public purse of the translation work so incurred in Education whether the proposed further phase of the the latest period for which figures are available. [1777] Children, Young People and Families Grant Programme to fund work by the third sector to Michael Gove: The information requested cannot be improve educational outcomes will proceed. [2798] supplied without incurring disproportionate cost. 423W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 424W

Education: Finance Mr Gibb: There are no plans to extend free school meal eligibility to include students in further education Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for institutions. Discretionary learner support funds are Education what estimate has been made of the likely available to provide exceptional short-term financial reduction in the number of (a) jobs and (b) specific support for eligible learners aged 16 to 18. This funding projects as a consequence of the reduction in his exists to respond to hardship needs that are preventing Department’s area-based grants to Sheffield city learners from engaging or completing their course. council announced on 10 June 2010. [2661] Free Schools Mr Gibb [holding answer 16 June 2010]: Local Government, like the rest of the public sector is being Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for asked to make a contribution to the £6.2 billion of cross Education what measures are in place to prevent (a) Government savings in 2010-11. This will enable the academy, (b) state and (c) state-funded independent Government to take immediate action to tackle the schools from being (i) operated and (ii) managed by a UK’s unprecedented deficit inherited from the previous. group with a narrow or factional objective. [687] Where revenue grants have been reduced, no local authority will face a reduction of more than 2%. Sheffield will see Mr Gibb: Proprietors of academies and independent a reduction of 1%in their overall funding from Central schools are subject to a vetting process at the initial Government in 2010-11. The Government have also application stage which examines whether they are a fit announced further removal from ring fencing of central and proper person to run a school. This includes an government revenue and capital grants. This gives councils enhanced CRB check and background suitability checks extra flexibility to make decisions about where savings which includes the activities of the organisation/individuals. are found. It is for local authorities to manage the Individuals may be prohibited from taking part in the reduction across all their funding sources to protect management of an independent school on grounds frontline services. This flexibility means that reductions relating to misconduct. in spending could be managed without a reduction in State-funded independent schools will be established jobs or frontline services. as academies, and all proposals to establish such schools will be subject to similar rigorous checks. Generally, the Eleven Plus: Dartford Secretary of State would expect that all proposals will comply with all aspects of the rigorous suitability and Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for vetting tests throughout the application process, including Education how many and what proportion of pupils in due diligence and CRB checks and will reject any proposers each primary school in Dartford constituency passed who advocate violence, intolerance, hatred or whose the 11 plus examination in each of the last five years. ideology runs counter to the UK’s democratic values. [3088] Where there are serious concerns about the quality of leadership and management provided by a governing Mr Gibb: This information is not held centrally. body in maintained schools, local authorities currently have statutory powers to intervene in certain circumstances. Free School Meals These powers can include appointing additional governors to a school or applying to the Secretary of State for Ed Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education permission to replace the governing body with an Interim what plans he has for the funding of universal free Executive Board to lead the changes required in the school meals pilot due to begin in September 2010. school. [1222] Ed Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Mr Gibb: The Secretary of State’s letter to the right how many free schools opening his Department has hon. Member on 7 June, which is now in the Libraries, made budgetary provision for in (a) 2010-11, (b) confirms that we are committed to ensuring that the 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13. [1217] Department does not make unaffordable promises for the future, and that spending is focused on priorities Mr Gibb: Future plans for all education funding that best support the coalition Government’s two primary depends on the spending review which has yet to be educational objectives—raising standards for all and undertaken. These plans will include provision for the narrowing the gap between rich and poor. Having examined introduction of free schools. Details, including numbers, the options in depth, The Secretary of State has decided will be published as part of the spending settlement that we will not be able to proceed with the free school later this year. meal pilots that were due to start in September this year, GCSE nor the extension of free school meals to some primary school children this year. We will continue the existing pilots in Durham, Newham and Wolverhampton so as Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for to assess better the case for increasing eligibility in the Education (1) how many GCSE A*-C grades or future. equivalents obtained by pupils at maintained schools other than academy schools in 2008-09 were for (a) Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for academic GCSEs, (b) applied GCSEs and (c) other Education if he will bring forward proposals to extend qualifications judged to be equivalent to A*-C grade at to students in further education institutions the free GCSE; [2784] school meal scheme available to 16-19 year olds (2) what proportion of GCSE A*-C grades or studying in sixth forms. [3142] equivalent obtained by pupils at academy schools in 425W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 426W

2008-09 was for (a) an academic GCSE, (b) an (4) what proportion of key stage 4 examination applied GCSE and (c) another qualification judged to entries in academy schools in 2008-09 were for (a) be equivalent to an A*-C GCSE; [2785] academic GCSEs, (b) applied GCSEs and (c) other (3) what percentage of key stage 4 examination qualifications judged to be equivalent to A* to C at entries in non-academy maintained schools in 2008-09 grade GCSE. [2795] were for (a) academic GCSEs, (b) applied GCSEs and (c) other qualifications judged to be equivalent to A* Mr Gibb: The information requested is presented in to C grade at GCSE; [2794] the following table:

Entries and A*-C pass volumes of selected GCSE and equivalent qualifications by pupils at the end of key stage 4 in 2008/09 by school type Volume1 and proportion of Volume and proportion of Volume and proportion of entries— academic GCSEs2 entries— applied GCSEs3 entries—other qualifications equivalent to A*-C GCSE4 Volume Percentage Volume Percentage Volume Percentage

Maintained schools other than academy 2,932,390 73 122,361 3 980,232 24 schools—total A*-C passes

Academy schools—total A*-C passes 71,424 49 3,909 3 69,513 48

Maintained schools other than academy 4,411,371 78 219,762 4 992,289 18 schools—total entries5

Academy schools—total entries5 127,160 62 7,549 4 70,237 34 1 Volume is expressed in terms of total GCSE-sized entries—for example a GCSE double award contributes two GCSEs to the overall volume and a short course contributes a half. 2 Academic GCSEs include full, short course and double award GCSEs. 3 Applied GCSEs include single and double awards. 4 Other qualifications equivalent to an A*-C GCSE include level 2 qualifications that contribute to a school’s five A*-C threshold in the Achievement and Attainment Tables such as BTEC/OCR certificates and diplomas, Basic/key/functional skills, Level 2 NVQs and VRQs. GCE/Applied AS levels taken by key stage 4 pupils are also included here. 5 Entries in qualifications at level 1 and below (i.e. those that cannot achieve a pass equivalent to a grade A*-C) are not included in this answer.

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Number of pupils achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent attending maintained schools in Don Valley parliamentary Education what proportion of key stage four 1,2 examination entries in each school which was constituency 2004/05 to 2008/09 subsequently replaced by an academy school was for a Number of pupils achieving 5+ A*-C GCSE, excluding applied GCSEs the last year before Total number of grades at GCSE or the school was replaced by an academy school. [2908] pupils equivalent

Mr Gibb: The requested information can be provided 2005/06 1,412 733 only at disproportionate cost. 2006/07 1,474 877 2007/08 1,429 921 GCSE: Doncaster 2008/09 1,383 943 1 Pupils at the end of key stage 4 Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 Includes pupils attending all maintained schools including academies, Education how many children at schools in (a) Don city technology colleges and special schools located in Don Valley constituency. Valley constituency and (b) Doncaster borough have Source: obtained five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C in each National Pupil Database (Final data) year since 1997. [2742] The number of pupils attending maintained schools Mr Gibb: The number of pupils attending maintained in Doncaster borough achieving five or more GCSEs at schools in Don Valley constituency achieving five or grades A*-C including equivalents in each year since more GCSEs at grades A*-C including equivalents in 1996/97 is given in the following table. each year since 2004/05 is given in the following table. Number of pupils attending maintained schools in Doncaster borough Data for years prior to 2004/05 can only be provided at achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent 1996/97 to a disproportionate cost. Figures showing the percentage 2008/091,2,3 of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C Number of pupils including equivalents for all constituencies between 2004/05 achieving 5+ A*-C Total number of grades at GCSE or and 2008/09 have been placed in the House Libraries. pupils equivalent Number of pupils achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent attending maintained schools in Don Valley parliamentary 1996/97 3,558 1,202 constituency 2004/05 to 2008/091,2 1997/98 3,562 1,213 Number of pupils 1998/99 3,583 1,298 achieving 5+ A*-C 1999/2000 3,570 1,315 Total number of grades at GCSE or 2000/01 3,686 1,471 pupils equivalent 2001/02 3,782 1,496 2004/05 1,412 609 2002/03 3,801 1,529 427W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 428W

Number of pupils attending maintained schools in Doncaster borough Tim Loughton: The information requested is not held achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent 1996/97 to centrally. 2008/091,2,3 Number of pupils Pupils: Disadvantaged achieving 5+ A*-C Total number of grades at GCSE or pupils equivalent Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2003/04 3,780 1,550 Education which (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Hampstead and Kilburn constituency will 2004/05 3,795 1,696 receive the pupil premium; and what amount the 2005/06 3,847 1,998 premium will be in each case. [3620] 2006/07 3,848 2,225 2007/08 3,800 2,408 Mr Gibb: The Government are committed to the 2008/09 3,681 2,658 introduction of a pupil premium for disadvantaged 1 From 1997/98 includes GNVQ equivalences and from 2003/04 other children, and we will bring forward our proposals in equivalences approved for use pre-16. 2 Figures for 2004/05 onwards are based on pupils at the end of key due course. stage 4. Data for previous years are based on pupils aged 15-years-old at the start of the academic year. Pupils: Sikhs 3 Includes pupils attending all maintained schools including academies, city technology colleges and special schools. Includes those schools maintained by Doncaster local authority. Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Education whether he has had discussions with School Achievement and Attainment Tables (final data) Ministerial colleagues on Government policy on the carrying of kirpans in schools; and if he will make a Home Education statement. [2960]

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: The Department is liaising with the Home Education what (a) financial provision and (b) other Office, the Sikh community and the Equality and Human assistance local education authorities are required to Rights Commission on pupils carrying a kirpan in offer to home-educated children and young people for school. We aim to achieve a consensus which will help them to take public examinations. [3623] schools to resolve any doubts they may have about the law and agreed practice. Mr Gibb [holding answer 21 June 2010]: Local authorities are not required to offer any financial or other assistance Schools: Admissions to home-educated children and young people to enable them to take public examinations, although they have John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the discretion to do so. Under current arrangements Education if he will provide assistance to children and home educators take on the full financial responsibility young people who wish to attend schools outside their for educating their children, including the costs of public local authority areas. [1311] examinations. Mr Gibb: For children of compulsory school age Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for whose nearest suitable school is beyond the statutory Education what support local education authorities are walking distances of two miles for pupils below the age required to offer to home-educated children and young of eight and three miles for those aged eight and over, people with special educational needs who (a) have a local authorities are required to make arrangements for statement and (b) do not have a statement. [3624] free transport, regardless of whether the school is in another local authority. Mr Gibb [holding answer 21 June 2010]: Under current legislation local authorities are not required to support Schools: Doncaster home-educated children with special educational needs. Under the Education Act 1996, local authorities have Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for the power to provide support to the parents of home Education (1) how many maintained schools in (a) educated children with special educational needs, whether Don Valley and (b) the Doncaster borough council statemented or not, if they wish to do so. area were rebuilt or refurbished between 1997 and For home-educated children with statements of special 2010; [2747] educational need, local authorities have a duty to assure (2) what plans he has to rebuild and refurbish themselves that the provision being made by the parents secondary schools in (a) Don Valley and (b) the is suitable to the child’s special educational needs. Local Doncaster borough council area. [2748] authorities must also review those statements at least annually to ensure the provision continues to be appropriate. Mr Gibb: Data received from Doncaster council show that in Don Valley between 1997 and 2010, two schools Non-teaching Staff had entirely new school buildings, one school had 80% or more of its floor area refurbished, and seven schools Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education had between 50% and 80% of their floor area refurbished. what estimate he has made of the proportion of lessons In the Borough of Doncaster between 1997 and 2010, that were supervised by unqualified non-teaching staff eight schools had entirely new school buildings, six in the latest year for which figures are available; and if schools had 80% or more of their floor area refurbished, he will make a statement. [3427] and 30 schools had between 50% and 80% of their floor 429W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 430W area refurbished. In addition, some schools had smaller eligible for free school meals, (ii) looked after children scale projects, but the numbers cannot be determined and (iii) have a special educational need. [1214] from the data. The Department is currently reviewing the Building Mr Gibb: These are matters for Ofsted. HM Chief Schools for the Future programme to ensure that we Inspector, Christine Gilbert, has written to the right can build schools more effectively and more cost-efficiently hon. Member and copies of her replies have been placed in the future. in the Libraries. Schools: Standards Secondary Education: Admissions

Ed Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Simon Reevell: To ask the Secretary of State for (1) how many and what proportion of (a) primary and Education how many parents in the Kirklees local (b) secondary schools previously judged outstanding authority area appealed against the decision on their by Ofsted received subsequent inspection ratings of (i) child’s secondary school place in each of the last five outstanding, (ii) good, (iii) satisfactory and (iv) years; how many of those appeals were upheld; and if inadequate in the latest period for which figures are he will make a statement. [2504] available; [1213] (2) what proportion of pupils in (a) primary and (b) Mr Gibb: The available information is shown in the secondary schools rated as outstanding by Ofsted are (i) table.

Appeals by parents against non-admission of their children to local authority maintained secondary schools, 2004/05 to 2008/09, Kirklees local authority Number of appeals1 Number of school admissions September to January Lodged Heard In parent’s favour

2004/05 6,134 492 300 122 2005/06 6,167 420 267 113 2006/07 6,209 383 252 151 2007/08 6,117 440 282 111 2008/09 6,158 409 271 95 1 Some appeals are resolved before they reach a panel hearing (a place at an alternative school is accepted after an appeal has been lodged; the same parent can lodge appeals for more than one school but will not pursue them all). Note: The latest information was published in the Statistical First Release ‘Admissions Appeals for Maintained Primary and Secondary Schools in England, 2008/09’ and can be found at: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000934/index.shtml Source: Admission Appeals Survey and School Census.

Special Educational Needs James Brokenshire: Levels of illegal drug use among adults aged 16 to 59 in England and Wales are measured Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State using the British Crime Survey. The latest figures for for Education what steps the Government plans to take 2008-09 show that: to maintain and strengthen the role of special schools. 10.1% had used an illicit drug in the last year; and [3513] 3.7% of adults had used a Class A drug in the last year. The Smoking, Drinking and Drug use survey provides Sarah Teather: We will reform the school system so measures of drug use among 11 to 15-year-olds in that children with special educational needs and disabilities England. The latest figures for 2008 show that 15% of get the best possible support. We will halt the unnecessary pupils reported taking drugs in the last year. closure of special schools, improve diagnostic assessment for schoolchildren, and remove the bias towards inclusion. Defendant Anonymity: Rape Trials We have introduced legislation to make it possible, for the first time, for special schools to become academies. We are committed to offering special schools the additional 21. Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the freedoms that we are giving mainstream schools. Home Department what discussions she has had with police forces on the implications for them of the Government’s proposals to extend anonymity to defendants in rape trials. [4240] HOME DEPARTMENT Lynne Featherstone: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has had a number of Drugs discussion with her Cabinet colleague, the Secretary of State for Justice. We have made it clear that we will 20. Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State progress out commitment on this subject with the care for the Home Department what recent assessment she it merits. Our consideration of the options will of has made of the level of illegal drug use in England. course include a full examination of any impact on [4239] police investigations. 431W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 432W

CCTV (4) whether her Department has issued guidance to police and local authorities on the use of the ultrasonic 23. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for anti-social behaviour deterrent device, Mosquito. [4092] the Home Department what steps she plans to take to regulate the use of CCTV in public places; and if she Nick Herbert: I have not received any representations will make a statement. [4242] from Mr Stapleton about the Mosquito. I have no plans to investigate the effects of the device. In relation to the James Brokenshire: In our Coalition programme for Council of Europe Report and the issue of guidance, government, as part of our work around safeguarding our stance is that we do not see this as an issue on which civil liberties, we have stated that we will further regulate we should intervene. CCTV. We will bring forward detailed proposals in due We believe that it is for local agencies dealing with course. antisocial behaviour to decide whether or not to use the devices and to use them according to the manufacturer’s Administration: Police Time instructions. The UK Health and Safety Executive has concluded that based on the information and evidence Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for the available, while some short-term subjective effects are Home Department what recent representations she has possible with prolonged exposure, there would appear received on the amount of time spent on administrative to be little likelihood of people exposed to this device tasks by police officers each year. [4241] suffering long term ill health. If citizens wish to complain about use of the devices Nick Herbert: When I have spoken to police officers, they may contact their local environmental health officer. they have asked us to help free them up to do the job There is legislation available which can be used against that they are paid to do. I am committed to returning statutory noise nuisance. To date we know of no such common sense to policing, which means getting officers complaints being made. back onto the streets, dealing with crime. And not sitting behind desks filling out forms, to meet targets. Of course, should evidence be produced that these devices are harmful to hearing or health in the longer Deportation term we would reconsider our position.

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Asylum: Scotland Home Department how many EU citizens have been deported for reasons other than criminal activity in the Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home last 12 months. [4243] Department what arrangements have been made for the transit of asylum seekers in Scotland to Yarl’s Damian Green: The UK Border Agency does not Wood to await deportation; and what assessment she deport EU citizens for reasons other than criminal has made of arrangements for the safety and well-being convictions or proceedings. of the children being transported. [4166] In the last 12 months 14 EU citizens have been removed through the process of administrative removal. Damian Green: The UK Border Agency takes health Anti-Slavery Day and emotional wellbeing of those in its care very seriously; this is particularly true of children who are regrettably detained—with their parents—pending their removal Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home after they refuse to leave the UK voluntarily. A new Department what recent discussions her Department duty was introduced in November 2009, contained in has had on setting the date for an Anti-Slavery Day the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009, under the Anti-Slavery Day Act 2010. [4260] which requires the Agency to protect and promote the welfare of children. The Office of the Children’s Champion, Damian Green: The Government will be bringing which includes professional advisers, is responsible for forward proposals shortly for an Anti-Slavery Day. challenging the Agency to ensure it meets its obligations, Antisocial Behaviour: Crime Prevention and they provide advice and support to those responsible for detention and escorting matters. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Prior to any transfer to Yarl’s Wood, a number of Home Department (1) what representations she has assessments are made to take specific account of the received from Mr Howard Stapleton on the legality of safeguarding and welfare of adults and family members the ultrasonic antisocial behaviour deterrent device, making the journey. These include: Mosquito; and if she will make a statement; [4089] The size of vehicle required to accommodate the whole family (2) if she will ask the Health and Safety Executive to together; investigate the effects of the ultrasonic antisocial The length of the journey to ensure adequate comfort breaks, behaviour deterrent device, Mosquito; [4090] suitable child activity packs, dietary requirements and refreshments; (3) if she will assess the Council of Europe’s report, Appropriate clothing for the weather; Prohibiting the marketing and use of the Mosquito Feeding and changing facilities for babies and any requirement youth dispersal device with regard to her for child safety chairs and booster seats. responsibilities for the prevention of crime; if she will Yarl’s Wood is provided with all health records, welfare bring forward proposals in line with the report’s assessments and care plans, documenting any special recommendations to prohibit the device; and if she will needs or support in place for the family to ensure make a statement; [4091] continuity of care. 433W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 434W

On arrival at the receiving centre all adults and Departmental Manpower children are individually re-assessed by a nurse within two hours and an appointment made for them to see a Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for the GP the following day.In line with the Centre’s safeguarding Home Department how many (a) special advisers and arrangements the children continue to have their welfare (b) press officers are employed by her Department; monitored and assessed on a regular basis by the multi- and at what Civil Service pay grade in each such case. disciplinary team of health care, educational, operational [1258] and other staff, together with the resident senior social worker. Nick Herbert: The Home Office is allocated two special advisers who are appointed in accordance with Children: Abuse article 3(2) of the Civil Service Order in Council 1995 (as amended). Information on the Home Office special Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the advisers was published by my right hon. Friend the Home Department what reports she has received on Prime Minister on 10 June 2010, Official Report, columns the examination of a six-year old child in the adult 32-34WS. sexual assault referral centre in Liverpool on 28 March The total number of press officers is given in the 2010; and if she will make a statement. [4133] table. The total includes those employed to cover core Home Office business, such as counter-terrorism, policing, James Brokenshire [holding answer 24 June 2010]: I crime, passports and immigration policy, as well as the have been provided with briefing on this case. I understand press officers located across the country who cover local agencies are investigating the background to this operational immigration and border security issues. incident. Press officers employed by the Home Office Sexual assault referral centres are highly skilled one-stop Pay grade Full-time equivalent locations where victims of recent sexual assault can receive medical care and counselling quickly and SIO 11.89 empathetically, and which allow for the collection of IO 35 forensic evidence for potential prosecutions. They provide AIO 2 services that are tailored to the needs of victims and Total 48.89 underpinned by principles of dignity, respect and belief. Departmental Official Cars Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010 sets out the PCT role in commissioning sexual assault referral services (SARS) which comply with the standards for Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the paediatric forensic medical services—‘Service Specification Home Department how many Government (a) cars for the Clinical Evaluation of Children and Young and (b) drivers are allocated to Ministers in her People who may have been sexually abused’—published Department. [298] by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2009. Nick Herbert: Under the last Government, five Government cars and five drivers from the Government Car Service were allocated to departmental Ministers. Counter-terrorism: Birmingham The Home Secretary had a car allocated by the Metropolitan Police Service. Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for the The new ministerial code, published on 21 May 2010, Home Department how many CCTV cameras have contains changes that affect ministerial entitlement to been installed in Birmingham, Hall Green constituency travel by Government Car Service. Paragraph 10.13 under Project Champion. [3806] states that: “the number of Ministers with allocated cars and drivers will James Brokenshire: The numbers of both ANPR and be kept to a minimum, taking into account security and other CCTV cameras installed under Project Champion is set relevant considerations. Other Ministers will be entitled to use out in the table: cars from the Government Car Service Pool as needed”. The Department for Transport and its Government Ward ANPR cameras CCTV cameras Car and Despatch Agency are working with Departments Hall Green 2 1 to effect the transition to the new arrangements. Moseley and Kings 18 0 Contracts have been terminated and are due to expire Heath in August. As a result, no Home Office Ministers will be Sparkbrook 33 9 allocated Government cars and drivers from the GCS. The Home Secretary has a vehicle allocated to her by Crime the MPS for security reasons. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Richard Harrington: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Department what the (a) make, (b) model and the Home Department what steps she is taking to (c) place of manufacture is of the car allocated for the maintain public confidence in Government crime use of each Minister in her Department. [1484] statistics. [2880] Nick Herbert: Under the last Government, five Nick Herbert: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer Government cars and five drivers from the Government given on 22 June 2010, Official Report, column 145W. Car Service were allocated to Home Office Ministers. 435W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 436W

The Home Secretary had a car allocated by the The UK Border Agency has an established procedure Metropolitan Police Service. for appeals against a decision to refuse leave to enter the The Prime Minister published the Ministerial Code UK under the immigration rules. on 21 May 2010. Paragraph 10.13 of the code states: “the number of Ministers with allocated cars and drivers will Immigration Controls be kept to a minimum taking into account security and other relevant considerations. Other Ministers will be entitled to use cars from the Government Car Service Pool as needed.” Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans her Department has to Contracts have been terminated and are due to expire meet representatives of the British curry industry to in August. As a result, no Home Office Ministers will discuss the effects of the points-based immigration have allocated Government cars and drivers from the system on recruitment to the industry. [4257] GCS. The Home Secretary has a vehicle allocated to her by the MPS for security reasons. Damian Green: The UK Border Agency works with the Restaurant and Hospitality sector which is represented DNA: Databases on the UK Border Agency’s Employers Taskforce by the British Hospitality Association (BHA). Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the We welcome views on how our proposed limit on Home Department what mechanism she plans to use to economic migration should operate in a way that is fair assess which DNA samples held on the DNA database and practical for users of the system. Representatives in belonging to those who were arrested but not convicted the curry industry can respond via our consultation, of a serious crime should remain on the database after which was launched on 28 June. three years; and what costs are to be taken into account as part of that assessment. [4135] Immigration Tribunals and Appeals Mrs May [holding answer 24 June 2010]: As part of the development of a DNA retention model that provides Richard Harrington: To ask the Secretary of State for the protections of the Scottish model, we are examining the Home Department, what the cost to the Exchequer a range of options before bringing forward detailed of (a) immigration tribunals and appeals and (b) proposals to put in place a system which provides reports compiled by country experts and medical protection to the public while respecting the rights of experts was in the latest period for which figures are those who have been arrested for but not convicted of available. [3274] an offence. Costs will be taken into consideration as part of the Mr Djanogly: I have been asked to reply. policy development process. The Ministry of Justice incurs expenditure in the cost of running the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT), Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the which moved into the two-tier Tribunals Service structure Home Department what evidence she has (a) received on 15 February 2010 to become the First-tier Tribunal and (b) commissioned on the merits of retaining DNA and Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), evidence for (i) three years and (ii) six years. [4136] and for the provision of legal aid. Mrs May [holding answer 24 June 2010]: Ihavenot The running cost of the AIT was £117 million in received any new evidence on the merits of retaining 2009-10. DNA evidence for three and six years. I have asked my The total cost of legal aid for immigration and asylum officials to consider the feasibility of undertaking further for 2009-10 was £90 million. This includes all legal analysis in this area. The Government are committed to advice and representation for immigration and asylum adopting the protections of the Scottish model for the matters. It is not possible to disaggregate from this DNA database and will bring forward its proposals in figure the amounts spent on work before the immigration due course. tribunal from other work such as initial advice. While legal aid providers may commission experts and medical Immigrants: English Language experts to provide reports it is not possible to identify how much was paid as the cost of these reports form Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home part of providers’ overall disbursement. Department whether migrants are to have the right to appeal against the result of an English language test. Internet: Children [4182] David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Damian Green: From autumn 2010, those seeking Home Department what steps are being taken to entry to the UK as the spouse or civil partner, fiancé(e) ensure that children do not have access to age-restricted or proposed civil partner, unmarried partner or same products and material on the internet. [4197] sex partner of a British citizen or someone who is present and settled in the UK will need to provide evidence that they have passed an acceptable English James Brokenshire: The Government believe that those test with one of the UK Border Agency’s approved test selling age-restricted goods should uphold the law on providers. Appeals against individual English language the sale of such items online as they do offline. test results will be a matter for the appeals procedure of The Government will consider whether further action the test provider. is required in due course. 437W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 438W

Methadone Police: Mobile IT

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the Home Department what representations she has the (a) number and (b) proportion of people arrested received on the changes in (a) officer visibility and (b) in each year since 1997 who were methadone users. time taken to complete administrative tasks resulting [3255] from the pilot of mobile information technology devices issued to members of the Hampshire James Brokenshire: The information requested is not constabulary. [3047] collected centrally. Nick Herbert: There have been no representations The arrests collection held by the Home Office does made to the Secretary of State on the changes in (a) not include information on the drug misuse of persons visibility and (b) administrative tasks resulting from arrested. the pilot of mobile information technology devices Nottinghamshire Police issued to members of Hampshire constabulary. In autumn 2009 Hampshire constabulary equipped Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for the more than 300 police officers with mobile information Home Department what assessment she has made of technology devices. Work is ongoing to evaluate the the conclusions of the report by HM Inspectorate of impact mobile data is having on improvements in policing Constabulary into Nottinghamshire Constabulary; and and service to the public. what steps she plans to take to ensure the effectiveness Written Questions: Government Responses of that constabulary. [4143] Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Nick Herbert [holding answer 24 June 2010]: Monitoring Home Department when she plans to answer question and challenging police performance is the responsibility (a) 228, on departmental official vehicles and (b) 392, of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC). on departmental electronic equipment, tabled on Performance in Nottinghamshire Police Authority and 25 May 2010. [3848] Force is currently being monitored and challenged by HMIC to ensure that performance is improved following Nick Herbert: I refer the hon. Member to the answers the publication of the Capability Review in March given on 10 June 2010, Official Report, column 226W 2010. and 22 June 2010, Official Report, column 145W. Zakir Abdul-Karim Naik Police Authorities: Pay Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department for what reason she has prohibited Dr Home Department whether she has made an Zakir Abdul-Karim Naik from entering the UK. [4234] assessment of the level of transparency of the mechanisms by which police authorities publish details Damian Green: The Home Secretary excluded Dr Naik of the remuneration of authority members. [3437] because she considered that his presence in the UK would not be conducive to the public good. A number Nick Herbert [holding answer 21 June 2010]: No. of statements made by Dr Naik justifying terrorism and Police authorities must publish the arrangements they fostering hatred are evidence of his unacceptable behaviour. have in place for the expenses and allowances of their members. Police authorities are to be replaced with directly elected individuals—the Government are CABINET OFFICE determined to ensure that local democratic accountability Average Earnings: Redcar in policing replaces the bureaucratic accountability of the past. Ian Swales: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Police: Administration Office what the most recent estimate is of the number of people in Redcar constituency who earn less than Richard Harrington: To ask the Secretary of State for £7,450 per annum. [4381] the Home Department what recent representations she Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the has received on the amount of time spent by police responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have officers on administrative tasks each year. [4023] asked the authority to reply. Nick Herbert: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated June 2010: given on 22 June 2010, Official Report, column 149W. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question Police: Business Interests asking what the most recent estimate is of the number of people in Redcar constituency who earn less than £7,450 per annum. Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for the (4381) Home Department if she will instruct chief constables Annual levels of earnings are estimated from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), and are provided for all to publish a list of any other employment undertaken employees on adult rates of pay, who have been in the same job by serving police officers in each police force. [3871] for more than a year. The ASHE, carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the Nick Herbert: The decision to publish information of United Kingdom. It is a sample of all employees who are members this kind is a matter for police forces. of pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) schemes. 439W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 440W

ASHE methodology cannot be used to provide estimates of Table 1: Average net annual equivalised household income in Redcar the numbers of employees whose earnings are less than a specific parliamentary constituency, 2004-05 and 2007-081,2,3,4 amount, but can be used to provide an estimate of the percentage £ per year of employees in that category. Unfortunately, because of small Mean income (before housing Mean income (after housing sample sizes, ONS is unable to produce a statistically reliable costs)5 costs)5 estimate for the percentage of employees in Redcar constituency who earn less than £7,450 per annum. 2007-08 20,100 17,500 1 Incomes are presented net of income tax payments, National Insurance contributions and Council tax. 2 Figures rounded to the nearest £100. Ian Swales: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 3 Data for both years are based on the 2010 parliamentary constituency boundaries. Office what the average individual annual income was 4 Data are presented in current prices (unadjusted for the effects of inflation). in Redcar constituency in each of the last five years. 5 Housing costs include rent (gross of housing benefit), water charges, mortgage [4589] interest payments, structural insurance, ground rent and service charges. Source: Office for National Statistics Average Earnings: Yorkshire and the Humber Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Simon Reevell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet asked the Authority to reply. Office what the average income of an individual was in each parliamentary constituency in Yorkshire and the Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated June 2010: Humber in each of the last five years; and if he will As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I make a statement. [4359] have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the average individual annual income was in Redcar constituency in Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the each of the last five years. (4589). responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply. Table 1 shows the estimated average net annual equivalised household income in Redcar parliamentary constituency, both Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated June 2010: before and after housing costs, in 2007/08, the latest year for As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I which data are available and for 2004/05, the year previous to have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question 2007/08 for which data are available. Incomes are presented net of asking what the average income of an individual was in each income tax payments. National Insurance contributions and Council parliamentary constituency in Yorkshire and the Humber in each tax. The incomes are equivalised to take account of each household’s of the last five years (4359). size and composition, in recognition of how these affect their Table 1 shows the estimated average net weekly equivalised standard of living. Data for individuals are not available. household income in each parliamentary constituency in Yorkshire and the Humber, both before and after housing costs, in 2007/08, The estimates provided are based on small area statistics the latest year for which data are available and for 2004/05, the published by the ONS. They are classed as experimental statistics year previous to 2007/08 for which data are available. Incomes are which means they have been developed in accordance with the presented net of income tax payments, National Insurance principles set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice but contributions and Council tax. The incomes are equivalised to have yet to be fully accredited as National Statistics. take account of each household’s size and composition, in recognition These estimates, as with any involving sample surveys, are of how these affect their standard of living. Data for individuals subject to a margin of uncertainty. are not available. The estimates provided are based on small area statistics Table 1: Average net annual equivalised household income in Redcar parliamentary constituency, 2004-05 and 2007-081,2,3,4 published by the ONS. They are classed as experimental statistics which means they have been developed in accordance with the £ per year principles set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice but Mean income (before housing Mean income (after housing have yet to be fully accredited as National Statistics. costs)5 costs)5 These estimates, as with any involving sample surveys, are 2004-05 18,100 16,300 subject to a margin of uncertainty.

Table 1: Average net weekly equivalised household income in the parliamentary constituency areas of Yorkshire and the Humber, 2004-05 and 2007-081, 2, 3, 4 £ per week 2004-05 2007-08 Mean income (before Mean income (after Mean income (before Mean income (after housing costs)5 housing costs)5 housing costs)5 housing costs)5

Barnsley Central 350 310 410 370 Barnsley East 330 290 390 350 Batley and Spen 370 340 400 360 Beverley and Holderness 410 380 460 430 Bradford East 320 290 340 300 Bradford South 360 320 390 340 Bradford West 330 300 360 310 Brigg and Goole 370 340 430 390 Calder Valley 420 380 450 400 Cleethorpes 360 340 420 380 Colne Valley 420 380 450 400 Dewsbury 400 360 430 380 Don Valley 360 340 420 380 Doncaster Central 340 310 400 350 441W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 442W

Table 1: Average net weekly equivalised household income in the parliamentary constituency areas of Yorkshire and the Humber, 2004-05 and 2007-081, 2, 3, 4 £ per week 2004-05 2007-08 Mean income (before Mean income (after Mean income (before Mean income (after housing costs)5 housing costs)5 housing costs)5 housing costs)5

Doncaster North 340 300 390 350 East Yorkshire 370 350 430 390 Elmet and Rothwell 440 400 510 450 Great Grimsby 340 310 380 330 Halifax 370 340 400 360 Haltemprice and Howden 420 390 480 450 Harrogate and Knaresborough 460 430 530 460 Hemsworth 370 330 430 380 Huddersfield 370 320 390 340 Keighley 410 380 450 400 Kingston upon Hull East 340 300 370 330 Kingston upon Hull North 340 290 370 320 Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle 350 320 380 340 Leeds Central 330 270 380 300 Leeds East 350 310 390 340 Leeds North East 450 410 480 420 Leeds North West 440 390 500 410 Leeds West 370 320 410 340 Morley and Outwood 400 360 450 400 Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford 340 310 410 360 Penistone and Stocksbridge 400 360 450 420 Pudsey 440 400 480 440 Richmond (Yorks) 430 390 480 430 Rother Valley 380 340 440 390 Rotherham 330 290 390 340 Scarborough and Whitby 360 340 420 370 Scunthorpe 350 320 410 350 Selby and Ainsty 420 390 480 430 Sheffield Central 370 310 420 340 Sheffield South East 360 320 400 370 Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough 330 280 360 320 Sheffield. Hallam 500 470 560 500 Sheffield, Heeley 350 320 400 360 Shipley 450 420 500 450 Skipton and Ripon 420 390 480 440 Thirsk and Walton 390 370 460 410 Wakefield 380 340 440 380 Wentworth and Dearne 330 300 400 350 York Central 400 360 460 380 York Outer 430 400 510 440 1 Incomes are presented net of income tax payments. national insurance contributions and council tax. 2 Figures rounded to the nearest £10. 3 Data for both years are according to the 2010 parliamentary constituency boundaries, based on data by middle layer super output area. 4 Data are presented in current prices (unadjusted tor the effects of inflation). 5 Housing costs include rent (gross of housing benefit), water charges, mortgage interest payments, structural insurance, ground rent and service charges. Source: Office for National Statistics.

Business: Essex Letter from Stephen Penneck: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning Robert Halfon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet how many businesses employ fewer than 50 people in each local Office how many businesses employ fewer than 50 authority area in ceremonial Essex. [3603] people in each local authority area in the ceremonial Annual statistics on business counts are available from the county of Essex. [3603] ONS release UK Business: Activity, Size and Location at: www.statistics.gov.uk Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the The attached table contains data from 2009 and shows the count responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have of VAT and/or PAYE based enterprises between 0 and 50 employees asked the authority to reply. in each local authority for the County of Essex. 443W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 444W

Count of VAT and/or PAYE based enterprises between 0 and 50 Annual statistics on business counts are available from the employees in each local authority for County of Essex ONS release UK Business: Activity, Size and Location at Number www.statistics.gov.uk. Data are only from 2004 to 2009 and are for the ward areas that cover the new constituency of Witham, by Essex county 52,465 employee size. Basildon 5,360 Count of VAT and/or PAYE based enterprises for the area that covers Braintree 5,945 the new constituency of Witham. Brentwood 3,290 Employee size Castle Point 2,735 0-49 50-249 Chelmsford 6,115 Colchester 6,010 2004 3,475 55 Epping Forest 6,135 2005 3,545 55 Harlow 2,095 2006 3,540 65 Maldon 3,115 2007 3,650 60 Rochford 3,015 2008 3,740 55 Tendring 4,050 2009 3,735 55 Uttlesford 4,600 Citizens’ Advice Bureaux

Business: Witham Richard Fuller: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will bring forward proposals to strengthen Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office the role of citizens advice bureaux as part of the how many small and medium-sized businesses were Government’s programme for a big society. [3510] operating in Witham constituency in each year since 1997. [3753] Mr Hurd: The citizens advice bureaux play a vital role in providing free, impartial and independent advice. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the It would be for the Department for Business, Innovation responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have and Skills to consider any review of the role of citizens asked the Authority to reply. advice bureaux through their responsibility for promoting Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated June 2010: and sponsoring the Citizens Advice Service on behalf of all Government Departments. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question The remuneration for the Chair and members as concerning how many small and medium-sized businesses were agreed by the previous Government are shown in the operating in Witham constituency in each year since 1997. [3753] following table:

Name of NDPB Remuneration for Chair Remuneration for member

Executive NDPBs Capacitybuilders £18,000 pa 1— Commission for the Compact £45,000 pa £257.56 per day

Advisory NDPBs Advisory Committee on Business £0 £0 Appointments Civil Service Appeal Board £390 per day Deputy Chair £370 per day. Other members £190 per day (plus £47.50 preparation fee for each case prepared). Committee on Standards in Public Life £50,000 pa £240 per day House of Lords Appointments Commission £8,000 pa £3,000 pa Main Honours Advisory Committee £0 £0 Office for the Civil Society Advisory Body £12,500 pa £250 per day Security Commission £0 £282 per day Security Vetting Appeals Panel £785 per day Deputy (x 1) £785 per day; Deputy Chair (x 2) unpaid (serving members of judiciary). Senior Salaries Review Body £350 per day £300 per day 1 The latest figures for remuneration of Board members for Capacitybuilders are for 2008-09 and are published in their annual report. This can be found at: www.capacitybuilders.org.uk

Members can claim reasonable travel and subsistence government recruitment processes following publication expenses incurred in the course of the work in line with of the National Audit Office report on Recruiting Civil the appropriate Cabinet Office rules on financial Servants Effectively in February 2009; and if he will expenditure. make a statement. [4340] Civil Servants: Recruitment Mr Maude: The Government are driving down the Dr Pugh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office cost of recruitment across the civil service. In May 2010 what steps he has taken to improve the efficiency of we announced a recruitment freeze, restrictions to 445W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 446W advertising spend on recruitment campaigns and a Remuneration for Remuneration for requirement that all central Government vacancies be Name of NDPB chair member advertised online. Committee on Standards £50,000 per annum £240 per day In addition, the Government are progressing a range in Public Life of initiatives to improve efficiencies in recruitment processes House of Lords £8,000 per annum £3,000 per annum across central Government. The Next Generation HR Appointments programme is designed to standardise processes, and Commission remove cost and time from the recruitment process. Main Honours Advisory £0 £0 Committee Office for the Civil £12,500 per annum £250 per day Community Work Society Advisory Body Security Commission £0 £282 per day Robert Halfon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Security Vetting Appeals £785 per day Deputy (x 1) £785 per Office what arrangements he plans to make for trials of Panel day; Deputy Chair (x 2) unpaid (serving the Government’s new community organisers scheme; members of judiciary) and if he will make a statement. [3990] Senior Salaries Review £350 per day £300 per day Body Mr Hurd: The ‘Communities Organisers’ programme 1 The latest figures for remuneration of board members for Capacitybuilders is currently being developed by the Cabinet Office and are for 2008-09 and are published in their annual report. This can be found at: www.capacitybuilders.org.uk Communities and Local Government. This programme Members can claim reasonable travel and subsistence will train 5,000 Community Organisers over the lifetime expenses incurred in the course of the work in line with of this Parliament. They will act as local catalysts, the appropriate Cabinet Office rules on financial mobilisers and enablers to help galvanise change where expenditure. the local community wants change. There are currently no plans for a trial. Departmental Official Cars Departmental Manpower Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Anderson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many Government (a) cars and (b) drivers Office what his estimate is of the cost to the public are allocated to Ministers in his Department. [287] purse of proposed reductions in numbers of non- frontline staff in his Department and its agencies. [483] Mr Maude: The current interim arrangements for the Cabinet Office are three allocated cars and drivers. The Mr Maude: No cost estimate has been produced at three contracts have been cancelled and are currently this stage. The detailed allocation of the Cabinet Office’s within the cancellation notice period. In addition, Ministers share of the £6 billion savings is still being finalised. may have the use of pool cars. I personally use my bicycle as much as I can. Departmental NDPBs The new Ministerial Code, published on 21 May 2010, contains changes that affect ministerial entitlement Helen Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet to travel by Government car. It states that Office for what non-departmental public bodies his “the number of Ministers with allocated cars and drivers will Department is responsible; what remuneration is given be kept to a minimum, taking into account security and other to (a) the chair and (b) members of each such body; relevant considerations. Other Ministers will be entitled to use and at what rate expenses under each category are paid cars from the Government Car Service Pool as needed.” in respect of the chair and members of each body. The Department for Transport and its Government Car [3303] and Despatch Agency are working with Departments to effect the transition to the new arrangements. Mr Maude: As at 31 May 2010, the Cabinet Office The Ministerial Code, published on 21 May 2010, is was responsible for nine advisory non-departmental available on the Cabinet Office website, and in the public bodies and two executive bodies. Libraries of the House. The remuneration for the chair and members as agreed by the previous government are listed below: Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many Government (a) cars and (b) drivers Remuneration for Remuneration for are allocated to Ministers in the Leader of the House’s Name of NDPB chair member Office. [4547] Executive NDPBs Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I 1— Capacitybuilders £18,000 per annum gave today. Commission for the £45,000 per annum £257.56 per day Compact Departmental Public Expenditure Advisory NDPBs Advisory Committee on £0 £0 Gordon Banks: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Business Appointments Office how many contracts between his Department Civil Service Appeal £390 per day Deputy Chair £370 per and with its suppliers in respect of (a) the Cabinet Board day. Other members Office, (b) the Office of the Leader of the House and £190 per day (plus £47.50 preparation fee (c) the Prime Minister’s Office are under review as a for each case prepared) result of the recently announced reductions in public 447W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 448W expenditure; and what the monetary value is of all such Mr Maude: No front line or other staff have been contracts which are under review. [3651] made redundant and consequently there are no redundancy costs at this time. Mr Maude: The Prime Minister’s Office and the Office of the Leader of the House are integral parts of Departmental Statistics the Cabinet Office. The Efficiency and Reform Group within the Cabinet Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office is leading on the review and re-negotiation of Office what steps his Department takes to ensure that Government contracts across all Government Departments. the statistics it publishes comply with the provisions of The review will identify priority contracts for re-negotiation. the Code of Practice for Official Statistics; and if he will make a statement. [4094] Gordon Banks: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many officials in his Department are working Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office does not currently on renegotiating contracts for the supply of goods and produce any official statistics. services to (a) the Cabinet Office, (b) the Prime Minister’s office, (c) the Deputy Prime Minister’s office and (d) the Office of the Leader of the House as a result of Electoral Register: Greater Manchester recently announced reductions in public spending; what savings are expected to accrue to his Department from Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet such renegotiations; how much expenditure his Department Office what estimate he has made of (a) the size of the will incur on such renegotiations; and when such adult population and (b) the number of persons renegotiations will be completed. [3673] registered to vote resident in the (i) metropolitan borough of Tameside and (ii) metropolitan borough of Mr Maude: The Prime Minister’s Office, the Deputy Stockport. [4659] Prime Minister’s Office and the Office of the Leader of the House are integral parts of the Cabinet Office. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the The Department’s contracts form part of the work responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have on the re-negotiation of Government contracts being asked the authority to reply. led by the Efficiency and Reform Group within the Letter from Stephen Penneck: Cabinet Office, with the support of officials in other As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have Departments. This work is ongoing and the savings that been asked to reply to your question asking what estimate has will accrue have yet to be determined. been made of (a) the size of the adult population and (b) the Information on the numbers of officials engaged in number of persons registered to vote resident in the (i) Metropolitan Borough of Tameside and (ii) Metropolitan Borough of Stockport this exercise and the expenditure that will be incurred is (4659). not readily available and cannot be obtained without The table shows (a) the mid-2009 estimated resident population incurring disproportionate costs. aged 18 and over for the Metropolitan Boroughs of Tameside and Departmental Redundancy Pay Stockport, and (b) the number of people registered to vote in local government elections as at 1 December 2009, resident in Tameside and Stockport. These figures are the latest available. Mr Anderson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet The resident population includes people resident in an area Office what his most recent estimate is of the annual who arc not eligible to vote and the period of eligibility for cost to his Department of redundancy payments for residency used for the mid-year estimated population is different (a) front line and (b) other staff employed by (i) his to that used for the registered local electorate. These factors affect Department and (ii) its agency. [629] the comparability of figures between data sources.

Estimated mid-year population and persons registered to vote, 2009 Metropolitan boroughs Number of people registered to vote 1 December 2009 Resident1 population aged 18+ mid-2009

Stockport 220,112 224,000 Tameside 166,529 167,000 1 Population estimates are rounded to the nearest thousand. Source: Office for National Statistics.

Employment: Witham Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated June 2010: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question how many and what proportion of people in Witham concerning how many and what proportion of people in the area constituency were employed by small and medium- covered by Witham constituency were employed by small and medium-sized enterprises in each year since 1997; and what the sized enterprises in each year since 1997; and what the equivalent figures were nationally in each such year. (3754) equivalent figures were nationally in each such year. [3754] The table shows the number of employees within the size-band 0-10 employees and the number of employees within the size-band 11-200 employees for 1998 to 2008. Figures for 1997 are not Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the available and for Witham figures are only available from 2003 responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have onwards. Figures are only available based on the size of the asked the authority to reply. individual site as opposed to the size of the enterprise. 449W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 450W

Witham Great Britain Small businesses Medium businesses Small businesses Medium businesses (1-10 employees) (11-200 employees) (1-10 employees) (11-200 employees) Proportion Proportion Proportion Proportion of employees of employees of employees of employees Number of for small Number of for medium Number of for small Number of for medium employees sized employees sized employees sized employees sized Period (thousand) businesses (thousand) businesses (thousand) businesses (thousand) businesses

1998 ————5,198 21.5 11.654 48.3 1999 ————5,345 21.7 11,577 47.0 2000 ————5,435 21.7 12,040 48.1 2001 ————5,288 20.9 12,397 49.0 2002 ————5,279 20 8 12,472 49.1 2003 8.6 28.9 16.3 54.7 5,246 20.5 12,548 49.1 2004 8.6 29.3 15.8 53.7 5,271 20.3 12,711 49.1 20051 8.7 29.3 16.9 56.9 5,428 20.6 12,859 48.8 20061 8.8 29.5 16.6 55.7 5,459 20.9 12,536 47.9 2007 9.2 30.4 15.9 52.5 5,518 20.9 12,616 47.7 2008 9.3 30.6 15.8 52.0 5,574 21.0 12.557 47.4 1 Estimates for 2005 and earlier periods are on a different basis to those from 2006 onwards. An assessment of changes in survey methodology suggests that the estimated total number of employees (for GB at the whole economy level) was reduced by around 417 thousand. Direct comparisons of employee estimates over these different periods should therefore be treated with caution. Source: Annual Business Inquiry

Food: Procurement These are not official statistics. All Government Departments, their agencies and Dr Pugh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) were within what plans he has to increase the efficiency of public scope for this exercise. Returns published on the Cabinet sector food procurement. [4344] Office website were those received in time for publication on 18 June. Returns that were not received in time for Mr Maude: Work to increase the efficiency of food publication are still being collated and will be published procurement will be taken forward by the Efficiency in due course. and Reform Group as part of this Government’s This is basic management information that all commitment to centralise the procurement of commodity organizations ought to have available at all times. goods and services across Government. Immigration Government Departments: Manpower Dr Huppert: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the number of Office what estimate he has made of the cost to the non-EU (a) migrants and (b) economic migrants who public purse of his Department’s information-gathering (i) have arrived to live in the UK and (ii) have exercise on non-payroll staff; what the timescale was for emigrated from the UK in each year since 2003. [4609] organisations to respond to requests for information; how many organisations (a) responded and (b) failed Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the to respond to such requests; and whether he plans to responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have publish further such figures on his Department’s website. asked the authority to reply. [4096] Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated June 2010: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Mr Maude: The information gathering exercise on have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question non-payroll staff was a scoping exercise to collate key concerning the number of non-EU (a) migrants and (b) economic management information that already exists without migrants who (i) have arrived to live in the UK and (ii) have additional costs to the public purse. No additional costs emigrated from the UK in each year since 2003. (4609) were incurred by the Cabinet Office as existing resources The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes estimates of were used to co-ordinate the collection. migrants entering and leaving the UK. The attached table provides estimates of long-term migration by non-EU citizens, for all The initial request for information was issued on reasons and where the main reason is work related, for each year Friday 4 June with a return date of close of business on since 2003. These estimates are based on the International Passenger Friday 11 June. A further nine organisations were contacted Survey (IPS). on Monday 14 June and given a deadline of close of These migration estimates cover those entering or leaving the business on Tuesday 15 June. UK with the intention of living in the destination country for The number of separate organisations responding to periods of twelve months or more. They will therefore exclude the exercise in time to be included for publication on those entering or leaving the UK for less than twelve months. Friday 18 June was 320. Details are available on the They cover all reasons and will include all those who state they are travelling for work related reasons although not everyone will Cabinet Office website at: find work. Similarly, those who travel for other purposes may www.cabinet-office.gov.uk subsequently work. 451W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 452W

These estimates are of numbers of moves each year rather than Job Creation: Redcar numbers of people. For instance, an individual could enter in one year, leave just over a year later and then enter again a year after Ian Swales: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet that. They would appear three times in this table. Office how many new jobs were created in Redcar Long-term international migration, estimates from International Passenger constituency in each of the last five years. [4590] Survey: annual data, 2003-08 Non-EU citizenship by main reason for migration (all reasons and work related Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the reasons only) responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have United Kingdom (thousand) asked the authority to reply to the hon. Member. A All reasons All work related copy of their response will be placed in the Library. Relative Relative standard error standard error Job Creation: Yorkshire and the Humber Estimate (%) Estimate (%)

Inflow Simon Reevell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many new jobs were created in each 20031 266 4 85 7 parliamentary constituency in Yorkshire and the 20042 329 5 113 9 Humber in each of the last five years; and if he will 20052 287 4 93 8 make a statement. [4357] 20062 315 4 100 7 20073 283 4 73 7 Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the 20083 278 4 66 8 responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated June 2010: Outflow As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, 1 20031 102 7 63 9 have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking 20042 92 7 65 8 how many new jobs were created in each parliamentary constituency 20052 107 8 74 10 in Yorkshire and the Humber in each of the last five years.(4357) 20062 115 7 79 8 While statistics of new jobs created are not available explicitly, 20073 93 5 63 5 statistics from surveys enable comparisons to be made of net changes in employment from year to year. 20083 110 5 74 6 The Office for National Statistics compiles employment statistics Migration between the UK and the Republic of Ireland is included in IPS for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) following estimates for 2008 but excluded for previous years. 1 For 2003, non-European Union estimates exclude EU15 (Austria, Belgium, International Labour Organisation definitions. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Table 1 attached provides estimates based on people aged 16 Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden). and over, in employment, resident in each parliamentary constituency 2 For 2004 to 2006, non-European Union estimates exclude EU25 (EU15 and in Yorkshire and The Humber. A8 groupings—the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia—plus Malta and Cyprus). Figures are provided for the twelve months ending December 3 From 2007, non-European Union estimates exclude EU27 (EU25 plus Bulgaria 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009. Estimates for the new parliamentary and Romania). constituencies are not currently-available for the twelve months standard error ending December 2007. relative standard error (%) = —————— x 100 estimate As with any survey, results from the APS at small geographical areas are subject to a margin of uncertainty.

Table 1: Number of persons in employment, resident in each parliamentary constituency in Yorkshire and The Humber. Level (thousand) 12 months ending December each year 20091 2008 20072 2006 2005 2004

Parliamentary constituency Barnsley Central 37*** 38 — 37 37 36 Barnsley East 35*** 38 — 39 36 37 Batiey and Spen 49** 53 — 48 50 48 Beverley and Holderness 50** 49 — 55 52 43 Bradford East 43** 50 — 46 46 43 Bradford South 52** 56 — 44 45 47 Bradford West 32*** 30 — 33 38 32 Brigg and Goole 44** 43 — 38 40 40 Calder Valley 48** 52 — 48 47 49 Cleethorpes 40** 42 — 41 43 39 Colne Valley 55** 54 — 50 51 53 Dewsbury 44** 42 — 50 50 46 Don Valley 41** 42 — 44 44 42 Doncaster Central 42** 43 — 44 42 45 Doncaster North 38*** 43 — 39 43 39 East Yorkshire 47** 50 — 43 44 39 Elmet and Rothwell 49** 51 — 58 52 44 Great Grimsby 39*** 39 — 41 39 40 Halifax 44** 45 — 46 46 43 Haltemprice and Howden 40** 38 — 39 38 46 453W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 454W

Table 1: Number of persons in employment, resident in each parliamentary constituency in Yorkshire and The Humber. Level (thousand) 12 months ending December each year 20091 2008 20072 2006 2005 2004

Harrogate and Knaresborough 47** 48 — 56 55 55 Hemsworth 45** 43 — 50 40 42 Huddersfield 37*** 41 — 40 41 40 Keighley 49** 37 — 42 44 40 Kingston upon Hull East 39*** 40 — 39 42 48 Kingston upon Hull North 39*** 37 — 41 40 38 Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle 36*** 36 — 40 37 35 Leeds Central 55** 60 — 52 54 46 Leeds East 45** 43 — 50 35 42 Leeds North East 43** 44 — 56 49 48 Leeds North West 44** 45 — 51 51 40 Leeds West 52** 43 — 41 40 53 Morley and Outwood 56** 58 — 53 50 58 Normanton. Pontefract and Castleford 44** 50 — 47 53 50 Penistone and Stocksbridge 42** 42 — 39 41 47 Pudsey 49** 49 — 38 42 46 Richmond (Yorks) 52** 53 — 48 47 50 Rother Valley 42** 44 — 45 44 46 Rotherham 36*** 35 — 37 39 39 Scarborough and Whitby 41** 46 — 42 44 42 Scunthorpe 35*** 39 — 43 39 41 Selby and Ainsty 44** 50 — 44 45 43 Sheffield Central 42** 40 — 40 40 34 Sheffield South East 48** 42 — 36 38 46 Sheffield. Brightside and Hillsborough 40** 47 — 45 47 39 Sheffield. Hallam 37*** 45 — 44 41 39 Sheffield, Heeley 46** 48 — 40 49 42 Shipley 43** 50 — 52 40 43 Skipton and Ripon 57** 53 — 43 48 46 Thirsk and Malton 47** 44 — 49 50 47 Wakefield 42** 44 — 47 43 43 Wentworth and Dearne 39 41 — 41 44 40 York Central 54** 54 — 49 48 51 York Outer 46** 50 — 53 51 46 1 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as an indication of the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality below. Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5 per cent. we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220 Key Coefficient of Variation (CV) (%) Statistical Robustness *0≤ CV<5 Estimates are considered precise ** 5 ≤ CV <10 Estimates are considered reasonably precise *** 10 ≤ CV <20 Estimates are considered acceptable **** CV ≥ 20 Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes 2 Estimates for the new parliamentary constituencies are not currently available for this period. Source: Annual Population Survey

National School of Government: Finance new businesses in the London borough of Bexley in the last 12 months. [3312] Nick de Bois: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will publish the terms of the National Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the School of Government’s private finance initiative responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have agreements. [3774] asked the authority to reply. Mr Hurd: The National School of Government is a Letter from Stephen Penneck: non-ministerial department which I have responsibility As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, 1 for in Parliament. Consequently, I have asked the chief have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question executive for the National School of Government to concerning what estimate has been made of the number of new assist by writing to you. business start-ups in the London borough of Bexley in the last Letter from Rod Clark: 12 months. [3312] The National School PFl contract with De Vere Venues is Annual statistics on business births, deaths and survival are commercially in confidence. available from the ONS release on Business Demography at: New Businesses: Bexley www.statistics.gov.uk The following table contains the latest statistics available on Mr Evennett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet enterprise births in London borough of Bexley which are for Office what estimate he has made of the number of 2008. 455W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 456W

Count of enterprise births in 2008 for the London borough of Bexley Table 1: Number of families receiving tax credits by region Number (thousand) In-work families with Bexley 810 incomes over £40,000 Families receiving the receiving child tax credit baby element

Special Advisers Remuneration Committee England 495.9 405.6 Leicester 1.5 3.4 Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Leicester West 0.5 1.2 constituency Office (1) which Ministers are members of the Special Advisers Remuneration Committee; [2846] These estimates are based on provisional information (2) on which dates the Special Advisers on families receiving Tax Credits as at April 2010. Further Remuneration Committee has met since 6 May 2010. details about this data can be found in the HMRC [2845] snapshot publication “Child and Working Tax Credits. Geographical Analysis, April 2010”, available at: Mr Maude: The Ministers on the Special Advisers’ http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits-cwtc-geog- Remuneration Committee are the Chief Secretary to stats.htm the Treasury (Chairman), myself, and the Secretary of Departmental Pay State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Members). Information relating to meetings of internal committees Mr Watson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer is not normally disclosed. pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2010, Official Report, column 68W, on departmental manpower, what the Third Sector salary range is of staff employed at each grade in the private office of each Minister in his Department. Pete Wishart: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet [3253] Office what definition of a voluntary and community organisation his Department uses. [3516] Justine Greening: The following table gives detail of the salary range of staff employed at each grade in the Mr Hurd: The Government do not have a strict private offices of Treasury Ministers: definition of a voluntary and community organisation as they are so wide-ranging. However, they include Pay grade Salary range (£) organisations that work for a social or cultural aim and are not primarily for profit. These organisations may AO 18,116 to 21,663 trade as part of their work, employ paid staff or work EO 21,621 to 26,720 with volunteers. HEO/SEO 26,910 to 38,255 Grade 6/7 44,835 to 57,801 SCSI 58,200 to 117,800 Financial Services: Pay TREASURY Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Capital Gains Tax pursuant to the oral statement of 7 June 2010, Official Report, columns 1056-58, on banking reform, what Gordon Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer assessment he has made of the effect of his proposals what discussions he has had on the definition of non- on remuneration practices in the financial services business assets in respect of the application of capital sector; and if he will make a statement. [4161] gains tax; and if he will make a statement. [4705] Mr Hoban: As part of the work being undertaken to Mr Gauke: The Government received a number of reform the financial services sector the Government will representations, including discussions with interested take action to tackle unacceptable bonuses. This will parties, on the Coalition Agreement proposals regarding include the Government looking at structural and non- capital gains tax. It is not the Government’s practice to structural measures to reform the banking system and provide details of all such representations. promote competition. As announced in the Budget we will consult on a remuneration disclosure regime in the Child Tax Credit financial services sector and will explore the costs and benefits of a financial activities tax (FAT) on profits and remuneration, in addition the Government will ask Liz Kendall: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer the FSA to examine further options the forthcoming (1) how many households with annual incomes of over review of its remuneration code. £40,000 are in receipt of child tax credit in (a) England, (b) Leicester and (c) Leicester West Financial Services: Regulation constituency; [4603] (2) how many households are in receipt of the baby Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer element of child tax credit in (a) England, (b) what account his Department and the Bank of Leicester and (c) Leicester West constituency. [4605] England have taken of the recommendations of the Bingham report on the Bank of Credit and Commerce Mr Gauke: The information requested is shown in the International in determining the future role of the following table. Bank in financial regulation. [4173] 457W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 458W

Mr Hoban [holding answer 24 June 2010]: The Treasury Justine Greening: The appointments to the interim has considered a wide range of views in developing the Budget Responsibility Committee (BRC) of the Office Government’s proposals for financial regulation. The for Budget Responsibility (OBR) were undertaken on Treasury will publish a consultation document on these an expedited basis to ensure the OBR could perform its proposals before the summer recess. functions for the emergency Budget. These appointments were made on an interim basis and are not appointments Insurance: Construction to a permanent BRC. Sir Alan Budd, as chair of the interim BRC, will be Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer advising the Chancellor on the arrangements for the what investigations the Financial Services Authority permanent OBR, including on the appointments process. has conducted into the Masterbond warranty scheme operated by the Federation of Master Builders in the Personal Income last 10 years; and if he will publish the conclusions of each such investigation. [3867] Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the Financial Statement of 22 Mr Hoban [holding answer 22 June 2010]: The Financial June 2010, Official Report, columns 166-80, what Services Authority (FSA) is the independent regulator estimate he has made of the percentage change in net for the financial services industry in the UK. I understand income at each level of income distribution as a result that for legal and policy reasons the FSA cannot comment of each proposal for changes to benefits in (a) 2013-14 specifically on action that it may or may not have taken. and (b) 2014-15. [4649] If, following due process, the FSA takes formal disciplinary action against a firm and imposes a sanction, its standard Mr Gauke: This Government are committed to practice is to issue the outcome in a press notice. transparency and, for the first time, have published estimates of the distributional impact of announced tax Members: Correspondence and benefit measures in the Budget document. Estimates of the distributional impact of tax credit Mr Baron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and benefits changes implemented in 2012-13 are set when he expects to reply to the emails of 27 May and 4 out in annex A of the Budget document: June 2010 and to the letter of 8 June 2010 from the http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_annexa.pdf hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay on the Ford As no pre-announced tax credit and benefit changes loan guarantee. [4635] have been modelled, estimates show the impact of this Danny Alexander: I have replied to the hon. Member. Budget measures. “Budget 2010: Data sources” provides a full list of modelled measures: Office for Budget Responsibility http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ junebudget_data_sources.pdf Paul Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Estimates for later years are not available due to what the cost to the public purse has been of establishing greater uncertainty surrounding longer term economic the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR); what forecasts underpinning the modelling. mechanism was used to appoint its staff; where such staff posts were advertised; what qualifications are required Pregnant Women: Grants for each post; what powers the OBR will have to require papers and financial data from (a) his Department and Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (b) other departments; and whether the provisions of what estimate he has made of the number of previously the Freedom of Information Act 2000 will apply to the eligible women who will not be entitled to claim health OBR. [1086] in pregnancy grant under the Government’s proposals in each year to 2014-15. [4662] Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to the hon. Member for Southport (Dr Justine Greening: It is estimated that there are around Pugh) on 3 June, Official Report, column 103W. 750,000 qualifying pregnancies each year, based on National Statistics projections of births. Identifiable costs associated with the interim Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) include the building Public Finance and facilities management costs involved in the establishment of the new office in May 2010 and the Dr Pugh: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer creation of its website. Full details of these costs are not what estimate he has made of the savings to accrue available prior to processing and reporting. from implementation of shared services in Government No staff posts have been advertised and there have in the next two financial years. [3804] been no new staff appointments to the OBR. Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply. The provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 apply to the interim OBR as they do to the There are currently no specific estimates around what Treasury. each Department is likely to save from the implementation of shared services in the next two financial years. Glenda Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer As part of the preparation process for the Spending what steps were taken to ensure that appointments Review this summer, Departments are being challenged made to the Office of Budgetary Regulation were compliant to consider a variety of different ways in which they can with policy on the appointment of women to public deliver services, and we expect this to include the use of bodies. [3708] shared services. 459W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 460W

Public Finance: Redditch Justine Greening: The estimated savings in annually managed expenditure for benefits, tax credits and public Karen Lumley: To ask the Chancellor of the sector pensions each year of the forecast period from Exchequer if he will include in the Budget measures to switching to the consumer price index were published in protect vulnerable and poor people in Redditch. [3973] line 22 of Table 2.1 in Budget 2010. The Government do not currently hold information Mr Gauke: The Budget met its twin aims of tackling on savings beyond the forecast period, which could be the deficit fairly, while supporting those in most need. provided only at disproportionate cost. The Budget announced a package of measures to promote work, tackle welfare dependency and support Taxation: Bingo the most vulnerable. The Budget will have a statistically insignificant impact, on child poverty over the next two Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the years. For example, while child benefit was frozen for Exchequer whether he plans to reduce the level of gross three years, the child element of the child tax credit will profit tax levied on bingo club operators. [3979] be increased by £150 in 2011-12, and a further £60 in 2012-13. These increases will happen above indexation. Justine Greening: The Government keep all taxes Budget announced that the basic state pension will be under review and tax policy is made at the Budget. uprated by a triple guarantee of earnings, prices (CPI) or 2.5%, whichever is highest, from April 2011. However, the Government will increase the basic state pension in Taxation: Gambling April 2011 by at least the equivalent of RPI. To ensure that pensioners on the lowest incomes Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the benefit from the triple guarantee, the standard minimum Exchequer what rate of gross profit tax is paid by (a) income guarantee in pension credit will increase in bingo clubs, (b) high street bookmakers and (c) online April 2011 by the cash rise in a full basic state pension. bingo websites. [4025] At Budget, we also announced a £1,000 cash terms increase in the income tax personal allowance for those Justine Greening: Bingo clubs pay a bingo duty of aged under 65, taking it from £6,475 in 2010-11 to 20% on bingo promotion profits. High street bookmakers £7,475 in 2011-12. It is estimated that this will remove pay a general betting duty of 15% on over the counter 880,000 of the lowest income taxpayers from tax altogether bets. Online bingo websites which are licensed in the and will benefit around 23 million basic rate taxpayers UK pay a remote gaming duty of 15% on gross profits. by up to £170 per year compared to the previous Government’s plans. VAT: Sunscreen Public Sector: Hastings Jo Swinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Amber Rudd: To ask the Chancellor of the what estimate he has made of the cost to the public Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the purse of exempting sun screen products from value level of public sector employment in the borough of added tax. [4420] Hastings; and if he will include that borough in the districts which are to be part of the three-year scheme Mr Gauke: EU agreements do not allow the UK to to exempt businesses from up to £5,000 of class one introduce new zero rates. The Government could not employer national insurance contributions. [4262] apply a zero rate to retail sales of sun protection products. As part of the review of reduced rates in 2004, HMRC Mr Gauke: Information on public sector employment estimated the cost of applying a reduced rate of 5% to using National Accounts definitions is not available at sun protection products at around £20 million a year. borough level. The regional employer National Insurance holiday Welfare Tax Credits for new businesses is targeted at those regional labour markets most reliant on public sector employment. Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Labour markets generally extend much more widely Exchequer pursuant to lines 37 to 45 of table 2.1 of than borough boundaries. For this reason, and for Budget 2010, HC 61, what estimate he has made of the reasons of administrative practicality, eligibility for the number of (a) families and (b) children who will be holiday will be defined by region. less affluent as a result of his proposals to change tax However, all businesses will benefit from increased credits in each year to 2014-15; and what estimate he NICs threshold and cut in corporation tax. has made of the average reduction in tax credits in (i) cash and (ii) real terms in each such year. [4647] Public Sector: Pensions Justine Greening: The information requested is available Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the only at disproportionate cost. Exchequer if he will estimate (a) the savings in each year of the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts This Government are committed to transparency and arising from the adoption of the consumer price index for the first time has published estimates of the distributional as the basis for indexation of public sector pensions impact of announced tax and benefit measures which and (b) such savings in each successive five-year period can be found at: to 2050. [4503] http://www.hm-treasury.gov.Uk/d/junebudget_annexa.pdf 461W Written Answers28 JUNE 2010 Written Answers 462W

Welfare Tax Credits: Midlothian Budget will have no measurable negative impact on child poverty over the next two years. Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Chancellor of the All individuals in the Midlothian constituency currently Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of entitled to tax credits will be affected by the changes to people in Midlothian constituency affected by the both Working and Child Tax Credits, specifically the changes to (a) working tax credits and (b) child tax switch to up-rating by the consumer price index rather credits announced in the Budget Statement on 22 June than the retail price index. 2010. [4322] The latest information on the number of households benefiting from tax credits, by each parliamentary Mr Gauke: To ensure support is better targeted at constituency, is available in the HMRC snapshot publication low-income families with children, the Government will “Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Geographical freeze Child Benefit for three years and recycle the Analyses”, available at: savings into significant increases to the Child Tax Credit. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog- The Child Element of the Child Tax Credit will be stats.htm increased by £150 above indexation in 2011-12 and £60 HMRC do not produce these statistics separately for above indexation in 2012-13. As a result of this, the Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 28 June 2010

Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 545 HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Administration (Police Time)...... 551 Detention (Terrorist Suspects) ...... 548 Administration (Police Time)...... 558 Domestic Violence ...... 547 Asylum Applications...... 554 Drugs...... 545 Asylum Cases (Backlog) ...... 553 Milngavie Waterworks ...... 550 CCTV ...... 555 National DNA Database ...... 555 Community Protection Officers (Nottingham)...... 550 Organised Crime ...... 557 Crime Statistics (North Yorkshire)...... 558 Police (Terms and Conditions)...... 552 Defendant Anonymity (Rape Trials)...... 546 Topical Questions ...... 559 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 28 June 2010

Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE...... 23WS HEALTH...... 30WS Afghanistan: Implications for US Uplift...... 23WS Direct Payments for Health Care ...... 30WS Transfer of Detainees (Afghanistan)...... 23WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 24WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 31WS Diplomatic Missions and International Non-EU Economic Migration Limits ...... 31WS Organisations (Congestion Charge) ...... 29WS Diplomatic Missions (Outstanding National Non- JUSTICE...... 32WS Domestic Rates Bills)...... 29WS Judicial Appointments ...... 32WS Diplomatic Missions/International Organisations (Parking and Traffic Fines) ...... 24WS Serious and Drink Driving Offences PRIME MINISTER ...... 32WS (Diplomatic Immunity)...... 26WS G8 and G20 Summits...... 32WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 28 June 2010

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 358W CABINET OFFICE...... 438W Departmental Official Cars...... 358W Average Earnings: Redcar ...... 438W Average Earnings: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 440W Business: Essex...... 441W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 410W Business: Witham...... 443W Automotive Council...... 410W Citizens’ Advice Bureaux ...... 444W Broadband: Witham ...... 410W Civil Servants: Recruitment ...... 443W Business: Government Assistance...... 411W Community Work ...... 445W Business: Greater London ...... 411W Departmental Manpower...... 445W Companies House: Nantgarw...... 411W Departmental NDPBs...... 445W Competition...... 412W Departmental Official Cars...... 446W Co-operatives and Social Enterprises ...... 412W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 446W Departmental Mobile Phones...... 412W Departmental Redundancy Pay ...... 447W Departmental Recruitment ...... 413W Departmental Statistics...... 448W Dietary Supplements: Channel Islands...... 413W Electoral Register: Greater Manchester ...... 448W East of England Development Agency...... 413W Employment: Witham...... 447W East of England Development Agency: Great Food: Procurement ...... 449W Yarmouth ...... 415W Government Departments: Manpower ...... 449W Education Maintenance Allowance ...... 415W Immigration...... 450W Fossil Fuels: Export Credit Guarantees...... 415W Job Creation: Redcar ...... 452W Higher Education: Finance...... 416W Job Creation: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 452W Higher Education: Hartlepool ...... 416W National School of Government: Finance ...... 453W Local Enterprise Zones: Hastings...... 416W New Businesses: Bexley...... 453W Post Offices...... 417W Special Advisers Remuneration Committee ...... 455W Rolls Royce: Hucknall ...... 417W Third Sector...... 455W Sheffield Forgemasters: Loans...... 417W Summertime...... 417W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 373W UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Affordable Housing...... 373W Organisation ...... 418W Coalfields Regeneration Review...... 373W West Midlands...... 419W Community Development: Hastings ...... 374W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— EDUCATION—continued continued Special Educational Needs...... 429W Community Development: Religion...... 374W Consultants...... 374W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 354W Council Housing: Construction ...... 374W Bio-energy Capital Grant Fund ...... 354W Decentralisation and Localism Bill ...... 375W Carbon Emissions: Housing...... 354W Departmental Voluntary Work ...... 375W Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Development Plans: Blackpool ...... 375W Efficiency Scheme ...... 355W Fairgrounds: Planning...... 376W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 356W Housing: Construction...... 376W Environment: Job Creation ...... 356W Housing: Empty Property ...... 377W Nuclear Power Stations: Construction ...... 356W Housing: Tower Hamlets...... 377W Oil Rigs: Transocean...... 356W Local Government Bill...... 379W Renewable Energy...... 357W Local Government Finance ...... 379W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 380W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Non-domestic Rates: Garages and Petrol Stations . 380W AFFAIRS...... 358W Planning: Minerals...... 380W Agriculture: Environment Protection...... 358W Public Expenditure...... 381W Biodiversity...... 359W Regeneration: Stepney...... 381W Departmental Manpower...... 359W Social Rented Housing: Finance ...... 381W Fisheries: Northern Ireland...... 360W Social Rented Housing: Inspections...... 382W Flood Control...... 360W Social Rented Housing: Standards...... 382W Food: Imports...... 360W Travellers: Caravan Sites ...... 382W Veterinary Services...... 361W Wind Power: Planning Permission ...... 383W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 397W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 368W Bangladesh: Counter-terrorism...... 397W Arts Council England: Finance...... 368W Jamal Elshayyal ...... 398W Arts Council England: Written Questions...... 368W Ascot Festival 2010 ...... 368W HEALTH...... 402W Bingo: Closures...... 368W Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust...... 402W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 369W Carers ...... 403W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 369W Departmental Pay ...... 403W Gambling...... 370W Departmental Standards...... 403W Horse Guards Parade: Flags ...... 371W Drugs: Prisons ...... 403W Museums and Galleries: Finance ...... 371W Drugs: Rehabilitation...... 404W National Lottery: Grants ...... 371W Food: Labelling...... 405W National Museums Liverpool: Finance...... 372W General Practitioners: Bournemouth ...... 405W Health Services: Liverpool ...... 405W DEFENCE...... 366W HIV Infection: Health Services ...... 406W Ammunition ...... 366W Hospitals: Durham ...... 406W Defence Equipment ...... 366W Hospitals: Telephones ...... 408W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 366W King George Hospital Ilford...... 408W European Fighter Aircraft ...... 367W Lipoedema: Health Services...... 408W Mental Health Services: Children ...... 409W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 398W NHS: Pay...... 409W Constituencies...... 398W Prescription Drugs...... 409W Dissolution ...... 398W Voting Rights: Prisoners ...... 399W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 429W Youth Citizenship Commission...... 399W Administration: Police Time ...... 431W Anti-Slavery Day...... 431W EDUCATION...... 419W Antisocial Behaviour: Crime Prevention ...... 431W Academies: Wigan ...... 419W Asylum: Scotland...... 432W Building Schools for the Future Programme ...... 420W CCTV ...... 431W Class Sizes: Thanet...... 420W Children: Abuse ...... 433W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 421W Counter-terrorism: Birmingham ...... 433W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 421W Crime...... 433W Departmental Publications ...... 422W Defendant Anonymity: Rape Trials ...... 430W Education: Finance...... 423W Departmental Manpower...... 434W Eleven Plus: Dartford...... 423W Departmental Official Cars...... 434W Free School Meals...... 423W Deportation ...... 431W Free Schools...... 424W DNA: Databases...... 435W GCSE ...... 424W Drugs...... 429W GCSE: Doncaster ...... 425W Immigrants: English Language ...... 435W Home Education...... 427W Immigration Controls ...... 436W Non-teaching Staff...... 427W Immigration Tribunals and Appeals...... 436W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 428W Internet: Children ...... 436W Pupils: Sikhs ...... 428W Methadone...... 437W Schools: Admissions ...... 428W Nottinghamshire Police...... 437W Schools: Doncaster ...... 428W Police: Administration ...... 437W Schools: Standards...... 429W Police Authorities: Pay ...... 437W Secondary Education: Admissions...... 430W Police: Business Interests...... 437W Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT—continued TREASURY—continued Police: Mobile IT ...... 438W Members: Correspondence ...... 457W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 438W Office for Budget Responsibility ...... 457W Zakir Abdul-Karim Naik...... 438W Personal Income ...... 458W Pregnant Women: Grants...... 458W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 353W Public Finance ...... 458W Motions ...... 353W Public Finance: Redditch ...... 459W Public Sector: Hastings ...... 459W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 395W Public Sector: Pensions ...... 459W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 395W Taxation: Bingo ...... 460W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 396W Taxation: Gambling ...... 460W Developing Countries: Maternity Services ...... 396W VAT: Sunscreen...... 460W UN Agencies...... 397W Welfare Tax Credits...... 460W Welfare Tax Credits: Midlothian...... 461W JUSTICE...... 399W Cardiff Prison ...... 399W WALES...... 353W Defamation...... 400W Companies House...... 353W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 400W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 353W Departmental Translation Services ...... 400W Railways...... 353W Dietary Supplements: Channel Islands ...... 402W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 402W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 383W Carers’ Benefits...... 383W LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 399W Children: Maintenance ...... 384W Members: Travel ...... 399W Departmental Consultants...... 384W Departmental Reviews ...... 385W TRANSPORT ...... 363W Disability Living Allowance...... 385W A5: M1...... 363W Disability Living Allowance: Wythenshawe...... 385W Bus Services: Leeds ...... 363W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 386W Network Rail: Finance...... 363W Future Jobs Fund...... 387W Railways: Construction...... 364W Housing Benefit ...... 388W Railways: Franchises ...... 365W Incapacity Benefit: Bexley...... 389W Roads: Thornton...... 365W Jobcentre Plus: Manpower ...... 389W Thameslink Railway Line...... 365W Pension Credit...... 390W Pregnant Women: Grants...... 390W TREASURY ...... 455W Social Security Benefits...... 391W Capital Gains Tax ...... 455W Social Security Benefits: Disability...... 391W Child Tax Credit ...... 455W State Retirement Pensions...... 393W Departmental Pay ...... 456W State Retirement Pensions: Redcar...... 394W Financial Services: Pay...... 456W State Second Pension ...... 394W Financial Services: Regulation ...... 456W Unemployment Benefits: Peterborough ...... 395W Insurance: Construction...... 457W Vocational Training: Disability ...... 395W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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CONTENTS

Monday 28 June 2010

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 545] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Home Department

G8 and G20 Summits [Col. 565] Statement—(The Prime Minister)

Limits on Non-EU Economic Migration [Col. 585] Statement—(Mrs May)

Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation [Col. 600] Debate (Fourth day) Resolutions agreed to, some on Divisions

Finance [Col. 687] Bill presented, and read the First time

Wheelchair Services [Col. 688] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 23WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 353W] [see index inside back page]