Tuesday Volume 563 4 June 2013 No. 11

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 4 June 2013

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2013 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 1363 4 JUNE 2013 1364

accountable. As we have said throughout the process, it House of Commons is important that we get this right. We will announce more details in the coming weeks. The hon. Lady will be Tuesday 4 June 2013 aware from the proposals already put forward that the intention is to regulate third-party lobbyists. Let us not forget what this is for: it is about knowing who is The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock lobbying and on behalf of whom.

PRAYERS Mr Douglas Carswell (Clacton) (Con): In order to tackle some of these concerns, the suggestion has been made that we should have a right of recall. Will the [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] Minister confirm that a right of recall would include a recall ballot, so that instead of leaving it to a committee BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS of grandees in Westminster to decide an MP’s future, constituents would have the chance for a final say? LONDON LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND TRANSPORT FOR LONDON (NO.2)BILL [LORDS] Mr Speaker: That is very wide, but we will have a Consideration of Bill, as amended, opposed and deferred brief reply from the Minister and then move on. until 11 June (Standing Order No. 20). Miss Smith: My hon. Friend and I have exchanged views on this subject a number of times, and I look forward to doing so again. As to what we are discussing Oral Answers to Questions today, Mr Speaker, you and he will know that there was a draft Bill. We continue to work through its detail and I look forward to bringing forward the further details in due course. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

11. [157204] Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Given that The Deputy Prime Minister was asked— MPs across the parties, and particularly those of us elected in 2010, have been calling for action on lobbyists Mr Speaker: Order. Before I call the first question to since we were first elected, why has it taken three years, the Deputy Prime Minister, hon. and right hon. Members and still no action? When will we actually have a register may have noted that there are only four substantive in place? questions to the Attorney-General on today’s Order Paper; six were withdrawn yesterday. It may be helpful for the House to be aware that if we exhaust questions Miss Smith: There are two points: one, we are doing to the Attorney-General before 12.30, we will revert to it; and two, the Opposition did not do it 13 years. topical questions to the Deputy Prime Minister. Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): Although Regulation of Lobbyists we all strongly support openness and transparency of the kind that the Minister has described, does she agree with me that the sort of blatant entrapment carried out 1. Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): by the “Panorama” programme at the weekend would When he plans to bring forward legislative proposals not have been prevented by any such register of lobbyists? on the regulation of lobbyists. [157193] Does she also agree that there is a risk of doing something simply in order to be seen to be doing something The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Miss Chloe without addressing the real problems besetting us? Smith): The Government have repeatedly made very clear their commitment to introducing a statutory register of lobbyists. The events that have unfolded over the Miss Smith: Mr Speaker, I do not think you would weekend demonstrate just how important transparency want me to go into the details of the particular case to in political life is. We will therefore introduce legislation which my hon. Friend refers. It is important to draw to provide for a lobbying register before the summer from that, however, that the public expect us to act, that recess. The register will go ahead as part of a broad we have said for quite some time that we shall be doing package of measures to tighten the rules on how third this and that we are bringing forward the details from parties can influence our political system. now onwards. I think that a number of factors might have gone into the events that we saw unfold over the Katy Clark: Given what has happened over the last weekend, and it is important to take a wider look at few days, does the Minister accept that the public expect some of them. full transparency on how big business and money try to influence decisions? Will the legislation include not just 13. [157206] Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab): Why lobbying companies but in-house lobbyist for-profit are the Government conflating the issues of regulating organisations? lobbyists with those of party funding, when previously no links whatever were made between them? Is this a Miss Smith: The aim of any reform in this area must, shoddy tactic of the Prime Minister and the Government I think, be to ensure that the activities of outside to get them out of a hole, given that they have done organisations are transparent to the general public and nothing about regulating lobbying before now? 1365 Oral Answers4 JUNE 2013 Oral Answers 1366

Miss Smith: As I think I have made clear, this is about Pat Glass: Given the Deputy Prime Minister’s answer, third parties more generally, and it is right to understand will he now support Lord Steel’s private Member’s Bill how third parties can influence the political process in on limited recall of the House of Lords? general. It is something in which the general public will take a great interest. The Deputy Prime Minister: I see no need for a stand -alone Bill on House of Lords reform, not least because John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con): Does the Minister the real reform—namely, the introduction of democracy agree that trade unions are also lobbyists, so if legislation —has not made progress. As I have said, however, there is to be brought forward, they should be included in it? are a few very specific housekeeping measures that we could incorporate, and would be prepared to consider Miss Smith: I think that our legislative proposals will incorporating, in a wider Bill if the need arose during allow ample opportunity for that and other issues to be the coming period. discussed. It has been shown in the last few days that there is enormous public concern about the external Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): influences that can arise in relation to people who make Why did my right hon. Friend choose to answer this laws, and I think it right for third parties and undue question and not the question about lobbying, which influence to be considered. has been in his in-tray for the last three years?

Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): I am sure that the Minister The Deputy Prime Minister: In a spirit of coalition is as disappointed and disgusted as all other harmony, of course. parliamentarians by the allegations made in the media over the weekend. She will be aware that the manifestos Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): Owing to the opposition of all three main parties contained commitments to of large elements of the Conservative party, the Deputy make lobbying more transparent, and to give the electorate Prime Minister’s plans for Lords reform came to nowt. more power to hold Members of Parliament to account. Will he now co-operate with our party to ensure that Does she agree that if these proposals are to be implemented the excesses and alleged abuses in the other place are swiftly, and if the resulting measures are to be enduring, tackled immediately? all-party support and work will be necessary? Will she ensure that all parties are involved in the work that will take place before the Bill is published? The Deputy Prime Minister: That is pretty rich, coming from a Front Bencher of a party which, despite its own Miss Smith: My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime long-standing manifesto commitment in favour of Minister and I look forward greatly to working with the democracy in the House of Lords, could not even bring right hon. Gentleman and others to support proposals itself to support a timetable motion to make that a that will make the activities of third parties more transparent reality. to the public. As I said earlier, if specific housekeeping measures are necessary—involving Members of the House of Lords Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Given that who have committed crimes and should not be there, or the proposals constituted a strong part of the coalition who have never attended and should not be there, or agreement, why were they not included in this year’s involving voluntary retirement—and if we can sweep Queen’s Speech? those measures up into a wider Bill such as the one providing for the recall of MPs, we shall be prepared to Miss Smith: We made it clear all along that we consider doing so. intended to introduce this Bill. Working on the detail is important, and I think all Members will welcome the Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): While he is in a fact that we are doing that now. reforming mood, will my right hon. Friend join me in my campaign to reform early-day motions, which can House of Lords Reform be used by lobbyists? Will he pledge his support for that campaign? 2. Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): What plans he has to bring forward further proposals for reform of The Deputy Prime Minister: Obviously it is important for all proceedings in the House to be conducted as the House of Lords. [157194] transparently as possible, and for the motives of Members to be made obvious to their constituents and to the The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): We public. have no proposals for a comprehensive new overhaul of the House of Lords. We tried that once, and did not make the progress for which I had hoped. I remain of Mr Speaker: Order. It is always helpful when Members the view that the introduction of democracy is the only look at the question on the Order Paper and ask a serious long-term reform that the House of Lords requires, coherent supplementary that relates to it rather than to but if any minor technical housekeeping changes that something else. That should be a helpful part of the are deemed necessary—for instance, kicking out crooks learning curve for the hon. Member for Weaver Vale or people who do not attend, or extending the voluntary (Graham Evans). retirement scheme—require legislative backing, we will of course consider incorporating them in wider Bills, 14. [157207] Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton such as the Bill providing for the recall of MPs from this West) (Lab/Co-op): The Deputy Prime Minister may place. have missed this while dealing with all his other duties 1367 Oral Answers4 JUNE 2013 Oral Answers 1368 yesterday, but his noble colleague Lord Oakeshott The Deputy Prime Minister: As my hon. Friend knows, suggested that the House of Lords was full up. Does he the coalition Government are introducing the biggest agree? devolution of control over business rate revenues in a generation. Of course we cannot completely devolve it The Deputy Prime Minister: Historically, the House because that would mean that those areas that had the of Lords has been as large as this House, and of course wealth locally to sustain themselves would be fine, and there are—[Interruption.] I will not repeat what the those that did not would not, so we need some kind of hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr Skinner) said from a mechanism to make sure there is fairness in the system. sedentary position. The question of how many Members However, the reforms, particularly of business rate revenues, of the House of Lords are active is also relevant, and a that we have presided over are the biggest act of fiscal number of them do not turn up very regularly. devolution in a very long time.

Devolution of Powers Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): Beyond discussions on corporation tax, what conversations has 3. Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) the Deputy Prime Minister had with the Northern Ireland (Con): What recent discussions he has had with ministerial Executive regarding the devolution to it of further colleagues on devolving power from Westminster and powers, including on telecommunications, broadcasting, motor taxation and other economic levers? Whitehall. [157195]

5. Jonathan Lord (Woking) (Con): What recent The Deputy Prime Minister: I have not personally been discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on involved in detailed discussions on those issues, but my devolving power from Westminster and Whitehall. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern [157197] Ireland is in continuous dialogue with the authorities in Northern Ireland about them. The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): I regularly meet ministerial colleagues to discuss the Government’s Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): Under work to devolve power to the most appropriate level, measures in the draft Wales Bill, candidates for the and we are achieving that through local enterprise Welsh Assembly can stand both on the regional list and partnerships, local government finance reforms, giving the constituency list. Therefore, in places like Swansea local authorities a general power of competence, and West a Liberal Democrat candidate can have two lots of city deals. We have also accepted in full or in part 81 of election expenses against the sitting Assembly Member. Lord Heseltine’s 89 recommendations, which build on Will the Deputy Prime Minister make sure that that that work to decentralise power and drive growth. We does not happen? have delivered a referendum in Wales, which resulted in the Assembly assuming primary law-making powers, The Deputy Prime Minister: We have, of course, made and we established the Silk commission. In addition, reforms in this area already, but we will continue to the UK and Scottish Governments are working together keep them under review. to ensure the smooth implementation of the Scotland Act 2012, which represents the greatest devolution of fiscal powers from London in 300 years. Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Does my right hon. Friend agree that the north-east of England Stephen Metcalfe: Although I recognise the importance could benefit greatly from the kind of devolution he is of the city deal in delivering opportunities for growth, working on? It would promote growth in the region, but does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that devolving he also needs to make sure that the rural areas of the power to our county councils, such as Essex, can have north-east have a key decision-making role when that an equally effective impact on developing local growth? devolution happens.

The Deputy Prime Minister: Devolution at all levels is The Deputy Prime Minister: I strongly agree, and I a virtuous thing. The more we can devolve power and pay tribute to my right hon. Friend for the way in which control over money and decision making from Whitehall he has championed his constituency, particularly on to the town hall, and from the town hall to local areas, transport links which I know are a bone of contention the better. One of the exciting insights of the Heseltine there and in the region more generally. I also know he report, which we are determined to act on, is precisely agrees with me that the north-east in particular has to give local areas, led—not entirely, but in part—by the great natural strengths that could enable it to become local enterprise partnerships in each area, a real opportunity not only a national but a European and world leader in to draw down powers and resources from Whitehall, renewable and offshore technologies. That is precisely which have been hoarded at the centre for so long. why the industrial strategies of my right hon. Friend the Business Secretary have been devoting so much attention Jonathan Lord: I welcome what the Deputy Prime to that sector. Minister has to say about devolving power to local government and the progress made to date. Does he Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Some people in Wales agree that in the medium term we should be looking to are apparently in favour of devolving crime, policing local government to be self-financing—not only keeping and the justice system to the Welsh Assembly, but I am and setting council tax, but keeping business rates as wholeheartedly opposed to that. Will the Deputy Prime well? That would be the way towards real power and Minister confirm that devolution is not a devolved accountability. responsibility? 1369 Oral Answers4 JUNE 2013 Oral Answers 1370

The Deputy Prime Minister: It is no surprise to me to The Deputy Prime Minister: I know that my colleagues, learn that the Labour party, once again, is somewhat notably my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State forked-tongued in its commitment to further devolution for Communities and Local Government and for Business, to Wales: in Cardiff it talks a good game about further Innovation and Skills are in constant dialogue with devolution of powers from London to Cardiff, yet here leading figures from local enterprise partnerships around it continues to want to hoard powers. As the hon. the country in order to explore ways in which we can Gentleman knows, the Silk commission is in two parts, work together. The city deals, the creation of local the first of which, on further fiscal powers, has already enterprise partnerships, the enterprise zones, the single reported. We are determined to respond soon enough to pot flowing from the Heseltine recommendations and that report, which was made on a cross-party basis. The the industrial strategy promulgated by my right hon. second part of the Silk commission looks at the wider Friend the Business Secretary all feed into that. constitutional settlement, and it has not yet been completed. Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) Heseltine Review (Lab): Will the Deputy Prime Minister join me in backing the NEvolution campaign launched yesterday 4. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): What progress he by the north-east’s newspapers, which calls on the has made on the implementation of the Heseltine Chancellor to devolve more funding and spending decisions to regions like the north-east, as recommended by Lord review. [157196] Heseltine? 6. Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): What progress he has made on the implementation of the Heseltine The Deputy Prime Minister: Yes, I strongly endorse review; and what assessment he has made of the potential that. In fact, we have already announced that we are effect of implementation on the economy of northern going to implement the vast majority of the Heseltine Lincolnshire and the Humber. [157198] recommendations—81 of the 89. That really will be a significant moment, when we break from that long, The Deputy Prime Minister: The Government have long tradition, which has prevailed under Governments confirmed that they will implement Lord Heseltine’s of all persuasions, of over-centralisation in England. In recommendation that economic development spending addition to the radical moves—the city deals, the LEPs should be devolved to local areas through a single pot. and the devolution of business rates—it will leave this Alongside the Budget, we published more details on the country significantly more devolved by the end of this creation of that single local growth fund and growth Parliament than we found it at the beginning of the deals. The next step is an announcement on the size and Parliament. content of the fund as part of the spending round. Like all local enterprise partnerships, the Humber’s has the Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Does the Deputy chance to show its ambition by coming up with a strong Prime Minister agree that the regional growth fund is strategic economic plan to compete with others for that being spent far too slowly and that that is leading to single local growth fund, and attain the wider freedoms delays in investment and jobs across the country? and flexibilities available. The Deputy Prime Minister: To be fair, that might Neil Carmichael: Does the Deputy Prime Minister have been a legitimate criticism at the very beginning of agree that the measures he has just announced, coupled the process, as the programme was set up. The programme with the industrial strategy and banking reform, are all is now moving at an impressive pace, and the vast about ensuring that we can have good, successful firms majority of any delays are not generated in Whitehall or in our local areas that not only generate jobs but, above in government but result from the pace of the commercial all, get access to export markets, and that the Heseltine decisions taken by the recipients. When my right hon. review paves the way for exactly that? Friends at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills surveyed the beneficiaries of the regional growth The Deputy Prime Minister: I strongly agree with my fund, they found that more than 90% said that they hon. Friend. As we clear up the monumental mess left were happy with the pace at which it was operating. by the Labour party, we are having to rebalance the British economy and, in particular, to rebalance the overreliance Topical Questions on public sector employment in significant parts of our country towards a much more diverse approach in which private sector jobs growth is restored to health as T1. [157208] Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) well. That is why I am delighted that we have presided (Lab/Co-op): If he will make a statement on his over the creation of one and a quarter million new jobs departmental responsibilities. in the private sector in the past three years. The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): As Deputy Martin Vickers: I welcome the Government’s initiatives Prime Minister, I support the Prime Minister on a full and investment in the Humber region, and in northern range of Government policy initiatives. Within Government, Lincolnshire in particular, and the personal involvement I take special responsibility for the Government’s of Lord Heseltine. However, our business community, programme of political and constitutional reform. particularly on the south bank, would welcome further opportunities to discuss future potential with Ministers. Meg Hillier: The proposed new Bill on lobbying Will the Deputy Prime Minister assure me that he, or tackles the low-hanging fruit—that is, the lobby companies one of his team, will visit to ensure that that happens? that we know about. Will the Deputy Prime Minister 1371 Oral Answers4 JUNE 2013 Oral Answers 1372 tell us what it will do to record lobbying contact elsewhere, top-down reorganisation, axing thousands of nursing such as that which takes place on horseback in places jobs and cutting social care. Is that not exactly what like Oxfordshire? happened before to the NHS under the Tories? It is happening again, only this time the Lib Dems are The Deputy Prime Minister: We will come forward helping the Tories to wreck the NHS. with our proposals shortly, but the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich The Deputy Prime Minister: The right hon. and learned North (Miss Smith), explained our intentions. Lobbying Lady says that I am complacent, but we have a laboratory is a perfectly legitimate activity to allow people to experiment of what happens to the NHS when Labour explain to decision makers what the consequences of is in charge: let us look at what happened to the NHS their decisions could be, and we should not malign a and to A and E waiting times in Wales, where Labour is perfectly legitimate activity. It just needs to be made as in charge. Let us not forget that in Labour-run Wales, transparent as possible, particularly when lobbying is the last time that A and E targets were met was in 2009. aimed at those in government who are making important We have met them for the past five weeks. decisions that affect many people in this country.

T4. [157211] Jonathan Lord (Woking) (Con): May I T2. [157209] Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): The Deputy Prime Minister has made it clear press the Deputy Prime Minister a little further on the that he is passionate about devolution. Has he had a McKay report? I believe that it is crucial that the chance to read the recommendations in the report by Scottish people have a clear sense of direction as to his Department’s McKay commission, which address where the Government will come out on these matters. the offsetting consequences of devolution? In this The English people deserve a fairer settlement and the Parliament in Westminster, a lot of legislation is England- Scottish people deserve to know where we are going on only but can be voted on by MPs from Scotland, Wales this. and Northern Ireland. Has he had a chance to see those recommendations? The Deputy Prime Minister: I hope I have made it clear that everybody, north or south of the border and The Deputy Prime Minister: It is a very important, in whatever part of the United Kingdom, should be in thorough and thoughtful report that comes up with no doubt that this coalition Government will do whatever some ingenious proposals for how the mechanics of this we can remorselessly to devolve power not only to place could be reorganised to reflect votes that take Cardiff and Edinburgh, as we have done, or through place on issues that affect only English constituencies. discussions about further devolution in Northern Ireland, Of course, it requires careful consideration and we are but within England. That is what the economic reforms giving it that. It does not endorse some of the more I have talked about are all about. radical proposals for an English Parliament and so on, but is all about the internal mechanics of this place and T3. [157210] Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): we will give it all due consideration. Delivering on what the coalition agreement says on Lords appointments will, I understand, require 200 additional Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): peers in the House of Lords, at a cost of £26.2 million Will the Deputy Prime Minister confirm that under his by the end of this Parliament. Is that a price worth Government, patients in accident and emergency are paying for unpopular policies being railroaded through having to wait longer than at any time for nine years? the other place?

The Deputy Prime Minister: Of course, I too saw the The Deputy Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman is statistics from the King’s Fund and others this morning getting a little carried away, as ever. Labour has a about accident and emergency waits. They are serious constant, rather unedifying record of stuffing the other and we need to tackle them. More than 1 million more place with Labour appointees. As I said, if only the people are going to accident and emergency than was hon. Gentleman had given us support for giving the the case previously. That is for some long-term reasons, British people a say in who should go to the House of as the report acknowledges: an ageing society, the lack Lords, we would not be stuck with this old-fashioned, of proper co-ordination between social and health archaic way of making appointments, which all party authorities and, of course, the disastrous consequences leaders are stuck with for the time being. for out-of-hours care of the GP contract, which was so badly bungled by the Labour party. I am pleased to be able to tell the right hon. and learned Lady that the very T5. [157212] Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): latest statistic—this is a tribute to everyone working in The coalition was formed to deal with the disastrous accident and emergency in our NHS—shows that this is economic legacy left to us by the last Government. Was now the fifth consecutive week in which we have met the the Deputy Prime Minister won over by the proposals target of 95% of A and E patients being seen in less made by the shadow Chancellor yesterday, which—as than four hours. always from Labour—added up to only one thing: borrow, borrow, borrow? Ms Harman: I think that answer is complacent. The truth is that there is a crisis in the national health service Mr Speaker: Order. We will not bother with that in the accident and emergency departments. The coalition one. The problem with it is that it was about the policy has been in government for three years and this is of the Opposition. Questions must be about the policy happening on the Government’s watch and because of of the Government; that is the point of Question Time. what they are doing: wasting billions of pounds on The clue is in the title. 1373 Oral Answers4 JUNE 2013 Oral Answers 1374

T6. [157213] Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): The T10. [157217] Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) Government’s commission on social mobility has warned (LD): Six hundred Afghan interpreters have put themselves of rising child poverty, and has said that the Government at serious personal risk by having loyally supported are not doing enough. What is the Government’s response? British security services in Afghanistan. They could be in even greater danger once our services leave. Will my The Deputy Prime Minister: We are doing many things, right hon. Friend back the campaign led by our noble but one of the principal objectives that we have been Friend Lord Ashdown to ensure that we honour the pursuing over the past three years is making sure that Afghan interpreters and offer them and their families resources help children in the early years, when they secure refuge in this country? make the biggest difference. That is why we are the first Government to deliver 15 hours of pre-school support The Deputy Prime Minister: I strongly agree with my to all three and four-year-olds; the first Government hon. Friend, and I am sure that he speaks for many ever, as of this September, to deliver 15 hours of child Members across the House. We do, of course, have a care and pre-school support to two-year-old toddlers moral duty—a duty of care—to those who have risked from the lowest-income families; and the first Government life and limb for British servicemen and women on the ever to introduce a pupil premium worth £2.5 billion of front line in Afghanistan. We will make an announcement additional support to children from the lowest-income later today on those being made redundant as part of families. That is the way to break the generational our ongoing draw-down. In short, we will offer a very transmission of deprivation and educational under- generous package of support for those who wish to stay achievement that has blighted this country for too long. in Afghanistan and are able to do so. We will also make sure that those who have been on the front line, have T8. [157215] John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con): Does the served for 12 months and are now being made redundant Deputy Prime Minister agree that the political fee paid have the opportunity to resettle in this country, as well by trade union members should not automatically go to as those who are being intimidated, when resettlement one party, and that trade union members should have is the only option to guarantee their safety. We owe that the opportunity to decide for themselves which party to them, and we will do it. that fee should go to? T9. [157216] Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): The Deputy Prime Minister: The whole issue of opt-in Given the parlous state of the Lib Dems, will the Deputy and opt-out for trade union members and of donations Prime Minister give hope to his party by announcing from the trade union movement, which is now pretty the date of his resignation, or hope to the country by well single-handedly bankrolling the Labour party, has announcing the date on which he will dissolve the of course come up in the cross-party talks on party coalition? funding, which unfortunately have proved somewhat elusive. One of the measures that we want to bring forward The Deputy Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman’s —it does not apply to trade unions alone—relates to the questions are always so challenging. No and no. way in which a number of campaign groups, be they trade unions, animal welfare groups, tactical voting groups, rural campaign groups, religious groups or T11. [157218] Jesse Norman (Hereford and South individuals, spend money to determine the outcome of Herefordshire) (Con): Per pupil funding for schools in campaigns in particular constituencies. At the last election, Herefordshire has long been among the lowest in the those major groups and individuals spent £3 million—a country, although it has risen, I am pleased to say, since full 10% of what the major parties spent. We want to 2010. Does my right hon. Friend share my view that the make sure that this increasingly important type of pupil premium should be targeted on a wider range of campaigning is fully transparent and is not allowed to deprivation than just free school meals? distort the political process. That is what proposals that we will come forward with soon will do. The Deputy Prime Minister: I am delighted that my hon. Friend is as keen an advocate as I am of the pupil T7. [157214] Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/ premium, which will pay long-term dividends in enhancing Co-op): Mr Speaker, I know that you know about the social mobility and greater fairness in this country. We 10th “Audit of Political Engagement”report, just published consulted widely on what criteria we would use for the by the Hansard Society. Is the Deputy Prime Minister allocation of the money, and although no criterion is conscious of and worried about the steep decline in perfect, the only available one that is workable for political participation, particularly in the last three years, teachers and head teachers and recognisable to parents—this under this coalition Government? This is the first time is the response we got overwhelmingly from schools that the percentage of people who are certain to vote throughout the country—is free school meals. That has gone below 50%; it is now 43%. For young people includes not just those who receive free school meals between 18 and 25, it has fallen to just 12%. What will now, but those who have received free school meals in he do about that? the previous six years.

The Deputy Prime Minister: The first thing that I T13. [157220] Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): How would like to do is try to persuade the hon. Gentleman many more peers does the Deputy Prime Minister expect and his colleagues to join me in reforming our clapped-out to be appointed by the time of the 2015 general election? political system. If his party had supported democracy for the House of Lords, would clean up party funding, The Deputy Prime Minister: We will make those and had given wholehearted support to electoral reform, announcements—of course, this involves all political perhaps he would have a leg to stand on when it came to leaders—in due course. I am sure the hon. Gentleman greater political participation. will be the first to know. 1375 Oral Answers4 JUNE 2013 Oral Answers 1376

T12. [157219] Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): The legislation, dealing, as I say, with the influence of non- International Development Committee, of which I am political parties with regard to lobbying and support for a member, says in a report today that smallholder campaigns at a constituency level. We will publish those farmers have a vital role to play in global food security. proposals shortly. Will the UK Government champion their vital role as food producers, job creators and protectors of the Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con): Under the environment? Deputy Prime Minister’s version of recall, an MP could refuse to come to Parliament, could refuse to hold any The Deputy Prime Minister: Absolutely; the hon. kind of surgery or see constituents, could switch parties Gentleman makes an important point that it is the at a moment’s notice, and could even go on a two-year smallholding farmers who in many ways are the backbone holiday without notice, and would still fail to qualify of the rural economies in which they operate and very under his proposals. How will that empower voters? much hold the keys to the future prosperity of the countries in which they are located. At the Rio summit The Deputy Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman last year we made a significant announcement of additional and I have spoken, and I know that he and the hon. DFID funding for smallholding farmers, and I know Member for Clacton (Mr Carswell) feel strongly that we that the projects included under that programme are should move towards an unqualified Californian approach already proving to be a terrific success. —a model that is not without its problems given some of the political practices in California. We are trying to Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): Unlike strike a balance, and that will be reflected in our final the Labour Government, who were always in a minority proposals, to give voters and the public a back-stop in the other place, the current Government have a reassurance that if someone commits serious wrongdoing de facto majority of 68, yet have still managed to suffer and they are not held to account, they can be held to 71 defeats, and counting. Is that an illustration of how account by the public. Equally, we should not introduce bad coalition policy is, or is it merely another example a proposal that in effect would become a kangaroo of why the Deputy Prime Minister needs to stuff the court and a free-for all for everyone simply to take other place with ever more peers? political pot shots at each other.

The Deputy Prime Minister: I will send to the hon. Gentleman the figures for the stuffing that took place ATTORNEY-GENERAL under the Labour Government. I repeat that if he wants to join me in advocating lasting, meaningful, democratic reform of the House of Lords, why on earth did he not The Attorney-General was asked— support it when he had a chance? Rape Convictions Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): The crisis in emergency medicine recruitment and retention reveals 1. Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): What steps failures in work force planning and training dating back the Crown Prosecution Service has taken to improve many years, but will my right hon. Friend insist now that the conviction rate for rape since 2010. [157227] the Department of Health look at issues such as pay and overseas recruitment in an attempt to tackle the The Solicitor-General (Oliver Heald): In the past three crisis and prevent pre-emptive measures such as the years, the conviction rate for rape has continued to downgrade of accident and emergency services in increase steadily. In the calendar year 2010, the conviction Cheltenham? rate was 59.1%; it then went to 61% and then to 64.3%, which reflects the commitment of the Crown Prosecution The Deputy Prime Minister: I certainly pay tribute to Service to robust prosecution of rape offences. my hon. Friend for representing his constituents as fiercely as he does on issues such as the A and E department Graham Evans: Does my hon. and learned Friend in his local area. This Government will put an extra agree that part of the reason for the increase in conviction £12.7 billion into the health service by 2015—a policy rates is the training of specialist prosecutors by the of extra resources for the NHS rejected by the Labour CPS? party. That includes an increase of 6,000 in doctor numbers, and waiting times and infection rates on the The Solicitor-General: Yes, my hon. Friend makes an whole are at record low levels. Yes, of course there are important point. The Director of Public Prosecutions issues that need to be dealt with at a local level, but on has led the training of specialist CPS rape prosecutors, the whole that is a record of which we can be proud. 800 of whom have now been trained, and they have done a wide range of units to ensure that they are fully Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): aware of all the ways that it is necessary to prosecute Will the Government confirm that when they introduce such cases. their Bill on lobbying they will ban Members of the House of Lords from being lobbyists and lobbyists Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): Some of from holding passes to either House? the victims are children, and one reason why conviction rates are low is the way in which they are treated during The Deputy Prime Minister: Some of these matters the trial process. It is disgusting that small girls are are for the House authorities and the other place rather further abused by grown men, being taunted for hours than for Government legislation, but we are working on end as liars. What will the Solicitor-General do flat out to cross the t’s and dot the i’s on this package of about it? 1377 Oral Answers4 JUNE 2013 Oral Answers 1378

The Solicitor-General: The hon. Lady makes a very Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): It is in there important point about the way in which the cases are somewhere. conducted, and there is a role for advocates and judges in ensuring that cases are dealt with properly.“The Advocate’s The Solicitor-General: Yes, it is in here somewhere. Gateway”, a guidance document by the Advocacy Training None. [Laughter.] No—there is a bit more: the Crown Council that has had input from the legal profession Prosecution Service is not involved in the use of community and the judiciary, has recently been launched. It deals resolutions, which are out-of-court disposals that enable particularly with this issue, and I think it will make a a police officer to deal proportionately with appropriate major contribution to the way in which cases are handled. offences in a timely and transparent manner.

Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Is the Mr Speaker: I must say that the initial answer was the Solicitor-General satisfied that the CPS is making timely shortest that I have ever heard, especially from a lawyer. application for special measures in cases involving young victims in sex offences, and that lessons have been learned from some of the cases that went badly wrong? Kerry McCarthy: There is real concern that the orders are being used increasingly to resolve—or supposedly resolve—domestic violence incidents. In 2012, nearly The Solicitor-General: Yes;in fact it has been a priority 2,500 of the orders were issued rather than cases being of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure that. put before the CPS for possible prosecution. Does the We can always strive for a better performance, but as Minister share my concern that the orders may be being the results show, the CPS is making a major effort to used as an easy disposal, rather than taking domestic tackle the cases effectively. violence seriously?

Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): The Solicitor- The Solicitor-General: The point to make is that the General will be aware that in the year up to September decisions are made by officers at the time. They are not 2012, 1,243 sex offences resulted in a caution. Does he orders, but decisions made when there has perhaps been agree that it would be helpful to know a lot more about an apology or some reparation. In cases of domestic those cases, and to look at how they might impact on violence, that would be inappropriate. The guidance is the conviction rates and how those offences are dealt that the resolutions should not be used for such cases. with? Obviously, I will mention the matter to the Home Office, which is the place to direct the question. The Solicitor-General: Yes, research is important in this area. I sit on a ministerial group on violence against Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): I declare an women and girls that is trying to examine these issues, interest as a special constable. Presumably, the Solicitor- with the help of the voluntary organisations. The right General should be interested in liaising with the Home hon. Gentleman makes a good point and I will look Office about the most serious offence that a police into it. officer could deal with under a community resolution order, rather than its going through the justice system. Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): Given the recent appalling Will he assure the House that he will establish that cases involving young victims and witnesses, does the threshold with the Home Department? Solicitor-General not agree that the damage done to those young people as they go through the court process The Solicitor-General: As my hon. Friend will know is far too high? Is there not a sense of urgency to the from his background in the special constabulary, community issue? This simply cannot wait. Young people should resolutions are designed for dealing with low-level matters, not be put through such appalling damage during the when the person involved does not have previous convictions court process when they have already suffered such and it is possible to reach an agreement between the distress and harm. parties. Clearly, any serious offence should be dealt with in a different way. The Solicitor-General: Yes, I agree. It is right to bear in mind that all those in the legal profession, including Social Media (Abusive Communications) the judges, are concerned about the issue too, because what has been happening has been wrong. I agree that the matter is urgent. I welcome “The Advocate’s Gateway”, 3. Andrew Griffiths (Burton) (Con): What recent which is a useful initiative to which all parties have discussions he has had with the Director of Public signed up. It should make a major difference. Proper Prosecutions about the Government’s approach to case management is the key. tackling abusive or libellous communications sent via social media. [157229] Community Resolution Orders The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): Ihave held discussions with the Director of Public Prosecutions 2. Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): What recent in relation to the CPS public consultation on the interim discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for guidelines on prosecuting cases involving communications the Home Department on the use of community sent via social media. The public consultation closed on resolution orders to reduce offending. [157228] 13 March 2013 and the final guidelines will be published shortly. I would like to emphasise that libel itself is not a The Solicitor-General (Oliver Heald): Oh, it is me criminal matter unless it is grossly offensive, indecent, again. obscene, menacing or threatening. 1379 Oral Answers4 JUNE 2013 Oral Answers 1380

Andrew Griffiths: My constituent Jordan Agar died activity may amount to a breach of court order, or may tragically the day after his 16th birthday in a motorbike involve threats of violence or material that is accident. Tragically, his mother was then contacted by a “grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or false.” fake Facebook profile set up in Jordan’s name with In those circumstances, action will be taken. I assure the messages such as “Don’t worry mum, I’m not dead. I’ve hon. Gentleman that within the Crown Prosecution just run away.” When apprehended, the 21-year-old Service there is a strong understanding about the need culprit was given a caution; having once remained to preserve the right to freedom of expression. anonymous on the internet, he then remained anonymous under the law. What can be done to make sure that mothers such as Jordan’s never have to go through such Serious Fraud Office a thing again? 4. Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab): What recent The Attorney-General: I am troubled to hear my hon. discussions he has had with Her Majesty’s Treasury on Friend’s story. Obviously, it is impossible for me to the funding of the Serious Fraud Office. [157232] comment on an individual case. What is clear is that the interim guidelines, already in existence, provide, particularly The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): The 2015-16 under the Malicious Communications Act 1988, clear spending round is in progress. I wrote to the Chief grounds on which such a message could be prosecuted Secretary to the Treasury in April and discussions are because it is offensive, shocking or disturbing and harasses continuing. The SFO’s funding settlement for 2015-16 the person who receives it. The harassment aspect would is on track to be agreed by 26 June. normally take it straight into the criminal domain. The guidelines are designed to strike a balance. Sometimes Rosie Cooper: The Serious Fraud Office is reviewing things that are merely offensive will not be criminal, but whether it should investigate allegations that UK-based what my hon. Friend described seems to me to be well oil companies were engaged in a LIBOR-style rigging on the wrong side of the line. of oil prices. If the SFO does decide to investigate, will it be able to do so within its budget this year of just Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Social media are £30 million? also being used by those involved in propagating terrorist activity. Is the Attorney-General to be part of the new The Attorney-General: The Government have made it taskforce? If not, what discussions is he having with clear that the director of the SFO should never have to social media providers about the use of social media for turn down a case on the basis of cost. Any allegations those purposes? of the type described, if brought to the SFO’s attention, are assessed within the context of its remit to investigate The Attorney-General: First, I advise any Minister, fraud, bribery and corruption. If there were a need for Cabinet Committee or, indeed, taskforce if that advice further resources outside the envelope in which the SFO is required. Secondly, as I suspect the right hon. Gentleman is currently operating, then the director could come to knows, I have had quite a lot of involvement in me and I could go to the Treasury to seek the necessary considerations of whether contempt of court, for example, funding. is taking place, or whether issues may arise in respect of misuse of the internet. I can be in a position to help my Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): colleagues in Government on all those things, but the Will the Attorney-General consider the possibility of policy lead will obviously lie elsewhere. returning to the victims of such fraud, corruption and crime any proceeds that the Serious Fraud Office is able to extract? Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Obviously, libellous or criminal messages on social media are illegal The Attorney-General: My hon. Friend raises an and wrong, and action can be taken on them. However, important issue, but ultimately it is rather outside my can the Attorney-General assure us that he will be remit. There are circumstances in which compensation cautious about proposing excessive controls on social can be paid to victims of crime, including from assets media, which are an important form of free expression that may have been recovered. The Crown Prosecution for many people of different opinions and views who Service and the SFO will operate according to the rules want to communicate with each other? It is the modern that are laid down. form of communication, particularly for younger people in our society. Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury) (Lab): The new director of the Serious Fraud Office has The Attorney-General: Yes. Although the final guidelines said that we should have a sensible debate about the will, I hope, be useful, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the introduction of the new offence of corporate criminal interim guidelines published by the DPP. Those make it liability, so that companies could be prosecuted for clear that there is a distinction that one should try to fraud, as they are under the Bribery Act 2010. Does the draw between such material. It may be, for example, Attorney-General agree that it is a good idea to have “Satirical, or iconoclastic, or rude comment” such a debate, or does he agree with some of his or colleagues that instead of being built on, the Bribery Act should be watered down? “the expression of unpopular or unfashionable opinion” where no action should be taken, even if it is offensive, The Attorney-General: If I may say first, there is no shocking or disturbing. Equally, there will be cases question, as far as I am concerned, of the Bribery Act where an individual is specifically targeted, or where the being watered down. It is true that the interpretation of 1381 Oral Answers4 JUNE 2013 Oral Answers 1382 the Act has at times given rise to difficulties, including The Deputy Prime Minister: I stress again that we unnecessary ones for businesses in understanding what should not regard the word “lobbyist” as a bad term. It it requires of them, so an educational process may be is a perfectly legitimate activity but, as the Parliamentary required. Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member On changing the rules on criminal liability, I am the for Norwich North (Miss Smith) explained earlier, the first to recognise that it is an important issue and one focus of our attention will be on third party lobbyists that will obviously require major debate and consideration who, on a commercial basis, provide lobbying services in this House. There are compelling arguments for why to an array of different clients. that should happen, but equally perfectly sound arguments have also been made about why it should not happen. Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): The Deputy Prime Minister said several times earlier that all he is Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): Has prepared to do now on Lords reform is housekeeping the Serious Fraud Office maintained close and effective measures. When did the scale of his ambition as the working relationships with the fraud departments of greatest constitutional reformer since 1832 reduce to the Home Office so that those smaller cases reported to the level of housekeeping? Action Fraud that highlight more widespread and more serious frauds can be prosecuted on behalf of the The Deputy Prime Minister: It was when the hon. individuals concerned? Gentleman’s party abandoned its historical commitment to giving the people a say. It used to be the people’s The Attorney-General: I think there is widespread party and now it is the party of privilege all over again. recognition that smaller fraud, which falls outside the SFO’s remit entirely, has long been a Cinderella area for Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The Liberal law enforcement. The economic crime command was Democrats used to be the party of minority but, thanks set up in the National Crime Agency precisely to try to to the courageous leadership of the Deputy Prime ensure that smaller fraud is dealt with better at a Minister, he has just answered questions from the Dispatch regional policing level and in order to put in place Box in parts 1 and 2 of Question Time, with five or six structures to enable that to happen more effectively. It is Liberal Democrat Ministers sitting alongside him. Can a subject of legitimate anxiety across the House that I say how many Conservative Members want him to fraud problems faced by constituents often cannot be continue as Lib Dem leader and Deputy Prime Minister? dealt with adequately. The SFO is involved with the economic crime command and sits on the economic crime co-ordination board, so it can provide its professional The Deputy Prime Minister: I am so stunned by that; input. I am still trying to work out the barbed comment or intent that must be buried within it. I will take it at face value and thank the hon. Gentleman for what I will take on this occasion to be a compliment. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Anas Sarwar (Glasgow Central) (Lab): The Government have said that they will increase social mobility by The Deputy Prime Minister was asked— ensuring that children are given “a healthy start in life”, Topical Questions by “improving the child maintenance system” Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Why do the and by Government move at the speed of a striking cobra in “making the higher education system more…diverse.” further impoverishing the already poor with the bedroom Does the Deputy Prime Minister believe that the best tax, and why, in the case of reforming the parasitic way of doing that is closing down Sure Start centres, incubus on the body politic of lobbying, do they move introducing charges for using the Child Support Agency, at the speed of an arthritic sloth? and trebling university tuition fees? The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): On both counts, of course, we at least have moved, unlike the The Deputy Prime Minister: As I hope the hon. Labour Government, who for 13 years ducked any Gentleman recognises, the latest figures—the situation meaningful reform of the welfare system, which in our is evolving—suggest that more youngsters from the view should be guided by the simple principle of making most disadvantaged backgrounds are going to university sure that work always pays. We also want to make sure than ever before, notwithstanding the controversial changes. that the details of the provisions that we are going to I am very proud of the fact that we are the first introduce to govern the influence in the political process Government to introduce 15 hours of free pre-school of non-political and third parties are properly crafted, support for all three and four-year-olds; to give two-year-old and we will publish them very shortly. toddlers from the lowest-income families 15 hours of pre-school support; and to introduce the £2.5 billion Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): What is a pupil premium. lobbyist? WRAP—Wight Residents against Asphalt Plant—is a group of constituents who are against an Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): Improving asphalt plant on the River Medina. Are they lobbyists social mobility starts with the early years and attainment and would they be required to register? at school. However, will the Government fully consider 1383 Oral Answers4 JUNE 2013 Oral Answers 1384 the role of developing strength of character and resilience seeks to work with all appropriate bodies throughout in young people and their potential role in reversing the the system to combat fraud. He makes an important woeful social mobility of recent decades? point on the integrity of the electoral system. We are committed to combating fraud and the perception of The Deputy Prime Minister: I pay tribute to the hon. fraud wherever it arises. Gentleman, who is passionate on this issue. I read with great interest the papers from the conference on character Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): Will he hosted back in February. It is a slightly amorphous the Minister agree to consider the huge fees, often of up term, but none the less an important one to grapple to £20,000, paid to returning officers, who are generally with as a factor in determining how well children do, highly paid chief executives of councils? That is a huge and particularly in determining how well they do in, as amount of money and the Government are looking to it were, escaping the circumstances of their birth and save money. I believe that that should be part of political realising their aspirations. I hope that a number of the reform. early years policies I have alluded to, and reforms in the welfare and tax system that ensure that work always Miss Smith: I thank my hon. Friend for his question—I pays and that people in low-income work retain more of know he has probed that issue many times before. the money they earn, will help to boost social mobility Returning officers are entitled by statute to recover in the long run. expenses incurred, as set out in the order made for each poll. As my hon. Friend will know, through the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013, we have put Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): To prevent postal in place a facility whereby some or all of the fee payable and proxy vote fraud, what discussions has the Minister can be withheld in the event of unsatisfactory performance. had with the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Electoral I am sure he, like the Government, will want to see that Commission in Northern Ireland to learn from the new system bed in, after which we ought to return to the steps that the Assembly has taken to stop such fraud? issue.

The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Miss Several hon. Members rose— Chloe Smith): I would be happy to have further discussions with the hon. Gentleman on those matters. I can confirm Mr Speaker: Order. We must call it a day there and that the electoral registration transformation programme move on. 1385 4 JUNE 2013 Points of Order 1386

Points of Order have you, Mr Speaker, had any indication from, or via, the usual channels that the Prime Minister would propose 12.33 pm to recall Parliament, so that there could be a vote before such a serious step was taken? Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): Would it be appropriate to record the fact that, 100 years ago Mr Speaker: I can say to the hon. Gentleman that I today, Emily Davison was very seriously injured while have received no indication of any plans one way or the campaigning for the right of women to vote? As a result other so far as Her Majesty’s Government are concerned. of those injuries, she died four years later. In praising In the event that the situation the hon. Gentleman her, should we not also record all who campaigned, describes—which is, so far, hypothetical—were to arise, including the suffragettes who went to prison and were I would be obliged to deal with the matter under the forcibly fed, simply for the right to have the same vote current terms of the relevant Standing Order governing and democratic rights as men? As far as you know, recall, a Standing Order with which I fancy the hon. Mr Speaker, has there been any apology at all from the Gentleman either is, or will shortly become, familiar. two political parties that did their best at the time to More widely on the merits of the matters being debated, deny half the adult population their democratic right? having known the hon. Gentleman for 30 years this October, I know what an incredibly persistent woodpecker Mr Speaker: It was perfectly reasonable for the hon. he is and I feel sure that he will return to the matter at Gentleman to draw attention to this very significant every conceivable opportunity. anniversary, as he has just done. I think I am right in saying that, in recognition of the significance of the Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Further to anniversary and of the great contribution to public life that point of order, Mr Speaker. Would I be right in of Emily Wilding Davison, an event is to take place in thinking that you could recall Parliament only at the Westminster Hall early tomorrow evening, as a result of request of the Prime Minister, and not necessarily as a the prodigious last-minute efforts of the hon. Member result of a submission made by a delegation of Members for Islington South and Finsbury (Emily Thornberry), from all parties? This matter needs to be cleared up well of which I was kept well informed. In fact, it is my before the summer recess, in the event that the Government intention to join in on the occasion. decide to send arms to Syria. So far as the second part of the hon. Gentleman’s point of order is concerned, I cannot say I am aware of Mr Speaker: The hon. Gentleman’s understanding is any of the matters he describes, but it would be unseemly broadly correct. Specifically, the requirement of the of me to comment further. Standing Order is not that the request has to be made by the Prime Minister, but that it does have to be made Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): On a point by one of Her Majesty’s Ministers. In so far as the hon. of order, Mr Speaker. When the Prime Minister was Gentleman is highlighting this point as evidence of his asked yesterday whether there would definitely be a belief that the Standing Order is unsatisfactory and a vote in this House before arms were supplied to the constraint on Parliament, I note very much what he opposition in Syria, he replied that says. It is what it is, and it will be up to Members, if they “Parliament has that opportunity whenever it wants to.”—[Official judge it necessary, to deploy their collective wits to try Report, 3 June 2013; Vol. 563, c. 1241.] to ensure an opportunity for Parliament to debate and Given that some of us suspect a decision to supply arms vote, if that is what they seek. I hope that that is helpful; to the rebels in Syria might be taken during the recess, we will have to leave it there for today. 1387 4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1388

Energy Bill In doing so, I emphasise, as I have done before, that my views on climate change and on the need for Britain to [2ND ALLOCATED DAY] move more swiftly to a low-carbon economy and to cut its dependence of fossil fuels were formed two decades Further consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public ago when I had ministerial responsibility for this area of Bill Committee policy. I have not changed these views at any time since and Clause 1 have repeated them publicly and privately on many occasions throughout the past 20 years. My views have DECARBONISATION never been influenced at any time or in any way by my financial interests, all of which were acquired after I left 12.39 pm the shadow Cabinet in 2005. That was 12 years after I Mr Tim Yeo (South Suffolk) (Con): I beg to move accepted the overwhelming scientific consensus on this amendment 11, page 1, line 4, after ‘ensure’, insert— subject and began campaigning for a more urgent response to the challenge of climate change. Various bloggers, ‘that a decarbonisation target range is set and that’. columnists and others, including one or two of my hon. Friends, who insinuate otherwise and who ignore the Mr Speaker: With this it will be convenient to discuss scientific consensus, invariably overlook my strong and the following: consistent support for nuclear power, which is a low-carbon Amendment 12, page 1, line 5, leave out technology that should be part of Britain’s energy mix. ‘a decarbonisation target range is set, that’ I am grateful for this opportunity to debate and insert— amendment 11, which stands in my name and the name ‘such a target range is set’. of hon. Members from most parties. It is based on a Amendment 13, page 1, line 8, leave out ‘may’ and unanimous recommendation made last July in the report insert ‘must’. of the Energy and Climate Change Committee on the draft Energy Bill. I am glad to say that the Government Amendment 14, page 1, line 11, at end insert— accepted many of the Committee’s recommendations, ‘(4) Subject to section 2(1) the decarbonisation level must not and by doing so materially improved the Bill, and I exceed the level deemed consistent with a low-carbon trajectory congratulate my right hon. Friend the Secretary of as advised by the Committee on Climate Change’. State and his team on their response to our report and Amendment 15, page 2, line 2, leave out from on the outcome of their negotiations with the Treasury ‘and the first decarbonisation order may not’ on a range of issues, including the levy control framework. to ‘Climate Change Act 2008’ and insert— For a variety of reasons, however, the need for the ‘a decarbonisation order must be made by 1 April 2014’. amendment is even greater now than when my Committee’s Amendment 16, page 2, line 6, leave out ‘A’ and report was published. First, despite some positive signs insert— on the Government’s support for low-carbon electricity generation, the publication of the gas strategy on the ‘Subject to section 2(1), a’. very day of the autumn statement confused many investors. Amendment 17, in clause 2, page 2, line 30, leave out The possibility that the Government might sanction from ‘The following matters’ to ‘target range’ and insert— 37 GW of new gas-fired generation capacity rests uneasily ‘Before exercising the power to make a decarbonisation order with their acceptance two years ago of the fourth carbon the Secretary of State must obtain and take into account the budget, which covers the period 2023 to 2027, and advice of the Committee on Climate Change.’. raises the fear that the purpose of next year’s review of Amendment 18, page 2, line 32, leave out ‘The matters the budget is to water it down and weaken the incentives are’ and insert— for low-carbon investment. ‘In providing its advice to the Secretary of State the Committee on Climate Change must take into account the following matters’. John Robertson (Glasgow North West) (Lab): As a Amendment 19, page 2, line 46, at end insert— member of the Energy and Climate Change Committee, ‘(3) As soon as is reasonably practicable after giving its advice I want to compliment the hon. Gentleman on his to the Secretary of State, the Committee must publish that advice chairmanship. He has done an excellent job. Does he in such manner as it considers appropriate. agree that unfortunately the Government have dragged (4) If in making a decarbonisation order the Secretary of State their feet over the Energy Bill? They did not give us makes provision different from that recommended by the enough time to scrutinise it. The Bill then disappeared Committee, the Secretary of State must, on making the order, for a while and came back at short notice. Does this publish a statement setting out the reasons for that decision.’. smack of a Government who are putting their heart Amendment 20, in clause 3, page 3, line 2, leave out and soul into energy? from ‘a report setting out’ to the end of subsection and insert— Mr Yeo: It is certainly true, as the hon. Gentleman says, ‘and publish a delivery plan setting out proposals to achieve the that we waited a long time for the draft Energy Bill. I duty in section 1 to ensure that the decarbonisation target range is think that the industry, the non-governmental organisations not exceeded.’. and the academic world were all hoping to see it appear Government amendments 51 and 70. a lot earlier than last summer. Our Committee was given a very limited period—about half the time normally Mr Yeo: I draw the attention of the House to my given to Select Committees to comment on a draft Bill. entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests, We completed our work—with great assistance not in particular to my interests in the energy industry. just from my colleagues on the Committee, but from 1389 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1390

[Mr Yeo] proposed capacity mechanism are known. I urge my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to publish the the staff—in about six weeks. Having received our details as soon as possible. recommendations at the end of July, we waited another With a decision on nuclear still awaited and with five months before the actual Energy Bill was published, fossil fuel generating investment at a standstill, it might although I recognise that some of that period was used be thought that money would pour into low-carbon in the negotiations on which I have already congratulated renewables, but even there the picture is unclear. For the Secretary of State. The Public Bill Committee stage example, according to new figures from Bloomberg, the was completed in the first week of February, however, flow of funds is actually slowing down. Doubts about and we have now waited a further four months to get to whether a future Government will remain committed to Report, so the matter has not been conducted with the supporting low-carbon technologies after 2020, fears urgency that I think the needs of the situation required. that instead they will bet the farm on another dash for The understandably envious glances cast across the gas, and a lack of clarity about the level of strike prices Atlantic by the Treasury at the transformation of the to be proposed for the new contracts for difference US gas market in the wake of the exploitation of shale regime have all unsettled investors. The only certain gas have not passed unnoticed. Not surprisingly, there consequence of this is that investment will be slower are now doubts in the minds of many prospective and the risk of a capacity crisis greater. investors about the depth of the Government’s commitment to decarbonising electricity generation. Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): What the hon. Incidentally, the Energy and Climate Change Committee Gentleman has just said exactly echoes what businesses was one of the first bodies to urge the Government, in my constituency are telling me. The lack of certainty more than two years ago, to approve more exploration and the suggestion that the Government will now delay and testing to establish the scale of Britain’s recoverable setting targets until 2016 mean that businesses simply shale gas reserves. If our dependence on imported gas do not know within which parameters they are operating. can be cut and if consumers can be partially protected They do not know whether they should go ahead and against fluctuations in international gas prices, which invest in the technology. have been the main cause of the rise in domestic energy prices in the last few years, that is wholly to be welcomed. Mr Yeo: I agree with the hon. Lady and will develop However, my Committee also warned, in a more recent that very point. report on shale gas, that it would be rash to base energy The element of perceived political risk is leading policy on the assumption that Britain will soon be a investors to seek higher returns from their investments major shale gas producer. The opposition to exploring in the UK energy market. Higher returns to investors for shale gas in Sussex, which is already emerging, is a mean higher prices for consumers. Amendment 11 directly foretaste of the battle for public opinion, which must be addresses these issues. By itself, it would not immediately won before domestic production of shale gas on even a alter the low-carbon pathway on which the Government modest scale can occur. The case for a diversified energy have already embarked, most notably in its acceptance mix is therefore as strong as ever. of the fourth carbon budget. However, the prospect of the fourth carbon budget being watered down in next year’s review is simply another unwelcome uncertainty. 12.45 pm The amendment would remove that uncertainty by Secondly, although we hear regular warnings about a requiring the Secretary of State to set, no later than looming capacity crisis in electricity generation and the 1 April 2014, a decarbonisation target for 2030 for consequent risk of power cuts, there is a curious electricity generation. complacency about the Government’s attitude. Investment in new generating capacity is now at a low level. The Mr John Redwood (Wokingham)(Con): But will my hon. nuclear talks between the Government and EDF remain Friend concede that if we put up more wind farms, we unfinished. Even if, as I now hope and expect, they are would also have to build gas-fired power stations as brought to a successful, albeit belated, conclusion, it back-up because the wind might not blow? That would will be 2020 at the earliest before a single kilowatt of be an awful lot dearer than just building the gas stations. electricity is generated by a new nuclear power station How much is he planning to add to people’s electricity in Britain. New investment in coal is unlikely to occur bills? until an economically viable form of carbon capture and storage is available. Despite the huge potential Mr Yeo: I recommend that my right hon. Friend look market for CCS, there is no sign anywhere in the world at the latest report from National Grid, which shows of that happening. I am an enormous fan of CCS—it is that the amount of back-up required for wind farms is the single technology that the world most urgently extraordinarily low. More importantly, on the broader needs to address climate change—but we might have to point about costs, I am sure he will be aware—because wait another decade or even longer for a breakthrough he takes a close interest in these matters—that nothing on that front. in the amendment would affect the cost of electricity Meanwhile, coal can be imported cheaply from America, between now and 2020 because the support for low-carbon so our remaining coal-fired power stations are running technologies during that period is capped by the levy flat out. Gas generation—the great white hope of many control framework. The amendment would have no impact people—is currently so unprofitable that, far from large-scale on electricity prices for consumers for the next seven years. new investment taking place, some plant is currently I am sure that my right hon. Friend also takes a close mothballed. Critically, potential investors in gas generation interest in what electricity prices will be in the 2020s, are holding back until the details of the Government’s and it is theoretically possible that approving this 1391 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1392 amendment could lead to higher prices during that period. a pathway of slowly decarbonising the British economy That would depend heavily on an assumption about what and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, which is gas prices will be doing in the 2020s, and I would not be particularly relevant to the electricity generating industry, confident to make such a forecast. If he is really concerned is reinforced by accepting an obligation to set the target about the cost to consumers—a concern that I share—he in secondary legislation during the next 10 months. I should address his attention in the short term to the believe that that would be wholly helpful to investors. It Treasury, which has imposed a minimum floor price for would give them a more secure and predictable framework carbon. That will have the effect of raising electricity in which to make their decisions, as well as having an prices before 2020. It is an imposition that applies only effect on the returns that they might expect. in the United Kingdom and therefore puts us at a competitive disadvantage with the rest of the European Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): In Northern Ireland, Union. I hope he will join me in making continued Airtricity’s electricity prices have gone up by 17.5%, and representations to the Treasury to drop that policy. Northern Ireland Electricity’s prices have risen by 18%. As currently drafted, the Energy Bill gives the Secretary What elements of the Bill will give consumers confidence of State a power to set a decarbonisation target for that prices will not rise above affordable levels, given 2030, but it does not compel him to do so. It also that prices are heading in the wrong direction at the prevents him from exercising that power before 2016. moment? Suggestions that the amendment would force him to set the target at 50 grams per kWh in 2030 are mistaken. It Mr Yeo: On the wider point about future prices, it would merely require him to set it in accordance with would be dishonest for anyone to suggest that we could advice received from the Committee on Climate Change. protect consumers against the probability of higher There is nothing in the amendment that would require energy prices. The world’s demand for energy is expanding him to set a particular figure. If the Committee were to very quickly, particularly in the Asian economies, and recommend a figure higher than 50 grams per kWh, the that will probably lead to higher prices. What the Secretary of State would have to heed that advice. If he Government can do, and what the Bill is aiming to do, is did not do so, he would have to explain why. at least to minimise those price rises. A number of The Committee on Climate Change itself would not measures can be taken to achieve that, including improving have a completely free hand in determining its advice to competition, ensuring that consumers are better informed the Government. It would still have to take account of and deploying various smart technologies on a large all the matters referred to in clause 2(2). I remind the scale. Also, as I have said before, it would be helpful if House of five of those key points. The Committee Britain were able to go ahead and identify the scale of would have to take account of our recoverable shale gas reserves and then exploit “scientific knowledge about climate change…technology relevant them. That would certainly reduce our dependence on to the generation and storage of electricity…economic circumstances, imports, and it might give us some protection against and in particular the likely impact on the economy and the price fluctuations. competitiveness of particular sectors of the economy…fiscal circumstances, and in particular the likely impact on…public The amendment is not so revolutionary as some borrowing”— people seem to think. It seeks to bring forward by a and— couple of years something that the Government are contemplating doing anyway. If it is true, as the Secretary “social circumstances, and in particular the likely impact on fuel of State said yesterday, that we are heading for a substantial poverty”. decarbonisation of electricity anyway—I am sure that, if he said it, it must be true—what possible objection Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): My could there be to the amendment? There is now widespread hon. Friend began by saying that the whole purpose of support for such a measure. Only two weeks ago, the his amendment was to provide certainty. He is now Committee on Climate Change published a report saying, “This won’t be certain because it will depend on recommending that a target for reducing carbon emissions half a dozen things that we cannot forecast.” Why does from electricity generation by 50 grams per kWh to he imagine that people will invest on the basis of a legal 2030 should be set in legislation, with the flexibility to obligation to do something in 2030 that it is impossible adjust it in the light of new information. The amendment to do now, and that they will not invest on the basis of provides for precisely that. subsidies that are available now and that can be removed only as a result of breach of contract? A wide range of businesses and trade bodies have backed the proposal. The Aldersgate Group, whose members include Microsoft, Marks & Spencer, Aviva, Mr Yeo: I am not sure that I completely follow my Sky, Pepsico, British American Tobacco and many others, right hon. Friend’s concerns. Those points in the Bill is a strong supporter. Many companies with an interest will simply ensure that, in the event of an unexpected in the supply chain and with the potential to create jobs substantial change in economic circumstances or the in Britain want to see the amendment accepted. A wide emergence of a new technology, the Committee on range of voluntary bodies is also campaigning for it, Climate Change would have an opportunity to review including the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, its advice. Indeed, I would hope that it would want to the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church, the do so in normal circumstances anyway.Moreover, investors Baptist Union of Great Britain, the United Reform are accustomed to having to adjust their decisions and Church and the Quakers in Britain. I mention the expectations in the light of changing events. Churches because, in the recent debate on gay marriage, I am seeking, through the amendment, to remove I found myself on the opposite side from most of those another element of uncertainty. I want to ensure that organisations, and I am delighted to be allied with them the Government’s current commitment to moving down on this issue. 1393 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1394

Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP): I am listening closely Even the Government seek powers in the Bill as it to what the hon. Gentleman is saying. Does he agree stands to introduce a decarbonisation target, but for that the purpose of setting a decarbonisation target some reason they do not want to do so until 2016 at the now is surely related to the supply chain? Companies earliest. The problem with the Saint Augustinian coyness are looking at bringing developments on stream around and this promise of possible future chastity in the 2020, as many of them have a long lead-in time, and matter of greenhouse gas emissions—“but, please God, they want to know now that there will be a market for not just yet”—is that by 2016 many investment decisions them after that date. will have been made. If these lock Britain into a high greenhouse gas emission future, they will either prevent Mr Yeo: That is certainly one of the reasons for the us from meeting our climate change commitments or amendment. It would help to create more jobs in the else will lead to the construction of fossil fuel generating UK if the supply chain companies received reassurance capacity, which will subsequently have to be scrapped. in that regard. The year 2016 is also after the next general election. Even among hon. Members there are signs of enthusiasm Delaying a decision until then creates another needless for my amendment. At the Liberal Democrat party but harmful element of doubt about the Government’s conference last September, the Chief Secretary to the true intentions. I therefore urge hon. Members on all Treasury proposed a motion to establish a sides of the House to support this amendment. Doing so will remove an element of uncertainty whose presence “target range of 50-100g of CO2 per kWh for the decarbonisation of power sector in addition to existing carbon reductions.” hampers investment, increases the risk of a capacity If every Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament who crisis and raises electricity prices unnecessarily. The supported the Chief Secretary on that day were to join amendment will not impose on the Government today me in the Aye Lobby at 4 o’clock, the amendment any commitments that they do not already claim to would be carried. I am sure that all my hon. Friends on embrace. Furthermore, it will not remove the need for the Liberal Democrat Benches are keen to take this even greater priority to be given to demand-side measures opportunity to strengthen their well-known reputation and to energy efficiency—issues that I wholly support. for consistency. By itself, the amendment will not raise electricity prices in the next seven years by a single penny because the Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): How did the total sums spent on subsidising low-carbon electricity debate go at the Conservative party conference? in the period up to 2020 has, as I have mentioned, already been capped by the levy control framework. Mr Yeo: Had my hon. Friend been able to attend the Conservative party conference—where, incidentally, he Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): I am listening to the would have been very welcome—he would have found a things that the amendment will not do, but will my hon. fringe meeting attended by myself and two others, at Friend tell my constituents in Winchester and across the which this motion was carried with acclamation. beautiful Hampshire downs what a decarbonised power sector will look like in my constituency and in many Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): My hon. Friend will other constituencies by 2030? be well aware that one of the biggest road blocks to achieving progress in this area is the Chancellor of the Mr Yeo: That is quite a challenge because we cannot Exchequer. It is not the Liberal Democrats who are predict exactly which will be the most cost-effective standing in the way of the progress that we need to technologies. I very much hope, incidentally, that we make. He needs to work with his own colleagues to will move swiftly away from a situation in which the persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer to come on Government set the strike prices for contracts for difference board. on a centrally determined basis, and that they will allow different technologies to bid in an auction process so Mr Yeo: I say to my hon. Friend that there are two that we can be sure that we are getting the best value for people who could give a decisive signal to the Chancellor money. It may well be that some technologies that we do of the Exchequer this afternoon by voting for the not yet know about will offer better value than offshore amendment: one is the Chief Secretary to the Treasury wind farms, for example, which look to me as if they are and the other is the Energy Secretary—both members going to be at the costly end of the spectrum. Even of my hon. Friend’s party, with which we are delighted today, it is possible to see solar and an array of wind to be in coalition. farms—I visited them in my constituency last Friday— operating. The farmer who showed me these with great Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) pride—he was lucky enough to make his investment (LD): Given that the hon. Gentleman has chosen to before the rates were cut a year and a half ago—pointed reduce this issue to a political knockabout, it would be out that his sheep enjoyed sheltering under these panels interesting to ask him, if he is so committed to his and that there was some evidence to demonstrate increased amendment, what meetings he has sought with the productivity from the sheep as well as the generation of Treasury to discuss it. renewable power. I think I have probably said enough about the Treasury’s 1pm floor price for carbon for the House to realise that I am not a supporter of it. I stress that we need to recognise Mr Yeo: I frequently pass the time of day in the warmest that it is raising prices, adding to consumer and business possible terms with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor bills and making British business less competitive relative of the Exchequer when we are voting in the same to the rest of the EU, and it manages to do so in a way Lobby, which from time to time we are. that does not cut carbon emissions by a single kilogram. 1395 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1396

Without amendment 11, the Bill, whose early passage Critically, the Climate Change Committee says: through Parliament is desperately needed for economic “Only if the world abandons attempts to limit risks of dangerous and security reasons as much as for environmental ones, climate change would a strategy of investment in gas-fired generation will be needlessly weakened. I commend the amendment through the 2020s offer significant savings.” to the House. David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): Is it not the Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): I am pleased to case that the climate has been changing for the last join the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Yeo) in 4.5 billion years, while surprisingly there has been no supporting amendment 11 and voting for it later today. increase in temperatures for the last 15 years, so growing numbers of people think the whole thing is hogwash, The Secretary of State is in a bind. His party believes and they are going to support quite reluctantly what the in a 2030 decarbonisation target—it is Lib Dem party Government are doing as the least worst option? policy, after all. His party put the issue in its manifesto. Many of his MPs went further and actually signed a Barry Gardiner: Yes, the hon. Gentleman is right to separate pledge in support of a decarbonisation target. say that the climate has been changing over billions of Have they not learned the Lady Bracknell rule of politics: years. If, however, he cared to read the report from the to break one pledge may be regarded as a misfortune; to Met Office and from meteorologists around the world, break two looks like contempt for the electorate? The he would find that the fluctuation over the past 10 years, Secretary of State is, however, a decent fellow and he to which he referred, relates to the context and background has told me from that Dispatch Box that he favours a diminishing rather than the effect of emissions reducing. 2030 decarbonisation target and would be happy to Again, if he bothered to read the report, he would find implement one were it not for the fact that he struck an that it says that once the background comes back to agreement with the Chancellor. I understand that he normal or back to the average, the effect of the increased refers to this agreement as “the grand bargain”. Hardly: emissions would then produce a correspondingly sharp it is more of a Faustian pact. rise in climate change. The hon. Gentleman is right to The Secretary of State was right to negotiate £7.6 billion say that there have always been changes in the climate under the levy control framework to support renewables and there are risks that we must factor in, but when we up until 2020—but bargain this was not. Old coal will do so, we must take full account of the scientific data. be allowed to provide base load beyond 2023; gas will Failing to do so is the mistake he made in his intervention. be incentivised to provide base load right the way up So here we have the United Kingdom Government, until 2045. All pretence of meeting our carbon budgets who proclaim themselves to be a leader in the international and emissions targets will be abandoned, and the jobs climate negotiations in the run-up to the United Nations and growth that leadership in low-carbon industries framework convention on climate change agreement in would generate will be lost. The combined value to the 2015, adopting a national strategy that their own UK economy of all this is worth many times more than independent expert advisers have told them will make the paltry £7.6 billion that the Secretary of State has economic sense only if the world abandons its attempt negotiated up to 2020. A grand bargain? Not since Esau to avoid dangerous climate change. If it were on “Mock sold his birthright for a mess of pottage has a worse the Week”, we should all be in hysterics. deal been struck. This is not the advice of some partisan body funded Just 10 days ago, the UK’s independent Committee by industry. It is the advice of the independent committee on Climate Change produced its report on the electricity that we established and expressly charged with the task market reform. The report compared and analysed the of advising Parliament on the most cost-effective measures relative benefits of investing in a portfolio of low-carbon that can be taken in order to deliver on the UK’s legally technologies through the 2020s rather than investing in binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions gas-fired generation. The report finds that investment by at least 80% by 2050. What that committee is telling in low carbon would save consumers between £25 billion the Secretary of State is that the £7.6 billion that he has and £45 billion. If, however, one uses the higher-end negotiated needs to be set against at least £25 billion to estimates of gas and carbon prices, the Climate Change £45 billion of increased costs to the UK public. The Committee’s estimate then rises to £100 billion. House should not wilfully choose to disregard the advice of the Committee on Climate Change unless it hears Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): Will very specific evidence from Ministers that refutes its the hon. Gentleman tell us what the figure would be conclusions. To disagree with the Committee without if we were to use the lower end of the estimates for gas such evidence would be wilfully to embrace higher prices instead? energy prices than are necessary to our emissions objectives, and to accept lower economic growth and the likelihood that this policy will fail. Barry Gardiner: Of course. The hon. Gentleman must be forgiven for not having a memory retention of more than Amendments 11 to 20, which we will press to a vote 10 seconds. I did, in fact, say that the lower-end figures this afternoon, require the Secretary of State to set a were £25 billion to £45 billion, and that the higher end 2030 decarbonisation target for the electricity sector by of the spectrum led to the estimate of £100 billion. 1 April 2014, at a level that There we have it. If we compare the £7.6 billion that the “must not exceed the level deemed consistent with a low-carbon Secretary of State has negotiated with the lower-end range trajectory as advised by the Committee on Climate Change”. of £25 billion to £45 billion, we see what the Climate I am most grateful to the 43 Members on both sides of Change Committee has said the gas strategy might cost the House who have chosen to add their names to the us in comparison with a low-carbon investment amendments. They, like the hon. Member for South strategy. Suffolk and me, believe that a 2030 decarbonisation 1397 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1398

[Barry Gardiner] 1.15 pm Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): Does the hon. target is essential to the success of the Bill. Let me Gentleman not accept that there are already many repeat those words: “the success of the Bill”. We are not positive signals for investors in the marketplace? There trying to wreck the Bill, for it is too important to play is the 2050 target, there is the levy control framework politics with. Ministers should distinguish between those that enables billions of pounds to be contributed by who bring a spade to bury their endeavours and those central Government, and there is the Government who, like the hon. Member for South Suffolk and me, amendment to the Bill, to which the hon. Gentleman bring a spade to shore them up. I am conscious that the has referred and which allows the Secretary of State to Government Whips have been given a good deal of take those measures in 2016. extra work by the amendments, and I will happily buy a refreshment for any of them who feel aggrieved by Is the hon. Gentleman not as concerned as I am—and, having to argue with their colleagues against both common indeed, as Professor Dieter Helm was when he gave sense and principle. evidence to the Public Bill Committee—about the possibility that including additional targets that impose restrictions So far, we have identified a number of arguments that on the marketplace will simply lead to higher costs for have been adduced in the Government’s defence. Front both British business and consumers? Benchers have been keen to tell their troops not to worry, because they have introduced a provision to set a Barry Gardiner: I agree that it is important to address decarbonisation target in 2016. Well, that is not strictly the question of what the costs to British industry and accurate. The Secretary of State did not need to give British consumers will be. As the hon. Gentleman will himself the power to set a decarbonisation target in the accept, the independent Committee on Climate Change Bill, because he already had that power under the has already addressed that question, and, indeed, its Climate Change Act 2008. What the Government actually remarks and recommendations were based precisely on do in the Bill is make it illegal for him to set a 2030 its assessment of the likely costs and benefits and the decarbonisation target before 2016. There is no compulsion signals that currently exist in the market; but he has for him to set it even after that date; there is only a made a fair point. We certainly need to ask what signals permission and an acknowledgement that he may do so. exist, and what effect either costs or benefits are likely The Government specifically claim that the enforced to have on our national well-being. delay makes sense, because by that time the Committee It is heartening to know that the Government want to on Climate Change will have published its fifth carbon hear what the Committee on Climate Change wants to budget, which covers the year 2030. They say that it is say in three years’ time. Perhaps they will now extend best to consider the committee’s budget recommendation that courtesy further by not just hearing but listening to along with any decarbonisation target. Interestingly, what the committee is saying today. the committee itself does not agree with that view. In fact, it has repeatedly disagreed with it. In its recent The other argument that the Government Whips report on electricity market reform, it is quite explicit in have deployed against the amendments is that sector-specific saying: targets without road maps are meaningless. That is, to a degree, relevant to the point made by the hon. Member “We recommended to the Government in summer 2012 that a for Central Devon (Mel Stride). This is not only about carbon-intensity target aimed at reducing 2030 emissions to around 50 gCO2 /kWh should be set under the Energy Bill, which is the targets; it is also about the road maps relating to the currently progressing through Parliament. implementation of those targets, and that, of course, is precisely why we have a levy control framework. It is In response, the Government has taken a power in the draft also why the EMR report of the Committee on Climate Bill which would allow it do this in 2016. It has argued that setting a target any earlier would be premature, given that the fifth Change calls on the Government to extend to 2030 carbon budget covering the period 2028-2032—and setting the funding allocated to support the development of less economy-wide emissions limit for 2030—will not be legislated mature technologies under the framework, to present until 2016. “options to support mobilisation of new sources of finance, However, it is not necessary to wait for the setting of the fifth including roles for the Green Investment Bank and Infrastructure carbon budget to take a decision on the 2030 carbon intensity UK”, target, given clear evidence to show that investment in a portfolio and to publish in the EMR delivery plan of low-carbon technologies is a robust strategy with low regrets “the amount of capacity that the Government intends to contract” and significant potential benefits across a wide range of scenarios. over the next period. Neither is it necessary to wait for the fourth carbon budget review in 2014 to set a carbon-intensity target. Although the The final argument that we have heard from Ministers Government has linked its approach to EMR implementation is that they do not wish to sacrifice jobs and growth for with the review of the fourth carbon budget, it will remain the sake of the environment. That is the most fallacious economically desirable to invest in a portfolio of low-carbon argument of all. It was dealt with very well in some of technologies whatever the outcome of the review, given the 2050 the pre-Committee hearings. Andrew Buglass from the target in the Climate Change Act. Royal Bank of Scotland told the Energy Bill Committee Moreover, delay in setting the target will allow current uncertainties that there is a cliff edge and that cliff edge is making it to be perpetuated, with adverse consequences for supply chain very difficult for supply chain investors to invest in the investment and project development”. UK. Overcoming the insecurity created by the 2020 The committee concludes: cliff edge does not require more public money or even “We therefore continue to recommend to the Government and the promise of more money. It requires coherence in the to Parliament that a carbon-intensity target aimed at reducing form of a 2030 target that proves to industry that the emissions to around 50 gCO2/kWh should be set as a matter of demand for low-carbon energy will continue to rise urgency.” beyond 2020. 1399 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1400

The shadow Minister, my hon. Friend the Member UK, and in the UK they are falling more quickly, yet he for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex), has seems to think that the best way forward for us is to have previously quoted comments made by Mr Buglass in an targets and increasingly to act unilaterally. Why are our Energy Bill Committee sitting, observing that Mr Buglass European neighbours going in the opposite direction? stated that a 2030 target “is absolutely critical from the conversations I have with potential Barry Gardiner: That point is often made; it is often said supply-chain investors because they quite rightly point out that it that Germany is getting rid of its low-carbon nuclear is very difficult for them to take investment to their board if they and is embracing coal as the fuel for the future. The really only have visibility on three or four years-worth of work.”– hon. Gentleman is diligent on these matters, and I am –[Official Report, Energy Public Bill Committee, 15 January 2013; therefore sure that he has examined the Pöyry report c. 51, Q154.] commissioned by his Government—by DECC—which We must put that target in place if we are to incentivise was published in April 2013 and which made it clear potential investors and achieve the investment in low-carbon that this is not a sustainable pathway for Germany. It industry that we need. concludes: “It is our opinion that there will be no major new unabated Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): I support coal or lignite projects in Germany for the foreseeable future the decarbonisation target. Does my hon. Friend agree beyond those currently under construction. Our view appears to that this issue is not just about what DECC is doing, but be endorsed by the German companies: three majors have very it is also about what the Department for Business, publicly announced that they have no intention of building Innovation and Skills is doing? There are many investors additional coal-fired power stations in Germany until at least the looking to invest in constituencies across the country, end of the decade. but they will not make that investment if the uncertainty The Netherlands has many parallels to Germany in that legacy arising from the Government’s current position persists. circumstances are responsible for a wave of new coal-fired power stations, but that these conditions are highly unlikely to repeated.” It is therefore vital that we get some kind of assessment of where that investment can go, because that will help It then goes on to talk about Spain. to create the green jobs that we all want. The hon. Gentleman knows that the decision on nuclear in Germany was taken at a time when highly Barry Gardiner: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. political conditions were in play. Those conditions are One of the great mistakes this Government have made not going to be replicated in the future, and, importantly, on energy policy is to confine it simply to energy itself, the business sectors in these countries have seen that and not to consider it in the wider context of British this is not a credible future pathway. industry. That is why I am delighted that the new Minister for Energy, the right hon. Member for Sevenoaks Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab) rose— (Michael Fallon), has a spanning brief over the two Departments. I hope he will be able to bring that to David Mowat rose— bear, because we must see how our energy policy is related to our exports. Unfortunately, last night the Barry Gardiner: I shall give way to my hon. Friend Government did not accept the amendments on carbon the Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen) first, and capture and storage, but we must understand that the then to the hon. Member for Warrington South (David growth of CCS as a new technology in this country will Mowat), if he wants to intervene again. impact not only on our own energy policy here in the UK, but much more widely in terms of the exports we Mr Speaker: Order. Before the hon. Member for can make abroad and the impact we can make on Ynys Môn intervenes, I should point out that although climate change across the globe and in countries such as the hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) is, China and India, which will be using coal for the next as usual, entirely in order as there is no time limit, he is 30 or 40 years. That is the true prize. Our own energy a sensitive fellow and I therefore know that he will wish consumption and our own emissions are small compared to take account of the fact that several other Members with those of the rest of the world, but the impact that might also wish to volunteer their opinions in the our industrial policy can make is enormous. That is why course of the debate. we have to integrate energy and business, as my hon. Friend says. Albert Owen: I will be brief, but my hon. Friend’s Potential investors in the UK have a policy risk concern; comments on the German issue have provoked me to they are concerned about what the future shape of our intervene. He is right that there may be no new-build energy policy might be. Siemens told us if we wait until coal power stations in Germany, but German business 2016 to set a decarbonisation target for 2030, it and is concerned that it will be importing nuclear from many of its competitors are likely to delay or cancel France or coal from Poland, and that carbon issues will planned investment in the UK. The Energy Secretary is therefore be imported. shaking his head. I know he is not shaking his head to indicate he disagrees that that is what Siemens said, as Barry Gardiner: I wholly accept that point. he has read the Hansard Committee reports and he knows that is precisely what it said. He may disagree David Mowat: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? with those comments, but that is what industry is telling us, and we ignore what it is saying at our peril. Barry Gardiner: If the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, I will not, as I have tried to give way as much as David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): The hon. possible and I wish to respect Mr Speaker’s advice. I am Gentleman mentions Siemens. In Germany emissions conscious that I have spoken at great length, so I will per capita and per unit of GDP are higher than in the now conclude my remarks. 1401 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1402

[Barry Gardiner] First, now is not the right time to set a target range. Hon. Members say that doing so will improve investor Earlier this year, the Chancellor of the Exchequer certainty, but this Government are already giving clear received a letter from many of the companies referred signals about the future of our electricity sector, and I to by the hon. Member for South Suffolk, in which they shall address that in a moment. Secondly—this make the situation very clear: answers the point made by the hon. Member for Rutherglen “Projects can take 4-6 years from investment decision to and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex)—it would be a construction and operation. We are already close to the point mistake to impose a legal obligation now that a target where lack of a post-2020 market driver will seriously undermine range must be set. Decarbonisation of the electricity project pipelines. Supply chain investment decisions depend on sector is inextricably linked to that of the entire economy, reasonable assurance for manufacturers that a production facility so a decision to set a binding target range should be to be constructed during this decade, costing hundreds of millions taken in 2016 when we consider the trajectory of the of pounds, will have an adequate market for its products well into the 2020s. whole economy towards our 2050 target. Thirdly, the Committee on Climate Change is the wrong body to set Postponing the 2030 target decision until 2016 creates entirely avoidable political risk. This will slow growth in the low carbon a legal constraint on what the level of the target range sector, handicap the UK supply chain, reduce UK R&D and should be. produce fewer new jobs.” I wish to expand on each of those three points. Hon. The Government must reconsider. Members say that we must set a target now because investors need greater certainty. The Government agree The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate wholeheartedly that investor certainty is essential to Change (Michael Fallon): These amendments have attracted delivering our energy and climate change goals at the significant debate and interest across the House. Let me least cost. That has been a fundamental part of our say, first and foremost, that the Government share the policy to date and it will continue to be a high priority view that decarbonisation of the electricity sector, done moving forward. However, it is very important to recognise in the right way, is vital. It will help us to: deliver secure that we already have legal targets and measures that and affordable energy for the long term; diversify our clarify the long-term future of electricity generation in energy mix: insulate the economy from price spikes in this country. They include: the 2050 target to cut emissions the international energy market; and meet our long-term, by at least 80%, which is likely to require the entire legally binding goals on renewable energy and climate electricity sector to be decarbonised; the fourth carbon change. It is because decarbonising energy generation is budget that runs up to 2027, which requires this country one of the central pillars of this Government’s energy to halve its emissions in the whole economy—we have policy that we introduced these new provisions into the set out in the carbon plan the likely implications of that Energy Bill, in order to take that critical step of enabling for the electricity sector; and the 2020 EU renewables a legally binding decarbonisation target range for the directive, which will mean 30% of electricity generation electricity sector to be set in 2016. That would be the coming from renewables in 2020, compared with around first of its kind in the world. 10% today. We shall also be arguing, as the Secretary of State announced last week, for the most ambitious 1.30 pm greenhouse gas emission target ever to be set in the Amendments 51 and 70 refine these provisions by European Union of 50% by 2030. adding the target range duty to the list of considerations In addition, we have committed ourselves to providing to which the Secretary of State must have regard when clarity on the trajectory of the electricity sector up to exercising certain electricity market reform functions, 2030 by issuing guidance to the National Grid Company such as when making regulations relating to contracts on an indicative range of decarbonisation scenarios for difference and the capacity market. That will help to consistent with the least-cost approach to achieving our ensure that, when a target decarbonisation range is set, overall 2050 carbon target. Of course, we must also not the Secretary of State is obliged to take his duty to meet forget that what matters most for investors now is not that target range into account when exercising his functions simply words and aspirations, but funding. That is what in respect of electricity market reform. we have got through the Government’s decision to increase support for low-carbon electricity year on year Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ to £7.6 billion by 2020, a tripling of support between Co-op): The Minister referred to the amendments now and 2020 which provides a clear and durable signal introduced in Committee as being ones that enabled the to investors. Government to set a target, but he is as aware as I am, and as many others are, that that is not what they do; they say that the Government “may” set a target. If he Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): Was my is now saying that the Government will set a target, will hon. Friend, like me, struck by the comments made by he support the amendments proposing to change the the chief policy officer of the CBI at the weekend? She wording from “may” to “must”? said: Michael Fallon: The amendments we introduced in “It is clear that investment decisions will stand or fall on the details of the Contracts for Difference, the capacity mechanism, Committee allow the Government, if they so wish, to and the levy control framework—not on a carbon intensity set a target. I will come on to deal with that point, but target.” let me turn first to the amendments tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for South Suffolk (Mr Yeo) and the hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner). I do Michael Fallon: My hon. Friend anticipates me; I was not believe that these amendments take the right approach certainly due to quote the CBI in support, and I will for the following reasons. come to that in a moment. 1403 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1404

Finally, in this regard, I should mention this Energy That takes me to my second point, which is that the Bill, which puts in place the most significant reform of Secretary of State can only make a decision on whether our electricity market since privatisation, in order to to set a target when considering the trajectory of the attract the £110 billion of investment we need over the whole economy towards our 2050 target in a way that is next decade to replace current generating capacity, upgrade consistent with the overarching framework provided by the network and cater for rising electricity demand. the Climate Change Act. The timing is important. That will provide further support for investors. For There is significant interaction between the electricity example, the Government’s delivery plan, which is due sector and other sectors of the economy, especially to be published in draft in July, will provide draft strike those, such as heat and transport, that might well prices for renewables projects that wish to take up become more dependent on electricity as we move into contracts for difference. They will provide further certainty the 2020s and 2030s. That will in turn have an impact about potential future revenues to developers of such not only on overall demand for electricity but on when projects, at an earlier stage than under the renewables that electricity is needed. obligation. We expect this approach to bring on significant Such questions must all be considered together when investment in renewable technologies, enabling the thinking about the best way to decarbonise electricity Government to meet their objectives on renewable energy, generation as part of a least-cost route to meeting our decarbonisation, security of supply and affordable energy obligations under the Climate Change Act. It is therefore for consumers. vital that a decision to set a target range is not taken in This Bill has already been welcomed by investors. isolation, which is the approach suggested by my hon. John Cridland, director general of the CBI, has said Friend the Member for South Suffolk and the hon. that it sends a Member for Brent North, but in the context of considering “strong signal to investors that the Government is serious about the pathway of the whole economy towards our 2050 providing firms with the certainty they need to invest in affordable, target. That date will be in 2016 and not before, because secure, low-carbon energy”. 2016 is when we are due to set in law the level of our The chairman of ScottishPower has said: economy-wide fifth carbon budget, which will cover the corresponding period between 2028 and 2032. At that “our investment plans will create 4,500 jobs…along with thousands more jobs in other industries, and a further increase in the point, we will be able to consider the pathway of the £1 billion we spend each year with UK suppliers. whole economy towards our overarching 2050 target We are able to make that sort of investment because we have and understand better the most cost-effective way to confidence in the UK, and in its energy policy and regulatory achieve that. If at that point in time it is decided that a regime.” target range is the right approach, we will have the legal authority under the Bill to act swiftly to set a binding Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): The target at the right level. Minister states that trajectories are already in place, not I believe that my hon. Friend the Member for Wealden only for electricity generation and decarbonisation, but (Charles Hendry) was right to say in an article last in this Bill. Bearing those in mind, will he now, this weekend: afternoon, rule out the implementation of any element “My difficulty with the target…is that we would be requiring it of the gas strategy that his Department has recently to be set without knowing that it can be met, and that cannot be a published, particularly the one suggesting that a possible responsible decision for government to make, when the costs of scenario might introduce gas to twice the emission getting it wrong would have to be picked up by consumers for levels put forward by the targets he has set out today? decades to come.” His argument is that given the uncertainties about the Michael Fallon: No, I certainly will not do that; gas is relative costs and potential of different low-carbon a key part of our carbon plan, and I hope that the hon. technologies, it would not be right for a Government to Gentleman will look at the gas strategy as a whole. set a target now without first having thought through precisely how a particular level would be achieved. I Setting a target now to come into effect next April agree with him and believe that that is why we should would mean not waiting to consider what is happening consider setting a target range in 2016 in the wider in the wider economy, for example, the progress being context of setting and determining how we will meet the made in the commercial deliverability of carbon capture fifth carbon budget. and storage, how that could contribute to decarbonising our energy supply, and the take-up of electric vehicles in That takes me to my final argument, which is that the coming years. Therefore, setting a target now risks amendment 14 requires that the level of the decarbonisation imposing additional costs on the economy and on consumer target range must not exceed that recommended by the bills in the future in order to meet the target, and that Committee on Climate Change. I fully agree that there would not be helpful for anyone. should be a role for the committee and our proposed approach takes that into account. The Government believe that the right approach is to make a decision on whether to set a target in 2016, when we can consider the whole picture. That already means Mr Redwood: Is the Minister at all concerned that setting the target range 14 years before it is due to be China, the United States of America, Japan and most met. That is even longer than is required under the other non-EU countries are not setting any of those Climate Change Act 2008 in respect of carbon budgets, targets and as a result have much cheaper energy than which are set 12 years ahead. Setting it now—in effect, we do? asking Ministers to set it at Christmas—means that we would be doing so 17 years ahead. I suggest to the Michael Fallon: Some have not passed climate change House that there is no certainty for investors in setting a legislation, of course, which is why they are not bound target before we can possibly know how we can meet it. to set targets. 1405 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1406

[Michael Fallon] Mr Yeo: Let me make the record absolutely clear. I said that during the 4 billion year history of the planet By waiting until 2016 to make a decision on whether there have been much greater changes in climate than to set a target, the Government can take on board the anything that is likely to result from a 50% increase in advice provided by the Committee on Climate Change greenhouse gas concentrations, but that those changes on the level of the fifth carbon budget, covering that took place before there were human beings, which are period, as part of its responsibilities under the Climate one of the most recently arrived species. If we are to Change Act. That advice must include views on the support life for 7 billion going on 9 billion human whole economy, including the electricity sector. beings in the style to which we have rapidly become It would be wrong to blur the lines of accountability accustomed and to which many still aspire, the one between the Committee on Climate Change and the absolute precondition is climate stability. Secretary of State, as the role of the committee is to advise the Government and not to set policy. That point Michael Fallon: I am sure that those who support my was made neatly by the right hon. Member for Lewisham, hon. Friend will be grateful for that explanation. The Deptford (Dame Joan Ruddock), who was the Minister quotation I have seems pretty clear to me, but it is for in charge of the Climate Change Bill in Committee in him to explain it. If he is not so sure any more, why 2008. She said: should the rest of us be so sure? “The committee will have a vital role in providing impartial I would say to my hon. Friends that they should let advice and scrutiny, but we do not think it appropriate for an the Opposition, as they always will, be opportunistic. unelected body to make, or be seen to be making, policies. The Let the Opposition please the lobbyists by suddenly individual decisions that will directly affect families, communities supporting a target that they never endorsed in 13 years and businesses should be made by Parliament and the in power. I ask those of us here who share the responsibility Government.”––[Official Report, Climate Change Public Bill Committee, 3 July 2008; c. 285-286.] of government to be a little more careful not to risk higher bills now for our hard-pressed industries and That could not be clearer and I agree that it should be constituents, not to force out generating plants before for the Secretary of State to decide the level of any we have the new investment that the Bill will deliver decarbonisation target range, because it is he who ultimately and, above all, not to drive up costs for those industries bears the responsibility and is accountable to Parliament. struggling to compete against lower energy costs abroad. Of course, he should take into account the committee’s advice, just as he does now when setting the carbon Let us have economic and industrial policy that is budgets, but that advice should not impose a legal coherent, and energy policy by design, not decarbonisation constraint. by dogma or by default, which can only drive our industries offshore. There is a better way forward, and it is in the Bill. Let us be the first Government ever to 1.45 pm enable a legally binding target to be set at the right time: when we set the fifth carbon budget in 2016. We can In conclusion, I do not doubt the good faith of my then better assess the real prospects and costs of carbon hon. Friend the Member for South Suffolk and the hon. capture and storage; properly measure what is happening Member for Brent North. I do not doubt their intentions to the whole economy; and better judge the transition or their environmental commitment. Nobody can know to a greener future against the costs that our consumers for sure how our economy will change over the next and businesses must bear. I urge all my hon. Friend not 17 years, yet my hon. Friend wants to impose this to rely on blind faith, but on the practical steps that we obligation on us now, from April. If he is so sure about are taking in the Bill to decarbonise our economy while the future growth of our economy and so sure about the ensuring security of supply at least cost to our constituents. path of energy supplies and the changing pattern of energy costs, there is only one thing I can say to him. He Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): There quoted St Augustine, and I am only reminded of are many reasons to support the decarbonisation Melbourne’s remark about Macaulay, when he said, “I amendments, and many hon. Members—most recently wish I was as certain of anything as he is of everything.” the hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner), who is just leaving the Chamber—have set them out Mr Yeo: One thing about which I am pretty certain is with great expertise and eloquence. From a security that the world’s concern about climate change will be perspective, I want to underline that the stakes could more intense in 2030 than it is today. The probability is hardly be higher. It is clear that those who will suffer the that through a combination of emissions trading systems most harm and hardship from the impacts of climate and carbon taxes there will be a high carbon price in change are often the poorest and most vulnerable, here 2030, and I believe that the most competitive economies in the UK and globally—those who have contributed in 2030 will be those that have reduced their dependence the least to the problem. In that respect, this crisis is not on fossil fuel consumption. unlike the banking crisis. As many business leaders and experts such as Lord Michael Fallon: I can certainly agree with my hon. Stern have said, there is no business as usual at all in a Friend that the concern might well be more intense, but 3° or 4° warmer world. A couple of years ago, at the whether we will be so certain, I am not so sure. Indeed, I launch of the UK’s climate adaptation plan, the big have read a report of a speech delivered by my hon. idea was managing the unavoidable and avoiding the Friend during the recess, in which—I was somewhat unmanageable. “Avoiding the unmanageable” means puzzled to see this—he said about climate change that keeping global temperature rises below 2°. For years, “the causes are not absolutely clear. There could be natural that line in the sand has been recognised by the UK and causes, natural phases that are taking place.” most other Governments, and enshrined in legal documents 1407 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1408 under the auspices of the United Nations framework I have been personally involved in British climate diplomacy convention on climate change and the G8. That is the for most of the last 15 years, at the heart of it for much of that basis for the UK’s Climate Change Act 2008, and our time. Nothing that we accomplished could have been accomplished carbon budgets, which the policies in the Bill will, or if we had been faltering at home as we are now. You cannot expect others to act as you ask, or even listen to what you say, if perhaps will not, deliver. Internationally, citizens and you are not doing yourself what you want them to do. If we in Governments of low-lying island states risk their entire Britain appear to be giving up…we will be out of the game. That nation being literally wiped off the face of the map, is why I spent so much of my time as a diplomat, close to half of even with a 2° rise. it, on domestic policy.” Let us not think that domestic policy and global policy David T. C. Davies: I read recently that Tuvalu would are not linked. They are essentially linked. If Britain is be wiped off the face of the earth within 10 years if we to maintain its position as a real leader on climate did not do something about global warming. The only change, we absolutely have to act at home. The problem is that the article was 10 years old, and all decarbonisation target is a crucial part of that. those islands are still there. Is this not just more exaggeration Indeed, I would say that the target does not go far from those who want higher electricity prices as a result enough, although of course I will support it this afternoon. of decarbonisation? Let us remember the context: a target of 50 grams of carbon per kWh by 2030, which is what the amendments Caroline Lucas: I do not really know where to start to that we are considering are essentially proposing, is respond to such an ignorant intervention. I will not absolutely the minimum that we should seek to achieve. even bother wasting my time with it. The Climate Change Act 2008 and the carbon budgets As I say, a couple of years ago, we were talking about that flow from it reflect the overwhelming consensus, the fact that entire nation states face being wiped off the stated many times by the Government, that we have to face of the map. If the hon. Gentleman cared to look at keep below 2° warming, but current carbon targets give the situation in Tuvalu, he would realise that it is getting us only a 37% chance of doing that. I want to emphasise more and more serious. If such a real and present threat that, because I sometimes think that when we discuss were facing the UK, would we not join their calls for targets in the House, we assume that if we meet a much more dramatic emission reductions, to keep the certain target, that gives 100% certainty of a given global temperature rise to less than 2°—perhaps to outcome. Clearly it does not; it is about a balance of 1.5°? Would we not go, as many nations are, for 100% risks. How many of us would get on an aeroplane if we renewable energy over the next few decades? were told that it had only a 37% chance of reaching its I cite those statistics because I want to remind the destination in a safe way? A 37% chance is pretty low, House what we are talking about. Much of the debate yet those are the odds that we are arguing about even so far has rightly been about the cost of decarbonisation, now. and about the targets and so on, but the bottom line is I wish the argument was about not whether we should that what we are discussing is literally life and death. decarbonise straight away or by 2016, but the extent, People’s life or death is at stake today. That is why we far-reachingness, speed and ambition with which we need to use this opportunity to make sure that the Bill is should do it. That is the debate that we should be as ambitious as it can be. having, instead of arguing about whether we should be I have talked about what I would regard as the moral going in this direction at all. An honest reappraisal of case for swift action. We have heard a lot about the our targets is needed, with science, and the implications economic case. There is no shortage of companies for young people, vulnerable communities and future telling us that a decarbonisation target is essential. The generations, at the forefront of our minds. joint letter of more than 50 Aldersgate Group members, The hon. Member for Brent North, who is a leading for example, said: advocate for action on climate change globally, raised “the Government’s perceived commitment to the low carbon the challenge of the need for tighter targets in his transition is being undermined by…the absence of a specific Westminster Hall debate. I would like to know his view carbon intensity target.” of John Ashton’s stark conclusion that the UK could Many other companies would say the same. never have achieved anything close to its previous I would like to focus on the impact internationally of international influence against the backdrop of current what we do at home. A domestic decarbonisation target policies. Credible domestic targets and action are crucial. is crucial if the UK is serious about securing a global As well as science-based targets, we need an honest deal on climate. We hear a lot from the Government reappraisal of the role of fossil fuels and the fossil fuel about the need for international action, and it often lobby’s enormous influence over policy making. To say, sounds as though they are saying, “Let’s wait until there “Gas is lower-carbon than coal, so let’s get fracking” is is international action before taking action here at disingenuous at best. Gas is still a high-carbon fuel, and home,” but as someone who would know about this, gas prices are projected to rise in future, irrespective of John Ashton, would say, action at home first is absolutely shale gas. That is according to most of the expert critical if we are serious about getting global agreement. analysis that I have seen, certainly from independent John Ashton, as many hon. Members will know, was sources without direct or indirect financial or family the Government’s special representative on climate change, ties with Cuadrilla and the wider fracking fraternity. a Foreign Office diplomat who has spent many decades Through the Bill, Ministers are putting in place working on the subject. Last month, he talked about the mechanisms that offer vastly greater support to nuclear need for global agreement, explaining that power than to renewables. The Bill is about gas and “British diplomacy can influence this, perhaps critically; the nuclear; it is not sufficiently about a low-carbon future. argument that we are just too small to count is nonsense. But our Through it, Ministers are offering long-term guarantees diplomacy starts at home. for high-carbon gas generation until 2045, and a way 1409 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1410

[Caroline Lucas] try to make energy dearer to put people off using it. We need to take on board the fact that there is a serious for the same gas companies that are putting up bills and problem of people affording the heating bills. raking in profits to take even more money from taxpayers This is doubly damaging in an economy that is and bill payers through the capacity mechanism. The experiencing a fragile and modest recovery and needs a Secretary of State is offering long-term guarantees and faster recovery. Energy is taking too much of the family assurances for high-carbon gas generation, and tax budget. At the very time when we want people to have breaks for fracking. Ministers have not chosen to give more money to spend on other things to create demand anything like a similar degree of certainty for wind, and jobs around the economy generally, a large chunk is wave, tidal, solar, biomass, hydro or geothermal power— being taken up by those rising energy bills, both because nothing beyond 2020. That is made even worse by the of price and because of the need to burn more as a Government’s opposition to proposals, backed by industry, result of the climate conditions outside. We also see that for 2030 targets for either renewables or efficiency. there is an additional problem, which my right hon. The Government had the opportunity, in the Bill, to Friend the Minister referred to at the end of his speech: drive a radical transformation in ownership and control British business now faces considerably higher costs for of energy away from the big six to communities, localities, the energy it needs to use than competitor businesses in individuals, private companies, public authorities, joint America or throughout much of Asia. It should be a enterprises and co-operatives. Instead, they have chosen grave worry to everyone in the House who is concerned a support mechanism that only really works for the likes about jobs and about the creation of more industrial of EDF, npower, Centrica and E.ON, which will tighten activity in Britain that we are deliberately creating very their death-grip on us. high priced energy in this country, which is a major In light of these actions, it looks extremely unlikely impediment to industrial development. that the UK stands much of a chance of achieving the I welcome the Chancellor’s statement some time ago carbon reductions necessary, or even of remaining on that he wished to see the “march of the makers”. I track to meet the 2050 target without a 2050 decarbonisation welcome the idea that we need to build up stronger and target. I end with another quote from John Ashton. bigger industry to go alongside the successful job creation When asked for his view on the decarbonisation target, that we have had in financial and professional services he stated: and related areas. It would be good for our economy to “I can’t myself see how any MP who votes against the target have a more diverse and flourishing structure. We have will thereafter be able credibly to claim that they support an some very good industrial businesses, but we do not effective response to climate change.” have enough of them and the sector is not as large as I I know that will not bother some in the House, but I think any major party in the House would like to see. hope that for many other Members it will concentrate So if we are all serious about wishing to have an their minds on the vote. industrial strategy that works, and if we are serious about wanting to create a climate in which business can 2pm flourish and more industrial jobs can be created, surely we must tackle one of the main costs that business Mr Redwood: I remind the House that I have declared faces—the cost of energy. The Government are well in the register that I offer advice on global economies to aware of the problem and have responded to lobbying an investment business and an industrial business. by high energy-using industries, such as steel, glass and I oppose the amendments in the name of my hon. ceramics, where energy is a massive part of the total Friend the Member for South Suffolk (Mr Yeo) and cost because extreme heat is applied for the transformation others, and I do so primarily because it is high time that of the materials in the process. The Government are this House heard a voice for the consumer of energy. I providing some kind of subsidy to those heavy energy am extremely worried about energy prices. The Labour users in a desperate attempt to prevent some of those Government did some good work, highlighting the factories and process plants closing, but even with the serious problem that they called fuel poverty. They subsidy the production costs are much higher in Britain rightly identified the fact that at the time of their than in America, China or other parts of Asia, so we Government many people in our country found it difficult are still at risk of losing more of that business by to pay the energy bills because they were already high. closure, and we are certainly at risk of not attracting the In recent years—the end of the Labour period and now new investment in those types of industry that we might under the coalition—those bills have gone up considerably like as part of our industrial strategy. further. The Government also need to understand that it is People facing fuel poverty have also had the great not just transformational processes such as steel or problem that in recent years we have had a succession of glass production that have an energy cost problem; it is particularly cold and bitter winters, with heavy snowfalls more or less any kind of industry with an automated and ice, and a series of rather cold and damp summers. plant. If we wish to be competitive in a western country Although I will not go into the arguments about how against countries in Asia which have relatively low we can measure rising temperatures and how much labour costs, we need to automate. We need to have a global warming we are actually experiencing, the cruel very degree of machine power so that all the mundane fact of life for people facing rising energy bills is that jobs can be done by intelligent machinery to keep costs they need to use more energy because it is so cold and under control. But we lose the advantage of being able they need to keep warm. We even had snow and frost in to automate and use high technology if the cost of the May this year in England, at the very time that energy energy to drive the machinery is so uncompetitive. We prices were being put up, partly by market forces and will soon lose the advantage as well because a country partly by a deliberate act of policy by the Europeans to such as China is industrialising not only very rapidly, 1411 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1412 but with the application of far more technology and encouraging the amendment, which would mean that labour-saving equipment going into its factories. So we the United Kingdom got even more out on a limb. As have a double problem in that such countries are automating he implies, the Germans, having decided against nuclear and they have much cheaper energy. for a variety of good and political reasons, are clearly I urge the Government to take our problem of energy going to use a lot more coal, and I cannot see how they prices extremely seriously. American energy prices are can conceivably do that and hit all the targets. They will typically a third lower than United Kingdom energy just move on and in due course Germany’s influence in prices, so if energy is 10% or 20% of the cost of the the European Union may well dilute the target more in given process and the given industry, we can see immediately the European Union as a whole and leave the United that there is a 3% or 6% cost advantage just from the Kingdom even more exposed. energy bill, which in very competitive world markets can be an important distinction. When we look at the Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): success that America is now having in building her Is my right hon. Friend as concerned as I am that any recovery longer and faster than the European countries, free trade agreement between the US and the EU may it is clear that part of that success comes from the turn into one-way traffic for manufactured goods? Perhaps accent placed on cheap energy. The United States of that is why the Americans are at the negotiating table America has not put through legislation similar to the now. They see the competitive advantage that they will legislation passed in 2008 by the Labour Government— have on energy costs. legislation that I did not feel able to support at the time because I thought it would be damaging to prosperity Mr Redwood: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The and would put up our energy bills too much—and we Americans are playing a blinder on all this, and we need see that America is also reaping the benefit of the shale to understand that the American economy is now getting revolution. I hope that the words of the Prime Minister itself back into order, which we should welcome as they and the Energy Minister will result in action, because are an important ally and a big trading partner, but we the United Kingdom has an opportunity with shale as should also be warned that they are doing things to well, but America not only has found the shale and is have competitive energy that we are clearly not prepared keen on the shale, but is now extracting such large to do. quantities of shale gas that it has much, much cheaper I hope that the House will join those on the Government gas prices than the United Kingdom, of benefit to Benches in voting down the proposal. It makes a bad consumers and to American industry. situation worse, and I urge Ministers to understand that We should beware of the fact that when countries their prime duty is to keep the lights on and their assembled to try to take on the Kyoto work of carbon secondary duty is to make sure that the power is affordable, targets, it was noticeable that only the European countries both so that granny does not have to shiver when we were left in the game. Even Japan, which had obviously have a cold summer or winter and so that we have some been the host to the original Kyoto proposals, was no industrial jobs left by not trying to be holier than thou longer willing to sign up to such targets. and ending up unemployed.

Martin Horwood: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, Tom Greatrex: I rise to speak in support of though, that as part of the United Nations framework amendments 11 to 20, which, as the hon. Member for convention on climate change process, China has accepted South Suffolk (Mr Yeo) said, stand in the names of a carbon intensity targets for its economy? range of Members from almost every party in the House, and certainly from every part of the UK, including Mr Redwood: China is allowed to have a totally Members from both governing parties. In particular, different approach to carbon targets because it is a they include my hon. Friend the Member for Brent growing economy. I have a great deal of sympathy with North (Barry Gardiner) and the hon. Member for St its need, but China is not being asked to cut its carbon Ives (Andrew George), who is no longer in his place, but emissions in the way that the United Kingdom is being who secured a Westminster Hall debate on the issue just asked to cut emissions. When the Kyoto process was last prior to the Queen’s Speech. looked at to try to get much tougher targets across the I begin by paying tribute to the lead proposers for world, the only countries that were still prepared to be their efforts in securing cross-party support for the in the game were the European countries, so the European amendment. There have been three Ministers in eight economy as a whole on the continent is saddled with months so it is easy to lose track, but the hon. Member dangerously high prices and restricted ability to generate for Wealden (Charles Hendry), who unfortunately cannot power in different ways, and the United Kingdom has be with us this afternoon, spoke in a debate in the the particularly virulent strain of this disease because of House last November about the need to take energy the House’s passion to legislate for dearer energy. policy out of politics, because investors need to know that there is support for long-term measures. That is Mark Reckless: Does my right hon. Friend agree that key, and it is in that spirit that the amendment is offered to an extent the EU may even be dropping out, leaving to the House this afternoon and that the Opposition us with unilateral measures of the carbon floor at £16 a will seek to support it in the Division Lobby. tonne, when in the emissions trading scheme, which is As the hon. Member for South Suffolk and others barely working now, it is less than £2? who have spoken have made clear, the crux of the amendment is that if, as the Government keep repeating, Mr Redwood: My hon. Friend is right, I fear, but that their intention in relation to energy policy is to seek goes a little wider than the amendment. What we are renewal of our energy infrastructure in a way that trying to do today is to stop making matters worse by safeguards security of supply and reduces our carbon 1413 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1414

[Tom Greatrex] that we heard in Committee from the representative from RBS, the lead investor in renewable energy in the emissions, and does so in the most affordable way, then UK, on behalf of the Low Carbon Finance Group, the greatest prize in securing that investment is clarity, reinforced that point, as have a number of potential predictability and purpose. That is precisely what a investors, including Siemens and Gamesa, which are decarbonisation target provides, and it does so in looking to site offshore wind fabrication plants, possibly conjunction with the carbon budget and other measures in the UK. in the Bill. That is why I believe that there is, or certainly In our discussions yesterday, there was passing reference was, near universal support for a decarbonisation target. to the cost of offshore wind, but the best way to ensure My right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition that costs are reduced and to get the wider economic called for it last year. As we have already heard, the benefit that comes with that—as we have heard, that Chief Secretary to the Treasury moved such a motion at economic benefit will not necessarily be in the part of the Lib Dem conference last year. Two years ago, the the country where there is more economic activity, but Prime Minister himself said that decarbonisation is in those areas that are suffering the most—as the necessary if we are to meet our ambitious climate Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has change commitments. As we heard from the Chair of made clear in some of its publications, is by securing the the Select Committee, it unanimously concluded that manufacturing jobs here as well. Outline agreements “providing greater clarity about the contribution that the power from these companies are jeopardised when what they sector is expected to make towards meeting these targets would hear are mixed messages, what they see is a lack of help to provide certainty to investors. The Government should set clarity in UK policy and what they speak of is a lack of a 2030 carbon intensity target”. confidence in being able to make the case to their global Many Members present today served on the Bill investment boards that the investment should come Committee and they will recall that the Secretary of here as opposed to anywhere else. State said in evidence that he supported a 2030 target. He is no longer in his place, but when asked whether he Anas Sarwar (Glasgow Central) (Lab): The Minister supported a target he said: talked repeatedly about investment and my hon. Friend “I do not think that it is a secret. That is my position and the refers to the uncertainty of investors. Does he recognise position of my party. We are in coalition and we have had the analysis by Bloomberg New Energy Finance that discussions with assertive colleagues.”––[Official Report, Energy investment in renewable energy has fallen drastically Public Bill Committee, 15 January 2013; c. 8, Q11.] since the Government came to power? What does that A number of others are assertive about the importance say about the Government’s ambition to be the greenest of the target, however, and I am talking now about Government in history? those outside of the House and politics. There is strong support for this in the energy industry, business in Tom Greatrex: My hon. Friend is absolutely right general, academia, public bodies, the Government’s about the worrying signals on confidence. That is part own advisers on these issues, the Committee on Climate of the case being made today for the target. We need to Change, as we have already heard, organisations and have that confidence if we want to get that investment, industry, including companies as diverse as Microsoft, those jobs and that manufacturing capacity, quite apart Sky, Unilever, the EEF—to respond to the point made from the other benefits in terms of security of supply by the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr Redwood), and carbon emissions. That is why I am sure that those the steel industry is a member of the EEF, which supports industries and companies will be concerned to hear the a 2030 decarbonisation target—the Carbon Capture tenor of some of the Minister’s remarks, which seemed and Storage Association, Oxfam, the Catholic Fund for to be going further back even than those of his predecessor, Overseas Development, the Environment Agency and who I think was moved to the Loftus road of Government, many more, not just those who seek to benefit directly the Cabinet Office, the home for displaced Ministers, in from the investment that we know needs to happen. suggesting that this is something that we might not Memorably, when the Secretary of State was challenged want to do in the future. The right hon. Member for in Committee by my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes) made it Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger) to name a company clear in Committee that he felt that this was not a that opposed the target, he was unable to do so. debate about the principle of a target, but about when it was going to be set. It seems that the Minister has rowed back further from that position. 2.15 pm The arguments in favour of the decarbonisation target Dr Phillip Lee (Bracknell) (Con): Does the hon. are as important as those who have pledged their support Gentleman agree that if we set a territorial decarbonisation for it. The first comes from a jobs and growth perspective, target, we can make industry off-shore, hit our on which the hon. Member for St Ives focused in the decarbonisation target and retain the subsidy on shore, recent debate that I mentioned earlier. It is important to but the jobs will have gone elsewhere? recognise that a target would “stimulate green growth in the economy and create a framework Tom Greatrex: If we want the best chance of getting where there is greater certainty and confidence among businesses those jobs in the UK, the best chance of Siemens to invest in renewable energy.” building its offshore turbine factory in Hull and the best That is from the text of the motion passed at the Liberal chance of Gamesa building its factory in Leith, and to Democrat conference last autumn. The Committee on get the wider jobs and growth benefits, we need a target. Climate Change, as we heard my hon. Friend the Member If costs are disproportionately high in the UK we must for Brent North say in a comprehensive manner, recently look at the cause—a carbon floor price that is completely made the economic case for a 2030 target. The evidence different from what is happening elsewhere in Europe. 1415 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1416

That is the real focus on where those costs are higher. If Making simplistic extrapolations from what has we want those economic benefits, we need the target, happened in the US indicates a bout of wishful thinking, because that is what industry needs to make those decisions, and a hope—and risk—in respect of something that to convince those global boards that have a number of might well not turn out to be the case. We need gas and different options about where to make that investment will continue to need it; it is important for our security and to make sure that it happens within the UK. of supply and for our being able to deal with peaks in demand. However, the combination of a failure to Dr Lee: The point that I am trying to make is that if decarbonise our electricity sector and increased reliance this country wants to make a decent impact on reducing on gas leaves us more exposed to the volatility of that its carbon, we need to address our consumption patterns, globally traded commodity. not our territorial emissions. It is essential that there should be diversity in our energy supply even before we consider any of the impacts Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): They are not mutually in relation to emissions and the climate. The danger is exclusive. that we will be left open to a greater reliance on gas and consumer prices going up even further. Various hon. Tom Greatrex: As my right hon. Friend says, they are Members have referred to the increase in cost to consumers, not mutually exclusive. We need to do both. Some here but they know as well as I do that the greatest element today might disagree, but not that many. of that cost increase in the past three years has related to wholesale energy prices. Mr Redwood: Why does the hon. Gentleman think Sometimes there are discussions about how far companies that industry fell so far and fast as a proportion of total properly pass on savings when the costs fall, but over output in the Labour years and what has he learned the three years wholesale prices have certainly increased from that? and that is the greatest single part of the increase in energy bills paid by my constituents and those of the Tom Greatrex: What we have learned from the past right hon. Member for Wokingham and other hon. three years, as was pointed out by my hon. Friend the Members. The target is also vital for that reason. Member for Glasgow Central (Anas Sarwar), is that confidence in investment in the UK among those new The problem is the Government’s approach to industries has fallen and is falling. What we have learned decarbonisation and how it is characterised in their from what is happening now is that people are not amendments in Committee. The Government may or making decisions because they are seeking clarity and may not, at some point in the future that is yet to be certainty from the Government on a range of matters to defined—it may never be defined or indeed reached—set do with the Bill, including the specific issue we are a decarbonisation target range for the carbon intensity discussing. If the right hon. Gentleman is concerned of electricity generation in Great Britain. The definition about manufacturing industry, he should support the of carbon intensity itself and the means of calculating target, which will help give clarity and certainty and it can be changed by the Secretary of State—and, by the ensure that manufacturing jobs come to the UK. way, the Secretary of State can revoke the order. That is hardly the sense of clarity that the amendment seeks. Mark Reckless rose— The illogicality of the Government’s argument is summed up in amendment 52, which the Minister only Tom Greatrex: I will give way one last time. barely referred to; it would require the Secretary of State to publish an annual report from 2014 setting out Mark Reckless: The hon. Gentleman tells us that he how he had met the duty to meet a decarbonisation has learned lessons in the past three years. Did he learn target. I suspect that that report would be very thin, any lessons at all from the previous 13 years? simply reading: “A target will not be set until 2016. There is nothing more to report—move along now.” Tom Greatrex: What I learned from the time towards It was not only the Secretary of State who said that the end of the Labour Government is that a focus on he supported a target. The Minister here, the right hon. industrial strategy is absolutely key in diversifying our Member for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker), did so economy, and that the significant increase and activity in the recent Westminster Hall debate, saying: in the renewable and low-carbon industry, which was “I see the strong merit of the argument for a decarbonisation happening and is now under threat, resulted from a target”—[Official Report, 17 April 2013; Vol. 561, c. 124WH.] clear set of signals from the Government. That is what we need from the Government now, but we will not have But he also said that we should wait to set it. The it unless the target is included in the Bill. Minister’s predecessor said in Committee: I will make progress, as other hon. Members wish to “The principle, that it would be useful and of value to set such a target, is established.”––[Official Report, Energy Public Bill contribute. Before the interventions, I was touching on Committee, 5 February 2013; c. 489.] some of the points implicit in remarks made by some Government Members about costs and gas. Rejecting a If that is the case, there is no reason why the Government 2030 target will almost certainly lead us to another dash should not at the very least support the amendments for gas. As I said in Committee and all the way through that change “may” to “must”. However, as we have our consideration of the Bill, gas has an important heard from the tenor of the Minister’s and some other place in our system. As I have made clear, I do not take hon. Members’ remarks, that is not what the issue is an ideological position on shale gas either; it needs to be about. properly regulated and monitored, but we need to explore The issue is about a deep division in the Government what is there before we can know what we can get out and a damaging and risky outlook that a dash for gas is of it. the best course of action for our energy policy. That is 1417 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1418

[Tom Greatrex] can bring. Small and medium-sized enterprises more generally are most exercised by uncompetitive energy obviously what the Chancellor thinks, but it is not contracts and unfair renewal terms. what the Chief Secretary to the Treasury thinks, unless I have also talked to community groups, and guess he has changed his mind. The Committee on Climate what? They would quite like a decarbonisation target, Change does not think that; nor does industry or the but what they crave is an increase in the small-scale 200 organisations that support the amendment. As I feed-in tariffs threshold for community energy schemes said, the Secretary of State has supported a target and from 5 MW to 10 MW.The danger is that, as community he does not think that either, although he has lost out in schemes become more successful, they may hit 5 MW. discussions with what he referred to as “assertive An increase in the small-scale feed-in tariff limit will colleagues”. ensure that we do not inhibit their development. That is There is an opportunity for Parliament to be assertive real and meaningful help for community energy schemes, this afternoon—assertive about security of supply, about making routes to market simpler and more attractive jobs and growth, about investment, about clarity of for them. purpose and in our support for the important amendments What about investors—investment banks and pension before us. funds? Would they like to have a decarbonisation target? Of course they would, but at the top of their shopping Mike Crockart (Edinburgh West) (LD): I rise to list are things such as detailed contract for difference speak with a fair amount of trepidation; I feel like Lord terms that are fit for purpose, a credible contract for Cardigan, commander of the gallant 600, charging into difference counter-party that the market can trust and the valley of death. Half a league onward, as they say. believe in, an easier route to market for independent [Interruption.] Yes, some did make it through; I shall generators, and no strike-price auctions before the electricity hold on to that fact. market reform regime has been operating for a number I have spoken to many individuals, companies and of years and the financial community has grown organisations over the past few weeks and months and comfortable with other aspects of the contracts. asked each of them what they felt was needed in the Energy Bill. To be frank, nearly all of them asked for 2.30 pm different things. This is a mammoth Bill trying to do What about the environmental non-governmental lots of different things and everyone is clear that those organisations? I have talked to them too. I have received things need to be done in the right way. emails and letters from them, and I have had posters I have talked to small generators—new entrants to put up in my constituency and adverts placed in the the market. They would like a decarbonisation target, local newspapers, and they seem to like the idea of a and so would I, but what they would like more is for decarbonisation target for the energy sector. However, I their route to market to be easier and free from too am sure that if they were honest they would say that great a reliance on the big six suppliers—whether that is they would like the bigger prize of an EU-wide binding through a green power auction market or other means. I emissions reductions target of 50% by 2030—something know that a great deal of work has already gone into for which the Secretary of State has been able to gain this, but it is essential that the Government table cross-Government support in the past couple of weeks, amendments that offer a long-term solution and not against all the odds. I congratulate him on managing merely transitional help. that feat. I have also talked to large generators, which are What about me? In common with my right hon. Friend already investing billions of pounds in new infrastructure. the Secretary of State, I would like to have a decarbonisation They would also like a decarbonisation target, as would target, but what I would really like is not to have to I, but what they would like more is for the strike price to generate the stuff in the first place, because that is better be set at a level that gives certainty in their markets and for all concerned. So I want realistic assistance for allows them to plan for the next 20 or 30 years and domestic and business users to incentivise them to use access finance over that time scale. less energy, and I want the capacity mechanism to be I have talked to consumer groups, acting on behalf of designed in such a way that demand-side reduction can hard-pressed electricity customers. They would like a play a major part in removing our need for spare decarbonisation target, as would I, but what they really capacity generation. Those are my priorities. want is a meaningful simplification of tariffs. They want a single, consistent unit price to allow people to Tom Greatrex: I am listening carefully to the hon. compare and immediately identify cheaper alternatives, Gentleman’s list. He will know that some elements of it forcing suppliers to keep prices down, improving are dealt with in later amendments, particularly the one competition and making it easier for consumers to about community energy, which would increase the switch. threshold from 5 MW to 10 MW. Will he support that amendment if we divide on it? I have talked to companies, large and small, involved in the manufacturing supply chain for renewable energy. They, too, would like a decarbonisation target, as would Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): We can bide I, but what they want more is for access to ports to be our time on that until we get to that group of amendments. sorted out or for the tripling of the levy control framework to happen in a controlled and steady way, rather than Mike Crockart: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I being backloaded towards 2020, so that their new will charge wildly on. technologies get a chance to establish themselves and deliver the tens of thousands of jobs that green growth Tom Greatrex: What about my question? 1419 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1420

Mike Crockart: I have been told not to deal with it; I how they supply energy to us. The Bill also contains think the direction I was given is quite clear. emissions performance standards that reduce the emissions Of course I would like a decarbonisation target, but that plant may make, also in line with the decarbonisation that was not in my party’s manifesto; indeed, it was not of our energy over the coming years. in any party’s manifesto. Nor was it in the coalition It is blindingly obvious that a Bill of that kind should agreement. In fact, there is only anything about it in the have a target at the front in order to underpin all the Bill at all because of the efforts of a Liberal Democrat other things that it is doing. Not having that target is Secretary of State, ably backed up by the present incumbent. rather like someone carefully strapping a belt around Of course I would like more, but as 15% of the coalition their waist and then sallying forth having forgotten to Government we cannot always get exactly what we put on the trousers that the belt was supposed to be want. [Interruption.] It is 15.5%, in actual fact. supporting in the first place. When the Bill first arrived, I came to this place from business: a place where the lack of a target was a puzzle to a large number of making a contract and signing up to it really means people. In a sense, the hon. Member for Edinburgh something. If one side reneges on that contract along West has started to unpick some of that puzzle. As my the way, they can expect there to be consequences. We hon. Friend the Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton have already seen examples of that in this Parliament. It West (Tom Greatrex) outlined, we know from what the would be great to see much more of the processes, Secretary of State has said to the Energy and Climate attitudes and behaviours seen in business than the Change Committee on more than one occasion that he opportunism, time-wasting and theatrics that we see far was very keen on having a target in a Bill and was too often in this Chamber. Again, however, we cannot engaged in work on that target, the details of which he always get everything we want. could not yet vouchsafe to the Committee. There are many things I would like to have seen in the In fact, the Secretary of State was engaged in discussions Bill, but many more are included that all sorts of with the Treasury about what might go at one end of organisations want us to get right. For the Minister’s the Bill and what might be negotiated away at the other perusal, here is my Christmas list: an easier route to end to secure the things that he thought were quite market for independent generators, a strike price that important, relating particularly to supporting low-carbon provides certainty in the market, simplification of energy energy in the way that I have described. The result, as tariffs, the levy control framework to be implemented in we discovered fairly recently, is the announcement of a controlled way, an increase in the small-scale feed-in the extension of the levy control framework from 2015 tariffs threshold for community energy schemes, credible to 2020, with a figure increasing from the current amount counter-party and contract terms that are fit for purpose, of £2.3 billion to, allegedly, the whopping figure of and a binding EU-wide emissions reductions target of £7.5 billion in 2020. 50% by 2030. It is not a long list. Last year—I thank the Secretary of State for this—I We need to be rather careful about immediately jumping got a green deal that is set to support 60,000 installation for joy about that aspect of the negotiation, because as jobs this year, up from 26,000 in 2012, and a green soon as we unpack the figures we realise that each year investment bank investing £635 million in green the levy control framework takes along with it the infrastructure projects. If, at the end of this legislative accumulated underwriting of whatever has been process, I get everything on my list, I will say thank you commissioned in the year before. That means that by again. I am damn sure that I do not intend to be the the time we get to 2020, the accumulated contracts for spoilt child stamping my feet and whining, “But I didn’t difference, or ongoing renewables obligation certificates, get my decarbonisation target,” because, after all, if I that are caught up in the £7.5 billion make up a good got everything I wanted this year, what would I ask for proportion of the total. The actual amount of support next year? contained in the levy control framework up until 2020, per year for new entrants—that is the key thing to look Dr Whitehead: I trust the hon. Member for Edinburgh at in terms of the development of low-carbon energy, West (Mike Crockart) will support a number of later particularly round 3 offshore wind and the like—turns amendments on demand-side reduction and routes to out to be not much more than is being undertaken at market for independent generators and community energy. the moment. The idea of its ending up at twice the He put his finger on some of the problems that several current level is rather belied by the figures in the levy people have been grappling with as the Bill has made its control framework. Nevertheless, the Secretary of State way through the House. felt that he had got a good deal. It is very odd that when the Bill first made its way to It is not, however, a particularly good deal and it is this House in draft form it had no target in it, and yet it clear that the inclusion of a target in the Bill was was all about low-carbon electricity, routes to market sacrificed. A belt and trousers had not previously been for low-carbon energy generators, the future of large-scale available, but on 5 February—halfway through the low-carbon energy and how that might be supported to Committee stage—the Secretary of State came along play a much increased role in our energy mix over the with the belt that had resulted from the discussions. As next few years, and how the whole electricity market hon. Members have said, as a result of the discussions, would be decarbonised over the next period in line with although the Secretary of State could not set a target what DECC had previously published as its plans for a before 2016, he could set a target at various levels that radical decarbonisation of the electricity market over could be considered then. Indeed, the Minister has that period. The Bill was the embodiment of how those made great play of the argument that we will need to changes would be made—how, over the next period, have all the facts at our disposal with regard to the our energy markets, particularly our electricity market, future state of the universe in order to decide how we would radically change how they move forward and might set a target. 1421 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1422

[Dr Whitehead] research and development, and in the process it is fabricating those blades. As a result, the centre has in A couple of important things need to be considered place on the Isle of Wight a single-line manufacturing during the intervening period. First, the gas strategy set capacity that could produce a large number of 80-metre out by the Department of Energy and Climate Change offshore blades in the UK. over a number of years assumes a relatively low level of If nothing happens after 2020—we should bear in gas over the long term and, while it views gas as mind that making blades as close as possible to large essential, it sees it as a back up for other, renewable offshore developments is, significantly, commercially forms of generation. The recent gas strategy includes an advantageous—it is extremely unlikely that Vestas will option to reverse that approach and puts gas at the change its R and D facility to a production facility, centre of a future strategy. It includes gas plants running because it will not make blades in this country for at maximum capacity, grandfathered for a long period development in the south China seas. That could lead to and playing the main role—not the back-up role suggested the development of a UK offshore wind industry being by the low-carbon strategy exemplified by the Bill—in based on no supply chain whatsoever, because in order energy generation. to carry out developments we would have to source Explicit within that gas strategy is the need to take a from elsewhere. That would be of considerable expense decision in 2014. The strategy specifically says that, to consumers, which would not be the case if we adopted depending on what happens in Europe, a decision will a longer-term approach. have to be made as to whether to increase the carbon target. The oddity of there not being a target in the Bill Accommodating the strategy could therefore result in a raises questions about the strategy to create certainty target of about 200 grams of emissions per kWh by for the process by which the new form of low-carbon 2030, rather than the 100 to 150 grams envisaged previously energy market will be brought into being. The idea of by the Department and endorsed by the Committee on enacting the Bill without including a target is bizarre, Climate Change. A significant decision might be taken but that is the position we are in. Including a target in 2014—way before 2016—which could blow the potential would not just be the right thing to do; it would be a 2016 target out of the water. practical element of what the Bill is about. It would also Secondly, regardless of the negotiated outcome, the be a practical way of ensuring that electricity market levy control framework has been extended to 2020, but reform and the Bill itself work. There are a number of we have not heard what will happen beyond then. There reasons to support the inclusion of a target, and the has been no indication of what support might be given final bizarre thing to note is that a large number of hon. to low-carbon energy after 2020. There is a cliff face. Members present know that to be the case and want the Bill to include a target. Mark Reckless: Is not the reason for that that the levy A number of hon. Members may decide, for all sorts control framework and the contract for difference required of reasons, that it is expedient not to vote for a target. If to back it up are really aimed at meeting the 2020 target that is the case, let me be clear that they will undermine of the European renewables directive, rather than the the very purpose of the Bill. They will also undermine 2015 carbon target? what we all voted for with regard to the Climate Change Act 2008, which ensured that we can reach our low-carbon Dr Whitehead: The hon. Gentleman makes an interesting future in a coherent and controlled way, using the best point. It may well be the case that the specific mechanism of our resources and technology and our supply chains, of the levy control framework relates to meeting that and developing a low-carbon economy that can reach target. the targets in a way that is good for the consumer and As I have said, I am not sure that the framework as it for society. This is that important. That is why I hope stands addresses the target in the way we might think. that hon. Members who may be equivocating over Nevertheless, in order to achieve the target, those companies whether to go for the deals—the Faustian pacts that investing in new, renewable, low-carbon plants, offshore have caused the Bill to reach its current state—will wind and all sorts of other low-carbon arrangements come out in favour of what their own heads tell them, that are at the heart of the Bill have to start on the work namely the logic of including a target to make sure that now on projects that will come on stream in six, seven, the Bill is shaped as well as it can be for the future. eight, nine and 10 years’ time. However, those companies, which are at heart of the engine of this Bill, will not do that under the current circumstances, because they have Mark Reckless: I am pleased to follow the hon. to take decisions now and if they see that they will face Member for Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead), but I a cliff face of some height in 2020, they may well decide am not sure whether I agree with him about the logic, that they do not want to use their initial investments for let alone the coherence, of the Bill or the amendment. that purpose because there will be no business for them He says that many hon. Members will want to vote for after that time. the amendment for logical and coherent reasons, but I do not believe that that is so. Many hon. Members—a very high proportion—although rather less of my 2.45 pm constituents vote almost always on the green side of any I have a specific example, which the hon. Gentleman argument. They vote almost ideologically—they support has prompted me to give. I recently visited Vestas offshore the greener side of any issue under discussion. The wind research and development centre on the Isle of problem with that approach is that it has led to a Wight. The centre is researching the future of the next network of legislation and other commitments in this generation of Vestas offshore wind blades and other country that are internally incoherent and make no mechanisms. It is researching, among other things, 80-metre sense. Instead of hon. Members looking at the matter in blades and doing a great deal of stress testing and the round and seeing how they could best obtain their 1423 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1424 overall objective, be that decarbonisation or otherwise, Almost all hon. Members seem to be prepared to they support each and every of various, disparate initiatives drive that measure through, but almost all of my that add up to a whole that does not make sense, even in constituents that I speak to do not want to pay those terms of those objectives. amounts on their electricity bills. We are forcing the Those promoting the amendment say that they want measure through. Obviously, lobbyists and the industry to bring certainty for investors, and yet the Minister, understand this complex area, but it is important that too, says that that is his objective. The Minister mentioned Members get to grips with the Bill and the extent to that he wanted to protect and insulate consumers from which CFDs will drive higher prices. The more I understand price spikes. The problem is that the method by which the Bill from the point of view of my constituents, the he seeks to do so, and administers in the Bill, locks in less keen I am on it. high prices, so that for a very long period, whatever the The amendment confuses two issues, the first of uncertainties, our consumers will be locked in. which is the Climate Change Act 2008 commitment to The primary purpose of the Bill is not the an 80% reduction in carbon gases by 2050. The commitment decarbonisation of electricity, but to set up the “contract applies to the whole economy, but the amendment seeks for difference” model that allows the Government to an electricity decarbonisation target. The Minister sign long-term and very expensive contracts with all persuasively drew attention to that inconsistency. If we manner of energy producers—the Government will pick are looking to hit the 80% reduction target in 2050—the winners through an opaque process—and give certainty target strikes me as an enormously ambitious and costly to investors that our consumers will be forced to pay one, and I doubt it will be met—we need to decarbonise those prices and have them added to their electricity large sections of the economy, and not just the electricity bills throughout the length of contracts that could sector. As part of that, we must persuade significant contain a change-of-law clause that it might not be sections of the heating and transport sectors to convert possible to unpick in future should we want to do so. from current fossil fuels to electricity. However, the That is what worries me about the Bill. We are changing amendment would accelerate the decarbonisation of the pie-in-the-sky, Alice in Wonderland policy objectives electricity still more, which will shove up the cost of that the previous Government proposed—only four or electricity so much that it will be hugely unattractive for five current Government Members voted against them—but those sectors to switch to electricity from their current we can undo a Government policy objective for 2050 if fossil fuels. Therefore, even on its own terms, the electricity we find that it does not make sense or is overly expensive. decarbonisation target risks setting back its avowed This Bill, however, essentially makes such a reverse goal of helping towards the purported 2050 target for undoable because it moves the policy from the sphere of the decarbonisation of the economy as a whole. legislation to that of contractual commitments. None the less, one might say in the amendment’s It is sensible that the control levy framework is scored favour that it potentially exposes the contradictions in as public spending—I welcome the fact that the Government current policy. We have heard a lot of the “grand and the statistics office have ensured that. However, bargain”. The hon. Member for Edinburgh West (Mike under the framework, the plan is to increase the cap on Crockart) was honest in setting out how much the Lib spending from £2.35 billion to £9.8 billion by 2020. All Dems have gained from it and how little they have given hon. Members who have spoken in the debate have said up in consequence. I do not, on balance, support the that the sum is £7.6 billion, but it is not. The sum is amendment, but I am not sure why the pass has been £9.8 billion, unless we say, “It’s £7.6 billion in real terms sold on so many other issues to avoid having to make a from a previous year.”Our constituents will pay £9.8 billion decision in 2014—we are quite happy to kick it down in 2020. For most of our constituents for the past few the road and make it in 2016. years, wage increases have been lower than price increases. The inconsistencies in the proposals are significant. Mr Douglas Carswell (Clacton) (Con): Does my hon. The hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner)—I Friend agree that there is a danger that the Bill could am pleased he is still in his seat—suggested that it would mean that poor folk in constituencies such as mine are be cheaper to go down the route of renewable electricity priced out of heating their homes in order that rich rather than electricity largely from gas. He cited a people in London can feel good about supposedly saving Committee on Climate Change report, but did not the planet? mention the basis of its calculation. The report states: Mark Reckless: Yes, there is an element of that. Moreover, “Beyond 2030, bills would fall in a low-carbon system as new low-carbon capacity is commissioned at lower cost than the older we will be unable to do anything about it, because a capacity (assuming learning in deployment leads to cost reductions). future Parliament will be stuck with the contracts. In contrast, for a system with a major share of generation from I fear that the sum might be larger than the £9.8 billion. unabated gas, bills would continue to increase as carbon prices Policy Exchange has released a well-considered analysis continue to rise.” that adds up the total additions to gas and electricity The basis of his argument is predicated on the assumption bills within the levy control framework to £16.3 billion. that the massive carbon tax will rise—that is within the Even that does not take into account two significant system, but also endogenous to his own model. factors: first, the carbon tax floor, which is a tax and not in the levy control framework, which applies to spending; and secondly, the cost of banning coal Barry Gardiner: Had the hon. Gentleman paid attention, production—coal production will be banned by shutting he would have noticed that I mentioned the basis on down plants through the EU directive, and through the which the Committee on Climate Change made its domestic and unilateral legislation to ban the construction assessment. The Committee concluded that we could of new coal-fired plants. We could be looking at amounts assume that the price of carbon will not continue to rise equivalent to 4p, 5p or 6p on income tax. only if the rest of the world gives up its aspiration to 1425 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1426

[Barry Gardiner] the conclusion that he has just rubbished— “is robust when possible impacts of shale gas on the gas price are avoid dangerous climate change. Only in that scenario accounted for. Shale gas could play a role in the gas mix that helps could it make economic sense for the Government to to balance intermittent power generation, and meet demand for pursue the strategy he suggests. heat, provided appropriate environmental safeguarding regulations are put in place.” Mark Reckless: On both the occasions that I sought to intervene or have an exchange with the hon. Gentleman, Mark Reckless: Yes, it is robust in that sense, but the he replied that the problem was my failure of understanding reason it is robust is because almost any conceivable rather than his failure of explanation. Might we perhaps change in gas price is completely swamped by the together put on the record the key facts behind that enormous increase in the carbon tax from £16 now—and assumption? less than £2 in the ETS—to up to between £200 and £500 per tonne by 2050. Of course the conclusion is 3pm robust. If we assume that there will be a massive tax on The carbon tax has just been introduced from nothing carbon, it will be cheaper to have lower carbon rather to £16 per tonne. It will go up to £32 by 2020, go up still than higher carbon, but so what? CFDs are included in further to £76 by 2030, and, incredibly, by 2050 it will be the Bill, but they have virtually nothing to do with this a minimum of £200 and perhaps £500 per tonne of amendment. We keep on hearing that it is about electricity carbon. That compares with less than £2 per tonne of decarbonisation, but it is not. That was only inserted in carbon in the current EU trading system. If we assume the Committee stage of the Bill. enormous exponential rises in carbon tax, it will obviously The amendment is about hitting the renewable energy be cheaper for consumers and producers of electricity directive for 15% of all energy production in this country— to use grotesquely expensive renewables rather than not just the electricity sector, which makes up approximately cheap fossil fuels that have a vast tax is imposed on a third—to be from renewables by 2020. However, that them. Even in that scenario, there is the benefit to the will set back decarbonisation across the whole country, Treasury of the tax revenue. In many other areas of this because it is a very expensive way to decarbonise. All debate, there is not that counter-benefit. The Treasury the savings we can make through energy efficiency, could use that revenue to fund the levy control framework, better insulation of people’s homes, or, I hope the so that using gas would be enormously cheaper overall Minister will not mind me saying, through different than using renewables. lighting that saves money across the network, are no I would like to trouble Members with one other quotation, good or will only work on the denominator, because we because I think it sums up the Bill better than I can: are forced to hit, by 2020, the 15% renewables target— “The Government’s proposal for Electricity Market Reform 33% of electricity—set by the EU Commission. That (EMR), based on signing long-term fixed price contracts (Contracts will be grotesquely expensive and will lead not to innovation for Difference) with its preferred mix of generators, is unsuited to in low-carbon technologies, but to the rolling out of a world of uncertainty. It is predicated on an assumption of fairly mid-tech current generation onshore and offshore relatively high future gas prices. It risks imposing large expense on UK energy bill-payers if that assumption proves wrong.” wind at twice the price. That will absorb a huge proportion of the £9.8 billion and lead to very little advance in Rather than the Committee on Climate Change, which technology compared with what we could do with proper the hon. Member for Brent North is so keen on citing, R and D focused activity. That will happen not because perhaps I should look at what the Department of Energy of decarbonisation, but because the EU directive that and Climate Change says. I do not agree with all its states that this must be done through renewables. analysis, but in the impact assessment of the renewable energy strategy, the Department estimated that the net Domestically, we are making the situation even worse cost up to 2030 would be £12 billion on an assumption by inserting further restraints, such as a 12.5% cap on of high gas prices. On its central assumption of gas biomass. One way to get closer to hitting the EU target prices, it estimated the net cost would be £56 billion, yet is to use dual firing, where half coal, half wood pellets it admitted that if gas prices were lower, the net cost of emit approximately the same amount of carbon as gas, renewables up to 2030 would be £95 billion. That money earning a half-renewable credit on the real constraint, would be added to our constituents’ electricity bills. the 2020 EU target. We are not allowing that, however. The uncertainty around the gas price is enormous. We could pay other countries—Germany, Spain and The estimates from credible authorities have been perhaps Poland—to do a lot those things far cheaper coming down. The International Energy Agency’s estimate than we could do them ourselves. We have a new has come down by 20%, and even DECC’s estimate has Government in Iceland, and £2 billion is the estimate of come down by 10% in just one year. If there is any the capital cost of an interconnector to Iceland for its serious exploitation of shale in this country, the EU and renewable electricity. These measures are not being elsewhere that is similar to what we have seen in the US, considered. Even if the objective is to reduce carbon, the whole assumption of high and rising gas prices on that can be done so much cheaper than the proposals which the whole energy strategy is based will be shown that will be forced through by the Bill, which will be to be completely wrong and that will lead to us to millstone around our constituents’ necks for decades to locking ourselves into contracts that will cost our come. constituents enormous sums of money utterly unnecessarily. Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): I understand fully the Barry Gardiner: The hon. Gentleman has made an call in the amendment for the decarbonisation of the energy important point, so I want to respond to it. He will, I sector, and for a target to be enshrined in the Bill. What trust, have read the Committee on Climate Change the target should be and whether it would be realistic is report on EMR, in which it states: debateable. There have been wide differences and many “This conclusion”— suggestions about what an achievable target might be. 1427 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1428

If the target is too ambitious, it will be impossible to Ian Lavery: I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is achieve. We need to bring some form of reality into the correct, but it would not be too difficult in China to debate and forget the pipe dreams of what people make a little headway, given how much carbon it produces. would love to see. This is about what we can actually The trip to China was a learning curve. I am sure that achieve between now and 2030, and between now and other Members present were on that delegation. I think 2050. Is it achievable to decarbonise the energy sector to we ought to focus on its proposals for renewable energy, the degree of 50 grams of CO2 per kWh? That is one carbon capture and storage and the rest and take a leaf suggestion, and I am sure that plenty of Members out of its book, although I will want to see how much believe that that is achievable. I find it difficult to progress it makes in the not-too-distant future—perhaps believe, however. five or 10 years. Unlike the hon. Member for Edinburgh West (Mike The amendment is concerned with coal and Crockart), who had a shopping list of issues he wanted decarbonisation. At the same time as importing huge to discuss today, I want to focus on carbon capture, coal amounts of coal from Russia, China, South Africa and burn and gas burn—fossil fuels. I want to accentuate Australia, we have allowed our coal industry to be the positives in burning fossil fuels with carbon capture. destroyed. The Minister might wish to refer to that. I believe, and the expert advice shows, that it can Only a couple of months ago, there was a big fire at contribute greatly towards an agreed decarbonisation Daw Mill colliery, one of the biggest collieries in the target. The trick is to transfer the high-carbon electricity world, and the situation still has not been remedied, generation to low-carbon electricity generation. [HON. despite the Government’s promises to look after that MEMBERS: “How?”] Carbon capture and storage is the and, with UK Coal and Scottish Coal, the open-cast answer. People seem to forget that fossil fuels provide mines in what is left of the UK coal industry. 70%—not 7%, but 70%—of the UK’s electricity supply, and that is set to continue for the short and medium term. Coal burning is set to increase not just in the UK, 3.15 pm but across the world, over the next 20 to 30 years. For whatever reason, however, the role of coal, particularly Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): I in the UK, is often pushed aside, swept under the congratulate my hon. Friend on the points he is making, carpet, totally ignored. This is done deliberately in the which are not often made in this place. In my constituency, Commons by many Members of Parliament, despite we do not produce coal, but we import it, mainly from the fantastic role that the miners of this country have Colombia, through Hunterston. There was a proposal played. They have worked hard for many generations, to build a new coal plant at Hunterston, but that might producing the wealth and fuel to generate this country, not be going ahead now. It would probably have been a so it is unacceptable that they should be ignored. carbon capture plan using predominantly imported coal, Only three years ago in 2010, the UK market demand because, I understand, the types of coal produced in for coal was roughly 54.1 million tonnes. That is what Scotland probably would not have been suitable. I know we burned in 2010. During the same period, only that he is a strong supporter of carbon capture. How do 18.4 million tonnes were produced here, with a rough we ensure that we use indigenous coal? 50:50 split between open-cast and deep-mine sectors. Beyond doubt, then, a lot of imported coal is required to meet the nation’s demands. Coal imports have easily Ian Lavery: That is an excellent and important point exceeded indigenous coal production since 2003. Coal is that I will come to shortly. We have understood for not going away. It is here to stay, in the UK and globally. generations that we closed profitable coal mines the We will not be able to persuade the likes of China, India length and breadth of the country, knowing full well and America to stop burning coal; they are burning that carbon capture was in the background. We have coal unabated right now—that is a fact of life. done nothing to protect the British deep-mining coal industry, and that has cost thousands and thousands of Martin Horwood: There have been quite a few references jobs. We have dillied and we have dallied with carbon to China, but China has set very ambitious carbon-intensity capture and storage, including over the past three or reduction targets, including a 45% reduction in carbon four years. The first announcement was made by the intensity by 2020, so actually it is stimulating huge previous Labour Government, who committed themselves investment in renewables and low-carbon technologies, to carbon capture and storage in 2007. Where is it? It is including carbon capture and storage. The hon. Gentleman not here. It has been kicked into the long grass. must see the potential in that strategy as well. My view is simple. We should look to exploit the coal Ian Lavery: Absolutely. I fully agree with the hon. reserves up and down the country, with carbon capture Gentleman. The Energy and Climate Change Committee, and storage onsite and with clean coal power stations. of which I am a member, visited China the year before That would decarbonise the electricity sector and go a last and saw the potential in China. Much was said in long way to ensuring that we can meet the targets. It the meetings we had, but I would like to see happening might even mean that we could reach 50 grams of CO2 on the ground what they said would happen in the per kWh. I am not too sure about that, but it is the future. It is looking not to decarbonise, but certainly to answer. The demand for coal is significant here. Electricity make huge reductions in emissions, and again I will consumption is set to increase, as too is the consumption want to see over perhaps 10 years what achievements of coal, but as mentioned by several Members on both can be made. I hope that it happens. sides of the House, by 2015, approximately 9,000 MW of coal-fired plant is to be closed down, as a result of Martin Horwood: On the latest figures, China is ahead the large combustion plant directive, so the UK will of target on those carbon-intensity reductions, so it is become increasingly dependent on imported gas for happening on the ground as well. electricity and domestic heating purposes. 1429 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1430

[Ian Lavery] country. I hope that shale gas is everything that everyone wants it to be—no one would be more pleased than me What impact will the burning of gas have on our if it was. We are looking, but if we are to achieve our ability to meet our targets? People do not want to targets, we have to get carbon capture and storage. We recognise that gas is a fossil fuel—coal is not the only have to be serious and urgent about it if we want to fossil fuel—and emits just less than the suggested emissions decarbonise the electricity sector. There is no other way performance standard of 450 grams per kWh, so when to do it. Coal power plant with CCS can diversify the we talk about allowing gas to be burnt unabated, we UK’s fossil fuel requirement and, in addition, deliver must think of the consequences. It will mean that we national security of supply. will be unable to achieve any of our decarbonisation In summary, as I have explained—I am not sure targets for 2030 or 2050. whether I have explained it enough—fossil fuels provide Do people in this Chamber believe that shale gas will 70% of the electricity generated in the UK, and that is be the answer to our problems? Too many questions likely to continue. Fossil fuels represent a major source need to be asked about shale gas, although we need the of CO2, and CCS is a key technology that enables fossil general public to support it before anything else. There fuels to become a low-carbon source of electricity. are a lot of problems with fracking. What is the cost of Fossil fuel electricity generation is not subject to the exploitation? We do not know what it is. Is it safe? intermittency of renewables or the inflexibility of nuclear, is an important tool in meeting variations in demand, Mark Reckless: Yes. and, with carbon capture, will allow the UK to maintain diversity of fuel and energy sources. Fossil fuel with Ian Lavery: What are the emission levels? I am not carbon capture and storage would undoubtedly enable saying it is not safe, by the way; I am saying that there the UK to decarbonise, in line with so many people’s are a lot of things we need to get right. As a member of hopes and aspirations. The message from me is quite the Energy and Climate Change Committee, I support simple. The Government need to stop dithering with the fact that we have said that the exploitation of shale carbon capture and storage. They should give equal gas should not have been delayed, but should have gone importance, attention and focus to CCS as they have to ahead months ago, if not a year ago. securing nuclear power into the future. We should support the British deep-mine coal industry or forget any ambitions Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP): I have listened to meet the target of a decarbonised UK by 2030. to the hon. Gentleman’s arguments. Does he accept that in America, shale gas has been not only exploitable, but Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): At the outset I should exploitable at reasonable prices? It has turned the American draw attention to the Register of Members’ Financial economy around, to the point where manufacturing Interests. I have interests in family farms in Suffolk that had been outsourced to other parts of the world is where renewable energy projects are being pursued. now being brought back to America because energy However, this afternoon I shall largely concentrate not costs have been reduced. on land, but on the coast and developments at sea, with a focus on the nuclear industry and, predominantly, the Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. offshore wind industry. Decarbonisation is the focus. While I am on my feet, I My Waveney constituency, Britain’s most easterly would also like to gently remind all Members in the constituency, stands to benefit from some of the larger Chamber that this debate will end at 4 o’clock. The mover projects that will hopefully flow from the Bill, such as of the amendment will get a few minutes at the end, but the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power station a lot of Members who have been sitting in the Chamber in the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for all this time are still waiting to speak, so may we have Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) and the development of some consideration to get them in as well? the East Anglia Array, the largest round 3 offshore wind farm, for which Lowestoft, the largest town in my Ian Lavery: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I constituency, is the nearest port. These projects provide understand exactly what you are saying. I waited four a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring jobs and prosperity hours yesterday and did not get called, so excuse me for back to an area that has been hard hit in the last perhaps saying a little more than I intended to. 30 years by the dramatic decline in the fishing industry, the closure of factories and the rise of package holidays, Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. My comment was which has hit the domestic tourism industry. If we can not directed at you, Mr Lavery, but sitting in the Chamber build a strong domestic supply chain for low-carbon all day yesterday does not necessarily qualify you for energy generation, we will have an opportunity to reverse that. I was referring to the number of interventions by that decline and properly rebalance the economy. This some who have already spoken and by those who have opportunity is not restricted to East Anglia, but is not been here all afternoon—and the fact that you have repeated all around the coast of the British Isles. To me, been on your feet for some time. I was just trying to help the issue before us in this debate is the role that having a you along and explain the shortage of time. decarbonisation target in the Bill could play in building a domestic supply chain and creating jobs. Ian Lavery: Once again, thank you very much for It is important to emphasise that there is broad your guidance, Madam Deputy Speaker. agreement, at least between the Front-Bench teams, on The shale gas issue, which the hon. Member for East this Bill’s direction of travel—the promotion of a mixed Antrim (Sammy Wilson) referred to in his intervention, energy supply economy with appropriate demand-side is important. By the way, the situation in the USA is measures. This collegiate approach is needed to attract completely different from what might happen in this much-needed investment—an estimated £110 billion by 1431 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1432 the end of this decade and £330 billion by 2030—in the in order to rebalance the economy towards the regions UK energy sector. For the Government and the Opposition in favour of engineering and manufacturing and to to be singing from completely different hymn sheets create jobs. would have unnerved investors and seen them fleeing these shores. Instead, despite differences, largely of emphasis, most of the feedback that I receive from industry is that 3.30 pm the British energy sector as a whole is a good place to The decarbonisation target is not a silver bullet. On do business. What we are debating is what needs to be its own it will not achieve those objectives, but it could done to make it the world leader—the come-to place. well be an important piece in a jigsaw that will attract investment, help to build a new domestic supply chain, In considering whether there should be a decarbonisation help to bring down costs in emerging energy technologies target in the Bill, I have had regard to the evidence such as offshore wind, and enable UK businesses to win and opinions provided by a wide variety of colleagues, contracts, thereby creating home-grown jobs. There is a local and national businesses, and non-governmental concern that, without such an objective, investment in organisations. Let me go through some of these; there renewable technologies in the UK could slow down are differences of opinion between some of them. The significantly. In such a scenario, UK energy bill payers CBI is of the view that the most important factor could in effect be supporting jobs elsewhere in Europe—in driving investment decisions is electricity market reform— Denmark and Germany, for example. That would be a the proposals in the Bill on contracts for difference, the poor deal for British households. capacity mechanism and the levy control framework. It I have listened carefully to the arguments this afternoon, is vital that this debate on the decarbonisation target and to the passion with which my fellow Suffolk MP, should not hold up the Bill from receiving Royal Assent. my hon. Friend the Member for South Suffolk (Mr Yeo), Electricity market reform will be the main catalyst for put forward his case. I am also grateful to the Minister the investment we all seek. Likewise, it is important that for setting out his case to me. I listened carefully to him, the draft strike prices are published on time next month. as I promised I would do. He set out his case well, and I take note of EDF’s findings. EDF, too, emphasises in many respects it was compelling. My one concern, the importance of a decarbonisation target not preventing however, is the delay until 2016. By that time, important the Bill from passing through Parliament in a timely investment decisions might well have been made for way. EDF expresses the opinion that if such a duty is to round 3 offshore wind projects. The orders might already be provided for, it should be in secondary legislation, have been placed, and my concern is that not enough of subject to adjustment in the light of new evidence. That them will go to British businesses. The amendment would help to ensure that the required pathway to 2050 would improve the prospects of securing that investment is realistic and deliverable. I am also mindful of the in Britain, across East Anglia and in my Waveney importance of a Europe-wide target and the need for constituency. It is not an easy decision to vote against agreement at EU level. The EU emissions trading scheme one’s party, but on balance I sense that the interests of should be the key target in decarbonising European my constituents and of businesses in the Waveney area economies. would be best served by the inclusion of a decarbonisation target in the Bill. I shall therefore be supporting the The issue that especially concerns me is that if no amendment. target is provided before 2016, investors’ uncertainty will be prolonged. There is a particular risk to the investment Several hon. Members rose— in round 3 projects, from which my constituency and East Anglia have the opportunity to benefit through Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. We economic development providing new opportunities for still have four speakers wishing to speak in the debate, local businesses and creating new jobs. as well as Mr Yeo, who I am sure will want to speak briefly again at the end. I call Mike Weir to speak, The forthcoming publication of the offshore wind ideally for four or five minutes. strategy is welcome, but the feedback that I receive from industry is that, on its own, it might not be enough to Mr Mike Weir: I strongly support the amendments in maximise inward investment. I have studied closely the this group. It is imperative to decarbonise the energy Committee on Climate Change’s recent report, and in sector, and I believe that including a decarbonisation particular its conclusion that a decarbonisation target target in the Bill would give a clear and unmistakeable would help to deliver savings of £25 billion to £45 billion message that we intend to do so. The first reason for on consumer energy bills. Further, it emphasises the adopting such a target is that we must reduce our need for a strong signal about the future direction of carbon emissions. The energy sector is a major contributor travel in order to support supply chain investment, to carbon emissions and the Committee on Climate which has long payback periods, and the development Change has made it clear that decarbonising power is of new projects that have long lead-in times. There is a the cheapest way of meeting our overall carbon budgets. risk that, due to a lack of visibility beyond 2020, supply chain investment and project development might not There is, at best, a mixed message coming from the proceed, as the Government have not yet clearly set out Government on how they intend to proceed with the their intentions for that period. decarbonisation of energy.In the Bill Committee, witnesses told us time and again of the need for a decarbonisation In considering energy policy generally, regard should target to ensure that a clear message was sent to those be given to three factors: affordability, security of supply involved in the industry. The mixed message coming and environmental responsibility.At this time of prolonged from the Government could seriously harm our efforts economic downturn, there is a fourth: the opportunity to attract not only new renewables generation but, to promote economic growth and attract inward investment crucially, the supply chain that will ensure that we reap 1433 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1434

[Mr Mike Weir] already been tackled by oil and gas development, which might point the way to dealing with offshore wind the economic benefits and the jobs that go with them. arrays and onshore development at our ports such as In opposing the decarbonisation target, Ministers have Dundee, and, in my own constituency, Montrose. That made the point that other nations do not have such a development, however, is based on the assumption of target. That is true, but many of those countries are having a long-term stable market for manufacturers. already ahead of us in creating a supply chain that can Firms such as Gamesa, Areva, Mitsubishi and Samsung supply investment in renewable energy in their territories. have indicated an intention to establish manufacturing We are trying to attract that supply chain here and to plant in Scotland in order to meet the expected opportunities ensure that it is established so that we do not simply for offshore wind development. The difficulty we face continue to import the infrastructure that we need to with this Bill, however, is that we can be sure of funding create green energy for the future. only up to 2020—and then, as DONG Energy says, we Much was said earlier about the situation in Germany. face the “cliff edge” of uncertainty. Many of those who Although it is true that Germany does not have a are considering investments do not feel that there is decarbonisation target, it recently announced a very sufficient reassurance of a long-term market for their ambitious 2030 renewable target, which includes 25 GW products beyond that date, which could lead them to of offshore wind and a budget of ¤23 billion. I understand reconsider or delay any decisions on investment. Such that France, too, is considering moving towards such a delays could lead to a significant loss to the economy target, so there is movement elsewhere within the EU and check ambitions to create a new greener manufacturing on such targets, and we should not be left behind. base, especially when, if companies decide to go ahead In the evidence session, Danielle Lane of DONG within the compressed time that is certain, there would Energy made it clear that the 2020 target is presently at be a considerable shortfall in the ability of UK-based the cliff edge, and that the industry needs certainty manufacturers to meet the demand for turbines, which about the direction of travel after 2020—a clear sign will inevitably lead to the importation of much of the that after that date there will continue to be a clear infrastructure, creating jobs elsewhere but not in Scotland. commitment from all parties to continue along the I finish on the point that decarbonisation is important route of decarbonisation. not just for climate change benefits, but for the real The issue is very important to Scotland, where the economic benefit of creating sustainable jobs for the development of green energy is a vital part of the future. revitalisation of our manufacturing industry.It is interesting to note that the Scottish economy has achieved some Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): In the north-east, growth over the last two quarters, much of it through energy in all its forms concerns my constituents almost the energy sector. Scotland’s offshore potential is huge—25% more than any other issue. Whether it be fuel prices, of the entire European potential. If we are able to energy prices, the role of wind, biomass and nuclear, harness that, we could attract billions of pounds- worth opencast mining, the renewable heat incentive, solar, of investment and create tens of thousands of highly off-grid, liquefied petroleum gas, heating oil, gas or skilled and sustainable jobs. Indeed, Scotland’s offshore electricity prices, not to mention the role that climate wind route map outlined the potential for £30 billion-worth change should play—these are all key issues for the of investment with up to 28,000 direct and 20,000 people of Hexham. indirect jobs by 2020. It is definitely the case that the Government have a We already have strong offshore experience in the oil fundamental duty to keep the lights on and to lift the and gas industry, particularly in the north-east, and people of the north-east out of fuel poverty. Like the many of these skills could be transferable to new offshore hon. Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery), I inherited a renewable energy developments. I would cite the example situation in which 24% of our population were living in of offshore wind, which I believe has a strong vibrant fuel poverty. It is a situation that has sadly not improved future. There are plans to install up to 10 GW of that much, although I applaud what the Government capacity in Scottish waters over the next decade, including have tried to do. I especially welcome the work that they three projects off the coast of my Angus constituency. have done on fuel prices, and their support for household Many more sites, alongside commercial wave and tidal energy. generation, are being looked at for deployment in the In case I am required to do so, I make the declaration 2020s. We must ensure that we send a clear and that I am a member of the all-party parliamentary group unambiguous message that we want these developments, on off-gas grid and the all-party parliamentary group and that we will continue to push for the decarbonisation for the wood panel industry, and that my constituency of the energy sector. contains employers in the timber industry. It is important to set the targets now because companies I entirely accept that our desire to reduce carbon are looking at long-term investment. It will be many consumption is often incompatible with a reduction in years before these investments come on stream, but the energy prices. The fact is that renewable energies are not decisions affecting 2020 are being looked at in the as efficient as coal, oil and other fuels, which often has boardrooms now, and if we delay in putting forward the knock-on effect of increasing energy prices. Anyone our plans for decarbonisation, we may well lose out on who doubts that should read the maiden speech made all the potential. by Lord Ridley in the other place last month. Over the last few years, both private and public Notwithstanding the competing difficulties with which investment has been made to help stimulate sustainable, the Government have to deal, carbon reduction and long-term growth in offshore renewables, including renewable energy obligations will continue to be met, developing the technology. The deep waters off Scotland’s and energy companies will be required to place gas and shores have specific problems, but many of them have electricity consumers on the cheapest tariffs. 1435 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1436

I welcome the Government’s efforts in relation to the do so only for the sake of decarbonising it. Many Members green deal, about which I should have liked to say more. who support the amendment are not—the hon. Member It is having a considerable impact, although we need it for Rochester and Strood (Mark Reckless) has just left to trickle down to local suppliers, too few of whom are the Chamber—just ideological greens. I consider myself providing it on an ongoing basis. to be a practical environmentalist. I want to see the I applaud the efforts made to deal with fuel poverty environment looked after properly, quality jobs in this through the buy oil early campaign, and look forward country, and the promotion of quality jobs in the to doing my bit later in the year. However, it has been energy sector. I want to see our country become the put to me that the success of the campaign would be world leader in all forms of new generation. I want to massively increased if winter fuel payments were made see us, as pro-nuclear, being the forerunner in that new earlier in the year, when oil is much cheaper—hypothetically, technology. There is also great untapped marine energy on 1 August. potential in this country, and I want it to be unlocked. The Bill offers a good mechanism for doing that. Having listened to what was said about decarbonisation by my hon. Friend the Member for South Suffolk (Mr Yeo), I am sadly not persuaded. This is a debate 3.45 pm that has seen the hon. Member for Edinburgh West We need a target not for the sake of having a target, (Mike Crockart) charge, with Tennyson, to the redoubts but to provide a proper framework. The Liberal of Sebastopol, and also to the shifting climatic sands of Democrats—including the hon. Member for Edinburgh South Suffolk. The hon. Member for Rutherglen and West (Mike Crockart), who is having a discussion in the Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) disparages the Secretary Chamber at present—should follow their consciences of State and sees him as the political equivalent of and vote for this proposal, because they believe in it. Queens Park Rangers, but fails to add that Hamilton Yesterday, a number of Liberal Democrats voted against Academical are not exactly in the champions league. the Government on some amendments because it was It strikes me as entirely sensible for the decarbonisation the right thing to do, and it would be the right thing for target to be set after the Energy and Climate Change Liberal Democrats to do again today. They should vote Committee has provided its advice on the fifth carbon with their conscience and support the amendment of budget in 2016. However, while I support the Government’s my hon. Friend the Member for Brent North (Barry strategy of shifting away from oil and decarbonising, Gardiner) and the hon. Member for South Suffolk we must be careful not to rely excessively on wind (Mr Yeo). energy. The hon. Member for Wansbeck and I face twin We are in a good position. Whichever party were in problems in that regard, because the Northumberland power now, the Government would have had to introduce area is being randomly covered with wind farms. There electricity market reform. The Minister was right to say is no proper strategy and no local development plan, that, but he was wrong to say nothing had been done in and our constituents are not encouraging the move in the previous 13 years—in saying that, he falls into a any way. trap. A lot was done in the 13 years of the last Labour Government. They introduced a lot of proposals to I urge the Government to address the future role of help with renewables. They also brought nuclear back wind, and also that of biomass. The continuing domestic on to the agenda—it had almost entirely slipped off it. subsidy for biomass is having an impact on the jobs of They introduced the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority all utilisers of wood. It means that the demand for to clear up the mess left by previous Governments of timber from energy companies increases, and so too both colours, too. A lot was done, therefore, and today’s does the price. The subsidy gives those companies a proposals build on the agenda set by the last Labour competitive advantage, enabling them to purchase timber Government during their 13 years in office. more cheaply than any other provider in the country. I repeat my calls for the subsidy to be scrapped, so that We need to decarbonise the electricity market, and the wood panel industry—and, indeed, anyone who that presents huge challenges. As we wean ourselves off utilises timber—can compete on a level playing field, fossil fuels, gas heating will have to be electrified, and while continuing to decarbonise. we will therefore need low-carbon electricity.The transport system will need to be electrified as we move to high-speed The Bill should be strongly supported. I shall vote trains. Our cars will need to be electrified, too. These against the Labour amendment—[Interruption]—which, are massive challenges, and we will need sufficient generation I hasten to add, is also the amendment of my hon. of low-carbon energy if we are to meet our 2050 targets. Friend the Member for South Suffolk. I should have liked to include many more items on my wish list—much The 2030 target puts in place the signal and the like the hon. Member for Edinburgh West—but, in the framework for now. That is why these measures are interests of satisfying you, Mr Deputy Speaker, I shall important. As my hon. Friend the Member for end my speech. Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) said, the Bill is about decarbonisation and reform of the market. In order to ensure that happens, we need the mechanisms Albert Owen: It is a pleasure to follow the hon. contained in the Bill. Having a target—which the Secretary Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman), although I am of State and his Liberal Democrat colleagues want—is disappointed that he will not be joining us in the Lobby. the right way forward. Many of those who oppose the amendment have There is not much time left in our discussion of these tried to suggest that it is pro-wind, but it is not about amendments. I had a lot more to say, but I just want to wind energy. I am proud to put on record that I am congratulate my hon. Friend—I want to call him that—the pro-nuclear, pro-renewables and pro-energy efficiency. I Member for South Suffolk on introducing these see no contradiction in holding those three views, because amendments, along with other Members. He may not I want to decarbonise the economy, but I do not want to have managed to unite the Government, but he has 1437 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1438 managed to unite the Methodists and the Baptists, who Decarbonising the power sector by 2030 is not just an are both supporting the proposals, along with many important part of our legally binding commitment to other groups across industry. reducing the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions by 80% by The CBI has been mentioned. It is not against the 2050—it is the totality of it. The Prime Minister once decarbonisation target; it just feels that it should not get recognised that. In 2010, he told the Liaison Committee in the way of the Bill’s progress. One way not to get in that its way is to vote for the amendment at 4 o’clock. I urge “if we don’t decarbonise electricity, we’ve got no hope of meeting Members across the House to join us in voting for this all the targets that we are all committed to”. target, and thereby making Britain a leader in I entirely agree with the statement, but, unfortunately, decarbonisation and future energy generation. the Prime Minister seems to have abandoned that. The case for a 2030 decarbonisation target is about Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab): I support more than preventing catastrophic climate change. There the comments that my hon. Friend the Member for is an irresistible business case for these amendments, Ynys Môn (Albert Owen) and other colleagues made and it can be summed up in one word—jobs. The about the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Yeo) and renewable industry currently supports 110,000 jobs and, his introduction of this amendment. across the supply chain, it could support 400,000 jobs by 2020. In 2012, the CBI estimated that nearly one Investment in clean energy and policies to keep the third of the insufficient number of jobs created in the lights on go hand-in-hand. We need a commitment to UK came in the green sector. Two thirds of jobs providing decarbonising the power sector by 2030 not just to low-carbon and environmental goods and services are combat devastating and unpredictable climate change, outside London and the south-east. Furthermore, if we but to keep energy prices down and the economy growing use the BIS definition of “low-carbon environmental into the second half of the 21st century. The idea that goods and services”, we find that the largest activity in there is a binary choice between a firm commitment to the sector is manufacturing, with 20% of total sales and green energy and keeping energy bills down is clearly a employment, as opposed to a figure of 13% for the false dichotomy. Decarbonisation is fundamental to economy as a whole. In 2010-11, green business grew by keeping energy prices down in the long term; the alternative 2.3% in real terms, outstripping global growth, yet this is to remain at the whim of unpredictable yet ever-rising Government’s dithering is scaring off investment in an global fossil fuel prices. industry worth £3.2 trillion. It is therefore shocking that investment in green Jobs, rebalancing the economy and economic growth energy has fallen in every year since this Government are three pillars of this Government’s agenda that would came to power. At current rates, investment in 2013 will be boosted by a decarbonisation target. It is at times of be at its lowest level since 2006. This is not just a case of economic stagnation—this economy is certainly not “not good enough”; it is an utter dereliction of duty. booming—that investment is at its most economically The Government, riddled by indecision and infighting, productive. With interest rates at near zero, the Government are deterring investment, stopping Britain becoming should be prioritising investment in decarbonisation. the leader in Europe on renewable investment. That the “greenest Government ever” claim they want At the evidence stage of this Bill, I asked the Secretary to decarbonise the economy but will not support a 2030 of State whether he agreed with his party’s position of decarbonisation target is simply bizarre. Without such a wanting a decarbonisation target in the Bill. He said target, I am deeply concerned that this Bill will not give that he did but we have a coalition Government, which investors the confidence we know they need to invest in therefore meant that it was not going to be there—that low-carbon generation in the UK. says it all. This issue should be beyond party politics. I Mr Yeo: I pay tribute to everyone who has taken part welcome the fact that the hon. Member for Waveney in the debate and thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for (Peter Aldous) has decided to support the amendment, the opportunity to comment briefly on what has been and I understand that the president of the Liberal said. I am particularly grateful to members of my Democrats, the hon. Member for Westmorland and Committee who have spoken and although their full Lonsdale (Tim Farron), and their former leader, the tributes have done great damage to my career prospects, right hon. Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber they are much appreciated nevertheless—[HON.MEMBERS: (Mr Kennedy), are going to support it, too. I urge other “What career prospects?”] Okay, I accept that. Liberal Democrats, who have the choice at 4 pm as to I am particularly pleased that most of those members which way to vote, to support the amendment, in line maintained the position that the Committee took last with their party policy. summer when we reported on the draft Bill and made a This Government rightly decry short-termism, and unanimous recommendation about the need for a target. we all support a long-term plan to improve British My right hon. Friend the Minister set out the Government’s competitiveness and boost growth, which is why it is so position very powerfully. I do not think that there was disappointing that the Government cannot recognise any doubt about his reasons for opposing the amendment, the crucial long-term benefits of a 2030 decarbonisation but nothing he has said has explained to me what, if the target. Long-term strategy is even more crucial in energy Government remain as serious as he says they are about policy, where large fixed costs must be met. Investors’ meeting the fourth carbon budget, which takes us to cash, which we know is highly mobile, relies on a strong 2027, and progressing further towards the 2050 target, and unwavering vision from the Government. Without the objection is to accepting now rather than in three such a vision, the UK has slumped to seventh in the year’s time the advice of the Committee on Climate world for investment in clean energy, and for the first Change about a 2030 target for decarbonising electricity time we are no longer ranked first globally for offshore generation. That seems to me to be completely consistent wind attractiveness. with everything he said. 1439 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1440

My right hon. Friend also had some perhaps predictable Question put, That the amendment be made. fun about press reports of an answer I gave at something called the Westminster Russia Forum last week, but I The House divided: Ayes 267, Noes 290. am not sure that he attempted to understand the Division No. 18] [3.59 pm intervention I made during his speech. I do not doubt, and I have not doubted for 20 years, that the man-made AYES increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the past Abbott, Ms Diane Davies, Geraint 200 years as a result of the industrial revolution is Abrahams, Debbie De Piero, Gloria extremely likely to be the cause of the changes in the Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Denham, rh Mr John climate that we are now observing. Aldous, Peter Dobbin, Jim Leaving that to one side, however, I want to reiterate Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Dobson, rh Frank that unlike a great many people who argue about the Alexander, Heidi Docherty, Thomas science of climate change I see it in an historical context. Ali, Rushanara Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. The human species is one of the most recently arrived Allen, Mr Graham Donohoe, Mr Brian H. on the planet and the phenomenal success of the species— Amess, Mr David Doran, Mr Frank our proliferation in numbers and our control over our Ashworth, Jonathan Doughty, Stephen Austin, Ian Dowd, Jim destinies to an extent that perhaps no other species has Bailey, Mr Adrian Dromey, Jack ever achieved—has only happened even more recently Bain, Mr William Dugher, Michael than that. The precondition for that has been climate Balls, rh Ed Durkan, Mark stability. Banks, Gordon Eagle, Ms Angela Concern was expressed by some hon. Members about Barron, rh Mr Kevin Eagle, Maria the cost of energy. I absolutely share those concerns and Beckett, rh Margaret Edwards, Jonathan it is for that reason that the amendment, which I will Begg, Dame Anne Efford, Clive press to a vote in three minutes’ time, does not have the Benn, rh Hilary Elliott, Julie effect of raising electricity prices by a single penny for Benton, Mr Joe Engel, Natascha Berger, Luciana Esterson, Bill the next seven years. Anyone who is concerned about Betts, Mr Clive Evans, Chris short-term movements in electricity prices should be Blackman-Woods, Roberta Farrelly, Paul hammering the Treasury about the floor price of carbon. Blears, rh Hazel Farron, Tim That is what is forcing prices up and reducing the Blenkinsop, Tom Field, rh Mr Frank competitive position of British industry, not the setting Blomfield, Paul Fitzpatrick, Jim of a decarbonisation target for 2030 on advice from the Bottomley, Sir Peter Flello, Robert Committee on Climate Change. Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Flint, rh Caroline As for what will happen to prices in the 2020s, nobody Brennan, Kevin Flynn, Paul can be certain, as colleagues have made clear. There is, Brooke, Annette Francis, Dr Hywel Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Gardiner, Barry however, a very strong probability that the cost of Brown, Mr Russell George, Andrew various renewable energy technologies will be lower Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Gilmore, Sheila then than it is today, as several are on a very rapid Bryant, Chris Glass, Pat downward cost curve. The pace of that reduction in the Buck, Ms Karen Glindon, Mrs Mary price of those technologies might be even faster if Burden, Richard Godsiff, Mr Roger the industries concerned have greater certainty that the Burnham, rh Andy Goggins, rh Paul Government remain committed to reducing dependence Byrne, rh Mr Liam Goldsmith, Zac on fossil fuels for electricity generation beyond 2020. Campbell, Mr Alan Goodman, Helen There are therefore in my view overwhelming Campbell, Mr Gregory Greatrex, Tom Campbell, Mr Ronnie Green, Kate environmental reasons for supporting the amendment, Caton, Martin Greenwood, Lilian but there are other reasons, too. As I made clear, it will Chapman, Jenny Griffith, Nia encourage investment and bring down the cost of Clark, Katy Gwynne, Andrew investment, benefiting consumer prices. By accepting Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hain, rh Mr Peter the amendment, the Government would strengthen their Clwyd, rh Ann Hamilton, Mr David claim to be the greenest Government ever. The credentials Coaker, Vernon Hamilton, Fabian of all previous Governments are not that strong, so Coffey, Ann Hanson, rh Mr David achieving that accolade is probably even now within the Connarty, Michael Harman, rh Ms Harriet grasp of the Government. Accepting the amendment Cooper, Rosie Harris, Mr Tom would be a big step towards placing Britain in the Cooper, rh Yvette Havard, Mr Dai vanguard of the new industrial revolution, taking our Corbyn, Jeremy Healey, rh John economy to a position in which it is less dependent on Crausby, Mr David Hemming, John fossil fuels. I am convinced that countries, industries Creagh, Mary Hepburn, Mr Stephen and companies that do that will not only be doing the Creasy, Stella Hillier, Meg right thing environmentally but enjoy an economic and Cruddas, Jon Hilling, Julie financial advantage by improving their competitive position Cryer, John Hodge, rh Margaret over those countries that remain dependent on fossil Cunningham, Alex Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Cunningham, Mr Jim Hoey, Kate fuels in 2030. Cunningham, Sir Tony Hopkins, Kelvin For all those reasons, I warmly commend the amendment Curran, Margaret Horwood, Martin to the House. I urge all my hon. Friends and, in particular, Dakin, Nic Howarth, rh Mr George those on the Liberal Democrat Benches, to join us in Danczuk, Simon Hunt, Tristram the Lobby and do something that will materially improve David, Wayne Huppert, Dr Julian the Energy Bill. Davidson, Mr Ian Irranca-Davies, Huw 1441 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1442

Jackson, Glenda Raynsford, rh Mr Nick NOES Jamieson, Cathy Reed, Mr Jamie Adams, Nigel Duddridge, James Jarvis, Dan Reed, Mr Steve Afriyie, Adam Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Johnson, rh Alan Reynolds, Emma Alexander, rh Danny Ellis, Michael Johnson, Diana Reynolds, Jonathan Andrew, Stuart Ellison, Jane Jones, Helen Riordan, Mrs Linda Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Ellwood, Mr Tobias Jones, Mr Kevan Ritchie, Ms Margaret Bacon, Mr Richard Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Susan Elan Robertson, Angus Baker, Norman Evans, Graham Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Robertson, John Baker, Steve Evans, Jonathan Keeley, Barbara Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Baldry, Sir Tony Evennett, Mr David Kendall, Liz Rotheram, Steve Baldwin, Harriett Fabricant, Michael Khan, rh Sadiq Roy, Mr Frank Barclay, Stephen Fallon, rh Michael Lammy, rh Mr David Roy, Lindsay Barker, rh Gregory Featherstone, Lynne Lavery, Ian Ruane, Chris Baron, Mr John Field, Mark Lazarowicz, Mark Ruddock, rh Dame Barwell, Gavin Foster, rh Mr Don Leech, Mr John Joan Bebb, Guto Fox,rhDrLiam Leslie, Chris Sanders, Mr Adrian Beith, rh Sir Alan Francois, rh Mr Mark Lewis, Mr Ivan Sarwar, Anas Bellingham, Mr Henry Freeman, George Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Sawford, Andy Benyon, Richard Freer, Mike Love, Mr Andrew Seabeck, Alison Berry, Jake Fullbrook, Lorraine Lucas, Caroline Shannon, Jim Bingham, Andrew Fuller, Richard Lucas, Ian Sharma, Mr Virendra Binley, Mr Brian Garnier, Sir Edward MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Sheerman, Mr Barry Blackwood, Nicola Garnier, Mark Mactaggart, Fiona Shuker, Gavin Blunt, Mr Crispin Gauke, Mr David Mahmood, Shabana Simpson, David Boles, Nick Gibb, Mr Nick Malhotra, Seema Skinner, Mr Dennis Bone, Mr Peter Gilbert, Stephen Marsden, Mr Gordon Slaughter, Mr Andy Bradley, Karen Glen, John McCabe, Steve Smith, rh Mr Andrew Brady, Mr Graham Goodwill, Mr Robert McCann, Mr Michael Smith, Nick Brake, rh Tom Gove, rh Michael McCarthy, Kerry Smith, Owen Bray, Angie Grant, Mrs Helen McCartney, Jason Spellar, rh Mr John Brazier, Mr Julian Gray, Mr James McClymont, Gregg Stuart, Ms Gisela Bridgen, Andrew Grayling, rh Chris McCrea, Dr William Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Brine, Steve Green, rh Damian McDonagh, Siobhain Tami, Mark Brokenshire, James Greening, rh Justine McDonald, Andy Thomas, Mr Gareth Browne, Mr Jeremy Grieve, rh Mr Dominic McFadden, rh Mr Pat Thornberry, Emily Bruce, Fiona Griffiths, Andrew McGovern, Alison Thornton, Mike Buckland, Mr Robert Gummer, Ben McGovern, Jim Timms, rh Stephen Burley, Mr Aidan Gyimah, Mr Sam McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Trickett, Jon Burns, Conor Hague, rh Mr William McKechin, Ann Turner, Karl Burrowes, Mr David Halfon, Robert McKenzie, Mr Iain Twigg, Derek Burstow, rh Paul Hames, Duncan McKinnell, Catherine Twigg, Stephen Burt, Lorely Hammond, Stephen Meacher, rh Mr Michael Umunna, Mr Chuka Byles, Dan Hancock, Matthew Meale, Sir Alan Vaz, rh Keith Cable, rh Vince Hands, Greg Mearns, Ian Vaz, Valerie Cairns, Alun Harper, Mr Mark Miliband, rh Edward Walley, Joan Cameron, rh Mr David Harrington, Richard Miller, Andrew Ward, Mr David Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Harris, Rebecca Morden, Jessica Watson, Mr Tom Carmichael, Neil Hart, Simon Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Watts, Mr Dave Cash, Mr William Harvey, Sir Nick Morris, Grahame M. Weir, Mr Mike Chishti, Rehman Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan (Easington) Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Clark, rh Greg Hayes, rh Mr John Mudie, Mr George Whitehead, Dr Alan Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Heald, Oliver Mulholland, Greg Williams, Hywel Clegg, rh Mr Nick Heaton-Harris, Chris Munn, Meg Williams, Mr Mark Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Henderson, Gordon Murphy, rh Mr Jim Williams, Roger Coffey, Dr Thérèse Herbert, rh Nick Murphy, rh Paul Williams, Stephen Collins, Damian Hinds, Damian Murray, Ian Williamson, Chris Colvile, Oliver Hoban, Mr Mark Nandy, Lisa Crabb, Stephen Hollobone, Mr Philip Nash, Pamela Wilson, Phil Winnick, Mr David Crockart, Mike Holloway, Mr Adam Nokes, Caroline Crouch, Tracey Hopkins, Kris O’Donnell, Fiona Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Davey, rh Mr Edward Howarth, Sir Gerald Offord, Dr Matthew Davies, David T. C. Howell, John Wishart, Pete Onwurah, Chi (Monmouth) Hughes, rh Simon Wood, Mike Osborne, Sandra Davies, Glyn Hurd, Mr Nick Woodcock, John Owen, Albert Davies, Philip Jackson, Mr Stewart Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Paisley, Ian Davis, rh Mr David James, Margot Pearce, Teresa Wright, David de Bois, Nick Javid, Sajid Perkins, Toby Wright, Mr Iain Dinenage, Caroline Jenkin, Mr Bernard Phillipson, Bridget Yeo, Mr Tim Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Johnson, Gareth Pound, Stephen Tellers for the Ayes: Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Johnson, Joseph Pugh, John Graham Jones and Dorries, Nadine Jones, Andrew Qureshi, Yasmin Lyn Brown Doyle-Price, Jackie Jones, rh Mr David 1443 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1444

Jones, Mr Marcus Pritchard, Mark Wilson, Sammy Zahawi, Nadhim Kawczynski, Daniel Raab, Mr Dominic Wollaston, Dr Sarah Tellers for the Noes: Kelly, Chris Randall, rh Mr John Wright, Jeremy Anne Milton and Kirby, Simon Redwood, rh Mr John Young, rh Sir George Mark Hunter Knight, rh Mr Greg Rees-Mogg, Jacob Kwarteng, Kwasi Reid, Mr Alan Laing, Mrs Eleanor Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Question accordingly negatived. Lamb, Norman Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Lancaster, Mark Robertson, Mr Laurence 4.16 pm Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Rogerson, Dan Proceedings interrupted (Programme order, 3 June). Latham, Pauline Rosindell, Andrew Laws, rh Mr David Rudd, Amber The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary Leadsom, Andrea Ruffley, Mr David for the disposal of business to be concluded at that time Lee, Jessica Russell, Sir Bob (Standing Order No. 83E). Lee, Dr Phillip Rutley, David Lefroy, Jeremy Sandys, Laura Leslie, Charlotte Scott, Mr Lee Clause 5 Lewis, Brandon Selous, Andrew Lewis, Dr Julian Shapps, rh Grant GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO THIS PART Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Sharma, Alok Amendment made: 51, page 5, line 3, at end insert— Lidington, rh Mr David Shelbrooke, Alec ‘(aa) the duty of the Secretary of State under section 1(1) Lilley, rh Mr Peter Shepherd, Sir Richard of this Act (decarbonisation target range);’.— Lopresti, Jack Simmonds, Mark (Michael Fallon.) Lord, Jonathan Simpson, Mr Keith Loughton, Tim Skidmore, Chris Luff, Peter Smith, Miss Chloe Clause 135 Lumley, Karen Smith, Henry Macleod, Mary Smith, Julian COMMENCEMENT Main, Mrs Anne Smith, Sir Robert Maude, rh Mr Francis Soames, rh Nicholas Amendment made: 70, page 104, line 6, at end insert May, rh Mrs Theresa Soubry, Anna ‘(za) Part 1 (decarbonisation);’.—(Michael Fallon.) Maynard, Paul Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline McIntosh, Miss Anne Spencer, Mr Mark McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Stanley, rh Sir John New Clause 11 McPartland, Stephen Stephenson, Andrew McVey, Esther Stevenson, John PROVISION ABOUT ELECTRICITY DEMAND REDUCTION Metcalfe, Stephen Stewart, Bob ‘(1) This section applies where provision made by electricity Miller, rh Maria Streeter, Mr Gary capacity regulations relates to the provision of capacity by Mills, Nigel Stride, Mel reducing demand for electricity. Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Stuart, Mr Graham (2) Where this section applies, the Secretary of State may, Moore, rh Michael Sturdy, Julian instead of conferring functions on the national system operator, Mordaunt, Penny Swales, Ian confer functions on such other person or body as the Secretary of Morgan, Nicky Swayne, rh Mr Desmond State considers appropriate. Morris, Anne Marie Swinson, Jo (3) For the purposes of provision made by virtue of Morris, David Swire, rh Mr Hugo subsection (2), the references to the national system operator Morris, James Syms, Mr Robert in— Mosley, Stephen Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Mowat, David Timpson, Mr Edward (a) section 22(5)(a) and (d); Mundell, rh David Tomlinson, Justin (b) section 23(2)(a) and 23(3)(a); Murray, Sheryll Tredinnick, David (c) section 25; Murrison, Dr Andrew Truss, Elizabeth (d) section 27(2)(a) and (b); Neill, Robert Turner, Mr Andrew (e) section 29, Newmark, Mr Brooks Tyrie, Mr Andrew Newton, Sarah Uppal, Paul are to be read as if they included a reference to a person or Norman, Jesse Vaizey, Mr Edward body on whom a function is conferred by virtue of this Nuttall, Mr David Vara, Mr Shailesh section.’.—(Gregory Barker.) O’Brien, Mr Stephen Vickers, Martin Brought up, and read the First time. Ollerenshaw, Eric Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Opperman, Guy Walker, Mr Robin The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Osborne, rh Mr George Wallace, Mr Ben Change (Gregory Barker): I beg to move, That the Paice, rh Sir James Weatherley, Mike clause be read a Second time. Parish, Neil Webb, Steve Patel, Priti Wharton, James Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): With this it Paterson, rh Mr Owen Wheeler, Heather will be convenient to discuss the following: Pawsey, Mark White, Chris Penning, Mike Whittaker, Craig Government new clause 12—Pilot scheme for electricity Penrose, John Whittingdale, Mr John demand reduction. Percy, Andrew Wiggin, Bill New clause 2—Strategy for electricity demand reduction— Perry, Claire Willetts, rh Mr David ‘(1) The Secretary of State must within 12 months of the Phillips, Stephen Williamson, Gavin passing of this Act publish a strategy setting out policies to Poulter, Dr Daniel Willott, Jenny achieve a reduction in demand for electricity of at least 103 TWh Prisk, Mr Mark Wilson, Mr Rob by 2020 and 154 TWh by 2030. 1445 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1446

(2) The strategy must include an assessment of the cost Government amendment 100. effectiveness of the policies included in it. Amendment 35, in clause 21, page 13, line 6, at end (3) Before publishing the strategy the Secretary of State must insert— consult such persons as in his opinion may have information that will assist him in drawing up the strategy. ‘(4A) The Secretary of State must within one year of the passing of this Act make regulations establishing a scheme or (4) The Secretary of State must— schemes to make payments for the purpose of rewarding the (a) implement the strategy; and installation of energy saving measures. (b) report to Parliament every year on progress.’. (4B) Regulations under subsection (4A) are referred to in this Amendment (a) to new clause 2, line 11, at end add— Chapter as “demand reduction regulations”. ‘(5) Nothing in the strategy shall rely upon the use of the (4C) Prior to the making of regulations under subsection (4A), price mechanism to reduce demand.’. the Secretary of State must publish a report setting out the total Amendment 1, in clause 10, page 8, line 8, at end potential for energy demand reduction and the extent to which this potential will be achieved by Government policies insert— including— ‘( ) Section 41(4)(a) of the Energy Act 2008 (“specified maximum (a) the scheme or schemes, and capacity”) is amended as follows: “Specified maximum capacity” (b) other relevant programmes, regulation or means the capacity specified by the Secretary of State by order, expenditure.’. which must not be less than 10 megawatts.’. Amendment 42, page 8, line 8, at end insert— Amendment 36, in clause 22, page 13, line 13, at end insert— ‘( ) Regulations must— ‘(1A) Demand reduction regulations must make provision (a) place a duty on the Secretary of State and the about demand reduction payments.’. Authority to promote new generation capacity from distributed generation schemes; and Amendment 37, page 13, line 21, at end insert— (b) define “distributed generation schemes”.’. ‘(2A) Subject to any further provision made under this Amendment 43, page 8, line 8, at end insert— Chapter, a demand reduction payment is an instrument by virtue of which— ‘( ) In section 41(2)(a) of the Energy Act 2008, at end insert— (a) an energy user is paid for reducing the demand for “() establishing, or making arrangements for the administration energy or investing in a technology which can be of, a scheme of financial incentives to encourage the shown to reduce the demand for energy either distributed generation of electricity;”.’. permanently or for a specified period; Amendment 44, page 8, line 8, at end insert— In (b) all electricity suppliers may be required to make section 41(2)(b) of the Energy Act 2008, at end insert— payments (“demand reduction payments”) to or for “() requiring or enabling the holder of a distribution the benefit of these users.’. licence to make arrangements for the distribution of Amendment 38, page 13, line 23, at end insert— electricity generated by distributed generation;”.’. ‘(3A) Provision included in regulations of demand reduction Amendment 45, page 8, line 8, at end insert— payments for the purposes of subsection (2A) may make ‘( ) In section 41(2)(c) of the Energy Act 2008, at end insert— provision about the meaning of “energy user”.’. “() requiring the holder of a licence to make arrangements Amendment 39, page 13, line 41, at end insert— related to the matters mentioned in paragraph () or ‘(4A) Provision included in regulations of demand reduction ().”.’. payments by virtue of subsection (2A) may include provision Amendment 46, page 8, line 8, at end insert— about— ‘( ) Section 41(4)(a) of the Energy Act 2008 (“specified (a) the terms of a demand reduction payment; maximum capacity”) is amended as follows— (b) the circumstances in which, and the process by which, “specified maximum capacity” means the capacity a demand reduction payment may or must be made; specified by the Secretary of State by order, which (c) the persons who may be paid; must not exceed 50 megawatts.’. (d) the circumstances in which and technologies for which Amendment 47, in clause 15, page 10, line 13, at end payments may be made; insert— (e) the number and size of payments; ‘(d) conferring on the Secretary of State the power to (f) the means by which demand reduction payments are to establish an auction market (the “green power auction be calculated; market”) in which generators are entitled to offer, and (g) a person or body who is to administer the settlement of holders of supply licences are entitled to bid for, demand reduction payments (“a settlement body”); electricity generated from renewable sources. (h) the enforcement of the terms relating to demand (e) the the Secretary of State must exercise the powers in reduction payments; subsection (d), and take such other steps as they (i) the resolution of disputes relating to a demand consider necessary, for the purposes of ensuring that— reduction payment payment; (i) the green power auction market begins to operate (j) the circumstances in which a demand reduction when the first CFD is made and does not cease to payment may be terminated or reclaimed or varied; operate until expiry of the last CFD that has been made; and (k) the circumstances in which a demand reduction payment may be assigned or traded; (ii) the reference price under a CFD entered into by a generator who is a party to any agreement made (l) the means for monitoring and verifying the energy through the green power auction market is based reduction for which demand reduction payments are on the price payable to the generator under that made.’. agreement, Amendment 40, page 14, line 6, at end insert— (iii) in this section, “supply license” means a licence ‘(5A) Provision falling within subsection (4A) includes under the section 6(1)(d) of the Energy Act 1989.’. provision— Amendment 34, in clause 21, page 12, line 41, leave (a) conferring on the national system operator the out ‘this section’ and insert ‘subsection (1)’. function of issuing demand reduction payments; 1447 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1448

(b) about any conditions that must be satisfied by or in because it will set megawatts against potentially cheaper relation to a person before that person may receive a “negawatts”; and bringing permanent demand reduction demand reduction payment; projects into line with shorter-term demand-side response (c) about any matters in relation to which a person must measures to enable more effective, joined-up delivery of satisfy the national system operator before the person energy efficiency across the board. The approach of receives a demand reduction payment.’. delivering EDR through a capacity market is proven—it Amendment 41, page 14, line 9, at end insert— is already being done in the United States of America—but our approach is more visionary and will certainly be ‘(6A) Provision made by virtue of this section may include much more ambitious. Government new clause 12 will provision requiring a person to consent to the inspection of plant provide a spending power to enable our approach to be or premises, either before or after that person receives a demand tested via a large pilot, or pilots, to better understand, reduction payment. among other things, the complexity of the issue and the (6B) Subject to the provisions in section 24, the Secretary of scale of the potential. Government new clause 11 and State must within six months of the making of demand reduction Government amendment 135 allow the Secretary of regulations establish a fund drawn from capacity payments for State to appoint and make payments to an alternative the purpose of issuing demand reduction payments.’. delivery body to National Grid for the capacity market. Government amendment 135. If it is decided that National Grid is not best placed to carry out the EDR elements of the scheme, then we will Gregory Barker: We now turn to the topics of electricity have this legislation ready. demand reduction and route to market. I shall speak in I am most grateful to the hon. Members for favour of the new clauses and amendments in the name Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) and for Brighton, of the Secretary of State and I thank hon. Members for Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) for their thoughtful amendments, tabling the other new clauses and amendments in this which were tabled prior to the Government’s amendments. group, prompting debate on this vital set of issues. I am also grateful for their consistent and constructive, I will start by setting out the Government’s approach as well as passionate, advocacy of this agenda. I particularly on electricity demand reduction. Making good my pledge thank the hon. Member for Southampton Test. He and in Committee, the Government have brought forward I have long been proponents of action in this area, but new clauses 11 and 12 and amendments 100 and 135, his expertise and technical understanding of these issues which, for the very first time in our energy history, is, I think, universally acknowledged to be unsurpassed would allow energy saving projects to compete for new in this House. I hope that the House will join me in investment on an equal footing with power stations. It recognising his contribution. Amendments 34 to 41 seek has long been recognised that in many cases it is cheaper, to include demand reduction in a capacity market. In as well as greener, to save electricity rather than generate the light of the amendments that I have tabled, which it. However, the coalition’s radical legislative proposals achieve that objective, I hope that hon. Members will for large-scale energy efficiency are a double win—a feel comfortable with withdrawing their amendments. win not only for the green agenda, but for hard-pressed New clause 2, with its amendment, would require the consumers worried about rising bills. Secretary of State to publish a strategy to reduce a The fact is that successive Governments have failed to stated amount of electricity demand by 2020 and 2030 grab the opportunity to get units of saved power, or while requiring no use of the price mechanism to reduce “negawatts” as they are sometimes called, to compete demand. I welcome the principle behind the proposal. with traditional megawatts. Thanks to this reforming However, let me point out that as well as establishing Energy Bill, the era of negawatts has finally arrived. We the first ever Energy Efficiency Deployment Office within already have a number of important policies aimed at my Department, the Government have published a driving greater efficiency, but these measures mean that number of seminal documents, including the first ever we can go further. As I said to the Financial Times way comprehensive Government energy efficiency strategy, back in September 2010, we need to create new markets which will be updated again later this year. We have also for electricity efficiency projects to bring in the scale of published DECC’s energy and emissions projections new investment needed that is commensurate with the and, most recently, the Government response to our challenges and opportunities. EDR consultation. These documents provide a Following our consultation on options to promote comprehensive view of the Government’s approach, electricity demand reduction, we concluded that a new which was encapsulated at the launch by the Prime financial incentive would be the most effective way of Minister of the first ever energy efficiency mission delivering a step change in the efficient use of electricity. earlier this year. The most cost-effective way to achieve this, without cannibalising the budget for renewables, is to include Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I demand reduction in our proposed capacity market, want to push the Minister on that point. Will any of and that is achieved through Government amendment 100. those documents address the opportunities for smart Hon. Members and their constituents can now be reassured metering to play a role in the rapid reduction in energy that while we have a massive, multi-billion pound, low- use in domestic and other premises? Many of us believe carbon infrastructure programme ahead of us, we will that smart metering is the answer for a dramatic reduction. not be building expensive new energy plants unnecessarily Moreover, the Minister will know that I have tabled where cheaper alternatives for energy efficiency are new clause 16, which would require the installation of available. carbon monoxide detectors alongside smart meters. Delivering EDR through the capacity market will let That would help reduce the 40 deaths and 4,000 admissions us achieve three key objectives: targeting reductions at toAandEayearcaused by carbon monoxide more expensive peak times; securing value for money poisoning. 1449 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1450

[Mr Barry Sheerman] STA but have taken them on board. We need to unpack a number of issues and I currently have officials working Gregory Barker: Indeed. I hope we will have time to on the matter. I am hopeful that we can find a way discuss the hon. Gentleman’s amendment on carbon through or partially through, and land at an outcome monoxide detectors, of which he is an unprecedented that, while it might not be the one the hon. Gentleman and unparalleled champion in this House. I am glad to exactly wants, he would find satisfactory. I cannot say say that his point about smart meters is fully recognised any more on that because I have not come to the House in the strategy documents. He is absolutely right to say in a position to make a commitment or statement, but I that smart meters will give far better access, as well as hope he takes from the tenor of my response that we are information, to consumers to participate in this new, not just considering the matter; work is being done in two-way energy efficiency economy and open up all the Department and we hope to bring further measures sorts of opportunities. They will also be an essential to the House. I reassure him that we hope to respond as part of our vision to build an electricity, internet and the Bill continues its passage through Parliament—most smart group in the UK. On the development of a likely, in the other place. demand reduction measure, we are clear that a financial Amendment 46 seeks to increase the specified maximum incentive is the most appropriate way forward and that capacity of the FITs scheme to 50 MW.I have considerable it should lie in a capacity market. sympathy with that objective, which recognises the effective Climate change is, according to the vast majority of nature of the reformed FITs, but such an uplift could scientific experts, with whom I emphatically agree, a produce unintended consequences on FITs, budgets, clear and present danger to our planet and our economy. the levy control framework and renewables obligation Our measures reflect yet another example of the coalition’s certificates. As things stand, we do not consider that determination to rise to this challenge and allow the such a large change offers the best value for money, UK to play an ambitious part in combating the worst because it could have significant impacts on the functioning excesses of dangerous, man-made climate change. of the renewables obligation and push up costs for Hon. Members can be reassured that the measure is energy bill payers. not an additional green burden on consumer bills. It Amendment 42 seeks to define distributed generation. will make energy policy greener and potentially cheaper—a I applaud the motive of the amendment, but having genuine win-win situation. I therefore hope that hon. carefully considered it, and as sympathetic as I am to its Members will withdraw new clause 2 and its amendment (a). intention, on balance, we do not consider it necessary. I now turn to the Opposition amendments—I am The reformed and highly successful FITs scheme already grateful to them for tabling them—on the important ensures that communities can generate their own electricity issues of distributed energy and route to market for from a range of technologies. I am proud that, under independent renewable generators. Independent renewable the coalition, hundreds of thousands of people have generators are key to the Government’s ambitions for decided to do so, and are now successfully self-generating not just green energy, but the energy market as a whole—not electricity to meet some or all of their needs—in some just in helping us achieve secure, affordable and low-carbon cases, they export to the grid—on both community and electricity, but in delivering a more plural, competitive domestic scales. Public buildings, particularly schools, and dynamic market. are a popular choice. The Government agreed during the Bill’s Committee Amendment 43 aims to implement a new support stage to consider an amendment similar to amendment 1, mechanism for generation attached to our electricity the intention of which is to increase the maximum distribution network. I have led reforms on the FITs generating capacity of feed-in tariff eligibility from scheme to ensure that it remains not only open, but 5 MW to 10 MW. I have a great deal of sympathy with successful and increasingly ambitious, while delivering the proposal. It continues to be under active consideration value for money. We are now closing in on half a million and I am committed to finding a workable solution. installations. Virtually all the installations supported by However, it is a complex issue, because not everyone the FITs scheme are distributed generators. We therefore agrees on this way forward. The Solar Trade Association do not see the need for a new mechanism, which could has stated, for example, that it would be against such an confuse consumers and potential generators. The reformed increase. My Department is considering whether it could FITs system is doing a good job and is increasingly be delivered without destabilising the existing FITs and popular. renewables obligation schemes or creating perverse Amendments 44 and 45 aim to require distribution incentives. companies to supply distributed generation—even if that does sound like a slight oxymoron. UK distribution Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): Will the Minister network operators already ensure that electricity generated define more clearly what he means by “active by distributed generation is transmitted to where it is consideration”? Those Members who support amendment needed, if it is not consumed locally.While I am sympathetic 1 will be encouraged by his remarks, but they will also to the intent behind the amendments, I do not see that fear that the impetus of amendment 1 might be lost if it they are strictly necessary. is not agreed to tonight. I am grateful to the hon. Member for Southampton, Test for tabling amendment 47, which seeks to address Gregory Barker: I deem the raising of the FITs threshold an important issue: the independent renewable generators’ to be very attractive and am personally driving the issue route to market. The amendment would create a duty in the Department. However, when looking at the proposal on the Secretary of State to establish a green power in further detail, I have been made aware of potentially auction market for renewable generation—GPAM, as it perverse consequences and impacts on the renewables is often known. I hope the hon. Gentleman knows, and obligation. I was slightly surprised by the views of the the House appreciates, that I am sympathetic to the 1451 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1452 intention behind the amendment. Bringing on board Katy Clark: I am extremely interested in what the new, dynamic and disruptive new entrants is a key aim Minister is saying. Is not one of the problems, however, of the Bill. I am personally committed to breaking the that we do not have the infrastructure to do what he grip of the big six and making our vision of a far more suggests? A few weeks ago, the Isle of Arran, in my decentralised energy economy a reality. constituency, was without electricity for a week. Even if it had its own generators, the substation is one-way John Robertson: The Minister will appreciate that this traffic, and I understand that it would need a smart grid is music to my ears, but how does he expect to be able to to use any energy created on the island. How will the do that—by bringing new people into the market or by Energy Bill help that island? trying to help smaller companies to develop? Gregory Barker: We are already embarked on a massive programme of grid renewal. The National Grid has Gregory Barker: Both, I hope. Certainly, it would not published at length its proposals for how to roll it out. be satisfactory if the big six became the big seven or Obviously it cannot be done overnight, but we have eight. Ultimately, we need the big 60,000. We want to made it clear that we are looking to build, with billions extend the enthusiasm for micro-generation and community of pounds of investment, overwhelmingly from the generation, and scale it up so that small-scale generators, private sector, a completely new grid that will do exactly who currently cater only for their own needs, begin to as the hon. Lady says and permit a new relationship—a have the ambition to export electricity in their areas and two-way, more equal one—between the consumer and create community interest companies. We also want the producer, and allow for the adoption of these diffuse entrepreneurial companies. The sector is ripe and rich new technologies. She is right that while the old grid is for entrepreneurs. We want to see new disruptive players still there, there are certain barriers, but wherever possible coming into the market and using new technologies or and wherever it makes economic sense, we are keen to offering better services. There are already some good work with local communities and district network operators independents in existence. I have met a number of them to help them overcome those barriers and to see what and they are seeing their customers numbers grow can be done within a reasonable economic cost. She is considerably. As things stand, however, there is still a right that there are still barriers, but my Department is long way between them and the big six. working proactively to try to overcome them. Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Does the Minister I hope that the House appreciates that I am sympathetic mean that a district such as Bromley in my constituency to the intention behind amendment 47 to create a green might have its own green power generation system, power auction market—bringing onboard these disruptive which would be designed specifically for that area and new entrants is the key aim. GPAM is a means to an would provide all its needs? Is that what we are going end, however, rather than an end itself. No one solution for? is inherently good; what matters is what it can deliver, and there are several ways of delivering the agreed outcome while navigating in slightly different directions. Gregory Barker: That is a real possibility. A number Our concerns stem from the fact that GPAM is effectively of local authorities already have that ambition and are a fixed feed-in tariff, as it provides the generator with a using a range of technologies. Woking is using gas-fired guaranteed price for all the power it generates. As a CHP, but renewable fuels such as woodchip can be result, the generator would have no incentive to manage used, too. Such processes can generate substantial amounts its imbalance risks, as these would be taken away from of reliable electricity, and if they are carried out locally, it, which could work out more expensively for the the heat generated can also be used constructively, with consumer. cheap affordable heat being sent into social housing and public buildings, or to private residents. This model is Although I welcome and fully appreciate the aims of already starting to take shape in pioneer local authorities. GPAM, we have to be careful, despite having all the The city of Nottingham has exciting plans for district right motives, not to create an expensive, long-term heating networks on a scale not seen in this country for solution to what might turn out to be a short-term generations. problem. CFDs will undoubtedly improve conditions, which I know have been challenging, in the market for The irony is that this is not new technology. District power purchase agreements, enabling independent heating by local generation companies is where this renewables projects to get off the ground much more energy was born; it began on a distributed model. It was easily. They should not only help the smaller independents only in recent years that the Labour party nationalised out there now and doing a great job, but attract—I the industry and created one big monopoly, and it was hope—new entrepreneurs into the market. Although I under the previous Labour Government that the number have issues with GPAM, therefore, I want to make it of energy companies shrank from 14 to six. clear to the House that I am not complacent and am not We are striving to put the “local” back into local saying that we have all the answers. energy provision, but we are not prescribing any one I fully recognise that there is an issue at stake, which model; it could be rolled out in lots of different ways—there the GPAM amendment endeavours to address, but the are exciting projects around the country, and we want to route-to-market issue is complex. It is such a technical see a lot more of that—but it must be done in a way issue that we perhaps cannot do justice to it in a debate that, first and foremost, works for local people and is on the Floor of the House. However, it is an issue that affordable. I return, however, to a point I made on the my officials, with all their skill and expertise, are absolutely previous amendments: we have within our reach the committed to tackling. At a political level, I am personally opportunities to do that in a way that is not only green, committed to finding a solution to it, albeit a solution but affordable—and sometimes even cheaper than the that must be workable and not lead to greater costs for alternative. consumers. 1453 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1454

4.45 pm hon. Gentleman agrees with me about that, because We need to do more work on this issue. I am pleased when we debated the need for demand-side measures in to say that my Department is working constructively Committee at the end of January, he said: with those in the industry, who have been extremely “There can be no proper discussion and scrutiny of electricity responsible in their engagement with it. I am extremely strategy or really forward-looking ambitious Government energy grateful for their patience. With hindsight, perhaps we policy without the inclusion of our plans for demand reduction.”– could have engaged with them a little earlier or more –[Official Report, Energy Public Bill Committee, 29 January 2013; c. 345.] effectively earlier, but I am confident that the current level of engagement and the commitment on both sides He was absolutely right. It was challenging, however, will enable us to find a solution to the problem. I greatly that the Government did not have any demand reduction welcome the constructive way in which the industry—this plans in place at that time. includes both stakeholder groups and companies directly—is working with us. Martin Horwood: Has the hon. Lady not noticed the I realise that that is less than satisfactory as a response launch of the green deal, which is possibly the most at this point in time and that I am unable to provide a significant energy efficiency initiative in British history? definitive response on the issue today, but I stress again I have to say that, for those of us who remember the that it remains under active consideration; I hope I have chaotic system of energy efficiency grants that existed spelt out to the satisfaction of the hon. Member for under the last Government, it compares extremely Southampton, Test what active consideration means in favourably with them. I think she is being a little ungracious this context. I can reassure the House that the Government about this Government’s energy demand reduction strategy. will respond more fully on GPAM in the course of the Bill’s passage through Parliament. On that basis, I hope Luciana Berger: We wanted properly to scrutinise the that the hon. Gentleman will not press his amendment. Government’s plans in Committee. We have only recently I look forward to hearing the views of others in the had the opportunity to do so, and we have just heard House on these important issues. what the Minister said. I remind the hon. Gentleman This group also includes Government amendments 100 that pay-as-you-save efficiency scheme pilots were started and 135, and new clauses 11 and 12. I encourage the under the last Government. We are waiting to see hon. Members for Southampton, Test and for Brighton, exactly how the green deal is doing. We await the Pavilion and my hon. Friends the Members for Christchurch Government’s figures, and we expect to see them at the (Mr Chope) and for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) not to end of June. press their amendments and new clauses. The Government During pre-legislative scrutiny, the Energy and Climate are actively considering the issues raised by amendments Change Committee concluded that Ministers were failing 1 and 47. Although it may be disappointing that there is to give enough priority to demand-side measures. As I no definitive answer at the moment, I encourage the have said, we still had no firm proposals on Second right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) and Reading. In Committee, the Minister would not confirm the hon. Member for Southampton, Test not to press whether the Government would definitely seek to include their amendments and to allow the Government to demand reduction amendments in the Bill once his continue the active work stream that is already in hand. consultation had concluded. Now, at long last, we have Whether it is opening electricity markets to exciting the results. We received them two weeks before Third new technologies, creating new dynamic markets for Reading and a year to the day since the Bill was first electricity demand reduction and demand response, published. welcoming in new and disruptive companies and The Minister has now said that he is minded to pilot entrepreneurs, or empowering communities and consumers measures to reduce electricity demand through the capacity to generate their own electricity, this Government are market, and we welcome that step. However, the driving a decentralised energy revolution, but one that I Government’s own response to their consultation accepted believe finds support right across the House. that that course of action still presented a number of uncertainties. A number of questions remain unanswered. Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): I am sorry that the Minister will not have an opportunity The Minister raised a number of issues. I wish to focus to answer them, but I would be happy to give way if he on his points about demand reduction and community would like to intervene on me. It would be helpful to energy, before handing over to other hon. Members know, for example, exactly how the pilots will work and who wish to speak on this group of amendments. by how much the proposals will reduce electricity demand. Let me begin by saying how wonderful it is finally to Those are currently complete unknowns. hear what the Government propose to do about reducing The Government’s forecasts from before the new demand for electricity. When the Bill was first published clauses were published showed that current policies in May last year, many industry experts rightly observed would reduce electricity demand by 59 TWh in 2018 that there was a gaping hole where the answer to that and by 68 TWh in 2030. That energy saving would be question should have been. We spent many hours in dwarfed, however, by an additional 92 TWh of untapped Committee and on Second Reading discussing and potential saving that could be achieved by 2030, according debating how we generate energy, but not how we could to analysis by McKinsey. That could be the equivalent use less of it in the first place. A fortnight ago, the of a 25% reduction in total electricity demand, representing Government produced new clauses 11 and 12. I will a colossal saving. It is unfortunate that the Minister come to their merits in a moment, but first I must tell could not share with us the Government’s estimate of the Minister that these proposals should have been by how much the capacity market could reduce electricity brought forward much sooner. I know that the right demand over the same period. 1455 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1456

Many people have also raised serious concerns about hope that a viable solution, which he said would be how effective the capacity markets can be in rewarding forthcoming, is in place in time for the allocation of the energy saving. In the United States, for example, a first CFDs in 2014. similar policy in Massachusetts resulted in energy efficiency I conclude by dealing with our amendment 1 on projects receiving just 3% of total capacity payments. community energy, which stands in my name and those Despite complex design, 70% of capacity payments of my right hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley went to existing fossil fuel generation instead. Were the (Caroline Flint) and my hon. Friend the Member for Government aware of that scheme? If so, what lessons Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex). Speaking have they learned from it? as a Labour and Co-operative Member, I am very The way in which new clauses 11 and 12 are drafted proud to speak to this amendment. It would appear provides the mechanism for pilots to happen, but they that the Minister and I agree that community energy do not offer any further detail. I listened carefully to the schemes deliver enormous benefits to our country. They Minister’s remarks, but there were a lot of gaps. The bring diversity, resilience and security to the energy proposals do not specify what measures will be piloted, market. They boost our economy by attracting new or whether more than one measure will be trialled. We sources of investment, and they help to tackle fuel are no clearer, following his remarks, as to when the poverty through a strategy for generating and saving Government are planning to launch the pilot or when energy that is owned by local people. they expect the first capacity auction to take place. I recently saw that first hand when I visited Brixton Energy, an award-winning solar project run by Repowering Gregory Barker: We are expecting to run a capacity South London. It is the UK’s first inner-city market trial in 2014. We expect the pilot for energy co-operatively-owned energy project, and I urge hon. demand reduction to be run then as well. We will be Members to pay it a visit if they have not already had providing further details. the pleasure. As well as offsetting 28 tonnes of carbon every year, the project is providing invaluable work Luciana Berger: I thank the Minister for his intervention, experience opportunities for young people. There are and hope he will lay before the House the rules governing many other fantastic community energy projects throughout those auctions so that we can properly scrutinise them. the country: Westmill wind farm co-operative in We hope they will be forthcoming. Oxfordshire, Neilston community wind farm near Glasgow and the Lochcarnan community wind farm—the list I was disappointed by the Minister’s response to the goes on. There is a risk, however, that as drafted the Bill amendment proposed by my hon. Friend the Member could stop these types of larger community schemes for Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead). I echo the from ever happening again. That is why we need to Minister’s words that my hon. Friend, as the whole amend it today. House will know, has long-standing expertise and considerable experience in this area. His amendment 35 The Secretary of State has said that he would require the Secretary of State to establish “wants nothing less than a community energy revolution”, “a scheme…to make payments for the purpose of rewarding…energy but those words ring rather hollow when we examine saving measures” how this Bill fails to address how community energy and to do so “within one year” of this Bill becoming schemes can compete with large-scale commercial law. That would introduce clear, simple payments for generation. The issues have been well summarised by households and businesses, and it could start immediately, Cornwall Energy, when it said that the high degree of with no wait for a capacity crunch to trigger an auction. technical knowledge needed to participate in the system I understand that the majority of respondents to the is a barrier for many smaller generators, and that the Government’s consultation favoured a premium payment proposed CFD system does not compensate smaller option along those very lines, but we did not hear from generators for the lower market prices they receive for the Minister the rationale behind the Government’s their power. With the end of the renewables obligation, decision to reject that option and favour instead incentivising the Bill provides no incentive for suppliers to purchase demand reduction through the capacity market. renewable electricity from independent generators. Let me touch briefly on amendment 47, also proposed by my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test, Katy Clark: I congratulate my hon. Friend on the which would establish a green power auction market, or way in which she is putting forward her case. She will be GPAM. This would combat a significant issue. The UK aware that many of the successful community generation needs to invest £75 billion in new renewable generation projects—those that really laid down the way forward—were by 2020. Analysis of DECC’s own figures has shown in Scotland, and particularly in the island communities that the Government are currently relying on 35% to where there is a very strong sense of community and a 50% of this investment being delivered by independent wish to have a sustainable future. If we look around renewable energy generators, or the “disruptive new Europe, we find that this is also very common—in entrants”, as the Minister referred to them on a number Germany, Scandinavia and Greece, for example. Does of occasions. Their current route to market is dependent my hon. Friend agree that we have fallen behind in this on long-term purchase power agreements with the big area? six. A green power auction market of the kind my hon. Friend proposes could open up the market to new suppliers, increase competition and potentially deliver a Luciana Berger: We need to see urgent action in this cash saving to consumers of £2 billion. Although I regard. Other countries are forging ahead with numerous welcome the Minister’s saying that he wants to address locally generated schemes, and we ought to have as this sector and that a real issue is at stake, I sincerely many, if not more. 1457 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1458

5pm David T. C. Davies: I am normally a loyal Back We are considering the Bill without the benefit of Bencher. I sometimes skip merrily through the Division having seen a Government community energy strategy. Lobbies behind my leaders, and at other times go through Both the energy Minister and the Secretary of State those Lobbies with a slightly heavier heart. I am afraid confirmed in Committee that a consultation paper on that this will be one of the occasions on which I back such a strategy would be published in March, but alas the Government, but do so with a certain amount of we are still waiting six months on. The delay was trepidation. confirmed two weeks ago by the Minister in answer to a I listened with great interest to the Minister’s explanation parliamentary question asked by my hon. Friend the of how he would reduce electricity demand, but one of Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom the most important questions that can be asked from Greatrex), when he said that the community energy these Benches is not “how”, but “why”. Why is it strategy would be published “later this year”. The matter necessary to do this in the first place? The Minister gave will be of concern to all Members, not least the hon. us a bit of an explanation by referring to climate Members for Hove (Mike Weatherley) and for Brighton, change, which he described as a clear and present Pavilion (Caroline Lucas), who have also tabled danger. Of course it is a clear and present danger. No amendments on community energy. one whom I know of has denied the reality of climate Most notably, community energy groups have expressed change, and I have certainly never done so. The point is the view that the threshold for the fixed feed-in tariff is that the climate has always been changing. That has not high enough. The current threshold is 5 MW. When been a clear and present danger for the last 4.5 billion we pressed the Secretary of State on the issue in January, years. The new clause, and indeed the entire Bill, were he produced what was probably the most insightful tabled on the basis that the 0.8° rise that we have seen piece of analysis that I heard during the Committee over the last 300 years is somehow more of a danger stage. He said: than any of the other rises and falls that we have seen over the last 4.5 billion years. “Let us be clear. In our discussions on that, the vast majority of community energy schemes that we are seeing are below that I did a bit of scribbling as I was sitting here and threshold.”––[Official Report, Energy Public Bill Committee, 15 January listening with interest, and I worked something out. I 2013; c. 16, Q39.] have seen many graphs in the documents backing up Yes, because that is what the threshold is. That is why it these claims, and if we had a graph that showed every is called a threshold. 100 years as 1 cm, in order to show how long the earth had been in existence, the graph would have to be Let me be equally clear. Our amendment 1 would 280 miles long, which is twice the length of the High correct that flaw, and increase the feed-in tariff threshold Speed 2 rail route. If we really did have a graph that was from 5 MW to not less than 10 MW. That is the action that long and we were going to look at just 3 cm of it, that community energy projects throughout the country would it be wise to put forward such far-reaching are crying out for. amendments and Bills based on changes that are not that far out of the ordinary over the course of the Caroline Lucas: I certainly support the amendment, 280 miles that my imaginary graph stretches? but I wonder why the hon. Lady limited the threshold to 10 MW. The Energy and Climate Change Committee Gregory Barker: Despite my hon. Friend’s eloquence, talked of 50 MW, and many non-governmental I fear that he and I are never going to agree on his organisations have talked of more than 10. I think it interpretation of the science of climate change or on the would be useful to convey the idea that “community” need to act. I will just say to him about energy efficiency means more than just “small”. measures, however, that even if there were not man-made climate change, there would still be a compelling reason Luciana Berger: If the hon. Lady looks at the to act, because saving money is always a good thing to amendment, she will see that it refers to do, and that is what these energy efficiency measures “not less than 10 megawatts.” will deliver for hard-pressed consumers. It does not limit the threshold to that level. I listened carefully to what the Minister said about David T. C. Davies: The Minister is right. He did not, his commitment to “active consideration”, a phrase however, mention the other reason that is sometimes that he used many times. He used the same phrase when put forward—that we are about to run out of carbon-based we discussed a similar amendment in Committee four fuels and uranium—and as he did not mention it, I will months ago. If the Government really want to deliver not knock that argument back. Instead, let us address the community energy revolution to which the Secretary the point he made: that this may well lead in the longer of State has referred, actions must speak louder than term to cheaper energy. words. The hon. Member for Edinburgh West (Mike I have no objection at all to many of the things Crockart) expressed his support for community energy, the Government are doing: the smart meters, the and I hope that he will join us in the Lobby to support decentralisation—which the Minister talked about—and amendment 1. Unfortunately, the hon. Member for the insulation, which was not mentioned, but which I Beckenham (Bob Stewart) is no longer in the Chamber, assume is part of the same package. I get slightly more but I noted his aspirations for community-generated nervous when I hear him talking about negawatts rather energy in Bromley, and I hope that he, too, will join us than megawatts, however, as that suggests people will be in the Lobby. paid for not producing things. I urge Ministers to support our amendment, and I We have already had that situation in farming, where urge the House to divide on the issue if they will not people have been paid not to produce food. I sometimes do so. wonder whether the Minister—or, indeed, the hon. Member 1459 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1460 for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas)—would like to will be as much to do with things such as the Pacific pay me for not making speeches. I see much nodding of decade, oscillation and the natural changes that go on heads. I ask myself, however, whether this proposal is in the Earth, and we will wonder whether we were right economically sensible. I am a keen student of economics, to go down this path. and it is my understanding that there are only two ways to reduce demand for anything. One way is to ration the Dan Byles rose— goods that are in demand, and to some extent the Government are making provision for that, as they David T. C. Davies: I will not give way any further. I know there is a danger that we could run out of electricity have made my point. I will be supporting the Government, over the next 10 to 15 years. My understanding is that as much as anything else because I look at some of the there have been discussions as to how, if that were to people who are not supporting them and I realise that happen, demand might be rationed in respect of certain being in coalition, even being in the same party as high users of energy. The second way to reduce demand people whom one can respect and admire but not for any commodity is to increase prices. always agree with, is all about a bit of give as well as a bit of take. So I will support the Government tonight, Whatever the Minister says about negawatts and but I hope that the Minister will think about what we insulation and smart meters, the reality is that prices are say and consider whether these policies might need going up partly in response to the policies this Government amending in the light of further evidence about the are putting forward. We have a system that now subsidises relevance of temperature rises in the future. production of electricity that would otherwise be economic, in order to make it harder for people to get hold of it. Dr Whitehead: I think the hon. Member for Monmouth At the moment, the clear and present danger to all of (David T. C. Davies) will be going home tonight and us is the economy. The one thing the coalition was throwing all the contents of his fridge out, because he elected to do was sort the economy out. knows that he can go down to the shop to buy some more food tomorrow. Perhaps he might think about the wider externalities of saving energy and saving demand, Dan Byles: I am still digesting what was said about because, among other things, having a good demand-side the supply and demand curve. It is, of course, also reduction policy means that we do not have to produce possible to shift the demand curve, and my understanding the new capacity that otherwise we might have in stream to is that, in terms of energy efficiency, we are seeking not meet our energy demand, as we would be using energy to reduce demand down the curve through pricing or across the board much more efficiently. Whether or not rationing, but to shift the entire demand curve so there one believes—he plainly does not—that anthropogenic is less need in the first place. climate change is a real and pressing issue, using our energy far more efficiently and making sure that those David T. C. Davies: Well, I am going to have to think possibly unfundable, difficult-to-organise increases in about that one for a few minutes before coming back capacity can be averted by doing so is a prize in its own with a substantive response. I will say, however, that it is right. That is the case whether or not one thinks this is not wise to talk about reducing people’s access to electricity intimately bound up with climate change, and I wish to at a time when we want to be saying to businesses across dwell briefly on that precise point. the world, “Come to the United Kingdom and invest.” The Minister showered me with kind words, so he We are not going to be able to compete with anyone on would not expect me to say anything unkind in return. the basis of labour costs; indeed, we do not want to It would be churlish of me, and I was not intending to compete on that basis. We do, however, want to be able do so. [Interruption.] There is no “but”. Instead of to say to business, “If you come here, you’re going to get advocating, at great length, the amendment that I was a large and reliable source of electricity.” pursuing on demand-side reduction, I wish to see whether we can unpack a little of some of the consequences of Gregory Barker: Let us just be clear that we are not the Government proposals that have now been introduced. talking about reducing businesses’ access to electricity; I warmly welcome those, and I know that the Minister we are talking about seeing energy as part of being in a had quite a hard time in getting them to the table in resource-efficient, competitive, global economy, where their current form. Therefore, I very much welcome businesses that can use less energy in creating their both the effort that has gone into introducing these products or delivering their services will have a competitive provisions and their content. Essentially, the amendments edge. would produce, through the right mechanism of capacity payments rather than contracts for difference, a serious David T. C. Davies: I fear that within 20 or 30 years method of addressing the question of demand-side those who are now talking about the temperature changes reduction over a long period, but I would place a little we are seeing will find that they are not that out of the question mark against that demand-side reduction capacity ordinary in the context of the past 8,000 years or or anti-capacity being auctioned through the general 4.5 billion years. We may look back and ask, “Why did capacity auction system. As my hon. Friend the Member we suddenly decide to make it more expensive to generate for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger) has mentioned, electricity in this country? Why did we suddenly decide we know from experience elsewhere in the world that to decarbonise at a time when other nations, such as demand-side auction participants tend to be squeezed China and other places in south-east Asia, were doing out of wider auctions on capacity when they participate. quite the opposite?” We may look back from a point in the future when not only the GDPs of those countries, 5.15 pm but their GDPs per head are much larger. Carbon If we are left with a mechanism that merely introduces emissions will not have stopped, temperatures will not the ring, as it were, to would-be boxers in the demand-side have risen that much and those rises that do take place reduction auction world but does not go further than 1461 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1462 that to ensure that they can compete in the ring properly, the Minister luck when the Treasury realises that the the outcome might look good on paper but will not pilots taking place on capacity payments may have produce much change over the next period. I am, however, more substance to them than the Treasury might think. encouraged by the idea that there will be pilot auctions I should not have said that, in case someone there reads for demand-side reduction measures. I do not know the Hansard transcript of this debate. I am encouraged whether the word “pilot” is meant to propose alternative by the Minister’s response. routes to auctioning, which could considerably advantage demand-side reduction measures if they stand outside The other matter that I want to raise relates to the overall capacity auction market as far as is possible, amendment 47, which calls for the establishment of a or whether they will just be pilots that set out the green power auction market arrangement in wholesale parameters for arrangements and are therefore limited and retail sales of energy. I want to spend a moment in their ambition. establishing why something like GPAM is so important. My amendment attempts to resolve, or at least to go I freely accept that among the reasons for tabling my some way to resolving, a very serious issue: the drying-up amendments was a wish to ask the Government to table of opportunities for independent generators to establish some amendments and to suggest some that might do reliable markets for their low-carbon generation once the job if they did not do so. However, the amendments the renewables obligation comes to an end in the spring also try to work out how such a de-capacity market of 2017. might work. They would draw forward not just the auction but payments taken from the general capacity Hitherto, those independent generators have been payments at an early date, in advance of a capacity able to secure power purchase agreements on the back auction, to ensure that the demand-side payments were of renewables obligation certificates, and to use those auctioned or allocated at an early stage and before such agreements effectively to bank their investments, so that an auction. Although a capacity auction is pretty certain they have the sort of market certainty that enables those to take place, under the legislation as it stands there is investments to be funded because it is known that there no guarantee that the Government will hold such an is a stream of sale coming forward that will ensure that auction. The Government must look forward to see the investment is made and works well, as far as both what the capacity constraints are likely to be over the the independent generator and the bank are concerned. next period and declare an auction on that basis and if With the arrival of contracts for difference, that simply it happens that the capacity constraints are not what will not be the case. Indeed, power purchase agreements was thought, the Government might decide to have a for those people still undertaking RO arrangements capacity auction later or not to have one at all. before the end of the renewables obligation have already I would be concerned if the question of demand-side dwindled to virtually zero. In fact, only one company, as reduction measures was lost because a capacity auction far as I know, is presently providing power purchase for demand was delayed or removed entirely as a result agreements. of those exigencies. The idea of separating out as far as possible the idea of either auctioning or allocating Most independent generators, whether we are talking demand-side reduction measures within the overall capacity about onshore, offshore, or other forms of low-carbon measures seems to me to have quite a strong measure of generation, are already thinking, when it comes to their sense about it. As for the future, I would like the pilots investment decisions, about CFDs rather than ROs, simply mentioned by the Minister to fledge into a longer because of the time period over which those investments running version of a parallel market for demand-side have to be considered. They cannot go back to the bank reduction measures rather than simply leading to the and say, “Can we have that investment on the basis of opportunity to take part in the wider auction market, what we can demonstrate to you, in the absence of which, for the reasons I have outlined, might not lead to other financial credit lines, is a known supply line for the sort of success that we all want for those measures our energy product?” once they have been put into place. The outcome could be quite perverse, with regard to I hope that when the Minister brings forward more what the Bill’s intentions have always been. It was details of the pilots, he will give us a better understanding always the intention, with the contracts for difference, of what they might look like and whether they might to try to bring a lot of new, different investment into the work in the way that I described. If that is the line of energy market, as well as independent generators of thinking, I would be happy not to press my amendment different sizes. It was also the intention to ensure that to a Division. the vertical integration seen in recent years did not become the enemy of investment, or of small, independent Gregory Barker: I have been following the argument operators and others trying to get into the market, but closely. Although we are not in a position to announce rather became its friend, as other entrants came into the details today, our thinking is very much in tune with that market alongside larger generators. of the hon. Gentleman, and we recognise the issues that he raises. We expect the capacity market to run in 2014, If the outcome is that as a result of the Bill we further but we expect that, separate from that, piloted projects consolidate the vertical integration of the market rather for energy demand reduction will be funded to help than the opposite, that will be a perverse outcome scale up the market, and in future we expect ring-fenced relative to everything that the Bill was supposed to auctions, at least for a transitional period, for specific bring about. If we can get a mechanism similar to the demand response and demand reduction projects. green power auction market—if it quacks a bit like GPAM and walks a bit like GPAM—I would be happy Dr Whitehead: I thank the Minister for that clarification. with that. We need some mechanism that can ensure I am encouraged by the thinking that clearly is beginning that independent generators are not captured by the to be done on what these things might look like. I wish very large companies and that they do not have to enter 1463 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1464 into such disadvantageous contracts that they will fail words, about 100 TWh of potential demand reduction to make a living from the energy that they are trying to is simply not being accessed by efficiency policies. It is put into the market in the future. also disappointing to see Ministers revise down their estimate of demand reduction potential in the DECC Mr Sheerman: As I understand it, small generators in response to the consultation on reducing electricity some parts of the world, particularly America, are demand, so we are left with no target for demand increasingly looking at crowd funding in order to get reduction and certainly no world-leading ambition, just started. That is a new opportunity for finance, which a rather unambitious pilot. some people are calling a new form of democratic capitalism that empowers local communities. John Robertson: The figure of 36% sounds rather Dr Whitehead: My hon. Friend is right. Indeed, there large. How is that made up? are companies in the UK, such as Ecotricity, which have not exactly involved themselves in crowd funding, but Caroline Lucas: I refer the hon. Gentleman to a have engaged in bond arrangements for the development report by McKinsey on DECC’s website, which sets out of their low-carbon power. Even if such a source of exactly how we can reduce electricity demand by 36% funding is available, if the deal for the subsequent sale by 2030. That potential figure was properly referenced of the energy is so disadvantaged by a contract for and much work has gone into identifying it—indeed, purchase that shaves off the reference price or makes others have used a higher figure—but we are not even arrangements that are extremely disadvantageous to the getting anywhere close to that at the moment. ability of that company to sell its energy into the The focus of my new clause is to say that that is not market—while at the same time those potential purchasing enough, given that those on both sides of the House, companies take advantage of their vertical integration with the possible exception of the hon. Member for by providing routes to market for their own generation Monmouth (David T. C. Davies), appear to agree that at different costs and under different arrangements—the the most effective way to tackle fuel poverty and high future market will be very distorted indeed. energy bills is to reduce the overall amount of energy we I welcome the Minister’s saying that the issue is being need to keep our homes warm and to cut energy waste. actively considered, that he understands the problem at The new clause is straightforward and complementary the heart of the GPAM proposals, and that he is actively to amendments 39 to 41 on demand reduction regulations. in dialogue with industry on possible routes to solutions. While energy demand reduction is a bit of a no-brainer, I look forward to proposals in another place to address the Government’s current approach is failing. The latest the issues. It is essential that they are addressed before shocking example is last week’s news that the number of the Bill completes its passage, so that the market that we homes installing cavity wall insulation has crashed by produce as a result of CFDs is fair for those participating 97% since the introduction of the green deal. Quite in it and produces the varied and pluralistic market that incredulously, I can say that a DECC spokesman is we want for electricity generation, particularly low-carbon quoted as saying that the early signs are encouraging. I energy generation, in the future. wonder what Ministers would consider discouraging and alarming if a drop from almost 40,000 cavity wall Caroline Lucas: I want to say a few words about the insulations in April last year to 1,138 this April is not amendments in my name, starting with new clause 2, precisely that. which deals with the strategy for electricity demand reduction. The clause sets a clear ambition for 2020 and For the sake of existing energy efficiency businesses 2030, using figures published by DECC, alongside the that are struggling in Brighton, Pavilion and elsewhere, electricity demand reduction consultation, and requires for the sake of families paying huge bills due to poorly the Secretary of State to have policies that get us there. insulated homes, and for the sake of the huge number of I was a little disappointed that, in response to the jobs that could be created in every constituency across amendments that I have tabled, the Minister on many the UK, we urgently need a serious approach with occasions indicated warm sympathy but not action to suitable ambition, a plan to get there, and that is exactly achieve the aims. Willing the ends but not the means what new clause 2 would achieve. creates a nice warm fuzzy feeling, but does not change the menu of targets and strategies before us. That John Robertson: I tried to get cavity wall insulation particularly matters when it comes to electricity demand and I was told that because of my brickwork I could not reduction, because there is so much scope for doing so have it, although I would have thought that my type of much more in this area. No matter how sympathetic we house was ideal for it. Is it not that the rules are now feel to that aim, however, unless the legislation is in being adhered to by companies, whereas before they place, we do not have the clarity, certainty or confidence were putting it in and a lot of houses were suffering that action will be taken. We have seen all too often from damp as a result? how, in the absence of firm targets and strategies, Governments fail to put in place adequate polices or Caroline Lucas: Obviously, I am not deeply acquainted resources to achieve things. My worry is that in many with the brickwork of the hon. Gentleman home, but I respects elements of the Bill are more like a wish list find it slightly surprising that the justification that he than a strategy. advanced would be responsible for such a dramatic reduction. I cannot believe that quite so many cavity 5.30 pm wall insulations, down from 40,000 last year to just over The Government’s own analysis shows that the UK 1,000 this year, could be as a result of its having been could reduce demand for electricity by 36% by 2030, but done badly in the past. There might have been an current policies will capture only 13% of that. In other element of that, but there are some real concerns about 1465 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1466

[Caroline Lucas] ambitious than the 5 MW that the Government currently foresee or the 10 MW ballpark figure from the official the take-up of the green deal and the way in which it Opposition. replaced some pretty good schemes instead of building Finally, the amendments would require distribution on them. network licence holders to play their part in facilitating New clause 3 is about community rights to priority decentralised energy. It is worth pointing out that a access to local power generation and local grid ownership. distributed generation feed-in tariff would involve no additional cost for consumers or the Treasury; it would Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. New simply provide an effective way for small generators to clause 3 comes in the next group. invest in electricity generation and participate in the market. Caroline Lucas: I apologise, I thought they were all Again, the new clause is complementary to wrapped up together in one happy family. amendment 47 on a green power auction market and to I am delighted that amendments 42 to 46 are supported Opposition amendment 1. I hope that the amendments by the hon. Member for Hove (Mike Weatherley), so in can be taken together as a positive contribution to recognition of that I will call them the amendments moving to decentralised energy in a swifter fashion. from Brighton and Hove. They are basically about decentralised energy, which was another area where the Andy Sawford: It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Minister said that he appreciated the direction but did Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) and not feel that action was necessary. I quote from “Power my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test to the People—the Decentralised Energy Revolution”, (Dr Whitehead). a document from the Prime Minister himself: A year ago, my hon. Friend and I, along with my “In other countries low carbon energy sources have led a right hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline process of decentralisation—in the Netherlands, for instance, in Flint), wrote in a paper called “The Power Book” about little more than a decade, combined heat and power (CHP) the potential for community energy. We argued that as became the single largest supplier of the country’s energy needs. the new energy industrial revolution unfolds in this I want to see a similar revolution happen in Britain.” country, future technologies, new sources of renewables I want that too, but I do not see it happening unless we and low-carbon energy have huge scope to challenge the put the means in place. It is a real shame that that vision existing market, help reshape the relationships between has gone the same way as the abandoned huskies—once people and power providers and create new agents of hugged, now hated. Distributed generation is about delivery. I pay particular tribute to my hon. Friend the producing and using energy locally. Member for Southampton, Test, who has been pioneering such work for some years—for example, he has championed Gregory Barker: We have a long way to go, but since the district heating project in Southampton as an MP the coalition came to power, hundreds of thousands of and former local council leader. homes and businesses have started generating their own I also want to mention such projects as the Baywind electricity—and that is only the beginning. energy co-op in the Lake District, Watchfield in south Oxfordshire and Brixton Energy. There are increasing Caroline Lucas: I am delighted to hear the Minister numbers of inner-city providers of community energy. say that. All I want to do is build on that wonderful However, we have to be honest. The scale of such beginning and make it go even faster with even more projects in this country is small compared with other ambition. That is why I so hoped that he would support countries. We should look to America, for example. the amendments that go in exactly that direction. Seriously, Some 42 million American citizens, the equivalent of I know that the Minister is deeply committed to the two thirds of the population of this country, are members issue; I simply think that we could get there faster and of energy co-ops. The German example is even more with a bit more ambition by having a clearer strategy impressive. Since 1990, German citizens have had a and focus. legal right to be producers and suppliers of electricity to Decentralised energy is not even formally defined in their grid system. The big step change came a decade Government policy. I would have thought that it would ago when their Government introduced a system of be simpler if it were; that is one of the issues that my preferential feed-in tariffs. That transformed an energy amendments would address. Of course, decentralised sector that once had only four major suppliers into one energy is already used in hospitals, schools, small towns that now has over 2 million contributors. It also created and so forth, but its untapped potential remains vast. I 400,000 jobs and has lowered prices, year on year, over cannot help thinking that if Ministers spent a fraction the past five years. of the time promoting decentralised renewables that Across the UK, local councils are rising to the challenge they spend promoting the nuclear industry, we might of transforming the energy sector. I have followed have a different kind of energy system today. community energy projects around the country and I The amendments would create a new feed-in tariff have profiled projects in Stoke, Stevenage, Kirklees and scheme for distributed generation, with a maximum Sheffield. I am particularly pleased to welcome Electric capacity limit of 50 MW.I am glad that I now understand Corby, which was launched in my constituency on the amendment tabled by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Friday. It is a not-for-profit community interest company Wavertree (Luciana Berger); I am delighted that the formed with the support of the borough council to 10% was a bottom line rather than a top limit. The establish the UK’s leading practical community-scale 50 MW was the level recommended by the Energy and test centre for future low-carbon living and transportation Climate Change Committee and we should be more and to redistribute the benefits of its labours to the 1467 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1468

Corby community. As the Minister will know, Electric Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): Will the hon. Corby is funded via DECC’s Cheaper Energy Together Gentleman explain why the Solar Trade Association is switching competition. We welcome that support, but it opposed to raising the threshold to 10 MW? is very much a local initiative. Andy Sawford: I have to inform the hon. Gentleman Jim Shannon: The hon. Gentleman is energetically that had I been a representative of the Solar Trade outlining the case for the community initiatives that are Association I would have declared an interest. I am sure taking place across the whole United Kingdom. Does that he and I can both read the briefings it supplies to he feel that these community initiatives will enable this House. Indeed, he may wish to enlighten us about people to see that this is not being foisted on them this; I will gladly give way if he wishes to do so. because they have an opportunity to control the situation? That is why they are good, and they should have had a I was surprised to hear about that. I have a letter from great start. 15 organisations involved in the championing of community energy provision in this country, including the Centre Andy Sawford: I absolutely agree with the hon. for Sustainable Energy, the Forum for the Future, the Gentleman, who hits on the key point that this is about National Trust, the Low Carbon Communities Network, shifting the power in energy supply to give ordinary the Communities Carbon Action Alliance, the Co-operative, people a chance to say to the big six, “If you won’t give Co-operatives UK and, indeed, the Co-operative party, us a fair deal we can do this for ourselves in our local which I represent in Parliament. They all believe that communities.” the Energy Bill’s measures will make it much more Electric Corby is partly about enabling people to difficult to achieve the step change in the provision of switch their energy provider, but it is wider and more community energy that I hope we all want to see. ambitious than that. For example, it will involve an electric vehicle charging point infrastructure. I recently 5.45 pm welcomed the shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my hon. Friend the Member for Gregory Barker: This has been a very thoughtful Streatham (Mr Umunna), to Corby to see those electric debate. I am sorry that I have not been able to deliver charging points and other innovations in my constituency. everything that Members have sought, but I think there In Priors Hall, a major development of 5,000 new has been an unusual degree of consensus on the direction homes has just begun, and there is smart metering and we are taking, our objectives and the Bill’s overall electric charging points across the whole development. intent. We are trying to lead in Corby, but I am concerned It is clear that we need to do more on independent about the potential impact of this Bill. I particularly generators. I listened carefully to the hon. Member for support amendment 1, which has been ably championed Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) and I assure him by my hon. Friend the shadow Minister. In Committee, that we are working to come up with an acceptable the Government indicated that they were supportive of proposition to address the real concerns of independents the amendment. That was welcome, and it was on that about the barriers to markets they face, but in a basis that it was withdrawn at that stage. We have heard proportionate way that makes sense. The green power some very warm words from the Minister today. He and auction market, as has been said, is a means to an end, I have previously spoken in the Chamber about energy not an end in itself, and we believe that we can navigate policy. I know that he tries to listen and respond to our way to that destination in an effective, proportionate good debate, as in Committee, but it is disappointing way. to find that he cannot offer something more substantive On community energy, a great deal unites us throughout to the House in respect of amendment 1. the House. I have been campaigning for it since 2006, so The purpose of amendment 1 is to raise the feed-in I am sympathetic to calls to raise the feed-in tariff tariff threshold to benefit co-operative and community threshold. Now that we have reformed the feed-in tariff energy suppliers. Currently, the feed-in tariff is for scheme—in the teeth of the Opposition—we can consider projects of under 5 MW. That means that renewable going further. The hon. Member for Corby (Andy developments of over 5 MW have to participate in the Sawford) should not infer from the fact that we are new contracts for difference. I share the concern that unable to support amendment 1 that we are in any way contracts for difference will raise the barriers to entry set against the proposal. We are actively looking at it, for the community energy projects that Members in all but we need to think about the impact on all of the parts of the House have said that they support. The technologies. As my hon. Friend the Member for Selby need for a higher degree of technical knowledge is one and Ainsty (Nigel Adams) said, the Solar Trade Association such barrier to entry. The contracts will mean that is opposed to it. I was slightly surprised by that, but if smaller generators will receive lower market prices for we consider just how biga5MWsolar array is, perhaps their power. With the end of the renewables obligation, we will conclude that it makes sense. It is the size, I there will no longer be an incentive for suppliers to think, of several football pitches, so 5 MW of solar is a purchase renewable energy from independent suppliers. significant installation. Concerns about the potential For those reasons, the feed-in tariff threshold should siting of inappropriate large-scale solar on greenfield be raised to above 5 MW.I agree with the hon. Member prime agricultural land before our sustainability criteria for Brighton, Pavilion that we should be ambitious and are in place, rather than on where we want to see it, raise it further, but the amendment would allow us to namely rooftops, brownfield sites, industrial sites, factories, raise it to apply to schemes of above 10 MW. That warehouses and supermarket car parks—basically, would give smaller renewables projects a clear and integrated into the built environment wherever possible certain route to market and enable us to promote the and certainly on non-agricultural land—could present community-owned renewables sector. certain problems. We need to think through the unintended 1469 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1470

[Gregory Barker] Bain, Mr William Esterson, Bill Balls, rh Ed Evans, Chris consequences that raising the tariff threshold would Banks, Gordon Farrelly, Paul have. On the surface it seems extremely desirable, but it Barron, rh Mr Kevin Field, rh Mr Frank will have further impacts. Beckett, rh Margaret Fitzpatrick, Jim Begg, Dame Anne Flello, Robert We also need to think about how that relates to the Benn, rh Hilary Flint, rh Caroline renewables obligation. In the short term—for the next Benton, Mr Joe Flynn, Paul few years, at least—the alternative for community schemes Berger, Luciana Francis, Dr Hywel will not be contracts for difference, but renewables Betts, Mr Clive Gardiner, Barry obligation certificates, which are now, finally, after a Blackman-Woods, Roberta Gilmore, Sheila series of improvements, being used and understood by Blears, rh Hazel Glass, Pat the small player. However, we believe that in the longer Blomfield, Paul Glindon, Mrs Mary term, even for the smaller-scale independent, contracts Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Godsiff, Mr Roger for difference will be a significant improvement. We are Brennan, Kevin Goggins, rh Paul determined to make them work for small-scale and Brown, Lyn Goodman, Helen community players. Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Greatrex, Tom Brown, Mr Russell Green, Kate I hope Opposition Members take on board that the Bryant, Chris Greenwood, Lilian coalition has an unprecedented commitment to rolling Burden, Richard Griffith, Nia out a distributed model of generation, and that the Burnham, rh Andy Gwynne, Andrew Government are taking steps to put that vision into Byrne, rh Mr Liam Hain, rh Mr Peter reality. I am sure the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion Campbell, Mr Alan Hamilton, Mr David (Caroline Lucas) is right that there is always more to do. Campbell, Mr Gregory Hamilton, Fabian We have not finished yet—it will take two or probably Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hanson, rh Mr David three terms of government to achieve our ambition—but Caton, Martin Harman, rh Ms Harriet in the Bill we have the foundations of a new, exciting, Champion, Sarah Harris, Mr Tom Chapman, Jenny Havard, Mr Dai dynamic, secure, low-cost and low-carbon energy economy. Clark, Katy Healey, rh John I urge colleagues to support the Government’s amendments Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hepburn, Mr Stephen and urge Opposition Members not to press their Clwyd, rh Ann Hermon, Lady amendments to a Division. Coaker, Vernon Hillier, Meg Question put and agreed to. Coffey, Ann Hilling, Julie New clause 11 accordingly read a Second time, and Connarty, Michael Hodge, rh Margaret Cooper, Rosie Hodgson, Mrs Sharon added to the Bill. Cooper, rh Yvette Hoey, Kate Corbyn, Jeremy Hopkins, Kelvin New Clause 12 Crausby, Mr David Hosie, Stewart Creagh, Mary Howarth, rh Mr George Creasy, Stella Hunt, Tristram PILOT SCHEME FOR ELECTRICITY DEMAND REDUCTION Cruddas, Jon Irranca-Davies, Huw ‘There may be paid out of money provided by Parliament Cryer, John Jackson, Glenda expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in connection with Cunningham, Alex Jamieson, Cathy arrangements made— Cunningham, Mr Jim Jarvis, Dan (a) for the purpose of reducing demand for electricity, and Cunningham, Sir Tony Johnson, rh Alan (b) wholly or partly for the purpose of determining provision Curran, Margaret Johnson, Diana to be included in electricity capacity regulations.’.— Dakin, Nic Jones, Graham (Gregory Barker.) Danczuk, Simon Jones, Helen Brought up, read the First and Second time, and added David, Wayne Jones, Mr Kevan to the Bill. Davidson, Mr Ian Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Davies, Geraint Keeley, Barbara De Piero, Gloria Kendall, Liz Clause 10 Denham, rh Mr John Khan, rh Sadiq Dobbin, Jim Lammy, rh Mr David DIRECTION TO OFFER CONTRACT Dobson, rh Frank Lavery, Ian Amendment proposed: 1, page 8, line 8, at end insert— Docherty, Thomas Lazarowicz, Mark Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Leslie, Chris ‘( ) Section 41(4)(a) of the Energy Act 2008 (“specified maximum Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Lewis, Mr Ivan capacity”) is amended as follows: “Specified maximum capacity” Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn means the capacity specified by the Secretary of State by order, Doran, Mr Frank Love, Mr Andrew which must not be less than 10 megawatts.’.—(Luciana Berger.) Doughty, Stephen Lucas, Caroline Question put, That the amendment be made. Dowd, Jim Lucas, Ian The House divided: Ayes 245, Noes 312. Dromey, Jack MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Dugher, Michael Mactaggart, Fiona Division No. 19] [5.51 pm Durkan, Mark Mahmood, Shabana Eagle, Ms Angela Malhotra, Seema AYES Eagle, Maria Marsden, Mr Gordon Abbott, Ms Diane Ali, Rushanara Edwards, Jonathan McCabe, Steve Abrahams, Debbie Allen, Mr Graham Efford, Clive McCann, Mr Michael Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Ashworth, Jonathan Elliott, Julie McCarthy, Kerry Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Austin, Ian Ellman, Mrs Louise McClymont, Gregg Alexander, Heidi Bailey, Mr Adrian Engel, Natascha McCrea, Dr William 1471 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1472

McDonagh, Siobhain Sarwar, Anas Burrowes, Mr David Gummer, Ben McDonald, Andy Sawford, Andy Burstow, rh Paul Gyimah, Mr Sam McFadden, rh Mr Pat Seabeck, Alison Burt, Lorely Halfon, Robert McGovern, Alison Shannon, Jim Byles, Dan Hames, Duncan McGovern, Jim Sharma, Mr Virendra Cable, rh Vince Hammond, Stephen McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Sheerman, Mr Barry Cairns, Alun Hancock, Matthew McKechin, Ann Sheridan, Jim Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Harper, Mr Mark McKenzie, Mr Iain Shuker, Gavin Carmichael, Neil Harrington, Richard McKinnell, Catherine Simpson, David Carswell, Mr Douglas Harris, Rebecca Meacher, rh Mr Michael Skinner, Mr Dennis Cash, Mr William Hart, Simon Meale, Sir Alan Slaughter, Mr Andy Chishti, Rehman Harvey, Sir Nick Mearns, Ian Smith, rh Mr Andrew Chope, Mr Christopher Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Miller, Andrew Smith, Nick Clark, rh Greg Hayes, rh Mr John Morden, Jessica Smith, Owen Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Heald, Oliver Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Spellar, rh Mr John Clegg, rh Mr Nick Heath, Mr David Morris, Grahame M. Stuart, Ms Gisela Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Heaton-Harris, Chris (Easington) Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hemming, John Mudie, Mr George Tami, Mark Collins, Damian Henderson, Gordon Munn, Meg Thomas, Mr Gareth Colvile, Oliver Herbert, rh Nick Murphy, rh Mr Jim Thornberry, Emily Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hinds, Damian Murphy, rh Paul Timms, rh Stephen Crabb, Stephen Hoban, Mr Mark Murray, Ian Trickett, Jon Crockart, Mike Hollobone, Mr Philip Nandy, Lisa Turner, Karl Crouch, Tracey Holloway, Mr Adam Nash, Pamela Twigg, Derek Davey, rh Mr Edward Hopkins, Kris O’Donnell, Fiona Twigg, Stephen Davies, David T. C. Horwood, Martin Onwurah, Chi Umunna, Mr Chuka (Monmouth) Howarth, Sir Gerald Osborne, Sandra Vaz, Valerie Davies, Glyn Howell, John Owen, Albert Walley, Joan Davies, Philip Hughes, rh Simon Paisley, Ian Watson, Mr Tom Davis, rh Mr David Huppert, Dr Julian Pearce, Teresa Watts, Mr Dave de Bois, Nick Hurd, Mr Nick Perkins, Toby Weir, Mr Mike Dinenage, Caroline Jackson, Mr Stewart Phillipson, Bridget Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Djanogly, Mr Jonathan James, Margot Pound, Stephen Whitehead, Dr Alan Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Javid, Sajid Qureshi, Yasmin Williams, Hywel Dorries, Nadine Jenkin, Mr Bernard Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Williamson, Chris Doyle-Price, Jackie Johnson, Gareth Reed, Mr Jamie Wilson, Phil Duddridge, James Jones, Andrew Reed, Mr Steve Winnick, Mr David Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Jones, rh Mr David Reynolds, Emma Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Ellis, Michael Jones, Mr Marcus Reynolds, Jonathan Wishart, Pete Ellison, Jane Kawczynski, Daniel Riordan, Mrs Linda Wood, Mike Ellwood, Mr Tobias Kelly, Chris Robertson, Angus Woodcock, John Elphicke, Charlie Kirby, Simon Evans, Graham Knight, rh Mr Greg Robertson, John Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Evans, Jonathan Kwarteng, Kwasi Wright, David Rotheram, Steve Evennett, Mr David Laing, Mrs Eleanor Wright, Mr Iain Roy, Mr Frank Fabricant, Michael Lamb, Norman Roy, Lindsay Tellers for the Ayes: Fallon, rh Michael Lancaster, Mark Ruane, Chris Tom Blenkinsop and Farron, Tim Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Susan Elan Jones Featherstone, Lynne Latham, Pauline Field, Mark Laws, rh Mr David NOES Foster, rh Mr Don Leadsom, Andrea Fox,rhDrLiam Lee, Jessica Adams, Nigel Birtwistle, Gordon Francois, rh Mr Mark Lee, Dr Phillip Aldous, Peter Blackwood, Nicola Freeman, George Leech, Mr John Alexander, rh Danny Blunt, Mr Crispin Freer, Mike Lefroy, Jeremy Andrew, Stuart Boles, Nick Fullbrook, Lorraine Leslie, Charlotte Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Bone, Mr Peter Fuller, Richard Lewis, Brandon Bacon, Mr Richard Bottomley, Sir Peter Garnier, Sir Edward Lewis, Dr Julian Baker, Norman Bradley, Karen Garnier, Mark Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Baker, Steve Brady, Mr Graham Gauke, Mr David Lidington, rh Mr David Baldry, Sir Tony Brake, rh Tom George, Andrew Lilley, rh Mr Peter Baldwin, Harriett Bray, Angie Gibb, Mr Nick Lopresti, Jack Barclay, Stephen Brazier, Mr Julian Gilbert, Stephen Lord, Jonathan Barker, rh Gregory Bridgen, Andrew Glen, John Loughton, Tim Baron, Mr John Brine, Steve Goodwill, Mr Robert Luff, Peter Barwell, Gavin Brokenshire, James Gove, rh Michael Lumley, Karen Bebb, Guto Brooke, Annette Grant, Mrs Helen Macleod, Mary Beith, rh Sir Alan Browne, Mr Jeremy Gray, Mr James Main, Mrs Anne Bellingham, Mr Henry Bruce, Fiona Grayling, rh Chris Maynard, Paul Benyon, Richard Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Green, rh Damian McCartney, Jason Berry, Jake Buckland, Mr Robert Greening, rh Justine McCartney, Karl Bingham, Andrew Burley, Mr Aidan Grieve, rh Mr Dominic McIntosh, Miss Anne Binley, Mr Brian Burns, Conor Griffiths, Andrew McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick 1473 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1474

McPartland, Stephen Simmonds, Mark The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary McVey, Esther Simpson, Mr Keith for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that Metcalfe, Stephen Skidmore, Chris time (Standing Order No. 83E). Miller, rh Maria Smith, Miss Chloe Mills, Nigel Smith, Henry Milton, Anne Smith, Julian Clause 21 Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Smith, Sir Robert Moore, rh Michael Soames, rh Nicholas Mordaunt, Penny Soubry, Anna POWER TO MAKE ELECTRICITY CAPACITY REGULATIONS Morgan, Nicky Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Amendment made: 100, in page 13, line 4, at end Morris, Anne Marie Spencer, Mr Mark insert— Morris, David Stanley, rh Sir John ‘(3A) The provision which may be made about the meaning of Morris, James Stephenson, Andrew “reducing demand for electricity” includes provision that Mosley, Stephen Stevenson, John reducing the consumption of electricity reduces demand for Mowat, David Stewart, Bob electricity.’.—(Gregory Barker.) Mulholland, Greg Stewart, Iain Mundell, rh David Streeter, Mr Gary Munt, Tessa Stride, Mel Clause 133 Murray, Sheryll Stunell, rh Andrew Murrison, Dr Andrew Sturdy, Julian FINANCIAL PROVISIONS Neill, Robert Swales, Ian Newmark, Mr Brooks Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Amendment made: 135, page 102, line 30, after ‘operator’ Newton, Sarah Swinson, Jo insert Nokes, Caroline Swire, rh Mr Hugo ‘, a person or body on whom a function is conferred by virtue Norman, Jesse Syms, Mr Robert of section [Provision about electricity demand reduction]’.— Nuttall, Mr David Thornton, Mike (Gregory Barker.) O’Brien, Mr Stephen Timpson, Mr Edward Third Reading Offord, Dr Matthew Tomlinson, Justin Ollerenshaw, Eric Tredinnick, David Queen’s and Prince of Wales’s consent signified. Opperman, Guy Truss, Elizabeth Paice, rh Sir James Turner, Mr Andrew 6.7 pm Parish, Neil Tyrie, Mr Andrew Patel, Priti Uppal, Paul The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Paterson, rh Mr Owen Vara, Mr Shailesh (Mr Edward Davey): I beg to move, That the Bill be now Pawsey, Mark Vickers, Martin read the Third time. Penning, Mike Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Let me begin by thanking those from all parts of this Penrose, John Walker, Mr Robin House and outside who have helped to strengthen this Percy, Andrew Wallace, Mr Ben crucial Bill and bring it to this point. I thank the Energy Perry, Claire Ward, Mr David and Climate Change Committee and its Chair, my hon. Phillips, Stephen Weatherley, Mike Poulter, Dr Daniel Friend the Member for South Suffolk (Mr Yeo), and the Webb, Steve Prisk, Mr Mark informal scrutiny group in the other place for conducting Wharton, James Pritchard, Mark invaluable pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill. I Wheeler, Heather Pugh, John also thank the individuals who gave oral evidence to the Raab, Mr Dominic White, Chris Committee, as well as the organisations that took the time Randall, rh Mr John Whittaker, Craig to provide expert written evidence and recommendations. Whittingdale, Mr John Redwood, rh Mr John In particular—I think you will agree with me, Rees-Mogg, Jacob Wiggin, Bill Willetts, rh Mr David Mr Speaker—I could not allow the Bill to leave this Reid, Mr Alan place without thanking my right hon. Friend the Member Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Williams, Mr Mark Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Williams, Roger for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes) for Robertson, Mr Laurence Williams, Stephen skilfully guiding the Bill through Committee. I am told Rogerson, Dan Williamson, Gavin that at one point in Committee he managed to compare Rosindell, Andrew Willott, Jenny himself to Henry VIII and Indiana Jones in the same Rudd, Amber Wilson, Mr Rob breath—I am not sure whether he has told his wife. I for Ruffley, Mr David Wilson, Sammy one salute his unique style in promoting renewables. Russell, Sir Bob Wollaston, Dr Sarah I also want to thank the Minister of State, Department Rutley, David Wright, Jeremy for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend Sanders, Mr Adrian Wright, Simon the Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon) and the Sandys, Laura Yeo, Mr Tim Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Scott, Mr Lee Young, rh Sir George Selous, Andrew Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill Zahawi, Nadhim Shapps, rh Grant and Battle (Gregory Barker) for their hard work. It Sharma, Alok Tellers for the Noes: would be remiss of me if I did not also mention my hon. Shelbrooke, Alec Greg Hands and Friend the Member for Wealden (Charles Hendry). Shepherd, Sir Richard Mark Hunter On the Opposition Benches, the hon. Members for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) and for Question accordingly negatived. Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger) have been skilful and insightful. I am grateful that they have applied the principles of constructive opposition to the Bill’s scrutiny 6.6 pm rather than the principles of destructive opportunism, Proceedings interrupted (Programme Order, 3 June). which are all too often applied in politics generally—by 1475 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1476 people of all political colours—but which are all too I can understand the argument that an early often not in the national interest. Let me take this decarbonisation target could provide extra certainty for opportunity to remind the House why the passage of large, long-term projects in the UK power sector, the Bill is so important and so firmly in the national particularly in the supply chain. However, there is also interest. logic in the consistency of setting the decarbonisation target for 2030 at the same time as the fifth carbon budget, which is scheduled for 2016—still 14 years Caroline Lucas: I am grateful to the Secretary of ahead of the target date. By comparison, the 2020 State for thanking everyone for contributing to making renewables target was set in 2008, just 12 years from its the Bill stronger, but I wonder how he thinks that it has target date. been made stronger, given that, as far as I can see, not a single Opposition amendment has been accepted, either If anyone still doubts my commitment, or that of this in Committee or on Report. Government, to decarbonisation, they should consider the decision that we have just made on the UK’s position for the EU’s 2030 greenhouse gas target. In the context Mr Davey: The hon. Lady might not have noticed of winning an ambitious global climate change treaty, that the Government have responded to a lot of the we will be arguing for a 50% reduction target in the EU. debates and tabled a lot of amendments on everything That is the most ambitious position of any member from electricity demand reduction to decarbonisation. I state, and I am proud that this Government are leading will come to those amendments shortly. the way on climate change action. Electricity market reform, which is at the centre of Let me turn to other areas of the Bill—first, to the Energy Bill, is the result of four imperatives: the contracts for difference. Long-term electricity price stability need to power the country; the need to protect the will be provided through CFDs and will be a key part of planet; the need to insulate consumers from rising energy the new low-carbon electricity market. As such, the bills; and the need to get the economy moving. With Commons Committee quite rightly looked at the nature demand for electricity set to increase, and around a fifth of the CFD counterparty body and made a number of of our power plants set to close, we will need to attract recommendations. In response, the Government have £110 billion of new investment in electricity and grid clarified the Bill’s drafting to make the policy intention infrastructure in this decade alone to ensure that we more explicit. have enough reliable capacity to meet demand. The Energy Bill will do that. Mr Weir: I am listening closely to the Secretary of State, but does he not share my slight concern about the The Climate Change Act 2008 commits the United CFDs that, as the Bill presumably leaves this House Kingdom to an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions tonight to go to the other place, we still do not know by 2050, so we need specifically to encourage investment basic details such as the strike price? Although that in low-carbon energy generation: renewables, carbon information has been promised on several occasions, we capture and storage, and nuclear. The Energy Bill will are now told that the delivery document may be published do that. With global demand driving wholesale prices next month. We do not seem to be getting any nearer to higher, and with that in turn driving domestic energy getting this information. bills higher, we need to create a more diverse and competitive energy market to help to cushion consumers Mr Davey: We always said we would publish the from volatile fossil fuel prices. We also need to ensure document in July 2013, and we are on track to publish it that they are getting the best deal from suppliers. The in July 2013. Energy Bill will do that. Accompanying the CFDs, the capacity market will By facing up to the need to invest in low-carbon ensure that sufficient reliable generating capacity is energy infrastructure, we will support economic recovery available to meet electricity demand as it increases over too. The trebling of support under the levy control the next decade, but we are also looking at reining in framework will mean £7.6 billion a year by 2020 to demand. We have added measures on electricity demand support low-carbon technologies, including infrastructure reduction that for the first time can allow energy-saving projects that are ready to go now, supporting jobs, projects to be able to compete with power stations for supporting communities and providing prosperity.Projects new investment—negawatts. Delivering through the capacity worth over £8 billion are already in the planning pipeline. market can incentivise permanent reductions in demand Electricity market reform could support as many as at times when electricity is most expensive, allowing for 250,000 jobs in the energy sector. The Energy Bill will a more direct trade-off between generation capacity support green growth. That is why I am pleased that the and demand reduction. This is a radical approach that Bill, as strengthened in Committee and on Report, has been shown to work in international examples such benefits from a general level of cross-party support in as in forward capacity markets in the United States, and the House. it is a major advance for the UK. I want to reflect on some of the ways in which the Bill We acknowledge that many consumers are “feeling has been further strengthened in this House. Let me the pinch”, and we remain committed to doing everything start by dealing with the decarbonisation target head we can to help. Let me be clear, however, that the main on. No party in this House—not the Liberal Democrats, reason for rising energy bills is rising wholesale gas not the Conservatives, not Labour, not the nationalists, prices, which make up around half a typical household not even the Greens—had a commitment in its 2010 dual fuel bill. These prices are set on global markets and manifesto to set a 2030 decarbonisation target during changes are driven by global events. This Bill paves the this Parliament. Nor has any other country yet set a way for increased UK production of energy, which will power sector decarbonisation target for 2030. help to reduce price rises from global markets. 1477 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1478

[Mr Davey] those on the Opposition Front Bench; to my hon. Friends the Members for Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead), As well as providing a more stable pricing environment for Brent North (Barry Gardiner), for Wansbeck (Ian and helping consumers to reduce their electricity demand, Lavery) and for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen), who served we introduced in Committee new provisions on domestic on the Bill Committee; and to my hon. Friend the tariffs to ensure that all households will be able get the Member for Glasgow North West (John Robertson). best deal for their gas and electricity. These provisions They have all brought a great deal of expertise and will ensure that energy companies provide consumers experience to bear. with clear information about their tariffs and put them I thank the Ministers and officers in the Department. on the cheapest tariff that meets their preferences. These There have been some personnel changes on both fronts, provisions will also ensure that there are fewer and but we have managed to get through the process. I simpler tariffs so that it is easier for consumers to shop thank the Secretary of State for the briefings that he around for the best deals across the market. Last year, facilitated with officials in his Department, as well as Ofgem estimated that there were approximately 900 open the Clerks and the ever-helpful staff in the Library, who tariffs. Under these proposals, each supplier will allowed have advised us on some of the finer points of detail to offer a customer a maximum of four core tariffs for and parliamentary procedure. each fuel and meter type. We want to see a competitive retail market, where suppliers have to work hard to I made it clear on Second Reading that we would not retain their existing customers and attract new customers. oppose purely for opposition’s sake, and on that basis These measures complement the new consumer redress we have sought to find areas of agreement with the measures already in the Bill, which ensure fairer outcomes Government when that has been possible. We have for consumers by giving a new enforcement power to supported the provisions to establish an office for nuclear Ofgem. This power will enable Ofgem to require energy regulation, as well as those relating to the Government companies that have breached regulatory requirements pipeline and storage system and to offshore transmission directly to compensate consumers where they might systems. otherwise not have done so. This is another step forward As the Secretary of State has just said, Ministers have for energy consumers. accepted some of our amendments, including those We have listened to the concerns raised throughout concerning the transparency of investment contracts the passage of the Bill. Opposition Members have raised and the structure of the counterparty under contracts questions about transparency and accountability, and we for difference, and I welcome that. We have not yet have responded by amending the Bill further to ensure managed to persuade them to accept amendments relating that it aligns with the Government’s principles in this area. to other issues, such as carbon capture and storage, support for community energy and access to the market We remain committed to encouraging a more diverse for independent renewable generators, but we have noted and competitive energy market, and there are a number their commitment to considering our proposals, and we of related areas within the Bill that we will hope to hope that colleagues in the other place will return to consider further in the other place. As indicated in them. Committee, we will continue actively to consider raising the threshold for the small-scale feed-in tariff scheme The Secretary of State referred to the redress framework. from 5 MW to 10 MW, and the Government hope to We are disappointed by the rejection of amendments respond to this issue in the other place. We are taking that would have ensured that consumers were compensated backstop powers in the Bill to enable the Government pound for pound and that compensation was paid in to intervene in the generating market, if needed, to respect of any breach of the rules that came to light, improve liquidity and competition. because that has left a massive loophole. The best way of protecting consumers is not to provide a redress I am grateful to the House for taking the time to framework—much though we need that—but to prevent scrutinise and contribute to this Bill. The wide cross-party companies from ripping people off in the first place, consensus we have achieved sends a strong signal to and I am afraid that on that count the Bill falls badly investors in the UK and investors globally. The UK is short. the place in the world to invest in low-carbon energy. We now have the opportunity to deliver a lasting framework The Prime Minister told the House 12 times that he for investment in the country’s energy infrastructure: would force the energy companies, by law, to put everyone delivering green jobs and green growth, securing a on the cheapest tariff, but, although the Bill consists of low-carbon energy future, and ensuring that consumers nearly 200 pages, not a single one of them contains get a fair deal. I commend the Bill to the House. legislation to put every customer on the cheapest tariff automatically, which is what the Prime Minister promised. Ultimately, unless the energy market is genuinely reformed 6.19 pm through the wholesale side—as we have proposed—there Caroline Flint: Let me begin by paying tribute to my will be nothing to prevent the energy companies from hon. Friends the Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton raising all their tariffs in any event. West (Tom Greatrex) and for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Whenever I meet investors, the single most important Berger), who, with just a fraction of the resources and thing that they tell me they want is certainty. They staffing available to Ministers, have done a first-rate job should gain confidence from our support for the substance in debating the Bill. They have not only scrutinised it, of the Bill. When it comes to contracts for difference, but improved it. there are clearly many important details still to be I also pay tribute to my hon. Friends the Members worked out, but, in principle, if CFDs are executed for Sunderland Central (Julie Elliott) and for Hyndburn correctly, they should provide investors with long-term (Graham Jones), who have provided invaluable support for certainty, and we will therefore support them. 1479 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1480

There are also many important details still to be worked for a target that is totally inconsistent with decarbonisation, out in regard to the capacity market, but in principle we or do nothing at all, and still have fulfilled the requirements believe that it could work, and have supported it. We of the Bill. We would put that right. also support the principle of an emissions performance standard, and welcome the commitment to reviewing it Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): Will the right in five years’ time. However, as my hon. Friend the hon. Lady give way? Member for Brent North said yesterday, we are concerned about the particular standard that the Government have chosen to adopt, and we hope that the other place Caroline Flint: I enjoy many train rides from Yorkshire will scrutinise it carefully. with the hon. Gentleman, but I will not give way to him as he has not been present all day for this debate. If he That is some of the good news, but I must also be gets a chance, he can make his comments later. candid about where the Bill fails, and how we would seek to remedy that after the next election if it is not Her Majesty’s Opposition are absolutely committed rectified in the other place. The Government’s stated to decarbonisation of the power sector. The reasons for purpose was to reform the electricity market to deliver that are simple. First, the biggest driver of soaring secure, clean and affordable electricity, but there are no energy bills is rising global gas prices. Cleaning up our two ways about it: the Bill will fall short of its stated power supply and investing in energy efficiency would purpose unless it puts Britain’s electricity system on a lead to lower, not higher, bills. Secondly, the best way of pathway to decarbonisation, and unless it genuinely improving our energy security is to take advantage of reforms the electricity market to make it more transparent, the natural energy sources in our own country. This is liquid and competitive. the windiest country in Europe, and when it comes to marine energy, Britain really can rule the waves, but We have had a full debate on decarbonisation this businesses will only invest, and bring jobs and growth to afternoon. I pay tribute to the hon. Member for South this country if they see that the Government back Suffolk (Mr Yeo) for tabling his amendment, and for decarbonisation. As my hon. Friend the Member for the work of his Select Committee. I also pay tribute to Wansbeck said, we should give confidence to those who the work of my right hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster wish to invest in carbon capture and storage and put us North (Edward Miliband), who was the first leader of a at the forefront of clean coal. Thirdly, if we cannot main political party to commit himself to decarbonisation. decarbonise the power sector, we will not be able to The Bill does not contain a decarbonisation target reduce the country’s carbon footprint, and if we cannot because the Liberal Democrats, with a few honourable do that, we will face a future of chaotic weather, rising sea exceptions, did not have the courage to vote for it. levels, flooded homes, failing harvests and drought. It is clear that the Conservative party has now set its If the other place is not able to rectify the omission of face against decarbonisation. Its choice is to lock Britain a decarbonisation target from this Bill, we will do so in into a high-cost, high-carbon electricity supply for decades government. Our determination to clean up the power to come, but there is still a clear majority in this House supply is matched by our commitment to reform the in support of decarbonisation. The Labour party supports energy market and to make it work in the public interest. it, and the Scottish National party, Plaid Cymru and So, on decarbonisation and fairer bills for consumers, the Green party all support it, too, and I thank colleagues we regret what is missing from this Bill, and make a from other parties who joined us in the Lobby this commitment to put it right. afternoon. With a Government majority of just 23, Investors should draw confidence, however, from the there is no doubt that if the Liberal Democrats—who fact that there is broad cross-party support for many of claim to support this, who have a party policy on it, and the provisions in the Bill, and, on our part, there is the who have a Secretary of State who says he supports political will to deliver a lasting framework to bring it—had voted for it, this Bill would have put us on the forward investment in low-carbon electricity generation. pathway to decarbonisation. On that basis, we will not oppose the Bill on Third Reading, but it is to be regretted that a dirty deal with Let us be clear about what this Bill does and does not the Liberal Democrats has once again blocked the path do. It does not set a decarbonisation target; it only says to clean energy and all the benefits it could bring. the Secretary of State may set one if they so choose. The Government could have supported just changing “may” to “must”, to give an indication of more certainty in this area. 6.28 pm It has been said many times this afternoon that Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): I am none of the major parties had support for this target in grateful for this chance to speak on Third Reading, and their manifestos. However, the Committee on Climate I will be brief. Change has only made that recommendation since the In bringing forward these measures, the Government general election, and we said we would support its have identified a genuine problem whose consequences recommendations. We must be able to do that. Things could be severe—indeed, the lights could go out. Security change from one general election to another, and we of supply is imperilled through the decommissioning of must listen to that advice. The truth is that even if the resources. The shortage of available public funds requires Secretary of State decides to set a target, 2016 is the that the private sector delivers, but uncertainties and earliest date at which it could be set, but it could be set market conditions have created a blockage. Above all, at any later date—2026, 2036, 2046—or not at all. we need to keep a close eye on the price of energy, and There is also no specification about what the target this Bill has proved to be an important opportunity to should be, so the Secretary of State could issue an order do that. 1481 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1482

[Mr Brian Binley] market reform and support much in the Bill. I understand the Minister’s point—I understand that contracts for I do not doubt that some of the measures in the Bill difference could well be a good way forward—but I will contribute positively, but the bigger issue remains remain concerned about the lack of much of the detail, an abiding concern that the cost to British industry will and I say that for two reasons. be disproportionately high, and the price we pay will be In Committee, I raised the issue of the closure of the of even greater magnitude. I have seen nothing to renewables obligation system in 2017 and whether that indicate that the Government have taken seriously the could have an impact on investment in the meantime. question of the costs from this Bill to our economy and Many companies that are considering investment are our businesses compared with our major competitor still unsure about how the CFD system will work and economies. are concerned about the changeover. More thought We need to ask whether the true cost of the zealous should have been given to how the interim period could attachment of Liberal Democrats to renewable energy be dealt with, perhaps by extending the RO system. solutions, endorsed by and, sadly, imposed from Europe, Regrettably, the Minister was not prepared to accept should be pursued seemingly at any price. A recent that. report by Civitas articulated many of those concerns, The other point about CFDs is that we still do not saying that the relentless drive to renewable energy is know what is being negotiated between the Government stifling innovation in the sector and costing a fortune, and EDF in respect of Hinkley. Whether or not I am with the risk of reversing the long-term trend of improved anti-nuclear, that is important, because whatever those living standards. It estimates that the cost to households details are they will inevitably become the template for of the renewable energy fixation will be about £600 each future CFDs in the nuclear industry. If the price is set year by 2020, with the economy bearing a cost of about too high and the contract is too long, that could have £200 billion—more than £16 billion each year, which huge implications for the public purse in the future. None exceeds 1% of our GDP. That is an enormous cost and of those details are available. We are told that they will a massive burden. The report also demonstrates that we be available in July, presumably when the House is in risk bearing a quarter of the target of the EU renewables recess, but we have no opportunity to look at these directive, as we plan to create the largest single increase things, and that is a shame. in renewables to achieve compliance. The renewables Late in the proceedings, the Government introduced obligation already costs us around £2 billion each year, amendments on consumers, including the Prime Minister’s a figure predicted to rise to £8 billion to meet these promise to put them on the lowest tariffs. I do not think targets. Taking that money out of the economy will they were strong enough and I tabled amendments on impede our growth, reduce prosperity and cost jobs. Report that, unfortunately, were not reached because of Although decarbonisation is a worthy ambition and the time available. a desirable destination over time, fuelling subsidies for I also tabled an amendment to deal with a question expensive and inefficient renewable energy technologies that I have often raised about winter fuel allowances risks taking us further from, not closer to, achieving and the need to provide small-scale practical help for that ambition. The cost we pay in promoting the renewable consumers, but it fell into the last group tonight. energy sector could prove damaging to the development of our own innovative response to the challenge of decarbonisation. It could harm our prospects for rapid Jim Shannon: On that subject, statistics show that in and sustained economic recovery, and it could drive the past year 24,000 people died from cold-related causes. enterprise away from this country. If decarbonisation is That was due in a big way to the inability of the system our goal, we should be far more prepared to encourage to address people’s needs early. Does the hon. Gentleman innovation in a range of different technologies and feel that it is not too late for the Government to take systems. This is not about whether we have a that on board and that ensuring the early payment of decarbonisation target in the Bill; it is about approaching such money at a time when oil is cheap would be a good the issue without the prejudice and the dogmas that way forward? have characterised the Secretary of State’s rhetoric and approach in office—he has been only moderately less Mr Weir: That is an excellent way forward. The rabid than his predecessor. Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Sevenoaks (Michael The energy challenge that we face is acute. The previous Fallon), has convened a round table on oil-fired heating. Government failed to do what was necessary. The time The first meeting was held in May and I welcomed that. to act has almost passed; it is possible that even these It was a useful meeting and might perhaps be a way of measures may be too late to avert a harmful crisis. dealing with that industry, but we need small-scale help However, my overwhelming anxiety is that this Bill is as electricity market reform is not the only way of not the answer to the energy questions we face, not least dealing with energy markets. Small-scale things can be because of the impact that will confront businesses in done that make a real difference and the Government this country. I wonder whether, in approving these must grasp some of those issues, rather than simply measures, we are supporting good politics within the considering massive measures such as this Bill. coalition but at a far greater cost to our economy than we can either sustain or afford. There is a decarbonisation target. We fully support it; I spoke in the debate on it and gave the reasons why. If Governments north and south of the border want a true, 6.32 pm green, sustainable manufacturing base, a decarbonisation Mr Weir: I said at the outset that SNP Members did target will give companies the assurance that will allow not oppose this Bill on Second Reading and we will not them to invest for the future. It will enable them to be oppose it tonight. We recognise the need for electricity sure that they have a market as they push towards it. 1483 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1484

It could also provide a huge amount of sustainable, benefit from it. Does my hon. Friend not agree that highly skilled jobs. As I pointed out earlier, growth in once we get the Bill out of the way, the biggest challenge the Scottish economy has come largely from the energy is to ensure that it is British companies, such as Tata industry and such development could be a huge boost Steel in Scunthorpe, who benefit from the additional for the future, so it is unfortunate that we do not have money going into renewables? that target. There are defects in the Bill, but there are some good Dan Byles: I entirely agree. This needs to be seen in a things. We will not oppose the Bill on Third Reading, much wider context than energy; this is about jobs and but I hope that when it gets to the other place the investment, including inward investment. Government will reconsider some of the issues. Gas will be on the system for a long time; we need to bring forward new gas generation. We need to increase renewables on the system, and we desperately need new 6.37 pm nuclear. There is hardly a credible scenario for a Dan Byles: It is a pleasure finally to be speaking on decarbonised future that does not involve new nuclear Third Reading. I am a member of the Select Committee on the system. We need to incentivise generation capacity on Energy and Climate Change, which has carried out in all three. The Bill is long overdue, and I will support it inquiries into energy market reform and pre-legislative this evening, because it will achieve that aim. scrutiny of the Bill, and I also sat on the Public Bill Committee, so it has been a labour of love getting here. 6.40 pm Although I support the Bill, I admit that I have some Caroline Lucas: I am sorry to sound a negative note, concerns. I am concerned about the level of complexity but to my mind the Bill falls well short of what is we are starting to pile on to our energy sector. Perhaps needed. Ministers have had many opportunities to improve that is inevitable, as this is a highly complex policy area, the legislation for the sake of our economy and those but I sometimes feel that unintended consequences lead struggling with high energy bills, in order to create to another sticking plaster being put on, leading to many thousands more jobs and, crucially, to demonstrate more unintended consequences, so that a highly complex that we politicians are up to the job of tackling the system evolves. I do not necessarily blame the DECC climate crisis with the urgency and ambition required. team for that, as this is a difficult and complex area, but The Bill could have demonstrated that politicians I hope that as the Secretary of State introduces the understand the risks of locking the UK into high-cost, secondary legislation he will bear in mind the need to high-carbon gas generation for decades to come; that try to minimise the complexity as much as possible, in we listen to and act on scientific advice on the urgency keeping with the aims of the Bill. of action needed to avoid irreversible climate change. The energy sector still faces huge challenges. As for The Bill simply does not go far enough. There are some the oft-quoted figure of £110 billion a year of infrastructure positive aspects; for example, I welcome the emissions investment, I have seen a lot of estimates that put the performance standard, but it is too weak, and it opens figure much higher. Some people grossly underestimate the door to a new dash for gas. As a result, we have not the scale of change required in our energy sector, particularly seen the last of people turning their backs on the in the argument about decarbonisation. The year 2030 politicians who listen to the fossil fuel lobby rather than is just 17 years away and at 10 minutes to 6 today, in real climate scientists, and people instead taking action time, 40% of our electricity was being provided by gas themselves in the name of what they see, and the science and 35% was being provided by coal. That means that says, needs to be done—people such as the brave, peaceful 75% of our electricity was being provided by gas and protesters who occupied EDF’s West Burton power coal. Gas heats 83% of our homes. We will have a station last year. substantial slice of gas on the system for a long time, so If we are to avoid catastrophic climate change and we need to get on and start exploratory drilling for shale the worst impacts here and elsewhere, in terms of water gas once again, so that we can ensure that the gas is shortages, flooding, food price rises and drought, it is provided from a domestic source. The Institute of Directors clear that around 80% of existing fossil fuel reserves has told us that shale gas production could provide up need to stay in the ground. How can we hope to leave to 74,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, and up to a that unburnable carbon in the ground if we cannot even third of peak demand—and that is just the central agree a decarbonisation target for 2030? I am not looking scenario. We need to search for shale gas, and to accept forward to writing yet again to hundreds of my constituents that gas will be on the system for a long time to come. to tell them that the decarbonisation target has been We also need steadily to increase investment in rejected, against all common sense. Frankly, I find it renewables; I entirely accept that. Sometimes people almost unbelievable that so many Liberal Democrats throw at me that I am anti-decarbonisation—we have voted against their own policy. heard that from some Opposition Members—but I am It is a scandal that the Bill does not have more not. We need to move to a low-carbon future, not ambition when it comes to renewable energy and energy through a rash, uncosted 2030 decarbonisation target efficiency. Instead, it will facilitate vast subsidies to new set this year, but through the nuts and bolts of the nuclear power stations that we do not need. There are contract for difference and the levy control framework, plenty of records of how we can reach our climate as the CBI has said. change and decarbonisation targets without new nuclear. New nuclear, with vast public subsidies to support it Andrew Percy: One of the reasons why I was not here and no real public or parliamentary scrutiny, is at the earlier is that colleagues from our region and I were centre of the Bill. Crucially, that is diverting investment with a Treasury Minister, trying to ensure that when the away from faster, less costly, more jobs-rich and more money for renewables comes on stream, British companies secure means of meeting electricity needs, including 1485 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1486

[Caroline Lucas] One is the attitude that we have to the local population. We have heard the words about localism in the Chamber, through harnessing the UK’s huge renewable energy but I am more interested in the deeds. I can say that, resource. The enormous potential of energy efficiency right across the constituency, my constituents do not and demand reduction is also overlooked, with weak believe that the Government care one jot for what they amendments from the Government convincing nobody. think and what they say. That ignores the widespread consensus that these are Today the largest public inquiry into wind farms the cheapest, quickest, and most effective ways to protect opened in Welshpool in my constituency. It is likely to householders from high energy bills, and to cut emissions. take 12 months. The small rural local council has had to Perhaps most of all, I am disappointed that the Bill set aside £2.8 million just to defend the decisions that it simply fails to have a vision of a different energy future. took. This will have a huge effect on local services, but It simply entrenches the big six energy companies and nobody cares. When the Welsh Government were asked their death-grip on the UK’s energy system and on the whether there was any way they could help the council, many households in Brighton, Pavilion and elsewhere they said, “You knew what was going to happen and who are struggling to pay ever higher energy bills. It you turned down the application.” I thought that was reinforces the centralised electricity system, in which utterly disgraceful. They were going to suspend their people are just passive consumers, constantly ripped entire planning responsibilities to avoid the costs of off, whether or not they switch from npower to EDF to defending their decisions. E.ON, because essentially they are all the same. Contrast that with a place such as Germany, where only 13% of Another aspect is the public inquiry itself. My the country’s 60 GW of renewable energy is owned by constituents are deeply concerned that it is dealing just big energy companies. The rest is owned by households, with the wind farms and not with the transmission line communities, development trusts and farmers. Fully to them. It is like dealing with houses without any roads 50% is generated by community-based projects. to them. Some £50,000 was spent trying to change the position, and people believe that DECC had some The Bill could have supported projects such as the involvement with the inspector when the council’s decision Brighton Energy Coop, releasing a new wave of co-operative was rejected. I do not know whether that is true, but I and community energy projects where people are so wrote to the Minister several weeks ago and have not much more than passive consumers—they are active yet had a reply to reassure my constituents that that did producers of energy. It could and should have set us on not take place. a path to a radically different, more democratic energy future by giving smaller independent generators and A further issue that causes me shock and disgust is community and co-operative energy schemes fair access how National Grid has behaved and is behaving. The to the market, where people own and generate their project that I am talking about is a very big project in power on a serious scale and benefit from lower energy my constituency; it involves about 500 wind turbines prices as a result. I am very sorry that the Bill has not and 100 miles of cable, 50 km of which are on 150-foot taken those opportunities. high steel pillars. Not surprisingly, landowners have not been keen to co-operate with National Grid and to allow it on their land, so National Grid sent in the 6.45 pm heavies. In truth, it has sent in thugs. Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): I have sat in I have an e-mail here that I only wish I could read the Chamber for more than six hours today and heard out, because it is so shocking. It comes from Councillor many interesting speeches. It has been an extremely Gwilym Thomas, a recently elected county councillor good debate. The Bill is important in many respects. It for an area affected. I can just refer to one or two points is the responsibility of Government to ensure energy that he makes. He is a man of unquestionable integrity availability, to ensure that energy is supplied at a reasonable and he begins by saying that he was visited by two cost and to pay proper heed to the need for decarbonisation gentleman who approached the door with envelopes, of the energy generation market. and said, “Mr Thomas, I have these for you.” They Whether or not one believes that man’s activities looked threatening and he asked them for some ID. contribute to climate change—I do not think they make They said they did not have it and would get it from that much difference—it is perfectly reasonable to want their van and come back. Some time later they came to pursue a decarbonisation approach as a sort of back but he was on the telephone and his daughter insurance policy, so people will tend to agree with the answered the door. She clearly saw a threatening individual. general approach that the Government are taking. There The daughter and Councillor Thomas’s wife retreated is also general support for renewable energy projects, to the kitchen. He went to speak to the man and they and there is a huge number of good projects all over the finished up nose to nose with the man shouting at him, country. I opened a biomass project in my constituency “Take these, Mr Thomas,” and he threw them out and run by a firm called Egnisco. If anybody is going to the walked away. Mr. Thomas walked after him, and as he National Eisteddfod in Wales in 2015, I recommend walked away the man shouted, “Goodbye, Mr Thomas,” that they go to the farm buildings at Mathrafal where 10 times, in a shockingly intimidating manner. they will see a superb scheme. The buildings have been It gets worse. Later that day Councillor Thomas converted into factories and have all been heated by a called at a property that he owns. There were two vans biomass project that is taking timber from local woodlands. blocking the gate so he tooted the horn to go in, and he It is a wonderful project. found that it was the same people employed by National To me it is important that the Government pursue Grid to enforce its policy. During the conversation, they their objectives in a reasonable way. There are two used the f-word at least three times, an example of gross aspects that cause me and my constituents great concern. profanity. Councillor Thomas rang National Grid to 1487 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1488 tell it, but it seemed not to care. It talked about them 6.54 pm being process servers, not bailiffs. This is shocking Andrew Percy: I was not intending to speak, but I behaviour. have been moved to do so by the speech made by the Another councillor contacted me— hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas), who attempted to present those of us who oppose the Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I decarbonisation target as in some way anti-renewable. I have been listening carefully to what the hon. Gentleman voted against the target not because I am anti-renewable is saying, which is clearly heartfelt, and I have given him but because I am concerned about the bills paid by much more latitude because of the seriousness of the those who sent me to this place and the impact of matter that he raises. But this is the Third Reading of onshore wind developments in my constituency. the Energy Bill, and what he says must relate to that, or In the Humber, we hope to benefit from significant he might want to find another way to raise what are investment by Siemens and others in offshore wind. We very important matters. He may continue with his points, all stand behind and support that, if for no other reason but he should either make them relevant to today’s than it is a job creation scheme. I hope we will see debate or perhaps stake a claim for a future debate. British employers such as Tata—I got things slightly wrong earlier in calling it a British company—benefiting Glyn Davies: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, from that. We want that development and those jobs to for making the allowance that you have. I thought it was come to the Humber. However, the attempt to paint important to put that kind of behaviour in the public those of us who have opposed the decarbonisation domain. target as anti-renewable is not fair at all. What the Government are doing in the Bill is hugely Many of my constituents work in the coal and gas important to the country’s future, but we will not have sectors. A large number work in coal and gas generation anyone’s support unless we take forward what we are and some even work in coal mining. I think about their doing with reason and working in co-operation with the jobs and rights when we debate our energy market. It is local people. That is what we need to do, so I thought it not yet clear how the decarbonisation target would be right to put in the public domain what is happening in hit or how carbon capture and storage technology our name. This is an important Bill that I am pleased to could contribute to it. In my side of the constituency, at support, but please let us take forward what we approve Drax, a lot of money is going into trying to develop today in a reasonable manner that the people of Britain clean coal technology. We want that to be a success. will be able to support. Perhaps in a couple of years’ time, when that is scalable and deliverable, I will be in the Lobby with the hon. 6.52 pm Lady. Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): The Bill Caroline Lucas rose— fails to meet four essential tests. First, will this Bill help to reduce energy costs for consumers? At the moment, Andrew Percy: I give way to the hon. Lady briefly. energy costs for consumers are projected to rise at the rate of about 8% above inflation for the foreseeable Caroline Lucas: The hon. Gentleman has not been in future, and the Bill does nothing to address that. In fact, the Chamber in the past two days, but over and again it makes it worse for consumers. those on this side of the House who have been proposing Secondly, will the Bill make UK plc more competitive and supporting a decarbonisation target have been able in international markets? The resounding answer to that to demonstrate that it will precisely lead to lower fuel question is no, it will not. Indeed, we have already driven bills for consumers. It is precisely gas that is leading to a lot of our manufacturing capacity overseas and the higher bills. Will he not base his statements on the facts? Government recently had to include in the Finance Bill a sticking plaster to try to prevent the potteries from Andrew Percy: I have followed this debate closely closing down completely. That demonstrates that firms both inside and outside the Chamber, and I am afraid that are not perhaps involved in the potteries will suffer that it has not been demonstrated at all that the target as a result of more lack of competitiveness being generated. could be set up cheaply. If that were so, it would already be being done. I am concerned about the impact that Thirdly, will the Bill prevent our countryside and such a target would have not only on bills, but on coastal heritage from being despoiled by wind turbines, England and our countryside. I represent a constituency such as those proposed for Christchurch bay? It will where people are very concerned about onshore wind definitely not do that. Indeed, because it is encouraging turbines. The hon. Lady represents a more urban area, the subsidy junkies to come to this country and feed off so perhaps she does not have to face what I have to. our taxpayers’ money, it will make life even worse. Finally, does the Bill address any of the perverse Caroline Lucas rose— consequences that have flowed from the Climate Change Act 2008? The answer is that it does not. Five of us Luciana Berger rose— voted against the Third Reading of that legislation, and a lot more colleagues wish that they had also been able Andrew Percy: No, I will not give way. There are very to register their opposition to it in the Division Lobby. concerned people who feel very disempowered with That is why I hope that tonight, although there is this respect to the planning process because of the march of grotesque cross-party consensus about a lot of this onshore wind. That has to be taken into account. I am legislation, it will be possible for individual Members to not prepared to vote for something that would say to put on record their own views as to whether the Bill my constituents, “Whatever your view is, it doesn’t should go on to the statute book. matter. We have this target and we have to deliver on it.” 1489 Energy Bill4 JUNE 2013 Energy Bill 1490

[Andrew Percy] Creasy, Stella Hames, Duncan Crockart, Mike Hamilton, Mr David I think about the public inquiry at Saxby Wold, at Crouch, Tracey Hamilton, Fabian which I spoke only a few weeks ago. I got a clap from Cryer, John Hammond, Stephen local residents; it is not often that Members of Parliament Cunningham, Alex Hancock, Matthew get clapped by their constituents. I spoke for my constituents Cunningham, Sir Tony Hands, Greg Dakin, Nic Hanson, rh Mr David who said clearly that they did not want an ever-increasing Danczuk, Simon Harper, Mr Mark march of onshore wind turbines. I also think about the Davey, rh Mr Edward Harrington, Richard residents in the towns of Winterton and Broughton and David, Wayne Harris, Rebecca elsewhere. Just this weekend, I was informing them Davies, David T. C. Harris, Mr Tom about the proposed development in the Ancholme valley (Monmouth) Hart, Simon of yet more wind turbines—an area that has already hit Davies, Geraint Harvey, Sir Nick its 2020 targets. Davies, Glyn Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan So please do not present those of us who oppose the de Bois, Nick Hayes, rh Mr John target as anti-renewable. We are pro-renewable, but we Dinenage, Caroline Heald, Oliver want a balance and a sensible energy policy that gives Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Healey, rh John Docherty, Thomas Hemming, John the people most affected by the changes a real voice in Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Hepburn, Mr Stephen the process. That is why I will support the Bill. Perhaps Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Herbert, rh Nick in a year, two years or three years, we will be able to Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Hermon, Lady support a decarbonisation target. However, the CCS Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Hillier, Meg technology is not yet there and I am not prepared to say Dorries, Nadine Hilling, Julie to people in my constituency who work in the industries Doughty, Stephen Hinds, Damian I mentioned that they should be put out of work for a Doyle-Price, Jackie Hoban, Mr Mark vague target that somebody has plucked out of thin air. Dromey, Jack Holloway, Mr Adam Question put, That the Bill be now read the Third Duddridge, James Hopkins, Kris Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Horwood, Martin time. Durkan, Mark Hosie, Stewart The House divided: Ayes 396, Noes 8. Elliott, Julie Howarth, rh Mr Division No. 20] [6.58 pm Ellis, Michael George Ellison, Jane Howell, John Ellman, Mrs Louise Hughes, rh Simon AYES Elphicke, Charlie Huppert, Dr Julian Abbott, Ms Diane Bradley, Karen Esterson, Bill Irranca-Davies, Huw Abrahams, Debbie Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Evans, Chris Jackson, Glenda Adams, Nigel Brady, Mr Graham Evans, Graham James, Margot Afriyie, Adam Brake, rh Tom Evans, Jonathan Jamieson, Cathy Aldous, Peter Bray, Angie Evennett, Mr David Jarvis, Dan Allen, Mr Graham Brazier, Mr Julian Fabricant, Michael Johnson, rh Alan Amess, Mr David Brennan, Kevin Fallon, rh Michael Johnson, Joseph Andrew, Stuart Brine, Steve Farron, Tim Jones, Andrew Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Brokenshire, James Field, Mark Jones, rh Mr David Ashworth, Jonathan Brooke, Annette Fitzpatrick, Jim Jones, Graham Austin, Ian Brown, Lyn Flint, rh Caroline Jones, Mr Kevan Bacon, Mr Richard Brown, Mr Russell Foster, rh Mr Don Jones, Mr Marcus Bailey, Mr Adrian Browne, Mr Jeremy Francois, rh Mr Mark Jones, Susan Elan Bain, Mr William Bruce, Fiona Freer, Mike Kawczynski, Daniel Baker, Norman Bryant, Chris Fullbrook, Lorraine Kelly, Chris Baldry, Sir Tony Buckland, Mr Robert Fuller, Richard Khan, rh Sadiq Baldwin, Harriett Burden, Richard Gardiner, Barry Kirby, Simon Barclay, Stephen Burley, Mr Aidan Garnier, Sir Edward Knight, rh Mr Greg Barker, rh Gregory Burns, Conor Garnier, Mark Kwarteng, Kwasi Baron, Mr John Burrowes, Mr David Gauke, Mr David Lamb, Norman Barron, rh Mr Kevin Burt, Lorely George, Andrew Lancaster, Mark Barwell, Gavin Byles, Dan Gibb, Mr Nick Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Bebb, Guto Cairns, Alun Gilbert, Stephen Latham, Pauline Begg, Dame Anne Campbell, Mr Alan Glen, John Lavery, Ian Beith, rh Sir Alan Campbell, Mr Gregory Glindon, Mrs Mary Lazarowicz, Mark Bellingham, Mr Henry Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Goldsmith, Zac Leadsom, Andrea Benn, rh Hilary Carmichael, Neil Goodwill, Mr Robert Lee, Jessica Berger, Luciana Clark, rh Greg Grant, Mrs Helen Lee, Dr Phillip Berry, Jake Clarke, rh Mr Tom Gray, Mr James Leech, Mr John Betts, Mr Clive Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Grayling, rh Chris Lefroy, Jeremy Bingham, Andrew Clwyd, rh Ann Greatrex, Tom Leslie, Charlotte Birtwistle, Gordon Coffey, Dr Thérèse Green, rh Damian Leslie, Chris Blackwood, Nicola Collins, Damian Greening, rh Justine Lewis, Brandon Blears, rh Hazel Colvile, Oliver Greenwood, Lilian Lewis, Mr Ivan Blenkinsop, Tom Cooper, Rosie Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Lewis, Dr Julian Blomfield, Paul Cooper, rh Yvette Griffith, Nia Liddell-Grainger, Mr Blunt, Mr Crispin Cox, Mr Geoffrey Griffiths, Andrew Ian Boles, Nick Creagh, Mary Halfon, Robert Lidington, rh Mr David 1491 Energy Bill 4 JUNE 2013 1492

Lilley, rh Mr Peter Pritchard, Mark Uppal, Paul Williams, Mr Mark Lopresti, Jack Pugh, John Vaz, Valerie Williams, Roger Lord, Jonathan Raab, Mr Dominic Vickers, Martin Williams, Stephen Loughton, Tim Randall, rh Mr John Villiers, rh Mrs Williamson, Gavin Love, Mr Andrew Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Theresa Willott, Jenny Lucas, Ian Rees-Mogg, Jacob Walker, Mr Robin Wilson, Phil Luff, Peter Reid, Mr Alan Wallace, Mr Ben Wilson, Mr Rob Lumley, Karen Reynolds, Jonathan Walley, Joan Winterton, rh Ms Rosie MacNeil, Mr Angus Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Ward, Mr David Wishart, Pete Brendan Riordan, Mrs Linda Watson, Mr Tom Wollaston, Dr Sarah Main, Mrs Anne Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Weatherley, Mike Woodcock, John Malhotra, Seema Robertson, Angus Webb, Steve Wright, David Maynard, Paul Robertson, Mr Laurence Weir, Mr Mike Wright, Mr Iain McCabe, Steve Rogerson, Dan Wharton, James Wright, Jeremy McCarthy, Kerry Rosindell, Andrew Wheeler, Heather Wright, Simon McCartney, Jason Rotheram, Steve White, Chris Yeo, Mr Tim McCartney, Karl Roy, Lindsay Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Young, rh Sir George McCrea, Dr William Ruane, Chris Whitehead, Dr Alan Zahawi, Nadhim McDonald, Andy Russell, Sir Bob Whittaker, Craig Tellers for the Ayes: McGovern, Alison Rutley, David Whittingdale, Mr John Anne Milton and McGovern, Jim Sanders, Mr Adrian Wiggin, Bill Mark Hunter McIntosh, Miss Anne Sawford, Andy McKechin, Ann Scott, Mr Lee McKinnell, Catherine Seabeck, Alison NOES McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Selous, Andrew Binley, Mr Brian Smith, rh Mr Andrew McPartland, Stephen Shannon, Jim Bone, Mr Peter Wilson, Sammy McVey, Esther Sharma, Alok Davies, Philip Meacher, rh Mr Michael Sheerman, Mr Barry Flynn, Paul Tellers for the Noes: Meale, Sir Alan Shelbrooke, Alec Nuttall, Mr David Mr Christopher Chope and Mearns, Ian Shepherd, Sir Richard Reckless, Mark Mr Philip Hollobone Metcalfe, Stephen Sheridan, Jim Mills, Nigel Shuker, Gavin Question accordingly agreed to. Moore, rh Michael Simpson, David Mordaunt, Penny Skidmore, Chris Bill read the Third time and passed. Morrice, Graeme Skinner, Mr Dennis (Livingston) Slaughter, Mr Andy Morris, Anne Marie Smith, Henry Business without Debate Morris, David Smith, Julian Morris, Grahame M. Smith, Owen DELEGATED LEGISLATION (Easington) Smith, Sir Robert Morris, James Soames, rh Nicholas Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Mosley, Stephen Soubry, Anna Order No. 118(6)), Mowat, David Spellar, rh Mr John Mulholland, Greg Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS Mundell, rh David Spencer, Mr Mark That the draft Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Munn, Meg Stanley, rh Sir John (Contractual Scheme) Regulations 2013, which were laid before Munt, Tessa Stephenson, Andrew this House on 26 March, in the previous Session of Parliament, Murray, Ian Stevenson, John be approved.—(Mr Syms.) Murray, Sheryll Stewart, Bob Murrison, Dr Andrew Stewart, Iain Question agreed to. Neill, Robert Streeter, Mr Gary Newmark, Mr Brooks Stride, Mel EUROPEAN UNION DOCUMENTS Newton, Sarah Stuart, Ms Gisela Nokes, Caroline Stuart, Mr Graham Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing O’Brien, Mr Stephen Stunell, rh Andrew Order No. 119(11)), Offord, Dr Matthew Sturdy, Julian Ollerenshaw, Eric Swales, Ian IDENTIFICATION OF CATTLE AND LABELLING OF BEEF Onwurah, Chi Swayne, rh Mr Desmond That this House takes note of European Union Documents Opperman, Guy Swire, rh Mr Hugo No. 13701/11, a draft Directive amending Council Directive Owen, Albert Syms, Mr Robert 64/432/EEC as regards computer databases which are part of the Paice, rh Sir James Tami, Mark surveillance networks in the Member States, and No. 8784/12, an Parish, Neil Teather, Sarah amended draft Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 1760/2000 Patel, Priti Thornberry, Emily as regards electronic identification of bovine animals and deleting Paterson, rh Mr Owen Thornton, Mike the provisions of voluntary beef labelling; and supports the Pawsey, Mark Timms, rh Stephen Government’s view that the deletion of the voluntary beef labelling Penning, Mike Timpson, Mr Edward provisions is a sensible reduction in regulatory burdens, but that the Commission’s proposal needs to include a seven year transition Percy, Andrew Tomlinson, Justin period for the introduction of electronic identification as an Perry, Claire Tredinnick, David official means of identification for cattle in order to minimise cost Phillips, Stephen Truss, Elizabeth increases and bring in the necessary changes smoothly without Poulter, Dr Daniel Turner, Mr Andrew risk to current traceability.—(Mr Syms.) Pound, Stephen Turner, Karl Prisk, Mr Mark Twigg, Derek Question agreed to. 1493 4 JUNE 2013 Football Referees 1494

Football Referees from 618 cases to 528, but that is still 10 physical assaults on football referees in England and Wales each Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House week. do now adjourn.—(Mr Syms.) Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con): Does my 7.14 pm hon. Friend agree that the number of recorded assaults on referees has decreased because it is often difficult for Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): The times referees to have those assaults taken seriously by the being what they are, I feel I should declare an interest at authorities? the very start: I have always wanted to be popular. Some would say that being a Conservative Member of Parliament is not exactly the best way of going about Chris Heaton-Harris: Yes, that is absolutely the case, that. If we add the fact that I am an active and qualified and it is something I intend to come to later, so I thank football referee, one could think that I have chosen what my hon. Friend for his point. we might call a “challenging path” to that popularity. I In fact, over the past year, the number of cautions took my referees’ course at the age of 12 and qualified has fallen: all cautions fell 10%; dissent cautions fell shortly afterwards, which I believe means I have just 13%; dismissals fell 13%; and in general all misconduct finished my 33rd season as the man in the middle. I have on the football pitch fell 9%. Some put this gradual been a member of the Referees Association for all of improvement down to the Football Association’s respect that time. I should also declare a financial interest. For agenda, and I would tend to agree, but whatever the each game I officiate I receive a fee. I have tried to reason, it is obviously to be welcomed. I still find it register it, but the relevant authorities got bored after a astonishing, however, that in the last year for which full while and told me to stop wasting their time. records are available 528 referees—more than 10 a I have to admit that I love the game. Like anyone who week—were assaulted during a match. volunteers, coaches or officiates any sport, I am passionate Obviously, in these cases, the Referees Association about the sport I practise every week. One has to be and the FA step in, the first helping the assaulted and passionate to go out there in most weathers doing one the county FA offering some punishment post-disciplinary of the least popular jobs in the country week in, week hearing. There were concerns that county FAs were out. I have officiated at all types of games in the UK being too lenient in the punishments handed out, so and abroad at amateur and semi-professional level. I several changes were made to the appeals process. Now have been very lucky not to have personally experienced anyone, not just the person subject to the violation, can what too many referees have experienced: I have not appeal a decision and ask the FA to review the case. For been assaulted while officiating a game of football. the police to take action, referees must report incidents Every ref I know looks forward to his or her next to the police themselves. The FA recommends that they fixture. While we get paid a small amount, we do not do this but cannot intervene or compel an official to do referee for the match fee. We receive good in-service so. If criminal action is taken in a case of assault or training from the Football Association and the Referees physical contact on a referee, the player in question is Association, and we go out to do the best job we automatically suspended pending the outcome of the case. possibly can in every game. Occasionally—I know this The purpose of this debate is singular: to ask the will be hard for Members to comprehend—match officials Minister for his help. Referees up and down the country do make the odd mistake. The vast majority of times, are becoming more and more concerned that neither however, we get the decision right. Alas, on some the police nor the Crown Prosecution Service is following occasions—Members may have seen some well-publicised through with the investigation of assaults, believing examples—players do not like the decisions we make. that footballing sanctions—bans for a certain period—are Referees have to deal with that by using common sense. enough of a punishment. It would be fantastic, therefore, if he could help. The FA could do with improved Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Does the hon. feedback from the courts. Gentleman feel that the introduction of goal-line technology and a fourth official would reduce some of the friction Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): I congratulate my between footballers and referees on the pitch? hon. Friend on securing this debate, which one might think a game of two halves: the soft cop in the early Chris Heaton-Harris: I am sure that that would help part and the rougher stuff coming later. Does he agree at the highest level of the game, but at my level I am that the FA could improve conviction and prosecution lucky to have two club linesmen, let alone a fourth rates by launching private prosecutions where other official. I hear where the hon. Gentleman is coming parties do not wish to get involved? That would, I from, but I do not think they would necessarily help in suggest, still be possible. this particular situation. There is no goal-line technology in Northamptonshire Combination football league games Chris Heaton-Harris: That is true, actually. The Referees as of yet. Association offers insurance to referees, so if someone We deal with challenging situations by using common joins it—not all referees do, but most do—it will help sense, people management skills and the odd yellow or and guide them down that route. If, though, there is a red card. In most cases, while the teams and their physical assault on a football pitch, it should first be a supporters might not like some decisions, everyone just matter for the police, but if they choose not to act, gets on with the game. Sometimes they do not, however. perhaps there could be this second way of doing it. Recorded assaults on referees are thankfully few and far To return to the subject on which I would like the between. The number of physical contacts against officials Minister’s help, the FA would appreciate automatic has fallen quite dramatically by 21% since 2010-11, feedback from the courts on football cases to ensure 1495 Football Referees4 JUNE 2013 Football Referees 1496 that any criminal cases involving footballers are also had sent the player off for aggressive behaviour and subject to football disciplinary hearings. A simple swearing during a Manchester amateur Sunday football communication would suffice to ensure that if a banned league match. As he recorded the red card in his notebook, player tried to play for a different football club, they the player ran towards him, jumped with both feet off would not be allowed to. Furthermore, assaulting a the ground and kicked him in the face—a karate kick of referee should automatically mean a formal interview some kind. The referee needed a number of stitches by the police. It has been suggested that sometimes the around his eye and was left scarred for life. Doctors told police only log details and do not formally charge a him that he was lucky not to have been blinded. The player with assault, saying that it is a footballing matter. player was eventually charged and pleaded guilty at a Any player who assaults a referee should be formally Manchester Crown court to the charge of assault interviewed by the police as a matter of course, and occasioning actual bodily harm. The judge did not give witness statements could be taken to prepare for appropriate him a custodial sentence—he said he had escaped “by a action. A simple interview after an assault would also whisker”—but suspended a 10-month jail sentence for act as a strong deterrent. two years. The player was also ordered to carry out 100 In the more serious cases, we need to urge the CPS to hours’unpaid work and pay the referee £750 compensation. treat this type of assault seriously and to ensure that However, if that had happened on a Saturday night in football offences do not receive more lenient sentences any town or city across the country, the result would than the same crimes committed off the football pitch. have been very different. Referees across the country are concerned that assaults Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): I congratulate the hon. of this nature are not always taken seriously by the Gentleman on securing this important debate. He has authorities. We are seriously worried about that, because mentioned serious offences, suggesting that some are we know of recent examples elsewhere, such as the case not so serious. What would he say is the difference? of Richard Nieuwenhuizen in the Netherlands, who was killed in December 2012 as he officiated a game of Chris Heaton-Harris: Less serious offences would football in Holland, or, just last month, that of Ricardo include one that the hon. Gentleman might have seen Portillo in the United States. In both cases, the assault Paul Gascoigne commit in a football game not so long of an official resulted in their death. I am not saying to ago—taking the yellow card out of the referee’s hands—or the Minister that he must act now or this could happen a gentle shove. If the hon. Gentleman will allow me, I here, but I would like assurances from him that, after will come to the details of more serious offences, but this debate, he will send the appropriate message, as there is a gradual scale, as there is in all matters to do strongly as he can, that officials of all sports across the with assault. country can pack their kits for this weekend, comforted Essentially, referees would like the police to be more in the knowledge not just that they are appreciated, but willing to charge those who assault match officials, that there is an extra deterrent that will stop those who rather than leaving the issue to be dealt with in-house use violence to show their disappointment at a decision by local county football associations. Police action is a that the ref has just made. far greater deterrent and would ensure that referees felt more supported, thus helping to retain the number of 7.29 pm referees we need in our game. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice I said earlier that I had been lucky. I have not been (Jeremy Wright): Before I begin, I would like to congratulate physically assaulted while officiating, although I once my hon. Friend the Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton- had to go to the police because of what I perceived to be Harris) on securing the debate and on raising the important a very real threat made against me. However, I had a issue of how we deal with violence in sporting events. horrible experience once when I gave a penalty and the As he says, it is an issue that we need to take seriously, manager of the team, who thought he was a bit like and we will. Such violence can be damaging not just for Alex Ferguson, did not like my decision. Unlike Alex the individuals directly concerned but for all those who Ferguson, he decided to charge on to the pitch. Fortunately, enjoy sport. They should be able to continue to do so in one of his own players rugby-tackled him, inches away safety and in an atmosphere where the rules of justice from me on my blind side before he got to me. As I did and fair play are accepted and upheld. The respect that not really know that he was coming at me, who knows we show for the rules of a game such as football very what could have happened? That happened on what I much reflects our respect for others, for society and for chose as my last ever game of Sunday morning football. the rule of law. Others have not been so lucky. Anyone who goes to a As my hon. Friend has made clear, football is one referees’ society meeting and talks to those present will sport that has seen particular examples of violence on hear some horrific tales. In 2011, a Coventry referee was and off the pitch. Such violence sets a damaging example assaulted at a match that took place on Sowe common to young and possibly impressionable fans. We know of on a Sunday morning. He was taken to hospital by cases in which fans have been tempted to emulate the ambulance and needed stitches inside his mouth and behaviour they see on the pitch. We must therefore other things. Two police cars attended with four officers. make absolutely sure that we have the means available Two of the officers went and spoke to the assailant, but to prevent such violence where possible, and to punish it decided not to arrest him and walked off the pitch effectively if it does occur. saying that the football authorities would deal with the Looking at the cases that my hon. Friend has detailed, incident. I can entirely share his concerns. I understand the Last year in Manchester, an individual walked out of frustrations felt by all the victims who do not feel that court with a suspended jail sentence and community justice has been done. It seems that we have three fronts service for a cowardly assault on a referee. The referee on which we should be tackling this issue. First, each sport’s 1497 Football Referees4 JUNE 2013 Football Referees 1498

[Jeremy Wright] might suggest. There are guidelines covering the general seriousness of an offence, and specific guidelines on governing body—in the case of football, the individual offences of assault, and they can be found on the clubs—needs to deal with the incident to ensure that Sentencing Council’s website. As with offences, I do not future events are not disrupted. They can and should think that it would be helpful to have specific guidelines discipline players and fans when enthusiasm spills over that applied only to football referees, or even to sport in into violence and aggression. It is not clear from the general. They must apply across the board. cases that we have heard about whether clubs or the The guidelines help to determine the seriousness of Football Association have always used the full extent of the offence by reference to the harm that the offence has their powers, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that caused, and to the culpability of the offender. Those that would be a matter for my right hon. Friend the factors can mitigate or aggravate the potential sentence. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. For example, in the case of assault, factors given in the Secondly, the criminal justice system has a role to guidelines as increasing the seriousness include the location play. My hon. Friend has rightly asked me and my and timing of the offence, and the community impact. Department to concentrate on the issue of effective General guidelines on the seriousness of any offence sentencing, particularly for violence against referees. also include aggravating factors such as whether the From that perspective, we would not want to see offences, victim is serving the public. That might arguably include sentences or procedures that applied only to football functions such as refereeing a football match, as my referees. The law must be seen to apply equally and hon. Friend does on a regular basis. consistently to everyone, and we would therefore need People often ask, not just in this context, why the at least to deal with violence at all sporting events. We maximum possible penalties for offences are not imposed already have adequate offences, sentences and procedures more often. Sentences must be proportionate to the in place that apply across the board, and ample guidance offending behaviour, and the guidelines help to ensure to help to ensure that they are applied consistently. that the courts sentence in a proportionate and consistent With that in mind, let me first explain the offences way. The maximum penalty is set to deal with the worst available. possible case for each offence. The maximum is, therefore, There is a range of offences that the police and the rightly rarely used. Violence and threats towards match Crown Prosecution Service can use in the case of a officials may be regarded as an aggravating factor, but violent incident of any kind, including when the violence should be looked at in isolation as meriting the most occurs in a sporting context. These range from common serious possible penalty. It needs to be seen alongside all assault through to actual bodily harm and to grievous the other aggravating and mitigating factors in a case. bodily harm, and ultimately to manslaughter and murder. The third strand that emerges from the cases we have The penalties available range from a maximum of six heard about this evening is how the police react in cases months imprisonment for common assault to a maximum of violence against officials. That, I have to say, is partly of life for wounding with intent to cause grievous a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, bodily harm. The police and the CPS have a full spectrum but it is largely, as my hon. Friend will understand, an of offences that can be charged, and severe maximum operational matter for the police. I understand entirely penalties are available for those convicted. what he says about the need to send the clearest possible Within those sentencing powers, it is for the courts to message to the police about taking these matters seriously. decide what the penalty should be in individual cases. We need to work with officers to ensure that they have The courts have the full facts of the case before them, guidance and training about cases involving match officials, and they can make an informed judgment about the so that those cases are treated in a way that properly overall seriousness of the incident. Sentencers are trained reflects the harm such cases can cause. and experienced in arriving at appropriate penalties, I am afraid to say to my hon. Friend that there is no and it would be wrong for any of us, particularly magic solution to the problem that he has rightly Ministers, to try to substitute our judgment for that of highlighted. I think he recognises that. I accept that we the court. I will not therefore comment on the individual need to work together to raise awareness and to ensure cases that my hon. Friend has raised; instead, I will that the system we have works better. We need to ensure concentrate on how the courts arrive at their decisions. that we signal that violence against match officials is The courts have guidance in the form of guidelines wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated. issued by the independent Sentencing Council. Courts Question put and agreed to. are obliged to follow the guidelines or to explain why, exceptionally, they are departing from them. The guidelines 7.36 pm are therefore rather stronger than the term “guidelines” House adjourned. 127WH 4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 128WH

good sense of school and college leaders, exam boards Westminster Hall and employers, working together within a largely stable framework set by the Government.

Tuesday 4 June 2013 David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP): I apologise for being late, Mr Gray. I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on obtaining this debate. For many years in Northern [MR JAMES GRAY in the Chair] Ireland, it was them and us—it was the industry and educationists—but over the past couple of years, the two sides have come together, which encourages young Vocational Education people and helps them to get the skill base that is Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting essential. Does he agree that that is certainly one way to be now adjourned.—(Mr Swayne.) achieve what he wants? Nic Dakin: Absolutely. The hon. Gentleman makes 9.30 am an excellent point about employers and educationists Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): On this sunny morning, coming together to set an agenda, which can be very it is a real joy to see you in the Chair, Mr Gray, and I powerful in liberating young people and delivering on hope that our expectation of great chairmanship will be their potential. delivered by the end of the sitting. Through a focus on personalised learning, Tomorrow is vocational qualifications day, so this student achievement was being raised and student debate is particularly timely. That annual celebration of progression to work and higher education improved. vocational qualifications is organised by the Edge Such personalisation of learning is important. Through Foundation and quite properly supported by all political the flexible use of BTEC firsts and BTEC nationals, parties and, most importantly, by colleges, training as well as similar qualifications, general vocational providers and awarding bodies. Celebrations and events qualifications were finding a place alongside GCSEs will be held around the country, with outstanding and A-levels, which led to students achieving more at achievements being recognised through VQ learner and both 16 and 18. Most importantly, progression into employer awards. By celebrating learners and employers, employment and higher education, though not perfect, VQ day recognises that the relationship between them, was strong and improving. supported by providers, is crucial if we are to deliver Interestingly, a new study by London Economics effective vocational learning that meets the needs of shows that a higher proportion of students who do a both employers and the economy. BTEC and a degree end up in work than those who do I have been struck by the number of individuals and straight A-levels and a degree. The research also shows organisations that have contacted me to say that they the highly vocationalised HE choices of ex-BTEC students, are extremely interested in today’s debate, including particularly in STEM subjects—science, technology, Cambridge Assessment, Clive Wilson—Franklin College’s engineering and maths—and business finance. Across excellent associate principal—the Association of Colleges, all regions, BTEC graduates in skilled occupations earn the National Grid, the Society of Motor Manufacturers more than their contemporaries. The curriculum we and Traders, Pearson, the National Institute of Adult had in 2010 is therefore delivering results for us today. Continuing Education, the Prince’s Trust, the Federation Even the ill-fated diploma spawned the engineering of Small Businesses, the National Union of Students, diploma, which has been fêted by engineering employers McDonald’s and the Science Council. and HE providers for placing industry in the curriculum driving seat, thereby delivering for young people and That avalanche of interest is all the more amazing for the economy, as the hon. Member for Upper Bann the consistency with which those different organisations (David Simpson) has pointed out. have raised the key issues for setting the landscape fair for vocational education in future. I can identify four Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I thank the hon. broad concerns: first, the need for vocational education Gentleman for securing in this Chamber a very important in key stages 4 and 5 to be placed in a broad and debate, which every one of us can relate to our own balanced curriculum offer; secondly, the importance of constituencies. Does he agree that one important careers information, advice and guidance being impartial opportunity in engineering at the moment is for young and linked to the economy’s needs; thirdly, the role of girls and young ladies? It is a job not only for young apprenticeships; and finally, the challenge of reskilling men, but for ladies and girls. There has been an example adults, particularly those who have become workless. of that in Northern Ireland, with more young girls—and Let me take each in turn. young people—being involved and wanting to do The first issue is about all students having access to a engineering. Should more be done to promote that vocational offer within a broad and balanced curriculum. among the female part of the population? Edge states a bold vision that I hope we can embrace. It has stated that it wants Nic Dakin: The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent “an education system where people discover all their talents point. Many good projects are in place to get girls into achieve excellent results and are better prepared for apprenticeships, engineering, and they must continue to be supported. higher education and work”. I noticed in the information sent out by the National In my opinion, having worked hard to lead a college in Grid how much it stresses the importance of bringing delivering improving progression outcomes for students more women into engineering. After all, that covers year on year, secondary education in 2010 had arrived 50% or so of the potential talent pool, so we need at a positive place. That was largely down to the practical women engineers to help to drive forward the economy. 129WH Vocational Education4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 130WH

[Nic Dakin] on the Select Committee’s report in this Chamber last month, it was clear that MPs across the House shared I hope that the Government, in their consultation to its concerns, but are the Government listening? I fear reform vocational qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds, not. The AOC points out that good advice and guidance listen to the wise counsel of the Association of Colleges is crucial to helping young people make the right choices, and others, who caution against a rigid approach to and it draws attention to the perverse incentives in the routes that divide qualifications and young people into current system that allow new schools to be established particular outcomes. The AOC’s Martin Doel has made even where there is an over-supply of places, which is the point well: madness. As it points out, that militates against the “Currently students can choose a mix of qualifications: they provision of truly independent information, advice and can study an A level alongside a substantial vocational qualification. guidance, because such advice might, for example, encourage We are concerned that separate ‘routes’ which segregate qualifications a young person to consider other options than simply into pre-determined categories will restrict student choice.” staying in the sixth form and doing A-levels. Edge’s insights are also helpful. It has argued: The National Grid, and other such employers, recognises “Vocational education is often presented as suitable for the the value of work experience. It is disappointed that it is 50% of young people who don’t go to university. Young people no longer a statutory requirement for schools in key who do well in academic subjects are systematically steered away stage 4. It says: from vocational options. This is wrong: it limits choice. All young people should experience academic, artistic, technical, practical “We would urge policy makers to ensure that pre-16 students and vocational learning as part of a broad and balanced 14-18 do get the opportunities to see industry at first hand—particularly curriculum which leads to an overarching diploma at 18.” STEM based occupations.” The overarching diploma sounds like Labour’s excellent The Federation of Small Businesses calls for a significant TechBacc initiative, which the party is sensibly consulting programme of careers education from early on in a on, and which forms part of the ongoing work of young person’s education. As Edge says, a show-and-tell Labour’s skills taskforce, chaired by Professor Chris approach to careers is badly needed. Starting in primary Husbands. By contrast, the Government are in danger schools, young people should meet and visit a wide of rushing out their alternative TechBacc without sufficient variety of employers, apprentices, further education thought and planning, on a time scale that risks endangering colleges, training providers and universities. They should the principle of developing a sound alternative for the also go to events such as the skills show in Birmingham, forgotten 50%. which has skills competitions, exhibitions and “have a go” areas. The Government would do well to listen to organisations, such as Edge, which has a track record of engaging Interestingly, we have just completed an employer-led successfully with employers in delivering change through investigation into the skills needs of the Humber, which their university technical college programme and other I chaired on behalf of the Humber local enterprise initiatives, but, sadly, listening is not one of the partnership. The report, “Lifting the Lid: the Humber Government’s strong points. They turn a deaf ear to Skills Challenge”, will be published on Thursday. Two those who speak with experience and knowledge, and of the most significant concerns are the quality of instead assert that they, the Government—many of careers education, information, advice and guidance them have never worked outside policy think-tanks or and the lack of over-riding priority given to teaching media bubbles, and never worked in the real world—know those essential employability skills. Why do the Government best, even when confounded by the evidence. They not rectify that by giving the resource, capacity and pooh-pooh the evidence and press on regardless with capability to LEPs to make the improvements that are their curriculum vandalism. A prime example is their badly needed to ensure that the education service delivers insistence on imposing their narrow key stage 4 EBacc what local employers need both now and into the and the limited number of facilitating A-levels, set in a future? That is a way to deliver through City Deals what nostalgic image of 1950s grammar schools. Even today, is needed and to allow city region leaders to make The Times reports that these curriculum vandals are things happen. Why not go further and let LEPs planning to replace GCSEs—a well understood and commission Ofsted to do area-wide inspections of the recognised brand—with something called “I-levels”. Will teaching of employability skills in their areas? That they never learn? would be localism in action and would directly empower employers and reward positive engagement between Before the Minister splutters that to criticise such a employers, education and training providers in a locality. direction of travel is to accept lower standards and to become globally uncompetitive, let me assure him that The third thing on which everyone agrees is that it is not. Wanting high standards is a given across the apprenticeships provide a significant work-based training parties; they are what we all want for our young people. opportunity as part of the vocational offer. The National Such an aim is not negotiable. Ironically, the Government’s Union of Students underlines the relationship between deafness to evidence and their rejection of the common- good impartial careers information, advice and guidance sense approach of building on what they inherited in and the uptake of apprenticeships. It says: 2010 imperil the high standards that they say they seek. “If more people are to be encouraged to enter higher level If there is any doubt about that, just reread the Education apprenticeships then work must be done to raise the profile Committee’s excellent report on the EBacc. amongst those responsible for delivering IAG.” The second area of universal concern was the state of Both the previous Government and the current one careers education, information, advice and guidance. have done some good work in developing and strengthening Again, the Select Committee did some excellent work in the apprenticeship brand, but, as Tim Oates of Cambridge exposing the disastrous impact that the Government’s Assessment points out, what is really needed is a strong policy has sometimes had on that area. In our debate focus on revitalising the classical apprenticeship. The 131WH Vocational Education4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 132WH

Richard review represents a strong step in the right argument for allowing flexibility and bite-sized learning direction, and Labour’s skills taskforce interim report is to be funded in a way that supports learners and employers. right to take the matter further. It says: More than anything else it believes that “Apprenticeships need to be longer, more rigorous and focused “adult vocational qualifications need to be recognised by learners on the skills that will take our economy forward.” and employers as well as providing flexibility in terms of design The Work Foundation is right to recommend that and credit accumulation. There is no doubt that the current levels Government should seek to persuade all large employers of learning are not well understood; there is also no doubt that A-levels and degrees have better recognition even though they to sign an agreement to offer high-quality apprenticeships. may not be fully understood. Our work with learners, employers There is an important leadership role to be played by and providers has shown that the unitised and credit accumulation employers’ organisations such as the CBI and the British approach which the QCF allows is powerful in helping people get Chambers of Commerce to encourage even more employers into work and to improve their skills.” to come forward and get involved. In addition, it is clear that vocational skills delivery In the Humber, we also identified a possible leadership for the unemployed requires much more effective join-up role for the LEP not only in championing apprenticeships, between the Department for Business, Innovation and but in considering establishing an apprenticeship training Skills and the Department for Work and Pensions. agency or an apprenticeship hub to support more small There have been improvements to the delivery, and the and medium-sized enterprises to take on apprentices. Government should be congratulated on them, but In the quite understandable rush for robust higher there need to be more. The divide between those who level apprenticeships, there is a real danger of unintended are on the Work programme and those who are the consequences. We need to be alert to the concerns of the responsibility of Jobcentre Plus does not encourage the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which development of the holistic, collaborative, personalised says that programmes that are needed to get people into sustainable employment. There remain silly barriers to accessing “it is imperative that the overall framework remains the same in order to provide stability and consistency for users.” training, whereby people’s benefit receipts can cease prior to their securing work even when appropriate Furthermore, if access to level 2 apprenticeships is training is being followed. swept away, we risk leaving a significant gap for the almost 50% of youngsters who do not achieve the In our Humber Skills Commission, we are bidding progression benchmark of five A* to C grades with for the LEP to be empowered to control and oversee the maths and English to access level 3 programmes. Currently, delivery of programmes to tackle unemployment locally, they can access work-based training through that route. and to be granted the authority to align local resources more effectively to that end. Such an approach, which Jim Shannon: Are we not in danger of leaving some would put local businesses and employers in the driving people behind? I am talking about those who perhaps seat to motivate and reskill their local work force, may do not have the educational skills but who have the well be part of the answer. What is undoubtedly clear is hand skills. It is important that we bring on those the need for more ladders of opportunity and success to people as well. What opportunities can we give such be created if we are to get the best out of the people we people to enable them to reach high levels of achievement have already got. So, on the eve of vocational qualifications as well? day, I am pleased to have had this opportunity today to stimulate a debate on the future of vocational education. Nic Dakin: The hon. Gentleman puts his finger on the button. I am sure the Government will think through this matter carefully, because it is an area where further 9.50 am thought is needed. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Thank you, Mr Gray, Around 350,000 learners are currently on entry level for calling me to speak. It is a pleasure to serve under and level 1 and 2 courses in colleges. The number of your chairmanship today. students seeking those sorts of courses will rise with the I congratulate the hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Nic raising of the participation age. Serious thought needs Dakin) on securing the debate. He is a complete expert to be given to how to give them the best work-based on this issue, given his background, and I have been training options in the future. One option might be to pleased to campaign with him on a subject that I will look at developing longitudinal traineeships—the Minister touch on later. is keen on championing traineeships—that can be matched to longer-term vocational training when considered as Part of the problem with debates on vocational education part of 16-to-19 study programmes. It would also be is that too often it is just seen in terms of its utilitarian sensible to consider how the model might be extended value to the economy. We need to change that approach into employment for those who are ready for work, but and see vocational education as a form of social justice. who are not academically able to access level 3 If vocational education is just subject to economic apprenticeships. If level 2 apprenticeships are no longer efficiency, it will always be subject to the whims of available, there needs to be funded flexibility in approach current economic policy. Vocational education should to support young people into meaningful, sustainable be integral to the national curriculum and the well-being work through the traineeship brand. of our young people. It provides a ladder away from The final area of concern relates to adult reskilling, poverty for the most disadvantaged. particularly when trying to support and encourage people The question we have to ask is why—despite all the out of worklessness into employment. The National initiatives begun under the previous Government—did Institute of Adult Continuing Education, which has a youth unemployment rise to 1 million? Although this long history of success in this arena, makes a strong Government have stemmed the tide, youth unemployment 133WH Vocational Education4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 134WH

[Robert Halfon] have a higher apprenticeship are 25% more employable than university graduates and that on average those remains a huge problem. To consider the issue holistically, with an apprenticeship qualification earn over £100,000 we need a cradle-to-grave cultural change in vocational more throughout their lifetime than other employees. education. I am glad that the Government are taking steps to Problems with youth unemployment do not just start address the problem of prestige and I welcome the when young people enter the job market; they start at technical baccalaureate, according to which vocational home, with disadvantaged families. The problems carry courses should have the same rigour and prestige as on into our primary schools—such that one in five of A-Levels. However, we must go further. We need to our children still leave primary school unable to read, encourage teachers to find out more about the benefits write or add up—and they continue into secondary of apprenticeships and to promote those benefits directly school. to young people and their parents. What can we do to change that situation? First, we That can be done in simple but effective ways. For must transform the reputation of skills and apprenticeships, example, Harlow college, which I must remind the which will require a sea change in our culture. Secondly, House is the No. 1 college in England according to the we must transform our vocational infrastructure. Thirdly, Department for Education, has a fantastic record of if—as I have argued—vocational education is about offering vocational education for young people and it social justice, we need to ensure that resources are recently held a very successful apprenticeship fair. directed at the most disadvantaged. That means not Consequently, young people can make well-informed only providing the ladders of opportunity, which the choices and apprenticeships can get the fair hearing hon. Member for Scunthorpe mentioned, for those who that they deserve. A royal society for apprenticeships want to get on, but reaching those who will not even would offer rewards to apprentices in the same way that take the first step. university students get graduation ceremonies. For far too long we have talked about university, However, this process is not all about changing the which has led to vocational education falling into neglect. reputation of apprenticeships. We also need to provide Vocational education came to be seen as a second-class the infrastructure to make it easier for businesses to option, only suitable for those who did not want to do take on people to gain vocational skills. To be fair to the A-levels, rather than being seen—as it should be—as Government, they have made good progress on that. I equal to university. If we are serious about tackling disagree with the hon. Member for Scunthorpe, who youth unemployment, we must ensure there is a parity believes that the Government are only interested in of esteem between vocational education and traditional academia. The Government have shown that they support academia. vocational education by investing £1.5 billion in the That is why I have been calling, since I have been in sector in this financial year. As we know, since 2010 the this House, for the introduction of a royal society for number of apprenticeships in the country has increased apprenticeships, which would work in a similar way to by hundreds of thousands, and just last year in my the Royal College of Surgeons and other such bodies. A constituency the number of apprenticeships increased royal society would dramatically increase the prestige by a phenomenal 78%. and culture of apprenticeships, marking a sea change in how apprenticeships are viewed. Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD): Does my hon. We also need to expand the range of jobs that vocational Friend agree that one of the problems with further education can offer. Traditionally, people have assumed education for young people is the lack of proper careers that if someone does an apprenticeship that means they advice for them at the ages of 11, 12 and 13? That is the must become a builder or a plumber. That assumption desperate situation that we have—young people are not is wrong, which is why I took on Parliament’s first given any professional careers advice, or they are only apprentice three years ago. I am now on my third, given very minimal advice, when they reach 12 or 13. Aaron Farrell, who works in my office four days a week That is the critical age, when such advice should be as well as studying for a level 3 apprenticeship in business given. administration. This experience has been good for Aaron and for my office, and I am pleased that other Members Robert Halfon: I agree with my hon. Friend, but this are beginning to do the same. Also, I pay tribute to the issue is not just about careers advice. As I have said, senior Clerk of the House of Commons for establishing children in school also need to be encouraged to do the Clerk’s apprentices scheme. It is invaluable for a vocational education, which at the moment they are profession that is often seen as being closed off to those not. who are from a disadvantaged background. We also need to make teachers aware of the benefits Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): Now of apprenticeships. Edge has already been mentioned that careers guidance has been placed inside schools, and according to that organisation two thirds of teachers does the hon. Gentleman believe that schools necessarily regard their knowledge of apprenticeships as poor, and have an in-built producer interest to say to young people just one in four teachers recommend apprenticeships that their best interests are served by staying on at over higher education. Sadly, 23% of A-level pupils still school because the money will follow the pupil, and that say their school is far more concerned with “sending what we are seeing is exactly the fears about the lack of students to university”. That contrasts sharply with clear pathways into vocational education being realised? parents’ wishes. A clear majority of parents—78%—would support their child if they chose to take the vocational Robert Halfon: Unless I misunderstand the hon. qualification route. Research from the Department for Gentleman, as I understand it the school leaving age Business, Innovation and Skills shows that people who has been extended to 18 anyway, which was something 135WH Vocational Education4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 136WH the last Government did. Given that, I think that if we training. This figure has increased by nearly 50% over change the culture in our country, schools will encourage the past 10 years and accounts for 14.5% of all young their pupils to take vocational education over university. people in England. As I say, we need to change the culture and emphasise We know that 90% of young people who complete to pupils that the vocational qualifications that they will their apprenticeship go on to further employment, but be encouraged to consider will be as prestigious as some obstacles actively discourage young people from taking university degrees. On that basis, we should not vocational education, particularly if they are from forget that in this Parliament the Government are setting disadvantaged backgrounds. For example, young people up 24 university technical colleges—in essence, pre- at further education colleges are not entitled to free apprentice schools—and I am incredibly proud that school meals, even if they meet the criteria for them, Harlow is getting one, which will open next year. However, whereas their peers at sixth form do receive them. The we must not settle; we should be aiming to set up at civil servants have said to Ministers that it is too expensive least a hundred such colleges. and that schools do not get direct funding for it, even We should also be encouraging employers to take on though they are required to provide it by law. The more apprentices. One major hurdle that employers Association of Colleges estimates the cost of extending face is the lack of basic literacy and numeracy skills the right to free meals to college students at around among young people, and we must look at that issue. £38 million. I believe that this money can be found Recent figures show that 17% of 16 to 19- year-olds are through efficiencies. If we are to support vocational functionally illiterate and that 22% of them are innumerate. education, we cannot say to students who attend FE It is essential that apprenticeships place a greater emphasis colleges, which are primarily focused on vocational on these basic skills, so that young people are ready to education, that they are not allowed to have a free join the work force. school meal even if they qualify for one. That injustice cannot continue. As a country we must create the right climate to encourage businesses to hire apprentices. We have made Nic Dakin: The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent good progress with this, creating the apprenticeship point. He probably recognises, as I do, that FE colleges grant for employers, which gives employers who employ take a higher proportion of people from disadvantaged fewer than 1,000 people a grant worth £1,500. It is backgrounds than sixth forms in schools and that they currently available to employers until 31 December are also a large provider of education to young people 2013. We will know that the grant is successful if it aged 16 to 18. boosts the uptake of apprenticeship programmes. A new charity called Access is encouraging young people, Robert Halfon: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, offering 10,000 youngsters work experience programmes. with whom I am pleased to have worked on this issue. We need to look at and support such schemes. We have only one sixth form school in Harlow and the Subsidising businesses to take on apprentices works. rest of the children go to a sixth-form college, where Essex county council has a groundbreaking apprentice disadvantaged students are denied free school meals. scheme and its employability and skills unit saw That situation is untenable. apprenticeship starts increase by 87% in 2011, compared The Association of Colleges found that 79% of colleges with a national average of 21%. The council provides a thought that free school meals for 16 to 18-year-olds wage subsidy of up to 70% for businesses taking on new would encourage them to stay on in education. The or additional apprentices. If possible, I would like that principal of my local college says, “If I can get them to be replicated across the country. I look forward to the through the door and we can give them a good meal, I successes in Essex, led by Councillor Ray Gooding. know that I can turn their lives around.” I also welcome the idea of a skills tax credit, which I would like to follow the lead of Essex council, which would give employers a stronger incentive to hire an has an apprenticeship scheme that primarily helps apprentice and would create a stronger relationship disadvantaged young people, particularly single mothers. between the employer and the apprentice. That was I was pleased that the Government replaced the education recommended in the Richard review of apprenticeships maintenance allowance with a bursary for 16 to 19-year-olds. last November. I urge the Government to consider it. That is good news, as it provides targeted support for those who need it most, but it is important that the Parliament should lead the way, with clear apprenticeship Minister assesses what impact it is having and whether career paths in Departments. The Minister knows, because it is encouraging participation. The terms of the bursary I have spoken to him about this before, that I believe must also be looked at. It should not operate in a that all Departments should replicate the Department similar way to the House of Lords, where you get paid for Work and Pensions’ new model procurement contract, just for turning up, but should reward students for their which encourages, but does not compel, their contractors hard work, for example, if they meet or exceed their to hire apprentices as at least 5% of the work force. That academic targets. It is right that we reward hard work, has resulted in the employment of nearly 2,000 extra and doing so would proactively reward those who are in apprentices who deliver goods and services to the DWP. the most need and who are doing the right thing. It is revenue-neutral and should be extended across Whitehall. At the beginning of my speech, I said that improving apprenticeships is not just about economic efficiency, As well as changes to incentivise employers to take on but is a necessary consideration. In 2012, youth apprentices, there should be changes to encourage unemployment cost the Treasury £4.8 billion. That is disadvantaged young people to participate in vocational more than the total budget for 16 to 19-year-olds in education. There are currently 900,000 people aged England. According to a study by the Association of 16 to 24 in England not in education, employment or Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations and the 137WH Vocational Education4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 138WH

[Robert Halfon] businesses and the chambers of commerce about what they required when hiring young people leaving school. University of Bristol, the net present value of the cost The reply was always the same, and perhaps it is the to the Treasury, even looking only a decade ahead, is same across the country. They said that they receive approximately £28 billion. So it is essential that in these young people into the employment world, unready and tough economic times we take action quickly. But we lacking in the skills to contribute to immediately to must not forget that this is about social justice. Young their business from day one. people are our best defence against poverty. If we give Businesses need employees who can apply initiative them opportunities, skills and training, we get them off and solve problems and innovate with limited supervision. the street, give them stability and a real chance of a job There was, more than often, no prepared equation that in the future. The Government, in many ways, are could be applied to projects. Youngpeople were looking taking the right decisions, but we must go further and for an equation to populate to get an answer for business. faster. We need a conveyor belt of apprentices changing We had to change that and apply a process that would the culture, changing our schools, and changing how stimulate innovation and initiative when learning. vocational education is perceived. Business leaders and the entrepreneurs of the future have to be identified. In my constituency, we have 10.6 am pioneered an association with business employers and school leavers based on “The Apprentice”. With numerous Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab): It is a pleasure employers, we have put in place a six-month programme to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Gray. I will take called “The Recruit”, which provides vocational your direction about this debate, in the knowledge that qualifications and involves tasks set by employers, who education is devolved to the Scottish Parliament. evaluate participants for potential hires at the end of I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for the course; it is the longest interview a young person Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) onsecuring the debate, which, will have. The programme continues to be supported in the current economic climate for young people, is by many local employers, and it has been replicated by very welcome. The subject is dear to my heart. I have many local authorities. It has been a great success, been working with companies locally in Inverclyde and and it regularly secures many jobs for school leavers encouraging them to start thinking about increasing who want to earn while they continue to learn. The apprenticeships and to reach out to young people in our course identifies and develops leaders and those with community, in the knowledge that apprenticeships— entrepreneurial abilities. perhaps, the original “earn as you learn”—include a commitment to vocational and further education. Our schools also link up with those in the third year of secondary school, offering basic skills in traditional For too long, we have not paid enough attention to trades that go towards an apprenticeship. The need for the 50% of our young people who do not go on to apprenticeships has never been greater. Too many young higher education. Those young people have suffered, lives are being wasted on the dole queues. Long-term and our economy has suffered. The central question is unemployed young people are the most vulnerable, with how to reform an education system, so that it equips many trapped in a vicious cycle of joblessness, anxiety young people with the skills and knowledge that they and depression. We desperately need to get our young need to play their part, both as active citizens and as people into training and apprenticeships. The 50% of future business leaders and entrepreneurs. our young people who do not go to university need It is not that our education system in Scotland is every chance to improve their skills and to get good without problems and does not require improvements. jobs. Let me highlight some steps implemented to address some of the points that I have just raised, regarding David Simpson: I agree with the vast majority of the active citizens, future business leaders and entrepreneurs. hon. Gentleman’s comments, and we certainly need to There is partnership between the schools and colleges, encourage our young people. However, the research but unfortunately, as we have seen in Scotland, our papers we received for the debate state that some schools colleges are under threat, as is our vocational education, now charge parents to send their children on work because of the Scottish National party Government’s experience. Surely, that is wrong, and it will not help us commitment not to charge fees for university places. target areas of deprivation or encourage young people whose parents cannot afford to pay for them to go on Mr James Gray (in the Chair): Order. I had a word work experience. with the hon. Gentleman before he spoke. Inverclyde is, of course, in Scotland, and this is a devolved matter. Mr McKenzie: I share the hon. Gentleman’s concern The debate is on future of vocational education in about charging for work experience. I represent an area England and therefore he must address all his remarks whose population is not over-wealthy, and people would to that question. He may not divert into the Scottish find it extremely difficult to pay for work experience. We national Government or any other matter to do with are therefore fortunate that many employers offer work Scotland. He must talk about vocational education in experience free of charge. England. We need a highly skilled, highly educated work force to meet the challenges of tomorrow and to compete Mr McKenzie: Thank you, Mr Gray. I will take that with other advanced nations. The economy needs value- direction. added skills to compete with the economies of Brazil, Of course, the curriculum had to change to reflect India, China and other emerging nations. Apprenticeships what business was advising us about problems with are a valuable way to give young people skills, training employing school leavers. I have spoken to my local and jobs. They also offer on-the-job learning opportunities 139WH Vocational Education4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 140WH and, of course, further education. They enable young develop close relationships with local employers, local people not only to learn about their chosen trade or alternative training providers and the local DWP—the profession, but to do so on the spot. They also enable Jobcentre Plus. In Eastbourne, Sussex Downs college, them to talk to colleagues who are already skilled and where I will attend an apprenticeship event this evening experienced. Apprenticeships and vocational education before returning to Westminster tonight, is pursuing yet can offer so much, and there is no reason why they another initiative in a particular area of employment—in should not be expanded to cover a wide variety of jobs this case, retail. The college has spent a lot of time over and professions. If that is to happen, however, we need the past year or two developing and deepening its to engage more of Britain’s companies and to bring relationships with different employer sectors and with them on board. Jobcentre Plus. A good FE sector wants to listen to We can plan for apprenticeships. Any company wanting employers; it talks to businesses and to the private and to provide goods or services to the public should be public sectors to try to understand their needs, so that it required to have an apprenticeship scheme before it can can train people in the vocational qualifications that fit win a contract. Labour’s jobs-for-contracts scheme would the jobs—in other words, so that it can help people to increase the number of apprenticeships by thousands be job ready. and give immediate help to many of the 1 million My hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert unemployed under-25s. That simple idea—creating Halfon) has admirably championed apprenticeships since apprenticeship places through public procurement—would his election in 2010. I totally support—I have said this provide immediate help with alleviating youth before, and I will say it again—his desire for a royal unemployment and would strengthen the vocational college for apprenticeships. That is a superb idea; it is sector. It works: the Labour council in Inverclyde has exactly the kind of thing that would raise the status of been using it for many years, and the number of those in apprenticeships. Perhaps we can discuss it afterwards to the NEET category in Inverclyde stood at seven last see how we can push it forward, because it would make year—not 7%, but seven pupils. a real difference. Today, Britain risks losing the global skills race. On apprenticeship initiatives, I pay tribute to the We need to be as strong as Germany and Switzerland Minister, the Government and the Secretary of State for on vocational education, and as competitive as Business, Innovation and Skills, who is probably the Singapore and Japan on maths. Britain’s future national most passionate advocate of FE and vocational education competitiveness is at stake and so is our young people’s we have ever had as a Secretary of State. I spoke to him future. We need to engage employers in designing high- about the issue in the main Chamber only yesterday, quality apprenticeships, giving them a greater say in and he reminded me—not that he needed to—of just spending the £1 billion of funding available to target how important he feels vocational education is in the apprenticeships at our young people. FE sector. He also reminded me of how important it is that colleagues who feel strongly about this issue continue 10.14 am to lobby the Treasury, so that it does not remove too Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD): It is a privilege to much money from the Department. serve under your chairmanship, Mr Gray. I congratulate On apprenticeships in Eastbourne, I was one of the the hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) on securing first MPs, along with the local FE sector, to work on the the debate. His involvement with and commitment to 100 apprenticeships in 100 days initiative. It was essential vocational education has been long and passionate, and that I developed a close relationship with my local FE I share that commitment. college, Sussex Downs. The work, which involved us Tomorrow is vocational qualification day. I declare and a number of other partners, was very successful, an interest as the chairman of the all-party group on and we achieved 181 apprentices in 100 days. More further education, skills and lifelong learning. I therefore importantly, it allowed me and the FE college to open a take this issue very seriously, and I have a profound really strong dialogue with many local employers in the commitment to it. There are many reasons why I private and public sectors. The success of that has been passionately support vocational education, FE colleges astonishing. The latest figures from the Library show and, indeed, the whole sector, but the most important is that Eastbourne has recruited more than 2,100 new that the conversion rates from apprenticeships to jobs apprentices since the general election—more than in the run at about 90%. At my local FE college, Sussex previous 10 years—which shows than when things are Downs, which is outstanding and has had a tremendous done properly the result is tremendous success. track record over the past few years under the leadership I want to focus on something that came out of that: it of its principal, Melanie Hunt, the apprenticeship brought home to me how deskilled schools have become conversion rate is an astonishing 92%. about pushing apprenticeships. I work closely with local A number of people who have left university with secondary school heads, and they were the first to admit degrees and who are, sadly, still struggling to secure that because for so long—particularly under the previous employment come to see me in my constituency, and I Government, but, to be fair, for at least 20 years—there know that the same happens to other Members of was a drive almost to push people into degrees, teachers Parliament. I sometimes have to resist the urge to say had become deskilled as far as talking about apprenticeships that if they had gone down the vocational route they and did not know anything about them. The system in would not have the student debt that so many people the Department for Education and the school sector are, sadly, lumbered with nowadays and they would provides no advantages in school league tables to push almost certainly be in employment. people towards becoming apprentices. There are, however, On vocational education, the FE sector plays an advantages to A-levels and sending students to university: absolutely pivotal role. There are several reasons for doing so gets more money. If I were a proactive head that. One is that the better FE and vocational colleges who wanted to educate my students towards the tremendous 141WH Vocational Education4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 142WH

[Stephen Lloyd] transform vocational education. Some good steps have been taken. Now is the time for us to make the leap. I range of apprenticeship opportunities—let us say that I urge the Minister to continue firmly in the direction of quintupled the number of people becoming apprentices—I travel that he and his colleagues have taken. For BIS would not get a single extra penny from the Department and the Department for Education, it is time to work for Education. together productively for a transformation that would be universally popular. Tristram Hunt: How then does it help to bring careers guidance into schools, so that there is a producer interest 10.26 am telling young people, even with the rising participation age, that the best thing for them to do is stay on at Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): It is a school, rather than pursuing vocational and other options? pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Gray. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe Stephen Lloyd: I note that the hon. Gentleman made (Nic Dakin) on securing this hugely important debate, a similar intervention earlier, and he has a strong point: on today of all days—coronation day, when we pay I do not see how that can help. However, that is not to tribute to our sovereign, Her Majesty the Queen. She say that careers services should not be in schools; the worked in the family firm and learned her craft from a question cannot be beyond the wit of man within the master monarch. She upskilled on the job, and now she DFE, because I think the Department for Business, is involved in her own training programme. Perhaps in Innovation and Skills would be keen for the careers future we may move vocational qualification day to service to be extended into FE. I do not think the coronation day, to give exactly the sort of royal imprimatur solution is to stop careers guidance going into schools. I that the hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) think that it is to do with the regulations and expanding spoke so eloquently about. the remit of careers services and the roles or opportunities My hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe was a that they need to talk to students about. The hon. long-serving principal of a sixth form college and is Gentleman made a fair point. better placed than many of us to comment on the There is a difficulty, because the issue is not one for challenges that we face in creating an outstanding vocational BIS. I have spoken frequently with the Secretary of education system. He set out the issues with authority State, and several times with my hon. Friend the Minister; and passion, and I pay tribute to his work at the and it is clear to me that BIS is, considering the austerity Humber Skills Commission. Amazingly, he did all that programme, investing more, has greater commitment while restricted by the anaconda of the omertà of the and is determined to continue the extension and Whips Office, the perennial purdah that he suffers. Yet improvement of apprenticeships and investment in FE. he still pursues his case with passion and authority. I think that we have now come to the tipping point, with Furthermore, like me he represents an area that is on the vocational sector and FE, and the relationship with the front line of the Government’s austerity assault. the Labour party and the Association of Colleges; there One hopes that he has benefited from the recent is now a profound understanding that because of the changes in the climate change levy, but the truth is that circumstances this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for cities such as Stoke-on-Trent and places such as to move apprenticeships and vocational education up Scunthorpe, at the sharp end of the historic process of the scale, as in Germany.I am not sure that the opportunity deindustrialisation, the profound brilliance of our local will come again. I urge the Minister to do whatever it craftsmanship and artisanal skills has not insulated us takes—working in partnership or working assertively from some challenging economic conditions. We can with the DFE—to persuade the Secretary of State for have brilliant craftsmanship while the situation for local Education to sit down with him and the Secretary of skill levels is particularly challenging. State for Business, Innovation and Skills and work on a Now is not the time for a debate on the Government’s productive, positive way forward, in which the DFE disastrous economic policies and the damage they have takes on board its crucial role in pushing vocational done to the demand side of the equation. We are education and recognising and appreciating that there is gathered here today because we know that the supply an opportunity to transform its status, as in countries side of the employment debate matters too; that educational such as Germany. attainment and skills capacity are a vital component of Nic Dakin: The hon. Gentleman makes a clear point rebalancing our economy to a more sustainable model. about the difficulty that schools and colleges face, because That much should be abundantly clear to all. Yet it of confused and contradictory messages. He was right should also be clear, as hon. Members of all parties to praise the messages that BIS is giving out, including have agreed, that we are nowhere near where we need to those from the Skills Minister. Those are often contradicted be on skills. Indeed, our weakness was illustrated in a in some of what is measured in schools, and in schools’ recent global survey of over 1,300 chief executives by lack of capacity to take forward the careers education, PricewaterhouseCoopers. That report revealed that UK information, advice and guidance that has been mentioned. business leaders are the most concerned in the whole of western Europe about the availability of key skills. Stephen Lloyd: I agree with the direction of travel of Indeed, they rated it as the greatest threat to their those remarks. I emphasise that the problem is an old businesses’ growth and three quarters of them said, one. It has been around for 25 to 30 years, so I understand rightly, that creating a highly skilled work force should that it cannot be laid solely at the door of the current be the highest priority for Government in the year Secretary of State for Education. It has a history. However, ahead. I believe we have reached the point where there is Sadly, however, there is still some complacency in enough collegiate agreement between all the political Government, which, as my hon. Friend the Member for parties and across the whole economic spectrum to Inverclyde (Mr McKenzie) pointed out so brilliantly, is 143WH Vocational Education4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 144WH profoundly damaging to our international competitiveness, was absolutely damning. The Government have scrapped because we are, as the Government like to tell us, in a work experience and downgraded successful vocational “global race”. How can we succeed in that race when we qualifications such as the engineering diploma. languish 21st out of all OECD countries in intermediate The Government have also made some bad mistakes technical skills and while 31% of high-tech manufacturing on apprentices. When they came into power, they firms have been forced to import labour from outside simply moved many of those on Train to Gain on to the UK because of a skills shortage? In this very Chamber, apprenticeships. They were more interested in quantity we recently had an excellent debate on engineering and than quality. We would like to think that there has been the threat to parts of the national security supply chain some rowing back on that recently, and we welcome the because of the lack of UK-only trained engineers, Richard review and all the hard work that the Minister particularly female engineers, as some hon. Members is doing to try to enlighten the Secretary of State for have suggested. Education on that, and we fully support him. The Government, as the latest edition of The Economist The Minister may now have persuaded his colleagues eloquently puts it, are racing with their “shoelaces tied to hurry out their own version of a tech bacc, yet the together”. That is why this debate is so important. It is difference between the Government’s technical baccalaureate absolutely clear to the Labour party that, if we are to and the Labour party’s original ur-version is that theirs build what we want to see—a one nation economy that is a performance measure whereas our ambition is for it can compete in a globalised economy while raising to be a qualification that we want people to achieve. If living standards right across the regions and nations of some people are going to achieve it, other people are the United Kingdom—we simply must have the best-skilled going to fail. If we want quality, it means some will work force in the world. The cornerstone to delivering succeed and some will not succeed. We want differentiation that must, now and in the future, be a relentless focus on on the quality achieved. driving up the standards of our vocational and technical As part of that, we need to raise the profile and status education system. of vocational education to create a dual-track system I think it is fair to say that, as many hon. Members that, as the hon. Member for Eastbourne suggested, have noted, not least the hon. Member for Eastbourne genuinely gives no preference to either route. On vocational (Stephen Lloyd), successive Governments, including the standards, that means having a clear line of sight both last Labour Government, have not done enough to help to work and to advanced, further or higher education, the 50% of young people who do not want to pursue the which means creating flexible and permeable pathways academic route at 16 or 18. As he suggested, we are at a as a matter of importance. After all, young people are moment of agreement across the parties on the need to rightly wary of narrowing their options, and the whole rebalance the debate, but I introduce a note of caution. ethos of a baccalaureate is to have a sense of broadness. We still want young working-class kids from Stoke-on-Trent, Many see the option of gaining a degree or a gold-standard Scunthorpe, Eastbourne and Inverclyde to be able to go vocational qualification as part of their natural progression, to university, and we should not be in the business of irrespective of the route they choose at 18. precluding those avenues. Although we can rebalance Furthermore, creating a genuine dual-track system the debate, and although we all want to see growth also relies heavily on a deep-seated, collaborative ethos in the respect given to vocational education and between institutions in delivering education and training. apprenticeships, we must not go down the avenue of The countries that have enjoyed success in raising standards, suggesting that young working-class kids should not go such as Austria, Finland and Germany, all benefit from to university. a system that has not only great career guidance but clearly defined roles for key stakeholders, with a great Stephen Lloyd: I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman, amount of time divested to building and maintaining but does he agree that what we are seeking is parity of institutional relationships. both respect and esteem? If there is another criticism of the Government’s education policy, it is on whether we are seeing the right Tristram Hunt: I am delighted to agree with the hon. degree of collaboration between atomistic, competitive Gentleman. He is absolutely right. What we are interested schools, which are raising standards in certain situations in is a cast-iron commitment to academic and vocational but are not necessarily providing the kind of collaborative parity, because although our focus in government on ethos that a local skills economy might need. That is raising school standards and academic rigour, and on some way from the institutional culture that the expanding our outstanding, world-beating higher education Government seem intent on inculcating with their slightly sector, left the education system in far better shape than high-handed approach to the expertise of teachers and we inherited, as my hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe professionals, the lack of business involvement in delivering said, we could have done more on vocational education. training and their focus on competition as the only That is why the Labour party has placed vocational measure of improving performance. If we want a proper education not just at the heart of our education agenda industrial strategy, as the Secretary of State for Business, but at the heart of our offer for the country in 2015, and Innovation and Skills keeps urging, we need smarter it is why the leader of the Labour party made his call for local and regional collaboration. focus on that forgotten 50% the heart of his recent Indeed, we only have to look at the shambolic execution party conference speech. of the Government’s careers guidance policy for a textbook We disagree on the way the Government have pursued display of encouraging perverse institutional incentives. vocational education, however. Since they came to power, In a tough funding climate, it will be a brave and the Government have undermined careers guidance, outstanding school that advises its pupils not to stay on. which is a big issue for vocational routes. The recent In a recent conference in Westminster, we saw a very report on that by the Select Committee on Education good example of that: a leading academy school that is 145WH Vocational Education4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 146WH

[Tristram Hunt] are beginning to carve out. There is also a dearth of high-quality apprenticeships and a damaging divide part of a leading chain said that it had brought in between vocational and academic pathways. outside careers guidance, exactly as it should be doing, However, I remain deeply optimistic about our ability but that it told the person coming in to give the careers to deliver on creating the skilled work force that we guidance that they were not allowed to advise pupils to need. If we have problems with the manner of delivery, go to the college up the road. With in-house careers it is heartening that we have an element of cross-party guidance, there is a producer interest in keeping kids consensus on the issue. We have a vast supply of dedicated, along an easily understandable gold-path academic route, skilled, quality teachers who are willing to work with us as it were, of GCSEs, A-level and university, rather than to raise standards. If we get the system right, we can thinking far more creatively, which requires trained reverse the long tale of poor skills in this country and professionals with knowledge of local situations. deliver a work force that can compete with the world. Perhaps the biggest problem we face in delivering a We agree with the Secretary of State for Business, vocational education system for the future is the perverse Innovation and Skills that there is no future in a zero-sum and pervasive disconnect between the education system game of depressed wages and longer hours. That is the and local labour markets. All too often, skills policy is Conservative future outlined in the terrible book “Britannia isolated from industrial and economic policy. That Unchained”—I do not know whether the hon. Members is why Labour’s technical baccalaureate would directly for Harlow or for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) contributed involve businesses in accrediting the quality of courses, a chapter—which depicted a grisly neo-liberal world in and it is also why our tech bacc, unlike the Government’s which the British are too lazy and too slow. I do not tech bacc, would have a work experience requirement. know whether that includes paternity leave; the Minister Businesses have told our taskforce, the Husbands review, might be able to enlighten us later. that that is absolutely crucial, which is why we would The solution to our competitive challenge is not a ensure that all vocational teachers spend time every low-skill, low-wage economy or a divided education year with local businesses and industry to keep their system. The only race that will win is the race to the skills and experience fresh. bottom. Rather, we must and can compete on our own Those three measures would bring to education and terms, which means using our competitive advantage in training institutions a clear and realistic understanding innovation to build a one nation economy based on of local labour markets. Closing the gap between employers high-level skills and dynamic, technologically sophisticated and educators is vital if we are to develop a dual-track companies. That is what young people want, it is what approach. businesses want and it is what the Labour party is committed to delivering. It starts with a dual-track Of course, raising educational standards in vocational education system and our rigorous technical baccalaureate. training does not mean that we weaken our focus on core subjects and on improving rigour. In vocational or Robert Halfon: On a point of order, Mr Gray. For the academic routes, there should be no false division between record, I did not contribute to the book mentioned by theoretical knowledge in practical subjects. There is an the hon. Gentleman. interesting discussion to be had on where the journey begins of opening up pathways at 14 or 16. What have Mr James Gray (in the Chair): That is not a point of we learnt from the university technical colleges on the order. 14-to-19 parameter, rather than up to 16? Was the Wolf report 100% correct in saying that people should continue with the same totality of focus up to 16? 10.42 am Fundamental to the Labour party’s education policy The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills is a clear commitment to teaching English and maths (Matthew Hancock): It is a great pleasure to serve yet to 18, irrespective of route, because although many again under your chairmanship, Mr Gray.It is a partnership further education teachers do an outstanding job, often that I hope will continue for a long time to come. This in challenging circumstances—we have heard about the debate is extremely important and timely. I pay tribute differences in funding and free school meals—we need to the hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) for to raise teaching standards in FE colleges in English securing it today, the day before vocational qualifications and maths. Of the 40% of pupils who do not get a day, which was set up to celebrate vocational qualifications level 2 qualification at 16, only 20% go on to acquire in a similar way to results days for GCSEs and A-levels. one at 19 through the FE system. That needs to change It is part of the twin track discussed by the hon. if we want to upskill our country. The Minister should Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central (Tristram Hunt). once again take his cue from Labour’s policy review, The debate has been wide-ranging—it is typical to which is open and available to him, and from our one say so at the start of a winding-up speech, but it is also nation skills commission’s interim report, and commit true—and important. Some valuable points have been to requiring all FE teachers to have at least a level 2 made on both the detail and the big picture. The hon. qualification in English or maths. Member for Scunthorpe began by discussing four areas There are other problems with our system of vocational of concern: vocational education at key stages 4 and 5, education, training and skills. We have acute skills careers advice, apprenticeships and traineeships and shortages in crucial sectors such as engineering, too adult skills and unemployment. I will try to answer all many young people who lack employment skills, low his questions in the time available. levels of employer involvement and a lack of good-quality The hon. Gentleman also set out a rather Panglossian advice for navigating the transition to work. Labour view of the world in 2010, not mentioning that youth supports the proposals on traineeships that the Government unemployment was rising even before the crisis and had 147WH Vocational Education4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 148WH reached 1 million. Thankfully, it is now falling, although From September, funding will be on a per-student, it is still far too high. There were skills shortages at the not a per-qualification, basis, removing the unintended same time, which says to me that the education system and perverse incentive to offer more qualifications, has not been producing the skills that businesses need. I rather than focusing on what individuals need. Pupils was rather more encouraged by the hon. Member for will be offered a study programme including either a Stoke-on-Trent Central, who took that argument apart substantial vocational or academic qualification or an and made a passionate case for increased standards. He extended programme of work experience. was willing to criticise the previous Labour Government, I return to the point about work experience, which is rightly, for not focusing enough on standards in vocational part of the study programme. This will give schools, education. colleges and training providers the flexibility to offer To address a point made by my hon. Friend the the most challenging qualifications to students who Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd), I sit in two want to excel, whether in a technical field, in practical, Departments. In the Department for Education, the employment-based training such as an apprenticeship action taken to increase standards in vocational education or in an academic field. The need to ensure that people came first. Since the Wolf report, commissioned in have a choice to pursue technical or vocational education, 2011, we have taken action in the 14-to-16 age group, academic education or a combination of the two is and we have now finalised a consultation on improving important, and the Government’s job is to provide the quality of qualifications for 16 to 19-year olds. The excellent options in all of those fields. I was delighted area was radically in need of reform, and radical reform that Her Majesty said in the Queen’s Speech that it is coming through. should become typical for young people to go either to university or into an apprenticeship. Our job is to The devotion to increasing standards in vocational ensure that excellent options are available on both sides, education—which has cross-party support, including and not to have a target that falsely pushes people one clear agreement that there was a significant problem in way or the other. 2010—has been led by my right hon. Friend the Secretary My hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert of State for Education, with the strong support of my Halfon) argued that vocational education is social justice. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, The change in the funding system means that all students Innovation and Skills. All three major parties agree on will be funded at the same base level, once the transitional the matter. I think that we can now all accept that a protections are past. Instead of the average person who serious weakness needed to be addressed and that we goes to an FE college being funded less than the average are taking steps to address it. person who stays on at sixth form, because of the I say to all involved in this debate that, given that we different amounts of funding awarded per qualification, will the ends, we must also will the means. That involves everyone will be funded per pupil, on the same basis, clearly, carefully and in a spirit of high consultation with factors allowing for location, background and the going through the qualifications offered, funded and higher cost of some qualifications. recognised and ensuring that we support high-quality, stretching, rigorous qualifications that are responsive to Nic Dakin: The Minister is making a good point, but the needs of employers. the plan is for 16 to 18-year-olds to be funded significantly On the point about the engineering diploma, we must less than students younger than that or than students encourage the creation of stretching, high-quality new who go on to higher education. There is an issue about qualifications that fit the needs of modern employers. the quantum, which I hope that the Government are We encourage their creation in areas needed by business, examining. and that has begun in the engineering industry and across different economic sectors. Matthew Hancock: I do not quite take the point on higher education, because students in higher education This has been a helpful debate on both detail, to fund themselves through loans. I am pleased that through which I will come, and the big picture. As the hon. our introduction of loans and the progressive rules on Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central said, of the 40% repayment—only if people have a good job and earn who do not get a level 2 qualification in English and £21,000—a record number of people are applying to maths, only 20% get one by the age of 19. That situation university, and that also provides the hon. Gentleman cannot be allowed to continue. I have read the Labour with a response to an intervention that he made. To plan to increase English and maths requirements for FE make the right comparison on how much we fund teachers. That is already happening; I will send him the someone in an age group, we need to ensure that in the details of what we have done to address the issue. That first instance the funding is equal across the different is hopefully another outbreak of consensus. sectors and options, which is what the change will In setting out what we are doing to achieve those achieve. goals, I will answer the questions put. Satisfyingly, the I pay tribute in the strongest possible terms to my questions put were already answered in the draft of my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow on the parliamentary speech, which is always good news. Professor Wolf apprenticeship scheme, which he set up and champions. found in her report, commissioned in 2011, that as I support him for doing that, and now dozens of MPs many as 350,000 students were being funded to study and peers have apprentices. Knowing the impact that for qualifications that they could pass but that were too apprentices have on employers—they become much small or low-level to get them a job. We are changing more passionate about apprentices when they have the requirements for qualifications to be funded and apprentices themselves—I am sure that the scheme will recognised, but we are doing so alongside changing how have an effect on MPs. Indeed, it was a great pleasure to we fund all education between the ages of 16 and 19. take the parliamentary apprentices of all parties to No. 149WH Vocational Education4 JUNE 2013 Vocational Education 150WH

[Matthew Hancock] not. My Twitter account is full of descriptions of experiences of YTS—the youth training scheme—or the flexible 10 Downing street to meet the Prime Minister, and I new deal, for example, and all sorts of different Government enjoyed grinning with the apprentice of the hon. Member schemes that have been in this space. We want to ensure for Scunthorpe on the steps of No. 10. that we learn where they have worked and where they An important point to make is about the participation have not. age rising from 16 to 17—for those starting this year—and The second big change is in apprenticeships, and I am then to 18. The participation age will ensure and require delighted with the cross-party support for the Richard that young people stay in education or training until, by review. The number of apprenticeships has almost doubled 2015, they are 18, although not necessarily in school—it since 2010 and, we found out last week, apprenticeship could be in college, in an apprenticeship, in employment applications are up a third on the previous year. The with training or in voluntary work with part-time training. new higher apprenticeships allow people to get into the That is an important point because we do not want to law through an apprenticeship and to become a fully close down the options available, but we want people qualified solicitor, or, likewise, into the upper reaches of to stay in education. An apprenticeship is a good way to the worlds of engineering and manufacturing and even deliver that. to become an accountant. People will get the same Why are we making the reforms, which fall under qualifications as those who go through university. the title of increasing rigour and responsiveness to the needs of individuals and of employers? What I call Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): As a former the motivating fact is the link between having youth apprentice, I understand the value of apprenticeships, unemployment that is far too high and skills shortages. but what are often described as apprenticeships by some To deal with that, it is important to ensure that the Government Members are nine-week training courses. education system is more responsive and more rigorous We have to protect the quality of apprenticeships. and stretching. Matthew Hancock: Yes, and we have introduced a How are we going to achieve that? I will go through minimum period of a year for apprenticeships. We some of the measures, four of which form the core goals absolutely have to do more on quality, which is what the that I think are necessary and the first of which is the Richard review is all about. We have introduced UTCs— introduction of traineeships. Many young people are university technical colleges—which will introduce the highly motivated by the prospect of work, but are not very best technical education in conjunction with universities yet ready or able to secure an apprenticeship or sustainable and employers. We are reforming qualifications and job. From this August, therefore, we are launching a standards, because we cannot will the end—higher high-quality traineeship programme within the study standards—without willing the means. When colleges programme for 16 to 19-year-olds, to include work fail on minimum standards, whether financially or preparation, work experience, and English and maths, educationally, the new FE commissioner will take a because English and maths are the No. 1 and No. 2 tough approach when looking at all the options for how vocational skills. Other flexible training will be tailored to serve local students better. to meet individual need. Finally, on careers advice and guidance, we want better inspiration and motivation, character building Nic Dakin: The introduction of traineeships is positive, and the opening of young people’s eyes to wider horizons, but my understanding is that they will be about six with mentoring of them so that everyone can reach months in length. Will the Minister consider being their potential. The information is out there—the web is flexible on how they are delivered, so that they could be littered with it—but we need to ensure that young delivered in a longitudinal way alongside other qualifications people find it, know what is relevant to them and can set over a year, for example? and reach their goals. Ofsted is inspecting against the new duty to provide independent and impartial advice, Matthew Hancock: The plan is to introduce the so schools will be inspected for that. Crucially, the new traineeships this year and to have a full analysis of how destination data will show not only how many people they work over their first year of operation. I am willing go to university, but how many go into an apprenticeship to look at all questions, because the preparation for or a job. The data will better hold schools to account for the traineeships has been highly evidence-based and the outcomes of the education that they provide, not consultative. Over the years, we have had many different only on the exams and where they get in those league programmes to help people who are not yet ready to tables, but on where the students get to. I hope that that take on a job, and some have been successful and some improves matters a lot. 151WH 4 JUNE 2013 House of Memories Programme 152WH

House of Memories Programme 21 million people in the UK are estimated to know someone with dementia, and one in three people aged over 65 will have dementia by the time they reach the 11 am end of their life. More than 86,000 people in the north-west Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): It is a alone are currently diagnosed with the condition. pleasure, Mr Gray, to serve under your chairmanship, National Museums Liverpool has recognised that and to have the opportunity to discuss such an important museums are experts at recording and caring for people’s issue so soon after the debate of the right hon. Member memories and treasures, whether they are thousands of for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow) before the recess, years old or within living memory. A net result of the although on that occasion it was discussed in a wider project has been the way in which the House of Memories context. I want to explain why I chose to apply for project has encouraged the medical profession to consider a debate so soon after several debates about mental new approaches and alternatives to established practices health conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, and therapies. We know that health care and medicine in the main Chamber, which rightly highlighted the are evolving, but in Liverpool we have found that some effects of such diseases and their impact on patients, of the components to assist patients’ well-being have families, carers, social services and the NHS. A benefit been under our nose all along. of parliamentarians debating such issues is that it helps Developing new strategies is not easy, and the first practitioners in their determination to debunk the myths phase of the project, which was funded by the Department of Alzheimer’s and all forms of mental health conditions, of Health in 2011, was designed in consultation with and to alleviate their stigma. I make no apology for Skills for Care, the Alzheimer’s Society and the local bringing the topic to the House’s attention again. voluntary sector. Together, the partners informed a Colleagues will be aware that tremendous progress real-world training experience to connect the care sector has been made in treatment to combat dementia-type with National Museums Liverpool’s cultural resources. illnesses with both clinical and non-pharmaceutical The House of Memories project has not only achieved a interventions that help to care for the condition or slow high level of attendance from across the wider health its onset. I want to use the time available not to rehearse sector but sustained that engagement. what has been said about that previously, but to develop The outgoing Liverpool primary care trust identified some of the details relating to an initiative that I first that the project met and exceeded the need to make brought to the House’s attention during my contribution Liverpool a city that supports greater health and well-being to a debate on 10 January 2012. for all residents. More recently, Liverpool city council The innovative approach I mentioned then was the has recognised the project as a key driver of its age-friendly House of Memories project in Liverpool. There was city ambition, and the Department of Health has expressed interest from right hon. and hon. Members when I interest in expanding the project across southern regions. explained the benefits of that approach, and the project That demonstrates the thoroughness of the model. Not has merits that could easily be rolled out throughout the only have National Museums Liverpool’s staff dedicated country. The best thing—the Minister will be pleased to much time and energy to ensuring that the health and know this—is that it would not cost the earth. Instead, social care side of the model is catered for, but it has a it would undoubtedly save the NHS millions of pounds strong business model that stands as a leading example in the long term. I will give a brief overview of the for other cities and towns to follow on a larger or project before coming to the crux of why I was so keen smaller scale to suit their needs. for the Minister to come to the Chamber today. The current project was delivered in the Liverpool National Museums Liverpool has developed a sustainable city region, Manchester and the north-east, including partnership with care providers through a connection Newcastle and Sunderland. To date, more than 3,000 health to local histories, objects and archives at the world-class and social care professionals have participated, and I Museum of Liverpool. The House of Memories project see no reason why Parliament should not give a commitment is described by experts as a today to an ambitious target for the number of health “tailored dementia…training programme, which uses artistic and social care professionals exposed to this leading interpretation, curatorship,” training to increase exponentially in the next few years. museum education I would welcome an opportunity to work with the Minister to facilitate that eventuality. “and reminiscence therapy techniques to raise awareness of the condition, and enable professional health services, carers and External evaluation of the House of Memories project families to help those directly affected live well with dementia.” makes impressive reading, and the feedback is available The project demonstrates how a museum or, by for hon. Members to view on its website. If the Minister association, a library, arts centre or theatre can provide has not had an opportunity to read it, it would be good the health and social care sector with practical skills if he did so. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and knowledge to facilitate access to an untapped cultural and noted that the project increased awareness and resource simply by using their local treasures and art understanding of dementia, and helped participants work. Such work is vital when considering that mental better to understand those living with the condition in a health issues in elderly people will not go away. In 2010, way conventional training has not been able to do to more than 700,000 people living in England were diagnosed date. with progressive symptoms, including loss of memory, I hope that I have demonstrated that in Liverpool we mood changes and problems with communication and have begun the process of changing the culture of how reasoning. Such symptoms occur when the brain is we view those living with dementia, but there is more to affected by certain diseases, including Alzheimer’s, and do, and it is vital that the Minister recognises the by damage caused by a series of transient ischaemic economic impact that such projects have on NHS finances. attacks, or mini-strokes as they are known. A staggering Early intervention and targeted treatment that uses 153WH House of Memories Programme4 JUNE 2013 House of Memories Programme 154WH

[Steve Rotheram] most sufferers is very good. Short-term recollection is a problem for many, but those props really get people into local resources have the potential to save the NHS conversations and act as a prompt for all sorts of millions of pounds. Instead of dealing with the condition detailed discussions, and—it must be said—for friendly in its latter stages, which is not only expensive but banter from people who find it very difficult at times heartbreaking for patients and carers, we should ensure just to have an ordinary conversation. Liverpool’s aim is that any prevention or delay in its development is made to make the project fully available across the constituencies a priority, and that those left to treat the condition are of right hon. and hon. Members. afforded appropriate training to deal better with its National Museums Liverpool would like to work in effects. partnership with the Department for Culture, Media The British museum sector holds great collections of and Sport and the Department of Health to lead the arts, artefacts and archives, as we would expect, but development of a house of memories resource in every people would perhaps not normally associate it with town and city across the United Kingdom. That would playing an important role in the dementia arena—that create an opportunity for greater co-operation between is, until now, hopefully. There are other models to study: Whitehall Departments and it would provide continued for instance, the museum of modern art in New York cultural innovation for health and social care, hospital runs an internationally acknowledged programme, where and social housing settings. That is vital when we consider gallery staff engage with individuals living with dementia that all Departments and partners have been widely and their partners and families in conversations about encouraged to support the Prime Minister’s national modern art. However, the House of Memories project is dementia challenge. qualitatively different from MOMA’s programme. It I ask the Minister to allow the professionals with a provides guidance for engaging people living with dementia track record of success in Liverpool to help him implement and their carers in the museum experience, supporting similar projects across the country. Given the positive that with a toolkit and resources such as a memory box. response from the health sector, I believe that if the One of the great success stories has been National Minister commits today to sustaining the ongoing work Museums Liverpool’s ability to position House of Memories further with logistical support and funding, National as a credible and important tool for dementia awareness, Museums Liverpool will deliver significant outcomes as its greatest challenge was to gain acceptance and and opportunities for a sustainable cultural and health support from the health sector by developing a learning sector partnership in communities across Britain. I do tool that would be accessible, both creatively and not doubt that in other parts of the country, the cultural intellectually, while acknowledging the real-world challenge sector is making strides towards improving the relationship of supporting people to live well with dementia. No one between the arts and dementia treatment. However, I can be in any doubt that NML has been totally successful am yet to see a more comprehensive project, with a in achieving that ambitious recognition. One way that I greater level of success, than Liverpool’s House of and my fellow Merseyside MPs can ensure that the Memories. In other words, NML has set the national partnership keeps making progress is by continuing to standard, and it has set the bar very high. raise awareness and by ensuring that the relevant Minister I wish to conclude by asking the Minister the following is constantly updated with the continued success of the questions, which I would be grateful if he could address House of Memories’ innovative work. I will, of course, either in the time we have left today, or, for those that he ensure that I do so. cannot, in writing afterwards. Will he inform Members I am pleased to report that the project continues to what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the receive a positive regional response and has secured Exchequer and the Under-Secretary of State for Culture, additional health sector funding until 2015, which will Media and Sport over the potential long-term economic include the development of an online digital tool for benefits of supporting the House of Memories? If he is carers and families. I urge the Minister to outline what yet to have those discussions, will he commit to doing so further support he can offer to the development of that this side of the spending review? Will he indicate whether capability. I am sure that Members of all parties will his Department will support the House of Memories recognise and appreciate the innovative work of the project further in 2013-14 and onwards? Will he meet staff at the Museum of Liverpool, and I should like to Dr David Fleming, the director of National Museums take the opportunity to praise each and every one of Liverpool, and me at the Museum of Liverpool to them. It should be noted that the Museum has also discuss the work that we are doing on Merseyside, and recorded an increase in visits from care home staff and to witness first-hand the positive impact that it is having patients. Cultural partners, such as Riverside housing, on dementia patients in our city? have taken inspiration from the training by developing personalised, culturally sensitive memory boxes for the Chinese and Afro-Caribbean communities, which 11.17 am exemplifies the social value of greater dementia awareness The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman for the whole of Merseyside. Lamb): I congratulate the hon. Member for Liverpool, We are not talking about brain surgery; the concept Walton (Steve Rotheram) on securing the debate. I is simple. I went to the museum to look at one of the remember his speech in the Chamber during the debate sessions, and because it was in Liverpool, a lot of he referred to earlier. He talked passionately about the people were interested in football, of course, and music House of Memories initiative in Liverpool, and I think and comedy. The memory box, therefore, has such I am right in saying that he also spoke about his things as football programmes from Liverpool or Everton mother’s battle with dementia, so I know he cares a lot football clubs, ration books, some old tunes and records, about this issue. I am keen to work with him and to talk and old theatre programmes, and those stimulate to him further about how we can maximise the benefits conversation with people. The long-term memory of of such an approach. 155WH House of Memories Programme4 JUNE 2013 House of Memories Programme 156WH

I should also refer to another institution in Liverpool— clearly, as I have said, I am wholly supportive of this Everton football club. I am not sure where his loyalties project and keen to work closely with the people involved lie in that great city, but Everton have done great work to develop this initiative and concept further. on reminiscences and dementia. I have had people from There are 670,000 people in England with dementia. Everton come to the Department, together with other That number is increasing year on year, as is the £19 billion representatives of football and sport. The hon. Gentleman cost to society of dementia. Faced with that, the Prime talked about long-term memory and the power of Minister launched in March last year the challenge to reminiscence, and sporting memories can be incredibly which the hon. Gentleman referred, which builds on the valuable in bringing people back who are suffering from dementia strategy the Labour Government initiated in, dementia. I am absolutely with him on that. I think, 2009. It is a powerful and good initiative and was one of the first globally to be developed. This Steve Rotheram: I thank the Minister for giving way, condition is the biggest fear for people over the age and for mentioning Everton football club and the Everton of 55—as someone who has just turned 55, I am acutely in the Community project. During my visit to the aware of that. museum, Everton were represented, and they had their football reminiscence material there. It does exactly A year on from the launch of the Prime Minister’s what the Minister has outlined, and stimulates conversation challenge, dementia remains a priority for the coalition like nothing else because of people’s memories of great Government, for their partners in health and care and moments in their lives. Some of those will obviously be for me personally. The House of Memories was I believe sporting-related, and that could be part of what the referred to in the updated report on the Prime Minister’s House of Memories project is about. challenge last November, so its effect has been recognised. In the first year, we have achieved a lot, not only laying Norman Lamb: I am grateful for that intervention. I the foundations for delivery but making progress across have been asked to give my own footballing memory, all three areas of the challenge: first, improving health and it is Jeremy Goss scoring a fantastic goal away at and care services for people with dementia; secondly, Bayern Munich. Norwich City were for a long time the creating more dementia-friendly communities, where only club that had beaten Bayern Munich away. I am this work can play such a valuable role; and thirdly, the looking to see whether we can extend the work of importance of research and committing more resources Everton to other premier league and football league to research into finding cures and prevention mechanisms clubs, because they have a powerful position in their for dementia. That is creating a momentum that will communities and can be opinion leaders in developing lead to real improvements in the lives of people with these ideas powerfully in their communities. dementia and their carers. I am wholly supportive of the House of Memories. It For the first time, there is a quantified ambition to is an exceptional project that has been funded in part, as increase the diagnosis rate for dementia from the current the hon. Gentleman said, by the Department of Health; 45%, which is far too low. Our aim is that by 2015 two more than £220,000 has been allocated during the last thirds of people with dementia should have a diagnosis, two years. As we have heard today, National Museums with appropriate post-diagnosis support. We are also Liverpool provides an innovative training programme seeing real action on the creation of dementia-friendly that is making a real difference for social care staff by communities, with 50 areas expressing an interest in helping them to connect with the people with dementia becoming dementia friendly. An awful lot is going on whom they support every day. They use the objects that in Liverpool, and I do not know whether the city as a the hon. Gentleman referred to and the stories linked to whole is exploring that, but clearly there is good leadership the museums’ collections. Museums across the country in that city. have a rich collection of objects and art that can be so The launch of the Dementia Friends initiative has powerful in helping people to live well with dementia. It already captured the imagination of thousands of people, is a very powerful partnership with care providers. I and the number of people attending the awareness think the hon. Gentleman said that 3,000 care workers sessions is growing every week. I participated in a had already participated. That demonstrates the reach session in Warwick in April, so I have become a dementia of this project. It is fantastic that the cultural sector is friend—I have the badge to show it. If the hon. Gentleman involved in work on dementia; it is a great collaboration. has not done that yet, I encourage him to do so and, Getting the medical profession to consider new and indeed, I encourage others to take up that challenge different approaches beyond pure medicine can be very locally. powerful. The work to which I have referred is critically The UK will use its presidency of the G8 to identify important in supporting our drive to create more dementia- and agree a new international approach on dementia friendly communities. research. A specific G8 dementia summit will be held in The hon. Gentleman is right about the value of early London in the autumn. It will bring together Health intervention and the savings that can be secured for the and Science Ministers alongside world-leading experts, NHS in this way. My understanding is that the money senior industry figures and the Organisation for Economic from the Department of Health has already helped to Co-operation and Development. The event will look to roll out this approach to museums across the north of secure more co-ordination and collaboration on dementia England. There is a funding application in at the moment globally. I suspect that initiatives such as the one from for 2013-14. That is being considered by the dementia Liverpool could play a part internationally, through work force advisory group. It could extend the roll-out this G8 process, in teaching other countries about what to museums and galleries in the midlands. I think the could be learned from them. decision on that will be communicated to National A skilled work force is vital to delivering compassionate Museums Liverpool over the summer. Obviously, I care for people with dementia. That is why we are cannot pre-empt the outcome of that application, but taking forward work to ensure that we have front-line 157WH House of Memories Programme 4 JUNE 2013 158WH

[Norman Lamb] Science and Research staff who are capable and competent in dementia care. The Department of Health and NHS England are [MARTIN CATON in the Chair] working closely with Health Education England to put in place a forward work programme for the delivery of 2.30 pm the work on dementia set out in their mandate. That includes ensuring that 100,000 NHS staff have undertaken Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): It is a pleasure foundation-level training on dementia by March 2014, to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Caton. It is good so that they can better support people with the condition. to see the key people here for the debate—the Minister A new e-learning package has been published that will for Universities and Science, my right hon. Friend the lead to 100,000 nurses and health care assistants receiving Member for Havant (Mr Willetts) and the hon. Member dementia training via e-learning by 2015. for Birmingham, Ladywood (Shabana Mahmood). The three of us were supposed to meet a few weeks ago for a In March, the Department launched a new nursing debate under the auspices of the Campaign for Science vision and strategy for dementia care that sets out what and Engineering, which was cancelled, so it is nice that is expected of all nurses in order to meet the level and we can recreate it here in slightly more elegant surroundings quality of care expected in all settings. In social care, the and with a wonderful audience. It is good to have the dementia pledge builds on the care and support compact Minister and hon. Lady here. by supporting social care employers to develop their work force’s understanding of dementia and to adapt With the spending review considerations imminent, their services to meet the needs of people with dementia. when decisions will be made that will affect the future of More than 900 care providers have already signed up to science and research for many years to come, this debate the pledge and almost 150 to the compact. is especially timely. The theme of the debate is based on a paper I published last year called, “Developing a The hon. Gentleman asked one or two questions at future: Policies for science and research”, which is available the end of his contribution. In the spending review online for anyone who wants to see the whole thing, at discussions, the focus on and the priority that the www.TinyURL.com/scipol. I would like to place on Government give to dementia will remain central to our record my thanks to those who helped, particularly thoughts in ensuring sufficient funding to maintain the Michelle Brook, who was critically involved in writing momentum we are starting to build. As I said, in this much of it. It was passed by the Liberal Democrat Parliament we are building on the last Government’s conference and large elements of it are now Liberal strategy through the Prime Minister’s challenge. Democrat policy—things we want to achieve—but I do I confirm again my absolute support for the House not want the debate to become a party political session. of Memories initiative. I want to maintain the liaison We are all used to the debates where we all say, “The last and collaboration that has been developed in the last Government did this and this Government did that”, year or so. The hon. Gentleman mentioned the possibility and it does not take us any further. I hope that the of meeting in Liverpool, which I would love to do if Minister, the hon. Lady and I, in particular, can work time allows. My diary is a complete nightmare, but if it together to support science, because science works across is possible I will be very happy to do that. I certainly parties. want to do all I can to ensure that the valuable lessons There have been good Ministers for science from learned from this exciting and imaginative initiative, various parties: Lord Sainsbury, now the chancellor of bringing together two sectors, are learned elsewhere, so Cambridge university, in my constituency, was an excellent that people with dementia really benefit from it. science Minister; the current Minister is an excellent science Minister; and my right hon. Friend the Secretary 11.29 am of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has done a Sitting suspended. huge amount for science and is now a regular visitor to Cambridge to see what happens there. None of that means that I necessarily agree with everything that every science Minister says, but having the right push and trajectory is important. Although I will often use the term “science”, I want to make it clear that I do not mean just pure science. It is not only about the natural sciences. The humanities have a critical role, as do computing, engineering, mathematics and medicine— everything. An opposition between science, and the humanities and arts subjects, has occasionally been suggested, but that is a false dichotomy that takes us nowhere positive. I declare an interest, which is registered in Register of Members’ Financial Interests: before coming to this place I was a research scientist; I am on leave from a lectureship I hold at Cambridge university; and I am involved in a number of learned societies and science organisations. I am even an honorary associate of the British Veterinary Association—as long as they never ask me to do anything with animals. I have an interest, in those senses, which I am happy to declare. 159WH Science and Research4 JUNE 2013 Science and Research 160WH

I also have a constituency interest, because high- congratulate the Minister. He has managed to pull £1.4 technology is key to the success of Cambridge. We now billion, which I am sure he will itemise later, out of the have more than 1,500 companies, 54,000 jobs and £12 billion Treasury to rebuild some of that capital. He has £300 in revenue from the hi-tech, knowledge-based economy million to claw back from the cuts to go, but I am sure in Cambridge. The details of the companies are made he will come up with a way to deliver that from the available by the wonderful Sherry Coutu on the Cambridge Treasury. cluster map, where we can see details of every one of There are other good new things that I am pleased to those companies—the £12 billion—that we have built in see: the Catapult centres, although I still have a reservation Cambridge on the knowledge economy. We can also see about the name; the reintroduction of SMART awards, the $20 billion company that we have built up—ARM, and I declare an interest as a holder of a Department of a huge powerhouse, developing superconducting chips. Trade and Industry SMART award from a number People often talk about Intel as its major competitor, of years ago; and the extension of R and D tax credits. but just last year ARM shipped more chips that Intel Those are all good things. We are in a decent place at has ever shipped. There are more ARM chips in the the moment; it is not as great as it might be, but it is world than there are human arms, legs and heads put nothing like as bad as it could have been. We must not together. It is a huge company that comes from a small have more cuts in the forthcoming spending review—that town in the fens. RealVNC is a three-time Queen’s is one of the most important messages in the short award winner for exports in the past three years. Its term. software is a critical part of any shuttle launch and has a huge number of applications elsewhere. We have I recently hosted an event with the Association of MedImmune, the biggest biotech company in Europe. Medical Research Charities to launch its vision for Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group works in a research. There was a clear message from academics very different area, but does incredibly important work such as Sir Paul Nurse, the president of the Royal for our armed forces and a range of others. There are Society; medical charities such as Cancer Research UK; more companies, including the growing, new wave of and industry, such as GlaxoSmithKline, that if we cut clean-tech. now, it would be a huge and clear signal to business that Cambridge is a huge success story, which is one of they should not invest in Britain. Companies are mobile. the reasons why unemployment there is so low—the They will leave. Biotech and hi-tech companies will just rate is about 2.5%, and the youth unemployment rate go somewhere else. They can do it, and if we send a about 1.5%. We all have an interest in the success of message that they are not wanted here, they will. Our science and research, because they are key to the success academic base will decline as good people leave the UK of Britain as a whole. How do we think we will earn our or simply leave research to do something else. way in 2020, 2030 or 2050 if not in the knowledge-based Science and Research is big business for the UK. The economy, based on things that we will learn and develop pharmaceutical industry—a huge, global business— now? They are already key sectors driving the economy generates a trade surplus for the UK of £5.5 billion. and that is set to continue, because the UK continues to The industry is changing and becoming more biotech punch above its weight in scientific research. Although focused. We have to keep the small biotech companies we only have roughly 1% of the world’s population, we here. When AstraZeneca closed their plant and decided have a huge research base, with 4% of the world’s to move to Cambridge, it was a shame for the north-west, researchers, an 11% share of world citations and 14% of but it is fantastic for Cambridge and for the country highly cited publications. We have a great platform to that it is staying in the UK. It or any other company develop and grow a successful knowledge-based economy could choose to leave. Pfizer has a presence in Cambridge, to develop jobs and growth for many years and decades as does GlaxoSmithKline. We have the largest biotech to come, but how can we do it? companies in Europe—but only for as long as we can I would like to explore three key areas: money; people; provide them with reasons to stay. and attitude. Research and development costs money, For the spending review, not cutting capital or revenue but not all of it public sector money. UK spending on budgets is very least that can be done. If we want to research and development dropped to just 1.76% of prosper, we must increase investment—and it is an gross domestic product in 2010—well below the European investment. A study by the Wellcome Trust, the Medical Union average and, for the first time ever, less than Research Council and the Academy of Medical Sciences China, not to mention pretty much all our other global found that every pound invested in medical research competitors. That hits the UK economy, because we are generates an ongoing return of about 30p every single less innovative. We are particularly behind in public year, and 30% returns are fantastically good. Jonathan sector funding: 0.57% compared with Germany’s 0.85%, Haskel of Imperial college business school has estimated which gives Germany a huge lead. We know that public that a £1 billion cut in research council funding results money crowds in private funding: the more we spend in in a GDP loss of the order of £10 billion. That is the this area, the more industry will also commit. I know sort of size we could be talking about. that it was a fight for the Minister and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to ensure that the ring-fenced To provide certainty, the investment absolutely has to science budget was protected. It was not cut in the be long term. We must find a way of getting away from previous spending review, which is a great achievement. the three-year cycles. Long-term investment was called There were many concerns. The £4.6 billion was protected, for in the “Fuelling prosperity” report, which came out in cash terms, which was essential, but that still equates recently from the Royal Society, the British Academy, to a real-terms cut and capital funding took a very large the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Academy of cut. Capital is also essential to good science and research. Medical Sciences. They make the case for investing in The huge cut in capital has been ameliorated by a research in the long term, to drive UK economic growth. number of new announcements since then, on which I Similarly, a letter from a range of medical charities, 161WH Science and Research4 JUNE 2013 Science and Research 162WH

[Dr Julian Huppert] wonderful new Catapult centres, the SMART awards and all the efforts of the Technology Strategy Board industry, academics and parliamentarians across the will not work if money is not available to support the parties, which came out in The Times a couple of weeks final stage of innovation. Equally, however, the money ago, states: cannot simply be transferred away from basic research; “Long-term funding is needed from the Government to ensure otherwise, we will not have any of the new inventions the continuation of the UK as a place blessed with a vibrant we need to translate into real products. research eco-system”. We must also ensure that we use the money that is The message is clear, from all parts of the community available from all sorts of other sources—medical research involved in this field, that we need long-term funding. charities, for example. A recent letter in The Telegraph My proposal, which was made in the paper I talked from 42 medical research organisations and 130 scientists about earlier and is now part of Liberal Democrat highlighted the following: policy, is to try to build a consensus around a 15-year “With medical research charities and their supporters together 3%-above-inflation increase in a ring-fenced science funding more than £1 billion of vital medical research in 2011, we and research budget, to include capital and revenue. I have made a huge contribution to improving the health of the know that that is ambitious, and that 15 years is a long British population through scientific advances.” time, but I think it is the right thing to do and that it is I am sure that we are all grateful for the work they something we could get together. Clearly, no one party produce and the people who fund them. They call on can deliver it—no one party will ever be in a position to the Government, and I join them in this, to guarantee funding for 15 years—but I hope that my two “protect both the Charity Research Support Fund and the amount colleagues here today, the hon. Member for Birmingham, available through it, as well as ring-fencing the science budget”. Ladywood and my right hon. Friend the Minister, will I hope the Minister can confirm that we can continue be able to support that aspiration and ambition, and with that support fund. that over the next years we can ensure not just that we That is one source of money. We have money that can do not have cuts in the budget, but that we actually come in from industry and we need to get more of it deliver an increase, and a prosperous Britain. That is in through the small business research initiative and all all our interests. sorts of other research and development mechanisms. It is not, however, just about having the money; the We also have money from the Government, and we get money must be allocated well. It has to be allocated a lot from the European Union as well. In this room, at correctly between applied research and blue skies research least, we can be pleased to take that money from the and we must, of course, stick to the Haldane principle— European Union and make the most of it. Framework whatever its exact wording—to ensure that none of us programme 7, which finishes this year, is estimated to seeks to influence exactly how grant funds are spent, have delivered ¤7 billion to the UK for research. That is tempting though that might be. fantastic, and the Government should encourage and It is the blue skies area that needs to be remembered, support the UK in tapping into Horizon 2020, the next because there is a temptation to say, “Let’s just fund the framework for research and innovation, which has an things that are closest to being applied—closest to ¤80 billion budget. We want to get as much of that into being products.” That would be a mistake, and it is one the UK as possible—I will avoid discussing any referendums that industry warns us about time and again. No one on how we use any of that money. The Government can predict where new ideas will go. When work started could, however, make it easier for that to happen. Yes, on lasers, the world wide web, Google’s search algorithm they should try to make the European processes simpler— and monoclonal antibodies, no one knew where it would having been involved with the European grant, I know lead. No one could have predicted their scale, but they they can be incredibly bureaucratic—but there is also are huge. the issue that the full economic costs of the work are Probably the least well-known of those is monoclonal not funded. I hope the Government will consider setting antibodies, and the investment from the Medical Research up an EU research support fund to meet the costs. In Council in Cambridge’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology, that way, we will encourage UK researchers to pull even which has generated fantastic world-leading research more money from the European Union into our domestic and many Nobel prizes, also led to a multi-billion-dollar research. drug, Humira, the profits from which partly paid for the There are other things that could happen. The £l80 new lab that was opened just a couple of weeks ago. A million in the biomedical catalyst fund has been very huge amount of money can be made, but that is never welcome, and I hope it will continue. There have been known at the beginning. The Medical Research Council many successful applications to it, from my constituency has made £390 million from monoclonal antibodies, among others, and I hope there will be money to but when the grant application was written there was no continue that work. I am also very taken by some of the way it could have been claimed that that would happen—Sir work developed by the BioIndustry Association on Greg Winter would never have had that chance. In having pots of money available—similar to individual addition to the applied work, we must, therefore, fund saving accounts—for funding high-tech companies. That excellent blue skies research, for its own sake as well as model works very successfully in France, enabling people for its potential returns, because there is an interest in to invest smallish amounts—£5,000 to £10,000—in high- simply advancing human knowledge as well as in getting tech growth companies and to get some of the tax a financial return. advantages of entrepreneurial investment. In France, Aside from the science and research budget, we must they have had a good economic return by allowing that. also support innovation. As I understand it, much of We should also make better use of the NHS. We are the innovation budget sits outside the science and research rare among countries in having a wonderful national ring fence and it has suffered from cuts in the past. The health service, and it is an excellent place to do research. 163WH Science and Research4 JUNE 2013 Science and Research 164WH

We have a single organisation that has access to a lot of issue; it is about the socio-economic background of patients who can get involved, and a lot of information people who go into those subjects. We are missing out that can be used. Privacy is obviously a huge concern on a huge number of people who could contribute and we must not do things that would jeopardise it, but massively. If fewer women and fewer people from poorer there is far more we could do to use that rare and socio-economic backgrounds take STEM subjects, we previous resource. I am pleased that we now have, as a absolutely have to take stronger steps to correct that. result of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, a duty to We have to make sure that scientific and mathematical promote research in the NHS. That is very helpful, and literacy are there for everybody, because skills taught in much more needs to be done with it. More patients those areas—regardless of where students end up in the should be told about the trials that are available, and working world—help to create a scientifically savvy there is a lot of work from the Association of Medical population that can engage in rational debate and critical Research Charities and others that highlights that. thought. We want everybody to understand the basics I am also pleased that the Department for Business, of financial mathematics: how a mortgage works, or Innovation and Skills continues to work with the how to understand a Daily Mail front page about the Department of Health; that works very well. What I latest wonder drug that also causes cancer. would not want to see is all the Medical Research We must ensure that university—and school—courses Council being transferred into the Department of Health. encourage entrepreneurial thinking, and we must support There must be a separation between the implementation— people to think about that. We need to make sure that actually doing health care—and the pure research that people realise that science is fun: people do it because it the MRC does. The council is not the same as the is exciting. National Institute for Health Research, and I hope we There are issues about the career paths of academics. will not see such a transition. I am sure the Minister can It is currently a very transient route for many post-docs, reassure us about that shortly. and we need to find out how to have a much more I have said a lot about money, partly because the coherent picture. My paper goes through that in far spending review is coming up, but it is not the only more detail than I can do now. thing that matters. Just throwing money at problems We must look at funding for postgraduate courses, an does not always work; people matter as well. The UK issue which I have raised with the Minister on several has to build a highly skilled work force to be able to occasions. I will not go through the pain of the undergrad attract industry and innovation to do the best research, funding issue—I dislike undergrad fees and have hated and there are two ways of doing that. One is to start them ever since they were brought in by the previous with people here in the UK, at school. Schools must be Government and increased by this one, and I still disagree able to provide a more solid curriculum in STEM with all those decisions. However, a serious problem is subjects—science, technology, engineering and maths—and now arising with postgraduates who do not generally have teachers who are specialists in their fields. That have access to funding, except from banks, parents or means primary schools having some sort of science savings, and may have to pay well over £10,000 to do a subject leader, and secondary school teachers should course. That has a huge effect on social mobility, because have continuous professional development, funded by people cannot do those courses. the Government, to make sure they are on top of what they are teaching. I am also pleased to see the proper Tomorrow, with CentreForum, I will launch a report, teaching of computing—not just of IT, but of how to based on work with the National Union of Students code. That is an excellent step forward, but I worry and a range of universities, which will propose some about where we will find the teachers to provide that suggestions. I will not say much more about it now education. because I do not want to draw the thunder from tomorrow’s launch, but essentially, we have to extend income-contingent I am particularly concerned about how people consider loans for graduate students, so that there is an easy way STEM subjects at primary school. One of my colleagues, for them to get into graduate courses. a councillor in the east of England, trains primary Those are some of the things we could do to get good schoolteachers. On one of her training courses, she people in the UK, but we must also look for skilled asked them to come up with a curriculum for primary people globally. We should actively encourage students school, and every single group left out science. When to come here and study, experts to come here and work, she asked why, they said, “Well, it’s hard, dull and not and entrepreneurs to come here and invest. Our immigration very useful.” If that is the attitude among primary rules have often given the strong impression that many schoolteachers—I hope they were corrected—we will such people are simply not welcome here. The poor have a problem over forthcoming decades. We have to performance of the UK Border Agency, which often change that attitude where it exists; of course, it is by no took months to make decisions, has made matters far means uniform. worse. When I talk to companies in Cambridge, the We should support organisations such as STEMNET major issue they raise is often immigration policy and and all other outreach activities. I do not have time to how hard it is to get the people they need. I know the list each one, but they do good work and need support, Minister has been good at standing up for science in because we must get many more people in. For example, that area. it has been estimated that we need about 20,000 more Departments say that the number of high-calibre engineers a year to cope with the retirement bubble and applicants has fallen, with promising students heading the growth in the energy, automotive and aerospace off to the United States, Canada or Australia because areas. the UK is viewed as student-unfriendly. We have even We must consider doing far more to encourage diversity been thanked for that by leaders in competitor countries. among people who go into STEM subjects. That is not We do not want to be thanked for helping them to take just about women in science, although that is a very big our students. 165WH Science and Research4 JUNE 2013 Science and Research 166WH

[Dr Julian Huppert] and I particularly highlight the work of David Cleevely, who set it up. It has proved an excellent tool to make The Minister for Immigration, my hon. Friend the sure that people in the civil service and businesses can Member for Forest of Dean (Mr Harper), came to find out what is happening at the interface between Cambridge a couple of weeks ago, and I thank him science and policy in Cambridge. publicly for doing so. He met language schools, businesses We have a lot to do to support science and research: and universities, and it is fair to say that he was surprised the money, the people and the attitude must be there. If by some of the problems he encountered, which relate we get this right, we will deliver jobs and growth, new not to the direction of Government policy but to UKBA’s knowledge and exciting technologies, and global over-interpretation of the rules. He offered to help fix competiveness and inward investment; if we get it wrong, many of the problems we are facing, and I thank him we will sabotage our future. I hope that all colleagues very much for that. I hope that will make the difference, will support this call. because details, as well as the overall policy and messaging, matter. We have to show that we are open internationally in fact and in rhetoric, because we want the brightest 2.58 pm and the best to come here to contribute to our economy. Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab): There are many attitude issues that I could talk about It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, in the time remaining. We need to push further on the Mr Caton, and to respond to this debate on behalf of important issue of open access. It is absolutely right in the Opposition. The debate is timely given that, as the principle, and the Minister for Universities and Science hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) said, we will is right to push ahead with it. It reflects the change in be going into the comprehensive spending review period how publication works, with the transition of costs later this month. I congratulate him on securing the away from distribution, because we can just look at debate. He is right that we had to postpone our Campaign pdfs, the cost of which is very low. Open access is the for Science and Engineering debate, so it is good to pick right thing to do, and will open up information for up some of the issues here this afternoon that we would many more people and help businesses to set up, but have discussed in that perhaps more adversarial format. more care is needed with the transition, as is a bit more As I scientist before he became a Member, the hon. funding. It has to be made very clear, particularly to Gentleman has a deep commitment to this policy area. some nervous academics, that there is no intention to Occasionally, I gently point out to him that he is a use open access as a way of banning the publication of coalition Member—although not himself in government, good work. There will be difficulties during that transition, his party is—but it sometimes feels as though he is but we must get there in the end. making a pitch from outside the Government, rather There is the related issue of open data. I visited the than from within. He has a consistent record of arguing Open Data Institute in Shoreditch earlier today, and I for the points that he makes. have to say that I was seriously impressed. It is doing The hon. Gentleman gave the example of Cambridge some very impressive work. To give one example of the and, as its MP, he obviously has a very strong story to power of open data, early on in its existence it did a tell. He has a truly world-class university and truly study of statins in which it looked at the data available world-class companies on his patch that are doing great from prescriptions—anonymised data that did not identify business for UK plc by pushing the boundaries of any individuals—and showed that if generics were invention and innovation. I will duck the opportunity prescribed instead brand-label drugs, in cases in which of trying to get my tongue around his twister of ships there was no clinical need for the branded drug, it could and chips and so on, but the company that he mentioned save £200 million across the NHS. That study was is good not just for his region, but for the country and doable because the data were open. There is a huge our whole standing. potential there, of which that study is only the start. The hon. Gentleman also made some important points We must encourage academics to publish data in an about innovation as distinct from the overall funding open way wherever possible, and that should be tied to that we provide for science and research. He talked funding support. A classic case is clinical trials. about the incredible importance of the European Union GlaxoSmithKline has been excellent in opening data on and the money that it makes available for science and its historical and current clinical trials, for which I research. The UK punches above its weight, as it does in strongly commend it. That improves safety and allows so many other areas, in terms of attracting that investment. better use of existing drugs. I must say that not all Although this is not the place to talk about referendums pharmaceutical companies are quite so open, but I and our future relationship with the European Union, hope they will all follow GSK’s excellent example. let me just say that many in the science community We must ensure that there is much better use of support our continued EU membership; they know evidence-informed policy in decision making in this how important it is to the framework of science and place and in Whitehall, which is far too often lacking. I research in our country. shall say more about that in two days’ time, when we The hon. Gentleman also made some good points have a debate on drugs policy in this Chamber. We need about people that I will come to later in my contribution. to strengthen the role of chief scientific advisers, and we Given that the comprehensive spending review is looming, should also look at having a chief social science adviser, we cannot help but talk about the money side of things. so that that area is not neglected but made prominent. I hope that the Minister will use some of the points that Lastly, we must do far more to encourage more are made to him today to arm him as he and the contact between policy makers and academics, so they Business Secretary go into those difficult discussions can learn where there is fresh thinking. One great model with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. It is true that we for that is the Centre for Science and Policy in Cambridge, are at a critical juncture for the future of science and 167WH Science and Research4 JUNE 2013 Science and Research 168WH research in our country. It is unclear whether we will be framework. What we have seen is a return to a short-term able to retain and grow our standing in the world or spending cycle. As I have said, researchers and industry whether we will fall behind in this aspect of the global need a long-term vision, so that they can plan over time. race. As the Royal Society says, we must keep running Although we had a 10-year spending cycle when we just to stand still. That is the scale of the challenge that were in Government, the Royal Society has called for a we face and something that must be in the mind of the 15-year period, and there are others who would argue Minister, the Business Secretary and the Chancellor of for longer still. It is clear that long-termism is needed. the Exchequer, as they make their decisions in a few The result of a short-termist, piecemeal approach is weeks’ time. that the UK is falling behind other countries when it comes to investment in science. I am sure the Minister will talk about the Government’s ring-fencing and protection of the science budget thus I am afraid to say that the Government have also far in this Parliament. However, he will recognise, as I backed away from any commitment to meeting the hope the hon. Member for Cambridge will too, that the Lisbon 2020 target of 3% investment in R and D that true picture is not all that rosy. Although many in the they had publicly accepted. Even allowing for the current science community are genuinely grateful for the deal economic situation, we have not been given any goal or that the Minister and the Business Secretary achieved even heard how we might catch up in future years. It for science on the grounds that it could have been a lot would be good if we were able to get some detail on worse, some significant issues about the funding of that, so that even allowing for the current decisions over science still cannot be ignored. how we meet the country’s fiscal challenges, we may at least be able to say when we return to growth that there The reality is that we are in danger of losing our is some plan for catching up that target. standing as a world leader for science and innovation because of the cumulative effect of a short-termist, Many of our international competitors are increasing piecemeal approach, which is underpinned by real-terms their science budgets, even those with their own deficit cuts in the science budget. The Minister will accept the reduction programmes. I come back to the point made research by the Library and the Campaign for Science by the Royal Society that we have to keep running just and Engineering that shows the 14% real-terms cut in to stand still, and keeping up with our competitor the science budget thus far and the impact that that will countries really matters. have on our capacity to keep up with our competitors. The overall condition of our essential research Not only was this flat cash settlement an actual cut, but infrastructure will decline without long-term investment, the science budget itself only represents about 50% of so scrimping on maintenance capital now will progressively Government science spending. As we all know, science affect research. It will build an investment backlog for spending has been hit in other ways, too. For example, the future and it will negatively affect our ability to the scrapping of the regional development agencies, attract and retain the best global talent. The low level of which spent something like £440 million per annum on investment now is not sustainable, and it is storing up science-related programmes before the last CSR round, problems for future Governments if we have any hope has led to another reduction in funding. of maintaining our world leading position in science. I Furthermore, capital spending, which the hon. hope that we can all agree that we should try to maintain Gentleman mentioned, was cut at the beginning of this that position. Parliament by 40%—a total of £1.4 billion. It is fair to We do science well in this country. I often say that it say that the Minister and the Business Secretary have should be a bigger part of our national narrative. We worked hard on this matter and implored the Chancellor often talk about the British as the underdogs in business, to put back some of that money. As the hon. Member punching above our weight, but our world-class higher for Cambridge pointed out, we all know that we are still education sector and our capacity to do science are some £300 million short. The boldness of the decision essential parts of the British story. When it comes to to cut capital spending by 40% has not been met by a higher education in particular, we are the preferred boldness of action to put it back, despite the fact that a educators of the world. That is why so many international mistake was made and that it should be rectified. We are students want to come to our country. seeing a piecemeal and unco-ordinated way of putting We are also recognised as leading scientists and thinkers, back some of that money. Researchers and industry so our capacity to innovate is something that is appreciated need a clear investment framework on which they can by the rest of the world; it is a competitive advantage rely to plan properly for the long term. and something that we should put front and centre of The long term really matters in science. The big how we plan to be a major economic force in the middle projects that have been making the news recently, such part of this century. There is a lot of rhetoric around as the work being done at CERN or at the Crick the global race—in political terms, it is a sexy thing to institute, did not come to life at the beginning of one talk about—but it needs to be backed up with some Parliament and complete their cycle at the end of that action. I fear that at the moment the short-termist Parliament; these are things that take five, 10, 15 or 20 approach will prevent us from being in a position in years in the planning, the doing, the inventing and the which we can say that we are going to win the global innovating and then, we hope, in the finding of successful race. outcomes. A clear, long-term framework is very important to Dr Huppert: The hon. Lady is saying much that I the science community. One Government decision that agree with, particularly with regard to the concerns I have the most difficulty with and that we would seek about short-termism. We want to see a long-term amount to change if we were to form the next Government of money. Obviously, long-term protection is only good would be the scrapping of Labour’s 10-year investment if it goes up. Will she say whether she agrees with my 169WH Science and Research4 JUNE 2013 Science and Research 170WH

[Dr Huppert] that they have an argument that they are still committed to the agenda, but there is no plan B when it comes to proposal to have a 15-year above-inflation increase in scrapping the UKRC’s funding. I would therefore like the ring-fenced science budget? I hope that she will say to hear a bit more from the Minister about his plans yes, and work on actually delivering it. regarding women in science and how he sees things developing. How will he ensure that we meet the challenge Shabana Mahmood: I thank the hon. Gentleman for of not only getting women into science, but retaining that intervention. He will not be shocked to hear that I them? am not going to give a spending commitment for what a Labour Government would do in 2015. However, the The hon. Gentleman made a broader point about broader point is that long-termism is not just about the inspiring our young people and children into careers in headline amount given to science. Saying, “This is your science and about making science fun. One of my best deal for 10, or maybe 15, years—off you go” is also visits since becoming a Member of Parliament was the important because it encourages private sector investment; morning I spent at the Big Bang science fair a few the private sector will know that a Government are months ago. Tens of thousands of children were part of serious about science, and it will know what will happen the fair and experienced it. It was incredible to see the if they stay in power at the next election. That certainty energy in the Docklands arena, as those young people breeds greater investment, and it will offer a much were exposed to science and scientific ideas. One thing better deal. I cannot, of course, give the exact sums that that really struck me was a project that had been we will allocate when we, I hope, form the Government entered into one of the many competitions being run at in 2015, but we will return to that theme as we continue the fair. A group of young girls had done a study of the to debate these important issues. science behind hair straightening. Some of the women reading or listening to the debate will recognise that Let me move away from the size of the budget and hair straightening is a big industry, and it is certainly the length of the spending cycle on which it is based. something a lot of women grapple with—it might not The hon. Gentleman talked a lot about people, and that affect the Minister or the hon. Gentleman quite so is a really important part of science policy, although we much, but I know a lot about it. It was really interesting often forget that when we are grappling with the overall that the young girls could take something that mattered sums and how long they are allocated for. In particular, to them—they talked about the protective qualities of he raised a really important point about women in the different serums that they can put on their hair to science, which is something I have picked up on since I protect it from the intense heat that they apply when took up the science bit of my brief. My predecessor, my they use a hair straightener—and understand that there hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne is a lot of science behind it. They were able to study, Central (Chi Onwurah), was a female scientist, so she understand and relate that to their own lives. That was a had experience of being a woman in what is very much powerful way to show them that science is all around a man’s world. I pay tribute to her work as a woman in them and that it is not a scary, dry, arid, austere thing science and a woman who speaks up for science and that only geeky boys do when they are at school, but an scientific issues. exciting, challenging thing that they use every day, often There is clearly a problem: if we cannot ensure that without realising it. Lots of good work is therefore we take forward the best talent that we have and make being done to make science fun for our young people, the most of it, we are truly missing out on something although we can always do more. that should be a competitive advantage. Many in the science community tell me that the problem is often less I sympathise greatly with the hon. Gentleman’s point about getting women into undergraduate science degree about specialist science teaching in our primary schools. programmes and more about retaining them once they The Campaign for Science and Engineering has spoken have graduated, when they are trying to plot their to me a number of times about the issue, which is part careers as researchers and academics and to combine of a campaign that it is running. I am very sympathetic their work with family life and career breaks to have to the hon. Gentleman’s suggestion, and I am involved children. I have said a number of times that the issue is in discussions with the shadow education team about not unique to the scientific community; it is a problem how we might make it happen. However, I absolutely across our society, and those of us in the world of agree with the broad principle, because we need people politics know only too well the difficulties that political who understand science and who are passionate about parties of all persuasions have in attracting female it to be there right from the beginning of the educational talent into politics and in ensuring that women can journey that our young children make if we are to make progress to the very top in much the same way as men. sure that they do not drop science as soon as they turn This is therefore a cross-sector, societal issue, and it is 14, when they have to decide which options to take. important for the science community, too. In the few The hon. Gentleman also touched on the impact of months that I have had this brief, I am pleased that so the Government’s immigration policies on science and many people—not just women—have wanted to talk to the wider higher education sector. When I was promoted me about women in science and about how we can do to the position of shadow Higher Education Minister, I more to attract and, equally importantly, retain female had no idea that my previous experience as a shadow talent in the science pool. Minister in the Home Office team would be quite so I was sad to see the Government withdraw funding relevant, but somebody will talk to me about the impact from the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, of the Government’s immigration policies almost every Engineering and Technology, which was set up when week. The Minister and the Business Secretary are very the Labour party was in government to encourage more sympathetic regarding the problems that have been women into STEM subjects. If the Government scrap visited on the higher education sector and the science something and replace it with something else, I guess community as a result of the Government’s immigration 171WH Science and Research4 JUNE 2013 Science and Research 172WH policy, and I suspect that we are often on the same side Shabana Mahmood: To focus on how we measure the when we talk about the fact that the impact has been net migration target is to miss the point about what has negative and that we need to change things. Unfortunately, happened. The Government have picked a target; it to date, we have been unable to persuade the Home does not particularly matter what goes into the target, Office and Downing street to change course. as long as the sole immigration policy is not just to set Why is that important? Because the Government’s an arbitrary target limit. Net migration is a useful pledge to reduce net migration to tens of thousands can measure of influxes into a country and outflows, and a be achieved only if they dramatically reduce the number useful way for public bodies, for example, to try to work of legitimate international students who come to our out the future pattern and shape of public services. I am country, and only if they sit back and pray that lots of not too fixated on how net migration is measured. British people leave this country, while lots of Brits There is merit in universities that want to increase the living abroad do not come back. We cannot get away number of their legitimate international students engaging from that fact. On the other things that impact on net in a numbers-based conversation with their local authorities, migration figures, such as family migration, the Government so that bus routes and housing need can be planned. have limited rights of appeal and so on, but they cannot There is merit, therefore, in the way net migration is do any more without falling foul of human rights law; measured for that purpose, but there is a problem if the they cannot outlaw people from having any kind of measure of success is whether it is reduced to tens of family life whatever or from marrying spouses from thousands. That pledge was made in the knowledge that abroad. That leaves international students as the one the only way to get net migration down would be by group the Government can decrease significantly to significantly affecting the number of legitimate international meet their target. students coming to the country. The Minister must We are in the bizarre position that the Government recognise that if the number of such students continues are holding up as a sign of success the fact that net to rise, the net migration pledge will not be met. We migration has dropped, but missing out the fact that must stop sending out the message that the country is that is entirely down to Brits not coming home, Brits not open for business. leaving and legitimate international students not coming As I was saying before I took the intervention, that to our country to study. Our competitors are absolutely point is important for science as well. When some of the rubbing their hands with glee over this. I met some world’s best scientists and their research teams decide colleagues from Australia a couple of weeks ago. The where they may spend the next 10 to 20 years of their first thing that they said was, “Thank you; you have careers, it is important that the country should attract done such a great job. We made a huge mistake by scientific talent and be an easy and welcoming place to trying to reduce the number of our legitimate international come to, with an atmosphere of celebration of the foreign students. We were starting to pay the price, but contribution made by people who come. If the overall then you guys did the same thing, and now they are all offer from Britain is a bit mealy-mouthed and negative—or, coming back to us.” That is a problem. rather, a lot negative, given some of the rhetoric of the past months—and if the immense contribution made The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David by those who come legitimately from abroad to study or Willetts): Will the hon. Lady confirm that the most work in our country is not valued in words and actions, recent set of Home Office statistics, in the past couple we face a significant problem. of weeks, showed net migration falling, and, within that, a rise in the number of overseas students coming Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): I congratulate to study in Britain? the hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) on Shabana Mahmood: There has been a drop in net securing the debate and apologise for not catching the migration and there is a flux backwards in relation to early part of his speech. international students; the overall picture of what has Stoke-on-Trent is well served by Keele university and happened in the past three years, since the policy was Staffordshire university. They have had to work even introduced, has been to create a perception that Britain harder at attracting students because of the rhetoric. does not want to educate international students and Potential overseas students were telling them that Britain does not draw a distinction between legitimate international is no longer a welcoming place to come to. Does my students and those who are here illegitimately or illegally. hon. Friend recognise that that situation affects not The London Metropolitan university affair did great only the universities and other higher education institutions, damage to our standing in the world. Our competitors but the wider community: the landlords who would let have picked up on that, and marketing departments in properties to the students, the local authorities that universities in Canada, Australia and America are homing might perhaps collect rates from them and the shops in on it. It is the one thing that every higher education that would sell to them? There are big implications, and institution in this country—whether a leading Russell not just for the universities. Group institution, a million+ institution, part of the University Alliance or something else—has said is a big Shabana Mahmood: That is an important point. Higher problem. Every part of the sector has been affected by education is our seventh largest export—a fact that the immigration policy; and it affects scientific talent shocked me when I took on the brief. I did not know as well. that at the time. It is worth billions of pounds to the country. At a time when we are desperate for economic Dr Huppert: Does the hon. Lady agree with the growth, the deliberate shutting down of one of our suggestion that the easiest route would be to take largest export industries is a big problem. Part of the international students out of the migration figures that issue is our reputation: we have been a destination of are reported in the standard way? People who come choice, because of not just the excellence of our institutions, here, study and leave are not part of the migration pool. which are world leaders, but what the country is and has 173WH Science and Research4 JUNE 2013 Science and Research 174WH

[Shabana Mahmood] Shabana Mahmood: The hon. Gentleman is right to point out that postgraduate study is not only something stood for in the world. The English language means that that people take on immediately after their first degree. there is already an affinity between our country and The conversations that I have had with universities in many others. Our offer contains something bigger, beyond the past few months have been particularly about the the brilliance of our higher education and science sector, additional pressure from the new fees regime and how to do with what we stand for. they think that it will inhibit future student behaviour. So the universities are thinking five to 10 years ahead as The rhetoric of the past few months has failed to they consider the overall health of the UK research draw a distinction between legitimate concerns about base, which they are right to do. public services, the pace of change, the nature of identity and community and the things that are important for Robert Flello: I am most grateful to my hon. Friend our continued economic standing. Also, there is a soft for giving way again; she is being most generous with power that comes from having educated people who will her time. I am also hearing from a lot of graduates—either be the leading business men and women of future and recent graduates or, indeed, people who are looking growing economies. We are missing out. again at studying—who are finding the general labour I implore the Government, as I have many times, to market so difficult that they perhaps see university as an change course and bring some sense back to the alternative way either to further their own skills or to immigration debate. I urge them to focus on things that move their career on, when they are having difficulty people in Ladywood tell me they are bothered about: moving it on in work; but they cannot actually afford to illegal immigration, which seems to have dropped off go to university as an alternative. Is that something she the radar. If everything is about net migration, the has encountered? Government appear not to be particularly focused on enforcing rules that would clamp down on illegal Shabana Mahmood: I thank my hon. Friend for that immigration, or on making sure, when people are found intervention; he is right to make that point. One of the to be here illegally, that they are quickly deported. I things that lots of business leaders in particular have have for months been telling the UK Border Agency been talking to me about in the last few months has about some constituency cases in which people are here been that in previous recessions some of our biggest illegally, and nothing has been done; yet international companies would have sent some of their work force students are being put off coming to study in this back into additional study to expand their skills, in the country. It is a bizarre state of affairs, and I wish that hope that by the time those workers finished their the Government would bring some sense back to that studies the companies might be on an upswing again policy area. and benefit from having refreshed and re-energised workers who would have had the opportunity to go out The hon. Member for Cambridge referred to there and explore new ideas. That has been missing postgraduates and their funding. Universities have for from the behaviour of big companies in this recession, months been telling me that early indications of the so there are changes in how people are reacting to the impact of the Government’s new £9,000 fees regime are current recession, the squeeze on living standards and that there is upward pressure on the postgraduate student the way in which they are making decisions about study market, as additional study now seems much less affordable and improving their qualifications. for a generation of students that will graduate with a People from all parties have to grapple with that large debt. That is a problem that universities have been issue, because it is in all our interests to ensure that the flagging up for a while. UK has a properly qualified labour market that can By 2015, the first cohort of students under the new meet our future needs. That is not just an investment for regime will graduate. There is a danger that their future now; it involves thinking about what people will be decisions about whether to pursue postgraduate study doing years from now. I often say to young people I will be inhibited by the view that it will be unaffordable. meet that the jobs they will be doing in 20 years’ time Many people have therefore talked, as the hon. Member probably have not yet been invented. The pace of change for Cambridge did, about an income-contingent loan is very quick, and the ability of our work force to system for postgraduate study. The Minister and I have refresh and renew their skills quickly is becoming ever debated postgraduate funding before in Westminster more urgent. Hall and recognised that it poses a significant challenge I will finish my remarks by returning to money, given at a time of economic difficulty. However, we need to that the comprehensive spending review is looming in grapple with the supply of graduates into postgraduate just a couple of weeks’ time. I hope that the Minister is study. If we fall behind, that will affect our future able to continue to make the argument for science. He is research base. a supporter of science and his work supporting science has been much appreciated by people in the science community. I hope that he is able to continue to make Dr Huppert: I am sure that the hon. Lady did not the case for science, but I also hope that he is able to mean to imply that people who go on to do postgraduate argue for something that looks like a much longer-term courses do so straight after undergraduate courses. I am approach, so that we get away from a piecemeal, “let’s sure that she is well aware that a lot of mature people go just survive this year or this Parliament” approach and on to do postgraduate study. People do part-time consider having a bigger and bolder statement about postgraduate courses as well. Lots of people already how this country truly thinks it will win the global race. have concerns about postgraduate funding, and a number The time has come for rhetoric to start to match of those cases are nothing to do with the cost of reality, if not to match reality completely; the Minister undergraduate education. would not expect me to say that it would completely 175WH Science and Research4 JUNE 2013 Science and Research 176WH match reality because we are, after all, the Opposition. Councils UK, running at approximately £2.8 billion a Nevertheless, I hope that we can get to a place where year. In addition, there are specific items such as the rhetoric starts to match reality and that we will be truly funding for the learned societies and the Higher Education able to say in the middle of this century that we still Innovation Funding programme, which get us to the hope to be a global power, punching above our weight £4.6 billion ring fence. I think that this is the first time and doing science well. we have had a ring fence that has included all those items, so that even in a time of austerity we have been 3.32 pm able to say that we are maintaining the cash going into current activity. The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Willetts): I appreciate the opportunity to respond to Although sometimes people have set alongside that this very important debate, Mr Caton, and I congratulate what has happened in the retail prices index and said, my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) “Well, that is a real-terms cut”, if they look at the on his excellent introduction of it. As he said, if we were advice that we have received from the experts about the not able to have this debate at a Campaign for Science efficiency of the science base’s performance, they will and Engineering event, at least we can have it in Westminster see that there clearly was, and still is, scope for efficiency Hall. I also enjoyed the contribution to the debate by savings. In so far as any group of scientists and researchers the hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood (Shabana can save money by working more efficiently, they can be Mahmood). confident that that money is extra resource that can go into real activity instead, because it is within the ring There were many points in my hon. Friend’s speech fence. that I agreed with, but I just want to mention a couple of them to start with. First, he rightly said that although To give one example of how we are generating efficiency this debate is called a debate about science, we are savings, there is now far better sharing of scientific kit actually talking about the wide range of research activities than there used to be. If we consider some of the across all disciplines. Indeed, within the science ring initiatives, for example, in the N8 group of northern fence I was very keen, on the advice of the experts, that universities, we see that for the first time—it is rather we should not do some dramatic rebalancing away from shocking that it is happening for the first time—those the arts and humanities or whatever. Within that ring universities are preparing registers so that they know all fence, we have broadly maintained the cash funding the equipment that is available in all their science labs. going to the Arts and Humanities Research Council Consequently, before one of them buys some expensive and to the Economic and Social Research Council. In new piece of kit, they can work out whether they can fact, one of Britain’s strengths—we face challenges, but share a piece of kit that one of the other universities we should not forget our strengths—is that for a medium- has. If they do need new equipment, they can purchase sized economy we have an extraordinary range of scientific it collectively so that it can be shared among them. I do and research activities, and as every major challenge not buy the argument that performance and efficiency facing the world will be tackled by harnessing a range of are fixed, and that the cash ring fence therefore equals different disciplines it is very important that we maintain real-terms cuts. that breadth. I am pleased with what both the previous speakers I also very much liked and strongly agreed with my have said about the scientific community, and I greatly hon. Friend’s point that, unlike conventional fears about appreciate and salute the community myself. However, “crowding out”, this is an area where we “crowd in” one of my challenges to the community is to turn the spending. Indeed, there is a theme running through a cash-protected ring fence into a real resource-protected lot of the new initiatives that the Government have been ring fence by delivering efficiency savings to offset the able to introduce of actively trying to encourage industry, rate of inflation. business and charities to come in and invest with us. That was part of the logic, for example, of the competition It is indeed the case that capital is outside the ring for the investment in new research and development fence. Again, that was a deliberate decision. The aim in facilities on university campuses, the research partnership the time of austerity was at least to keep the activity innovation fund. With £300 million of public money, going. However, more discretionary decisions about we have attracted more than £700 million of private capital investment can of course be taken. I must say investment. There has therefore been £1 billion of new that we inherited some stark discretionary decisions investment in R and D on university campuses, but with from the previous Government. There had been an only £300 million of that £1 billion counting as public artificial surge in science capital spend in 2009-10, but expenditure. My hon. Friend made a lot of other good we then inherited plans for significant reductions in points, but the two that I have mentioned particularly science capital spend, as part of a wider reduction. caught my attention. People should remember that the 40% reduction in capital spend was simply the overall plan for capital Let me briefly touch on the nitty-gritty of spending, that we inherited from the previous Government. We because underneath the fine words it is obvious that did not add any further cuts. Members want to focus on where we are on spending. There is a powerful logic for the science ring fence as we Let me get back to the figures. Initially, about £1.9 billion have constructed it for this Parliament, because for the of science capital was expected in the five years of this first time it brings together all the main areas of current Parliament. We have been able to add approximately spending. It is deliberately and explicitly a current spending another £1.5 billion to that so that we have ended up pledge for this Parliament, which means it brings together with science capital spending, over the life of this Parliament, the quality-related research funding from the Higher that is not out of line with the level that it was running Education Funding Council for England, running at at before the exceptional year of 2009-10. With great about £1.6 billion a year, and the spending of Research support from the Chancellor, who completely understands 177WH Science and Research4 JUNE 2013 Science and Research 178WH

[Mr David Willetts] only to be repaid when the graduates were earning more than £21,000. There is not the same kind of programme the value of science, I have taken decisions that have for postgrads, so the decision by universities to raise enabled us to have imaginative investments in new science their fees, even though there had not necessarily been capital. I will not go through the details of that now. any reductions in funding, has had some impact on We have heard criticism about those being ad hoc demand. decisions. My hon. Friend made an eloquent plea, Arguments are being made for postgraduate loans. I asking, “Can we have a long-term plan?” Last autumn, welcome the debate about options for postgraduate Research Councils UK published a strategic framework student funding, but my experience with part-time students containing its plans. In fact, it was launched in the most suggests that if we went down that route, there would favourable circumstances possible, as part of a speech have to be some controls over numbers and some regulation by the Chancellor in august surroundings in the Royal of postgraduates, which would change the postgraduate Society. I cannot think of a better way for a capital plan scene from the relatively open, unregulated one that to be launched than via a speech by the Chancellor. exists at the moment. Pros and cons need to be carefully We did not commit ourselves, there and then, to all assessed. the capital spending that has been set out, but we provided a framework and recognised the uncertainties The hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood asked of politics and finance. We cannot always be sure exactly about women in science. I understand where she is what we will be able to afford at what moment. Nevertheless, coming from, and I agree that the science community we have a clear, consistent, long-term vision. Drawing needs to do more to deliver diversity. I tracked down on the expertise of the scientific community, we tried to some depressing statistics, showing how many people identify where the need for new capital was most intense with good As and A*s in GCSE physics and maths and where there were strong arguments for extra capital converted those into a decision to carry on at A-level. investment. We published that document, and in the That brings home the challenge that she is concerned autumn statement the Chancellor made a further £600 about. Some 52% of boys who get an A* at GCSE million of investment that helped deliver on some of physics carry on to do A-level physics, but only 25% of those aims. Even with capital, our record and our plans girls who get an A* at GCSE physics do so. That is a show that we have achieved a lot. real challenge. Meanwhile, it is interesting to note—sadly, I do not want to get into specifics at this rather we are talking about gender stereotypes—that 41% of delicate moment in the plans for public spending in boys with an A* in GCSE biology go on to do A-level 2015-16, but the coalition stands by its pledge. We are biology and 56% of girls with that grade go on to do so. aiming to make Britain the best place in the world to do Some decisions are being taken that we need to tackle. I science. That is partly a matter of financing and partly will be at the Cheltenham science festival later this about the wider context and culture. For example, our week, which is a great event, and among the many lead in the global debate on open access and open data things that I will celebrate there, I look forward to ensures that we are seen as serious players in the science meeting our STEMNET ambassadors—now 40% female, debate. Indeed, I look forward to putting on the agenda which helps—who go round schools and colleges for discussions with G8 Science Ministers in London, encouraging young people to get into science. There is just over a week from now, what we can do to agree on obviously far more that we can do. further progress towards open access to research findings We have made progress and we strongly support the internationally and—even trickier, probably—how we Athena SWAN principles, aimed at diversity. In the past can ensure greater access to the data behind the research year, the Department of Health has required clinical findings. In that respect, there are a host of rather tricky medical schools to have a silver award for Athena technical questions about standards for the storing, and SWAN principles. Research Councils UK, in a statement hence the mining, of data. We can be proud of what we earlier this year, which I welcomed, said that it expected are trying to do to support Britain’s excellent reputation institutions in receipt of RCUK funding to provide on science. evidence of commitment to equality and diversity. Let me touch on two or three specific questions. Participation in Athena SWAN was the kind of evidence First, my hon. Friend asked about postgraduates. I that they were looking for. We are trying, without understand the anxiety about postgraduates. I have to getting too directive, to use our nudge powers—the say that the Government have not been deliberately fashionable doctrine that we in the coalition signed up reducing funding for postgraduates; the funding through to—to get research councils to use their clear financial research councils and HEFCE has been broadly maintained. clout to nudge institutions towards those important There has been some shift in some of the research Athena SWAN principles. councils’ policies on larger centres for doctoral training, reflecting a view that it is probably better for people Both my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge and studying for doctorates to be in centres alongside other the hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood, asked people doing so. That has also enabled us to make about overseas students and student visas. I have to say stronger connections between people doing doctorates to the latter that, not for the first time, Labour’s figures and their opportunities for business and industrial do not add up. The evidence that I cited in my intervention experience. shows that it is possible to reduce the total net migration We have to understand what is happening with number, as measured by the United Nations, and maintain postgraduates. Some universities increased their the flow of university students. I was intrigued and postgraduate fees in line with what was happening on encouraged when she did not follow my hon. Friend student fees, but, of course, the latter was being done as into the issue of the measurement of migration. There part of a policy and was matched by access to loans are different ways of constructing the statistics. 179WH Science and Research4 JUNE 2013 Science and Research 180WH

There are two crucial issues for higher education be proud of the initiatives we have taken to drive institutions. First, they fear that, in response to bad forward the agenda, and I will end with some brief figures on net migration, there would be a crackdown examples of those initiatives. on legitimate overseas students as the only way of First, I am sorry that my hon. Friend the Member for meeting the target, but we made it absolutely clear in Cambridge does not like the name, but I think “Catapult the coalition’s mid-term review: centre” is a great name—although admittedly it is a bit “We will place no cap on the number of genuine students unfortunate for the space Catapult centre. [Laughter.] coming from across the world to study in this country”. Britain withdrew from having its own launch vehicle We have no plans to introduce any such cap, so there 30 years ago, but the space Catapult centre is not an should be no kind of planning blight with people saying, attempt at bringing back a new, cheap option for a “We are okay at the moment, but they are going to do launch vehicle. something nasty to introduce number controls.” There The space Catapult centre is a bit tricky, but the rest are no such plans, and we made that clear in the are excellent. Of course, the Catapult centres are our coalition’s mid-term agreement. attempt to catch up with the German Fraunhofer institutes, The second anxiety—I noticed how the hon. Lady and it is interesting that, in his report for the outgoing shifted her ground to this position—is about bad public Labour Government, Hermann Hauser proposed relations and bad publicity. There has been very bad something similar. When my party was in opposition, I publicity, with hostile and often misleading media coverage, was involved in commissioning a report from James in India in particular. That is why the Prime Minister Dyson, and he also proposed something very similar. made it one of the priorities of his most recent trade The Catapult centres are proving to be a great success. mission to India, on which I accompanied him with We started with the high-value manufacturing Catapult representatives of higher education, to get the message centres, which drew on a lot of facilities that already across in India that legitimate students are welcome, existed. We inherited those facilities, but we spread with no cap on numbers. I heard him say that in them into exciting new areas such as regenerative medicines, interview after interview, and I took the opportunity to applications of satellite data and renewable energy. say so, too. We all need to do everything we can to get Another initiative is the catalyst fund, which tries to that message across, which appears to be a particular provide rather greater cohesion between research council challenge on the Indian subcontinent; the growth in the spending and Technology Strategy Board spending. number of students coming here from China is healthy The £180 million catalyst fund in life sciences comprises and being maintained. Our commitment on not planning £90 million of Medical Research Council funding and to introduce number controls in the future should help. £90 million of TSB funding working together so that researchers in the life sciences may have a grant—it is Dr Huppert: The Minister is absolutely right. There is non-dilutive finance—to fund their work all the way no cap, but there are issues with perception. There are from the lab to commercialisation. The reaction to that also problems with administration, and there are cases scheme from researchers and industry has been very of students being badly dealt with by the UK Border positive, and we have been able to repeat it on a smaller Agency, as it was. Will he try to ensure that problems scale in one or two other areas such as biotechnology. that do not fit with the policy are corrected? At the beginning of my speech, I think I referred to the research partnership investment fund and the co-funding Mr Willetts: Yes. I accept that there are problems of higher education R and D capital. That has now with administration, and the UKBA, HEFCE and leveraged £1 billion. As well as those types of innovative Universities UK are now working together in a more policies, we continue to play a full role in the development co-operative spirit than we have seen for a long time to of science globally. Later this week, we will be celebrating try to address those problems. the topping out ceremony for the Francis Crick Institute My hon. Friend the Minister for Immigration is now in London. There is fantastic, massive investment in the visiting universities. We have heard about his visit to life sciences in London. Last week, as my hon. Friend Cambridge, and I went with him to the London School the Member for Cambridge mentioned, Her Majesty of Economics a month or two ago. It was an interesting the Queen officially opened the new buildings for the visit, and it began with LSE officials saying, “One of laboratory of molecular biology in Cambridge. Sadly, I our female students came back into the country yesterday was not able to be there, but it has a claim to be the to sit her exams. She wasn’t able to take them earlier post-war world’s most productive science lab, and it is because she had been ill, but, sadly, she was detained at up there as one of the greats. Heathrow”, or wherever it was. They asked, “Could you In Britain, we have also been able to play a leading perhaps ensure that she is released so that she can come role in the square kilometre array, which is a massive and do her exams?” My hon. Friend undertook to sort radio-astronomy project that will involve 3,000 satellite that out, and I am pleased to report that she was dishes spread across the deserts of Australia and South released. My hon. Friend is actively visiting universities. Africa. The massive data flow from those dishes will be He has already visited Cambridge and LSE, and I think coming to and managed out of Jodrell Bank, where he plans to visit others. I accompany him when possible, there are the finest traditions of radio-astronomy. We and he is trying to ensure that the systems work well are keen to use the square kilometre array to drive the and effectively so that universities know where they development of scientific capability in, for example, stand. sub-Saharan Africa, because it will be one of the biggest I will conclude this very useful debate by referring to single science investments that southern Africa has ever some other initiatives, because I do not see what we had. We can be pleased with the initiatives we are have been doing on science as simply a defensive operation taking, and I will discuss open data and open access at for maintaining the cash spend. The coalition can also the G8 summit. 181WH Science and Research 4 JUNE 2013 182WH

[Mr Willetts] A120 (Colchester) As I believe there is about to be a Division in the 4.15 pm House, I will conclude by welcoming the high level of shared recognition, across all three parties represented Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): today, of the importance of science and of supporting I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to debate it. In a way, the fact that our three parties approach this issue and thank the Under-Secretary of State for science in that vein is our best single guarantee of Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Lewes (Norman long-term stability for scientific activity in this country. Baker), for being present to reply. The A120 is a major economic artery in north Essex. 3.58 pm Its route follows the old Roman road of Stane street Sitting suspended. from Standon in Hertfordshire, through Colchester and on to Harwich. Today, it is the vital trunk route from the M11 and Stansted airport to the port of Harwich. Its importance nationally, regionally and locally was recognised when the Department for Transport published a route-based strategy for the A12 and the A120 earlier this year. The route supports the national and regional economy by providing the link from London and the south-east to the ports of Harwich and Felixstowe and on to Europe. Locally, it is used as a commuter route, serving the growing towns of Chelmsford, Colchester and Ipswich. The road will also be functioning above capacity by 2021, and will struggle to keep up with demand if the large amount of growth proposed for the towns and cities along it is built. A significant level of growth is planned along the route in terms of jobs and houses. The key areas are around Chelmsford and Colchester, but the port of Harwich is also expected to expand. Despite all that, the A120 is not designated as part of the core network, which prevents the road from qualifying for access to the £13 billion pot of funding in the European Union’s trans-European network fund—if we are going to pay into it, we may as well get our money out of it. There is no excuse for that; it is the only road in the UK connecting a major port to a major airport. Improvements to the road were the subject of a section 106 agreement that was included in the Bathside bay planning application for the development of a five-berth container port at the Harwich International port. The development, however, is on hold due to the downturn in world trade, so the improvements suggested in the section 106 agreement, which would have addressed the failings I am about to discuss, will not happen in the foreseeable future. Improvements cannot be left any longer, and certainly cannot remain dependent on future developments and planning applications. The key safety concerns must be addressed. In particular, the stretch spanning the three junctions of Harwich Road, Pellens Corner and Park Road is extremely dangerous. At each of the junctions, traffic turning right must cross the central reservation and oncoming traffic, which is travelling at the national speed limit of 70 mph. The geography—the ground rises, and there is a bend towards the Pellens Corner junction—makes it extremely difficult to judge the speed of oncoming traffic. Derek Hambling, the manager of local bus company Cedric Coaches, whose drivers use the junction every day, comments: “I have seen many near misses where cars have been edging out to see past my bus as I wait to turn right towards Elmstead and have made traffic on the A120 swerve to miss them.” Following a spate of accidents, works were carried out in February and April 2012 with the aim of making 183WH A120 (Colchester)4 JUNE 2013 A120 (Colchester) 184WH those junctions safe—I am grateful to the Highways unforeseen. There is no doubt that it will damage the Agency for its efforts. The overwhelming response from local economy. Nigel Dyson, vice-chairman of Little members of the public who use the junctions, however, Bentley parish council, commented: was that the changes did not make the junctions any “Since 2005 we have been fighting to stop the deaths on the safer. In fact, drivers found that the new road markings A120 and get a solution” made the junctions harder to navigate and even more dangerous. I speak from my own experience, because it but is possible to lose the sense of where one is in the “we are really no closer to doing this, and just to plunge our junction on a dark and rainy night, even if only driving villages into chaos is not the solution.” down the A120. We must be mindful of the problems that that would cause for local businesses. Steve Wilcox, chairman of Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): I am listening Little Bromley parish council, pointed out: to my hon. Friend with great interest, in particular as he “The impact on local businesses will be significant. There are a discusses accidents that can happen. The focus of his number of businesses in Little Bromley”— interest is the eastern section of the A120, but, west of there and still on the A120, between Braintree and and in other villages— Marks Tey, there are two other accident points. One is “which operate on small margins, relying on deliveries or visiting at the turning of Bradwell village, where I live, where trade. The pub trade, which is already struggling, would be dealt a numerous accidents happen, and a bit further along at serious blow putting them at risk in the village and the surrounding the junction between— areas…The closure of these crossovers will affect a great many communities within Tendring, particularly the small rural ones struggling to thrive. Communities as far away as Clacton, Walton, Martin Caton (in the Chair): Order. The intervention Frinton and Harwich will also be affected.” is rather long. A local pub landlord told me: Mr Newmark: Does my hon. Friend agree that more “The closure of the access from the A120 to Little Bromley investment is needed on the A120 west of Colchester as from Harwich, Clacton and surrounding villages will have a devastating effect on the future of the pub. As well as being well as east of it? a locals’ pub over 50% of our customers currently travel from these areas.” Mr Jenkin: The three junctions I mentioned raise questions about the safety management of many similar That closure will put traffic back on to local back roads, junctions on the trunk road and motorway network: are with the attendant safety risks, and this is the point I they given sufficient priority? If as many injuries occurred want to concentrate on. One local couple said: on the railways or in the aviation industry as occur on “There have been too many injuries and too many deaths over our roads, far more money would be spent on that, and the past ten years, please do not relocate these accident black a far higher priority would be given to it than is given to spots on to our country lanes.” these accident black spots. That is the point that I think Many of the back roads and country lanes are very my hon. Friend wants me to make about the junctions narrow and totally unsuited to a volume of commuter he discussed. or bus traffic. Fortunately, we have not had any fatalities at the A long-term solution is needed. Ideally, it will include three junctions since the works were completed—perhaps a roundabout to cater for two junctions, and closure of that is a benefit of the changes—but there has been a the third junction. This proposal is supported by Cedric steady stream of serious collisions, often resulting in Coaches, and the Highways Agency describes it as severe injuries, proving that that stretch of road remains extremely unsafe. We have been lucky.During the 12 months “a viable long term option”. since the junctions were improved, there have been However, the money must be found. There is an economic 10 incidents, nearly seven times the accident rate that case for it at local and regional levels, given the importance would be expected statistically speaking. Prior to the of the road and the junctions to the local economy; but junction improvements, the accident rate was 6.3 per most importantly there is a strong case based on the 12 months, or 4.6 times the average expected statistically. improved safety that it would bring to the junctions, The junctions were already dangerous, and may now be which they have lacked for so long. even more dangerous. Those figures again bear out In the meantime, interim measures are needed. The Derek Hamblin’s observation: preservation of life and avoidance of more accidents is “It is much more dangerous than it was before the changes.” paramount. I recognise the pressure on the Highways The Highways Agency accepts that more needs to be Agency to act, but I share the overwhelming view done to improve safety on this stretch of the A120, and expressed by local residents that closing the gaps in the I am extremely grateful for its responsiveness. However, central reservation cannot be the long-term solution. it carried out a further safety audit which gave rise to its Peter Halliday, leader of Tendring district council, states: proposal to close the gaps in the central reservation so “Whilst we acknowledge the safety issues that present themselves that drivers would no longer be able to turn right off the to road users at these junctions, the compounding of rural A120 across the path of the oncoming traffic. That will isolation their closure would cause is unacceptable for our district. stop accidents at the location, but it is not a practical or In particular those residents and businesses that rely on two way safe solution. access onto the A120 and those that simply need to cross the road to go about their daily routine. We simply cannot understand First, it will significantly increase many local journey why, as is the case in other locations, speed reduction measures times, including those for emergency vehicles responding can’t be put in place to reduce the regularity and severity of to call-outs. Scheduled public bus services will be affected, collisions and free unfettered access to the major trunk road be and adding half an hour to a local bus journey is not maintained.” 185WH A120 (Colchester)4 JUNE 2013 A120 (Colchester) 186WH

Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): I congratulate my hon. corners, blind driveways, no footpaths and there is no Friend on securing this important debate. Does he agree speed limit enforcement. That is not a practical or safe that, central to his premise regarding the required safety solution, which closing the gaps would require us to improvements to the east of the A120, is the need for adopt. much more strategic and long-term thinking, and to We need a roundabout as soon as possible. In the explore making that part of the A120 an economic interim, the only practical solution is average-speed corridor that will bring substantial benefits to all, including cameras. In a letter to me today, the Under-Secretary of many of the rural villages along that stretch of the State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for road? Wimbledon (Stephen Hammond), who has responsibility for roads, makes no reference to a lower speed limit and Mr Jenkin: I am most grateful to my hon. Friend for enforcement measures. I am disappointed by that. Please her intervention because she reinforces my earlier point will the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my about the huge economic importance of this route and hon. Friend the Member for Lewes, who is at least the emphasises its potential. However, the burden of my Minister for traffic management, take that very clear point today is what needs to be done now. The issue message back to his colleague in the Department. cannot wait for the long term and a strategic decision to be worked out and implemented: it must be addressed now, particularly given that it has been brought to a 4.30 pm head by the threat of closing the junctions. Steve Wilcox of Little Bromley parish council agrees The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport that in this case: (Norman Baker): I begin by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich and North Essex (Mr “The correct, immediate, action is to impose a 40mph speed limit, enforced by speed cameras, and to rectify the dangerously Jenkin) on securing this debate on safety on the A120 misleading road markings which fail to indicate the correct priorities east of Colchester. I know that he has rightly been and the poorly marked traffic islands. The junctions should be campaigning for a long time on the issue and that he is then dealt with by providing a suitable designed traffic roundabout concerned about the safety record of the road. I recognise as a matter of utmost priority.” his continuing concern, hence his raising the importance I have argued that, instead of closing the gaps, there of the subject for his constituents, local businesses and should be a reduced speed limit, coupled with enforcement the local economy this afternoon. using average-speed cameras. Speed is part of the safety I am aware that my hon. Friend has written to the problem. A seven-day speed audit in 2011 showed that Highways Agency and has asked parliamentary questions between the Park road and Bentley road junctions more on the subject, and that he recently met my ministerial than 40% of vehicles were exceeding the speed limit, colleague, the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, and that did not include heavy vehicles, which are my hon. Friend the Member for Wimbledon (Stephen subject to a lower speed limit and may well have been Hammond), to discuss modifications to the road layout exceeding their own speed limit, but not 70 mph. Needless at Harwich Road, Park Road and Pellens Corner junctions to say, that makes the junctions more dangerous and completed in April 2012, as well as the continuing accidents far more serious. In four of the six accidents safety problems, which he referred to, and what might at the Harwich road junction since the works on the be done to tackle them. I understand that my ministerial junction, colleague wrote to my hon. Friend recently to provide “failure to judge the other person’s path or speed” an update, as he confirmed. was cited as a likely contributory factor. Correcting Before I respond to the specific points that my hon. excessive speed would make it easier for drivers to make Friend raised, it is perhaps worth taking the opportunity those judgments. The Highways Agency safety audit to set out the Government’s position on road safety. It report recognised that a reduction in the severity of remains a top priority for the Department. We have a collisions good record, but we are not complacent, and we are “could be achieved through reducing the speeds on the A120 by determined to improve on it. The Secretary of State has implementing a reduced speed limit and enforcing with speed made that a priority since assuming office at the cameras to ensure compliance.” Department. We are determined to improve by training Reducing traffic speed would reduce the severity of and testing drivers more effectively, by raising awareness accidents. Fortunately, the decision to close the gaps has of road safety generally, by enforcing the law, and by been put off for a month or so, so that alternatives can investing in our roads to make alterations to improve be considered following public opposition to the proposal. safety when the road itself is a problem. I am grateful for that. We cannot have further delay The Government’s strategic framework for road safety while we wait for yet another safety audit to determine sets out our vision for achieving that objective. It is which is the best way to resolve this ongoing problem. supported by the Highways Agency’s commitment to make Funding must be found for a roundabout at Pellens further safety improvements to reduce casualties on the corner, and in the meantime more immediate short-term strategic road network. The network is the Government’s measures must be taken, preferably an enforced speed largest single asset, currently valued at about £100 billion limit reduction. and comprising approximately 4,350 miles of motorways The only argument against average speed cameras and all-purpose trunk roads. The Government recognises appears to be the cost, but I am afraid that that is not the importance of transport infrastructure to support good enough. A 40 mph speed limit would undoubtedly the economy, and we have already announced increased save lives and money. The same cannot be said for the levels of Government funding to deliver improvements proposed gap closures. Some lanes around the A120 are targeted at supporting economic growth. At the 2010 hardly wide enough for a school bus, and there are blind spending review, we began investing £1.4 billion in 187WH A120 (Colchester)4 JUNE 2013 A120 (Colchester) 188WH starting 14 major road schemes over the spending review Highways Agency, at the moment, has concluded that a period, with another £900 million to complete existing reduced speed limit would not significantly reduce the schemes. frequency of accidents. It favours gap closures as a About £1 billion of new investment was allocated in preferred short-term option, and it is continuing to the 2011 autumn statement to tackling areas of congestion investigate a longer-term solution. and improving the national road network. In the 2012 autumn statement, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Jenkin: Is there any reason why there cannot be a announced additional capital investment in this Parliament temporary speed camera trial to test that assertion? that would enable construction to begin on further Closing the gaps without testing that assertion seems schemes and others to be accelerated. Those proposals extremely irresponsible to me. will make an early contribution to stimulating economic growth. Norman Baker: I understand that point entirely. I The Chancellor also announced in his 2012 autumn fully recognise that simply closing the gaps will have an statement the provision of a further £100 million of adverse affect on local residents and businesses, as my capital expenditure in this spending review period to hon. Friend has eloquently described today. Indeed, undertake further pinch point schemes, bringing the diversions could be several miles long, depending on the total fund to £317 million in that period. That includes journeys to be taken. Therefore, prior to deciding on the a £0.28 million pinch point scheme to widen Galleys most appropriate method to improve road safety, traffic Corner roundabout south of Braintree. Two other schemes surveys will be undertaken to provide information on were suggested for pinch point funding by the local that and the likely impact on the local roads. He was enterprise partnership. One was at Earls Colne, which concerned about rat-running as an unintended consequence unfortunately did not, in our estimation, offer value for of any changes. money. The other was at the junctions that are the I am advised that the surveys will be carried out in subject of this debate, but it was unable to be taken June. The Highways Agency, working with Essex county forward from that funding source, as it was considered council, because clearly, it is responsible for the side unlikely to be delivered by March 2015 because of roads, and the police, will use the results of those deliverability risks that were due to land requirements. I surveys to determine how best to improve road safety in will perhaps come back to that point. both the short and long terms. I can confirm that I want to skip to the main points that my hon. Friend consideration of the use of a speed limit will inform the raised, and if I have time, I will come back to the decision, and that that is not intended simply to move comments that I have been invited to make about the problem elsewhere. route-based strategies. Although they are interesting, At this stage, I want to make a point about localism they are perhaps less germane to my hon. Friend and and devolution. Across both coalition parties, the the matters that he has raised directly this afternoon, Government has been very keen on championing that which I take very seriously. and on paying more attention to what is said locally. I I have said that the Government recognises safety as feel that we should be listening to local MPs, who know a top priority. I share my hon. Friend’s deep concern their patches very carefully, before final decisions are and recognise his continued campaign for improvements taken on any alterations to road schemes in their areas. at the junctions. Although the overall average accident Therefore, I confirm that I will feed back the comments rate for the A120 east of Colchester is less than the my hon. Friend has made this afternoon to the Under- national average, the rate varies, with that for junctions Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the generally higher than on the rest of the route. The Member for Wimbledon, and ensure that the Highways collision risk at those particular junctions is significantly Agency is aware of his views. He has asked whether higher than one would expect. That is not acceptable, there could be a speed limit trial, enforced by cameras. and I fully acknowledge that improvements are necessary. Clearly, that is something that will need to be considered. It is regrettable that the modifications completed in It is not my responsibility, but I will at least undertake April 2012, although generally delivering a small reduction to ask that that is properly considered before decisions in speeds and an improvement in speed limit observation, are taken to close any gaps, which I know is of concern have not been successful, based on current evidence, in to my hon. Friend. reducing the number and severity of collisions, as one My view is that we need to look at all the options. might have expected. The Highways Agency is, as a Obviously, costs will be a factor, as will an assessment priority, investigating options to try and make those by the Highways Agency of the likely success rate of junctions safer for the public. any particular action it takes, both in terms of the The Highways Agency’s road safety audit concluded positive upsides in reducing accidents and the negative that further measures to improve safety at those junctions downsides in consequences for local residents. should be investigated and that the most effective way to improve safety would be to close the gaps in the Mr Jenkin: I am waiting for the Minister to raise the central reservation. That was because the recent accident land acquisition issue, which I will want to intervene on history suggested that motorists commonly find it difficult him about, but will he explain why he thinks the police to judge the distance and speed of approaching vehicles might be objecting to average speed cameras? Do they when undertaking right turn movements at the junctions. bear any cost for the cameras’installation and maintenance? If, following surveys, the Highways Agency concludes I should have thought that the cameras might make that it is not feasible to close the gaps, the severity of quite a bit of money for the speed camera authority. Do collisions could be reduced by implementing a reduced they involve any additional labour for the police that speed limit, as my hon. Friend advocates, enforced with would incur cost? Why would the police be objecting speed cameras to ensure compliance. However, the to it? 189WH A120 (Colchester)4 JUNE 2013 A120 (Colchester) 190WH

Norman Baker: I hope I did not say that the police course, enable U-turns to be made without people having were objecting. I think I said that the police would be to travel long distances to alternative points on the consulted, and we are working with the Highways Agency network. There is an issue, I understand, about land and Essex county council to determine the best way acquisition, because clearly it has to be determined forward. If the police are objecting, my hon. Friend will whether a roundabout could be constructed entirely have to pursue the matter with them. I suppose that, if I within Highways Agency land or whether that would were to speculate, it would be that the police are concerned require the acquisition of other land, either voluntarily that speed cameras are put in places where they believe or through compulsory purchase. they would be most effective, and not in places where they believe the value of a speed camera would be Mr Jenkin: I can certainly confirm that any likely diminished. However, that is pure speculation on my roundabout would involve the acquisition of private part. Their views will be sought as part of the activity in land, but I can also speak with reasonable authority on June involving the Highways Agency and Essex county behalf of the landowners. They would be only too council. willing to contribute to a safe and practical solution to this junction, because they are local farmers and it Mr Jenkin: I have yet to have a coherent explanation affects the movement of their farm vehicles. from Essex police as to why it is objecting to the speed cameras. There are other places on the road network where very similar problems occur, such as on the A14 Norman Baker: That is also a helpful intervention, and on an A road in Nottinghamshire, between Nottingham and again I will ensure that it is fed back to my ministerial and Ollerton, where speed cameras have recently been colleague. installed at similar junctions and have dramatically We expect an initial analysis of survey results to be reduced accident rates. I do not see what the problem is available in July and we would want potential measures in principle about speed cameras on this stretch of to be introduced as soon as possible later this summer. I road. The police seem to be objecting to that and have share the view that if there is an accident problem in not given an explanation. this area, which there is, and if the measures taken so far have not dealt with it, we do have a responsibility to Norman Baker: The hon. Gentleman has put it on the try to find a way of dealing with the matter, because record that the police have not given him an explanation. obviously people’s lives are at risk. I am disappointed if that is the case. No doubt they will I conclude by again congratulating the hon. Gentleman avidly follow this debate and will want to give him, as on raising this important issue for his constituents. I the local Member of Parliament, an explanation as to confirm again that the Highways Agency is developing their views. I would hope that they would do so on the proposals to improve road safety at these junctions in back of this debate, and that will help to inform future both the short and the long term, taking account of the decision making about the road. impact on local residents and businesses. I will specifically I have some sympathy with the hon. Gentleman’s ask to make sure that his suggestions are factored in suggestion that the long-term solution might be a and properly evaluated as part of that process, and I roundabout. Roundabouts are proven to be safe hope very much that the steps that the Highways Agency constructions on the trunk road network. They also, of ends up taking will benefit him and his constituents. 191WH 4 JUNE 2013 Drug-resistant Tuberculosis 192WH (Developing Countries) Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (Developing have to take 15 to 20 tablets a day for up to two years to Countries) be cured of this more extreme form of the disease and they often experience horrible physical and psychological side effects as a result. It is also on the rise in the WHO 4.43 pm European region, particularly in eastern Europe. Almost 80,000 cases occurred in the European region in 2011, Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): It is a accounting for nearly one quarter of all DR-TB cases pleasure to see you presiding in the Chair, Mr Caton. I worldwide. will try to get through my remarks as quickly as possible, as a couple of other hon. Members would like to make The UK is not immune to this problem. London has a contribution and the Minister, whom it is good to see the highest TB rate of any capital city in western in her place, has very kindly indicated that she would be Europe, and resistant strains of the disease have gradually happy to hear them. but significantly increased since 2000. In my constituency, there are 61 cases of TB per 100,000 people. That is in After making a few brief comments on tuberculosis Tower Hamlets. Neighbouring Newham, which I used and drug-resistant TB globally and in the UK, I will to represent before the boundary changes in 2010, has raise three important points that I hope the Minister double that amount, giving it the highest rate of TB in will be able to address: support for the Global Fund to the UK. It is comparable to that in some high-TB-burden Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; investing in developing countries. To put that into context, the UK innovation; and the need for a national strategy in the average is 14 cases per 100,000 people. UK to include an international target. However, before raising those issues, I would like to make a few observations. The threat that this public health concern presents to The Minister recently met the all-party group on the UK recently led the chief medical officer for England, global tuberculosis to discuss its report, “Drug-Resistant Dame Sally Davies, to warn that antimicrobial and Tuberculosis: Old Disease—New Threat”. Much of what infectious disease resistance poses a serious threat. One I will speak about today is focused on the conclusion of her key recommendations was for the Government and recommendations of that report, which makes to campaign for it to be given a higher profile and constructive recommendations that are evidence-based. priority internationally. In that regard, financing I thank Mr Simon Logan, co-ordinator for the all-party mechanisms such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, group, for his assistance in preparing my remarks for Tuberculosis and Malaria plays a crucial role in funding today’s debate. programmes for diagnosing and treating TB in low and middle-income countries. The global fund accounts for Tuberculosis in the UK reflects the global reality. TB almost 90% of international TB funding. For many is one of the world’s most common deadly infectious countries, there would not be a response to TB without diseases. In the 1970s, my wife was a junior hospital the global fund’s support. doctor. Her consultant told her that by the time she became a consultant, TB would have disappeared, like polio, due to BCG, mass X-ray and drug treatment. Sir Tony Cunningham (Workington) (Lab): The hon. How wrong can you be? Member for South Derbyshire (Heather Wheeler) and I were on a visit to Ethiopia and visited St Peter’s hospital One third of the world’s population has latent TB, there. I asked what percentage of the funding for the but only a small percentage goes on to develop the drugs came from the global fund, and it is 100%—without active form of the disease, which makes you sick and it, people would die. can kill if not treated. Unfortunately, little progress has been made towards eliminating TB in the UK—there are about 9,000 new cases each year—and global progress Jim Fitzpatrick: My hon. Friend reinforces the point is painfully slow. The disease remains an urgent public that I have just made about how important the global health problem around the world, and we now face a fund is. As I am sure the Minister is aware, the global new threat—drug-resistant strains that are significantly fund is asking donor Governments, such as the UK more expensive and difficult to treat. It should be said Government, for new funding in this replenishment that both are curable, albeit with a long course of year, and the UK Government have a crucial role to antibiotics. TB does not get the profile that the death play in ensuring that that process is successful. and destruction it causes warrant. This is a serious In the history of the fight against TB, there have been issue, and we must do more to tackle it. It is not only a periods of urgency and periods of innovation, but only moral obligation; it is in our national interest. rarely have urgency and innovation come together. The The first line of defence against drug resistance is rise of this new extreme form of the disease has given appropriate management of TB and the strengthening a new sense of urgency to global TB efforts, and after a of the World Health Organisation’s standard treatment, decade of focused investment in TB innovation, we called directly observed therapy, to prevent resistant have a promising pipeline of new drugs, diagnostics and strains from developing. However, we also need to take vaccines. steps to tackle this threat head-on, as it is often airborne It is clear that to address rising rates of drug resistance, and can be passed from person to person in the same action is needed at national and international levels. way as normal TB. The all-party group recently published its report, which Rates of drug-resistant TB appear small in terms was the culmination of more than six months’ work of the global burden of the disease, accounting for consulting world-leading experts on steps that the 440,000 of the almost 9 million new cases each year, but Government could take to help to address the increasing only about 10% have access to diagnosis, and the financial threat of drug-resistant TB. I shall highlight three key and treatment burden is substantial. The number of recommendations from the report, and I would be people affected is increasing and so is the cost. Patients grateful if the Minister focused on those in her response. 193WH 4 JUNE 2013 Drug-resistant Tuberculosis 194WH (Developing Countries) Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I thank the hon. by the evaluation of the Stop TB Partnership later this Gentleman for bringing this important issue to Westminster year. I will be interested to hear her view on that Hall for debate. A group of children and young people recommendation. from Swaziland were recently in my constituency. They Thirdly and finally, I want to mention a national were a Christian choir, and everyone of those children strategy for TB in the UK and the importance of a had AIDS. In Swaziland, 40% of people have AIDS. global target within that. A national strategy for TB has Does he feel that we need to address such issues at the never been developed, despite the public health risk the highest level? That choir is an example of what can disease presents. The UK has seen rising rates of TB happen when medication is available; if they can survive since the 1980s and DR-TB increased by 26% in the AIDS and TB, they can make a contribution to their past year alone. I welcome that the Under-Secretary of country and ultimately across the world. State for Health, the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry) indicated that her Department is supporting Jim Fitzpatrick: I agree with the hon. Gentleman, Public Health England to develop a strategy. I bumped and I am sure that the Minister will repeat that agreement into her before the previous Division and thanked her on the positive outcomes that result from appropriate for her leadership on the matter, in which I have a treatment. constituency as well as a personal interest. I was recently First, the report recommends that we strengthen the invited to a seminar, organised by the Barts and Royal global fund by doubling the UK’s contribution. London TB unit, by Dr Veronica White, the consultant International donor funding, including the majority of in respiratory medicine. Unsurprisingly, it is the biggest the UK’s response to TB in developing countries, comes TB team in the UK and does sterling work locally and almost entirely through the global fund. In 22 high-TB- nationally. burden countries, six are totally reliant on the fund and With all that in mind and given the clear link between in another 15 it accounts for two-thirds of their budget. global and UK rates, will the Government set a specific To scale up access and treatment for DR-TB, which target on their contribution internationally to tackling remain woefully low, the resources the global fund has DR-TB as part of a comprehensive TB strategy, led by at its disposal need to increase. The Government have a Public Health England? key role to play in the replenishment of the fund, having been a key driving force behind the recent reforms it Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): I thank the hon. undertook. I commend the Government for that policy. Gentleman for highlighting the all-party group on global What are their thoughts on our contribution to the fund tuberculosis, which it is my privilege to chair—I am not to address the threat of TB and DR-TB? A lead from paid. Not only does the work on TB help to deliver the the UK should happen as soon as possible, to help Government’s international development objectives, but leverage more from other donor Governments in this it is also in Britain’s interest to get it right. important replenishment year. Jim Fitzpatrick: The hon. Gentleman makes a critical Secondly, the report recommends investment in connection between our national interest and the innovation through TB REACH and continued investment international case, which the Minister and her team in research and development. The Government have acknowledge. I am grateful that she is here. I look already shown leadership in support of developing new, forward to her response. I thank her and her officials for badly needed tools to tackle TB—a policy of successive the excellent work that they have been doing on this Governments that I hope will continue. Some of those subject. I know that members of the all-party group are tools have come to market, specifically new rapid also grateful for the engagement that she and her team diagnostics, but despite that, 3 million people each year have had with them, and we look forward to it continuing. still fail to access diagnosis and treatment for TB, which includes a large portion of people with drug-resistant strains. We need to accelerate our efforts to diagnose TB 4.55 pm by rolling out new technologies, and it is clear that we Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): It is a is need to think outside the box. TB REACH is one way a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Caton. to do that. I congratulate the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse As the Minister knows, TB REACH is a Stop TB (Jim Fitzpatrick) on securing this important debate on Partnership-hosted initiative that gives small grants of the evil that is TB. I draw your attention, Mr Caton, to up to $1 million to find and treat those who do not have my declaration in the Register of Members’ Financial access to TB diagnosis or treatment. It is an incubator Interests. I want make a short contribution today. for innovation and pushes the frontiers of technology. It Earlier in the year, I was fortunate to visit Ethiopia, works closely with DFID-funded UNITAID. In short, with my colleague the hon. Member for Workington TB REACH goes where others cannot and shows (Sir Tony Cunningham), to study the changes that it Governments and donors how to reach the unreachable. had made to eradicate the scourge of TB, organised by Critically, it often demonstrates with data what projects the charity, RESULTS. Although I represent the leafy could be scaled up. The Minister may wish to express a semi-rural seat of South Derbyshire, I became aware of view on whether she agrees with that assessment. Beyond the consequences of TB when a child at a neighbouring their contribution of core funding to the Stop TB secondary school was diagnosed with it following a trip Partnership, which does not cover TB REACH, I ask to see her extended family on the Indian subcontinent. that the Government become a donor to TB REACH, What I saw in Ethiopia was frankly a success story, but to maximise their investments in UNITAID and support a story based on years and years of diligent health care. the expansion of new diagnostic tools to detect and We met Drs Amara and Abseno from St Peter’s hospital, ultimately treat cases of TB, in addition to the work of who, having qualified as doctors 10 years ago, had given the global fund. The funding allocated should be directed their professional life to that TB hospital on the outskirts 195WH Drug-resistant Tuberculosis 4 JUNE 2013 Drug-resistant Tuberculosis 196WH (Developing Countries) (Developing Countries) of Addis Ababa. In other clinics, we saw that ordinary the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick) TB is being managed and now the next steps are to deal on securing this important and timely debate, and I with the rising rates of DR-TB. thank him for having done so. I will try to get through Outside of that specialist hospital, we visited the all the points that have been raised, but if I do not we rural area of Awasa, where we saw the integrated Ethiopian will contact hon. Members afterwards. Ministry of Health extension programme, which has Tuberculosis is an age-old disease. It is tenacious and been successful in delivering primary health care to persistent, and affects the poorest people in the world communities, by training 36,000 health extension workers. and those who are socially marginalised. Every year That TB REACH programme has already doubled TB there are 9 million new cases and nearly 1.4 million detection rates during a two-year period. I sincerely deaths. Although its incidence has been declining slowly hope that our Government will consider joining the since a peak in 2004, and mortality rates have fallen by Canadian Government to fund existing and new 41% since 1990, the vast majority of TB deaths—more programmes for case-finding and treatment in hard-to-reach than 95%—are in the developing world. populations. That is desperately needed: 90% of children Despite some progress, there were 400,000 cases of in Addis Ababa are covered, but only 10% in the region multi-drug resistant TB in 2011. As honourable colleagues of Afar are. Much has been achieved with our aid will be aware, MDR-TB is more difficult and more packages, but there is so much more to do. I hope that expensive to treat than TB. Its spread is threatening the our Minister can respond positively. global response to TB, and makes TB control even more difficult. It is true, therefore, that TB continues to 4.57 pm affect the poorest people in the poorest countries, and Sir Tony Cunningham (Workington) (Lab): I pay tribute remains a serious threat to global health, especially to my hon. Friend the Member for Poplar and Limehouse through the rise of MDR-TB. (Jim Fitzpatrick) for choosing a topic of huge significance and importance. I was delighted to be able to go to The coalition Government share the concerns about Ethiopia with the hon. Member for South Derbyshire drug resistance, and we remain committed to the global (Heather Wheeler), whose work I pay tribute to. I was in goal of halving deaths from TB by 2015. The emergence Geneva at the global fund meeting with the right hon. of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis poses a serious Member for Arundel and South Downs (Nick Herbert), threat to the achievement of that goal and, indeed, to and I also pay tribute to his work in this field. The the effectiveness of our current armoury of medicines global fund is of huge importance. I do not want to and treatments. spend time on it, because it has already been touched Our priorities for TB, and for MDR-TB, are to help on, but I shall reiterate the question that we want the to increase access to effective diagnosis and treatment Minister to answer: what steps are the UK Government of TB; to invest in research and product development taking to support the future replenishment of the global into more effective treatment, diagnostics and vaccines; fund in 2013? It is important because, as I said when I to support countries to strengthen health systems to intervened, the entire budget of many of the hospitals deliver quality TB programmes—a really important dealing with TB comes from the global fund, so without point—and to work with our partners to tackle the risk it, they will have serious problems. factors for TB, including poverty and malnutrition. To put TB REACH, which the hon. Lady touched That is not always highlighted, and most of the work of on, into context, of the estimated 9 million people who the Department for International Development focuses get ill with TB every year, 3 million go without proper on dealing with poverty and malnutrition. diagnosis or treatment. Put simply, we fail to reach far As highlighted by the hon. Member for Poplar and too many people—often in the poorest and most vulnerable Limehouse, Public Health England is developing a national communities—with quality TB care. TB REACH offers strategy for TB, and engaging with key partners such as a lifeline to the people in that missing 3 million. It is local government, the National Institute for Health and hugely important. Care Excellence, NHS England, academia, the voluntary The hon. Lady mentioned the 36,000 health extension sector and the Department of Health. DFID will obviously workers. The health extension programme in Ethiopia input into the process, and will work with the partners is successful for two reasons: the health extension workers on their strategy, to produce national and international are predominantly women and they are predominantly, policy and to ensure that there is co-ordinated action on or almost entirely, local. When we asked them, “What domestic and global approaches to reducing rates of hours do you work?” they said, “We work nine to five, TB. Monday to Friday, but everyone in the village knows Our first priority is to improve basic TB control. where we live.” So they are available around the clock. Basic control includes early detection and diagnosis, I want to give the Minister plenty of time to respond, effective and complete treatment, and contact tracing. so my final question is: does she agree that initiatives Basic control is also critical in preventing the further such as the one we visited in Ethiopia—the one that I spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis. If we do not deal have just mentioned—support innovative and effective with basic TB, the incidence of MDR-TB will be techniques to find people with TB quickly, avert deaths accelerated. We also help to strengthen all aspects of and stop the disease spreading? I hope that such initiatives TB control through direct and indirect funding channels will be supported by this Government. in a range of high-burden countries. I will quickly give three examples. We are working 5pm with the Government of South Africa to expand the TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforInternational quality of and access to public sector services, including Development (Lynne Featherstone): What a pleasure it is that of TB control, and are increasing the speed with to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Caton. I congratulate which new TB drugs get registered. We have engaged in 197WH Drug-resistant Tuberculosis 4 JUNE 2013 Drug-resistant Tuberculosis 198WH (Developing Countries) (Developing Countries) [Lynne Featherstone] We are committed to working with others to ensure that the planned autumn replenishment is a success. We a new partnership with the private sector in South are a world leader, but sometimes it would be nice to be Africa and the World Bank that aims to reduce TB in at least equalled in some of these things by other donor mining communities, which I think will be welcomed on countries. We will use our influence to draw in more both sides of the House. overall financing. I understand the call to go early, but In India, DFID is working with Indian pharmaceutical there are many multinational decisions to be made and, manufacturers to improve the price and security of as I have said, this all depends on progress. supply of high-quality drugs for resistant TB and the On investment in research and innovation, which I manufacture of new low-cost diagnostic products. In think all Members would agree is critical, DFID has a Burma, we are providing bilateral funding to the 3MDG strong record of supporting research and development fund, a multi-donor fund for the health sector, which is for effective treatments, diagnostics and vaccines. An supporting disease control among the poorest communities. example of that is our effort to increase the affordability of diagnostic testing for MDR-TB. DFID’s support of Nick Herbert (Arundel and South Downs) (Con): I, the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics has too, am a member of the all-party group on global contributed to the development of a rapid molecular tuberculosis, and I visited South Africa recently with test, GeneXpert, which has the potential substantially Lord Fowler. Is that country not a good example of the to improve the diagnosis of TB and drug-resistant TB. problem of drug-resistant TB? A full third of the budget DFID aims to continue our strong record of supporting that South Africa has to deploy in dealing with TB is investment in TB research and development, including spent on drug-resistant TB, yet the incidence of such through product development partnerships, and we will TB is only 2%. That underlines the importance of strive for value for money in such investments. On getting on top of that form of TB so that the costs do DFID’s support for innovation, we will consider the not run further out of control and undermine the fight hon. Gentleman’s request that we fund TB REACH against the disease. against, obviously, the competing priorities and Lynne Featherstone: My right hon. Friend makes an commitments in our international health financing decisions. excellent point. South Africa is an epicentre, so far as its Sir Tony Cunningham: Will the Minister recognise the spend on what is a relatively confined industry is concerned. importance of TB REACH? We can have all the drugs I was talking about Burma. It is estimated that between in the world, but if we cannot find the people with TB, 2013 and 2016, the 3MDG fund will spend $20 million we cannot use those drugs. on tuberculosis. Funding is an important strand. DFID also supports a number of global partnerships that Lynne Featherstone: Absolutely. The point is that we work on strengthening basic TB control. For example, are waiting for the evaluation. TB REACH worked by the Stop TB partnership plays a critical role in helping giving a small amount to a great number of organisations countries to strengthen their TB policies, and in supporting to test how to reach people in difficult circumstances. It the improvement of funding applications for large had precise pre-specified targets and cost-effectiveness TB-control grants. benchmarks, and we have to await the evaluation of The UK’s contribution to UNITAID, of up to that first phase to assess what our funding might be for ¤60 million per year, has funded new laboratory the second phase. We cannot go ahead of that, although infrastructure in 18 countries, 10 of which now routinely I understand that reaching people is critical. We should diagnose MDR-TB. The network will have detected also work to strengthen health systems, because ultimately approximately 12,000 MDR-TB cases by the end of we want health systems that are able to reach every 2011, compared with only 2,300 cases in the same individual in a country and dispense whatever medical countries in 2008. care is necessary, but I understand the point in relation to TB. I will move on to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, because I know it is of On Ethiopia, about which I have not yet responded, particular interest—this is not the first occasion on DFID provides significant support to its health system, which it has been raised with me. The majority of UK directly supporting community health workers, and we funding to global TB control is channelled through the agree that they do a great job, including on TB. I have Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, been to Ethiopia myself—twice, in fact. and we have increased and accelerated our funding and In conclusion, I am very proud to serve in the coalition are on track to meet our £1 billion commitment to the Government who, even in tough times, have protected fund for 2008 to 2015. The fund is, as hon. Members the development budget and will reach the target of have mentioned, absolutely critical to achieving many 0.7% of gross national income this year. I am also of the UK’s health-related international development proud that we have cross-party consensus in this Parliament: objectives, so it is important to us that it continue to it is one of our finer moments. We are equally clear deliver ever-more impressive results. The UK intends to about the responsibilities that come with those resources, increase its contribution, pending, as we have said, particularly when this country is itself struggling for progress on the implementation of crucial reforms. survival. Those responsibilities are to spend taxpayers’ That obviously falls within my portfolio, and I have had money well, to deliver aid that is accounted for transparently, reports from all DFID offices around the world, having and to ensure that our support delivers value for money asked them to report to me on the fund. Recently I was and gets to where it is most needed. in Nigeria and had a meeting with recipients of global Significant progress has been made in controlling funding from across the three diseases, to understand TB since 1995, with more than 51 million cases treated the changes that are being heralded in with the reforms and 20 million lives saved. That progress was rooted in at the Global Fund—so far so good. improved partnership, policy, innovation and leadership, 199WH Drug-resistant Tuberculosis 4 JUNE 2013 Drug-resistant Tuberculosis 200WH (Developing Countries) (Developing Countries) so there is cause for optimism. I thank all hon. Members Question put and agreed to. here, because the issue is really important and I appreciate their continued pressure. The issue needs to be worked on in all the ways they have proposed if we are to get the better of this disease: our progress is good, but not 5.12 pm remarkable. The UK is playing its part, but as I have said, we are all clear that significant challenges remain. Sitting adjourned.

85WS Written Ministerial Statements4 JUNE 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 86WS

The Council has made a series of recommendations Written Ministerial for action, by Government and by business, focusing on areas where the economic case for action is clearest. Statements The Government welcome the recommendations. I am pleased that in many cases the recommendations for Government endorse the Government’s current approach, Tuesday 4 June 2013 while suggesting ways to go further. I can announce today that I will be chairing a ministerial taskforce to drive forward the implementation of these. The taskforce will have a clear focus on economic TREASURY growth, with Ministers from all the relevant Departments. The taskforce will have its first meeting shortly and will Stamp Duty Land Tax (Avoidance Scheme) publish a detailed action plan in the autumn. In the meantime, I am publishing today the Government’s initial response to the council’s recommendations, which The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David details a series of early actions which will start to make Gauke): The Government are today tabling an amendment a real difference to women’s lives, in each of the four key to Finance Bill 2013 to put beyond doubt that a particular areas identified for action by the council. These measures stamp duty land tax (SDLT) avoidance scheme is ineffective. will: The scheme uses the SDLT transfer of rights rules to broaden girls’ aspirations and help inform their choices at avoid SDLT on the purchase of UK land. The legislation the start of their careers, including encouraging more girls to will have effect from 21 March 2012. study science, technology, engineering and maths, and to consider jobs in these areas; Because of repeated avoidance in this area, at Budget help business culture embrace the benefits of flexible working 2012 the Chancellor of the Exchequer made it clear that and support working parents in the second part of their he would not hesitate to use retrospective legislation to working lives; close down future SDLT avoidance schemes. ensure that women in the third part of their working lives Acting on this warning it was announced at Budget can utilise their skills and fully contribute to economic 2013 that legislation will be introduced in the Finance growth; and Bill to close down two schemes, which use the transfer ensure that women are better supported to set up their own businesses. of rights rules, with effect from the date of the Chancellor’s warning, 21 March 2012. Telecommunications Council Since then a further transfer of rights scheme has been identified. The Government do not accept that the scheme has the effect intended but to remove any doubt, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for prompt action is being taken to protect the Exchequer. Culture, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): The Given the Chancellor’s clear warning last year and Telecommunications Council will take place in Luxemburg the announcement at Budget 2013 of retrospective on 6 June 2013. I will represent the UK at this Council. legislation to close down similar transfer of rights schemes, The first item is a full “tour de table” debate guided if should have been obvious to both promoters and by questions from the presidency on the digital agenda users of this scheme that it could be subject to retrospective for Europe—the role of the telecommunications and action. ICT sectors. The Commissioner for the digital agenda, Vice President Kroes is planning to launch an initiative An updated tax information and impact note and with the aim of achieving the goal of a further integrated guidance note are available on the HMRC website. European telecoms single market. It forms part of the goal to achieve a pan-European digital single market by 2015; though the telecoms single market measures may CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT have a longer timescale before realisation. This new initiative will include legislative measures and we are expecting the outcomes of this debate to inform this Women’s Business Council package of measures which will be adopted by the Commission before the summer. This package will in turn contribute to the debate at the European Council The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in October which will focus on digital and innovation (Maria Miller): The Women’s Business Council was set issues. We have had initial discussions with the Commission up in 2012 to advise Government on how women’s on this initiative. contribution to economic growth could be optimised. I This debate will focus on two questions: garnering am delighted that they have today published their findings. member states’s views on how to realise the ambition of I would like to thank each of them for their hard work a more integrated telecoms single market and how to and for the constructive approach they have taken. realise further pan-European spectrum harmonisation. The Council’s report clearly demonstrates the importance My intervention will note that while the UK welcomes of ensuring that women are fully able to contribute the idea of a further integrated single market in telecoms to the economy of this country. We cannot afford to in principle, we will need to see the details of the ignore the additional contribution that women could initiative first, before we comment in any detail. I will make, if the barriers to their full participation in the also state that any proposals will need to strike the right economy could be resolved. This is not just an equality balance between allowing consolidation in the telecoms issue; it is a very important economic issue. market but still ensuring that there is vibrant competition. 87WS Written Ministerial Statements4 JUNE 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 88WS

The next is a progress report from the presidency, the Government want to encourage local staff to stay in followed by an orientation debate on the proposal for a Afghanistan and to use their skills and knowledge to directive of the European Parliament and of the Council make it stronger, better able to meet the challenges concerning measures to ensure a high level of network ahead and to seize the opportunities. and information security across the Union. (First For this reason, we have decided to implement a Reading—EM6342/13) My intervention will include generous package of training and financial support for that we welcome the Commission’s overarching ambition our locally engaged staff in Afghanistan. It will provide to raise cyber capabilities across the EU and that we will local staff with up to five years of training or education work with Commission and other member states to in Afghanistan in a subject of their own choosing and a ensure that any potential legislative measures are aligned. living stipend for the full period of training based on Further, that they do not place disproportionate burdens their final salary. Staff who prefer not to take up the on businesses or the public sector operating in the EU training package will be offered a second option—a or create the wrong incentives for sharing information. financial severance payment which represents 18 months’ The presidency will then provide a progress report on salary. This will be paid in monthly instalments. These the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament options aim to encourage local staff to develop valuable and of the Council on electronic identification and trust skills and knowledge in Afghanistan so they can go on services for electronic transactions in the internal market contributing to a brighter future for themselves, their (First Reading—EM10977/12). The UK does not currently families and their country. foresee the need to intervene on this item. The Government acknowledge that some local staff, The Council will then look at two proposals under such as interpreters, have worked in particularly dangerous the “banner” of digital infrastructure and services. The and challenging roles in Helmand. In recognition of first item looks at the proposal for a regulation of the this unique and exceptional service to the United Kingdom, European Parliament and of the Council on guidelines these local staff and their immediate families will be for trans-European telecommunications networks and offered a third option—resettlement in the UK. In repealing decision No 1336/97/EC (First Reading— order to help them adjust to life in the UK, they will be EM16006/11). The UK does not currently foresee the offered initial assistance and accommodation including need to intervene on this item. access to benefits, as well as support in seeking employment. The second item is a progress report on the proposal To be eligible for resettlement in the UK, local staff for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the must have routinely worked in dangerous and challenging Council on measures to reduce the costs of deploying roles in Helmand outside protected bases. Seriously high-speed electronic communications networks (First injured staff, who might have qualified had their Reading—EM7999/13). If there is a debate, the UK will employment not been terminated due to injuries sustained say that while we strongly support the Commission’s in combat, are also included. Local staff who were overall objective to support broadband rollout by reducing contracted by the UK, but who mostly worked for the cost of deployment, we do not support the use of a Danish or Estonian forces and who meet the criteria regulation to achieve this. above, are also eligible. This approach has been agreed There then follows a progress report on the proposal with the Danish and Estonian Governments. for a directive of the European Parliament and the We have always been clear in our desire to recognise Council on the accessibility of public sector bodies’ the efforts of local staff, and have balanced this against websites, (First Reading—EMI7344/12), which was a range of other factors. These include the cost of any published on 4 December 2012. The UK does not scheme, and the potential impact on the UK and on currently foresee the need to intervene on this item. Afghanistan of resettling large numbers of people. In Any Other Business line with previous similar policies, qualification for this Finally, the Lithuanian delegation will inform the redundancy scheme is limited to those local staff who Council of their priorities for their forthcoming presidency. were in post working directly for HMG on 19 December We do not currently foresee the need to intervene on 2012, when the Prime Minister announced the drawdown this item. of UK forces, and who have served more than 12 months when they are made redundant. Those whose employment DEFENCE ended before this date, and those whose employment was ended voluntarily or for disciplinary reasons will Afghanistan not be eligible. In total, we estimate that around 1,200 local staff will qualify for a redundancy package. Of these, The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): we estimate that up to 600 will be eligible for resettlement, As our presence in Afghanistan reduces, our requirement although they may choose to stay in Afghanistan to for the support of local staff is also reducing. The help build its future, supported by the training and Government recognise the contribution and commitment financial packages. of all local staff. They have played a vital role in Further details of the practical arrangements for contributing to our shared goal—a more secure, stable applying for and implementing the redundancy scheme and prosperous Afghanistan. Without them, the UK’s will be announced in due course. contribution to the international mission would not Separately from the redundancy package, we recognise have been possible. We pay tribute to those who have our obligations to any local staff who face real threats made the ultimate sacrifice and those who have been to their safety or that of their immediate family as a injured while working with us. result of their service to the UK. Our existing intimidation The future of Afghanistan lies in the hearts and policy will remain in place for all local staff, regardless minds of such people, who have done so much to move of their date and duration of employment. This ensures their country forward. Having invested so much already, that local staff who face real threats to their own and 89WS Written Ministerial Statements4 JUNE 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 90WS their families’ safety, now and in the future, are supported. different types of school. Schools that merge will also The policy offers relocation within Afghanistan and, in be able to keep some of their funding for fixed costs for the most extreme cases, the possibility of resettlement at least the first year. in the UK. We are currently reviewing the policy to We will continue to target support on deprived and ensure it continues to provide a fair and robust system vulnerable pupils. Local authorities will be required to of assessing threats to, and ensuring the protection of, target additional funding to deprived pupils in addition our local staff. to the pupil premium. We are also making changes to The UK is strongly committed to the future of ensure that those pupils who are less likely to attain well Afghanistan and will maintain a long-term relationship at the end of the primary or secondary phase are based around trade, diplomacy, development assistance, identified and attract additional funding. financial contribution to the Afghanistan national security We also want to encourage local authorities to provide forces and military training. Our future work in Afghanistan the right level of additional funding for schools to will continue to benefit from the talent and dedication enable them to support looked-after children, regardless of local staff, and we will never forget this. of how long the child has been in care. We made significant changes to the funding arrangements for pupils with special educational needs last year so we are not making any further substantial changes in 2014. EDUCATION We are, though, intending to require all local authorities to provide notional SEN budgets to their schools on the basis that the school will meet the costs of the first School Funding Reforms £6,000 of additional support required by a pupil with SEN. In the document we are publishing today, we are The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): Schools providing the detailed findings from the review, the across the country are unfairly funded as a result of an approach which will be put in place from April 2014 historic and out-of-date system. In March last year, the and technical guidance on this for local authorities. Secretary of State confirmed that we would rectify Copies of these documents will be placed on the Libraries these injustices with a new national funding formula, it of both Houses. will be introduced during the next spending review period. The Secretary of State also announced a number Taken together, these changes will further strengthen of changes to the school funding system to pave the way our funding reforms and will help us move towards our for a national funding formula. These changes took aim of ensuring that pupils attract a more consistent effect from April 2013. amount of funding wherever they go to school in the country. This started a welcome journey towards a fairer and more transparent funding system, but following consultation with the sector a number of improvements to the initial arrangements need to be made. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE The Department carried out a review to understand how the changes introduced in April 2013 have been implemented. We published a document on 12 February EU Energy Council seeking views from our partners, and officials also undertook fieldwork in 11 local authorities spread across the country. The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Michael Fallon): In advance of the We are grateful to the many MPs, head teachers, forthcoming Energy Council in Luxembourg on 7 June, governors, local authority officers and parents who I am writing to outline the agenda items to be discussed. have taken the time to contribute as part of the review. The presidency is planning to give a progress report Today we are publishing a document which sets out on negotiations of the draft directive amending directives the changes we will be making to school funding relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and on arrangements in light of the findings from the review. the promotion of the use of energy from renewable In order to maintain momentum towards a national sources. The draft directive seeks to address indirect funding formula, we will ensure that more money is land use change (ILUC) emissions and encourage the targeted to pupils. We will require local authorities to transition to advanced biofuels. The presidency has put allocate a minimum of 80% of their funding on the forward amended proposals but there are still divided basis of pupil characteristics and we will also be setting views in the Council on them. The UK supports the a minimum amount that each pupil should receive. introduction of ILUC factors into the amended directives In our consultation there was concern about the and is concerned that the present proposals do not go ability of local authorities to support small schools in far enough to address ILUC factors. rural areas. From April 2014, therefore, we will enable The Council is then expected to agree conclusions on local authorities to provide additional funding for schools the Commission communication on the internal energy in sparsely populated areas. market, which was published on 16 November 2012. We The document also sets out new flexibilities to provide are content with the text of the conclusions, which sets different amounts of funding to cover the fixed costs of out measures for strengthening and developing the internal primary and secondary (as well as middle and all-through) energy market. We also expect the presidency to report schools. These new flexibilities will ensure local authorities on the outcome of the May European Council but no can act to take account of varying fixed costs between discussion is envisaged. 91WS Written Ministerial Statements4 JUNE 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 92WS

There will be a debate on the Commission’s recent ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS communication on energy technologies, which outlines the need for better and cheaper low-carbon energy technologies to be developed faster to help reduce the Food Supply Networks costs of achieving the EU’s energy-related policy goals up to 2050. The UK welcomes the communication and supports most of the Commission’s messages. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and The presidency and Commission will present a report Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): I would like to on a number of international energy relations items, announce to the House that my right hon. Friend the including EU-Russia, the International Energy Agency, Secretary of State for Health and I have asked Professor the clean energy ministerial, the southern corridor, and Chris Elliott, of Queen’s University Belfast, to lead an an EU-Algeria memorandum of understanding on energy. independent review into the integrity and assurance of food supply networks in response to the vulnerabilities Finally, the Lithuanian delegation will present the recently exposed by horsemeat fraud. I am pleased that programme for their presidency. he has accepted, subject to the necessary formalities being concluded with Queen’s University Belfast. EU 2030 Climate and Energy Framework On 15 April 2013, Official Report, column 13WS, the House was informed that it was our intention to take forward a strategic review of the horsemeat incident The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and its implications for the food chain and regulatory (Mr Edward Davey): Earlier this year, the European framework. We have since concluded that the review Commission adopted a Green Paper on “A2030 framework should examine food supply networks more widely. We for climate and energy policies”. The Government will have therefore asked Professor Elliott to provide advice be responding to the Commission consultation to set to me and my right hon. Friend on issues which impact out how we believe the 2030 framework should look in upon consumer confidence in the authenticity of food order to give businesses the certainty they need to invest products and any systemic failures in food supply networks in low carbon to enable cost-effective emissions reduction which could have implications for food safety and public and to ensure the EU remains a world leader in low-carbon health. We expect him to make recommendations to technologies. The UK Government position on the EU support improvements in current systems and to improve 2030 framework is: consumer confidence. We strongly support EU action to tackle climate change and The review will begin shortly and I anticipate it will to help deliver the EU’s goal of limiting global temperature take nine to 12 months to complete. My right hon. rise to 2 degrees. We remain committed to an increase in the Friend and I have asked for interim advice in December EU climate target for 2020 to 30% and are pushing strongly and for a final report by spring 2014. We have also for urgent structural reform of the EU emissions trading asked Professor Elliott to provide emerging findings on system (ETS) to ensure it continues to incentivise investment the European aspects of the review so that we can in low carbon. continue to influence action at a European level and We must celebrate the success of the 2020 climate and energy effectively engage in the European Union process. package. By 2011 EU emissions were already down 17.6% on 1990 levels (Reference: European Environment Agency). The reviewer will in due course issue a call for evidence But we should also learn the lessons from 2008 package—the seeking information and views on the integrity of the EU climate deal for 2020 was not sufficiently ambitious, and food supply network, any vulnerabilities and how assurances the renewables target was the product of a time when renewables might be strengthened to support consumer confidence. badly needed a catalyst. The EU has moved on since then; Food fraud is completely unacceptable and consumers we need to see a new deal on greenhouse gas targets that is have every right to expect their food to be correctly ambitious, but which has flexibility to let countries follow described. In response to horsemeat fraud, investigations their most cost-effective decarbonisation approach. continue at a number of sites across the UK and Europe. Looking to 2030, the EU should adopt a unilateral EU In April, the Board of the Food Standards Agency target for 2030 of a 40% reduction on 1990 levels. In the commissioned Professor Pat Troop to conduct an context of an ambitious global climate agreement for the period beyond 2020, the EU’s target should increase to up to independent review of that organisation’s response to a 50% reduction on 1990 levels. horsemeat fraud. Professor Troop will be reporting her We believe that the best way to deliver our low-carbon goal emerging findings to the board of the Food Standards is through a binding GHG target and a strong EU emissions Agency at its open meeting later today. My right hon. trading system, with flexibility for member states to pursue a Friend and I expect any strategic findings from the Pat wide range of options to decarbonise in the least cost way. Troop review to be considered in our joint review into While we strongly support renewables to 2020 and beyond, the integrity and assurance of food supply networks. we do not believe a binding EU renewables target would be The terms of reference for the review into the integrity cost-effective, fit well with our electricity market reforms which incentivise low-carbon generation in a technology-neutral and assurance of food supply networks are being placed way, or be in line with the Government’s commitment to in the House Library. sector-neutral and least-cost emissions reduction. We support EU action where appropriate to enable increased levels of FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE renewables, such as a renewed focus on research and development under the strategic energy technologies plan and ongoing work to complete the single energy market. Foreign Affairs/Development Foreign Affairs Councils I will be working closely with my EU partners over the coming months to try to ensure that the EU can at The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): My the earliest opportunity agree an ambitious but flexible right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and 2030 climate and energy framework. Commonwealth Affairs attended the Foreign Affairs 93WS Written Ministerial Statements4 JUNE 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 94WS

Council (FAC) on 27 May and my right hon. Friend the Iran E3+3 Secretary of State for International Development attended Baroness Ashton updated Ministers on her meeting the Development Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels with the Iranian chief negotiator Jalili in Istanbul on on 28 May. The FAC and Development FAC were 15 May where Baroness Ashton had stressed that Iran chaired by the High Representative of the European needed to consider seriously the E3+3’s confidence Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness building measures. Ashton of Upholland. Mali Commissioners Damanaki (Maritime Affairs and Fisheries), Georgieva (International Cooperation, Baroness Ashton briefed Ministers on the high-level Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response), Potocnik donors’ conference on Mali which took place in Brussels (Environment), Füle (Enlargement) and Piebalgs on 15 May. More than ¤3.25 billion had been pledged, (Development) were in attendance for some of the including ¤520 million from the EU. Baroness Ashton discussions at the FAC and Development FAC. said that progress was being made on the political front A provisional report of the meetings and conclusions and that preparations for the handover from African-led adopted can be found at: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) to uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/ the UN were going well. Ministers agreed conclusions 137317.pdf. that confirmed the importance of the political process and national reconciliation. FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL Syria Somalia Ministers agreed conclusions that focused on reiterating Baroness Ashton welcomed the Somalia conference the EU’s concern at the situation in Syria especially the held in London on 7 May which had demonstrated humanitarian crisis, highlighting the EU’s support for strong international support for Somalia. The Foreign progress in Geneva based on the principles of the 2012 Secretary noted that the London conference had served Geneva communiqué, support for the Syrian opposition as good preparation for the EU Somalia conference to and the Istanbul meeting, and post-conflict planning. be held 16 September. The Foreign Secretary highlighted the ¤350 million in new pledges made at the London Ministers agreed that a Council decision putting in conference and stressed the need for this to be delivered place the sanctions package for the next 12 months quickly to improve Somalia’s justice systems, police, would be adopted before the existing sanctions expired armed forces and public financial management. on 1 June. Ministers agreed to end the EU arms embargo and return decisions on arms provision to the member Serbia/Kosovo states. They agreed a framework of safeguards to guide Baroness Ashton reported back on her 21-22 May those member states who might decide to provide arms: meeting with the Prime Ministers of Serbia and Kosovo, arms can only be sent to the Syrian national coalition which had agreed an implementation plan following the for opposition and revolutionary forces, and must be 19 April agreement on northern Kosovo. Baroness Ashton intended for the protection of civilians; member states informed Ministers that the implementation plan had must require safeguards that ensure delivery to the now been approved in both capitals. Rapid implementation intended recipients; and Ministers confirmed that existing of the agreement was needed ahead of discussions in obligations under the EU common position for arms the June General Affairs Council and European Council, exports remain in place. Member states said they would which will include consideration of a date for the opening not proceed at this stage with deliveries of arms, in of accession negotiations with Serbia. order to give time for the Geneva II process to succeed. Separately from this, ministers also agreed to review the Other business Council position on the arms embargo before 1 August, Ministers agreed without discussion a number of on the basis of a report from the high representative. other measures, including: Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) The Council authorised member states to sign the arms Ministers discussed preparations for the December trade treaty with respect to matters falling under the exclusive European Council discussion on defence. Baroness Ashton competence of the Union. It encouraged member states to sign the arms trade treaty at the solemn ceremony in New highlighted the need to spend national defence budgets York on 3 June or at the earliest possible date. more effectively in order to develop key military capabilities and strengthen Europe’s defence industry.Baroness Ashton The Council amended legislation implementing the EU restrictive measures in view of the situation in Libya. Changes were stressed that implementation of the EU’s comprehensive made to take account of modifications adopted by the UN approach was key to a successful CSDP and that the Security Council. EU needed to improve its civilian missions. There was widespread support from Ministers for Germany’s recent The Council extended the EU police mission in Afghanistan until 31 December 2014. non-paper on civilian CSDP, of which the UK is a co-signatory, with an emphasis on improving mission The Council allocated a budget of ¤110 million to the EU planning, speed of deployment and access to funding. rule of law mission in Kosovo to cover the period from 15 June 2013 until 14 June 2014. Other member states also raised maritime security, cyber security, the need for CSDP to complement NATO, the The Council noted the comprehensive annual report on utility of regional approaches to European capability CSDP and CSDP-related training 2012, and approved its development, the EU’s role in the western Balkans and conclusions as a basis for further actions to improve training in the field of CSDP. the timing of Baroness Ashton’s report on EU CSDP. The Council authorised the opening of negotiations with Middle East Peace Process Libya for an agreement on the status of the EU integrated The planned discussion on the middle east peace border management assistance mission in Libya (EUBAM process was postponed until the June FAC. Libya). 95WS Written Ministerial Statements4 JUNE 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 96WS

The Council took note of the third report on member states’ states in that period. Ministers also noted that Somalia progress in facilitating the deployment of civilian personnel had acceded to the ACP-EU partnership (Cotonou) to CSDP missions. agreement. The Council approved an administrative arrangement between the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the Ministry of The EU approach to resilience Defence of the Republic of Serbia, with a view to its Ministers agreed conclusions on the EU approach to conclusion by the EDA steering board. The arrangement resilience setting out guiding principles and priorities sets out procedures for a mutual exchange of information as for implementation. well as for Serbia’s participation in EDA projects and programmes. Other business DEVELOPMENT FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL The International Development Secretary briefed Post-2015 agenda Ministers on UK G8 presidency priorities, including forthcoming events on trade, tax and transparency, the Ministers endorsed conclusions on the overarching “Nutrition for Growth” event being co-hosted with post-2015 agenda that set out the high-level EU position Brazil and the leaders’ summit at Lough Erne. The UK on preparations for a future framework in advance of and France had recently signed up to the extractive the September millennium development goals review industries transparency initiative. The Minister also event. Ministers agreed that the post-2015 and Rio+20 gave an update on the work of the global partnership, follow-up processes should converge. The International which was well placed to support the EU’s efforts on Development Secretary said it was vital that the EU post-2015. send a clear message on the need for an integrated agenda leading to one set of goals, while remaining The meeting ended with an informal lunch with UN flexible in international negotiations to the positions of Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson where discussion partner countries on the detail. The conclusions will focused on the post-2015 agenda. now proceed to the EU Environment Council on 18 June and be considered for adoption at the General Affairs Council on 16 June. Agenda for Change HOME DEPARTMENT Commissioner Piebalgs introduced a Commission/ EEAS paper updating member states on progress on implementation of the EU aid reform programme set CCTV and Surveillance Camera Technology out in the “Agenda for Change”, and reiterated his conviction as to its core principles. Joint programming and demonstrating results were particularly important, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the as well as blending grants and loans to leverage more Home Department (James Brokenshire): My hon. Friend money for partner countries. the Minister for Criminal Information, Lord Taylor of Ministers welcomed the opportunity to scrutinise Holbeach, has today made the following written ministerial progress at a political level and many were positive statement: about joint programming. The International Development The Government favour the use of CCTV and automatic Secretary called for more action on the results framework number plate recognition (ANPR) systems as a crime fighting so the EU could better demonstrate value for money, and public protection tool. They support the use of overt surveillance in a public place when it is in pursuit of a legitimate aim; and for more information on progress on gender equality, necessary to meet a pressing need; and proportionate, effective, empowerment of women and private sector development. and compliant with any relevant legal obligations. Food and nutrition security Like the public, the Government expect that where CCTV is Ministers agreed conclusions on food and nutrition deployed it is as effective as it can be in meeting its stated purpose security in external assistance setting out a new EU and has appropriate privacy safeguards. policy framework to enhance maternal and child nutrition The public must, however, have confidence that such surveillance and a new EU implementation plan. The Irish presidency is appropriate and proportionate, and that those who operate the camera systems, or use the images and information they capture, noted the important work being done by the UK through demonstrate integrity in so doing and can be held to account. the G8 presidency and encouraged the EU and member states to support the UK’s “Nutrition for Growth” This is why the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 now requires the Government to put in place a regulatory framework for event on 8 June. surveillance camera systems comprising a code of practice and a 2012 Official Development Assistance (PDA) Targets surveillance camera commissioner. The appointment of Mr Andrew Rennison as surveillance camera commissioner was announced in Ministers adopted conclusions on the annual report a written statement on 13 September 2012, Official Report, column 2013 to the European Council on EU development aid 14WS. targets. Commissioner Piebalgs said it revealed a worrying On 7 February 2013, I issued a written statement to the House trend and urged member states to take the necessary announcing arrangements for a period of statutory consultation steps to meet the 0.7% ODA commitment. This was not in relation to the preparation of the code of practice required just about charity but investment from which the EU under section 29 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 for the would benefit in terms of security, immigration and job regulation of surveillance camera systems (the code). creation. We have now given careful consideration to the 134 submissions European Development Fund made in response to that consultation exercise, and are today publishing the Government response. Our response summarises The Council established the EU position on the financial comments and views expressed about the preparation of the code protocol concerning the 11th European Development and about the position of the three non-territorial police forces Fund for 2014 to 2020. In total, ¤31.5 billion will be and the Serious Organised Crime Agency in relation to the code. available for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) It also provides detail about further amendments made to the 97WS Written Ministerial Statements4 JUNE 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 98WS code in the light of consultation and says more about plans regular reviews of whether use remains justified; greater transparency, for implementation and review of the code once it is brought into and; the effective use of a system in meeting its stated purpose force. through working to relevant standards. The code is being laid before Parliament today, along with the The draft code also establishes a framework within which the necessary draft affirmative order to bring it into force. Copies will surveillance camera commissioner can fulfil his statutory functions be available in the Printed Paper Office. and publicise how this will be done, while retaining some flexibility This code provides a single source of bespoke guidance and is to enable him to influence and respond to future developments in intended to increase understanding of existing legal obligations in surveillance camera technology and practice. relation to the overt use of surveillance camera systems in public A copy of the Government response to consultation will be places, and to promote good practice—particularly in encouraging: placed in the House Library.

999W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1000W Written Answers to Children in Care: Coastal Areas Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Questions Education how many and what proportion of children are looked after in each of the principle seaside towns of England. [157452] Monday 3 June 2013 Mr Timpson: The number and proportion of children [Continued from Column 998W] who are looked after by each local authority in England has been placed in the House Libraries. Information at individual town level is not available. EDUCATION Children: Care Homes Academies

Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how many (a) sponsored and (b) Education how many full-time equivalent staff were converter academies there were in each (i) employed in children’s residential care homes in parliamentary constituency and (ii) local authority in England and Wales in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and England in May (A) 2010 and (B) 2013; [157035] (c) 2011-12. [156820] (2) what proportion of (a) primary and (b) secondary schools were academies in each (i) Mr Timpson: Information on the number of staff parliamentary constituency and (ii) local authority in employed in children’s residential care homes is not collected centrally. As part of the Department for May (A) 2010 and (B) 2013. [157036] Education’s children’s homes reform programme, we Mr Timpson: The information requested has been are commissioning a census of the children’s homes placed in the House Library. workforce. This will provide up-to-date information on the numbers, qualifications and skill levels of staff in Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for children’s homes. Education if he will list each (a) sponsored academy, (b) converter academy and (c) maintained school in Children: Poverty each (i) parliamentary constituency and (ii) local authority in England in May 2013. [157037] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Timpson: The information requested has been for Education what assessment he has made of the placed in the House Library. recent report from the British Medical Association, Growing Up in the UK, on the effects of austerity on Academies: Inspections child poverty. [156722]

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: The Government has read the British Medical Education what plans he has to introduce Ofsted Association’s report with interest. We are committed to inspection of academy chains. [156984] ending child poverty and to the provisions of the Child Poverty Act 2010. Improving health outcomes and reducing Mr Timpson: There are no plans to introduce separate health inequalities are key to ensuring that people are Ofsted inspections of academy chains. Ofsted can, in able to escape poverty, and poor health is one of the looking at the performance of individual academies, root causes of poverty. consider the role of their overarching governance structure We recognise that a sustainable approach to tackling and their formal links with other academies. child poverty needs to address many factors such as Child Minding worklessness, health; educational failure and family stability. Our strategy to improve life chances includes Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities Education pursuant to the answer of 13 May 2013, through the provision of more effective NHS, public Official Report, columns 87-8W, on childminding, what health and social care services, from conception onwards the name is of each representative on the Task and across the life course. Finish Group; and from which organisation each such representative comes. [157401] Children: Social Services

Elizabeth Truss: The organisations invited to the Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Task and Finish Group are as follows: Education how much children’s social work Ofsted, the National College for Teaching and Leadership, departments spent on agency social workers in (a) 4Children, Family and Childcare Trust, national Day Nurseries 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. [156818] Association, National Children’s Bureau, Pre-school Learning Alliance, the Northamptonshire Childminding Association, Norland College, the Independent Childminders Social Enterprise, Bright Mr Timpson: This information is held by individual Horizons, Busy Bees, Kidsunlimited, the Association of Nanny local authorities and is not collected centrally. Agencies, ARK Academies, Redgrave Children and YoungPeople’s Centre, Trio Childcare and @Home Childcare. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Specific individuals attending from these organisations Education how many directors of children’s services in vary from meeting to meeting. England earn more than £150,000 a year. [156819] 1001W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1002W

Mr Timpson: The Department does not hold information of the annual Statistical First Release ’Schools, Pupils on the salaries of directors of children’s services and to and their Characteristics’. The latest data is for January collect and provide this information would incur 2012 and is available on the government’s website: disproportionate costs. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-pupils- Class Sizes: Corby and-their-characteristics-january-2012

Andy Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for This information is also available on the Department’s Education what the average class size was in (a) website: primary and (b) secondary schools in Corby http://www.education.gov.uk/inyourarea/results/ constituency in each of the last three years. [156660] nat_921_pcons_10.shtml Mr Laws: Data on class sizes in state-funded primary The information requested is given in the following and secondary schools in England is published as part table:

State-funded primary and secondary schools1, 2, 3, 4, 5: Classes as taught6 January 2010-12. In Corby parliamentary constituency 2010 2011 2012 State-funded State-funded State-funded State-funded State-funded State-funded primary1, 2 secondary1, 3 primary1,2 secondary1, 3 primary1, 4 secondary1, 5

Average class size 25.1 19.8 25.6 20.8 25.7 20.2 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes primary academies. 3 Includes city technology colleges and secondary academies (including all-through academies). 4 Includes primary academies and free schools. 5 Includes city technology colleges, secondary academies/free schools (including all-through academies/free schools). 6 One teacher classes as taught during a single selected period in each school on the day of the census in January. Source: School Census

Culture: Curriculum Education: Romford Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment his Department has made Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for of the level of literacy and numeracy of (a) primary Education when he expects to publish the Cultural school leavers and (b) secondary school leavers in Education Plan. [156898] Romford constituency in each of the last five years. [157082] Elizabeth Truss: We expect to publish the National Elizabeth Truss: The information requested is provided Plan for Cultural Education shortly. in the following tables:

Primary school leavers, achievements at the expected level1 by pupils at the end of key stage 2 in Romford parliamentary constituency2, years: 2008 to 20123, coverage: Romford constituency4 Percentage of KS2 pupils achieving expected level in: 2008 2009 2010 2011 20125

English 87 88 85 87 88 Mathematics 81 84 85 81 85 1 Includes pupils who achieved Level 4 or above. Level 4 is the expected level of achievement for pupils at the end of key stage 2. 2 Parliamentary constituency figures are based on school postcodes. 3. Data are final data for all years. 4 State-funded schools including academies. Figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. 5 In 2012, English was calculated from reading test results and writing teacher assessment rather than from reading and writing tests as in previous years. English in 2012 is, therefore, not comparable to previous years. Source: National Pupil Database. Secondary school leavers, percentages of pupils at the end of key stage 4 achieving A*-C grades in English and mathematics GCSEs1 in Romford constituency2, years: 2007/08 to 2011/123, coverage: Romford constituency4 Percentage of KS4 pupils achieving an A*-C grade in: 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

English 66.1 65.2 66.2 71.9 63.6 Mathematics 59.7 65.5 66.7 68.0 70.9 1 Full GCSEs only have been included (full GCSEs, double awards, accredited international certificates and their predecessor iGCSEs and AS levels). Figures from 2007/08 to 2008/09 exclude iGCSEs, 2009/10 figures onwards include accredited iGCSEs. 2 Parliamentary constituency figures are based on the postcode of the school. 3 Data are final data for all years. 4 Includes state-funded schools including academies. Figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. Source: National Pupil Database.

Education: Travellers Elizabeth Truss: We are currently considering the responses to our consultation on educational outcomes Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for for children of travelling families, of which there were Education when his Department plans to respond to its almost 2,000. We will publish our response in due consultation on Improving Educational Outcomes for course. Children of Travelling Families. [157469] 1003W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1004W

Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Timpson: 81 free schools have opened to date. A Education what assessment he has made of the effects further 211 free schools are in the pipeline including the of section 444(6) of the Education Act 1996, on the 102 schools announced by the Secretary of State for show community and the family life of its members. Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey [157584] Heath (Michael Gove), on 22 May 2013 that are due to open in 2014 and beyond. Elizabeth Truss: The relationship between attendance Lists of the open free schools and those in the pipeline and the attainment of children in travelling families is a have been placed in the House Library with details of complex issue. We know that children of travelling their respective parliamentary constituencies and local families that are registered at a school do not attend or authorities. Most of the 102 schools that entered the achieve as well as their peers. pipeline in May 2013 do not yet have confirmed sites. We are now reviewing the responses to our recent Therefore the local authorities and constituencies for consultation on whether to repeal the defence against these schools reflect the proposer’s preferred location. prosecution for travelling families in certain circumstances. E-mail Government Procurement Card Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 20 May 2013, Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Official Report, column 590W, on e-mail, on how many Education with reference to the answer of 22 April occasions he has copied e-mails from the Mrs Blurt 2013, Official Report, column 688W, on government e-mail account to departmental systems where procurement card, how many transactions were made information was generated in the course of conducting by each member of staff; for what reasons; at what government business in the last 12 months; and if he cost; and on which dates in each of the last two financial years. [157344] will make a statement. [157343]

Elizabeth Truss: No relevant records are held centrally Elizabeth Truss: I have written to the hon. Member in by the Department for Education. An attempt to identify, response to his recent request under the Freedom of from the full range of records held by the Department, Information Act, providing details of the transactions on how many occasions a certain step was taken over a in question. past 12-month period could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost and could not provide a conclusive answer. History: Curriculum English Baccalaureate Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his policy is on the teaching of the Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for history of British Overseas Territories in schools. Education what proportion of pupils (a) entered and [157058] (b) achieved A* to C grades in the subjects which make up the English Baccalaureate in each (i) Elizabeth Truss: We believe that all pupils should be parliamentary constituency and (ii) local authority in taught the history of Britain, and that that teaching (A) 2010, (B) 2011 and (C) 2012. [157041] should include the history of the British empire, as well as the wider impact of Britain and Britons on world Elizabeth Truss: The Department publishes information history. on: “GGSE and equivalent attainment by pupil characteristics in England, 2011-2012” which can be We are currently considering responses to the public found at the following link: consultation on our proposals for the new history https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-and- curriculum published earlier this year, and will make equivalent-attainment-by-pupil-characteristics-in-england further announcements in due course. Tables 3, 4, 5 and 6 in the “Main tables: SFR04/2013” link show the percentage of pupils (a) entering and (b) Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for achieving A* to C grades in the subjects which make up Education what his policy is on the teaching of the the English Baccalaureate in 2010/11 and 2011/12 by history of the European Union in schools. [157059] local authority. A drop down menu in the top right hand corner of the table allows you to select the relevant Elizabeth Truss: Should schools choose to teach their indicator and year. pupils the history of the European Union then they can The percentage of pupils entering and achieving the do so at their discretion. However, as we have made English Baccalaureate for 2009/10 local authority data clear in our proposals for the new national curriculum and for 2009/10 to 2011/12 parliamentary constituency published earlier this year, we do not think it should be data has been placed in the House Library. compulsory for them to do so. Where schools choose to teach this, legislation requires Free Schools that they do so in such a way that pupils are not exposed to politically biased views, but are provided with a Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for balanced presentation of opposing issues. For instance, Education if he will list all (a) open and (b) pipeline it would be wrong for a school to promote the European free schools in each (i) parliamentary constituency and Union without pupils being made aware of other (ii) local authority in England. [157038] viewpoints. 1005W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1006W

We are currently considering responses to the public under section 26 of the Act. In addition there is no duty consultation on our proposals for the new history to inform the Department of the dissolution of a federation. curriculum, and will make further announcements in due course. Schools: Catering Recruitment Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of food procured by Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for schools came from UK food producers in the latest Education how many staff were recruited by his period for which figures are available. [156808] Department in 2011-12. [156817] Elizabeth Truss: The Department does not collect Elizabeth Truss: In the financial year 2011-12, the this information. Individual schools and local authorities Department recruited 253 people to fixed term and are responsible for their own procurement of services permanent posts. and/or food. Schools Schools: Drugs Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many local authority-maintained Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for federations there are in England; and how many of Education whether his Department plans to publish those are federations of special schools. [156764] updated guidance on managing medicines in schools. [156514] Mr Laws: The Department does not hold a complete list of federations and their composition. Since September Mr Laws: The Government’s guidance ’Managing 2009 there has been a duty to inform the Department of Medicines in Schools and Early YearsSettings’ is currently the establishment of a formal or ‘hard’ federation made under review. Our intention is to publish the updated under section 24 of the Education Act 2002. However, guidance later in the year. this does not provide data on all federations since it does not include federations established prior to September Schools: Repairs and Maintenance 2009 or less formal federations that have been established under section 26 of the Act. In addition there is no duty Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for to inform the Department of the dissolution of a federation. Education how much capital funding has been allocated to each local authority in England for (a) Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for maintenance and (b) basic need in each year of the Education how many local authority-maintained current spending review period. [157039] federations there are in England; and how many are a combination of primary, secondary and special Mr Laws: At the local authority level, maintenance schools. [156765] and basic need capital allocations for each year of the current spending review period are detailed in the following Mr Laws: The Department does not hold a complete table. This information is also available on the departmental list of federations and their composition. Since September website at the following link. The figures for basic need 2009 there has been a duty to inform the Department of include the two-year capital allocation for 2013-15 the establishment of a formal or ‘hard’ federation made announced by the Secretary of State for Education, the under section 24 of the Education Act 2002. However, right hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), this does not provide data on all federations since it on 1 March 2012. does not include federations established prior to September http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/ 2009 or less formal federations that have been established schoolscapital

Local authority level capital allocations—Maintenance 2011-14 and Basic Need 2011-15 £ Maintenance Basic Need Local authority 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2011-12 2012-13 2013-15

North East Darlington 2,298,234 1,032,839 417,325 2,417,374 2,445,419 1,519,760 Durham 14,038,100 11,265,660 10,119,099 3,764,095 2,235,312 433,606 Gateshead 4,558,384 3,333,880 3,002,416 1,476,257 837,600 318,739 Hartlepool 2,342,151 2,071,527 2,050,916 1,098,506 532,442 0 Middlesbrough 2,916,676 2,526,830 2,005,566 1,764,641 1,275,286 255,195 Newcastle upon Tyne 4,965,841 4,124,177 3,713,764 3,308,900 3,058,578 4,602,440 North Tyneside 4,959,918 4,017,635 3,825,116 2,832,993 2,335,487 2,021,310 Northumberland 9,752,127 7,577,092 6,762,554 20,000 972,731 838,335 Redcar and Cleveland 3,492,879 2,858,304 2,374,845 871,690 455,459 49,084 South Tyneside 3,148,861 2,838,751 2,623,207 1,362,950 995,658 0 Stockton-on-Tees 4,447,367 3,903,123 3,577,751 3,118,749 2,080,028 2,753,264 Sunderland 6,022,877 5,087,221 3,934,741 3,307,833 1,635,031 1,610,730 1007W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1008W

Local authority level capital allocations—Maintenance 2011-14 and Basic Need 2011-15 £ Maintenance Basic Need Local authority 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2011-12 2012-13 2013-15

North West Blackburn with Darwen 3,464,310 3,653,582 3,496,824 2,350,864 2,531,564 1,027,447 Blackpool 2,789,015 2,805,406 1,920,695 1,973,843 4,383,563 2,512,447 Bolton 6,749,229 6,514,033 6,116,775 7,310,675 3,517,827 4,771,497 Bury 4,592,948 4,501,876 4,401,999 1,294,884 1,083,240 2,606,744 Cheshire East 7,960,483 7,138,054 6,306,390 1,548,915 1,702,420 4,850,889 Cheshire West and Chester 8,296,943 7,566,114 6,659,181 2,451,479 1,862,552 422,210 Cumbria 15,555,483 12,021,616 11,475,722 4,348,586 2,825,376 6,559,074 Halton 3,158,155 2,950,659 2,679,119 1,689,618 963,081 1,203,445 Knowsley 3,120,390 2,986,904 2,668,108 1,340,689 954,838 0 Lancashire 29,748,182 28,507,439 27,075,283 25,979,710 21,557,398 17,854,794 Liverpool 8,728,699 8,122,963 7,237,657 3,637,480 2,700,703 3,102,078 Manchester 8,597,460 8,585,179 7,581,309 16,485,139 27,752,274 41,058,798 Oldham 5,223,026 4,707,615 4,263,908 2,316,845 1,889,506 1,461,114 Rochdale 4,288,704 4,270,423 4,176,883 4,106,967 3,789,225 4,235,584 Salford 4,541,476 4,539,767 4,132,957 4,786,308 5,463,826 9,184,552 Sefton 6,800,807 5,452,999 5,279,817 894,422 781,284 2,080,432 St. Helens 3,622,675 3,581,173 3,484,232 1,531,480 1,090,640 3,114,767 Stockport 6,271,572 5,687,139 5,400,288 5,068,864 6,151,409 8,094,764 Tameside 4,371,062 4,128,834 3,753,664 2,394,639 2,506,122 6,172,183 Trafford 5,030,598 4,630,023 3,884,527 9,044,915 11,316,019 15,153,173 Warrington 4,865,669 4,668,737 3,642,498 748,865 1,395,528 3,808,084 Wigan 7,145,600 6,701,152 6,137,507 3,236,207 3,097,928 5,389,499 Wirral 7,089,234 6,175,013 5,439,484 2,116,706 1,436,375 1,024,927

Yorkshire and Humber Barnsley 4,676,890 4,067,078 2,928,229 2,403,831 1,889,351 2,852,965 Bradford 11,728,292 9,899,201 9,434,992 17,729,194 19,611,561 15,289,506 Calderdale 5,213,036 3,367,572 3,076,908 4,386,355 1,822,373 2,590,259 Doncaster 7,681,374 5,270,499 4,476,942 3,609,851 3,017,949 2,664,707 East Riding of Yorkshire 8,519,088 6,622,859 6,579,535 1,912,282 732,444 2,291,956 Kingston Upon Hull, City of 5,048,507 4,917,511 3,921,291 3,608,925 2,386,394 4,989,769 Kirklees 10,829,059 8,536,478 7,850,157 7,982,984 5,524,666 9,265,301 Leeds 14,695,877 12,815,073 11,573,200 23,276,328 24,373,016 36,960,649 North East Lincolnshire 2,868,429 1,803,107 1,084,923 1,980,195 1,513,488 2,867,300 North Lincolnshire 3,838,544 3,170,002 2,328,200 1,785,586 912,819 1,025,210 North Yorkshire 18,912,127 16,158,346 15,617,092 3,395,644 5,264,500 3,126,623 Rotherham 6,104,462 5,388,307 4,868,707 2,128,678 1,512,964 2,923,100 Sheffield 9,558,958 9,057,059 7,111,501 2,662,275 4,597,743 13,228,357 Wakefield 7,748,823 6,021,138 4,110,929 2,401,673 1,834,440 3,947,214 York 3,838,234 3,582,443 3,375,320 3,862,260 4,986,119 5,801,706

East Midlands Derby 5,346,324 4,802,486 4,073,665 4,073,902 2,981,586 11,653,302 Derbyshire 20,161,937 17,645,650 16,595,507 5,530,801 4,847,776 9,002,421 Leicester 5,828,134 6,361,107 5,978,905 11,232,090 12,118,131 14,676,287 Leicestershire 16,387,601 13,918,798 7,277,385 8,785,503 8,133,120 6,890,646 Lincolnshire 17,164,509 13,044,569 9,574,933 9,352,316 6,232,655 16,754,958 Northamptonshire 16,558,745 13,163,396 9,999,292 11,429,243 8,475,092 21,979,749 Nottingham 4,935,937 4,005,403 2,923,007 6,682,904 7,149,679 7,073,643 Nottinghamshire 18,056,976 14,250,379 11,618,542 8,662,825 6,610,895 5,111,549 Rutland 959,459 585,186 465,923 874,119 517,342 206,008

West Midlands Birmingham 26,012,659 22,324,654 17,982,792 17,816,260 21,720,394 21,916,427 Coventry 6,959,545 5,914,506 5,383,002 9,938,655 9,725,823 12,500,576 Dudley 6,826,405 5,949,416 5,452,029 1,207,757 1,017,119 3,118,993 Herefordshire 4,270,495 3,214,036 2,984,976 2,153,842 807,190 864,814 Sandwell 6,085,937 5,670,165 4,913,824 6,565,043 6,479,835 7,874,101 Shropshire 7,646,800 7,121,491 6,057,154 3,020,224 1,012,229 985,642 Solihull 4,603,050 3,558,350 3,230,258 1,070,983 1,823,287 705,425 1009W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1010W

Local authority level capital allocations—Maintenance 2011-14 and Basic Need 2011-15 £ Maintenance Basic Need Local authority 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2011-12 2012-13 2013-15

Staffordshire 20,537,743 18,585,392 16,735,829 16,987,346 27,845,479 13,866,023 Stoke-on-Trent 4,283,692 3,958,849 2,931,489 5,092,162 3,997,904 3,395,006 Telford and Wrekin 3,207,335 3,437,566 2,985,397 1,501,925 1,124,152 1,260,475 Walsall 6,682,010 5,081,088 4,073,161 2,650,018 2,097,621 2,320,791 Warwickshire 12,973,842 10,245,402 9,189,392 11,188,342 9,148,815 6,930,577 Wolverhampton 5,101,392 5,501,435 4,906,849 2,345,039 1,686,501 1,133,172 Worcestershire 13,454,700 10,478,595 8,613,688 5,852,011 6,568,636 5,920,655

East of England Bedford Borough 4,439,910 3,495,836 2,489,801 2,182,064 2,830,987 6,406,554 Central Bedfordshire 8,105,916 4,857,912 3,595,314 10,521,009 6,652,641 18,281,232 Cambridgeshire 13,264,393 9,869,433 8,262,453 17,560,097 25,527,539 19,864,120 Essex 34,706,890 24,130,918 19,920,535 18,693,766 16,234,755 21,513,286 Hertfordshire 32,912,999 25,905,304 21,824,813 39,304,898 37,753,793 37,343,434 Luton 4,669,387 4,259,367 3,762,774 8,417,111 11,525,576 11,687,626 Norfolk 20,627,977 19,162,289 16,443,223 16,960,901 12,825,948 32,271,824 Peterborough 3,999,288 3,454,977 3,368,820 1,908,371 3,380,773 23,138,634 Southend-on-Sea 3,925,485 2,559,008 2,456,643 4,401,588 4,449,294 5,933,171 Suffolk 18,733,328 15,397,812 13,925,925 19,916,234 17,241,395 21,880,233 Thurrock 3,433,986 2,361,583 1,583,196 4,162,923 4,568,254 8,435,042

London—Inner Camden 4,504,913 4,200,226 4,082,896 5,541,979 2,505,355 2,960,780 City of London 55,490 52,177 51,000 29,855 22,489 0 Hackney 4,415,700 4,180,423 4,133,712 4,009,781 6,361,865 9,519,590 Hammersmith and Fulham 3,624,266 3,072,154 2,517,437 19,097,586 33,139,004 8,491,985 Haringey 5,174,486 5,264,718 4,465,541 9,058,248 4,590,224 7,835,208 Islington 3,692,471 3,580,214 3,456,650 1,773,406 2,522,459 642,538 Kensington and Chelsea 2,417,771 2,232,619 2,174,224 2,083,006 1,275,420 0 Lambeth 5,563,566 4,920,855 4,683,624 16,825,208 13,090,434 23,302,872 Lewisham 5,560,811 5,404,362 5,313,667 25,592,012 28,651,778 19,554,933 Newham 7,004,232 6,464,643 6,414,357 25,123,459 38,260,420 48,247,503 Southwark 5,335,440 4,988,285 4,568,854 10,607,212 6,509,979 13,435,387 Tower Hamlets 6,411,561 6,247,518 5,908,445 14,915,491 14,439,668 16,437,724 Wandsworth 5,582,728 5,061,993 4,583,184 8,811,507 11,028,096 18,686,279 Westminster 3,118,097 2,746,236 2,251,843 3,066,983 3,360,846 4,814,992

London—Outer Barking and Dagenham 5,045,749 4,940,025 4,828,111 38,151,772 51,652,955 28,104,818 Barnet 7,548,872 5,802,329 5,487,088 16,263,647 16,219,381 23,306,067 Bexley 5,401,427 3,789,718 2,958,518 11,098,324 16,657,944 8,287,479 Brent 6,615,315 5,521,950 4,422,993 32,226,317 54,975,564 22,746,987 Bromley 7,040,605 3,592,091 3,313,283 5,774,707 3,994,955 9,968,079 Croydon 8,293,722 6,920,490 5,578,999 13,324,941 18,752,772 63,246,131 Ealing 6,540,018 5,423,482 5,292,428 20,852,612 18,358,932 28,426,032 Enfield 7,237,379 6,620,778 6,488,529 15,996,632 20,259,965 14,532,526 Greenwich 6,029,007 5,565,319 5,177,227 13,560,711 11,740,499 12,223,556 Harrow 4,952,107 3,447,375 3,149,087 4,465,347 4,422,050 14,692,131 Havering 6,315,747 4,353,359 3,904,762 6,255,618 8,208,656 8,903,265 Hillingdon 6,840,371 4,785,732 3,796,057 15,629,819 13,844,724 18,482,727 Hounslow 6,139,216 4,961,053 3,881,177 21,279,950 28,588,545 24,861,558 Kingston upon Thames 3,737,775 2,322,213 1,930,949 8,062,702 11,766,142 6,979,329 Merton 3,988,452 3,473,439 3,401,396 11,919,707 14,235,282 14,299,935 Redbridge 6,901,344 6,032,180 5,954,774 31,838,936 44,566,259 44,337,211 Richmond upon Thames 3,198,738 2,745,482 2,370,999 7,918,145 10,135,734 7,317,827 Sutton 5,219,740 2,808,920 2,657,728 15,599,975 24,464,620 15,144,051 Waltham Forest 5,347,677 5,112,527 3,975,264 31,836,288 49,920,936 36,512,212

South East Bracknell Forest 2,774,564 2,452,124 2,431,269 5,373,454 6,539,180 5,872,860 1011W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1012W

Local authority level capital allocations—Maintenance 2011-14 and Basic Need 2011-15 £ Maintenance Basic Need Local authority 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2011-12 2012-13 2013-15

Brighton and Hove 5,166,472 4,750,567 4,608,077 4,597,378 5,051,663 7,921,299 Buckinghamshire 14,214,251 9,611,661 8,891,662 11,116,928 9,685,945 12,700,784 East Sussex 12,147,717 10,371,546 8,995,030 8,591,275 8,353,050 13,223,531 Hampshire 32,213,330 25,677,814 24,367,874 19,462,265 24,661,195 33,302,047 Isle of Wight 3,906,868 3,252,465 2,513,547 2,267,333 809,226 0 Kent 33,928,638 25,819,198 22,636,746 23,692,465 19,629,949 38,599,775 Medway 6,550,922 4,623,891 4,088,201 3,836,404 3,012,299 5,026,158 Milton Keynes 6,247,035 4,788,596 4,346,136 13,267,647 13,542,065 22,923,318 Oxfordshire 16,151,349 14,062,349 10,748,960 15,088,420 14,394,882 16,916,154 Portsmouth 4,154,533 3,752,020 3,070,997 2,336,576 1,651,057 1,757,014 Reading 2,638,838 2,270,357 2,052,852 5,339,440 2,208,514 8,073,312 Slough 3,264,965 2,423,543 1,748,396 14,532,213 20,683,606 15,420,104 Southampton 4,536,103 4,082,252 3,239,380 7,867,924 8,634,378 9,627,924 Surrey 27,410,974 21,824,826 20,043,894 27,694,827 29,125,659 23,974,732 West Berkshire 5,012,872 4,084,692 3,693,839 1,389,760 826,514 2,660,443 West Sussex 18,380,075 15,594,741 14,298,615 33,446,789 24,997,195 25,505,430 Windsor and Maidenhead 4,078,787 3,271,356 2,884,650 6,991,730 6,102,140 5,242,404 Wokingham 3,859,651 3,198,517 3,135,311 13,355,643 14,101,856 6,495,300

South West Bath and North East Somerset 4,440,660 3,410,491 2,861,053 1,778,284 2,117,522 2,641,653 Bournemouth 3,048,112 2,250,251 1,420,314 6,431,868 9,360,528 7,941,389 Bristol, City of 7,486,791 6,586,338 4,997,940 27,689,035 41,947,227 33,799,485 Cornwall 12,977,316 9,594,953 8,764,224 2,236,853 1,590,204 2,540,946 Devon 17,935,958 13,594,479 12,854,064 8,393,989 7,215,942 10,402,556 Dorset 10,489,241 9,295,640 8,293,342 5,467,856 4,003,606 3,498,732 Gloucestershire 16,249,097 10,698,143 9,723,415 9,283,938 6,644,919 9,833,634 Isles of Scilly 59,299 28,901 27,963 112,956 130,492 0 North Somerset 4,905,693 3,338,525 3,044,230 3,137,881 3,977,928 7,940,904 Plymouth 5,696,939 4,025,941 3,739,160 5,901,220 7,055,150 6,587,444 Poole 2,777,327 2,291,132 2,012,495 3,391,909 3,903,395 4,997,439 Somerset 13,881,021 10,351,823 9,271,299 4,664,440 3,582,221 6,403,301 South Gloucestershire 6,574,590 5,797,172 5,225,557 4,284,879 3,263,505 5,417,006 Swindon 4,619,618 2,612,805 1,908,516 3,672,615 4,302,617 3,816,090 Torbay 2,610,675 1,959,251 1,265,493 1,852,884 2,155,245 2,021,411 Wiltshire 11,939,506 9,325,616 8,146,032 8,472,070 5,147,057 7,801,721

Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for create additional pupil places by building new schools Education how much each school in each and expanding existing ones. It is our intention to parliamentary constituency in England has received in announce the successful applicants to this programme (a) maintenance capital and (b) basic need capital at the end of June. since 2010. [157040] Academies Capital Maintenance Fund: http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/executiveagencies/efa/ Mr Laws: The Department does not hold information efafundinqfinance/b00212638/efa-academies-capital on the main maintenance or basic need capital allocations Priority School Building Programme: made to local authorities at either the school or http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/ parliamentary constituency level. Capital funding for schoolscapital/a00209336/priority-school-building- maintained and voluntary-aided schools is allocated at programme the local authority level. Further capital funding is being invested through the Schools: Sports Priority School Building Programme in the 261 schools Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for in the country that are in the worst condition. Capital Education what assessment he has made of the effects funding is also provided to academies through the of funding for school sports on children’s physical Academies Capital Maintenance Fund. Details of the activity levels in each of the last three years. [156848] schools to be funded through each programme are available from the following links. However, the amounts Mr Timpson: The Department does not collect data at a school level have not been published, because these on the effects of funding for school sports on children’s are contractual matters. physical activity levels. Data relating to sports participation The Department will be allocating additional capital is measured by the Department for Culture, Media and funding to a number of local authorities through the Sport’s “Taking Part”survey and Sport England’s “Active Targeted Basic Need Programme, to enable them to People” survey. 1013W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1014W

Schools: Standards Financial and economic matters Powers to set a rate of income tax to be paid by Scottish Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for taxpayers, and taxes in relation to land transactions and landfill. Education how many schools in each (a) Home affairs parliamentary constituency and (b) local authority in The interception of any communication made to or by a England were rated (i) outstanding, (ii) good, (iii) person detained at a place of detention. satisfactory or requires improvement and (iv) special measures by Ofsted in May (A) 2010 and (B) 2013. The regulation of air weapons. [157042] Trade and industry Powers in relation to business associations which are social Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. HM landlords, including in relation to winding up proceedings and Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written to procedures giving protection from creditors. the hon. Member, and a copy of his response has been Powers to provide financial assistance for the provision of placed in the House Library. services (other than postal services and services relating to money or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices. Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Education what the Ofsted rating of each school in Powers to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities each (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) local about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the authority in England was in May (i) 2010 and (ii) 2013. provision of rail services. [157043] Powers to transfer functions of passenger transport executives or passenger transport authorities relating to rail services, and the Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. HM allocation of such functions among relevant authorities. Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written to The promotion and construction of railways which start, end the hon. Member and a copy of his response has been and remain in Scotland. placed in the House Libraries. Power to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities Scotland about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services. Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Social security Education if he will list the legislation his Department Powers to provide occasional financial or other assistance to or has sponsored which has devolved powers to the in respect of individuals for the purposes of meeting an immediate Scottish Parliament and powers within such legislation short-term need, arising out of exceptional services, to avoid risk since 1998. [156226] to the individual’s well-being, or enabling qualifying individuals to establish or maintain a settled home. David Mundell: I have been asked to reply on behalf Employment of the Scotland Office. Fire safety on construction sites and on certain premises, Scotland Office is responsible for maintaining and including those concerned in the manufacture or storage of strengthening the devolution settlement; together with chemicals, explosives or flammable materials. lead policy Departments we have delivered a programme Amendment to part 1 of the Scotland Act 1998 of Scotland Act orders that have provided additional powers to the Scottish Parliament, as well as delivering Elections the Scotland Act 2012 that enhanced the devolution Power to make provision as to the conduct of elections for settlement and provided the largest transfer of financial membership of the Scottish Parliament, and the questioning of responsibility since 1999. such an election and the consequences of irregularities. Made by the Scotland Act 2012 and yet to be brought into force. Further devolution to the Scottish Parliament is principally achieved by way of amendments to schedules 4 and 5 of the Act. Since 1998 the following changes to Sign Language those schedules have been made. These are presented in summary form. Sir Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Amendments to schedule 4 of the Scotland Act 1998 Education (1) what assessment he has made of the Power to modify the Scotland Act 1998 regarding financial equality of access available for deaf people whose first assistance for opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament. language is British Sign Language in communicating Powers to modify certain provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 with (a) teachers and educational establishments and requiring any sum to be payable out of the Scottish Consolidated (b) the agencies and public bodies which support his Fund. Department; and if he will make a statement; [157406] Power to provide that proceedings brought in a court or (2) what steps his Department has taken to ensure tribunal against a member of the Scottish Government under the that deaf children have the opportunity to be taught in Scotland Act 1998 on human rights grounds have to be brought British Sign Language; [157407] before the end of a limitation period (since repealed by Scotland Act 2012). (3) what steps his Department has taken to ensure Amendments to schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998 that (a) the families of deaf children and (b) all Political parties children have the opportunity to learn British Sign Language; [157408] The making of payments to any political party for the purpose of assisting members of the Parliament to perform their parliamentary (4) what specific measures his Department has in duties. place to ensure that deaf people have the opportunity Referendum to communicate in British Sign Language with (a) A power to allow the Scottish Parliament to conduct a referendum teachers and educational establishments and (b) the on the independence of Scotland from the rest of the United agencies and public bodies for which he is responsible. Kingdom, subject to certain conditions. [157561] 1015W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1016W

Mr Timpson: All public bodies, including schools, the comparative value for money of different types of early years providers, post-16 institutions and local provision and which is likely to deliver the best outcomes authorities, have duties towards disabled people, including for individual young people. Local authorities will consider those who are deaf and use British Sign Language this as part of agreeing young peoples’ learning difficulty (BSL), under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public assessments and, in the future, the new Education, Sector Equality Duty.The Department publishes guidance Health and Care Plans. for schools on these duties.1 In response to the recommendations of the PAC on Schools and local authorities have the main high needs provision, the Department accepted that responsibilities for ensuring support is available to deaf clear information about special educational needs (SEN) children, including sign language support. funding should be published. The Department is working The Children and Families Bill will introduce a single with Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Department Education, Health and Care Plan which links up the of Health and other partners to agree definitions of support for a child with special educational needs. It learning difficulty and disability types, so as to improve will also give parents more of a say in the school their comparability of data across sectors. Data standards child attends and will require local authorities to set out have been developed and have been approved by the a ’local offer’ of the support that is available. It will Information Standards Board for use across education, encourage a more joined-up approach to supporting skills and children’s service. deaf children and the provision of clearer information The Department is widening its published Destinations on the support that families can expect locally. The Bill Measures so that we can provide information on will introduce the option of a personal budget for some destinations for pupils with SEN at KS4 in summer parents and young people, which will give them more 2013. I intend to publish destination data for students control over the support they receive. with SEN at KS5 later this year, at national, local and This year the Department for Education (DFE) has institutional level where data sets allow. We currently awarded a number of grants and contracts to the voluntary only consider attainment at level 3 in Destinations and community sector for the support of deaf children. Measures although we intend to explore including level These include: 1 and 2 in the future. 1. A grant to the National Deaf Children’s Society to deliver the I-Sign project, which aims to skill up the BSL workforce by Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for providing training and new qualifications to meet existing demand. Education (1) what guidance his Department provides 2. A contract to the National Sensory Impairment Partnership to local authorities on the financial considerations to to provide information, advice, support and training to specialist be made in commissioning placements in specialist services in order to improve outcomes for children and young colleges; [156716] people with a sensory impairment. (2) what comparison his Department has made 3. Through the SEN support scholarship fund, we are encouraging between the social return of investment for post-16 support staff to apply for funding to undertake high-level qualifications specialist college provision for high-needs students and which enhance their ability to support the teaching and learning that for other provision; and if he will make a of pupils with SEN and disabilities. statement; [156717] 1 http://education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/advice/f00215460/equality- act-2010-departmental-advice (3) what assessment his Department has made of the (a) long-term comparative costs, (b) value for money Special Educational Needs and (c) outcomes between (i) specialist college provision and (ii) other provision for high-needs Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for students; and if he will make a statement. [156718] Education (1) with reference to the Seventieth Report of the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 2010-12, Mr Timpson: I welcome the diversity of provision HC 1636, what progress his Department has made in available to young people with learning difficulties and responding to the recommendations contained in that disabilities, and have acted to ensure that an appropriate report on the cost and outcome analysis of high-needs and affordable choice of providers will continue to be provision for 16 to 25-year-olds; and if he will make a available to those young people. statement; [156649] My Department has not made comparisons between (2) with reference to the National Audit Office the different types of provision for high needs. However, Report, Oversight of special education for young the National Audit Office report “Oversight of special people aged 16 to 25-years-old, Session 2010-12, HC education for young people aged 16 to 25-years-old” 1585, what progress his Department has made in published in November 2011 considered overall provision collating comparable data on disability types and and comparison of totality of costs. This took account severity and student outcomes to understand and of the costs to both health and social care services, as provide evidence for longer-term value-for-money well as education, in supporting a young person in criteria for post-16 specialist education; and if he will different types of education provision. This is an important make a statement. [156650] part of the process in making decisions about the comparative value for money of types of provision, and Mr Timpson: Since the Public Accounts Committee I expect local authorities to consider this in drawing up (PAC) report, the Department has implemented a new Learning Difficulty Assessments (LDA) and, in the approach to funding education and support for high future, the new 0 to 25 Education, Health and Care needs pupils, including those aged 16 to 25. Plans proposed in legislation currently before Parliament. The new system places greater responsibility on local Local authorities have a duty to secure enough suitable authorities for commissioning and funding high needs education and training to meet the reasonable needs of provision. Local authorities are best placed to consider students aged 16 to 18, or 19 to 24, where the student is 1017W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1018W subject to a LDA. Local authorities are best placed to head teachers to understand the particular needs of decide which provision is likely to deliver the best value their pupils, and to determine how to address them for money on a case by case basis. most effectively. From the start of the academic year 2013 to 2014 all Teachers: Training institutions, including independent specialist colleges, will be funded in the same way for high needs students. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for This will enable future comparisons on costs, outcomes Education how many School Direct places initially and value for money to be made. allocated have been returned to his Department. My Department has listened to issues raised by [157012] institutions and local authorities on implementation of the high needs students funding reform, and in March Mr Laws: 9,441 Initial Teacher Training (ITT) places wrote to independent specialist colleges to inform them were initially allocated to schools via the School Direct of plans to offer a level of protection over the next two programme to start in academic year 2013 to 2014.1 The academic years. National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL)’s Our operational guidance says that local authorities timetable for the publication of School Direct ITT must work with independent specialist colleges to confirm places is in two stages: when initial allocations are made rates of top-up funding and suggests ways to work and as soon as possible after the academic year begins jointly in setting rates and developing banded funding in August. frameworks. An important condition of the Dedicated The NCTL do not publish or supply details of changes Schools Grant is that continuity of provision must be between initial and final allocations as NCTL is working preserved for young people who have already started a with schools to respond to change requests and finalise course and who will continue it, for example into a allocations. The information requested could therefore further academic year, from September 2013. be compiled only at disproportionate cost. 1 ITT places for School Direct for the academic year 2013 to 2014 Sports: Schools can be found at the following link: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/ Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for traininganddevelopment/initial/b00204256/itt-funding-and- Education if he will assess the effect of targets for allocations/allocations participation in school sports on children’s physical Temporary Employment activity levels. [156726] Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Timpson: High quality physical education (PE) Education how many temporary staff have been and sport are important in schools. Because of this, PE recruited to his private ministerial office since May is, and will remain, compulsory at all four key stages in 2010. [157453] the national curriculum. Moreover, we are providing Elizabeth Truss: Since May 2010, seven temporary additional cross-government funding of £150 million members of staff have been recruited to the Secretary of per annum for the academic year 2013/14 and 2014/15 State’s ministerial private office. to support the provision of PE and sport in primary Travel schools. This funding will be ring-fenced and must be spent to improve provision of PE and sport in primary Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for schools. The Secretary of State for Education, my right Education how many officials in (a) his Department hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael and (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which Gove), and Her Majesty’s chief inspector have agreed he is responsible claimed reimbursement for travel that for all primary schools Ofsted inspectors will consider subsistence expenses in each of the last five years; what how well the schools uses its additional funding to the total cost was of such claims; and what the improve the quality and breadth of its PE and sporting monetary value was of the 20 highest subsistence provision. claims in each such year. [155406] Legislation specifically prohibits the Secretary of State Elizabeth Truss: The number of officials in the from prescribing the amount of time to be spent on any Department and its executive agencies who claimed national curriculum subject (including PE) and no targets reimbursement for travel subsistence, and the cost of have therefore been set. We trust individual schools and those claims, are shown in the following table:

Financial period 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-131

Number 876 725 950 1,792 Total Amount of Travel 91,076.13 103,154.38 153,410.78 342,167.92 Subsistence Reimbursed (£) Combined Value of Top 20 9,192.62 6,917.61 6,911.94 13,507.77 Subsistence Claims (£) 1 November to March.

The Department moved to a new financial system in October 2010, and the closure of a number of non- November 2009. Data before that date could be obtained departmental public bodies (NDPBs). The transfer of only at disproportionate cost functions and staff from these NDPBs to the core The Department’s arm’s length body reform programme Department is reflected in the rise in the value and involved the creation of four executive agencies from number of claims made in 2011-12 and 2012-13. Data 1019W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1020W for the financial years 2011-12 and 2012-13 are therefore State-funded primary, state-funded secondary and special not comparable with each other or with data for earlier schools1,2,3,4: unauthorised absence rates5—Academic years 2007/08 to 2011/12, England, the south-west region and Gloucester years. Data for the closed NDPBs is not readily available parliamentary constituency and also could be obtained only at disproportionate Unauthorised absence rate5 cost. Gloucester Data for the NDPBs which remain, the Office of the parliamentary Children’s Commissioner, and The Children and Family England South-west constituency Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS), is not held by the Department. 2007/08 1.0 0.8 1.0 2008/09 1.1 0.8 1.1 Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009/10 1.0 0.8 1.0 Education what his Department’s budget for 2010/11 1.1 0.8 1.2 ministerial travel for (a) the Government Car Service, 2011/12 1.0 0.8 1.2 (b) private hire vehicles, (c) taxis, (d) rail, (e) aviation 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. and (f) other is for (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) 2 Includes primary academies. 3 Includes city technology colleges and secondary academies. [157523] 2015-16. 4 Includes maintained special schools, non-maintained special schools and special academies. Excludes general hospital schools, independent Elizabeth Truss: The Department has not allocated special schools and independent schools approved for SEN pupils. budgets to the level of detail requested. 5 The number of sessions missed due to unauthorised absence expressed as a percentage of the total number of possible sessions. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Education how much his Department spent on School Census ministerial travel by (a) Government Car Service, (b) UK Membership of EU private hire vehicles, (c) taxis, (d) rail, (e) aviation and (f) other means in each year of the current Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for parliament. [157544] Education what his Department’s top priorities are for changing the UK’s relationship with the EU. [157263] Elizabeth Truss: This Government has slashed the cost to the taxpayer of government cars compared with Elizabeth Truss: As the Prime Minister’s speech on the costs before the last general election. Europe in January this year made clear, the EU needs to For details of how much the Department has spent change both to deliver prosperity and to retain the on the Government Car Service, I refer the hon. Member support of its peoples. The Government is committed to the information published in the annual written to help shape the future of a more competitive, flexible ministerial statement, which can be found in the House and democratically accountable European Union, with Libraries. Britain playing a leading role at the heart of the Single 2009/10: Market. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/ The Government is currently carrying out the Balance cmhansrd/cm101028/wmstext/ of Competence Review which is an evidence-based and 101028m0001.htm#10102827000372 objective analysis of what EU membership means for 2010/11: the UK and our national interest. Reports will not http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/ produce recommendations but will look at the impact cmhansrd/cm120116/wmstext/ of the EU in the areas of EU policy. The Department 120116m0001.htm#12011611000194 for Education will launch a consultation on EU education 2011/12: competence issues and report in 2014. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/ Universal Credit cmhansrd/cm121220/wmstext/ 121220m0001.htm#12122056000216 Details of the costs for the Government Car Service Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for for 2012/13 will be published in the normal way later Education how the qualifying conditions for each this year. passported benefit for which he is responsible will change under universal credit. [157424] Records of other departmental travel are categorised alongside other spending and are not held centrally. Mr Laws: We are currently considering proposals for Truancy new entitlement criteria for free school meals under universal credit. In doing so, we are working very Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for closely with other Departments, including the Cabinet Education how many unauthorised absences there were Office and the Department for Work and Pensions, to in (a) England, (b) the south-west and (c) Gloucester simplify free school meals criteria, while ensuring that in each of the last five years; and how many of those free lunches continue to be available to the families who absences were by pupils from the show people need them most. community. [157459] Eligibility for pupil premium, early learning for two- year-olds and extended rights to school transport is Elizabeth Truss: The Department is unable to identify either based on a child being entitled to, or, claiming pupils who are from the show people community. free school meals. Under universal credit, we will continue Information on unauthorised absence rates in Gloucester to use free school meal eligibility and entitlement in the constituency, the south-west and England is shown in same way to target support on the most disadvantaged the following table: children. 1021W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1022W

Vetting The Government takes the development of young people’s skills for employment very seriously and recognises Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for that it is important to allow headteachers the freedom Education (1) how many special advisers that he has to respond to the needs of their pupils and the local appointed since he took up his present office have economy. disclosed a criminal record in line with section 11 of the Cabinet Office guidance, HMG personnel Security Written Questions: Government Responses Controls; [157345] Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) with reference to section 9 of the Cabinet Office Education (1) what the average number of sitting days guidance on HMG personnel security controls, if he taken by his Department was to respond substantively will list the references taken up in respect of (a) to named day written questions tabled by hon. Mr Dominic Cummings and (b) Mr Henry de Zoete. Members of each political party in the (a) 2010-12 [157506] Session and (b) 2012-13 Session; [157627] (2) what the average number of sitting days taken by Elizabeth Truss: Special advisers are appointed in his Department was to respond substantively to accordance with the provisions of the ‘Model contract ordinary written questions tabled by hon. Members of for Special Advisers’. As with all Government Departments, each political party in the (a) 2010-12 Session and (b) personal information about recruitment checks and 2012-13 Session. [157628] security clearances are confidential between the Department and its employees. Elizabeth Truss: Due to the failure of the Department Vocational Training for Education PQ tracker IT system last summer, we are unable to provide accurate data on the 2012-13 parliamentary Session. We do not hold data for the Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-12 parliamentary Session. Education pursuant to the answer of 15 May 2013, Official Report, column 255W, on traineeships, what the total funding available for 16-19 Study Programmes in 2013-14 is; and how much of that funding has been WORK AND PENSIONS earmarked to cover the cost of funding traineeships in 2013-14. [156705] Atos Healthcare

Matthew Hancock: Schools, colleges and other 16 to Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for 19 education providers were notified of their allocations Work and Pensions what plans his Department has to for the academic year 2013/14 at the end of March improve collaboration and communication with Atos. 2013. The total amount of funding allocated to schools, [156839] colleges, other further education providers and 16 to 19 Mr Hoban: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) apprenticeship providers for the financial year 2013-14 and Atos Healthcare continue to work closely on the is £7,430 million. delivery of all aspects of health and disability assessments. The allocations for the academic year 2013/14 are the Both are committed to continuously collaborating and first to be based on the new 16 to 19 funding formula, communicating so that improvements and necessary which funds per student rather than per qualification change can be instigated and properly managed. taken. The key driver for these allocations is the DWP and Atos Healthcare meet formally on a monthly number of students recruited in the previous academic basis to discuss performance and agree improvement year. The number of traineeships or any other type of activities. In addition, to support the formal process, study programme to be delivered by a provider is not detailed monitoring of Atos performance is undertaken specified within the provider’s funding allocation. It is weekly by DWP and weekly discussions about performance for each individual provider to decide what mix of issues are held with Atos. provision to offer based on the students’ prior attainment and career aspirations and the total amount of funding Children: Maintenance available. Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions what child support arrears are owed by Education what steps he is taking to encourage schools non-resident parents to parents with care in Scotland in to work with local employers in developing vocational each (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) local skills needed for the local economy. [156797] authority in the latest period for which figures are available in 2013. [156298] Matthew Hancock: The government’s focus has been to reform post-16 vocational education in line with Steve Webb: The following tables show, as of March Alison Wolfs recommendations. The introduction of 2013, the amounts of child maintenance arrears owed 16-19 Study programmes will lead to a significant expansion by non-resident parents, and of these amounts how in the provision of work experience and work-related much is owed to parents with care, by Scottish learning for all students undertaking vocational education. parliamentary constituency and local authority of the The Government are working with the UK Commission parent with care. for Employment and Skills and other employer Figures are sourced from the agency’s internal debt organisations to secure employer commitment to increasing book so breakdowns will not exactly match the general the supply of high quality work experience places and ledger figures published in the March 2013 Quarterly to greater employer involvement in post-16 education. Summary of Statistics. 1023W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1024W

Amount of outstanding child maintenance arrears by local authority of the Amount of outstanding child maintenance arrears by parliamentary constituency parent with care—March 2013 of the parent with care—March 2013 £ £ Total arrears March Of which: Arrears owed Parliamentary Total arrears March Of which: Arrears owed Local authority 2013 to PWC constituency 2013 to PWC Aberdeen 11,560,000 7,559,000 East Dunbartonshire 2,775,000 2,030,000 Aberdeenshire 16,128,000 11,627,000 Angus 7,741,000 5,354,000 East Kilbride, 7,095,000 4,565,000 Strathaven and Argyll & Bute 5,683,000 3,882,000 Lesmahagow Scottish Borders 7,102,000 4,800,000 East Lothian 5,563,000 3,820,000 Clackmannanshire 3,868,000 2,520,000 East Renfrewshire 3,079,000 2,122,000 West Dunbartonshire 7,207,000 3,984,000 Dumfries and 10,011,000 6,750,000 Edinburgh East 3,124,000 1,774,000 Galloway Edinburgh North and 3,666,000 2,304,000 Dundee 12,932,000 8,073,000 Leith East Ayrshire 8,876,000 5,730,000 Edinburgh South 2,909,000 1,825,000 East Dunbartonshire 4,467,000 3,031,000 Edinburgh South West 3,586,000 2,300,000 East Lothian 5,606,000 3,848,000 Edinburgh West 3,766,000 2,641,000 East Renfrewshire 3,076,000 2,135,000 Edinburgh 17,070,000 10,836,000 Falkirk 7,451,000 5,033,000 Falkirk 10,348,000 6,942,000 Glasgow Central 3,687,000 1,671,000 Fife 26,965,000 17,683,000 Glasgow East 7,181,000 3,497,000 Glasgow 37,382,000 19,168,000 Glasgow North 2,911,000 1,596,000 Highland 15,786,000 10,326,000 Glasgow North East 6,425,000 3,308,000 Inverclyde 6,499,000 3,533,000 Glasgow North West 5,702,000 2,829,000 Midlothian 5,445,000 3,568,000 Glasgow South 4,741,000 2,638,000 Moray 6,450,000 4,644,000 North Ayrshire 11,477,000 7,070,000 Glasgow South West 6,461,000 3,471,000 North Lanarkshire 25,015,000 15,160,000 Glenrothes 8,299,000 5,164,000 Orkney Islands 1,203,000 923,000 Gordon 4,270,000 3,273,000 Perth and Kinross 9,010,000 6,368,000 Inverclyde 6,458,000 3,484,000 Renfrewshire 10,339,000 6,360,000 Inverness, Nairn, 6,513,000 4,339,000 Shetland 1,459,000 1,035,000 Badenoch and Strathspey South Ayrshire 7,224,000 4,858,000 South Lanarkshire 19,162,000 12,499,000 Kilmarnock and 6,697,000 4,444,000 Loudoun Stirling 4,868,000 3,115,000 Kirkcaldy and 7,279,000 4,690,000 West Lothian 12,298,000 8,594,000 Cowdenbeath Western Isles 1,598,000 920,000 Lanark and Hamilton 4,998,000 3,486,000 East Amount of outstanding child maintenance arrears by parliamentary constituency Linlithgow and East 6,766,000 4,539,000 of the parent with care—March 2013 Falkirk £ Livingston 8,454,000 5,989,000 Parliamentary Total arrears March Of which: Arrears owed constituency 2013 to PWC Midlothian 5,417,000 3,580,000 Moray 6,449,000 4,651,000 Aberdeen North 6,476,000 4,228,000 Aberdeen South 3,873,000 2,541,000 Motherwell and 6,186,000 3,714,000 Wishaw Airdrie and Shotts 7,272,000 4,077,000 Angus 6,344,000 4,448,000 Na h-Eileanan an Iar 1,598,000 920,000 Argyll and Bute 5,678,000 3,875,000 North Ayrshire and 7,045,000 4,140,000 Arran Ayr, Carrick and 6,670,000 4,305,000 Cumnock North East Fife 3,579,000 2,712,000 Banff and Buchan 8,653,000 5,760,000 Ochil and South 6,224,000 4,232,000 Berwickshire, Roxburgh 6,186,000 4,231,000 Perthshire and Selkirk Orkney and Shetland 2,661,000 1,957,000 Caithness, Sutherland 5,106,000 3,199,000 and Easter Ross Paisley and 4,947,000 3,171,000 Renfrewshire North Central Ayrshire 7,105,000 4,779,000 Coatbridge, Chryston 7,209,000 4,378,000 Paisley and 5,309,000 3,137,000 and Bellshill Renfrewshire South Cumbernauld, Kilsyth 6,132,000 3,953,000 Perth and North 6,754,000 4,715,000 and Kirkintilloch East Perthshire Dumfries and Galloway 6,411,000 4,423,000 Ross, Skye and 4,152,000 2,778,000 Dumfriesshire, 5,046,000 3,258,000 Lochaber Clydesdale and Tweeddale Rutherglen and 6,411,000 4,025,000 Hamilton West Dundee East 7,208,000 4,521,000 Dundee West 7,198,000 4,527,000 Stirling 4,878,000 3,155,000 Dunfermline and West 7,823,000 5,135,000 West Aberdeenshire 4,333,000 3,352,000 Fife and Kincardine 1025W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1026W

Amount of outstanding child maintenance arrears by parliamentary constituency In addition they can refer individuals to appropriate of the parent with care—March 2013 employment provision including: £ Parliamentary Total arrears March Of which: Arrears owed Work programme constituency 2013 to PWC The Government recognises that many customers West Dunbartonshire 7,144,000 3,936,000 have complex disability-related barriers to work and Notes: may require specialist support. We know a proportion 1. Figures sourced from agency’s internal debt book, The agency debt book of people with long-term conditions will also have over reports debt by approximately 4%. marginal or no specialist support needs. Therefore, in 2. Outstanding debt value allocated to a parliamentary constituency or local authority by matching the parent with care’s residential postcode to the Office practice many people with long-term conditions will be for National Statistics Postcode Directory. served through our mainstream employment provision. 3. Figures rounded to nearest £1,000. 4. Local authorities and parliamentary constituencies are determined by the Work Choice region/country specified on the National Statistics Postcode Directory. Due to Provides tailored support to help disabled people slight differences between the areas specified for local authorities and parliamentary constituencies on CSA’s management information, overall who face the most complex barriers to employment, totals may differ. The sum of the total arrears by parliamentary constituency find and stay in work and ultimately help them progress differs from the sum of total arrears by local authority by approximately 0.2%. into unsupported employment, where it is appropriate Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for for the individual. Work Choice is voluntary and available Work and Pensions if he will introduce legislative regardless of any benefits being claimed. Work Choice proposals to make allowances for human error in the can provide an indefinite period of support once the customer is in work, unlike mainstream employment administration of child maintenance payments. [156727] provision. This is in recognition of the fact that some Steve Webb: There are already a wide range of ways Work Choice participants may need ongoing support to for preventing, detecting, and providing redress in the overcome barriers in work that cannot be met through event of errors in the administration of the statutory normal workplace adjustments. child maintenance system, including the Child Support Access to Work Agency’s internal accuracy checks and a process for Provides additional support for individuals whose dealing with complaints. Clients are also able to challenge health or disability affects the way they do their job. It the Child Support’s Agency’s decision making through provides individuals and their employers with advice the independent appeals system, and, in the event of and support with extra costs which may arise because of more complex issues of maladministration, through the an individual’s needs. The type of support Access to Independent Case Examiner, the Parliamentary and Work provides can include; support workers, awareness Health Service Ombudsman, and—ultimately—the courts. training for colleagues and counselling. Where errors do take place and a client has lost out Employer engagement financially, redress is provided as set out in the Financial Redress for Maladministration Guide, a copy of which A key element in reducing the disability employment is available at: gap is through working with employers to identify and support them in removing barriers to recruiting and http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/financial-redress-for- maladministration.pdf retaining disabled people in their work force. In addition to existing employer engagement activities the Department Chronic Illnesses: Employment is currently developing a new disability employment strategy to progress further in this area. Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department takes to Community Care Grants: Scotland encourage employers to hire and retain staff who have (a) myalgic encephalomyelitis, (b) multiple sclerosis, Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (c) Parkinson’s disease and (d) other long-term and Pensions how much was awarded to (a) Scottish conditions. [156838] UK parliamentary constituencies, (b) Scottish local authority areas and (c) Scotland under each category Esther McVey: Jobcentre Plus is committed to helping of the community care grant in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 people to find a suitable job in their local area through and (iii) up to the most recent records available. its network of advisers. [156277] Where customers with long-term conditions need extra support to find or retain work the local Jobcentre Steve Webb: Table 1 provides the amount awarded Plus office can refer them to a Disability Employment under each Community Care Grant direction in Scotland Adviser, who can provide support and advice in finding in 2010-11,2011-12 and 2012-13. or staying in employment, including sourcing suitable Tables 2 and 3 provides the amount awarded under job opportunities, advocating on their behalf with each Community Care Grant direction by local authority employers, and using the professional expertise of in Scotland in 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively. This occupational psychologists specialising in working with information is not yet available for 2012-13. disabled people. They will also be able to advise them Community Care Grant expenditure figures are not about specialised support available for disabled people; available by parliamentary constituency.

Table 1: Community Care Grant expenditure in Scotland in 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 by direction £ Direction 4 condition satisfied 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Direction 4(a)(i) People moving out of institutional or residential care 1,420,900 1,448,000 1,305,400 Direction 4(a)(ii) Helping people stay in the community 7,473,900 6,586,100 6,074,900 1027W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1028W

Table 1: Community Care Grant expenditure in Scotland in 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 by direction £ Direction 4 condition satisfied 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Direction 4(a)(iii) Families under exceptional pressure 10,599,100 11,152,900 9,895,600 Direction 4(a)(iv) Prisoner or young offender on release on temporary licence 39,200 33,100 24,400 Direction 4(a)(v) People setting up home as a planned programme of resettlement 1,028,400 973,100 654,700 Direction 4(b) Travelling expenses 252,100 183,600 135,900 Total 20,813,600 20,376,800 18,090,900

Table 2: Community Care Grants expenditure in Scotland in 2010-11 by local authority and direction £ Direction 4 condition 4a(i) 4a(ii) 4a(iii) 4a(iv) 4a(v) 4b Total

Aberdeen City 58,200 121,500 207,300 800 40,100 2,900 430,800 Aberdeenshire 23,200 66,100 169,000 1— 10,100 7,300 275,700 Angus 21,200 73,800 141,500 900 13,100 6,600 257,100 Argyll and Bute 18,300 89,500 143,600 1— 24,900 8,700 285,000 Clackmannanshire 11,200 45,200 134,300 600 6,600 4,200 201,900 Dumfries and Galloway 36,200 114,800 252,300 1— 37,100 6,600 447,200 Dundee City 69,900 244,500 386,500 1,400 57,300 4,600 764,100 East Ayrshire 54,100 189,400 281,700 500 9,800 7,800 543,300 East Dunbartonshire 5,500 65,000 91,600 1— 6,300 200 168,600 East Lothian 10,900 84,400 112,300 800 12,100 2,700 223,100 East Renfrewshire 15,200 44,400 76,000 100 8,100 1,600 145,500 Edinburgh, City of 93,400 584,000 517,300 1,900 92,700 13,000 1,302,400 Eilean Siar 2,400 14,700 13,300 100 1— £,000 31,400 Falkirk 39,000 193,900 319,900 900 27,100 3,500 584,400 Fife 65,600 315,300 602,200 1,900 46,600 18,900 1,050,400 Glasgow City 287,500 2,170,400 2,510,200 9,500 306,900 36,900 5,321,300 Highland 35,600 150,800 262,500 1— 26,600 10,500 486,000 Inverclyde 27,600 179,000 199,300 1,000 24,300 3,400 434,600 Midlothian 6,800 73,900 161,300 1,200. 7,500 3,200 253,900 Moray 11,300 45,600 118,900 200 24,200 6,600 £206,700 North Ayrshire 57,300 202,700 357,700 1,300 47,600 7,200 673,700 North Lanarkshire 104,900 716,100 1,052,500 3,000 50,300 14,500 1,941,400 Orkney Islands 1,300 8,900 12,800 1— 1,300 1,000 25,300 Perth and Kinross 26,800 94,300 183,000 1,500 38,400 2,400 346,500 Renfrewshire 41,500 202,100 290,700 700 31,500 7,000 573,600 Scottish Borders 20,000 103,000 134,500 1— 24,700 7,600 289,800 Shetland Islands 1,000 9,900 21,400 1— 3,300 3,500 39,100 South Ayrshire 34,900 120,400 244,100 1,200 22,800 4,800 428,200 South Lanarkshire 89,100 518,700 659,000 1,300 21,100 10,400 1,299,600 Stirling 15,200 86,500 136,800 1,400 6,900 2,000 248,700 West Dunbartonshire 25,200 184,300 308,600 1,200 11,100 3,100 533,500 West Lothian 22,600 210,700 355,800 700 37,600 13,500 641,000 Total 1,332,800 7,323,700 10,457,600 34,400 1,078,400 227,200 20,454,000

Table 3: Community Care Grants expenditure in Scotland in 2011-12 by local authority and direction £ Direction 4 condition 4a(i) 4a(ii) 4a(iii) 4a(iv) 4a(v) 4b Total

Aberdeen City 58,800 111,400 236,700 2,100 58,000 4,200 471,100 Aberdeenshire 25,500 64,000 153,600 1— 17,500 2,300 262,800 Angus 19,600 77,200 118,500 400 19,200 3,100 238,000 Argyll and Bute 14,000 73,900 118,200 0 17,600 6,200 229,900 Clackmannanshire 14,000 45,500 134,700 1— 6,200 800 £201,100 Dumfries and Galloway 25,500 84,600 223,700 1— 38,600 2,200 374,600 Dundee City 93,800 231,600 459,300 600 72,400 1,400 859,100 East Ayrshire 61,100 178,500 302,900 1,400 15,800 7,000 £66,700 East Dunbartonshire 8,100 51,200 137,100 400 12,800 1,300 210,900 East Lothian 6,200 58,000 148,400 200 16,900 600 230,400 East Renfrewshire. 10,100 51,100 90,600 500 5,500 £1,100 £158,800 Edinburgh, City of 90,500 503,200 525,900 3,100 115,100 7,700 1,245,500 Eilean Siar 1,200 10,900 17,000 0 2,100 400 31,500 Falkirk 28,700 156,100 328,800 1— 33,600 5,400 552,600 Fife 77,500 269,400 650,500 900 50,200 13,800 1,062,400 1029W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1030W

Table 3: Community Care Grants expenditure in Scotland in 2011-12 by local authority and direction £ Direction 4 condition 4a(i) 4a(ii) 4a(iii) 4a(iv) 4a(v) 4b Total

Glasgow City 273,800 1,897,800 2,453,100 5,300 355,800 28,800 5,014,600 Highland 43,800 144,700 271,000 200 15,500 8,300 483,600 Inverclyde 30,600 140,900 197,400 400 23,600 2,400 395,300 Midlothian 8,200 53,500 153,800 800 4,100 300 220,800 Moray 15,600 48,700 149,200 100 31,800 3,100 248,500 North Ayrshire 55,500 163,900 337,500 2,700 48,100 7,300 615,000 North Lanarkshire 108,100 629,800 1,050,200 1,900 49,000 12,400 1,851,400 Orkney Islands 600 15,900 24,200 1— 0 900 41,700 Perth and Kinross 23,900 81,700 232,400 0 23,700 4,900 366,600 Renfrewshire 51,200 197,700 302,000 1,700 47,700 4,100 604,500 Scottish Borders 9,900 73,900 148,500 1— 11,700 3,400 247,400 Shetland Islands 2,300 13,800 17,300 800 900 2,100 37,100 South Ayrshire 28,800 152,600 262,000 900 16,500 4,200 464,900 South Lanarkshire 84,400 541,900 670,900 2,600 31,200 10,100 1,341,100 Stirling 29,200 82,800 196,900 200 21,100 500 330,800 West Dunbartonshire 33,100 146,800 298,900 200 7,000 4,000 490,000 West Lothian 23,100 183,600 331,000 200 41,200 8,500 587,500 Total 1,356,700 6,536,600 10,742,300 27,600 1,210,500 162,800 20,036,400 1 Denotes figures less than £50. Notes: 1. The information provided is management information. Our preference is to answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this case we have only management information available. It is not quality assured to the same extent as Official/National statistics and there are some issues with the data, for example, these amounts do not include expenditure on applications which were processed clerically and have not yet been entered on to the social fund computer system. 2. If more than one Community Care Grant condition is satisfied by an application, it will be recorded under the first condition, in the order set out in the table. 3. Table 1 includes awards on review. These figures are estimated as the management information system used for this table does not split expenditure made after a review by the part of direction 4 satisfied. 4. There are differences in the totals in the national and local authority tables as they have been derived from different data sources. In particular, the local authority figures have been produced by linking social fund computer system data with the national benefits database to obtain the local authority the person lived in at the time of application. There are up to 7% of cases where we cannot link the records in this way. 5. All expenditure figures are rounded to the nearest £100. 6. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

Credit Unions live in homes that are larger than they require must make the same choices about affordability as those not on benefit. Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps the Government is When formulating this policy, the Department for taking to support credit unions. [156529] Work and Pensions held discussions with both the Department for Communities and Local Government Steve Webb: DWP is providing funds of up to £38 million (DCLG) and the Chartered Institute of Housing. DCLG to support credit unions. A contract has been awarded continue to work with the National Homelessness Advice to the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd. Service to ensure front-line advice workers have the support they need to tackle homelessness effectively. This will support participating credit unions to become Protections for people at risk of homelessness continue financially sustainable while offering an increased range to remain in place through the statutory homelessness of financial services to a million more consumers. duties on local authorities. HMT has published a consultation document to seek Reforming the welfare system in an effective manner views from the sector on an increase in the interest rate is necessary to not only improve the wider fiscal position cap that credit unions can currently charge from 2 to but also to help get people off benefits and into work, 3%. The consultation period is now complete and HMT although it is recognised that the transition for some are considering the responses received, and plan to may be difficult. publish a Government response in the summer. At this current time, how claimants will react is not known. Some may decide to move into work, some may move to smaller accommodation, increase working hours Housing Benefit or take in a lodger. It is for individual claimants to determine what the best approach is for them. The Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for measure will, however, be evaluated and monitored over Work and Pensions how the potential for evictions was the next two years with an initial report due in 2014 and taken into account in the formulation of the housing the final report due in 2015. benefit under-occupancy penalty. [154307] Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households are in receipt of Steve Webb: The Government does not accept that housing benefit in (a) Great Britain, (b) England, (c) evictions and homelessness will increase as a result of Wales, (d) Scotland and (e) each parliamentary this measure. In addition, the changes do not necessarily constituency in Great Britain which contain (i) one mean that people will need to move, but claimants who non-dependent adult, (ii) two non-dependent adults, 1031W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1032W

(iii) three non-dependent adults or (iv) four or more Housing Benefit: Disability non-dependent adults, excluding those in receipt of carer’s allowance or the daily living component of Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for disability living allowance or personal independence Work and Pensions what discussions he or officials of payment. [156540] his Department held with groups representing the interests of disabled people when formulating policy on Steve Webb: The information requested is not currently the under-occupancy penalty. [154309] available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Steve Webb: Ministers and departmental officials have met and continue to meet on a regular basis, with Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for representatives from a range of charitable and voluntary Work and Pensions (1) what the average length of organisations to discuss various aspects of the Government’s claim for housing benefit claimants subject to the 13 plans for welfare reform, including details of the removal week protection rules on the grounds that they could of the spare room subsidy for social tenants. previously afford their rent was in 2012; [156578] During the development of the measure to remove (2) how many claimants were assessed as a member the spare room subsidy, officials from the Department of a protected group and exempt from housing benefit for Work and Pensions met with charitable and voluntary restrictions for 13 weeks on the grounds that they could organisations to discuss the emerging policy. previously afford their rent in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [156581] Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing

Steve Webb: The information requested is not readily Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for available, and could be provided only at disproportionate Work and Pensions what steps his Department is cost. taking to ensure that the under-occupancy penalty is not wrongly applied to tenants of social housing. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for [156913] Work and Pensions what the average difference was between housing benefit awards made to people eligible Steve Webb: Local authorities have a legal obligation for 13 weeks’ protection on the grounds that they could to ensure legislation is correctly applied. previously afford their rent, and the local housing To help local authorities discharge their statutory allowance rate to which they would otherwise have duty the Department for Work and Pensions provided been entitled in 2012. [156903] guidance as to how local authority staff should apply the size criteria rules, including model letters and leaflets Steve Webb: The information requested is not readily to aid local authorities in publicising the removal of the available, and could be provided only at disproportionate spare room subsidy. Advice as to how claimants should cost. be contacted has also been issued and general information is available on the DWP website. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for In addition local authorities gather information as to Work and Pensions how many applications for the number of bedrooms a property has from social discretionary housing payments were (a) made and landlords, prior to comparing this to household size. (b) refused in each month since March 2012. [156911] Where a claimant is potentially under occupying, the local authority will write to them to confirm that the information held for their household is correct. Steve Webb: The information requested is not available. Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy to Work and Pensions in which local authority areas over collect information centrally on how many families 100 applications were made for discretionary housing have moved to smaller accommodation as a result of payments in April (a) 2012 and (b) 2013. [156914] the under-occupancy penalty by (a) parliamentary constituency, (b) local authority and (c) region. Steve Webb: The information requested is not available. [157278] The Department currently only receives annualised summary data on discretionary housing payments. We Steve Webb: A consortium has been commissioned to will place a document in the Library that shows the monitor over two years the effects of the policy in a total number of discretionary housing payment awards selection of local authorities, and the research will that each local authority made during both 2011-12 and include claimants’ responses to the policy measure. This 2012-13, where we are holding this information. evaluation will take place from April this year, with initial findings available in 2014 and a final report in late 2015. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect of Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for deductions in respect of a non-dependant in relation to Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy to housing benefit on each income decile in each of the collect information centrally on how many households last four financial years. [156943] have been affected by the under-occupancy penalty by (a) parliamentary constituency, (b) local authority Steve Webb: Such an assessment has not been made. and (c) region. [157279] 1033W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1034W

Steve Webb: Estimated numbers of claimants affected Immigration by the under-occupancy measure in Great Britain by region are given in the equality impact assessment at: Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/eia-social-sector-housing-under- and Pensions what discussions his Department has had occupation-wr2011.pdf on the likely number of Romanian and Bulgarian From April 2013, the Department is collecting detailed nationals who might migrate to the UK over the next data on the numbers of claimants whose housing benefit three years; and what assessment he has made of the is reduced by the removal of the spare room subsidy as potential effects on his Department. [156767] part of the single housing benefit extract data provided to DWP by local authorities. Mr Hoban: The advice of the Home Office who monitor and analyse overall migration data to help Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for inform policy decisions is that it is not credible to Work and Pensions whether he has updated his accurately forecast likely inflows from Romania and estimate of the (a) number of people whose income is Bulgaria once restrictions are lifted. This is because being reduced as a result of the application of the they are dependent on too many uncertainties to draw under-occupancy penalty and (b) proportion of the robust conclusions. households affected by the under-occupancy penalty DWP analysts are therefore unable to produce models who are living with a disability; and if he will make a which would provide information on the potential impact statement. [157503] on social security expenditure in the absence of any such information. Steve Webb: Updated estimates are not available as to the number of claimants affected by this measure and Inflation the proportion of which are living with a disability. When the measure was introduced on 1 April 2013, Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the Department estimated that there could be around and Pensions if he will list the purposes for which his 420,000 households affected by the removal of the Department uses (a) the retail price index measure of spare room subsidy where either the claimant or the inflation, (b) the consumer price index measure of partner reported a Disability Discrimination Act recognised inflation and (c) any alternative measure of inflation. disability. However, this figure is reduced to 180,000 [154966] where either the claimant or the partner are in receipt of disability living allowance. Steve Webb: The Department for Work and Pensions These groups are not mutually exclusive, so there is (DWP) uses the consumer prices index (CPI) as the likely to be a substantial overlap between these two measure of prices in the up-rating of various social groups. security benefits and pensions. This information is published alongside the Budget each year in Annex A of the ICT Policy Costings document. For Budget 13, this is available online via the following link: Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work http://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ and Pensions how many (a) computers, (b) mobile attachment_data/file/188367/ telephones, (c) BlackBerrys and (d) other pieces of IT budget2013_policy_costings.pdf.pdf equipment were lost or stolen from his Department in Not all social, security benefits and pensions are (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13; and if he will up-rated by reference to prices inflation. For example, make a statement. [156438] this Government has legislated to restore the up-rating of basic state pension by at least the growth in average Mr Hoban: The information that is available is provided earnings. We have also gone further, in our ’triple lock’ in the following table in respect of the calendar years commitment to up-rate the basic state pension by the from 2010 to 2012: highest of prices (measured by CPI), earnings or 2.5%. The CPI is also used for the statutory minimum (c) increases in certain occupational pensions and for increases (a) (b) Mobile Blackberry (d) Other in Pension Protection Fund compensation and assistance Computers telephones devices items from the Financial Assistance Scheme. 2010 46 30 20 20 The CPI is used in the context of the employer duties 2011 56 25 6 10 under the workplace pension reforms. It is used as part 2012 19 31. 8 6 of the minimum quality requirement for qualifying schemes providing average salary benefits. It is also one The Department takes its statutory responsibilities of the specified factors that the Secretary of State for to protect data and assets extremely seriously; Work and Pensions may take into account when considering however the above figures need to be viewed in the whether any of the earnings trigger or the qualifying context of the number of computer users given that as earnings band for automatic enrolment should be increased at 31 March 2012, the Department employed around or decreased. 100,000 staff. The CPI is used in most benefits and pensions The Department requires all portable devices to be expenditure forecasting by the DWP, produced on behalf encrypted, so as to protect the data contained on that of the Office for Budget Responsibility. The exceptions media. are (i) where benefits are up-rated using average earnings; Where items have been stolen, necessary investigations and (ii) also the forecasting of some aspects of housing are conducted, involving the police as appropriate. benefit expenditure using the retail prices index (RPI), 1035W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1036W to reflect how social rents are up-rated. The GDP Building FTE deflator is used to convert expenditure to constant price terms, in line with general Government practice. March 2012 DWP statistical publications “Households Below Average CSD LN Harrow Station Road 55.09 Income” (HBAI), “Family Resources Survey” (FRS) Jobcentre Plus and “Pensioners’ Incomes Series” (PI), use variants of CSD LN Harrow Kings House 50.64 Jobcentre Plus the RPI. DWP officials plan to engage with users of the Total 105.73 HBAI, FRS and PI data and publications during summer 2013, to explore whether the adoption of an alternative index would be appropriate, taking into account user March 2013 needs, data availability and methodological issues. OPS WDC WSD LN Harrow Kings 96.63 House Jobcentre Plus The model for DWP Commercial contracts has a Total 96.63 standard ‘Term and Condition’ which requires that any increase in the contract price shall not exceed the percentage change in the ONS’ CPI. A very small number of Jobseeker’s Allowance commercial contracts—that were let prior to this specification of CPI—continue with alternative indexation Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work arrangements (using RPI) and these will be removed and Pensions what the reasons are for the time taken to when these are re-let in the future. publish statistics on jobseeker’s allowance sanctions. [156761] Jobcentre Plus Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to publish the number of and Pensions with reference to the answer of 22 April jobseeker’s allowance claimants who received a 2013, Official Report, column 703W, on jobcentre plus: sanction in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South digital exclusion, how many jobcentres identify or Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK between define vulnerable customers. [156734] October 2012 and May 2013. [156935]

Mr Hoban: All Jobcentre Plus staff who deal directly Mr Hoban: Jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) sanctions with our claimants have received guidance and training statistics were due to be released on 15 May 2013, in line on how to identify those who may be vulnerable or in a with the usual publication cycle for this series. In the vulnerable situation. last few weeks prior to publication, while preparing the Guidance also explains the support that is available final statistics to the end of January and extending to help those claimants who may have additional needs some of the tables to show new measures, some significant and require help to access our services. doubts were raised around the quality of the statistics relating to the new regime. Consequently, to avoid a Jobcentre Plus: Harrow potentially misleading statistical release, DWP statisticians decided to postpone the release of JSA sanction statistics. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many full-time equivalent staff were DWP statisticians will perform further quality assurance employed by Harrow Jobcentre in (a) 2010-11, (b) activities on this new series and will publish as soon as 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; and if he will make a possible. Unfortunately, it is not possible to commit to a statement. [156988] definite date at the moment, but a proposed publication date will be announced in advance on the DWP website Mr Hoban: Harrow Jobcentre was previously based at: in two buildings—Harrow Station Road and Harrow http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/ Kings House, until their merger in October 2012. The index.php?page=esa_sanc following table details the number of staff deployed This action is fully consistent with the UK Statistics purely as part of the Jobcentre function in both offices Authority Code of Practice for Official Statistics. until and after the site merger. These numbers exclude other employees located in the building but not directly Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland associated with the Harrow Jobcentre function. Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Building FTE Work and Pensions what proportion of claimants of March 2010 jobseeker’s allowance in each parliamentary CSD LN Harrow Station Road 61 constituency in Scotland have received a sanction in the Jobcentre Plus last five years. [155681] CSD LN Harrow Kings House 60.97 Jobcentre Plus Mr Hoban: This information requested will be placed Total 121.97 in the Library.

March 2011 Mesothelioma: Compensation CSD LN Harrow Station Road 58.27 Jobcentre Plus Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for CSD LN Harrow Kings House 55.64 Work and Pensions (1) how much the Government has Jobcentre Plus spent on compensation for mesothelioma sufferers and Total 113.91 their dependents in each year since 2008; [156758] 1037W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1038W

(2) how much he estimates his Department will The Government is planning to do even more for spend in each of the next five years on compensating those who suffer from mesothelioma through the mesothelioma sufferers. [156757] introduction of the Mesothelioma Support Scheme Bill which is currently going through Parliament. The Impact Mr Hoban: The Government provides compensation Assessment that was published alongside this Bill details payments in relation to certain dust-related diseases the forecast expenditure of the planned Mesothelioma through both the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Support Scheme. Compensation) Act 1979 and the 2008 mesothelioma scheme (set up under the Child Maintenance and Other https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Payments Act 2008). attachment_data/file/185025/elci-compensation-meso-ia.pdf Payments under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ National Insurance Compensation) Act 1979 can be made for a number of dust-related diseases—including mesothelioma—where Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the disease has been contracted through work. Work and Pensions how many national insurance Payments under the 2008 mesothelioma scheme are numbers have been issued to overseas nationals living made in respect of mesothelioma only—however a person in each region of the UK in each year since 2000. does not have to contract the disease through work to [156487] obtain a payment under this scheme. Recoveries of payments are made to the Department Mr Hoban: The information requested is only available from any compensation received as a result of a successful from 2002. The available information on the number of civil damages claim. national insurance numbers issued to overseas nationals The amounts spent, and recovered, in respect of in each region of the UK since 2002 can be found at: mesothelioma are in Table 1 as follows. http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool Table 1 Guidance for users is available at: £ millions http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf Expenditure Recoveries Net National Insurance Credits 1979 Scheme (mesothelioma) 2008-09 23 -4 19 Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009-10 26 -12 14 Work and Pensions whether those women who will be 2010-11 27 -13 14 required to work longer for their national insurance 2011-12 28 -15 13 pension, but who will be ineligible for the new higher 2012-13 32 n/a n/a value state pension, will remain eligible for pension credit. [156545] 2008 Scheme Steve Webb: Women who reach state pension age 2008-09 6 0 5 before the implementation of the single-tier pension 2009-10 7 -1 6 will receive their state pension in line with the existing 2010-11 9 -3 6 rules. Pension credit will remain as a safety net benefit 2011-12 9 -4 6 for all, although the savings credit element will be 2012-13 10 -4 6 removed for those reaching state pension age after the Notes: 1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest £ million. implementation of the single-tier pension. 2. n/a = the figure for recoveries in 2012-13 are currently not available. The estimated amounts to be spent under both schemes New Enterprise Allowance in respect of mesothelioma are in Table 2 as follows. Table 2 Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for £ millions Work and Pensions what assessment he plans to make Expenditure Recoveries Net of the sustainability of businesses started with the help of the new enterprise allowance. [157505] 1979 Scheme (mesothelioma) Mr Hoban: The department will be publishing statistics 2013-14 31 n/a n/a in the coming months which tracks the benefit outcomes 2014-15 32 n/a n/a for a cohort of new enterprise allowance participants. 2015-16 33 n/a n/a This paper will provide data on proportion of new 2016/17 34 n/a n/a enterprise allowance participants who have remained 2017-18 34 n/a n/a off, or returned to, benefit in the year following new enterprise allowance start. This provides a proxy measure 2008 Scheme of the sustainability of businesses started under the 2013-14 10 -4 6 scheme. 2014-15 10 -4 6 2015-16 10 -4 6 Pensioners: Social Security Benefits 2016-17 10 -4 6 2017-18 10 -4 6 Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Notes: and Pensions what his Department’s estimate is of the 1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest million number of pensioners who have not taken-up income- 2. n/a = recovery expenditure forecasts for the 79 Act scheme are only available for the full scheme and not broken down into different components—such as related benefits in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) mesothelioma. 2011-12. [157572] 1039W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1040W

Steve Webb: The most recent estimates of take-up Personnel Management cover the period 2009-10. Figures for the number of pensioners entitled to but not receiving income related Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work benefits in Great Britain in 2009-10 are presented in the and Pensions how many officials in his Department following tables. Estimates of take-up are not available were employed in human resources functions in each of for 2010-11 or 2011-12. the last five years; at what grades such staff were Caseload take up for pension credit, Great Britain, 2009-10 employed; and what the total cost of his Department’s 2009-10 human resources functions was. [156679]

Range of entitled non recipients 1,210 - 1,580 (Thousands) Mr Hoban: The costs of the HR function and the Take up ranges (Percentages) 62 - 68 staff (full time equivalents) employed are detailed in table 1 following. The HR function described is consistent with the definition of HR provide by the Cabinet Office Caseload take up for housing benefit, pensioners, Great Britain, 2009-10 publication “Common Areas of Spend”. 2009-10 Table 1: Total cost and staff number of DWP HR FTE Total cost of HR (£000) Range of entitled non recipients 240 - 390 (Thousands) 2008-09 1,724 96,456 Take up ranges (Percentages) 79 - 86 2009-10 1,561 91,425 2010-11 1,075 55,115 Caseload take-up for council tax benefit, pensioners, Great Britain, 2011-12 785 57,382 2009-10 2012-13 752 50,091 2009-10 The figures above exclude Child Maintenance Group. Range of entitled non-recipients 1,690 - 2,230 (Thousands) Since 1 April 2011 DWP has hosted Civil Service Take-up ranges (Percentages) 54 - 61 Employee Policy (CSEP) which is part of Civil Service HR and provides services across Government. The costs The income related benefits: Estimates of take-up and staff (full time equivalents) employed on this service report covers Great Britain for the financial year 2009-10. are detailed in table 2 following. It provides caseload and expenditure estimates of take-up Table 2: Total cost and staff numbers of CSEP for income support and employment and support allowance FTE Cost of CSEP (£000) (income-related), pension credit, housing benefit (including local housing allowance), council tax benefit and jobseeker’s 2011-12 106 5,638 allowance (income-based). The latest release updates 2012-13 115 8,241 the statistics previously released on 10 June 2010. The figures are available online and can be found here: It should be noted however that this service is fully http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=irb charged out and therefore the costs and staff of this service that are relevant to DWP are already included in table 1 above. Personal Independence Payment The full grade breakdown to support this analysis is not captured routinely and is therefore not available. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy to allow people who have hearing loss and who are participating Regulation in the personal independence payment pilots to write to, email or text officials to request a paper form; what Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work assessment he has made of the accessibility of the and Pensions (1) what processes his Department has claim process for young people with hearing loss; and if put in place to (a) monitor, (b) collate cost he will make a statement. [156536] information on, (c) review and (d) respond to requests to amend or revoke regulations introduced by his Esther McVey: We provide a textphone facility for Department; [155806] people with hearing loss who cannot make a PIP claim (2) what the title was of each set of regulations by telephone. We will also accept telephone claims from introduced by his Department in each month since people acting on behalf of the claimant and where they May 2010; and which of those regulations have been have no one to provide this support, claimants can (a) subject to the (i) one in one out and (ii) one in two request a paper version of the PIP claim form in writing out procedure and (b) (i) revoked and (ii) amended; from a DWP PO Box address. [155829] We are committed to enabling communication with (3) if he will provide the estimated cost of each claimants who are deaf or hard of hearing. We have regulation introduced by his Department since May standard processes in place to support deaf people, and 2010; and what the estimated benefits of each a range of guidance to help staff to understand the help regulation (a) amended and (b) revoked were. [155972] required and support available through alternative formats. The introduction of PIP offers an opportunity to Mr Hoban: The process for monitoring and collating work towards redesigning business processes and facilitate cost information on amendments to statutory instruments a move to digital options in the future, including the and revocations is through the Government’s Statement ability for claimants to request a form by e-mail. of New Regulation (SNR). 1041W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1042W

There have been five Statements of Regulation, since www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk the first published in April 2011. They list new regulations coming into force from 1 January 2011, and their impact For health and safety regulations, through the Government’s under One-In, One-Out. From January 2013, the statements response to Lord Young’s review of health and safety capture the effect of new regulation under the new laws “Common Sense, Common Safety”; the Government’s One-In, Two-Out system. The Department complies health and safety reform programme, “Good Health with the process by contributing to the Government’s and Safety, Good for Everyone”and the Löfstedt Review: statements and separately publishing its new measures “Reclaiming health and safety for all: An independent including Health and Safety Executive (HSE) measures review of health and safety legislation”. (from January 2012) in its own statements (publications Regulations in scope for One-In, One-Out or One-In, are now available on gov.uk). Two-Out, including HSE measures, are listed in the My Department has reviewed and responded to requests following table, including the cost information that is to amend or revoke regulations through the Red Tape available. Challenge:

Equivalent annual Impact net cost to assessment business (£ number Title of legislation million) SNR report

DWP0014 Pensions Act 2011—occupational pension scheme indexation https://www.gov.uk/government/ -3,342.00 SNR1 consultations/cpi-as-the-measure-of-price-increases-on-private-sector-occupational-pension-schemes HSE0051 The Health and Safety at Work etc Act (Application Outside Great Britain) (Variation) Order 20111 0.00 SNR1 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/745/made DWP0018 Occupational Pensions Schemes (Employer Debt and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2011 -27.00 SNR2 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/2973/contents/made DWP0015 The Pensions Act 2007 (Abolition of Contracting-out for Defined Contribution Pension Schemes) -5.26 SNR3 (Consequential Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1724/ contents/made HSE0062 The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (Amendment) Regulations 2012 -0.24 SNR3 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/199/made http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/199/pdfs/ uksifia_20120199_en.pdf HSE0067 The Identification and Traceability of Explosives (Amendment) Regulations 20122 http:// -0.04 SNR3 www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/638/made http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/638/pdfs/uksifia_20120638_en.pdf DWP001b Pensions Act 2011—Workplace Pensions Reform https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ 2,820.00 SNR4 workplace-pension-reform-summary-of-net-impact-on-business-july-2012 DW0005 The Automatic Enrolment (Offshore Employment) Order 2012 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/ 19.00 SNR4 2012/1388/contents/made DWP0005a The Pensions Act 2008 (Commencement No. 14 and Supplementary Provisions) Order 2012–Removal -0.40 SNR4 of stakeholder designation requirements http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2480/resources DWP0026 The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Automatic Enrolment) (Amendment) (No. 2) -7.40 SNR4 Regulations 2012 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1477/contents/made DWP0027 The Employers’ Duties (Implementation) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 http:// -137.00 SNR4 www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1813/contents/made DWP0024a The Occupational Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 0.00 SNR4 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1811/contents/made DWP0013 The Child Support Maintenance Calculation Regulations 2012 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/ 0.10 SNR4 2012/2677/contents/made DWP0025 The Child Support (Meaning of Child and New Calculation Rules) (Consequential and Miscellaneous -0.80 SNR4 Amendment) Regulations 2012 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2785/contents/made DWP0021 The Social Security (Overpayments and Recovery) Regulations 2013 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ 0.00 SNR5 uksi/2013/384/contents/made DWP0033 The Occupational and Stakeholder Pension Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2013 0.00 SNR5 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/459/resources DWP0036 The Occupational and Stakeholder Pension Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2013 0.00 SNR5 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/459/resources DWP0037 The National Employment Savings Trust (Amendment) Order 2013 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ 0.00 SNR5 uksi/2013/597/contents/made HSE0068 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (Application Outside Great Britain) Order 2013 http:// 0.00 SNR5 www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/240/made http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/240/pdfs/ uksifia_20130240_en.pdf HSE0069 Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Repeals, Revocations and Amendment) Regulations 2013 http:// -0.09 SNR5 www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/448/made HSE0073 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (ERR) Bill—Strict Liability Amendments http:// 0.00 SNR5 www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/24/section/69/enacted http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/ corporate/docs/s/12-1219-strict-liability-health-safety-at-work-impact 1 Revoked by HSE0068—The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2013 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/240/made 2 Revoked by the Identification and Traceability of Explosives Regulations 2013 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/449/made (out of scope of OITO). Further, HSE0074: Amendment to Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 was listed in SNR5 but has been delayed until the Sixth Statement of New Regulation (due to be published in the summer). 1043W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1044W

Remploy Financial and economic matters Powers to set a rate of income tax to be paid by Scottish Mr Gordon Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for taxpayers, and taxes in relation to land transactions and landfill. Work and Pensions how many bids he has received for Home affairs the Remploy marine textiles division to date. [154109] The interception of any communication made to or by a Esther McVey: I am unable to state how many bids person detained at a place of detention. were received for the Marine Textile business as this The regulation of air weapons. information is commercially confidential and Remploy Trade and industry does not disclose it. Powers in relation to business associations which are social landlords, including in relation to winding up proceedings and Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous procedures giving protection from creditors. Occurrences Regulations 1995 Powers to provide financial assistance for the provision of services (other than postal services and services relating to money Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work or postal orders) to be provided from public post offices. and Pensions whether he plans to include work-related Transport road deaths under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases Powers to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. [156537] about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of rail services. Mr Hoban: Revised Reporting of Injuries, Diseases Powers to transfer functions of passenger transport executives and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) or passenger transport authorities relating to rail services, and the will be introduced in October 2013. There are no plans allocation of such functions among relevant authorities. to widen the scope of reportable incidents under RIDDOR The promotion and construction of railways which start, end to include further work-related road deaths or incidents. and remain in Scotland. Scotland Power to impose requirements on Scottish public authorities about the preparation and submission of strategies relating to the provision of air services. Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the legislation his Social security Department has sponsored which has devolved powers Powers to provide occasional financial or other assistance to or to the Scottish Parliament and powers within such in respect of individuals for the purposes of meeting an immediate short-term need, arising out of exceptional services, to avoid risk legislation since 1998. [156237] to the individual’s well-being, or enabling qualifying individuals David Mundell: I have been asked to reply on behalf to establish or maintain a settled home. of the Scotland Office. Employment Scotland Office is responsible for maintaining and Fire safety on construction sites and on certain premises, strengthening the devolution settlement; together with including those concerned in the manufacture or storage of lead policy Departments we have delivered a programme chemicals, explosives or flammable materials. of Scotland Act orders that have provided additional Amendment to part 1 of the Scotland Act 1998 powers to the Scottish Parliament, as well as delivering Elections the Scotland Act 2012 that enhanced the devolution Power to make provision as to the conduct of elections for settlement and provided the largest transfer of financial membership of the Scottish Parliament, and the questioning of responsibility since 1999. such an election and the consequences of irregularities. Made by Further devolution to the Scottish Parliament is the Scotland Act 2012 and yet to be brought into force. principally achieved by way of amendments to schedules 4 and 5 of the Act. Since 1998 the following changes to Separation those schedules have been made. These are presented in summary form. Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Amendments to schedule 4 of the Scotland Act 1998 and Pensions what steps he is taking to help separated Power to modify the Scotland Act 1998 regarding financial parents work together in the best interests of their assistance for opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament. children. [157122] Powers to modify certain provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 requiring any sum to be payable out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund. Steve Webb: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to his previous question number 155876, on 20 May Power to provide that proceedings brought in a court or Official Report, tribunal against a member of the Scottish Government under the 2013, column 543W. Scotland Act 1998 on human rights grounds have to be brought On 20 May we announced the next steps in reforming before the end of a limitation period (since repealed by Scotland the child maintenance system in a way that incentivises Act 2012). separated parents to collaborate in the interests of their Amendments to schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998 children, available at: Political parties http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/ The making of payments to any political party for the purpose cmhansrd/cm130520/wmstext/ of assisting members of the Parliament to perform their parliamentary 130520m0001.htm#1305205000011 duties. This is supported by up to £20 million of investment Referendum in the Help and Support for Separated Families initiative. A power to allow the Scottish Parliament to conduct a referendum So far, we have awarded £6.5 million to seven organisations, on the independence of Scotland from the rest of the United to provide 280,000 families with assistance, which we Kingdom, subject to certain conditions. will carefully evaluate. 1045W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1046W

Social Fund Mr Hoban: The information requested is published and can be found at: Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/ Work and Pensions how much was awarded by his index.php?page=expenditure Department in social fund payments to each English GB expenditure data can be found in the link labelled local authority in 2011-12. [156071] “Tables from 1948-49 to 2017-18”. Table 1a shows GB expenditure by DWP benefit in Steve Webb: A table providing the amount awarded nominal terms and Table 1b shows GB expenditure by for Community Care Grants, Crisis Loans and Budgeting DWP benefit in real terms (2013-14 prices). More detailed Loans in each lower tier local authority in England in benefit expenditure information can be found in the 2011-12 will be placed in the Library. individually labelled tabs in this publication. Data for the regulated Social Fund (funeral payments, cold weather payments and sure start maternity grants) Social Security Benefits: Older People is not available at local authority level. Social Security Benefits Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what welfare benefits are available to Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for people over the age of 80 years. [157141] Work and Pensions with reference to the press release issued by his Department on 24 May 2012, what his Steve Webb: Benefits specific to people aged 80 and most recent assessment is of the date when all new over are the over 80 state pension and the age addition claims to current benefits and credits will be entirely to the state pension. People aged 80 and over also receive an additional £100 in their winter fuel payment. phased out. [156916] In addition, they may be eligible for a range of other Mr Hoban: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to my benefits including pension credit, housing benefit, answer of 18 March 2013, Official Report, column attendance allowance, and localised help with their 501W.Claims to universal credit started in our Pathfinder council tax. from 29 April 2013. Pathfinder will focus on new single, unemployed people, with or without rented housing Social Security Benefits: Stafford costs and will replace means tested jobseeker’s allowance for this group of claimants. If these claimants then Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for move into work, they will be eligible to claim universal Work and Pensions how many people were claiming credit, not working tax credit. (a) jobseeker’s allowance, (b) employment and Universal credit will then progressively roll-out in a support allowance, (c) incapacity benefit, (d) lone managed way across the country from October 2013. parents allowance, (e) carer’s allowance and (f) other This will ultimately include all claims from people both out-of-work benefits in Stafford constituency in (i) the in and out of work, with everyone eventually claiming most recent month in 2013 for which data is available the new benefit by 2017. and (ii) the corresponding month in each of the last 10 years. [156585] Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much the Government has spent on Mr Hoban: Statistics on the number of people in the welfare in (a) current prices and (b) real terms in Stafford constituency who received (a) jobseeker’s respect of (i) pensions, (ii) disability benefits, (iii) allowance, (b) employment and support allowance, (c) unemployment benefits, (iv) lone parent benefits, (v) incapacity benefit, (d) lone parents, (e) carer’s allowance widowhood benefits and (vi) other benefit and (f) other out-of-work benefits are shown in the disbursements in each year since 1997. [157007] following table:

Recipients of out-of-work benefits in Stafford parliamentary constituency: 2003-12

Incapacity and Income support— November each Jobseeker’s Employment and severe disablement Income support— others on income year: allowance support allowance allowance lone parents Carer’s allowance related benefits

2003 970 — 3,140 680 480 1,240

2004 850 — 3,050 620 490 1,180

2005 980 — 3,030 630 500 1,190

2006 1,180 — 3,010 630 520 1,210

2007 710 — 3,030 600 540 1,230

2008 1,190 70 2,920 630 590 1,290

2009 1,710 610 2,470 620 650 1,150

2010 1,440 850 2,250 600 680 1,080

2011 1,440 1,160 1,920 580 720 960 1047W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1048W

Recipients of out-of-work benefits in Stafford parliamentary constituency: 2003-12 Incapacity and Income support— November each Jobseeker’s Employment and severe disablement Income support— others on income year: allowance support allowance allowance lone parents Carer’s allowance related benefits

2012 1,470 1,690 1,220 520 740 660 Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. The out of work benefits which are included in this analysis are: Jobseeker’s allowance Employment and support allowance Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance Carer’s allowance Income support—lone parents Income support—others The figures in the table will include overlaps as claimants can be entitled to more than one of the above benefits. 3. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment support allowance (ESA) for new claims from October 2008. 4. Parliamentary constituency of claimant (Westminster) These constituencies are used for the Westminster parliament. For the May 2005 general election, the constituencies in Scotland changed and are included in the tables from May 2005 onwards. For the May 2010 general election, constituencies in England and Wales changed and are included in the tables from May 2010 onwards. 5. Data for 2013 are not yet available. 6. This information is published on the ONS website at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/Default.asp Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study

State Retirement Pensions Deciles amounts (£ per week, cash terms) of additional pension by gender and by year reached state pension age Percentiles Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 10th 20th 30th 40th 50th 60th 70th 80th 90th and Pensions if he will commission research to establish the level of annuities purchased by people Women02581215182435 who have contracted out of additional elements of the state pension. [155830] 2008 Men 3 6 8 13 18 25 35 51 73 Women02581114172335 Steve Webb: People who contracted out of the additional state pension on a defined contribution basis (which was abolished in April 2012) would have purchased 2007 Men 3 6 8 13 17 24 35 51 74 annuities from insurance companies and other annuity Women0147912152133 providers. The Government does not hold information Source: on the level of annuities purchased by people who have Department for Work and Pensions, Information Directorate, 5% sample. Figures are extracted from March dataset of each year. contracted out of the additional elements of the state pension, and commissioning bespoke research on this Telephone Services would be at a disproportionate cost.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions what the decile amounts of the and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number additional pension accrued by (a) men and (b) women of double-handled calls made to his Department’s call reaching state pension age were in (i) the latest year for centres in the last period for which figures are available; which figures are available and (ii) each of the previous what the cost was of handling such calls; and what five years. [156159] assessment he has made of the effect on customer service of such reforms. [155272] Steve Webb: The following table provides the weekly deciles amount of the additional pension accrued by Mr Hoban: During April 2013, 502,360 benefit inquiry men and women reaching state pension age in 2011-12, calls out of a total 2,424,346 made to the Department’s and for each of the previous five years. The figures are working age contact centres were unable to be resolved in cash terms, include inherited amounts and are rounded at the first point of contact and were handed over to a to the nearest pound. Benefit Centre. This represented 20.7% of calls. Deciles amounts (£ per week, cash terms) of additional pension by gender and For Pensions age calls, 15,319 out of a total 200,766 by year reached state pension age received in April 2013 by the Department’s external Percentiles provider were unable to be resolved at the first point of 10th 20th 30th 40th 50th 60th 70th 80th 90th contact and were transferred to a Regional Pension

2012 Men 4 7 11 17 23 29 38 51 69 Centre. This represented 7.6% of calls handled by the Women 1 4 8 12 16 19 22 27 37 provider. The cost of double handled calls to the Department and the volumes of internal handoffs for Pension age 2011 Men 4 7 10 17 22 29 38 52 71 calls are not routinely captured. The analysis required Women 1 3 6 10 14 17 20 25 35 to provide them would be at a disproportionate cost. Improvement activity across working age operations 2010 Men 3 .6 9 15 21 27 37 52 72 is currently being developed and implemented by the Women12691316202535Department to improve the resolution of customer inquiries at the first point of contact and so reduce the 2009 Men 4 6 9 15 20 27 38 52 74 volumes of calls being double handled. 1049W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1050W

Tractors: Accidents Period NDPB total expenditure

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of 2008-09 £4.144 million State for Work and Pensions how many accidents have 2009-10 £4.687 million been caused by tractors in each of the last five years for 2010-11 £3.680 million which figures are available. [156502] 2011-12 £3.240 million 2012-13 £231,000 Note: Mr Hoban: Details of the number of work related In 2012-13 only ILF, NEST and the Ombudsman made returns in that year. injuries to workers and members of the public in Great Britain involving wheeled tractors reported to all enforcing The NDBP IT systems do not allow us to collate authorities including the Health and Safety Executive, information on the number of NDPB officials attending in all industries in each of the years from 2006-07 to publicly funded training courses nor will the IT systems 2010-11 are set out in the following table. The figures allow the collation of the 10 highest (training course) include fatal, major and “over three day” injuries. fees in each of the years. The information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 cost.

Employee 54 67 74 68 54 Universal Credit Self 7 4 6 10 15 employed Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Member of 42345Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made the public of the cost of implementation of universal credit; and Total workers 65 73 83 82 74 [155755] and public if he will make a statement. Mr Hoban: £2 billion. Training Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions what savings his Department and Pensions how many officials in (a) his Department expects to make from the mandatory revisions for and (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which universal credit and for the period of instituting a he is responsible enrolled in publicly-funded training mandatory revision before any appeal is accepted. courses in each of the last five years; what the total cost [156276] has been of such courses; and what the monetary value Mr Hoban: Mandatory reconsideration is an integral was of the 10 highest training course fees in each such part of the universal credit design. A separate estimate year. [155439] of savings is not available. Mr Hoban: At the moment, Department for Work Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and and pensions IT systems only allow us to collate information Pensions (1) how many non-dependent adults in at total spend level and by individual but not by individual households in (a) Great Britain, (b) England, (c) training course . The total number of enrolments to Wales, (d) Scotland and (e) each parliamentary attend publicly funded training courses in each of the constituency in Great Britain will be affected by the last five years is detailed as follows: introduction of Housing Cost Contribution in respect of payments of universal credit in respect of non- Period DWP total enrolments dependent adults living in those households; and what 2008-09 81,095 the average weekly loss thereby in each category will be; 2009-10 137,475 [156539] 2010-11 159,341 (2) how many households in (a) Great Britain, (b) 2011-12 106,299 England, (c) Wales, (d) Scotland and (e) each 2012-13 85,943 parliamentary constituency in Great Britain will be affected by the introduction of housing cost The total cost of departmental publicly funded training contribution in respect of payments of universal credit courses over the last five years is detailed as follows: in respect of non-dependent adults living in those

Period DWP total expenditure (£ million) households; and what the average weekly loss thereby in each category will be. [156591] 2008-09 17.424 2009-10 18.716 Steve Webb: The Government believes that it is reasonable 2010-11 12.082 that someone living in a claimant’s home should be 2011-12 6.424 asked to contribute towards the rent. For example, 2012-13 6.167 universal credit will ensure that a single person, who is not a homeowner and is aged between 21 and 25, will With regard to the 10 highest (training course) fees in receive at least £246.81 per month—out of which we are each of the years, the information is not held centrally expecting them to contribute only £68 per month. This and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. contribution will be expected only where the person is The non-departmental public bodies IT systems only either in work or there is an expectation that they allow the collation at total spend level. The total amount should be working. It will not be expected if the person of money spent per year on training in the NDPB in is aged under 21, a carer, responsible for a young child, each of the last five years is detailed as follows: or in receipt of a specified disability benefit. 1051W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1052W

It is not possible to isolate the impact of the housing Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and cost contribution from the other constituent parts of Pensions if he will make an assessment of the effect on universal credit. levels of youth homelessness in (a) Great Britain, (b) Transitional protection will ensure that there will be England, (c) Wales and (d) Scotland arising from the no cash losers where claimants move to universal credit, introduction of the housing cost contribution from providing circumstances remain the same. payments of universal credit in respect of non- dependent adults living in those households who will Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and receive universal credit. [156592] Pensions if he will make an assessment of the introduction of housing cost contribution in respect of Steve Webb: The Government believes that it is reasonable payments of universal credit in respect of non- that someone living in a claimant’s home should be dependent adults living in those households, on each asked to contribute towards the rent. However, individuals decile of the population in each nation and region of aged under 21 will not be expected to make a Housing Great Britain; and what the average weekly loss thereby Cost Contribution, and so we do not anticipate this in each decile will be. [156589] change to have a detrimental effect of homelessness for this group. Steve Webb: The Government believes that it is reasonable that someone living in a claimant’s home should be Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for asked to contribute towards the rent. For example, Work and Pensions what assistance his Department universal credit will ensure that a single person, who is plans to provide to people making a claim for universal not a homeowner and is aged between 21 and 25, will credit who are prevented from using a computer as a receive at least £246.81 per month—out of which we are consequence of their health condition. [156841] expecting them to contribute only £68 per month. This contribution will be expected only where the person is Mr Hoban: The universal credit online system has either in work or there is an expectation that they been built to Web Content Accessibility guidelines including should be working. It will not be expected if the person assistive technologies in order for claimants to be able is aged under 21, a carer, responsible for a young child, to use it. or in receipt of a specified disability benefit. We will also offer alternative routes; via telephone It is not possible to isolate the impact of the housing where an agent will complete an online claim form on a cost contribution from the other constituent parts of claimants behalf or direct assistance in a local office, a universal credit. local delivery partner or in, exceptional circumstances a Transitional protection will ensure that there will be home visit. no cash losers where claimants move to universal credit, providing circumstances remain the same. Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in what areas the IT system for universal Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and credit will be rolled out in autumn 2013; and what the Pensions how many non-dependent adults aged (a) expected timescale is for the remaining areas. [156906] 21-24 and in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance and (b) 21-24 who are being assessed for their capability to Mr Hoban: Universal credit will progressively roll-out work in households in (i) Great Britain, (ii) England, in a carefully managed and controlled way from October (iii) Wales, (iv) Scotland and (v) each parliamentary 2013 with all those who are entitled to UC claiming the constituency in Great Britain will be affected by the new benefit by 2017. introduction of housing cost contribution in respect of payments of universal credit in respect of non- Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work dependent adults living in those households; and what and Pensions what assumptions on (a) forecast the average weekly loss thereby in each category will be. caseload and (b) IT delivery timescales were made in [156590] his Department’s initial bid to the Treasury for funding to implement universal credit. [157006] Steve Webb: The Government believes that it is reasonable that someone living in a claimant’s home should be Mr Hoban: The assumptions on the forecast caseload asked to contribute towards the rent. For example, at the time of the bid to Treasury for funding are set out universal credit will ensure that a single person, who is in the White Paper ″Universal Credit: Welfare that not a homeowner and is aged between 21 and 25, will Works″ CM7957 Chapter 4, Paragraph 21. receive at least £246.81 per month—out of which we are The assumption on the IT delivery timescale at the expecting them to contribute only £68 per month. This time of the bid to Treasury for funding was that a contribution will be expected only where the person is system would be ready to start by October 2013. either in work or there is an expectation that they should be working. It will not be expected if the person Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for is aged under 21, a carer, responsible for a young child, Work and Pensions how many meetings his or in receipt of a specified disability benefit. Department has had with the Department for It is not possible to isolate the impact of the housing Education on the treatment of free school meals under cost contribution from the other constituent parts of universal credit. [157404] universal credit. Transitional protection will ensure that there will be Mr Hoban: The Department has formal meetings no cash losers where claimants move to universal credit, twice a month. However, due to the importance of the providing circumstances remain the same. treatment of free school meals under universal credit we 1053W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1054W have ad hoc meetings, telephone conversations and Mr Hoban: All health care professionals (HCP) who email correspondence on a weekly basis at the present carry out the WCA are trained to ask about and take time. account of fluctuation. Training on variable and fluctuating conditions is delivered throughout the learning path for Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the HCPs employed by Atos Healthcare during their and Pensions how much of the universal credit initial course and continues throughout their training spending envelope was spent to the most detailed figure and professional development. In addition to discussing available in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13; and how variability during the course, all HCPs are provided much he forecasts will be spent to the most detailed with learning materials at the initial stages to cover a figure available in (i) 2013-14 and (ii) 2014-15. [157423] range of variable conditions. During the consolidation phase of new entrant training fluctuating conditions Mr Hoban: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the are further discussed. answer I gave him on 15 May 2013, Official Report, In addition to this initial training material, HCPs column 329W. have a range of learning resources available including Of the £2 billion budget, spend in 2011-12 was 5%, distance learning packs and continuing medical education and in 2012-13 16%. Plans continue to be developed to products to aid understanding of fluctuating conditions. support the gradual roll-out from autumn 2013 within There is also a specific learning pack available on variability budget. which addresses multiple issues with assessing fluctuating conditions. Universal Credit: Ashton Under Lyne In relation to the support offered to those in the Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for work-related activity group; support is available through Work and Pensions what changes have been made to either Jobcentre Plus or the Work programme. A claimant’s Jobcentre Plus staffing in Ashton-under-Lyne to medical circumstances are taken into account when support delivery of the universal credit pathfinder. considering requiring them to undertake a specific activity. Claimants are encouraged to discuss the impact of their [157504] condition on their support needs, while advisers/providers Mr Hoban: To support the delivery of the universal will be well-placed to understand and reflect the needs credit pathfinder a total of 152 full-time equivalent of claimants to help them successfully move towards operational staff will be allocated to new posts. In employment. Ashton Jobcentre 21 staff will be supporting universal Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for credit delivery by the end of July 2013. Staffing requirements Work and Pensions what his policy is on publishing have been calculated based upon the forecast numbers statistics on the number and percentage of (a) of new claims to universal credit. All staff delivering successful and (b) unsuccessful appeals for (i) repeat universal credit will have been given targeted training functional assessments and (ii) incapacity benefit and support. reassessments as part of the quarterly bulletin of Work Vacancies Capability Assessment statistics. [157009]

Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr Hoban: The Department continually reviews our and Pensions when he expects new statistics on the statistical publications and will consider adding this number of vacancies by constituency to be released. information to the existing publication, subject to available [156763] resource. Amendments to the publication will be announced in advance in line with UK Statistics Authority guidelines. Mr Hoban: National statistics on vacancies at UK-level continue to be reported each month via the ONS Vacancy Work Programme Survey. A user consultation by DWP on the changes to the Jobcentre Plus vacancy series was conducted last Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work year and has been published on the DWP statistics, web and Pensions how many participants in their second pages. Statistical information for some geographies below year of the Work Programme have not had a job national level is already available via the Universal outcome to date. [156762] Jobmatch MI tool and some improvements, including Mr Hoban: Once referred by Jobcentre Plus, individuals the addition of breakdowns by parliamentary constituency, can remain on the Work programme for two years. have been suggested. DWP is currently agreeing with Statistics on those having spent 24 months on the Monster Worldwide Limited, the Universal Jobmatch programme will be published for the first time in September supplier, a timetable for prioritising and implementing 2013, for those referred in June 2011. these improvements, subject to funding. Further details will be released as soon as they are available. The statistics will be published here: http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=wp Work Capability Assessment Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what criteria are used to evaluate Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of companies involved in the Work Programme. [157137] specialist training given to Atos health care professionals in relation to fluctuating conditions; and Mr Hoban: The Department evaluates Work programme what plans he has to ensure that sufficient support is providers against delivery of their minimum service offered to the work-related activity group to ensure standards and contractual performance levels. Minimum that people with fluctuating conditions in that group service standards are published on the gov.uk website have suitable options. [156840] and can be viewed via: 1055W Written Answers3 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1056W

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/minimum- In addition the Department has commissioned an service-delivery-standards-for-work-programme-providers independent evaluation of the Work programme which Individual provider contracts are available on the Contracts includes a study of providers’ delivery models, aiming Finder pages of the gov.uk website at: to understand the success, or otherwise, of different ways of delivering the programme, as chosen by providers https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder under our minimum prescription framework.

1057W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1058W

estate across the country through the rationalisation of Written Answers to retained office space and targeted building disposals. This has seen the Department surrender six leasehold Questions office properties through a combination of lease breaks and expiries, generating net savings in the period of circa £7 million per annum. Tuesday 4 June 2013 The Department has also successfully sublet surplus space across its leasehold office estate during the same period, reducing the overall property costs by circa COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT £6.5 million per annum. Building on this success, in 2013-14 we have already secured additional savings of Buildings £1.5 million by subletting further space in Eland House, Victoria. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the total Most recently, the Department negotiated the early running costs were for each building used, owned or surrender of Eland House, with DCLG scheduled to rented in central London by his Department, its relocate to 2 Marsham Street with the Home Office agencies and non-departmental public bodies in each during the summer of 2014, realising annual savings of circa £9 million for DCLG and circa £24 million for of the last three financial years. [154232] Government. Brandon Lewis: Since May 2010. the Department has The following table provides information for bodies had considerable success in reducing the cost of its which are still operating.

Total running costs (£) Central London properties 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Lease expiry/break

DCLG Eland House, Bressenden Place, SW1E 5DU 23,833,620 22,244,651 23,532,680 22,195,936 29 September 2014 (renegotiated early surrender date) Homes and Communities Agency Maple House, 494,358 594,336 574,987 11,489,377 11 September 2014 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7BN Homes and Communities Agency Palestra House, 661,453 676,853 508,952 0 3 March 2012 (now Blackfriars Road, SE1 8AA vacated) Homes and Communities Agency Buckingham Palace 1,261,440 1,239,686 79,596 1,050 26 June 2010 (now Road, SW1W 9SA vacated) Valuation Tribunal Service Black Lion House, Tower 345,172 432,255 441,730 472,037 25 December 2013 Hamlets, E1 1DU (under review) Independent Housing Ombudsman Aldwych House, 132,364 385,013 385,272 404,534 6 August 2017 81 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4HN Local Government Ombudsman Millbank Tower, 1,046,532 1,123,518 1,152,915 1,138,079 25 December 2013 Millbank, SW1P 4QP (break to be served) Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre SW1P 3EE 8,926,000 7,162,000 7,727,000 7,505,000 Freehold 1 Increase due to absorbing residual functions of Tenant Services Authority.

However, this table understates the full savings being Council Tax Reduction Schemes delivered to the taxpayer, as since 2010, we have significantly reduced the number of departmental quangos. It would Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for entail disproportionate cost to provide a full breakdown Communities and Local Government how much was of running costs, but I would note that in addition to given by his Department to each English local the savings above, property savings have also been made authority for council tax support budgets in 2011-12. as a consequence of: [156073] Abolishing the Government office for the regions, including the Government office for London. Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Abolishing the Tenant Services Authority and National Tenant the Department for Work and Pensions. Voice. Prior to the cessation of council tax benefit from Abolishing the Standards Board for England. April 2013, the Department for Work and Pensions Abolishing Firebuy. provided each local authority in England, Scotland and Abolishing the Audit Commission and outsourcing its audit Wales with a contribution towards their costs for contracts (ongoing). administering both housing and council tax benefits. This Administration Subsidy was a combined funding Transferring the Fire Service College to the private sector. stream and it is not possible to separate out a specific Abolishing/localising the Thurrock Development Corporation amount purely relating to processing council tax benefits and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. as the majority of such work was done holistically as More broadly, the DCLG Group is reducing its annual part of a joint claim with housing benefit. running costs by 41% in real terms by 2014-15. This A table showing a breakdown of the Administration equates to net savings of at least £532,000,000 over this Subsidy provided to each local authority in England in spending review period. 2011-12 will be placed in the Library. 1059W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1060W

Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for available for deaf people whose first language is British Communities and Local Government what assessment Sign Language in communicating with the fire service; he has made of the average change in income of and if he will make a statement; [157384] working families as a result of changes to council tax (2) what measures his Department has in place to benefit. [157171] ensure that deaf people have the opportunity to Brandon Lewis: The impact assessment for the communicate in British Sign Language with the (a) Government’s policy framework for localising council fire services and (b) agencies and non-departmental tax support is available on the Department’s website. public bodies for which he is responsible. [157581] The design of local schemes, and the assessment of their impact, is the responsibility of local authorities. Brandon Lewis: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 20 May 2013, Official Report, Council Tax: Havering column 429W. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he has Homelessness taken and how much financial support he has given to the London borough of Havering to ensure council tax Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for can stay low. [157088] Communities and Local Government what proportion of people who are made homeless are deemed Brandon Lewis: This Government has provided funding intentionally homeless. [157075] for a council tax freeze in three successive financial years in England. The following table shows the amounts Mr Prisk: Households that apply to local authorities of council tax freeze grant provided in each financial for assistance under the Housing and Homelessness year for the London borough of Havering. Acts are owed a main homelessness duty (and so regarded Council tax freeze grant funding for Havering: 2011-12 to 2013-14 as ‘statutorily homeless’) if a local authority decides £ that they are eligible for assistance, unintentionally 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Total homeless and within a priority need group. This definition 2011-121 2,680,191 2,680,191 2,680,191 2,680,191 10,720,764 therefore automatically excludes any households that 2012-132 — 2,693,308 — — 2,693,308 are intentionally homeless. 2013-143 — — 1,097,611 1,097,611 2,195,222 The Department collects figures from local authorities Total — — — — 15,609,294 on the number of households for which decisions were 1 Calculated as 2.5% of the 2010-11 Band D amount multiplied by the 2011-12 made that were found to be eligible for assistance and tax base, rounded to the nearest pound. within a priority need group, but intentionally homeless. 2 A one-off grant was provided in 2012-13, calculated in the same way as 2011-12. The applied percentage of the 2011-12 Band D amount varied by type Between 1 October and 31 December 2012, 2,220 such of authority; outer London boroughs received a grant of 2.5%. cases were recorded nationally, representing 8% of the 3 Grants provided in 2013-14 were calculated as 1% of the 2012-13 Band D 29,060 decisions made. amount multiplied by the 2013-14 tax base, rounded to the nearest pound. Havering residents have also benefited from the funding This information is also available in DCLG Live given to the Greater London Authority to freeze their Table 770, at: council tax precept. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- tables-on-homelessness Families: Disadvantaged Figures for 1 January to 31 March 2013 will be Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for published on 6 June. Communities and Local Government (1) how many We are investing £470 million in homelessness prevention families of gang nominals have been identified in the over four years (2011-12 to 2014-15) to help local authorities troubled families programme to date (a) nationally and voluntary sector partners prevent and tackle and (b) by local authority; [157616] homelessness, rough sleeping and repossessions. (2) what proportion of known families of gang Homelessness is around half the average level it was nominals have been identified in the troubled families under the last Administration. Homelessness acceptances programme (a) nationally and (b) by local authority. remain lower than in 27 of the last 30 years. [157620] Brandon Lewis: We do not specifically gather information Housing Benefit: Tenants at either a national or local authority level relating to the number of known families of gang nominals identified Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for in the Troubled Families Programme. Communities and Local Government what steps he is However, an analysis of family-level monitoring data taking to encourage landlords to accept benefit held by local authorities will form part of the independent claimants as tenants. [157074] evaluation of the national Troubled Families Programme, and will include where available, information about Mr Prisk: The Government estimates that, at any gang nominals. Evaluation reports will be published point in time, around one-third of households privately periodically. renting are in receipt of housing benefit. This suggests Fire Services: Sign Language that it continues to be possible for claimants to access the sector. However, private landlords and letting agents Sir Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for operate on a commercial basis and, as for any business, Communities and Local Government (1) what it is reasonable for them to make independent decisions assessment he has made of the equality of access about who they let to. 1061W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1062W

The English Housing Survey headline report for 2011-12 Brandon Lewis: It would incur disproportionate cost indicates that almost two-thirds (64%) of households in to outline every single measure used and the reasons the social rented sector were in receipt of housing why.My Department uses the retail prices index, consumer benefit. prices index, and other relevant indices (including GDP Welfare reform will improve work incentives and help deflators, average earnings index, producer prices index, more people move into employment. This is good news and private sector measures such as house price indices). for landlords as well as the Government. However, we Uses will include the re-rating and revaluing of charges, recognise that the move away from managed payments rates, reliefs, rents; the indexing of contracts, funding to landlords for working age benefits claimants is a arrangements and pay agreements; analysing, forecasting challenge, particularly for the social sector. That is why and estimating real-terms changes and trends. the Government is committed to developing universal The Department’s choice of measure is dependent on credit in a way that protects landlords’ financial position. a number of factors including: Managed payments to landlords will continue where requirements explicitly specified in legislation, claimants are deemed to be at risk of non-payment or central Government guidance (for example. HM Treasury’s where arrears build beyond a certain level. Once on Green Book), managed payments, we will recoup arrears on behalf of historical availability (the consumer prices index only came the landlord from the claimant’s universal credit and into being in 1996, whereas the retail prices index dates from will continue to do so even if the claimant moves to a 1947), new address. differences in the coverage of each measure (for example, the We are working with DWP to ensure the right safeguards consumer prices index excludes housing costs, such as council tax, mortgage interest payments and major repairs), and for landlords and tenants are designed into universal credit through learning from the direct payment the general fit and appropriateness for the public policy topic. demonstration projects. Further details of the differences between the main measures of inflation are provided in various guidance These safeguards will apply in both the private and documents published by the Office for National Statistics: social sectors. www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/economy/prices-output-and- Housing: Lancashire productivity/price-indices-and-inflation

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Enterprise Partnerships: Rural Areas Communities and Local Government (1) how much his Department paid to Rossendale Borough Council in Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for respect of the New Homes Bonus in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 Communities and Local Government what discussions and (c) 2013 to date; [156785] he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, (2) how much his Department paid to Blackburn- Innovation and Skills on the viability of local with-Darwen Borough Council in respect of the New enterprise partnerships in rural areas; and if he will Homes Bonus in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013 to make a statement. [157249] date; [156786] (3) how much his Department paid to Lancashire Mr Prisk: Ministers within the Department for County Council in respect of the New Homes Bonus in Communities and Local Government regularly meet (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013 to date. [156787] colleagues from other Departments to discuss a range of matters. This Government is committed to creating Mr Prisk: The New Homes Bonus payments to local growth, whether in urban or rural areas. Blackburn-with-Darwen, Rossendale and Lancashire county councils are set out in the following table: Local Government Finance: Remand in Custody

ABCDEHelen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Total Communities and Local Government what assessment paid to he has made of the possible effects on local authority 2013-14 date budgets of the youth remand provisions in the Legal Authority 2011-12 2012-13 (to date) 2013-14 (A+B+C) Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Blackburn 110,500 323,533 63,635 381,804 497,668 Act 2012. [157624] with Darwen Rossendale 102,472 217,111 48,367 290,196 367,951 Brandon Lewis: The Ministry of Justice has provided Lancashire 464,868 1,031,126 299,042 1,794,219 1,795,036 an assessment of potential costs for local authorities, emanating from the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment New Homes Bonus is being paid in 12 monthly of Offenders Act 2012; and these costs will be funded in instalments in 2013-14. New Homes Bonus is a powerful, accordance with the New Burdens Doctrine. simple, transparent and permanent incentive for local authorities and communities to increase their aspirations Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for for housing growth. Communities and Local Government what recent Inflation discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the effects on local authority budgets of the Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for provisions on secure remand in the Legal Aid, Communities and Local Government if he will list the Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012; purposes for which his Department uses (a) the retail and if he will make a statement. [157625] price index measure of inflation, (b) the consumer price index measure of inflation and (c) any Brandon Lewis: Ministers meet Cabinet colleagues alternative measure of inflation. [155051] regularly to discuss a range of issues. 1063W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1064W

Non-domestic Rates: Northumberland The Localism Act also gives councils the power to introduce local discounts to business rates. Under the new system of local retention of business rates introduced Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for by the Local Government Finance Act 2012, central Communities and Local Government what steps he is government now funds 50% of the cost of any local taking to ensure that Northumberland County Council discount granted. We would encourage local authorities is utilising powers under the Localism Act 2011 to to make creative and constructive use of these new provide business rate relief for small businesses in powers. Northumberland. [157277] Personnel Management

Brandon Lewis: We have made it easier for small firms Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for to get the small business rate relief to which they are Communities and Local Government how many entitled. Our reforms in the Localism Act 2011 ensure officials in his Department were employed in human all eligible ratepayers can automatically receive the small resources functions in each of the last five years; at business multiplier, and we have removed the legal red what grades such staff were employed; and what the tape requiring ratepayers to fill in significant paperwork total cost of his Department’s human resources to claim the relief. The last Administration failed to functions was. [156664] support simplification to help small firms when they were in office (q.v. 6 March 2009, Official Report, Brandon Lewis: The following table lists the in post columns 1141-1142). staff undertaking human resources-related work:

In turn, we have also doubled small business rate Staff in post at 31 Cost of function (£ relief scheme, to help half a million small firms. From March million)

October 2010 to April 2014, small firms are receiving 1 100% rate relief (i.e. pay no business rates at all) on 2010-11 84 4.3 properties up to £6,000 Rateable Value, and a tapered 2011-12 49 3.5 rate relief from £6,000 to £12,000. An estimated 330,000 2012-13 40 2.1 small firms are paying no rates at all. The breakdown of grades in each period was:

Date Director Deputy Grade 6 Grade 7 SEO HEO EO AO Director

31 March 20111 1331591670 31 March 2012 1 2 2 12 4 14 7 7 31 March 2013 112921465 1 The Department conducted a baseline exercise for the 2010-11 reporting year which established there were 54 human resources staff in DCLG, The grade breakdown for these staff is shown above. In addition there were 30 Government office for the regions human resources staff who were subsequently merged into the DCLG human resources function. The salary and grade data for the Government office staff are no longer available as a result of the closure of the Government office for the regions and so are not reflected in the table. Applying an average DCLG median salary for the 30 Government office human resources staff itis estimated that the total cost of the combined 84 human resources staff in 2010-11 was £4.3 million.

To place this in context, total departmental staff will be able to take in a lodger unless restrictions in the costs have fallen from £216 million in 2009-10 to £109 tenancy agreement prohibit them from doing so. million in 2011-12. Further savings have been made by The Department for Communities and Local the abolition of the Government offices for the regions. Government has supported the Chartered Institute of Prior to 2010-11, DCLG did not separately cost or Housing to produce a guide for social landlords to help record human resources staff in this way and it is them prepare for the removal of the spare room subsidy. therefore not possible to provide comparable data for ’Making it Fit’, which was published last June, encourages this period. landlords to provide advice to tenants affected by the My Department plans to make further cost savings measure on a range of options including taking in a and staffing reductions within the HR function through lodger to help meet the shortfall in the rent. the sharing of services, in collaboration with other Government Departments and Civil Service Human Wind Power: Planning Permission Resources and, by April 2015, the contracting out of transactional human resources services to a new private Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for sector provider. Communities and Local Government how many objections were made to each of the proposed offshore Rent a Room Scheme wind farms included in the Crown Estates Phase 3 programme; and how many of those objections related Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for to the proposed Navitus Bay wind farm. [157378] Communities and Local Government whether he has considered incentivising and allowing council and Mr Prisk: In 2009, the Crown Estate identified nine housing association tenants to rent spare rooms. areas for Round 3 offshore wind farms. The Planning [157147] Inspectorate was not involved in the identification of these areas. Successful developer partners for these sites Mr Prisk: Council and housing association tenants were announced in January 2010. These developers are with secure tenancies have a statutory right to take in a required to submit planning applications to the Planning lodger. Housing association tenants with assured tenancies Inspectorate or Marine Scotland to gain planning consent. 1065W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1066W

Applications have been made to the Planning Michael Fallon: The obligations on companies to Inspectorate for two offshore wind farms which are disclose information about their subsidiaries are set out located within Crown Estates Phase 3 programme sites. in section 409 and 410 of the Companies Act 2006 and These comprise: East Anglia One; accepted for examination associated regulations. The requirements are extensive on 14 December 2012, and Rampion offshore wind and clear. Enforcement of these requirements must be farm; accepted for examination on 25 March 2013. proportionate and targeted. In addition to these, there are currently five schemes I have asked Companies House if improvements can registered at pre-application under the Planning Act 2008, be made to their enforcement procedures and they will these comprise; Atlantic Array (Bristol Channel), Rhiannon report back to me on this matter. Alongside this, the (North of Anglesey), Dogger Bank (East of Teeside), Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is Hornsea (off the Yorkshire coast) and Navitus Bay considering whether any change to the legislation is (South-west of the Isle of Wight). At this stage the appropriate. Planning Inspectorate provides advice to the developers, local authorities and the public involved in the 2008 Employment Schemes: Wirral Planning Act process. At pre-application any comments on the schemes need to be made directly to the developer. Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Once an application has been accepted for examination, Business, Innovation and Skills what job initiatives his anybody interested in a scheme can register with the Department is supporting in Wirral South Planning Inspectorate during the “relevant representation constituency; and what assessment he has made of the period” and become an “interested party” by making a efficiency of such schemes. [157317] “relevant representation”. This time period is advertised by the developer. Relevant representations comprise Matthew Hancock: We are supporting jobs in Wirral views on the scheme, positive or negative. Once the South by tackling the record deficit to keep interest period for relevant representations has closed, these are rates low, tackling barriers to employment, radically published on the project webpage. East Anglia One reforming education and expanding apprenticeships, received 119 relevant representations. Rampion received which provide individuals of all ages with pathways 212 representations. into employment. In relation to the specific query on Navitus Bay, this Final data for the 2011/12 academic year show that application is still at the pre-application stage and the there were 810 apprenticeship starts in Wirral South developer is currently undertaking formal consultation parliamentary constituency, up by 7.5% on 2010/11. on the proposals. Planning Inspectorate has published all its advice given in response to queries received regarding £11 million has been allocated to programmes in this project on the Navitus Bay project page of its Wirral from the Regional Growth Fund which will in website: turn leverage £204 million of private sector investment. http://infrastructure.planningportal.gov.uk/projects/south- In April 2012 we launched an online tool called east/navitus-bay-wind-park-formerly-isle-of-wight/ “Employing staff for the first time” helping to make it ?ipcsection=advice easier for businesses taking on their first member of staff. The tool currently receives around 12,000 visits a month. Through the Business in You campaign we are BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS supporting and encouraging people to start or grow their businesses and employ more staff, and small and Business: Advisory Services medium-sized enterprises can access support and advice through: Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for www.gov.uk Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the answer of 25 April 2013, Official Report, column the new home for Government services and 1034W, on business: advisory services, by what date he information online. expects the call for expressions of interest for the A huge number of further measures are taking place Growth Vouchers Scheme to (a) open and (b) close; to support jobs in Wirral and elsewhere to help Britain and what timetable he has set for this process. [157098] compete.

Michael Fallon: A call for expressions of interest was Exports: Government Assistance opened on 29 April 2013 and closed on 29 May 2013. Companies Act 2006 Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for answer of 24 April 2013, Official Report, column Business, Innovation and Skills what steps (a) he and 995W, on exports: Government assistance, when he (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which he is expects an application for approval under EU state aid responsible are taking to enforce the provisions of the rules to be submitted in relation to the (a) Export Companies Act 2006 in respect of the declaration of Refinancing Scheme and (b) Direct Lending Scheme overseas subsidiaries; what recent assessment he has administered by UK export finance; and what made of the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms deadlines he has set for this. [157097] for the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 on the declaration of overseas subsidiaries; and what steps he Michael Fallon: The Government are not making is taking to increase transparency in the declaration of applications to the EU Commission for approval under overseas subsidiaries and the accessibility of this EU State Aid rules in respect of the proposed Export information. [157100] Refinancing Facility and the Direct Lending scheme. 1067W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1068W

UK Export Finance will be accepting applications Honorary consul locations Number for support under the Direct Lending scheme from the beginning of September. Andorra 1 New Businesses Antigua and Barbuda 1 Argentina 3 Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Australia 3 Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the Austria 4 answers of 25 April 2013, Official Report, column Bahamas 1 1040W, and 1 March 2013, Official Report, column Barbados 2 743W, on new businesses, how many pilot spaces for Belgium 1 start-ups are currently open to businesses. [157099] Benin 1 Michael Fallon: The first of the pilot spaces has Bhutan 1 opened in Wimbledon, and details for the space can be Bolivia 1 found at: Brazil 5 http://3space.org/properties/london-and-south/london- Burkina Faso 1 wimbledon Cameroon 4 The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Canada 4 and Cabinet Office are finalising with our providers Cape Verde 1 preparations for the three other pilot spaces, and we Central African Republic 1 aim to announce the opening of these soon. Chad 1 Chile 5 Colombia 3 FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Congo 1 British Nationals Abroad: Electoral Register Croatia 1 Curacao 1 Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Denmark 5 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is Djibouti 1 taking to (a) enable and (b) encourage UK citizens Dominica 1 resident overseas to register and vote in UK elections. Dominican Republic 2 [156527] DRC 1 Miss Chloe Smith: I have been asked to reply on East Timor 1 behalf of the Cabinet Office. Ecuador 3 The Government is committed to doing all it can to Egypt 3 maximise voter registration, including among British El Salvador 1 citizens living overseas. As part of the move to Equatorial Guinea 1 Individual Electoral Registration, to help simplify the Finland 9 registration process we plan to remove the requirement France 12 for a person’s initial application as an overseas elector French Guyana 1 to be attested by another British citizen resident Gambia 1 abroad. Germany 7 We are also extending the electoral timetable for UK Grenada 1 parliamentary elections from 17 to 25 working days, Greece 2 which will allow postal votes to be issued sooner and so Guinea Bissau 1 make it easier for postal voters living overseas to return Guyana 1 their ballot papers. Honduras 3 The Electoral Commission promote awareness of Hong Kong 1 UK electoral systems and electoral registration Indonesia 1 procedures including how to vote, and the Government Israel 1 understands that the Commission will target British citizens living overseas as part of their online Italy 7 advertising campaigns ahead of the next planned Jamaica 1 elections. Japan 2 We will continue to explore ways to encourage Kenya 1 registration among overseas electors in discussions Kyrgyzstan 1 with the Electoral Commission and other interested Lebanon 1 parties. Lesotho 1 Liberia 1 Diplomatic Service Lithuania 1 Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Macedonia 1 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Madagascar 2 honorary consuls there are; and where they are posted. Malawi 1 [156374] Malaysia 3 Maldives 1 Mark Simmonds: There are 231 honorary consul Mauritania 1 positions in the world and their location by country is Mauritius 1 set out in the attachment. 1069W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1070W

The Secretary of State met the Ukrainian Foreign Honorary consul locations Number Minister, Leonid Kozhara, on 13 May 2013 and raised Mexico 4 a range of issues of particular concern. Monaco 1 Morocco 3 Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mozambique 1 and Commonwealth Affairs how many requests for Netherlands 1 consular assistance relating to crime have been made by New Zealand 1 UK citizens at the UK Embassy in Kiev since 1993. Nicaragua 1 [157127] Nigeria 1 Norway 7 Mr Lidington: Since 1996 our embassy in Kyiv has Paraguay 1 dealt with approximately 228 requests for consular assistance relating to crime. Peru 4 Philippines 1 Figures refer to both victims and perpetrators of Poland 7 crime, and include lost and stolen passports. Portugal 4 Russia 4 South Africa 2 HEALTH South Korea 1 Spain 13 Accident and Emergency Departments: Merseyside St Kitts and Nevis 1 St Vincent and the Grenadines 1 Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Swaziland 1 Health on how many occasions the accident and Sweden 2 emergency waiting time has been breached in hospitals Syria 2 in (a) Wirral and (b) Merseyside in the last three years Tanzania 3 for which information is available. [157316] Thailand 2 Togo 1 Anna Soubry: The information is not held in the Trinidad and Tobago 1 format requested. The number of times the accident Tunisia 1 and emergency (A and E) waiting time standard (95% Turkey 3 of patients admitted, transferred or discharged within Uruguay 1 four hours) has been missed since November 2010 for USA 19 each NHS hospital trust in Merseyside is shown in the Venezuela 2 following table. Yemen 2 Number of weeks not meeting the A Total 231 NHS trust and E standard since November 2010

Wirral University Teaching Hospital 60 Ukraine NHS Foundation Trust Aintree University Hospital NHS 26 Foundation Trust Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation 26 and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he Trust has had with (a) his Ukranian counterpart and (b) the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen 31 Home Office about the effect of Ukranian organised University Hospitals NHS Trust crime on the safety of British citizens and businesses in Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS 36 that country. [157126] Trust St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals 41 NHS Trust Mr Lidington: The Secretary of State for Foreign Note: and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the A and E data is not held at hospital site level so data for the relevant hospital Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and I, trust has been provided. Source: along with our officials regularly raise concerns with NHS England Unify2 Data Collection Weekly SitRep. our Ukrainian counterparts about the problems faced by British citizens and businesses operating in Ukraine. Blood: Contamination The British embassy in Kyiv works closely with British businesses to support their activity in Ukraine, and Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health provides advice and assistance to both UK citizens and what assessment he has made of the risk of (a) HIV, companies who become victims of crime. The Foreign (b) bloodborn hepatitis and (c) vCJD infection as a and Commonwealth Office is also in regular contact result of using privately sourced plasma supplies from with the Home Office and UK law enforcement other countries. [156508] agencies to ensure a joined-up cross-Whitehall response to these issues as they arise. In particular, a Anna Soubry: None, as no privately sourced fresh representative of the UK law enforcement agencies is frozen plasma supplies are used by NHS Blood and part of the British embassy in Kyiv and works closely Transplant1. with Ukrainian counterparts in order to mitigate the 1 NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) currently imports impact of organised crime on UK citizens and approximately 20,000 units of plasma, as fresh frozen plasma businesses. (FFP) (the only whole, non-fractionated plasma treatment provided 1071W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1072W by the United Kingdom blood services) per annum from Austria. The CQC has provided the following information: The Austrian source is public, not privately sourced. Information on all registered managers is collected by the The Austrian health service sources screen the plasma before CQC as this is one area against which enforcement action can be sending to the UK in accordance with the requirements of the taken to deliver improvements in the quality of services. common European blood safety requirements of directive 2002/98/EC. The reporting of data detailing enforcement against registered This means that as a minimum Austria test to the same standards managers is currently a manual process. The CQC has a planned as those used in the United Kingdom and this includes tests for programme of developments to its computerised information hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. management system which will allow more systematic recording On receipt by NHSBT the Austrian plasma also undergoes a and reporting of enforcement activity later in 2013. pathogen inactivation process before further processing and being made available for issue to hospitals. The CQC is increasingly examining the role of registered managers, the absence and vacancy rates across corporate Austrian plasma is issued primarily as a potential variant providers and the impact that this has on the quality of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vGD) risk reduction measure for patients born since 1 January 1996 (i.e. after presumed effective measures services provided. It is the CQC’s intention to consult for BSE control were established in the UK). over the summer on future development of its approach to regulation. Any changes to its arrangements will be Blood: Donors developed through consultation. Childbirth Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the potential effects of lifting the 12-month ban on gay men donating blood; Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and whether he has had discussions with counterparts what the percentage change was in the number of live in the devolved Administrations on this issue. [157623] births between 2001 and 2010. [157848]

Anna Soubry: The blood donor selection criterion Dr Poulter: Between 2001 and 2010, the number of relating to men who have had sex with men was amended live births in England increased by 21.9%. in November 2011 from permanent deferral to deferral Drugs: Students for 12 months following the last relevant contact. This followed a recommendation from the independent scientific Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues what assessment his Department has made of the and Organs (SaBTO), which advises all four United safety assessment of (a) Ritalin and (b) Modafinil in Kingdom Health Departments. The change was circumstances where they are being used without implemented in England, Wales and Scotland, and remains prescription for the purposes of enhanced academic under consideration in Northern Ireland. performance; and if his Department will take steps to Deferral was set at 12 months to reduce the risk that a (i) inform students of the potential side effects of the donor’s blood might carry an infection that could be use of such drugs and (ii) restrict the availability of transmitted to a transfusion recipient. Donations are such drugs without prescription. [156598] routinely tested, but new infections and infections in the late phase of clearance may not be detected. Lifting this Norman Lamb: In the United Kingdom, there are 12-month deferral would therefore increase the risk of a strict legal controls on the retail sale, supply and donation carrying an infection being released for advertisement of medicinal products. Under medicines transfusion. legislation, it is unlawful for medicinal products for We are assessing the impact of the change made in human use to be marketed, manufactured, imported 2011, and no further change is currently proposed. from a third country, distributed and sold or supplied in SaBTO keeps the donor selection criteria under review the UK except in accordance with the appropriate and will consider any significant new evidence and licences or exemptions. advise the UK Health Departments accordingly. Ritalin (‘Methylphenidate’) is a Class B drug under Care Homes the 1971 Act and listed under Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Modafinil is a prescription only medicine (POM) and Health if he will require the Care Quality Commission is not controlled under the 1971 Act. As such, it may to record and collate data on individual registered only be legally sold or supplied to the public through managers of care companies to which warning notices registered pharmacy premises, by or under the supervision of a pharmacist. Additionally, it may only be sold or or enforced deregistration has been applied. [157311] supplied in response to a prescription from an authorised Norman Lamb: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) health care professional (such as a doctor, dentist, or is the independent regulator of health and adult social certain trained nurses and pharmacists). care providers in England and has a key responsibility A UK registered pharmacy may have a presence on in the overall assurance of essential levels of safety and the internet; however the requirements of legislation quality of health and adult social care services. As the apply equally to both UK internet pharmacies and CQC is independent, it is responsible for developing bricks-and-mortar premises. Modafinil cannot be advertised and consulting on its methodology for assessing whether directly to the public. These legal controls also apply providers are meeting the registration requirements and equally to medicines for human use sold or supplied via on what action it takes if a provider is not compliant. the internet or e-mail transactions. The Department does not prescribe how the CQC These restrictions do not apply to countries outside should collect, collate or record information which it UK jurisdiction where medicines may be classified and receives. regulated differently. 1073W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1074W

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory The HSCIC has provided the annual number of Agency (MHRA), an Executive Agency of the Department, emergency readmissions to hospital within 28 days of is responsible for the regulation of medicines on the UK discharge of adults aged 75 years and over. Information market. The MHRA has serious concerns about the for the years 2011-12 and 2012-13 is not available (2011-12 availability of medicines being offered via the Internet is expected to be published December 2013, 2012-13 the and issues regular warnings to the public concerning year after). Information for the years 2010-11 is available. the inherent risks of purchasing medicines online. MHRA Information is not publicly available at the level of advice is that medicines purchased from websites, national health service trust to protect patient confidentiality, particularly websites based overseas, cannot be guaranteed though this information is publicly available at the level to meet set standards of quality, safety and efficacy and of former strategic health authority (SHA). The following advises patients not to purchase medicines in this way. table shows emergency readmissions to hospital within Neither methylphenidate (Ritalin) or modafinil (Provigil) 28 days of discharge from hospital of adults of aged 75 are medicinal products authorised for use as cognition years and over, England and SHA, financial year 2010-11. enhancers and the available efficacy and safety of these Readmissions products, for this use has not been evaluated by the Region Number MHRA. Aspects of drug education are covered in statutory England 201,571 national curriculum science; for example, the curriculum North East SHA 12,352 ensures that pupils learn about ’the effects of drugs on North West SHA 30,621 behaviour, health and life processes’. Yorkshire and the Humber SHA 22,785 This provision can be built on and extended through East Midlands SHA 16,836 non-statutory personal, social, health and economic West Midlands SHA 20,980 (PSHE) education. The goal of PSHE is to equip young East of England SHA 19,866 people with the skills and knowledge they need to make London SHA 28,182 informed decisions to keep them safe, and teachers have South East Coast SHA 18,920 the flexibility to tailor their PSHE programmes to reflect South Central SHA 11,997 the needs of their pupils. South West SHA 17,860 Other1 1,172 General Practitioners 1 This category includes readmissions where a postcode could not be assigned. This can include foreign nationals, homeless, or incorrect/out-of-date recordings Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health of postcodes. (1) what steps he plans to take to reduce the ratio of patients to GPs in Essex; [156711] Immigration (2) what plans he has to publish guidelines on a maximum ratio of GPs to patients. [156712] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Poulter: Responsibility for the provision of primary Health what discussions his Department has had on medical services transferred to NHS England from 1 the likely number of Romanian and Bulgarian April 2013—this includes ensuring there are an adequate nationals who might migrate to the UK over the next number of general practitioners (GPs) to meet the three years; and what assessment he has made of the needs of patients in each area. potential effects on his Department. [156769] The Essex area team is developing its primary care Anna Soubry: Neither the Department, nor wider strategy in line with NHS England policy.A key component Government has forecast figures for the numbers of of the strategy will focus on developing the primary migrants that could arrive from Romania and Bulgaria care workforce, ensuring that the number of GP training over the next three years. It is not credible to accurately practices is increased and developing a clear succession forecast likely inflows from Romania and Bulgaria once plan with GP practices where many single handed GPs restrictions on free movement for workers are lifted, are nearing retirement age to ensure continuity of care because they are dependent on too many uncertainties for patients. to draw robust conclusions. We understand that NHS England has no immediate plans to publish guidelines on a maximum ratio of GPs European Economic Area nationals working, and to patients. paying taxes here, are entitled to free national health service hospital treatment. Health Services: Older People

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Personnel Management how many patients (a) 75 years old or over and (b) 65 years old or over were readmitted to hospital as an emergency case within 28 days of being discharged in Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, (iii) 2012-13 in each English how many officials in his Department were employed hospital trust area; and if he will make a statement. in human resources functions in each of the last five [157273] years; at what grades such staff were employed; and what the total cost of his Department’s human Anna Soubry: The Health & Social Care Information resources functions was. [156671] Centre (HSCIC) has advised that information as requested is not available separately for emergency readmissions Dr Poulter: The number of officials employed in the within 28 days of discharge of adults aged over 65 Department’s human resources function in each of the years. last five years is as follows: 1075W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1076W

(2) whether the Government holds information not Number covered by the public interest immunity certificate Grade 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 relating to the inquest into the death of Alexander Administrative 6.7 5.7 5.7 6.6 2.6 Litvinenko which could be used to prosecute the Officer alleged murderer of Mr Litvinenko. [156996] Executive 13.5 12.3 13.3 10.4 14.4 Officer James Brokenshire [holding answer 3 June 2013]: In Higher 9.0 9.0 7.0 8.7 9.9 Executive the Coroner’s ruling on 17 May, Mr. Justice Owen Officer invited submissions from Interested Parties on whether Senior 6.8 9.8 10.9 8.9 4.9 he should write to the Home Secretary to request that a Executive Officer statutory inquiry be established. The Government is Grade 7 6.7 9.7 9.6 8.6 9.2 carefully considering the ruling. Grade 6 5.0 6.0 7.0 6.0 6.0 Senior Civil 5.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 Animal Experiments Servants Total 52.7 56.5 57.5 52.2 50.0 Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for the Note: Staff numbers are provided on the basis of full-time equivalents as at 31 March Home Department with reference to table nine of her and include fixed-term appointments and staff on loan to the Department. Department’s publication, Statistics of Scientific Source: Procedures in Living Animals Great Britain 2011, if Department of Health Business Management System. she will provide examples of the other foodstuffs for The total costs for officials in the Department’s human which animals are used. [157444] resources function in the last five years are as follows: James Brokenshire: Table 9 of the Statistics of Scientific Financial year Costs (£) Procedures in Living Animals Great Britain 2011 reports 2008-09 2,907,809 scientific procedures (toxicology) by species of animal 2009-10 2,918,784 and toxicological purpose. The majority of the 4,089 2010-11 2,950,235 procedures recorded under the heading “other foodstuffs” 2011-12 2,917,205 in Table 9 were for shellfish toxin testing. We expect the 2012-13 2,860,929 number of procedures for this purpose to reduce from Source: 2012 onwards as a result of the increased availability of Department of Health Payroll System. non-animal testing methods. Sunscreens Asylum: Finance Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to reclassify sun care products as pharmaceutical products. [156778] Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost to the public Norman Lamb: The decision as to whether a product purse has been of Section 4 support in each of the last is classified as a medicinal product is made on a case by five years. [157701] case basis by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) using the definition of a Mr Harper: Expenditure on Section 4 support for the medicinal product contained in Article 1 of directive last five years for which audited accounts are available 2001/83/EC, relevant legal precedent and the MHRA’s is shown in the following table. published guidance. Sun care products which do not fall within the definition of a medicinal product are regulated £ million under the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 2008 as amended. 2007-08 73 2008-09 91 2009-10 102 HOME DEPARTMENT 2010-11 56 Abu Qatada 2011-12 22 Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Audited accounts for the UK Border Agency for Department whether her Department possesses 2012-13 will be available in July and a copy will be intercept evidence that, if admissible in court, could placed in the Library of the House. help bring criminal charges against Abu Qatada. [157143] Entry Clearances James Brokenshire [holding answer 3 June 2013]: It is the established practice of successive Governments to Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the neither confirm nor deny whether intercept evidence is Home Department when a visa will be issued to Ms held on any individual. Sadie Lee Douglas, Ref D1080985/4, whose appeal to Alexander Litvinenko be allowed to remain in the United Kingdom was granted on 24 January 2012. [156992] Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if she will make it her policy to Mr Harper [holding answer 3 June 2013]: I wrote to initiate a public inquiry into the murder of Alexander my hon. Friend separately on this individual case on 4 Litvinenko; [156993] June 2013. 1077W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1078W

Human Trafficking (3) where and when the decision was taken to issue UK passports to Hong Kong ex-servicemen following Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the the UK handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997. Home Department how many times the inter- [157081] ministerial team on human trafficking has met in each year since it was established; and which Ministers Mr Harper: Until 31 December 1996, Hong Kong attended each such meeting. [156388] Military Service Corps (HKMSC) personnel were eligible to apply for British citizenship under the terms of the Mr Harper: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of British Nationality Selection Scheme (BNSS) provided 13 May 2013, Official Report, columns 9-10W. certain criteria were met. Up to 50,000 heads of households, together with their dependents, could be registered under Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the this scheme. Home Department what measures her Department has No additional measures were introduced to allow in place to monitor the movements of children who former Hong Kong personnel to acquire British citizenship were victims of human trafficking. [156389] following Hong Kong’s departure from the British Dependent territories in 1997. However, there are a Mr Harper: The Government views the trafficking of number of provisions within current nationality legislation children as a very serious offence and is fully committed which may be used by those who wish to become a to safeguarding victims of child trafficking. Local authorities British citizen and who did not register under the BNSS have a statutory duty under Section 11 of the Children including: Act 2004 to safeguard and promote the welfare of all Registration under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1997. children in need of protection, including trafficked children. Detailed information on this Act can be found at: While the movements of child victims of trafficking http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ is not directly monitored, local authorities have a statutory policyandlaw/nationalityinstructions/nisec2gensec/ obligation in place to ensure that all children in need, Registration under section 4(2) or section 4(B) of the British including those that may have been trafficked, are assessed Nationality Act 1981. Further information on the requirements and appropriate support and services put in place. for these categories, and all nationality categories, can be found The Government has awarded a grant to the Refugee at: Council and The Children’s Society to undertake a http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/ joint independent scoping review on the practical care There are no limits on the number of people who can arrangements for trafficked children in care which will register under these provisions. report later this year. The review will look at the experiences of trafficked children in the care system and identify Personnel Management good practice. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officials in her Home Department what progress she has made in Department were employed in human resources establishing a rapporteur for human trafficking in the functions in each of the last five years; at what grades UK. [156454] such staff were employed; and what the total cost of her Department’s human resources functions was. Mr Harper: The inter-departmental ministerial group [156672] on human trafficking is the UK’s national rapporteur equivalent mechanism. James Brokenshire: The scope of human resources Identity and Passport Service (HR) activities within each Government Department is defined by Civil Service HR, which requires Departments to return information on the size and cost of their HR Mrs Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for the activities on an annual basis. Home Department whether the Identity and Passport Office has received any complaints regarding the The number and cost of civil servants employed in certification of copy birth, marriage, civil partnership the Home Office’s activities is provided at Table 1. The or death certificates by Post Office Ltd through their returns on the size and cost of HR activities were only Document Certification service in the last three years. introduced for 2009-10 and information for 2008-09 [156869] cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate costs. Similarly, information on grade breakdown cannot Mr Harper: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of be provided without incurring disproportionate costs. 3 June 2013, Official Report, column 915W. From 2011-12 Civil Service HR set up a number of HR Expert Services (Civil Service Employee Policy, Passports: Hong Kong Civil Service Learning and Civil Service Resourcing (from 1 April 2011) and Civil Service Organisational Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Development and Design (from 1 April 2012)). The the Home Department (1) what the criteria for issuing Home Office hosts two of these services on behalf of UK passports to Hong Kong servicemen has been the civil service—Civil Service Learning and Civil Service since 1997; [157048] Organisational Development and Design. The number (2) whether the number of British passports to be and cost of civil servants employed in these services is issued to Hong Kong servicemen was capped following provided at Tables 2 and 3 respectively. the handover of Hong Kong Territory to China in It should be noted that while the size and cost of the 1997; [157080] two expert services hosted by the Home Office are 1079W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1080W reported separately in Tables 2 and 3, Table 1 includes Table 2: Number and cost of civil servants employed in Civil Service Learning (a Civil Service-wide HR Expert Services HR Function hosted by the Home the Home Office’s contribution to the apportionment Office), 2008-09 to 2012-13 of headcount and costs as agreed in the Civil Service Financial year HR Expert Services: Funding Schedule. 2008- 2011- 2012- 091 2009-10 2010-11 122 133 Tables 2 and 3 should not, therefore, be aggregated with Table 1 as this would result in double counting for Cost of HR n/a n/a n/a 5.69 9.18 4 the Department. function (£ million) 1 The Civil Service Learning HR Expert Services HR Function was launched Table 1: Number and cost of civil servants employed in Home Office on 1 April 2011 and became fully-operational on 1 April 2012. No Department-wide HR activities: 2008-09 to 2012-13 information exists for previous years. 2 “Civil Service HR Expert Services: Annual Report 2011-12” Financial year 3 “Civil Service HR Expert Services: Annual Report 2012-13” 4 The cost of HR function includes costs of developing civil service wide IT 2008- 2009- 2010- 2011- 2012- infrastructure and e-learning. 091 102 112 123 134 Periods covered: FTE data is provided as at 31 March for each financial year. Costs data is provided on a financial year basis, covering the period 1 April to 31 March. Number of n/a 623 444 341 n/a Organisational coverage: employees in HR Figures include headcount and costs for Civil Service Learning as per “Civil functions (FTE) Service HR Expert Services: Annual Report”. Employee coverage: Cost of HR n/a 46.21 30.52 24.76 n/a Figures are given on a full-time equivalent (FTE) basis. functions (£ million) Source: “Civil Service HR Expert Services: Annual Report (various years)” 1 Annual “Civil Service HR Resource Surveys” were introduced in 2009-10; figures cannot be provided for 2008-09 without incurring disproportionate Table 3: Number and cost of civil servants employed in Civil Service costs. Organisational Development and Design (a Civil Service-wide HR Expert 2 Figures for 2009-10 and 2010-11 are taken from “Civil Service HR Resource Services HR Function hosted by the Home Office), 2008-09 to 2012-13 Surveys”. 3 In 2011-12 there was no “Civil Service HR Resource Survey”. Information Financial year has been obtained from “Civil Service HR Quarterly Data Summary” 2008- 2012- (Quarter 4, 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2012) and annualised. 091 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 132 4 Data for the “Civil Service HR Resource Survey” for 2012-13 has recently been commissioned by Civil Service HR and is being data cleansed and Number of n/a n/a n/a n/a 4 analysed; it has not possible to include it in this parliamentary question within employees in HR the time scales allowed for a response. function (FTE) Periods covered: Cost of HR n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.61 FTE data is provided as at 31 March for each financial year. Costs data is function (£ million) provided on a financial year basis, covering the period 1 April to 31 March. Organisational coverage: 1 The Civil Service Organisational Development and Design HR Expert As per “Civil Service Human Resources Quarterly Data Summary Services HR Function was launched in 2012-13. No information exists for Commissioning Notes”, figures include: previous years. (1) Home Office headquarters and its Executive agencies (the UK Border 2 “Civil Service HR Expert Services: Annual Report 2012-13”, and “Civil Agency, Identity and Passport Service and Criminal Records Bureau (which Service HR Expert Services: Funding Schedule 2012/13” (V2.0 8 February left the Department on 3 December 2012)); 2013), Annex A and Appendix A-4. (2) The departmental apportionment for Shared HR Expert Services (as Periods covered: defined in “Civil Service HR Expert Services: Funding Schedule (various (1) Costs calculated on a full economic cost basis at a constant price base; years)”. Each year’s funding schedule identifies the component of the invoices (2) Cost shares calculated on the basis of departmental group headcount as that will be made to Departments for Core Civil Service HR Expert Services published by Office for National Statistics (ONS) in Civil Service Employment and the notional FTE that should be added to their HR FTE for Statistics with a taper applied and subject to agreed amendments (See relevant benchmarking purposes; and Annex B of each year’s “Civil Service HR Expert Services: Funding (3) HR work undertaken by Ministry of Justice civil servants who provide a Schedule”); and shared service for Home Office as part of the HR function. (3) Costs exclude attendance on the Capability Building Programme. Employee coverage: Organisational coverage: Figures are given on a full-time equivalent (FTE) basis and include all Figures include headcount and costs for Civil Service Organisational permanent employees and those on fixed term contracts that have been Development and Design as per “Civil Service HR Expert Services: Funding employed by the Home Office for over a year and who are engaged on Schedule”. in-scope HR work for at least 50% of their time. In-scope HR work is defined Employee coverage: by Cabinet Office as: Figures are given on a full-time equivalent (FTE) basis using ONS Civil (i) HR strategy, planning and commissioning Service Employment Statistics. (ii ) Change management and organisation development Sources: (iii) Performance and capability management “Civil Service HR Expert Services: Annual Report 2012-13 and Civil Service (iv) Reward and recognition HR Expert Services: Funding Schedule 2012/13 (V2.0 8 February 2013), (v) Employee relations and engagement Annex A and Appendix A-4”. (vi) Case work (excluding query answering) (vii) Management Information Services Surveillance (viii) Policy (ix) Resourcing (x) Generic learning and development (xi) HR information/query answering Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Figures also include an apportionment for the Shared Expert Services and the Home Department how many requests for HR work done in the Shared Service Centre as directed by Cabinet Office. Source: communications data under the Regulation of Home Office departmental-wide annual “Civil Service HR Resource Surveys” Investigatory Powers Act 2000 have resulted in (a) and “Civil Service HR Quarterly Data Summary” (Quarter 4, 1 January 2012 prosecutions and (b) convictions since implementation to 31 March 2012). of that Act. [157153] Table 2: Number and cost of civil servants employed in Civil Service Learning (a Civil Service-wide HR Expert Services HR Function hosted by the Home Office), 2008-09 to 2012-13 James Brokenshire [holding answer 3 June 2013]: Financial year Communications data are used in the investigations of 2008- 2011- 2012- 95% of all serious and organised crime. In a recent 091 2009-10 2010-11 122 133 study conducted by the Crown Prosecution Service, communications data were also used in 95% of prosecutions Number of n/a n/a n/a 59 65 employees in HR by their organised crime division between July 2012 and function (FTE) February 2013. 1081W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1082W

However, detailed information relating to all prosecutions £ and convictions involving communications data is not 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 collected centrally and could be collated only at disproportionate cost. Government Car 178,333.23 116,272.93 111,079.24 Service1 Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Private Hire Vehicles 2,820.75 25,701.10 26,863.50 Home Department (1) how many requests for Taxis 12.10 — 103.80 communications data under the Regulation of Rail 6,187.23 5,557.80 5,700.09 Investigatory Powers Act 2000 there have been for (a) Aviation 275.32 425.43 16,722.48 subscriber data, (b) service use data, (c) traffic data Other means 0 0 0 1 and (d) any combination of those data types in each During 2010-11, departmental cars were reduced from three to one. year since 2000; [157154] 2010-11 covers the period from May 2010 to March (2) how many authorisations to use communications 2011. data under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers The Wales Office had two Ministers up to September Act 2000 have been granted in each year since 2012, and three thereafter. implementation of that Act; [157155] (3) how many requests there have been for communications data under the Regulation of TRANSPORT Investigatory Powers Act 2000 in each year since 2000; [157156] Bus Services: Concessions (4) to which offences requests for communications data under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Act 2000 related in each year since 2000. [157575] Transport if he will estimate the net savings to his Department in the case that the concessionary bus pass James Brokenshire [holding answer 3 June 2013]: was to be withdrawn from those pensioners currently Detailed information about the number of requests eligible to pay income tax at the (a) higher rate of made for communications data under the Regulation of 40 per cent and (b) additional rate of 45 per cent. Investigatory Powers Act 2000 is contained in the Annual [156273] Reports of the Interception of Communications Commissioner. Copies of the reports have been placed Norman Baker: Government does not hold information in the Library of the House and the most recent report about the rates of income tax that concessionary bus covering 2011 is available at: pass holders pay. Therefore I do not have an estimate of http://www.intelligencecommissioners.com/docs/0496.pdf the net savings that could be achieved by means testing via individual’s income tax rates. However, the cost of Detailed statistics on the types of investigations for the concession is driven by the number of trips made, which communications data were requested is not and the following tables from the National Travel Survey available. (NTS) show pass uptake and concessionary bus boardings made by six household income groups: WALES NTS Table 1: Take-up of older person’s concessionary travel pass by household income: England, 2008-10 Travel Household income: Take-up rate (%)

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Less than £7000 79 what his Department’s budget for ministerial travel for £7,000 to £9,999 80 (a) the Government Car Service, (b) private hire £10,000 to £14,999 78 vehicles, (c) taxis, (d) rail, (e) aviation and (f) other is £15,000 to £19,999 80 for (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) 2015-16. [157536] £20,000 to £29,999 73 £30,000 to £39,999 70 Stephen Crabb: The Wales Office has set a budget of £40,000 or more 63 £84,000 for the Government Car Service in 2013-14. All household incomes 75 The Department does not set individual budgets for private hire vehicles, taxis, rail and aviation. A general NTS Table 2: Average number of bus boardings using an older person’s travel budget is allocated for the ministerial private concessionary pass by household income: England, 2008-10 office and this is set at £80,000 in 2013-14. Bus boardings per pass holder per Household income year The Wales Office has not yet set travel budgets for 2014-15 and 2015-16. Less than £7000 198 £7,000 to £9,999 167 Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales £10,000 to £14,999 122 how much his Department spent on ministerial travel £15,000 to £19,999 104 by (a) Government Car Service, (b) private hire £20,000 to £29,999 86 vehicles, (c) taxis, (d) rail, (e) aviation and (f) other £30,000 to £39,999 78 means in each year of the current parliament. [157557] £40,000 or more 77 All household incomes 119 Stephen Crabb: The following table sets out how Notes: much the Department spent on ministerial travel by 1. Figures are based on data from three NTS survey years combined (2008, 2009 Government Car Service; private hire vehicles; taxis; and 2010). 2. These figures do not take into consideration the concessionary travel changes rail; aviation; and other means in each year of the which took place in April 2010 and all individuals 60+ have been included in the current Parliament. eligibility base for all years. 1083W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1084W

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Mr Simon Burns: The National Audit Office’s report focused on an early iteration of the business case for Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for HS2, produced nearly two years ago. The Department Transport how many (a) written and (b) telephone is committed to regularly updating the business case; to complaints were received by his Department from take account of the latest information and check that businesses concerning the performance of the Driver the programme is still on track to deliver value for and Vehicle Licensing Agency in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and money. (iii) 2012. [156939] Personnel Management

Stephen Hammond: The information requested on Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for how many complaints were received by the Driver and Transport how many officials in his Department were Vehicle Licensing Agency specifically from businesses is employed in human resources functions in each of the not held. The total number of recorded complaints last five years; at what grades such staff were employed; from all customers is shown in the following table: and what the total cost of his Department’s human resources functions was. [156676] Written Telephone Norman Baker: The Department for Transport and 2010 12,612 69 its executive agencies have taken an active approach to 2011 11,852 101 driving efficiencies through an HR Review commenced 2012 12,264 142 in 2009. This has developed a group operating model and supported both the Next Generation HR Programme High Speed 2 Railway Line and Shared Service strategy. The information requested is outlined in the following tables and reflects that transition. Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to compensate HR FTEs by year communities for the loss of assets such as sports clubs Grade 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 as a result of the construction of High Speed 2. AA n/a 19.4 7.1 5.1 4.1 [157314] AO n/a 114 57.5 46.7 16.4 EO n/a 91.2 45.7 27.3 23.7 Mr Simon Burns: If a community facility such as a HEO n/a 105.4 70.7 61.3 58.1 sports club has to move due to HS2 then the owners/ SEO n/a 66.5 61.1 44.2 36.9 operators of that club will have a claim for compensation G7 n/a 34.2 36.7 25.5 26.3 that, subject to negotiation of that claim, should allow G6 n/a 7 10 9.7 8.7 that facility to relocate to an alternative site in the area. SCS n/a 7.3 5.2 5.5 5 This is what we would normally expect to happen and CSHR 0 0 0 11 10.7 we would seek to open negotiations on such an TOTALS 495 445 294 236.3 189.9 arrangement, with the club/facility, at the appropriate time. Total HR cost by year £ million Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of implementing a property bond scheme to facilitate a Cost 28.692 25.73 18.79 15.069 13.012 functioning property market in areas facing blight as a result of the planned High Speed 2 project. [157315] Railways

Mr Simon Burns: The Government have in the past Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for used various modelling assumptions to assess broad Transport what level of punctuality for passenger rail HS2 property compensation policy options against each services was recorded on the (a) East Coast main line other on a consistent basis. We do not though hold and (b) Essex Thameside route in each year since estimates of the likely cost of any particular property 1995-96. [157611] bond scheme. Property bond schemes for transport Norman Baker: Punctuality figures are recorded by projects have never been fully implemented in the UK, Network Rail in the form of the Public Punctuality so there is no available evidence about the cost of such Measure (PPM), and also in the form of Right-Time. schemes in practice. Data are available for the Essex Thameside and East We are currently preparing to consult again on Coast Franchise Operators from 1997/98 and can be discretionary property compensation schemes to support found at: people affected by the HS2 proposals. We hope to http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/report/html/ provide further analysis of property bond scheme options 9d66bf3e-f61a-490a-ba7d-1ee3fb9b86a3 in the consultation documents. Railways: Fares Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the National Audit Office Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for report, High Speed 2: A review of early programme Transport what the average increase in (a) regulated preparation, published 16 May 2013, HC 124, what and (b) unregulated passenger rail fares was on the (i) plans he has to re-evaluate the business case for High East Coast Main Line and (ii) Essex Thameside route Speed 2. [157394] in each year since 1995-96. [157607] 1085W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1086W

Norman Baker: The Department does not hold detailed at a number of ways of improving the accessibility of information prior to 2004. public transport, as reflected in our Accessibility Action Regulated rail fares were limited to an average annual Plan, as published on 13 December 2012. increase of no more than inflation from 1995 to 1998, The Driving Standards Agency has worked closely by 1 per cent below inflation from 1999 to 2003 and for with a number of external stakeholders over recent most operators by 1 per cent above inflation from 2004. months to review delivery of the theory driving test. The average permitted annual increase in all regulated This showed that we could improve accessibility for rail fares, including those on c2c and East Coast since deaf or hard of hearing candidates. As a result, we are 2003 was as follows: considering the viability of ’readspeaker’ software and altering our use of British Sign Language to improve Average permitted annual increase the consistency of dialects and images. (percentage) The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has undertaken 2004 4.1 customer insight work with the British Deaf Association, 2005 4 which has resulted in enhancements to the services 2006 3.9 provided to deaf customers. 2007 4.3 South West Trains 2008 4.8 2009 6 Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 -0.4 Transport pursuant to the answer of 14 May 2013, 2011 5.8 Official Report, column 173W, on Network Rail, 2012 6 whether South West Trains has (a) sought and (b) 2013 4.2 received consent since 2007 from him or his predecessors to carry out business or other activities in The Department does not hold information about the rail industry that fall outside the terms of an increases in unregulated fares. existing franchise agreement for passenger services. The Office of Rail Regulation (’ORR’) publishes an [156933] index showing the average change in price in all rail fares from 2004, with fares at January 2004 shown as Mr Simon Burns: South West Trains sought and were 100. Fares on c2c are included in London and South granted consent by the Secretary of State on 27 April East and fares on East Coast are included in Long 2012 to carry out activities other than the provision and Distance. operation of the Franchise Services (as defined in the Franchise Agreement) in relation to Alliance Activities as defined in the Alliance Agreement between South London and South East Long Distance West Trains and Network Rail. January 2004 100 100 2005 104.8 104.7 TREASURY 2006 109.6 113.2 Banks: Loans 2007 115.1 120.7 2008 121.8 128.6 Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Chancellor of the 2009 130.1 139.4 Exchequer if he will publish the increase in net lending 2010 130.6 140.7 to small and medium-sized enterprises by institutions 2011 139.3 148.3 participating in the Funding for Lending scheme. 2012 147.8 157.3 [157863] The real terms change in average price from 2004 to Greg Clark: As part of the monitoring of the Funding 2012 for London and South East was 13.8% and for for Lending scheme, the Bank of England publishes the Long Distance 21%. net lending data of individual banks on a quarterly The full table can be found on ORR’s website basis. A sector-level break down is currently unavailable; http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/html/html/ however, as the extensions announced will provide stronger 7cff3127-a5cc-4173-ac78-016db2339811 incentives to lend to SMEs, the Bank of England will publish net lending figures for 2014 by sector. Sign Language Capital Gains Tax

Sir Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Transport what assessment he has made of the equality Exchequer if he will estimate the potential additional of access available for deaf people whose first language revenue that would be raised by returning to a capital is British Sign Language in communicating with (a) gains tax regime for individual taxpayers which restores public transport employees and (b) the agencies and indexation, and taxes capital gains at the taxpayer’s public bodies which support his Department; and if he marginal income tax rate; and if he will make a will make a statement. [157398] statement. [157436] Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has Mr Gauke: A reliable estimate of the revenue that not made a specific assessment of the equality of access would be raised by returning to such a regime is not available for deaf people whose first language is British currently available because of the complexity of assessing Sign Language in communicating with the employees of the large behavioural responses which would result individual transport operators. I am currently looking from the change. 1087W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1088W

Stephen Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the The scheme reported in May 2013 that £604 million Exchequer if he will estimate the potential additional had been paid out to c.405,000 policyholders. Payments revenue that would be raised by reducing the capital will continue until the scheme closes in 2014. gains tax annual exempt amount for 2015-16 from £10,900 to (a) £8,000, (b) £6,000, (c) £4,000 and (d) Financial Ombudsman Service £2,000; and if he will make a statement. [157438] Mr Slaughter: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Gauke: An accurate estimate is not possible. Exchequer (1) what the total fees charged to UK The impact of increasing the annual exempt amount businesses by the Financial Ombudsman Service were for individuals by £500 and by trusts by £250 is published for processing invalid and fraudulent PPI claims in at: 2012; and if he will make a statement; [157485] http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/expenditures/table1-6.xls (2) how many (a) invalid and (b) fraudulent PPI The impact of decreasing the annual exempt amount claims have been processed by the Financial can be estimated by using the same amounts from the Ombudsman Service in each year since 2010. [157486] table and interpreting the change as a yield instead of a cost. However the quality of the estimate obtained will Sajid Javid: The matters raised are for the Financial decrease as the value of the reduction to the annual Ombudsman Service (FOS), whose day-to-day operations exempt amount increases. are independent from Government control and influence. I have asked that the FOS write to the hon. Member A lower annual exempt amount will also increase with the information requested. A copy of the response administrative costs for Her Majesty’s Revenue and will be placed in the Library of the House. Customs as more taxpayers are required to make a return to HMRC. Fuels: Prices

Stephen Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Love: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer if he will estimate the potential additional what discussions he has had on the development of a revenue that would be raised by amending the policy to offer a stable fuel differential between petrol definition of a personal company for entrepreneur and diesel and road fuel gases; and if he will make a relief purposes to a company in which the relevant statement. [156814] individual has at least a (a) 10 per cent, (b) a20per cent, (c) a 25 per cent holding of both share capital Sajid Javid: Treasury Ministers and officials have and voting rights; and if he will make a statement. meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the [157439] public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Mr Gauke: Reliable estimates of the additional revenue which would be raised by increasing the share capital The Treasury publishes a list of ministerial meetings and voting rights levels required for entrepreneur’s relief with external organisations, available at: are not currently available. The cost of entrepreneur’s http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/minister_hospitality.htm relief under present rules, where individuals must hold at least 5% of the share capital and voting rights, is Gift Aid given at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/expenditures/table1-5.xls Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make changes to the Gift Aid Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation scheme to enable charities to access Gift Aid from small donations made in the workplace. [157089] Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to the recommendations of Sajid Javid: Gift Aid is a successful tax relief and an the National Audit Office report entitled important source of income for charities, worth over Administering the Equitable Life Payment Scheme £1 billion a year to the sector. published in April 2013, whether the Government Gift Aid cannot be reclaimed on a donation without plans to revise its budget for completing payments to the individual donor making a Gift Aid declaration. Equitable Life policyholders by the target date. [156883] The informed consent of the donor and a clear audit trail back to the donor’s tax affairs are fundamental. Sajid Javid: The Government welcomes the NAO’s This is because the donor is voluntarily giving their tax report into the Equitable Life Payment scheme. HM relief to the charity, so must have the opportunity to Treasury continues to monitor the budget of the scheme fully consent to the charity claiming Gift Aid. Without closely and as set out in the recently published progress this audit trail, Gift Aid could no longer be considered report the scheme is on track to close in 2014 as a tax relief. planned. However, the Government has recognised that it is Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Chancellor of the not always easy to gain Gift Aid declarations on small Exchequer how much the Government has paid to cash donations. So in April this year the Government Atos for administration of the Equitable Life Payment introduced the new Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme Scheme to date. [156926] that enables charities to claim Gift Aid-style payments on small cash donations. Sajid Javid: Atos have been paid £26.67 million (as at Further, the Government recently consulted on improving 31 March 2013). Atos’s forecasted costs are estimated and reinvigorating Payroll Giving, which facilitates tax to be £38 million over the life of the scheme. effective giving in the workplace. 1089W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1090W

Income Tax In its role as a supervisor under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, HMRC provides quarterly reports to Stephen Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Ministers on its supervisory activity. Exchequer if he will estimate the potential cost to the public purse of raising the income tax personal PAYE: Football allowance for 2015-16 from £10,000 to £12,300 with the same maximum cash benefit going to basic and higher rate taxpayers but no benefit going to additional rate John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many professional football clubs in England are in taxpayers; and if he will make a statement. [157437] arrears to HM Revenue and Customs in respect of Mr Gauke: The estimated cost of raising the income their Pay As You Earn contributions. [156802] tax personal allowance to £12,300 in 2015-16 is shown in the table. Mr Gauke: On the 22 May 2013 there were 10 A reduction to the basic rate limit has been applied so professional football clubs in England with arrears of that basic rate and most higher rate taxpayers will pay as you earn. benefit equally from the personal allowance increase. Exchequer impact Renewable Energy: Scotland £ million Mike Crockart: To ask the Chancellor of the 2015-16 -10,050 Exchequer what estimate he has made of how much 2016-17 -11,670 revenue will be generated from Crown Estate lease 2017-18 -11,850 agreements with offshore renewable developers by category of (a) offshore wind, (b) wave and (c) tidal These estimates exclude any impact on benefit sited in Scotland in each year between 2013 and 2030. entitlements. [156815] Income Tax: Scotland Sajid Javid: The Crown Estate is obliged by law to Margaret Curran: To ask the Chancellor of the pay its net annual surplus to the Exchequer. In 2011-12 Exchequer what plans he has to ensure that employers the surplus paid over was £240 million of which rents and the public are aware of the planned introduction of from offshore renewable activity contributed £7.8 million. the Scottish rate of income tax in 2016. [156791] The Crown Estate’s financial target for 2012-13 is to generate a return of some £250 million. Since the Crown Mr Gauke: During 2013-14 HMRC will develop an Estate operates commercially, it does not publish annual approach to identifying Scottish taxpayers and develop targets and forecasts of its net surpluses. a communication strategy to ensure that individuals and employers receive the information they need. HMRC Sign Language will contact Scottish taxpayers and employers during 2015-16 so that they understand their responsibilities in time for the introduction of the Scottish rate in April Sir Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Chancellor of the 2016. Exchequer what assessment he has made of the equality of access available for deaf people whose first Money Laundering language is British Sign Language in terms of communicating with (a) HM Revenue and Customs Paul Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer officials and (b) his Department’s Executive agencies what recent assessment he has made of the role of and the non-departmental public bodies for which he is brass plate companies in circumventing anti-money responsible; and if he will make a statement. [157391] laundering regulations; and what recent reports he has received from HM Revenue and Customs on its Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs offers a range attempts to control money laundering. [156930] of contact channels for deaf people. Those whose first language is British Sign can ask HM Revenue and Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs has not made Customs officials to provide a sign language interpreter any specific assessment of the money laundering risks to help deal with their tax and benefits issues. An posed by brass plate companies as this is being considered interpreter can also make a telephone call to HM Revenue in the context of wider work on offshore tax evasion. and Customs help lines on their behalf. HMRC is developing the intelligence picture on the Text-based communication is also possible, through use of brass plate structures both in the United Kingdom written letters and textphone services including text and offshore that are impacting the UK across the relay. Along with all our customers, deaf people can regimes HMRC oversees. Specifically, HMRC is working also appoint an agent to act on their behalf. with the Australian Tax Office and the Internal Revenue Service of the USA to tackle tax evasion through the The UK Debt Management Office, an Executive use of offshore structures, some of which include the agency of HM Treasury, provides post and e-mail contact use of brass plate companies across a range of offshore details on the ’contact us’ page of its website, and would territories. This multilateral approach is supporting consider on a case-by-case basis any request for information HMRC’s strategy for tackling offshore evasion ″No to be provided in an alternative format in order to Safe Havens″ published on 20 March 2013. One of the ensure equality of access. aims of the strategy is that there will be no place for the Other non-departmental public bodies for which HMT facilitators of offshore evasion. is responsible will consider access requests as required. 1091W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1092W

Tax Avoidance: Multinational Companies The remaining large businesses are managed within HMRC’s Local Compliance (Large and Complex Unit) Paul Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and from these HMRC secured £1.9 billion additional what proposals he plans to put forward at the G8 compliance revenue in 2011-12. The information to Leaders’ Summit meeting in Northern Ireland on 17-18 show how many businesses were involved in the enquiries June 2013 in respect of reforming the international that produced this additional revenue could be provided regime to curtail tax avoidance by multinational only at a disproportionate cost. corporations. [156961] Taxation: Domicil Mr Gauke: Tax avoidance is an international problem that requires coordinated international action. The UK Stephen Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the is committed to multilateral action through the G20 Exchequer if he will estimate the potential additional and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and revenue that would be raised by increasing the Development (OECD) to tackle the issue of base erosion remittance basis charge from £30,000 to £50,000 per and profit shifting by multinationals. year and making it payable once a taxpayer wishing to In February the OECD presented its initial report on retain the remittance basis of taxation has been addressing these issues to the G20 recommending further resident in the UK for (a) four of the preceding six work on international solutions. The OECD will present years or (b) five of the preceding seven years; and if he their proposed comprehensive action plan to the G20 in will make a statement. [157441] July. The Prime Minister has made clear his intention to Mr Gauke: A reliable estimate of the revenue impact use the G8 to drive a more serious debate on tax. We are is not currently available because of the complexity of seeking strong endorsement from G8 leaders by using assessing the behavioural responses which would result the UK’s presidency of the G8 to highlight the importance from the change. of collective actions to tackle base erosion and profit shifting by multinationals. Taxation: Plastic Bags

Paul Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Stephen Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the what proposals he has to bring in mechanisms to Exchequer if he will estimate the potential additional minimise tax loss to the Exchequer from tax avoidance revenue that would be raised by introducing a carrier schemes operated by multinational companies trading baglevyof(a) 5 pence per bag similar to the measure in the UK; and what estimate he has made of the in operation in Wales; and if he will make a statement. annual losses to the public purse arising from corporate [157440] tax avoidance in the latest period for which figures are available. [157029] Sajid Javid: Receipts of the carrier bag charge in Wales are retained by the retailer or voluntarily donated Mr Gauke: The estimated loss to the Exchequer due to charitable and environmental causes. As such, the to corporation tax avoidance is around £1.3 billion. introduction of a 5p carrier bag levy in England, similar Whenever new avoidance schemes are identified, the to the measure operating in Wales, would provide no Government takes swift and robust action to address additional revenue to the Exchequer. them, regardless of who is using them. This was demonstrated at Budget, where we closed down 10 Taxation: Rangers Football Club newly identified loopholes, protecting almost £1 billion in revenue over the next five years, and yielding over £600 million as a result. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the internal governance division Alongside domestic action to close down avoidance of HM Revenue and Customs has investigated schemes, the UK is taking a leading role on international breaches of unauthorised disclosures of private tax efforts through the G20 and the OECD to address base details of Murray International Holdings and Rangers erosion and profit shifting by multinationals. The OECD FC during the recent administration period of Rangers will present a comprehensive action plan to address FC; [157090] these issues to the G20 in July. (2) whether any member of staff in HM Revenue and Taxation: Business Customs has been questioned about unauthorised disclosures of private tax details of Murray Mr Meacher: To ask the Chancellor of the International Holdings and Rangers FC during the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 13 May 2013, recent administration period of Rangers FC. [157091] Official Report, column 29W, on taxation: business, how many large businesses contributed to HM Revenue Mr Gauke: These matters are being investigated by and Customs’ total additional revenue of £6.9 billion the Police Service of Scotland and the Procurator Fiscal, gained via compliance activity in 2011-12. [156966] West of Scotland. At this stage it would be inappropriate to comment further. Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) deals with around 10,400 large businesses. The largest Graeme Morrice: To ask the Chancellor of the 800 businesses are managed within HMRC’s Large Exchequer if he will carry out an internal investigation Business Service and 381 of those businesses contributed within HM Revenue and Customs into alleged leaks of £5.0 billion additional revenue in 2011-12 as a result of confidential information relating to Glasgow Rangers HMRC’s compliance activities. FC’s tax details. [157321] 1093W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1094W

Mr Gauke: These matters are being investigated by In addition, part 4 of the School Discipline (Pupil the Police Service of Scotland and the Procurator Fiscal, Exclusions and Reviews) (England) Regulations 2012, West of Scotland. At this stage it would be inappropriate place statutory requirements directly on academies in to comment further. relation to exclusions.

VAT: Sunscreens Schools

Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Exchequer what assessment he has made of the Education what plans he has to launch a consultation legislative barriers to reducing the rate of VAT on sun on changes to the school day and school calendar. care products. [156766] [155225] Mr Gauke: While EU VAT law allows member states to have a reduced rate of VAT for certain types of Elizabeth Truss: The Secretary of State has encouraged pharmaceutical products, no assessment has been made all schools to consider making changes to the school of the extent to which this could apply to sun care day and calendar. Schools and, where relevant, local products. authorities have the freedom to make changes to the school day and calendar as they see fit. Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue has been raised from Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for VAT on sun care products in each of the last five years. Education what recent research he has commissioned [156806] on the effect of changes to the school day and school term on educational outcomes. [155226] Mr Gauke: There is no information available on the revenue raised from VAT on sun care products. Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education recently conducted a survey of schools and a literature review of Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the domestic and international evidence on the impact of Exchequer if his Department will remove VAT on sun extended school hours. care products. [157276] Schools: Academic Year Mr Gauke: Sun care products are already provided VAT free when prescribed by a health professional for Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for certain conditions and dispensed by a pharmacist to Education what recent discussions he has initiated with these patients. We do not currently have any plans to the teaching unions to discuss changes to the schools change this, but all aspects of the tax system are kept calendar. [155227] under review. Elizabeth Truss: The Secretary of State and his Ministers meet representatives of the teaching unions on a regular EDUCATION basis. These meetings cover a wide range of issues. Academies Vocational Training

Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what statutory functions local authorities in Education further to the answer of 15 May 2013, England have in respect of academy schools. [157033] Official Report, column 256W, on traineeships, what figures his Department currently holds regarding the Mr Timpson: Local authorities have a range of statutory projected number of eligible traineeship providers for duties relating to the education and well-being of all the academic year 2013-14; and if he will list the areas children in their area, whichever category of school which will not have access to any eligible traineeship they attend. Information on local authority duties relating providers in 2013-14. [156732] to education and children’s services, including in respect of academy schools, is available on the departmental Matthew Hancock: In the first year of national roll-out, website at: the delivery of traineeships will be limited to those http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/ providers who have achieved an Ofsted inspection grade strategy/a00198443/statutory-duties-of-local-authorities of outstanding or good. Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Our initial analysis indicates that there are currently Education what statutory duties academy schools have just over a thousand education and training providers in respect of local authorities in England. [157034] that meet the Ofsted grade criteria and are eligible to deliver traineeships in 2013/14. Mr Timpson: Academies are bound by their funding We are in the process of writing out to all eligible agreement and articles which require them to comply providers to assess the number of places they can offer with a number of legislative requirements, including the in the 2013/14 academic year. We need to confirm ‘School Admissions Code’. delivery arrangements with providers and discuss the Like all schools, academies are under a statutory geographical extent of each provider’s offer. duty to co-operate with their local authority in the The Education Funding Agency and the Skills Funding making of arrangements to improve the well-being of Agency will work with providers to meet demand wherever children in their area. possible. 1095W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1096W

ATTORNEY-GENERAL CABINET OFFICE Children: Abuse Personnel Management

Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Attorney-General what Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office steps he plans to take to improve arrangements for how many officials in his Department were employed children giving evidence in child sex abuse cases. in human resources functions in each of the last five [157223] years; at what grades such staff were employed; and what the total cost of his Department’s human The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service resources functions was. [156663] (CPS) works closely with the police and voluntary sector agencies, which provide support directed at the Mr Maude: The following table sets out details about particular needs of child victims. A range of special the staff (full time equivalent) working in Human Resources measures are available and offered to children giving for my Department for each of the last five years. evidence in sexual abuse cases. New guidelines on prosecuting cases of child sexual abuse are being drafted 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 by the CPS, which are intended to bring about a change in approach. Total Costs (£ 2.70 2.75 2.46 1.69 2.16 million) Community Orders Total Staff 32.77 29.15 27.24 29.50 27.36 SCS2 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Diana Johnson: To ask the Attorney-General what SCSI 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 1.00 recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of BAND A 8.56 10.56 9.90 8.67 11.36 State for the Home Department on the use of BAND B2 7.50 8.50 6.50 10.00 7.00 community resolution orders to reduce offending. BAND B1 9.48 5.86 7.00 5.00 6.00 [157230] BAND C 5.40 2.40 2.00 4.00 1.00

The Solicitor-General: I refer the hon. Member to the The ratio of Cabinet Office staff to HR staff has answer I gave to the oral question from the hon. Member increased over this five year period from 44:1 in March for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) today. 2009 to 67:1 in March 2013. Disability: Crime DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Attorney-General what steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to ensure Returning Officers that disability hate crimes are more effectively prosecuted. [157224] 7. Andrew Selous: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister The Solicitor-General: The number of convictions for what his policy is on charges for services by returning disability hate crime rose from 141 in 2007-08 to 480 in officers. [157199] 2011-12. The conviction rate has remained at around 77% of concluded cases. The CPS is determined to Miss Chloe Smith: The Electoral Commission monitors further improve the way it prosecutes disability hate and reports on levels of electoral fraud. Its latest report, crimes, in partnership with the police. A disability hate compiled in conjunction with the Association of Chief crime action plan is being prepared to implement the Police Officers, found that instances of proven electoral CPS’s response to the findings of the 2011 Equality and fraud remain very low. Human Rights Commission’s Inquiry into disability-related The Government is committed to ensuring the integrity harassment and the 2013 Criminal Justice Joint Inspection of the electoral process and tackling fraud wherever it report on disability hate crime. arises. We are always willing to consider ways to ensure the voting process remains secure. In particular, we are Human Trafficking: Prosecutions bringing forward the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration to ensure that vulnerabilities in the electoral Pauline Latham: To ask the Attorney-General what registration process are addressed. steps the Director of Public Prosecutions is taking to raise awareness amongst prosecutors of how to Postal and Proxy Vote Fraud recognise cases of forced labour and human trafficking; and what assessment he has made of 8. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Deputy Prime whether current legislation is adequate to enable such Minister what recent assessment he has made of the cases to be effectively prosecuted. [157231] extent of postal and proxy vote fraud. [157200]

The Solicitor-General: The Director of Public Miss Chloe Smith: I refer my hon. Friend to the Prosecutions has issued legal guidance and a training answer I gave to him at topical questions earlier today. programme for prosecutors on Human Trafficking and Slavery, Servitude and Forced or Compulsory Labour. Social Mobility The Inter Departmental Ministerial Group on Human Trafficking (of which I am a member) keeps the 9. Damian Hinds: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Government’s response to human trafficking under regular what recent progress he has made on the Government’s review. social mobility strategy. [157201] 1097W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1098W

The Deputy Prime Minister: The Government remains The Electoral Commission promote awareness of committed to improving social mobility; having established UK electoral systems and electoral registration procedures this as the principal goal of this Government’s social including how to vote, and the Government understands policy we are introducing policies such as early education that the Commission will target British citizens living for two year olds from lower income families from this overseas as part of their online advertising campaigns September and the pupil premium which will be worth ahead of the next planned elections. £2.5 billion by 2014-15. We will continue to explore ways to encourage registration among overseas electors in discussions with the Electoral Voter Registration and Turnout Commission and other interested parties.

10. Mr Sheerman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he is taking to increase voter registration and turnout in local and general elections. [157202] WORK AND PENSIONS Atos Healthcare Miss Chloe Smith: The Government is committed to engaging the electorate in elections and wider democratic activity. We have published detailed research, which has Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work informed our targeted engagement with under registered and Pensions what guidance his Department has given groups and are now looking at further measures, such to Atos with regard to assessments of patients addicted as data mining, to maximise registration levels. to prescribed medication; how many claimants have been assessed as disabled or unavailable for work as a We are introducing online registration to modernise result of addiction to prescribed medication; and how the system to make it as convenient as possible for many Atos medical reports have been lost, mislaid or people to register to vote. otherwise unavailable for consideration by his It is important for all of us to encourage voter Department’s tribunals, since May 2010. [157306] turnout that includes the Electoral Commission, political parties and candidates. Mr Hoban: The Medical Services provider can identify claimants with mental and behavioural disorders due to Heseltine Review psychoactive substance use and these can be broken down further by the type of substance, but addiction to 12. Ian Swales: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister prescribed medication is not included as a “type” for what progress he has made on the implementation of the purpose of a medical assessment. Therefore, the the Heseltine Review. [157205] guidance the DWP has given to Atos Healthcare does not include addiction to prescribed medication. The Deputy Prime Minister: I refer my hon. Friend to There is no information available in relation to the the answer I gave to questions 4 and 6 at oral questions number of claimants who have been assessed as disabled earlier today. or unavailable for work as a result of addiction to prescribed medication. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister There is no data gathered about the number of Atos what progress he has made on the implementation of medical reports which may have been lost, mislaid or the Heseltine Review. [157203] otherwise unavailable. Atos Healthcare do not provide medical reports, the Department provides the relevant The Deputy Prime Minister: I refer my hon. Friend to evidence to the Tribunal Service, and there is no information the answer I gave to questions 4 and 6 at oral questions available held as requested from May 2010. earlier today. Clothing British Nationals Abroad: Electoral Register Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Michael Fabricant: To ask the Deputy Prime and Pensions how many officials in (a) his Department Minister what steps he is taking to (a) enable and (b) and (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which encourage UK citizens resident overseas to register and he is responsible have made a claim for evening dress vote in UK elections; and what recent discussions he allowance in each of the last five years; and what the has had with interested parties about this matter. total cost of such claims has been. [155459] [156528] Mr Hoban: The Department is reviewing current Miss Chloe Smith: The Government is committed to policy on the hire of evening wear. The Department’s doing all it can to maximise voter registration, including Regularity and Propriety Framework provides for the among British citizens living overseas. As part of the reimbursement of receipted expenses relating to evening move to Individual Electoral Registration, to help simplify wear hire where the expense is incurred by staff who, in the registration process we plan to remove the requirement the course of their official duties, are required to attend for a person’s initial application as an overseas elector official functions external to the Department. It also to be attested by another British citizen resident abroad. provides for the hire of academic gowns for staff who We are also extending the electoral timetable for UK are attending graduation ceremonies for qualifications parliamentary elections from 17 to 25 working days, awarded as part of their professional development. For which will allow postal votes to be issued sooner and so example five of the 10 claims in 2012-13 related to make it easier for postal voters living overseas to return academic gown hire: the remainder related to external their ballot papers. events such as formal dinners and award ceremonies. 1099W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1100W

Claims for the last five financial years are set out in New Enterprise Allowance: Northumberland the following table. Currently there over 100,000 staff in the Department. Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make an assessment of Number of claims Total costs (£) how the new enterprise allowance will affect April 2008 to March 44 2,294.99 employment in Northumberland. [156530] 2009 April 2009 to March 46 2,483.04 Mr Hoban: We have published data on the number of 2010 NEA mentor starts and weekly allowance starts by April 2010 to March 15 791.89 local authority. This can be found at: 2011 http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/adhoc_analysis/2013/ April 2011 to March 6 274.95 nea_by_la_jcp_district_parl_c.xls 2012 April 2012 to March 10 629.00 The table shows that in Northumberland there were 2013 170 NEA mentor starts and 70 NEA weekly allowance starts for the period April 2011 up to and including Health and Safety Executive claims for the last five November 2012. financial years are set out in the following table. We are in the process of conducting a cohort analysis of NEA which will track participants who have started Number of officials Total costs (£) to trade and will show what proportion remain off April 2008 to March 9 610.50 benefit after a year. We aim to publish this analysis 2009 soon. April 2009 to March 6 584.51 Note: 2010 The numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. April 2010 to March 3 341.07 2011 April 2011 to March 4 308.50 Pension Credit: Birmingham 2012 April 2012 to March 10 778.88 Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2013 and Pensions if he will estimate the number of people in Birmingham, Hall Green constituency who are Remploy does not have a specific evening dress allowance. eligible to receive pension credit but do not claim it. Occasional claims for evening dress hire can be made [157686] under general expenses. However this specific information cannot readily be extracted. Steve Webb: The Income Related Benefits: Estimates None of the other non-departmental public bodies of Take-up report covers Great Britain for the financial have made claims for hire of evening wear in the last year 2009-10. It provides caseload and expenditure five financial years. estimates of take-up for income support and employment and support allowance (income-related), pension credit, Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing housing benefit (including local housing allowance), council tax benefit and jobseeker’s allowance (income- Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for based). The latest release updates the statistics previously Work and Pensions what guidance has been issued to released on 10 June 2010. The figures are available local authorities by his Department about the online and can be found here: implementation of the Housing Benefit (Amendment) http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=irb Regulations 2013. [158023] Estimates of take-up are not available for 2010-11 or 2011-12 nor are they sufficiently robust to present at Steve Webb: Guidance on the implementation of the geographies below Great Britain. As such estimates are Housing Benefit (Amendment Regulations) 2013 was not available for Birmingham, Hall Green constituency. issued in Adjudication and Operations Circular HB/CTB A10/2013. Personal Pensions http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/a10-2013.pdf Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Members: Correspondence Work and Pensions what consideration he has given to taking steps to ensure that self-invested personal Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for pensions consist of investments in a single pot rather Work and Pensions when he plans to reply to the letter than separate tranches. [155599] of 13 March 2013 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Ms Winn Walsh, Sajid Javid: I have been asked to reply on behalf of forwarded to him from the Attorney-General. [155632] the Treasury. The pension tax rules place no restrictions on the Mr Hoban: The Secretary of State for Work and number of arrangements or pots an individual may Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford have in a self-invested personal pension. It is for scheme and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith) replied to the providers or trustees to explicitly set out any restrictions right hon. Member on 21 May 2013. in the scheme rules. 1101W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1102W

Social Security Benefits A link to the published research report is provided. Table 7.5 reports on need for support to use an online John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Work service by individual benefits. and Pensions how many benefit claimants in each http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2011-2012/ parliamentary constituency have been paid benefits at a rrep800.pdf level above the benefit cap maximum in 2013 to date. Unemployment: Clwyd [155643] Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hoban: This information is not available. Work and Pensions how many (a) job vacancies and However, the following link provides our latest estimates (b) jobseekers there were in Clwyd South constituency of the number of benefit claimants affected by the cap: on (i) 1 February 2011, (ii) 1 February 2012 and (iii) http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/adhoc_analysis/2013/ 1 February 2013. [156881] Ben_Cap_Updated_Estimate.pdf The number affected by the cap will differ to the Mr Hoban: The available information is shown in the number of benefit claimants paid benefits above the following table. Comparisons of the number of unemployed benefit cap maximum, as a number of groups will be people and the number of vacancies need to be interpreted exempt, for example, those in receipt of DLA. carefully. Any snapshot of unfilled vacancies at a point in time misses the regular turnover of new vacancies that are notified as existing opportunities are filled. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Both unfilled and notified vacancies miss jobs available and Pensions what assessment he has made of the in the wider labour market, including those outside the public’s assessment of (a) the proportion of the local constituency and those coming up through other welfare budget that supports the unemployed and (b) recruitment channels or filled by direct approaches to the proportion of the welfare budget that is employers or word of mouth. fraudulently applied for; and what the actual levels are for (A) and (B). [156512] Clwyd South: Notified and unfilled Jobcentre Plus vacancies Live unfilled Notified JSA claimants1 vacancies2 vacancies3 Mr Hoban: The proportion of the 2012-13 welfare budget that supports the unemployed is estimated to be February 2011 1,571 191 209 5.6%. Preliminary estimates for 2012-13 show that 0.7% February 2012 1,811 197 321 (£1.2 billion) of the welfare budget was claimed fraudulently. February 2013 1,770 — — 1 The claimant count is a count of the number of JSA claimants on the second We do not routinely collect data on the public’s Thursday of the relevant month. assessment of the proportion of the welfare budget that 2 Live unfilled vacancies are a snap-shot of vacancies available on the preceding supports various groups, or the proportion of the welfare Friday. 3 Notified vacancies are the new vacancies reported between the current and budget that is fraudulently applied for. previous vacancy count date. The figures in the table are standardised to cover a period of 4 1/3 weeks. Source: Travel http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/ Universal Jobmatch has now replaced the previous Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Jobcentre Plus system of taking vacancies. Information and Pensions what his Department’s budget for on vacancies reported through the new service is not ministerial travel for (a) the Government Car Service, currently available for parliamentary constituencies. Some (b) private hire vehicles, (c) taxis, (d) rail, (e) aviation information, including notified vacancies at local authority and (f) other is for (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) level, is available via a Universal Jobmatch management 2015-16. [157537] information (MI) tool: https://jobsearch.direct.gov.uk/Reports/Reports.aspx Mr Hoban: We do not disclose future year budgets, Data drawn from Universal Jobmatch should not be however these are set in line with the Departments compared directly to the previous Jobcentre Plus data. efficiency targets on discretionary spend for the remainder DWP is working with Monster Worldwide Limited, of the current Spending Review period and into 2015-16. the Universal Jobmatch supplier, on a timetable for prioritising and implementing improvements to the available Unemployed People: Internet MI, including breakdowns by parliamentary constituency. Further details will be released as soon as they are Andy Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for available. Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of Vacancies: Thirsk jobseekers who lack skills to use the internet in (a) Corby constituency and (b) the UK. [156657] Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many job vacancies there are Mr Hoban: There is currently no evidence which in Thirsk and Malton constituency travel to work records the number of jobseekers who lack skills to use areas; and if he will make a statement. [157248] the internet in Corby. The Department for Work and Pensions conducted Mr Hoban: Based on the jobs advertised on Universal research between June and August 2011 which examined Jobmatch, the number of live job vacancies as at 22 May current use of the internet and other technologies in 2013 in Thirsk and Malton parliamentary constituency everyday life. The survey was conducted with households is 72. Information regarding job vacancies in the travel receiving working age benefits and tax credits. to work area for this parliamentary constituency is not 1103W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1104W available from the Universal Jobmatch management For Great Britain and the north-east, the Department information system from which job vacancy data is regularly publishes official statistics on employment taken. and support allowance (ESA) and the work capability assessment (WCA). Table 1a of the Department’s official Winter Fuel Payments: Birmingham statistics includes WCAs undertaken, Fit for Work decisions and ESA awards for Great Britain and a further breakdown Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work is available in the dropdown box for the north-east of and Pensions how many households were in receipt of England. The latest report was published in April 2013 winter fuel allowance in Birmingham, Hall Green and can be found on the internet at: constituency in the latest period for which figures are http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/esa_wca/ available. [157680] esa_wca_20130430.xls Steve Webb: The information is available at Note that the official statistics cover GB only. http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?paqe=wfp Table 2 shows the number of people who started their Work Capability Assessment claim in South Tyneside and the north-east who have had a successful appeal against a Fit for Work decision Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work following an initial work capability assessment. Table 3 and Pensions (1) how many people in (a) Jarrow of the Department’s official statistics publication linked constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East above includes appeals data for Great Britain. and (d) the UK have submitted an appeal against a Note that the Department only holds information on work capability assessment carried out by Atos Origin appeals once they have been heard by HM Courts and in each year since the inception of that assessment; Tribunal Service. [156821] Table 2: Outcomes of appeals heard on Fit for Work decisions in initial (2) how many people in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) functional assessment by month of claim start, South Tyneside and the north-east South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK Outcomes of appeals heard on Fit for Work decisions in the who have attended a work capability assessment have initial functional assessment been deemed fit for work following assessment in each South Tyneside North-east Initial Initial Initial Initial year since the inception of that assessment; [156822] decision decision decision decision (3) how many people in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) overturned upheld overturned upheld South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK 2008 40 60 390 570 have attended a work capability assessment carried out 2009 260 400 2,790 4,490 by Atos Origin in each year since the inception of that 2010 240 320 2,360 3,970 assessment; [156823] 2011 170 310 2,070 3,550 (4) how many people in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) 2012 20 30 260 410 South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK Notes: 1. Local and regional figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. who have attended a work capability assessment have 2. Appeals against repeat assessment, incapacity benefit reassessment and been deemed unfit for work following assessment in WRAG decisions are not included. each year since the inception of that assessment; 3. The volume of appeals heard and inferred to be on Fit for Work decision in [156824] each cohort are likely to alter over time and change Is likely to be most marked in more recent cohorts. This is because of the lengths of time it takes to submit (5) how many people in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) an appeal and have it heard by the Tribunal Service. South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK 4. Data in 2008 are incomplete and only include October to December. 2012 data only include January to February. who have submitted an appeal against a work capability assessment carried out by Atos Origin were Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work successful in each year since the inception of that and Pensions with reference to the answer of 6 March assessment. [156825] 2012, Official Report, column 714W, what assessment Mr Hoban: Constituency level data are not available. he has made of the take-up of benefit claimants’ right to request audio recordings of their work capacity For South Tyneside local authority the following assessment in 2012. [157588] table shows the number and outcomes of initial work capability assessments. Mr Hoban: Claimants can request that their assessment Table 1. New Claims: Outcomes of initial functional assessment that were completed by month of assessment, South Tyneside is recorded, either by using the service offered by Calendar Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)/Atos year Initial work capability assessments in South Tyneside Healthcare or by using their own recording equipment All assessments Claims with Fit for Claims awarded so long as they fulfil certain conditions. However, there completed Work outcome ESA is no legal right to a recorded assessment and it should 2008 10 10 — be noted that DWP has no legal obligation to provide 2009 1,260 1,040 230 an audio recording service or equipment. 2010 1,830 1,340 490 The current policy for audio-recording of face-to-face 2011 1,530 970 560 assessments is to offer a limited service whereby DWP 2012 1,540 940 600 has asked Atos Healthcare to accommodate requests Notes: for audio-recorded assessments where possible when 1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Data in 2008 are incomplete and include October to December only. 2012 they are made in advance of the assessment. includes January to November only. We are evaluating the costs and benefits of the current 3. Recommendations are usually made following a face to face assessment, however health care professionals can also make recommendations using paper approach and will await the results of this evaluation based evidence only. before making a decision on the future of this service. 1105W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1106W

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Financial year Cost of HR (£000)

Forests 2012-13 (to 31 December 2012) 5,728 Information for the last quarter of 2012-13 is not yet Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for available. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he will publish the Implementation Plan for his Department’s Temporary Employment Forestry and Woodland Policy statement. [155905] Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Mr Heath: Work is underway on implementing all 36 Department has spent on agency staff in each year commitments set out in the Forestry and Woodlands since 2010. [155223] Policy statement, including designing the new Public Forest Estate management body, reviewing the delivery Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA has spent the following arrangements for the Government’s remaining forestry on agency staff in financial years 2010-11 to 2012-13: responsibilities and supporting the sector-led Grown in Britain initiative. £

Personnel Management 2010-11 2,472,327 2011-12 998,213 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012-13 2,282,143 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Data collected under the heading agency staff covers officials in his Department were employed in human clerical and secretarial temporary staff. resources functions in each of the last five years; at Travel what grades such staff were employed; and what the total cost of his Department’s human resources Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for functions was. [156669] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many officials in (a) his Department and (b) the non- Richard Benyon: The number of staff (in full-time departmental public bodies for which he is responsible equivalents) employed in core DEFRA and its Executive claimed reimbursement for travel subsistence expenses Agencies’ human resources function for the last five in each of the last five years; what the total cost was of financial years is as follows: such claims; and what the monetary value was of the 20 highest subsistence claims in each such year. Date Number of HR staff [155408] 31 March 2009 386 Richard Benyon: The tables set out the data requested, 31 March 2010 374 where available, together with explanatory notes where 31 March 2011 250 the provision of data has not been possible. It has not 31 March 2012 177 been possible to remove some non-subsistence data 31 December 2012 109 from the figures as this would incur disproportionate A breakdown of staff numbers by grade could be cost, but where non-subsistence amounts have been provided only by incurring disproportionate cost. included, these are not considered to be material. The total cost of core DEFRA and its Executive The rows headed ‘Officials’ indicate how many officials Agencies’ human resources function in each of the last claimed reimbursement for travel subsistence expenses five financial years was as follows: in each year, where ’the last five years’ have been interpreted as financial years 2008-09 to 2012-13. Financial year Cost of HR (£000) The rows headed ‘Total Cost’ indicate the total amount paid as subsistence in each year. 2008-09 20,738 The rows headed ‘20 Highest’ indicate the value of 2009-10 23,636 the 20 highest single payments in respect of subsistence 2010-11 9,245 claims in each year, where available. 2011-12 9,521 (a) Core DEFRA

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Officials 1,343 1,262 1,071 1,033 1,040 Total Cost (£) 697,791 1,017,711 1,071,363 816,169 711,222 20 Highest (£) 3,466.49 4,149.25 4,937.18 3,704.00 3,288.20 1,900.63 3,666.95 4,857.99 2,875.00 3,222.00 1,489.00 3;169.50 4,727.30 2,470.00 2,425.74 1,449.98 2,413.95 3,819.10 2,337.48 2,409.80 1,300.00 2,232.67 3,591.00 2,117.35 2,391.57 1,259.27 1,761.88 3,257.56 2,070.75 2,367,47 1,156.67 1,757.15 3,184.50 2,000.00 2,351.57 1,119.21 1,692.62 2,571.09 1,779.02 2,269.97 1107W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1108W

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

1,113.27 1,689.29 2,438.63 1,764.83 2,202.41 1,081.92 1,649.96 2,400.00 1,755.90 2,004.06 1,062.21 1,582.66 2,381.89 1,741.21 1,861.79 1,050.75 1,580.41 2,304.26 1,690.00 1,681.60 1,046.92 1,569.74 2,127.29 1,598.05 1,660.65 1,033.20 1,568.40 2,127.29 1,551.40 1,559.60 1,014.00 1,391.64 2,113.09 1,476.35 1,516.34 1,007.50 1,372.29 2,107.33 1,426.56 1,499.36 1,007.50 1,318.80 2,088.73 1,374.00 1,480.58 1,001.98 1,288.28 2,079.59 1,344.92 1,464.88 992.42 1,287.73 2,060.00 1,320.00 1,448.30 962.05 1,271.47 2,060.00 1,319.47 1,371.03 Total 25,514.97 38,414.64 57,233.82 37,716.29 40,476.92

(b) Non-Departmental Public Bodies

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Officials — 284 315 280 294 Total Cost (£) (rounded) — 253,000 405,000 263,000 394,000 20 Highest (£) — ————

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board highest 20 claims per annum without incurring is unable to provide information for 2008-09 or the disproportionate cost.

Commission for Rural Communities 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Officials————— Total Cost (£) — — — 1,158 1,694 20 Highest (£) —————

The Commission for Rural Communities was abolished Consumer Council for Water on 31 March 2013. This table sets out the only information The Consumer Council for Water does not record available. Providing the remaining information would subsistence costs separately from costs incurred on incur disproportionate cost. Government Procurement Cards. To separate out individual subsistence payments would incur disproportionate cost.

Environment Agency 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Officials 5,481 5,363 4,064 3,643 4,231 Total Cost (£) 334,383 298,127 189,014 154,431 199,345 20 Highest (£) 4,593 4,319 3,418 2,638 4,616

The Environment Agency is unable to provide detail of the highest 20 claims per annum without incurring disproportionate cost.

Gangmasters Licensing Authority 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Officials————59 Total Cost (£) ————13,281 20 Highest (£) ————138.65 ————45.66 ————32.00 ————20.00 1109W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1110W

Gangmasters Licensing Authority 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 ————20.00 Total————556.31

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority is only able to provide data for 2012-13. Providing the remaining information would incur disproportionate cost.

Joint Nature Conversation Committee 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Officials — — 116 113 170 Total Cost (£) — — 65,846 65,008 32,948 20 Highest (£) —————

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee is only a new financial management system. Providing details able to provide figures covering three years, as subsistence of the 20 highest claims would incur disproportionate was not itemised separately prior to the introduction of cost.

Marine Management Organisation 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Officials — — 250 253 303 Total Cost (£) (rounded) — — 259,000 269,000 323,000 20 Highest (£) — — 3,448.48 3473.71 3,888.58 — — 3,354.89 1,629.50 3,796.20 — — 2,400.00 1,000.00 3,637.61 — — 1,533.84 1,000.00 2,268.60 — — 1,330.00 1,000.00 1,394.20 — — 1,299.65 1,000.00 1,098.52 — — 1,200.00 900.00 996.00 — — 1,023.55 900.00 855.14 — — 1,006.56 900.00 840.00 — — 1,005.25 900.00 840.00 — — 1,000.00 898.80 720.00 — — 1,000.00 867.90 699.69 — — 1,000.00 753.90 642.60 — — 1,000.00 726.90 640.75 — — 950.39 694.74 635.00 — — 948.00 670.93 619.33 — — 900.89 655.25 592.00 — — 828.82 637.90 592.00 1111W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1112W

Marine Management Organisation 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

— — 671.04 625.00 587.35 — — 647.80 600.00 540.00 Total — — 26,549.16 19,834.53 25,883.57

The Marine Management Organisation vested on 1 April 2010 and was therefore only able to provide data for the last three years.

National Forest Company 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Officials————— Total Cost (£) 1,852 857 2,026 2,418 784 20 Highest (£) 264.08 147.50 155.01 116.43 132.36 151.00 112.00 138.02 116.43 96.95 134.25 90.94 126.81 116.43 80.50 134.00 87.50 114.55 116.43 75.70 121.50 75.17 100.30 116.43 63.44 116.67 71.67 104.99 116.43 59.85 93.06 69.00 99.00 115.00 42.81 91.50 16.85 99.00 111.66 42.00 89.74 14.05 99.00 105.00 30.00 87.50 14.00 99.00 105.00 22.45 87.50 13.33 99.00 105.00 21.90 87.50 13.33 99.00 105.00 18.20 80.61 10.80 99.00 105.00 9.90 44.87 9.63 87.45 105.00 8.80 43.75 8.00 61.75 105.00 7.30 29.95 5.00 50.00 89.00 7.00 23.65 4.95 43.75 88.08 6.25 Total 1,681.13 763.72 1,675.63 1,837.32 725.41

The National Forest Company is unable to provide details of the number of officials without incurring disproportionate cost.

Natural England 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Officials 1,809 1,801 1,560 1,585 1,634 Total Cost (£) 1,438,000 824,000 721,000 832,000 1,108,000 20 Highest (£) —————

Natural England’s systems do not allow them to Sea Fish Industry Authority identify expense claims that relate to any one individual specifically for subsistence-related costs. Providing this The Sea Fish Industry Authority is unable to separate information would therefore incur disproportionate cost. subsistence from travel without incurring disproportionate cost. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Due to the way data is held in Kew’s financial systems, providing this information would incur disproportionate cost.

Sustainable Development Commission 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Officials — — — — — Total Cost (£) — 36,655 31,498 — — 20 Highest (£) — 1,302.00 1,034.38 — — 1113W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1114W

Sustainable Development Commission 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

— 1,302.00 890.00 — — — 1,176.00 720.00 — — — 988.20 594.00 — — — 966.00 550.00 — — — 800.00 400.00 — — — 700.23 375.00 — — — 470.00 370.20 — — — 440.00 339.99 — — — 424,35 334.89 — — — 390.00 326.85 — — — 364.97 325.00 — — — 351.00 310.00 — — — 340.00 306.00 — — — 308.00 270.00 — — — 303.60 252,00 — — — 288.00 250.00 — — — 282.90 240.00 — — — 273.00 230.00 — — — 260.00 223.26 — — Total — 11,730.25 8,341.57 — —

The Sustainable Development Commission ceased in what respects this statistic differs from that given in trading on 31 March 2011. This table sets out the only the answer of 25 April 2013, Official Report, columns information available. Providing the remaining information 1049-50W, on British nationals abroad: death. [154312] would incur disproportionate cost. Mrs Grant: There were 1,766 deaths abroad which were reported to coroners in England and Wales in 2012. The Ministry of Justice only holds information JUSTICE on deaths abroad that were reported to coroners in Appeals England and Wales. It is not possible to tell from the data if these relate to British nationals. The Ministry of Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice does not hold any information on the cause of Justice what measures he is taking to improve the deaths aboard. efficiency of the appeals system. [156076] Information held by MOJ in relation to coroners is published at: Mrs Grant: I understand that my hon. Friend is https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coroners- referring to appeals that are heard in the unified tribunal statistics-ns service. Inflation On 19 December 2012, the Ministry of Justice published a Strategic Work Programme for Administrative Justice Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if and Tribunals, which describes how we intend to improve he will list the purposes for which his Department uses the administrative justice and tribunals system in line (a) the retail price index measure of inflation, (b) the with our principles of efficiency, fairness and accessibility. consumer price index measure of inflation and (c) any A copy of the strategic work programme is available at: alternative measure of inflation. [154972] http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/policy/moj/ administrative-justice-and-tribunals-a-strategic-work- Mrs Grant: The Department uses both RPI and CPI programme-2013-16 to monitor and forecast contract prices. Specific industry The strategy includes a focus on improving initial indicators are also used for this purpose in areas such as decision making and enhancing the proportionality of energy, oil, metals, and paper. the system, while maintaining a focus on what users of The GDP deflator is used by the Department to the system need. We will be reporting to Parliament inform medium and long-term financial planning, including annually on progress with steps taken to deliver this the running costs of programmes and estimated savings strategy. from reforms and policies. This is in line with Treasury British Nationals Abroad: Death guidance. Information Officers Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with reference to the answer of 25 April 2013, Official Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Report, column 1049W, on British nationals abroad: (1) what the total running costs, including salaries, of death, what statistics his Department holds on the his Department’s press office were in each of the last nature or cause of death in the 3,391 known cases; and five financial years; [154024] 1115W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1116W

(2) what the total running cost of his Department’s for prosecutors on the lessons to be learned from the press office was in each of the last five financial years. Savile cases, the first of which took place on 1 May 2013 [154389] in Newcastle on Tyne. Prosecutors belonging to the CSA network are Mrs Grant: The MOJ press office operates 24 hours a experienced in prosecuting rape and other sexual offence day, 365 days a year, dealing with all media relations for cases and in child abuse. They have attended the face to the Department and the National Offender Management face CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Service (NOMS). It is right that the public know and training which is compulsory for rape specialist prosecutors. understand the work of the MOJ and its agencies and Held over two days, the training addresses four real life how taxpayers’ money is being spent. The work of the case studies and introduces guest speakers: the first of press office is an important element of this. whom challenges common myths and stereotypes and The fully inclusive costs of the MOJ press office on explains the psychological impact of sexual violence; 31 March for each of the last financial years are shown while the second, a forensic physician, explains their in the following table. The cost has fallen significantly role and the procedure they follow when examining since 2009-10. victims. This training is reviewed at regular intervals.

Financial year MOJ HQ cost (nearest £000) 2008-09 2,543 DEFENCE 2009-10 2,998 2010-11 2,467 Armed Forces Pay Review Body 2011-12 1,944 Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Until April 2010, the press office paybill included Defence what discussions he had with the Prime press admin support staff. Minister about the latter’s decision not to reappoint The 2012-13 numbers have not yet been finalised. Professor Alasdair Smith as Chair of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. [157990] Offences Against Children Mr Philip Hammond: It is for the Prime Minister to Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice decide who to appoint as chair of the Armed Forces what training (a) judges, (b) magistrates and (c) Pay Review Body (AFPRB). This decision not to re-appoint prosecutors have to undergo in order to preside over or Professor Alasdair Smith at the end of this term was prosecute a case involving child sexual exploitation; communicated to the MOD, after advice submitted in and at what intervals such training requires the normal way. No further discussions have been held re-accreditation. [154833] between myself and the Prime Minister.

Mrs Grant: Serious sexual offence cases in the Crown Armed Forces: Food court, which will include those involving child sexual exploitation, are heard by appropriately ticketed judges Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for and recorders. All such ticketed judiciary are currently Defence what proportion of food procured by the UK required to attend the Judicial College Serious Sexual armed forces came from UK food producers in the Offences Seminar (SSOS) before hearing such cases. latest period for which figures are available. [156805] Thereafter they can attend continuation training by selecting the course from the Courts Judiciary Prospectus, Mr Dunne: For armed forces personnel serving on available at: operations, overseas exercises and Her Majesty’s ships http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications-and-reports/judicial- there is a single food supply contract with Purple college/2012/Courts+Prospectus+2013-14 Foodservice Solutions Ltd (PFS). PFS lists approximately High Court judges sitting in the Crown court have 1,150 different food-related items for the armed forces this jurisdiction automatically included (without any in the core range price list. Currently, they estimate that form of ticketing) by virtue of the status of the appointment, approximately 60% of lines listed, excluding fresh produce, but will also attend a SSOS as part of their initial are sourced from suppliers within the UK. The percentage training. Many will have already attended a SSOS in a of UK produced goods changes regularly as a result of previous judicial capacity. A number of district judge seasonality, value for money incentives and changes of (magistrates court) have also attended SSOS training in supplier. order to deal with cases that fall to the youth court. Armed forces personnel in the UK and permanent Magistrates do not hear such cases. bases overseas are primarily catered for through a number As part of the CPS commitment to improve the of catering, retail, leisure and other multi-activity contracts prosecution of cases involving child sexual exploitation, to deliver catering and other services. Information on they have established a network of specialist child sexual the proportion of food procured from UK food producers abuse (CSA) prosecutors to which every CPS area under these arrangements is not held by the Ministry of contributes representation. The CPS is also proactive in Defence (MOD). developing and introducing training to address current The MOD is bound by European Union public issues and ensure that prosecutors have the appropriate procurement directives which demand fair and open tools with which to prosecute specific offending. For competition for all food contracts involving the expenditure example, following the publication of her report on the of public funds. The directives do not permit the MOD late Jimmy Savile, Alison Levitt QC, the DPP’s principal to specify only British products or to only source products legal adviser, is delivering a series of training sessions from a particular region. 1117W Written Answers4 JUNE 2013 Written Answers 1118W

Defence Support Group regulatory restrictions in each of the last five years; [156149] Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (4) on which occasions the Defence Nuclear Safety pursuant to the answer of 14 May 2013, Official Regulator has withheld use of Z-berths in each of the Report, column 151W, on Defence Support Group, last five years; what the duration was of each ban; and how many agency workers have been recruited at (a) what the reason was for each such ban. [156150] DSG Ashchurch, (b) DSG Donnington and (c) DSG Bovington in each of the last five years; and if he will Mr Dunne [holding answer 20 May 2013]: The terms make a statement. [156800] X and Z-Berth are historic terms which ceased to be used in 2008. The term Z-Berth referred to berths where Mr Dunne: The number of agency workers recruited non nuclear work, material re-supply and personnel at the Defence Support Group’s Ashchurch, Donnington changeovers were permitted. X-Berth referred specifically and Bovington sites in each of the last five years is to berths suitable for use by operational nuclear-powered detailed in the following table. The Defence Support warships within Her Majesty’s Naval Bases authorised Group took over management responsibility for vehicle for work on nuclear systems, namely Devonport and activities at Ashchurch in October 2010 and there are Clyde. Loch Ewe and Loch Goil were historically known no records available of agency workers recruited at the as Z-Berths but are now termed Operational Berths. site prior to that date. The Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator has not withheld consent to use any berth on an authorised site in the last DSG Donnington DSG Bovington DSG Ashchurch five years.

20131 6437 Scotland 2012 65 79 66 2011 2 8 68 Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 2 7 n/a Defence what (a) his Department and (b) its 2009 63 26 n/a non-departmental public bodies procured from 2008 33 22 n/a companies based in Scotland of a value in excess of 1 To 28 May 2013 £25,000 since May 2010; and what the cost to the public purse was of each such procurement contract. Nuclear Submarines [155686] Mr Dunne: As part of this Government’s commitment Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for to increase transparency, since January 2011, central Defence (1) on how many occasions the Defence Government Departments have been required to publish Nuclear Safety Regulator has withheld the use of (a) information about the contracts they award on Contracts Z-berth and (b) X-berth in each location in each of the Finder: last five years; [156147] www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/ (2) whether the Z-berths at (a) Loch Ewe and (b) In addition, Departments publish details of spend in Loch Goil are available for use; [156148] excess of £25,000 on the Ministry of Defence’s website: (3) in which periods the Z-berths at (a) Loch Ewe www.gov.uk/government/publications/mod-finance- and (b) Loch Goil have been unavailable for use due to transparency-dataset

17MC Ministerial Corrections4 JUNE 2013 Ministerial Corrections 18MC

Nick Boles: Local authorities have a power under Ministerial Correction section 13 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 to acquire new rights over land Tuesday 4 June 2013 which do not exist at the time the compulsory purchase order is made. This would include a lease. As with all compulsory purchase orders, the acquiring authority would have to demonstrate that there were no COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT impediments to their scheme going ahead and that it Shops: Empty Property had a compelling case in the public interest to deprive the owner of the land of his property rights. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for The correct answer should have been: Communities and Local Government if he will give consideration to reforming the system of compulsory Nick Boles: Local authorities have a power under purchase orders to allow local authorities and business section 13 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous improvement districts to buy a medium-term lease on Provisions) Act 1976 to acquire new rights over land empty shops. [154225] which do not exist at the time the compulsory purchase [Official Report, 15 May 2013, Vol. 563, c. 290W.] order is made. However, this would not include a lease, which is an interest in land, rather than a right over it. An Letter of correction from Nick Boles: authority seeking compulsorily to acquire an interest in An error has been identified in the written answer land would have to demonstrate that there were no given to the hon. Member for Vale of Clwyd (Chris impediments to their scheme going ahead and that it Ruane) on 15 May 2013. had a compelling case in the public interest to deprive The full answer given was as follows: the owner of the land of his property rights.

ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 4 June 2013

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 1376 DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER—continued Community Resolution Orders ...... 1377 Heseltine Review...... 1369 Rape Convictions...... 1376 House of Lords Reform...... 1365 Serious Fraud Office ...... 1380 Regulation of Lobbyists...... 1363 Social Media (Abusive Communications) ...... 1378 Topical Questions ...... 1370 Topical Questions ...... 1381 DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 1363 Devolution of Powers ...... 1367 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 4 June 2013

Col. No. Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 85WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Telecommunications Council ...... 86WS AFFAIRS...... 92WS Women’s Business Council...... 85WS Food Supply Networks ...... 92WS

DEFENCE...... 87WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 92WS Afghanistan ...... 87WS Foreign Affairs/Development Foreign Affairs Councils...... 92WS EDUCATION...... 89WS School Funding Reforms ...... 89WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 96WS CCTV and Surveillance Camera Technology ...... 96WS ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 90WS EU 2030 Climate and Energy Framework...... 91WS TREASURY ...... 85WS EU Energy Council...... 90WS Stamp Duty Land Tax (Avoidance Scheme)...... 85WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 3 June 2013—[Continued.]

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 999W EDUCATION—continued Academies...... 999W Travel ...... 1018W Academies: Inspections...... 999W Truancy...... 1019W Child Minding ...... 999W UK Membership of EU...... 1020W Children: Care Homes ...... 1000W Universal Credit...... 1020W Children in Care: Coastal Areas...... 1000W Vetting ...... 1021W Children: Poverty ...... 1000W Vocational Training...... 1021W Children: Social Services...... 1000W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 1022W Class Sizes: Corby...... 1001W Culture: Curriculum...... 1001W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 1022W Education: Romford ...... 1002W Atos Healthcare ...... 1022W Education: Travellers...... 1001W Children: Maintenance ...... 1022W E-mail ...... 1003W Chronic Illnesses: Employment...... 1025W English Baccalaureate ...... 1003W Community Care Grants: Scotland...... 1026W Free Schools...... 1003W Credit Unions ...... 1029W Government Procurement Card ...... 1004W Housing Benefit ...... 1029W History: Curriculum ...... 1004W Housing Benefit: Disability...... 1032W Recruitment ...... 1005W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 1032W Schools ...... 1005W ICT ...... 1033W Schools: Catering ...... 1006W Immigration...... 1034W Schools: Drugs...... 1006W Inflation...... 1034W Schools: Repairs and Maintenance ...... 1006W Jobcentre Plus ...... 1035W Schools: Sports ...... 1012W Jobcentre Plus: Harrow...... 1035W Schools: Standards...... 1013W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 1036W Scotland...... 1013W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland...... 1036W Sign Language ...... 1014W Mesothelioma: Compensation ...... 1036W Special Educational Needs...... 1015W National Insurance ...... 1038W Sports: Schools ...... 1017W National Insurance Credits ...... 1038W Teachers: Training...... 1018W New Enterprise Allowance...... 1038W Temporary Employment ...... 1018W Pensioners: Social Security Benefits ...... 1038W Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Personal Independence Payment...... 1039W Social Security Benefits: Stafford ...... 1046W Personnel Management...... 1040W State Retirement Pensions...... 1047W Regulation ...... 1040W Telephone Services...... 1048W Remploy...... 1043W Tractors: Accidents ...... 1049W Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Training ...... 1049W Occurrences Regulations 1995 ...... 1043W Universal Credit...... 1050W Scotland...... 1043W Universal Credit: Ashton Under Lyne ...... 1053W Separation...... 1044W Vacancies ...... 1053W Social Fund...... 1045W Work Capability Assessment...... 1053W Social Security Benefits...... 1045W Work Programme...... 1054W Social Security Benefits: Older People...... 1046W WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 4 June 2013

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 1095W EDUCATION—continued Children: Abuse ...... 1095W Vocational Training...... 1094W Community Orders ...... 1095W Disability: Crime...... 1095W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Human Trafficking: Prosecutions...... 1095W AFFAIRS...... 1105W Forests ...... 1105W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 1065W Personnel Management...... 1105W Business: Advisory Services ...... 1065W Temporary Employment ...... 1106W Companies Act 2006...... 1065W Travel ...... 1106W Employment Schemes: Wirral...... 1066W Exports: Government Assistance...... 1066W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE .... 1067W New Businesses...... 1067W British Nationals Abroad: Electoral Register ...... 1067W Diplomatic Service...... 1067W CABINET OFFICE...... 1096W Ukraine...... 1069W Personnel Management...... 1096W HEALTH...... 1070W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 1057W Accident and Emergency Departments: Buildings...... 1057W Merseyside...... 1070W Council Tax: Havering ...... 1059W Blood: Contamination ...... 1070W Council Tax Reduction Schemes ...... 1058W Blood: Donors ...... 1071W Families: Disadvantaged ...... 1059W Care Homes ...... 1071W Fire Services: Sign Language ...... 1059W Childbirth ...... 1072W Homelessness...... 1060W Drugs: Students ...... 1072W Housing Benefit: Tenants...... 1060W General Practitioners ...... 1073W Housing: Lancashire ...... 1061W Health Services: Older People ...... 1073W Inflation...... 1061W Immigration...... 1074W Local Enterprise Partnerships: Rural Areas ...... 1062W Personnel Management...... 1074W Local Government Finance: Remand in Custody .. 1062W Sunscreens ...... 1075W Non-domestic Rates: Northumberland...... 1063W Personnel Management...... 1064W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 1075W Rent a Room Scheme...... 1063W Abu Qatada ...... 1075W Wind Power: Planning Permission ...... 1064W Alexander Litvinenko ...... 1075W Animal Experiments ...... 1076W DEFENCE...... 1116W Asylum: Finance...... 1076W Armed Forces: Food ...... 1116W Entry Clearances...... 1076W Armed Forces Pay Review Body ...... 1116W Human Trafficking ...... 1077W Defence Support Group...... 1117W Identity and Passport Service...... 1077W Nuclear Submarines...... 1117W Passports: Hong Kong ...... 1077W Scotland...... 1118W Personnel Management...... 1078W Surveillance...... 1080W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 1096W British Nationals Abroad: Electoral Register...... 1097W JUSTICE...... 1113W Heseltine Review...... 1097W Appeals...... 1113W Postal and Proxy Vote Fraud...... 1096W British Nationals Abroad: Death ...... 1113W Returning Officers...... 1096W Inflation...... 1114W Social Mobility ...... 1096W Information Officers ...... 1114W Voter Registration and Turnout ...... 1097W Offences Against Children ...... 1115W

EDUCATION...... 1093W TRANSPORT ...... 1082W Academies...... 1093W Bus Services: Concessions ...... 1082W Schools ...... 1094W Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency...... 1083W Schools: Academic Year...... 1094W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 1083W Col. No. Col. No. TRANSPORT—continued TREASURY—continued Personnel Management...... 1084W Taxation: Plastic Bags ...... 1092W Railways...... 1084W Taxation: Rangers Football Club ...... 1092W Railways: Fares ...... 1084W VAT: Sunscreens ...... 1093W Sign Language ...... 1085W South West Trains ...... 1086W WALES...... 1081W Travel ...... 1081W TREASURY ...... 1086W Banks: Loans ...... 1086W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 1098W Capital Gains Tax ...... 1086W Atos Healthcare ...... 1098W Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation .. 1087W Clothing...... 1098W Financial Ombudsman Service...... 1088W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 1099W Fuels: Prices...... 1088W Members: Correspondence ...... 1099W Gift Aid ...... 1088W New Enterprise Allowance: Northumberland ...... 1100W Income Tax ...... 1089W Pension Credit: Birmingham...... 1100W Income Tax: Scotland ...... 1089W Personal Pensions ...... 1100W Money Laundering ...... 1089W Social Security Benefits...... 1101W PAYE: Football...... 1090W Travel ...... 1101W Renewable Energy: Scotland ...... 1090W Unemployed People: Internet...... 1101W Sign Language ...... 1090W Unemployment: Clwyd ...... 1102W Tax Avoidance: Multinational Companies ...... 1091W Vacancies: Thirsk...... 1102W Taxation: Business ...... 1091W Winter Fuel Payments: Birmingham ...... 1103W Taxation: Domicil ...... 1092W Work Capability Assessment...... 1103W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Tuesday 4 June 2013

Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 17MC Shops: Empty Property...... 17MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Tuesday 11 June 2013

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CONTENTS

Tuesday 4 June 2013

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1363] [see index inside back page] Deputy Prime Minister Attorney-General

Energy Bill [Col. 1387] As amended, further considered; read the Third time and passed

Football Referees [Col. 1493] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Vocational Education [Col. 127WH] House of Memories Programme [Col. 151WH] Science and Research [Col. 158WH] A120 (Colchester) [Col. 182WH] Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (Developing Countries) [Col. 191WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 85WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 999W]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 17MC]