Friday Volume 551 19 October 2012 No. 52

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Friday 19 October 2012

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2012 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 599 19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 600

It is appropriate to mention some of those who have House of Commons campaigned so tirelessly to address the unfairness that my hon. Friend outlined. They include my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr Chope), who chairs Friday 19 October 2012 the all-party group on mobile homes, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole (Annette The House met at half-past Nine o’clock Brooke), who has campaigned vigorously for reform, and the noble Lord Graham of Edmonton, who has championed the cause of park home owners over many PRAYERS years. The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means took A particular feature of the sector is that most residents the Chair as Deputy Speaker (Standing Order No. 3). are elderly and often vulnerable, with approximately 70% being over the age of 70. At present, they face a confusing array of laws and regulations that offer little Mobile Homes Bill or no protection. The existing legislative framework is Second Reading flawed and has many loopholes that enable unscrupulous site owners unfairly to take advantage of residents. 9.35 am Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Does my Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): I beg to move, that hon. Friend also agree that many of these elderly home the Bill be now read a Second time. occupiers came to what was to them an idyllic home in When I was fortunate enough to be drawn fifth in the an attractive setting, often with a very friendly and ballot for private Members’ Bills on 17 May, I immediately helpful owner, but have then seen the site bought by received requests to introduce Bills on many subjects. somebody else who does not understand or co-operate The request to sponsor a Bill on park homes stood out on their problem at all? from the other suggestions for a number of reasons. First, the request came from a wide variety of colleagues Peter Aldous: My right hon. Friend makes a good from both sides of this Chamber and from the other point. Consumer Focus has just produced a report on place. Secondly, based on my experiences in my constituency, park home sites entitled “Living the Dream?”. For I was fully aware that the law on park homes was in many people these homes were a cherished ideal and urgent need of reform and updating. Thirdly, drawing somewhere they could retire to, but their dreams have on experiences in my career as a chartered surveyor, it been shattered and we need to pick up the pieces. was clear that park home owners in many places have Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): I congratulate my been denied the basic right to live peacefully in and hon. Friend on securing the debate and support everything enjoy their own homes, a right that those in most other in his Bill. He has described how the concerns about property sectors with different tenure arrangements park homes relate particularly to coastal areas and to take for granted. the elderly. May I point out that there are two park The sector comprises 0.38% of the country’s housing home sites in my constituency in Northumberland that stock—approximately 160,000 people living in 85,000 are landlocked and that the residents, who are in no way park homes on 2,000 estates. It is the fact that these elderly, are robust, strong and intelligent people? However, numbers are relatively small, not any party political even the fact that they robust, strong and have their full differences, that explains why the sector has been overlooked capacities does not stop them being completely subject for so long and why there has been a lack of progress in to landlords and the problems my right hon. Friend the bringing forward legislation. There is, in fact, a remarkable Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) degree of agreement on all sides that the legislative identified. framework governing park homes is today not fit for purpose. It neither deters unscrupulous site owners nor Peter Aldous: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his provides local authorities with effective powers to monitor intervention. There are some very responsible site owners, and help improve site conditions. but there are also some unscrupulous rogue operators— gangsters, dare I say it?—against whom everyone needs Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): I commend the right protection. my hon. Friend’s proposals to allow the sale of mobile The problem we have identified has been recognised homes to be in the control of the occupier, not the by the Prime Minister, who, in response to a question owner of the site. This will come as a particular relief to from my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Dorset and those people on sites on the Isle of Wight and beyond North Poole (Annette Brooke) during Prime Minister’s that have been sale blocked. People have come over to questions last November, said: the island specifically to block sales of park homes and “There are some extremely good park home owners, who not sites. Most owners set sensible limits, such as restricting only obey the rules but demonstrate responsibility and compassion, parks to over-60s, but does my hon. Friend believe that but there are some who do not. We are committed to providing a protecting the rights of mobile home owners will prevent better deal for park home residents by improving their rights and sale blocking by rogue site owners? increasing protection against bad site owners.”—[Official Report, 9 November 2011; Vol. 535, c. 283.] Peter Aldous: Yes, I do agree, and the Bill seeks to It is in that spirit, and with full Government support, address the concerns that my hon. Friend sets out. His led by the former Housing Minister, my right hon. constituency, like mine, is a coastal constituency, and it Friend the Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant Shapps), is in such areas that this is a particular problem. I am that I present the Bill for Second Reading. In summary, grateful to him for drawing that to my attention. the problem park home owners face is that in recent 601 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 602

[Peter Aldous] Peter Aldous: My hon. Friend makes her point well. A particularly unscrupulous type of site operator has years many sites have been acquired by rogue operators moved into the sector and is making life a misery for an who, in pursuit of obscene windfall profits, exploit the untold number of people. piecemeal regulatory framework to make the lives of Earlier this week, Consumer Focus published its report, many elderly and vulnerable people a misery. “Living the Dream?”, which confirmed the abuses and iniquities taking place in the sector. The conclusions of Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): I congratulate these reports and inquiries are underpinned by the my hon. Friend on getting the Bill to Second Reading experiences and findings of colleagues in this Chamber and hope that we will get it through today—I am sure and in the other place, drawn from what they have been that we will. Many rogue operators have come in and told and what they have seen for themselves. I anticipate bought up sites in idyllic places. In South Derbyshire we that during the course of this debate we will hear some have some very good site operators, but there are also shocking examples—we have heard some already—of some people who have come in more recently who do what some park home owners have had to put up with. not care about the residents and basically want them off the sites. It is a really poor show. The Bill will hopefully The Bill’s objectives are threefold. The first and foremost remedy the situation. objective is to drive out the rogues. Secondly, the Bill aims to ensure that responsible site owners, such as my constituent, David Westgate, who runs the Beach Farm Peter Aldous: My hon. Friend summarises well the park at Pakefield, are not unfairly penalised and burdened situation and the challenge we face. with regulations and so can make a fair return on the The exploitation takes a variety of forms: the deliberate time, effort and financial investment they put into their miscalculation of pitch fee increases and utility charges; properties. poor, or even a complete lack of, site maintenance, as is the case at the Waveney residential park in Beccles in my constituency; and the abuse of the right to approve Rebecca Harris (Castle Point) (Con): Does my hon. new buyers, known as sale blocking, which rogue site Friend agree that this excellent Bill, by driving out the owners often use as a device to buy park homes at rogue operators, will allow the legitimate and responsible knock-down prices before selling them for windfall park owners to have much better businesses, to be much profits. There has even been a case involving terrified more respected and to do much more to improve and home owners being forced to sell their home, which had enhance their sites in future? a market value of £80,000, for £1—a peppercorn. The existing legal framework, which dates back over Peter Aldous: I thank my hon. Friend for her intervention. 50 years, is outdated, does not deter unscrupulous site She summarises the position well. The objective behind owners and does not provide local authorities with the legislation, as she says, is to ensure that the responsible effective powers. Local authorities have a limited ability site owner can move forward and run a sensible business. to revoke licences when site conditions are being breached The Bill’s final objective is to ensure that park home and, indeed, the granting of licences is at present little owners can enjoy their homes without fear of retribution more than a rubber-stamping exercise. Moreover, the or harassment. In drafting the Bill, I have concentrated fines that local authorities can impose to deter operators only on those issues where legislation is needed. It are inadequate, and some site owners will risk the threat contains measures to achieve the following objectives: of small financial sanctions rather than maintain sites reform of the licensing system that applies to park properly. home sites; preventing site owners from blocking residents’ Demands for reform are sometimes made on the sales on the open market, including the misuse of site back of an isolated case, but that is not the situation rules; clarifying the law on harassment and making it an with regard to the Bill. The case is compelling and offence to say something that is untrue to prevent a overwhelming. The Department for Communities and home from being sold; making pitch fees more transparent Local Government carried out a consultation earlier and setting new rules on what should be taken into this year, to which there were over 600 responses, and account in reviews so that fees are fair and accurately the Communities and Local Government Committee reflect the condition of the site; and, finally, should it has carried out a full and comprehensive inquiry and prove necessary, allowing the Secretary of State to come forward with recommendations, many of which introduce a “fit and proper person” registration scheme are included in the Bill. An issue that I found particularly in future. disturbing about that inquiry was that, of the 250 people This Bill has, in many respects, been difficult to who made representations, some asked for their names draft—the devil is very much in the detail—and I am to be withheld as they were scared about possible reprisals. grateful for the support that I have received. There are many points of detail that will need to be addressed in Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con): I congratulate Committee. There also remains other work to do in the my hon. Friend on getting the Bill this far. In gathering sector, including helping park home owners themselves evidence, has he found examples, as other Members to obtain a better understanding of their agreements have, of unscrupulous site owners deliberately using and of their rights and obligations. The fact that at bullying tactics so that people are afraid? I have seen present only 1% of buyers take legal advice when buying that in my constituency again and again over many years. a park home means that they are particularly vulnerable One individual in particular—I dare to name him— when faced with an unscrupulous site owner. The Mr Sines, owns many parks across the country and has Government need to help the legal profession, including engaged in exactly the sort of behaviour my hon. Friend citizens advice bureaux, to improve their understanding has just described, and has done so for over a decade. of the sector and its legislative framework. 603 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 604

In a week when rising energy bills are making the was MP for North East Derbyshire for 18 years. I headlines, it is important to remember that fuel poverty continued the campaign when I took over seven years is a very serious issue on park home sites, which are ago. That shows how long it has been going on and for usually off mains gas and where residents invariably do how long this injustice has been building. not have a contractual relationship with their energy I pay tribute to the hon. Member for Mid Dorset and company. Any proposals that the Government bring North Poole (Annette Brooke), without whom we would forward to address the challenge presented by rising not have got this far. She has campaigned tirelessly, fuel bills need to take account of the particular vulnerability along with her constituent, Sonia McColl, to whom of park home owners. great tribute must also be paid. She has been a lifeline to many people; without her, their lives would have been Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I thank even more miserable than they are today. I thank her my hon. Friend and neighbour for introducing this Bill. very much. I will not steal the hon. Lady’s thunder by There is a statutory instrument in place that restricts the saying any more. amount of extra charges that can be passed on to mobile home owners by the site owner, but only for The right hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant electricity and water and not for liquid petroleum gas, Shapps), who was until recently the Housing Minister, for example. Would he be prepared to consider in and had been since the general election, did a lot to take Committee an amendment to his Bill to change that, the Bill forward and gave great deal of support to those because it is affecting the people who are suffering the of us in the all-party group on mobile homes who have most from fuel poverty in many of our constituencies? been campaigning to make these proposals a reality. I am very grateful for that. Peter Aldous: I thank my hon. Friend and neighbour I will not go into the details of the Bill, because it for that intervention. This is a very serious concern that will, we hope, go into Committee, where it can be does need to be addressed, and we can consider that scrutinised in detail. Instead, I will explain a bit of the point if we get to the Committee stage. The Bill has history of why we have arrived at this point. There are been difficult to draft in terms of its length and succinctness. very good reasons why. It is no surprise given that the I am not sure whether it is the right place to deal with previous legislation on which the sector is based is the matter, but we can consider doing so. called the Mobile Homes Act 1983 and the Caravan Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): Fuel Sites and Control of Development Act 1960. That poverty is a massive problem for park home owners. indicates a complete misunderstanding of the sector. The Bill would place an obligation on the site owner to These units may not be made of bricks and mortar, but be transparent with the fee arrangements. Will my hon. they are people’s homes. They do not move—they are Friend consider extending that to the fees charged for static—and they are homes like everybody else’s. To call energy, perhaps in the way suggested by my hon. Friend them mobile homes or caravans is completely to the Member for Norfolk? This is very important in misunderstand what this is about. Interestingly, a lot of relation to the recommendations in the Consumer Focus people who do live in homes of bricks and mortar have report that my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney joined the campaign because they can see the injustice (Peter Aldous) mentioned, which would enable park of saying that somebody who does not have such a home owners to benefit from the measures that are home should have to live under completely different being introduced by the Department of Energy and rules. It is very important that we support the progress Climate Change through the energy company obligation of the Bill to make sure that they enjoy the same and the green deal, enabling people to improve the privileges as those living in homes of bricks and mortar. insulation of their park homes and to access the best In previous generations, a long time ago, the people tariffs to get them out of fuel poverty. who owned park home sites were decent people who looked after the sites and made them idyllic places to Peter Aldous: I thank my hon. Friend for that live in. Their houses were usually adjacent to the sites. intervention. She has clearly studied the Bill in some They grew up on the sites, and their children grew up on detail and taken on board the issues raised by Consumer them, inherited them, and carried on looking after the Focus. Her point is well merited, and we can certainly people who lived there—all aged 50 or over, and almost consider it if we get to the Committee stage. always a lot older. A couple will downsize their home This Bill is a vital step forward in addressing the and move into one of these fabulous small units to live criminality, abuse and intimidation that has evolved in with like-minded people in small semi-rural communities; this sector in recent years. I thank colleagues for their it is idyllic. Then the husband or wife dies and the encouragement and support, and I hope that the Bill person who is left becomes very frail and vulnerable. can move forward in order to address the injustice that That is where the site owner comes into their own by a vulnerable group of people have had to suffer for too looking after that person. For example, in the past, site long. I commend the Bill to the House. owners charging people who live in the homes for their electricity, water and gas have bought in bulk in order to 9.53 am pass the savings on to them. However, that benefit has Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): I am recently been abused. absolutely delighted to follow the hon. Member for In the snows of last year and the year before, people Waveney (Peter Aldous). I am very pleased that he has often became isolated in their units; they could not chosen this subject for his Bill, and I hope that it will leave their site because it was not well maintained and progress through Second Reading and Committee and the paths had not been cleared. In one case, because then become law. Like many others in this House, I have these people are very elderly and frail, somebody knocked campaigned on the issue for many years, as did my on the site owner’s door and asked him to put some grit predecessor, Harry Barnes—I pay tribute to him—who into the grit bins, saying that they would do the gritting 605 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 606

[Natascha Engel] Sir Alan Beith: When it comes to sale blocking, is not a further problem that the site owner is in often in themselves. The previous owner had always put grit into competition with the mobile home owner and therefore the bins. The site owner said “Grit bins? I didn’t realise does not allow or encourage prominent advertising? we had them”, and took the bins away. Next day, The site owner probably has other units that he would outside his unit, he was selling bags of grit at twice the rather sell to an incomer. market rate. People bought that grit because they had nowhere else to go—they could not leave the site because Natascha Engel: Absolutely; that is another huge they were too old and frail and scared of walking problem and a huge money-spinner. The owners also outside. Instead, they bought the grit at twice the price. buy people’s units at cut-price rates and sell them on for That shows exactly what these site owners can be like. huge profits. The generation of people who used to care for and I wish briefly to touch on the role of local authorities, look after sites passed them on to their children, who which are the licensing authorities. That role is dealt did not want to look after them and sold them. They with in the Bill and needs further scrutiny. One big sold them on to what seems to be a generation of people problem has been that local authorities have had neither who not only do not care but are trying to screw the the capacity nor the ability to enforce the licences on very last penny that they can out of elderly and vulnerable park home sites. Because those sites are isolated, and people. Those people therefore need our protection. because they are run by a group of people who really Because they live in such isolated communities it is know what they are doing—they pass licences around difficult for people who do not live on such sites, and and change site rules—it is difficult to get hold of the have not been there, to see exactly what is happening. problem. Local authorities have a lot on their plate already, so they cannot commit much time to the problem. Mrs Laing: I agree with every word that the hon. The fact that local authorities will be given money to do Lady has said, and she has described exactly what that, through the awarding of fees, represents huge happens on both park home sites in my constituency. progress and will make the Bill enforceable. Does she agree that the reason why the law has not worked up to now is that owners such as those she Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): describes are deliberately getting around the law and The hon. Lady’s comments reflect the problems that my finding a legal loophole to make the lives of park home constituents have experienced, and she is right to say residents a misery, simply for the sake of making money? that this exploitation of the vulnerable and elderly must They are using disgusting bullying tactics to do that, be stopped. Her points are apposite, because the Bill which is why the Bill is so important. Previous Governments needs to be practical so that our constituents can use it have tried to close the loophole and failed, but today we to hold landlords to account. The most important must succeed. aspect of our scrutiny of it will be whether it is useable by the lay person as well as by local authorities and the Natascha Engel: That is absolutely right. The hon. police, so that it can protect vulnerable residents. Lady says that owners are making money, and indeed they are making considerable amounts. I know of a Natascha Engel: That is absolutely right. One big lady whose husband died, and she became frail and problem is that when a bad site owner moves in, residents vulnerable and wanted to move into a home. She put who have been living together in an idyllic community her unit up for sale, and the owner blocked every sale. where everybody knows each other stop talking to each She was an elderly and vulnerable lady, but he used to other. When the lady I mentioned just now told people go round in the middle of the night and rattle the about the owner rattling her windows in the night, they windows. That might not seem to Members the most did not help her. They stopped talking to her, because frightening thing, but a rattling on the windows in the they were worried that the same would happen to them. middle of the night was terrifying for her. The old lady It was a terrible thing to happen. Not only was she phoned the police, but they have better things to do trapped in her home when she wanted to leave, but all than to go round and see somebody who has had their her friends fell by the wayside, although for understandable windows rattled in the middle of the night. That poor reasons. It is important that the Bill advances from a woman ended up absolutely terrified and wanting to do human perspective as well as stopping the criminality anything she could to leave her home. When a letter that is happening. from the site owner popped through her letterbox, I finish by making a point that I will wish to raise in offering her £10 for a unit that was worth £100,000, she Committee—I hope that the hon. Member for Waveney took it and left, and she died very soon afterwards. will look favourably my way when the Committee members Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): The are selected. It is about the definitions of repair, maintenance hon. Lady hits the nail on the head. The economics of and improvement in site rules, which are important to the industry have allowed a criminal class to enter it and every person who lives on one of the eight sites in my exploit vulnerable people who need our protection. The constituency. The owners often do not make basic repairs, Bill will deliver an end to sale blocking, extra transparency but when they do they call them “improvements”. We in pitch fees and protection for the people whom she are worried that they will then charge a fee for them, mentions. which absolutely must not be allowed. We are dealing with a criminal-minded set of people, so we must ensure Natascha Engel: That is absolutely right. Because that the Bill is drafted as tightly as possible so that park home sites are in semi-rural locations, the problem nothing can fall between two stools. has been hidden away and not many people talk about It is important that there is a fit and proper person it. It is therefore really important that the Bill goes test in the Bill. The residential tribunal service has led to forward today. a massive improvement for people who live on park 607 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 608 home sites, but the process takes a very long time and As I have said many times in the House and in requires huge organisation. We need to find a more meetings upstairs, my constituency contains good and flexible system, and I believe that local authorities will bad site owners. It is fair to say, however, that by no be better able to carry out the process. That is a matter means do I see the worst of the situation, and some for the Committee stage. Today we are discussing the might ask what my interest in the subject is. Having principle of allowing the Bill to progress to Committee, talked to park home residents over many years, I could and I hope that it will. I look forward to listening to see that there was a problem and a need to tighten the other Members, but there is no reason for anybody not law. Since becoming an MP and dealing with my post to support the Bill. bag and holding surgeries, I have seen this problem time and again. I have spoken to constituents who are frightened 10.7 am and intimidated, and who just want a bit of peace and quiet to go about their lives like the rest of us. That is Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): It is a pleasure to not too much to ask. follow the hon. Member for North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel), who has worked with many of us on During my short time in the House, many Members the Bill over many years to get us to this day. have asked questions about park home living. Already in this Parliament, questions have been raised with the Like many other Members, I tend to be in my Prime Minister at Prime Minister’s questions, and there constituency on a Friday doing a surgery and numerous have been debates in Westminster Hall and a Backbench other engagements. I therefore often do not have the Business Committee debate in this Chamber. As we pleasure of being present on private Members’ Bill have heard, and will no doubt hear again today, such Fridays, unlike some other Members. In fact, the last debates are peppered with appalling stories of park time I came here on a Friday was to support the Second home residents who are far from living the dream—they Reading of a private Member’s Bill—the Daylight Saving are living a nightmare. The trick is to make those stories Bill—and that somewhat dates it. I remember that I had count, and to get a real response so that we can change to get through an ice storm in Winchester, and I broke the law. My fellow vice-chair of the all-party group, my my paternity leave for my second child—I am still hon. Friend the Member for Mid Dorset and North paying for that. I hope that gives the House and the Poole (Annette Brooke) has done more than most to get promoter of the Bill some indication of the importance us to this point today, and we are incredibly grateful. that I place on it. That is why I am here to speak in support of it today. Hon. Members will hear a lot about the all-party As others have, I congratulate my hon. Friend the group this morning. It is a real working group and I Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous) on his success in remember a meeting at the Department for Communities the ballot and on taking up the cause. It is a complex and Local Government that was held just before Christmas issue, and he has taken to it with his usual gusto. We last year with the former Housing Minister, my right have had many conversations in which we have hon. Friend the Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant communicated to him how we have got this far, and it Shapps), and also attended by the hon. Member for has been good to have him on board. North East Derbyshire, and my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole. We started to see the If I had a pound for every Member who has said to Bill coming together, and it was exciting to see years of me in the two and a half years since I was elected work beginning to go down on the page. Let me recognise that they have a lot of park homes in their constituency, again the work of Consumer Focus in this area. Its I would be a very wealthy man. People sometimes think report, “Living the Dream?”, launched last Tuesday, is that this is a marginal issue that affects a small number of a significant and first-class piece of work, and we people living in coastal areas. Not so. There have been should thank Consumer Focus for it. varying estimates of the park home population, and the Consumer Focus report that has already been mentioned It is a pleasure to support this Bill, which I hope will many times this morning, and will be mentioned many bring to an end years of uncertainty and suffering for times again, states that about 160,000 people in England thousands of mobile home residents across the country. live on just under 2,000 sites. I think that is about right, I do not think it is perfect, and there are issues concerning and it is the most up-to-date figure that we have seen. the timing of some of the provisions and when they will I represent eight sites across Winchester and Chandler’s become a legal reality. It does, however, contain many Ford in Hampshire, and I reckon that in the six and a positive provisions for which we have long campaigned, half years for which I have been in post there, including and I will touch on a couple of those and highlight the the two and a half years since my election, I have experiences of some of my constituents. knocked on pretty much every single door. I soon got a Although many mobile home residents are content pretty good feel for what park home residents are with the condition of their sites, a recent survey by saying, and I found that they—like most of my constituents Consumer Focus found that a quarter of all residents —were not exactly shy in coming forward. reported problems with maintenance, safety or security. Let me be crystal clear: not all park home owners are Those issues often involved badly maintained roads or rogues or difficult people. I have met many in my paths, inadequate street lighting, or problems with residents’ constituency, and elsewhere through the mobile homes private or communal gardens. In some circumstances, all-party group, and most are decent people running the appalling condition of site roads can mean that legitimate businesses and providing genuinely affordable rubbish trucks, and even ambulances, are unable to homes to many of our constituents. Furthermore, park access the site. home residents do not talk to their MP only about park Many park home residents in Winchester have written home issues; they use the health service, schools, and to me about their sites on a range of issues. One experience the benefit system much like all our constituents, constituent wanted to draw poor parking facilities to and we should remember that. my attention, as well as a badly maintained drainage 609 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 610

[Steve Brine] primary legislation to change that, which is another reason the Bill is important—and the resources required system that resulted in water pouring into and flooding are considerable. his garden on an almost daily basis. There was poor The Bill seeks to address those issues in several ways. quality workmanship on parts of his plot and his home Clause 4 amends section 9 of the Caravan Sites and and, to make matters worse, the owner of the site Control of Development Act 1960 by providing that refused to rectify any of those faults, and subjected my where a site owner fails to comply with a licence condition, constituent to verbal abuse and barely concealed threats the local authority may serve a compliance notice on when he dared to complain. It is almost as if we have the owner, outlining the steps that need to be taken to become desensitised to such stories, but they are real meet the licence condition. It is vital that a greater range and should never be underplayed. of enforcement tools are available to local authorities, Another constituent wrote to me outlining serious as that will make it easier for site conditions to be concerns about the upkeep of the site on which he had maintained. We have longed campaigned for that, and it lived for nearly eight years. During that time, no is welcome in the Bill. improvements had been made to the site, which he Clauses 5 and 6 enhance that measure by stating that understandably found pretty frustrating. Perhaps more a site owner who has been served with a compliance worryingly, since the site had been sold to a new owner, notice that has become operative under the proposed conditions had deteriorated further with potholes on new section 9H, is guilty of an offence if they fail to the road becoming an increasing problem. On top of take the steps outlined in the notice within the required that, much of the street lighting was not in working time frame. Both changes provide local authorities with order, making it pretty much pitch black in winter better enforcement powers and will go a long way to evenings. My constituent told me that he no longer felt improving site conditions where necessary. safe taking the dog round the block after dark. One e-mail I received was sent on behalf of many residents Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): My on the site, some of whom, as we have heard, are elderly hon. Friend makes an important point. At the moment, and have no access to e-mail. I was assured that the the only option available to local authorities is that of majority of residents felt the same way, although, as prosecution in the magistrates court. That is costly, the other hon. Members have said, many did not want to maximum sentence is quite low, and that deters enforcement come forward and speak to their MP—that tells a story authorities from taking action and provides an incentive in itself. to the site owner to evade his or her responsibilities. The powers in the Bill are essential if we are to improve Such problems are not minor inconveniences; they enforcement against unscrupulous site owners. have a profoundly negative impact on the quality of life of residents in our constituencies, and that is why this Steve Brine: Absolutely. As usual my hon. Friend hits Bill is important. Surely, as constituency MPs we are the nail on the head. I hope that local authorities will interested in the quality of life of our constituents, and not become litigious organisations as a result of the time and again I have heard that that is being affected Bill, and I like to think that some of the sticks that have for those living on park home sites. That is not good been brandished today will be noted loud and clear enough. across the country. The provisions in the Bill are critical. I welcome the fact that local authorities will be The current licensing arrangements are inadequate allowed to demand expenses when a compliance notice because—perhaps understandably—local authorities often has been served under section 9A of the 1960 Act. It is seem to place greater importance on breaches of licenses crucial that local authorities are able to recover any that pose a risk to the health and safety of the residents, expenses incurred, to ensure there is no disincentive for as opposed to those relating to maintenance that do not them to issue such notices. The provisions in the Bill on the surface appear to pose the same risk. Park home that provide local authorities with the power to carry residents in my constituency frequently mention the out works on a site in certain circumstances are also provision of utility services and, as my hon. Friend the welcome, as that will surely put an end to some of the Member for Waveney said, they are often left with worst cases of neglect. I hope that a message goes out much less consumer protection than individuals living from the House that such actions should be the last in other sorts of homes, owing to the lack of any direct resort for local authorities, and that the new powers will relationship with the provider of gas, electricity or act as sufficient warning to site owners who continue to water. I have been made aware of many examples across ignore their responsibilities. I suspect, however, that I the country where residents pay for electricity through am being naive in that regard, and that is why those the site owner, but that way of operating is obviously clauses are in the Bill. open to abuse and leaves residents with little clarity. That is why, if this Bill gets to Committee, I will support Under the current law, all privately owned sites are calls by some of my colleague to increase the transparency required to be licensed by the local authority. The provisions of the Bill to cover utilities. conditions attached to the licences are designed to ensure that the site is in a suitable state of habitation Under the current law, if conditions attached to the and maintained to a good standard. However, because granting of a licence are breached, the local authority local authorities are currently unable to charge for their has the power to prosecute the site owner only in the licensing role, such functions are often under-resourced. magistrates court, and they are not able to serve notice A Select Committee on Communities and Local requiring works to be undertaken prior to prosecution. Government report published in June found that the Many local authorities are therefore reluctant to prosecute current law is inadequate because it does not provide because the statutory set fines are low—they were set in local authorities with effective powers to monitor or stone in the previous legislation; we would have required improve site conditions. 611 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 612

I welcome the reforms to the licensing system in the The site owner also ensures the correct procedures are followed so Bill. By allowing local authorities to charge fees for the that the rights are properly assigned. Sellers have a vested interest issue or varying of licences on relevant protected sites, in omitting and even misrepresenting the facts and it is not the Bill will greatly enhance the effectiveness of the practical for a purchaser to rely on civil proceedings…once the seller has his money and has left the park (and is often not licensing regime. In doing so, the Bill recognises the traceable)…If the proposals become law, we can foresee a situation importance of creating a self-funding model under which where elderly purchasers will pay large sums, for the ‘home of local authorities are not burdened with the costs of the their dreams’ only to find out, at a later date, that they have been administering the licensing system. An effective licensing cheated by the seller and their rights and responsibilities are not regime hinges on the cost of the licence being adequate as envisaged. Major problems will occur if the purchaser finds to cover an appropriate inspection arrangement. An they are not able to abide by the Park Rules and as a result, could annual licence fee will act as a useful income source for face eviction.” local authorities—as we have heard, they can use it to I can see that site owner’s point, but I take issue with offset the cost of enforcing licensing conditions. By one line, although some might wonder why I have providing better resources to police the system, the fee chosen only one. The line I take issue with is this: will help to raise maintenance standards and ensure “Solicitors are not normally involved when a home is sold.” that the licensing conditions are adhered to more thoroughly. The Bill’s promoter eloquently told us this morning that Although the Bill allows for the annual licensing fee solicitors are involved in only around 1% of park home to be recoverable through pitch fee increases—I recognise sales. That is crazy. Although the Bill does not—and this is controversial—rather than through a new licence legally could not—demand a change, I suggest in the application, park home residents should not be liable strongest terms possible that it must change. Many park for any costs that result from the new requirement for homes sell for hundreds of thousands of pounds. To site operators to pay a site licensing fee annually.Ultimately, make such sales without the involvement of a solicitor the revenue from the sale of park homes—the 10% is a most unwise move, and the park home community commission that owners receive—should provide revenue must face up to that inconvenient truth. to site owners for the licence fee. In an ideal world, the I should like to highlight a couple of cases from my Bill would remove the 10% rule altogether—I have constituency that illustrate the extent to which site argued for many years that the rule is scandal—but it owners are able to take advantage of residents by does not. That is the context. significantly raising pitch fees, year after year. In one Under the current legislation, park home residents case, a constituent who happily accepts that pitch fees who want to sell their home must have the new buyer increase with inflation wrote to me expressing his concern approved by the site owner before any sale can proceed. that his pitch fee was rising by £500 per year, well over The process can occasionally be used by site owners, in the rate of inflation. Another constituent who wrote to effect, to block the sale of a home in an attempt to get me on this issue was careful to point out that he had no the current owner to sell their property back to the problems with the site owner—we have heard that before— owner, which is clearly totally unacceptable—we have but did have concerns about how pitch fees were calculated. heard many examples of that, although I have thus far There is currently little transparency over what expenses not heard of any from my constituency. Park home are covered by the pitch fees or how increases are residents should have the right to sell their home freely calculated. I therefore warmly support clause 11, which and without unfair interference from the site owner. I amends parts of Mobile Homes Act 1983 to require a am therefore very pleased that the Bill includes provisions site owner who serves a pitch fee review notice proposing to remove the requirement. an increase in the pitch fee to provide the resident with A number of constituents and many more park home an accompanying document that meets the requirements owners across the country have written to me because set out in paragraph 25A. That transparency is most they are worried about the bullying or intimidation that welcome. often accompanies such unfair interference. I am an enthusiastic cheerleader for the Government’s energy policy and the green deal, having served in Dr Thérèse Coffey: I might pre-empt my hon. Friend’s Committee on the Energy Act 2011—the green deal is point, but does he agree that we should not raise the one of the best things the Government have done. I expectations of current park home owners, because the asked the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Bill does not apply retrospectively? Could the promoter Change in March 2011 whether park home owners and the Government work to ensure that it is applied would be eligible for the green deal, and the Minister of retrospectively? State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle Steve Brine: The all-party group discussed that point (Gregory Barker) has said: this week, and my hon. Friend will take that up with the “Park homes will be able to apply for the Green Deal as long as promoter of the Bill. I believe I am right in saying that they fulfil the same criteria as other types of eligible buildings.”— the Department’s legal advice says that applying the [Official Report, 25 November 2011; Vol. 536, c. 616W.] measures retrospectively is not possible, which is regrettable. However, it is my understanding—Consumer Focus One site owner from my own constituency wrote to says this in its report this week—that park homes will me this week on the subject of site owners’ involvement not be eligible, because the new green deal assessors will in park home sales. For the record, he said: not be able to carry out their standard assessment “Dear Mr Brine…We have read the details of the proposed procedure, and because park homes are exempt from changes in the Mobile Homes Bill and are most concerned about requiring an energy performance certificate. the change that negates the need for site owner’s approval of purchasers. Solicitors are not normally involved when a home is Green deal finance is also not available to some park sold and the only way a purchaser can obtain correct information homes because, as I have said, owners pay for their on their future rights and responsibilities is from the site owner. utilities through the site owner’s joint electricity Bill. 613 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 614

[Steve Brine] court for the things I have said about him. I am still waiting for the writ, and I look forward to my day in I mentioned that to the Minister earlier, but I urge him court with him. This is a case of consistent threats and speak to his colleagues in the Department of Energy bullying, and attempts are regularly made to carve any and Climate Change and find a way to make the green resident with a problem away from the rest by insinuating deal work for park home owners, because they are to the rest of the tenants that if they raise the issue too, among the most fuel poor in our country and they it will be a black mark against them in terms of their deserve better. relationship with the landlord. For example, the communal Park home owners deserve better across the board. electricity supply to the site has electrical safety standards They deserve better when it comes to buying and that even I, with my modest knowledge of electrical maintaining their homes, and better when it comes to safety, would not approve of. I have asked a friend of enjoying the environment around their homes. They mine, who is qualified in electrical safety and was then a deserve a lot better when selling their homes and, as I local councillor, to drive round the site to have a look. have just said, when it comes to staying warm. In short, He was horrified. We raised the matter with the local park home owners should be able to live the dream like authority, but very little has happened. It is all very well anybody else. The Bill will help. It could be a dream-making having a regulatory structure, but we have to have the Bill in some important respects, which is a great thing. I enforcement that goes with it. urge Members to join me in supporting it. The other practice that is remarkably common is the deliberately wrong interpretation of the law, in particular Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): I the use of Daily Mail-style myths about health and beg to move, That the House sit in private. safety. People are told, “You must do this, on the Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 163), and grounds of health and safety”, when in fact the site has negatived. been inspected by a fire safety officer from the local fire authority. The owner has been given the nod that A, B and C need doing, but that does not amount to an 10.28 am instruction to the tenants. It needs to be clear where the Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): I responsibility lies in such cases. am delighted that the House has voted unanimously The hon. Member for Winchester (Steve Brine) raised that my speech should be given a public airing. I hope I an interesting point about the role of solicitors in the can prove to be worthy of that honour. procurement of mobile homes, and I have spoken to the I congratulate the promoter of the Bill, which I am hon. Member for Waveney about the line we need to delighted to sponsor. I have been dealing with the matter develop on this. Philosophically, we should be trying to for the 20 years I have been in Parliament—I joined in ensure that a park home owner is in the same position 1992, along with your good self, Mr Deputy Speaker. as the owner of a leasehold property. By definition, that The problem affects a wide variety of constituencies. would mean a need to move towards transactions conducted When discussions on it first took place, there was a by legal process. The idea that the involvement of the perception that the problems occurred only in seaside law would be a burden on park home owners and areas, but they occur across the country and there are residents—I think that solicitors are always a burden on many substantial sites in inland areas. There are common people, but that is another matter, with apologies to threads to the problems in all parts of the country. those present who are members of that profession—is wrong, if the issue is dealt with properly, sensitively and There is a substantial number of good park home in a structured way. sites that are run by good owners in partnership with tenants associations. I congratulate the park home owners When the Bill is in Committee, I invite those on the and the National Association of Park Home Residents Treasury Bench to think carefully about drawing parallels on the work that they have done collectively to try to set with rights that exist for leasehold occupants of standards. Unfortunately, the law—and this is the trouble conventionally built homes, because therein lies the key with all law—is made not to deal with the good people to some of the problems that we have faced for many but with the rogues. We come across a number of rogues years. in this area, and some of their behaviour is desperately I realise that many hon. Members wish to speak on poor. We must bring that to an end. To a substantial this important measure, so my final point is about extent, we have done that in the housing sector. There enforcement. There is no point having a regulatory are still rogue landlords in the private rented sector, but structure if it is not accompanied by an effective, but park homes have been a neglected area over the years. appropriate enforcement structure. We need to ensure Despite the sterling efforts of many, including my dear that we create a structure that does not make it impossible friend Lord Graham of Edmonton, who has done so for local authorities or fire authorities to do their work. much to bring this issue to the attention of both Houses, We need not “light touch”, but “right touch”. We do we have not got far enough. I therefore congratulate the not want a heavyweight regulatory structure: we want hon. Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous) on pressing one that works properly in the context. Legitimate this matter. complaints have to be investigated, but frivolous complaints In my constituency, I have the case of a site that is must be sidelined. A proper complaints process will owned through a complex series of companies. I am not work in the interests of individual park home owners as even sure to whom the site fees are paid. If HMRC staff well as the collective group on the site would like to contact me, I will tell them whom they All the evidence suggests that where there is a good should be chasing, because I have a feeling that the tenants’ association on the site, and a landlord who is structure is a neat tax dodge. This is the same chap who acting rationally, a good working relationship can be has sent me letters saying that he is going to take me to achieved, even to the extent that in case of a dispute, 615 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 616 the owners and the landlord jointly invite the local associations. Many parliamentarians have been involved authority to adjudicate in terms of the legal position. over the years, although I can only mention a few today. We have come across this on issues such as spacing of First, of course, I want to congratulate the right hon. homes and transitions when owners move on. On the Member for Welwyn Hatfield for bringing these proposals other side of the coin, some sites still give rise to huge together and the noble Lord Graham for his unstinting concern. support for park home owners over many years. More I again congratulate the hon. Member for Waveney, recently, there has been the truly cross-party work of and I wish his Bill every success. As I have said, those on the all-party group and, in particular, the meetings the Treasury Bench need to look carefully at the Bill in between Ministers and me, my hon. Friend the Member Committee and invite officials to draw as many parallels for Winchester (Steve Brine) and the hon. Member for as possible to give this group of home owners the same North East Derbyshire. This is the very best type of status as owner-occupiers of leasehold properties. legislation, with strong cross-party support. To prove that malpractice is widespread, Consumer Focus carried out independent research to back up the 10.38 am anecdotal material that we all had. This provides some Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): incredible background—this is an evidence-based Bill—and I congratulate the hon. Member for Waveney (Peter makes it clear that we are not dealing with a series of Aldous) on his success in the ballot and, even more, on isolated events, but that the problem goes right across his selection of this issue for his Bill. I am sure that he the whole industry. will go down in history for his wise and splendid choice. I am pleased with the structure of the Bill, although Like the hon. Member for North East Derbyshire (Natascha of course we will have to scrutinise each clause closely Engel), I cannot quite believe that we are today to start in Committee. On licensing reform, local authorities the introduction of much-needed legislation to protect must have the resources to do what I believe most of park home owners, so many of whom are vulnerable them want to do. Consumer Focus reports in its survey and have suffered financial and other forms of abuse that local authorities want more power, so let us give over many years. them the necessary resources. They are on the spot, and I pay tribute to a constituent of mine, Sonia McColl, it is fairly easy for park home owners to go and find a park home owner who set up the national park home someone at their local authority. owners justice campaign, particularly to stop sale blocking, According to Consumer Focus, 25% of people surveyed who deserves to be honoured for her work, persistence reported problems of maintenance, security and safety, and readiness to run a campaign of this magnitude, which is why it is important to have a site licence and especially given that she had to learn on the job. She site licence conditions, to enforce those conditions and reminded me that three years ago this week the first to ensure that the site owner does not carry out vital petition to the Government to stop sale blocking went work but that the local authority is empowered to do it out. Almost 10,000 people signed it before Christmas and recover costs. I agree with the hon. Member for 2009. She has also organised several mass demonstrations Winchester that this should be a last resort, however, in London, and we have organised meetings in the and let us hope that the Bill sends out the message that House so that MPs can hear at first hand the dreadful we need a better and more consistent approach throughout experiences of many park home owners. the industry. I am a little concerned, however, that the Initially, it seemed that the then Minister for Housing, clauses on licensing might not be brought in operation the right hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant before April 2014. That is a long time to wait, if, as I Shapps), was not inclined to introduce new and extra hope, the Bill is enacted in 2013. regulations—after all, the Government initially intended On clause 8, we must thank the Select Committee for to cut regulation—but then came progress, as the evidence its recommendation regarding the “fit and proper person” showed that the industry had been infiltrated by rogues rule, which would not be in the Bill had it not been for and that action needed to be taken for the sake of the the Committee’s important work. It is a clever device to whole industry, as well as for park home owners. have in our back pocket ready to introduce. We have been calling for it for many years. There are reservations— Heather Wheeler: I praise the hon. Lady for her will it work?—but it is excellent that it is now in the Bill. work. I am proud to be a member of the all-party group Clause 9 deals with site rules. It is important that on mobile homes and to have my name on the Bill. park home owners know exactly what the rules are, Does she agree that our work on the Select Committee that the rules are printed in the pitch agreements and on Communities and Local Government, bringing this that the agreements are transparent. We must have issue forward and taking enormous amounts of evidence, certainty. I have come across cases of the age clause in was a turning point that gave the final nudge to get the site rules being very conveniently changed after a purchaser Government to do something? I congratulate my hon. has been turned away for being the wrong age. I suggested Friend the Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous), too. that site rules be lodged with the local authority, so I am pleased that such a provision has been included. One of Annette Brooke: I thank my hon. Friend for that my local authorities requires residents associations to intervention. I will refer specifically to the Committee lodge their constitutions with it, and does not invite later. associations that do not do so to consultative meetings. Sonia has carried out a massive survey, Consumer So there is a precedent. This would get a grip on the Focus has proceeded with an investigation and, latterly, problem of people changing the rules as they go along. the Communities and Local Government Committee Having said that, some park home owners have expressed has conducted an inquiry. Throughout, there has been concern about how the licence fee will be paid, but we enormous support and help from the park home owner will talk about that in greater detail later. 617 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 618

[Annette Brooke] Annette Brooke: I thank the hon. Gentleman; that is absolutely right. We have to move towards co-operation Sale blocking is what first got me involved in this and working together, rather than coercion. However, issue. We had the most appalling incident in my constituency because we have the evidence—all the horrible stories—we where £15,000 was offered for a home that could have have got to act today. Metaphorically, I raise my glass to gone for £150,000 on the open market. The problem is justice for park home owners. widespread. Consumer Focus showed that 28% of residents thought they could not buy or sell their homes freely, 10.51 am and that 10% reported problems of intimidation, violence, Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): I am vandalism and damage to property. delighted to support a Bill that for many of us has been long overdue. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Natascha Engel: Does the hon. Lady accept that, Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous) for securing a stark as those figures are, a lot of people were, worryingly, favourable position in this year’s ballot and on having too frightened to tell Consumer Focus the truth, which the good sense to take on this cause, not only for his means that the figures are an underestimate, rather than constituents, but for all the constituents—the thousands an accurate picture? of people—we represent, many of whom have been suffering for too long as a result of the actions and the Annette Brooke: The hon. Lady is absolutely right. inactions of unscrupulous site owners. This is the tip of the iceberg. I keep referring to the I am delighted to follow my hon. Friend the Member figures, however, because they are evidence—that is for Mid Dorset and North Poole (Annette Brooke). She what is important. We relied on anecdotes for a long and I have been working on this matter since my arrival time, but it got to the point where we were not going to in this place some two and a half years ago. Alongside make progress without evidence. the hon. Member for North East Derbyshire (Natascha We have a two-tier approach to sale blocking comprising Engel), we have, I think, worked together very well as existing agreements and new agreements. We have to part of the all-part group on mobile homes, along with look at that closely. Consumer Focus recommends a my hon. Friend the Member for Winchester (Steve targeted campaign to ensure that prospective and current Brine) and others. However, the real tribute should go park home residents are fully aware of their rights and not only to Sonia McColl, who has rightly been mentioned, obligations. This will be really important. We say that but to all those residents who not only have raised the park home owners do not want to speak out, but we are issue with their Members of Parliament and their councils, not convinced that we have reached the majority of but have come to this place and spoken, very eloquently park home owners. It is especially important that the indeed, about the issues they face. I include in that the home owner provides the purchaser with the regulations. residents of Brook Meadow Park in my constituency, in I agree that citizens advice bureaux need to be more Wroughton, near where I live. They have come to this proactive in making much more information available House on several occasions and have spoken up very to park home owners, and that we need to encourage powerfully indeed about the problems they experience. purchasers to use a solicitor. The right hon. Member for It is sad to note that, in the years since I first became Welwyn Hatfield made a very good contribution when concerned and involved with these issues prior to my he proposed to increase fines. We are now talking about election to Parliament, apart from one or two items of fines of £50,000, which will make a difference, because progress—most notably the transfer of jurisdiction from in one very bad case in my constituency the fine was the county court to the tribunal system last year—progress £1,000, which was just not enough in the overall context. has been altogether somewhat slow. This Bill marks a Other Members have probably, like me, received welcome further stage in the process of recognising the representations from park home site owners who have fact that park homes are not merely goods or chattels to expressed concerns, because there are a lot of unknowns be bought and sold, but are the homes of thousands of for them, with a lot of references to things being covered our residents. We have heard the statistics; we know in regulations. I understand that uncertainty, particularly what the expectations are of people who live in mobile on the part of our good site home owners—like everybody homes. What they want is security, safety and that well else, I have good site owners in my constituency. It is known legal phrase “quiet enjoyment”. It is that principle important that we should have a good dialogue, because which we should adhere to strongly when we consider we want this to be a good industry overall. That means legislation in this area. ensuring that we do not pass bad legislation, and there As a parliamentary candidate, I was particularly are fears that we might do that. We need to reassure concerned with the issue of sale blocking. I am delighted those concerned that we will scrutinise the proposed to see that the various provisions in clause 10 mark a regulations in Committee in the utmost detail, because welcome change in this area. I accept that a distinction we want the Bill to work for everybody. is to be drawn between agreements that are made or assigned after the commencement of the legislation, if Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): I congratulate it is to be enacted, and existing agreements. Hon. Members the hon. Lady on her work. Does she agree that park have already quite rightly raised the issue of whether that home owners/residents associations have an important could be made retrospective. I would urge the Government part to play in having good dialogue with the owners? I and everybody concerned to consider the matter carefully had a problem in getting recognition for a residents when the Bill goes to Committee. At this stage it is right association. It was a great comfort to me to know that just to outline where we are with the provisions. the hon. Lady and her group were batting for everybody For existing agreements, although the right of objection on the issue, which eventually gave me the incentive to by a site owner is not to be removed, there is welcome persevere until we secured that recognition. change. It is important to emphasise that, because the 619 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 620 effect of the new provisions will be to reverse the burden owners. It will give the site owner an incentive to get on of proof. The prospective buyer will no longer have to with the job and ensure that the wrong is righted. The demonstrate their suitability; rather, it will be for the increase in the armoury available to local authorities is site owner to demonstrate, via use of the tribunal, that an essential part of the Bill. the prospective purchaser is unsuitable. That is an important As other Members have pointed out, this Bill is not point to make. The change is one that we should welcome the consequence of a headline or a knee-jerk reaction to warmly, and it is one that will give some comfort to all a single isolated case. It is the product of many months, our residents who have existing agreements. Obviously if not years, of careful evidence-gathering, consideration the position is dramatically different for new agreements, of the technicalities of the existing law, and testimony which is an extremely welcome initiative. from thousands of our constituents whose stories of When it comes to one of the most fundamental issues suffering have not only moved us all, but demonstrated in the campaign waged by residents and others, I am to us the deficiencies of the existing legislation. absolutely delighted that a “fit and proper person” test for licensing is now part of the Bill. That is something Nicola Blackwood: Many of us have spoken of the that we have heard about from residents time and again, vulnerability of park home residents, but we should and I know that they will be as pleased as I am to see also note that their advocacy has been incredibly effective. those words in the Bill. At long last, the Bill gives a They have been not just victims but very effective benchmark against which local authorities can work campaigners for legislation, and they should take some and a benchmark for every site owner to reach. It also credit for the Bill. gives certainty to all residents concerned. That test will go a long way towards resolving some of the abuses that Mr Buckland: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. I have taken place in far too many parks. think that she speaks for us all in expressing admiration The question of enforcement has already been raised. for the fortitude of the constituents whom we have the It is important to note that, sadly, there is often a honour of representing. disconnect between what the statute says and what the The issue of commencement has been mentioned. I powers of local authorities may be, and the economic think that if the Bill is to become law, it should become realities that apply. As I said in an earlier intervention, law towards the end of the current Session. Waiting the sad truth is that for many local authorities the cost until 2014 would mean a lengthy further delay, and I and resource implications of taking on prosecutions are urge Ministers to ensure it comes into force as early as often too high for them to bear. The low penalties that possible in order to alleviate the problems that we are have applied until now are a further disincentive to local discussing. authorities in bringing prosecutions for infringement. Rather than making glib generalisations about what the Bill can do, we should be realistic about what it Guy Opperman: In the past my hon. Friend has, like cannot do. It is important for all of us, as parliamentarians, me, done cases on behalf of residents of park homes to get to grips with the detail, ensure that the Bill’s acting against landlords. Does he agree that, just as provisions are as strong as possible, and use the opportunity there is a need for local authorities to pursue criminal that we have in the current Session to ensure that it is actions, it is manifestly the case that all matters would future-proof, so that we do not have to keep returning be so much easier if, when the original purchase took to tweak it as we have been forced to do with legislation place, there was a solicitor involved? in the past. Today is a good day for residents and an encouraging Mr Buckland: I entirely take on board my hon. Friend’s day for park home owners everywhere, and for that point. This is a plea not for more work for lawyers—I reason I am delighted to commend the Bill to the declare my interest as a lawyer—but for all residents to House. ensure that they are fully and properly advised about their rights in the purchase of park homes, as well as their rights pursuant to any sale of them and their 11.4 am rights when it comes to the enforcement of an existing Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): It is a great licence. pleasure to speak about this Bill, on which I congratulate I know from my own discussions with residents how the hon. Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous). I am frustrated they feel when the local authority says “It sure that we all wish to encourage and support him in will be very difficult for us to do anything, because we driving it towards its Committee stage and, subsequently, do not have enough resources to mount a full prosecution.” the statute book, and to support our constituents, many If, for instance, a private building has become so dilapidated of whom have had to suffer for so long as a result of and dangerous that it poses a health and safety problem inadequate legislation. or a threat to the environment, the local authority can A number of Members have spoken passionately issue an enforcement notice, but it has no power to do about views that they have been expressing for a long so in the case of park homes. The Bill deals with that time, but anyone watching this debate must consider the very effectively. fact that it has taken so long for Parliament to do At long last, local authorities can take advantage of something about the whole business of park homes a further stages before prosecution to enforce licence bit of a mystery. A report produced by Berkeley Hanover agreements. The issuing of a notice will often do the trick. in 2001 stated categorically that the arrangements for It will place the onus on the site owner to make good the sale of pitches could not be described as fair, flexible any dilapidation, or to deal with a problem caused by a or transparent. However, the past is the past. Perhaps, poor access road, a dangerous tree or an item on the site as we heard from the hon. Member for Mid Dorset and that is causing a potential or real nuisance to park home North Poole (Annette Brooke), what was needed was a 621 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 622

[Richard Graham] owners and, in some cases, the blocking of home owners’ improvements. It also includes clarification of licensing champion in the sector—in this instance, her constituent reforms and penalties for eviction or harassment. Sonia McColl and the park home owners justice Anyone listening to this debate or reading the Bill campaign—to mobilise the downtrodden in the park might be forgiven for thinking that park homes are the homes sector, along with a Select Committee to gather last hideout of mediaeval robber barons. However, the evidence and a greater awareness among all of us of the point I make is that previous legislation of 30 years ago issues affecting our own residents. unintentionally incentivised the piratical approach. That Those of us who entered the House in 2010 may have is because an owner can block sales and thereby oblige other points to make. I first visited Woodlands Park, someone to sell their unit at a significant discount to one of two park home sites in my constituency, in about that owner, who can then sell on at a profit or replace 2007. At that stage I had no idea of the number of the unit and make a profit in that way. issues with which residents were having to deal. I suspect that, far too long ago, our predecessors concluded that Natascha Engel: I wish to mention a point that has it was all just too difficult. However, the phrase “Something not been made so far in the debate. There was a good must be done” has resonated throughout the history of reason for giving site owners the ability to block a sale, this Parliament, and it could not be truer of the park which was to avoid people who did not fit in with the homes situation. park coming to the park. The initial legislation was put The champions in the House—many are here today, in place to enable better site practice, but it has been and I salute them all—finally found a Minister who was abused and so, unfortunately, it must be removed. prepared to listen and to take up the cause. I trust that my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth (Brandon Richard Graham: The hon. Lady make a good point, Lewis), whom I warmly welcome to his position on the and it was why I said “unintentionally”. As is so often Front Bench, has picked up the baton and will complete the case with legislation, it is the unintended consequences this race with the same élan with which Usain Bolt that we all have to live with years later. She is right in completed his during the Olympics, what she says, but I think we are all agreed that it is time to change the legislation and ensure that those unintentional For me, this has been a process of education at the consequences are removed. hands of residents in my constituency, and I pay huge tribute to the calm and steady leadership of the Woodlands Like several other hon. Members, I am here on a Park residents association that has been provided for Friday for the first time. I am abandoning Gloucester to many years by Mike Morgan. It was his commitment to come to this important debate on behalf of my constituents focusing entirely on the facts of the situation that in park homes. I am very pleased to do so, because this quickly converted me to the residents’ cause and persuaded is a good, if not a great cause. Above all, what the Bill me to fight for it. I suspect that all Members who are will do is show that democracy does work. Even though present today have had similar champions in their own this has taken a long time, this Parliament, helped by constituencies. this Government, is taking forward legislation to put right historical wrongs and to ensure that everybody I hope that the issue of residents associations will be living in park homes has the same regulatory framework dealt with in Committee. As was pointed out by my as all the rest of us living in other homes. In short, we hon. Friend the Member for Waveney, they have not are seeking to ensure that Cinderella does finally come always been recognised by park home owners, and in to the ball. many cases have been studiously ignored. We need to ensure that they are recognised as an important part of the dialogue between residents and 11.11 am owners. Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): It is a humbling Under the heading “Site maintenance”, the minutes and special moment rising to follow such distinguished of the August meeting of the Woodlands Park residents speakers. If we are here to do anything, it is surely to association note: protect those less able to protect themselves. People in “Residents have constantly complained of street lighting being park homes have found themselves in that situation out of action for six weeks or more”. through a variety of means and statutes that have been passed down the years. I should record at the outset It is one thing for street lighting to be out of action for that, of course, some very good park owners provide a six weeks or more in August, or even September, but it perfectly good service and are in no way to blame for is quite another thing in December or January. The way the problems caused by the miscreants, who have created in which the Bill deals with site improvements, how they the disasters that we have all heard about, either as will be tackled and how owners’ obligations can be constituency MPs or as lawyers—the joyous profession made clear will be of practical relevance to many of our of my hon. Friend the Member for South Swindon constituents. (Mr Buckland). When the two of us were at the Bar we The Bill covers issues that have been discussed in the had to represent individuals who owned park homes House, in the all-party group and in the Select Committee and were attempting to litigate, with diminished funds a number of times. It is the third change in the law since and diminished ability, at an age when no person should the coalition Government came to power, following the be in a court. I do not refer to my hon. Friend there; I introduction in February 2011 of new rights for residents refer to the individuals whom I had to look after and in disputes and the introduction of statutory security guide through a litigious process that no 70, 75, 80 or provisions two months later. This Bill will go further by 85-year-old should have to undertake. Their being in tackling the routine blocking of residents’ sales by site that position is manifestly wrong. 623 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 624

I am humbled to follow such distinguished speakers. I of one, but I must add the sad reality of a conveyance confess that I have never spoken in a private Member’s into that context. It is madness that so little legal advice Bill debate before. The reason I am speaking almost last is given to park home residents when they purchase in this debate is that I speak far too often in the House. their property. I assure the House, before I am said to be [HON.MEMBERS: “No.”] You have not heard all of my trying to cite the benefit of employing lawyers, that I do speech yet! I follow the coastal king of Waveney, my not practise as a lawyer in any way and have not done so hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous), since May 2010. In addition, I must say that I would not who has ploughed forth his ship from Waveney down to be any use when it comes to a conveyance. Conveyances Westminster to create a new law that will, for the first are specialised and specific things. My hon. Friend the time, protect park home residents—and that is not the Member for South Swindon, the Lloyd George of Llanelli, only wonderful thing. What is also wonderful about would be wonderful at many aspects of the law, but today is that the House has had the chance to be united. would be utterly useless on conveyances. We are not It was a pleasure to hear the speech made by the hon. pitching for work. I am urging that individual park Member for North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel). home residents should not purchase a property without Normally we all go to the Backbench Business Committee spending £500 on legal advice to get their conveyance to prostrate ourselves at her feet with a view to obtaining right. Failing to do so is manifestly wrong. One would the opportunity to debate matters in the House. So it not make an investment of £50,000 or £100,000 without was good to see her on her feet making the case eloquently taking a modicum of advice, as to do so is short-sighted on behalf of not only her constituents, but her predecessor, in the extreme and patently wrong. If people from park who so ably served the cause of park home residents in home residents associations read the Hansard record of her area. this debate, I urge them to take that point and give it as I do not, in any way, diminish the contributions that advice on every occasion. we heard from my hon. Friends the Members for That point is also relevant for site owners. Individual Winchester (Steve Brine) and for Gloucester (Richard site owners do not start with the predisposition, “I want Graham). I also wish particularly to pray in aid the to cause problems. I want to have disputes with my hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole (Annette residents.” There may be isolated examples of site owners Brooke), who, long before the good residents of Hexham who do take that approach, just as isolated individuals decided in 2010 that they would like me to represent set out to commit crime, but most of the time these them—to my surprise and, I suspect, to theirs—was situations develop. They arise because of a breakdown ploughing a strong furrow on behalf of this cause, and in relations or because they cannot keep the agreements she must be given due credit. going on. It is surely in the site owners’ interests for It is worth bearing in mind the number of people we legal advice to be given and taken. I urge the site are talking about, because the context is fascinating. owners, who have just as much to gain as the individual Individual constituents would come to us with particular purchasers, to consider that. problems and we would raise them, and Governments It ill behoves me to cite the various problems, as I would often step in and change the law to help individuals have been in the Chamber for nearly an hour and a half on a large scale. The paucity of the numbers has been and listened to repeated examples of problems in yesteryear. part of the problem here, and it has stopped Governments I am grateful to my constituent Mr John Stafford, who necessarily getting involved. In reality, however, we lives at 5 Pinewood Grove in Yontthe Cleugh in Coanwood, are talking about approximately two parliamentary for describing the difficulties that his park home has constituencies—there are about 85,000 park homes suffered down the years. He cites the usual litany of involving between 100,000 and 150,000 people. problems with the water and electricity supplies, street lighting, field drainage, road surfaces and power cuts—and, Richard Graham: Another way of looking at those of course, a problem that particularly concerns us in the living in park homes is to say that they are equivalent to north-east, which is liquefied petroleum gas. the entire Regular and Territorial Army. The provision of LPG for park homes is an utter scandal. LPG is effectively the only power provision in Guy Opperman: Interestingly, we spend so much of this country that is unregulated; all other power providers, our time looking after the Army and attempting to including those in oil and gas, are regulated. The House champion its cause, whereas park homes have, to a has debated heating oil on many occasions and those certain extent, been a less strong element in this House’s who have heard me speak about fuel poverty will know consideration. Individual champions have changed that that I consider the heating oil market manifestly to be and have brought the matter to people’s attention and broken and there is a particular problem with LPG. to the attention of the House. I give due credit to all the Individual canisters of LPG are available only from individual local champions, both those who have been certain providers and in Northumberland, we have only cited by hon. Members today and those who have gone two providers for the whole area, so the competition is to their MP in other circumstances. They should all be limited at best. In the more rural areas of Northumberland, welcomed and supported. The point is that a small there is a single provider, which does the best job it can. section of a society of well over 60 million people is We must bear it in mind, however, that the LPG canister particularly disadvantaged by the current legislation, is sold by that single provider, which has not a whit of and that is manifestly wrong. So today is a historic day, competition, to the site owner, who can charge property as the Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member owners whatever he or she wishes. for Waveney will come to fruition. Countrywide—I stress that this is not the case in the I urge hon. Members not to judge a book by its cover: two Northumberland properties that I represent—there park homes are superficially very attractive and we can are plenty of examples of the provision of LPG being see why so many people would wish to enjoy the benefits an utter scandal. Mark-ups are unbelievably large—well 625 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 626

[Guy Opperman] are prepared to speak up on the matter. As well as hearing from your county of Lancashire, Mr Deputy over 100%—and unless they are paid, the elderly residents, Speaker, we have heard from Members from Derbyshire, who are struggling pensioners, are deprived of all power Gloucestershire and Cheshire. The hon. Member and heating. That is manifestly wrong. When the Bill is for Birmingham, Erdington (Jack Dromey) is from in Committee, I urge my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham—perhaps I should say Warwickshire, or Waveney to consider LPG and how it is provided and to his part of Birmingham might be in Worcestershire. I see whether he can address the problem in any way. I am not sure. We have heard from Members who represent urge him to take on board the points made by my hon. Suffolk, Dorset, Hampshire, Cornwall, Essex, Wiltshire, Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey), Northumberland, Kent, Oxfordshire, Somerset—or as who is from Suffolk, not from Norfolk, as was cruelly that Member would say, Somersetshire—Middlesex, suggested earlier. I thought that she was having mild Pembrokeshire and, of course, Staffordshire. This is a palpitations until she realised that it was an error, and problem across the country not just, as Members have that her constituency had not morphed into Norfolk in said, in coastal constituencies. Stafford is about as far the boundary review. Lord knows, I blame—no, I will from any coast as one could possibly get and we have not go there. this problem. Park home residents will be in a better state as we go Before coming to this place I was not aware of the forward. The journey has been long for the individuals problems that we have discussed today, but my constituents with difficulties, but there is great potential. I go to the have brought them to my attention time and time again. park at Blenkinsopp, where a wonderful 14th century I pay tribute to my office manager in Stafford, James castle is set high on the hill overlooking the River Tyne Cantrill, for his tireless work on behalf of those constituents between Haltwhistle and Hexham. It was set up by that in trying to resolve some of their problems. famous Frenchmen Bryan de Blenkinsopp, whose family Members have mentioned that the Bill results from came over in the Norman invasion. If hon. Members evidence, which is vital. The problems it seeks to correct will indulge me, I will give them a little history tour. It are real and affect people daily. I do not want to detain was Bryan de Blenkinsopp who set up the latest castle Members for long, but I want to go over three of the in the 14th century and at a feast, he was teased about problems that have been brought to my attention by my his marriage plans but replied, “Never, never shall I constituents, including examples from other constituencies. marry, until I meet with a lady possessed with a chest of The first problem is with the ability to do emergency gold heavier than 10 of my strongest men can carry.” works when required. A council officer in my constituency Sure enough, a lady returned with 12 strong men carrying brought to my attention an incident that had happened a very large chest of gold. It has never been found and elsewhere, when they were in a previous post. A water the park homes still reside on that site today. Bryan main had burst and continued to gush for days on end, obviously passed away long ago and is no longer with if not weeks, without any action being taken, depriving us. It is still an idyllic spot and when I take individuals residents of their water. The council was unable to gain around there, they say, “This is where we want to live.” access or to do any work and, in the end, had to resort The site has a very good owner, but there is no legislation to bringing water to the residents who were without it. to provide the protection that those individuals would It is clear that such a situation must be dealt with and like. that councils must be able to enter and perform emergency Let me sum up the Bill, if I can. My hon. Friend the works when necessary. Member for Waveney is doing something amazing that My second point is about sale blocking. Members reforms the licensing system, prevents residents’ sales have already spoken at great length on the subject; I from being blocked, clarifies the law on harassment, would just like to say that I have heard of several makes pitch fees more transparent and introduces a instances in my constituency in which it is quite clear proper and fit registration scheme. This is a special day that that is taking place, and it is vital that we stop it. and we are privileged and lucky to be in the Chamber to Finally, hon. Members have referred to fees. I cannot demonstrate our support for the long campaign that count the number of times that people have come to me many have fought. and said that they believe that the fees levied on them, whether for energy or other things, have been over the 11.25 pm top and higher than they should be. As my hon. Friend Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): I, too, pay tribute to the Member for Winchester (Steve Brine) said, park my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous)—I home owners deserve better. They deserve our protection. am inclined sometimes to say Waverley, but that is of This is precisely the kind of work that Parliament course a station in Edinburgh—and to the hon. Member should be doing, and I am glad that we are doing it. for Mid Dorset and North Poole (Annette Brooke), I hope that the Bill becomes law before too long. who has done so much to champion this cause. I pay tribute to the previous Housing Minister, my right hon. 11.30 am Friend the Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant Shapps), Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): It is a for his work and welcome the new Minister, the Under- great pleasure to speak in this debate, and I congratulate Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous) the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Brandon Lewis). on bringing this legislation forward. He was lucky enough I congratulate him on his appointment. to be in the top seven of the ballot; he could have picked The problem and the concern about it are widespread, any topic on which to introduce a private Member’s as demonstrated by the presence of Members from all Bill, and it is a great credit to him that he had the over the country who are in the Chamber today rather wisdom to pick this issue, which we have struggled to than in their constituencies, and by the fact that they get to grips with for so long. 627 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 628

As has been pointed out, there are very few constituencies news, but my hon. Friend is right to bring up the issue. I in which there is not a park home. In my constituency, encourage the Government to look at the small statutory there is Priory park and Falcon park. Both are mixed instrument issued in Ofgem’s name, to see if we can do sites, with a mixture of holiday homes and park homes. something about the issue while we are tackling the We need to be clear at the very start that the Bill does problems that park home owners face. That would be not apply to holiday parks, or those parks where the another small thing that could be done to add to the residency is formally for 10 months, even though people Bill, although I appreciate that the subject is complex may happen to stay a bit longer and nobody may realise enough already. that, officially. We need to be clear that the provision This is an important Bill, and I am sure that it will get relates to proper residential parks, where a full 12-month wholehearted support. I am delighted to have made a licence is granted every year, and where people can stay contribution to the debate on behalf of my residents. until the end of their lease. I am sure that all Members will agree that when we go 11.35 pm canvassing or deliver leaflets in our constituencies, and go to park homes, they are often in the most beautifully Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con): We have kept park areas. People have great pride in their homes. heard some moving stories this morning about what has It is right to bring in the changes that we are discussing, happened to people in our constituencies as a result of so that instead of the contract being about chattels and the deliberate, unscrupulous bullying actions of people services, as I understand it is at present, a park home who have taken over park homes that were previously can legally really start to become a home. idyllic places in which to live with a view to using them as a money-making exercise, with no regard whatever I want to reiterate the two points that I made in for the people living there. I pay tribute to the people interventions, and I will tell Members why I feel so who live in park homes in Breach Barns park and strongly about the subject. One of the things that politicians Woodbine Close park in my constituency—beautiful get a bad reputation for is saying, “We’ve come up with places on the edge of Epping forest. I would like to a solution; here’s the answer,” only for people to find name the park home residents who have worked so hard that the solution does not apply to them. I give great to try to ensure justice, but I cannot; they have asked me credit to the officers of the all-party group on mobile not to mention their names, because they are afraid of homes. Its meetings are usually held in Committee the actions of Mr Sines, the man who owns those parks, Room 14, because they are so well attended, and when who has deliberately, over a period of more than 10 years, they are in other Committee Rooms, it is standing room made the lives of the people who live there a misery. only. It has been tireless in its campaign to move the It is brilliant that this Bill is before us today. Previous issue along. As has been said, credit should be given to Governments have tried and failed to close the loopholes the former Minister with responsibility for housing, my in the law, because the owners of park homes sites who right hon. Friend the Member for Welwyn Hatfield are deliberately flouting the law and using the loopholes (Grant Shapps). can well afford to pay lawyers to get around the law. I encourage my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney Today, we can give power to the people who need and the Under-Secretary of State for Communities and it—our local authorities and others, who will use it on Local Government, my hon. Friend the Member for behalf of our constituents, who need our protection. Great Yarmouth (Brandon Lewis), to look at what they I should particularly like to pay tribute to another person can do. As the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and who lives in my constituency, Lord Graham of Edmonton, Neston (Andrew Miller) said, there is precedent for who has been a great champion of this cause, and to changing retrospectively the rights of leasehold owners, those, including my hon. Friend the Member for Mid whether of flats or land. I know that the legal implications Dorset and North Poole (Annette Brooke), who have are very difficult in this particular case, but it should not worked so hard for the all-party group. I wish the Bill be beyond the brains of our excellent civil service and every success. parliamentary counsel to draft a provision to that effect. It is vital that all the people who have worked so hard, and have been praised in the Chamber today, do not 11.37 am suddenly feel that they have to say, “So what? What has Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): I will it all been about?” I welcome the Bill; I do not want to start by focusing on the human face of why the Bill is so sound like a complete sourpuss, because I know how important—those who have bought park homes in areas much hard work has gone into it, and how much effort of rural idyll, often in the twilight of their years—and on my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney has put into the inhuman face of rogue site owners. The hon. Member it, but let us see what we can do to make it even better. for Epping Forest (Mrs Laing) is absolutely right when I was interested to hear my hon. Friend the Member she says that if anyone is not a fit and proper person, it for Hexham (Guy Opperman) refer to Blenkinsopp is Mr Maurice Sines, who has a long track record of castle, given that a castle is probably the most immobile abusing those who live on park homes sites that he owns. of homes. As there is a castle that bears the name of the In Ladycroft park in Blewbury, Oxfordshire, residents hon. Member for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland went to the county court after suffering harassment and (Tom Blenkinsop) and has gold underneath it, he might intimidation, and an inability to sell their home. Mr Sines make a claim. My hon. Friend the Member for Hexham was abusing the law, saying that he had to approve any was right to bring up the issue of energy. To give credit sale. He was meant to give a valid reason, but did he? to some liquefied petroleum gas companies, there are Did he, hell. Residents took action in the county court, metered estates where everyone is on one contract and led by the admirable Sheila Austin, who said at the time: they do not rely on bottles. Some changes have already “He blocked sales saying homes would be dragged around the happened, voluntarily, on that score, and that is good park, threatening and shouting abuse…It was absolutely horrendous”. 629 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 630

[Jack Dromey] scale of both ownership and abuse. There are 84,000 park homes across England, with an estimated 160,000 Eventually, sadly, 30 people sold their homes to Mr Sines, residents. Although the evidence is that the majority of but at a very good price for him, and a very poor price site owners are reputable, there is too great a minority for them. One home, valued at £50,000, was sold for who are rogues. £10,000. The homes were then demolished and replaced In conclusion, I express the Opposition’s warm support with new ones. for the Bill. Of course there will be discussion in Committee Let me give another example involving Mr Sines and on the eventual shape of the Bill, but the Bill is a noble his track record at a mobile home park owned by him measure with a noble intent. Today, by backing the Bill, and his business partner, James Crickmore, at Hardwick the House is sending a united message that park home Bridge in Norfolk. One of the owners, Jackie—this is owners deserve security and an end to their second-class not her real name; as the hon. Member for Epping status. Reputable site owners deserve an end to the Forest rightly said, many of the vulnerable people concerned damage done to their reputation by the rogues. So today are reluctant to reveal their identity—reported: we serve notice to quit. Just as there should be no place “They were banging on the doors in the early hours of the for rogue landlords, so there should be no place for morning saying: ‘You have got to get out or we’ll hook your van rogue site owners. No more Maurice Sines. up and pull it round the site until it just falls to bits.’ It was unbelievable.” There are other rogues like Mr Sines. At another 11.45 am park, the Glen site in Worcestershire, elderly residents suffered a series of terrifying arson attacks. One woman TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforCommunities lived almost next door to one of the homes that was and Local Government (Brandon Lewis): It is a pleasure burned to the ground. She said: to be able to stand at the Dispatch Box today when there “When I saw the blaze I opened my door and fell down the is total House coalition on an issue which I would no steps, because I thought: ‘It’s going up in a minute.’ Of course I doubt have found myself speaking to on a Friday as a was thinking: ‘If they put anything under mine I won’t stand a Back Bencher. I congratulate my hon. Friend and neighbour chance.’” the Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous) on the Bill that She and three others living on the site were eventually he has introduced and on his success in the ballot for blackmailed into selling their homes to the owners for private Members’ Bills. only £1. I repeat: one pound. In this case, because of the As was pointed out earlier, a company has a duty to serious acts of arson, a police investigation resulted in protect its minority shareholders. This is a clear case in seven men, including the site owners, John and Simey which we as a Government have a similar duty to Doherty, getting jail sentences of 64 years in total. protect a small part of society in the best way we can. I The situation must end. I warmly congratulate the congratulate all the campaigners and my hon. Friend hon. Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous) on introducing and neighbour on introducing a Bill to do just that. I this much-needed and long-awaited Bill. I congratulate understand the issue fully both as a Minister and as a Members on all sides who have worked hard and long in Member of Parliament. In Great Yarmouth, as in other support of action being taken at last. On the Opposition coastal towns, we have our share of such properties. We side, they include my hon. Friend the Member for also have examples of good ownership, which the Bill North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel), my hon. Friend will help to protect. the Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Andrew It is important to reiterate some of the comments Miller), who was right to say that we must end the made this morning to show the breadth of support and second-class status of park home owners, and the the range of topics covered. My hon. Friend and neighbour indefatigable Lord Ted Graham. outlined the Bill. I congratulate hon. Members on their I congratulate the all-party group on the work that it cross-party support and thank the hon. Member for has done, and the park home owners justice campaign North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel) for her comments, on the work that it has done. I pay tribute to the work of emphasising the importance of behavioural issues for the Select Committee because, as my hon. Friend the park owners and of protecting the rights of park home Member for North East Derbyshire said, it conducted owners. My hon. Friend the Member for Winchester an excellent inquiry and produced a powerful report, (Steve Brine) highlighted the size of the industry. I including calling for the law to be strengthened on the noted his comments on the green deal and will pass on “fit and proper person” issue. to the relevant Department his remarks on the Floor of Today is one of those days when the House speaks the House and in a conversation earlier today. He was with one voice to say that the time has come and that right to draw attention to the excellent work done on legislation is long overdue. The hon. Members for Mid the issue by Consumer Focus. Dorset and North Poole (Annette Brooke) and for Everyone is better off for having heard what the hon. South Swindon (Mr Buckland) were right to say that Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Andrew Miller) for all the discussions that have taken place over many had to say, fortunately in public. I entirely agree that it years, it is about time that we got on with it and is hugely important that we achieve the right touch as changed the law. We embarked down the right path in well as a light touch. The Bill can certainly achieve that. government, and this Government continued down that Special congratulations are due to the hon. Member for path. Mid Dorset and North Poole (Annette Brooke) on The reason why I pay such a tribute to the hon. being such a long-term campaigner on the issue, as I Member for Waveney is that thanks to his private know from my time on the Back Benches. She emphasised Member’s Bill, he will now force the pace for long-awaited the importance of the “fit and proper person” provision action to be taken at last. He is right to point to the being, in her words, in our back pocket. 631 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 632

My hon. Friends the Members for South Swindon Let me explain the Government’s position and why (Mr Buckland) and for Hexham (Guy Opperman) the Bill does not contain more—a point on which some highlighted a message to go outside this Chamber, and, Members have commented. The Bill builds on the thorough to an extent, outside the Bill’s remit. They spoke about and searching inquiry conducted in the spring by the the importance of good legal advice on an investment Communities and Local Government Committee. of the scale we are discussing; clearly they were not I congratulate the Committee on the report and thank looking for any business for themselves. My hon. Friend them for it. The Bill takes forward a number of the the Member for South Swindon also emphasised the Committee’s recommendations. As we have heard today, need to work, particularly in Committee, to make the there is a good deal of consensus on the fact that Bill future-proof, and to retain the power in our back legislative reforms are desperately needed. There is cross- pocket—a point also made in respect of the phrase “fit party support for such reforms. Members have given and proper person”. examples of unacceptably unscrupulous behaviour towards I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester older and sometimes vulnerable home owners, disgraceful (Richard Graham) for his comments. I will do my best acts that must not be tolerated for a moment longer. on this Bill to match the speed of Usain Bolt, as I am For Members with park homes in their constituencies, sure we all will. I will restrain myself from using the these stories will unfortunately be all too familiar. My hand gestures on the Floor of the House, although I hon. Friend the Member for Waveney reminded us that might be persuaded to do so for charity at another date. the Prime Minister has himself called for urgent action My hon. Friend the Member for Hexham was right to tackle the problems in the sector. The Bill will do to highlight the need for protection, and I much appreciated, that, but the Government are mindful, as is my hon. as I am sure we all did, his history tour. If anything, I Friend, that there are many good site owners in this was slightly disappointed that it was not matched by the industry who provide a professional, top-class service usual tour through Greek history given by the hon. to their residents and respect their rights. Sadly, their Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Jack Dromey). good work is too often masked by the unacceptable No doubt that will be saved for anther day. behaviour of the unscrupulous operators who pervade the sector. My hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Jeremy We want to create a level playing field where the good Lefroy) rightly highlighted how widespread this issue is, operator does not face unfair competition from and said that it is an issue not only for coastal towns, unscrupulous ones who ignore their obligations and the such as Waveney and Great Yarmouth, but throughout rights of others. We want to see the industry put on a the country. One of my near neighbours, my hon. sustainable footing for the future, so that those who run Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey), a decent and honest business can flourish and there is constructively highlighted some of the issues that the no place for the unscrupulous and for criminals. We Bill needs to deal with. I noted her comments on the want home owners to be confident that their homes are SI and Ofgem, which I will pass forward. safe and their rights are respected. The Bill aims to We will all have noted and taken on board the points achieve that by introducing measures targeted at those made by my hon. Friend the Member for Epping Forest who ignore their obligations and exploit their residents, (Mrs Laing)—they were also eloquently made by the while placing minimal burdens on those businesses that hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington—highlighting manage their sites well and respect their residents’ rights— some of the hugely unscrupulous behaviour in this the right approach with a light touch. sector that must be stamped out, to protect not only the The Bill focuses on three key areas: reforms to the residents, who are our prime focus, but the reputation antiquated licensing regime that applies to park home of the good owners, who are by far the majority throughout sites; removing the ability for unscrupulous operators the country. to block lawful sales by residents of their homes; and ensuring that pitch fee increases are transparent to Steve Brine: I welcome my hon. Friend to his new prevent residents from being overcharged. All those post. The fit and proper person test is nice and neat in issues were identified in the Department’s consultation our back pocket, but may we have his assurance that if, paper on reforms to the sector published in April. as I said earlier, I am being naive and the Bill does not The Bill also includes a provision that would permit have the desired effect, the Minister and the Government the Government to introduce a “fit and proper person” are prepared to dip their hand into that pocket? test through secondary legislation, should that prove necessary, which was one of the Select Committee’s Brandon Lewis: I thank my hon. Friend for the recommendations. I will say a few words about why the opportunity to confirm that. Yes, we will, and I will Government have accepted that recommendation. It is highlight that point specifically in a few moments. not our intention to introduce an industry-wide “fit and As has been said, the Bill affects only a small number proper person” requirement at present. I sincerely hope, of homes, but it is hugely important to the people who as many Members have commented today, that the live in those homes, and that is what matters. It will deal introduction of such a test will never be necessary. New with about 85,000 park homes on 2,000 sites. The sector bureaucratic burdens on good businesses must be a last represents only about 0.5% of the housing stock in resort. As we have heard this morning, the majority of England, but it is vital. Its residents have rights just like site owners are good. everybody else, and they matter a great deal to all of us. However, we must also ensure that conditions in the The fact that the sector is small does not mean that we sector improve, which is why the Bill focuses on making should not address the injustice that is rife in it, and the it simply unprofitable for unscrupulous operators to Bill goes some way towards doing that. That is why the exploit residents. We accept the risk that some of the Government fully back the Bill. worst operators might try to persist and that it might 633 Mobile Homes Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Mobile Homes Bill 634

[Brandon Lewis] previous Housing Minister, who did a huge amount of work on it, Lord Graham and the all-party group on therefore be necessary to take powers later to remove mobile homes. I also congratulate the Select Committee them directly from the industry. Therefore, we will on its report. review the situation after a suitable period to see how In conclusion, I fully agree with my hon. Friend’s behaviour in the industry has changed. If unscrupulous decision to focus the Bill on the key areas of reform that practices persist, we may consider introducing the “fit would have the greatest impact and the most lasting and proper person” test. A clear message must go out to effect. These reforms, as we have heard, are well overdue bad owners that their behaviour will not be tolerated and desperately needed in the industry to protect all our and, if it continues, the Government will act. residents. That is why I commend the Bill to the House and wish it a safe passage through this House and the Heather Wheeler: I congratulate the Minister on his other place. new post—it is great to see him at the Dispatch Box. I am so pleased to hear his words about the “fit and 11.58 am proper person” test. I came here four years ago, as leader of South Derbyshire district council, to meet Peter Aldous: We have had an interesting two and a Ministers and discuss this matter, but we were just half hours. I have been heartened by the support from thrown out of the room and not one iota of the proposal both sides of the Chamber. This place is often at its best was to be considered. Time has moved on and I am when it speaks with one voice. We have also heard from delighted that there is cross-party support for the proposal. across the country. I have been particularly heartened Clearly, it is such a big issue that the Government have by the extremely robust responses from the two Front listened and everyone wants it to happen. I thank the Benchers, the hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington Minister very much. (Jack Dromey) and the Minister, my hon. Friend and neighbour. Brandon Lewis: I thank the hon. Lady for her comments. We have heard horrific stories of what some park Hopefully I have been able to give some assurance home owners have had to put up with. We need to chase about the Government’s determination to deal with this out and remove from the sector the rogue owners who issue. If we need to act, we will do so. have caused so much misery for so many elderly and vulnerable people. I also hope that the constructive I acknowledge that my hon. Friend’s Bill does not nature of the debate will be taken forward into Committee. include everything the Government consulted on. The Some very valid points have been raised this morning policy reasons are explained in the published response which we will look at in great detail. paper, which is available on the Department’s website. In some cases we have simply concluded that legislative I will sum up by saying that park homes were, for so change would not necessarily be the best solution, but it many people, seen as the dream retirement. In so many is also a matter of size and what can be achieved in a places that dream, as my hon. Friend the Member for private Member’s Bill. The Bill already runs to 15 clauses, Winchester (Steve Brine) said, has turned into a living which is unusual for such a Bill, and it would have been nightmare. We need to deliver a wake-up call to the impossible to include everything we consulted on if it rogue operators that they are not wanted and must get was to have much chance of completing all its stages out. That is what we will be doing, and I am grateful to and receiving Royal Assent—something that we all the House and to you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving us want and which is important for the industry. the time to do so this morning. I want to congratulate everyone who has campaigned Question put and agreed to. so hard on this issue over the years, including the Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed. 635 19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 636

Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill not simply about saving money and are not designed to reduce safety. The Bill would enable competent harbour Second Reading authorities to recognise the skills and knowledge of a wider group of individuals when it is clear that they are 12 noon able and capable of holding a pilotage exemption certificate. Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): I beg In my opinion, the Bill would implement a balanced to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. set of improvements to the pilotage exemption certificate system, under which competent harbour authorities I was delighted to be drawn 12th in the private may at their discretion grant suitably qualified crew a Members’ Bill ballot and to have this opportunity to certificate that enables them to pilot specified vessels introduce a Bill that seeks to reduce the operational instead of taking on a pilot. The Bill would remove the burden costs on the marine industry, to promote the restriction that currently allows only masters and first work of the General Lighthouse Authority, and to mates to be granted a pilotage exemption certificate. It strengthen the powers of port police. would allow any crew member demonstrating the high I pay tribute to the previous Minister, my hon. Friend level of skills and experience required by the authority the Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mike Penning), to hold a certificate, and it would also give the authority who did so much for marine safety while he was in his greater powers in relation to the suspension and revocation post, and I welcome the new Minister, my hon. Friend of a certificate where appropriate. I am, however, willing the Member for Wimbledon (Stephen Hammond), to to discuss the specifics of my proposals in far greater his position. I understand that the hon. Member for detail in Committee should colleagues so wish. Poplar and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick), who is not in Clause 3 would enable ports and harbours that have his place, is attending a memorial service but will be the an obligation to provide pilotage services, but that do Chamber at some stage of the debate. not have the traffic to warrant such services, to relinquish Members will know that I have a strong personal that requirement in a straightforward and sensible manner. interest in maritime matters. Indeed, in the mid-1990s I That is about removing unwanted burdens on ports and was secretary of the Plymouth sea safety group, which harbour authorities, and deregulating where it is safe was set up to bring together master mariners, rescue and appropriate to do so. services such as the RNLI, the fishing industry, channel Clauses 5 and 6 relate to harbour authorities. Statutory and river pilots, harbourmasters and yachtsmen in order harbour authorities have many duties and are primarily to allow for a greater understanding between all users of responsible for the safe operation of their facilities. the marine environment. About a third of them currently benefit from powers of The maritime industry is crucial to the economic general direction. Extending the use of those powers to well-being of the United Kingdom, with ships carrying the rest of the industry—a responsible and mature goods for consumption, business people and holidaymakers industry—would reduce the costs and time required to to and from our shores. The ports industry provides a achieve the same effect via harbour revision orders. gateway to and from our nation. In 2010, UK ports handled That proposal is localism in action and would enable 512 million tonnes of goods, the value of which was the right decision to be taken by the right organisation about £340 billion. That represents 95% of the total without the need for expensive recourse to legislation. volume of UK import-export trade and 75% of its Unused port and harbour facilities can be a financial value. Some 23 million international passengers used drain on their owners once they are no longer economical UK ports in 2009—three times the population of London. to run. Some facilities have geographical restrictions on The maritime industry provides employment, directly the size of ship that can access them, and others fall and indirectly, from as far north as Shetland to as far victim to changes in trade patterns. In either case, south as Cornwall. My constituency is bordered by two through no fault of the operators, ports can become busy ports—to the west is the port of Fowey, and economically unviable. Some of those ports are owned Plymouth sound is on the eastern border. My constituency’s by local councils, which then pass the costs of maintaining economy relies heavily on the marine industry. facilities and honouring statutory duties on to council The marking of hazards and of safe shipping routes tax payers. The Bill would make it easier for statutory in the channel is a key factor in facilitating this vital UK harbour authorities to close unviable harbours when industry. We are fortunate in this regard to employ the appropriate, and to relinquish costly responsibilities efficient services of three world-leading providers of that cannot be justified given a harbour’s limited use. marine aids to navigation throughout the UK and Ireland, collectively known as the General Lighthouse Clause 7 deals with port constables. Currently, a port Authority. Marine pilotage is dealt with in clauses 1 to constable is limited to working within one mile of their 4 of my Bill. It is a noble profession that dates back port restriction. hundreds of years. Pilots are highly skilled and knowledgeable individuals responsible for safely guiding Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): I pay tribute to my ships into our ports and harbours. They provide a vital hon. Friend for introducing this important Bill and for service without which our shipping industry could not the work that she has conducted on the issue over many safely operate. The Pilotage Act 1987 governs the provision years. of pilotage in the UK by competent harbour authorities. As a member of the all-party group on human trafficking, I propose to modernise one section of it, relating to I believe that clause 7 will be important in giving port pilotage exemption certificates. constables the right to extend their sphere of work to I have received a number of representations on my inland constituencies such as mine. It is well acknowledged proposals from ports, harbourmasters and those in the now that the only way in which we will successfully pilotage industry, and I reassure the House that they are tackle the increasing scourge of human trafficking, 637 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 638

[Fiona Bruce] measure on the general lighthouse authorities in the Bill puts beyond doubt their power to provide markings which blights lives, is for more agencies to work together. beyond the 12-nautical mile territorial sea limit—a sensible I am therefore delighted to support the Bill, particularly proposal, as I am sure hon. Members will agree. clause 7. Will my hon. Friend acknowledge that the Bill Clauses 10 and 11 relate to other marine issues. has great relevance not only to coastal constituencies Section 47 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 provides but to every constituency in the country? a regulation-making power concerning the minimum number of qualified persons who are required to be Sheryll Murray: I do acknowledge that; this clause is carried on ships, and the standards of competence extremely important, and I know other hon. Members required and conditions to be met to achieve such will speak about it. Port constables are currently limited qualifications. Amendments to those regulations require to working within 1 mile of their port—a restriction secondary legislation, which takes up limited time and meaning that otherwise perfectly competent officers administrative resources. My Bill will simplify the process must be accompanied by the local police whenever they for setting manning requirements for ships by enabling need to investigate a crime, or escort an offender to a secondary legislation to cross-refer to external documents, custody suite or court beyond that limit. At a time such as industry or international technical agreements—a when, as has been mentioned, we are seeking efficiency practice known as “ambulatory reference” that already in all our public sector organisations, that cannot be applies in other maritime legislation. In practice, references right. Worse still, it provides the potential for an officer to external documents, which are known within the to find themselves unable to prevent a crime, simply industry as “M-notices”, are issued by the Secretary of because it happened a few feet too far away from the State through the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. port at which they work. My Bill will remove the They are a well-established means through which the geographical limit on the powers of port constables, Department for Transport and MCA communicate with where that is agreed with the local police. stakeholders. The final substantive clause in my Bill confirms the Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): My hon. Friend ability of lighthouse authorities to deploy modern electronic has explained well and succinctly the case for extending navigational aids to help minimise the risks to mariners that jurisdiction. Does she bear in mind the fact that and the maritime environment. I must declare a special both the port police and the Home Office have wished interest in this area—my son works for a worldwide for that change in the law since 2008? It is important for maritime electronics manufacturer on the technical side, the Bill to make progress, so that we can end that and my daughter uses electronic navigational aids anomaly, and so that the port police can make a full occasionally in her career as a lieutenant commander in contribution to defending our borders. the Royal Navy. In our modern age, electronic aids to navigation are Sheryll Murray: My hon. Friend is right. The problem increasingly important to the mariner, who makes great was identified in 2008 when the Department for Transport use of satellite navigation systems. In times of emergency, conducted a consultation into the issue. It is, therefore, such electronic aids can be used to mark a hazard important to get the Bill through and place this provision rapidly, until a more permanent buoy, beacon or other on to the statute book. physical aid to navigation can be deployed. The electronic Clauses 8 and 9 relate to general lighthouse authorities system and the automatic identification system beacons of which the UK and Ireland has three: the Northern that are fitted to vessels made my personal tragedy last Lighthouse Board, the Commissioners of Irish Lights, year much easier to deal with—the fishing vessel my and Trinity House. Each organisation is world renowned husband was on had an AIS transmitter. in its field, and each has a proud and historic reputation That was quite a canter through the contents of my for ensuring the safety of mariners. The general lighthouse Bill, which I hope the House agrees should be considered authorities already carry out some commercial work, in more detail in Committee. The clauses might seem prudently utilising any small amount of spare capacity familiar to some hon. Members—most are drawn from they may have when that does not affect their day-to-day the draft Marine Navigation Bill published by the operational activities. For instance, the Northern Lighthouse Department for Transport in 2008 and consulted on at Board maintains and monitor many rig watchers, which that time. The one addition is the extension of the are used to mark decommissioned oil and gas rigs. The geographic limit of port constables’ jurisdiction, which Commissioners of Irish Lights recently won a contract emerged from a review of ports police forces by the to mark an offshore renewable energy site, the first for Department for Transport in 2008, as my hon. Friend them in that field. Trinity House undertakes short vessel the Member for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) correctly charters, where it provides small lifting operations for highlighted. wind farm sites. I have carefully read the comments made on the 2008 The general lighthouse authorities are innovative in draft Bill at the time of its publication and discussed the their approach to work, and I want to help them make issues raised with interested parties across the maritime the most of commercial opportunities when they present industry. My Bill focuses on supporting growth in that themselves. Once enacted, my Bill will enable those industry. three organisations to trade more freely on their reputations of excellence, providing each with greater commercial Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): I am freedom and enabling them to increase the income they grateful to my hon. and brave Friend for introducing generate through commercial activities. I hope that such the Bill, which in large part is not controversial and will action will reduce the call on the shipping industry for be of assistance. One difference between this Bill and funding through the payment of light dues. The other the one that Lord Berkeley introduced in another place 639 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 640 is of concern to the Royal Yachting Association, of bay both when it has been as flat calm as the carpet in which I am a member. Is she willing to meet the RYA to front of us and when the ship has virtually stood on its discuss its proposed approach to clause 5, which Lord end with every wave. In such environments, entering a Berkeley agreed to leave out of his Bill? Perhaps we river mouth needs careful handling by expert pilots and could persuade the Minister to do the same. we should give credit to pilots in our ports for the fantastic work that they do. Sheryll Murray: I would be more than happy to meet Over recent years, there have been some changes that the RYA, which I know has concerns about the general are controversial in local areas, as well as some that rules of direction. I would like to reassure it, and I am have been adopted with the support of local pilot sure the Minister will back me up. A number of ports associations. I have received a significant amount of already operate under general rules of direction, which correspondence from a constituent who is a lawyer and must be consulted on fully before they are in place. If a has periodically given advice to the local association. competent harbour authority does not take note of He has one fundamental objection to the Bill, and with responses to consultation, it could be subject to judicial the House’s indulgence, given that these issues are so review. I should like to meet the RYA—we need to get important to the safety of our seafarers and others the clause right. operating in and around our ports, I will put it on the record and invite the Minister to respond as positively The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport as he can. He is familiar with my constituent’s (Stephen Hammond): I am listening to my hon. Friend’s correspondence, because much of it has been directed request and would like to put it on the record now that I at him. am sure I would be delighted to join that meeting. The substance of the objection surrounds clause 2(1), Sheryll Murray: I am grateful to the Minister. When which would broaden definitions used in the Pilotage the association holds its events, it can have designated Act 1987. My constituent asserts that this is an areas of the sea where those events will not be disrupted “obvious and gross reduction in the standards applicable in by other leisure users sailing through a regatta, for compulsory pilotage areas that…cannot be (and is not) lawful, instance. I would be more than happy to meet members for all of the reasons raised since the Bill was introduced.” of the association. Those reasons are set out elsewhere in correspondence. He wrote to the Prime Minister expressing his concern I am confident that my Bill would benefit the UK on 30 September: maritime sector and I am grateful to the British Ports Association and the UK Major Ports Group, which “The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department have provided me with considerable support and advice for Transport has made it clear that HM government intends to remove regulatory burdens and to relax standards in compulsory on the Bill. The ports industry is one the UK’s hidden pilotage areas. The point which he fails to address (as mentioned success stories. It is an incredibly competent, competitive in my letter of yesterday’s date, herewith) is that the governmental and customer-focused industry that operates largely out intention contravenes all known law, in particular the following of the public eye, because of its efficiency and the safety provisions:- of its operations. Despite the lack of awareness of the 1. The common law obligation to maintain the highest possible ports industry, our whole way of life depends on its standards in compulsory pilotage areas. This obligation was success. Some of the anomalies in the current maritime confirmed and acknowledged by Lord Bingham the Lord Chief legislation that I seek to correct in this Bill may seem Justice in the Court of Criminal Appeal in April 2000 when arcane, but I have tried to show that the industry that allowing a reduction in penalty to Milford Haven port authority the changes will assist is far from irrelevant. I humbly following its admission of guilt in the SEA EMPRESS incident of 1996. Lord Bingham noted with approval that efforts had been ask hon. Members to support the Bill today. made to improve standards. 2. In a report published in April 2002, “The New Humber Pilot 12.21 pm Service”, the Department for Transport, Local Government and Regions confirmed that the obligation identified in the SEA Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): EMPRESS case is strict and onerous. The hon. Member for South East Cornwall (Sheryll Murray) is right in her concluding remarks about the 3. The declaration of the International Maritime Organization (representing the maritime concerns of the United Nations importance of the ports industry to the UK and its Organization) that developed standards in pilotage (and not economy. We take for granted the significance of ports merely in compulsory pilotage areas) should be not merely maintained around the country, but collectively they do an enormous but enforced. This declaration is in Resolution A960 of 2004, to amount of work to ensure that the goods we rely which the United Kingdom is a signatory. on—both imported and exported—are managed sensibly. It follows necessarily that any relaxation of standards in a Ports are under wildly varying forms of ownership, compulsory pilotage area (as HM government now specifically and some of them need a tougher regulatory regime proposes) is unlawful; and that the obligation to maintain standards than others because of the sea conditions they experience. remains accordingly strict and onerous. This you should know. Some estuaries are particularly difficult and some are The Department for Transport has known it since 2002 at the latest.” incredibly busy. For example, I used to live on the south coast, and Southampton in particular is incredibly busy and clearly needs a regulatory regime that is fit for Stephen Hammond: Let me try to help the hon. purpose. Other, smaller ports need a much lighter touch Gentleman. His constituent is a prodigious and prolific that will meet their needs. In the north-west, the River writer, and he has written to the Department along Mersey is very complex to navigate and needs a pilotage similar lines. Clause 2 deals with pilotage exemption system that is strong and robust. That is especially certificates. Clause 2(1)(a) and (b) substitute “master” necessary at certain states of the tide, when serious seas and “mate” with are running out in Liverpool bay. I have been out in the “a member of the crew”. 641 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 642

[Stephen Hammond] Andrew Miller: That is extremely helpful. The hon. Lady covered a number of other important The provisions are, of course, still subject to section 8 of points in moving that the Bill receive its Second Reading, the Pilotage Act 1987, which clearly states that a competent and she was gracious enough to recognise that it essentially harbour authority can issue a pilotage exemption certificate had its genesis some years ago, under the previous only when it is certain that the applicant’s Administration. “skill, experience and local knowledge are sufficient for him to be capable of piloting the ship”. My hon. Friend the Member for Poplar and Limehouse That is why the Government are confident that what we (Jim Fitzpatrick) is very enthusiastic about the core are doing does not represent what the hon. Gentleman’s principles of the Bill. He is not with us yet because he is constituent has written to say. Moreover, when combined, attending the memorial service for Malcolm Wicks, and the provisions in the Bill will strengthen the allocation I know that the House will understand the reason for of exemption certificates, as they will enable competent his absence. However, because we are dealing with an harbour authorities to withdraw them much more speedily, issue that involves profound safety risks—as is clear if for any reason they are no longer confident of the from the accidents that have occurred in the past—we certificate holder’s skill, experience or local knowledge. must ensure that when we amend the legislation we get I hope that the hon. Gentleman will accept that reassurance, it absolutely right. Following the Minister’s reassurance but if he wishes to pursue the matter further we can do about the issue of qualification, I am entirely satisfied so in Committee. by what has been said in good faith, but I hope that we shall be given absolute clarity on the important points Andrew Miller: That is an extremely helpful statement that I have raised well before the Bill returns to the to have on the record. However, I want to pursue the House. Minister a little further before I relax my guard, because Clause 5 has already been referred to by the right it follows from what he says—I hope that he will correct hon. Gentleman who represents the Royal Yachting me if I have misunderstood this—that the exemption Association— for an individual cannot be granted willy-nilly. I know that there has been discussion in the Department and that people have talked about different ranks on the Sir Peter Bottomley: I am not right honourable, and I ship, but it is not a question of what rank the person do not represent the RYA, although I plan to talk about holds; it is a question of their qualifications and competence what it has to say. I am merely trying to help the House. to undertake the task in question. As I understand it, that is measured by two things: first, the individual’s Andrew Miller: If the hon. Gentleman is not right ability to meet the requirements of the port authority in honourable, he ought to be. I accept his comments; I question; and, secondly, that the exemption is for that was jesting when I said that he represented the RYA. specific vessel and that vessel only. I would be grateful if Anyway, he raised a legitimate point about harbour the Minister put on record his agreement that the authorities. As I said at the beginning of my speech, exemption under those circumstances would not even, there is a complex range of port and harbour authority for example, extend to a sister ship, and that it must models, from local authority to private ownership. I meet the standards that are normally in place for the want to be certain that a privately owned port, operating port in question. in the context of the Bill, is not empowered to act as Stephen Hammond: I am obviously disappointed that judge and jury in relation to what happens within its the hon. Gentleman feels the need to have his guard up remit. when I am at the Dispatch Box, but let me reassure him Yesterday evening I had a very constructive discussion that the position that he has just outlined is indeed with the hon. Member for South East Cornwall and correct. The exemption does not refer to rank—it refers some of the Minister’s expert officials, and I am extremely to qualification—and it does refer to the specific vessel. grateful for that. I think I understand the position, but, again, I should like further clarification. I assume that it Andrew Miller: And the specific port? would not be in a harbour authority’s gift to block a vessel’s access unilaterally, unless it was so oversized Stephen Hammond indicated assent. that it could not get into the port or its cargo could not be handled appropriately there, and that only rarely Andrew Miller: That is very important. I would suggest could a privately owned port authority take restrictive to the hon. Member for South East Cornwall, who has action against the owner of the ship or the cargo. moved that the Bill receive its Second Reading, that, for the sake of clarity and ensuring absolutely no ambiguity, there is an argument that clause 2(1) should be gently Stephen Hammond: Perhaps I can help the hon. amended in Committee to make things so clear that no Gentleman. First, the obligation that is placed on harbour court could misinterpret what the Minister and I—and, authorities is placed on all of them, irrespective of the indeed, the hon. Lady—clearly understand to be the mode of ownership. However, as the Bill clearly states, correct position. harbour authorities will be responsible for consulting on any harbour direction that they propose. They will Sheryll Murray: I can confirm to the hon. Gentleman be obligated to identify the correct interested parties, that about three different wordings for clause 2 have and they must invite them to comment on the proposed already been received. We will certainly ensure that it is direction. If any individuals or groups feel that they as explicit as possible to reflect the intention, which is have not been adequately listened to in any consultation, for a specific vessel, in a specific port, for a specific time they are of course entitled to challenge that direction period. legally. 643 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 644

Andrew Miller: That is an extremely helpful intervention. 12.45 pm I appreciate that the Minister, for understandable reasons, Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): I pay tribute to does not want to be the regulator in this structure, but I my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall am trying to seek reassurance that the small player is (Sheryll Murray) for introducing the Bill. I do not think not disadvantaged by the mighty corporation here. Can that anyone is unaware of how deeply she cares about the Minister can give comfort to small yachting associations the maritime industry and it must be a particular pleasure or small ship owners by indicating that if they felt they for her to introduce the Bill today. were being disadvantaged by the regulatory regime being imposed in a particular port, the might of his Department It is fairly true that, as my hon. Friend said, many of would be there, as a last resort, given that the vehicle of the measures in the Bill appear arcane. That is because judicial review is a bit pricey, to support David over we do not see maritime Bills very often. For those of us Goliath—although David did well on his own? on the Conservative Benches, that probably goes to prove that industries thrive best when Governments and Stephen Hammond: David certainly did do well on his politicians do not get in their way. Considering the own. The key point that I re-emphasise to the hon. maritime traditions of this country, it is perhaps a great Gentleman is the obligation that harbour authorities, of surprise that we do not talk about them more often. I whatever size, have to parties of whatever size to ensure for one value hugely and am well aware of the maritime that they have identified all those legally obligated and industry’s contribution to our economy, particularly in interested parties. I am prepared to look at that assurance the area local to me in Thurrock, where the port of again in Committee, but I think it is in place. Tilbury and its associated shipping and logistics interests are so significant for jobs and wealth creation. Sheryll Murray: Will the Minister give way? As my hon. Friend the Minister takes on his new responsibilities, I ask him not to neglect the maritime Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. sector but not to get in its way either. You cannot have an intervention on an intervention. I would wait until Andrew Miller is back on his feet if I Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) were you. (Con): Does my hon. Friend agree that unlike airport Andrew Miller: I was wondering where we were getting capacity, with which we know we have a problem and to with that point. I listened carefully to the Minister with which we are trying to grapple, port capacity is and I welcome that assurance. This is a question of growing rapidly in the UK? That shows the success of language and whether there needs to be a stop-gap for the sector. My hon. Friend will know that it is true circumstances where the port is not in public ownership. because of the presence of the largest construction site For publicly owned ports the line of accountability is in Europe next to her constituency in Thurrock. through the ballot box. Jackie Doyle-Price: My hon. Friend makes his point Sheryll Murray: I apologise for that, Madam Deputy extremely well. I know he has been very proud to Speaker. The hon. Gentleman will know that this clause witness the growth of that new major port facility in his does not affect the open port duty, which provides that constituency.The emergence of that port further strengthens any harbour has to have open access for vessels to use the role of the Thames and the estuary in our port the harbour, and to load and unload cargo and passengers. infrastructure and the ports in my constituency are I hope that that will give him comfort that privately looking forward to its becoming functional. They do owned ports and harbours will not be able to use not view it as competition but think that it will strengthen general rules of direction to prevent competitors from the maritime sector overall. The interesting thing about using port facilities. my hon. Friend’s comparison with aviation is that a lot of heat has been generated about aviation capacity and, Andrew Miller: The hon. Lady has put it succinctly as we have said, the maritime industry tends to be and the Minister needs to consider the extent to which it neglected by politicians. Sometimes that is a good thing, is necessary to reinforce that by finding a way to express but when the Mayor of London makes noise about the it in the Bill. It may or may not be necessary to do so; availability of the Thames estuary as a potential airport this may be sufficiently well established with the concept location, he has not thought about its impact on the of open ports. However, as more ports become privately maritime sector. I hope that the Minister and his colleagues owned institutions the question is raised in my mind in the Department for Transport will consider fully the about fairness and equity in an important market. impact on the shipping and maritime industries of their Those were the two substantive points I wished to considerations about airport capacity in the south-east. raise, although the Bill contains a lot more than just I want to focus on clause 7 and the provisions on port them. The hon. Lady has put forward some valuable police. I draw the House’s attention to the Register of and important propositions in the Bill. On that basis, I Members’ Financial Interests, which records that I am hope my points can be dealt with sensibly in Committee an unpaid adviser to the Port of Tilbury police in my and that there can be consensus that meets not just the constituency. Six port police forces serve the ports of needs of the House but the broader opinions held outside Dover, Felixstowe, Bristol, Liverpool, Tees and Hartlepool it, including those of my constituents. I am extremely and, last but not least, Tilbury. The Port of Tilbury grateful to the hon. Lady for meeting me yesterday with police are the second oldest police force in the country. the Minister’s officials and I am grateful to the Minister It is the heir to the Port of London Authority police for his extremely helpful assurances about issues that force, which followed on from the Thames River police concern people’s safety. We can progress on that basis force, which was ultimately merged with the Metropolitan and I hope we will see the necessary adjustments in police. We are proud of our historic role in the development Committee. of policing in this country. 645 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 646

[Jackie Doyle-Price] and the provision of courts. The reality is that when port police officers are prosecuting offenders for crimes The point is that when we talk about port police, we in the normal way, through the Crown Prosecution are not talking about something separate from the Service and the courts, most of them have to attend established police forces that people recognise; we are courts beyond that one-mile jurisdiction, and by definition, talking about police constables and their powers. That they then do not have their powers as constable while is why clause 7, which will extend the jurisdiction of they are in court. It is a bit dangerous to highlight that port police officers, is so important. issue, but the situation needs to be addressed. Having As I mentioned, the need for a change to legislation been the best kept secret, since 2008 the press in Dover was identified back in 2008, so for me, the clause is have realised that the port police there often act beyond extremely belated, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend their jurisdiction. That fact is out there and needs to be the Member for South East Cornwall for including it in dealt with. A matter addressed in the House can often her Bill, particularly as the Bill contains a number of be the best kept secret, so we can have a frank debate provisions; it is ambitious, and it is a tribute to her that about it. she has included so many measures in it. Port police officers have to travel all over England I am sure that many Members will be surprised to and Wales to attend courts, but do not have the powers learn that there are separate port police forces. Perhaps of a constable when they do so. On occasion, officers it is worth reminding the House, and acknowledging, have attended court, have been directed by judges to that there are a number of non-Home Office police arrest people and have had to explain that they do not forces in the UK. The most well known are probably the have the power to do so. It is important for public Ministry of Defence police and the British Transport confidence that we deal with the issue. As port police police. The role of port police forces is to undertake officers travel outside their port in marked cars, they are policing activities in port areas. My local port police a visible presence and the public expect those officers to force in Tilbury polices an area the same size as the City act when something happens. For example, if they came of London. Those Members who have not been to a across a scene of crime or disorder, the public would port may not realise that ports are big communities in expect them to intervene. The public would expect them themselves and do need a police function. Port police to intervene to stop drunk drivers. At present they forces are funded entirely by the ports that they serve; cannot do so. We have been looking for an appropriate they take no resource from the taxpayer. legislative vehicle to deal with this anomaly. The six ports with police forces account for more than 40% of the UK’s non-oil traffic, which means that Stephen Metcalfe: Can my hon. Friend give the House those police forces are the guardians of millions of any practical examples where officers have not been pounds-worth of traded goods every year. I mentioned able to use their powers, whereas under the changes that their responsibility is to police the port area. It is proposed in the Bill, they would have been able to worth saying a little bit about exactly what kind of intervene in a crime or misdemeanour and the outcome activity that involves. In the public’s mind, the presence would have been different? of police in a port would tend to be associated with concerns such as drug smuggling, anti-terrorism and Jackie Doyle-Price: I have been told by the chief immigration control. Those matters are the responsibility constables of both Dover and Tilbury police forces that of the UK Border Agency, Her Majesty’s Revenue and on a number of occasions officers have been asked to Customs and special branch, but the port police work intervene, particularly in episodes of disorder such as in constructive collaboration with those agencies. That street assaults, while they have been out on patrol. In is additional support for Government activities—at, I practice, their current status has not prevented them emphasise again, no cost to the taxpayer. Although from doing so, but they well know that, if challenged, these constables are privately funded, they enjoy exactly they would not be able to defend their actions in court. the same rights, responsibilities and roles as any normal The proposed changes would put everybody on a more constable. They owe allegiance in a personal capacity to secure and legitimate footing. the Crown, and they are sworn in by local magistrates. In making the case for the change, I want to highlight Clause 7 extends the jurisdiction of port police constables the contribution that port police make to national policing beyond the existing limit of one mile outside the port priorities. Although port police are dedicated to serving area. That one-mile jurisdiction is enshrined in the the ports where they operate, they have, as I said, the Harbours, Docks, and Piers Clauses Act 1847. I am same powers as other constables, and much of the work sure that all Members of the House will recognise that that they do in the port is indistinguishable from and our docks were very different places then. They were complementary to that of Home Office forces. As was places of intensive employment, and faced lots of labour said before, they prosecute crimes in the same way as issues, more than anything else. Also, the goods coming any Home Office force by sending files over to the into the docks would have been a lot less technical and Crown Prosecution Service with recommendations for valuable. The pattern of policing has therefore changed. prosecution. Let me illustrate that national contribution The fact that there is less employment in ports means with a few examples. that crimes tend to be a lot more sophisticated. The The port of Dover police is the largest of our port suggestion that the crimes and activities that forces will police forces and its presence at a busy border crossing be involved in can be kept within the realms of the port means that the Home Office relies heavily on services is an historical anachronism. that it provides. The force’s officers often play a role in Looking at what else has happened in the more than detaining people subject to football banning orders. 150 years since the 1847 Act, obviously, there have been They regularly intercept people with histories of violent changes in patterns regarding holding prisoners in custody crime who are attempting to travel. I am advised that in 647 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 648

2010 the port of Dover police arrested 180 people who encourage the Northern Ireland Assembly and Ministers were wanted by Home Office forces. That illustrates to engage in whatever is necessary to ensure that these that they are very much part of the fabric of our police legislative provisions are extended to the port of Belfast infrastructure. police. Both the port of Dover and the port of Tilbury have The port police do other work in support of Government automatic number plate reading systems installed at the agencies. For a number of years, port police forces have ports, which are connected to the police national computer. supported the UK Border Agency in arresting illegal As a result, nearly 700 vehicles were intercepted in 2010 immigrants. We are all well aware of the stories over the by just those two port police forces. Almost all those years that we have read in our newspapers, particularly vehicles had had their details circulated by the police concerning Dover, but a number of incidents in Tilbury national computer from Home Office colleagues across have also required the port police to arrest illegal immigrants. the UK. The port police also assist the Maritime Coastguard In addition, the work of the port police complements Agency by detecting offences contrary to regulations on that of the local forces. Many port police forces engage the carriage of dangerous goods by sea. I emphasise in traffic control outside their ports, for example, thereby that all this work in support of what the public expect preventing traffic gridlock as a result of vehicles queuing from their police services in protecting the security of to get into the ports. It is also worth mentioning that in our kingdom is done at no cost to the taxpayer. the event of a major incident, port police forces are ready to support their Home Office colleagues. From In practical terms, the legislation will allow the police my own perspective, given the number of COMAH— officers to maintain their powers and privileges of the control of major accident hazards—sites that exist in office of constable beyond the 1 mile jurisdiction. When my constituency, they are a fantastic additional resource they attend custody suites with prisoners they will be that the Essex police would be able to call on in the working on legitimate authority. As I have mentioned, event of a major incident. I know that the port of we are aware of occasions when port officers have Tilbury police value and attach great importance to attended court and been asked to arrest persons. If they their readiness to support them in serious incidents. It is do so—and they have done so—they are acting outside also worth noting the contribution of the port police the law, which is clearly in no one’s interests and needs forces to our successful Olympics this year. They were to be addressed. Equally, when processing prisoners at very much part of the powers to combat terrorism and custody suites outside their jurisdiction, strictly speaking made a full contribution to public safety. it is illegal for officers to carry any personal protection, including batons and handcuffs, but if they were not to do that they would obviously be at risk. Again, we need Stephen Metcalfe: My hon. Friend gives a glowing to remove that anomaly. account of port police. Does she think that our ports would not be so well policed without them, and, if so, This change will enable officers going to or returning would she recommend that the new port being constructed from an incident to use their powers as constables to in my constituency next door to hers by DP World, the deal with crimes in progress rather than simply reporting London gateway port, would be best served by adopting it to the local force. Clearly, there is an efficiency for its own police force, rather than relying on those supplied local forces if a port police officer can deal with a by the Home Office? matter there and then instead of, as in my case, referring the matter to Essex police and waiting for an attending Jackie Doyle-Price: The power of the port police, as officer. That will enable them to be much more effective opposed to any other supplier of security provision or in supporting their local officers and will mean that, if support, is that they have the powers of a constable. The called upon to support in a major incident, they will be strength of that, and the support that we give to our able to act with the full confidence that they are not police officers, speaks for itself. The port in his constituency acting outside their powers. The important practical has reserve powers to create a force if it so wishes, and I point is that it will enable officers to arrest suspects and would encourage it to do so. My experience of the port carry out house searches for offences committed in the of Tilbury police is that, given the amount of high-value port but where the suspects live outside, because otherwise commercial activity in a port, there is every opportunity going to an address outside a jurisdiction would obviously for serious and organised crime, which requires the mean working outside their authority. expertise and dedication of sworn-in police officers to Some Members might be a little nervous that we are combat that effectively. To be frank, it will give a level of extending the jurisdiction, but the existing jurisdiction service that contract providers such as G4S would never is well below that of special constables and we should be able to provide. look at it in those terms. Also, the way my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall has presented the Sheryll Murray: Does my hon. Friend agree that the relevant clause in the Bill means that the chief officer Northern Ireland Assembly could introduce the same for the resident Home Office force will have the powers legislation as this to ensure that the two ports in Northern to rescind the right to operate beyond the jurisdiction of Ireland had the same powers? one mile if he is ever unhappy with the manner in which the port police are operating. The way the Bill is drafted Jackie Doyle-Price: I completely endorse that point. brings no challenge at all to the chief constable in the In many ways, over the years the port of Belfast police Home Office force and allows us to maximise the may have made more of a contribution to our national complementary nature of port police officers. I know security than any of the other port police forces. The that the Department for Transport has consulted all the chief constable of the port of Belfast police wants Home Office forces that would be affected by that and exactly this measure for his force. I would thoroughly all chief constables were positive. 649 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 650

[Jackie Doyle-Price] intervene in the debate and to say that he will happily meet those with concerns about particular parts of the I hope that I have been able to persuade colleagues of Bill. That will make a difference. the real urgency of tackling this anomaly once and for I am a life member of the Royal Yachting Association, all, in the interests of security and public confidence in partly to avoid its spotting how bad a sailor I am and our policing. I hope that the Bill is given a Second saying that it will not renew my membership unless I Reading, notwithstanding the concerns expressed about take another course. The RYA knows perfectly well that other provisions in the Bill, which I look forward to when there is an issue that I think it has not got right, I addressing in Committee. will pursue it, as I did at the last annual general meeting; I pay tribute to how it has responded since. 1.6 pm We have to look at the reasons for its concerns. Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): The Nobody expects that the navigation or harbour authorities House is grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for are going to do anything silly or daft. They carry out Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) for sharing her expertise their responsibilities in providing navigation aids and on the important work done by the police linked to controlling safety in and around their harbours in a way harbours. We all agree that my hon. Friend the Member that is much appreciated, whether by leisure sailors, for South East Cornwall (Sheryll Murray) is doing a commercial traffic or the fishing industry. When I was service to the nation and to those who use our harbours agriculture Minister in the Northern Ireland Office, one and ports. I will not repeat what we have heard about of the happiest times I had was going out fishing from her expertise and involvement, but I pay tribute to her. I Kilkeel at midnight on one of those very calm nights also welcome the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse when the water reflected the moon. Those who smoked (Jim Fitzpatrick), who we have heard was at the memorial had a fag and then pulled in their nets, and about service for our former colleague Malcolm Wicks, who 4 tonnes of fish were landed. It was one of those was the kind of person who gave politics and political magical evenings where one can understand the allure service a good name. of the sea. I have no intention of delaying the Bill and want to My Friend the Minister may say, as no doubt his see it on the statute book. There has clearly been predecessor will have said before the change of Government, bipartisan agreement about it for some time. Its purposes that if an authority is going to do something that is are necessary and the changes are sensible. I do not clearly irrational there is the opportunity for a judicial think that there is a serous objection to anything in review. Whenever a port authority needs to make an particular, other than the need to sort out what was not emergency provision, no one is going to argue with its clear to the constituent of the hon. Member for Ellesmere doing so—safety comes first, and there is usually a Port and Neston (Andrew Miller), which is that clause 2(1) reason for it. is an amendment to an Act that is very clear about the The issues that come up for consultation are those person who holds a pilot certificate or is recognised as a which will have permanent effect or might create a new competent pilot for one or more vessels. That is a strong criminal offence. There may be a judicial review if the and necessary provision that is being continued. I pay authority, either by its own choice or because it is tribute to the hon. Gentleman for raising the point following a pattern created by other port and harbour about clause 5, which I will like to speak about shortly. authorities, is ignoring the legitimate interests of other My maritime experience was gained when I worked people. my passage back from Brisbane to Liverpool, working 16 hours a day on a 7,000-tonne freighter. Given some of our experiences while crossing the Australian bight, I Sheryll Murray: It is intended that before any competent have a respect for those who go to sea in all weathers, harbour authority introduced harbour revision orders especially on long journeys, and the fishermen who put or general rules of direction it would consult all users of up with whatever the weather throws at them. At some the area. In Plymouth, the Queen’s harbourmaster has stage I might write half a chapter for my unread and authority over the port of Plymouth, but we have two unwritten autobiography about what can happen when other major ports in Plymouth sound—Associated British 82 people are on a vessel for seven weeks. Nowadays Ports at Millbay docks, and Cattewater harbour, which there would be about 17 people, so half the things that takes in a tremendous amount of fuel to serve the happened would not happen now. south-west. We have Brittany ferries using the Millbay I also think that it is about time we got back to docks area, and we have our naval base and dockyard. I recognising—this is a brief diversion—some of our am absolutely certain that the Queen’s harbourmaster great maritime stories. I think that the works of Joseph would not introduce any general rules of direction Conrad should be brought back and given the same without consulting Associated British Ports and the importance as the present Man Booker nominees, as Cattewater harbourmaster. In fact, they regularly sit on should those of Somerset Maugham and Erskine Childers, a committee called the Tamar estuaries consultative who wrote “The Riddle of the Sands”, which, although forum, which takes account of every interested party written as a warning about possible threats of war, is I before starting to make any rules. think one of the most evocative books ever written about the sea and about sailing, and certainly the most Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I evocative I have read. appreciate that the hon. Lady is providing lots of I welcome my hon. Friend the Minister to his information, but she is making an intervention, not a responsibilities and congratulate him on how he has speech. However, I am sure that her hon. Friend is very already approached these issues in being willing to grateful for the information. 651 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 652

Sir Peter Bottomley: As directed, I am very grateful. I assure my hon. Friend the Member for South East My hon. Friend reminds me that the first woman named Cornwall that I will not take all that long, but to aid the in the New Testament is Tamar, who appears in the process I point out that a number of individual authorities second verse of the first chapter of St Matthew. have obtained powers of general direction over the My hon. Friend makes the sensible point that people years, starting at the time of les événements, when the want to do sensible, important and serious things. The permissive society was invented in 1968. Such powers of Minister has received a letter from the Royal Yachting direction have generally taken the place of byelaws. Association. I will not read it, but I think I am right in Unlike directions under clause 5, which harbour authorities saying that it would prefer not to have clause 5 in the could issue, byelaws have to be confirmed by the Secretary Bill. It was withdrawn from what was effectively this of State and are subject to what most people would regard Bill when Lord Berkeley introduced it in another place. as clear checks and balances in addition to consultation. It has turned up again in this Bill. No one is complaining The current byelaw process involves consultation, so about that, but the question is whether it should stay in. there is nothing new about that. The consultation element Without making any threatening noises, I shall say that is in place already and will remain. The question is I am sure the Bill would have as easy a passage without about the checks and balances that exist. I am not it as with it. thinking of accusing any harbour authority of having malevolent wishes towards recreational users or other We must then consider what is the alternative. One classes of ship. option is for clause 5 to remain as it is, surviving I pay tribute to the RYA does in training young Committee and Report and going to another place, but people on the water in motor vessels and sailing craft. It there are alternatives—it is either in, out or modified. has become a better and better organisation that does The RYA put to the Minister a suggestion for its more and more good for more people, and if other modification for him to take advice on. My hon. Friend organisations could do the same thing by training up the Member for South East Cornwall, in consultation the young and helping them to become first assistants with the Minister and his advisers—I am sure they are and then qualified instructors, there would be far more working closely together—might want to see whether value and purpose among our people on land as well as the RYA’s suggestion could have what I might call a at sea. moderating effect. The RYA has become increasingly concerned in recent If I may, I will spell out what I understand to be the years about the potential of powers of general direction RYA’s position. Clause 5 would modify the provisions to be exercised indiscriminately and in a manner that is on harbour revision orders. As we all know, some unnecessary and harmful to the lawful exercise of harbours already have the power to issue them, obtained recreational and other rights. Not every campaign the through statute or in other ways. Clause 5 would enable RYA takes up is wrong—in fact, nearly every campaign harbour authorities in this jurisdiction or the Scottish I have seen it run was right, and I admire the way in nation to give general directions to ships, including which it works with the British Marine Federation. recreational craft. Members might not expect this, but They provide in partnership, without overlap, a seamless when I come across the Solent into Portsmouth harbour, approach to the law and the use of our waters. my open canoe is classed as a ship, which is a bit grand. Let me give a list of some of the questions considered That is even better than the promotion that the hon. by the RYA about the powers of general direction, and Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston gave me when whether they are fully merited. There are some powers he confused me with my wife. that everyone can accept, but whether they are sufficiently The power in clause 5 is expressed as applying to merited to be unqualified or without the moderation ships within, entering or leaving a harbour, and relates that I hope the Minister will mention is a matter for to their movement, their mooring, the nature and use of debate. their equipment and the manning of them. As I have Making general directions involves the creation of been reminded, a pre-consultation requirement is included, new criminal offences, which local harbour authorities stating that a harbour authority should may be seen as ill-equipped to do. Even democratically “consult such representatives of users of the harbour as the elected local authorities, in their other roles, do not authority think appropriate.” normally have powers to create criminal offences, and the Bill contains none of the supervisory safeguards We understand that it will do that properly. usually imposed on law-making bodies. This may be Contravention of a general direction would be a political theology or philosophy, but why should a criminal offence. That is not new, but it might apply if a harbour authority be different from a local authority? new harbour revision order came in. The powers of general direction can be seen as running counter to the Government’s localism policy by granting Stephen Hammond: I will try to be as helpful to my an unelected harbour authority law-making powers that hon. Friend as I was to the hon. Member for Ellesmere are not subjected to democratic checks and balances Port and Neston (Andrew Miller). As my hon. Friend and full transparency. Most of us could argue that points out, there is a requirement of pre-consultation. because harbour authorities exist for a particular purpose, Prior to any consultation, the Department would issue and because those who are appointed to harbour authorities directions as to what should be consulted upon. I believe are there to provide expertise and a contribution, we that that potentially covers some of his objections. should not be too worried about that. One should put it on the record that those people are not democratically elected, and the localism agenda is not just about saying Sir Peter Bottomley: We are making progress, and I that we are not going to do things in Whitehall—or in am grateful to my hon. Friend. my day, the Department for Transport on Marsham 653 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 654

[Sir Peter Bottomley] Clearly, the designated harbour authority would retain ultimate discretion and authority to proceed with proposed street—but that things will be done locally by locally directions having considered the independent person’s elected people. I do not criticise the harbour authorities report. A decision by the designated harbour authority for not being elected, but there is a distinction. would be open to legal challenge only if it is patently Under the power, general directions could be made perverse to allow it to proceed, when the courts and over the wide areas used by recreational and commercial judicial review become involved. The fact that concerns traffic in a disproportionate manner, without proper me is that the cost of formal legal proceedings and risk assessment or consideration of the full implications getting a fair hearing would act as a spur to persuade or possible alternatives. They could be used to impose interested bodies, including the RYA and other stakeholder significant and potentially burdensome restrictions on interests, to accept decisions. As I said earlier, if a the navigational use of recreational craft. Many harbour direction is issued in an emergency, the consultation authorities have jurisdiction over substantial areas going could not take place, although the procedure may be out to sea, not just partially enclosed harbour areas. applied retrospectively if the direction given in an emergency Again, I do not want any hon. Member who arrives late or at short notice is likely to turn into a permanent or to the debate to think that I am attacking the harbour long-standing requirement. authorities. I am just asking what protections there I am advised that the procedure has been applied could be, and whether we need a system in which the under the Broads Authority Act 2009, which is a precedent. potential for things to go wrong could be anticipated Hon. Members are keen on precedents, although the and perhaps built into the legislation. House of Commons has “Erskine May”, which is full There have been past examples—this is not about of things that had not happened before or that were harbour authorities and harbour revision orders—where blocked for the first time. A similar provision is included some in government picked up the idea, wrongly in my in the recently published draft Cowes harbour revision view, that small recreational craft could start contributing order, but the Poole Harbour Revision Order 2012 was to light dues. We all get the benefit from navigation, but made without such a provision, because, as I understand how on earth do we get a person—me in my Mirror it, the Poole Harbour Commissioners objected to its dinghy, or one of my sons, daughters or granddaughters inclusion. The RYA makes it clear that such a provision in their craft—to contribute to that? There is a question provides a worthwhile, and some would say essential, of where to draw the line, but at some stage it must be safeguard that ought to be applied more generally. I drawn some way away from ordinary recreational craft agree. The RYA expressed its concerns to representatives that might, under this legislation, be regarded as ships. of the port industry and the Government before the 2010 general election in response to the Government’s Sheryll Murray: Does my hon. Friend agree that the consultation on a draft maritime navigation Bill in measure in the Bill to allow Trinity House become more 2008. competitive and raise its own income will to some Clearly, the Bill has been improved by that consultation, extent relieve the burden of light dues on the industry, and I hope it will be improved as a result of my remarks. or at least prevent the annual increase? I am grateful to the House for listening to me with kindness, but more importantly, for listening with Sir Peter Bottomley: Yes, and were this a slightly admiration to my hon. Friend the Member for South different debate I would be paying tribute to Trinity East Cornwall. House for what it does. I have two more points on this general issue. Prior consultation has been suggested by my hon. Friend the 1.27 pm Member for South East Cornwall, and by our hon. Friend the Minister, but we must ask whether that is an Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): May adequate safeguard. Experience shows that across the I offer my apologies, Madam Deputy Speaker, for wearing public and private sectors, inappropriate or flawed decisions my “Malcolm Wicks Vote Labour”sticker in the Chamber? sometimes follow prior consultation. We can get things As a number of hon. Members have said, it was his wrong, whatever hat we wear. memorial today, so it is appropriate that he is with us in the Chamber, where he did such great work over 20 years. Because reference was made to judicial review, we I also apologise to the hon. Member for South East must ask whether it is an adequate remedy against an Cornwall (Sheryll Murray), whose Bill we are debating, objectionable direction when powers are expressed without for missing her speech. Naturally, I will read her comments significant limitations, as in clause 5. We can presume in Hansard, and I am sure I will hear her voice when I that any procedural or substantive illegality to provide do so. for a cause for action is highly unlikely, and an authority could just say, “I’ve consulted. I’m not convinced. I’m I am grateful to the shadow deputy Chief Whip, my not going change my mind.” hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Mr Campbell), for his assistance, for allowing me to be absent to go to The adjudication procedure, which the Minister might Malcolm’s memorial, and for nursing my prepared remarks talk about, could allow interested people to require, in in the hope that he would not have to deliver them, limited circumstances, the harbour authority to obtain which fortunately he will not. an independent report on issues arising before deciding to proceed, to ensure that the designated harbour authority’s I congratulate the hon. Lady on introducing the Bill. case for the exercise of the power includes recreational The Commons Library note, which was produced by interest concerns, and to ensure that it is fully explained the excellent Ms Louise Butcher, states: and documented, and subject to independent and objective “The Bill recreates many of the provisions in the Labour examination. Government’s 2008 draft Marine Navigation Bill”. 655 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 656

The Opposition would therefore look a bit foolish if we Shipping in SE1 next to London bridge. He gave a good opposed it, although, as the hon. Member for Worthing speech on behalf of the coalition and I look forward to West (Sir Peter Bottomley) said, the measure has aged his remarks in support of the Bill. and improved. Our only concern with the Bill is on pilot exemption 1.33 pm certificates. I have had discussions with the hon. Lady and my hon. Friend the Member for Ellesmere Port and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Neston (Andrew Miller) about this issue. Having arrived (Stephen Hammond): We have had a fascinating 90-minute in the middle of my hon. Friend’s remarks, I know that nautical exploration this morning. We were safely taken the Minister was able to give strong reassurances about out of harbour by my hon. Friend the Member for the concerns raised by the UK Maritime Pilots Association, South East Cornwall (Sheryll Murray), and I am pleased and I am grateful to Captain Cockrill and his colleagues that she has been able to introduce this Bill because I for their assistance in preparing for this debate. On the met her several times when I had this role in opposition basis of the assurances that the Minister has given, I am and she was campaigning for the fisheries industry. She sure that we will be able to support the Bill and reassure and her family have devoted their lives to the marine and those who are worried about retaining and maintaining maritime industries through both tragedy and good the skill and qualification levels of those responsible for times, and I congratulate her on her success in the ballot. the safe passage of vessels in and around the UK. With the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston The Library, in the notes on page 5, gives a clear (Andrew Miller), we skirted round choppy waters—we background to this critical issue, explains the development avoided sailing right into them—and I shall say more of pilot exemption certificates and reminds us that, at about his contribution in a moment. My hon. Friend the time of their introduction, the Transport Select the Member for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) is of Committee expressed some concern. I greatly welcome course right that my role should not be to neglect this the reassurances that the Minister has given today on issue, but nor should it be to get in the way of the these serious matters. We will, obviously, have the chance maritime industry. I shall address her remarks about to return to the issue in Committee so that those clause 7 later in my speech. I know that the knowledge reassurances can be reinforced, but it is helpful to know of my hon. Friend the Member for Worthing West the Government’s position today. (Sir Peter Bottomley) about the maritime environment of the Isle of Wight is extensive. He could pilot anything On the other clauses of the Bill, we look forward to into certain parts of Seaview and Bembridge. But he is examining the clauses on harbour authorities further in right, of course. If his autobiography is as well written Committee. The hon. Member for Worthing West has as “The Riddle of the Sands”, it will go down as a adequately dealt with those and raised questions from literary tribute. If he will allow me, I will address some the Royal Yachting Association and the British Marine of his remarks when I discuss clause 5. Federation, but the measures appear to represent positive steps forward. Clause 7 looks like a sensible move to The maritime industry carries out its activities every acknowledge a better way of working for ports police, day without fanfare or demand, but, as was pointed out where they exist, and the hon. Member for Thurrock at last night’s event, where I drank copious amounts of (Jackie Doyle-Price) ably explained to the House why tomato juice, all too often, as people eat their lamb or this is needed. Had we been able to do so, we would take their car to the continent for holiday, or if they are have done this in government, so we are grateful to the wealth creators in manufacturing, it is taken for granted hon. Member for South East Cornwall and the coalition. that the finished goods will either be imported or exported around the world, while the mechanism by which that In clauses 8, 9 and 11, general lighthouse authorities occurs is not always appreciated. Far too many people would be given added freedoms and responsibilities, take the maritime industry for granted, but I know that which are overdue and supported by Trinity House. I many in the House, including those who have contributed am grateful to Deputy Master Captain Ian McNaught to this debate, do not. It is an industry that works come for his briefing. Anything that addresses the industry’s rain, wind or shine. angst about the charges levied for light dues and allows I was delighted to attend the British Chamber of the GLAs to continue with their excellent work is very Shipping event and to visit Felixstowe this week to see a welcome. port operating and securing the future of UK plc. I My only pedantic point is on clause 10, and I wish to recognise the vital contribution that the industry makes mark my discomfort with the word “manning” in the to the UK, its living standards and its prosperity, and it 21st century. We are talking about crew numbers here, is right that nothing be done to hinder the safety of and if it were not for the fact that the Bill quotes anyone working in it. Everything in the Bill is intended previous Acts, I would suggest that “crewing” would be to ensure their safety. I recognise the hard work that the a much better and more accurate term. Given the employees and those who work self-employed at ports number of women at sea these days, “manning” is very and on the ships contribute every day to keeping this 19th and early 20th century language. I am not known country moving and competitive. I also recognise the for being overly politically correct, but sometimes we managers whose freight operations ensure the most need to look at our language and bring it into the streamlined and efficient operation of ports. That is 21st century. important not only for the maritime industry but for We support the Bill, although we will want to look at our country as a whole. every clause in Committee. I look forward to hearing With that in mind, I thank my hon. Friend the from the Minister. The last time I saw him was yesterday Member for South East Cornwall for introducing her evening at the champagne reception to mark the opening Bill. I am aware of its antecedents and the hard work of the excellent new headquarters of the Chamber of done then. The Bill will not only ensure that the UK’s 657 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 658

[Stephen Hammond] beds, they know their tidal patterns and they know their ports. Currently, competent harbour authorities are impeccable safety record is maintained but, more responsible for the pilotage services provided at their importantly, will help to make the industry ever more facilities. They can choose the pilots who provide the efficient in its day-to-day activities and ensure that we services at their ports, requiring specific skills and experience have an industry fit for the 21st century. of those who ply that trade. Competent harbour authorities I do not intend to speak at length about every clause, can already issue pilotage exemption certificates to masters because my hon. Friend has already put the case and first mates who know a port well. Such certificates extraordinarily eloquently. A few issues have been raised enable an individual to bring a ship into a specified during the clause-by-clause examination, about some of facility without the need for a pilot, and the requirements which I hope I have reassured hon. Members sufficiently for the holder, in terms of knowledge, skills and experience, to ensure the Bill’s safe passage to Committee, but none are the same as for full-time pilots. the less let me put on record some comments about each I therefore believe that competent harbour authorities clause. Clauses 1 to 4 cover pilotage, the pilotage exemption are well placed to decide which members of a ship’s certificate and the removal of pilotage powers that are crew they issue a pilotage exemption certificate to. no longer required. My hon. Friend has given a detailed Competent harbour authorities are, after all, experienced account of the pilotage profession, its high level of in this field and know the navigable hazards of their proficiency and independent thinking, and the knowledge facilities best. Moreover, we should enable competent of the ports, their waters and local conditions that all harbour authorities to recognise the skills and knowledge pilots require. of those who have driven themselves to achieve the Clearly, my knowledge does not compare with my required standards, through the granting of a pilotage hon. Friend’s in this matter, and I cannot add much, exemption certificate. Clauses 1 to 4 further strengthen other than by observing that pilotage is a tradition and competent harbour authorities’ administration of the an industry stretching back almost 3,000 years to ancient certificate process, enabling the easier withdrawal of Greek and Roman times, when pilots were local fishermen certificates and introducing stronger pilotage reporting employed by ships’ captains to bring vessels into port. requirements. The proposals therefore clearly seek to UK pilotage custom, practice and legislation are more strike a balance between right deregulation and maintaining modern than they were 3,000 years ago and are governed high standards of maritime safety. by the Pilotage Act 1987. Clauses 5 and 6 deal with some of the issues that the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston raised, as Many ports and harbours have a long and distinguished well as those raised by my hon. Friend the Member for tradition dating back hundreds of years, but I will resist Worthing West. Let me try to give my hon. Friend some the temptation to give a history lesson on every port reassurance. As he rightly said, the Royal Yachting and harbour, and their distinguished traditions. As Association has indeed expressed a number of concerns. several people have pointed out, however, trading patterns Some were similar to those it expressed in 2008. My change and ships are much larger than they used to be. Department has looked at a number of them, and we Change is driven by improvements, economies of scale will be responding in Committee. None the less, although and advancements in ship-building technology. It is we have discussed the issue of consultation and guidance clear that where a port or harbour operates purely for from the Department, I think the crux of what my hon. leisure craft or small shipping vehicles, the need for Friend was saying today is this. In the response to the pilotage might have been overtaken by events and 2008 consultation, the Royal YachtingAssociation proposed knowledge might have improved. I welcome the proposals, that an independent adjudication procedure and process therefore, to enable facilities to relinquish some of their be provided in the Bill. Where I think he wants reassurance obligations under the Pilotage Act. is on the question of why the Bill does not do that, for Let me turn to the exemption certificates. My hon. which there are several reasons. First, the Bill is not only Friend the Member for South East Cornwall identified about marine safety, but about simplification and the Pilotage Act 1987 as the umbrella legislation that deregulation. There is little evidence that the authorities covers marine pilotage operations. I agree with her that already have the power to give general directions assertion that the 1987 Act could benefit from an update do so unreasonably, although to be fair, my hon. Friend in relation to such certificates, because it is some 25 years acknowledged that point. since it was passed. None the less, it is clearly right to address the concerns that have rightly been expressed Sir Peter Bottomley: Indeed, and my hon. Friend will on behalf of the pilots association and by the hon. acknowledge that, with the Department’s approval, some Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston on behalf of revision orders or powers to harbour authorities include his constituent. I hope that I have been able to reassure the independent report element, so I think it is a score the hon. Gentleman in respect of section 8 of the draw at the moment. Pilotage Act 1987, which clearly states that competent harbour authorities can issue exemption certificates only when they are certain that the applicant’s Stephen Hammond: Just as I was standing in front of an open goal! “skill, experience and local knowledge are sufficient for him to be capable of piloting the ship”. As I have said, harbour authorities will be required to consult users and stakeholders before making general I hope that in my other interventions I was able to directions, and it would be sensible of them to hold reassure him on the other issues he raised. informal discussions with those bodies before the formal Competent harbour authorities are responsible for consultations. The Department will provide guidance. the operation of their ports. They know the types of Some Members asked whether the process of judicial ships that call, they know the geography of their sea review was too expensive, but it exists none the less. 659 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill19 OCTOBER 2012 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 660

I have agreed to meet representatives of the RYA with anachronistic nature of the law as it applies to them: it my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall certainly does not cover the needs and requirements of and my officials, and I hope that we shall be able to give the 21st century. She rightly observed that their role them even more reassurance before the Committee stage. often went well beyond their present tightly defined remit, involving traffic control, the ability to work with Sir Peter Bottomley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, local police forces in trying to control episodes of and I am sure the House is as well. The RYA representatives disorder, and the additional resource that they provide may say that they are looking forward to the meeting as in other contexts as and when directed by local forces. well, and are expecting the Minister and my hon. Friend They should, of course, also feature on the roll of the Member for South East Cornwall to agree to what honour celebrating the great performance of public they want. I hope that all parties will be asking themselves servants and volunteers during the Olympics. She rightly what they are trying to achieve, and what is the best way recognised and forcefully made the point that clause 7 of making a minor modification to the clause if it is not will put the ports police on the same footing as other to be dropped altogether. police. It is right that it does so, and I look forward to the clause being widely welcomed in Committee. If it is felt that the clause should be retained—for the purpose of simplification, as the Minister sensibly said—it The Bill does not limit itself to the matters of shipping might be worth considering provision for an independent and port activity; it also seeks to enable the general report. No one is suggesting that there should be an lighthouse authorities to trade more freely in the commercial independent report on every possible harbour revision sector. My hon. Friend gave us a pub quiz question, so order, because most are uncontroversial; the need arises before I comment on that legislation, may I, in that only when an order becomes controversial, or when same spirit, tell her some things of which she may not there is a clash of interests. be aware? The oldest lighthouse in existence is indeed in these islands, at Hook Head, in south-east Ireland—the tower, with additions and modifications, dates back to Stephen Hammond: I have listened carefully to what Norman times; Trinity House has been in existence for my hon. Friend has said, and I shall ensure that my 500 years; the Northern Lighthouse Board recently officials and I go to the meeting in the spirit that he celebrated the bicentenary of its iconic Bell Rock lighthouse; desires. He is right to say that everyone wants to deal and the Commissioners of Irish Lights provides marine with the clause constructively. aids to navigation across the whole of Ireland—it is As I said in an earlier intervention, and also a moment symbolic of what the UK and Ireland can achieve ago, some harbour authorities have powers of general through working together. The enactment of this clause direction through private Acts of Parliament or through will not only enable the general lighthouse authorities the harbour revision orders, while others do not. Such to minimise their operational costs through the generation general directions are used to control vessels and improve of additional income, but will help the Commissioners safety. The Bill enables the Secretary of State for Transport of Irish Lights in its drive to be self-funding in the to make an order giving a named harbour the power to Republic by 2015-16. make general directions in respect of ships. I think that that is a welcome measure, which will have the potential I, too, am aware of the commercial activities that the to place all harbour authorities on a similar footing in general lighthouse authorities undertake. They also pool terms of order-making powers to control their harbours their limited spare capacity to undertake commercial using general directions. As for the harbour closure work where they can, a good example of which is the proposals, it seems sensible to me to allow port and help they give the Met Office in maintaining deepwater harbour facilities that are not long economically viable buoys. The clause that my hon. Friend has promoted to be closed in order to prevent a continued financial will enable the three general lighthouse authorities to drain on their owners. enter into commercial agreements more easily, and trade on their good names.

Sir Peter Bottomley: Many navigation authorities are I take the stricture of the hon. Member for Poplar on inland waterways, which may not be within the and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick) about the phraseology scope of the Bill. Might they constitute inactive responsible of clause 10; he rightly says that it refers to a previous authorities, and might they be covered by the clause? I Bill. I take his point, and nothing should be inferred do not expect the Minister to answer my question from that phraseology. Clauses 10 and 11 are the other immediately, but perhaps he would be kind enough to substantive clauses in this Bill, and they represent a write to my hon. Friend and me at a later stage. sensible approach to tying up administrative loose ends for the lighthouse authorities and removing some of the bureaucracy involved in making new regulations on Stephen Hammond: I will indeed. manning or crewing requirements, which is costly for My hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock made an both private enterprise and the Government. extraordinarily powerful speech about clause 7. She not The Bill has had widespread support. A number of only guided us through the history of the Port of issues have been raised, on which I hope we have been Tilbury authority—I shall use that information for a able to reassure hon. Members. If not, I hope that we question in my constituency pub quiz later—but drew will be able to do so in Committee. So I commend my attention to the Bill’s antecedent of 2008, and welcomed hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall (Sheryll the present Bill. Murray) for introducing this legislation and I commend As my hon. Friend said, knowledge of the powers of her Bill. I hope that hon. Members will agree with my the port police and what should be required of them in assertion that it should be taken forward to Committee, the 21st century is limited. She gave examples of the and I look forward to its passage on to the statute book. 661 Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill 19 OCTOBER 2012 662

1.52 pm Transparency in UK Company Supply Chains (Eradication of Slavery) Bill Sheryll Murray: I thank hon. Members for the support I have received today on Second Reading. I wish to Second Reading mention the contribution of my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce), who is not in her place, on 1.56 pm how the clauses on the port police will help not only coastal communities but inland communities. I hope Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): that we have given the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. and Neston (Andrew Miller), who has long-standing First, let me put on record my tribute to Malcolm experience in marine issues, the reassurance he needed Wicks, the celebration of whose life was held today. He that we will examine clause 2(1) in Committee. was a man of great principle and a good personal friend who will be sadly missed. I can say honestly that he was My hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jackie not just respected but deeply and fondly respected by Doyle-Price) has superb expertise in the area of the port Members on both sides of the House. police, and I know that since she has been in this place she has worked extremely hard for her constituents to I welcome the new Minister for Immigration to his try to get something established. I hope that I will be place, although I must say that this is not an immigration able to draw on some of her expertise in Committee. or migration Bill. It is interesting that until a week ago we were corresponding with the Department for Business, It was also good to hear from my hon. Friend the Innovation and Skills. I have in my hand a letter from Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock (Stephen the then Under-Secretary, which states that Metcalfe), who talked about the expansion of the port “BIS recently consulted on proposals to improve corporate narrative in his constituency. I hope we might be able to give him reporting. As part of that we sought views on making it explicit some assistance if his port decides to introduce its own that quoted companies should consider human rights issues in port police force. reporting. We are working up final proposals on reporting and hope to announce them later this year.” It was a privilege and an honour to hear from my I do not know why the Bill has been transferred to the hon. Friend the Member for Worthing West (Sir Peter Minister for Immigration, but that is not to say that it is Bottomley). He is a long-standing Member of this devoid of immigration issues—the berries we get in our House with great expertise in transport and he spoke supermarkets and the production of the “Big Mac” with knowledge as a member of the RYA. I gratefully chickens that were proudly boasted of as being “all take on board his suggestion and I hope that he, too, is British” at the Olympics but turned out to be run by reassured that we will consider in Committee the points gangmasters who hired a gang of subcontractors that he raised. treated people like animals and stole from them and who are now being taken to court by Her Majesty’s tax I thank the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse officers for taking tax off people and not paying it. I (Jim Fitzpatrick) and the Minister for their contributions have talked to people who tell that me the conditions for today and for their support in taking the Bill forward. people who harvest the asparagus from Peru that can be In conclusion, I pay tribute to all those people who bought in our supermarkets are beyond what one would go to sea on big ships and little ships. They do so much expect in any country. So, there are immigration issues to support our great island nation but they often do not for the UK. receive the recognition they are due. Professor Gary Craig of the Wilberforce institute in Hull is at this moment preparing a report for the Joseph Question put and agreed to. Rowntree Foundation. The subjects studied include forced labour among Chinese migrants to this country, forced Bill accordingly read a Second time; to stand committed labour in Northern Ireland, the regulatory and legal to a Public Bill Committee (Standing Order No. 63). frameworks surrounding forced labour and a report entitled “The experience of forced labour in the food industry” that was launched in the House of Commons in mid-May and took a field-to-fork approach. They raise questions about migration in the UK, but the Bill is not about migration and the UK.

The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): Perhaps I can help the hon. Gentleman. The Home Office and I have the lead in Government on combating human trafficking, on which I work closely with colleagues across Government. Indeed, only yesterday we published our interdepartmental report on combating human trafficking. Perhaps that is why it was felt to be appropriate for me to lead on the Government’s response to his Bill.

Michael Connarty: That explains why the Government need a pair of specs to look at what the Bill is about. It is not about human trafficking. There may be elements of human trafficking within it, but it is about the 663 Transparency in UK Company Supply 19 OCTOBER 2012 Transparency in UK Company Supply 664 Chains (Eradication of Slavery) Bill Chains (Eradication of Slavery) Bill exploitation of humanity. It is about modern-day slavery; The Institute for Human Rights and Business was that does not require people to be trafficked across the also represented at the meeting, because the business world, but may include trafficking across the world. community is interested in this. There were about 20 other Professor Craig goes on in his report to talk about civic society organisations there, too, and I thank them major supermarkets, and asks how they can all. We pledged last night that this campaign would go on. If the Bill is talked out today, it is coming back. This “sell flowers or vegetables sourced from thousands of miles away issue is not going away. The campaign will go on, as (e.g. Asparagus from Peru) at prices which cannot possibly reflect appropriate labour costs”. Wilberforce did in his struggles, until he changed the attitude of his country, and then the world, to the abuse He says: of people moved, as slaves, from Africa to other parts “These major retailers generally claim that their own practices of the world. are ethical and that they try ‘as far as possible’ to ensure that the practices of those who supply them…are also ethical”, Anthony Steen was also there. I pay great tribute to him. He is the founder and director of the Human but how much do they try?” Trafficking Foundation. If ever there was a cause for a knighthood, it is what Anthony Steen has done in this Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): Will the hon. Gentleman field alone. I also commend the all-party group on give way? human trafficking, and Parliamentarians against Human Trafficking, a group with members from all parts of Michael Connarty: No. I do not take many interventions. Europe, and wider Europe, who met in this House on I do not have much time, because people treated the Tuesday and Thursday to talk about human trafficking. previous Bill as though they were in Committee and The Bill does not contradict what the Human Trafficking spoke at great length and in detail, when they should Foundation is about, but it is not only about that; it is have done so in Committee. Not a lot of time is left for complementary to it. me to speak, or for others who wish to speak on the Bill. In attempting to get the Bill through, we are standing The question is how ethical suppliers are. Professor on the shoulders of giants, because people have done so Craig said: much, from Wilberforce right through to the modern “Despite a number of campaigns, there is little doubt that the day. I say “giants”; for some people, the EU is one of products of slave labour abroad end up on the High Street of all those giants. I notice the presence of the hon. Member our communities”. for North East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg), who may The purpose of the Bill is to deal with that. intervene; he may see the EU as a large body, rather than a giant. It is interesting that, in December 2012, I bow to the Foreign Secretary’s knowledge of the the European Commission will launch its draft guidance thoughts of William Wilberforce, on which he expounded to employment and recruitment agencies operating in his excellent book. He wrote time and again that worldwide. It is talking about how best to implement Wilberforce said that he would not be turned aside from the United Nations’ guiding principles on business and his campaign on slavery 200 years ago. The Bill aims at human rights. It is important that those who support addressing the modern-day version of the slavery that the recruitment and employment industry, and who Wilberforce thought he had eradicated 200 years ago. also want to see better standards to ensure that bottom Last night in the House of Commons, on anti-slavery feeders do not exploit workers, engage in this process. I day, we had a meeting of people who support the Bill, commend the company, Manpower, which has spent including its Conservative sponsor, the hon. Member five years auditing its supply chain right down to the for New Forest East (Dr Lewis). It is no coincidence lowest level. Its managing director speaks out strongly that a large number of faith-based organisations joined on the subject. He spoke on behalf of those who put the several organisations supporting the Bill. Clearly, through the Bill similar to this one in the California they all know that I am a humanist and do not have a legislature, where such auditing is now law. religion, but the Right Rev. Albert Bogle, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Talking about giants, it is interesting that President came down specifically to speak in support of the Bill. Obama last week called modern-day slavery The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility, “a debasement of our common humanity.” representing 19 ethical investment companies, came to speak. Fair Pensions and the Fairshare Educational He spoke about Foundation, the Ethical Investment Association, and “the injustice, the outrage, of human trafficking, which must be the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales called by its true name—modern slavery.” were represented at last night’s meeting in support of the Bill. There are giants in the field and I am happy to step up on their shoulders. Unseen UK was there; it has launched the “Walk Free” petition, which is gathering signatures at a rate of When we are talking about a Bill to do with trade and 10,000 a day. A young organisation with which I was business, not just to do with migration, it is interesting very impressed, the Global Poverty Project, is negotiating that when the FairPensions campaign for responsible contacts with the fashion industry to challenge it on investment and the Ecumenical Council for Corporate how it brings to the high street goods that may have Responsibility wrote a letter, they wrote to the Secretary been sewn together by people who are getting a pittance of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. At my wage and living in terrible conditions. Not many people suggestion they copied it to the new Minister for would buy those goods if, when they walked into these Immigration, but only because we had found out that fancy stores, the label stated, “This garment is made by the Minister for Immigration, rather than the Business slave labour.” I wish that organisation well. Secretary, would reply to the Bill. 665 Transparency in UK Company Supply 19 OCTOBER 2012 Transparency in UK Company Supply 666 Chains (Eradication of Slavery) Bill Chains (Eradication of Slavery) Bill [Michael Connarty] We have had to stick to that wording, which is defined in article 3 of the International Labour Organisation’s What is the purpose of the Bill? It is to create a convention No. 182. That refers to framework that large companies can use to review the “work which exposes children to physical, psychological or sexual contract arrangements that they have entered into for abuse…work underground, under water, at dangerous heights or the supply of their goods and services, and by including in confined spaces…work with dangerous machinery, equipment services we extend beyond the Californian Act. It is and tools, or which involves the manual handling or transport of interesting that in the discussions last night, many of heavy loads…work in an unhealthy environment which may, for the organisation said, yes, that includes public procurement example, expose children to hazardous substances, agents or processes, or to temperatures, noise level and vibrations damaging —the £9 billion of public procurement contracts that to their health…work under particularly difficult conditions such this Government give out. They must audit, right down as work for long hours or during the night or work where the to the roots. child is unreasonably confined in the premises of the employer.” It has been embarrassing when organisations have Is there any hon. Member here, or any member of the been found to have people working in their buildings Government, who does not want to oppose those worst who do not have the right to be in the UK and who forms of child labour? I do not think so. Do people come in with gangs of workers. I work very late at night want to buy products that they know have been made in in this building. I go home at 1 am or 2 am because I that way? Remember the scandal when during the Beijing like working in the evening. I have often tried to speak Olympics children were shown sewing leather footballs to the people who work here in the lifts. Many of them that were sold in Europe for a vast profit. There have cannot speak English. That does not mean that they are been exposures again and again of women locked up in not legal immigrants, but when Ken Livingstone was factories in Malaysia, not paid, not fed and not allowed Mayor of London he reckoned that 500,000 people live to go home, making garments that end up on our high in London illegally. The Government give no subsidy to streets. Those are the things that the Bill asks companies London for their education or other services. Those to seek out and do something about. people are exploited because they have no right to be Clause 2 is about disclosure. Companies must disclose here, so they can be paid poor wages or kept in terrible on their website and in their annual report what they conditions. find. If they do not have a website, they must produce a The growth of TB in London is attributed to the fact report within 30 days on what they have found in their that people are living in such terrible conditions, and to supply chain. Is that so much to ask? I do not think so. the fact that they are afraid to get treatment because That is asking companies to look closely at what is they would then be sent back home. That is a problem happening in their name, with their money, on behalf of common to large conurbations in this country and their customers. There is a movement out there that others. wants to see us trading ethically. Fair Trade is the beginning, but ethical trade is the end, and that is what The Bill represents a challenge, but not a threat. It is is coming to us. If we go to meet it, we will be applauded; not a big stick to beat companies. It aims to encourage if we do not, we will be abused and put down as being companies to seek transparency from their suppliers people who do not really care because we still think that and from those who supply their suppliers, right back to it does not matter as long as UK plc makes a buck. That the first transaction moved by their finances and their is no longer what the public want. sale of products and services. It is an invitation also to raise the ethical standards of their trade. That is what Clause 2(3) is about what will be disclosed and how—the Wilberforce was about. It was not necessary to have methodology. It is the same methodology as set out in enslavement in order to have trade. The Bill aims to lead the California Act, which has now been embraced by the fight to eradicate the incentives to enslave men, many companies. Interestingly, 40 multinationals from women and children, just to shave a small percentage the UK trade in California and will have to go through off the price of goods and services in the UK. this process if they wish to do business there. Many of the countries will, I hope, then be able to lead the way in We hope that that invitation will be taken up because the UK. I have had letters of support from BP and it is an opportunity to win the right to display a sort of from the people who bought the 26 sites in olefins and kite mark. That is what is happening in California, derivatives from BP, INEOS. We have companies saying where companies are saying, “We have audited, we are that they want to see the Bill through because they are ethical, we are proud of being ethical. Buy our goods willing to do this. So we have the audit of suppliers and and services because they are worth something extra.” direct suppliers and setting up internal accountability That is what I want to see companies looking for—pride standards, providing companies’ employees and and marketing value, such as the Body Shop brand, management with direct responsibility for the supply which was clearly not tested on animals and became an chain, with the accountability to reply and report on the example of ethical production. That changed the view supply chain right down to the bottom. That is all very of the purchaser and of other companies in the high sensible. street so that they could match the achievement and win Clause 3 states that when the company finds people in that market also. who are being abused in these ways, it must then seek How can the Bill do this? We are following the out ways to assist them. It states that it California Act, which was mentioned by President Obama. “shall take action necessary and appropriate to assist people who Clause 1 says who should do it and for what purpose. have been victims and shall report on that action in their annual Companies with annual receipts of more than £100 million reports” worldwide should disclose what they have found. The That is a very sensible requirement. Companies do say, phrasing of subsection (2) is clumsy. It refers to “Yes, we have done it. We are ethical. We do not have “the worst forms of child labour”. any problems.” But if someone finds that they are not 667 Transparency in UK Company Supply 19 OCTOBER 2012 Transparency in UK Company Supply 668 Chains (Eradication of Slavery) Bill Chains (Eradication of Slavery) Bill ethical, they are found to be denying very publicly the has nevertheless seen it as appropriate to adopt such audit that should have taken place. I remember going measures. If BP can adopt such measures, that sets a round companies—some Government Members may good example for other large companies to do likewise. not like this—with a lot of stickers always in my pocket showing a skull and crossbones and saying “Contaminated Jeremy Lefroy: Will my hon. Friend give way? by apartheid”. It may be that eventually, when companies are denying what they are doing in the supply chain, Dr Lewis: I will not give way, for a reason I am just people will be putting stickers on their goods saying, about to explain. “Contaminated by child slavery”, or “Contaminated by While talking of setting good examples, I would like slavery”. Then they may then have to look again at what to say that there are times for long speeches and times they are doing when they say that they are doing for short speeches. This is a time for short speeches. I everything correctly. look to hon. Members on the Back Benches and on The Bill might be talked out today, but it is coming both Front Benches to follow my good example and back. It will not go away. If the Government had the make short speeches so that this worthy Bill can proceed courage to give the lead to UK businesses, those businesses as it should to Committee. can still win the markets, but they can also win the next stage of Wilberforce’s campaign as set out 200 years ago and challenge and help to eradicate modern day 2.18 pm slavery. Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): The hon. Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Michael 2.14 pm Connarty) has brought forward a noble Bill that, in its intention and motivation, is of the highest standards Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): I begin by this House ever reaches. As he said, it continues in the congratulating the hon. Member for Linlithgow and tradition of Wilberforce’s campaign to eradicate the East Falkirk (Michael Connarty) on his speech and on slave trade and then slavery throughout the British taking the Bill forward. I am delighted and proud to be empire. I believe that the Act of Parliament that finally one of the 11 sponsors from five parties, including no eradicated slavery throughout the empire was passed fewer than three colleagues who are all named Jim—I three days before Wilberforce’s death, so he was able to am not quite sure of the significance, but I felt that it see that moment. was worth placing that on the record. I hope that it will not take quite so long for this Bill to I was first recruited to this admirable cause by the be passed and that the hon. Gentleman will see very hon. Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) when she many years go by after his aim of getting slavery taken brought in a ten-minute rule Bill along the same lines, out of the practices of multinational companies has and it was then taken up by the hon. Member for been achieved. Linlithgow and East Falkirk in his excellent Bill before As a general rule, I am not in favour of imposing us today. I know that he, like me, will be disappointed if extra regulations on business. We need to have a competitive it does not proceed to Committee, but it has been given and free market with companies that can trade. I am an airing today, as he rightly said, and I am sure that we very suspicious of fair trade as against free trade. Fair are all grateful to the Government for having made trade often means protectionism by another name— certain that that would happen. choosing one’s preferred people as opposed to those There was some confusion over the question of human who are most competitive—and cutting out the poorest trafficking in relation to the Bill. Human trafficking is in favour of those who are good at filling out bureaucratic certainly one of the concerns covered, but it is neither forms. We should always be careful when we consider the Bill’s exclusive focus, nor even its main focus. The doing anything that might encumber free trade or put main focus of the Bill, as became apparent in the hon. burdens on business. We must remember that when Gentleman’s speech, was brought out at yesterday evening’s burdens are put on business, it is not the profits of the reception, which I was pleased to attend. We heard multinationals that suffer but the electorate—often the some horrifying tales about what actually goes on overseas poorest of our electorate—who find that their prices in the unsupervised chain of production for many products go up. we see on supermarket shelves, often without the knowledge Within any advocation of free trade there must be of not only consumers, but the companies selling the some limits. The hon. Gentleman mentioned the proud goods. It is therefore also in the interests of the companies Christian tradition of opposing slavery in all its forms. and their reputations that they should make an effort to Going back to my O-levels, I remember studying the investigate the chain of production for the products letter of St Paul to Philemon, which sets out the Christian they sell so that no one would be tempted to go around case for opposition to slavery. In the Roman empire, marking them on their shelves as having been contaminated slavery was perfectly legal and legitimate. There was no by the ruthless exploitation of child labour or that of reason to oppose it; it was part of the status quo. The other impoverished people. young, burgeoning Christian community lived within As the hon. Gentleman said, the Bill has a light that—they had to. They were persecuted enough already touch. It would affect only very large companies, companies without taking on one of the foundations of the Roman that have the resources to carry out the sorts of examinations empire. St Paul, writing in prison to Philemon, who is a and checks that would assure them and their consumers Christian, about his slave who may have escaped, tells that the goods being sold had not been created as a him to treat Onesimus as a Christian brother, not as a result of an unendurable chain of human suffering. I slave—not as a piece of property but as somebody of think that I am right in saying that BP is an example of worth and value equal even to a Roman citizen. That a major company that, although very tough-minded, has set the path, followed by Wilberforce and others, 669 Transparency in UK Company Supply 19 OCTOBER 2012 Transparency in UK Company Supply 670 Chains (Eradication of Slavery) Bill Chains (Eradication of Slavery) Bill [Jacob Rees-Mogg] ensure that as part of their narrative reporting, quoted companies will have to report on any human rights to ensuring that as a nation we have done whatever we issues necessary to understand their business. Perhaps can for the past 200 years—after a pretty shameful we can achieve the necessary reporting standard through history beforehand, it has to be admitted—to ensure that avenue without the burden of the Bill. that slavery is not part of the system of global trade and not something from which British companies profit. Jacob Rees-Mogg: I am grateful to the Minister, and I So what is the right level of burden to put on take this opportunity to welcome him to his new post. companies—multinationals—that are facing this problem? He is the most civilised of Ministers in the Government, First, there is the question of their own consciences. and I am glad that he has moved, because when he was Before legislating, we should always see whether companies in his last post I opposed practically everything that he already take the view that something is fundamentally did. I sincerely hope that I will now be able to support wrong and has no place in their supply chains. That is a him more often. In reference to the Board of Trade’s good starting point. With the growth of international action, the term “human rights” does not necessarily trade, many big companies will have major intermediary have a very good name in the House. I am slightly suppliers. They will not deal with thousands and thousands cautious of it as a generic term when we have a pretty of small suppliers across the globe but have intermediaries awful Human Rights Act and a European Court that they are able to go to. Those intermediaries should be often gets the wrong end of the stick. There are fundamental able to assure the companies that they themselves do principles of humanity in the Bill that we are discussing, not use any improper forms of labour—slaves or not just the woolly words “human rights”. So I am sort children—in the production of the goods that are sold. of grateful for what the Minister says—more grateful We then need to go to the next stage and look at the than for a lot of what he said about the constitution companies that are supplying to the intermediaries. when he was the Minister responsible for it—but perhaps There may be many thousands of companies, some of not fully grateful. which are very small or in very remote parts. My professional background has been in investing in emerging The Government need to take up the running and markets. While I have been doing this, the number of take the matter out of the hands of a private Member’s emerging markets that have come into the investable Bill, which cannot necessarily be given the time and framework has been growing. Countries of extreme resources it needs so that we can get the phraseology as poverty are now beginning to come into the global tight as it ought to be. They should find the parliamentary system, and auditing them efficiently and properly would time to introduce a detailed Bill, which could be used to be a pretty onerous task to put on to businesses. However, ensure the correct balance between burdens on business in relation to slavery, it is almost certainly a right and and benefits for people at risk. moral one for us to adopt. There is also a twofold economic argument for such a The situation that companies will face is one that I Bill. The hon. Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk have faced as an investment manager in looking at the alluded to the first part of it, which is that companies companies that we invest in for our clients—that is, that fail to follow the basics of humanity will be embarrassed going to visit them to ensure that their practices are in their marketing. They will be brought to shame in proper. I confess that in one of my company visits I was front of the nation if it is discovered that they are using suspicious that the company did indeed use child labour. child labour or slave labour in the production of their The business was a very attractive one, but I thought goods. That will bring the crack of the economic whip that my clients, and the pension fundholders they on their profits, which is a very good means of ensuring represented and the charities they served, would be that companies behave better. appalled to be making money on the backs of children. The other point that is worth making is that companies The individual conscience of company managers and that treat their employees well tend to be more profitable investment managers is an important starting place, and successful. Sometimes they are very large employers. which I think helps to achieve the objective behind the I have spoken to Hon Hai, which employs more than 1 Bill. million people and is one of the biggest suppliers to The question then remains, what are we to do about Apple. It finds itself employing so many people that it people who do not have any conscience? Is legislation provides an almost governmental style of welfare for appropriate, right and proper? There may come them, because it is in its own interests to do so. If it is to circumstances in which that is the case. Perhaps this is employ such large numbers of people in an environment more a point for a Committee speech than for a Second in which there will inevitably be difficulties and disputes, Reading speech, but I believe the Bill needs some adjustment it needs to take care of its employees in the round rather to achieve what it is intended to. That is partly because than simply getting the maximum out of the cheapest it is trying to do a bit too much. I would prefer it to individual employee. concentrate purely on the issues of slavery and child labour, which are specific and clear. Other issues can be There is also the argument that if companies move harder to define and can therefore place a more difficult away from child and slave labour, they will be able to burden on companies. I hope that the Government will mechanise more easily and therefore be more productive consider the matter seriously and see whether there is and efficient. There is a good argument, which has long something they can do to ensure that the required been known, about the inefficiency of slave labour. The standards are met. financial incentive that we talk about when discussing tax rates applies to people in routine jobs in poor Mr Harper: My hon. Friend may not be aware that countries just as much as to bankers in the United just yesterday, colleagues in the Department for Business, Kingdom. I have no doubt that there are robust economic Innovation and Skills laid draft regulations that will reasons for wanting to avoid slave labour, and robust 671 19 OCTOBER 2012 672 moral reasons as well. It is important—the mood of the Police and Crime Commissioner House is almost certainly along these lines—that the Elections Government should take the matter up. Motion made and Question proposed, That this House 2.30 pm do now adjourn.—(Mr Robert Syms.) The debate stood adjourned (Standing Order No. 11(2)). 2.31 pm Ordered, That the debate be resumed on Friday 2 November. Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): It is now less than four weeks before the police and crime commissioner Business without Debate elections on 15 November, and I have to tell the Minister that there is acute concern about the likely turnout. A wide range of people have expressed concerns. For TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (CONTROL example, Peter Neyroud, the former chief constable of OF ADVERTISEMENTS) (ENGLAND) Thames Valley police, former chief of the National REGULATIONS 2007 (AMENDMENT) BILL Policing Improvement Agency and now a respected Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second academic at Cambridge university, has expressed concerns time. about the PCC elections. He stated: “If you could have constructed a manual on how not to Hon. Members: Object. conduct an election, the Home Office have managed to tick just about every element of it.” Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 9 November. The result of the Home Office’s cack-handedness will be that the turnout, again in Mr Neyroud’s words, will CORONERS AND JUSTICE (AMENDMENT) be “pretty shocking”. BILL Concerns were also expressed at the Liberal Democrat Bill read a Second time; to stand committed to a Public conference, by the new Minister of State in the Home Bill Committee (Standing Order No. 63). Department, the hon. Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne), who advanced the opinion that a turnout in the PCC elections of 20% would “not be good”. BANK OF ENGLAND (APPOINTMENT OF Worries have been expressed in the other place, by the GOVERNOR) BILL Police Federation and by PCC candidates, whether Resumption of adjourned debate on Question (6 July), representatives of a particular political party or That the Bill be now read a Second time. independents. The clearest and most strongly worded concerns have Hon. Members: Object. been expressed by the Electoral Reform Society, which Debate to be resumed on Friday 26 October. stated some weeks ago that the PCC elections are set to have the lowest turnout of any election in modern PRISONS (INTERFERENCE WITH WIRELESS times—18.5%. To all democrats, that must be of profound TELEGRAPHY) BILL concern. If turnout is that low, it could unfairly advantage extremist candidates who would never succeed in winning Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee, considered. over a larger proportion of the electorate. It would also Bill read the Third time and passed. place a massive question mark over the role of elected PCCs. Let us not forget that the stated purpose of police and crime commissioners is to improve the accountability of the police, and reconnect the public with them. That objective would clearly be placed in jeopardy if there were such a low turnout. To date, the Government have shown few indications that they comprehend the gravity of the situation. Despite protestations that the winter is the worst possible time to hold an election, and particularly a first-time election, the elections are being held in the middle of November, having been postponed by the Government from May. All who have experience of elections know full well how difficult it is for us to persuade voters to come out in the middle of winter, when the nights are cold and dark. That was borne out by distinguished academics Colin Rallings and Michael Thrasher, who conducted research into seasonal factors affecting voting in which they concluded that turnout in council by-elections fell by an average of 6.6% when held in November as compared with May. If that happens with council elections, there is a risk that it will happen with PCC elections. From the start, it was always going to be difficult to generate enthusiasm for, or even interest in, these elections, but it must be said that things have not been made easier by the Government’s attitude and inaction. 673 Police and Crime Commissioner 19 OCTOBER 2012 Police and Crime Commissioner 674 Elections Elections [Wayne David] Having wrongly believed that there was no need for such an order, the Home Office, in its wisdom, then Despite the concerns expressed by the Electoral Commission decided to play safe and give the go-ahead for the and others, the Home Office has refused to provide production of two sets of ballot papers—one set in information other than online, unless someone specifically English only and one set in English and Welsh. Which asks for written information. The result is that some set will be used depends on whether the Government 7 million people who do not regularly have access to the get their order through before the deadline. The unused internet are unlikely to know what is happening. Thankfully, set of ballot papers will then be destroyed—I kid you the Electoral Commission is providing a booklet to all not, Madam Deputy Speaker. This is the first time in households, but it will provide information only about modern electoral history that the Government have, the elections and the electoral system to be used—the through sheer incompetence and stupidity, been obliged supplementary vote. Crucially, no information will be to throw away more than 2 million ballot papers before provided about the candidates in any of the police an election. How much is this act of folly costing the force areas. The result is that electors will have to rely taxpayer? The Government are reluctant to say, for on information provided to them by the candidates understandable reasons, but it is estimated that the cost themselves. runs into many hundreds of thousands of pounds— taxpayers’ money wasted by the incompetence of this Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): My hon. Government. Friend is speaking extremely well. There is very little I am sure the Minister will point out that the Government awareness of the elections in my patch of the city of are engaged in a public awareness campaign with television, Leicester, although the excellent Labour candidate, Sarah radio and newspaper advertising. Those advertisements Russell, is reminding voters that the Government are are making a contribution to the raising of public cutting 200 police officers from the Leicestershire force. awareness. That cannot be denied, and I sincerely hope There is a great deal of awareness about that; it is that they will continue to help raise awareness, but I extremely unpopular. have to say that these advertisements are unprecedented Wayne David: My hon. Friend’s example from Leicester as a way of increasing knowledge of elections and they is replicated the length and breadth of the country. are not risk free. In this respect, I would point out to the There is tremendous concern about policing and police Minister that concerns have already been expressed. It numbers, but many people are not making the connection has been suggested by some that the adverts unfairly between that and the PCC elections. The Labour party depict young people, imply criticism of current policing will certainly do its utmost to make the connection. and suggest that PCCs will have a role in day-to-day policing priorities, which of course is not and should Police force areas are huge in terms of geography and not be the case. population. It is therefore difficult to disseminate information door to door—it is a huge task. The Government’s As I said at the outset, there are only a few weeks left position prompts a question: if comprehensive information, before the elections. I hope that the lessons of the including details of the candidates, can be provided for campaign so far will be learnt and I know that the mayoral elections—it will be provided for the Bristol Electoral Commission is already focused on this, but I mayoral election on 15 November—why cannot the also hope that the Government will mobilise more Government provide candidate information in the PCC resources, even at this relatively late stage, so that a elections? Surely that would increase public knowledge concerted effort can be made to raise public awareness. and interest, and enhance the democratic process. I would hope that all Government Ministers will make an effort to refer to the PCC elections at every opportunity. There is also a concern that there are no provisions We on this side of the House will certainly do our best for information in accessible formats for people with to make people aware. sight difficulties, and no information is provided in any other languages, despite the assurances given in an While all of us in this House have differences about Adjournment debate on 25 April by the then Minister the role of PCCs and what their priorities should be, all with responsibility for political and constitutional reform. of us must surely believe that it is important for democracy Incidentally, I would appreciate an explanation of why that there is a good turnout in these elections. That a Cabinet Office Minister responded to that debate on is something on which all sides of the House should PCC elections, but a Home Office Minister will reply to surely agree. this one. Why the change? Is the switch indicative of the confusion at the heart of the Government about the conduct of the elections? Who is really in charge of these elections? Is anyone in charge of them? 2.43 pm I referred a moment ago to minority languages. I am The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian incredulous that the Government have messed up on Green): I would normally congratulate the hon. Member the production of bilingual ballot papers for Wales. for Caerphilly (Wayne David) on securing this debate Despite repeated reminders from the Opposition, the but given the content of his speech, the thought occurs Home Office has only this week tabled the order to that perhaps we would both be better engaged in being enable the production of bilingual ballot papers in out there and campaigning for some of our respective Wales. It is likely that Parliament will approve the order candidates in the PCC elections on 15 November. In to allow the ballot papers to be sent out as postal votes that regard, I feel I should put it on the record that I did in Wales and I guess that this will be done in the nick of indeed spend this morning in Stevenage and Hitchin time. But there is of course no certainty that the campaigning with the excellent Conservative candidate Government will meet the deadline, and they belatedly for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd, and meeting people realised this some weeks ago. working on crime prevention in the area— 675 Police and Crime Commissioner 19 OCTOBER 2012 Police and Crime Commissioner 676 Elections Elections Wayne David: I just wish to make the point that I will crime. By happy coincidence, the latest crime statistics be out tomorrow morning with the excellent Labour were out yesterday, and they are very pertinent to this candidate in Gwent, Hamish Sandison— debate. They show that on both measures—the crime survey for England and Wales and police recorded Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. If crime—crime is falling. It has fallen by 6% in the crime we have finished the comments about people’s diaries, survey and by 6% in the record crime figures. Most perhaps we could return to the important subject of this significantly, the fall is across the board—violence, burglary, Adjournment debate. vandalism, vehicle theft, robbery and knife crime are all down. Damian Green: I will happily do that, Madam Deputy PCCs will be taking up their posts, therefore, in a Speaker, because it gives me the chance to correct a time of a continuing downward trend in crime rates that number of inaccurate assertions that the hon. Gentleman proves—this is relevant to the point about Leicestershire— has made. that it is not how many officers we have but what we do I will deal with the hon. Gentleman’s final point with them that counts. Wise PCCs will understand that about whether Members are doing their best to increase point when they take up their offices and start deploying interest in the elections. I cannot remember whether he the police plans that they will need to operate. We are attended Home Office questions on Monday, but, as the replacing what were bureaucratic and unaccountable Home Secretary observed, many Government Members police authorities with democratically accountable PCCs took the opportunity to refer to the elections and so that, for the first time, the public will be given a voice individual candidates. The only Labour candidate referred and a seat around the table when key decisions are to by name, however, was the right hon. Member for made about how their communities are being policed Cardiff South and Penarth (Alun Michael), and he was and how their money is being spent. I suspect that the referred to by himself, so, although I agree that Members hon. Gentleman would agree that that simply does not should help to raise public awareness, I think I can say, happen under the current system, and I genuinely hope in the fairest and least partisan way possible, that the that the tone of his speech did not reflect an underlying hon. Gentleman might want to spread that message on unease about greater and better democratic control of his own Benches. It has been well spread on ours. the police. The hon. Member for Leicester South (Jonathan Ashworth) mentioned police numbers, so it is worth Wayne David indicated dissent. putting it on the record the fact that crime in Leicestershire has fallen by 5% in the past 12 months, which shows Damian Green: I am glad that the hon. Gentleman how effective the current arrangements for policing are confirms that it did not. there. I suspect that the hon. Gentleman and I can also I remind the House why we are introducing police agree that for all the good work that people on the and crime commissioners, the most significant democratic police authorities do—many do very good work—we reform of policing ever. It will introduce greater know that police authorities are often invisible and transparency and accountability to a service of which unaccountable. Inspections have shown that fewer than we are rightly proud but which can sometimes be too a quarter of police authorities perform well on their distant from the public it serves and can fail adequately basic functions and that fewer than a third engage well to reflect their concerns and priorities. For too long with their communities. In part, that is because only before the Government came into office, the Home 7% of the public know what a police authority is. The Office interfered too much in local policing and cared hon. Gentleman adduced survey evidence showing the too little about national threats. The introduction of level of engagement with the PCC elections, but none of PCCs is a step along the road to reversing that trend. the figures is as low as the 7% of people who have heard The creation of the National Crime Agency to focus on of police authorities. That figure represents a huge serious and organised crime nationally is another. PCCs failure in democratic accountability, because it is the will not just focus on their local area but will have a job of a police authority—as it will be of a PCC—to duty to co-operate in dealing with national threats spend the public’s money in a way that guarantees that under the new strategic policing arrangement. the police in its area are doing what the public need. Within four weeks, we will find out who the first However, it is impossible to do that when 93% of the PCCs will be. They will be the first people elected with a public do not even know what police authorities are. democratic mandate to hold their local force to account, There is simply no possible measurement of success in set the budget and draw up the policing plan. Of course, that area. Up to now—and up to next month—the the wider landscape into which the new PCCs will enter public have been simply unable to do anything about is also evolving fast. The college of policing will be those failures. PCCs will have a clear incentive to perform launched later this year, and PCCs will sit on its board. better than that. If PCCs fail to represent their communities, Crucially, then, direct representation of the people of engage properly and deliver on their priorities, the England and Wales will also be introduced on to that public will be able to tell them what they think of them board. The purpose of the college will be to enhance at the ballot box. professionalism across the service. Everyone in the country The hon. Gentleman made the point about the November cares about the continual improvement of professionalism elections. He will be aware that the legislative timetable in the police, and the college will play a significant role meant that this was an early date, but the Government in making that happen. correctly took the decision that further delay would The issue of public awareness lay at the heart of the simply mean that it would take longer before we could speech by the hon. Member for Caerphilly. It is worth apply what are appropriate democratic controls. He putting that in the context of the picture we now have of also made the point about the weather. On the whole—but 677 Police and Crime Commissioner 19 OCTOBER 2012 Police and Crime Commissioner 678 Elections Elections [Damian Green] their communities. A week from today, information about every candidate who supplies such information not always, in these troubled climatic times we live will be published online. That will give the candidates in—the weather in May is better than the weather in an opportunity to set out their stall to the electorate, November. However, I should also observe that every and to reveal their vision for policing. Let me stress four years America holds what is possibly the most again—I have said this many times, but it clearly has important election in the world in November and the not got through to the hon. Gentleman yet—that the American electorate seem to engage in it, so it is not information will be delivered free of charge, in written insuperable for people to go and vote when it is a bit form, to anyone who asks for it, via a phone line. cold and wet. It is also clear—this is hugely relevant—that with Wayne David: I am aware of that—if the Minister more than 90% of the public not even aware of what a had listened carefully to my speech, he would have police authority is, we are starting the procedure from heard me make it very clear that I was aware of it—but a very low base of public engagement. We could have a why on earth does he not follow the example of the long, academic debate about what the turnout may or mayoral election campaign, and send information directly may not be in a few weeks’ time. The hon. Gentleman to households? made it clear that there is no shortage of commentators Damian Green: There is a certain amount of confusion criticising the date of the election or demanding that among Opposition Members. Half of them complain ever-increasing amounts of money be spent on strategies that the elections are a waste of time and cost too much, to engage the public, which may or may not work. What while the other half demand that we spend more on is neither academic nor remotely in doubt is that whatever them. The hon. Gentleman falls into the latter camp, happens—however many thousands of people turn out which is entirely consistent with his general approach. to vote in each force area—every PCC will have more That is fine from his point of view, but I have to tell him legitimacy to make important decisions about what the that there is no such thing as a free mail shot. The police do than unelected, unaccountable and, as I have so-called free mail shot would actually have cost the said, largely invisible police authorities. taxpayer more than £30 million. If the hon. Gentleman There is no question but that there is huge public wants to go and decide, along with his colleagues, interest in policing issues. They regularly come near the whether he wants more to be spent or not, he can do so. top of issues that people want addressed, particularly We should publicise this information. The address of when they are asked about antisocial behaviour, which the website is www.choosemypcc.org.uk, and the many feel is not taken seriously enough in some areas. telephone number—which is Freephone from landlines—is The Home Office advertising campaign, which the hon. 0800 1 070708. It is very easy for people to obtain Gentleman mentioned and about which I shall say more information about the elections. Details of both the shortly, is focused precisely on telling the public that website and the phone line will appear on every polling PCCs will respond to those priorities. The hon. Gentleman card that is delivered to every registered voter in England made some critical remarks about the content of the and Wales outside London. We launched an advertising advertisements, but that content is dictated by what the campaign this month that explains the reforms, encourages public care about. That is what they think about when participation in the elections, and provides a phone they think about crime, and that is what they will want number. No one will be denied information. I hope that the PCCs to address. the hon. Gentleman has seen our advertisements. We There is evidence that the public are engaged. Our have calculated that 85% of the population will see the crime-mapping website is the most successful Government television advertisement alone an average of six times. website ever. There have been more than 500 million In addition, every household will receive information hits since it was launched, and—perhaps because of the about the elections from the Electoral Commission, elections next month, and the gradually increasing public which will include information about the role of PCCs awareness and willingness to discuss crime-related and, crucially, about how to vote. matters—the traffic to the site has increased markedly The hon. Gentleman has been consistent in saying in recent weeks. This month alone, it is averaging more that every effort should be made to familiarise the than 360,000 hits each day. I know how much of an electorate with the role of the PCCs, with the candidates increase that is. Because I am relatively new to my post, and with the electoral system. All that has been done. In I still remember my initial briefing just over a month addition, a large number of candidates have already ago, when I was told that the average was 250,000 hits a started campaigning and will be doing much of that day.I am fairly sure that the only reason for the increase—an work themselves. So not only will the public be made extra 100,000 hits a day—is the advent of the PCC aware of the elections, but they will have the information elections, as nothing else has changed. they need to make informed choices. Beyond that, it is We are expanding the website to respond to that up to the candidates locally to make these elections a ever-increasing demand for information. We have added success. Given that the three main parties in this House justice outcomes so that people can see what happens are fielding candidates, it is incumbent on us all to go when a crime takes place, measures to compare similar out to explain to the public why the competing visions areas, and mug shots of convicted criminals, all of for policing and tackling crime are worth turning out which are proving popular with the public. for, and how PCCs can best ensure that the public get We know that the public care about crime, that they the policing they deserve. want to know more about crime in their local areas, and Question put and agreed to. that they want their voice to be heard. The elections on 15 November will give them an opportunity not just to 3pm talk about crime, but to take action to make a change in House adjourned. 37WS Written Ministerial Statements19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 38WS

Currently 149 projects and programmes have started, Written Ministerial generating almost £4.8 billion of private investment into our economy. Several companies were happy to Statements start work before receiving any funds; agreeing terms has given them the confidence to get going and start work. The number of withdrawn projects and programmes Friday 19 October 2012 is 29 (12%). For a fund of this size this is low: withdrawals also point to the robustness of the process—something the National Audit Office (NAO) has been positive about. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Long-term impact All RGF projects and programmes are being monitored; this will continue for years to come, in order to understand Regional Growth Fund (Update) the impact of the RGF and continue to protect taxpayers’ interests. Monitoring will include an annual review of progress that will be reported to Parliament at The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation the end of each financial year, beginning in the spring and Skills (Michael Fallon): Today my right hon. Friend of 2013. the Deputy Prime Minister will announce the provisional allocation of a further £1.055 billion to 130 beneficiaries from the regional growth fund (RGF). The selected beneficiaries will proceed to a due diligence and contracting ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE phase that will be complete within six months. This significant investment by the Government provides Fuel Poverty and Green Deal (Update) additional help for companies to create jobs within their firms and their supply chains. Every £1 of RGF money being allocated will be matched by £6 from the The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change private sector. The RGF is generating private sector (Mr Edward Davey): I am pleased to inform Parliament investment nationally and in local economies, creating that I am today launching a competition for local and safeguarding jobs. The RGF supports the Government’s authorities to bid for resources to deliver projects that ambitions to make the UK the best place in Europe to will help to reduce fuel poverty, help kick start Green start, finance and grow a business in addition to encouraging Deal delivery and help consumers to save money on investment and exports. energy bills through collective switching. Round 3 As part of the Government’s continuing efforts to There was a high quality of bidding to round 3. In tackle fuel poverty, we are seeking to ensure that as June this year we received 414 bids asking for £2.78 billion many people as possible benefit from the assistance of funding. Following a full review, 278 bids went available this winter. We are therefore offering English forward for in-depth assessment and, earlier this month local authorities the opportunity to bid for up to Ministers selected the final 130 beneficiaries after advice £25 million of funding to reduce the extent of fuel from the independent advisory panel chaired by my poverty in their area, primarily through the provision of noble Friend Lord Heseltine. support for improvements to the thermal efficiency of Of the £1.055 billion—£697 million will go to the dwellings. private sector consisting of 101 companies, bank schemes Meanwhile we will continue to deliver policies that for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) support, we know are making a difference to low income and supply chain programmes and grant schemes with local vulnerable households. In England, Warm Front is still media. These awards actively support the industrial taking new applications and is easier to access following strategy the Government are following. changes to the rules in September this year. We expect Three hundred and fifty-eight million will go to the Warm Home discount scheme to assist around 29 intermediaries such as local authorities and local 2 million households across Britain this year—including enterprise partnerships directed at local growth priorities more than 1 million of the poorest pensioners who will in their areas. This is a significant award putting funding receive an automatic £130 discount on their electricity directly into the hands of local leaders. bill. And the new year will see the entry into force of the The round 3 contracting process will be quicker because energy company obligation, running in parallel with the lessons learned from the previous rounds are being Green Deal. This is intended to focus particularly on implemented. I have set a deadline of three months households that cannot achieve financial savings without from today until final offer, and a deadline of three additional support, including the poorest and most months for due diligence before award. vulnerable, and those in hard to treat homes. Rounds 1 and 2 In addition we are also offering local authorities in England (outside of the authorities in the core cities Progress remains good on rounds 1 and 2 where we that are already receiving DECC funding) the opportunity have a firm position with nine in 10 bids and six out of to bid for £10 million of funding to support early 10 bids have already started. Over half the bidders (140) delivery of, and promote future demand for, the Green are contracted and able to draw down funding and a Deal. With rising fuel bills the Green Deal offers households further 45 are completing their due diligence reports. the opportunity to take action to reduce their bills by The priority now is to agree a way forward with the improving the energy efficiency of their homes at no remaining few, will be done between now and Christmas. up-front cost. 39WS Written Ministerial Statements19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 40WS

We are aware that many local authorities around the Medical revalidation will help doctors keep up to the country are well advanced in their plans for the Green standard expected of them by ensuring they stay up to Deal and we want to support them to take early action. date with the latest techniques, technologies and research. We recently announced £12 million of funding to seven This will be key in making improvements in early diagnosis, core cities to trial and demonstrate aspects of the Green such as with dementia and cancer—which is particularly Deal. This additional funding now opens up opportunities important in bringing down mortality rates—and in for other councils. helping people with long-term conditions manage them The Green Deal and fuel poverty competitions will better. be run in conjunction with a £5 million collective switching Revalidation will also require a doctor to tackle any competition, aimed at supporting local authorities and concerns with important skills such as bedside manner third sector organisations across the country in developing and maintaining trust with patients—particularly important innovative schemes, which will allow groups of consumers when caring for the increasing number of older patients to group together, through a trusted third party, and use that the NHS treats. market power to negotiate lower energy bills. As well as improving patient safety and quality of Alongside these announcements we are today releasing care, revalidation will improve public confidence that details of a Green Deal cashback scheme worth £125 million the doctors who are providing care and treatment to to reward households acting early to improve the energy patients in the UK are up to date and fit to practise. efficiency of their property through Green Deal, when I would like to thank the GMC, the NHS revalidation it becomes available in January 2013. support team, the independent healthcare advisory services, the British Medical Association, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, NHS employers, colleagues in the devolved HEALTH Administrations, the NHS Confederation and UK patient organisations for the considerable amount of work they have undertaken in preparation for the commencement Medical Revalidation of revalidation. In summary, revalidation represents a world leading initiative that will increase the quality and safety of healthcare across all sectors. The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): Today, I am announcing that from 3 December 2012, revalidation of doctors in the UK will commence. This announcement follows the October 2010 HOME DEPARTMENT commitment by the General Medical Council (GMC) and Department of Health to deliver a streamlined system of revalidation that provides assurance to the public and adds value for both patients and doctors. Crime Outcomes Recording Framework (Consultation) The tests of readiness for revalidation, as set out in that commitment, have now been met and I have received sufficient evidence from the UK revalidation programme The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian board that all four UK countries are suitably prepared Green): As part of the Government’s commitment to to proceed with implementation. increasing democratic accountability and reducing Revalidation is a way of regulating licensed doctors. bureaucratic accountability, we are consulting on proposals It is a five-yearly process which gives doctors a clear to broaden the current “sanction detections” framework framework to reflect on and improve their quality of to better reflect all of the work that the police do to care as well as ensuring that a doctor’s practice is solve and resolve crime. systematically evaluated on an ongoing basis. A revised framework for recorded crime outcomes Through revalidation, doctors are required to will support police officers to use their professional demonstrate, via their annual appraisal, that they are judgment to ensure a just and timely outcome which working in a way that meets the values and principles reflects the harm to the victim, the seriousness of the set out in Good Medical Practice (GMC), the GMC behaviour, the impact on the community, and which guidance which sets out the principles and values on deters future offending. Furthermore, it will also give which good practice is founded, in order to renew their the public more detailed information about the work licence to practice. The evidence that doctors will bring their police forces are doing and so further empower to support revalidation will include participation in a local communities to hold their chief officer and police process of annual appraisal, feedback from patients and crime commissioner to account for tackling crime and colleagues, evidence of continuing professional locally. development, reviews of complaints and information The aim of the consultation is to ensure that the final about clinical outcomes, where appropriate. disposal framework is based on a full consideration of The new system will apply to all doctors in all settings the impact of these changes, and that it is clear, accessible in the UK. and meaningful to the widest possible audience. For the small proportion of doctors about whom The consultation is launching today on 19 October there are concerns, the strengthening of local clinical 2012, and will remain open until 7 December 2012. governance, together with a system of annual appraisal, Copies of the consultation paper have been placed provides the means for identifying problems earlier and in the House Library and on the Home Office website putting in place appropriate arrangements to respond at: to any such concerns. http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/consultations/ 41WS Written Ministerial Statements19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 42WS

Eurodac Regulation (UK Opt-in Decision) JUSTICE

Criminal Cases Review Commission (Triennial Review) The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): The UK has opted in to the Eurodac regulation which meets the criteria set out in the coalition agreement with The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian regard to EU justice and home affairs measures. Green): In March 2011 the Government responded to The regulation will govern the operation of the Eurodac the Public Accounts Committee report “Smaller fingerprint database, which collects the fingerprints of Government: Shrinking the Quango State” setting out asylum seekers, and certain illegal entrants to the EU, in the coalition’s plans for reforming the public bodies order to help member states determine who is responsible sector. It includes the requirement to undertake triennial under the Dublin regulation for dealing with an asylum reviews of Executive and advisory non-departmental claim. The Government are committed to the Dublin public bodies (NDPBs). system, of which Eurodac is an essential part, as it helps The Criminal Cases Review Commission is an tackle the problem of people abusing asylum systems independent body set up to review possible miscarriages across Europe by making multiple claims in different of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and EU member states. to refer appropriate cases to the courts. It was established The Government will continue to consider the application as an Executive non-departmental body on 1 January of the UK’s right to opt in to forthcoming EU legislation 1997 by the Criminal Appeal Act 1995. in the area of justice and home affairs on a case-by-case To deliver the coalition Government’s commitment basis, with a view to maximising our country’s security, to transparency and accountability the Criminal Cases protecting Britain’s civil liberties and enhancing our Review Commission will be subject to a triennial review. ability to control immigration. The Ministry of Justice, as the sponsoring Department, has today launched a call for evidence which will last until 14 December 2012 inviting views. In line with Cabinet Office guidance the review will consider the National DNA Database Ethics Group (Reappointment) following: the continuing need for the Criminal Cases Review Commission—both its functions and its form; and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the where it is agreed that it should remain, to review the control Home Department (James Brokenshire): My hon. and and governance arrangements in place to ensure that the noble Friend the Minister of State for Criminal Information public body is complying with recognised principles of good corporate governance. (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) has today made the following written ministerial statement: In conducting the triennial review, officials will be engaging with a broad range of stakeholders and users I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Mr Christopher of the Criminal Cases Review Commission. The review Hughes, OBE, as chair of the National DNA Database Ethics Group. Mr Hughes was originally appointed in July 2009 for a will be aligned with guidance published by the Cabinet three-year term. The ethics group provides Ministers with independent Office: “Guidance on Reviews of Non- Departmental ethical advice on the operation and practice of the national DNA Public Bodies”. The final report and findings will be database (NDNAD). laid before this House.

415W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 416W

Deaths from alcohol poisoning in principal seaside towns, by local Written Answers to authority, England and Wales, 2007 to 20111,2,3,4,5 Local Questions authority Town 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Cornwall Falmouth, 12113 Newquay, St. Friday 19 October 2012 Ives, Penzance Shepway Folkstone/ 00001 Hythe SCOTLAND Great Great 01212 Yarmouth Yarmouth Constituencies Blackpool Greater 00000 Blackpool Bournemouth Greater 01023 John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Bournemouth Scotland how many inquiries his Department has Brighton Greater 10113 received from Members of the Scottish Parliament on and Hove Brighton reserved constituency issues in the last 12 months for Worthing Greater 10110 which figures are available. [122966] Worthing Hastings Hastings/ 00001 David Mundell: The Scotland Office receives inquiries Bexhill on a wide range of issues both reserved and devolved. North llfracombe 0 0010 We do not hold figures on numbers of enquiries received Devon on reserved constituency matters in particular. Isle of Isle of Wight 1 1103 Wight Conwy Llandudno/ 01202 Colwyn Bay/ CABINET OFFICE Conwy Waveney Lowestoft 0 0232 Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse West Minehead00000 Somerset Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Lancaster Morecambe 01001 Office how many people died of alcoholic poisoning in and Heysham each principal seaside town in each of the last five BridgendPorthcawl00023 years. [123841] Denbighshire Rhyl/ 02000 Prestatyn Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Scarborough Scarborough, 00111 responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Whitby asked the authority to reply. East Devon Sidmouth, 00110 Letter from Glen Watson, dated October 2012: Dawlish/ Teignmouth As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your East Skegness00030 Parliamentary Question asking how many people died of alcoholic Lindsey poisoning in each principal seaside town in each of the last five years. (123841) Southend- Southend-on- 00001 on-Sea Sea The table shows the number of deaths from alcohol poisoning in each local authority in England and Wales that has a principal Sefton Southport 2 4032 seaside town, for each of the years 2007 to 2011 (the latest data PurbeckSwanage00000 available). Where more than one seaside town is within an authority, ThanetThanet 10000 these towns are presented together. For instance, the towns of Falmouth, Newquay, St. Ives and Penzance are displayed under TorbayTorbay 10101 the local authority of Cornwall. North Weston- 00111 Somerset super-Mare Deaths from alcohol poisoning in principal seaside towns, by local authority, England and Wales, 2007 to 20111,2,3,4,5 Weymouth Weymouth 1 0001 and Local Portland authority Town 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 North Whitley Bay 1 1310 The Vale of Barry 00000Tyneside Glamorgan Canterbury Whitstable/ 00100 Arun Bognor Regis 3 0001 Herne Bay East Riding Bridlington121111 Based on boundaries as of August 2012. of 2 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. Yorkshire 3 Figures exclude deaths of non-residents. Sedgemoor Burnham-on- 001014 Underlying cause of death was defined using the International Sea Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes X45, X65 Tendring Clacton 0 2121and Y15. 5 Figures represent deaths within the local authorities and not the DoverDeal 10000 seaside towns. Eastbourne Eastbourne 0 0011Source: Teignbridge Exmouth 2 1010Office for National Statistics 417W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 418W

British Nationals Abroad: Disasters John Mann: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office on how many occasions Ministers in his Department John Mann: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet have attended his Department’s Disaster Planning Office what protocols have been agreed with (a) the Committee since May 2010. [122527] Foreign and Commonwealth Office, (b) travel companies, (c) media organisations and (d) airlines over the naming Miss Chloe Smith: There is no formally constituted of UK victims of disasters overseas. [122959] ’Disaster Planning Committee’, As part of its terms of reference, the National Security Council sub-Committee Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply on behalf on Threats, Hazards, Resilience and Contingencies of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth considers: Affairs. “issues relating to terrorism and other security, threats, hazards The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is the and resilience”. lead department on supporting British nationals who Although the Government publishes the title, membership are victims of disasters overseas. During any crisis and terms of reference of Cabinet committees, it has response as a priority we will ensure that the next of kin been the practice of successive Governments not to are informed as quickly as possible by specially trained disclose when they meet or the details of their proceedings, police officers or FCO consular officials. We liaise with including ministerial attendance. families very closely on the naming of victims and follow data protection legislation. John Mann: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet As part of our crisis response we work closely with Office (1) what discussions he has had with coroners on airlines and travel companies to obtain the names of UK disaster planning procedures since 2010; [122528] those involved so that the FCO can provide appropriate consular assistance. We encourage airlines, travel companies (2) what recent discussions he has had with (a) the and the media not to release names into the public NHS Confederation and (b) hospitals on major domain until the next of kin have been informed and to disaster planning procedures in the UK. [122529] respect the privacy of those affected in what are very distressing circumstances. Miss Chloe Smith: Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations are published on the Cabinet Cleveland Fire Authority Office website at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/ministerial- Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings-external-organisations Office what funding his Department has awarded to The Cabinet Office regularly liaises with other Cleveland Fire Authority in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and Government Departments on UK disaster planning. (c) 2012 to date. [122955]

Mr Hurd: No funding has been directly awarded or John Mann: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet granted to Cleveland Fire Authority. Office which countries his Department has consulted However, the Cabinet Office has procured specialist with regard to disaster planning over the last three support worth £95,000 (excluding VAT) for the benefit years. [122531] of Cleveland Fire Authority, under the Mutuals Support Programme. Miss Chloe Smith: The Cabinet Office has worked This information is also available on our Mutuals closely with partners from a wide range of countries Information Service website at: and institutions over the past three years in order to http://mutuals.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ learn from others’ experience, promote effective disaster management practice, and support UK interests. This engagement has involved regular bilateral contact with Emergencies: Planning close partners as well as involvement in relevant multilateral forums such as the European Union’s Civil Protection John Mann: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mechanism, NATO’s Civil Emergency Planning Office on how many occasions emergency disaster planning Committee, the OECD’s High-Level Risk Forum, and procedures have been initiated in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 the United Nations global and European platforms for and (c) 2012. [122525] disaster risk reduction. Miss Chloe Smith: The national crisis management arrangements co-ordinated through the Cabinet Office John Mann: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Briefing Rooms (COBR) have been activated on a number Office what assessment he has made of the variation in of occasions in the past few years. Information on the risk between different areas of the country in relation frequency of Cabinet Committee and other ministerial to disaster management planning. [122533] meetings is not routinely disclosed. Miss Chloe Smith: Under the Civil Contingencies Act John Mann: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2004, it is for local emergency responders to. identify Office how many emergency disaster planning officers and assess the risks of emergencies affecting the areas in are in post in the UK; and who the employing body is which they operate. Additionally the Government provides of each such officer. [122526] guidance, based on the National Risk Assessment, of the kinds of risks that local responders should consider Miss Chloe Smith: Such data is not collected centrally. in their local risk assessments. 419W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 420W

John Mann: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Maude: UK public procurement policy is to Office which assessment of flood risk his Department award contracts on the basis of value for money, which has included in disaster planning management across means the optimum combination of cost and quality the UK. [122534] over the lifetime of the project. Public sector procurers are required to assess value for money from the perspective Miss Chloe Smith: I refer the hon. Member to the of the contracting authority using criteria linked to the National Risk Register at: subject matter of the contract, including compliance with the published specification. http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/resource-library/national- risk-register Wider socio-economic benefits that accrue to the contracting authority can be taken into account at John Mann: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet tender evaluation stage if they relate to the subject Office what the minimum number is of (a) fire appliances matter of a contract from the point of view of the and (b) ambulances required to be within reach of UK contracting authority. airports in case of an emergency disaster planning procedure being initiated. [122535] Unemployment: Coastal Areas

Miss Chloe Smith: It is for each fire and rescue Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet authorities to make their own decisions on operational Office what proportion of people were unemployed in response for specific incidents based on local risks. each of the principal seaside towns in the UK in the Responsibility for airport, fire and emergency cover lies latest period in which figures are available. [123826] with the airport operator. Issues relating to the ambulance service are a matter Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the for the Secretary of State for Health, my right hon. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt). asked the authority to reply. Letter from Glen Watson, dated October 2012: John Mann: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Office what assessment he has made of the preparedness have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what proportion of people were unemployed in each of the and reliability of cross-border co-operation in disaster principal seaside towns in the UK in the latest period in which planning in each constituent part of UK with specific figures are available (123826). reference to fire service authority borders and ambulance The ONS compiles unemployment statistics for local authorities service authority borders; and when that assessment using a model based on the Annual Population Survey (APS) and was last verified. [122536] Claimant Count. Estimates of unemployment are not produced for the principal Miss Chloe Smith: Under the Civil Contingencies Act seaside towns in England and Wales. Instead we have provided 2004, fire and rescue authorities and ambulance trusts estimates relating to the Local Authorities associated with each of along with other responders are expected, individually these towns. and collectively, to ensure that they have effective Table 1 as follows, provides the model based unemployment arrangements in place to manage cross-boundary risks rates for people resident in the relevant local authorities for the and to provide mutual support as necessary in an emergency. twelve month period July 2011 to June 2012. These figures along with a wide range of other labour market data for parliamentary constituencies and local authorities are High Speed 2 Railway Line also published on the Office for National Statistics’ Nomis website: www.nomisweb.co.uk Mrs Gillan: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet The tables will be placed in the House Library. Office (1) when he expects to publish the Major Project Table 1: Unemployment rate for people resident in local authorities, Authority’s report on High Speed 2; [122524] July 2011 to June 2012 (2) what reason the Major Project Authority’s report Principal seaside Unemployment rate town Local authority (percentage) on High Speed 2 has not been published; [122554] (3) if he will reconsider the decision not to publish Bognor Regis Arun 5.8 the Major Project Authority report on High Speed 2. Blackpool Blackpool 10.8 [123281] Bournemouth Bournemouth 7.3 Porthcawl Bridgend 8.4 Miss Chloe Smith: The Major Projects Authority’s Brighton Brighton and Hove 7.7 first annual report will be published shortly. Whitstable/Herne Canterbury 6.9 Bay Llandudno/ Colwyn Conwy 7.1 Procurement Bay/Conwy Falmouth Cornwall 6.5 Luciana Berger: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Newquay Cornwall 6.5 Office what his Department’s policy is on taking into Penzance Cornwall 6.5 account when assessing tenders submitted for departmental St Ives Cornwall 6.5 contracts the (a) apprenticeship schemes, (b) policies Rhyl/Prestatyn Denbighshire 7.2 on employment of paid interns and (c) policies of Deal Dover 7.9 payment of at least the living wage of each bidding Sidmouth East Devon 5.0 company. [120784] Skegness East Lindsey 7.1 421W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 422W

Table 1: Unemployment rate for people resident in local authorities, Mr Timpson [holding answer 17 October 2012]: Any July 2011 to June 2012 one may apply to the Registrar General for a copy of Principal seaside Unemployment rate any person’s birth certificate, including the birth certificate town Local authority (percentage) of an adopted person, to assist in tracing individuals. Bridlington East Riding of 7.0 The Registrar General has no power to provide a copy Yorkshire of the birth certificate to the applicant where the applicant Eastbourne Eastbourne 6.8 does not have sufficient identifying information about Great Yarmouth Great Yarmouth 10.2 the person. Hastings/Bexhill Hastings 9.6 In these circumstances the applicant may apply to the Isle of Wight Isle of Wight 8.1 court, who, under section 79(4) of the Adoption and Morecambe and Lancaster 7.0 Children Act 2002, may in exceptional circumstances, Heysham require the Registrar General to disclose the birth details Ilfracombe North Devon 6.2 of an adopted person. Weston-super-Mare North Somerset 6.3 I understand the desire of descendants of adopted Whitley Bay North Tyneside 10.9 people to trace their biological family, but there is no Swanage Purbeck 4.4 plan at present to change the law. Scarborough Scarborough 8.5 Whitby Scarborough 8.5 Burnham-on-Sea Sedgemoor 6.9 Apprentices Southport Sefton 8.7 Folkstone/Hythe Shepway 7.2 Southend-on-Sea Southend-on-Sea 8.0 Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how many apprentices working in his Dawlish/ Teignbridge 5.4 Teignmouth Department are (a) paid and (b) completing a qualification Exmouth Teignbridge 5.4 as part of the apprenticeship. [123077] Clacton Tendring 8.6 (2) how many (a) paid apprentices and (b) paid Thanet Thanet 11.1 interns are employed in his Department. [123078] Barry The Vale of 7.7 Glamorgan Elizabeth Truss: The Department currently has eleven Torbay Torbay 8.7 paid members of staff working through its apprentice Lowestoft Waveney 8.5 programme, undertaking an NVQ level 2 in Business Minehead West Somerset 5.2 and Administration (they have permanent, rather than Weymouth Weymouth and 6.7 fixed term contracts, and are therefore classed as full Portland time employees in line with the Civil Service policy on Worthing Worthing 6.0 apprenticeships). Source: The Department is currently nearing the end of the Model Based Estimates of Unemployment recruitment process for its next cohort of paid apprentices. Voluntary Work: Olympic Games 2012 It is estimated that 40 apprentices will join the Department in late autumn; they will work across a range of functions and sites and undertake an NVQ level 3 qualification Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet during their apprenticeship. Office what recent discussions he has had with The Department is committed to supporting the Cabinet LOCOG on engaging with volunteers from the London Office Summer Diversity Internship Programme, which 2012 Olympics and Paralympics; and what the outcome was first established over 10 years ago. It aims to of such discussions have been. [122396] provide high calibre undergraduates/graduates with a 6-9 week paid training work placement within government Mr Hurd: The Government is keen to use the momentum departments. In its current format, it provides opportunities created by both Olympic and Paralympic Games to for black and ethnic minority and (lower) socio-economic encourage even more, people to continue volunteering. students. We are currently in discussion with LOCOG, who own The key aims of the programme are to tackle any the database for the majority of volunteers, about how stereotypes/perceptions about the Civil Service and other to best keep them engaged, to ensure that the volunteering agencies, whilst also promoting government departments and social action legacy of the games is maintained and and the Fast Stream as viable career options. enhanced. The Department offered five Summer Diversity Intern placements during this summer lasting 8 weeks. An allowance of £350 was paid to each of the Interns, who were based in London. EDUCATION

Adoption: Grandparents Children in Care

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what provisions are in place to allow the Education how many young people aged (a) 16, (b) 17 children of deceased adopted adults to trace their biological and (c) 18 left care in 2011 in (i) Stafford constituency grandparents; and if he will make a statement. [122746] and (ii) England. [122391] 423W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 424W

Mr Timpson: The information requested is not available (3) if he will consult each Minister or former at constituency level. Information for England and Minister since May 2010 in his Department on whether Staffordshire local authority is shown in the table below. they were personally aware of any appointments falling Data for 2012 has also been presented for information. into the categories defined. [120408] Children aged 16, 17 and 18 years who ceased to be looked after in Staffordshire local authority and England, years ending 31 March Elizabeth Truss: All recruitment to become a civil 2011 and 2012 servant is in line with the civil service commissions’ Number rules. Department’s must undertake various pre- Children who appointment checks that includes questions on whether Children who have ceased applicants are currently involved in activities which may have ceased care in compromise their impartial position in the civil service care in Staffordshire and the Department; this is to prevent any allegations England2,3,4,5 1,3,6 of bias or prejudice in the conduct of official duties; 2011 Age 16 1,930 20 misuse of official information; or misappropriation of Age 17 1,790 25 public funds. Age 18 6,280 65 All of the individuals you name will have undergone 2012 Age 16 1,710 15 these checks before taking up their employment. Age 17 1,720 65 Domestic Violence Age 18 6,560 x Notes: Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State 1. England numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. for Education what research his Department is undertaking 2. Staffordshire numbers have been rounded to the nearest 5. 3. Figures exclude children looked after under an agreed series of on the effect of domestic violence on children’s educational short term placements. attainment. [122243] 4. In 2012 80% of Staffordshire’s 17 year old leavers were just one day short of their 18th birthday. This is due to an issue with the IT system Mr Timpson: The Department is not currently in terms of how children leaving care when they turn 18 were undertaking any research that specifically looks at the presented in 2012 data returns, Consequently the proportions of leavers aged 17 and 18 should be treated with caution. effect of domestic violence on children’s educational 5. Historical data may differ from older publications. This is mainly attainment. due to the implementation of amendments and corrections sent by However, we will be publishing shortly a research some local authorities after the publication date of previous materials. x Figures not shown in order to protect confidentiality. report which looks at ‘family factors, parental behaviours, Source: children’s outcomes and stressful life events’. The research SSDA 903 investigated whether a range of stressful events experienced Children: Day Care in childhood, including domestic violence/abuse, were associated with attainment and well-being in adolescence. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foster Care: Housing Benefit Education how many responses his Department received to its Childcare Commission consultation; and when he Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education expects to publish a summary of those responses. what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State [121924] for Work and Pensions on including foster children in the allocation of bedrooms to families that are claiming Elizabeth Truss: The Childcare Commission is led housing benefit. [122432] jointly by the Department for Education and the Department for Work and Pensions. The Department Mr Timpson: The Department for Education has for Education administered the call for evidence on worked closely with the Department for Work and behalf of both Departments. Pensions to ensure foster carers’ unique circumstances The call for evidence received 328 written responses. are dealt with fairly within new housing benefit rules for Other evidence-gathering and consultation activities have families of working age living in social housing. also taken place. The commission will publish its findings, As a result of these discussions, local authorities’ including the results of the call for evidence. The commission discretionary housing fund will be increased by £5 million is due to report in the autumn. from April 2013 to enable authorities to make up shortfalls Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats foster carers may face in paying their rent, including those who need to keep an extra room when they are in between fostering. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 4 July 2012, Free Schools Official Report, column 699W, on Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats, (1) whether he was aware of Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for the past employment history of (a) Elena Narozanski, Education how much funding has been given to the (b) Janet Grauberg and (c) Alexandra Gowlland at proposers of the Rotherham Free School at all stages the time when they were appointed by his Department; of its application process to date. [122596] [120240] (2) whether he or other Ministers in his Department Elizabeth Truss: The Rotherham Central Free School had any role in the appointment by his Department of proposal’s approval to proceed was withdrawn in February (a) Elena Narozanski, (b) Janet Grauberg and (c) 2012. No funding has been given to the proposers at any Alexandra Gowlland; [120241] point. 425W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 426W

Free Schools: Greater Manchester Elizabeth Truss: On 18th October the Department published ″GCSE and equivalent results (Provisional) Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for and National Curriculum Teacher Assessments at Key ″ Education which organisations have expressed an Stage 3 in England, 2011/12 , which is available from interest in providing a free school in (a) the boroughs the Department’s website at the link below: of (i) Tameside and (ii) Stockport and (b) Greater http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ Manchester to date. [122985] a00214981/gcse-national-curriculum-teacher-assessment-ks3- enqland.html Elizabeth Truss: A number of organisations have Table 1a of this publication provides figures for the applied to open a Free School within these boroughs percentage of pupils achieving five good GCSEs (i.e. and, to date, four applications have been approved to five GCSEs at grades A* to C). move to the next stage of development. These applications are from Stockport Technical School, Connell Sixth GCSE: English Language Form College, Longsight Community Primary and New Islington Free School. Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations he has received from Freedom of Information schools in Birmingham on this year’s GCSE English results. [122745] Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what guidance he has received on the Elizabeth Truss: [holding reply sent 17 October] The application of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to Government has received representations about the GCSE his Department’s business. [122799] English results 2012, including via Members of Parliament, from five individuals who identified themselves as working Elizabeth Truss: [holding reply sent 17 October] My .in schools and who work or live in Birmingham. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has access to guidance from a wide variety of sources on the application Independent Special Schools of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to his Department’s business, including internal guidance, guidance produced by other Government Departments Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for and guidance published by the Information Commissioner. Education what steps his Department has taken to develop a legal definition of an independent special Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for school, separate from the definition of an independent Education what steps he has taken to ensure that his mainstream school. [123033] special advisers understand the Freedom of Information Act 2000. [122800] Elizabeth Truss: The legal definition of an independent school includes schools that make provision for mainstream Elizabeth Truss: [holding reply sent 17 October] In pupils as well as those that are specially organised to common with all other officials in the Department, cater for pupils with special educational needs. The Special Advisers have access to a number of sources of Department has not taken any steps to introduce a information on the Freedom of Information Act 2000. separate legal definition of an independent special school.

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for King’s Priory Academy Education what proportion of requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department and the public bodies for which he is responsible responded Mr Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for to within the statutory timescales in the last 12 months Education (1) if he will publish his Department’s impact assessment on the decision to support the for which figures are available. [122954] application for academy status for the proposed King’s Elizabeth Truss: Quarterly and annual statistics on Priory Academy in Tynemouth; [121253] Freedom of Information requests received by a number (2) on what date ministerial approval was given to of central government monitored bodies (including all support the proposal for academy status for King’s departments of state) are published by the Ministry of Priory Academy in Tynemouth; [121254] Justice on their website at: (3) on what date the letter from the Parliamentary http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/foi/implementation Under Secretary of State to the hon. Member for http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/foi/implementation/ Tynemouth dated 12 July 2012 announcing support for implementation-editions the proposed King’s Priory Academy in Tynemouth The Department is asked to collate these statistics to was sent; [121255] provide a picture of FOI performance across central (4) if he will list the occasions upon which (a) Government departments. Ministers and (b) officials in his Department met the Woodard Trust to discuss the proposal for academy GCSE status for King’s Priory Academy in Tynemouth; [121256] Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for (5) if he will list the occasions upon which (a) Education when the latest national figure for five A to Ministers, (b) officials in his Department and (c) special C passes at GCSE will be released; and what that figure advisers in his Department met (i) the elected Mayor of is. [122691] North Tyneside, (ii) other elected representatives of 427W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 428W

North Tyneside council and (iii) officers of North Tyneside vocational training necessary to improve the long-term council to discuss the proposal for academy status for prospects of UK manufacturing. [122410] Kings Priory Academy in Tynemouth. [121257] Matthew Hancock: The Department is aware of the Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 18 September 2012]: skills shortages in specific employment sectors and is Ministerial approval for the Academy Action Plan proposal committed to ensuring all 16 to 19-year-olds are equipped for academy status for King’s Priory Academy was with the right skills and training they need for further given on 12 July. As this was after Kings School had study and work. We have focused on raising standards broken up for the summer, the Woodard Trust asked us in maths and English, which are absolutely vital for to hold the announcement until the school had returned all students’ future prospects. We also commissioned in September. The letter to the hon. Member was sent Professor Alison Wolfs review of vocational education on 3 September, the date of the announcement on the and have made excellent progress in implementing its first day of term. Officials in the Department have met recommendations. We have refocused 14-16 vocational with the Woodard Trust on a number of occasions this education on a small number of high value vocational year to discuss the proposal; there have been no meetings qualifications and expanded vocational opportunities with Ministers. There have been no meetings between at university technical colleges and studio schools. From Ministers, officials or special advisers and the elected September 2013 all 16 to 19-year-olds, and not just Mayor of North Tyneside, other elected representatives those studying A-levels, will have the opportunity to of North Tyneside council or officers of North Tyneside undertake a study programme which combine qualifications council to discuss the proposal. However, Departmental of real value to employers and universities with work officials have been in contact with officers from North experience and the study of maths and English. Tyneside council since the announcement and are in continuing discussion with them about the proposal. The full impact assessment is being worked up as part of the project development, in consultation and collaboration with the Director for Children’s Services HOME DEPARTMENT from North Tyneside council.

Physical Education: Teachers Airguns

Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for the pursuant to the answer of 18 September 2012, Official Home Department how many prosecutions involving Report, column 599W on physical education: teachers, illegal use of airguns there were in each of the last five if he will publish the further guidance details issued. years. [122289] [122687]

Mr Timpson: Guidance on the PE teacher release Mrs Grant: I have been asked to reply on behalf of funding, including the further details on eligible schools, the Ministry of Justice. level of funding, funding period and purpose of funding The number of defendants proceeded against at which I referred to in my response of 18 September, was magistrates courts for offences relating to air weapons published on the Department for Education’s website in England and Wales from 2007 to 2011 can be viewed on 26 April 2012. Details can be found at: in the following table. http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/ Defendants proceeded against at magistrates court for offences financialmanagement/a00202097/pe-teacher-release-funding relating to air weapons1, England and Wales, 2007-112, 3 Number Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 2007 31 20084 45 Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009 67 Education what steps his Department has taken to prepare for the introduction of the Public Services 2010 51 2011 45 (Social Value) Act 2012. [122342] 1 Includes those offences where air weapons can be specifically identified under the Firearms Act 1968: Sections 3(2); 21A; 22(4), and Elizabeth Truss: The Department has communicated 2 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these the content and potential impact on public procurement offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 to its When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is procurement staff. This has been done through the the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same regular professional update meetings held in the Department disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most to keep abreast of changes. severe. The Department awaits guidance from Cabinet Office 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate on how the act should be implemented across Government. and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken Vocational Training to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 4 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for August 2008. Education what steps his Department are taking to Source: ensure that pupils are provided with the skills and Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. 429W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 430W

Anti-slavery Day staff and accessed through Learning and Development provision. Agreement for staff to complete an Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home apprenticeship qualification is controlled locally, therefore Department what steps she is taking to promote no central data is available at present. anti-slavery day. [123675] The Home Office and its agencies offered internships to twenty two people from July 2012. These internships Mr Harper: 10 members of the Inter-Departmental relate to the Graduate Fast Stream and are exempt from Ministerial Group on Human Trafficking, including the recruitment freeze. Ten were extended beyond eight myself, are undertaking a range of activities on or weeks, including three which were extended to December around anti-slavery day to raise awareness of this important 2012. issue. Apprentices Asylum Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many apprentices working Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for the in her Department are (a) paid and (b) completing a Home Department how many asylum applications qualification as part of the apprenticeship; [123089] were (a) made and (b) granted to (i) women and (ii) (2) how many (a) paid apprentices and/or (b) paid men in each of the last five years. [122290] interns are employed in her Department. [123090] Mr Harper: The following table shows the number of Mr Harper: The Home Office Apprenticeship scheme asylum applications made and granted by gender in the has been in operation since 2008, available to existing last five years.

Asylum applications for main applicants (a) made and (b) granted by gender Applications made Granted Total Male Male Male Total Female Female Female Unknown male grants of grants grants female grants of grants grants Persons Male Female gender grants asylum of HP of DL grants asylum of HP of DL

2007 n/a n/a n/a n/a 3,746 2,026 64 1,656 1,996 1,519 60 417 2008 25,932 18,524 7,390 18 4,078 2,242 46 1,790 1,814 1,485 47 282 2009 24,487 16,410 8,049 28 4,408 2,286 41 2,081 2,333 1,902 53 378 2010 17,916 12,571 5,329 16 3,558 2,293 29 1,236 1,633 1,193 62 378 2011 19,865 14,460 5,392 13 3,920 2,994 39 887 1,727 1,318 42 367 n/a = Not available Key: HP—Humanitarian Protection DL—Discretionary Leave

The number of asylum applications and initial decisions Library of the House and from the Home Office Research by gender are published on an annual basis. Latest Development and Statistics website at: figures can be found in Table as.03 and Table as.05 of http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- the release ’Immigration Statistics—April to June’ which statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ is available from the Library of the House and from the immigration-q2-2012/ Home Office Research Development and Statistics website at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ Bail immigration-q2-2012/

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes were committed Home Department how many asylum applications by people on bail in each region of the UK in 2011; were granted to (a) women and (b) men on the basis and what crimes were committed in such cases. [122354] of (i) gender-related violence and (ii) sexual orientation in each of the last five years. [122291] Mrs Grant: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. Mr Harper: The data requested is not held in a The following table shows the number of offenders format compatible with National Statistics protocols, convicted for a new offence while on bail. These figures or produced as part of the UK Border Agency’s standard in the table are a count of court appearances and may reports. include instances where offenders are convicted for However, the Home Office publishes the number of multiple crimes. This has been broken down into two asylum applications and initial decisions by gender on categories and split into the Government office regions an annual basis. Latest figures can be found in Table based on local authority information. There are over as.03 and Table as.05 of the release ‘Immigration 6,000 types of crime recorded by the PNC and it is not Statistics—April to June’ which is available from the feasible to list all the crimes in one table. 431W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 432W

Number of offenders convicted for a new offence while on bail, 2011, Table: Number of offenders convicted for murder1 whilst on bail, 2001 England and Wales to 2011, England and Wales Region All convictions1 Indictable offences All convictions

North East 7,669 5,218 2007 50 North West 9,539 6,404 2008 43 Yorkshire and 8,198 5,768 2009 47 Humber 2010 31 East Midlands 5,184 3,652 2011 37 West Midlands 4,203 3,021 Total 436 East of England 4,251 2,845 1 Murder comprises of the following crimes: London 8,416 6,107 Murder; South East 7,172 4,841 Common law murder of persons aged 1 year or over; and Common law murder of infants under 1 year of age. South West 4,438 3,113 Source: Wales 4,247 2,934 Police National Computer, Ministry of Justice Unknown2 2,310 1,590 Total 65,627 45,553 The figures given in the table have been drawn from 1 All convictions include summary offences and indictable offences the extract of Police National Computer (PNC) data (indictable offences relate to crimes deemed serious enough to be held by the Ministry of Justice. As with any large scale automatically tried within a Crown court). Within all convictions are recording system the PNC is subject to possible errors crimes relating to bail. with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional 2 Unknown includes all offences committed that are not mapped to a and subject to change as more information is recorded region and may include crimes outside of England and Wales (ie Scotland and Northern Ireland). by the police. Source: In particular the recording of information on whether Police National computer, Ministry of Justice. or not the offence was committed while the offender The figures given in the table have been drawn from was on bail is known to be incomplete. This is because the extract of Police National Computer (PNC) data the police have available to them a number of ways of held by the Ministry of Justice. As with any large scale recording the bail status of an offender of which the recording system the PNC is subject to possible errors ’offence committed on bail’ field on the PNC is one. For with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional operational purposes police forces make differing use of and subject to change as more information is recorded these various sources and as a result figures derived by the police. purely from the PNC do not provide a complete picture In particular the recording of information on whether of these offences, and therefore changes over time. or not the offence was committed while the offender These figures may not represent real changes in offending was on bail is known to be incomplete. This is because whilst on bail. Furthermore, the information held does the police have available to them a number of ways of not indicate the nature of the earlier offence for which recording the bail status of an offender of which the the bail was granted but it is likely that most of the ’offence committed on bail’ field on the PNC is one. For offences summarised in the table will have been committed operational purposes police forces make differing use of while the offender was on bail for a less serious offences. these various sources and as a result figures derived purely from the PNC do not provide a complete picture of these offences, and therefore changes over time. Borders: Personal Records These data may not represent real changes in offending while on bail. Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to (a) re-tender Home Department how many murders were committed and (b) award the lead IT contract for the e-Borders by persons on bail in each of the last 22 years. [122355] programme. [123305]

Mrs Grant: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency has commenced the Ministry of Justice. work for a competitive procurement for the longer term The table shows the numbers of offenders convicted border system known as Border System Procurement for murder whilst on bail since 2000. Please note that (BSP) to acquire a service provider to take overall the PNC only became operational from the year 2000 responsibility for future border system applications, and we do not hold complete or reliable data prior to incorporating the existing platforms. this date. Early engagement with the supplier community prior Table: Number of offenders convicted for murder1 whilst on bail, 2001 to the issue of a Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to 2011, England and Wales being undertaken now to test that the procurement All convictions scope and approach is viable and will attract strong 2000 27 proposals. 2001 25 An initial Prior Information Notice (PIN) is due to 2002 25 be issued in late 2012 and it is anticipated that the 2003 27 formal procurement process will be initiated via the 2004 37 Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) in mid 2005 42 to late 2013. The new service provider is due to be 2006 45 appointed in 2014. 433W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 434W

Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Number of Failed Foreign Home Department what the value of the re-tendered Financial charter asylum national Total lead IT contract for the e-Borders programme will be. year flights seekers offenders removed [123306] 2007-08 68 n/a n/a 1,263 Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency cannot confirm 2008-09 67 n/a n/a 1,658 precisely what the final total costs will be prior to the 2009-10 67 n/a n/a 2,144 procurement of a new supplier and the agreement of 2010-11 53 1,202 473 1,826 delivery and cost terms. That process will not take place 2011-12 36 1,040 291 1,647 until later in 2013. The total cost of flights used for each of the last five financial years is detailed in the table. This includes British Citizenship: Armed Forces total operating costs for all chartered and other flights as accounting information does not provide a more Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the detailed breakdown. The data is taken from management Home Department how many (a) foreign and (b) information, which is provisional, subject to change Commonwealth armed forces personnel have successfully and does not form part of national statistics. applied for UK citizenship since 2000; and if she will Increased expenditure on charter flights from the UK make a statement. [122512] reflects the general rise in the cost of air travel since 2004, and a greater number of flights to countries Mr Harper: No statistical information is available outside Europe. which records the occupation of applicants for British The annual cost of UKBA led charter flights has citizenship. There is no route to British citizenship risen since 2004-05 because the Agency has had to specific to armed forces personnel. return more people over that period to long haul destinations. 2004-05 saw charters depart to Kosovo, Deportation Albania and Romania while in 2010-11, destinations have included Jamaica, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Iraq. Both this and the general increase in aviation Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for costs over recent years account for the increased expenditure. the Home Department how many (a) chartered and (b) other flights have been used by the UK Border Gross removal costs 2005-10 Agency to return foreign national criminals and failed Public Expense Removals (PERs) asylum seekers to their home countries in each of the (£ million) last five financial years; what the cost was of such 2006-07 20.2 flights in each such year; and how many people were 2007-08 22.3 returned on such flights in each such year. [123167] 2008-09 27.0 2009-10 27.5 Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency enforces the 2010-11 28.4 return of individuals whom it is satisfied have no right to be in the United Kingdom and who do not leave Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for voluntarily. The Agency uses a mixture of both chartered the Home Department in how many cases it has taken and scheduled flights to achieve successful, cost effective (a) two, (b) three and (c) four attempts to return a removals. foreign national criminal or failed asylum seeker It is not possible to provide the information requested because of disruption to the flight or a last-minute ″ ″ on the number of other flights used over the last five legal appeal in each of the last three years. [123168] years. Published statistics record the number of individuals removed rather than the number of flights used by the Mr Harper: The data requested is not published or UK Border Agency. Immigration statistics are published routinely recorded by the UK Border Agency. It is not annually and quarterly in the Control of Immigration: possible to provide an accurate breakdown without Statistics United Kingdom bulletins, which are available examination of individual records at disproportionate on the Home Office’s Science, Research and Statistics cost. website at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- Deportation: Armed Forces statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ immigration-tabs-q2-2011v2/removals-q2-11-tabs Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the The following tables may be of use: Home Department how many (a) foreign and (b) rv.01—Removals and voluntary departures by type and asylum Commonwealth soldiers have been deported following / non-asylum cases—2004 to 2011 an unsuccessful application for (i) British citizenship rv.01 .q—Removals and voluntary departures by type and and (ii) leave to remain as a result of unspent criminal asylum / non-asylum cases—Q1 2004 to Q2 2012 convictions in each of the last five years; and if she will The following table shows the number of chartered make a statement. [122937] flights in each of the last five financial years, and the number of foreign national offenders and failed asylum Mr Harper: The data requested is not held in a seekers returned via such flights in each financial year. format compatible with National Statistics protocols, These removals are included in the published statistics or produced as part of the UK Border Agency’s standard above. report. 435W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 436W

The Home Office publishes immigration statistics of the costs to her Department of the use of narcotics annually and quarterly, which are available from the by employees of her Department and the public bodies Home Office Research and Statistics website. This includes for which she is responsible. [123022] information on removals by nationality.The latest statistics can be found in the Library of the House as well as on Mr Harper: The Home Office has not made any such the following website: estimate. Information on the cost of the use of narcotics http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- by employees is not held centrally. statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ immigration-q2-2012/ Extradition Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many former and serving (a) Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home foreign and (b) Commonwealth soldiers were deported Department how many British citizens were (a) in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010, (iii) 2011 and (iv) 2012; and how extradited from and (b) deported to the UK from (i) many such former and serving soldiers are facing France, (ii) Germany, (iii) Poland, (iv) the Netherlands deportation. [123132] and (v) the EU as a whole in each year from 2004 to date. [122779] Mr Harper: Service and work histories of people removed from the UK are held only at the level of Mr Harper [holding answer 17 October 2012]: The coordinated paper case files or within the notes section Home Office is unable to answer the deportation aspect of the UK Border Agency’s Case Information Database of this question; this would be a question for the (CID). Those data are not aggregated in national reporting Foreign and Commonwealth Office, but figures for the systems, and therefore this information could be provided numbers of people extradited from the EU to the UK only through a disproportionately expensive manual are provided as follows: case search to collate the data. (a) Since the introduction of the EAW in 2004 until 31 March Deportation: Offenders 2012, 225 British citizens have been surrendered from the UK to another European Union member state under the EAW process. Due to the way in which data was recorded prior to 1 October Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2008 it is not possible to provide data on the number of British Home Department what the total cost to the citizens surrendered to each EU member state prior to this date. Government of deporting foreign national offenders The table gives the breakdown into the respective countries from was in each of the last 10 years. [123310] October 2008. (b) Since the introduction of the EAW in 2004 until 31 March Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency does not hold 2012, 667 individuals have been surrendered to the UK from the information on the total cost of deporting foreign another European Union member state under the EAW process. national offenders for the term requested. To obtain Due to the way data was recorded prior to 1 April 2009 it is not this information a large volume of electronic records possible to provide data on the number surrendered to the UK from each European Union member state prior to this date. The would need to be analysed which would incur a table gives the breakdown into the respective countries. disproportionate cost. The UK Border Agency’s overall expenditure is published in its Annual Report and Accounts. It is not possible from current systems to break down the number of surrenders to the United Kingdom by Drugs: Misuse nationality of the subject and therefore the number of British citizens surrendered cannot be provided. To do Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for the so would require a manual examination of all files and Home Department what recent estimate she has made incur disproportionate cost.

(a) British Citizens extradited from the UK to EU member states January to September October 2008 Country 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 to March 2009 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

France 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 0525 Germany 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 0273 Poland 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 0810 Netherlands 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 2256 EU total 5 11 26 27 32 3 41 48 32 1 No breakdown data available. (b) All Citizens extradited to the UK from EU member states January to Country 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 March 2009 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

France 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 6 14 7 Germany 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 1—143 Poland 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 1—535 Netherlands 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 1—172617 EU total 19 63 76 99 96 23 71 134 86 1 No breakdown data available. 437W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 438W

Foreign Workers The Annual Population Survey provides estimates of unemployment based upon the International Labour Organization (ILO) measure; that is, those who are without a job and are Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the actively seeking employment and available to start work. It also Home Department what has been the average time provides estimates of people who are economically inactive; that taken by the Minister of State for Immigration to reply is, people who are without a job but do not satisfy the ILO criteria to representations by hon. Members on firms in their to be unemployed. constituencies and the right to sponsor overseas The available information is provided in the table for the employees. [122357] January-December twelve month period from 2008 to 2011; data prior to 2008 are not available. People who have settled are Mr Harper: The information requested is not held in assumed to have lived in the UK for more than three months. The the format required and could be obtained only at estimates are derived from the Annual Population Survey and are not seasonally adjusted. As with any sample survey, estimates disproportionate cost. from the Annual Population Survey are subject to a margin of uncertainty. Immigration: Appeals Number of non-UK EU nationals1 who have lived in the UK for more than three months by economic status. Twelve months ending Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home December 2008 to 2011. United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted Department with reference to the letter from the Minister Thousand for Immigration of 13 June 2011 regarding the number Currently unemployed or inactive of appeals allowed by the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration Of which: and Asylum) on the basis of Article 3 and Article 8 of those that have never been the European Convention on Human Rights in the Self-employed employed2 fourth quarter of 2010, how many such cases there were for July, August and September 2012 relating to (a) 2008 142 447 112 criminal casework (foreign national prisoners), (b) 2009 158 489 119 international group entry clearance, (c) special cases, 2010 170 508 132 (d) asylum appeals, (e) temporary migration, (f) 2011 **203 *551 **146 permanent migration—settlement and (g) permanent 1 People aged 16 and over. migration—decisions under the Immigration (EEA) 2 This excludes casual and holiday jobs. Regulations 2006. [123144] 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 Mr Harper [holding answer 17 October 2012]: The to lie within +/- twice the CV – for example, for an estimate of 200 United Kingdom Border Agency’s Case Information with, a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within Database is not used to record the specific reasons why the range 180-220. an appeal is allowed and the new information requested Key: * 0 = CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered could be obtained only at disproportionate cost through precise the examination of locally held management information ** 5 = CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered and by examining individual files, computer records reasonably precise and appeal determinations. *** 10 = CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered acceptable **** CV ? 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too Immigration: EU Nationals unreliable for practical purposes It should be noted that the above estimates exclude people in most types of communal establishment (e.g. hotels, boarding houses, hostels Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the mobile home sites etc.) Home Department (1) what estimate she has made of Source: the number of non-UK EU nationals who have lived in Annual Population Survey (APS) the UK for more than three months without employment in each of the last five years; [123465] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the (2) what estimate she has made of the number of Home Department what estimate she has made of the non-UK EU nationals who have settled in the UK with (a) number and (b) proportion of non-UK EU nationals self-employed status in each of the last five years. who leave the UK within three months of entering the [123466] UK. [123469]

Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office. Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office. The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority The information requested falls within the responsibility to reply. of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Letter from Glen Watson, dated October 2012: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Letter from Glen Watson, dated October 2012: have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions asking: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics i. for the number of non-UK EU nationals who have lived in (ONS), I have been asked to respond to your Parliamentary the UK for more than three months without employment in each Question to the secretary of State for the Home Department, of the last five years. 123465 asking what estimate she has made of the (a) number and (b) proportion of non-UK EU nationals who leave the UK within ii. for the number of non-UK EU nationals who have settled in three months of entering the UK [123469]. the UK with self-employed status in each of the last five years. 123466 Estimates have been produced from two datasets; 439W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 440W

Firstly, the number of overseas travel and tourism visits to the The information requested falls within the responsibility UK of less than 12 months in duration which are completed in of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority the reporting year, as measured by the International Passenger to reply. Survey (IPS) - these estimates are used to respond to questions a) and b); Letter from Glen Watson, dated October 2012: Secondly, the number of people migrating to the UK for 12 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I months or more (long-term international migration, LTIM) during have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question the reporting year, based on the IPS plus adjustments - these asking what estimate has been made of the number of non-UK estimates are used to respond to question b). EU nationals who have entered the UK to seek employment in The most recent year for which both sets of estimates are each of the last five years by nationality (123470). available is 2010. The Office for National Statistics produces estimates of Long-Term Estimates are as follows: International Migration (LTIM), primarily based on the International a) The estimated number of completed visits of less than three Passenger Survey (IPS). The IPS is a continuous voluntary sample months’ duration to the UK by EU nationals, completed in 2010 survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics. is 17,702,000. The table shows estimates for the years 2006 to 2010 of the b) The proportion of non-UK EU nationals’ visits who left the number of non-UK EU citizens who stated that their main UK within three months of entering the UK is estimated as 98.6 reason for migrating to the UK for twelve months or more was to per cent of all travel to the UK by non-UK EU nationals. This look for work. These are the latest estimates available and were includes both overseas travel and tourism visits to the UK by published on 24 November 2011. Estimates for 2011 will be non-UK EU nationals completed in 2010 plus all inbound long published on 29 November 2012. term migration commencing in 2010. Please note, these figures do not include non-UK EU citizens who migrated to the UK for less than 12 months. As the tables are Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the large, they will be included in the House of Commons library. Home Department what estimate she has made of the number of non-UK EU nationals who have entered the Confidence intervals (CIs) provide an estimated range within which the true value of a population is likely to fall. The confidence UK to seek employment in each of the last five years intervals in the table are 95 per cent confidence intervals; this by nationality. [123470] means that this range is expected to contain the true value of the number of migrants around 95 per cent of the time. Caution Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the should be exercised when using an estimate which has a large Cabinet Office. confidence interval.

Long-Term International Migration, estimates from international Passenger Survey Migration into the UK of EU citizens looking for work, 2006-10, United Kingdom Thousand 2006-10 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Citizenship Estimate +/-CI Estimate +/-CI Estimate +/-CI Estimate +/-CI Estimate +/-CI Estimate +/-CI

EU27 154 23 1— 1— 32122911297 359

EU25 143 22 28 11 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 1—

Austria 0 0 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2—002— 2— Belgium 0 1 2— 2—012— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— Cyprus 0 0 2— 2— 2— 2—002— 2— 2— 2— Czech 23 23 2— 2— 2— 2—002— 2— Republic Denmark 0 1 0 0 2— 2—00002— 2— Estonia 2 4 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2—0024 Finland 0 0 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2—00 France 3 2 1 1 2— 2—001111 Germany640033111112 Greece 1 2 2— 2— 2— 2—110100 Hungary 5 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 Italy 11 4 1 1 1 2 3 2 3 1 2 2 Latvia 6 3 2— 2— 2— 2—221122 Lithuania 11 6 1 1 2— 2—004365 Luxembourg 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— Malta 0 0 0 0 2— 2—002— 2— 2— 2— Netherlands 4 3 1 1 2 3 1 1 0 1 0 0 Poland 651718102010108 7 3 115 Portugal 64 12 23 11 11 01 Republic of 74 4— 4— 4— 4—222221 Ireland3 Slovakia 4 4 2— 2—232— 2—1211 Slovenia 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— 2— Spain 74 11 00 33 21 11 Sweden 22 12 00 00 00 11 441W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 442W

Long-Term International Migration, estimates from international Passenger Survey Migration into the UK of EU citizens looking for work, 2006-10, United Kingdom Thousand 2006-10 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Citizenship Estimate +/-CI Estimate +/-CI Estimate +/-CI Estimate +/-CI Estimate +/-CI Estimate +/-CI

Bulgaria5 45 2— 2— 2— 2—351201 Romania5 64 00 2— 2—232222 1 Not applicable. 2 No contact. 3 Migration between the UK and the Republic of Ireland is included in IPS estimates for 2008 onwards but excluded for previous years. 4 Not available. 5 Bulgaria and Romania did not join the EU until 2007. They are included in the EU27 totals but not the EU25 totals. Notes: 1. All estimates in this spreadsheet are individually rounded to the nearest thousand. Totals may not add exactly due to this rounding. 2. Estimates are for those migrants who stated that looking for work was their main reason for migration. 3. This table uses 95% confidence intervals (CI) to indicate the robustness of each estimate. For any given estimate, there is a 95% probability that the true figure lies in the range: estimate +/- confidence interval. Users are advised to be cautious when making inferences from estimates with large confidence intervals. Source: Office for National Statistics

London Metropolitan University register with the police within seven days of their arrival in the UK. The scheme is not specific to students. The Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for the list of nationalities required to register is set out in Home Department pursuant to the answer of 17 September appendix 2 to the Immigration Rules. This list was last 2012, Official Report, column 507W, on London amended in May 1998. In view of the passage of time Metropolitan University, what the required criteria are since the scheme was last reviewed, my officials have to acquire a Tier 4 sponsor licence. [122690] been conducting a review of the scheme and I have asked them to report to me by April 2013. Mr Harper: London Metropolitan University will be The UK Border Agency (UKBA) does not record the eligible to apply for a new sponsor licence from 1 March number of occasions that the information collected by 2013. The tier 4 sponsor licence criteria are lengthy and the police is accessed. The review of the scheme is are published in separate guidance and annexes. The considering how this information is used and whether it link to the published guidance on the UK Border could be better obtained by other means. Agency website is as follows: Much of the information collected under the scheme www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ is now available to UKBA. employersandsponsors/pbsguidance An example of information that is not collected by Overseas Students: Registration UKBA is the addresses of students. On arrival in the UK, students often have not yet been allocated an Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home address by their educational institution so provide UKBA Department (1) for what reasons overseas students are with the address at which they will be spending only required to register with the Overseas Visitor Registration their first night. Office on arrival in the UK’ [123632] (2) on how many occasions between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2011, and for what reasons, the UK Procurement Border Agency accessed data submitted by international students to the Overseas Visitor Registration Office; Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the [123633] Home Department what steps her Department is taking (3) what use is made of the information provided by to monitor the payment (a) of its main contractors international students to the Overseas Visitor within 14 days and (b) by main contractors to sub- Registration Office; [123639] contractors within 30 days. [122712] (4) whether the UK Border Agency already holds the details submitted to the Overseas Visitor Registration Mr Harper: Prompt payment for the Home Office’s Office by international students at the time that such main contractors is measured and reported monthly students register on arrival in the UK; [123640] against the prompt payment target of 80% set by (5) on what date the list of countries whose residents Government for all Departments. The Home Office’s must register with the Overseas Visitor Registration performance for financial year 2012-13 is currently 85% Office when they arrive in the UK as international of ail valid invoices paid within the target of five days. students was last updated. [123641] The Home Office does not keep regular performance Mr Harper [holding answer 18 October 2012]: The figures on payment by main contractors to sub contractors Police (Foreign Nationals) Registration Scheme was set within 30-days. out in regulations made in 1972. This scheme sets out a Home Office standard terms and conditions include requirement for immigrants of specified nationalities, a term requesting contractors to pay their sub-contractors who are granted at least six months’ leave to remain, to within 30-days of receipt of a valid invoice. 443W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 444W

As part of the Department’s annual Corporate Table 1: Policy research commissioned by the Home Office, 2007-08 to Assessment of Environmental, Social and Economic 2012-13 Regeneration (CAESER) questionnaire confirmation is External policy Cost excl sought from major strategic suppliers that they have a commissioned Supplier VA T ( £ ) policy in place to ensure that suppliers are paid within Family Returns GVA Grimley 157,650.00 30-days. Policy

Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 2010-11 Drug Data The University of 81,220.38 Warehouse Manchester Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for the Drugs Advisory The University of 8,078.00 Home Department what steps her Department has Panel Manchester taken to prepare for the introduction of the Public Impact of financial Evidence Led 119,550.00 Services (Social Value) Act 2012. [122266] investigation on Solutions organised crime Mr Harper: The Home Office has in place a Commercial groups Policies and Procedures manual that is applicable to the IOM/VCS Project Sheffield Hallam 39,995.00 Home Office and its agencies. The manual includes University mandatory guidance on building Corporate Social MARAC review Cordis Bright 42,664.00 Responsibility (CSR) into procurement procedures and ELAP Evaluation GVA 147,780.00 the resulting contracts in line with government procurement policy. 2009-10 Examining the Independent Social 91,145.00 In support, the Department’s Service Terms and social harms Research Conditions reflect CSR requirements and these are kept associated with under review to reflect the latest thinking. The Home Khat Office also invites its top suppliers to complete a self- Neighbourhood NatCen 234,361.50 assessment tool on their CSR practices. The response Policing—Exemplar rate to the latest questionnaire was 80%. Sites Links between Matrix 99,794.00 Research homicide and organised crime: an exploratory study Chris Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for the Evaluation of Evidence Led 185,375.00 Home Department what external policy research her Serious Organised Solutions Department has commissioned in each of the last six Crime Task Force years; from which organisation each such piece of Programme research was commissioned; and what the cost of each Khat Literature Professor D 8,360.00 such piece of research was. [123191] Review Anderson Early Leavers from Institute of 64,000.00 Mr Harper: The available information requested that the Police Force Employment is held centrally is shown in the following tables, which Studies identify the title, supplier and cost for each piece of Engaged SQW 49,925.00 research commissioned by the department during each Communities of the last six financial years. Offending and drug Manchester 100,931.00 use interventions— University Table 1: Policy research commissioned by the Home Office, 2007-08 to creating a drug data 2012-13 warehouse External policy Cost excl Rapid Evidence Geoff Berry 36,275.00 commissioned Supplier VAT (£) Assessment (REA) Associates on partnership 2012-13 Commercial TNS-BMRB 646,500.00 working and its Victimisation impact on reducing Survey 2012-15 crime and antisocial behaviour 2011-12 DVPO Advisers University of 10,000.00 Rapid Evidence Geoff Berry 17,900.00 Leicester Assessment (REA) Associates Action Research on Ecorys 67,750.00 on partnership 101 Non working and its Emergency Police impact on reducing Number Roll Out crime and antisocial Domestic Violence London 159,835.00 behaviour Protection Orders Metropolitan Review of the ICPR 273,530.00 Evaluation University delivery of the Public perceptions PSI 61,808.00 YCAP in intensive of the crime and areas police mapping Exploring public IPSOS Mori 87,775.00 trailblazers perceptions of Criminal Careers Lancaster 60,398.00 confidence in the With Organised University police and their Crime local partners Cyber Crime Stock TSIP 35,202.00 Stocktake paper on Mike Levi 9,350.00 Take Organised Crime 445W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 446W

Table 1: Policy research commissioned by the Home Office, 2007-08 to Table 1: Policy research commissioned by the Home Office, 2007-08 to 2012-13 2012-13 External policy Cost excl External policy Cost excl commissioned Supplier VAT (£) commissioned Supplier VA T ( £ ) Partnership Peer Perpetuity 15,825.00 Support Program Research TKAP Stakeholder King’s College 30,405.00 (PPSS) Evaluation Consultancy Interviews International Ltd Longitudinal NatCen 6,181.00 REA on rehab and University of 28,800.00 analysis of data re-integration of Glamorgan from the Offending drug-using Crime and Justice offenders Survey Crimes future work The Futures 38,273.00 Evaluation of the NatCen 85,469.00 Company Sunrise pilots- Crimes future work Fast Futures 63,410.00 longitudinal analysis of the A Rapid Evidence Geoff Berry 25,745.00 Survey of New Assessment: What Associates Refugees works in reducing alcohol related Crime costs of a NERA Economic 18,382.00 crime, disorder and quality-adjusted life Consulting antisocial behaviour year 1 in the night-time economy and in Resource to Quality Professor Tom 1,440.00 public spaced Assure the Analysis Snijders of a Criminal An update of a University of 28,070.00 Network (ERGM) Systematic Review Sheffield on the effects of Whole System HVR Consulting 68,636.60 alcohol price on Model alcohol-related crime, disorder and Crime costs of a Matrix 17,900.00 antisocial behaviour quality-adjusted life year-2 Analysis of the John Dobby 21,069.20 Prolific and other Covert Social University of 49,175.00 Priority Offenders Movements Manchester in the Drug Data Networks Warehouse Evaluation of ERS 183,810.00 Neighbourhood 2007-08 LA03 Final Report King’s College 35,016.00 Agreements London Whitemoor prison University of 215,252.00 ISVA and IDVA University of 103,791.00 report Cambridge Evaluation Cardiff De-radicalisation RAND Europe 56,985.00 REA Exploration of Ipsos MORI 43,000.00 Regional Variation Vulnerability MATRIX 46,842.00 in Uptake of factors REA Powers used to Situational Action Jill Dando Institute 56,854.00 Tackle Antisocial Framework Behaviour vulnerability REA An Evaluation of Risk Solutions 249,280.00 CT legislation REA DSTL 58,810.00 Alcohol Arrest Channel process RUSI 146,000.00 Referral Schemes evaluation Evaluation of Independent Social 11,195.00 Difference and Smith Institute 70,000.00 neighbourhood Research Displacement policing: the Study of key University of 21,608.00 experience of black interventions into Warwick and minority ethnic terrorism using residents in the first Bayesian networks year of implementation The cost of NIESR 49,693.00 terrorism in Evaluation of Transparency 131,337.29 Northern Ireland Voluntary Assisted Research Ltd Credible Voices: EdComms n/a Return and Exploring Re-integration perceptions of trust Programme and credibility in (VARRP) 2005 Muslim Routes of Matrix Knowledge 93,560.00 communities Trafficking Group Quality Assure the HVR Consulting 15,000.00 2008-09 An Evaluation of 9 KM Research and 204,061.00 Crime Reduction New Alcohol Arrest Consultancy Modelling Referral Schemes Methodology and existing scheme in Gloucester Big Picture Plant RED Scientific 20,000.00 447W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 448W

Table 1: Policy research commissioned by the Home Office, 2007-08 to Table 2: Research commissioned from the Migration Advisory 2012-13 Committee (MAC). They are not directly related to HO policy but External policy Cost excl their findings fed into the evidence based MAC recommendations to commissioned Supplier VAT (£) the Home Office on migration policy External policy Quality Assurance Garry Robbins 1,500.00 commissioned Supplier Cost (£) of the Missing Data Project Can immigration EPolicy Ltd 59,300.00 constitute a sensible n/a = Not available solution to sub- Notes: national and 1. Excluding the Government Equalities Office which was part of the regional labour Home Office from 2010 to 2012. These contracts will be included in shortages the return for the Minister for Women and Equalities. 2. Excludes some sensitive contracts on security grounds. 2009-10 Impact of SQW Consulting 60,666.00 Table 2: Research commissioned from the Migration Advisory immigration on Committee (MAC). They are not directly related to HO policy but employers in their findings fed into the evidence based MAC recommendations to selected the Home Office on migration policy occupations External policy Production SQW Consulting 60,775.00 commissioned Supplier Cost (£) technology, skills and migration 2011-12 Impacts of LSE Consulting 24,700.00 Long-term research Economist 29,000.00 Migration on Crime to support updating Intelligence Unit and Victimisation of the Shortage Impacts of RAND Europe 24,985.00 Occupation List for Migration on Tier 2 of the Points Transport and Based System Congestion ICT Case Studies UCL Consultants 7,500.00 Impacts of LSE Consulting 32,300.00 Refining the top Frontier Economics 59,950.00 Migration on down methodology Ltd Housing and the to identify Housing Market shortages in skilled Impacts of E-Policy 35,550.00 occupations Migration on the Defining and Frontier Economics 55,000.00 Provision of Public measuring skill at Ltd services the occupation and Impacts of Saggar & Somerville 25,000.00 job-title level Migration on Social Framework for EPolicy Ltd 66,150.00 Cohesion and economic CBA of Integration various Impacts of NIESR 50,560.00 immigration Migration on policies Education and Can immigration EPolicy Ltd 59,300.00 Health constitute a sensible solution to sub- 2010-11 Impact of SQW Consulting 60,666.00 national and immigration on regional labour employers in shortages selected occupations 2008-09 A review of labour York Consulting 25,000.00 Production SQW Consulting 60,775.00 shortages, skills technology, skills shortages and skills and migration gaps Long-term research Economist 29,000.00 Customised IFF Research 35,000.00 to support updating Intelligence Unit assessment and of the Shortage analysis of NESS Occupation List for data Tier 2 of the Points Employer demand COMPAS 38,000.00 Based System for migrant labour ICT Case Studies UCL Consultants 7,500.00 Refining the top Frontier Economics 59,950.00 down methodology Ltd to identify Reserve Forces shortages in skilled occupations Defining and Frontier Economics 55,000.00 Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for the measuring skill at Ltd Home Department how many reservists are employed the occupation and by her Department. [122384] job-title level Framework for EPolicy Ltd 66,150.00 economic CBA of Mr Harper: The Home Office does not keep a central various record of the number of reservists employed. However, immigration 42 Home Department employees had special leave for policies reservist activity in the financial year 2011-12. 449W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 450W

NORTHERN IRELAND Members: Correspondence

Anti-Slavery Day Derek Twigg: To ask the Prime Minister when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Halton of 14 September 2012 in respect of the Hillsborough Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Independent Panel Report. [123853] Northern Ireland what plans she has to mark Anti-Slavery Day on 18 October. [122648] The Prime Minister: A reply was sent by the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, my right hon. Friend Mrs Villiers: This is a matter for which I have no the Member for Ashford (Damian Green), on 15 October ministerial responsibility, but the Government observed 2012. the day with a ministerial visit to a school in Coulsdon to examine the issues faced by young people and the role of schools in tackling human trafficking. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Research Recycling

Chris Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities Ireland what external policy research her Department and Local Government (1) what information he holds has commissioned in each of the last six years; from on how many local authorities generate income from which organisation each such piece of research was the recycling of plastics and cardboard; [123798] commissioned; and what the cost of each such piece of (2) what information he holds on how many local research was. [123188] authorities receive no income from the recycling of plastics and cardboard; [123799] Mike Penning: No external policy research has been (3) what information he holds on how much income commissioned by my Department in the last six years. each local authority receives from the recycling of plastics and cardboard. [123800]

Brandon Lewis: This information is not held centrally. PRIME MINISTER Apprentices Leveson Inquiry Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) how many Chris Bryant: To ask the Prime Minister (1) what the apprentices working in his Department are (a) paid cost to the public purse has been of assessing whether and (b) completing a qualification as part of the (a) texts, (b) emails and (c) other forms of apprenticeship; [123071] communication between himself and (i) Rebekah (2) how many (a) paid apprentices and (b) paid Brooks, (ii) Andy Coulson and (iii) News International interns are employed in his Department. [123072] since May 2010 should be provided to the Leveson Inquiry and made public; [124027] Brandon Lewis: The Department for Communities (2) what criteria were used to determine whether (a) and Local Government does not currently have any texts, (b) emails and (c) other forms of communication apprentices working in the Department, however we are between himself and (i) Rebekah Brooks, (ii) Andy in the process of recruiting up to 10 apprentices who Coulson and (iii) News International should be (A) will be in post by mid-January 2013. provided to the Leveson Inquiry and (B) made public; The Department for Communities and Local [124028] Government currently has six paid interns working in (3) how many (a) texts, (b) emails and (c) other the Department. All internship opportunities offered forms of communication between himself and (i) Rebekah by the Department are advertised. Brooks, (ii) Andy Coulson, (iii) Rupert Murdoch and (iv) James Murdoch since May 2010 have not been Bellwin Scheme provided to the Leveson Inquiry or put in the public domain; [124029] Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for (4) if he will publish all (a) texts, (b) emails and (c) Communities and Local Government which local other forms of communication between himself and authorities have reported incidents to his Department Andy Coulson between 23 January 2011 and today; under the Bellwin scheme in 2012; which such [124030] authorities have applied for financial assistance; which such authorities have exceeded the Bellwin threshold; (5) if he will publish all (a) texts, (b) emails and (c) and what funding is each such local authority entitled details of any form of communication between himself to receive. [124043] and Rebekah Brooks since May 2010. [124031] Brandon Lewis: To date, in 2012, 20 local authorities The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to my have reported incidents to the Department for Bellwin letter to the right hon. and learned Member for Camberwell scheme purposes. Of these, eight authorities have so far and Peckham (Ms Harman), of 18 October 2012. A applied for financial assistance, with three reporting copy has been placed in the Library of the House. eligible costs above their Bellwin threshold. These claims 451W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 452W have only recently been submitted and are currently Examples of relevant statutes include: Schedule 11 to being considered. Eligible costs below threshold may be the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, taken into account for a future Bellwin scheme falling in which enables residential tenants (leaseholders) to challenge the same financial year. the reasonableness of administration charges in the Bellwin scheme 2012 Leasehold Valuation Tribunal and section 19(2) of the Claims submitted Landlord and Tenant Act 1927, which gives landlords Reported incidents Claims submitted exceeding threshold the right to recover legal or other expenses property incurred in connection with an application for licence Calderdale Yes Yes or consent to carry out improvements to the tenanted Gateshead Yes Yes property. Herefordshire Yes Yes The Government considers that the present law generally Dorset Yes — works satisfactorily and does not have any plans to Durham Yes — change it. We will, however, keep the situation under Newcastle upon Yes — review. Tyne North Tyneside Yes — Local Democracy Economic Development and South Tyneside Yes — Construction Act 2009 Blackburn and —— Darwen Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Copeland — — Communities and Local Government what plans he has Devon — — to commence section 34 of the Local Democracy Economic East Devon — — Development and Construction Act 2009; and if he will Harrogate — — make a statement. [122398] Northumberland — — North Yorkshire — — Brandon Lewis: The Department has no current plans Oldham — — to commence section 34 of the Local Democracy Economic Richmondshire — — Development and Construction Act 2009. Shropshire — — It has been superceded for eligible authorities by the Wakefield — — general power of competence in the Localism Act 2011. Yo rk — — Local Government Finance Electric Cables Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for council tax freeze grant for 2013-14 will be additional Communities and Local Government what estimate he to the currently allocated spending totals for local has made of the volume of counterfeit or falsely government or an allocation within the existing control marked electrical cabling installed in Government total. [124048] buildings. [122655] Brandon Lewis: As the Government’s press notice of Mr Foster: This information is not held by DCLG. 8 October said, the Government will set aside an extra £450 million to help freeze council tax bills in England: Housing http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/press_89_12.htm This will be funded as part of the autumn statement James Duddridge: To ask the Secretary of State for package. Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the need to change the law relating to Non-domestic Rates payments demanded as a result of covenanted properties that are (a) leasehold and (b) freehold. [122716] Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his policy is Mrs Grant: I have been asked to reply on behalf of on reimbursing councils for successful business rate the Ministry of Justice. appeals from 2012-13 when a decision on the appeal is Where a landowner (A) in England and Wales is made after the financial year 2013-14. [124047] subject to an obligation to obtain the consent of another person (B) before altering A’s property, the terms of the Brandon Lewis: The Government’s proposals for business covenant will be set out in the land register, title deeds rates retention were set out in the publication “Business or lease. It is quite usual for the covenant to provide for Rates Retention—technical consultation” in July 2012 B’s consent not to be unreasonably withheld and for A http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/ to be obliged to reimburse costs reasonably incurred by localgovernment/businessratestechnical B in the course of considering the application. These payments are separate from any obligation on A to pay Planning Permission a service charge. Subject to the terms of any relevant statute, the extent of A’s obligations and B’s rights will Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for be defined by the express terms of the covenant. Disputes Communities and Local Government if he will make it regarding the covenants can, if necessary, be resolved his policy to protect existing buildings adjacent to by the court. proposed developments through the introduction of 453W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 454W risk assessments and obligatory structural surveys of and includes people leaving the armed forces. A copy of surrounding buildings as a condition of local planning the report can be obtained at: approval. [122613] www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/ makingeverycontactcount Nick Boles: The Department has no plans to introduce We are determined to ensure that current and former risk assessments or obligatory structural surveys as a members of the armed forces gain the housing they condition of planning approval. deserve, recognising the sacrifices they have made for Notwithstanding, the Party Wall etc Act 1996 provides the country. We have, therefore, introduced measures to for consultation and regulation of works which affect place members of the armed forces at the top of the an immediately adjoining building or structure. More priority list for home ownership schemes, including information can be found online at: FirstBuy. www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/ We published the final new statutory social allocations partywall guidance on 29 June following consultation, setting out Reserve Forces how councils’ allocation schemes can give priority to all service personnel, including through the use of local preference criteria and local lettings policies. Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for We are also changing the law by regulation so that Communities and Local Government how many former personnel with urgent housing needs are always reservists are employed by his Department. [122383] given ’additional preference’ (high priority) for social housing; and councils are prevented from applying local Brandon Lewis: The Department for Communities connection requirements to disqualify members of the and Local Government is committed to supporting the armed forces and those within five years of leaving the Civil Service in becoming an exemplar employer of services. Following consultation, we are also extending reservists. As a first step toward this the Department these regulations to bereaved spouses and seriously increased special leave provisions for reservist training injured reservists. The qualification regulations came from eight days to 10 with effect from 1 October 2012. into force on 24 August; the additional preference The Department does not currently keep a central regulations were laid before Parliament on 18 October. record of the number of reservists serving in the Department. Social Rented Housing

Sleeping Rough: Veterans Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will estimate the potential Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for savings to the Exchequer of removing access to social Communities and Local Government how many housing for households earning over (a) £30,000, (b) people with an armed forces background were sleeping £40,000 and (c) £60,000 in each of the next three years; rough in (a) Denton and Reddish constituency and and how many people would be affected in each case. (b) Greater Manchester in each year since 2000; and [124054] what proportion of the total number of rough sleepers that figure represents in each such year. [122984] Mr Prisk: We have no plans to remove access to social housing for existing social tenants, hence we will Mr Prisk: The latest figures (2011-12) from CHAIN not be estimating the savings from such a policy. (Combined Homeless and Information Network), which We have been consulting on whether high income covers London and contains detailed information on tenants in social housing should continue to receive a London’s rough sleepers over the year, highlights that taxpayer-subsidised rent. A copy of the consultation only 4% of rough sleepers from the UK have experience paper on high income social tenants can be found at: of serving in the armed forces. http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/ The Department publishes an annual headline figure paytostayconsultation on the number of people sleeping rough on a single A response to the consultation paper will be published night across England. This does not provide more detailed in due course, and any policy proposal down the line information such as whether they have served in the would be accompanied by an Impact Assessment. It armed forces. would be premature to pre-empt the response to the We secured an additional £70 million last year to help consultation. local agencies prevent and tackle homelessness. This includes the £20 million Homelessness Transition Fund to support the national roll out of No Second Night Out, tackle rough sleeping and protect vital front line DEFENCE services and the £20 million Single Homelessness Prevention Armed Forces: Housing Fund to help ensure single homeless people get access to good housing advice. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for This is on top of the existing £10.8 million to help Defence with reference to his Department’s written single people access private rented sector accommodation evidence to the Defence Select Committee’s inquiry and the £400 million we are investing for homelessness into the Armed Forces Covenant in Action? Part 2: prevention over four years (2011-12 to 2014-15). Accommodation, what progress the working group The Ministerial Working Group on Homelessness with the Department for Energy and Climate Change published its second report Making Every Contact has made on the energy efficiency of service family Count in August which focuses on preventing homelessness accommodation. [121746] 455W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 456W

Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has Naval All held a number of Working Group meetings with the Religion Denomination service Army RAF services Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), and although the Working Group has now concluded Pentecostal 70 450 30 550 its business, both Departments will continue to liaise as Plymouth ———10 and when required. Brethren The MOD has obtained funding under the carbon Presbyterian 160 220 200 580 emissions reduction target (CERT) initiative to carry Presbyterian 20 580 80 670 out an extensive programme of loft and cavity insulation Church in works across the Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Ireland estate, providing new or improved insulation to 10,000 Presbyterian —10—10 Church of properties. Further work to improve insulation to the Wales remaining properties will be carried out as part of the Quaker ———— MOD’s UK SFA improvement programme. (Society of The MOD is also taking forward works which falls Friends) within the scope of the Energy Company Obligation Roman 4,090 12,730 4,320 21,140 (ECO) of the Green Deal. This will provide energy Catholic efficiency measures to hard to treat properties, and will Russian ———— be delivered as part of the UK SFA improvement Orthodox programme. Salvation 20 80 30 130 Army Scottish 10 40 20 70 Armed Forces: Religion Episcopal Church Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Seventh Day 20 130 — 160 Adventist Defence what estimate he has made of the number of United Free ———— members of each (a) faith and (b) denomination in Church of the (i) service and (ii) civilian branches of the armed Scotland forces. [121360] United 30 70 70 170 Reformed Mr Francois: The following table contains the UK Church Regular armed forces strength by religion as at 1 July 2012: Christian 80 110 60 250 Tradition Naval All Christian 10—1020 Religion Denomination service Army RAF services Scientist Buddhist 40 440 40 520 Christian 20 10 20 50 Tradition Church of 20 60 20 100 Christian 27,520 88,310 30,840 146,670 Jesus Christ Baptist 150 440 220 810 Of Latter- Day Saints Christian 170 80 160 400 (Mormon) Christian 2,700 7,540 1,320 11,560 Jehovah’s ———— (unspecified) Witness Church in 90 1,210 250 1,550 Other 30 30 — 60 Wales Christian Church of 17,560 53,400 20,840 91,800 Tradition England Unitarian — — 10 10 Church of 130 800 170 1,100 Ireland Church of 1,510 5,700 2,080 9,280 Hindu 20 790 40 840 Scotland Congregational 10 20 30 60 Judaism 10 60 10 80 Eastern ———10 Orthodox Free Church 20 10 10 50 Muslim 40 560 50 650 of Scotland Free 10 1,150 — 1,160 Sikh 10 100 20 140 Presbyterian Greek 10 20 — 20 Orthodox Other 170 490 160 820 Lutheran — 10 — 20 religions Methodist 700 2,680 980 4,360 Baha’i — 10 — 10 Moravian — — — 10 Druid — — — 10 Orthodox — 50 10 70 Kirati—30—30 Other 40 860 20 910 Other 120 250 100 480 Christian religions 457W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 458W

aircraft carriers, the acquisition of fifth generation Joint Naval All Religion Denomination service Army RAF services Strike Fighters, the introduction into service of new Type-45 Destroyers and Astute-class submarines, an Pagan 20 60 40 110 upgraded air transport fleet and a restructured Army. Rastafarian 10 100 — 110 This affordable future force structure will enable the Spiritualist 10 30 10 50 UK’s armed forces to deploy highly capable assets rapidly across a wide range of environments, to operate Wicca 10 10 — 20 effectively alongside partners and to deliver the military Zoroastrian ————tasks set out in the SDSR 2010. The UK’s ability to (Parsee) participate in international deployments was demonstrated during Libya operations in 2011 and continues to be No 7,260 12,660 6,720 26,640 proved in Afghanistan, where some 9,500 UK military religion personnel are currently contributing to coalition operations. Agnostic 390 3,330 660 4,380 Atheist 1,090 6,550 1,420 9,070 Libya: Military Intervention Humanist 20 50 30 100 No religion 420 460 540 1,420 Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for No religion 5,220 2,070 3,990 11,290 Defence which NATO participating states participated (unspecified) in the campaign over Libya in response to UN Security Other beliefs 100 190 70 360 Council Resolution 1973; and how many such states Secularist 10 10 — 20 contributed an air component. [123586] Mr Robathan: Fourteen NATO Allies actively Unknown 100 80 1,500 1,680 participated in the NATO-led operation in Libya—Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, the Total 35,250 103,590 39,440 178,280 Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Turkey, the UK ‘—’ Denotes zero or figures rounded to zero. and the USA. All of these, except Bulgaria and Romania, This table does not include Gurkhas who have their contributed to the air component. own religious support, provided by Hindu and Buddhist religious teachers. All figures have been rounded where Pay appropriate and may not exactly equal the sum of the parts. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence The faith of civilian personnel within the Ministry of what the highest paid position is in (a) his Department Defence (MOD) is not recorded in an equivalent way to and (b) his Department’s agencies. [121624] armed forces personnel and is only offered on a voluntary basis. The following table provides the strength of the Mr Francois: The details of senior salaries were released MOD civilian work force by religion as at 1 July 2012: into the public domain under the Government’s transparency agenda on 20 September 2012 and can be Religion or belief Strength accessed at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/senior-civil- Christian 24,960 servants-high-earners-salaries Non Christian 1,800 No religion 8,520 Prisoners of War: Medals Chose not to declare 9,130 No response 7,870 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 52,280 Defence what plans he has to issue medals to all former Totals include all industrial and non-industrial personnel prisoners of war. [122763] but exclude all trading funds, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and locally engaged civilians for whom declaration data is Mr Francois [holding answer 17 October 2012]: There not available. are no plans to introduce a specific medal for former prisoners of war. However, detainees may be eligible to Defence receive the campaign medal for the operation or service they were undertaking prior to capture. Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the UK’s Training ability to adequately defend itself and take part in international deployments. [122278] Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what media or public speaking training Dr Murrison: Ensuring that the armed forces are Ministers in his Department have received since May structured, equipped and trained effectively in order to 2010. [122072] safeguard the UK’s national security was at the heart of the National Security Strategy and the strategic defence Mr Francois: Training is available to Ministers on a and security review (SDSR) in 2010. The decisions range of issues, including handling the media, as part of taken in the SDSR are now being implemented, including their induction and continuing development in order to a significant uplift in cyber and special forces support carry out their duties effectively under the Ministerial capabilities, the building of new Queen Elizabeth class Code . 459W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 460W

The Ministry of Defence’s internal media and Boundary Commission for England communications training organisation has provided the following training sessions to Ministers since May 2010: £ 24 June 2010—Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Mr Peter Luff Projected 24 May 2011—Under-Secretary of State Lord Astor of Hever expenditure Expenditure from Woodvale Aerodrome up to the September end of to the end August of the John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Category of expenditure 2012) review whether a comprehensive risk assessment relating to base property and asbestos has been undertaken at Woodvale Aerodrome, Southport; and if he will make Total 4,113,059 2,466,989 it available to hon. Members. [122389] Boundary Commission for Wales Mr Francois: A comprehensive risk assessment for £ asbestos has been undertaken at Woodvale. Copies of Projected the Asbestos Management Plan, the current Asbestos Expenditure expenditure Action Plan (Risk Assessment) and the Asbestos Register up to the from for Woodvale will be placed in the Library of the end of September House. August to the end of Category of expenditure 20121 the review2

Salaries, National Insurance and 331,355 303,600 DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Commissioners’ fees Constituencies Travel and subsistence 10,960 11,690 Public notices 75,221 45,000 Mr Betts: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the cost has been of the review of constituency boundaries Printing 13,478 11,522 to date; what costs have been incurred under each Public hearings (including venue hire, 61,000 0 category of costs; and what further costs are anticipated transcript service, translation, before the process is complete. [122034] Assistant Commissioners)

Miss Chloe Smith: The four Boundary Commissions Other Running Costs (including office, 163,744 158,665 accommodation, IT, translation, have spent approximately £5.8 million up to the end of training, postage, telecoms) August 2012 on the boundary review and related purposes. They expect to spend around £3.8 million from September Total 655,758 530,477 2012 to the end of the review. A significant portion of that sum has already been committed. 1 Some expenditure not directly attributable to the 2013 Review. 2 Forecast spend is an estimate only and some of this expenditure I can provide the following breakdown of costs for will not be directly attributable to the 2013 Review. Forecast figures each commission (all four Boundary Commissions incurred may be different from estimates supplied earlier in 2012; this is due some expenditure on preparatory work prior to the to more accurate figures being available as progress is made. formal commencement of the review on 4 March 2011, Boundary Commission for Scotland and expenditure up to the end of August 2012 includes £ some work not directly attributable to the Parliamentary Projected Boundary Review): Expenditure up to expenditure from Category of the end of August September to the end Boundary Commission for England expenditure 2012 of the review £ Staff salaries and 280,840 212,327 Projected Commissioner fees expenditure Expenditure from Accommodation 17,814 10,750 up to the September Administration 24,657 25,760 end of to the end Mapping 78,050 60,700 August of the Travel and 1,488 2,747 Category of expenditure 2012) review subsistence Salaries, National Insurance and 2,455,264 926,994 Review costs, which Commissioners’ fees comprise: 1 Travel and subsistence 36,704 10,846 Public hearings 11,918 124,621 1 Public hearings (including venue hire, 207,066 0 Consultation 41,157 — transcript service, Appointments portal Commission) Public notices and 40,563 1— GIS Software licences, technical 301,854 318,299 booklets support and mapping products GIS training for 3,279 1— Publicity 965,619 831,320 political parties Print services 60,469 216,000 Total 499,766 436,905 1 Administration and miscellaneous 86,083 163,530 This figure is the total projected cost of the review for the period from September to the end of the review. 461W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 462W

Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland Research £ Projected Chris Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales expenditure Expenditure (rounded) from what external policy research his Department has Category of (rounded) up to the September to the end commissioned in each of the last six years; which expenditure end of August 2012 of the review organisation was commissioned to provide each such piece of research; and what the cost of each such piece Staff costs and 346,000 226,000 of research was. [122371] professional services Commissioners’ 45,000 21,000 Mr David Jones: None. fees and expenses Wylfa Power Station Accommodation 98,000 53,000 Administration 28,000 7,000 Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Other review costs 40,000 13,000 which countries have expressed an interest in financing Total 557,000 320,000 Wylfa B nuclear power station. [121468]

Social Mobility Stephen Crabb: The Sale of Horizon Nuclear Power is a commercial matter for RWE npower and E.ON Miss McIntosh: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister UK. The Government are therefore unable to provide what recent progress he has made on the Government’s this information. social mobility strategy; and if he will make a statement. [122899] ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS The Deputy Prime Minister: “Opening Doors. Breaking Air Pollution Barriers: A Strategy for Social Mobility—Update on Progress since April 2011” provided a comprehensive report on the progress the Government are making. Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for This includes action on childcare, the pupil premium, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy summer schools, the Youth Contract and establishing a is on the control of air pollution throughout the UK. new Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission. [123359] Further details can be found at: Richard Benyon: The Government has made a http://www.dpm.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/opening-doors- commitment to work towards full compliance with EU breaking-barriers-strategy-social-mobility air quality standards. Air quality has improved significantly in recent decades; the UK now meets most EU air quality standards thanks to action taken by the Government over many years to reduce emissions, including from WALES industrial, energy and transport sources. However, there are still more improvements to be made and we will Broadband: Planning Permission continue to investigate new measures to improve air quality, working with external stakeholders in transport and other sectors. We work closely with local authorities Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales and the Greater London Authority, which have what discussions he has had with Ministers in the responsibility for local air quality. We also support Welsh Government on the relaxation of planning actions to reduce pollution through tackling congestion, permission for broadband infrastructure. [122387] promoting cycling and walking, and improving vehicle fleets. Mr David Jones: The relaxation of planning permission for broadband infrastructure in Wales is a matter for Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Welsh Government. I have recently written to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what financial First Minister asking him to consider similar measures penalties the EU has imposed on the UK for breaches in Wales. of air quality standards; and if he will make a statement. [123571] Broadcasting Richard Benyon: The UK has never been fined in relation to any infraction proceedings. We would always Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for seek to work with the European Commission and relevant Wales what discussions he has had with Ministerial authorities to meet EU obligations and avoid infraction. colleagues on the broadcasting industry in Wales. [122296] Animal Welfare

Mr David Jones: I met with the Secretary of State for Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what resources Member for Basingstoke (Maria Miller), on 17 October his Department has allocated to support efforts to 2012 to discuss a range of issues, including the broadcasting prevent (a) badger-baiting and (b) cock-fighting. industry in Wales. [123851] 463W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 464W

Richard Benyon: Badger baiting and cockfighting are Carbon Emissions: Business illegal activities. It is an offence under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 to cruelly ill-treat a badger and it is Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to cause Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will assess or attempt to cause animal fighting. Enforcing these the extent of business support for mandatory carbon controls, and allocating the necessary resources, is a reporting for (a) companies listed on the Alternative matter for the relevant authorities. Investment Market and (b) all bodies subject to the DEFRA is committed to tackling wildlife crime and Companies Act 2006. [122934] works hard to support law enforcement agencies in their work through the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Richard Benyon: Last year’s consultation assessed the Crime. The Partnership seeks to reduce wildlife crime level of business support for mandatory carbon reporting through effective and targeted enforcement, better regulation and was a key consideration when deciding on its and improved awareness. introduction. An evaluation of the policy will be undertaken DEFRA also part funds the National Wildlife Crime in 2015, as explained in the previous Secretary of State’s Unit, which provides advice for law enforcers on wildlife written statement to Parliament on 20 June, Official crime matters and coordinates activity to tackle the Report, columns 59-60, before a decision is taken on current UK wildlife crime priorities. whether to extend the reporting requirement to all large companies in 2016. Large companies are defined in the Bovine Tuberculosis Companies Act 2006 using measures of employment, gross assets and turnover, and this applies to both Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for public and private companies. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of how many bovine tuberculosis tests have Greenhouse Gas Emissions resulted in (a) false positives and (b) false negatives in each of the last three years. [124042] Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who his Department Mr Heath: All TB reactors are regarded as infected (a) has and (b) plans to consult on its supplementary and European and national legislation require all such guidance for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting. animals to be slaughtered in order to eliminate risk of [122932] infection to other animals. There are no figures for false positive and false negative TB tests detected in each of Mr Heath: Officials are currently engaging with a the last three years. However, it is known that the TB number of companies and trade associations to understand skin test detects 80% of infected cattle giving a 20% where supplementary guidance would be useful. We will false negative probability. When the skin test is applied consult informally on guidance with companies affected to non-infected cattle, it has a specificity of 99.9% by the proposed regulation. giving a 0.1% false positive probability. Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he plans to specify which methodologies will be permitted in measuring Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for greenhouse gas emissions. [122933] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure that as few badgers as Mr Heath: I plan to specify a number of established possible are shot on top of, or near their setts. [123411] methodologies for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions in supplementary guidance. Mr Heath: Culling will be conducted by trained and proficient operators who are already experienced in Natural Resources shooting for wildlife control. All operators will be required to attend a specific Government approved training course. Badgers must not be shot within 30 metres of a sett to Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for prevent wounded badgers seeking refuge before a follow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent up shot is taken. All operators will adhere to Best progress the Circular Economy Task Force has made Practice Guidance issued by DEFRA and Natural England. on resource security. [123627]

Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Heath: The Resource Security Action Plan was Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what monitoring published by DEFRA and the Department for Business, arrangements his Department is putting in place to Innovation and Skills in March this year. It sets out ensure that badgers killed during the cull are killed actions by the Government, businesses and non- humanely. [123412] governmental organisations to make the most of valuable resources, save money and address resource risks through Mr Heath: To ensure an acceptable level of humaneness, improved resource efficiency, reuse, remanufacturing operators will be required to follow Best Practice Guidelines, and recycling to help transition to a more circular undertake training and competence testing. Independent economy. monitoring will be undertaken to assess the humaneness A key part of the action plan was the convening of a of controlled shooting during the pilots. The development business task force, supported by the Government, and of the monitoring protocols has been overseen by the the Circular Economy Task Force was formally launched panel of independent experts. The monitoring will include on 4 July. Co-ordinated by the Green Alliance, it seeks field observations and post mortems. to understand how circular business models can be 465W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 466W developed in a way that keeps companies profitable, The website’s database holds details on project costs, and how the policy landscape can help foster a circular, description, objectives and contractor information for resource-secure economy. over 12,000 completed and active projects. It also includes The task force is currently working with the Green links to published reports. Alliance to develop the analytical underpinning for a report to be launched in summer 2013. Latest developments are posted on the Green Alliance’s website. Schmallenberg Virus

Organic Food: Meat Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress has been made on the development and deployment of Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of a vaccination for Schmallenberg virus; and if he will State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for make a statement. [124217] what reason butchers are required to register with organic control bodies in order to sell organic meat; which bodies they are required to register with to sell Mr Heath: DEFRA officials are aware of the non-organic meat; and if he will make a statement. development of commercial vaccines against Schmallenberg [124057] virus and that a submission has been made to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for approval. Deployment Mr Heath: Organic food within the European Union of the vaccine will be a decision for the farmer and is regulated by European legislation that includes rules livestock keeper to take in consultation with his/her member states must follow in relation to its production, private veterinarian, considering the management of labelling and control. This requires that organic operators, that flock/herd. including butchers, are certified and inspected at least Given the widespread prevalence of the Schmallenberg once a year. In the UK, certification is carried out by virus, the apparent acquired immunity and the low DEFRA-approved organic control bodies. A list of impact of the disease, it is possible there will be little these is available at: cost benefit to vaccinating flocks and herds every year. http://archive.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/growing/organic/ documents/organic-control-bodies-list.pdf All food businesses, including butchers, are required Seagulls to register with the relevant local authority under food hygiene regulations before they start to operate. Registration Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for under these regulations does not differentiate between Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate organic or inorganic food or meat. his Department has made of the size of the seagull population in the UK; and what estimate has been Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 made of the cost to local authorities of its population growth. [122557] Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: The species of gull we have in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his UK are: Mediterranean gull, black-headed gull, common Department has taken to prepare for the introduction gull, lesser black-backed gull, herring gull, greater black- of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012. [122343] backed gull and yellow legged gull. Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA is currently doing a The last full gull census was “Seabird 2000”in 1998-2002, thorough review of all its templates and processes to which covered coastal and inland colonies of both rural ensure they comply with the full range of legislative and and urban environments. The population estimates (coastal policy requirements. and inland population combined) were as follows:

The Cabinet Office will be issuing advice soon to Number procurers and commissioners to advise them of the duties the Public Services (Social Value) Act will place Mediterranean gull 108 upon them. We will review our own arrangements again Black-headed gull 82,728 in the light of that guidance. Common gull (a.k.a Mew gull) 44 Lesser black-backed gull 64,208 Research Herring gull 45,365 Great black-backed gull 1476 Chris Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what external Yellow-legged gulls are very rare in the UK and were policy research his Department has commissioned in not included in the Seabird 2000 census. The Rare each of the last six years; from which organisation each Breeding Birds Panel 2010 report estimates UK breeding such piece of research was commissioned; and what the population as 1-2 pairs. cost of each such piece of research was. [123194] Seabird 2000 was the third national census to be carried out, each at around 15 year intervals (Operation Richard Benyon: Details of all of core DEFRA’s Seafarer in 1969-70 and Seabird Colony Register in research contracts can be found on the “Science Search” 1985-88) with the next seabird census planned for 2014-15. website at: We have made no estimate of the cost to local authorities http://randd.defra.gov.uk/ of gulls. 467W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 468W

Shrimps Officials from the Forestry Commission and the Food and Environment Research Agency are working together Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for to protect the UK’s ash trees in response to the UK Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment findings of ash dieback caused by Chalara fraxinea. his Department has made of how the invasive shrimp, The Plant Health Authorities are following up findings. Dikerogammarus villosus, was imported into the UK; Trees found to be infected are destroyed and those in [123177] the vicinity of infected sites are also being monitored by (2) what recent assessment he has made of the effect the Plant Health Authority to check for the presence of on the environment of the spread within the UK of the the disease. Inspections of nurseries growing and trading invasive shrimp Dikerogammarus villosus; [123171] ash plants as well as monitoring of the wider environment (3) what steps his Department is taking to control are taking place. The Secretary of State for Environment, the spread within the UK of the invasive shrimp, Food and Rural Affairs, the right hon. Member for Dikerogammarus villosus. [123178] North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), recently confirmed our intention to introduce a ban on ash imports and Richard Benyon: The four locations in which movements, if this was supported by the outcome of the “Dikerogammarus villosus” has been recorded are all current consultation on the Pest Risk Assessment for used for various types of water sports (including angling) this disease and the results of the surveillance being so it is possible that the shrimp was introduced among carried out. The consultation will close on 26 October. wet equipment (e.g. boats, wet-suits, nets) that had been A ban could then come into force before the main used previously in mainland Europe where the shrimp planting season gets under way in November. In the occurs. meantime, we will continue to act on a precautionary A risk assessment for “Dikerogammarus villosus”, basis against any further findings. commissioned by DEFRA, concluded that the risk from this species is very high. This is based on the fact that the ecological impacts experienced in areas of WORK AND PENSIONS Europe that the shrimp has colonised have been very Housing Benefit: Young People large and dramatic; the species has already established large viable populations here; that Britain is climatically Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work similar to many of the places in Europe that the shrimp and Pensions how many recipients of housing benefit has invaded; and that the interconnectivity of the water under the age of 25 years (a) have children, (b) are network will facilitate rapid spread. orphans, (c) are care leavers and (d) have parents in At the four locations where “Dikerogammarus villosus” prison. [124055] has been recorded, the routes by which the shrimp Steve Webb: Information on the number of housing might escape from the sites have been assessed and a benefit recipients who are orphans, care leavers or who range of control measures have been put in place. have parents in prison are not collected on the housing Additionally, in partnership with a number of interested benefit data source (SHBE). The information that is organisations, DEFRA is trying to slow the spread of available for those aged under 25 years by family type is “Dikerogammarus villosus”by ensuring that all equipment shown in the following table. and clothing that is used in water sports is checked, cleaned and dried before it is used elsewhere. Information Housing benefit recipients under the age of 25 by family type, on the “Check, Clean, Dry” campaign and associated May 2012 guidance is published on the Non-native Species Secretariat Family type Total Male Female website. All under 25s 383,650 — — Trees: Import Controls Single: No child 164,810 89,150 74,630 dependent Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for With child 171,690 1,700 168,960 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is dependent(s) taking to prohibit the importation of ash trees to prevent Couple: the spread of disease. [123396] No child 14,550 — — Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for dependent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what With child 32,610 — — dependent(s) consideration his Department is giving to prohibiting Notes: the import of young ash trees from countries where the 1. The figures have been rounded to the nearest ten. fungus Chalara fraxinea is known to exist; [123568] 2. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct (2) what steps his Department has taken to prevent from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly the fungus Chalara fraxinea from entering the UK. aggregate clerical returns. The data is available monthly from November 2008 and May 2012 is the latest available. [123570] 3. Age groups are based on the age on the count date (second Thursday in the month), of either: Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) the recipient if they are single, or Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will take (b) the elder of the recipient or partner if claiming as a couple steps to temporarily ban the import of ash trees. 4. Components may not sum to total due to (i) independent rounding (ii) exclusion of claimants with unknown age. [123625] 5. This information is published on the Department’s website at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?paae=hbctb Mr Heath: The Government is taking the threat Source: posed by Chalara fraxinea extremely seriously. Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE) 469W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 470W

Industrial Health and Safety All claimants receiving payments of the above benefits would be affected by any changes to uprating. Forecast Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for caseloads for each of the listed benefits are available in Work and Pensions what his Department’s target is for Table1cof“Benefit expenditure and caseload forecasts” consolidating or revoking health and safety regulations. on the Department for Work and Pensions website at: [123876] http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/ index.php?page=medium_term Mr Hoban: Professor Lofstedt in his independent review of health and safety legislation recommended Unemployment Benefits: Young People that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) undertake a programme of sector-specific consolidations and Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and revocations of regulations in order to simplify the regulatory Pensions how many school leavers began immediately framework, reduce duplication and avoid gold plating. to claim out-of-work benefits in each of the last three The Government has not, however, set a target for years; and what the total value of those benefits was in consolidating or revoking health and safety regulations. each year. [124051]

Social Security Benefits: Uprating Mr Hoban: The information requested is not available.

Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work Capability Assessment and Pensions if he will estimate the potential savings to the Exchequer of uprating (a) jobseeker’s allowance, Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (b) attendance allowance, (c) carer’s allowance, (d) and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 9 July 2012, disability living allowance and (e) employment and Official Report, column 65-7W, on work capability support allowance in line with wage growth rather than assessment: appeals, which Tribunal Service centres (a) CPI in each of the next three years; and how many currently operate a six-day week to hear appeals against people would be affected by such a measure in each the work capability assessment (WCA) and (b) are year. [124053] planning to operate a six-day week to hear appeals against the WCA. [122402] Steve Webb: The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the right hon. Member for Chingford and Mrs Grant: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), has yet to commence the Ministry of Justice. his review of benefit rates for 2013-14, following the Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) publication of the relevant inflation indices. Decisions hears appeals against Department for Work and Pensions on these will be taken in due course. decisions on entitlement to employment and support Potential savings and costs based on the latest Consumer allowance (ESA) (decisions in which the work capability Price Index and earnings growth figures for uprating in assessment is a key factor) rather than appeals against 2013/14, combined with Budget 2012 forecasts, are given work capability assessment decisions themselves. in the following table. Forecasts of inflation and earnings HMCTS has continued to respond strongly to the growth for future years consistent with the latest CPI significant increase in appeal cases received by the First-tier and earnings figures will not be available until the Tribunal—Social Security and Child Support (SSCS). Office for Budget Responsibility publishes its Economic It is working hard to increase the capacity of the SSCS and Fiscal Outlook in December. Tribunal and reduce waiting times. The SSCS Tribunal Impact on expenditure if uprated by earnings disposed of 433,600 appeals in 2011-12. This is a 14% £ million increase in output when compared to 2010-11 (380,200) 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 and 56% more than 2009-10 (279,300). Jobseeker’s -40 30 150 All SSCS hearing venues hear appeals on the range of allowance benefit types, including ESA. Saturday sittings are used Attendance -30 30 200 on a flexible basis in a number of hearing venues to allowance meet particular increases in demand for hearings. Appellants Carer’s allowance -10 10 70 are asked before their case is listed if there are any days Disability living -80 70 460 of the week, from Monday to Saturday, when they allowance would be unable to attend a hearing. Employment and -50 60 350 (a) The following hearing venues are currently running support allowance Saturday sittings: Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, Darlington, Notes: 1. The expenditure estimates in the table are rounded to the nearest Basildon, Enfield, London (Fox Court and Anchorage £10 million. House), Bedford, Nottingham, Sutton, Bexleyheath and 2. 2013/14 estimates are based on the relevant Consumer Prices Index Cardiff. increase of 2.2% in the year to September 2012, and revised Average (b) The Liverpool hearing venue will run sittings on Weekly Earnings increase of 1.6% in the year to the three months ending July 2012 (provisional August figures are also available but are Saturdays from November 2012. Saturday sittings have not used here). These were published on 16 and 17 October 2012. also previously been held in Wrexham, Langstone, 3. 2014/15 and 2015/16 estimates are based on the latest published Plymouth, Dundee, Hamilton, Wolverhampton, Leicester Office for Budget Responsibility inflation and earnings projections and Derby. from their March 2012 Economic and fiscal outlook. Specifically: CPI—2014/15=1.9% CPI—2015/16=1.9% Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for AWE—2014/15=3.0% Work and Pensions how many staff were employed by AWE—2015/16=4.4% the Tribunals Service to deal with appeals against the 471W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 472W work capability assessment in each month of 2012 to and who had previously received support from Pathways date. [122496] to Work. The Department believes that the time is now right to provide these claimants with the personalised Mrs Grant: I have been asked to reply on behalf of and intensive support that Work programme providers the Ministry of Justice. can offer. Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) In August 2012, the letter sent to Work programme hears appeals against Department for Work and Pensions providers said this: decisions on entitlement to employment and support “In November 2011, the Department identified 33,000 ESA allowance (ESA) (decisions in which the work capability claimants nationally who belong to this group. Whilst this number assessment is a key factor) rather than appeals against is now likely to be lower, over the next few weeks we are undertaking work capability assessment decisions themselves. a new scan to identify current volumes of eligible claimants by Contract Package Area. This information will be shared with It is not possible to identify how many staff deal providers as soon as it becomes available—we will be in touch specifically with ESA appeals. The following table shows shortly to confirm when we think this can be done.” the number of administrative staff employed in relation When a repeat scan of our records took place in to the Social Security and Child Support (SSCS) Tribunal September, we identified 29,500 claimants who had as at the end of each month between January and previously received Pathways to Work support. Jobcentre September 2012 (the latest date for which figures have Plus is now working through this list of claimants to been published). The Tribunal hears appeals on a range ensure that claimants are only referred if it is appropriate of benefits, of which ESA is one. to do so. The total number of claimants referred from Of the 994 staff in post as at 30 September 2012, 886 this list is therefore likely to be lower than 29,500. were permanent staff and 108 staff were on fixed term Referrals to the Work programme are part of Official contracts. A number of efficiency improvements have Statistics and will be released in due course. been made and continue to be made in the SSCS Tribunal. These enable each member of staff to process Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for more cases. Work and Pensions for what reason the number of Social Security and Child Support Tribunal staff numbers, January to jobseeker’s allowance claimants referred each month September 2012 from jobcentres to the Work programme has declined Number of staff1 over the last year. [123879]

January 1,002 Mr Hoban: Jobseekers’ allowance referrals have declined February 996 over the last year, however this is against a backdrop of March 1,010 much higher than anticipated JSA volumes in year one. April 996 The additional year one numbers were largely due to May 2996 the transition from the Flexible New Deal and increased June 1,001 numbers of mandatory early entry claimants. It remains July 1,007 the case that overall jobseekers’ allowance volumes are August 1,007 higher than those published during the bidding process. September 994 1 The data are taken from management information. The figures Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for quoted refer to the total number of people employed and includes Work and Pensions how many officials working on the those who work part-time or on a full-time basis and on temporary or Work programme have left to work for Work programme fixed-term contacts. Some of the staff included may work in multi- providers since October 2010. [123880] jurisdictional centres dealing with other work as well as SSCS appeals. Equally some staff working in multi-jurisdictional centres who deal with SSCS appeals may not be included. Mr Hoban: Business appointment applications have 2 This figure is different from the figure of 988 given in answer to PQ been received in respect of three officials connected to 115318 on 9 July 2012. The reason for this is that staff have been the Work programme, one of whom subsequently did moved retrospectively into a different budget code. not take up an appointment with the provider. In each Work Programme case, the Department restricts the individual’s subsequent activity, consistent with the business appointment rules. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reason his Department informed providers of an additional 33,000 referrals of INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT employment and support allowance claimants to the Work programme over the three-month period from Afghanistan September 2012; and whether he expects these additional referrals to be made. [123878] Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) how many (a) schools and (b) clinics Mr Hoban: The Department wrote to Work programme have been financed and constructed by the UK Government providers in August to announce that, responding to in Helmand Province in Afghanistan; how many such the lower than expected number of employment and schools and clinics (i) have been closed and (ii) she support allowance claimants being referred to the Work expects to close; and if she will make a statement; programme, the Department has taken steps to increase [122514] the number of ESA claimants who have mandatory (2) what discussions she has had with the Government access to the Work programme. In September, the of Afghanistan on identifying future sources of funding Department began to mandate ESA claimants who had for schools and clinics in Helmand Province; and if she a three or six month work capability assessment prognosis, will make a statement. [122515] 473W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 474W

Mr Duncan: UK funding through the Helmand Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) has built 11 health International Development what role the Government clinics and seven schools since 2007, with two of each is playing in the Myanmar Peace Support Initiative. currently under construction. The Helmand provincial [122680] education and health departments are responsible for the future of these facilities. They have stated that all Mr Duncan: As part of the Donor Support Group, are open and active and that they intend to maintain the UK works closely with key stakeholders on the these services in the future. Myanmar Peace Support Initiative’s (MPSI) structure The UK-led PRT is in regular contact with the Afghan and operations. Through DFID, the UK has pledged Government, in Helmand and Kabul, to ensure that up to £3 million to support the MPSI, subject to the adequate funding is provided for future operation and need for funds and the results that can be achieved. maintenance of these services. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Burma International Development what measures are in place to ensure that UK international development programmes implemented in Burma comply with the 2008 UN Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Development Group Guidelines on Indigenous Peoples’ International Development how many internally Issues. [122900] displaced people there are in Arakan State, Burma; and what proportion of such displaced people are (a) Mr Duncan: The 2008 UN Development Group Rakhine and (b) Rohingya. [122539] Guidelines on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues apply to the UN system. The UN in Burma applies these guidelines Mr Duncan: According to the latest United Nations in its strategy and programming. DFID is committed to figures there are around 75,000 internally displaced ensuring the needs and views of indigenous peoples are people in Arakan State of whom around 70,000 are fully taken into account in its programming in Burma. Rohingya and around 5,000 are Rakhine. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she has taken to International Development whether she discussed aid ensure that UK international development aid is not to refugees from Burma at her recent meeting with channelled through the Burmese Government’s Aung San Suu Kyi. [122591] Ministry for Border Affairs. [122901]

Mr Duncan: Since becoming Secretary of State for Mr Duncan: No UK aid is provided through Burma’s International Development, my right hon. Friend the central Government. UK aid to Burma is provided Member for Putney (Justine Greening) has yet to meet through United Nations organisations, trusted international Aung San Suu Kyi. and local non-government organisations and, where circumstances allow, at local government township level. Strict spending controls are in place to ensure that UK Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for funding is properly channelled and accounted for. International Development what involvement her Department has had in the Millennium Development Goals fund for Burma. [122592] Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much her Department has allocated to development aid in Burma in 2013; Mr Duncan: The 3MDG Fund (Millennium what percentage of this has been allocated to Chin Development Goals fund), which was launched on 25 State; and what the aid programme priorities are in September as the successor to the Three Diseases Fund, Chin State. [122902] will provide support for reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health services, as well as for HIV/AIDS, TB Mr Duncan: The current allocation for development and malaria services. DFID will provide £40 million for aid in Burma through DFID is £40 million in 2012-13 the 3MDG Fund’s first two financial years (2012 to and £55 million in 2013-14. DFID support in Chin 2014) and up to an additional £40 million up to 2016. State is channelled through our contributions to two DFID is represented on the board of the 3MDG Fund. major multidonor Trust Funds, which work across the whole of Burma, including Chin State. These are, firstly, Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Three Millennium Development Goals (3 MDG) International Development what proportion of aid delivered Fund, which when operational later this year will provide by her Department to Burma is channelled through (a) support for health and is the successor to the 3 Diseases UN agencies, (b) international aid agencies and (c) Fund, also active in Chin State. Secondly, the UK is local community-based organisations. [122623] providing support through the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) which has been implementing Mr Duncan: In 2011-12 approximately 70% of UK livelihoods and food security programmes in Chin since aid to Burma was channelled through UN organisations, 2011. A precise percentage breakdown of development 25% through international aid agencies and 5% directly aid to Chin State in 2013 is not available. through local community-based organisations. A significant proportion of funds channelled through the UN and Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for international aid agencies are in turn channelled to International Development what steps the Government local community-based organisations to deliver results. is taking to support refugees in western Burma. [123119] 475W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 476W

Mr Duncan: The UK has provided humanitarian JUSTICE support to refugees in western Burma through DFID’s core contributions to the United Nations and the European Antisocial Behaviour Orders Union. We have called on all sides—including through several ministerial statements—to end the violence in Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Rakhine State, grant full humanitarian access to affected Justice how many (a) men and (b) women have been areas and build a process of reconciliation among the imprisoned for breaching antisocial behaviour orders communities. in each police force area; and how many such people have been the (i) victim or (ii) perpetrator of domestic violence. [122259] Research Mrs Grant: The number of males and females who received an immediate custodial sentence for breach of Chris Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for International an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) in each police Development what external policy research her Department force area in England and Wales in 2011 (latest currently has commissioned in each of the last six years; from available) can be viewed in the table. which organisation each such piece of research was commissioned; and what the cost of each such piece of Data on breaches of ASBOs held centrally on the research was. [123190] Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database do not include information about all the circumstances behind each case other than those which may be identified Lynne Featherstone: Weare unable to answer this question from a statute. Therefore, from these data, it is not comprehensively without incurring disproportionate possible to separately identify cases where an offence of costs. A strong evidence base in development is essential breach of an ASBO occurred in which the offender was as value for money and optimal impact starts with an either a perpetrator or victim of domestic violence from understanding of what works. We commission research those cases where they were not. in agriculture, health, education, growth, climate and Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) proven in court to have been the environment, governance, conflict and social development breached1 where the breach resulted in a sentence of immediate and in cross cutting issues such as urbanisation. The custody, in each police force area2 in England and Wales in 20113 amount spent on centrally commissioned research over ASBOs breached resulting in custody the last six years by the Department for International Police force area Males Females Development (DFID) is as follows; Avon and Somerset 16 1 £ million Bedfordshire 2 — Cambridgeshire 5 1 2006-07 110 Cheshire 4 2 2007-08 130 Cleveland 17 1 2008-09 125 Cumbria 14 2 2009-10 177 Derbyshire 8 — 2010-11 203 Devon and Cornwall 13 1 2011-12 222 Dorset 11 — Durham 3 1 The commissioning of research is largely undertaken Dyfed Powys — — directly by competitive tendering. However DFID also Essex 4 — commissions research through indirect partnering with Gloucestershire 6 — other organisations such as the United Kingdom Research Greater London 75 4 Councils who manage a competitive process of research Greater Manchester 35 6 calls on our behalf. Gwent 9 1 The main sources of information that can give more Hampshire and Isle 18 3 precise details relating to this request are as follows: of Wight ResearchforDevelopment (R4D) is an online portal containing Hertfordshire 5 — details of research funded by DFID over the last 10 years, in over Humberside 43 1 30,000 project and document records. You can search the site in Kent 6 2 many different ways, including by project start and end date. The Lancashire 15 1 database also includes details of project spend and the organisations Leicestershire 6 1 from which research is commissioned: Lincolnshire 2 — http://www.dfid.gov.uk/R4D/Default.aspx Merseyside 46 6 DFID’s projects database contains summaries of each project Norfolk 14 1 DFID funds, including research ones. Youcan search the database North Wales 13 4 in many different ways, including by start date, and by DFID North Yorkshire 14 — Department, including Research and Evidence Division. The Northamptonshire 8 3 database includes details of project spend by financial year: Northumbria 12 2 http://projects.dfid.gov.uk/ Nottinghamshire 16 5 DFID Research Report 2009-10 which describes projects that South Wales 23 3 DFID was funding at that time: South Yorkshire 8 5 http://www.dfid.gov.uk/r4d/PDF/Publications/rsrch-rpt-09- Staffordshire 5 — 10.pdf Suffolk 5 — 477W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 478W

Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) proven in court to have been Bail breached1 where the breach resulted in a sentence of immediate custody, in each police force area2 in England and Wales in 20113 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice ASBOs breached resulting in custody what his policy is on bail for a defendant charged with a Police force area Males Females summary only imprisonable offence where such a defendant Surrey 4 3 has in previous unrelated proceedings failed to surrender Sussex 16 1 and where there is a reasonable belief they may fail to Thames Valley 26 — surrender again if released on bail. [120231] Warwickshire 1 1 West Mercia 23 1 Damian Green: Decisions on bail are for the courts to West Midlands 36 6 determine in accordance with the statutory framework West Yorkshire 50 5 set out in legislation. The courts currently have discretion to refuse bail where a defendant charged with a summary Wiltshire 1 — imprisonable offence has failed to surrender in previous England and Wales 638 74 unrelated proceedings and it appears to the court that 1 In this table ASB0 breaches are counted on the occasion on which the severest penalty for breach of an ASBO was received. he or she may fail to surrender again if released on bail. 2 ASBOs may be issued in one area and breached in another ASBOs That discretion will be qualified when amendments breached are counted baaed on the police force area in which the to the Bail Act 1976 in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and court at which the breach was proven is located; this may be different Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 come into effect. to the area in which the court that issued the ASBO is located 3 Many of these breached ASBOs will have been issued in years Schedule 11 to the 2012 Act, which will be brought into prior to 2011. force before the end of this year, removes the option of Note: remanding defendants in custody where it is apparent ASBO breach data are compiled by matching records of ASBOs that there is no real prospect of their receiving a custodial issued with ASBOs breached. The nature of this matching process sentence if convicted. Where defendants bailed to appear means that previously published ASBO breach data are subject to minor revision. Every effort is made lo ensure that the figures for trial in a magistrates court fail to turn up, there is a presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to presumption that the court will proceed in their absence. note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a Burglary consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when those data are used. Source: (1) what the 12-month reconviction rate was for each Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of Justice type of sentence for those found guilty of domestic burglary in each year since 1994; [123001] (2) what the average number of reconvictions per Apprentices offender was of those found guilty of domestic burglary in each year since 1994; [123002] Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) how many people found guilty of committing Justice how many apprentices working in his Department burglary went on to commit (a) no more crimes, (b) are (a) paid and (b) completing a qualification as part between one and five crimes, (c) between six and of the apprenticeship. [123091] 10 crimes, (d) between 11 and 20 crimes and (e) more than 20 crimes in each year since 1994; [123003] Jeremy Wright: For the period 1 April 2012 to 1 October (4) what the 12-month reconviction rate was of those 2012 the Ministry of Justice has enrolled 408 members found guilty of domestic burglary in each year since of staff on apprenticeships. Additionally there is one 1994. [123004] directly recruited apprentice. All are paid members of Mrs Grant: Table 1 presents the number of adult staff. It is a condition of any new apprenticeship recruitment (aged 18 or over) and juvenile (aged 10 to 17) offenders that we provide training so all our new recruits and in England and Wales released from custody, receiving those completing ‘up skilling’ are completing qualifications a non-custodial conviction at court, caution reprimand as part of the apprenticeship. or warning in each of the years 2000, 2002 to 2009 (the latest calendar year available) after being found guilty Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for of domestic burglary. Also presented are the proven Justice how many (a) paid apprentices and (b) paid re-offending rates (i.e. the proportion of the offenders interns are employed in his Department. [123092] found guilty of domestic burglary who re-offended in a one year follow up period) and the average number of re-offences per offender. Jeremy Wright: For the period 1 April 2012 to 1 October 2012 the Ministry of Justice has enrolled 408 members 2000 is the earliest year for which proven re-offending of staff on apprenticeships. Additionally there is one data exist on a comparable basis and data is not available directly recruited apprentice. All are paid members of for 2001 due to a problem with archived data on Court staff. Records are not held centrally of the number of Orders. Data for 2010 will be published on 25 October 2012. paid internships and could be obtained only at Table 2 is a further breakdown of table 1 showing disproportionate cost. It is planned that a system for re-offending rates by the type of sentence received by recording paid internship details will be in place from 1 those found guilty of domestic burglary. Re-offending January 2013. The Ministry, as part of the Whitehall rates by sentence type should not be compared to assess Summer Diversity Internship Programme, provided eight the effectiveness of sentences, as there is no control for paid internships in 2012. known differences in offender characteristics. 479W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 480W

It is not possible to provide a breakdown of all Proven re-offending is defined as any offence committed re-offences committed by these offenders to date because in a one year follow-up period and receiving a court re-offending data is based on a one year follow up conviction, caution, reprimand or warning in the one period. However, for your information, Table 3 presents year follow-up period or a further six month waiting those offenders found guilty of burglary which includes period to allow cases to progress through the courts. domestic and other burglary offences and the number of re-offences they committed in a one year follow up period.

Table 1: Proven re-offending rates of offenders found guilty of domestic burglary 2000 2002 2003 2004 200S 2006 2007 2008 2009

Adult offenders Proportion of offenders 58.0 58.5 55.0 52.5 50.0 48.0 49.1 50.6 47.4 who re-offend (%) Average number of 2.37 2.40 2.09 1.94 1.73 1.50 1.62 1.60 1.43 re-offences per offender (frequency rate) Number of offenders in 8,091 7,455 7,686 7,125 6,819 6,784 7.309 7,594 7,248 cohort

Juvenile offenders Proportion of offenders 47.1 46.8 47.7 47.6 47.1 48.4 46.0 49.1 49.9 who re-offend (%) Average number of 1.88 1.82 1.82 1.73 1.66 1.74 1.67 1.71 1.67 re-offences per offender {frequency rate) Number of offenders in 3,620 3,268 3,106 3,124 3,266 3,333 3,209 2,817 2,776 cohort Note: Data is not available for 2001 due to a problem with archived data on Court Orders. Table 2: Proven re-offending rates of offenders found guilty of domestic burglary by type of sentence received Index disposal 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Adults Absolute discharge 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— 1— Caution 22.4 21.6 27.1 23.2 26.3 26.2 27.6 25.2 25.3 Conditional 35.9 39.1 37.3 31.1 43.9 31.4 26.3 24.7 26.2 discharge Court orders 46.3 53.8 51.4 51.5 48.9 46.3 48.1 48.7 41.4 Fines 0.0 39.1 43.9 36.1 25.9 43.9 33.9 20.4 1— Prison 37.1 64.2 60.7 57.5 56.1 55.8 55.9 58.7 56.1 Other 37.0 35.7 33.7 27.4 41.2 29.3 28.1 18.4 19.7

Juveniles First tier penalty 47.8 42.0 44.0 41.7 42.9 43.6 41.4 39.3 41.6 Prison 78.9 78.4 82.3 83.2 80.3 81.1 82.4 84.0 83.1 Youth Community 57.9 64.3 68 3 68.0 68.0 69.9 66.1 69.4 68.6 penalty Youth Pre-court 28.6 27.1 29 5 31.3 31.2 33.8 28.9 30.5 30.6 Disposal Youth—Other 51.8 56.9 71.4 66.0 68.9 69.4 62.5 62.9 57.5 1 Data based on less than 30 offenders or offences are removed as they make data unreliable for interpretation. Note: Data is not available for 2001 due to a problem with archived data on Court Orders. Table 3: Number of re-offences committed in the one year follow up period by offenders found guilty of burglary 11 to 20 21 and over Year No re-offences 1 to 5 re-offences 6 to 10 re-offences re-offences re-offences

Adults 2000 6,547 6,053 1,547 482 127 2002 5,972 5,769 1,548 509 129 2003 6,160 5,850 1,387 441 130 2004 6,040 5,379 1,201 325 117 2005 6,286 5,050 1,003 253 112 2006 6,809 5,275 854 208 117 2007 7,124 5,742 991 236 114 2008 7,105 6,022 885 227 119 2009 7,179 5,573 786 185 112 481W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 482W

Table 3: Number of re-offences committed in the one year follow up period by offenders found guilty of burglary 11 to 20 21 and over Year No re-offences 1 to 5 re-offences 6 to 10 re-offences re-offences re-offences

Juveniles 2000 5,547 3,119 603 240 125 2002 4,883 2.746 1,335 208 124 2003 4,445 2,599 514 193 18 2004 4,194 2,600 449 148 118 2005 4,542 2,750 455 131 112 2006 4,691 3,006 466 159 111 2007 4,537 2,732 448 136 18 2008 3,657 2,367 374 96 17 2009 3,163 2,070 330 88 17 1 Less than 30 offenders—treat data with caution. Note: Data is not available for 2001 due to a problem with archived data on Court Orders.

Courts: Interpreters My hon. Friend will assist other Ministry of Justice Ministers during debates in the House and will respond Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice to other parliamentary business on behalf of the Ministry what recent assessment he has made of the quality of of Justice. interpretation services in courts in England and Wales following changes to the centralised contract. [122235] Driving Offences: Speed Limits Mrs Grant: Under the previous arrangements there was no monitorable system for recording complaints Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for about quality. The contract with Applied Language Justice how many motorists were prosecuted for Solutions provides the Ministry, for the first time, with speeding offences in (a) Pendle constituency and (b) a way to monitor complaints related to interpretation Lancashire in each of the last three years for which and translation. figures are available. [122561] Statistics published on 18 October 2012 by the Ministry Jeremy Wright: The number of defendants proceeded of Justice on interpretation services show that of 72,043 against at magistrates courts for speeding offences in completed requests for language services, there were the Lancashire police force area from 2009 to 2011 can 174 complaints related to interpreter quality. be viewed in the table as follows. Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Court proceedings data are not available at parliamentary how many civil court cases have been adjourned as a constituency level. result of lack of interpreters supplied by Applied Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts for Language Solutions in the last 12 months for which speeding offences in the Lancashire police force area, 2009-111,2 figures are available. [122595] Number 2009 6,223 Mrs Grant: The reasons for civil court case adjournments 2010 4,853 are not recorded as a matter of course. It is not possible 2011 5,081 to identify which adjournments are due to a lack of 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons interpreter. for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is Departmental Responsibilities imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate Justice pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have Hastings and Rye of 18 September 2012, Official been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by Report, column 777, on departmental responsibilities, the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken if he will set out the role to be played in his Department to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. by the hon. Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford. Source: [122697] Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Chris Grayling: As I announced to the House on 18 September 2012, Official Report, column 777, I have Fixed Penalties agreed with the Chief Whip that, on occasions, when necessary, the Lord Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Treasury, my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath Justice what the total value of all penalty notices issued and Crayford (Mr Evennett), will provide support to by police was in each of the last three years; and what the team and the House. proportion of such notices were not paid. [122550] 483W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 484W

Mrs Grant: The total value of penalty notices for Data relating to fixed penalty notices (FPN) issued disorders (PND) issued by police and what proportion for motoring offences are collected by the Home Office. of such notices were not paid for each of the last three The information in Table B covers the years 2008, 2009 years can be viewed in Table A. The information covers and 2010. Figures for 2011 are scheduled to be published the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. next spring.

Table A: Number of penalty notices for disorder issued and related monetary values paid and what proportion not paid by tier, England and Wales, 2008-11 Value of PNDs Number of PNDs Percentage of PNDs Offence Number issued issued (£) not paid1 not paid

2008 Higher Tier Offences (£80) 170,112 13,608,960 81,471 48 Lower Tier Offences (£50) 6,052 302,600 3,404 56 Total —All Offences 176,164 13,911,560 84,875 48

2009 Higher Tier Offences (£80) 164,985 13,198,800 77,186 47 Lower Tier Offences (£50) 5,408 270,400 3,091 57 Total —All Offences 170,393 13,469,200 80,277 47

2010 Higher Tier Offences (£80) 136,542 10,923,360 61,417 45 Lower Tier Offences (£50) 4,227 211,350 2,256 53 Total —All Offences 140,769 11,134,710 63,673 45

2011 Higher Tier Offences (£80) 123,530 9,882,400 56,909 46 Lower Tier Offences (£50) 4,000 200,000 2,202 55 Total —All Offences 127,530 10,082,400 59,111 46 1 Includes outcome of fine registered, court hearing requested, PND cancelled, potential prosecution and outcome known. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice Table B: Number of fixed penalty notices for motoring offences (FPNs) issued, related monetary values1 paid and the proportion not paid by type of notice, England and Wales, 2008-2010 Values of FPNs Number of FPNs Percentage of FPNs Type Number issued issued (£) not paid2 not paid

2008 Endorsable (£60) 1,523,691 91,421,460 42,807 3 Non-Endorsable (£30) 775,763 23,272,890 202,137 26 Total—All Offences 2,299,454 114,694,350 244,944 11

2009 Endorsable (£60) 1,370,771 82,246,260 43,633 3 Non-Endorsable (£30) 680,391 20,411,730 180,640 27 Total—All Offences 2,051,162 102,657,990 224,273 11

2010 Endorsable (£60) 1,263,846 75,830,760 41,866 3 Non-Endorsable (£30) 587,043 17,611,290 155,731 27 Total—All Offences 1,850,889 93,442,050 197,597 11 1 The calculated monetary values are based upon the standard value of endorsable (£60) and non-endorsable (£30) FPNs. The value of FPNs may vary for a small number issued, therefore the figures presented should be considered to be estimates only. 2 A large proportion of fixed penalties that remain unpaid after the statutory period (28 days) are registered as fines at one and a half times the original fixed penalty amount. Data on the outcome of these fine registered FPNs are not held centrally.

Homicide: Prisoners’ Release Mrs Grant: A mandatory life sentence is the only sentence that can be imposed on anyone who is convicted Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of murder. (1) what the shortest sentence served by a convicted Life sentence prisoners must serve a minimum period murderer before their release from prison was in the last of imprisonment to meet the needs of retribution and 15 years; [122650] deterrence. This punitive period is announced by the (2) what assessment he has made of the current trial judge in open court and is known commonly as the average sentence served by those convicted of murder; “tariff” period. No life sentence prisoner can expect to [122651] be released before they have served the tariff period in (3) how many people have been murdered by full. individuals who have previously been convicted of Release on expiry of the tariff period is not automatic. murder and then released having served their prison Release will take place only once this period has been sentences in each of the last 15 years. [122653] served and only if the Parole Board is satisfied that it is 485W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 486W no longer necessary, on the grounds of public protection, As at 1 April for the offender to remain detained in custody. As such, to 31 March some life sentence prisoners remain in prison beyond each year Total Retired Died Base court their tariff as they are considered to present a risk to the public which may not be effectively managed in the Marylebone community. Newham Data on the shortest sentence served by a convicted South murderer before release in the last 15 years are not in a Western readily accessible electronic format. In order to answer West London the question precisely, it would be necessary to retrieve and search manual files for this information. This would 2004 5 5 0 Westminster exceed cost limits. West London Data from 2010 are available in a suitable format. Portsmouth The shortest time served by a person convicted of Warrington murder is 3.6 years. The tariff of just under three years was set because of the special circumstances of the Horseferry Road offence, where the offender pleaded guilty to what might be described as assisted suicide. 2005 3 2 1 Horseferry On 26 April 2012, the Ministry of Justice published Road x2 Offender Management Statistics quarterly bulletin for Norwich October-December 2011, see: http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/prisons-and-probation/ oms-quarterly/oms-quarterly-editions 2006 2 2 0 Preston This included data on the average time spent in custody Trafford for mandatory life sentence prisoners. These data are shown in the following table: 2007 1 1 0 Bow Street

Average time served for persons 2008 1 1 0 Bristol convicted of murder (years)

2001 13 2009 5 5 0 Birmingham 2002 14 x2 2003 15 Hendon 2004 14 Horseferry 2005 14 Road 2006 14 Stoke-on- 2007 16 Trent 2008 16 2009 17 2010 3 3 0 Cardiff 2010 16 Highbury Corner 2011 16 Oxford and Data on the number of people who have been murdered Southern by those on life licence for murder is not in a readily Oxfordshire accessible electronic format for the last 15 years. However, data are available since 2007. Since then, eight people 2011 7 6 1 Bradford have been murdered by seven offenders on life licence. Brighton Leicester x2 Magistrates Manchester City Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Nottingham Justice how many district judges have left the Stratford magistracy in each of the last 10 years; and from what courts such judges left. [122549] 2012 6 5 1 Chesterfield Mrs Grant: The following table shows the total number Norwich of district judges who have left the magistracy in England Plymouth ″ ″ and Wales in each of the last 10 years. Left has been South interpreted to include retirement and death. There have Worcestershire been no removals from office. Tower Bridge x2 As at 1 April to 31 March each year Total Retired Died Base court Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for 2003 6 4 2 Birmingham Justice how many new Justices of the Peace have been Bow Street appointed in each of the last 10 years; and to which courts they were appointed. [122551] 487W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 488W

Mrs Grant: The following table shows the total number Parole Board of magistrates (justices of the peace) appointed in England and Wales in each of the last 10 years. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice As at 1 April to 31 March each how many full-time equivalent employees there were at year: Magistrates appointed the Parole Board on 30 September (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [122943] 2002-03 1,410 2003-04 1,768 2004-05 1,766 Mrs Grant: The number of full-time equivalent staff 2005-06 2,212 employed by the Parole Board as at 30 September in 2006-07 2,412 each year indicated was: 2007-08 1,899 Number of full-time equivalent 2008-09 1,773 staff 2009-10 1,632 2010-11 1,012 2010 92.06 2011-12 736 2011 90.60 2012 84.92 On appointment, magistrates are assigned to a local justice area and may then sit at a number of courts within the area. It has not been possible in the time Prison Sentences available to provide a breakdown of appointments by local justice area. I will provide this information in a letter shortly. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many of those given indeterminate sentences of Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for imprisonment for public protection received a Justice how many Justices of the Peace have left the minimum tariff of (a) two to five years, (b) over five magistracy in each of the last 10 years; and from which years up to and including 10 years, (c) over 10 years up courts such justices left. [122552] to 15 years, (d) over 15 years up to and including 20 years and (e) over 20 years in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and Mrs Grant: The following table shows the total number (iii) 2011; [123018] of magistrates (justices of the peace) who have left the (2) what the average minimum tariff was for people magistracy in England and Wales in each of the last 10 given indeterminate sentences of imprisonment for years. ″Left″ has been interpreted to include retirement, public protection in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011. resignation, removal and death. [123019]

As at 1 April to 31 March Jeremy Wright: Based on the population at the end of each year: Total Retired Resigned Removed Died June 2012, the number of prisoners who were given indeterminate sentences of imprisonment for public 2003 1,606 558 942 22 84 protection (IPP) by the required tariff length bands in 2004 1,408 533 781 12 82 the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 is shown in the table. 2005 1,593 550 935 16 92 2006 1,653 545 1,015 12 81 Tariff length 2009 2010 2011 2007 1,614 574 947 10 83 2008 1,584 632 849 8 95 Two to five years 487 416 326 2009 1,746 755 888 11 92 Over five and up to 195 180 207 and including 10 years 2010 1,759 834 821 22 82 Over 10 and up to and 91714 2011 2,101 824 1,165 19 93 including 15 years 2012 1,959 752 1,099 19 89 Over 15 and up to and 020 including 20 years On appointment, magistrates are assigned to a local justice area and may then sit at a number of courts Any time spent on remand is not taken into consideration within the area. It has not been possible in the time during the tariff band calculation. available to provide a breakdown of the above figures by local justice area. I will provide this information in a The average tariff imposed for those serving IPP letter shortly. sentences in the years 2009. 2010 and 2011 is shown in the following table. Members: Correspondence Average tariff length (months)

Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2009 47.9 when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. 2010 50.7 Member for Walsall North dated 5 September 2012, ref 2011 55.3 330806. [123332] These figures were drawn from administrative 11 Mrs Grant: I have now replied. I am sorry for the systems which, as with any large scale recording system, delay. are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. 489W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 490W

Prisoners’ Release Prisoners: Foreign Nationals

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he has any plans to review the release test for what offences the foreign nationals in prison in those prisoners on indeterminate sentences for England and Wales on 30 September 2012 were found imprisonment for public protection who have served guilty of. [122941] their minimum tariff. [122940] Jeremy Wright: As at 30 June 2012 there were 7,679 Jeremy Wright: There are no current plans to review foreign national prisoners serving sentences in prison the release test for prisoners serving sentences of establishments in England and Wales. imprisonment for public protection whose minimum The following table shows the breakdown by offence term has expired. The National Offender Management group. Service is using a range of measures to improve the Foreign national prisoner population under immediate custodial progression of these prisoners in reducing the risk they sentence (including recalls) by offence group, England and Wales, 30 pose. June 2012 Offence group Total Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 15 October 2012, Official Violence against the person 1,821 Report, columns 123-4W, on prisoners; release, and the Sexual offences 1,063 figures given in Table 4, if he will provide the number Robbery 731 of offenders recalled to custody for committing (a) Burglary 372 further criminal offences, (b) further sexual offences Theft and Handling 534 and (c) further violent offences. [123870] Fraud and Forgery 434 Drug offences 1,716 Jeremy Wright: All prisoners subject to supervision Motoring offences 97 by probation trusts are liable to recall to prison should Other offences 873 they breach the conditions of their licence or for further Offence not recorded 38 offending. All offences 7,679 The precise reasons for recall are not held in a readily accessible electronic format. In the year 2011-12, there These figures have been drawn from administrative were over 16,500 recalls of prisoners on licence. All of IT systems which, as with any large scale recording these records would need to be checked manually in system, are subject to possible errors with data entry order to answer the question fully.This would substantially and processing. exceed cost limits. Each quarter, the Ministry of Justice publishes a Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice report on licence recalls and returns to custody. This how many foreign nationals there were in prison in may be found at the following web address and in the England and Wales by nationality on 30 September House Library: 2012. [122942] http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/prisons-and-probation/ oms-quarterly Jeremy Wright: The following tables show the number of foreign national prisoners of each nationality being held in prisons in England and Wales, as at 30 June Prisoners: Domestic Violence 2012. These figures are published quarterly in table 1.6 of the ‘Offender Management Statistics Quarterly Bulletin’ Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for available at: Justice what support his Department provides to (a) http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ male and (b) female inmates who have experienced prisons-and-probation/oms-quarterly.htm domestic violence. [122562] Data for the quarter ending September 2012 will be published shortly. Mrs Grant: The Government is committed to supporting These figures have been drawn from administrative all victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. IT systems which, as with any large scale recording Disclosure of information about domestic violence system, are subject to possible errors with data entry can be extremely difficult and traumatic for the individual, and processing. and we aim to provide support and help to all prisoners Population in prison, by nationality and sex, 30 June 2012, England who need it as part of the rehabilitation services offered and Wales in custody. Some ways in which prisons achieve this Nationality Male Female Total include ensuring that staff create an environment where offenders: All nationalities 81,925 4,123 86,048 feel able to disclose in confidence British nationals 69,893 3,345 73,238 always receive a sensitive and professional response Foreign nationals 10,247 614 10,861 Nationality not recorded 1,785 164 1,949 have access to appropriate and relevant information are referred to appropriate services if required. Total Africa 2,341 136 2,477 Governors can also commission and/or deliver specific Algeria 154 0 154 services or activities that support individuals who have Angola 61 1 62 experienced domestic violence, rape or abuse. 491W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 492W

Population in prison, by nationality and sex, 30 June 2012, England Population in prison, by nationality and sex, 30 June 2012, England and Wales and Wales Nationality Male Female Total Nationality Male Female Total

Benin 6 0 6 Sri Lanka 136 5 141 Botswana 1 0 1 Taiwan (Nationalist Chinese) 2 1 3 Burkina Faso 1 0 1 Thailand 3 5 8 Burundi 14 0 14 Vietnam 375 21 396 Cameroon 23 1 24 Central African Republic 10 1 11 Total Central and South 217 31 248 Chad 3 0 3 America Congo 125 6 131 Argentina 2 1 3 Egypt 21 1 22 Belize 2 0 2 Equatorial Guinea 2 0 2 Bolivia 6 0 6 Ethiopia 69 3 72 Brazil 48 8 56 Gambia 51 3 54 Chile 12 1 13 Ghana 125 14 139 Colombia 53 5 58 Guinea 21 0 21 Costa Rica 3 2 5 Ivory Coast 30 0 30 Ecuador 15 0 15 Kenya 52 0 52 El Salvador 1 0 1 Lesotho 1 0 1 French Guiana 3 0 3 Liberia 11 0 11 Guatemala 3 3 6 Libyan Arab Jamahiriya 17 0 17 Guyana 25 1 26 Malawi 11 3 14 Mexico 23 7 30 Mali 2 0 2 Nicaragua 2 0 2 Mauritania 4 2 6 Panama 0 0 0 Mauritius 17 3 20 Paraguay 1 0 1 Morocco 51 4 55 Peru 1 1 2 Mozambique 1 0 1 Suriname 3 0 3 Namibia 4 2 6 Venezuela 14 2 16 Niger 14 4 18 Nigeria 548 46 594 Total Europe 4,048 269 4,317 Rwanda 15 0 15 Albania 186 2 188 Senegal 4 1 5 Armenia 8 0 8 Seychelles 3 0 3 Austria 12 1 13 Sierra Leone 68 1 69 Azerbaijan 3 0 3 Somalia 402 8 410 Belgium 22 2 24 South Africa 77 13 90 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8 4 12 Sudan 44 0 44 Bulgaria 37 13 50 Tanzania 25 1 26 Croatia 10 0 10 Togo 2 0 2 Cyprus 26 0 26 Tunisia 21 0 21 Czech Republic 85 8 93 Uganda 52 6 58 Denmark 12 0 12 Western Sahara 0 0 0 Estonia 24 0 24 Zambia 21 3 24 Finland 3 2 5 Zimbabwe 157 9 166 France 103 7 110 Georgia 7 1 8 Total Asia 2,016 77 2,093 Germany 64 4 68 Afghanistan 161 0 161 Greece 16 2 18 Bangladesh 237 2 239 Hungary 35 5 40 China 155 17 172 Irish Republic 692 45 737 India 421 5 426 Italy 86 3 89 Japan 4 1 5 Kazakhstan 4 0 4 Korea, DPR (North Korea) 1 0 1 Kyrgyzstan 1 0 1 Korea, Republic of 5 0 5 Latvia 168 14 182 Lao Peoples Democratic 202Lithuania 442 20 462 Republic Luxembourg 1 0 1 Malaysia 20 4 24 Macedonia 7 0 7 Mongolia 2 2 4 Malta 6 1 7 Myanmar 1 0 1 Moldova 9 0 9 Nepal 8 0 8 Monaco 2 0 2 Pakistan 462 10 472 Netherlands 127 17 144 Philippines 18 4 22 Norway 5 0 5 Singapore 3 0 3 Poland 732 18 750 493W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 494W

Population in prison, by nationality and sex, 30 June 2012, England of elderly prisoners on their release; and if he will make and Wales a statement. [122294] Nationality Male Female Total

Portugal 208 12 220 Mrs Grant: There have been no recent meetings between Romania 485 56 541 DH and MOJ Ministers to discuss meeting the health Russian Federation 60 5 65 and social care needs of elderly prisoners on their release. However, discussions have been held between Serbia and Montenegro 30 2 32 the two Departments at official level through the Offender Slovakia 81 6 87 Social Care Implementation Group. Slovenia 2 0 2 The White Paper on social care ″Caring for our Spain 73 11 84 ″ Sweden 17 2 19 future: reforming care and support published in July Switzerland 5 0 5 2012 sets out the Government’s aim to clarify the responsibility for assessing and providing social care Turkey 115 1 116 support to offenders in prison. We will develop, with Turkmenistan 2 0 2 stakeholders, a new framework for the provision of care Ukraine 25 4 29 and support in prisons so it is clear where responsibility Uzbekistan 2 1 3 lies.

Total North America 74 13 87 Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Canada 21 6 27 how many prisoners serving indeterminate sentences United States 53 7 60 for public protection are aged over 60 years. [122295]

Total Middle East 510 8 518 Jeremy Wright: As at 30 June 2012, there were 193 Iran 211 3 214 offenders aged over 60 in prison establishments in England Iraq 200 2 202 and Wales serving indeterminate sentences for public Israel 33 1 34 protection. Jordan 3 0 3 These figures have been drawn from administrative Kuwait 10 0 10 IT systems which, as with any large scale recording Lebanon 13 0 13 system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Qatar 0 0 0 and processing. Saudi Arabia 9 2 11 Prisoners: Per Capita Costs Syrian Arab Republic 19 0 19 United Arab Emirates 2 0 2 Yemen, Republic of 10 0 10 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the (a) cost per prisoner and (b) cost per place in each prison was in 2011-12. [123598] Total Oceania 28 1 29 Australia 18 0 18 Mrs Grant: As part of the Government’s Transparency Fiji 4 1 5 Agenda, the Department publishes full details of outturn Kiribati 1 0 1 expenditure and average cost per prisoner and cost per New Zealand 4 0 4 place for each private and public sector prison in England Samoa 1 0 1 and Wales after the end of the financial year. The information for financial year 2011-12 is due to be Total West Indies 1,013 79 1,092 published as an addendum to the NOMS annual report Antigua and Barbuda 4 1 5 and accounts on 25 October 2012 and will be available Bahamas 3 2 5 on the Department’s website at Barbados 34 2 36 http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/prisons-and-probation/ Bermuda 5 2 7 prison-probation-performance-info Cayman Islands 2 0 2 A copy will also be placed in the House Library. Cuba 5 0 5 Dominica 17 0 17 Prisoners: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Grenada 8 0 8 Haiti 0 1 1 Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Jamaica 840 60 900 Justice what treatment is available to prisoners with Montserrat 12 0 12 post-traumatic stress disorder. [122335] St Kitts and Nevis 5 0 5 St Lucia 20 1 21 Norman Lamb: I have been asked to reply on behalf St Vincent and the Grenadines 12 1 13 of the Department of Health. Trinidad and Tobago 46 9 55 Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services, are increasingly able to treat post traumatic Prisoners: Older People stress disorder. IAPT services are increasingly available in prisons and it is intended that they will be available in all prisons by March 2015. In January 2009, the IAPT Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Programme published best practice guidance, ‘Offenders: what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State Positive Practice Guidance’, a copy of which has been for Health on meeting the health and social care needs placed in the Library. 495W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 496W

Prisoners: Repatriation Mrs Grant: Performance points are accrued on the occurrence of a custodial service failure which are Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice recorded on a quarterly and annual basis in each contract. with which countries the UK has signed prisoner Charges are then applied when these total points exceed transfer agreements since May 2010. [122958] the relevant performance baseline. Under certain circumstances these charges maybe waived, for example Jeremy Wright: The Government signed a prisoner on the basis that the failure could be in part or direct transfer agreement with Saudi Arabia on 2 January result of an authority/NOMS default. 2012. Prisoner Transfer Agreements with Albania and Information providing a site by site breakdown of with the United Arab Emirates have also been concluded charges and reasons related for any mitigation are not and await signature. Furthermore, on 5 December 2011, routinely collated centrally. Furthermore prior to May the Government implemented the EU prisoner transfer 2010 under the previous NOMS structure of regional agreement (Council Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA). directors of offender managers (DOMS), decisions on the application or mitigation of points were handled Prisoners: Veterans regionally. Therefore the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for However, NOMS finance team have recently been Justice whether history of military service is automatically working on identifying and collating information with recorded when an inmate is received into prison; and regards to the number of points applied (less any credit/ how any such service is recorded. [122334] baseline deductions) and the associated charge to the contractor. See following table for a summary for 2010-11 Jeremy Wright: In cases where a history of military and 2011-12; service is disclosed to the Prison Service on reception, this information is recorded on its electronic prisoner 2010-11 2011-12 database, P-Nomis. Estimated Estimated Prison Points charge (£) Points charge (£) Prisons Altcourse 433 130,000 0 0 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Ashfield 140 16,000 130 14,000 how many full-time equivalent employees there were in Birmingham n/a n/a n/a n/a (a) public and (b) private sector prisons on 30 Bronzefield 193 70,000 88 20,000 September 2012. [122945] Doncaster n/a n/a n/a n/a Dovegate 0 0 0 0 Mrs Grant: Figures for 30 September 2012 are currently Forest Bank 0 0 0 0 unavailable for public sector prisons. Lowdham 0 0 152 20,000 The number of full-time equivalent employees in Grange public sector and private sector prisons are set out in Oakwood n/a n/a n/a n/a the following table as at 31 August: Parc 0 0 0 0 Peterborough 0 0 147 23,000 Full-time equivalent staff as at 31 August 2012 Rye Hill 747 109,000 1,082 165,000 Number Thameside n/a n/a n/a n/a Public sector prisons 40,369 Wolds 68 5,000 19 1,000 Private sector prisons 5,978 Public sector staffing figures include all staff directly Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice employed in public sector prisons and area support whether he has received any reports of instances of teams, but not regional services. private prisons refusing to take new prisoners because of a lockdown caused by staff shortages in the last 12 Prisons: Capital Investment months for which information is available. [123000]

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mrs Grant: There have been no instances during the what the capital investment budget is for prisons in last 12 months of a private prison’s refusing to take new financial year (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) prisoners because of a lockdown caused by staff shortages. 2014-15. [122999] Probation Mrs Grant: The capital investment budget for prisons in the 2012-13 financial year is £134 million. The budget Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice for future years has not yet been agreed. how many full-time equivalent employees there were at the probation service on 30 September (a) 2010, (b) Prisons: Private Sector 2011 and (c) 2012. [122944]

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Jeremy Wright: The number of full-time equivalent for what reasons the National Offender Management (FTE) employees in post in the probation service on Service decided not to impose financial penalties on 30 September 2010 and 2011 are listed in the following private prisons on each occasion such penalties were table. Figures for September 2012 are currently unavailable; found to be applicable in the last five years; and how however the latest published figures to this date (at much revenue was forgone in each such year. [122997] 30 June 2012) have been provided in the table. 497W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 498W

Probation service staff in post The value of the Trust’s contract with the Secretary Probation service FTE of State is agreed each year with the National Offender Management Service (NOMS). The contract management 2010 19,193.81 team in NOMS is in frequent contact with the Trust to 2011 18,449.73 discuss performance, including financial performance, 2012 17,880.58 which is measured as part of the contract. The team also has formal quarterly contract review meetings with Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice the Trust. what the budget is for the Probation Service in financial year (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14. [122992] Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 22 May 2012, Official Mrs Grant: The overall budget allocated to Probation Report, column 637W, on probation: Essex, if he will Trusts in 2011-12 was £820 million, and for 2012-13 is place in the Library a copy of the response to each £814 million. Figures are rounded to the nearest £million. request to Essex Probation made under the Freedom of These amounts reflect the total of the contract values Information Act 2000 where the request was agreed to agreed with each Probation Trust at the beginning of and answered in (a) full and (b) part since 2005; and if the financial year. It should be noted that, in addition to he will make a statement. [122948] these amounts, some funds are held centrally for specific offender related initiatives. These are not embedded in Mrs Grant: Further to the answer of 22 May 2012, the budget and contract values and therefore excluded Official Report, column 637W, from 2005 to 2007 the from the figures given. Allocated budget amounts may Home Office Open Government Unit responded to all vary throughout the financial year. Probation Trusts Freedom of Information requests relating to the Essex may also receive income from elsewhere. Probation Board. The Essex Probation Board assumed The Department has not set Probation Trust budgets responsibility for replying to Freedom of Information for 2013-14. Budgets will be set as part of the Department’s requests in 2008. The Essex Probation Trust, which regular annual budget allocation process. Allocations came into being on 1 April 2010, is responsible for will be made on the basis of need and according to replying to any Freedom of Information requests addressed departmental priorities. to it. Under the Department’s document retention policy, Probation: Essex Freedom of Information replies need be kept for no longer than two years. Information relating to older Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice requests is not available. pursuant to the answer of 21 May 2012, Official I will arrange for the responses for the last two years’ Report, column 411W, on probation: Essex, for what responses to be placed in the Library. reasons meetings with hon. Members were arranged; what issues were discussed at each meeting; who was present at each meeting; and if he will make a Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice statement. [122946] pursuant to the answer of 21 May 2012, Official Report, column 410W, on probation: Essex, what estimate his Mrs Grant: The meetings listed in the answer of 21 Department made of the potential cost to the public May 2012, Official Report, column 411W,were arranged purse of answering question 107556 in full; and if he to introduce the chief executive to local hon. Members will make a statement. [122949] and to explain the work of the Probation Trust. Discussion focused on current probation work and the Trust’s contribution to local criminal justice priorities. Most Mrs Grant: Further to the answer of 21 May 2012, were one-to-one meetings between the chief executive Official Report, column 410W, on probation: Essex, the and the hon. Member. Ministry of Justice does not hold the other information requested. To answer the question in full all 35 probation trusts would have had to collate 10 years’ worth of Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice complaint correspondence, much of which may be in pursuant to the answer of 21 May 2012, Official hard copy rather than electronic format. Report, column 410W, on probation, what specific steps Essex Probation have (a) taken and (b) plan to Following collation, this information would need to take in each of the next two years to increase its be compared with local population data for each probation cost-effectiveness; what meetings officials in his area over the last 10 years. Some of that information is Department have had with Essex Probation about this not available in a readily-accessible format. issue; and if he will make a statement. [122947] It is difficult to form an accurate estimate of the total cost of such an exercise; however, it clearly exceeds the Mrs Grant: Further to the answer of 21 May 2012, disproportionate cost threshold. Official Report, column 410W, Essex Probation Trust, as part of its annual business planning process, reviews all areas of expenditure to identify potential for improving Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice cost effectiveness. The review considers cost information pursuant to the answer of 22 May 2012, Official generated internally and also from external sources, as Report, column 637W, on Probation: Essex, whether well as staff suggestions for improving efficiency and the position of Chief Executive of Essex Probation was innovation. advertised; and if he will make a statement. [123031] 499W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 500W

Mrs Grant: Further to the answer of 22 May 2012, reductions can be achieved through natural staff turnover Official Report, column 637W,in accordance with general and recruitment controls, where this is not possible policy on the establishment of Probation Trusts under further exit schemes may be appropriate. the Offender Management Act 2007, the position of chief executive of Essex Probation Trust was not advertised. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Mary Archer was the chief officer of the Trust’s predecessor body, the Essex Probation Board. She was Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice appointed chief executive by the Secretary of State on 1 what definition his Department uses for (a) reprimand, April 2010, when the Essex Probation Trust was formed. (b) severe reprimand and (c) demotion under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 where these are Public Expenditure handed down as punishments following a military summary hearing; and if he will make a statement. [123066] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with reference to the answer of 8 March 2012, Official Mrs Grant: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Report, columns 853-4W, on public expenditure, what (ROA) does not define the terms ’reprimand’, ’severe recent progress has been made in saving £1 billion from reprimand’ and ’demotion’. These terms originate in administration and front line efficiency in his the relevant Armed Forces legislation. The Armed Forces Department; and what progress he expects to make in Act 2006 governs how these disposals are treated under (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15. [123106] the ROA. Mrs Grant: The Department continues to make good Where there is doubt over whether a particular disposal progress in delivering the savings required to live within falls under a provision of the ROA then determination the spending review settlement, including through increased of this is a matter for the courts. Under current legislation efficiencies in the back office and at the frontline. where a disposal is not otherwise dealt within the ROA, then it falls to be considered under the last entry of Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 Table A in section 5(2) which imposes a rehabilitation period of five years. Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps his Department has taken to prepare for the Unpaid Fines: West Midlands introduction of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012. [122345] Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many unpaid fines there were in the West Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice intends to Midlands in the latest period for which figures are bring the Act fully into force in January 2013. We are available; and what the monetary value was of those currently awaiting detailed guidance from the Cabinet fines. [123393] Office Efficiency and Reform Group Procurement Policy Team on how the Act will be incorporated in Ministry of Justice procurement processes. Mrs Grant: For the period April 2012 to June 2012 (latest published data) there were 13,523 (£4,229,890) Redundancy financial imposition accounts (financial impositions include fines, cost orders, compensation orders and victim surcharge impositions) opened in the West Midlands accounting Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice division area. By the end of June 2012, 2,107 of these with reference to page 19 of his Department’s Business accounts were closed, 11,416 (£3,536,870) were either Plan 2012-15, published on 31 May 2012, what fully or partially outstanding of which 5,574 were compliant estimate his Department has made of the redundancy with their payment terms. costs for the planned reduction in workforce in the current spending review period. [123111] The total value of all outstanding financial impositions accounts (excluding confiscation orders) in the West Mrs Grant: The Department’s spending review 2010 Midlands accounting division at the end of June 2012 implementation requires headcount reduction by 2014-15 was £35,256,383. This amount relates to all outstanding through a combination of natural wastage, recruitment accounts regardless of when they were imposed and freezes and staff exits. We have made good progress so includes accounts which are compliant with their payment far through strict recruitment controls and restructuring terms. of HQ and across our agencies. The total cost of exit It is not possible to provide the total number of packages in 2011-12 was £133.8 million of which £1.1 outstanding fines in the West Midlands area. million was spent on compulsory redundancies. This information is published on page 106 of the Department’s Victim Support Schemes Annual Report and Accounts 2011-12. Please refer to the following link: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/corporate-reports/moj/ Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2012/ministry-of-justice-annual-report-and-accounts-2011-12 (1) what steps he is taking to ensure a minimum Reductions have been achieved through voluntary early standard of provision of services for victims and departure schemes and redeployment where appropriate. witnesses by police and crime commissioners; [122994] There remains a need to continue making reductions (2) with reference to his Department’s White Paper, throughout the spending review, as these are developed Getting it Right for Victims and Witnesses, whether locally consideration will be given as to whether the responsibility for victims and witnesses services under 501W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 502W police and crime commissioners will be (a) funded by Mrs Grant: Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service his Department and (b) ring-fenced for delivery of (HMCTS) hears appeals against Department for Work specific services. [122996] and Pensions decisions on entitlement to employment and support allowance (ESA) (decisions in which the Mrs Grant: Police and crime commissioners should work capability assessment is a key factor) rather than have the widest possible discretion to commission services appeals against work capability assessment decisions to meet the needs of victims in their area, and, we themselves. believe, not be constrained by minimum standards or It is not possible to identify how many staff deal entitlements. We will support PCCs by providing them, specifically with ESA appeals. The following table shows and service providers, with an outcomes-based the number of administrative staff employed in relation commissioning framework. to the Social Security and Child Support (SSCS) Tribunal The majority of the funding PCCs will receive to as at the end of each month between January and commission services for victims and witnesses will be September 2012 (the latest date for which figures have provided by the Ministry of Justice. It is not our intention been published). The tribunal hears appeals on a range to ring-fence this funding for specific services. of benefits, of which ESA is one. Of the 994 staff in post as at 30 September 2012, 886 Victims’ Commissioner were permanent staff and 108 staff were on fixed term contracts. A number of efficiency improvements have Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice been made and continue to be made in the SSCS what the budget was for the Office of Victims Commissioner Tribunal. These enable each member of staff to process in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11, (c) 2011-12 and (d) more cases. 2012-13; and how much of that budget was spent in Social Security and Child Support Tribunal staff numbers—January each such year. [122993] to September 2012 Number of staff1 Mrs Grant: The budget and expenditure is set out in the table. There was no Victims’ Commissioner in post January 1,002 in 2009-10; in 2011-12 the Office ceased to operate from February 996 the end of October 2011 following Louise Casey’s March 1,010 resignation, April 996 May 2996 £ June 1,001 Budget Expenditure July 1,007 August 1,007 2009-10 0 0 September 994 2010-11 950,000 939,000 1 The data are taken from management information. The figures 2011-12 1,200,000 585,000 quoted refer to the total number of people employed and includes 2012-13 0 0 those who work part-time or on a full-time basis and on temporary or fixed-term contacts. Some of the staff included may work in multi- Although no formal budget has been allocated to the jurisdictional centres dealing with other work as well as SSCS appeals. Office of the Victims Commissioner for 2012-13, the Equally some staff working in multi-jurisdictional centres who deal Commissioner will be adequately funded from existing with SSCS appeals may not be included. 2 This figure is different from the figure of 988 given in answer to PQ departmental funds once an appointment has been 115318 on 9 July 2012. The reason for this is that staff have been made. moved retrospectively into a different budget code. Victims’ Commissioner: Staff BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Aerospace Industry with reference to the answer of 22 February 2012, Official Report, columns 849-50W, on Victims’ Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Commissioner: manpower, how many full-time equivalent Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what steps his staff worked in the office of the Victims’ Commissioner Department is taking to encourage long-term investment between October 2011 and March 2012. [123107] in the UK aerospace industry; [122249] (2) what support his Department is providing to Mrs Grant: During October 2011 there were 8.8 assist the UK aerospace industry to invest in emerging full-time equivalent members of staff (excluding the technologies. [122250] Commissioner herself) in the office of the Victims’ Commissioner. The Victims’ Commissioner resigned at Michael Fallon: We are working closely with business the end of October 2011 at which point the office ceased through the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP), which to operate. I chair jointly with Marcus Bryson of GKN Aerospace, to identify the key technologies that will best position Work Capability Assessment the UK aerospace industry to increase its competitiveness, achieve sustainable growth, and encourage long term Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for investment. Following the launch of a ‘Strategic Vision Justice how many staff were employed by the Tribunals for UK Aerospace’ publication in July, setting out how Service to deal with appeals relating to the work industry and Government are working together, the capability assessment in each month in 2012 to date. way ahead on these issues will be set out in an AGP [122497] strategy document which be published in January 2013. 503W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 504W

In the meantime, the Government has already this £15 million joint Government and industry investment awarded year agreed to co-invest with business in a wide range of by the Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and new research and technology projects in aerospace, Physical Sciences Research Council to 11 major business-led including emerging technologies: R&D projects. British Antarctic Survey £28.2 million of government investment allocated to six innovative aerodynamics projects, with a further £20 million added by business; Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for £20 million for collaborative aerodynamics research projects Business, Innovation and Skills what the cost was to launched through the Technology Strategy Board with £20 million the public purse of the (a) establishment and (b) work matched funded by business; of the British Antarctic Survey in each of the last five [123881] £40 million in a series of projects on low carbon aero engine years. research, matched by £40 million from business; Mr Willetts: The total expenditure (resource and £25 million in a series of projects on new manufacturing capital) for BAS for the past five years is set out in the processes, to be matched by business; table below.

£000 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Resource 39,800 38,678 41,142 37,558 38,619 Capital 16,175 5,946 7,978 11,437 7,523 Total Resource and Capital 55,975 44,624 49,120 48,995 46,142 Note: The terms ‘establishment’ and ‘work of’ do not correspond to categories within NERC’s budget. Source: How we spent the Science Budget, NERC Annual Accounts

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Fallon: We want to make the UK the best Business, Innovation and Skills what the (a) manpower place in the world to start and grow a business, and for and (b) property establishment are of the British Antarctic the next decade to be the most entrepreneurial and Survey. [123882] dynamic in Britain’s history. That is why, in January, the Prime Minister launched “Business in You”, a major Mr Willetts: (a) There are 485 Natural Environment campaign, to inspire people to realise their business Research Council employees working for BAS. ambitions and to highlight the range of support available (b) The Net Book Value (NBV) of BAS property is for start-ups and growing businesses. £140,648,000 (taken from the fixed asset register as at We have introduced a range of measures to support 31 March 2012). small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for UK: Business, Innovation and Skills what the (a) objectives Ensuring SMEs can access the support and advice they and (b) tasks are of the British Antarctic Survey. need to start and grow [123883] We have changed the way that we help people access Mr Willetts: (a) The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) the information, guidance and advice they need to start Mission is to: and grow a business. We have put in place a range of Deliver a world-class programme of scientific research, national services including; capability and long-term observations, concentrating on the regional www.gov.uk is the new home for Government services and and global role of polar processes in the Earth System. information online, www.gov.uk has been built to make it Through its science and impact, sustain for the UK an active simpler, clearer and faster for people to find what they need and influential Antarctic regional presence, and a leadership role from Government. To help those that cannot use internet in Antarctic affairs. BAS provides a focus for national and international service, we will continue to offer support through the Business cooperation in polar science, and access for scientists to the polar Link helpline (on 0845 6009006). regions. A mentoring portal www.mentorsme.co.uk providing an easy (b) BAS delivers and co-ordinates major research route to find experienced business mentors. programmes, including those requiring significant technology or infrastructure. It exploits research outcomes, A new three year “GrowthAccelerator” programme which will provide high quality coaching support for up to 26,000 SMEs engages with the public, provides expert independent with high growth potential. advice to the British Government and other stakeholders, and helps to discharge the UK’s responsibilities under Ensuring SMEs can access the finance they need the Antarctic Treaty System and to administer British In July, the Government and Bank of England launched the Antarctic Territory. Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS), which allows banks and building societies to borrow at cheaper rates from the Bank of Business: Cannock Chase England for periods of up to four years. The FLS creates strong incentives for banks to increase lending to UK households Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, and businesses by lowering interest rates and increasing access Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is to credit. taking to support businesses in Cannock Chase Launched a new £10 million Start-Up Loan Scheme aimed at constituency. [123830] 18 to 24-year-olds. 505W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 506W

Increased the funds available to invest through the Business together to drive growth and create employment across Finance Partnership (BFP) to £1.2 billion. Government will functional economic areas. Since then, 39 Local Enterprise allocate £100 million of the BFP to invest through non-traditional Partnerships (LEPs) across England have formed and lending channels that can reach smaller businesses. are now working to ensure that local economies can Continuation of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) support existing businesses, enterprise and long-term scheme until 2014/15, providing, subject to demand, over£2 growth. Cannock Chase benefits from being part of billion of additional lending. two LEP areas; Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP Announced a new £50 million Business Angel Co-Investment and Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP. Both have set Fund to encourage Business Angel investment. up specific services to support business development in Continuation of the Government’s Enterprise Capital Funds their areas. For example, businesses in Cannock Chase programme, increasing our commitment by £200 million, providing for more than £300 million of venture capital investment to can benefit from a dedicated helpline set up by the address the equity gap for early stage innovative SMEs. Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP (0300 111 8002), Welcomed the report of the industry review of non-bank who have also responded to significant demand by lending chaired by Tim Breedon and will take forward its holding a series of well attended ‘Access to Finance’ recommendations, including encouraging prompt payment by events. The “Business Hub”, led by Greater Birmingham larger firms. & Solihull LEP provides another useful source of support A £2.4 billion Regional Growth Fund operating across England to local SMEs and larger organisations in the area from 2011 to 2015 which supports projects and programmes http://centreofenterprise.com/ that lever private sector investment creating economic growth and sustainable employment. Business: Government Assistance Ensuring that regulation supports business growth Introduced a ’one-in, one-out’ rule whereby no new regulations which impose costs on businesses can be brought in without Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for regulation of an equivalent value being removed. Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has In April 2011 the Government introduced a three-year moratorium had with major lenders on loans to young entrepreneurs, on new domestic regulation affecting micro businesses and particularly those who are not in education, employment genuine start-ups. or training to establish credit for new, small and medium- The Red Tape Challenge is tackling the stock of regulation via sized enterprises. [122341] a comprehensive thematic review which aims to identify regulations that could be removed, simplified or done in a different way. Michael Fallon: Ministers hold regular discussions Addressing the way in which regulation is enforced at the front with lenders about how this scheme, and other lending line through a series of sector-based reviews of enforcement to programmes, can be best utilised by the major banks, to examine whether national and local regulatory enforcement support businesses including start-ups. was being undertaken and placing the minimum necessary burden on business. The Government is engaged in the pilot of a major To reduce barriers to businesses taking on new staff Government programme to support young entrepreneurs, regardless has announced significant deregulation of employment law, of background, in accessing start-up finance where including increasing the unfair dismissal qualifying period access to traditional lending is limited. This programme from one to two years from 6 April 2012. has an allocation of £10 million for the remainder of Encouraging exporting SMEs this year, with a further £30 million and £42 million Government will spend £35 million to double, from earmarked for future years. 25,000 to 50,000, the number of SMEs that UKTI This programme is being delivered by a new company supports a year by 2015. Many components of the under the leadership of James Caan which, in turn, is UKTI product are aimed at SMEs: working with delivery partners. These partners include Passport to Export is a trade development programme offering CDFIs, Banks and other lenders and the Company is in new and inexperienced exporters help and support to build the discussions across the credit market to ensure lending capability to start exporting proactively and make their first capacity is in place. visit to an export market. Launched in 2001, it has helped As well as Start-Up Loans, Government has the around 14,000 SMEs as of January 2012. Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme in place, to support Gateway to Global Growth offers experienced SME exporters lending to businesses without sufficient track-record or the opportunity to increase their exporting skills and awareness collateral. of what is on offer from UKTI and private sector suppliers. The aim is to help them enter more difficult markets or expand in existing ones. Business: Pendle Market Visit Support provides assistance to new to export and/or new to market SMEs visiting overseas markets, individually Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for or in groups as part of their trade development process. Business, Innovation and Skills what recent steps he Budget 2012 set out an ambition to more than double has taken to support small and medium-sized annual UK exports to £1 trillion by 2020 through businesses in Pendle constituency. [122253] additional measures including expanding the overseas role of UK Export Finance to enable it to develop Michael Fallon: We want to make the UK the best finance packages that could help UK exporters secure place in the world to start and grow a business, and for opportunities identified through UK Trade & Investment’s the next decade to be the most entrepreneurial and High Value Opportunities programme. dynamic in Britain’s history. That is why, in January, the Local Business Support Prime Minister launched ‘Business in You’, a major The “Local Growth”White Paper set out Government’s campaign, to inspire people to realise their business vision for a localised approach to rebalancing the economy, ambitions and to highlight the range of support available with key private and public sector partners coming for start-ups and growing businesses. 507W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 508W

We have introduced a range of measures to support To reduce barriers to businesses taking on new staff Government small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the has announced significant deregulation of employment law, UK: including increasing the unfair dismissal qualifying period from one to two years from 6 April 2012. Ensuring SMES can access the support and advice they Encouraging exporting SMEs need to start and grow Government will spend £35 million to double, from 25,000 to We have changed the way that we help people access 50,000, the number of SMEs that UKTI supports a year by the information, guidance and advice they need to start 2015. Many components of the UKTI product are aimed at and grow a business. We have put in place a range of SMEs: services including: Passport to Export is a trade development programme offering All Government support and advice available on new and inexperienced exporters help and support to build the capability to start exporting proactively and make their first www.businesslink.gov.uk visit to an export market. Launched in 2001, it has helped Later this month, we will transfer this to a new website: around 14,000 SMEs as of January 2012. www.gov.uk Gateway to Global Growth offers experienced SME exporters which will provide users with simpler information that is easier the opportunity to increase their exporting skills and awareness and faster to access. To help those that cannot use internet of what is on offer from UKTI and private sector suppliers. service, we will continue to offer support through the Business The aim is to help them enter more difficult markets or expand Link helpline on 0845 600 9006. in existing ones. A mentoring portal www.mentorsme.co.uk providing an easy Market Visit Support provides assistance to new to export route to find experienced business mentors. and/or new to market SMEs visiting overseas markets, individually or in groups as part of their trade development process. A new three year Growth Accelerator programme which will provide high quality coaching support for up to 26,000 SMEs Budget 2012 set out an ambition to more than double with high growth potential. annual UK exports to £1 trillion by 2020 through Ensuring businesses can access the finance they need additional measures including expanding the overseas role of UK Export Finance to enable it to develop In July, the Government and Bank of England launched the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS), which allows banks and finance packages that could help UK exporters secure building societies to borrow at cheaper rates from the Bank of opportunities identified through UK Trade and England for periods of up to four years. The FLS creates Investment’s High Value Opportunities programme. strong incentives for banks to increase lending to UK households Local Business Support and businesses by lowering interest rates and increasing access to credit. Regenerate Pennine Lancashire (REGEN) is using £7.5 million regional growth fund funding to help SME’s Launched a new £10 million Start-Up Loan Scheme aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds. create 3,000 jobs within an array of industries across Lancashire. They are calling the programme the Increased the funds available to invest through the Business Finance Partnership (BFP) to £1.2 billion. Government will Accelerating Business Growth programme which is a allocate £100 million of the BFP to invest through non-traditional competitive grant scheme that helps fund business growth lending channels that can reach smaller businesses. projects across Lancashire including Pendle. Currently Continuation of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) 100 companies in Lancashire have expressed an interest scheme until 2014/15, providing, subject to demand, over£2 in the programme. The current figures for Pendle are: billion of additional lending. 11 Expressions of Interest, seven successful at EOI stage and Announced a new £50 million Business Angel Co-Investment progressed to Full Application, one awaiting assessment. Fund to encourage Business Angel investment. 12% of all Expressions of Interest come from Pendle companies. Continuation of the Government’s Enterprise Capital Funds Lancashire Business Hub has been created to ensure programme, increasing our commitment by £200 million, providing that businesses across Lancashire have access to the full for more than £300 million of venture capital investment to range of national and local support. Co-ordinated by address the equity gap for early stage innovative SMEs. the LEP who act as the accountable body, the Growth Welcomed the report of the industry review of non-bank Hub offers access to funding, mentoring and other lending chaired by Tim Breedon and will take forward its business advice. recommendations, including encouraging prompt payment by larger firms. Business: Staffordshire A £2.4 billion Regional Growth Fund operating across England from 2011 to 2015 which supports projects and programmes Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, that lever private sector investment creating economic growth and sustainable employment. Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to increase the level of access to credit for Ensuring that regulation supports business growth businesses in (a) Cannock Chase constituency and (b) Introduced a ‘one-in, one-out’ rule whereby no new regulations Staffordshire in each of the last two years. [123955] which impose costs on businesses can be brought in without regulation of an equivalent value being removed. Michael Fallon: The Government have a range of In April 2011 the Government introduced a three-year moratorium schemes in place to support small businesses access on new domestic regulation affecting micro businesses and credit across the country, such as the Enterprise Finance genuine start-ups. Guarantee (EFG) and the Funding for Lending scheme The Red Tape Challenge is tackling the stock of regulation via launched by the Bank of England in July. To deliver a comprehensive thematic review which aims to identify regulations value for money and ease of access for business they are that could be removed, simplified or done in a different way. predominantly delivered at a national level. Addressing the way in which regulation is enforced at the front line through a series of sector-based reviews of enforcement to Since the launch of Enterprise Finance Guarantee, examine whether national and local regulatory enforcement 32 EFG-backed loans worth £2.66 million have been was being undertaken and placing the minimum necessary utilised by companies in Cannock Chase, and 313 loans burden on business. worth over £30 million by companies in Staffordshire. 509W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 510W

In addition, the Black Country Reinvestment Society is also looking at a number of other issues which may constrain (Community Development Finance Institution) has been the industry’s ability to respond to future growth such as a lack accredited to provide EFG loans to viable businesses of skills. based in Staffordshire. Stimulating infrastructure development and improvement. The National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) sets out the overarching British Bankers Association (BBA) data shows that view of our forthcoming infrastructure needs. It contains £412 million of new loans were extended to small and major spending commitments to improve our transport and medium sized businesses in the first quarter of this year, broadband networks as well as steps to attract major new the latest period for which figures are available. private sector investment. It has identified a pipeline of over BBA data shows that £412 million of new loans were 500 projects, including the top 40 priority infrastructure investments that are critical for growth. extended to small and medium sized businesses in the first quarter of this year, the latest period for which Ensuring Government plays a full role as a key customer of the industry. The public sector accounts for about 30% of the figures are available. construction industry’s output. Looking for new opportunities and identifying how they can Combined Heat and Power: Taxation best be exploited including; realising the opportunities of the developing green economy, overseas markets and more effective Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for use of ICT through Building Information Management (BIM). Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Stimulating the house building industry. We are committed to made of the effect on refineries and petrochemical seeing a major increase in the supply of new homes where they plants of the withdrawal of levy exemption certificates are needed and wanted. Our housing strategy, ‘Laying the in 2013. [122875] Foundations—A Housing Strategy for England’, published last November, announced an ambitious package of measures to increase significantly the supply of affordable homes. This Sajid Javid: I have been asked to reply on behalf of includes £1.34 billion to support developers and local partners the Treasury. in investing in new homes and infrastructure through the £570 The impacts of removing the exemption are set out in million Get Britain Building investment fund which will unlock the Tax Information and Impact Note published at stalled housing sites and enable the building of up to 16,000 Budget 2012. This can be found on the HMRC website: new homes and the £770 million Growing Places Fund which is allowing local enterprise partnerships to invest in infrastructure http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2012/tiin-0700.pdf that will help to create new homes and jobs. This Government is committed to creating an On 6 September we announced a further major housing environment that supports manufacturing within the and planning package which includes £780 million to UK and continues to incentivise Combined Heat and unlock 70,000 new homes and create 140,000 new jobs Power (CHP) overall through public subsidy. The plus a £10 billion guarantee to support investment in Department of Energy and Climate Change is looking new homes. at alternative ways to address barriers to investment in good-quality CHP plants. Construction: Sunderland Conditions of Employment Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent steps he has taken to Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, support the construction industry in Sunderland. Innovation and Skills whether he has received representations from the International Labour Organisation [123824] on the potential effects on growth and labour market participation of his proposals to permit workers to Michael Fallon: The Government is actively working trade employment rights for shares in the company for to help construction firms including those in Sunderland. which they work. [122980] Returning the UK to sustainable and balanced growth is a key priority for the Government and construction Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation has a central role to play in this. Working closely with and Skills has not received any representations from the the construction industry, we are therefore: International Labour Organisation on this issue. Removing barriers to growth—by tackling the planning system, the burden of regulation and access to finance. The Government Construction: Pendle is also looking at a number of other issues which may constrain the industry’s ability to respond to future growth such as a lack of skills. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Stimulating infrastructure development and improvement—The Business, Innovation and Skills what recent steps he National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) sets out the overarching has taken to support the construction industry in view of our forthcoming infrastructure needs. It contains Pendle constituency; and if he will make a statement. major spending commitments to improve our transport and [122252] broadband networks as well as steps to attract major new private sector investment. It has identified a pipeline of over Michael Fallon: The Government is actively working 500 projects, including the top 40 priority infrastructure investments to help all construction firms including those in Pendle. that are critical for growth. Ensuring Government plays a full role as a key customer of the Returning the UK to sustainable and balanced growth industry—The Public Sector accounts for about 30% of the is a key priority for the Government and construction construction industry’s output. has a central role to play in this. Working closely with Looking for new opportunities and identifying how they can the construction industry, we are therefore: best be exploited including; realising the opportunities of the Removing barriers to growth by tackling the planning system, developing green economy, overseas markets and more effective the burden of regulation and access to finance. The Government use of ICT through Building Information Management (BIM). 511W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 512W

Stimulating the house building industry—We are committed to unlock 70,000 new homes and create 140,000 new jobs seeing a major increase in the supply of new homes where they plus a £10 billion guarantee to support investment in are needed and wanted. Our Housing Strategy, ’Laying the new homes. Foundations - A Housing Strategy for England’, published last November, announced an ambitious package of measures to Higher Education: Admissions increase significantly the supply of affordable homes. This includes £1.34 billion to support developers and Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for local partners in investing in new homes and infrastructure Business, Innovation and Skills how many UK-based through the £570 million Get Britain Building investment students entered university courses in each academic fund which will unlock stalled housing sites and enable year since 2006 in (a) the west midlands and (b) the building of up to 16,000 new homes and the £770 England. [122747] million Growing Places Fund which is allowing Local Enterprise Partnerships to invest in infrastructure that Mr Willetts [holding answer 17 October 2012]: The will help to create new homes and jobs. The North East latest available information on UK domiciled entrants Local Enterprise Partnership, which covers Sunderland, to (a) west midlands (region) and (b) English higher has been allocated £25 million from the Growing Places education Institutions is shown in the following table Fund. for the academic years 2006/07 to 2010/11. Information for the 2011/12 academic year will become available On 6 September we announced a further major housing from the Higher Education Statistics Agency in January and planning package which includes £780 million to 2013.

UK-domiciled-entrants2 by level of study English higher education institutions academic years 2006/07 to 2010/11 All English HEIs West midlands HEIs Academic year Postgraduate Undergraduate Total Postgraduate Undergraduate Total

2006/07 152,330 579,435 731,765 12,895 53,270 66,165 2007/08 149,795 590,805 740,600 12,550 56,840 69,390 2008/09 164,695 628.915 793,610 13,470 57,730 71,200 2009/10 176,675 635,935 812,610 14,445 61,275 75,720 2010/11 171,210 599,130 770,340 15,105 61,325 76,430 1 Domicile refers to a student’s permanent or home address prior to entry to their course. 2 Covers students in their first year of study. Note: Figures are based on a HESA standard registration population and have been rounded up or down to the nearest five, so components may not sum to totals. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record.

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for age 19 for Ashfield parliamentary constituency to be Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of 21% from 2005/06 to 2009/10. HEFCE figures are not pupils in (a) Ashfield, (b) Nottinghamshire, (c) the comparable with those produced by BIS above as they East Midlands and (d) England and Wales went on to use different methodology. HEFCE figures use population higher education in each of the last five years. [123551] estimates while the BIS figures use matched data covering maintained schools pupils. Mr Willetts: The estimated proportions of maintained Information on progression of pupils to higher education schools pupils who progressed to higher education by is available from the BIS Widening Participation statistical age 19 are shown in the following table. release of August 2012. Estimated proportions of maintained schools pupils who progressed to http://www.bis.gov.uk/analysis/statistics/higher-education/ higher education by age 19 in the academic year given UK higher official-statistics-releases/widening-participation-in-higher- education institutions and English further education institutions education/widening-participation-in-higher-education-2012 Percentage The HEFCE report on young participation is available 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 from the following link: Nottinghamshire n/a 28 27 29 29 http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/year/2012/201226/#d.en.75676 East n/a30303132Detailed information is available at the following Midlands link: England3031313334http://www.hefce.ac.uk/whatwedo/wp/ourresearch/polar/ n/a = Not available polar3data/ Source: Loans: Interest Charges Matched data from the DFE National Pupil Database, the HESA Student Record and the SFA ILR Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Figures below national level are not available before Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has 2006/07. BIS does not hold comparable data for Wales. made of marketing techniques employed by providers Robust figures by parliamentary constituency are not of very high interest loans. [120671] available from this source. The Higher Education Funding Council for England Jo Swinson: The Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) (HEFCE) recently produced analysis of young participation review of high cost credit in 2009/10 assessed the provision rates in higher education for small areas over a five-year of very high interest loans and the Consumer Credit span. HEFCE estimates the average progression rate by and Personal Insolvency Review (CCPIR) in 2010/11 513W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 514W subsequently sought views on OFTs recommendations. University on the financial implications for London In launching the CCPIR call for evidence, the Government Metropolitan University of losing its Highly Trusted was particularly concerned about the way in which Sponsor status and its Tier 4 sponsor licence. [122688] some forms of credit were marketed. The Government’s response in November 2011 made clear that we recognised Mr Willetts: It is still too early to assess the detailed the widespread concerns about the high cost credit financial impact of the UK Border Agency revocation. market and, as a result, we have been taking forward a The recent High Court ruling has allowed a significant number of legislative and non-legislative interventions, number of students the opportunity to continue their including: studies at London Metropolitan University until the Agreement with the payday lending trade bodies to improve end of their courses or the end of the academic year, their codes of practice to deliver enhanced consumer protections whichever is the sooner. All students have been offered and increased transparency; the opportunity and support to transfer to another The OFTs investigations into regulatory compliance by the institution. We will not know, until later in the recruitment payday lending industry and into lenders’ misuse of Continuous cycle, how many chose to do what. Payment Authority when recovering loan repayment; The university is developing detailed financial plans Announcement to give the OFT the power to suspend consumer for 2012-13 and beyond. These plans will be shared with credit licences with immediate effect where there is evidence of the Higher Education Funding Council for England serious consumer detriment; (HEFCE) when it is feasible to assess the overall financial Research commissioned from the University of Bristol Personal impact on the institution. HEFCE continues to monitor Finance Research Centre to assess the impact of a total cost of credit cap in the high cost credit market, which will help inform the short and medium term sustainability of the institution our policy thinking in this area; and and has been provided with assurances that there are no A further investment of £38 million announced by the Department immediate concerns. of Work and Pensions to expand the credit union network and therefore improve access to credit union loans which can Manufacturing Advice Service provide a real alternative to high cost credit. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, London Metropolitan University Innovation and Skills since the launch of the Manufacturing Advice Service (MAS) in January 2012, how many jobs have been (a) created and (b) safeguarded as a result; Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, and what assessment he has made of MAS’s contribution Innovation and Skills what assessment his Department to economic growth. [123889] has made of recent events concerning London Metropolitan University; and whether his Department expects this to Michael Fallon: 755 business improvement consultancy affect future applications from international students. projects have been completed between the launch of the [122377] new national Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) in January and 30 September 2012. The businesses Mr Willetts: The Government’s priority was to ensure receiving this support have forecast that up to 2,571 legitimate overseas students affected by the decision to jobs could be created 7,270 safeguarded and £234.19 revoke London Metropolitan University’s highly trusted million generated in economic growth (Gross Value status were given the support required to continue their Added) within 12 months following the intervention. studies. The job creation figures will be verified by MAS next The Government established a taskforce, led by the year and an evaluation will be undertaken to assess the Higher Education Council for England (HEFCE) to additionality of MAS support. work with London Metropolitan University to support appropriately qualified legitimate students to find another Minimum Wage institution to continue their studies in the UK. The Government also created an emergency fund of up to Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, £2 million to allow affected students to claim back fees Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the for reapplying for visas and discretionary payments to number of seafarers earning the national minimum cover, for example, lost deposits on accommodation wage who were subject to an accommodation offset in due to having to move somewhere else to study. Following each year since 1998. [121650] the recent decision of the High Court, legitimate non-EU students are able to remain at London Metropolitan Jo Swinson: I refer the hon. Member for North University until their course has ended or the end of the Ayrshire and Arran to the answer I gave on 15 October academic year, whichever is sooner. 2012, Official Report, column 253W. Our universities are among the best in the world and remain a top class destination for international students. Morecambe It is too early to say what impact, if any, the revocation decision might have on future applications. Education David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for exports are a key part of our new industrial strategy. Business, Innovation and Skills what funding his Department has allocated to Morecambe and Lunesdale Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, constituency since 2010. [121958] Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 18 September 2012, Official Report, column 518W, on Jo Swinson: The Department does not hold details of London Metropolitan University, whether he has received funding allocated to each individual constituency and a detailed assessment from (a) the Higher Education unfortunately the information requested can be provided Funding Council for England or (b) London Metropolitan only at disproportionate cost. 515W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 516W

New Businesses Students: Loans

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the Innovation and Skills whether he has met representatives number of business start-ups in each constituent part of of the New College of the Humanities to discuss whether the UK since May 2012. [123828] their students can receive loans from the Student Loans Company; and if he will make a statement. [123258] Michael Fallon: The latest available official data on the number of business start-ups in the constituent Mr Willetts [holding answer 18 October 2012]: Ihave parts of the UK relates to 2010 see: not met representatives of the New College of the http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bus-register/business- Humanities to discuss whether their students can receive demography/2010/index.html loans from the Student Loans Company. Data for 2011 will be published by the Office for National Third Sector Statistics in December 2012. Regional Growth Fund Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department has taken to implement the recommendations of the National Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Audit Office report, Central Government’s implementation Business, Innovation and Skills what consideration he of the national Compact. [120628] has given to increasing the Regional Growth Fund allocation to banks who have successfully lent their Jo Swinson [holding answer 13 September 2012]: The existing allocation to small and medium-sized businesses. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) [122558] views the Compact with great importance and is committed to implementing the NAO’s recommendations. Michael Fallon: The Secretary of State for Business, To this end BIS works closely with the Third Sector Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for and maintains regular consultative dialogue with the Twickenham (Vince Cable), and the wider ministerial Third Sector National Learning Alliance (TSNLA) to panel considered a range of bids from a number of ensure that Third Sector interests are taken into account organisations that were submitted in Regional Growth appropriately and systematically. Fund (RGF) Round 3. Details of bidders selected to go forward for due diligence and contracting were made Earlier 2012 BIS commissioned research from the public earlier today. Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) to identify what barriers stand in the way of achieving Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Government’s ambitions for the Third Sector. This Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has research will culminate in November 2012 in made of the effect of the Regional Growth Fund on implementation strategies for the sector and support bank lending to small and medium-sized businesses. bodies to take forward. [122559] Supported by TSNLA, LSIS works closely with the Third Sector to enable access to their services by Third Michael Fallon: The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is Sector providers. In June 2012 the NIACE grant letter a £2.4 billion fund intended to support projects and 2012-13 was updated to include a commitment to programmes with significant potential for economic supporting the Third Sector achieve its potential in the growth that can create additional, sustainable private delivery of learning and skills. sector employment. It aims particularly to help those In the consumer-focused voluntary sector, BIS sponsors areas and communities which were dependent on the both Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland—the public sector to make the transition to sustainable private umbrella bodies for the Citizens Advice service across sector-led growth and prosperity.It is not focused specifically England and Wales and in Scotland. BIS provides core on supporting bank lending, and the majority of funding grant in aid funding to both charities under schedule is disbursed as equity-like grant funding. 274 of the Enterprise Act. This funding enables the two However, under the scheme in Rounds 1 and 2, two bodies to provide essential central services to their banks have agreed to help distribute the RGF to help customers namely the network of Citizens Advice Bureaux. SMEs who would not be able to access the RGF directly. In return, the services also to provide central Government For example, over 700 such companies have been supported with real time data on the issues facing the public on a with grants allowing them to leverage almost £140 wide number of social policy issues. million of bank lending and so buy assets and support the employment of 8,679 people. UK Research Partnership Investment Fund Reserve Forces Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how many bids he has received Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for to the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund to Business, Innovation and Skills how many reservists date; how many have been unsuccessful; and from what are employed by his Department. [122382] region each successful and unsuccessful bid came; [123634] Jo Swinson: The HR System in the Department for (2) by what date he expects successful bidders to Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) does not hold this receive allocated funds under the UK Research information. Therefore it is not known how many reservists Partnership Investment Fund; and what deadline he are employed in the Department. has set in relation to that process; [123635] 517W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 518W

(3) on what date Higher Education Funding Council global standard for transparency in the extractive industries. for England began carrying out due diligence on bids They provide a benchmark against which efforts to taken forward under the UK Research Partnership agree strong EU transparency laws will be measured. Investment Fund; [123636] The Securities and Exchange Commission has included (4) with reference to his announcement that bidding an economic analysis of its new rules within its ‘Disclosure for funds under the UK Research Partnership Investment of Payments by Resource Extraction Issuers, Final Rule’, Fund has re-opened, when bidding is expected to close. published on 22 August 2012. Details can be found at: [123637] www.sec.gov/rules/final/2012/34-67717.pdf Mr Willetts [holding answer 18 October 2012]: In Vocational Training October, the Government announced additional funding of £200 million for the UK Research Partnership Investment Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Fund (UKRPIF), to add to £100 million provided in Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is Budget 2012, to enable universities to lever in private taking to promote re-skilling initiatives in the UK. sector and charity co-investment into long-term strategic [123827] research partnerships. This will further enhance the facilities for world class university research and help Matthew Hancock: The Government are clear that in build strategic partnerships between universities, businesses order for the UK to compete globally, we must have a and charities across the UK, supporting long-term world-class skills base across all sectors. Employers and economic growth. professional representative bodies are best placed to The Higher Education Funding Council for England know what skills their sectors need and to deliver these (HEFCE), working with counterparts in the devolved to the British workforce. This demand-led model was Administrations, is responsible for managing the fund, given life by the publication of “Skills for Sustainable including developing detailed arrangements for a Growth” in November 2010. “New Challenges New competitive process, for project assessment and all decisions Chances” published in December 2011 reaffirmed our on project selection. The fund is available for large approach and set out Government’s plans for skills to capital research projects, and will provide between £10 2015. We launched the Employer Ownership Pilot in million and £35 million to projects which secure at least November 2011 as a further step to achieving business twice that amount in private or charitable co-investment. ownership of the skills agenda. It is giving employers Proposals have been assessed by an independent Assessment direct access to up to £250 million of public investment Panel, chaired by Peter Saraga, against published criteria for training and apprenticeships over the next two years. including value for money and the how much they build The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and on existing strong research capability, regardless of Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince specific geographic location. Cable), recently announced the first successful bids HEFCE issued a call for expressions of interest in the from the first round of the pilot—34 bids will be supported fund in May 2012 to all higher education institutions by an expected £67 million of public investment, backed across the UK. Full details are available at by £98 million of employer investment. http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/year/2012/201212/ We are continuing the important work to improve These were considered by the independent assessment and expand Apprenticeships, particularly at Levels 3 panel in June, and a number were invited to submit full and 4, to ensure that businesses have the skills required proposals over the summer. On receipt of the full proposals to compete, and that individuals have opportunities to by 23 August, HEFCE initiated a process of detailed re-skill throughout their careers. £25 million from the appraisal, including assessment by the assessment panel Higher Apprenticeship Fund has been allocated to and related due diligence. 30 projects which will provide over 25,000 new Higher HEFCE will announce a full list of successful projects Apprenticeship places over the next three years. The shortly, and will include information on the number of new Higher Apprenticeships will be available in sectors bids received and their geographical breakdown. After including renewable energy, advanced engineering, reflecting further on the first bidding round, HEFCE insurance, space, retail and hospitality. will announce a further call for new and reworked To help create Apprenticeship opportunities, and to proposals in due course. In accordance with normal promote the programme amongst smaller employers, in HEFCE funding arrangements, successful projects will April this year Government introduced incentive payments draw down their allocation from HEFCE as relevant of £1,500 for smaller employers who take on young project expenditure is incurred over the remainder of apprentices aged 16-24. The total number of incentive the spending review. places available in 2012/13 is 40,000. US Securities and Exchange Commission

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the potential effects (a) in the UK and (b) internationally Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) of the US Securities and Exchange Commission rule- Order 2012 making on project level reporting in the extractive industries under section 1504 of the Dodd-Frank Act. [123486] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the reason was for Jo Swinson [holding answer 18 October 2012]: The the time taken for the entry into force of the Electricity rules introduced by the Securities and Exchange and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) Order 2012. Commission are an important step in the creation of a [123628] 519W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 520W

Gregory Barker: A technical issue came to light over It would be for Ofgem to consider whether further the summer around the application of “in-use factors” regulatory protection is required, such as the introduction in ECO. In-use factors adjust the carbon scores for each of an universal credit system to enable prepayment. energy efficiency measure to reflect its likely real-world, customers in debt to switch to another payment method. rather than theoretical, performance. In modelling the expected outputs for ECO, and Energy: Prices setting the proposed legal targets for the scheme, the ″ ″ inclusion of in-use factors was assumed. However, the John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for secondary legislation giving effect to the Green Deal Energy and Climate Change if he will assess the merits and ECO policies did not in every relevant instance of reducing energy tariffs for people who live in housing incorporate the provisions necessary to ensure that in that cannot take advantage of energy efficiency measures. use factors are applied. [122719] As this would have created uncertainty for parties such as those who are obligated under the scheme, Gregory Barker: Setting of tariffs is a commercial DECC launched a short consultation on 30 August matter for the companies concerned. with a view to correcting this anomaly and providing the clarity that is needed. This consultation has now The energy company obligation requires energy suppliers closed and DECC proposes to bring a revised Order to provide extra help for those most in need and for back to the House at the earliest opportunity, with a properties that are harder to treat. view to its coming into force by 1 January 2013. We do not expect this to make much, if any, practical John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for difference to delivery on the ground. Households will Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department continue to benefit from energy efficiency and heating is taking to limit gas and electricity price rises. [123165] measures delivered under existing schemes such as Warm Front and CERT and we intend to include a provision Gregory Barker: Gas and electricity prices for households in the amended Order that will allow energy companies consumers are a commercial matter for the companies to carry forward ECO activity delivered from 1 October concerned, who are regulated by Ofgem. and score it against their ECO targets. DECC is already taking a number of steps to help consumers, particularly the vulnerable, with their energy E-mail bills. Programmes such as the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target, Warm Front, Green Deal and the Energy Company Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Obligation will make homes more energy efficient. In Energy and Climate Change what guidance his Department addition, the Warm Home Discount provides £1.1 billion has issued to (a) Ministers, (b) officials and (c) special of support up to 2015 to help 2 million low income and advisers on the use of personal emails for official vulnerable households annually. departmental business. [121333] As recently announced by the Prime Minister, DECC Gregory Barker: Ministers, SPADs and DECC officials will also bring forward legislation to help consumers get are all informed on appointment that non-DECC e-mail the lowest tariff for them. accounts should not be used for official departmental business. Ministers also have a personal DECC account Energy: Storage which is separate from their shared office mailbox and allows them to communicate by. Blackberry. Guidance Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for has been issued for their use. Energy and Climate Change what support his Department Energy: Meters provides to projects for liquid air energy storage. [123626] John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) what recent discussions Gregory Barker: On 19 October 2012, DECC launched he has had with energy companies on using the universal two new innovation support competitions for energy credit system to allow pre-paid meter customers to storage research and development. Both competitions move onto credit meters; [122882] (outlined as follows) are open to any type of energy storage technology—including liquid air energy storage— (2) what recent discussions he has had with energy which could address grid-scale storage and balancing companies on allowing pre-paid meter customers to needs in the UK electricity transmission or distribution move onto credit meters. [122883] networks. Gregory Barker: DECC Ministers and officials have DECC’s energy storage competitions have been launched had a number of discussions with energy suppliers on a in recognition of the potential role for energy storage in range of issues. enabling low carbon technologies and supporting security Ofgem is responsible for regulating gas and electricity of supply, as highlighted in the Electricity Network and markets, including the rules that govern switching energy Storage Technology Innovation Needs Assessment supplier. Prepayment meter customers who are not in summary report published recently by the Low Carbon debt may switch payment method or supplier at anytime. Innovation Co-ordination Group (LCICG). From 1 November, under the Debt Assignment Protocol, The Energy Storage Technology Demonstration the six big suppliers have agreed with Ofgem to increase Competition, with a budget of up to £17 million, will the limit that a prepayment meter customer with a debt offer organisations the opportunity to secure contracts can switch supplier from £200 to £500. to develop and demonstrate pre-commercial innovative 521W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 522W energy storage technologies which can address grid-scale DECC published “The Future of Heating: A strategic storage needs for the UK electricity network in the run framework for low carbon heat in the UK” in March up to 2020 and beyond. 2012: DECC’s Energy Storage Component Research and http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/meeting-energy- Feasibility Study Competition, with a budget of up to demand/heat/4805-future-heating-strategic-framework.pdf £3 million, will offer grant funding, on a competitive Alongside this, the Department published a national basis, to develop components or materials used for heat map which maps heat demand in industry and energy storage systems or to develop feasibility studies public, commercial and residential buildings, as well as to further explore how storage systems work and how indicating the location of powerplant and combined they can be used in the UK electricity network. heat and power schemes as potential sources of heat: Further details of the DECC energy storage http://ceo.decc.gov.uk/nationalheatmap/ competitions, including the key dates and eligibility and We are now developing a heat policy publication for selection criteria, can be found at: March 2013, building on this earlier work. This will http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/funding/funding_ops/ cover the utilisation of waste heat and optimal levels of innovation/innov_fund/storage/storage.aspx district heating in the UK.

Fuel Poverty Low Carbon Networks Fund

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate he Energy and Climate Change what the source of funding has made of the number of children under five years for the Low Carbon Networks Fund is. [122269] old living in fuel poverty. [122706] Gregory Barker: The majority of funding for the Low Gregory Barker: Fuel poverty is measured at a household Carbon Network Fund is secured through Distribution rather than an individual level. In 2010, the latest year Use of System charges which form part of consumer for which data are available, 271,000 households containing energy bills. a child under five were estimated to be in fuel poverty. This equates to 9.6% of households containing a child under five. We are committed to helping low income, vulnerable TRANSPORT households heat their homes affordably. Households with young children and in receipt of qualifying benefits may be able to access assistance to improve the energy Bus Services efficiency of their home through the Warm Front scheme. In addition, a discount may be available on their energy Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for bill through the Warm Home Discount Broader Group. Transport (1) what subsidies, grants or loans are available to bus service operators; and when such funds first Heating: Renewable Energy became available; [124037] (2) when the reduction in the Bus Service Operators Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Grant will come into effect; and when this was formally Energy and Climate Change whether his Department is communicated to bus service operators. [124038] developing guidance on the EU draft directive requiring all towns to have a heat plan by the end of Norman Baker: Bus subsidy arrangements within Wales 2013 to cover utilisation of waste heat. [123414] are a devolved matter for the Welsh Assembly Government.

Gregory Barker: Article 14 of the EU Energy Efficiency Bus Services: Rural Areas Directive requires member states to conduct a detailed assessment of the national potential for district heating Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for and cooling, including mapping heating and cooling Transport what recent assessment he has made of the demand and supply points by 31 December 2015. This provision of rural bus services; and if he will make a Article also requires that, when authorising new or statement. [123962] substantially refurbished installations, member states shall, ensure that a cost benefit assessment is conducted Norman Baker: Statistics on the levels of bus services considering the case for recovering industrial waste heat in all areas of England are available on the Department for use in district heating. The directive does not require for Transport’s website at individual towns to develop heat plans and will not start to take effect until 2014. www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/series/buses/ As the directive has not yet been published our plans Outside London, the provision of bus and community for its transposition are at an early stage. Transposition transport services in any area is a matter for commercial of the cost benefit assessment requirements appears to operators and for local authorities. lend itself best to implementation via the Environmental However, it has long been clear that for some isolated Permitting regime, which would be likely to include communities traditional public transport is not a cost development of guidance for applicants for permits. effective option. In such circumstances, the Government The Government envisages consulting on transposing supports, where achievable, the establishment of community regulations and draft guidance in mid 2013. bus services or other more flexible forms of transport. 523W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 524W

In recognition of the important role they play in Mr Simon Burns: HS2 Ltd is a company established delivering local services, I have provided a total of £20 by the government to develop and deliver a new national million across two rounds of our Supporting Community high speed rail network. As such, HS2 Ltd regularly Transport Fund between 2010-11 and 2011-12. This exchanges information on a range of issues, including funding has been distributed to 76 local transport authorities financial matters, with Government Departments and (councils and passenger transport executives) to support Ministers. the establishment and development of more community Extensive information on the company’s finances transport links to employment and services in rural and expenditure is in the public domain. The company’s areas. annual accounts are published on its website at http://www.hs2.org.uk/accounts Great Western Main Line The Department for Transport publishes monthly files of payment transactions in accordance with the Prime Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Minister’s requirements on transparency and subsequent Transport what assessment his Department has made HM Treasury guidance. This information includes HS2 of demand for direct non-stop services between Cardiff Ltd and is available at and London Paddington following completed http://data.gov.uk/dataset/financial-transactions-data-dft electrification of the Great Western Mainline; and if he will make a statement. [122877] HM Coastguard: Risk Management

Mr Simon Burns: The Government has not made any Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment of demand for non-stop services between Transport when the system of risk management used by Cardiff and London Paddington. HM Coastguard was last reviewed. [122602]

High Speed 2 Railway Line Stephen Hammond: The system of risk management used by HM Coastguard is kept under continuous Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for review. Transport what discussions representatives of the Government have had with overseas investors on the Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for potential funding of the HS2 project; and which such Transport whether the risk management systems of investors have been approached about such funding. HM Coastguard will be reviewed following the closure [122832] of Forth Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre. [122603]

Mr Simon Burns: UK Infrastructure is attractive to Stephen Hammond: HM Coastguard will continue to potential investors, and therefore it is to be expected keep its risk management systems under review. that the Government would receive inquiries about future opportunities during other routine discussions. My Department has made clear that we will explore the Liverpool Port scope for third party funding and financing, but we are not currently at a stage in the process where we would Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport seek to take forward detailed discussions with potential on what terms Liverpool city council has repaid £8.8 investors. million to operate turnaround calls at Liverpool International Cruise Terminal. [123954] Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet representatives of HS2 Action Stephen Hammond: This sum was paid in full on Alliance within the next four weeks to discuss the HS2 26 September 2012 as two capital elements: £7.0 million project. [122833] to the Homes and Communities Agency (in respect of grant paid by the North West Development Agency); and £1.8 million to the Department for Communities Mr Simon Burns: HS2 Action Alliance wrote to the and Local Government (in respect of other grants). Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), on his appointment setting out their concerns about Motorways: Newcastle Upon Tyne HS2. I recently wrote to the group clarifying the Government’s position on some of those concerns though Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for on the group’s specific request for a meeting, due to Transport whether he has any plans to provide funding other pressures, it is not possible to meet at the current for a dual carriageway between Newcastle and the time. However the Department will continue to engage border with Scotland. [122597] with the group and provide the information the group is seeking wherever possible. Stephen Hammond: The Department has no current plans to develop or fund dual carriageway proposals Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport between Newcastle and the border with Scotland within if he will place in the Library all correspondence, emails this spending review period. and documents concerning financial matters and In preparing for future investment decisions, the expenditure on HS2 exchanged between HS2 Ltd and Department will be considering the current and future all Government Departments and Ministers to date. forecast performance of the strategic road network to [122935] identify and prioritise the scale of identified problems. 525W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 526W

Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation However the connectivity of remote radio sites from Aberdeen into Shetland will be altered in order to better Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for balance the radio resources between these two centres. Transport what estimate his Department has made of Additionally one Automated Identification System terminal, the likely carbon emission reductions arising from the used for Vessel Traffic Monitoring (VTM) is being introduction of the renewable transport fuel obligation. migrated to Shetland from Forth MRCC to provide [122960] enhanced operational resilience.

Norman Baker: The renewable transport fuels obligation Roads: Accidents (RTFO) has been in operation since April 2008 and the RTFO Administrator reports, among other things, on Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for the performance of biofuels supplied in the UK in Transport what steps he is taking to address the growth respect of annual greenhouse gas emissions savings. in road casualties in the most recent quarter. [122340] Statistics are available via the Department for Transport’s website at: Stephen Hammond: In the most recent reported quarter http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/series/biofuels (January to March 2012) there were 420 people killed in Verified data for obligation years 2008-09, 2009-10 reported road accidents, 6% less than the first quarter and 2010-11 suggest that 46%, 51% and 57% greenhouse of 2011. Overall estimated total number of casualties gas savings compared to fossil fuels were achieved fell by 2% despite numbers of killed or seriously injured respectively in those obligation years. Unverified data casualties rising by 3%. for obligation year 2011-12 suggest that 62% greenhouse Since the publication of the “Strategic Framework gas savings would be achieved in respect of fuel reported for Road Safety” in May 2011, the Department has to the RTFO Administrator between April and December taken a number of the steps to reduce the number of 2011. These figures exclude emissions from indirect road casualties, as envisaged in the framework. They land use changes. Verified data for obligation year include steps on all three of the thematic chapters of the 2011-12 will be available in due course. framework. Firstly on ‘improving road safety together’, the road Rescue Services: Scotland safety comparison site, road safety observatory, speed limit assessment tool and a revised speed limit circular Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for are all well advanced and on track for completion Transport when he expects equipment at Shetland Maritime during the next few months. Rescue Co-ordination Centre and Aberdeen Maritime Secondly on ‘education’ we have already made changes Rescue Co-ordination Centre to be upgraded. [122600] to the driving tests and changes to the educational scheme for drink drive offenders are progressing towards Stephen Hammond: The equipment at Aberdeen and implementation. Shetland MRCCs will not need to be upgraded until Thirdly on ‘targeted enforcement and sanctions’, we migration to the national network. have consulted about the introduction of fixed penalty In respect of the interim arrangements prior to the notices for careless driving and increased penalty fines. implementation of the new national network, there is The bill containing enabling legislation to create a new no requirement to change to equipment at either of specific drug driving offence is being considered in the these MRCCs. However the connectivity of remote House of Lords. radio sites from Aberdeen into Shetland will be altered The Department will continue with implementation in order to better balance the radio resources between of these and other measures as set out in the strategic these two centres. framework. Updates on this can be viewed here: http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/strategic-framework-for- Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for road-safety/action-plan-update.pdf Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of changes in staffing levels at Aberdeen Maritime Rescue Roads: Barnsley Co-ordination Centre on levels of service. [122601]

Stephen Hammond: HM Coastguard keeps staffing Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for levels for all Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres Transport how many road traffic accidents occurred under continuous review. Plans are in place to ensure due to (a) motorists and (b) cyclists failing to stop at that staffing levels continue to be sufficient at Aberdeen red traffic lights in Barnsley Central constituency in the MRCC to maintain levels of service. last two years for which figures are available. [122429]

Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Hammond: The data on factors contributing Transport what investment has been made in equipment to road accidents are not broken down below regional at Shetland Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre and level since the number of accidents can often be small Aberdeen Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre following and therefore it may be possible to identify the individuals the closure of Forth Maritime Rescue Co-ordination involved in an accident. Centre. [122604] However, the numbers of personal injury road accidents in the Yorkshire and the Humber region where ″disobeyed Stephen Hammond: There has been no requirement automatic traffic signal″ was a contributory factor for to change equipment at either of these MRCCs; HM (a) motor vehicles and (b) cyclists in the years 2010 Coastguard is utilising existing ’Quadrant’ technology. and 2011 are as follows: 527W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 528W

Motor vehicles Cyclists Grade Description

2010 149 10 PB8 Divisional manager 2011 144 4 SCSI Divisional Director SCS2 Director Roads: EU Action SCS3 Chief Executive The two main types of spend on roads are major Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for projects, such as road widening, and maintenance, including Transport if he will make a statement on negotiations renewals and enhancements. In general, projects valued on the EU Roadworthiness Package. [122671] at over £20 million are delivered by the Major Projects teams in the Highways Agency. Stephen Hammond: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales For financial approval for Major Projects, the letting (Mr McLoughlin), will be attending an initial debate at of any contract will need approval from The Chief the European Council on 29 October. Consideration of Executive (Grade SCS3). The Chief Executive/SCS3 any announcement will be made after this meeting. will also need to approve any price increases in projects. For financial approval for Maintenance, including Roads: Repairs and Maintenance renewals and enhancements, the award of work can be approved by the following: Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for £0 to £0.5 million: PB7 Transport what process is in place for approving the £0.5 million to £5 million: PB8 Highways Agency’s strategic plan; and what process is £5 million to £20 million: SCS 2 in place to ensure that new schemes are included in the £20 million and over: SCS3. strategic plan. [122848] In addition to these financial controls all procurements are approved by a holder of procurement delegations. Stephen Hammond: The current Highways Agency For all contracts over £10,000 this contractual approval (HA)’s Strategic Plan sets out its vision and goals for would be exercised within the Procurement Division, the years 2010 to 2015. Details of the HA’s activities, limits vary by category of spend but generally allow business context, budgets, performance measures, and approval within the Procurement management group major schemes, are included in its annual Business Plan, responsible—for the largest contracts, the delegations which is approved by the Secretary of State. The 2012-13 would be exercised by the Procurement Director. Business Plan sets out major road schemes in the approved programme—including those announced at the 29 Roads: Safety November 2011 Autumn Statement, Official Report, columns 799-810—and notes that the agency will announce Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for construction dates on schemes in future years on an Transport how many road safety officers have been annual basis as part of the departmental and HA employed in the last two years. [122339] planning process. The Department for Transport is currently working Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport on a long-term strategy for the strategic road network. does not collect information about how many road The strategy will define the high-level process and key safety officers are employed. Local authorities have a mechanisms for identifying long-term investment needs statutory obligation to provide road safety, but decisions and priorities for the network, The Department’s aim is about whether to employ road safety officers is a matter to begin consultation on the strategy before the end of for local authorities to determine. the year. Transport: Exhaust Emissions Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which level of officials at the Highways Agency can Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport approve spending on roads; and at what seniority what recent discussions he has had with the (a) Chancellor investments (a) under £100,000, (b) between £100,000 of the Exchequer and (b) Secretary of State for Energy and £1 million, (c) between £1 and £10 million, (d) and Climate Change on the recommendation by the between £10 and £50 million, (e) between £50 and £100 Committee on Climate Change to include international million and (f) over £100 million can be made. [122849] aviation and shipping emissions in carbon budgets. [122840] Stephen Hammond: The Highways Agency has the following grading structure in its organisation: Norman Baker: The Secretary of State for Transport, the right hon. Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr Grade Description McLoughlin), has regular discussions with his Cabinet PB1 Administrative assistant colleagues on a variety of issues, and will continue to PB2 Administrative officer engage closely with them before any decision is taken on PB3 Executive officer this matter. Department for Transport officials are in PB4 Higher Executive officer regular contact with their opposite numbers in other PB5 Higher Executive officer Government Departments on this issue, as well as with PB6 Senior Executive officer the Committee on Climate Change, ahead of the statutory deadline set out in the Climate Change Act (2008) of PB7 Head of Department the end of 2012. 529W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 530W

West Coast Railway Line (2) at how many meetings his Department’s Board considered the intercity west coast franchise competition Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport before it was launched; and what the date was of each what the projected (a) cost and (b) revenue will be to such meeting; [122311] his Department by using Directly Operated Rail to (3) what formal role the Board of his Department operate the West Coast Main Line in each of the next had in supervising the procurement process in respect three years. [122813] of the intercity west coast franchise competition. Mr Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the [122312] statement made by the Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales Mr Simon Burns: The departmental board was not (Mr McLoughlin), on 15 October 2012, Official Report, responsible for approving the award of the InterCity column7WS, that the Department for Transport is West Coast franchise competition. The Department’s commencing negotiations with Virgin Rail Group. governance procedures for major contract awards did not require the board to be consulted. West Coast Railway Line: Franchises Under the Department’s governance arrangements, Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for responsibility for approval of funding decisions, value Transport (1) whether a procurement risk model was for money and commercial strategy for the InterCity developed by his Department for the intercity west West Coast franchise was delegated to the board’s Investment and Commercial Committee, a formal sub- coast franchise competition; [122307] committee of the board. This committee considered the (2) what testing his Department carried out to ensure franchise competition a number of times during 2011 the viability and efficacy of the (a) evaluation model, and 2012. (b) financial evaluation model and (c) risk evaluation model for the west coast mainline franchise; who The Laidlaw Inquiry will look at the roles and carried out such tests; when they took place; and what responsibilities of different advisory and decision making the findings were; [122318] parties, within the Department (including the board Investment and Commercial Committee), and externally, (3) how the risk assessment model for the west coast in relation to the significant technical flaws that have mainline franchise competition was designed; and who been discovered. The Inquiry will look at how well these designed it; [122319] parties performed their roles, and what can be learned (4) how the financial evaluation model for the west from this about the appropriate structure for governance coast mainline franchise competition was designed; and assurance of major contract awards. and who designed it; [122320] I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the (5) what the grade was of the official who signed off Secretary of State on 15 October 2012, Official Report, the evaluation model for the west coast mainline columns 46-47 and the terms of reference of the Laidlaw franchise for use; which Minister signed off its use; and Inquiry which have been laid in the Library of the on what dates; [122321] House. (6) how the evaluation model for the west coast mainline franchise competition was designed; and who designed it. [122322] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what dates bid evaluation clarification Mr Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the meetings were held during the intercity west coast statement made by the Secretary of State on 15 October franchise competition; and who requested each such 2012, Official Report, columns 46-47 and the terms of meeting. [122313] reference of the Laidlaw Inquiry which have been laid in the Library of the House. The Inquiry will look into Mr Simon Burns: Bid evaluation clarification meetings the Department’s handling of the competition for the were held with each of the four bidders for the InterCity InterCity West Coast franchise and lessons to be learned. West Coast franchise competition. These meetings took It will provide initial findings to the Secretary of State place on the 8, 11, 12 and 13 June 2012. The meetings by the end of October and a final report by the end of were requested by the Department. November.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Transport what the (a) qualifications and (b) training how many bid evaluation clarification meetings were was of each official of his Department who worked in held with each of the bidders in respect of the intercity the intercity west coast franchise procurement team; west coast franchise. [122314] and how this assisted them in carrying out their role. [122308] Mr Simon Burns: Bid evaluation clarification meetings were held with each of the four bidders for the InterCity Mr Simon Burns: The Department for Transport West Coast franchise competition. These meetings took does not hold a centralised registry containing this place on the 8, 11, 12 and 13 June 2012. information.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what meetings were held at Board level to consider whether the tender evaluation guidance document was the progress of the intercity west coast franchise prepared and issued prior to the receipt of the bids for competition; [122310] the inter-city west coast franchise. [122315] 531W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 532W

Mr Simon Burns: Tender evaluation guidance was Mr Simon Burns: In respect of the InterCity West made available on 20 January 2012, to all bidders in Coast franchise competition, WS Atkins were involved advance of the deadline for submitting their respective in: proposals. The Department for Transport published the (b) Writing the Invitation To Tender guidance for the inter City West Coast Franchise on its (d) Advising the Department on bids website, where this guidance can be obtained by any (f) Evaluating bids interested party. Eversheds were involved in: Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (b) Writing the Invitation To Tender how many members there were of the tender evaluation (j) Awarding the franchise team in respect of the inter-city west coast franchise; and Faithful and Gould were involved in: [122316] and what the grade was of each team member. (a) Franchising policy design Mr Simon Burns: The tenders for the InterCity West No other external firms of consultants were contracted Coast franchise competition were evaluated by 10 directly or retained and used by the Department in relation to employed DfT officials. Their grades were as follows: this work. five pay band 6; Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport four pay band 7; and what fixed fee his Department paid to WS Atkins in one senior civil servant pay band 1. respect of work relating to the West Coast Mainline The DfT also used three contracted reviewers to franchise; and how that fee was decided upon. [122326] evaluate the tenders. In addition there were 14 employees of Atkins who Mr Simon Burns: The Department for Transport undertook evaluation of the West Coast bids. paid WS Atkins a fixed fee of £490,810 for their work on the InterCity West Coast franchise competition. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for This fee was decided through a competitive procurement Transport whether he developed a risk mitigation plan process. for the collapse of the procurement process in respect of the inter-city west coast franchise competition. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport [122317] what fixed fee his Department paid to Eversheds LLP in respect of work relating to the West Coast Mainline Mr Simon Burns: As a matter of course during all franchise; and how that fee was decided upon. [122327] franchise competitions, and in order to satisfy the Secretary of State’s obligation under section 30 of the Railways Mr Simon Burns: The Department for Transport Act 1993, contingency plans are in place to ensure that paid Eversheds LLP a fixed fee of £439,000 for their there is continuity in the provision of railway passenger work on the Intercity West Coast franchise competition. services. This fee was decided through a competitive procurement process. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether his Department is considering making a Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for legal claim against the professional indemnity insurance Transport when he expects to receive the reports from of any of the external consultants involved in the West the two investigations he has established following the Coast Mainline franchise competition; [122323] cancellation of the West Coast Mainline franchise (2) whether his Department is considering taking process. [122598] legal action against any of its external consultants in respect of the West Coast Mainline franchise competition; Mr Simon Burns: I refer my right hon. Friend to the [122324] statement made by the Secretary of State for Transport, (3) whether his Department is considering making my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales complaints to any professional body in respect of the (Mr McLoughlin), on 15 October 2012, Official Report, professional services received from any external consultants columns 46-47, and the terms of reference of the Laidlaw in relation to the West Coast Mainline franchise. Inquiry and the Brown Review which have been laid in [122329] the Library of the House. The Laidlaw Inquiry will provide initial findings to Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not taken any the Secretary of State by the end of October and a final decisions in relation to these issues. report by the end of November. The Brown Review will report by the end of December 2012. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what external firms of consultants were contracted or Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for retained and used by his Department in respect of (a) Transport which consultancies have worked or are franchising policy design, (b) writing the invitation to working on revenue forecasts on both the West Coast tender, (c) providing financial, risk or evaluation modelling, Franchise bid and on High Speed 2, either for High (d) advising his Department on bids, (e) advising the Speed 2 Ltd or his Department. [122599] bidders on the process, (f) evaluating bids, (g) anonymising bids, (h) checking the evaluation of bids, (i) checking Mr Simon Burns: The Department for Transport was the pre-qualification assessments and (j) awarding the provided with advice on revenue forecasts for the cancelled franchise in respect of the West Coast Mainline franchise. West Coast Main Line franchise procurement by WS [122325] Atkins plc. 533W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 534W

The bulk of the analytical work to support HS2 is the Secretary of State that the technical flaws were so carried out by HS2 Ltd which is a non-departmental significant that the competition would have to be cancelled public body, and separate from the Department for and restarted. The Secretary of State then took the final Transport. To advise on the rail demand forecasts prepared decision to cancel the competition and acted immediately for the Economic Case for HS2 published in January to make this fact known by informing the bidders 2012, and subsequently updated in August 2012, HS2 concerned as soon as he feasibly could, during the Ltd contracted the following two consortia: evening of 2 October, and making the decision public at 1. MVA Consultancy (lead partner) and Mott MacDonald 00.01 hours on 3 October once all the bidders had been Group Ltd informed. 2. WS Atkins plc (lead partner) and Arup Group Ltd Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for how many of the civil servants that have been suspended Transport if he will investigate which passenger pending inquiries into the West Coast Main Line franchise numbers that have been erroneously used for the West made contributions to any aspect of his Department’s Coast Mainline franchise bid affect the business case HS2 project. [122809] for HS2. [122720] Mr Simon Burns: Three officials involved in the West Mr Simon Burns: The issues which have led to the Coast franchise competition have been suspended by cancellation of the Intercity West Coast franchise the permanent secretary. I can provide no further details competition are completely unrelated to any work done about the suspensions while the full facts are established. on HS2. The Department has a well-established approach The development of HS2 is led by a separate team to passenger forecasting which is subject to a range of within the Department, and the bulk of the analytical sensitivity tests, and we are confident that the modelling work to support HS2 is carried out by HS2 Ltd which is that has been undertaken in relation to HS2 is fit for an ‘arm’s-length’ organisation, and separate from the purpose. Department for Transport. The analysis carried out by HS2 Ltd is also subject to rigorous independent quality Mr Khalid Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State assurance. for Transport (1) when he was first made aware of the issues with the tendering process for the West Coast Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mainline franchise; [122721] what the grade and role was of each official of his (2) who made the decision to make public the details Department involved in (a) implementing the new of the issues with the West Coast Mainline franchise at franchising policy, (b) writing the franchise invitation 12.01 am. [122722] to tender, (c) establishing the specifications for the tender, (d) anonymising each bid, (e) liaising with each Mr Simon Burns: Shortly before the Cabinet reshuffle bidder, (f) evaluating each bid, (g) risk assessing each on 4 September 2012, officials informed the then Secretary bid and (h) drawing up recommendations to Ministers of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney as to who to award the franchise to for the intercity (Justine Greening), that their preparations for the legal West Coast franchise tender; and how many such officials challenge brought by Virgin Trains Limited had raised a were involved in each such area. [123112] potential technical concern about one aspect of the franchise process. The advice at the time was that there Mr Simon Burns: The implementation of franchising was no evidence that the issue would have made any policy in the Department is led by the Rail Franchising difference to the outcome of the franchise competition. Policy Division. As of 17 October, this team was comprised The Secretary of State immediately ordered officials to of 21 officials, broken down by grade as follows: conduct further detailed examinations to reassure her one senior civil servant at SCS payband 1; that the process and decision arrived at remained robust. 11 officials at DFT payband 7; Following his appointment as Secretary of State, my seven officials at DFT payband 6; and right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales two at DFT payband 4. (Mr McLoughlin), also asked officials to provide These officials are supported at various stages by reassurances to him on the process given the ongoing officials from Rail Commercial, Rail Analysis, Refranchising legal challenge. Officials provided these reassurances Programme Office, Procurement, Legal and other members and advised that they were looking into the process and of the senior civil service. decision, in line with the request of the previous Secretary of State. The potential area of concern in relation to the The remaining tasks listed in the question were delivered process was raised at this time, but again reassurances through the West Coast Project Team, which comprised were provided that there was no evidence that this of 12 officials, and is broken down by grade as follows: would have made any difference to the outcome. eight at DFT payband 7; Increasingly detailed examinations carried out in line three at DFT payband 6; and with the requests of Ministers and in anticipation of one at DFT payband 5. litigation revealed additional concerns with the way the These officials were similarly supported at various competition had been implemented. This examination stages by other officials from across the Department. work was carried out by officials and was latterly aided by external advisors PwC, who started work on this Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport project on 24 September. what role WS Atkins carried out on behalf of his On 2 October, following completion of these detailed Department in respect of (a) devising the changes to examinations, officials delivered their final opinion to the rail franchising policy detailed in the White Paper 535W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 536W

Reforming our Railways: Putting the Customer First, are at arm’s length from the process and are not advised (b) devising the invitation to tender for the InterCity of the outcome until the point at which a winner has West Coast Franchise, (c) advising the Department on been identified and the franchise can be awarded. financial modelling for that franchise, (d) advising the Department on evaluation methodology for that franchise, (e) advising the Department on risk assessment for that franchise and (f) advising the Department on the TREASURY development of a risk mitigation plan for that franchise. [123172] Air Passenger Duty Mr Simon Burns: With regards to (a) devising changes to the rail franchising policy: Henry Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer WS Atkins contributed to some of the reports for the (1) what research his Department has conducted to independent McNulty Rail Value for Money Study. In assess the impact of air passenger duty on the economy; particular, WS Atkins were involved in reports on asset, [122360] supply chain, programme and innovation management. (2) if he will consider the All Party Parliamentary Beyond this, there was no other direct input from WS Group on Aviation’s inquiry into Aviation policy and Atkins in formulating the command paper. air passenger duty and the recommendation that the With regards to the other activities listed in the wider effect of air passenger duty on the UK economy question: WS Atkins provided technical services in support be reviewed. [122684] of all of these activities. Sajid Javid: The Government undertook an extensive Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport consultation on air passenger duty last year. The what role Eversheds LLP carried out on behalf of his consultation gathered views and evidence from stakeholders, Department in respect of (a) devising the changes to which included views on the impact of APD. Over 500 the rail franchising policy detailed in the White Paper responses were received from a wide range of stakeholders. Reforming our Railways: Putting the Customer First, The Government published its response to the consultation, (b) devising the invitation to tender for the InterCity including a summary of views received, on 6 December West Coast Franchise, (c) advising the Department on 2011. financial modelling for that franchise, (d) advising the The Government has noted the recommendations of Department on evaluation methodology for that franchise, the All Party Parliamentary Group on Aviation inquiry. (e) advising the Department on risk assessment for that Given that we recently completed a comprehensive franchise and (f) advising the Department on the consultation on the subject, we have no plans for further development of a risk mitigation plan for that franchise. review. However, we will continue to monitor the situation. [123173] Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Simon Burns: With respect to the InterCity West (1) what studies have been conducted to assess the effect Coast franchise competition, Eversheds LLP were involved of the costs of air passenger duty on the UK economy; in providing legal services in relation to: what assessment has been made of the effect of air (b) devising the invitation to tender for the InterCity West passenger duty rates being higher than equivalent taxes Coast franchise; and in other countries on the UK economy; and if he will (d) advising the Department on evaluation methodology for make a statement; [122412] that franchise. (2) if he will follow-up the Government’s 2011 review They were not involved in any of the other areas of of the banding of air passenger duty with a review into work mentioned. the wider economic effect of the tax; and if he will make a statement. [122413] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions the (a) Secretary of Sajid Javid: The 2011 air passenger duty (APD) State for Transport, (b) Minister of State (Rail) and consultation gathered extensive views and evidence from (c) Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Rail) stakeholders, which included views on the impact of attended meetings to discuss the Intercity West Coast APD. Over 500 responses were received from a wide franchise, the design and progress of the competition, range of stakeholders. The Government published its evaluation of the bids and award of that franchise response to the consultation, including a summary of (i) before and (ii) after the award of that franchise on views received, on 6 December 2011. 15 August 2012; and what the dates were of those Given that we recently completed a comprehensive meetings. [123174] consultation on the subject, we have no plans for further review. However, we will continue to monitor the situation. Mr Simon Burns: Details of meetings that Ministers have with external stakeholders are published regularly Mr Donohoe: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by the Cabinet Office and can be accessed by the how many hon. Members have made representations to following link: his Department to request an economic review of air http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/ministerial-transparency/ passenger duty since June 2012. [122837] Ministers regularly meet with officials on matters of departmental business which would include rail franchising. Sajid Javid: Treasury Ministers routinely receive a However, the process for awarding franchises means large number of representations from hon. Members on that after approving the Invitation To Tender, Ministers their own behalf and on behalf of their constituents. 537W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 538W

Our records are not broken down to allow-the number to cover future maintenance. The Environment Agency specifically requesting an economic review of air passenger has no evidence that any commuted sum paid was duty (APD) to be determined. specifically allocated for future river maintenance. The Government undertook an extensive consultation Funding has been provided to maintain an appropriate on air passenger duty (APD) last year. In view of this, flood defence standard in Northampton. The Independent the Government have no plans for further review at the Review of the 1998 floods concluded that flood defence present time. standards were appropriate, but were exceeded by the severity of the flood. Investment in defence improvements Apprentices in 2000 provided Northampton with one of the best standards of fluvial defence in the country.An independent Mike Crockart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer review commissioned by the Regional Flood and Coastal (1) how many apprentices working in his Department Committee has confirmed that all maintenance and are (a) paid and (b) completing a qualification as part other work to sustain this standard remains in place. Flood risk assets in Northampton are inspected annually of the apprenticeship; [123083] and all are assessed to be in good condition. (2) how many (a) paid apprentices and (b) paid interns are employed in his Department. [123084] Child Trust Fund Sajid Javid: HM Treasury is actively supporting the Damian Hinds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Government apprentice scheme. Our 2012 apprentice (1) what estimate he has made of the proportion of recruitment campaign resulted in five new recruits all of Child Trust Fund accounts from the first full year of whom are paid. the programme that have received additional deposits; Apprentices will be studying an NVQ in Business and [122575] Administration during their first 12 months. This will (2) what proportion of parents of Child Trust Fund be supported by an apprentice training provider, on the holders have switched account provider at lease once; job training and a range of learning and development [122576] offerings available in house and via Civil Service Learning. (3) what proportion of parents whose children have There are no paid interns currently working at HM a Child Trust Fund Stakeholder account (a) opted for Treasury, the Department has previously participated a Stakeholder account and (b) were assigned a in the Civil Service Summer Diversity Internship Stakeholder account as a default option; [122577] Programme. (4) what proportion of recipients of (a) a £250 Child Bank Notes Trust Fund and (b) a £500 Child Trust Fund have taken out (i) an interest-bearing account, (ii) an equities account and (iii) a stakeholder account. [122578] Mr Spellar: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he had had with the Bank of Sajid Javid: No estimate has been made of the proportion England regarding the relative number of notes in of Child Trust Funds (CTFs), opened within the first circulation for £5, £10, £20 and £50. [123380] year of the account, that received contributions in addition to Government payments. HM Revenue and Sajid Javid: The Chancellor of the Exchequer regularly Customs does not hold information about the transfer meets with the Governor of the Bank of England to of accounts between CTF providers. discuss a wide range of issues. Details of the number of stakeholder CTFs opened The issue of Bank notes is the responsibility of the by parents, and the number of these accounts opened Bank of England. The Bank of England works with the by HM Revenue and Customs on a Revenue Allocated cash-handling industry and financial institutions to ensure Account basis, can be found in Table 2 at there are enough notes, of the right denominational http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ctf/dda-2011.pdf mix, in circulation to meet public demand. This table also contains details of the number of each type of CTF account (stakeholder, shares and cash). In Capital Investment: Northampton the tables, accounts receiving additional payment awards are those into which the Government has paid £500. Mr Binley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer The data in this table covers accounts opened before with reference to the letter from the hon. Member for 5 April 2011. Northampton South on commuted sums for river maintenance, if he will consider the evidence now available Corporation Tax for missing final accounts with a view to replacement of the funding granted under the New Towns Act 1965 for Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the expansion of Northampton. [122346] he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of lowering the 20 per cent small profits rate tax band to (a) 19, Richard Benyon: I have been asked to reply on behalf (b) 18, (c) 17, (d) 16 and (e) 15 per cent. [122416] of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Mr Gauke: HMRC publish National Statistics which Redevelopment in Northampton in the 1970’s required show illustrative tax changes and their associated costs provision by Anglian Water Authority of water, sewerage in Table 1.6 of the Tax expenditures and ready reckoners and flood defence infrastructure. Costs were recharged release. to the Development Corporation with a commuted sum http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/tax_expenditures/menu.htm 539W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 540W

Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation Sajid Javid: The scheme does not hold a breakdown of payments made or to be made by constituency. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the (a) budgeted and (b) actual cost was of the Free Zones Equitable Life payment scheme in each year of its operation to date. [122433] Roger Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the cost to the public purse is of (a) Sajid Javid: The Treasury published the administration direct government expenditure and (b) estimated loss costs of the Equitable Life Payment scheme in its most of revenue of the free ports in (i) Liverpool, (ii) recent accounts. These can be downloaded from: Southampton, (iii) Tilbury and (iv) Sheerness. [124036] http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ Mr Gauke: For part (a) of the question, the information hmt_annual_report_2012.pdf requested is not available. In respect of part (b) there should be no loss to Government revenue as goods Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer removed from free zones are subject to the same duties (1) how many estates of deceased policyholders have as goods directly imported. been sent compensation by the Equitable Life payment scheme; what proportion of all eligible estates that A free zone brought together a number of customs represents; and what proportion of those who received reliefs and procedures in to a geographical location; compensation have paid that compensation into their The lapsing of the statutory instruments that set up free zones has not removed the customs reliefs, which local bank accounts; [122434] operators continue to use within the port areas. (2) how many policyholders are yet to receive communication from the Equitable Life payment George Anson scheme due to the administrators being unable to verify their address; [122437] Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (3) how many individual policyholders are yet to what costs have been incurred by HM Revenue and receive compensation payments from the Equitable Customs in contesting the case of the Commissioners Life payment scheme. [122438] for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs v. George Anson. [122861] Sajid Javid: The Scheme published a detailed progress report in July this year, a copy of which can be found at: Mr Gauke: The general rule in the appeal courts is http://equitablelifepaymentscheme.independent.gov.uk/ that the losing party risks having to pay the other side’s pressfaq/news.htm costs. HMRC won this case in the Upper Tribunal The Scheme will publish a further report in early which made an order requiring HMRC’s costs to be 2013. paid by the taxpayer. The case has been appealed to the Court of Appeal. The costs position will be finalised once the result of the appeal is known. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many errors have been reported in payments made Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by the Equitable Life payment scheme. [122435] what costs have been recovered from Ernst and Young after the decision in the case of the Commissioners for Sajid Javid: The Scheme reported in July this year Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs v. George Anson. that it receives very low levels of query and complaint [122862] following payment, with less than 0.25% of eligible policyholders having made a complaint to the Scheme. Mr Gauke: The Upper Tribunal has made an Order A copy of this progress report is available from: for HMRC to recover costs from the taxpayer, not the http://equitablelifepaymentscheme.independent.gov.uk/ taxpayer’s representatives. pressfaq/news.htm Green Deal Scheme Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many policyholders will not receive compensation Chris Williamson: To ask the Chancellor of the from the Equitable Life payment scheme because they Exchequer (1) if he will introduce stamp duty and have experienced a relative gain. [122436] provisions for council tax rebates for purchasers making energy-efficiency improvements to their home to encourage Sajid Javid: Annex F in the report by the Independent homeowners and landlords to make energy efficiency Commission on Equitable Life Payments contains a improvements under the Green Deal programme; breakdown of those policyholders not due a payment [123128] from the Scheme. A copy of their report can be downloaded (2) if he will introduce fiscal and economic incentives from: to encourage homeowners and landlords to make http://equitablelifepaymentscheme.independent.gov.uk/docs/ energy efficiency improvements under the Green Deal pdfs/final_icelp.pdf programme. [123130]

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid: The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced how many individual policyholders in Scotland have yet in the 2011 autumn statement, £200 million additional to receive payments from the Equitable Life payment capital to encourage early uptake of the Green Deal. scheme, by parliamentary constituency. [123767] DECC announced, in September 2012, the first £12 541W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 542W million of this funding will be allocated to seven cities Mr Gauke: The Exchequer costs of lowering the across England to help pilot the Green Deal in their basic rate of income tax can be approximated from regions. Table 1.6 ″Direct effects of illustrative tax changes″, available on the HM Revenue and Custom’s website at: Chris Williamson: To ask the Chancellor of the http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/tax_expenditures/table1-6.pdf Exchequer if he will reduce VAT to five per cent on A rated boilers, A and B rated windows and passive flue Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme gas technologies installed by Green Deal-accredited installers to encourage homeowners and landlords to Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Chancellor of the make energy efficiency improvements under the Green Exchequer how much has been paid out under the Deal programme. [123129] Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme to provide for approved alterations to listed places of worship since Sajid Javid: The Government has no plans to introduce the March 2012 Budget. [122685] a reduced VAT rate for the installation of windows, boilers or passive flue gas technologies. Mr Vaizey I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Chancellor announced in the autumn statement of 29 November 2011, Official Report, columns 799-810, Approved alterations came within the scope of the £200 million additional capital to encourage early uptake Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on 1 October of the Green Deal. DECC announced, in September 2012. No claims have yet been paid out against this 2012, the first £12 million of this funding will be allocated criteria. to seven cities across England to help pilot the Green Minimum Wage: Underpayments Deal in their regions. Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Income Tax: National Insurance Contributions what assessment has been made of reasons for the increase in the number of under-payments of the National Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Minimum Wage. [122331] when he expects to introduce plans to integrate the operation of income tax and national insurance Mr Gauke: HMRC is commissioned to provide contributions. [122417] enforcement services by BIS. While other research bodies may do so, HMRC do not make any formal statistical Mr Gauke: Since Budget 2011, the Government has based assessments of the level of total underpayments engaged extensively with stakeholders to develop options of NMW. for operational integration of Income Tax and National Poverty: Children Insurance Contributions. As many stakeholders have recognised, this is a complex issue with potentially significant implications for employers’ payroll operations. Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if The Government will provide an update on this work he will make an assessment of the potential effects of later in the autumn. As we have already made clear, this the withdrawal of child benefit from the fourth and any is a long-term reform on which the Government will subsequent children in a single household on levels of proceed carefully. child poverty in those households in each of the next four financial years. [122976]

Income Tax: Rates and Rating Mr Gauke: The Government publishes its assessment of the distributional impact of policy decisions at fiscal Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if events. In doing so, the Government has taken he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of lowering unprecedented steps to increase transparency and enable the 40 per cent income tax band to (a) 30, (b) 38, (c) the effective scrutiny of policy making. This analysis 37, (d) 36, (e) 35, (f) 34, (g) 33, (h) 32, (i) 31 and (j) was most recently published at Budget 2012 in the main 30 per cent. [122414] Budget document (annex B). The Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission Mr Gauke: The Exchequer costs of lowering the will assess the Government’s progress in reducing child higher rate of income tax can be approximated from poverty and improving life chances. Table 1.6 ‘Direct effects of illustrative tax changes’, available on the HM Revenue and Custom’s website at: Private Rented Housing: Energy http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/tax_expenditures/table1-6.pdf Chris Williamson: To ask the Chancellor of the Where appropriate costs include estimates of the Exchequer if he will extend and increase the Landlord’s direct behavioural responses from marginal rate changes. Energy Saving Allowance to encourage early improvements For very large rate changes these responses are more to the private rented sector before the introduction of uncertain. the minimum energy efficiency standard in 2018. [123127] Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of lowering Sajid Javid: The Government is considering the ways the 20 per cent income tax band to (a) 19, (b) 18, (c) in which the market has made use of the Landlord’s 17, (d) 16 and (e) 15 per cent. [122415] Energy Saving Allowance, which is scheduled to come 543W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 544W to an end in 2015. As with all tax policy, any announcements performance since January 2012. At the time of writing, about the Landlord’s Energy Savings Allowance will be the current performance for cases received in September made at Budget. is 80%. Public Expenditure Staff Steve McCabe: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the UK’s budget deficit was in each financial year Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2008 to date; and what the estimated budget how many current and former personnel from (a) deficit for each subsequent year up to 2016 will be. Deloitte, (b) KPMG, (c) Ernst and Young and (d) [122841] PwC are working for his Department and its associated public bodies. [122866] Sajid Javid: The Public Sector Net Borrowing (PSNB) outturn figures for 2008-09 to 2011-12 are set out in the Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer monthly Public Sector Finance (PSF) bulletin, which. is the former Economic Secretary to the Treasury, my published by the Office for National Statistics. right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine The Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) March Greening), gave on 14 September 2011, Official Report, 2012 Economic and Fiscal outlook sets out the forecast column 1187W. numbers for PSNB for 2012-13 to 2016-17. These numbers There are fewer than five individuals working on are set out in the following table. secondment from the listed organisations at the present Public sector net borrowing time. We are not able to provide details of permanent Percentage of GDP employees who may have worked previously for the Year PSNB listed firms as this information is not held in a central database and could be provided only at disproportionate Outturn (PSF release 2008-09 6.8 costs. August 2012) 2009-10 11.2 State Retirement Pensions: British Nationals Abroad 2010-11 9.5

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the Forecast OBR March 2011-12 8.3 Exchequer how many people in receipt of the basic 2012 state pension and residing in (a) Australia, (b) Canada 2012-131 7.6 and (c) New Zealand paid income tax in the UK in 2013-14 5.9 each of the last five years. [122257] 2014-15 4.3 2015-16 2.8 Mr Gauke: The information requested is not available. 2016-17 1.1 1 PSNB excluding the effects of the Royal Mail transfers. Tax Allowances: Health Insurance The OBR will publish an updated forecast alongside the autumn statement on 5 December 2012. Henry Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Research whether he plans to introduce a tax deduction for those who take out health insurance. [122570] Chris Kelly: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what external policy research his Department has Mr Gauke: There are currently no plans to introduce commissioned in each of the last six years; from which a tax deduction for those who take out health insurance. organisation each such piece of research was commissioned; and what the cost of each such piece of research was. Tax Avoidance [123185]

Sajid Javid: Details of external policy research are Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer not separately recorded in our accounting system. To (1) if he will appoint a committee to investigate the role attempt to extract this data would take us into the of KPMG in designing and marketing aggressive tax disproportionate cost threshold for answering parliamentary avoidance schemes; [122851] questions. (2) if he will appoint a committee to investigate the role of PwC in designing and marketing aggressive tax Revenue and Customs: Correspondence avoidance schemes; [122852] (3) if he will appoint a committee to investigate the Mrs Moon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer role of Ernst and Young in designing and marketing whether his Department has a target time for HM aggressive tax avoidance schemes; [122853] Revenue and Customs to reply to correspondence from hon. Members; and if he will make a statement. (4) if he will appoint a committee to investigate the [122513] role of Deloitte in designing and marketing aggressive tax avoidance schemes; [122854] Mr Gauke: HMRC has a target to deal with 80% of (5) if he will appoint a committee to investigate the ministerial correspondence within 15 working days of role of Robson Rhodes in designing and marketing receipt. HMRC have been running a project to improve aggressive tax avoidance schemes. [122863] 545W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 546W

Mr Gauke: HMRC is currently considering the outcome Taxation: Combined Heat and Power of a consultation which has a range of options to improve the information available to the public about Tom Greatrex: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer tax avoidance schemes and their promoters. The what steps he is taking to encourage refineries to generate consultation closed on 15 October and the Government their own electricity using combined heat and power are considering its response to this. once levy exemption certificates are removed and carbon price support rates introduced in 2013. [122872] Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward legislative proposals to prevent Gregory Barker: I have been asked to reply on behalf organisations located in tax havens from acquiring private of the Department for Energy and Climate Change. finance initiative contracts. [122855] All but two of the UK’s refineries already operate large CHP schemes, although there is potential to increase Mr Gauke: The Government seeks to ensure that the their capacity, increasing the quantity of electricity they UK tax system is competitive for all companies and that export to the grid. the UK is an attractive place to do business, while retaining strong protection against tax avoidance. Those Regarding support for fossil fuel fired combined heat considerations apply to all contractors in capital projects, and power following the withdrawal of levy exemption whether they involve private finance in their delivery or certificates in April 2013, I refer the Member to the not. answers I gave the hon. Member for Sedgefield (Phil Wilson), on 15 October 2012, Official Report, column Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 130W. if he will bring forward legislative proposals under In respect of carbon price support rates Budget 2012 which companies avoiding UK taxes would not be confirmed that CHP would be exempt from carbon eligible to receive any public grants and subsidies. price support costs in respect of heat output. This [122856] ensures CHP is not disadvantaged relative to other forms of electricity generation from fossil fuels. Mr Gauke: The Government are committed to ensuring that firms that procure Government contracts pay a fair Training amount of tax. HM Revenue and Customs and the Cabinet Office have been tasked to work together on a Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer practical approach to this and further detail will be set what media or public speaking training Ministers in his out later this year. Department have received since May 2010. [122073]

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid: I refer the hon. Member to the answer (1) what costs have been incurred by HM Revenue and given by the former Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Customs in contesting the case of Vardy Properties v. the right hon. Member for Putney (Justine Greening), the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and on 20 October 2010, Official Report, column 808W. No Customs; [122857] Treasury Ministers have received formal media or public (2) what costs have been recovered from Deloitte speaking training in the intervening period. after the decision in the case of Vardy Properties v. the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. [122858] FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Mr Gauke: The First-Tier Tribunal very recently dismissed the appeal made by Vardy Properties in relation Apprentices to its liability to SDLT. Vardy Properties may seek permission to appeal the Tribunal’s decision and is still Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for in time to do so. Under the rules of the First-Tier Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many apprentices Tribunal, the respective parties generally bear their own working in his Department are (a) paid and (b) completing costs. However, the Tribunal may make a costs order a qualification as part of the apprenticeship. [123085] where the case has been allocated as a complex case and the taxpayer party does not request to be excluded from Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office the resultant costs regime. (FCO) does not run official apprenticeship schemes. However, the FCO does participate in government-wide Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer schemes similar in nature to apprenticeships, such as what costs have been incurred by HM Revenue and the finance trainee scheme, under which 11 trainees Customs in contesting the cases of Howard Peter Schofield are studying for nationally-recognised accountancy v. the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and qualifications over a period of around 3-4 years. We Customs. [122864] also participate in the Civil Service Human Resources Fast Stream scheme, which places trainees in government Mr Gauke: The general rule in the appeal courts is departments for two 18-month placements whilst they that the losing party risks having to pay the other side’s undertake their Chartered Institute of Personnel and costs. HMRC won this case in both the Upper Tribunal Development qualifications. The FCO has committed and the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal made to taking two trainees under this scheme for 2012. an order requiring the taxpayer to pay HMRC’s costs in FCO Services, the FCO’s Trading Fund which provides relation to the Court of Appeal and Upper Tribunal essential support services to the FCO and other proceedings. Government Departments, does run an official 547W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 548W apprenticeship scheme. New apprentices are taken on in order to reward excellence in achievement and service each September and the programme lasts three years. and these would have been the criteria used in the FCO Services currently has 40 paid apprentices who are consideration of the award for Bernard Arnault. Due to completing a qualification as part of their apprenticeship. the confidential nature of the honours process, we do not comment on why or how a decision to recommend Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for any particular individual for an honour is made. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) paid apprentices and (b) paid interns are employed in Bumi his Department. [123086]

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign (FCO) does not run official apprenticeship schemes. and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations FCO Services, the FCO’s Trading Fund which provides he has received on Bumi PLC. [123847] essential support services to the FCO and other Government Departments, does run an official Mr Swire: The Secretary of State for Foreign and apprenticeship scheme and currently has 40 paid apprentices Commonwealth Affairs and other FCO Ministers have who are completing a qualification as part of their received no representations in relation to Bumi PLC. apprenticeship. The FCO does employ a number of paid interns. In Burma 2012, we significantly expanded our work experience opportunities, offering over 70 internship placements through a range of advertised work experience schemes. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Bahrain he has made of the findings of the Chin Human Rights Organization’s report entitled Threats to Our Existence: Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Persecution of Ethnic Chin Christians in Burma published and Commonwealth Affairs if he will (a) condemn the in September 2012. [122255] convictions and prison sentences given to nine medics for their role in demonstrations in Bahrain in 2011 and Mr Swire: Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials, (b) press his Bahraini counterpart for their immediate accompanied by colleagues from the Department for release. [122261] International Development, met a delegation from the Chin Human Rights Organisation (CHRO) during their Alistair Burt: On hearing that the Court of Cassation visit to UK in September. They read with great interest upheld the convictions and sentences against nine medical the full and comprehensive report produced by the personnel for their involvement in the unrest, we published CHRO and are considering its recommendations. a statement expressing our disappointment. While we welcomed the move last December to drop all charges Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for related to freedom of expression, we have concerns Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment about the disproportionate length of some of the sentences he has made of the human rights situation in Chin imposed and the conduct of some of the hearings. We State following the ceasefire agreed between the are also mindful that the five medics in detention are Burmese Army and the Chin National Front. [122499] currently on hunger strike. We urge the authorities to ensure that they have access to all the medical care they need. Mr Swire: Officials from the British Embassy Rangoon regularly meet representatives from Chin political parties As portrayed by the Bahrain Independent Commission to discuss their concerns. We have also taken careful of Inquiry (BICI) events at the Salmaniya Medical note of the findings of the Chin Human Rights Complex during the unrest were controversial, complex Organization’s report, ’Threats to Our Existence’ and and, as the differing narratives suggest, very unclear. are considering its recommendations. The BICI concluded that, with respect to some of the medical personnel, their actions were in contravention of the Bahrain Code of Medical Ethics, for example the Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for discrimination of treatment for certain patients. This Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations should not, however, necessarily result in criminal charges he has made to the government of Burma regarding the unless such professional misconduct has broken any continuing military presence in Chin State; and what common laws. steps he is taking to urge the Burmese government to reduce troop numbers in Chin State and all ethnic Bernard Arnault ceasefire areas. [122500]

Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Swire: Resolving Burma’s long-running ethnic Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria were conflicts is vital to long-term stability and prosperity in applied in bestowing a KBE on Bernard Arnault. Burma. We continue to highlight the importance of this [122898] issue in all our discussions with the Burmese government. We welcome the Burmese authorities’ attempts to build Mark Simmonds: The criteria for considering trust with ethnic groups including signing cease-tire nominations that the FCO uses in all its honours committees agreements with 10 ethnic groups. We are now urging are achievement and service to the United Kingdom. the government to take the next steps towards a process The decision to recommend an award is based on merit of national political dialogue. 549W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 550W

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for concerns in a number of pressing areas, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions need to find long term solutions to issues affecting he has had with his Burmese counterpart on revising Burma’s ethnic groups, including religious freedom. Burma’s National Registration Card so that it no longer identifies the bearer’s religion and ethnicity. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for [122501] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his Burmese counterpart Mr Swire: The Secretary of State for Foreign and regarding violations of freedom of religion or belief in Commonwealth Affairs raised the issue of the 1982 Burma, including Chin State. [122542] Citizenship Law with the Burmese Foreign Minister during their meeting in New York in September. Our Mr Swire: The protection of and support for human Ambassador also raised the issue of citizenship with the rights in Burma remains central to the UK’s policy Borders Minister in September. towards Burma. While recognising the progress in Burma over the last 18 months, Ministers and officials continue Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for to raise our concerns over reports of human rights Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions abuses at every opportunity. he has had with his Burmese counterparts on Burma’s Most recently at the Friends of Burma meeting at the refusal to allow ethnic Rohingya to be included in the UN General Assembly in September, I raised our concerns 2014 Census. Swire [122537] over the violence in Rakhine and Kachin States.

Mr Swire: Our Ambassador in Rangoon discussed Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the importance of including all those living in Burma Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take within the census with the Borders Minister in September. steps to encourage the Burmese government to issue a We will continue to raise these issues with both the formal invitation to the UN Special Rapporteur for Burmese authorities and the United Nations Population Freedom of Religion and Belief to visit Burma, including Fund (UNFPA) which is working with the Burmese Chin State, to conduct an independent investigation government on the census planning. into reports of violations of religious freedom in Burma. [122543] Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings he Mr Swire: We are encouraging the Burmese government has held with UK representatives of the ethnic to issue a formal invitation to the UN Special Rapporteur Rohingya of Burma since violence began in Arakan for Freedom of Religion and Belief to visit Burma. State in June 2012. [122538] Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Swire: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent officials met representatives of the Rohingya on 5 July discussions he has had with Aung San Suu Kyi and the and again on 21 August 2012. FCO officials are in close National League for Democracy and other political and regular contact with the UK representatives of the parties in Burma regarding violations of religious Rohingya community and are kept up to date with their freedom in Chin State and other areas. [122544] concerns. Mr Swire: We continue to raise the importance of Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for ensuring that the human rights of all those living in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is Burma are protected in discussions with the Burmese taking to encourage the Burmese government to sign government, the National League for Democracy and and ratify the International Covenant on Civil and other political parties. Our Ambassador in Rangoon Political Rights. [122540] raised these issues with Aung San Suu Kyi during a meeting with her on 11 October. Mr Swire: As a long term supporter of those promoting the protection of human rights in Burma, our Embassy Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for in Rangoon will continue to encourage the Burmese Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he government to meet its obligations under existing treaties. has received of the potential role of the Ministry of We continue to urge the Burmese government to ensure Religious Affairs in Burma in violating the right to its domestic law complies with international human freedom of religion for religious minorities. [122545] rights norms and that it ratifies human rights treaties including International Covenant on Civil and Political Mr Swire: We have taken careful note of the findings Rights (ICCPR). of the Chin Human Rights Organisation’s report, ’Threats to Our Existence’ including the allegations made against Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Religious Affairs. We are considering Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take the report’s recommendations. Ministers and officials steps to ensure that reports of violations of religious continue to raise our concerns about religious freedom freedom in Chin State and throughout Burma are with the Burmese government at every opportunity. included in the UN General Assembly’s 2012 Resolution on Burma. [122541] Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Mr Swire: During the upcoming UN General Assembly he has made to the government of Burma regarding 3rd Committee (human rights) discussion of Burma, reports that the Border Areas National Races Youth we will press for a UN resolution which highlights our Development Training Schools are run by the military 551W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 552W and that youth from Chin Christian backgrounds are During the upcoming UN General Assembly 3rd forbidden from practising Christianity and forced to Committee (Human rights) discussion of Burma due to convert to Buddhism. [122546] take place in November we will again press for a UN resolution which highlights again these concerns. Mr Swire: We have taken careful note of the findings of the Chin Human Rights Organisation’s report, ’Threats Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for to Our Existence’ including the allegations surrounding Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he the Border Areas National Races Youth Development has received of which Na Sa Ka bases in Arakan State Training Schools. In discussions with the Burmese are being used to detain ethnic Rohingya. [122622] government the UK continues to condemn all instances where individuals face persecution or discrimination Mr Swire: We are aware of unverified reports of because of their faith or beliefs, wherever they happen Rohingya being detained in Na Sa Ka bases in Rakhine and whatever the religion of the individual or group (Arakan) State. concerned. At the UN General Assembly in September 2012, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Affairs pressed the Burmese government to seek a long Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations term solution to the issues affecting Burma’s ethnic he has made to the government of Burma regarding groups, including the Rohingya. reports of orders for the destruction of large Christian crosses in Chin State; and what his policy is on ensuring Our Ambassador in Rangoon visited Rakhine State that Chin Christians have full freedom of religion in in early October. This was the first independent diplomatic accordance with Article 18 of the Universal Declaration mission to the area since the violence erupted in June. of Human Rights. [122547] The Ambassador met community leaders and saw some of the worst affected areas for himself, including the state capital Sittwe which was the scene of some of the Mr Swire: Reports of religious and ethnic intolerance worst violence during the recent unrest. The UK is continuing in Burma remain of deep concern, not only providing humanitarian support through core contributions in Chin, but also in Kachin and Rakhine States. In to UN and EU and has stressed the importance of discussions with the Burmese government we continue ensuring the aid does not support or lead to the permanent to condemn all instances where individuals face .persecution displacement of Rohingya communities. or discrimination because of their faith or beliefs, wherever they happen and whatever the religion of the individual or group concerned. Ministers and officials continue to Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for raise our concerns with the Burmese government over Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has reports of human rights abuses, including religious to support the International Labour Organisation’s intolerance, at every opportunity. efforts to work with the Burmese Government to eradicate all forms of forced labour by 2015. [122903] Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times Mr Swire: We remain concerned by reports of forced British Embassy officials in Burma have visited Chin labour in Burma, including in Rakhine State. State in the last year; and whether he proposes that We regularly raise forced labour issues in UN Resolutions. such officials should seek regular access to Chin State. We work closely with, and commend, the efforts of [122548] International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Burma. We also welcome the efforts of the Burmese government Mr Swire: Officials from our Embassy in Rangoon and its commitment to eradicate forced labour by 2015. visited Chin State in March of this year. A further visit We will be closely following the implementation of this is planned for early 2013. commitment.

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions has received of crimes against humanity being committed he has had with the Burmese government on plans to by the Burmese government against Burmese people. move from the current ceasefire talks to substantive [122621] national political dialogue and address the key issues of self-determination for ethnic nationalities within a Mr Swire: The promotion of the rule of law and federal constitutional framework. [122904] protection of human rights are central to our relationship with Burma. As the largest aid donor to Burma, we are Mr Swire: We are actively supporting the reconciliation in regular contact with ethnic groups and Non process. In June the Prime Minister announced the Governmental Organisations, and remained concerned allocation of an additional £5 million during Aung San about reported human rights, abuses particularly in Suu Kyi’s visit to the UK for immediate peace-building ethnic areas. activities. Our Embassy in Rangoon also hosted a visit We strongly supported a UN resolution at the UN of UK experts in July with experience of trust-building Human Rights Council in March which called on the and peace-building between communities in Northern Burmese government to take urgent measures to end Ireland. We intend to continue to draw on UK expertise the targeting of civilians in military operations, and in this area to support the continuation of the reconciliation prevent rape and other forms of sexual violence. process. 553W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 554W

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business: Human Rights Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the involvement of the Burmese Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Department of Education and Training in violating the and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to publish rights of ethnic and religious minorities. [122905] the Government’s strategy on business and human rights; and what plans he has to publicise it. [122926] Mr Swire: We have taken careful note of the findings of the Chin Human Rights Organisation’s report, ’Threats Mr Lidington: The Government’s draft strategy on to Our Existence,″ including the allegations of the business and human rights is currently going through a involvement of the Burmese Department of Education final round of consultation across Whitehall and we and Training in violating the rights of ethnic and religious hope to publish it in the near future. minorities. Ministers and officials continue to raise our concerns with the Burmese government over reports of Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign human rights abuses, including religious intolerance, at and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the every opportunity. recommendation of the European Group of National Human Rights Institutions, whether he plans to undertake a national baseline study and gap analysis Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for with reference to the UN Guiding Principles on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he Business and Human Rights. [122927] plans to take to encourage the Burmese government to ensure the teaching of ethnic minority languages is Mr Lidington: The Government congratulates the included in the national curriculum. [122906] European Group of National Human Rights Institutions on their recent successful conference in Berlin. The Mr Swire: We continue to assist the Burmese government Government envisages that its strategy on business and and ethnic groups in efforts to turn the numerous initial human rights will include analysis of the current UK ceasefire agreements into lasting political settlements. baseline situation across the three pillars of the Protect, We are also exploring ways in which the UK can support Respect and Remedy Framework. Burma’s educational structures. Officials from our embassy in Rangoon have also Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign raised the issue of including ethnic minority languages and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consider the in the national curriculum with Burmese Ministers. work of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority as part of the Government’s strategy on business and human rights. [122928] Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has Mr Lidington: In its work towards a Government had with the Bangladeshi government on closure of the strategy on business and human rights, the Government border between Burma and Bangladesh. [123118] has given consideration to current UK legislation surrounding the protection of human rights, including the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 which had the Alistair Burt: Border trade between Bangladesh and objective of preventing the exploitation of workers in a Burma resumed on 28-August, following meetings between specific sector of UK domestic business activity. respective border security officials. The crossing had previously been closed since 8 June following the onset of sectarian violence in the north Rakhine State in Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Burma. and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to require companies to map supply chains as part of the The British Government is in regular contact with Government’s strategy on business and human rights. the Government of Bangladesh about the humanitarian [122929] situation in the Bangladesh-Burma border area. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Mr Lidington: The UN Guiding Principles emphasised Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond the importance of supply chains as an area of potential (Yorks) (Mr Hague)—during a meeting with the human rights vulnerability. The Government is working Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, on 28 July— to ensure that the UK strategy on business and human raised the issue of Bangladesh’s international obligation rights gives similar weight to supply chain issues as do to accept refugees and offer emergency medical support the Guiding Principles, including questions of business to those attempting to cross into Bangladesh to flee the due diligence regarding human rights risks. violence in north Rakhine State, Burma. The then Secretary of State for International Development, my Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign right hon. Friend the Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has put in Mitchell), also discussed the humanitarian situation in place to monitor implementation of the UN Guiding the southeast of the country with Prime Minister Hasina Principles on Business and Human Rights. [122930] on 12 August. The British high commission in Dhaka, along with Mr Lidington: The Government’s work is currently EU partners, has regular conversations with senior focused on finalising and launching the Government interlocutors in the Government of Bangladesh to stress strategy on business and human rights which is, in the importance that essential aid agency programmes in effect, our interpretation in the UK context of the UN south-eastern Bangladesh are able to continue. Guiding Principles on business and human rights. We 555W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 556W are actively giving consideration to how to monitor Relating to the Status of Refugees, the UN Convention implementation as we move forward and believe this an Against Torture and the European Convention on Human essential part of the process. Rights. Returns are only enforced if it is safe to do so and the UK Border Agency is satisfied that the individual Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign has no international protection needs. All decisions and Commonwealth Affairs what engagement his have the right of appeal, where they are evaluated by Department has had with the financial sector in drafting the independent Tribunal Service for Immigration and the Government’s strategy on business and human rights. Asylum. The European Court of Human Rights has [122931] endorsed our policy that not all Tamil asylum seekers are in need of international protection. The UK regularly Mr Lidington: Foreign and Commonwealth Office raises the issue of torture with the Sri Lanka Government. officials have had contact with a wide range of non- No formal instructions have been given to raise torture governmental organisations, academic institutions and in the context of returns, as the UK deems Sri Lanka a multinational companies and smaller and medium safe country to return to. The Foreign and Commonwealth enterprises, including from the financial sector, as part Office has issued guidance for staff on reporting information of their engagement strategy during the formulation of or concerns about torture or mistreatment worldwide. the draft Government strategy on business and human This is to ensure that our institutional response to rights. torture and mistreatment is as strong as it can be. Contact details for the British High Commission in European Parliament Colombo are provided to charter flight returnees upon arrival and advised to call if they require any assistance. Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is St Helena on support for attempts to petition the EU over stopping sittings of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for [122836] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times a Minister from his Department has visited St Helena in Mr Lidington: The UK Government’s position on the each of the last five years. [122121] site of the European Parliament is well known from the Mark Simmonds: There have been no ministerial visits Coalition programme for government. The UK from my Department to St Helena in the last five years. Government is committed to reducing cost and waste in St Helena is one of the world’s most remote islands and the European Union, and believes that a single seat for is currently only accessible by sea. Travelling there is a the European Parliament, in Brussels, would save money costly and very lengthy process; a round trip takes and make it more efficient. approximately three weeks. The completion of the new Research airport in early 2016 will enable easier access to the Island, which Ministers will be keen to take advantage of. Chris Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Territorial Waters and Commonwealth Affairs what external policy research his Department has commissioned in each of Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for the last six years; from which organisation each such Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what piece of research was commissioned; and what the cost discussions he has had with the Scottish Government of each such piece of research was. [123193] on the future of Rockall in the event of secession. [122879] Mr Lidington: Research in the Foreign and (2) what discussions he has had with the Scottish Commonwealth Office (FCO) is primarily undertaken Government on the future of British territorial waters by our in-house Research Analysts. In line with its in the event of secession. [122880] commitment to open policy making, the FCO also commissions some external research from a range of Mr Lidington: I have not discussed the future of organisations and businesses in the UK and through British territorial waters or the Island of Rockall with our Posts overseas. This is funded from devolved any Scottish Government representative, and nor have Departmental and Post budgets. As potentially relevant my Ministerial or Foreign and Commonwealth Office data are not held centrally, a full list of commissions for officials. the last six years could only be provided at disproportionate The Government’s position is clear: the Government cost. is not making plans for independence as we are confident that people in Scotland will continue to support the Sri Lanka United Kingdom in the proposed referendum. Scotland is stronger as part of the UK and the UK is stronger Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign with Scotland in it. and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made or instructed to be made to prevent the use of Turks and Caicos Islands torture on those Tamil asylum seekers deported from the UK; and if he will make a statement. [121929] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has Alistair Burt: The UK takes its international been made on the installation of the Coastal Radar responsibilities seriously and complies fully with all of Project system in the Turks and Caicos; and if he will its international obligations under the 1951 UN Convention make a statement. [122120] 557W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 558W

Mark Simmonds: The Costal Radar system in the Mark Simmonds: The interim government in the Turks Turks and Caicos Islands began operation at the beginning and Caicos Islands, led by the Governor, is driving forward of August. The Governor officially opened the facility preparations for free and fair elections on 9 November. on 26 September. A report from the Governor’s Office, which is available The radar system will strengthen the Turks and Caicos online at Islands’ ability to combat illegal migration and crime, help in search and rescue, and thus contribute to improving http://turksandcaicosislands.fco.gov.uk/en/news/ regional security and safety. ?view=News&id=811876582 summarises the good progress that has been made to Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for date. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has funded a reports he has received on the forthcoming elections in number of projects to support this. These include: the Turks and Caicos Islands; and if he will make a The appointment in March of the chief executive of the statement. [122122] Association of Electoral Administrators as Elections Adviser to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. The Adviser is Mark Simmonds: The Governor’s Office in the Turks working closely with government officials to ensure that election and Caicos Islands published a progress report on preparations are carried out in good time for elections to take 18 September entitled ″Implementing Reforms and place in November. Preparing for Elections″, which is available online at Visits by delegations from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the latest of which look place in July and was led http://uk.sitestat.com/fcoweb/ukingov/ by my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Goole (Andrew s?was.tci.resources.en.news.2012.september.milestones.p.pdf. Percy), to assist political parties in the preparation and milestones1.pdf&ns_type=pdf&ns_url=http:// implementation of the new Political Activities Ordinance. turksandcaicosislands.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/2012/ An observer mission, including UK and regional monitors, milestones1.pdf which has been organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary This report summarises the good progress that has been Association (UK), at the invitation of the Turks and Caicos made by the Elections Office and the Governor’s Office Islands Government. with the preparations for the elections which are due to A contribution towards equipment and IT for the issuance of be held on 9 November. cards confirming the Belongership status of voters.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department plans to take to help ensure a free and fair election in the Turks and Caicos Islands. [122124] [Continued in Column 559W] WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Friday 19 October 2012

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 37WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 40WS Regional Growth Fund (Update) ...... 37WS Crime Outcomes Recording Framework (Consultation)...... 40WS Eurodac Regulation (UK Opt-in Decision)...... 41WS ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 38WS National DNA Database Ethics Group Fuel Poverty and Green Deal (Update)...... 38WS (Reappointment)...... 41WS JUSTICE...... 42WS HEALTH...... 39WS Criminal Cases Review Commission (Triennial Medical Revalidation ...... 39WS Review) ...... 42WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Friday 19 October 2012

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 502W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— Aerospace Industry...... 502W continued British Antarctic Survey...... 504W Social Rented Housing...... 454W Business: Cannock Chase...... 503W Business: Government Assistance ...... 506W Business: Pendle...... 506W DEFENCE...... 454W Business: Staffordshire ...... 508W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 454W Combined Heat and Power: Taxation ...... 509W Armed Forces: Religion ...... 455W Conditions of Employment...... 509W Defence...... 457W Construction: Pendle...... 509W Libya: Military Intervention ...... 458W Construction: Sunderland...... 510W Pay...... 458W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 512W Prisoners of War: Medals...... 458W Loans: Interest Charges ...... 512W Training ...... 458W London Metropolitan University...... 513W Woodvale Aerodrome ...... 459W Manufacturing Advice Service ...... 514W Minimum Wage ...... 514W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 459W Morecambe...... 514W Constituencies...... 459W New Businesses ...... 515W Social Mobility ...... 461W Regional Growth Fund ...... 515W Reserve Forces ...... 515W Students: Loans ...... 516W EDUCATION...... 421W Third Sector...... 516W Adoption: Grandparents...... 421W UK Research Partnership Investment Fund...... 516W Apprentices...... 422W US Securities and Exchange Commission ...... 517W Children: Day Care ...... 423W Vocational Training...... 518W Children in Care...... 422W Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats...... 423W CABINET OFFICE...... 415W Domestic Violence ...... 424W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 415W Foster Care: Housing Benefit...... 424W British Nationals Abroad: Disasters ...... 417W Free Schools...... 424W Cleveland Fire Authority ...... 417W Free Schools: Greater Manchester ...... 425W Emergencies: Planning ...... 417W Freedom of Information ...... 425W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 419W GCSE ...... 425W Procurement...... 419W GCSE: English Language ...... 426W Unemployment: Coastal Areas ...... 420W Independent Special Schools...... 426W Voluntary Work: Olympic Games 2012...... 421W King’s Priory Academy...... 426W Physical Education: Teachers ...... 427W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 427W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 450W Vocational Training...... 427W Apprentices...... 450W Bellwin Scheme ...... 450W Electric Cables ...... 451W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 518W Housing ...... 451W Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) Local Democracy Economic Development and Order 2012...... 518W Construction Act 2009...... 452W E-mail ...... 519W Local Government Finance ...... 452W Energy: Meters...... 519W Non-domestic Rates...... 452W Energy: Prices ...... 520W Planning Permission ...... 452W Energy: Storage...... 520W Recycling ...... 450W Fuel Poverty...... 521W Reserve Forces ...... 453W Heating: Renewable Energy ...... 521W Sleeping Rough: Veterans...... 453W Low Carbon Networks Fund...... 522W Col. No. Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL JUSTICE—continued AFFAIRS...... 462W Parole Board ...... 488W Air Pollution ...... 462W Prison Sentences ...... 488W Animal Welfare ...... 462W Prisoners: Domestic Violence...... 489W Bovine Tuberculosis ...... 463W Prisoners: Foreign Nationals...... 490W Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control...... 463W Prisoners: Older People...... 493W Carbon Emissions: Business...... 464W Prisoners: Per Capita Costs...... 494W Greenhouse Gas Emissions...... 464W Prisoners: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder ...... 494W Natural Resources...... 464W Prisoners’ Release ...... 489W Organic Food: Meat...... 465W Prisoners: Repatriation ...... 495W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 465W Prisoners: Veterans...... 495W Research ...... 465W Prisons ...... 495W Schmallenberg Virus ...... 466W Prisons: Capital Investment ...... 495W Seagulls...... 466W Prisons: Private Sector ...... 495W Shrimps...... 467W Probation ...... 496W Trees: Import Controls...... 467W Probation: Essex ...... 497W Public Expenditure...... 499W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 546W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 499W Apprentices...... 546W Redundancy...... 499W Bahrain ...... 547W Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974...... 500W Bernard Arnault...... 547W Unpaid Fines: West Midlands...... 500W Bumi ...... 548W Victim Support Schemes ...... 500W Burma...... 548W Victims’ Commissioner ...... 501W Business: Human Rights ...... 554W Victims’ Commissioner: Staff...... 501W European Parliament ...... 555W Work Capability Assessment...... 501W Research ...... 555W Sri Lanka ...... 555W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 449W St Helena ...... 556W Anti-Slavery Day...... 449W Territorial Waters...... 556W Research ...... 449W Turks and Caicos Islands ...... 556W PRIME MINISTER ...... 449W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 428W Leveson Inquiry ...... 449W Airguns ...... 428W Members: Correspondence ...... 450W Anti-slavery Day ...... 429W Apprentices...... 429W SCOTLAND...... 415W Asylum ...... 430W Constituencies...... 415W Bail ...... 430W Borders: Personal Records ...... 432W TRANSPORT ...... 522W British Citizenship: Armed Forces ...... 433W Bus Services ...... 522W Deportation ...... 433W Bus Services: Rural Areas ...... 522W Deportation: Armed Forces ...... 434W Great Western Main Line...... 523W Deportation: Offenders...... 435W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 523W Drugs: Misuse...... 435W HM Coastguard: Risk Management...... 524W Extradition...... 436W Liverpool Port...... 524W Foreign Workers...... 437W Motorways: Newcastle Upon Tyne ...... 524W Immigration: Appeals ...... 437W Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation...... 525W Immigration: EU Nationals ...... 437W Rescue Services: Scotland ...... 525W London Metropolitan University...... 441W Roads: Accidents ...... 526W Overseas Students: Registration ...... 441W Roads: Barnsley ...... 526W Procurement...... 442W Roads: EU Action...... 527W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 443W Roads: Repairs and Maintenance...... 527W Research ...... 443W Roads: Safety ...... 528W Reserve Forces ...... 448W Transport: Exhaust Emissions...... 528W West Coast Railway Line ...... 529W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 472W West Coast Railway Line: Franchises...... 529W Afghanistan ...... 472W Burma...... 473W TREASURY ...... 536W Research ...... 475W Air Passenger Duty ...... 536W Apprentices...... 537W JUSTICE...... 476W Bank Notes ...... 537W Antisocial Behaviour Orders ...... 476W Capital Investment: Northampton ...... 537W Apprentices...... 477W Child Trust Fund ...... 538W Bail ...... 478W Corporation Tax ...... 538W Burglary...... 478W Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation .. 539W Courts: Interpreters...... 481W Free Zones ...... 540W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 481W George Anson...... 540W Driving Offences: Speed Limits...... 482W Green Deal Scheme...... 540W Fixed Penalties...... 482W Income Tax: National Insurance Contributions..... 541W Homicide: Prisoners’ Release ...... 483W Income Tax: Rates and Rating ...... 541W Magistrates ...... 485W Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme ...... 542W Members: Correspondence ...... 487W Minimum Wage: Underpayments ...... 542W Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY—continued WALES...... 461W Poverty: Children ...... 542W Broadband: Planning Permission...... 461W Private Rented Housing: Energy ...... 542W Broadcasting ...... 461W Public Expenditure...... 543W Research ...... 462W Research ...... 543W Wylfa Power Station...... 462W Revenue and Customs: Correspondence ...... 543W Staff ...... 544W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 468W State Retirement Pensions: British Nationals Housing Benefit: Young People...... 468W Abroad ...... 544W Industrial Health and Safety...... 469W Tax Allowances: Health Insurance...... 544W Social Security Benefits: Uprating...... 469W Tax Avoidance ...... 544W Unemployment Benefits: Young People ...... 470W Taxation: Combined Heat and Power ...... 546W Work Capability Assessment...... 470W Training ...... 546W Work Programme...... 471W 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

Friday 19 October 2012

Mobile Homes Bill [Col. 599] Motion for Second Reading—(Peter Aldous) Read a Second time, and committed

Marine Navigation (No. 2) Bill [Col. 635] Motion for Second Reading—(Sheryll Murray) Read a Second time, and committed

Transparency in UK Company Supply Chains (Eradication of Slavery) Bill [Col. 662] Motion for Second Reading—(Michael Connarty)

Police and Crime Commissioner Elections [Col. 672] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 37WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 415W] [see index inside back page]